Tag: Football

Image Credits: Getty Images

With transfer deadline day only a matter of weeks away, United are looking at a number of targets to sign a midfielder this summer. The main focus of this market has easily been PSG’s Manuel Ugarte.

Ugarte has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League side, with all now resting on the clubs coming to an agreement on the transfer fee.

Unfortunately there is a considerable difference between PSG’s valuation of €60 million and United’s offer of €35 million.

Acting proactively, United have been looking at other potential midfielders on their shortlist to not miss out elsewhere.

One name that has been linked with United several times now is Youssouf Fofana.

Now, it is being reported that Manchester United are leading the race to sign Fofana, with the Red Devils ready to send Monaco an ‘important’ offer.

Sky Sports Italia claims United are ready to send important offer for Fofana

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Italia (via Football Italia), AC Milan may be on the verge of missing out on the signing of Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.

The situation has become increasingly complicated as Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for the French international.

Luca Cilli, a well-known transfer expert, mentioned during a Tuesday afternoon broadcast that Manchester United are preparing to make a substantial bid for Fofana.

This move could significantly impact Milan’s chances of securing the midfielder, as the Premier League club appears ready to meet Monaco’s demands.

Fofana’s potential departure from Monaco was further highlighted by his absence from the bench during the club’s recent friendly match against Barcelona in the Gamper Trophy on Monday night.

Sky Sports Italia confirmed that the midfielder is almost certain to leave Monaco this summer, with Manchester United emerging as the frontrunner in the transfer race.

“Talks with Manchester United are ongoing, and the Red Devils are ready to make an important offer in line with Monaco’s requests,” Cilli stated during the broadcast.

This development has put Milan in a difficult position. “Milan, right now, are way, way behind. Unless there are unexpected surprises, Milan will have to look for alternatives for the midfield.”

While Monaco has not entirely closed the door on negotiations with Milan, Sky Sport Italia reports that the chances of Fofana moving to San Siro are slim.

As per the report, United is expected to outbid the Italian club, with Milan’s most recent offer reportedly close to €20 million, falling short of Monaco’s €25 million valuation.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United are not yet done in this transfer window, now looking to Barcelona to bolster their attack.

Over the last week it was reported that United have renewed their interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong amid difficulties with signing Manuel Ugarte from PSG.

The Dutch midfielder has recently commented on the interest from the Red devils, however has pledged his future at Camp Nou, saying: “Staying at Barca? Yes, I’m very happy in Barcelona with my family, for sure.”

The 27-year-old is expected to be a key part of new manager Hansi Flick’s plans for the coming season.

However, it’s another Barca star that United are now looking into with two weeks left of the transfer season.

Manchester United look at Barcelona winger Raphinha

Reports coming from Spanish publication Sport 45 have claimed that United are now considering a move to ex-Leeds United winger, Raphinha.

The star has proven experience in the Premier League, having played two seasons with Leeds after his €18.6 million move from Stade Rennais.

During his time at Elland Road, Raphinha made 65 Premier League appearances, grabbing 17 goals and 12 assists.

His impressive run of performances ultimately saw Barcelona come knocking, agreeing to a €58 million move to take the winger to Camp Nou.

Since moving to the LaLiga side, the Brazilian has improved on his run of form, grabbing 20 goals and 25 assists in 87 games.

His contributions have been vital to Barca, helping them to lift the LaLiga title and the Supercopa in the 2022/23 season.

It’s understood that United are joining several clubs from Saudi Arabia in considering a move for the 27-year-old, with United looking at offloading current winger and international teammate of Raphinha, Antony.

Unfortunately for United however, it’s been reported that the winger does not want to leave Camp Nou, however the Catalan club are in need of making a sale, looking for offers of around the €60 million mark.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

The future of Scott McTominay at Old Trafford is uncertain at the moment as we enter the final two weeks of the transfer market.

The Scotland international is entering his final year with Manchester United, which marks the club’s final chance at selling the star unless they decide to renew his contract.

Already this summer, sporting director Dan Ashworth and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have highlighted McTominay as a player they’re happy to sell to generate more transfer funds.

Despite being knocked out of Euro 2024 in he group stages with Scotland, the midfielder had a really strong showing, playing all three group matches and grabbing one of Scotland’s two goals in the tournament.

This set of performances came off the back of his career best scoring season, grabbing 10 goals and three assists in 43 games.

With such strong performances, McTominay is one of United’s most sellable assets. However, Erik ten Hag has been impressed by his pre-season showing, which may make the Dutch manager reluctant to part ways with the 27-year-old.

European interest in McTominay

The Athletic have now reported that a whole host of other clubs have also been impressed by his recent performances, with interest coming from across Europe.

Previously we’ve been aware of interest close to home with Fulham and Spurs being keen to sign the midfielder.

It was also reported previously that Everton have an interest in the 27-year-old, with Galatasaray also interested, going so far as agreeing personal terms with McTominay.

Now however, the list has received a bit of a shake up, with some new big hitters entering the fold.

The Athletic have explained that United are looking for bids in the region of £25 million, with several clubs strongly considering the option.

Fulham, Everton and Galatasaray remain in consideration for the the star, however Spurs have pulled away from any pursuit.

In their place, Brentford, Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and Serie A giants Napoli have joined the the other three in looking to the Scotland international for reinforcement.

At this time, Galatasaray is the only club that we’re aware of with McTominay agreeing personal terms, however it’s been reported that McTominay is only interested in a move if it is the right club.

If United do make a sale of the 27-year-old this summer, as a product of the Manchester United academy, his transfer fee will count as pure profit under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, supporting United’s financial situation and transfer budget.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

With the impending incomings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, will this be the end of defensive acquisitions for Manchester United?

It seems so.

With United suffering another defensive injury crisis, many thought that the club might bring in another low cost signing.

Question marks are still hanging over the futures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, so speculation was that another defender may come in for cover.

Recent rumours have surrounded former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso.

Hermoso left Atletico in the summer and is now available on a free.

Reports emerge that the club had initiated contact with Hermoso’s team to discuss a move to Old Trafford.

It now seems that’s dead in the water.

Spanish reporters Eduardo Burgos and Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez have shared a tweet that claims Manchester United have walked away from the deal to sign Mario Hermoso.

There isn’t any details in regards to why or how, just that United have rejected the chance to sign him

Al-Shabab FC from the Saudi Pro League have presented an offer to Hermoso that is similar to what he has requested, but that’s the only offer on the table so far.

Mario Hermoso would like to continue playing in Europe, but it doesn’t seem that he’ll be able to do that with Manchester United.

With de Ligt and Mazraoui seen at airports on their way to Manchester this morning, it seems that they may be the last defenders brought into the club this window.

EXCL con @edu17burgos :
Se cae el fichaje de Hermoso al #ManchesterUnited.
El #AlShabab le ha ha presentado una oferta similar a lo que exige.
Como adelantó ayer mi compañero el deseo del jugador es quedarse en Europa, aunque solo tiene por ahora la oferta de Arabia pic.twitter.com/UUuK6xyxc6

— Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez Ramírez (@ramirezmaximodc) August 12, 2024

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United are on the brink of their next two signings, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui both having arrived in Manchester on their finalisation of deals from Bayern Munich.

The defensive duo have been priority targets for the Red Devils for some time now, with transfer fees now agreed for the pair in separate deals.

United have agreed on a fee of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons for the Dutch centre-back, with the cost to be spread across three years. De Ligt has agreed to a five year contract, however there is a built in the option to extend the contract by an extra 12 months if the club wish to do so.

A move for Mazraoui has also now been agreed, with a fee of  €15 million plus €5 million in add-ons which was heavily reliant on United’s sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham United.

Now Sam C has reported on X that the pair have completed the main part of their medicals, with media duties to be carried out this afternoon.

Matthijs de Ligt praises former Manchester United star

Speaking to Bayern media, de Ligt discussed working alongside great players and how that helps to motivate you.

During this interview, de Ligt made a point of singling out former United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, having played with the Ballon d’Or winner at Juventus.

When speaking about his time with Ronaldo, de Ligt commented: “It was a good experience because I learned a lot not only as a footballer but also as a person,”

He continued: “When you see these champions every day, how they train and take care of their bodies, how they perform … It motivates you immensely.

“I am grateful and happy that I was allowed to play there for three years. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hunger particularly stood out.

“He’s won everything, several Ballon d’Ors, the Champions League five times and every major championship he’s played in.

“But he still has that greed in him, like he’s a 19-year-old who’s just started his career.”

It’s clear that de Ligt has a massive amount of respect for Ronaldo, having won the Serie A title, the Italy Cup and the Supercoppa Italiana together.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese international, he is yet to win a trophy since his move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League following his second stint at Old Trafford.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

Matthijs de Ligt is on the brink of becoming Manchester United’s next major signing with the centre-back having completed his medical assessment earlier today.

The defender is moving to Old Trafford for a fee of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with the cost spread across three years. The Dutch international will be with United for five years with his contract running until 2029, with the Red Devils having the potential of extending by another year.

De Ligt’s move to Manchester United is just the latest club in a run of top tier sides that the 25-year-old has played for.

Coming out of the Ajax youth academy having been elected as the biggest talent of the academy, de Ligt became the youngest ever captain of the Eredivisie side. The move to give him the captain’s armband came from none other than Erik ten Hag, highlighting the belief the manager as in the Dutch defender.

In 2018, de Ligt won the prestigious Golden Boy award given to the top young talent in Europe. The year before this went to a young Kylian Mbappe, with Joao Felix winning in the year after the centre-back.

A year after his incredible award, then 19-year-old moved to Juventus for €85.5 million where he spent three years with the Italian side.

Recently de Ligt has spoken fondly of his time at Juve, having got a lot of motivation by playing and training alongside former Red Devil Cristiano Ronaldo.

Then in 2022, the centre-back made a massive move to Bayern Munich for €67 million, marking the next giant club hat he’s represented.

Across his career so far, the defender has already won; a Bundesliga tile, the Serie A title, the Eredivisie title, the Toto KNVB Beker Cup, the Italy cup, the Supercoppa Italiana and the DFL-Supercup.

However now, a really impressive stat has emerged to get United fans excited.

Statman Dave on X has reported that since he was a teenager, the now 25-year-old has not made a single error leading to an opponent’s shot in league football.

This mind boggling stat at very least covers an incredible 87 games for Juventus and 53 games for Bayern Munich totalling 140 games.

No doubt United fans and ten Hag will be excited around this impressive stat, to hopefully keep his run of form going at Old Trafford.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

With news around players coming in, there’s always bound to be news about players going out.

Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are soon to become official Manchester United players.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is soon set to join West Ham United.

But that’s not likely the end of the transfer activity at Old Trafford.

With the transfer window open until August 30th, there’s still time to get deals done.

There have been numerous reports that United are keen to sell a number of fringe first team players this season.

However, so far they’ve only been able to offload Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek and Alvaro Fernandez.

In the cases of Kambwala and Fernandez, some MUFC fans were keen to see the youngsters stay.

Another youngster who has been linked with a departure from the club is Hannibal Mejbri.

The Tunisian midfielder hasn’t quite made the mark at Old Trafford and didn’t quite make the most of his loan spell at Sevilla.

It seems that a parting of the ways is expected.

Mejbri has been linked with a move to Celtic as well as to France, but so far he’s remained at the club.

That seems to have prompted the player to take the matters into his own hands.

Buzz News Tunisia are reporting that Hannbal Mejbri has handed in a transfer request at Manchester United.

What this means practically is up for debate.

It’s been clear for a while that United want to sell the player.

A fee between €8m-€9m would be enough to make the deal happen.

Maybe there’s some contractual complication that means a formal transfer request will help remove some obstacles to a deal.

Whatever the case, it seems that Mejbri is just as keen on moving on as potential suitors have in bringing him in.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Sky Sports

Jamie Carragher has shared his Premier League top-six prediction, suggesting that Manchester City will secure a fifth consecutive title while Chelsea is set to miss out on European football entirely.

As the 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off this Friday, Manchester United will be the first to take the field, hosting Fulham at Old Trafford.

After enduring what has been deemed the worst season in their Premier League history—finishing 8th last term—United will be looking to bounce back strongly.

There is widespread optimism that United will significantly improve this season, thanks to a complete overhaul of the club’s internal operations.

INEOS, the new co-owners, have appointed an entirely new management team, all highly regarded within the industry and boasting proven records of success.

Changes have also been extensive within the coaching staff.

Former club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined the coaching team, alongside Rene Hake, as well as new set-piece and goalkeeping coaches.

These strategic additions, coupled with the signings United have made so far, signal what could be a promising season ahead.

Given these developments, it’s no surprise that even a known United critic and Liverpool fan like Jamie Carragher has forecasted a positive finish for the club this season.

Jamie Carragher’s top six prediction

Carragher remains firm in his belief that Manchester City will continue their dominance over the Premier League, predicting that Arsenal will once again finish as runners-up, marking their third consecutive second-place finish.

The former England defender also sees his old club Liverpool finishing third, while backing Tottenham Hotspur to return to the Champions League by securing fourth place.

Carragher has predicted Manchester United to finish fifth, followed by Aston Villa in sixth.

However, he is not as hopeful about Chelsea’s prospects under their new manager, Enzo Maresca, implying that the Blues could struggle to secure European football.

What do you think of Carragher’s predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getty Images

Manchester United are once more making waves in the this summer’s transfer window. The Red Devils are in the process of completing the signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich to join defender Leny Yoro and forward Joshua Zirkzee as new signings this summer.

It’s also emerged that Erik ten Hag’s side are submitting a new offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

The club previously submitted a number of bids for the centre-back, ranging from £35 million to £50 million, however all were rejected. Everton have been holding out for a bid of at least £60 million which United are now set to match.

Branthwaite already agreed personal terms with United to be earning between £150,000 and £160,000 per week at Old Trafford, which is understood to still be on the table.

However, Branthwaite isn’t the only Evertonian that United are interested in.

Manchester United consider Everton forward – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Sky Sports have recently reported that United have been considering signing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.

With Rasmus Hojlund out until late September through injury, Zirkzee is now the only senior striker at Old Trafford. Previously ten Hag has commented he can rely on Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to cover this position.

However, this isn’t ideal, so the Red Devils have considered Calvert-Lewin as an option to take the pressure off of Zirkzee.

The English striker has proven Premier League experience, grabbing 54 goals and 14 assists in 213 games for Everton, across eight seasons.

Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, he has missed considerable time over recent years due to injury with hamstring issues, a broken tow and a knee injury. Given that United are looking for options to cover existing injuries, Calvert-Lewin’s track in this aspect may be a bit of a worry for United fans.

It was reported earlier in the summer that Everton were looking for £30 million for the striker, with Newcastle stepping away from the star.

The report from Sky Sports commented that at this time, it’s unexpected that United will in fact be signing another striker unless more sales from the club are made. However if enough of their listed stars such as Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony do leave the club, we could see a bid for the 27-year-old forward.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.

Image Credits: Getyy Images

At the start of the summer, Manchester United highlighted Jarrad Branthwaite as their top centre-back target.

Unfortunately, with them unable to agree terms with Everton, the Red Devils backed away from the deal, signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead.

United had negotiated with the Branthwaite, agreeing personal terms for the 21-year-old to earn between £150,000 and £160,000 per week at Old Trafford.

With personal terms agreed, all that was left was for an agreed transfer fee between the two Premier League clubs. United were refusing to go beyond the £35 million mark earlier this summer, attempting a second bid of £50 million, both being rejected, with the Toffees holding out for between £60 million and £70 million.

Ultimately, an agreement could not be met, resulting in the signing of Yoro from LOSC Lille and de Ligt from Bayern Munich.

However, news is emerging that the Red Devils are now renewing their interest in the English centre-back to add to their back line.

United renew interest in Jarrad Branthwaite

In a surprising twist this summer, United are now renewing their interest in Branthwaite, opening talks once more with Everton.

Football Insider have reported that the Red Devils are submitting a new bid this week for the defender, valuing at £60 million.

With this now matching the asking price that Everton have been holding out for, United are confident that this most recent bid will finally be accepted.

This new play for Branthwaite is most likely on the back of Yoro’s devastating foot injury which is ruling him out until January.

It’s also understood that Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire are both free to leave this summer as they enter the final year of their contracts.

Already Lindelöf has attracted a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia, Italy and Turkey, however no formal bids have been submitted as of yet.

Want to get the latest Manchester United news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.