Tag: Football

Image Credits:Getty Images

Manchester United took on FC Porto in a thrilling Europa League clash in Portugal.

The match finished 3-3, with Harry Maguire scoring a crucial injury-time header to secure a point.

United started brightly, dominating the opening twenty minutes.

They quickly took a two-goal lead through Marcus Rashford and the returning Rasmus Højlund.

However, the momentum shifted, and Porto responded with two goals in just seven minutes, undoing United’s work.

Erik ten Hag, under increasing pressure, faced a big second half.

His only change was bringing on Alejandro Garnacho for Rashford, originally thought to be injured, ten Hag has revealed this was just rotation.

Despite the break, Porto’s Samu Omorodion scored a third goal shortly after the restart, marking his second of the match.

United pushed hard for an equaliser, but their efforts were disrupted when Bruno Fernandes received a red card for a reckless lunge – his second dismissal in two games.

Even down to ten men, United managed to secure a point when Harry Maguire headed in a Christian Eriksen corner in injury time.

While Maguire’s header salvaged a draw, ten Hag remains under severe scrutiny.

United are now winless in four games and have conceded three or more goals in their last four European away fixtures.

The pressure on ten Hag is only increasing.

Here are five things we learned from the game:

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, has long been associated with big-money signings and superstar players.

However, even a club of this stature isn’t immune to missing out on key players who go on to become some of the best in the world.

In recent years, Manchester United has struggled in the transfer market, with several high-profile signings failing to deliver the expected results.

As a result, the club has taken steps to fix this, bringing in experienced staff and improving their recruitment strategies to avoid further mistakes.

But even during their more successful eras, United missed out on some players who later went on to have great careers.

This article looks at five of the most significant players that Manchester United almost signed – players who became superstars after the deals fell through.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United were always planning on an eventful summer at the end of last season.

It was the first transfer window under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new team of operational directors, marking the start of United’s mega rebuild project.

Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell were all recruited to the club to start moving The Red Devils in the right direction.

Ultimately United managed to sign five major players with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte moving to Manchester.

However, Ratcliffe’s initial shortlist of centre-backs looked very different

United’s initial defensive shortlist

At the start of the summer United identified three key centre-backs as their priority targets for the transfer window.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite was top of the list with United submitting two bids for the English defender.

Whilst United’s final bid was for £50 million, Everton rejected this wanting upwards of £70 million instead.

Then there was Jean-Clair Todibo of OGC Nice.

Todibo confirmed that conversations had been had with him about a move to Old Trafford, however he ended up with a different United.

West Ham managed to swoop in and secure the Frenchman, bringing him to London instead of Manchester.

Finally we had Gleison Bremer, the Juventus centre-back.

United’s interest in Bremer was strong at the start of the summer but also re-emerged when things began stalling with de Ligt.

Gleison Bremer sustains season-ending injury

Now, Fabrizio Romano has reported that injury has struck, ruling Gleison Bremer out of the rest of the season.

The Brazilian has suffered a torn his ACL with meniscus involved and he will miss the rest of the season.

Now with Bremer side-lined it’s unlikely that any continued interest in the star will acted on this January

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Marcus Rashford is seemingly finding his form once more after a going through a bit of a slump last year.

The England international has been having one-on-one sessions with former Manchester United goal scoring legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, and they seem to be paying off.

Rashford has started in United’s Europa League clash with Porto, showing what he’s capable off.

After seven minutes, Rashford opened up the scoring before assisting Rasmus Hojlund 13 minutes later.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

These contributions marked his third goal and first assist of the season across all competitions, after much criticism in the first few games of the season.

However, at half-time, the forward was replaced with Alejandro Garnacho sparking fears of injury.

Throughout the first half, there were no signs of any obvious injury to Rashford, however with him being one of the better performers for United, it’s hard to see how it would have been a tactical decision.

Erik ten Hag provides an update on Marcus Rashford

Speaking after the game, Erik ten Hag cleared up the situation regarding Marcus Rashford.

The United manager explained that he took the forward off to save him for Sunday’s match up with Aston Villa, keeping him fresh, whilst also giving Garnacho game time.

Speaking to TNT Sports, ten Hag said: “We have to rotate.”

He continued: “Garnacho, we didn’t start him. He had a great game, not only on Sunday, but I think in the whole season.

“And so we shook them. On Sunday, we have again another hard game, good game. So we need players to be available and be fit and fresh.”

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Alejandro Garnacho is well on his way to becoming a truly world-class player if he carries on his current trajectory.

At the end of a breakthrough season last year, Garnacho and his fellow academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo secured the FA Cup win with a 2-1 result over fierce rivals Manchester City.

Not only did this grant a Europa League spot for The Red Devils, but it also got both youngsters nominations for the Golden Boy award this year.

The Argentine winger’s success didn’t stop there though, going on to compete in this year’s Copa America, winning the tournament.

However, on his return to United, Garnacho has had limited game time under Erik ten Hag.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

This hasn’t stopped him getting his name on the board though, with four goals and three assists in nine games, in only two of which has he played the full 90 minutes.

With this impressive run of form, it’s no surprise that two top European clubs are planning to sign the 20-year-old next summer.

European giants look to Alejandro Garnacho

Now, reports from The Sun are claiming that both Barcelona and Juventus are looking to sign Alejandro Garnacho next summer.

As it stands, the winger is set to be at Old Trafford until 2028, meaning that United are in no way under any pressure to sign him soon.

So The Red Devils are sat in a very good seat if they even want to entertain the idea of selling their star.

Currently the winger is being valued at around £50 million, however that’s almost certain to increase by next summer if his run of form continues.

The only sticking point United may have is if they aren’t able to qualify for the Champions League next season, they’ll face a considerable £10 million penalty from sponsors Adidas.

As such, The Red Devils would be at real risk of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). If this does happen, they may be under pressure to sell some higher profile stats, with Garnacho being an extremely sellable asset.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Next week sees all play in the Premier League stop for a couple of weeks for the October international break.

Just before the break though, Manchester United will be heading to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa.

Erik ten Hag is currently in Porto with his men ahead of their clash with the Portuguese side tonight in the Europa League.

The Dutchman is now under pressure to start delivering results after a poor run of form which goes back as far as last season.

With the manager under scrutiny once more, the news of several injuries in the Aston Villa squad will be music to his ears.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Wednesday night saw Villa grab a 1-0 win over German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Villa’s impressive young striker, Jhon Duran, scored a late winner  in the second half.

Aston Villa face injury woes

However, the game also saw an addition to Villa’s injury list in the form of Jacob Ramsey. The midfielder suffered a potential muscle injury during the second half of game with Bayern, limping off as he was substituted.

Whilst the severity of the injury is yet to be confirmed by Villa, Ramsey is now a real doubt to face United on Sunday.

Leon Bailey came on for the injured Ramsey, however only played 33 minutes before being taken off himself, although it’s unknown if this was due to injury or just tactical.

Another doubt is Amadou Onana who was also substituted off in the game, with Villa’s captain John McGinn also unlikely to feature following a hamstring issue.

Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings are also sidelined with long-term knee injuries.

The final member of the injuries list is Matty Cash who has spent several weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. However, he returned to the match-day squad on Tuesday night, but featured as an unused substitute.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Everton boss Sean Dyche has come out to comment on the wide spread interest in his star centre-back, Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite was Manchester United’s priority centre-back target this summer although The Red Devils failed to get their man.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

With two bids officially submitted for the defender, United offered £50 million for the star, however this was rejected by the Toffees who ultimately wanted upwards of £70 million.

Since then several other top tier clubs have been keeping tabs on Branthwaite, including Everton and United rivals, Liverpool, and Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Now speaking about the interest, Sean Dyche has commented that he’s not surprised so many top clubs could come knocking.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixture with Newcastle United, the Everton boss said: “I think I said in the summer that any player, it’s a worldwide market now, it’s not just about one player.”

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

Manchester United have already added Manuel Ugarte to their midfield ranks over the summer.

Kobbie Mainoo has been United’s silver lining in a difficult 2024 for the club.

Similarly, Bruno Fernandes is a reliable captain for the Red Devils and has only missed three games in almost five years since signing.

However, outside of these three players, United’s midfield depth is far from impressive.

£55m signing Mason Mount failed to impress in his first season at the club and has struggled with injuries to begin this campaign.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen’s futures at United are uncertain, with multiple clubs showing interest in them over the summer.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

With this in mind, United are reportedly lining up a move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, as per TeamTalk.

The central-midfielder has caught the eye of scouts at Old Trafford with his impressive form for Palace and his involvement in the England setup.

However, Palace have shown that they are stubborn in their negotiations when letting young talents leave the club.

In the summer transfer window, Palace rejected Newcastle’s £70m bid for centre-back Marc Geuhi.

Likewise, they would not budge on their £50m valuation of 22-year-old Michael Olise, who eventually secured a move to Bayern Munich.

Reports reveal that Palace value Wharton at a whopping £100m, despite Transfermarkt estimating his worth to be around only £25m.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Former United player Paul Parker already rates the Englishman more than Bruno Fernandes, speaking highly of Wharton this summer.

“His range of passing is fantastic. He very rarely gives it away. He’s always positive with his passing as well. Very, very positive.”

“I think he’s got a long range. His longer range of passing is good. Bruno’s is good, but I think he’s better. He doesn’t give the ball away as cheaply as Bruno”, Parker said.

If United are to approach Wharton, they will also face competition from the blue side of Manchester, with City eyeing the 20-year-old as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri.

It is unlikely that Palace would let Wharton leave this January, as they sit 18th in the Premier League and could have a relegation battle on their hands this season.

However, a potential 2025 summer move could be on the cards if United decide to make an approach.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

IMAGE CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

Manchester United’s U-17s have had a rampant start to the season in the Premier League Cup.

They are top of Group G, which includes Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Stoke.

United are a perfect two for two in their games, scoring 11 goals and conceding only three in that time.

Last night, United U-17 beat Forest by a mammoth score at Carrington, winning 6-1.

Amir Ibragimov continued his spectacular run of form to score a brace.

13-year-old superstar Bassirou Nkoto also scored two goals, with Dante Plunkett and Victor Musa contributing to the goalfest as well.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

New summer signing Samuel Lusale also made his debut last night, after finalising a move from Crystal Palace last month.

United snatched Lusale’s signature from Crystal Palace’s grasps, after he turned down a scholarship with the London club.

The 17-year-old provided two assists and made an instant impact at right-wing.

Lusale is expected to play for United’s dominant U-18 side this season, but is initially being eased into action for the U-17s.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

United’s U-18 are second in the Premier League North, with a game in hand behind Derby, but have won all of their games.

They have scored 22 goals in five matches, while conceding just one.

Competing with Lusale for his position in the U-18s is Shea Lacey and Angolan 16-year-old Bendito Mantato.

However, United had to fight interest from other clubs in England, Italy and Germany to sign Lusale.

He is highly rated by the academy scouts and is not in the squad to simply add depth; Lacey and Mantato will have to be at their very best if they wish to stop Lusale from usurping them in the pecking order.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was reportedly involved in a behind-the-scenes dispute with a first-team coach last season, according to Mick Brown, the club’s former chief scout.

Brown, who spent over a decade at United and served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant manager, revealed that the relationships among the backroom staff were “not very good” during that time.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Erik ten Hag secured a new contract in the summer following Manchester United’s FA Cup victory against Manchester City.

The board also provided substantial financial backing in the transfer window.

Despite these advantages, he is under increasing pressure due to the team’s lackluster performance, with only three wins in their opening nine games across all competitions this season.

In an exclusive discussion with Football Insider, Brown, who maintains strong connections at the club, explained that tensions among staff had been escalating behind closed doors.

Erik ten Hag bust-up with former coach

Steve McClaren served as Ten Hag’s assistant manager at Old Trafford from 2022 until the summer of 2024, after which Ruud van Nistelrooy took over the role.

Brown noted that following McClaren’s departure and his subsequent appointment as the Jamaica national team boss, there were murmurs in the camp of a falling-out with Ten Hag.

The swift nature of McClaren’s exit and the absence of an official explanation have raised questions about the underlying reasons.

“I understand that relationships between the staff last year weren’t very good,” he told the outlet.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

“He worked under Steve McClaren in Holland, then they came here and McClaren worked under him.

“So Steve’s now gone, he disappeared very quickly and that all went quiet.

“Fortunately for him, he’s got another job with Jamaica.

“But it all went quiet and there have been suggestions, from what I’m told by people who know, there was a major difference between the two of them behind-the-scenes.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s arrival as assistant manager brings a familiar face back to the club.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy has come in now. I was instrumental in signing Ruud and I know him, he’s a top-class person, but he can only do what the manager instructs him to do,” Brown added.

These revelations shed light on potential internal conflicts that may be affecting Manchester United’s performance on the pitch.

As Erik ten Hag works to steer the team back on course, the dynamics within the coaching staff could play a crucial role in the club’s success this season.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!