Tag: Football

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Manchester United’s operational directors are already looking ahead to the winter transfer window and beyond for options to strengthen their squad and rebuild the team, looking once more to Bayern Munich.

The recruitment team are keen now to address the squad areas that were missed this summer, with signs only made to the centre-back, right-back, centre-midfield and striker positions.

As such, the club is still on the hunt for some depth out wide, both on the wings and in the full-back positions.

Manchester United’s full-back issues

Whilst Noussair Mazraoui has come in and immediately made himself a regular starter, having replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka, there is still much room for growth on both sides of the defensive line.

Tyrell Malacia has only just returned to full training after 18 months out of action with injury, with first-choice left-back Luke Shaw still ruled out. These significant injuries have forced ten Hag to rely on Diogo Dalot to cover the left-back role in the meantime, coming as a real shock that a natural left-back wasn’t signed this summer.

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However United now have their sights on a big-name left-back who would be available for a free transfer next summer.

The Red Devils turn to Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies

Reports from GIVEMESPORT claim the man in question is Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, once billed as the “Usain Bolt of football” by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand. However, United will be up against stiff opposition in the form of LaLiga champions, Real Madrid.

Ordinarily, this would be a massive battle to be faced, however, The Red Devils have already managed to lure one defender from the grips of a Madrid move to convince them of a move to Old Trafford instead.

Leny Yoro was all set to leave LOSC Lille this summer for the sunny sights of the Spanish capital, with no interest in the Premier League, yet somehow United managed to swoop in and steal the centre-back from their grasp.

It remains to be seen if Dan Ashworth and his team can replicate the same success with Davies, however with his contract ending in the summer, the United men will be able to open up conversations on a contract with United as early as January.

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Manchester United have not generated an annual profit in five years.

Recently, there was discussion that United may receive a points deduction for their poor finances.

The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limit revenue losses to £105 million over a three-year period.

United announced a profit loss of £71.4 million between January to March 2024, losing £30 million in revenue.

With this in mind, the club will look to offload more players in the 2025 transfer windows.

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United would prefer to make a profit on departures, rather than letting players exit on free transfers.

Casemiro, Eriksen, Lindelof and Antony are all players that could leave Old Trafford next year, according to Givemesport.

United are listening to offers for Casemiro, with Galatasaray recently showing interest in the 32 year old.

However, the midfielder insisted that he would only leave if he is told that he is not wanted at the club.

Eriksen’s agent rejected rumours that he will terminate his United contract and rejoin Ajax on a free transfer.

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Fenerbahce were interested in Lindelof this summer but no agreement was reached.

Bids for Antony will also be considered but United will want to minimise their losses, after signing him for £80m in 2022.

Therefore, the club will only look at offloading the Brazilian if a lucrative offer is made.

United’s owners will want to benefit from the potential departures of these players for the club’s future sustainability.

So, letting them leave as free transfers will seem like a missed opportunity.

United have an initial five-window recruitment plan, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe focused on solving the club’s financial issues.

More transfer revenue and consistent Champions League qualification are huge components in this plan.

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Manchester United have suffered yet another setback in Luke Shaw returning from injury.

Having been ruled out for most of last season with injury, it looked as though Shaw may be close to returning after being selected in the England squad for the Euros this summer. However, this is not to be the case.

The left-back was still unable to play throughout the group stages and round of 16, only making appearances in the final stages of the knockout round.

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However, upon returning to Carrington, we are still yet to see the 29-year-old take to the pitch.

His last match in a United kit was back in February in United’s 2-1 win over Luton Town, however, his return to the squad may be delayed even further.

Whilst it was expected that Shaw would be returning in September, recent comments from Erik ten Hag may suggest that he’s got a little while longer to go.

Speaking to the press ahead of United’s Europa League match-up with FC Twente, ten Hag gave a concerning update on Shaw’s situation and if we’ll see him back on the pitch in October.

Manchester Evening News has reported that in responding to this, ten Hag commented: “I think it is probably, but I cannot say it is 100% sure,”

He continued: “The plan is just to be back before but, as I say I cannot say this for 100% for sure it can be short after the (international) break.”

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Manchester United have had several new appointments in prominent positions in the management of the club since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took charge, with Erik ten Hag remaining as manager as one of the few constants.

With significant recruitments like Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox as the heads of football operations, being supported by the likes of Christopher Vivell, the new structure is certainly taking shape.

However, new reports are claiming that a former United graduate has recently rejected the opportunity to join these ranks and return to his boyhood club.

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The Daily Mail has reported that former Manchester United Academy player Michael Appleton was offered the chance to rejoin the Red Devils as their new loans manager. However, the report explained that Appleton has rejected the role.

It was understood that Ashworth was turning to the 48-year-old for the role after the pair worked together at West Brom. Previous reports claimed that Appleton was being lined up as a replacement for Les Parry who currently occupies the role.

With several young United stars out on loan, with the likes of  Joe Hugill already at Wigan Athletic and goalkeeper Radek Vitek at BW Linz in Austria, the loans manager has a lot on their hands. Their responsibility is to monitor the progress of these young stars, ensuring their development through their time on loan.

Unfortunately, previously some of the United loanees suffered disastrous loan spells, with Dan Gore being side-lined at Port Vale after an injury saw him make only one appearance, and Maxi Oyedele was “frozen out” while at Forest Green Rovers following the sacking of Troy Deeney.

Now with Appleton rejecting the job, The Red Devils must find someone else to take on the role.

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Manchester United have often integrated academy players into their senior squad to add depth in busy times of the season.

Last season saw five United players under the age of 21 make their Premier League debut.

These were: Rasmus Hojlund, Omari Forson, Willy Kambwala, Ethan Wheatley and Dan Gore.

Erik ten Hag has a track record of fostering youth development in his managerial career, giving 23 Ajax academy players their senior debut when he was in the Netherlands.

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Gore returned to the starting lineup for Manchester United’s U-21 team against Doncaster this evening.

The midfielder hasn’t played a minute of football in almost nine months.

His last appearance was when he was on loan at Port Vale, coming off the bench against Portsmouth in January.

Over the summer, Gore dislocated his shoulder during an individual training session.

He was forced to undergo surgery on this injury in June.

Playing only one game during his loan spell at Port Vale, the midfielder has a history of bad luck with injuries.

In January, he suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury for the League 2 side.

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Doncaster U-21 vs United U-21 ended 3-3 after 90 minutes tonight in the EFL Trophy.

However, United went on to win 5-3 in the penalty shootout and will certainly feel rejuvenated with Gore’s return.

Ten Hag is an admirer of the 19-year-old attacking midfielder and has praised his work ethic in the past.

After Gore earned his Premier League debut in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last year, Ten Hag insisted that it wasn’t a ‘gift’.

“I’m not a coach who gives opportunities to players [for no reason], they have to earn it.”

“I don’t hand opportunities to young players. They must consistently prove their worth in training”, he said.

He also included the midfielder in United’s pre-season squad this summer, before his injury.

Ten Hag will hope that Gore’s development continues, as he could potentially be a backup to Bruno Fernandes in the future.

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Manchester United have made four big youth signings this summer.

17-year-old defender James Overy joined United from Perth Glory academy.

The Australian right-back chose United over multiple other English clubs, including West Ham.

Samuel Lusale’s signing from Crystal Palace was also recently announced.

The winger rejected a new contract from the London club to play for United’s U-18 side.

United are also close to completing a deal for Chido Obi-Martin, who will join the Red Devils from Arsenal’s academy.

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Wonderkid Ready for First-Team Football?

However, perhaps the most first-team ready youth signing of the window is Sekou Kone.

The 18-year-old midfielder joined United from Malian side Guidars FC in August.

Kone’s reported transfer fee was a mere £1m, including potential add-ons.

United fought off competition from Liverpool and Wolves to sign the exciting African talent.

His performances in training have impressed Erik ten Hag, who is already bconsidering integrating him into the first-team.

Givemesport reports that Kone may feature in the senior squad this season if United advance in the Carabao Cup.

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Kone has already made a name for himself on the international scene for Mali’s U-17 team.

He started all seven games for his national team, who reached the semi-finals of the U-17 World Cup in November 2023.

Kone has caught the eye of United’s coaches, who initially planned to slowly integrate him into the U-18 side.

He is thought to be enjoying life at Carrington, with United helping his transition into living in a new country.

United only have three options at defensive midfield in their senior squad: Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Toby Collyer.

Ten Hag will hope that Kone is ready for first-team football sooner rather than later, as he could add some much needed depth to United’s struggling midfield.

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When fit and firing, Luke Shaw is widely considered one of the best left-backs in the league.

However, his injury problems have sidelined him frequently over the last few seasons, and they only seem to be worsening.

Since breaking his leg in 2015, Luke Shaw has been plagued by consistent injuries.

According to Transfermarkt, he has missed 236 games in under 10 seasons.

For a club trying to challenge for major trophies, this level of unavailability is simply unsustainable.

Many believed Shaw was on the cusp of a return, has now suffered another injury setback.

Manchester United had huge problems at left back last season.

With both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw injured, Johnny Evans often had to fill in.

Owing to United’s left-back issues last season and Luke Shaw’s return date being pushed back further, Manchester United will likely be eyeing up potential left-back signings for future transfer windows.

This is despite the emergence of young Harry Amass.

Amass is still learning the trade, so a more senior left-back will likely be required for the first team.

Here are five left-backs we think Manchester United should target in 2025.

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Manchester United are continuously looking to improve their roster of impressive young talent.

When Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over the operational side of the football club earlier this year, the INEOS owner was determined to turn Old Trafford and Carrington into the home of the best youth development in world football.

This summer has seen him act on this with the massive signing of Leny Yoro, the 18-year-old centre-back deemed as a “generational talent”, securing the legacy of United’s back line.

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Alongside Yoro, players like Sekou Kone, Chido Obi-Martin and Samuel Lusale have also been signed to join the youth academy ranks ready for the future of The Red Devils.

On the horizon, United are looking to secure impressive young Norwegian midfielder, Sverre Halseth Nypan from Rosenborg, with a move potentially happening as soon as January. However, if United do buy the 17-year-old in the winter transfer window, they’ll likely loan him back to Rosenborg to see out the remained of the season.

United have also been looking at Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with several other Premier League clubs looking to sign the youngster, although The Saints boss Russell Martin is determined that he’s staying put.

Manchester United’s findings in the Championship

However, new reports from talkSPORT have claimed that The Red Devils are also now looking at the Championship, with a young midfielder in their sights.

The report explains that United have put Chris Rigg of Sunderland on their radar for monitoring.

The 17-year-old has come up through the Sunderland academy, being promoted to the senior squad last summer. Since then the midfielder has made 32 appearances for Sunderland, with four goals to his name including a debut day goal against Southampton.

It’s reported that United are looking to step up their pursuit of Rigg amid wide interest from the Premier League, with the midfielder being labelled as the best youngster to emerge from the Championship since Jude Bellingham.

It’s understood that United are looking to move for Rigg in the January window to beat other Premier League rivals to his signature.

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Manchester United are still experiencing problems in the left-back department, with injuries continuing to plague them since last season.

United’s 2023/24 Premier League campaign was significantly affected with their first and second-choice left-backs, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, being side-lined through injury.

Whilst Malacia has now returned to team training after 18 months off the pitch, Shaw is still yet to return. Erik ten Hag had to rely on Diogo Dalot to cover the left-hand side with a lack of natural left-backs.

As such, it came as a shock to many United fans that a left-back wasn’t bought this summer to help solve the issues being faced.

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However, it does appear that The Red Devils are prioritising this position in the upcoming transfer windows, with several names, both new and old, making up an apparent shortlist.

Manchester United’s left-back shortlist

It’s recently been revealed that United are looking at Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies as a potential option. The Canadian defender’s contract expires next summer, so The Red Devils may start negotiations in January for a free transfer.

However, United will need to be ready to come up against Real Madrid once more as the LaLiga champions are also interested in the defender.

Another name cropping up is Fulham’s Antonee Robinson who has gathered interest from United’s Premier League rivals, Liverpool. The English giants are set to battle it out for Robinson’s signature in January after a standout season from Fulham last year.

However, now one of United’s previous targets has resurfaced on the list.

United renew interest in Milos Kerkez

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez came up several times this summer as a potential target for The Red Devils, however, nothing materialised from the rumours. However, GIVEMESPORT has confirmed that Kerkez is being explored by United.

During the summer, Bournemouth were looking for bids upwards of £40 million for their prized defender, however, United didn’t go as far as submitting any bids for the 20-year-old.

Since moving to Bournemouth in 2023. Kerkez has made 38 appearances for the club, becoming one of their key starting XI, having grabbed one assist so far against Aston Villa in their 2-2 draw back in December.

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Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic may be set for a comeback to the Premier League as the January transfer window approaches.

The Serbian international, renowned for his midfield prowess, has been contemplating his next move after a series of club changes in recent years.

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Since departing Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, Matic’s career has taken him across Europe.

He initially joined AS Roma as a free agent, where he spent one season showcasing his experience in Serie A.

Following his stint in Italy, he signed a two-year deal with Rennes last summer. However, his time there was brief, as he moved to fellow Ligue 1 club Lyon in January of this year.

Matic is currently under contract with Lyon until the summer of 2026.

Despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs during the recent summer window, Matic opted to remain in Europe.

He believes he still has much to contribute at the highest level of football, demonstrating his commitment to competing in top-tier leagues.

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According to a recent report from The Mirror, the 36-year-old is “keen to return” to England.

This development has sparked speculation about which Premier League clubs might be interested in acquiring the seasoned midfielder during the upcoming transfer window.

Upon announcing his departure from Manchester United in 2022, Matic expressed his gratitude: “After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United.

“I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision and it has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support.”

Earlier this year, Fulham was linked with a move for Matic, but the transfer did not materialize.

The two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea eventually joined Lyon, where he continues to apply his vast experience on the pitch.

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In a 2021 interview with Sport TV, Matic reflected on his career and future aspirations: “I still don’t think about finishing my career. Let’s see.

“For me, Benfica was always in the heart. Let’s see what the future will bring.

“If Benfica ever thinks it needs me again, let’s think about it, but now I’m very happy at United, I don’t think about leaving, but in football you never know.

“If one day I return to Portugal, the only team I wanted to play in Portugal was Benfica. I was very happy there.”

He added: “Benfica is one of the best clubs in the world. I was very happy there in the team, with the fans and with everyone in the club.

“Whenever I have time, I like to go through Lisbon. My family also likes it a lot.”

As the January window approaches, clubs in the Premier League may see Matic as a valuable addition to their midfield.

His leadership and experience could provide the depth and stability that teams are seeking in the second half of the season.

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