Tag: Football

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Manchester United’s poor form from last season is still carrying through the pre-season into the start of this year’s Premier League campaign, with players like Marcus Rashford receiving a lot of criticism from pundits.

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So far The Red Devils have recorded a win and two losses in three games, with only two goals recorded, one from new signing Joshua Zirkzee on his debut against Fulham, the other against Brighton from Amad Diallo.

United are currently the fifth highest in the league for expected goals, however are second-lowest for goals scored, showing there are issues with converting opportunities into goals.

For this reason, Rashford is receiving a lot of criticism for his lack of shots, let alone goals.

Despite some impressive seasons previously, Rashford has only scored seven goals in his last 36 Premier League matches.

Insider reveals Marcus Rashford feels “bullied”

However, i news have reported that sources close to Marcus Rashford have said he feels “bullied”, suggesting: “When someone else misplaces a pass it does not get mentioned, but when it is Marcus it’s different.”

They continued: “Very different. The criticism coming his way is an onslaught. It is bullying. Supporters believe what senior ex-players say, which only makes worse.

“The club have spent £100m on central strikers and Marcus is back out wide, as a facilitator. And he is doing his job in that regard. It isn’t his fault the chances aren’t being put away.”

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Former Premier League legends like Alan Shearer and Jamie Carragher have spoken out against the 26-year-old, with United legends Teddy Sheringham and Gary Neville also joining in the criticism.

Why the criticism from pundits against Marcus Rashford is unfair

However, Rashford’s 30 goal season in 2022/23 came when he was playing as an out and out striker, as opposed to the wing where he’s now playing, potentially making the comparison to his former self unfair.

When you look at statistics, he’s also performing exceptionally well so far this season, recording an average of 0.54 expected assists per game, better than his previous season best of 0.19.

Marcus Rashford is also joint top in the league with Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold for big chances created, showing that he’s doing what he can to supply the balls which are not being converted.

Speaking about the regular criticism of Rashford, sources close to the star said: “He is a local lad from Manchester living out his dream.”

They continued: “So why can people not get off his back? Some support from somewhere might help him get back to his best.

“Without that, and with these ex-players unable to contain themselves when he does the slightest thing wrong, it only makes things harder for him.”

Rashford working hard to find his form

Rashford is however, putting the work in to find his form once more, taking one-on-one sessions with former legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, and using the international break to undertake an intense personal training routine.

It’s understood that van Nistelrooy has taken Rashford under his wing as a bit of a personal project. The legendary goal scorer is working on Rashford’s positional awareness in order to help him become a clinical finisher.

If the Dutchman can help improve Rashford’s finishing, then that combined with his increased potential for assists could take his attacking potential to a new level.

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Manuel Ugarte joined Manchester United from PSG this summer for a £50.7m fee with potential add-ons included.

The midfielder has made 22 caps for the Uruguayan national team and was a reliable starter for PSG last season.

PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos described Ugarte as “one of the best central midfielders in Europe” this week.

So, why would PSG allow one of their most valuable assets in midfield leave to a potential future European competitor?

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Campos insisted that the decision to sell Manuel Ugarte was not a reflection of his footballing ability.

“There was a change of project last year, a new way of playing”, he told SportItalia.

Luis Enrique began his tenure as PSG manager in July 2023 and wanted to implement a different footballing philosophy at the club.

Campos also implied that there were concerns over Ugarte’s injury history, which may have hindered his performance.

“He had a difficult year, two important injuries that as he himself told me did not allow him to be at the level he expected and we expected”, he said.

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This news will not be received with welcome ears by United fans, who have six players listed as injured after only three Premier League games.

Ugarte returned to Carrington from the international break just yesterday, but has been deemed available to play, according to Erik ten Hag.

“He is available for the game”, said Ten Hag, when asked about Ugarte’s injury status.

Despite PSG’s concerns about the Uruguayan’s injury history, he has seemed to recover just in time for an early important spell in the season.

United will play five games over the next 15 days, and Ten Hag will hope that Ugarte provides some much needed depth in central midfield.

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Manchester United will face Southampton on Saturday 14th September in a crucial English Premier League clash for both Erik ten Hag and his team.

After a promising start with a win against Fulham on the opening day, United have since suffered two consecutive defeats, including a humbling 3-0 loss to Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Old Trafford.

With Southampton equally desperate for points, this fixture could mark a pivotal moment for either side.

The Saints have had three defeats from three and have taken a lot of stick for their style of play leading to them conceding a number of goals this season.

In the Premier League era, Manchester United and Southampton have met 48 times, with United winning 29, drawing 7, and losing 12.

The fixture has produced some memorable encounters, including United’s historic 9-0 victory under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in February 2021.

It’s also a game that has given Southampton fans memories too.

Manchester United famously lost 6-3 to Southampton in 1996 in a game where Matt Le Tissier scored a worldie.

1996 wasn’t a great year for United at The Dell, as they had previously lost 3-1 there in the same year for a game made famous for Sir Alex Ferguson getting the team to change their kit as he believed it was making it hard for them to see each on the pitch.

The two clubs have also been known to do business from time to time.

Even when the clubs haven’t sold players directly to each other, players from each club have found both Southampton and Man Utd on their football CV.

In anticipation of the weekend’s match, we take a look at five players who have played for both Manchester United and Southampton in the Premier League era.

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Manchester United had a busy summer transfer window as they looked to strengthen their squad in key areas.

Under the leadership of CEO Omar Berrada, the Red Devils adopted a calculated and strategic approach to their recruitment, focusing on making the right moves without overextending financially.

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With the club aiming to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe, every decision carried significant weight.

The club’s transfer strategy has evolved since the INEOS takeover, moving away from a history of splashing out large sums for top players under Glazers and Ed Woodward to a more measured approach that weighs both potential and value for money.

This shift has been critical for Manchester United, especially with Financial Fair Play regulations and market pressures in mind. The club has increasingly looked for unique market opportunities and emerging talent to meet their needs.

As football becomes more financially competitive, Manchester United, like many other elite clubs, must balance their ambitions with fiscal responsibility.

This delicate dance between strengthening the squad and ensuring long-term sustainability is something Omar Berrada has embraced since taking over key transfer decisions at Old Trafford.

Omar Berrada blocked the Jarrad Branthwaite move

One of the key examples of this new transfer approach was United’s pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite was initially a priority target for United to bolster their central defence, but a deal did not materialise due to disagreements over his valuation.

According to ESPN, United’s CEO Omar Berrada played a crucial role in this by blocking the transfer deal and withdrawing from negotiations with Everton.

Despite personal terms being agreed on a contract worth £150,000-£160,000 per week, United refused to meet Everton’s hefty £75 million price tag for the 22-year-old.

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Everton drew comparisons between Branthwaite and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, who joined from RB Leipzig for a similar fee the previous summer.

However, Berrada valued Branthwaite closer to £50-60 million, citing his relative lack of experience compared to the Croatian international.

This valuation difference ultimately saw United walk away from the deal.

Berrada’s disciplined stance echoed United’s approach throughout the summer transfer window.

The club only agreed to pay full price for Lille’s Leny Yoro, who was reportedly viewed as a ‘unique market opportunity,’ while Branthwaite, despite his strong campaign with Everton last season, was deemed not worth the inflated fee.

The young defender played a key role in helping Everton avoid relegation, despite their eight-point deduction for breaching PSR spending limits, earning praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who described him as “very brave.”

United had reportedly hoped to take advantage of Everton’s financial difficulties, particularly after a failed takeover bid, to secure Branthwaite for a lower fee.

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However, Everton were resolute in their demand, and after Amadou Onana’s £50 million move to Aston Villa, the Toffees’ financial concerns were eased.

Manchester United made the right call

In hindsight, United likely made the right call in not overpaying for Branthwaite.

The club has been guilty of spending excessively on top targets in the past, most notably in the case of Antony.

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Ajax initially valued Antony at £40 million, but extended negotiations saw Manchester United eventually pay double that amount, a deal widely considered poor business for the club.

Before Berrada’s involvement in transfer dealings, John Murtough was responsible for such decisions under the Glazers.

Under Murtough, United may have been more inclined to meet Everton’s valuation, potentially missing out on other opportunities.

Instead, Berrada’s strict adherence to spending limits allowed the club to secure other valuable signings, such as Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, for lower fixed fees with performance-based add-ons.

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During the international break, Manchester United’s senior directors and owners held a board meeting to reflect on the summer transfer window and opening games of the Premier League under Erik ten Hag.

However, instead of meeting at Carrington or Old Trafford, the group were assembled in Barcelona, for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup where Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Britannia were competing in sailing’s most prestigious competition.

Ratcliffe was joined by Joel and Avram Glazer, as well as Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox to attend the competition and discuss the recent events for the Premier League club.

So far this season, United have registered an opening day win over Fulham, and then two losses to Brighton and Liverpool in turn.

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Their victorious opening game came thanks to new signing Joshua Zirkzee grabbing a debut day goal to secure the 1-0 victory. However, this strong start soon ended thanks to a last-minute goal from Joao Pedro for Brighton. Not only did the goal grab Brighton a 2-1 win in extra time, but it was the sixth time a team has scored a winning goal past the 90-minute mark against Erik ten Hag’s men, four more times than in the previous thirty years combined.

Following this, the 3-0 loss to Liverpool didn’t help ten Hag’s case as the right man at the helm of United, with Arne Slot expertly and concisely explaining how he easily exploited United’s tactics to grab the win.

Despite the current rising concerns around Erik ten Hag, Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth have recently declared their support for the Dutchman, saying they feel he is the right man for the job.

Unfortunately for ten Hag, The Athletic has reported that his fate lies in the hands of three other men.

A report surrounding the meeting in Barcelona has explained that a three-person committee, made up of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer and Sir Dave Brailsford holds the ultimate decision on ten Hag’s seat at Old Trafford. However, the group will be taking advice from Berrada, Ashworth and Wilcox, so having these on side as ten Hag appears to will certainly help his case.

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Manchester United are ramping up preparations for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Southampton, with Erik ten Hag welcoming his squad back to Carrington after the international break.

The manager is pleased to have his players back in the fold as the serious work resumes.

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Midfielder Manuel Ugarte was a notable absentee from the training session, arriving late back in the UK after Uruguay’s 11pm kick-off on Tuesday.

Despite missing the session, the good news for United fans is that Ten Hag has confirmed Ugarte will be available for selection, and he is set to travel with the squad for the clash against Southampton.

Three young prospects train with first team

Manchester United’s training session was bolstered by the presence of three exciting young players.

Harry Amass, Sam Mather, and Jack Fletcher all trained with the senior squad, adding fresh energy to the session.

Harry Amass, United’s promising left-back, was involved in the session and is considered a potential option for next week’s Carabao Cup tie.

The 17-year-old has been making a name for himself with his consistent performances at youth level.

Jack Fletcher, who was part of the first-team training before the international break, was again included.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been in top form, earning a nomination for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award. He, too, is in contention for a spot against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.

Sam Mather, another exciting prospect, was back in training after impressing during pre-season.

The winger’s inclusion in the session comes after a strong start to his campaign with United’s under-21 side.

Sam Mather impressing at under-21 level

Mather has caught the eye with his performances for the under-21s, scoring two goals in his last two appearances.

The 20-year-old has been steadily progressing, although his development has been somewhat hindered by injuries.

Last season, Mather spent a brief loan spell at Rochdale, where he netted his first two professional goals.

Despite not making the same rapid ascent as fellow FA Youth Cup winners Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, Mather’s potential remains undeniable.

United awarded him a new contract in the summer, and his recent form has given Ten Hag’s coaching staff something to consider.

As the Red Devils prepare for their Carabao Cup clash against Barnsley, Mather could find himself in the squad if he continues to impress in training.

Defender Louis Jackson and attacker Ethan Williams, both of whom also featured in the training session, shared images of themselves mixing with the first team, further highlighting the club’s commitment to integrating youth into the senior squad.

Manchester United’s preparations for Southampton are well underway, and with several young players knocking on the door, Erik ten Hag will have plenty of options as the busy season continues.

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With the calibre of the Manchester United academy, its no surprise that its graduates are making their way into top squads, with even rivals Liverpool, looking at the academy products.

Already Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are cementing themselves as key players in the current United squad. The pair have gone so far with their breakthrough performances to get nominations to this year’s Golden Boy award.

Following in Mainoo’s footsteps, Toby Collyer is trying to break his way into the senior squad, with Erik ten Hag expecting great things of him.

However, Liverpool are one of four top tier clubs looking at a United graduate who has moved away from Old Trafford.

The Sun is now reporting that Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund are all looking at formed Red Devil Angel Gomes.

The midfielder is currently playing for LOSC Lille in Ligue 1, however his contract runs out next summer with little intention from the star in renewing.

This means that Gomes could join one of these top clubs on a free transfer come January.

The former Red Devil hasn’t just been getting the attention of Liverpool and other clubs, but also interim England manager Lee Carsley.

Carsley handed Gomes his England debut during the international break in the opening game against Ireland, being used as a substitute. However, after a brief but strong showing, the midfielder played the full match against Finland in their 2-0 win over the Scandinavian side.

Speaking about the midfielder, Carsley clearly had a lot of admiration for Gomes, saying: “He loves football, he watches football, he’s interested in tactics.”

He continued: “He knows all the players in any league.

“If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he’s going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.

“He’ll often say about some build-ups he’s done with other clubs, or what he’s played against, because he’s obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.”

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With the international break now over, the players on duty have now returned to their clubs ready to take on their next league games of the season. For United, that means facing Southampton away from home on Saturday as the Premier League kicks back off, with three games played so far.

Needless to say, United haven’t had the strongest of starts, with one win and two losses in the opening three fixtures, including a devastating 2-1 loss to Brighton thanks to an injury-time goal from Joao Pedro.

The other loss came at the hands of Liverpool, with Arne Slot speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, concisely explaining how they exploited Erik ten Hag’s tactics and game plan. However, United need to put this behind them and come back stronger to start improving their performances.

Unfortunately for The Red Devils, Erik ten Hag will still be without six of his senior squad to choose from come this weekend.

Whilst it was expected that striker Rasmus Hojlund and left-back Luke Shaw would be returning for the Southampton game, ten Hag has recently confirmed this not to be the case, saying: “Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw, they are progressing very well, but are not ready for this game.”

The Dutch manager went on to explain that no-one else on the current injury list will be making an appearance either, ruling out Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and new signing, Leny Yoro.

This means that United’s struggles of being without any natural left-back are still effecting the squad, with right-back Diogo Dalot recently covering the position.

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Former Manchester United academy star, Angel Gomes, has become a hot prospect over the last two years, becoming a regular starter for LOSC Lille.

The attacking midfielder left United back in 2020 on a free transfer having only made ten appearances for The Red Devils.

Upon his arrival at Lille, Gomes instantly went on loan to Boavista in Portugal, where he made 32 appearances with six goals and six assists, however, he couldn’t help the squad fight their way into the top half of the table.

Now though, back at Lille, the 24-year-old has registered eight goals and 18 assists in 118 games, with his performances lately stirring up interest from some top clubs and getting him an England call-up.

Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all been linked with Gomes recently, whose contract runs out next summer, with the player reportedly having not intention of extending his contract.

Lee Carsley has also been impressed by the star, including him in his England squad.

Carsley handed Gomes his England debut during the international break in the opening game against Ireland, being used as a substitute. However, after a brief but strong showing, the midfielder played the full match against Finland in their 2-0 win over the Scandinavian side.

Speaking about the midfielder, Carsley clearly had a lot of admiration for Gomes, saying: “He loves football, he watches football, he’s interested in tactics.”

He continued: “If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he’s going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.

“He’ll often say about some build-ups he’s done with other clubs, or what he’s played against, because he’s obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.”

Now, some comments from an interview with L’Equipe have emerged, highlighting Gomes’ thoughts on re-joining United one day.

The midfielder said: “Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home,”

He continued: “I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”

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Manchester United boasted the highest aggregate attendance across all European clubs for domestic league football in the 2023/24 season.

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Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League and recording a negative goal difference, United’s loyal supporters filled Old Trafford week after week.

UEFA report ranks United highest in Europe

A UEFA report set to be published on Thursday will reveal that Manchester United recorded a total home league attendance of 1,397,148, the highest of any European team.

Borussia Dortmund, who had the highest average home attendance in league matches at 81,305 per game, played two fewer league matches than English teams, which contributed to United’s lead in total home attendance.

All competitions attendance: United ranked third

In terms of total attendance across all competitions, Dortmund ranked first with 1,951,745, having reached the Champions League final.

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AC Milan followed with 1,860,964, while Manchester United came third with 1,834,291.

United’s early exit from the Champions League, where they finished bottom of their group and failed to qualify for the knockout stages or the Europa League, limited their total attendance in all competitions.

Plans for a new 100,000-capacity stadium

The timing of UEFA’s report coincides with Manchester United’s plans to submit proposals for a new 100,000-capacity stadium by the end of the year.

Old Trafford consistently sells out on matchdays, and the club is considering expanding its capacity to accommodate more fans.

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The proposed 100,000-seater stadium would make Old Trafford the second-largest club ground in Europe.

Comparisons with other top European clubs

Real Madrid recently refurbished their 85,000-capacity Santiago Bernabéu stadium, while Barcelona is in the process of expanding the Camp Nou to a capacity of 105,000.

Manchester United aims to follow suit with their stadium plans.

Ratcliffe’s proposal for Old Trafford rebuild

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who became co-owner of the club in February, has advocated for a rebuild of Old Trafford.

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A task force of 14 members, established in March, quickly agreed with Ratcliffe’s recommendation that constructing a new stadium on the same site is the most logical option to regenerate both Old Trafford and the surrounding area.

Projected costs and timeline

If the stakeholders align with Ratcliffe’s vision, work on the new stadium could begin as early as summer 2025.

Early projections estimate that the cost of the new stadium will be around £2 billion, with a three-year timeline for completion.

By comparison, Tottenham Hotspur left White Hart Lane in 2016, spent nearly three seasons at Wembley, and moved to their new 61,000-capacity venue in early 2019.

Manchester United’s decision to expand Old Trafford demonstrates the growing demand for increased capacity, with fans eager to attend matches at one of the most iconic stadiums in football.

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