Tag: Football

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Bruno Fernandes shared heartfelt tributes to his former Manchester United teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka following the latter’s transfer to West Ham United.

Wan-Bissaka signed a significant seven-year contract with the Hammers after West Ham agreed on a £15m transfer fee with Manchester United.

The 26-year-old right-back, who joined United from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £50m, made 190 appearances for the Red Devils, helping the team secure both the FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure at Old Trafford.

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Wan-Bissaka was a regular starter under former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but saw his role diminish under the leadership of current manager Erik ten Hag.

With United’s recent acquisition of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich—who previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax—alongside Matthijs de Ligt, Wan-Bissaka’s playing time was expected to reduce further.

Bruno Fernandes’ emotional message to Wan-Bissaka

Bruno Fernandes was quick to acknowledge Wan-Bissaka’s departure, first commenting on a heartfelt message the defender posted after his transfer was confirmed.

“Will miss you spider,” Fernandes wrote, referencing Wan-Bissaka’s nickname.

Wan-Bissaka, now donning the No. 29 shirt for West Ham, expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career.

“A new home. Let’s go, Hammers! Excited to get going,” he said, reaching out to West Ham supporters.

Bruno Fernandes reiterated his support for Wan-Bissaka’s move, expressing confidence in his former teammate’s abilities.

“London ain’t ready for the spider,” Fernandes remarked, signaling his belief that Wan-Bissaka will make a significant impact at West Ham.

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This move marks a new beginning for Wan-Bissaka, who will be looking to revive his career with West Ham and establish himself as a key player under manager David Moyes.

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Manchester United legend Roy Keane has recently raised concerns over a couple of positions going into the next Premier League season.

So far this transfer window, United have made four massive signings in the form of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, with a combined value of £150 million.

This has made a massive step to redesigning the back line at Old Trafford as well as bringing in a new striker to support Rasmus Hojlund up top. However, with Hojlund now injured, the pressure of solo striker lies on Zirkzee.

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Keane has recently however highlighted his main areas of concern for the 2024/25 season, as well as predicted United’s final table placement.

Roy Keane gives his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Football 365 have recently reported on Roy Keane’s concerns around the upcoming season.

The former United captain has raised issues being worried around the team’s “spine” with a lack of midfield reinforcements so far this summer.

The former Republic of Ireland international has highlighted further worries over the goalkeeper and striker roles, namely Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, as real areas of concern though.

Speaking of his concerns, Keane said: “It’s always a worry for me about competing and I still worry about the spine of that Manchester United team,”

He continued: “For all the nice play they have and good players, I still worry about the goalkeeper and striker.

“On paper they have a decent squad, but the reality is when they’ve played games, and last year with their record in the league they were so open.

“If you’re on about competing, I worry about the spine of the team.”

Speaking about how he feels the Red Devils will do this season, Keane said: “I fully expect United will do a lot better than last year,”

He added: “They can’t finish eighth again, can they? They can’t be that bad. But we are talking about fourth here.”

Former teammate Gary Neville agreed with Keane’s prediction of fourth, however added that it will only happen “if they stay clear of injuries”.

The ex-United defender commented: “Injuries are the massive thing for Manchester United. The left back is a problem because if [Luke] Shaw is out the drop off is massive.”

Neville then added: “I do think they’ll get into the top four if they stay clear of injuries.”

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In a shock move, Manchester United are looking at lining up an offer for one of their long-term striker  targets.

United have made a strong effort at redesigning their team this summer.

Their remodelling of their back line with the additions of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui shows that they mean business by signing a range of impressive young defenders.

Their next focus however is midfield, with aims to develop academy graduate Toby Collyer in the same way they did Kobbie Mainoo, whilst also looking at signing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

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However, whilst United were not expected to make more changes to their forward line up after signing Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils are now looking at a move for one of their long-term targets.

Manchester United to bid in for striker Ivan Toney

The Independent have reported that United are looking to progress with their interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

United have been considering Toney throughout the summer, with the striker’s valuation falling from £100 million in January to being now at £60 million.

It’s been confirmed that Brentford are holding firm on this valuation now, despite the risk of losing their top striker on a free transfer next summer. Toney has been reported as having no interest in signing a new deal with the club, so this risk is a very real one for Brentford.

With his desire to move well known, the 28-year-old is gaining interest once more from United as well as Premier League rivals, Chelsea.

However, both of the English giants are considering going down the route of a loan offer with an obligation to buy, not wanting to stretch to Brentford’s asking price.

Whilst Toney is a proven Premier League striker with 36 goals and 11 assists in 83 Premier League games for Brentford, United do have some concerns with a deal.

The Red Devils’ new recruitment strategy revolves around prioritising young players under the age of 25-years-old, so Toney being three years over that is against their new structure.

However, if a cost-effective deal can be reached, like a loan to buy, the club are expected to make a move for the England international.

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Now that the defence has been strengthened, it seems that midfield is the next priority for Manchester United.

The club have strengthened in attacking and defensive positions, but so far there have been no midfield reinforcements.

Scott McTominay is still attracting attention from numerous clubs, while Hannibal Mejbri has reportedly put in a transfer request to leave the club.

The question now is, who is coming in?

For a long time, it was believed to be PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

However, talk of that move has dissipated somewhat recently, with David Ornstein reporting that the club have abandoned the chase for the Uruguayan defensive midfielder.

Since then, United have been linked with multiple alternatives.

A new name is now on that list.

And it’s one that may be surprising to many.

TNT Sports Brasil are reporting that Nottingham Forest midfielder Danilo has attracted interest from Manchester United and AC Milan.

Forest are said to be open to selling the player they purchased last year, but only for a price of €40m.

Danilo joined the Midlands side from Palmeiras for around £16m and became an important player for their team.

He played 34 games in total and scored 3 goals for the side last season.

At just 23-years-old, the midfielder is still young enough and also boasts a season of English Premier League experience.

It would be interesting to see if anything further develops on this story over the coming weeks.

One thing is for sure. It looks highly likely that Manchester United will strengthen their midfield before the season begins.

The transfer window is open until 30 August – so the Red Devils have some time left to bring in some new faces.

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Manchester United are yet to strengthen the middle of the pitch by sign any midfielders so far this summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have been highly focused on covering the defensive issues they faced last year with a number of their back line ruled out through injury.

As a result United have already signed Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille and are about to confirm their signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich any day now.

In midfield, United have been set on the signing of PSG’s Manuel Ugarte to partner young star Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the pitch.

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Whilst it was recently reported that United are abandoning the Ugarte deal following a difference in United’s and PSG’s valuations of the star, this does not appear to be the case.

Recent reports have highlighted that United are still looking to sign Ugarte as well as one other midfielder.

Manchester United to sign midfielders Ugarte and Fofana

Sam C has reported on X that United are still very much looking at Ugarte and are equally as interested in Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco.

United recently re-entered the race for Fofana and appear to have knocked AC Milan out of lead position to sign the French midfielder.

The report explains that United are looking at the two midfielders as separate deals rather than one being dependant on the other. So if funding allows, both will be signed this summer.

However, Sam C also explained that a different name may be the one to take precedent at Old Trafford.

United look inwardly to Toby Collyer

The report explains that United are expecting great things of academy graduate Toby Collyer who has had an incredible run of form in the pre-season.

They’re expecting the young star to fit into what they want from the no6 role quicker than anyone else currently in the market, making him a priority yo develop for the club.

It’s understood that whilst United are looking to sign Ugarte and Fofana, they don’t want to recruit any midfielders that will hinder Collyer’s development into the player they expect him to become.

It was already reported earlier this summer that Collyer was looking on track to follow in Mainoo’ footsteps and have the opportunity to break into the first squad.

Now this report from Sam C appears to confirm these expectations of the young star.

Image Credits: EA Sports

EA Sports FC 25 release is not far away.

On September 27 2024, the game will be released.

There will be early access on September 20 2024.

With that in mind, fans are wondering what player ratings there will be and what special players will be available for their Ultimate Team.

EA have now announced a roster of 13 who will make up the Heroes in Ultimate Team. And it includes a Manchester United legend.

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Jaap Stam, the Dutch centre back who won the treble in the 1998/99 season, is one of the names released.

Stam will have two player cards available – one for his Origin Hero and the other for his Prime Hero.

Origin Hero Jaap Stam will start with a rating of 85.

Prime Hero Jaap Stam will start with a rating of 89.

Interestingly enough, Stam is not the only defender listed in the FC 25 Ultimate Team Heroes who played in the English Premier League.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is also featured on the list.

Origin Hero Jamie Carragher will start with a rating of 86.

Prime Hero Jamie Carragher will start with a rating of 88.

That means Stam will have a higher Prime Hero rating than Carragher, but the former Liverpool captain will have a higher Origin Hero rating.

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Jaap Stam is also not the only former Manchester United player listed in the FC 25 Ultimate Team Heroes.

Tim Howard, who played in goal for the Red Devils 2003 and 2006, is also featured.

Origin Hero Tim Howard will start with a rating of 85.

Prime Hero Tim Howard will start with a rating of 89.

Unlike Stam, however, Howard will not be showcased in his United kit. Instead, his card will be donning the United States men’s national team jersey.

As mentioned, there are 13 total names revealed for the FC 25 Ultimate Team Heroes. This is the list in full:

• Blaise Matuidi
• Celia Šašić
• Eden Hazard
• Fara Williams
• Guti
• Jaap Stam
• Jamie Carragher
• Laura Georges
• Maicon
• Marek Hamšík
• Mohammed Noor
• Tim Howard
• Zé Roberto

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Manchester United’s much needed rebuild of their midfield is underway with movement needed both in and out of the club.

The Red Devils are currently still set on PSG’s Manuel Ugarte, despite the lengthy talks with the French champions not bearing any fruit.

United are also in talks with AS Monaco for France international Youssouf Fofana, however face opposition from West Ham United and AC Milan for the 25-year-old.

However, in order to create space for the two Ligue 1 stars, United first need to offload some of their current players.

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Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro were all listed as players that the club are happy to part ways with this summer. All three are now entering their final year of contract, so Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth are keen to ell the stars to make some money back for the club.

If they aren’t sold this summer, the club could miss out with the midfielders agreeing contracts elsewhere to join on a free transfer when their contracts end.

With much needed transfer funds needed at Old Trafford, the club are keen to get some deals over the line in the next two weeks.

Now, a report from Italy has given us an update on one of the men United are keen to offload.

Napoli have loan deal rejected for Scott McTominay

Reports from Gianluca Di Marzio have provided and update on Napoli’s interest in bringing McTominay to Italy.

The report explains that Napoli have opened conversations with United around a potential loan move for the Scotland international, however the Red Devils are not entertaining the idea.

United are only interested in a permanent transfer for the 27-year-old, although it’s unknown at this time if Antonio Conte’s side will look at this sort of a deal.

The report also noted that Napoli are looking at McTominay’s international teammate Billy Gilmour as well. Brighton are reportedly looking for €12 million for Gilmour with an extra €3 million in add-ons.

It’s not clear at this time in Napoli are looking for one of the Scottish pair or both, however unless the Italian club are interested in a permanent deal for McTominay, they may miss out on their target.

The 27-year-old is not short on offers, with interest currently coming from Fulham, Everton, Brentford, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

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Manchester United’s battle for one of their top midfield targets is now set to become even more difficult with West Ham United joining the race.

United’s midfield is in desperate need of remodelling. Thankfully, the Erik ten Hag has the rising star Kobbie Mainoo at his disposal, however the Dutchman is in need of a strong partner for the England international.

Erik ten Hag has recently been impressed by the performances of Toby Collyer who is expected to be given a chance to break into the first squad. The 20-year-old has been showing great promise and the club are keen to ensure a focus on his development over the coming years.

But looking further afield, the Red Devils have been focusing their efforts on signing PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, however no deal has been agreed as of yet.

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Now, United are set to face off with West Ham if they hope to sign one of their key targets.

Manchester United to battle West Ham United for Youssouf Fofana

Manchester United pursuit for Fofana has already been a bit of a rollercoaster.

It was thought that AC Milan were the front runners to sign the France international, having submit a bid of €20 million for the star. However, this was rejected with the Ligue 1 side asking for €35 million.

The negotiations over the difference in price caused a delay in the deal which opened the door for United to renew interest in the midfielder and begin conversations with the French club.

However now, French publication L’Equipe have reported that West Ham United have also contacted Monaco about the 25-year-old’s availability.

The midfielder is currently in solo training away from the main squad since returning from his post Euro 2024 holiday.

Fofana was missing from Monaco’s 3-0 win over Barcelona on Monday to lift the Joan Gamper Trophy, with the CEO of AS Monaco, Thiago Scuro, commenting: “If he does not intend to stay, it makes no sense for him to be part of the preparation.”

Scuro has confirmed that the club and Fofana have mutually agreed to part ways this summer, however also commented that the Frenchman’s exit from the Ligue 1 side has not gone “as smoothly as hoped”.

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Manchester United or on the brink of confirming their new defensive signings in Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.

The pair have already arrived in Manchester and have completed their medicals and media duties, so we’re just waiting on the official confirmation from the club.

However, a new image emerging on X has already leaked Mazraouri’s United kit number.

Leaked images of Mazraoui kit number for 2024/25 season

The image has been leaked to X from @AbouJad_Talks, showing the back of Mazraoui’s kit, showing off the number 3.

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The number 3 shirt by some true greats over the years, with the likes of Patrice Evra, Lee Sharpe, Steve Bruce and Denis Irwin taking on the number to name but a few.

In the 2014/15 season, current Red Devil Luke Shaw took on the number three when he first arrived at Old Trafford, before a year later switching to his current number 23.

Hopefully Mazraoui can live up to some of the impressive performances that the number has given us in ears gone by.

لنواصل حصرياتنا

تفضلوا أول صورة لقميص نصير مزراوي بالرقم 3 مع نادي مانشستر يونايتد pic.twitter.com/m7JEh6yLjy

— 🆂 | 𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑼𝑱𝑨𝑫 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑓𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑒 (@AbouJad_Talks) August 13, 2024

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Manchester United have undergone a massive reshuffle of off-pitch staff since INEOS took charge earlier this year.

Whilst Omar Berrada has joined from rivals Manchester City as the new CEO, Dan Ashworth has controversially joined as the new sporting director from Newcastle United.

Jason Wilcox has joined from Southampton as the technical director, with the club most recently appointing Christopher Vivell to support with recruitment.

So far, the new set of senior managers appear to be holding their own in their first transfer market at Old Trafford, signing four incredible talents in the form of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

However, now a returning face has been added to the staff team after 27 years away from Old Trafford.

Michael Appleton is new addition to off-pitch management

Former Manchester United Academy player Michael Appleton is now set to re-join the Red Devils as their new loans manager.

The Daily Mail have reported that Ashworth is looking at the 48-year-old for the role, with the pair sharing a close relationship from their time working together at West Brom.

Whilst Les Parry currently sits in that position, it’s understood that Appleton is inline to replace him.

With loan moves being a vital part of the development of talented youngsters, Appleton will have a lot on his hands when he takes on the role.

Last season, some of the United loanees suffered disastrous loan spells, with Dan Gore being side-lined at Port Vale after an injury saw him make only one appearance, and Maxi Oyedele was “frozen out” while at Forest Green Roves following the sacking of Troy Deeney.

So far, United have managed to line up two loan spells, with Joe Hugill already at Wigan Athletic and goalkeeper Radek Vitek looking likely for another loan after his impressive spell at Accrington Stanley last year.

When Appleton steps into the role, his responsibility will be to monitor the progress of these young stars, ensuring their development through their time on loan.

Appleton’s career so far

After graduating from the United academy back in 1994, Appleton went on a series of loans to Wimbledon FC and Grimsby Town before joining Preston in 1997.

After four years he joined West Brom where he saw out the rest of his playing days, before beginning his managerial career with the club.

In 2003 Appleton managed the Under-18s side before progressing through the ranks to manage the reserve team and then become assistant manager of the main squad under Roberto Di Matteo and then Roy Hodgon.

After Hodgson’s departure, Appleton took a brief stint as caretaker manager before departing to Portsmouth.

From here the 48-year-old took a run of short term positions at Blackpool and Blackburn before settling at Oxford United for three years.

Moving to Leicester as assistant manager for a couple of years, Appleton then found himself back at West Brom as assistant manager to the senior squad and managing the Under-21s side for a matter of months.

Moving from here, the former United academy graduate took on the managerial role at Lincoln City for three years before returning briefly to Blackpool and then finding himself at Charlton Athletic.

Having been without a club since January this year, Appleton’s return to Old Trafford will mark newly three decades away from the club, with him taking on a very new role to what he’s experienced previously.

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