Tag: Football

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Manchester United secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Southampton, providing a much-needed boost in confidence.

Marcus Rashford opened his account for the season, new signing Matthijs de Ligt added a header from a set-piece, and Alejandro Garnacho sealed the win with a late strike.

André Onana played a pivotal role, saving a penalty after a mistake from Diogo Dalot.

The game shifted after that moment, with United quickly scoring two goals in succession, nullifying Southampton’s early threat.

From there, United dominated, creating several chances.

While the win was crucial, it came against a struggling Southampton side, leaving some questions about consistency unanswered, but this result could help build much-needed momentum.

Here are 5 things we learnt during the game.

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Marcus Rashford ended his 189-day Premier League goal drought this afternoon against Southampton.

He scored the second goal for Manchester United in a dominant 3-0 win away from home.

Rashford has created the most big chances for United this season (3), but it took him until today to register his first shot of the season.

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The forward recently expressed that he has been targetted by the media for his performances, but responded in the best way he could today.

Prior to the game, a young United fan named Grayson uploaded a video on social media expressing his support for him.

Rashford responded to the wholesome video by promising that his next goal would be dedicated to the 10-year-old fan.

After scoring today, Rashford followed up on his promise by recognising Grayson’s support in an Instagram post.

The post read, “Three points.

“First goal of the season.

“Smiles for me and Grayson.”

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When asked about Rashford’s goal, Erik ten Hag recapitulated his belief in the winger.

“This season so far, he’s playing very well and he deserved that goal but you have to work for it.

“And that is what he’s doing at the moment.”

Ten Hag recently responded to Alan Shearer, in defence of Rashford, and today showed again that he is keen to fend off criticism against his star man.

He believes that after Rashford netted his first goal of the season, more goals will come.

“Once the first is in, more is coming.

“Once a striker was talking about a ketchup bottle, once it’s going, it’s coming more.”

Ten Hag will hope that he can once again get the most out of Rashford, who had his best season under the Dutchman, scoring 30 goals.

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Manchester United took significant steps toward rebuilding their league campaign with a commanding 3-0 win against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.

This victory marks a positive turn for the Red Devils after a series of challenging weeks.

Early pressure from Southampton

Southampton dominated the early proceedings. The home side’s persistent efforts were rewarded when they earned a penalty in the first half, putting United on the back foot.

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Goalkeeper Andre Onana delivered a heroic save, denying Southampton the lead and providing United with a much-needed boost.

This pivotal moment gave the squad a second wind, and they capitalized by scoring twice before the end of the first half, establishing a comfortable position.

Second Half confidence boost

The second half became much more comfortable for Manchester United as the players gained confidence after a bruising few weeks.

The team’s cohesion improved, and they maintained control over the game, minimizing any potential threats from Southampton.

Manuel Ugarte’s debut and Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal

Manuel Ugarte made his club debut, contributing to the team’s efforts as they saw through a tricky fixture with minimal fuss.

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Southampton being reduced to ten men further eased United’s path to victory.

Alejandro Garnacho added the icing on the cake with a well-taken third goal in the last minute of the game.

Player Ratings

Here’s how the players rated:

Andre Onana – 9

Diogo Dalot – 5

Matthijs de Ligt – 9

Lisandro Martinez – 8

Noussair Mazraoui – 7

Christian Eriksen – 6

Kobbie Mainoo – 5

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Amad – 9

Marcus Rashford – 8

Joshua Zirkzee – 7

Substitutes

Manuel Ugarte – 7

Alejandro Garnacho – 8

Harry Maguire – 5

Jonny Evans – 6

Casemiro – 6

Conclusion

This comprehensive win not only boosts Manchester United’s position in the league but also restores confidence within the squad.

The team’s performance indicates a potential turning point as they aim to push forward in the competition.

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Four Manchester United player suffered injuries in their win over Southampton this afternoon.

Three players were substituted after suffering knocks, but one saw out the remainder of the game.

All four injured players were defenders, which does not bode well for United, as Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw are still unfit.

One of the injured players was new signing Matthijs De Ligt.

De Ligt’s injury is thought to be nothing more than a cramp, which was painful enough for him to be replaced by Casemiro.

Perhaps Erik ten Hag was thinking of damage limitation, considering that United have four fixtures over the next 15 days.

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Speaking after the game, De Ligt insisted that his injury was not major.

“I’m fine. I just had a little cramp”, he told TNT Sports.

Lisandro Martinez also suffered a knock that forced him to come off in the 77th minute.

United will hope that he is not sidelined for long, with six players already on their injury list this season.

Noussair Mazraoui was seen limping as he came off after a solid performance.

Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui are the only fit full-backs in the squad for United right now.

A serious injury to the Moroccan would be detrimental to Ten Hag’s side.

Mazraoui was attended to by two Manchester United medical staff members and was visibly in pain on the bench.

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Harry Maguire replaced the right-back in the 74th minute to see out United’s second clean sheet of the season.

Maguire looked to be in pain late in the game, but remained on the pitch with no other defenders available to replace him.

United’s fixtures are coming thick and fast, with their next game on Tuesday against Barnsley in the EFL Cup.

De Ligt seemed to be ok after a minor scare, but the status of the other three players is currently unknown.

If they are unavailable for the midweek game, United’s injury list would extend to nine players.

Erik ten Hag will be hoping that all four players recover quickly, after leading his side to their most convincing win of the season so far.

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS spent £181.21m in their first transfer window in charge of football operations at Manchester United.

One of the consistent variables behind every arrival was the age of each player.

The average age of United signings this summer was 23 years old.

After a difficult campaign in 2023/24, the club looked to strengthen in all areas of the field, the final signing of the window being Manuel Ugarte, 23.

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With the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro likely to be moving on next summer, it’s expected that the club will look to reinforce their midfield next summer.

And reports suggest that Manchester United have their eyes set on another highly rated young talent, looking to add even more depth to their midfield.

Sverre Halseth Nypan, 17, is a central midfielder playing for Rosenborg in the Norweigan Eliteserien.

United have been keeping tabs on the teenager and will continue to do so for the remainder of the season, GiveMeSport reports.

The online publication claims that the Red Devils are looking at Nypan will an eye to bringing him in during the summer of 2025.

Speaking on a podcast in the past, Nypan has himself revealed that it would be “a dream come true” to play for Manchester United.

Nypan made 24 appearances last season, scoring nine goals and registering five assists for the Rosenborg first team.

Not bad for a player who won’t turn 18 until December.

In his 51 senior appearances, he has a stunning 20 goal involvements in only 51 games as a central midfielder.

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The Norweigan made his debut for Rosenborg on 6 November 2022, starting in a league match against Jerv.

He became the youngest player ever to represent Rosenborg at 15 years and 322 days and is now a reliable starter for the club.

With the future of both Casemiro and Eriksen up in the air, United could use another young star to help Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.

As of June 2024, Nypan’s estimated market value is £7.6m, according to Transfermarkt.

He recently made two appearances for the Norweigan under-21 national team in the recent international break.

It seems only a matter of time before Nypan breaks into the senior squad.

If his impressive form continues, Manchester United will hope that they are the next rung in the ladder on his rise to the top of football.

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Manchester United continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing young talent, reinforcing its youth academy to secure a prosperous future for the club.

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The Red Devils have a rich history of developing homegrown players who make significant contributions at the senior level.

This legacy is a fundamental aspect of the club’s philosophy, emphasizing the cultivation of promising prospects.

Scouting for future stars

In recent months, United’s scouting team has been diligently identifying and acquiring young players with the potential to ascend through the ranks.

The focus remains on individuals who can contribute to the club’s long-term ambitions, both in domestic leagues and European competitions.

This approach not only bolsters the academy’s reputation but also aligns with the club’s overarching objectives under the  new INEOS regime.

Manchester United confirms signings of two young prospects

Manchester United has officially announced the signings of Samuel Lusale and James Overy.

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The pair had been awaiting approval from the Premier League and the Football Association but have now joined the club’s esteemed academy.

Their arrival underscores United’s dedication to enhancing its youth setup and maintaining a competitive edge in player development.

Profile: Samuel Lusale

Samuel Lusale, a 16-year-old winger formerly with Crystal Palace, brings international experience to Old Trafford.

He participated in Slovakia’s three group matches at the Under-17 European Championship in May and was part of Palace’s FA Youth Cup squad last season.

Lusale’s performances have earmarked him as a talent to watch, and he is expected to make a significant impact within United’s youth teams.

Profile: James Overy

James Overy garnered attention from several Premier League clubs after impressing for Perth Glory’s senior side in a pre-season friendly against West Ham last summer at just 15 years old.

He has accepted a scholarship deal with Manchester United, highlighting the club’s ability to attract top young talent.

Overy’s early exposure to senior football positions him well for rapid development within the academy.

Integration into the team

With administrative processes complete, Lusale and Overy are now eligible to train with their new teammates.

Previously unable to participate pending clearance, they are now in contention to make their debuts.

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Manchester United’s Under-18s are set to face Newcastle this afternoon, and the new signings could feature in the squad.

Additionally, Shea Lacey is close to returning from a muscle injury and may also be involved.

Building on previous success

The Under-18 side enjoyed a triumphant season last year, securing a treble and edging out Manchester City for two trophies.

The additions of Lusale, Overy, and the anticipated signing of youth striker Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal—whose move is expected to be finalized shortly—aim to sustain the team’s competitive momentum.

Commitment to youth development

Manchester United’s academy is renowned for being among the best globally, with a mission to identify and cultivate players capable of making the leap to the first team.

Offering scholarship deals to talents like Samuel Lusale and James Overy is a significant step in their journey, potentially leading to professional contracts when they turn 17.

Future prospects

By continuously investing in youth development, Manchester United not only preserves its rich heritage but also builds a foundation for sustained success.

The integration of young, skilled players ensures that the club remains competitive at the highest levels while staying true to its roots.

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With the break from the league for international football, clubs have the opportunity to stop and take stock of the recent summer transfer window and the opening few games of the season. For Manchester United, this meant a board meeting in sunny Barcelona.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe assembled United’s senior directors and owners to attend the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup where Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Britannia was competing in sailing’s most prestigious competition, making the most of the situation to hold a board meeting in the luxurious setting.

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Ratcliffe was joined by Joel and Avram Glazer, as well as Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, with the group discussing United’s recent run of form under Erik ten Hag.

Three games into the season, United haven’t gotten off to the greatest start with a 1-0 win over Fulham, then losing 2-1 to Brighton and 3-0 to rivals Liverpool.

Unfortunately, the losses had more insult to injury with Joao Pedro’s winning goal for Brighton marking the sixth occasion a team has scored a winning goal after the 90-minute mark against Erik ten Hag’s side, more than in the previous thirty years combined.

With the Liverpool game, not only was it a significant loss to a bitter rival, but after the game, Arne Slot picked apart ten Hag’s play style, explaining in a matter of minutes how he exploited his fellow Dutchman’s tactics to get the win.

Manchester United hierarchy hold board meeting

Now, The Athletic have reported that people close to the situation have anonymously explained that some of the United officials are concerned around gaps in midfield being evident, especially in their loss to Liverpool.

However, the query is now arising as to whether this is down to the players or the system they’re being told to play.

The question has arisen as very similar issues were seen last season, with several United members of staff feeling a solution needs to be found in training at Carrington rather than in the transfer market.

Ten Hag was given a vote of confidence by Ratcliffe at the start of the summer, with his contract being extended by a year on the back of the FA Cup win, even being allowed to choose his new coaches, where he picked Rene Hake, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jelle ten Rouwelaar. However, United are still lacking in performance.

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The Red Devils are certainly pressing much better, and are currently fifth in the league for expected goals at 5.22, however are joint-second-lowest in the league for goals scored, showing a real issue with converting chances.

Whilst Ashworth has been focusing on transfers and recruitment throughout the summer, with the transfer window now closed, his attention is turning to the inner workings of United, overlooking the appointment of Sam Erith as the new performance director until the end of the season.

With the senior directors now able to have a clearer focus on the performance of the club, hopefully, the result will be seen with a series of better showings on the pitch, starting with their away match against Southampton this weekend.

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The Premier League schedule has officially been altered, with November fixtures now being clarified, ow making allowances for Manchester United’s Europa League fixtures.

The first change comes with Manchester United’s game against Chelsea at Old Trafford. Whilst the match was due to take place on Saturday 2nd November, the game is now due to take place at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 3rd November 2024, with the match televised on Sky Sports in the UK.

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The following week, on Sunday 10th November 2024, The Red Devils take on Leicester at Old Trafford at 14:00 GMT. Whilst this fixture isn’t set to be televised, the match has been moved due to the Europa League fixture with PAOK on Thursday 7th November 2024.

The final league match of the month comes against Ipswich Town away from home. Whilst it was supposed to be taking place on Saturday 23rd November, this is now taking place at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 24th November 2024 with the game again being shown on Sky Sports.

Originally the final game of the month was supposed to be taking on Everton, however, this is now set to be played at 13:00 GMT on Sunday 1st December 2024. Much like with the Leicester game, the match has been moved to United’s Europa League outing with Bodo/Glimt.

Whilst the December fixtures are yet to be determined, The Red Devils are now set to be playing five straight Sundays starting from their 27th October fixture against West Ham.

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Jean-Claude Blanc, CEO of INEOS Sport and a member of Manchester United’s Board of Directors following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, played a significant role in one of the club’s major summer signings.

Blanc’s involvement came amid a reshuffle at United, where the club’s hierarchy has seen major changes over the past six months.

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Key figures such as Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox have been brought into pivotal roles within the club’s structure.

Although Jean-Claude Blanc was initially rumoured to be in contention for the CEO position at Manchester United, an agreement with Manchester City’s Omar Berrada for that role was eventually reached.

Despite this, Blanc still holds an influential position at the club and has made valuable contributions behind the scenes, particularly during the summer transfer window.

Jean-Claude Blanc role in the Manuel Ugarte transfer

According to an article published by The Athletic, Blanc remains slightly distanced from Manchester United’s day-to-day operations at Carrington but is still involved in critical decisions at a higher level.

One example of his influence is his involvement in the signing of midfielder Manuel Ugarte during the summer transfer window.

The report details that Blanc held face-to-face talks with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, over the potential transfer of Manuel Ugarte.

Blanc and Al-Khelaifi, who worked together for 11 years during Blanc’s time in France, met in Monaco before the Champions League draw on August 29 to discuss the terms of the deal.

There were initial challenges regarding the valuation of Ugarte, with PSG seeking a higher upfront fee.

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However, thanks to the strong relationship between Blanc and Al-Khelaifi, the pair were able to negotiate an agreement on the payment terms.

Eventually, United secured Ugarte for an initial fee of £42 million, which could rise to £50 million with add-ons.

Blanc’s ability to leverage his connections played a pivotal role in overcoming the obstacles in the Ugarte deal, demonstrating his importance to Manchester United’s transfer operations, even in a broader role.

This summer’s dealings, including Blanc’s crucial involvement in high-level negotiations, highlight the growing influence of the new hierarchy at Old Trafford as they aim to strengthen the club both on and off the pitch.

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Manchester United have officially released their squad list for the 2024/25 Premier League season, with several interesting additions.

In their list of players over the age of 21, United have included all the expected names of their retained players from last year, as well as their new big-name signings; Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte, with Leny Yoro featuring in their list of Under 21-year-olds.

However, there is one name in particular on this list that some people may not have heard of. The man in question is Dermot Mee.

Mee is a goalkeeper playing for United’s reserve team with 32 registered appearances and eight clean sheets.

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During his time in the youth academy and the reserve squad, Mee has had several short-term loans to five different teams, including; Fulham Under-18s, Trafford, Runcorn Linnets, Witton Albion and Altrincham.

The goalkeeper turned 21 last November, hence his inclusion in this list, however, is yet to have his senior squad debut, having sat on the bench for one game so far last season against Everton.

Interestingly, one name in the under-21s list is that of Crystal Palace academy winger, Samuel Lusale. Whilst United had signed the star over the summer, the move has been awaiting Premier League approval. His inclusion in the list would seem to suggest the deal has now been approved, especially as Chido Obi-Martin’s name is missing from the list despite having also been signed over the summer.

Take a look at the full 2024/25 Manchester United Premier League squad here:

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