Tag: Football

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After experiencing contrasting starts to their Europa League journeys, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a Premier League clash this Sunday at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag finds himself under mounting pressure following United’s 1-1 draw against FC Twente.

In stark contrast, Tottenham secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Qarabag on Thursday evening, even after being reduced to ten men.

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Midfielder Christian Eriksen was the focal point during United’s Europa League opener against Twente.

He launched his team’s European campaign with a spectacular 20-yard goal but later conceded that the visitors to Old Trafford “wanted” victory more than Ten Hag’s side, a troubling admission for the home fans.

Speculation is rife about whether the INEOS ownership will decide to dismiss Ten Hag in the coming weeks.

The Dutch manager has struggled to validate Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to retain him over the summer, with United currently sitting in the bottom half of the standings after five games.

However, it’s not entirely doom and gloom for Manchester United. The draw with Twente extended their unbeaten streak to four matches.

Yet, only Southampton have underperformed their Expected Goals (xG) more than Ten Hag’s squad this season.

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Indeed, United have netted five times from an xG of 9.6—the third-highest in the league.

Ten Hag’s men could take inspiration from Spur’s attacking efficiency, as Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham has rediscovered its scoring touch.

Manchester United Team News vs Tottenham

Following the stalemate with Twente, Ten Hag confirmed he expects to have the same squad available for the Tottenham encounter.

Leny Yoro (foot), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Victor Lindelof (toe), and Luke Shaw (calf) are all set to miss out once again.

Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup

Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee

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Premier League action is back at Old Trafford for the first time since Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

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Since then, United have won 3-0 at Southampton, beat Barnsley 7-0 in the EFL Cup, suffered a frustrating 1-1 draw with FC Twente.

Results remain mixed under Erik ten Hag and the Dutchman remains under pressure in the United hot seat.

United currently sit 11th in the league standings after Saturday’s results but have the opportunity to break into the top eight with a win.

Erik ten Hag’s tenure continues to face scrutiny following an underwhelming start to the season, despite being retained by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new regime over the summer.

In other developments, co-owners the Glazers have made a commendable gesture in response to recent events in Florida.

Glazers Donate $1 Million to Hurricane Relief Efforts

The Glazer family is set to contribute a seven-figure sum to aid Hurricane Helene relief efforts following the natural disaster in Florida this week.

The hurricane brought winds reaching up to 140 miles per hour, causing extensive damage and resulting in more than 40 confirmed deaths at the time of reporting.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL team based in Florida and owned by the Glazers, announced that they will donate $1 million (£747,600) to recovery initiatives and non-profit organizations supporting those affected by the devastation.

A statement from the team read: “The Glazer family has pledged $1 million to support local nonprofit organizations aiding those most impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The donation will be allocated to support local agencies involved in relief efforts across Tampa Bay.”

This significant contribution highlights the Glazers’ commitment to supporting communities in times of need, even as they continue their involvement with Manchester United.

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This week saw Manchester United take on FC Twente in their opening game of the newly structured Europa League.

Under the new Europa League structure, instead of a group of four, United will be playing eight different opponents, including FC Twente, Porto, Fenerbahce, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Vitoria Plazen, Rangers and FCSB.

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Unfortunately, for Erik ten Hag his reunion with his former club ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving United in 20th in the Europa League table after one round of play.

The result is yet another disappointment in United’s rocky start to the season, following on from their poor European performances last season, not managing to win a single Champions League group match.

Manchester United target Sunderland ace

Ten Hag has emphasized the importance of competition within the squad, particularly in pivotal positions.

With a packed schedule and high stakes, enhancing squad depth is a priority to sustain momentum throughout the season.

One position drawing attention is the goalkeeper spot. Despite Andre Onana’s presence, Manchester United are reportedly seeking additional competition between the posts.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the club is eyeing Sunderland’s talented goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson.

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Patterson, 24, has become a mainstay in Sunderland’s starting lineup over the past couple of years.

Recognized as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premier League, his performances have not gone unnoticed by top-flight clubs.

Liverpool and Crystal Palace are also admirers of the shot-stopper. Sunderland have valued Patterson at around £20 million, reflecting his potential and significance to the team.

As a product of Sunderland’s esteemed academy, Patterson’s career trajectory is on the rise.

In September last year, he signed a new contract, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2028.

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This long-term deal means Sunderland are under no pressure to sell their academy graduate.

Sunderland have a reputation for developing young talent, with many academy players making the transition to the first team.

Patterson stands out among these talents, solidifying his role as a key player for the Black Cats.

For Manchester United, securing Patterson would not only provide competition for Andre Onana but also add a promising English goalkeeper with his best years ahead.

Any interested clubs will have to meet Sunderland’s valuation if they hope to secure his services.

As interest in Patterson grows, it remains to be seen whether Sunderland can hold onto their rising star or if he will make a move to the Premier League. This transfer story is one to watch as the season unfolds.

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Three of Manchester United’s five summer signings were defenders.

In 2023/24, United conceded their most goals in one season in Premier League history with 58.

Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui were brought in at the back to amend their defensive issues.

These signings have so far had a positive impact.

This season, United are conceding 8.5 shots per game in all competitions, compared to a whopping 16.6 last campaign.

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However, United’s investment in their defence is not over, as they are currently eyeing Premier League centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Over the summer, United sent three bids for Branthwaite which were all unsuccessful.

The Red Devils offered £59m for the centre-back, but Everton were obstinate in their £70m valuation of him.

New reports from Football Insider reveal that United will make another approach for Branthwaite in January.

With Victor Lindelof and Johnny Evans’ contracts expiring in 2025, Erik ten Hag needs as much depth at centre-back as possible.

Branthwaite is tied down to his Everton contract until 2o27, meaning the Merseyside club will have strong negotiating power over his transfer fee.

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Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has explained that United will continue to keep an eye on the 22-year-old throughout the season.

Branthwaite is yet to appear for Everton this season, due to a groin injury that he sustained in July.

Nevertheless, he did start for Everton’s U21 side last Sunday, as he nears his long-awaited return.

The centre-back played all 90 minutes in their 4-3 win over Sunderland.

United have kept a Premier League-high three clean sheets this season, showing a clear improvement at the back.

However, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have shown a desire to add depth in all positions, especially by bringing in younger players.

With United’s ownership looking to be fourth-time lucky, fans could see an end to this transfer saga in January.

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Manchester United signed Sekou Kone in August from Malian side Guidars FC.

His reported transfer fee was only £1m, after United beat Liverpool and Wolves to his signature.

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Erik ten Hag has been highly impressed with Kone’s performance in training and is already considering integrating him into the first-team.

The 18-year-old may make his senior debut for United if they advance further in the Carabao Cup.

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How Sekou Kone Attracted Interest from Manchester United

New information from ‘academyarenaUTD’ on X has revealed the details of how Kone piqued United’s interest.

United first noticed the midfielder at a biannual international tournament between French and African clubs.

Scouts from Carrington attended the tournament in France and were impressed by the Malian international.

This interest prompted United to request a trial for Kone, but his club at the time (Guidars FC) rejected this proposal.

However, the Red Devils were stubborn in their approach and continued to scout Kone at the U17 World Cup in November 2023.

Kone started all seven games for his national team, helping them reach the semi-finals of the competition.

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With rival Premier League clubs also scouting the African talent, United knew they had to act quickly.

The club confirmed Kone’s signing on August 30, with an initial plan to ease him into the U18 side.

United’s staff have made an effort to help his transition into living in a new country.

The club have been teaching him English and showing him United documentaries to help him understand more about the club.

However, with Kone’s excellent progression, he could be involved in first-team football faster than expected.

He would be the fourth defensive midfielder in United’s senior squad, which would provide vital depth to Ten Hag’s side.

Exclusive details on Sekou Kone’s move to Manchester Utd:

Interest started at a tournament in France.
United requested trial from Kone’s club but it was rejected.
Trigger was pulled after his performances in the U17-World Cup. Club felt they had to act quickly. pic.twitter.com/sLbfkbgXoR

— Academy Arena (@academyarenaUTD) September 27, 2024

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Manchester United’s U-18s have continued their imperious reign over the Premier League North this season.

They sit at the top of the league, having won all five of their games this season.

United U-18 have scored an astounding 22 goals, over four per game on average, while only conceding a single goal this campaign.

Gabriele Biancheri is their top scorer with eight goals in five games, averaging a goal every 48 minutes.

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This afternoon, United U-18 thrashed eighth-placed Blackburn 9-0 at Carrington.

Biancheri scored a brace to continue his spectacular form but was still somehow not the best player on the pitch.

Attacking midfielder James Scanlon scored four goals on an 18th birthday that he will remember for the rest of his life.

Zachary Baumann, Dante Plunkett and Godwill Kukoni also contributed to the goalfest for United.

It is only a matter of time before United’s star performers earn a promotion to the U-21s.

The first names on that shortlist would likely be Biancheri and Scanlon.

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United’s U-21s have struggled in the Premier League 2 this season, sitting in ninth after the first five games.

Last season, they finished a disapponting 12th in the table, the second lowest of any ‘Big Six’ academy side.

United fans should not worry about how their U-18 team will perform if their best players are moved up the ranks, as they have some exciting new signings in the squad.

16-year-old Chido Obi-Martin’s transfer from Arsenal’s academy was confirmed yesterday.

Many consider the striker to be one of the best forwards in the country at his age.

Furthermore, Samuel Lusale and Sekou Kone arrived in the summer to strenghten United’s academy sides.

Coming off the back of a domestic treble-winning season last term, United U-18 could not have dreamed of a better start to this campaign.

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Rasmus Hojlund has returned from injury for Manchester United.

Hojlund has recovered from a hamstring issue sustained during pre-season that sidelined him for the start of the campaign.

Hojlund made substitute appearances in United’s last two fixtures, coming off the bench late against Crystal Palace and FC Twente as United chased goals.

With United struggling for positive results, Hojlund’s return could prove vital in turning things around.

However, Erik ten Hag will have a difficult decision though when selecting Hojlund.

Joshua Zirkzee, although lacking in goals, has been crucial linking play together for United.

Erik ten Hag would be brave to drop Zirkzee and may have to find a solution to play both strikers together.

With upcoming tricky fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, FC Porto, and Aston Villa, these matches will be key for United to regain momentum.

Hojlund may play a crucial role in getting the points they desperately need.

As Hojlund returns to full fitness, here are four reasons he could be Manchester United’s missing piece.

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Manchester United are only awaiting the return of four players from injury.

Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof are the only first-team players sidelined at the moment.

This is a turn in fortune compared to last season, where United had 30 different injury incidents throughout the campaign.

United’s academy sides have received a similar break, with many of their talents also returning to action.

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Shea Lacey and Reece Munro both featured for United’s U-18 side in their dominant 9-0 win over Blackburn.

Lacey has battled long-term injuries since October last year, making only nine appearances for United’s academy last season.

He tore his thigh muscle at the end of last year and did not return until April 2024.

However, shortly after his return, Lacey suffered another injury which kept him out of action until now.

Centre-back Munro also missed a significant period of time before coming off the bench today.

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Shea Lacey has been involved in first-team training at Carrington after missing United’s pre-season tour through injury.

The club are monitoring his progress, as they are excited about the teenager’s potential.

Immediately after his 17th birthday in April, Lacey was eligible to sign his first professional contract and did so with United.

United’s U-18 side sit second in the Premier League North behind Derby County.

However, United have a game in hand over the league leaders and have won all five of their games this season.

In their rampant start to the season, they have scored 22 goals and conceded just one.

The return of Lacey and Munro will be music to United’s ears, as they look to continue their title defence.

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Luton Town lost 3-1 away to Plymouth Argyle in the Championship last night.

The defeat saw them fall to 16th in the league, continuing their poor run of form since being relegated from the Premier League last season.

They have just one away win in their last 14 games; their on Jan 27 against Everton.

In the starting lineup for Luton was a former Manchester United player who left the club in 2022.

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Ex-Manchester United Winger Collapses after Scary Collision

Tahith Chong was subtituted in the 46th minute after a frightening clash of heads with a Plymouth player.

The 24-year-old collapsed and laid motionless in the penalty area after jumping to win a header.

Luton’s medical team wasted no time bringing a stretcher onto the pitch to attend to Chong.

However, after some time, the winger was able to get back up to his feet and walk off the pitch.

With visible swelling on his forehead, he was promptly brought off at half-time and replaced by Jacob Brown.

Luton released a statement, expressing that Chong was in a stable condition and joined the team in the dressing room after the incident.

“Tahith was able to walk to the dressing room after a period on the floor during stoppage time of the first half”, the club said.

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Chong’s time at United was ultimately unsuccessful, after being one of the most sought-after talents in the Netherlands during his youth days.

The winger joined United from Feyenoord’s youth setup but never found his feet at Old Trafford.

He made 16 first-team appearances, but was loaned to Werder Bremen, Club Brugge, and Birmingham during his spell at United.

In 2022, he completed a permanent transfer to Birmingham for an undisclosed fee.

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In the past, Manchester United have conducted successful transfer business in La Liga.

They have found some of the club’s most iconic cult heroes when testing the waters in Spain.

Notably, David De Gea, Raphael Varane and Ander Herrera were all brought in from Spanish clubs.

Furthermore, two of United’s most expensive departures left for Real Madrid.

David Beckham was sold for €37.5m in 2003, a record transfer sale at the time for the club.

Six years later, Cristiano Ronaldo smashed that record with his €94m departure from Old Trafford.

The Red Devils now hope that another La Liga superstar can join their ranks.

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Nico Williams turned heads at this summer’s EURO 2024 tournament, scoring in the final to help Spain beat England.

United first registered their interest in signing Williams in June and remain admirers of the 22-year-old.

However, the Athletic Bilbao star is a sought-after commodity and United have faced competition from Barcelona for his signature.

Williams rejected Barcelona’s approach in the summer but United are still determined to sign the left-winger, according to Spanish news outlet Fichajesnet.

His current contract at Bilbao expires in 2027 and includes a release clause of £48.5m.

This is £10m less than his estimated transfer value, according to Transfermarkt.

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Williams has already won plaudits from United legend Roy Keane at EURO 2024, who described him as “pure quality”.

“He has pace, you can’t coach that. When he gets one-vs-one against the full-back, he’s in all sorts of trouble”, Keane said.

Last season, Williams scored five league goals and registered the most assists in La Liga (14).

He also had three goal contributions in six games at EURO 2024, scoring twice and providing one assist.

If United can agree to personal terms with Williams, trigerring his £48.5m release clause may prove to be a bargain for one of the best talents in La Liga.

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