Tag: Football

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Manchester United have had a rough season, currently sitting in 14th place as they head into the final six games of the Premier League season.

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Whilst a top-half finish is still mathematically possible, Ruben Amorim is surely turning his attention to the Europa League with so much riding on lifting the trophy.

A victory in Europe would not only bring extra funds to the club, but would also see United qualify for the Champions League and bring an extra £100 million in income from the prestigious tournament.

With United’s dramatic 5-4 win over Lyon only taking place three days ago, it’s expected that some of Amorim’s star players who battled it out on Thursday night could have a break today, giving some of the United youngsters a runout.

Throughout the season, Amorim has had to rely on his youngsters, with the club’s financial struggles preventing any big-name reinforcements in the winter transfer window.

Upon arrival from Sporting Lisbon, Amorim was made aware by the United hierarchy that the priority was to focus on developing the existing potential in the youth academy and utilising the newly signed young talent.

It’s fair to say that on this front Amorim hasn’t disappointed, with Toby Collyer getting regular appearances, Chido Obi and Harry Amass getting their debuts, plus Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven becoming regulars on the pitch when able.

The Portuguese manager has also had his talented youngsters in first-team training, with the likes of Godwill Kukonki, Jack Moorhouse, Tyler Fredricson and Elyh Harrison routinely sitting on the bench.

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Tyler Fredricson set to make his senior debut

Now, CentreDevils can reveal that barring any last minute changes todays clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers will see youngster Tyler Fredricson get his senior debut.

The 20-year-old centre-back is poised to start the game, with Amorim turning to the youngster as United face a tough end of the season.

Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out injured with an ACL tear since February, whilst Ayden Heaven received a set back to his recovery in training, being stretchered off the training pitch at Carrington.

Adding to these struggles, Victor Lindelof and Noussair Mazraoui had to leave the Quarter-Final clash with Lyon early on Thursday due to unconnected and unknown personal reasons.

As such, barring and set backs, Fredricson will be stepping out at Old Trafford this afternoon as part of Amorim’s back three.

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Rumours are starting to swirl ahead of the summer transfer window, with Manchester United set to be very active.

Ruben Amorim will expect transfer chiefs to open the purse strings considerably to bolster his squad in several positions, as he looks to improve on a lacklustre first six months in charge.

One position of interest is the striker, with additional goals needed to see Manchester United rise up the league table.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to deliver this season, leading to fresh links to Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike.

A winger could also be on the target list, as well as a reliable centre-half and a younger player to aid United’s aging midfield.

Despite Amorim’s desire for fresh faces at Old Trafford, it is likely that departures may also be required.

One departure could be that of Alejandro Garnacho, who attracted interest from Chelsea in January.

And according to transfer guru David Ornstein, that interest has not yet gone away, and the Argentinian is still among Chelsea’s options this summer.

The London club were heavily linked in January, but a move did not materialise.

And it is unclear whether the Red Devils would be willing to let their winger go, especially given the youngster’s rise through the Manchester United academy.

First breaking through in 2022, Garnacho has made 136 appearances in the last three years, scoring 21 goals in that time.

He has drawn criticism at times this season, but has registered 10 goals and nine assists amid a nightmare season for United.

Significantly, Garnacho would be likely to fetch a considerable fee if he is to leave Old Trafford this summer, but Amorim must weigh up whether letting the speedster go would be worth it.

NEW: Alejandro Garnacho is still among Chelsea’s options at winger. #MUFC [@David_Ornstein via @ue_shm] pic.twitter.com/3ITRhyfvOJ

— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) April 19, 2025

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On-loan winger Antony has revealed his feelings on Erik ten Hag, the coach who brought him to Old Trafford in 2022.

Ten Hag spent two years with Antony at Ajax before his move to Manchester United in 2022.

And just three months after the Dutchman’s arrival, the pair were reunited when United signed Antony for around £81m.

Both Antony and Ten Hag’s first seasons were positive, with the newly led United team finishing third in the Premier League, winning the Carabao Cup, and reaching the FA Cup final, although they would lose to Manchester City.

Another trophy would be lifted in the following season, when United beat City in the FA Cup final, but league form had deteriorated significantly, leading to an eighth-place finish, United’s lowest finishing position since 1990.

Antony’s form would slow too, with the winger registering just one Premier League goal in 29 appearances.

Following a poor start to this season also, Ten Hag would be dismissed and replaced by Ruben Amorim.

Antony struggled for game time under new management and left on loan to Real Betis in January, where he has recaptured some form.

Despite the way things ended, Antony has reaffirmed that he has no hard feelings towards his former coach.

“Erik ten Hag is a coach I’m very grateful to,” the Brazilian explained to ESPN Brazil.

“He helped me a lot in the Netherlands, and in England too, even though the opportunities didn’t come the way I wanted to. But that’s the coach’s choice, I don’t hold any grudges or anything.

“On the contrary, I’m very grateful for everything he’s done with me, for all the conversations too. He’s a coach who will certainly be in this story because he helped me a lot.”

Antony’s future at Manchester United is still unclear, with Real Betis keen to keep the winger in Spain next season.

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Following reports that Andre Onana’s position at Manchester United is uncertain, Manchester United have reportedly scouted goalkeepers ahead of the summer transfer window.

Old Trafford’s current number one goalkeeper has endured a turbulent time at Old Trafford since arriving in 2023.

The Cameroonian was signed for around £45m from Inter Milan, but has not yet lived up to that fee.

Onana has made eight errors leading to goals in all competitions since the start of last season, more than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

And most recently, the goalkeeper made two key errors as Manchester United drew 2-2 with Lyon, in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

In the build-up to that game, Onana was described by former United midfielder Nemanja Matic as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history”, after a verbal exchange between the two.

But following the game, Ruben Amorim sought to defend his player.

“If you look at the season, I’ve made more mistakes than them during these last games and during these last months.” The United boss said.

“There’s nothing I can say to Andre in this moment that will help him, so the most important thing is to be natural and then when the time comes I will choose the best XI to play. But I’m really confident in Andre.”

However, Manchester United may still look to sign a goalkeeper this summer, according to reports in Portugal.

According to Record Portugal, the English club sent a scout to FC Porto’s game yesterday to watch Portuguese shot-stopper Diogo Costa.

Costa, the captain of Porto, has played 195 matches for the club since rising through the academy.

He has also become the starting goalkeeper for the Portuguese international team, and is known for his ability on the ball, and his quick reflexes.

Costa would certainly expect a starting role if he is to move this summer, and would command a sizeable fee for his services.

Manchester United sent an observer to FC Porto’s game yesterday to watch Diogo Costa. #MUFC [@Record_Portugal] pic.twitter.com/q7JdEg3mmR

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) April 19, 2025

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Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has hit out at fans who left Old Trafford early, before Thursday’s miraculous Europa League comeback against Lyon.

A strong first half had put United in command of the quarter-final tie, with Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot’s goals having them 4-2 up on aggregate.

But Lyon fought back, and quick-fire goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico sent the match to extra time.

United looked to be in a strong position, still, given Tolisso’s 89th-minute red card, but Rayan Cherki’s fine finish and Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty added a third and fourth for Lyon, prompting a mass exodus from the home fans.

There was no such abandonment by United on the pitch, though, and Bruno Fernandes’ 114th-minute penalty provided some hope for the fans remaining.

Cue an unbelievable two minutes at Old Trafford, in which Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire both scored to put United inexplicably ahead on aggregate and into the Europa League semi-final.

Striker, Zirkzee, took to Instagram following the final whistle, telling fans: “To all the fans who left when we were down, have a listen to this.”

The Dutchman was missing due to an injury on Thursday night, and has attracted criticism from fans for his performances this season.

His headed goal against Lyon last week, though, attracted praise for the desire and ability it required to get on the end of Fernandes’ cross.

Unfortunately it may be his last positive action of the season, after Amorim confirmed the 23-year-old will miss the rest of the season after suffering an injury to his hamstring against Newcastle United.

– Joshua Zirkzee on Instagram:

“To all the fans who left when we were down, have a listen to this.’

GOOSEBUMPS. pic.twitter.com/NpGlRDvTo7

— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) April 17, 2025

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On-loan winger Antony has revealed the reasons behind the poor form that followed his arrival at Manchester United in 2022.

The winger was signed from Ajax for around £80m, after performing well under head coach Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands.

And Antony’s first season garnered promise, with the Brazilian scoring 10 goals and registering five assists during his adaptation to English football.

His following season was disappointing, however, and he struggled for minutes on the pitch following the departure of Ten Hag.

In January, new coach Ruben Amorim agreed to loan Antony out for the rest of the season, and the winger moved to Real Betis.

Since then, Antony has recaptured some of the form that attracted Manchester United to his signing, prompting further questions over his time at Old Trafford.

In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Antony suggested issues in his personal life “got in the way”.

He said: “I think that, apart from my football life, my personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived there.

“Like it or not, it’s affected me a lot. So, of course, I know the potential I have.

“It’s not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, it’s not for nothing that I was sold to United for a lot of money, and I know my worth.”

Antony’s form at Betis has led to discussions over the Brazilian’s future, with the Spanish club keen to keep him.

“People look at the moment, but they don’t look at the bigger picture, what happens to bring things about”, Antony continued.

“So, as I said, my feeling at United was that I had good moments, bad moments too, but of course I could have done more, I could have done better.”

Antony is due to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, with Betis reportedly having a bid for a second loan move turned down. 

The LaLiga club may return with another offer for the Brazilian, however, with some reports suggesting they may make a permanent bid.

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Image Credits: Christopher Thomond/Guardian

Former Manchester United academy prospect Joe Thompson has died aged 36, after a battle with cancer.

The retired midfielder was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in April, the third time he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Thompson spent six years at Rochdale between 2006 and 2012, making 203 appearances for the club.

In a statement, Rochdale said: “We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality.

“He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.”

Thompson started his career in the Manchester United academy in 1998, playing alongside players such as Tom Cleverley and Danny Drinkwater.

After seven years at Carrington, he moved on, joining Rochdale’s academy and making his debut for the first team in 2006.

Thompson left The Dale for Tranmere Rovers in 2012 but would return to the club on loan in 2013.

Stints at Bury, Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United would follow, before the Englishman returned to Rochdale in 2016, spending three more years at Crown Oil Arena before announcing his retirement in 2019.

He would go on to work as a motivational speaker, as well as holding an ambassadorial role with Manchester United.

Despite battling against the effects of cancer, Thompson raised funds for various charities – in October, he walked for 21 miles from Old Trafford to Crown Oil Arena, to raise awareness of cancer treatments.

In a statement, Manchester United said: “Everyone who knew Joe thought he was a great man, whose personality lit up every room he entered despite the pain he had endured in his life.

“We’ll always remember him and send our deepest condolences to his wife, Chantelle, and two daughters.”

A man who epitomised our club’s values

We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.

A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2025

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Wolverhampton Wanderers could be without five players for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.

With just six league games left of the league season, both teams will hope to ensure they start their finish to the season strongly.

After a brief relegation scare, Wolves have stabilised since the appointment of Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira.

With a 14-point buffer to 18th-placed Ipswich Town, who face Arsenal on Sunday, the West Midlands club could secure Premier League safety this weekend with a win.

Victory at Old Trafford would also mark the club’s fifth straight top-flight win, a feat they have not achieved since 1970.

Following a chaotic Europa League quarter-final win on Thursday, Manchester United could leapfrog Everton into 13th place if they win, but attention may already have shifted to a semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao in May.

Wolves could go level on points with the Red Devils on Sunday, but could be without five players for the trip to Manchester, according to Pereira.

“(Jean-Ricner) Bellegarde, (Matt) Doherty and Hee Chan [Hwang], they are trying to come back”, Pereira told the media.

“They don’t have serious injuries, but they are trying to come back to help us in the game, and we’ll see. We have one more training tomorrow and I must decide and make those decisions tomorrow.”

Sam Johnstone and Pedro Lima will also be missing after struggling with injury issues, the coach confirmed.

Manchester United target Matheus Cunha is likely to come into the starting line-up to replace Bellegarde, should the Frenchman not be available.

The Brazilian forward scored against Tottenham Hotspur off the bench last week, in a rout that saw Wolves put four goals past Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

In-form striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is set to continue up front, after scoring four goals in his last three appearances.

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Manchester United have made no secret about their desire to sign a striker this summer.

Joshua Zirkzee, signed for around £36.5m last summer, and Rasmus Hojlund, signed in 2023 for around £72m, have both failed to impress this season.

With just six Premier League goals between them, Ruben Amorim is keen to add a more reliable goal-scorer to his attacking line-up this summer.

Links to Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, and Victor Gyokeres have made headlines ahead of the transfer window, but Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of one target.

Hugo Ekitike has impressed this season for Eintracht Frankfurt, and was reportedly set to be available for around £69m this summer.

But according to Florian Plettenberg, the Frenchman’s recent performances have seen that figure rise by at least £17m.

The German club are still prepared to allow Ekitike to leave the club this summer but will hold firm in their valuation, with the striker under contract until 2029.

Ekitike was signed by Frankfurt last summer for around £14m, following a six-month loan move from PSG.

And the 22-year-old has starred in Germany, scoring 21 goals so far this campaign.

Drawing comparisons to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, the forward is tall and slight but extremely skillful, and devastating in front of goal.

His performances in the Europa League have especially raised eyebrows, with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur last week making headlines for its quality.

Manchester United may have competition if they are to attempt to bring Ekitike to Old Trafford, with Arsenal also linked to the forward and keen to add a striker to their ranks this summer.

Eintracht Frankfurt have raised the price tag for Hugo #Ekitike!

Markus Krösche is now demanding at least €100m as a transfer fee. Most recently, #SGE had been expecting a fee of around €80m.

Eintracht are still preparing for his departure this summer, with the 22 y/o… pic.twitter.com/oLu1wJnfJF

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 18, 2025

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A former Manchester United midfielder, who was part of the treble-winning squad in 1999, has been cautioned by police.

Nicky Butt, who played 387 games for the Red Devils between 1992 and 2004, allegedly head-butted a security guard at his 50th birthday party, according to The Sun.

The guard reportedly suffered a broken nose after a row broke out between the two, resulting in the attack.

Butt was charged with actual bodily harm and accepted the criminal sanction last month, also agreeing to donate to charity.

According to The Sun, a source said:  “There was blood everywhere. People were shocked as the guard came inside with his face a mess. It ruined a lovely day.”

David and Victoria Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville were also reportedly in attendance at the party, which took place in Oxfordshire.

Butt made his way through the Manchester United academy, eventually making his debut in 1992.

He would go on to star for Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic teams, starting in the Champions League final in 1999, where United scored two goals in stoppage time to beat Bayern Munich.

Butt would leave Manchester United in 2004, having won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.

He would go on to play for Newcastle United, Birmingham City, and South China Athletic Association, a club based in Hong Kong, until his retirement in 2011.

Butt would return to Old Trafford in 2012, taking on various roles in the academy, before his second departure in 2021.

In 2014, it was announced that the Englishman would be one of the former Manchester United players purchasing non-league club Salford City.

The club have rose through the ranks under the guise of new ownership, now playing their football in League Two.

He would become chief executive officer in 2022, but would later step down to pursue coaching opportunities.

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