Tag: Football

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Manchester United’s priority transfer target, Matthijs de Ligt, is now being looked into by the police following a hit-and-run incident on Wednesday.

Earlier this morning it was confirmed that a deal had finally been agreed between United and Bayern Munich for the transfer of de Ligt.

The centre-back has been on United’s shortlist as a key target for some time now, with the Dutchman already having agreed personal terms to join the club.

De Ligt and manager Erik ten Hag have both been keen for the move to build on their winning ways back at Ajax.

The Athletic reported that a deal worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons has been agreed to bring the Dutch defender to Old Trafford for five years, with an extra year available for United to extent by.

However, news out of Germany is emerging regarding some hot water de Ligt has found himself in.

Matthijs de Ligt at the centre of hit-and-run investigation

Reports from German publication Bild have described the incident which occurred on Wednesday morning.

The report explains that allegations have been made against de Ligt, claiming he rammed a parked car close to Bayern Munich’s training grounds, Säbener Straße, at 10am on Wednesday morning.

The witness called the police when they saw the incident, however it’s unclear as to whether de Ligt was explicitly seen at the scene of the incident.

Whilst the report is sparse, with the Munich police refusing to comment for data protection reasons, the police were made aware that the defender was driving an Audi Q8 E-tron to training.

At this time the allegations don’t appear to have affected the 24-year-old’s move to Old Trafford, with the Premier League side progressing a deal for the star this morning. It’s going to be interesting to see how this develops, with Bayern, de Ligt nor United commenting on the situation. However, Munich police are still conducting their investigation into the damages.

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In the search to find options to strengthen the midfield this summer, Manchester United have scoured Europe for a suitable fit.

The Red Devils have been highly focused on Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain throughout the summer.

The Uruguayan has agreed personal terms with United, however there is still a gap between Dan Ashworth’s valuation of Ugarte and the asking price from PSG. As a result, the deal is currently sat in limbo until an agreed fee can be found.

United have also been looking to recently relegated Burnley’s Sander Berge as a back up to Ugarte. Berge has already agreed terms with United, being very keen to move to Old Trafford this summer.

The Red Devils are also monitoring AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, with talks between the Ligue 1 side and front runners AC Milan stalling. With the delay in a deal being agreed, United have re-entered the race for Fofana, holding discussions with Monaco about a deal.

However, it’s one of United’s other long-term targets which has now received a boost in their pursuit of him.

United receive boost for Adrien Rabiot from Newcastle United

Adrien Rabiot has been on the cards for United for some time now, with the experienced midfielder having had and impressive career so far, playing for PSG and Juventus.

Rabiot is now however a free agent, after having left Juve this summer when his contract ended. The Old Lady were keen to renew his contract, however the France international rejected this amid interest from United.

As a free agent, Rabiot would prove to be a cheap option to bolster the midfield this summer, without the issues of having to negotiate with another club.

Now, reports from Football Insider claim that Newcastle United have pulled out of the transfer race for the midfielder.

Which is a significant boost for United, who’re still in the hunt to sign a midfielder before the end of the window.

It’s also reported that Liverpool are still keeping their eye on the star, despite him having already rejected a contract from them.

There has also been key interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, however we know that Rabiot is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Last month, Fabrizio Romano reported: “For sure, the dream of Adrien Rabiot is Premier League football, so that remains a possibility – to wait for a Premier League opportunity. Otherwise, he has many offers, many opportunities on the table,”

Whether United will capitalise on Newcastle pulling out of the deal is unknown as of yet, but the transfer market surrounding The Red Devils is certainly heating up.

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It’s been some time now since Manchester United have made any waves in the transfer market, however all that may be about to change with the sale of Victor Lindelof.

The last official transfer move completed at Old Trafford was three weeks ago with the sale of Mason Greenwood to Marseille. The winger joined the Ligue 1 side for £26.7 million marking the first sale of the summer.

Since then there have been numerous conversations around the club agreeing personal terms with priority transfer targets in both defence and midfield. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, thanks to the massive signings of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro for a total of close to £90 million.

Now, United are on the brink of two more outgoing deals which have kickstart their signings once more.

Interest in Victor Lindelof

Early this summer, Victor Lindelof was listed as one of the players that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth were prioritising selling this summer.

The defender is now going into his final year of contract, explaining the pair’s decision to prioritise his sale. This is the last transfer window United could earn a fee from his sale, generating much needed transfer funds for the club. Also, with Ratcliffe’s rebuild project underway, it’s unlikely his contract would be extended, instead making room for a new class of defenders.

It was reported previously that Fenerbahce have been monitoring his situation, wanting to sign the Sweden international this summer.

However, CaughtOffside are now reporting that a number of Saudi and Italian clubs are joining the race for his services.

It’s understood that United have put out an asking price of between £6 million and £9 million. This low valuation makes the 30-year-old extremely accessible for most clubs, but also brings in enough funds to begin a domino effect elsewhere.

United’s domino effect from the Lindelof sale

As soon as a sale of Lindelof goes through, United will be able to advance their dual purchase of both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.

Both players have agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, so the final step is confirming a transfer fee between the clubs.

With the remaining transfer budget and the income from selling Lindelof, United should be able to get this deal across the line, bringing both defender to Old Trafford.

As well as this knock-on effect, we also have a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka potentially close to completion with West Ham United  in the front seat to sign the right-back.

It was reported that The Hammers are pulling away from the deal thanks to Wan-Bissaka’s extreme sign on bonus demands. The right-back has requested £7 million, either from United out of the £18 million they are set to receive, or from West Ham on top of the transfer fee.

Naturally both clubs are reluctant to agree to this, however it’s understood that negotiations are still ongoing to see if an agreement can be reached.

If this deal manages to get across the line, the £18 million will be able to contribute to the £30 million that Burnley are asking for for midfielder Sander Berge who is extremely keen to join United.

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After weeks of negotiations, Manchester United are now being reported as on the brink of completing their next two high profile signings with deals agreed with Bayern Munich. The Athletic have now reported the details of two agreed deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Their need to sign more defenders this summer is well known, especially following the injury to new signing Leny Yoro, ruling him out until New year.

Yesterday, sports journalist Fabrizio Romano commented that United will have a busy few days with the need to sign a centre-back, a left-back, a right-back and a midfielder.

Well, his predictions have come off spectacularly. Less than 24 hours later and we have news of United having deals agreed for two of their major priority targets.

Deals with Bayern Munich are finally agreed

David Ornstein of The Athletic has confirmed that deals have been reach between Bayern Munich and Manchester United over both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

The Dutch centre-back is set to join United for €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons on a five year contract, pending a medical assessment. United have also built in the option to extend de Ligt’s contract by a year if they wish to do so.

Manchester Evening News have reported that the cost of this transfer fee has been negotiated to be spread across three years, lessening the blow for United right now.

This transfer will be music to Erik ten Hag’s ears, giving him a young, extremely capable defender who he has proven experience with back in his days of managing Ajax.

Bayern Munich have also accepted a bid of €15 million plus €5 million in add-ons for Noussair Mazraoui, seeing the pair on their way to Old Trafford.

Whilst previously a join bid was made by United for both defenders, it’s now understood that these deals stand separate to each other.

However, the signing of Mazraoui all rests on the £15 million deal that United have agreed with West Ham to sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka to The Hammers with his medical booked in for Monday 12th August at latest.

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Only yesterday Fabrizio Romano said it would be a busy few days for Manchester United and now he’s shown himself to be right with another famous “here we go”. He recently commented that a lot for United was hinging on the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, which may now open the gates for more transfers for the Red Devils.

In a video on his YouTube channel yesterday, Romano commented that United are looking for defenders across centre-back and both left and right-backs, as well as a midfielder.

He commented that Bayern Munich’s duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui were both still very much a priority for the Red Devils, just awaiting a sale to be agreed for right-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Now, Romano has now confirmed that the United defender is all set to join West Ham United, with a verbal agreement now in place.

Wan-Bissaka to West Ham United

The 26-year-old is all set to travel to London on Sunday 11th August to complete his medical assessment ready to sign for the Hammers.

It’s understood the fee is valuing at £15 million, slightly less than the previously known £18 million.

We’re not sure at this time the situation around Wan-Bissaka’s previous sign on demands, with his representatives requesting £7 million from United for leaving the club.

This agreement to sell Wan-Bissaka allows for United to confirm their signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich which has been announced this morning.

It’s been reported that an offer of €15 million with €5 million in add-ons has been accepted by the Bundesliga club.

Ultimately though, the deal was resting on the sale of Wan-Bissaka. With this now going through, we’re expecting to see Mazraoui fly to Manchester for his medical at the start of next week.

With this in mind, we may have yet another United focused “here  go” over the coming days.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for right back to join #WHUFC from Man United as planned.

Understand medical tests already booked on Sunday for AWB!

Fee will be £15m. Man United authorized AWB to travel… Mazraoui, joining soon. pic.twitter.com/3tkpbPHBHm

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2024

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Today sees Manchester United and Manchester City go to war for the Community Shield.

Already we know that a number of United stars are unavailable for the game thanks to injuries picked up on the pre-season tour of the States.

The big set backs are with new signing Leny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund who have both been ruled out until January and September respectively.

It’s also understood that Harry Maguire is still doubtful for the game, with Joshua Zirkzee set to make his debut, although this is expected to come off of the bench.

For Manchester City, we know they’re missing out on five of their stars who have been on international duty this summer.

Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden were all in the Euro 2024 final this summer, with Julian Alvarez competing at the Copa America and Paris Olympics for Argentina. All five are yet to return to training, enjoying a well deserved break so will not be featuring for Pep Guardiola’s squad.

However, it’s now come out that the Premier League champions will be missing another star.

Pep Guardiola set to lose another player from Community Shield fixture

This morning, The Sun have reported that winger Jack Grealish is set to miss that game having suffered a late injury in training.

The 28-year-old has featured in all of City’s pre-season games, including fixtures against Chelsea, Barcelona, AC Milan and Celtic.

Following his injuries last season, Grealish was hoping to feature in the Community Shield fixture to get him back on track of finding his form.

Pep Guardiola commented on the star’s form in the pre-season tour of the States, saying: “What I’ve seen so far here, one week in the pre-season on tour, I loved it,”

He continued: “I don’t care how he performs, it’s every session his commitment and his trying, against Barcelona he made five or six shots, he was aggressive with the ball, that’s all, after that his quality will do the rest.

“I know he’ll be a father soon and we’re so happy for that. All I ask of the players is that – you like to play football, yes, so play.

“Hopefully he can sustain it until the end of the season and like the rest compete with everyone for one place in the starting XI, that depends on him.

“What I see in behaviours, in training and how you’re performing, as well as you do the more chance you have.”

Whilst it was predicted that Grealish would be starting the game, his slot may well be handed to likes of Jeremy Doku.

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The two Manchester clubs are set to return to Wembley for the first time since their FA Cup final clash, which marked the last competitive fixture for both sides. On that occasion, it was Manchester United who lifted the trophy, securing an upset victory to cap off their season on a high note.

Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, have seen this fixture elude them in recent years, with the title winners suffering defeats in the last three editions.

Leicester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have all managed to get the better of City, and Guardiola will be eager to break that streak by winning the contest for a third time.

However, the Catalan manager faces a challenge as several key players will be absent.

Man City Team News

The most significant absentee is Rodri, who, fresh off his Euro 2024 triumph, has been granted an extended break and is not yet back in pre-season training.

The Spanish midfielder is joined by England internationals John Stones, Phil Foden, and Kyle Walker, who are also unavailable for selection.

Despite these absences, Erling Haaland is expected to feature, although he has been dealing with minor injury concerns.

If fit, the Norwegian striker will likely lead the line, supported by the creative talents of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.

Man United Team News

On the other side, Manchester United are dealing with injury concerns of their own.

New signing Leny Yoro will be a notable absentee, as the defender is sidelined for several months.

However, the inclusion of Lisandro Martinez will be a significant boost for the Red Devils.

Despite being included in the squad, Harry Maguire remains a doubt, with Erik ten Hag labeling him “a question mark.”

In the attacking department, United also face some challenges. Erik ten Hag will need to find makeshift solutions, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo likely to spearhead the attack.

Sancho has worked his way back into the manager’s plans, although he continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Rashford will be keen to rediscover his best form ahead of the new season.

United have also received a significant boost in the midfield department, as skipper Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo have returned to training.

Although they haven’t featured in any preseason action, it’s certain they will be eager to go, having played a lot of football in July during the Euros.

Joshua Zirkzee, another summer signing, could make his debut at Wembley.

However, the Dutch forward is expected to start on the bench and may feature later in the game. Despite the doubts surrounding his team, Ten Hag could potentially secure his third trophy with United if they manage to get the job done.

Predicted Line-Ups:

Manchester City: Ortega; Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; De Bruyne, Kovacic; Bobb, McAtee, Grealish; Haaland.

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Amass; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford.

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The question around who Manchester United will bring in as central defensive cover is still not answered.

With new reports coming out that Leny Yoro is out for even longer than originally expected, the pressure is on.

Add to that the number of defensive casualties at the club right now and it’s not an ideal scenario.

Matthijs de Ligt has been the name most linked with a move to Old Trafford.

However, that move seems to have stalled.

Jean-Clair Todibo is set to move to West Ham United.

So it seems that Jonny Evans is going to be starting in central defence at the beginning of the season for United.

That’s not something MUFC fans were expecting when the summer window opened.

One name who has also been linked with United is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Prior to Leny Yoro completing his move to Manchester, Branthwaite was the name most linked to United.

Everton even signed a defender that many saw as a replacement for the Branthwaite.

But so far, Jarrad Branthwaite has remained at Goodison Park.

That may change soon.

The Sun report that Manchester United are set to launch a fresh transfer bid for Jarrad Branthwaite.

Having been knocked back in the past, it will be interesting to see what offer United put on the table for Everton to consider this time around.

A fee of £70m was reported as to the valuation that The Toffes have for the Englishman.

Will United be able to close the gap and offer a fee that Everton accept? Time will tell.

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Manchester United are still in the market for a left-back, having seen both of their senior squad options of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out for a considerable stretch of last season. Now, reports from Turkey have claimed that United are making moves for Ferdi Kadioglu.

The Red Devils have had Kadioglu in their sights since the start of the summer after their disastrous situation with Shaw and Malacia last season.

The Fenerbahce star has had a great run with the club last season, coming second in th eSuper Lig, and making it through to the Quarter-Finals of both the Turkiye Kupasi and the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The 24-year-old old has also shown great versatility being able to play as a right-back as well, being called on in nine games across all tournaments, making up some of his 51 appearances last season.

United have previously made an offer for Kadioglu, valuing at €25 million, however the Turkish side are wanting €35 million for their defender.

Now, reports from Turkey have provided an update on United’s pursuit of the Turkish star.

Man United meet Ferdi Kadioglu camp

Yagiz Sabuncuoglu of Sports Digitale has reported that United have recently met with Ferdi Kadioglu and his representatives to discuss terms for a potential move.

United reportedly asked the player’s representatives about the contract terms he would demand from them in case of an agreement with Fenerbahçe.

Reports coming out of Turkey earlier this week stated that the Red Devils have ‘started to seriously take an interest in’ the 24-year-old full-back.

However, there is no agreement with Fenerbahce yet but if they do accept a bid, it is reported the Turkish international wants to continue his career in the Premier League and is open to offers from England.

Kadioglu impressed at this summer’s European Championship with Turkey after a stellar campaign for Super Lig giants Fenerbahce.

He has been strongly linked with a host of European clubs in recent months, with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund also interested in the player.

It is understood that Ferdi Kadioglu is reportedly valued at £29.9m in the summer transfer window.

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The new League One season kicked off tonight.

Barnsley were at home Mansfield Town at Oakwell before the full first round of fixtures start from tomorrow.

Despite the season having gotten started, clubs are still putting their squads together.

Whether they’re trying to get promoted or avoiding relegation, League One sides are looking to ensure they have the right players to help them achieve that goal.

With global phenomenons Wrexham playing in League One this season, eyeballs around the world are going to be on the league.

Fans might even be able to bump into Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at matches too.

On the pitch, clubs are going to want to perform as well as they possibly can.

Despite being the first team to play this season, Barnsley look like they’re still looking to bring new faces in.

And goalkeeper is a position that they’re looking at a number of options for.

One of those options is a Manchester United ‘keeper.

Reporter Alan Nixon has shared a post on Patreon suggesting that Barnsley are interested in both Manchester United’s Radek Vitek and Chelsea’s Gabriel Slonina.

New manager Darrell Clarke is said to be a fan of both players and the club have identified them as potential options.

Radek Vitek spent last season on loan in League Two at Accrington Stanley.

The 20-year-old Czech goalie was there to get some first team experience.

Nixon states that The Tykes have been looking at the player for a while now, but Chelsea’s Slonina is a leading candidate for the club now.

Vitek made 18 appearances for Accrington last season and will want to build on that at a higher level.

A move to Barnsley could be ideal for him.

With Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton ahead of him in the pecking order, United have been looking to get Vitek out on loan.

It might be a case of watch this space to see if he makes the move to Oakwell or elsewhere this summer.

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