Tag: Football

Image Credits: Sport Club Corinthians Paulista

Who would have thought that a former Manchester United star would be signing for Corinthians in Brazil?

It’s doubly fascinating when you find out who it is.

For fans of Corinthians, this news has taken them by storm.

Their club is currently in the relegation zone and facing the prospect of dropping out of the top tier of Brazilian football.

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Former Manchester United attackers as free agents have been grabbing the attention of Brasileiro Série A clubs in the past few weeks.

Anthony Martial was the first linked to Brazil.

Flamengo were in talks to sign the French attacker, but it seems that has fallen through.

The Rio de Janeiro based club had another ex-United man on their books recently when Andreas Pereira joined the club on loan from MUFC in 2021.

That deal went insanely well and helped rehabilitate Pereira’s reputation.

In the process, Pereira caught the attention of Fulham and has become arguably their best player in the English Premier League.

While Flamengo weren’t seemingly able to repeat the trick with Martial, Corinthians are hoping that their new signing can be just a big of a hit as Pereira was.

That’s because Corinthians announced that they have officially signed former Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay.

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Memphis was once the next big hope at Old Trafford.

Signed by Louis van Gaal in 2015 after a stellar season at PSV Eindhoven, many hoped that Memphis would be the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out.

Despite showing glimpses of his talent, the inconsistency shown by Memphis meant that the club cut their losses on sold him on the cheap to Lyon.

In France, Memphis rebuilt his reputation somewhat and led to spells in Spain with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Memphis arguably fared better in Spain than he did in England, but both LaLiga sides ended up releasing him on a free.

Despite not making it in the big leagues in Europe, Memphis became a key part of the Netherlands national team.

In fact, he played for them in all their games at UEFA Euro 2024.

Which makes the move to Brazil all the more surprising.

Corinthians are having a torrid time of things at the moment and will be hoping that the arrival of a footballing superstar will help turn their fortunes around.

The club are currently mired in financial difficulty but have somehow managed to get the funds in place to sign the Netherlands attacker.

News of the interest from Corinthians emerged last week, with images released today showing the ex-United man landing in Brazil.

All parties involved will be hoping that the deal works out.

Still only 30, Memphis has time on his side to show he can be an asset to a club.

Corinthians fans will be hoping he can shoot them out of the relegation zone and onto a brighter future.

Memphis Depay is joining the Brazilian side on a two year contract.

Corinthians’ fans welcomed Memphis Depay as he’s joining the Brazilian club after leaving Atletico Madrid as a free agent

(via @corinthians @rodrigo_coca) pic.twitter.com/0mBenn3ksT

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 11, 2024

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Although the summer transfer window has come to an end, there are still significant developments happening behind the scenes at Manchester United.

According to reports from both L’Équipe and Le Parisien, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is about to lose a key figure to the English giants.

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In the coming weeks, Marc Armstrong, PSG’s general director of revenues, will be stepping down from his position with the Parisian club.

Armstrong, who joined PSG in April 2018 after a successful stint in the NBA, has been instrumental in the financial and commercial growth of the French champions.

His primary focus has been on expanding the club’s sponsorship portfolio and increasing revenues.

According to the reports, Armstrong is set to join Manchester United, although his specific role at Old Trafford is yet to be confirmed.

The report claims that Armstrong may reunite with Jean-Claude Blanc at United, another former PSG executive who is now part of the Manchester-based club.

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However, as of now, no official agreement has been reached regarding his appointment.

Armstrong’s departure from PSG is said to be for personal reasons, and the club has reportedly been aware of his exit for several weeks.

As a result, PSG is expected to announce Armstrong’s replacement soon, although no names have been publicly confirmed yet.

This internal reshuffle at PSG marks a significant change for the club, which has seen its commercial revenues skyrocket under Armstrong’s leadership.

His move to Manchester United could potentially boost the English club’s financial and commercial strategies, given his track record at PSG.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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Over the recent months, we’ve seen some massive changes take place at Manchester United, from overhauling the operational directors to making redundancies, from changing dining arrangements to designing an entirely new stadium.

At the start of the summer, it was reported that around 250 staff of United’s 1100 employees were being cut in order to recoup funds to support Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance. However, these actions seem to be having a knock-on effect around the club, with even the academy feeling the hit.

Whilst some of these changes have seemed drastic at points and have been coming thick and fast, a new report has now revealed the motivation behind them.

Martyn Ziegler has recently reported on X that Manchester United made an incredible £113.2 million loss last season.

This extreme loss explains some of the financial challenges facing the club with a revenue of £661.8 million.

At the start of the summer, United only had a £50 million transfer budget to work with, seeing Dan Ashworth hold firm on transfer negotiations by not rising to transfer demands, even as far as looking at other options, but also not giving in to lower offers just to make a sale.

The transfer business completed this summer has had a massive impact on the cost of players’ salaries, with an impressive figure of around £68.9 million being saved annually in wages from last year.

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Virgil van Dijk has faced backlash from fans after commenting on Matthijs de Ligt’s mistake during the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Germany.

The match, held in Amsterdam, saw Van Dijk and Matthijs De Ligt start together at centre-back, but De Ligt’s error led to Germany’s equaliser.

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The Manchester United defender was dispossessed deep in his own half, allowing Deniz Undav to score.

At half-time, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman made a substitution, replacing De Ligt with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke. Despite the changes, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Virgil Van Dijk post-match comments stir controversy

After the match, Van Dijk addressed De Ligt’s mistake.

He said, “This is football. You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at the highest level you will get punished for it.”

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These comments did not sit well with fans, who were quick to point out Van Dijk’s role in Germany’s second goal.

Many fans accused the Liverpool captain of failing to track Joshua Kimmich at the back post, allowing him to score.

Fans react to Virgil Van Dijk’s performance

One fan wrote, “Van Dijk was sleeping and couldn’t even mark the back post, yet the media will just be all about De Ligt.”

Another critic shared, “Out of the 3 Netherlands players involved there, De Ligt is the least at fault.

“Dumfries hasn’t got a clue where he is, and Van Dijk just lets his man run behind him for a tap in.”

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A third fan added, “Van Dijk is the one at fault. If he’s in position, this is a simple interception, and the goal doesn’t happen.

“People criticising De Ligt are doing it because of his club, not footballing reasons.”

Matthijs De Ligt’s own reflection

De Ligt also featured in the Netherlands’ 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 25-year-old reflected on his performance, stating, “I think you know how I feel. We won but then comes the individual part. I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that.”

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Manchester United began their 2024/25 season on a high with a 1-0 win over Fulham.

However, their positive start quickly lost momentum with consecutive defeats to Brighton and arch-rivals Liverpool.

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Just three games into the new Premier League campaign, Erik ten Hag is already focused on finding a solution.

The Dutch manager has developed a three-part strategy, as reported by the Daily Mail, to help United regain form.

1. Emphasis on aggression and defense

The first step in Ten Hag’s plan is to push for more aggression on the field.

He has urged his players to be more forceful in their attack, aiming to score more goals.

At the same time, he is addressing the team’s defensive issues.

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United have conceded five goals in their first three games, an alarming statistic for the manager.

This has led to a renewed focus on tightening up defensively and limiting the number of goals conceded.

2. Focus on ball possession

Ten Hag’s second priority is improving ball possession.

So far, United have averaged 53.8% possession across their matches.

They held 56.8% possession against Fulham, 51.8% against Brighton, and 52.8% against Liverpool.

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The Dutchman believes that controlling the ball is essential for dictating the tempo of the game.

By keeping more possession, United can create more opportunities and reduce their opponents’ chances.

3. Positional awareness on the field

The final part of Ten Hag’s strategy centers around improving positional awareness.

This problem was particularly evident in the Brighton game, where Joao Pedro was left unmarked and scored a crucial goal.

To prevent such lapses in the future, the manager has emphasized the need for better positioning on the field.

Ensuring players remain alert to their roles will be key to avoiding similar mistakes.

Looking ahead to Southampton

Manchester United will now turn their attention to their upcoming match against Southampton.

Erik ten Hag and his squad are determined to end their two-game losing streak and get their season back on track.

With these new strategies in place, the Red Devils hope to secure a much-needed victory and reignite their campaign for success.

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At the end of last season, despite Manchester United’s overall poor performance, Erik ten Hag was given the vote of confidence by Sor Jim Ratcliffe.

The INEOS owner decided to stick by ten Hag after his FA Cup victory, putting a lot of the failings down to the extensive injuries United experienced.

However, after United’s poor start to the season, with ten Hag’s men registering a sixth conceded victory goal in extra time against Brighton, with only three points in as many games, concerns are rising.

With very little change in play from last season so far, a number of pundits and former Red Devils have been wondering what the plan at United actually is.

Former United coach Rui Faria is one of those left wondering what United plan to do, with the team looking far too easy to play against in the opening games.

Now, Duncan Castes posted a quote from Faria on his X feed, with the coach criticising United’s lack of identity on the pitch.

The quote read: “What does stick to the plan mean? Analysing Manchester United’s matches, it’s hard to identify a plan, because I believe a plan means a team has a strategy for the match,”

He continued: “A team’s strategy is built on its playing identity, and there is no such identity to be found in those matches.

“Without an identity there is no plan or strategy – just a ‘let’s see what happens in the match!,”

Faria rose up the ranks under Jose Mourinho, with the pair winning the Carabao Cup and Europa League during their time together at United.

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With the international break upon us, a large number of the senior squad are away on international duties.

Both new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee have featured for the Natherlands in their 5-2 win against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Manuel Ugarte has returned to the pitch for the first time in months with national side Uruguay, showing he’s ready to step up on his return to Carrington.

Bruno Fernandes celebrated his birthday in style with a great goal for Portugal in their 2-1 win over Scotland.

However, it’s none of the big names that are stealing the show right now, but academy star James Scanlon.

Scanlon, who doesn’t even feature regularly for the Under-21s at United, has scored his first goal for his national team of Gibraltar, becoming their youngest goalscorer ever.

Whilst the game vs Luxembourg ended 2-2, this goal will be an extremely memorable moment for Scanlon who also won the “Best Striker” award at a tournament in the Netherlands over the summer.

Talking after the game, Scanlon said that whilst it was an unforgettable moment, he wished it had been even better by ending the game with a win.

After the match, he posted a 13-word message on Instagram, showing his ambitions for the future and his current feelings.

He wrote: “Proud to have scored my first international goal Hopefully many more to come.”

The youngsters drive to build on this strong start is admirable and hopefully something that will pan out at Old Trafford as well as on the international stage.

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Image Credits: Manchester United Football Club

During the 2023-2024 Premier League season, Manchester United provided the most minutes to players from their own academy, with a total of 11,835 minutes, according to TheSecretScout.

Chelsea were second, with just 8,213 minutes.

Carrington has always been a breeding ground of talent.

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From Bobby Charlton, to the Class of ’92, to Kobbie Mainoo, it is Manchester United’s tradition and heritage to produce their own talents and this looks set to continue.

United have put significant investment into Carrington and youth recruitment and will be hoping for short and long term results.

Here are 5 Manchester United academy stars who I think are destined to debut for the first team this season.

1. Harry Amass

Image Credits: Getty Images

Harry Amass was signed from Watford in August 2023 and has quickly emerged as a top prospect for Manchester United.

With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia dealing with injuries and the club failing to sign a true left-back in the transfer market, Amass will likely get an opportunity to step up and get some minutes for this first team this season.

Having already featured in pre-season, fans have already seen his ability on show.

Amass registered an assist for Amad Diallo when United beat Real Betis 3-2 in August.

Technically, Harry Amass possesses everything required: he’s extremely secure in possession, tactically intelligent for his age, and has impressive creative output – all essential traits for the modern fullback.

If Amass can improve his defensive awareness, he could swiftly establish himself as a Manchester United first team regular for a long term.

As Erik ten Hag noted, “In this moment, he needs to catch up and develop some of the skills needed to play for Manchester United, as we compete for the highest positions in the league.”

United fans should be very excited as Harry Amass can be the club’s first choice left back for the next 10 years sooner rather than later.

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Manchester United are still trying to remodel their midfield after the signing of Manuel Ugarte from PSG.

The defensive midfielder was United’s priority target this summer, with negotiations ongoing until the final week of the transfer window.

Recently Ugarte spoke out about the effects of the lengthy transfer saga, however commented that he is happy with the outcome and moving to Old Trafford.

Now United are once more looking forwards at their next investment, focusing on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

The attacking midfielder received from The Red Devils, Manchester City and Tottenham this summer, with United still scouting the star.

With Christian Eriksen coming to the end of his contract next year and Casemiro likely to be sold due to his declining performances, United are expected to prioritise yet another midfield signing.

However they still have a card up their sleeve with free agent Adrien Rabiot.

Speaking back in 2022, Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique Rabiot told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “We are on excellent terms with Manchester United.”

This sentiment is appearing to still be true, with Rabiot rejecting any contract renewal negotiations with Juventus amid interest from United, leading to him becoming a free agent.

Even now the veteran midfielder has rejected a contract from Liverpool, with interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal, yet still his is club less.

However, if the France international does find himself moving to Old Trafford, his controversial mother will be following, giving a reason for The Red Devils to be on edge.

When at PSG, Mrs Rabiot pulled no punches when discussing the club, saying in a fiery interview with L’Equipe (via Goal): “He is held hostage by PSG. Soon, it will be dry bread, water, and a dungeon. Adrien is a prisoner! They want him to put on his pyjamas at nine o’clock, before the game, in front of his TV, to go to bed at eleven o’clock!”

However, despite the heated words, it’s well understood that it’s all from a good place of her wanting the best footballing experience for her son.

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This summer saw Manchester United fight off Real Madrid for “generational talent” Leny Yoro.

The centre-back was with LOSC Lille in Ligue 1, however the French club deemed it ok for him to leave despite being a key squad member.

With Yoro going into the final year of his contract, and interest looming from top clubs, Lille saw this as their last chance to cash-in on the 18-year-old, ultimately agreeing a deal for €62 million.

Whilst Yoro favoured a move to the Spanish capital, United managed to lure the French defender to Manchester in a big statement signing.

Now, The Red Devils are going to have to got to war with Madrid once more.

Spanish publication, AS, has recently reported that both of the European giants recently sent scouts to watch Sevilla’s Juanlu Sánchez represent Spain at the Olympic Games in Paris where he won a gold medal.

The right-back has now made 43 appearances for the LaLiga side, with two goals and three assists.

It’s understood that Sevilla are keen to keep hold of the 21-year-old whose contract runs out in 2026.

At the moment he has a release clause of €20 million, with Bournemouth offering €10 million for the defender this summer which was rejected.

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