Tag: Football

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Manchester United’s pursuit of Manuel Ugarte this summer has been like a rollercoaster, with the midfielder now sending a four-word message to the Red Devils amid emerging transfer updates.

Over the last week, United and PSG met to discuss the potential transfers of both Manuel Ugarte and Jadon Sancho.

However, news come out that United were abandoning the Ugarte deal with the clubs not able to agree a fee. PSG are holding firm on a £51.4 million price tag on the midfielder, with United seeing his true valuation as much less.

Now, new reports are suggesting that the two clubs are still in contact regarding the midfielder.

United still looking to Manuel Ugarte

Since news of United’s abandonment of the Ugarte deal, Manchester Evening News have reported this may not be the case.

The Red Devils are reportedly still in contact with the French champions around Ugarte to try and come to an agreement.

The Uruguay international has already agreed personal terms with United and is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester.

However the only sticking point now is a final agreement on the fee for the star.

Ugarte’s message to United

Amid all this hype and confusion of what is actually happening with United and Ugarte, the man himself has stirred up a storm on social media.

Commenting on fellow countryman Facundo Pellestri’s Instagram posts of returning to Carrington, Ugarte has made a simple four-word message.

The comment itself reads “Is that the cut” with very little context to its meaning.

In the States, especially in the sporting world, the word “cut” can refer to “making the team”, referencing making the cut-off for the team. This could be a sneaky comment questioning on how to make the team, in keeping with his desire to join United.

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Manchester United are now looking back at some of their previous midfield targets in the wake of abandoning the deal for PSG’s Manuel Ugarte. Now, the Red Devils are looking at Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana once again.

United had been focused solely on Ugarte for some time now, with the Red Devils and the Uruguay international agreeing personal terms. Unfortunately, United were not happy with PSG’s €60 million price tag for the midfielder. Sporting director Dan Ashworth was hopeful that United would see Ugarte’s price go down closer to deadline day, with the midfielder unlikely to feature in Luis Enrique’s plans now Joao Neves is moving to Parc de Princes.

However, with the Premier League side now backing away from Ugarte, they’re back to the drawing board for strengthening midfield.

This has taken the club back to their original shortlist to review the original targets they’d scouted out.

Which leads us back to AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana.

Manchester United renew interest in Youssouf Fofana

United were previously interested in Fofana, although interest dwindled with the focus on Ugarte. With United taking their eyes off of the French international, AC Milan stepped up to focus on the midfield star.

Although Milan were thought to be the front runners, reports from Italy suggest the race is now wide open.

Luca Bianchin of Gazzetta has reported that United are getting ready to do battle with Milan, with the Red Devils already providing an interesting alternative destination for the France international.

United are reportedly the only club that Fofana has considered entering talks with other than the Rossoneri. The Premier League side have reportedly discussed their ambitious rebuild project with Fofana.

Although Milan are negotiating with Monaco, it’s understood there’s some difference in their valuations of the 25-year-old. Thankfully for United, this has stalled the deal, making way for the Red Devils to re-enter the race.

Manchester United are now looking to beat Milan in the move for Youssouf Fofana and the race is still very much open, reports @lucabianchin7.

The Frenchman would be interested in a move to Utd

— Get Italian Football News (@_GIFN) August 6, 2024

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Kobbie Mainoo has had a tremendous breakthrough season last year with Manchester United. Now the 19-year-old may be rewarded with a change in shirt number.

The midfielder first featured for Erik ten Hag’s side back in November 2023 against Everton. Mainoo started in centre midfield, helping to seal United’s 3-0 win at Goodison Park. After this showing, Mainoo quickly established himself as a key starter for ten Hag. Across all competitions, the 19-year-old has made 35 appearances, grabbing five goals and three assists.

Mainoo’s first goal for United came in the FA Cup Fourth Round against Newport County where United sealed a 4-2 win.

Most famously Mainoo, alongside fellow academy graduate, Alejandro Garnacho, helped United to seal a 2-1 FA Cup final victory. The match saw United grab an unexpected win against rivals Manchester City, securing European football for the club next season.

With such impressive performances this year, it’s no surprise that the 19-year-old has been nominated for the Golden Boy award, recognising the most talented youngsters in Europe.

With such high acclaim being nominated for the award, Gareth Southgate featured the star in his Euro 2024 England squad. Although Mainoo was substituted in for the Serbia and Slovenia games, he ultimately shone, then being used throughout the knock-out rounds as a starting defensive midfielder.

Now, United are potentially going to reward the star’s talent by promoting his shirt number, or so hints may suggest.

The key hint at Mainoo getting a new number

Photos from United’s most recent training sessions are sparking suggestions that Mainoo may be moving from his current number of 37.

Recent images of the midfielder returning to Carrington have seen him linking up with Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Facundo Pellistri. All three of his teammates were sporting their existing shirt numbers of 23, 6 and 28. However, Mainoo kit was seemingly numberless, rather than sporting the number 37.

Only one other player was spotted without a number on his kit. New arrival Joshua Zirkzee was that man, and he is yet to be confirmed by United ahead of next season.

This could indicate that Mainoo is to be registered for the coming season with a different number. We know that number 19 is now free after Raphael Varane left the club this summer as his contract ended.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro both potentially moving on this summer, possibly freeing up the numbers 14 and 18. However as the transfer window draws on, the potential of them leaving is looking slimmer.

As Mainoo has only just returned to training following his post-Euro 2024 holiday, it’s likely that the 19-year-old will feature on the bench for United in their upcoming Community Shield fixture against Manchester City.

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The Manchester United academy is certainly a place for excitement, developing an impressive amount of talented youngsters for the future of football. With some massive signings like Chido Obi-Martin and Samuel Lusale, the future of United is certainly looking bright.

This year has seen academy graduates Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho shoot to success, sealing the FA Cup final win with both men getting on the scoresheet. The two have had such an impressive breakout season that they’re currently both nominated and sat in the top 10 for the UEFA Golden Boy award this year.

So far this pre-season we’ve seen Harry Amass and Tom Collyer both delivering strong performances looking to be the next graduates to step up and make a ame in the first team squad.

Now however, an unexpected appearance from one of United’s wonderkids in the first team’s training session could see the teenager get his shot very soon.

Amir Ibragimov seen in first team training

Amir Ibragimov is held with a hugely high regard by those in the United academy, which is a massive statement on it’s own, but Erik ten Hag clearly shares the same view, bringing him in to the first team’s training session.

United are set to face off against rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield, with training focusing on getting the squad ready for this upcoming battle.

It’s understood that Ibragimov is one of the best talents in the academy at the moment with only a handful of players close to his abilities.

Ibragimov’s fitness may have been an area of concern, with the 16-year-old being left out of various academy tournaments that United have sent squads to compete. However, this may be that ten Hag has bigger plans for the Russian-born England U16 star.

This isn’t the first time the winger has been included in first team training, with the then 15-year-old joining a session back in April 2023. Likened to Wayne Rooney, the impressive teenager is already making ten Hag excited over how he could fit into the team.

It appears that his inclusion in the training is to boost numbers for now, joining the recently returned pre-season tour team.

For the 16-year-old though, his main focus has to be on keeping fit and impressing at the Under-18 and Under-21 levels, featuring in first team training when the opportunity arises.

Hopefully, if all goes well, we’ll be seeing the youngster in United’s pre-season tour team next summer, however with the extent of injuries already affecting the club, Ibragimov may yet get his chance this season.

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Last week it was reported that Paris Saint-Germain were to meet with Manchester United to discuss the signing of one of their star attackers.

United have been regularly dealing with PSG in recent times with the attempt on signing midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

United managed to get to a position of agreeing personal terms with Ugarte, however the Premier League club have now abandoned the deal with PSG unwavering on their price tag on the star.

Now, PSG have set their sights on one of United’s key attackers and have now met with United to discuss the deal.

PSG look to United’s Jadon Sancho

Now Sky Sports report PSG have held initial talks with United surrounding Jadon Sancho – they are discussing the conditions of a potential transfer.

The report claims Jadon Sancho could be open to moving to PSG – personal terms are not expected to be a problem if they agree a fee with United.

PSG held initial talks with Manchester United over signing of Jadon Sancho. Discussions over the conditions of potential deal. Sancho could be open to move – personal terms not expected to be problem. Dialogue open between clubs as they have discussed Manuel Ugarte. #MUFC #PSG

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) August 6, 2024

Juventus and Borussia Dortmund also showed interest in signing Sancho this summer but have since withdrawn due to the high transfer fee and wages demanded by United.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the situation of Sancho remains “open,” and there is still a possibility that he could depart before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Sancho has been playing as a centre-forward in recent pre-season games due to Rasmus Højlund’s absence. New reports suggest that Ten Hag is now considering the Englishman for the striker role until Hojlund is back.

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Manchester United concluded their pre-season tour of the United States last weekend with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against their arch-rivals Liverpool. The squad flew back to Manchester immediately after their final game.

Those who participated in the tour are scheduled to return to full training on Wednesday as the team intensifies preparations for Saturday’s clash with local rivals Manchester City.

The upcoming match is the Community Shield, traditionally contested by the FA Cup and Premier League winners

This match offers United another opportunity to outdo City, following their impressive victory in May.

United receive massive double boost

In a positive development for the club, United stars Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo returned to the Carrington training facility on Monday morning. This follows their extended break after the European Championship final.

The duo, who both started in England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain on July 14, have been enjoying a well-deserved holiday but are now back in training and could feature in the upcoming Community Shield match.

Shaw’s last appearance for United was on February 18, when a muscle injury sidelined him for the rest of the season and the Euro 2024 group stage.

However, the defender made a triumphant return to the pitch during the quarter-finals against Switzerland and even played in the semi-final clash with the Netherlands.

Luke Shaw and his young teammate Mainoo were crucial starters for England in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

Mainoo has been attracting attention not only at Manchester United, where he scored the decisive goal in last season’s FA Cup final victory over City, but also on the international stage under Gareth Southgate, as seen during Euro 2024.

Looking forward, expectations are high for Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo as they prepare to take centre stage when the Premier League kicks off against Fulham on August 16.

Their return is seen as a significant boost for United, who are eager to start the new season on a strong note. The duo’s reintegration into the squad is timely, as United aim to build on their pre-season preparations and challenge for trophies in the upcoming campaign.

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In a recent development, Manchester United has abandoned their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, citing the French club’s steep asking price, according to David Ornstein.

Strengthening the midfield is a priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS as they prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 season. Manuel Ugarte had emerged as a top candidate to enhance Erik ten Hag’s midfield options.

United initially saw their bid for Ugarte rejected, with PSG demanding a much higher fee than United was prepared to offer.

Despite this setback, United reached an agreement with Ugarte on personal terms and continued negotiations with PSG, hoping to find a compromise on the transfer fee.

It was reported that PSG showed some flexibility, considering a loan deal with an option to buy after initially insisting on an obligation to purchase.

Ugarte was on holiday, eagerly anticipating the completion of his move to Old Trafford.

However, according David Ornstein, this transfer now seems unlikely as United refuses to meet PSG’s high valuation.

Ornstein stated, “Manchester United are switching the focus of their search to sign a new midfielder away from Manuel Ugarte and on to other candidates.”

“United have been exploring a deal for Ugarte but they do not intend to meet Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price, which is around the €60million (£51.4m) fee they paid to sign him from Sporting Lisbon in 2023.”

“The clubs are quite far apart in their respective valuations of the Uruguay international and, as things stand, United are looking elsewhere.”

“Only if PSG reduce their request is it possible that the Old Trafford side might return to the table — but so far no progress has been made.”

At United, the prevailing sentiment is that they will only pay what they consider the “correct fee” for each target.

Additionally, the 20-time English champions are keen to avoid prolonged negotiations that could drag on until the very end of the transfer window.

This strategic shift means United will now explore other options to strengthen their midfield, abandoning their pursuit of Ugarte unless PSG lowers their financial demands.

The club’s approach underscores their commitment to prudent financial management and efficient transfer dealings as they gear up for the new season.

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Manchester United have now reportedly abandoned their deal for Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte.

The Red Devils have been pursuing the midfielder for some time now in a bid to strengthen the middle of the park alongside breakthrough star Kobbie Mainoo.

United did manage to reach an agreement on terms with the centre-midfielder, hoping reach a deal with the Ligue 1 side.

Ultimately, United were not willing to pay the €60 million for the Uruguay international, with the Red Devils offering €35 million as their highest offer.

United were set for a loan deal for the midfielder, with PSG including an obligation t buy, but the Premier League club were still not happy with the high valuation of the star.

Recently The Athletic have reported that United are now looking at alternatives to Ugarte to sign this summer.

United’s two Ugarte alternatives

Now, United are looking to two alternatives that could strengthen the midfield at Old Trafford.

Ben Jacobs has recently reported that United are now looking at Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes and Fluminense midfielder Andre.

Gomes arrived at Wolves last summer for €18.7 million from Brazilian side Flamengo. While with Flamengo, Gomes won all possible trophies, lifting the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A league title, the Copa Do Brasil, the Supercopa Rei, and the Copa Libertadores.

Now at Wolves, Gomes has become an essential member of the squad, playing 49 games across all competitions, even getting eight call ups to the Brazil national squad.

Andre on the other hand is still playing in Brazil, having come through the Fluminense youth academy into the senior squad.

The defensive midfielder has played a total of 191 games for the club, grabbing four goals and four assists, helping the club secure the Copa Libertadores in 2023 and the Recopa Sudamericana final.

Ultimately, Gomes has a proven experience in the Premier League, however Wolves’ price tag of £60 million may prove too high for United who are showing this transfer season they are not overspending on their targets.

Andre’s price of €35 million matches their offer for Ugarte, so may be seen as much more possible for the Red Devils.

PSG have always wanted €60m for Manuel Ugarte, as previously revealed.

Club still in no rush to sell despite the arrival of João Neves and believe there are still multiple suitors. Manchester United’s highest verbal offer was around €35m. Big gulf in valuation. Bayern and… pic.twitter.com/Z9wQ0XQKl2

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 5, 2024

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In the wake of Manchester United stepping away from the Manuel Ugarte deal, the Red Devils are now re-evaluating previous and new midfield targets.

A recent report from Ben Jacobs has claimed that United are now looking at Wolves’ Joao Gomes and Fluminense’s Andre.

With United unwilling to part ways with the €60 million (£51.4 million) Paris Saint-Germain wanted for Ugarte, it’s unlikely that United are going to agree to a deal for anything like this kind of fee.

A deal for Andre could potentially cost the club €35 million (£30 million), however Gomes would set the Red Devils back €70 million (£60 million), making this a lot less likely.

However, Chris Winterburn, writer for Marca, has reported that he believes it’s unlikely United will now make a major midfield signing by the end of the transfer window.

He has instead, highlighted an English talent in the Championship who has recently been profiled by INEOS’ recruitment team.

INEOS profile Coventry’s Ben Sheaf

The report explained that at the start of the summer, United’s recruitment team looked into Coventry’s Ben Sheaf as a potential target.

The 26-year-old came up through the Arsenal academy and while there had a series of loans to Stevenage, Doncaster and Coventry, before finally leaving Arsenal to settle at Coventry in 2021.

Since then, Sheaf has made 143 appearances for Coventry, grabbing nine goals and nine assists across all competitions.

More recently, Sheaf has been graced with the captains armband on a regular basis, including in Coventry and Manchester United’s famous 3-3 FA Cup Semi-Final match back in April 2024.

The game United go 2-0 up at halftime, with a third coming within 13 minutes of the second half starting. Unfortunately for United, Coventry managed to bring it back, scoring three in the final 20 minutes of the game to take it to extra-time.

It came down to penalties in the end, with United winning 4-2 in the shoot-out, and unfortunately for Sheaf, taking the fourth spot kick for Coventry, he missed the goal, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring straight after him to seal the win.

With a number of strong performances to his name, Sheaf has shown his capability in the Championship and is a cheap option to bring in with summer. With a low value on the midfielder, it can also be said that he’s low risk, with no real expectations of him taking the club by storm, however he could step up and impress.

If United do go for the 26-year-ld but it ultimately doesn’t work out, the fact that Sheaf is English and a product of an English youth academy means that he’ll have a good re-sale value.

Ultimately, with United’s purse strings still held tight, with limited funds to get any deal across the line, a cheaper option like Sheaf may be what we see the Red Devils going for by the end of the summer.

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Former Manchester United striker, Anthony Martial may be headed to Italy for the coming season.

The striker is currently without a club after leaving Old Trafford this summer at the end of his contract. The France international has been taking some time to consider his options with considerable interest from Europe.

Martial has already rejected offers from Besiktas and Marseille, with Lille now another interested party in the mix.

Now, a top Italian club is looking to fight for the French star.

Atalanta look to Antony Martial

Atalanta are reportedly considering Martial as a possible replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.

Scamacca suffered a serious knee injury in a recent friendly against Parma. As a result, the Serie A side are now looking for a new striker to step into Scamacca’s shoes.

Sky Sport reported that Scamacca is set to undergo surgery, sidelining him for a considerable time, meaning a replacement is essential.

Now, Foot Italia have reported that the Italian club are looking to Martial to potentially step up and become the club’s main striker.

With Martial still being a free agent, Atalanta would be able to sign the star quickly, offering a quick solution to their problem.

However, with Martial carefully considering each offer that comes in for him, they’ll have to do some serious convincing to lure him in.

Martial is yet to play in Serie A, which could be a selling point, with the striker having already experienced the Premier League, Ligue 1 and LaLiga.

However, with Lille knocking, the star may be looking for a return to his home country and settle back into Ligue 1.

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