Tag: Football

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United are doing incredibly well with developing their young talent right now.

The silver linings to come from the chaotic injury woes experienced last season have to be the rise of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Erik ten Hag was being very careful to introduce both stars into the first team at the right time for them, so as not to hinder their development. This is a tact he’s now using with Toby Collyer and Harry Amass following his success with Mainoo and Garnacho.

The success of Mainoo and Garnacho has been so impressive the both of the academy graduates have been nominate for this year’s Golden Boy award. The duo sealed the victory for United in the FA Cup Final against Manchester City, where their two goals secured the 2-1 win and punched United’s ticket in to the Europa league this season.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Both men were also included in their national team call ups for the Euro and Copa America over the summer as well, with Mainoo featuring heavily in England’s campaign to the final, whilst Garnacho only made one appearance in Argentina’s cup winning campaign.

However, it’s now understood that United are going to be rewarding one of the graduates with an improved contract.

An improved contract for Kobbie Mainoo

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is already fairly settled with his future at the club, given his contract runs until 2027.

However, Sky Sports have now announced that United are set to negotiate an improved contract for the 19-year-old when the transfer window closes.

This move from the club is coming to show the high regard they have for the England international and to reward him for his contributions during his breakthrough season last year. Mainoo is quickly becoming the centre point of the United midfield, with ten Hag trying to build his midfield around the 19-year-old.

Despite no rush to renew Mainoo’s contract, the club are regarding an update to his contract as a “priority”, showing the importance he has in the squad. The report has explained the key feature that’s due to be looked at is an improvement on in-built pay rises based o performance.

It’s understood that Mainoo’s representatives and agents are quite relaxed about the negotiations with the star having three more years at the club anyway.

BREAKING: Manchester United will sit down with Kobbie Mainoo after the transfer window shuts to discuss a new deal pic.twitter.com/5mhWgqxL7P

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 21, 2024

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Well the Premier League is back and we’re off to an exciting start. Manchester United managed to get off to a positive start with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford over Fulham, hoping to build on this performance going forwards.

The victory came thanks to United academy success story Alejandro Garnacho and new signing Joshua Zirkzee linking up to grab a debut goal for Zirkzee, marking his arrival at Old Trafford.

Despite the victory, there were definitely areas of improvement, but that’s only natural with the pre-season being disjointed and new players joining the fray.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

With the Copa America and Euros this summer, some key United players returned to pre-season much later on, giving less training and preparation time before the season started.

However, one man in particular is going above and beyond get lift his game to new heights and be ready to compete asap.

Garnacho and his extra work to improve performance

The Daily Mail have recently reported that Alejandro Garnacho request to come back off holiday early in order to be ready for the Community Shield match up against Manchester City.

The winger was on extended leave after his successful campaign with Argentina, lifting this year’s Copa America trophy.

However, the 20-year-old is clearly determined to constantly improve his already impressive performances. After their win over Fulham, Garnacho has been putting in extra work to ensure he is always on form to avoid his blunder in the match repeating itself.

The Argentine unfortunately missed an open goal, being released by a Marcus Rashford pass in the dying moments of the game. The shot from inside the box went well wide of the post, and whilst the shot wasn’t vital for United to win the game, it would have helped Garnacho get his goal tally off to a great start on Matchday 1.

However, Garnacho isn’t letting the miss get the better of him, with the 20-year-old attending the NAS Elite Sports Performance Centre in Manchester. The centre is a favourite of United players, past and present, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Sofyan Amrabat regularly attending.

The centre provides access to a range of services, including; physiotherapy, osteopathy, strength and conditioning training, nutritional support and wellness essentials such as phlebotomy services, IV drip therapy and vitamin shots.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Recent reports have claimed that some Manchester United officials are in Zingonia today, visiting the Atalanta headquarters.

Whilst their visit is primarily related to paperwork around the transfer of Rasmus Hojlund last summer, the United men aren’t wasting an opportunity.

Making the most of their visit, it’s been announced by reliable transfer journalist Alfredo Pedullà, that the club are enquiring about Brazilian midfielder Ederson.

However, his isn’t the first time that United have been interested in Atalanta’s tar midfielder though.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Manchester United’s interest in Atalanta star Ederson

Ederson has been a long-term name on Manchester United’s radar, despite not having launched any official offer for the star. That said, the Red Devils have approached the 25-year-old back in March around a potential move.

Now, with Dan Ashworth at the club as well, United’s interest in Ederson could be heightened, with the new sporting director being a big fan of the Brazil international.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

While a Newcastle, Ashworth had the Brazilian on his radar as a potential replacement for Bruno Guimaraes, with Ederson playing as a very aggressive box-to-box midfielder.

His recent performances for Atalanta have kept him on United’s shortlist, however has also drawn attention from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool.

His versatility and consistency in midfield make him an appealing target for United as they look to strengthen their squad to build back to their old winning ways.

As the two clubs have a strong working relationship, it’s understood that the exchange of information has gone well, with the potential of a transfer to be discussed down the line.

It’s understood that the two clubs built up extremely positive relationships during the transfer negotiations for Hojlund.

No doubt the Red Devils will want to capitalise on these bonds if they do ultimately decide to make a move for the Brazilian midfielder.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Manchester United has been proactive in the summer transfer window, particularly focusing on strengthening their defense.

One of the most notable signings was Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt, who joined the Red Devils from Bayern Munich.

The deal was finalized for an initial fee of £38.5 million, and De Ligt has committed to a five-year contract with the club.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

The arrival of De Ligt brings a wealth of experience to a Manchester United backline that has been criticized for conceding too many goals in recent seasons.

The 25-year-old Dutch international made his debut for United as a substitute in their recent 1-0 victory over Fulham, which gave fans a glimpse of what he could offer once he reaches full match fitness.

De Ligt’s move to Old Trafford reunites him with manager Erik ten Hag, under whom he previously flourished at Ajax.

Fans are optimistic that this reunion will help solidify United’s defense and propel the team back to the forefront of English football.

However, Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov has raised concerns about whether De Ligt can handle the physical demands of the Premier League, especially given the packed fixture schedule.

Dimitar Berbatov voices concern about Matthijs de Ligt

The former United striker voiced these concerns in a recent interview with Futbin.com. When asked if De Ligt could improve United’s defense, Dimitar Berbatov said, “In a way, yes. My only concern for him is to stay fit. Obviously, Ten Hag knows him.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

“They were at Ajax together. Then he moved to Juventus and then Bayern Munich.

“That jumping from team to team, some can argue against this, but the thing is that every team he went to, they became champions.

“So let’s hope that it’s good karma and he brings it to United.”

Berbatov also pointed out the challenges De Ligt will face in adapting to the speed and intensity of the Premier League.

“Outside of the jokes and funny things, he is a really good defender so let’s hope he can stay fit – the most important thing for any player.

“And Ten Hag will put faith in him and let’s see how he will start in the Premier League because it is a different beast.

“Let’s see how he will handle the speed and all the quick players coming against him.”

United’s next test in the Premier League is against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. Brighton had an impressive start to their 2024/25 campaign, securing a 3-0 win over Everton in their opening match.

As De Ligt continues to integrate into the squad, all eyes will be on whether he can help United secure another victory and strengthen their defensive line.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Jaap Stam is a true club legend, having won the 1999 Treble with Manchester United. Despite only being at the club for three years, the former defender made 127 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Since hanging up his boots, Stam has turned to coaching and management having been an individual coach at Ajax as well as manager at Reading, PEC Zwolle, Feyenoord, Cincinnati.

Now, the 52-year-old has returned to his routes and is the new manager of his youth academy and first professional team DOC Kampen in the Netherlands.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

However, the United legend regularly makes his thoughts known on his former team.

Jaap Stam has long talks with Man Utd officials and coaches

Ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Fulham at Old Trafford, Stam featured as a guest on the “Up Front with Simon Jordan” podcast.

Speaking on the podcast, it very much sounded like Stam was calling for the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag, saying “For ten Hag, it’s his third season at United – I think he needs to go.”

He continued: “He needs to look at himself and see how last season panned out, I don’t always agree with him in terms of him saying they played good football.”

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Only a day later, Stam attended the Fulham game that saw United win 1-0.

And whilst at Old Trafford, according to the The Daily Mail, the Dutchman was seen having a number of long conversations in confidentiality with figures at the club, including members of United’s communication team and Rene Hake, Ten Hag’s assistant manager.

Although it’s not known what was discussed in these confidential conversations, it would be no surprise that his recent comments on Ten Hag would’ve been a key talking point.

However, Stam has now come out to defend his comments on Ten Hag, saying he feels they were misunderstood and that the soundbite of “he has to go” was actually referring to Ten Hag going out and making more progress in his third season.

The visible smiles from Hake when talking to Stam at the final whistle of the Fulham game suggests that the comments have been clarified and all is well between Stam and his former club.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United’s current number one goalkeeper, Andre Onana, is now looking to move.

Onana joined United last summer from Inter Milan for €50.2 million after a year at the Serie A side having joined from Ajax on a free transfer the year before.

Since moving to Old Trafford, the Cameroon international has made 53 appearances for United including 14 clean sheets.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Onana had a positive start to the new Premier League season, keeping a clean sheet in their match up with Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday, helping to secure 3 points for the Red Devils.

Now however, reports are emerging that Onana is looking to give up his current rental property in Manchester.

Andre Onana looks to give up current rental property

The Daily Mail have reported that in a bid to show his long-term commitment to the Red Devils, Onana is looking to find a place of his own over the next couple of months.

Since arriving in Manchester, the 28-year-old has been renting a property from Inter Milan teammate and former Red Devil, Alexis Sanchez. However, the goalkeeper is now looking to find somewhere more permanent so his wife Melanie and their four children can move in over the upcoming months.

It’s understood that the family have looked at the house of former United player Paul Pogba, however it remains to be seen if they go ahead with purchasing the property.

This move from Onana is great news for his fans, showing that he is clearly very happy at Old Trafford and is looking to stay for the long haul.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Peter Schmeichel is a true Manchester United and Premier League legend having won the league title five time with the Red Devils.

A key part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, Schmeichel made 398 appearances with 180 clean sheets helping the Premier League side lift a Champions League trophy, three FA Cups and two League Cups in his seven years at the club.

During this time, Schmeichel was the man between the sticks for United’s iconic Treble winning season in 1998/99. The Denmark international recently opened up about this incredible season in United’s history, and noting the “best” game he ever played in.

Peter Schmeichel recalls his best game for United

Back in 1999, prior to the Champions League final against Bayern Munich which saw United secure the Treble, the Red Devils faced Arsenal in the FA Cup Semi-Final at Villa Park.

United and the Gunners played out a 0-0 draw in April 1999, having to return Aston Villa’s stadium for the FA Cup replay.

Recently Schmeichel spoke to FourFourTwo magazine about the game, commenting: “It was the best game I ever took part in – just the most crazy match, everything happened.”

He continued: “You don’t think about all of that when you’re in it, it’s only when you come away from that season, you look back at how it unfolded and think, ‘What?!’”

On that famous day, David Beckham opened the scoring before Dennis Bergkamp drew the two teams level again. Schmeichel pulled off an incredible performance, keeping United in the running, forcing the game to extra time saving a Bergkamp penalty. The game ultimately ended in victory for United thanks to a Ryan Giggs solo effort, securing a 2-1 win.

Speaking about the intensity of the game, and the penalty, Schmeichel said: “I didn’t even know where we were in the game when I saved the penalty – I thought that if he scored, there was time to get an equaliser,”

He continued: “I was quite surprised when the whistle went very soon after. Then Ryan Giggs’ goal… We didn’t have time to ponder, we had to zone in on the next league game, then Juventus in the Champions League semi-final.

“That was what that treble-winning season was all about – we had to win every game, because in England, Arsenal were winning each game, too.”

Schmeichel explained that United “didn’t have time to ponder” over their victory, having to look ahead to their next fixtures which have now gone down in United history.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

It was always expected for this to be a busy week for most clubs coming to the end of the transfer window. However, Manchester United have a number of deals looking to be finalised in the coming days.

Firstly, it’s been confirmed that Facundo Pellistri is moving to Panathinaikos is Greece. The club has agreed on a transfer fee of €6 million and is eager to register the 19-year-old in time for the UEFA Conference League qualification game against the French team Lens this Thursday.

Then we have Will Fish who is all set to move to Cardiff City after graduating from the United academy. After a successful loan spell at Hibernian, Fish had a range of interest from Championship sides, however the centre-back will be moving to the Welsh capital in the coming days.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

It’s now being reported that another deal which was on the cards is has now been agreed.

Legia Warsaw sign Maxi Oyedele

Well it’s now confirmed that Maxi Oyedele is indeed heading to Legia Warsaw.

Earlier today it was reported that negotiations were still taking place, but with the pressure of deadline day looming, the deal has now been agreed.

Polish publication Meczyki has now reported that a medical for the 19-year-old has been booked for the coming days in the Polish capital.

Although the fee is not confirmed, it’s understood to be relatively low, however United have secured a significant sell-on clause to capitalise on the youngsters further development.

Legia Warsaw believe that despite his youth, Oyedele has the ability to already fight for a first team place, with a slot open due to the injury of defensive midfielder Jurgen Elitim.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

With transfer deadline day just over a week away, Manchester United will be hoping for a busy week ahead, selling off a number of their players.

News has already emerged that the Red Devils are no longer looking to sign a left-back, however they are till looking to progress with signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, in order to do so, they need sales to get the deal across the line.

Throughout the summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth have identified a number of players they’ve been looking to offload in order to generate transfer funds.

These lists have comprised of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, and Scott McTominay, as well as Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka who have been successfully sold to Marseille and West Ham United.

However, now a new list is emerging of eight players United are looking to part ways with this week.

Manchester United’s final eight players to offload this summer

Manchester World have announced a list of eight players who Erik ten Hag, Ratcliffe and Ashworth are happy to sell on in the remaining nine days of the transfer window.

So, starting with some who are still on the list.

1. Jadon Sancho

Sancho had been on the list since the very start of the summer and is still here as we come to a close. After his exile to Borussia Dortmund, he was always expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, however appears to have patched up his relationship with Erik ten Hag.

So far PSG have been the front runners to sign the winger, with the French champions meeting with United to try and finalise a deal. Unfortunately this hasn’t come to fruition, however Juventus are now re-entering the race for the 24-year-old.

2. Christian Eriksen

Much like Sancho, Eriksen has also featured in the multiple lists since the start of the summer. After his performances started to wain last season and now in his final year of his contract, United are looking to cash in on the star this summer.

It’s recently emerged that United are looking for £5 million for the Denmark international, which is an absolute steal considering his performances at Euro 2024. It’s understood that Eriksen has been offered to former club Ajax who are looking to sign a no10 in the coming days.

3. Scott McTominay

McTominay featured on the second list of star to be leaving Old Trafford this summer , and has easily been United’s most sellable asset.

With interest from Everton, Spurs, Fulham, Brentford, Napoli, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, it will certainly be a surprise if he’s still in a United shirt come September.

Fulham were front runners, having matched United’s asking price of £25 million, however did a complete U-turn the same day, abandoning the offer, signing Burnley’s Sander Berge instead.

That said, it’s understood that Napoli are still very much interested in the Scotland international.

4. Facundo Pellistri

Pellistri is the first name on the list which we know is set to leave in the coming days.

Earlier today, Pellistri received the famous “here we go” from Fabrizio Romano with a deal being agreed for the Uruguayan to join Panathinaikos in Greece. The club have agreed to a transfer fee of €6 million and are keen to register the 19-year-old in time for their UEFA Conference League qualifications game against French side Lens on Thursday.

5. Will Fish

The other done deal is with defender Will Fish. The 21-year-old old is already set to leave United after over a decade with the club to move to Championship side, Cardiff City.

The United academy graduate joined the club at the age of seven and experienced a highly successful loan spell with Hibernian in Scotland last season, showing what he’s capable of.

6. Maxi Oyedele

A deal that appears to be as good as done is that of Maxi Oyedele to Polish side Legia Warsaw. It’s understood that United are happy for the midfielder to leave the club for a relatively small transfer fee, however do want to include a considerable sell-on clause.

This tact is a route United appear to be taking in general with their young players to capitalise on any future development away from the club.

7. Hannibal Mejbri

The summer has been relatively quiet surrounding Hannibal, however news has recently broken that Burnley are now looking at the midfielder as a replacement to Sander Berge. The recently relegated side are open to a loan deal with obligation to buy or a permanent transfer, however United are keen for the latter.

8. Radek Vitek

The final name on the list is goalkeeper Radek Vitek, however this does not look likely to be a permanent move.

The highly talented young keeper is being linked with Austrian side BW Linz in order to gain more first team experience to help with his further development.

Although the 20-year-old is not ready to compete with Andre Onana just yet, he has delivered some truly impressive performances, including a Man of the Match performance against Rosenborg in the pre-season.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United are keen to support the development of their youngsters in the best way they can, with some extremely exciting prospects coming through the academy.

For some this means loan spells at other clubs for more game time, for others, its a chance to step up through first-team training into the senior squad.

Recently United youngster Harry Amass has been seen training with the first-team at Carrington. Elsewhere, Toby Collyer featured with his first competitive debut in United’s match up against Manchester City for the Community Shield.

Another player thriving at the club playing for the youth teams is James Scalon who won the Best Striker award in he Otten Innovation Cup. The Under-19s side travelled to Netherlands to compete in the tournament hosted by eventual winners PSV Eindhoven.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

However, for some players, loans to other clubs to gain more competitive match experience is essential. Joe Hugill was the first loan deal to be agreed this summer, with his move to Wigan Athletic completed at the end of July. So far 20-year-old has featured twice in League One and once in Wigan’s First Round loss to Barnsley on penalties.

Now, United have another young star ready to go out on loan for more experience and game time.

Radek Vitek set for move to BW Linz

United academy graduate Radek Vitek is set to go on loan to Austrian side BW Linz.

The Austrian Bundesliga club were promoted to the top tier at the start of last season and managed to stay up for another season, despite a goal difference of -15.

Now, three matches into the season, the club are in fifth, however yet again have a negative goal difference of -3 already with a 1-0 win over Austria Vienna, a 2-2 draw to Grazer AK and a 5-1 loss to RedBull Salzburg.

As a result, the Austrian side are looking to Vitek to provide more security between the sticks. The talented goalkeeper spent last season on loan with Accrington Stanley, making 18 appearances with 4 clean sheets to his name.

In the pre-season, Vitek’s impressive abilities actually won him the Man of the Match award against Rosenborg despite letting in a goal in United’s 1-0 defeat.

Due to the impressive path Vitek seems to be on, United decided at the start of the summer for him to go out on loan again, and the Red Devils may have now found the team for him.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!