Tag: Football

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The Football Association (FA) has announced that referee John Brooks will no longer officiate the Community Shield match between Manchester United and Manchester City this weekend.

Brooks, 34, sustained a minor injury in the lead-up to the clash and is unable to referee the fixture. Premier League match official Jarred Gillett will replace him.

Initially, Jarred Gillett was set to be the fourth official at Wembley this weekend but has now been promoted to referee the match. Sam Barrott will take over Gillett’s original role on the touchline.

For both Manchester United and Manchester City, this fixture marks the start of their seasons, with the first silverware of the campaign up for grabs.

The Community Shield traditionally features the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup holders.

Manchester City secured the Premier League title for a record fourth consecutive year, fending off a challenge from Arsenal on the final day of the season.

If City had defeated United at Wembley a week later, they would have faced Arsenal in the Community Shield, as Arsenal finished runners-up in the Premier League.

However, goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo helped Manchester United secure a 2-1 victory at Wembley Stadium.

While the result of this weekend’s match will not jeopardize the positions of either manager, it provides both sets of fans with the opportunity to see their teams in competitive action for the first time in the 2024/25 campaign.

There have been no further changes to the rest of the officiating team. Adrian Holmes and Nick Greenhalgh are named as assistants.

At Stockley Park, Peter Bankes will serve as the video assistant referee, supported by Sian Massey-Ellis and Tim Robinson.

The Community Shield serves as a traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season, giving fans a taste of competitive action before the Premier League kicks off.

Both teams will be eager to make a strong start and claim the first trophy of the new season, setting the tone for the battles to come.

Manchester United and Manchester City fans alike will be keen to see how their teams perform in this early test.

With new signings potentially featuring and tactical plans being unveiled, the match promises to be an intriguing spectacle. As always, the officiating team will play a crucial role in ensuring the game is conducted fairly and smoothly.

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Manchester United have recently seen the return of one of their most promising academy stars, taking on the Red Devils in a pre-season friendly.

The United Under-21s squad had a fixture set up against the Professional Footballers’ Association. The PFA are a squad made up of free agents who have no club to train with, as a way of maintaining fitness.

A squad of 18 free agents took on the United Under-21s, including one former United star who once showed an incredible potential.

Ravel Morrison returns to face United

United academy graduate Ravel Morrison was the most high-profile name on the PFA’s team sheet, having clocked up experience in the Premier League and Championship amongst other leagues.

Morrison was a major talent in the United academy, with the club regarding him as one of their most promising youngsters.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand commented on the praise that Sir Alex Ferguson gave Morrision, saying: “I was at the club when he was there. Probably the most gifted, the most naturally gifted young kid I’ve ever seen.”

He continued: “Sir Alex Ferguson, I remember he called me and Wazza (Rooney) over one day and said ‘look at this kid, he’s better than you Rooney when you were a kid, he’s better than you Rio, better than Ryan Giggs when you were kids. This is the best kid you will ever see’.”

Unfortunately when he was promoted to the senior team, his career never quite reached the heights that were expected of him.

The midfielder only made three appearances for the Red Devils before being bought by West Ham United in 2012 for approximately £650,000.

At West Ham, Morrison made 24 appearances, grabbing five goals and two assists, however most of his time was spent out on loan. Unfortunately even on his loan spells at Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff, Morrison still struggled for game time.

Upon his return from Cardiff, the midfielder found himself without a club for six months until Lazio picked him up in July 2015.

The star’s time in Serie A was much like his previous experiences though, only playing eight games for the club before he was found back out on loan to QPR and then Mexican side Atlas before joining Swedish side Ostersund on a free transfer in February 2019.

July 2019 saw the midfielder arrive at Sheffield United when he again went on loan, this time to Middlesbrough.

On returning to The Blades, Morrison found himself in a run of free transfers from ADO Den Haag to Derby to D.C. United.

Now, after leaving D.C. United in January this year, the free agent is back to face his former club.

A PFA pre-season squad of 18 will take on Manchester United’s U21s tomorrow afternoon. pic.twitter.com/4PTmsO9DfT

— Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) August 6, 2024

from the first 45 as a PFA pre-season squad take on #MUFC’s U21s. pic.twitter.com/wMu9RbY9kk

— Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) August 7, 2024

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Manchester United, having secured a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup last season, have been proactive in strengthening their squad during the summer transfer window.

Under the leadership of manager Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils swiftly enhanced their attacking options by signing Joshua Zirkzee from Serie A side Bologna in a deal worth £36.5 million.

Additionally, teenage defender Leny Yoro has joined Manchester United after completing a transfer worth up to £58.9 million from Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth, along with other key figures behind the scenes, is keen on securing further reinforcements ahead of the August 30 deadline.

United are now focusing on sealing deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. However, they are also actively seeking a defensive midfielder in the market.

Initially, United’s priority target for this position was Manuel Ugarte, but they have had to move on from him due to PSG’s firm stance on their £51 million demands.

The Red Devils had hoped that PSG, having recently secured Joao Neves from Benfica for up to £60 million, might be open to accepting a lower fee for Ugarte.

However, PSG are not in a hurry to sell the Uruguayan, especially with Bayern Munich also showing interest and multiple other suitors inquiring about his availability.

United have seen two verbal offers for Ugarte rejected, with the highest bid being around £30 million.

Despite the deal not being entirely off the table, United do not wish to waste more time on it with only three and a half weeks left in the transfer window.

They have thus shifted their focus to other targets, including Youssouf Fofana, Sander Berge, Manu Kone, Martin Zubimendi, Ben Sheaf and Adrien Rabiot.

United considering moving for Brazilian midfielder

According to a new report from GiveMeSport, United are now “considering” a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The Brazilian has long been on United’s radar, but no concrete moves were made until recently.

The report indicates that manager Erik ten Hag is now mulling over the prospect of bringing Ederson to Old Trafford after an initial approach was made to his camp in March, with continued interest in him as a potential recruit.

Ederson, a two-cap Brazil international, has been linked with a £38 million move away from Atalanta.

His impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus. Liverpool scouts were reportedly taken aback by his displays.

Last season, Ederson made 53 appearances for Atalanta, contributing to their Europa League victory and scoring seven goals.

His consistent performances and versatility in midfield make him an appealing target for Manchester United as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

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Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe has purchased 27.7% of Manchester United, he has made some massive changes both on and off the pitch.

A whole new series of football directors have been hired, with Jason Wilcox, Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Christopher Vivell joining the club.

The coaching staff have also been overhauled with Rene Hake, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Andreas Georgson joining the team.

In this time, United also had some bad news for the staff of the club as they announced a series of redundancies being made, hitting 250 people.

This has included trimming down of staff and some members of staff being told they would no longer be going on the USA pre-season tour and are at risk.

Man Utd analyst opens up on the sacking

Now, Steve Brown, a Manchester United performance analyst who was made redundant, has fired a parting shot at the club.

After 23 years of dedicated service, Steve Brown has been relieved of his duties by Manchester United as INEOS implements extensive cost-cutting measures.

Brown, who worked as a performance analyst at Old Trafford specialising in academy loans, issued a strong statement urging the new ownership not to “lose the soul of the club.”

United’s sweeping cuts have resulted in the removal of 250 jobs across the board. At the age of 52, Brown is now seeking employment at a new club.

What Steve Brown said on the redundancy

In a LinkedIn post, Brown wrote: “So after 23 years of loyal service, my time has come to leave Manchester United, not by choice but via a redundancy program.

“Not the way I had dreamed, but these things are sent to test us.

“I have enjoyed some of the most fantastic times, met absolute legends of the game, and been part (only a small part) of some legendary moments.

“Not sure what doors will open or what path to take at 52, but I will keep knocking on doors.

“I would like to think that my skill set is suitable for recruitment and would love to follow that route. Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated.

“I wish Manchester United all the best for the future. It has changed so much in 23 years, some good, some not so.

“Don’t lose the soul of the club to save a few quid. The people who were there made it such a special place, rich with history. Onward to the next chapter.”

The primary goal behind these layoffs was to cut down on the massive expenditure and overstaffing at United, allowing the club to comply with PSR rules more easily.

It is reported that United can save up to £10 million annually from these redundancies, which can be reinvested in the club for renovations, transfers, or other necessary areas.

On the pitch, United are gearing up for this weekend’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City, followed by their Premier League opener against Fulham next Friday.

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Manchester United have had a poor run this preseason with injuries.

On their pre-season USA tour, the Red Devils saw Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelöf, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Will Fish all sustain injuries.

Whilst Yoro is ruled out until late October and Hojlund until late September, little is known about the extent of the other injuries.

Antony return to the pitch in his next game, so presumably his knock was thankfully minor, however we’re still waiting on news of the others.

For one star in particular however, he picked up a freak injury ruling him out for the entire pre-season.

Dan Gore misses pre-season

At the start of the summer, United youngster Dan Gore picked up a freak injury during a personal training session.

The 19-year-old managed to dislocate his shoulder and required surgery to fix.

Although the midfielder has been undergoing rehabilitation, he wasn’t expected to return until the start of the 2024/25 season, which still looks to be the case.

Unfortunately for Gore, this could have a massive impact on the player’s development.

With the transfer window shutting on 30th August, only three weeks away, the chance of Gore getting a loan deal is extremely slim.

The 19-year-old would be looking for a loan spell to get more experience of first team football to help develop his career even further.

Unfortunately for the midfielder, this looks more and more unlikely with him yet to return to Carrington to work on his fitness. Without the use of the preseason to improve fitness levels, the player wont be in a great shape to get stuck into the season.

Unfortunately this is especially the case with Gore who missed the last six months of the 2023/24 season where he went on loan to Port Vale, only making one appearance before being ruled out through injury.

It’s understood that United will be looking at Gore and his long term development, however he may now have to wait until the January window opens to get a loan deal.

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Manchester United’s transfer season started strong thanks to two great signings in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, however has now begun to stall. With their new defender now injured until late October and Rasmus Hojlund also out, unfortunately the Red Devils are looking likely to need even more players to sign by deadline day.

United are now having to look back at their shortlists or to see who can cover in the meantime.

It’s already understood that Erik ten Hag is looking to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes to help cover Hojlund’s injury absence.

However, covering the defensive role may prove to be more difficult. In their pre-season tour game against Liverpool, United suffered even more injuries with Victor Lindelof, Will Fish and Aaron Wan-Bissaka all being taken off.

United already have had a lot of setbacks in their search for defenders, refusing to pay the massive sums some clubs are asking for.

Currently a deal for Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich is being stalled around the transfer fee with United also now looking at de Ligt’s teammate Noussair Mazraoui in a double bid.

United previously looked to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo as as two of their top three key defensive targets at the start of the summer.

Some other key targets included Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio.

The Red Devils may be now looking back at some of these centre-backs in the wake of their defensive injuries.

However, recent reports have claimed that one of their main targets will not be turned to in their time of need.

Manchester United previously rejected by star defender

It’s come to light recently that the third member of United’s priority defensive transfers at the start of the summer is a no go right now.

Juventus’ Gleison Bremer has recently been reported by HITC as having been approached by both Manchester United and Liverpool.

The report confirmed that Bremer’s representatives met with the two clubs however rejected both of the Premier League sides.

The 27-year-old has now signed on to five more years at The Old Lady, seeing him remain with Juve until 2029.

Speaking to Italian publication, Gazetta, Bremer said “I have rejected other clubs because I’m already at a big club like Juventus and decided to stay here for a long time.

“Thiago Motta convinced me. He is ambitious, together we will do great things. I really believe in the new Juventus project.”

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Manchester United have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt thanks to the ever changing transfer market.

United’s desire to sign de Ligt has been longstanding, with a strong relationship already there between the defender and United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.

The pair worked together at Ajax and so ten Hag knows he can rely on the centre-back to hold his back line well.

The pair have been in regular contact, with de Ligt agreeing to personal terms with United, leaving the final piece of the puzzle to be sorted out between the two clubs.

Unfortunately Bayern appear to be resilient in their position on the asking price for de Ligt, with United not wanting to part ways with the €50 million that Bayern want.

The Red Devils submitted a €35 million bid for the 24-year-old which was ultimately rejected.

Now though, Bayern’s recent actions have given a massive boost to United’s fight to sign the centre-back.

Bayern Munich sign new centre-back promoting United’s deal for de Ligt

Reports from Kicker have announced that Bayern have recently approached another Bundesliga giant, signing a massive centre-back this summer.

Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen have been in negotiations for Jonathan Tah and have now agree to the €25 million fee and €5 million in add-ons that Leverkusen want for the defender.

The report explains that once de Ligt moves to Manchester United, Tah will be able to join Bayern.

Tah has had an incredible season as part of Xabi Alonso’s undefeated Bundesliga side, winning the German League and the DFB-Pokal. Their only loss all season came at the hands of Atalanta in the Europa League final, a campaign which saw Tah wearing the captain’s armband in the European tournament. The Centre back was a vital memebr of the squad, making 48 appearances and even grabbing six goals and an assist to help the squad.

Interestingly, United briefly considered Tah as an alternative to de Ligt, but this report appears to be saying that the de Ligt transfer is as good as done and will be happening this summer.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not exactly a shy guy.

The Sweden striker is known almost as much for his opinions as he is for his footballing ability.

But one thing is for sure – his footballing ability was second to none.

When Zlatan joined Manchester United on a free transfer in 2016, it was seen as quite the coup for the club.

This was despite the striker being the ripe age of 35 at the time of the signing.

That’s because he had just finished a season with Paris Saint-Germain where he had scored 50 goals in 51 appearances.

And the striker took Old Trafford by storm in his first season.

Despite the likes of Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly also joining in that transfer window, it was Zlatan who proved to be the most successful.

Reuniting with his former boss, Jose Mourinho, Zlatan scored 28 goals in all competitions including two in the 2017 League Cup Final victory against Southampton.

United fans, who love a great goalscorer, finally had another elite striker back at the club.

And now Zlatan has opened up on his time in Manchester.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Manchester United

Speaking to The Athletic, Zlatan discussed what he set out to do when he joined the Red Devils.

“They [Manchester United] were different from what I was used to,” said Zlatan.

“You’re just a number there, I felt.

“Then, in my mindset, I want to make my own history.

“I was not interested in what happened before, with all respect. Yes, that brings pressure to live up to what they were used to.

“But I was not interested in listening to the Class of ’92.

“That doesn’t help me because it’s not my team and I wanted to do my own history.

“I wanted people to say, ‘You won and United won this together.’ I was 35. I came to England.

“People said I’m too old, I should retire, blah blah blah.

“But this triggers me. This — I will prove you wrong.”

The former United striker definitely did prove his critics wrong.

It will always be a question of what would have happened if Zlatan didn’t get injured towards the end of his first season at the club.

The second season for Zlatan didn’t go as well as the first and the parties decided to part ways. It always felt that he hadn’t fully recovered from the brutal injury he had suffered.

But what about the man who brought him to the club?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have always had a close relationship.

And Zlatan discussed that in the interview also.

“Jose was a machine.

“He brings the best out of you.

“He’s that person — manipulative.

“He knows how to get in your head. He knows how to treat you, independent of your level.

“He reminded me of Capello. But a newer version.

“Discipline. Hardcore. Intense. Not the soft types. This is what I like.

“Remember where I came from? My family is tough.”

It seems that the Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Jose Mourinho partnership was meant to be. They brought out the best in each other and it’s clear the respect that Zlatan still holds for Mourinho.

Manchester United fans will be hoping their current strikers can replicate the impact and output that Zlatan had at Old Trafford.

If any of them can become half the player that Zlatan was, then they’ll have a heck of a career.

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The Saudi Arabia clubs have been heavily linked to Manchester United this summer, with several clubs looking for reinforcements.

Firstly there was interest in forgotten Red Devil Donny van de Beek. Reports claimed that Al-Ahli and Al-Ettifaq were both looking to the Dutchman to bolster their midfield, however unfortunately nothing materialised. The 27-year-old has finally left United permanently after several loan spells away from the club, now settling at Girona.

Next came a potential big money move which may still be possible before the summer is out. Saudi giants Al-Nassr were leading the race for Casemiro, being ready to offer between €90 million and €100 million for the Brazilian. The news came alongside reports that Cristiano Ronaldo was trying to call in a favour with his two time teammate in order to try and win some silver wear this coming season.

However Casemiro wasn’t the only United star that Al-Nassr have been interested in. Turning to another one of Ronaldo’s ex-teammates and international colleague, Al-Nassr began pursuing Bruno Fernandes. The Saudi club reportedly had a bid of €150 million being prepared for the 29-year-old, showing a real intent in signing the Portuguese star.

Moving away from Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal were looking to strengthen their side even further to defend their title this year. Al-Hilal are the giants of the Saudi Pro League, having won the King Cup a total of eleven times and have been league champions nineteen times. Hoping to retain their title and keep adding to the trophy cabinet, Al-Hilal were looking at United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho to bolster their attack. However no details emerged around a fee for the star, presumably as United refused part ways with their new star man.

Now, one of the Saudi clubs are once more looking at the current class of Red Devils, with United keen to offload the winger.

Al-Nassr look to United winger

Saudi giants, Al-Nassr are now looking to United winger Antony as a potential target following the collapse of a deal for Barcelona’s Raphinha.

FootballInsdier has reported that the Saudi club are in the market for a winger this summer, now turning to Antony in an attempt to strengthen their attack.

It’s known that United are looking to offload the 24-year-old, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth identifying him on two different lists of priority sales this summer.

Antony moved to Old Trafford in 2022 from Ajax for £82 million. Unfortunately the winger has failed to live up to the hype that he arrived with. Since joining the Red Devils, Antony has made 82 appearances for United, scoring eleven goals and grabbing five assists. Comparing this with the 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 games at Ajax, it’s clear to see that the Brazilian hasn’t registered the same contributions as in the Netherlands.

With the hefty sum that United paid for the star, the club need to be braced to make a considerable loss on the star given his current form. Even though the potential of big money that comes with interest from a Saudi side, it’s still not expected to help United come close to breaking even on their purchase of the Brazil international.

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Is Scott McTominay going to be staying at Manchester United beyond the transfer window?

It might just be the case.

McTominay has been linked with a number of clubs during the summer.

Four clubs have been named as having had an interest in the Scotland midfielder.

It’s even been reported McTominay has agreed personal terms with a side in Turkiye.

So it was believed that interest was strong in the player and it’d only be a matter of time before he leaves.

But it seems as though one English Premier League side has pulled out of the race to sign the midfielder.

Sky Sports News are reporting that Fulham have ended their pursuit of Scott McTominay.

They report that Fulham have had two bids rejected and don’t intend to come back with a third.

£20m was the highest that the London side were willing to stretch too and that number wasn’t acceptable to the United hierarchy.

With a gap in valuation between the two, Fulham are said to be focused on alternatives.

Ironically enough, one of their potential alternatives is Andre – a player who has been linked with United himself just last night.

Whatever the case with Fulham’s new targets, it seems that the only way Scott McTominay will be playing at Craven Cottage next season is as an opposition player.

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