Tag: Football

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After the first round of fixtures in this year’s Premier League season, United are currently sat in seventh place with Brighton top of the table.

The two clubs are set to face off against each other on Saturday at the AMEX Stadium. Both clubs won their first outing, with United beating Fulham 1-0 thanks to a Joshua Zirkzee debut goal, and Brighton beat Everton 3-0 thanks to goals from Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra.

However, Brighton fans are eagerly awaiting the debuts of new signings Brajan Gruda and Georginio Rutter.

Gruda moved from German club Mainz last wee for £25 million, with Rutter only joining the club yesterday from Leeds United for £40 million.

Unfortunately for Albion fans, they may have to wait a little while longer to see the two new signings take to the pitch.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s new signings

Despite having joined the club before their match against Everton, Gruda was not included in the team due to a small injury he picked up.

Speaking to Sussex World, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented on the setback, saying: “He had a small injury and we have to take care of him. So let’s see next week.”

He continued: “It’s important that he gets integrated as quick as possible as well as Georginio Rutter.”

It’s unsure at this time if Rutter will be featuring against United, with the striker needing to settle in with the squad. Hurzeler has been a long term fan of Rutter, so will no doubt be pleased with his new signing.

Commenting on the integration of both his new signings, Hurzeler said: “It is also important that he will be on the pitch training with the guys. So we try to integrate as soon as possible. Gruda was close before [Everton]. But in the end it is step by step.”

He continued, discussing Rutter and his admiration for the striker, saying: “I know him a little bit from his time at Hoffenhiem. When he was in Germany I had some talks with him and watch games with him last season for Leeds.

“He is very good against the ball. A special quality with his feet for assists. He has the perfect timing of playing that final ball. Perfect position between the gaps. He will be helpful for us and I’m very keen to work with him.”

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There’s no doubt among football fans that Cristiano Ronaldo has had a truly incredible footballing career.

The Portuguese international has had stints in three of the top five European football leagues, playing for Manchester United in the Premier League twice, Real Madrid in LaLiga, and Juventus in Serie A.

The footballing great has recently passed yet another impressive milestone, having now scored in 23 consecutive seasons. His goal in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al-Taawon in the Super Cup Semi-Final clinched the milestone, despite being the first game of the new season for the attacker.

However, one of Ronaldo’s former teammates is backing the Ballon d’Or winner to return to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo and a potential return to United

Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford was dramatically shorter than the first, following a fallout with new manager Erik ten Hag. Having moved from Juventus back to United for €17 million in the summer of 2021, the Portuguese star then departed 15 months later.

However, Ronaldo’s former teammate, Louis Saha, recently praised the 39-year-old, backing the star to return to Old Trafford as a potential future manager. He thinks Ronaldo will be a brilliant manager once he hangs up his boots, if he changes his attitude accordingly.

Speaking to Danish media outlet, TVSporten, Saha said: “Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day, that could be as a coach or even a manager.”

He continued: “His second spell didn’t end how everyone had hoped and you can see why that frustrated him, he didn’t see the same formula and didn’t see the passion from young players that he had been used to seeing.

“Now he will know that he needs to find a new way to communicate when he becomes a coach, which maybe isn’t as harsh or direct as it was when he was at the club.

“He will work out how to be successful and use all his knowledge to do that, we’ve seen Roy Keane go into management and have success. Cristiano will understand what he needs to do as a manager and I see no reason why he wouldn’t be a success.”

For the time being however, Ronaldo is still firmly set on playing a while longer, with the Saudi Pro League getting underway this week, seeing Al-Nassr take on Al-Raed.

Ronaldo will be hoping for a better outcome than last match which saw Al-Nassr lose to Al-Hilal in the Final of the Super Cup.

Despite Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet, it wasn’t enough this time round, with Al-Hilal winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Malcom, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and an Aleksandar Mitrovic brace.

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The coming days are sure to bring some last minute excitement in this summer transfer window, with a number of clubs still looking to strengthen areas of their squad.

United themselves are still trying to secure a midfielder, with hope of signing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the next week or so.

The Red Devils are also trying to offload the likes of Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay, with the Scotland international’s deal to Fulham falling through yesterday.

In a last minute twist, Fulham pulled out of their long-term focus of McTominay and instead signed United’s back up midfield target, Sander Berge from Burnley.

However, the Red Devils have now reportedly got another deal across the line involving Facundo Pellistri.

The young winger has received the Romano seal of approval, with updates on the bid that the Greek club have submitted and the need for urgency to agree a deal.

Panathinaikos’ submission for Facundo Pellistri

Mike McGrath reported earlier that United have in fact agreed the deal for Pellistri with Panathinaikos.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now given it his famous “here we go” with Pellistri signing a long term contract with the club.

The bid itself is reported to stand at €6 million which is just shy of United’s purchase fee of €8.5 million for the then 19-year-old when he arrived from Penarol in 2020. It’s also reported that the agreement includes a sell-on clause for United to benefit from any future sale.

Panathinaikos were extremely keen to complete the deal so they can register him in time for UEFA Competitions. The Greek side’s first game in the UEFA Conference league qualifications comes on Thursday 22nd August against French side Lens.

Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos, here we go! Exclusive story confirmed as agreement has been sealed for €6m fee.

Permanent deal with sell-on clause for #MUFC, while Pellistri signs a long term contract.

Pana’s Uruguayan manager Diego Alonso, key factor. pic.twitter.com/bggMjfv65h

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2024

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Is this the week where Scott McTominay says goodbye to Manchester United?

McTominay has been a polarising figure within the United fanbase.

Ridiculed when he was partnered alongside Fred, he’s also been a regular scorer of important goals for the club.

Scott McTominay is also a leading figure for the Scotland national team and has scored goals at almost every level.

Despite that, it’s been rumoured for a long time that he would be leaving the club.

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Serie A side Napoli have been heavily linked with the midfielder, with their sporting director even commented on a potential move.

Closer to home, Fulham seem the most advanced English club with the Cottagers believed to have met McTominay’s asking price.

But it seems that they have competition from two clubs closer to home.

The Sun are reporting that Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in signing the midfielder.

Palace have funds to spend after selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich this summer.

The Eagles believe that the United man would go straight into their first team.

Brighton are also believed to be admirers of Scott McTominay and are also in the market to strengthen their midfield.

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The Sun is reporting that the United hierarchy are now asking for £35m for the player and would be happy to keep him at the club if no suitable offer was to come in.

With less than two weeks until the window closes, it seems that Manchester United are waiting patiently to get the figure they want for the player.

The club have been notoriously poor at selling players at a good price and it seems that the new men in charge are looking to change that.

If the club did receive a bid of £35m for Scott McTominay, then it’s highly probable that would bring down the curtain on his time at Old Trafford.

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Talk about a plot twist!

In a move that mimics some shenanigans in last summer’s transfer window, Fulham have pulled off a heist it seems.

Many will remember last year when Liverpool were looking to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

However, Chelsea usurped their English Premier League rivals and snapped both midfielders up.

The deal for Romeo Lavia, especially, seemed like a move to spit the Merseyside club.

Liverpool had been believed to be in pole position to sign the young Belgian from Southampton before they turned their attention to Caicedo, who everyone thought was joining Chelsea.

Out of nowhere, Chelsea went in and made a bid for Romeo Lavia.

Even when it remained clear that Moises Caicedo would join the London side, they still went ahead and signed Lavia anyway.

And we’re witnessing something similar happen in this window it seems.

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Fulham have been heavily linked with a move for Scott McTominay.

It was reported earlier today that the club had set the asking price for the Scotland international.

In the meantime, it was revealed that United had a bid turned down for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge.

The Norway international had been identified as a player to bring in to strengthen the midfield at Old Trafford.

But it seems that Fulham have sidestepped the McTominay deal and have looked to hijack United’s merge for Berge instead.

Sky Sports have just shared breaking news that Fulham have made a bid for Manchester United target Sander Berge.

The official is £20m plus performance related add ons.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth says that Fulham are still waiting to hear back on the bid they’ve made.

In any case, it’s a bit of a bombshell poker move from the Cottagers.

Are they waiting to see if United reduce their asking price for Scott McTominay?

Or are they genuinely looking to bring Sander Berge to their club?

It sure is going to make it really interesting over the coming days as to what happens in regards to the future of Sander Berge.

What is clear is that there are more than one club interesting in signing the midfielder.

BREAKING: Fulham make a £20 million bid plus add ons for Manchester United midfield target Sander Berge from Burnley pic.twitter.com/I1TNaHxkMf

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 19, 2024

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Jadon Sancho has been at the heart of much interest already this summer.

For most of the summer, the real links for Sancho have been with French champions, Paris Saint-Germain.

The Ligue 1 side have lost their idol, Kylian Mbappe, after the French attacker move to Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer. In trying to find a replacement for him, PSG had set their sights on the English winger.

Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, hoping to find his previous form that he showed when with the Bundesliga side before joining United.

Thanks to his track record with the German club, Dortmund set Sancho as their primary target this summer, however his wage demands proved to be too much for the club.

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Now though, one of the Italian giants have enquired about the 24-year-old.

Juventus enquire about Jadon Sancho

Reports from Italian publication Alfredo Pedulla have announced that Juventus have today enquired with Manchester United about Sancho’s availability.

This marks a renewed interest from Juve in the winger after they were looking to compete with Dortmund to sign the 22-year-old way back in June.

At the time the Serie A side released a statement responding to the reports, saying: “Sancho has been a fine attacker at BVB, and he could do a good job for us if we add him to our group this summer.”

At the time, Juventus were very keen on signing both Sancho and fellow teammate mason Greenwood. However, with Greenwood having moved to Marseille, The Old Lady have missed out on him, so may not want to do the same with Sancho.

Earlier today, Fabrizio Romano announced that: “The situation right now with Jadon Sancho is 60/40. 60% to stay, and 40% to leave.”

He also commented that Sancho’s agents have been in regular contact with PSG with the England international wanting to move to Paris.

So, if Juventus are wanting to make a move for Sancho, it still look like their main competition is Paris Saint-Germain.

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The heat is really on now for Manchester United to sign a new midfielder this summer, with the Red Devils really stepping up their negotiations for Manuel Ugarte.

Today has seen a massive plot twist in United’s midfield plans thanks to Fulham.

Initially the Lilywhites submitted a revised bid for United midfielder Scott McTominay, valued at £25 million. The funds coming in from Fulham would have been enough to cover United’s pursuit of midfield target Sander Berge from Burnley.

Berge found his way onto United’s shortlist this summer after a range of targets became unavailable. Benfica’s Morten Hjulmand has opted to remain with the Portuguese club being appointed club captain, Youssouf Fofana is on his way to completing a move to AC Milan, and Frenkie de Jong has announced he does not want to leave Barcelona.

The Burnley star presented a great option for the Red Devils, with proven Premier League experience and for a much lower cost than Ugarte thanks to Burnley’s recent relegation to the Championship.

However, in a surprising turnaround, Fulham have pulled out of the McTominay deal and signed Berge instead, with the Norwegian and his agent travelling to London on Tuesday 20th August to complete his medical assessment.

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Unfortunately now, the only significant target United have at hand is PSG’s Manuel Ugarte, the deal for which has been stalled for a number of weeks.

However, there appears to be a new tact in how United are trying to sign the Uruguayan international.

United’s new attempt to sign Ugarte

Sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that United are working on a new deal for Ugarte, with the midfielder having been replaced by Joao Neves.

Romano has reported that United are now looking to complete a loan deal for the 23-year-old with and obligation to buy. Negotiations are understood to be continuing with Jorge Mendes’s tasked with leading talks with PSG.

One thing going in United’s favour is that Ugarte has already agreed personal terms and is extremely keen to move to Old Trafford this summer.

With less than two weeks left of the summer transfer window and alternatives being snapped up, United will surely now be feeling the pressure to get this deal across the line.

Understand Manchester United are working on loan with obligation to buy proposal for Manuel Ugarte.

Negotiations to continue with this formula as Jorge Mendes’s leading talks with Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte wants United, pushing a lot after personal terms agreed in July. pic.twitter.com/ZtiXJvGqEC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2024

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In a crazy turn of events, Fulham are now close to signing Manchester United target Sander Berge from newly relegated Burnley.

The Lilywhites have agreed a deal with Burnley £20million plus £5m in potential add-ons.

The report from The Athletic has announced that Berge and his agent are travelling down to London on Tuesday 20th August for his medical assessment. It’s understood that personal terms are already in place for the midfielder so all that is left is a successful medical and then to sign the contract.

The Norwegian international is set to become Fulham’s fourth signing this summer following the purchases of Ryan Sessegnon, Jorge Cuenca and Emile Smith Rowe.

How the signing of Berge by Fulham will effect Manchester United and Scott McTominay

Unfortunately this is double blow for United with Berge being a key target in place of Manuel Ugarte, and Fulham were looking to sign Scott McTominay, bringing in much needed transfer funds to the Red Devils.

United were heavily linked with Berge this summer thanks to the prolonged negotiations with PSG around signing Ugarte. Berge was a cheaper option to the Uruguayan with proven Premier League experience, however their initial bid for the 26-year-old was rejected.

Earlier today it was confirmed that Fulham had matched United’s asking price of £25 million for McTominay after several failed bids. The news came with Fulham leading the race against Napoli to sign the midfielder.

Now with the signing of Berge to Fulham, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the deal for McTominay is off.

This isn’t all doom and gloom with regards to a sale of Scott McTominay, as Napoli are still understood to be interested in signing the Scotland international, with Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion also interested in the 27-year-old.

Fulham have agreed deal to sign Sander Berge from Burnley, here we go!

McTominay deal off as Berge joins on £20m plus £5m fee, medical booked for the midfielder.

Formal steps to follow tomorrow, as @lauriewhitwell reports. pic.twitter.com/0j4MRoxHRE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2024

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Manchester United are on the brink of a number of sales with transfer deadline day looming.

Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri is attracting interest fresh off the back of his Copa America performances. The 22-year-old is reportedly a prime target for Greek club Panathinaikos who are looking to close a deal for the winger in the coming week.

Elsewhere, Fulham have revised their offer for Scott McTominay once more, matching United’s £25 million asking price. Their pursuit of the midfielder has been lengthy, however it isn’t over yet, with Napoli still very keen to sign the 27-year-old themselves.

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Although nothing is official yet there have been rumblings of Victor Lindelöf attracting serious interest from both Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina, with United hoping to receive and offer from either club in the coming days.

Now, reports are coming in of an imminent deal for another one of United’s defenders.

Will Fish heading to the Championship

Reports from Manchester Evening News have confirmed that United have agreed a deal to part ways with exciting youngster Will Fish this summer.

The 21-year-old has recently had an incredibly successful loan spell at Scottish side Hibernian. Whilst there, Fish made 45 appearances for the Scottish club becoming a vital squad member at the heart of defence.

Insiders at United regard the centre-back’s loan period to Hibernian as one of the most successful loans of last season, with the centre-back now set to leave Old Trafford with the est wishes of the staffing team.

In the search to get more first team football, the defender is now set to be joining Championship side Cardiff City on a permanent deal.

Despite interest from a number of Championship sides, long-term fans, Cardiff, are the ones to ultimately sign the young star.

The potential of a move away for Fish seemed to be halted after the defender was stretchered off in United’s pre-season game against Liverpool. Thankfully though, Fish’s injury wasn’t as serious as first thought, despite being on the back of a foot injury in the game against Rosenborg just over two weeks before the Liverpool game.

As a graduate of the United academy, Fish’s departure will be bitter sweet for both him and the club, with him joining the Red Devils at the age of seven.

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Deadline day is nearly upon us, being only 11 days away, and so it’s only natural we see and number of clubs stepping up negotiations to sign their main target this summer.

Already today we’ve had reports that United are becoming confident in completing on a deal for Manuel Ugarte following lengthy discussions with Paris Saint-Germain.

We’ve also seen Fulham match the Red Devils’ asking price for midfielder Scott McTominay. The Lilywhites have officially put in yet another bid, this time valuing at £25 million bid for the Scotland international. It’s expected however that this offer may force Napoli’s hand who are also very keen in signing the star.

Elsewhere, reports have confirmed that United have put in an offer for Burnley’s Sander Berge. It’s unknown what the value of this bid was, however it was rejected, falling short of the £30 million price tag for the Norway international.

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However, new reports are claiming that United may be about to miss out on another transfer target this summer.

Romano comments long term United target – Ivan Toney

Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed on United Stand’s YouTube channel, that there is a “concrete” possibility of Brentford striker, Ivan Toney, moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Romano explained that Toney is in ongoing negotiations with Al Ahli around a move this summer.

United have been long term fans of Toney, with significant interest in signing the star for some time now. The striker has recently seen his valuation plummet from £100 million in January to £60 million this summer.

The Red Devils have been looking more seriously at the striker since Rasmus Hojlund picked up an injury against Arsenal in the pre-season, leading to him missing the start of the Premier League season.

If Toney does move to Al Ahli, as reported by Romano, he’ll be joining other former Premier League stars in the form of Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy.

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