Tag: Football

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Manchester United are lining up their targets for the summer transfer window in a bid to turn the club around and bounce back from this year’s disastrous season.

Sitting in 14th in the Premier League, a top half finish is still mathematically possible, whilst seemingly unlikely.

However, with The Red Devils still the only undefeated team in the Europa League, lifting the trophy could still be a real possibility.

This would not only bring another trophy to Old Trafford, but would also grant them qualification to the Champions League and give them an extra £100 million in income because of it.

With the club still hopeful of having the lure of European football, their recruitment team are shortlisting some key targets to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad ready for next season.

Now, L’Equipe has revealed that one man joining their shortlist is Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche.

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Manchester United monitor Maghnes Akliouche

The 23-year-old as emerged as a target for United as well as Manchester City and PSG thanks to his impressive season for the Ligue 1 side.

With six goals and ten assists in 38 games, Akliouche has made his mark for Monaco across Ligue 1, holding second place in the league, and the Champions League, making it to the round of 16.

However, Akliouche’s contract runs until 2028, with no release clause, putting Monaco in a really strong position to negotiate for any deal.

Currently its understood that the club are wanting between £60 and £69 million (€70 and €80 million) for him, which could be out of United’s price range unless they win the Europa League.

With so much hinging on the tournament, Amorim’s men will no doubt be throwing their all to reach the final and beyond now.

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Over recent weeks, with transfer news heating up, Manchester United have been seemingly slipping behind their Premier League rivals for several targets on their shortlist.

Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens have both been reported to favour other clubs who are looking likely to have guaranteed European football next season due to their league standings.

Whilst The Red Devils aren’t yet ruled out of having European football next season, their final chance to secure it comes with winning the Europa League.

As such, some players are currently preferring a move to teams like Chelsea due to the uncertainty at Old Trafford.

However, it looks as though United could actually be front-runners for one of their summer targets.

Sky Sports has reported that United are leading the race for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

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Manchester United lead the race for Antoine Semenyo

The 25-year-old has shown off his versatility with The Cherries, playing across both wings and grabbing 10 goals and six assists in 36 games this season.

However, his skill hasn’t gone unnoticed with Liverpool, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Manchester City all looking to the Ghana international.

Having arrived at Bournemouth in 2023 for £10.5 million from Bristol City, The Cherries are set for a massive profit on the winger with the club valuing him at £70 million.

United reportedly offered £35 million for the star back in March as they opened up talks with Bournemouth for a move, but this wasn’t enough.

With his contract in place until 2029, Bournemouth hold a strong position of power to negotiate a fee for any summer move, which could ultimately see United outbid due to their financial struggles.

However, Ruben Amorim will be hoping to secure his transfer, being a great admirer of Semenyo and already having ideas on how he could fit into the squad for next year.

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Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League semi-finals thanks to a dramatic late winner from Harry Maguire in extra time against Lyon.

Old Trafford witnessed a nine-goal thriller on Thursday night.

United edged past the French side 5-4 in a game packed with drama.

The game included a red card and multiple comebacks.

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The Red Devils looked down and out when Alexandre Lacazette put Lyon 4-2 ahead in the 109th minute.

However, a late rally saw them turn the tie around.

Bruno Fernandes halved the deficit from the penalty spot in the 114th minute.

That was before substitute Kobbie Mainoo equalised just six minutes later.

With penalties looming, Harry Maguire climbed highest in the 121st minute to head home the winner and send United into the Europa League semi-final 7-6 on aggregate.

Among the supporters glued to the action was world darts champion and proud United fan Luke Littler.

Despite usually being occupied with darts fixtures during Europa League nights, Littler was following every moment of the quarter-final decider.

Luke Littler sends request to Harry Maguire after netting winner

After Maguire’s dramatic extra-time header, Littler took to Instagram with a light-hearted request for the defender.

Sharing a clip of the goal, Littler wrote: “@harrymaguire93 can you wear the no9 next year please sir u beauty [love heart eyes emoji].”

Maguire soon responded by reposting Littler’s message on his Instagram story, adding four laughing emojis.

The centre-back started the match in defence but was pushed further forward by Ruben Amorim during extra time with United chasing the game.

It proved an inspired decision as Maguire delivered the decisive goal.

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Even though few would have expected Amorim to rely on a centre-back to win such a high-stakes match.

United’s injury-hit forward line left the manager short of option.

Joshua Zirkzee is sidelined and only Rasmus Hojlund is available as a recognised striker.

Kobbie Mainoo, who has shown promise in the false nine role, also played his part with the equaliser against Lyon.

Amorim will be hoping for more contributions like Maguire’s as United aim to go all the way in the Europa League this season.

Luke Littler reacts to Manchester United’s dramatic extra-time comeback in the Europa League quarterfinal

“When I die, bury me in Manchester United [shirt] because I might just come back” pic.twitter.com/NkNVt9qvnH

— Darts Now (@DartsNow_) April 17, 2025

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Manchester United may still be enduring a miserable Premier League campaign.

However, their dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals has at least provided fans with a historic moment to savour.

Despite that, the club’s domestic struggles remain a key talking point.

Pep Guardiola couldn’t resist a subtle dig at United when addressing Manchester City’s own difficult season.

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The reigning Premier League champions have already seen their grip on the title slip away.

City are now locked in a tense battle to simply secure Champions League qualification.

City sit fifth  – a position that will be enough this season.

But the pressure remains, with Aston Villa and Chelsea both applying pressure.

Guardiola, however, has refused to get too downbeat about his side’s situation, insisting things could be far worse.

Pep Guardiola mocks Manchester United league position

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Everton, the Spaniard said:

“Hopefully next season, we can be there, deal with the big clubs in Europe.

“We can challenge them better than we have done this season but what we have done in the latest seven years we were there.

“Even when we were out, we compete really well.”

He continued: “I don’t think it’s a bad thing to fight to qualify for the Champions League.

“We could be in a much lower position in the Premier League if you had done fewer good things than we have done in these four, five months.

“People say we are fourth now but I say yeah we could be 11th or 12th or 13th or 14th.

“I don’t have any doubts about that. So I take it like ‘okay, it has not been good but it’s in our hands.’”

The comments came at a time when Manchester United are languishing in 14th place, having lost 14 of their 32 matches so far this season.

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Ruben Amorim’s side are already guaranteed to record their worst ever Premier League finish.

However, the Red Devils remain in the hunt for Champions League football through Europa League success.

United are set to face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.

While Tottenham, also struggling a point behind United, will take on Bodo/Glimt in the other tie.

Guardiola’s pointed remarks about being grateful not to be stuck in 13th or 14th offered a timely reminder of just how far United have fallen, despite their European exploits.

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Last night saw a ridiculous comeback at Old Trafford as Manchester United fought to beat Lyon 5-4 in the second leg of the Europa League Quarter-Finals.

Throughout the first half, United dominated the game, with Manuel Ugarte opening the scoring in the 11th minute, Bruno Fernandes hitting the crossbar and Diogo Dalot grabbing a second goal on the brink of half time.

However, the tide changed in the second half with goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagiafico in the space of seven minutes as the half was coming to a close.

Lyon went on in extra time to score two more goals, completely unanswered before United fought back hard.

In the final seven minutes of extra time, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire all scored to grab a much-needed win, marching on to face Athletic Club in the Semi-Final.

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Issues for away fans in both Manchester United v Lyon fixtures

Following the game, Lyon have taken to X to release a statement about the occasion at Old Trafford with regards to their away fans.

The post which links to an online survey, reads: ” Dear Supporters, Olympique Lyonnais sincerely thanks you for coming in such numbers to Manchester.

“However, we regret the conditions of access to Old Trafford which may have put you in danger.

“United by your side, we will carry your voice and we invite you to send us your testimonies via the following form.”

Whilst it’s not confirmed what “conditions of access” or “danger” the post is referring to, the French club are keen to hear from their fans who attended the game.

In the reverse fixture, United fans were unfortunately on the receiving end of a mandatory one-hour holdback, with tear gas being used to prevent access to the toilets.

It’s understood that the Manchester United Supporters Trust are looking at taking legal action against the French police for their treatment of the fans.

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Manchester United’s packed end-of-season schedule has led to a new date being confirmed for their upcoming Premier League clash with West Ham at Old Trafford.

The game was originally pencilled in for 15:00 BST on Saturday 10 May.

However, United’s dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals has forced the fixture to be moved.

Manchester United vs West Ham new date revealed

As confirmed by the official Manchester United website, the match will now take place at 14:15 BST on Sunday 11 May.

The change allows Ruben Amorim’s side extra recovery time.

With the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club set to take place just three days prior on Thursday 8 May.

United’s showdown with West Ham will also mark the penultimate home fixture of the 2024/25 season.

With Aston Villa set to close out the Old Trafford campaign on Sunday 25 May.

There have been no changes to the fixture list surrounding the first leg of the semi-final.

United will travel to Brentford on Sunday 4 May, three days after facing Athletic Club in Bilbao.

Tickets for the rescheduled West Ham game remain available to buy.

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The reserve fixture between the two sides ended in 2-1 to West Ham, back in October.

It was a game that involved a last minute Jarrod Bowen penalty, to secure all three points for the Hammers.

Erik ten Hag was the man in dugout at the time, while Marcus Rashford started on the right flank.

A game that may feel like ancient history to United fans.

Especially considering the changes both clubs have undergone since.

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Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES

It was a special night for Manchester United as they pulled off a completely crazy victory over Lyon.

The Red Devils secured a place in the Europa League semi-finals.

Old Trafford delivered the kind of night football fans dream about.

United battled back to win 7-6 on aggregate despite throwing away a comfortable 4-2 lead at half-time.

Ruben Amorim’s side produced one of the greatest comebacks in club history.

Manchester United make new European history

Many are already calling it one of European football’s all-time classics.

As Rio Ferdinand declared a miracle was needed, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire stepped up to deliver exactly that in front of a stunned crowd.

Alongside the headline-making scorers, Casemiro’s leadership helped lay the foundation for United’s late fightback.

The win didn’t just send United into the last four – it also etched their name into football’s record books.

United became the first team in history to score two goals in the 120th minute or later of a major European match.

With Mainoo and Maguire rewriting the script at the death.

Opta Joe highlighted the remarkable sequence:

120 – Manchester United are the first team in history to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match. Amorimtime. pic.twitter.com/d9VCeb0Wiq

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 17, 2025

114th minute – Bruno Fernandes – 4-3
120th minute – Kobbie Mainoo – 4-4
121st minute – Harry Maguire – 5-4

The dramatic turnaround was dubbed ‘Amorim time’.

A clear nod to the famous ‘Fergie time’ that defined so many of United’s iconic comebacks under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson was present at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The former boss will no doubt have recognised the same fight and belief that were the trademarks of his own trophy-laden teams.

But that wasn’t the only record to fall on the night.

In total, five goals were scored during extra time, making it the first major European game in history to see such a goal rush in the added 30 minutes.

Kobbie Mainoo’s equaliser was the pick of the bunch.

However, it was Maguire’s header that sealed one of the most chaotic wins in the club’s European history.

5 – Tonight’s game between Manchester United and Lyon is the first match in major European football history to see five goals scored after extra-time. Chaos. pic.twitter.com/PwWruh2awz

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 17, 2025

The result has already lifted the cloud that hung over United following last weekend’s heavy defeat to Newcastle.

Fans are now daring to believe in Europa League glory.

Potential turning point for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United

Amorim will hope the comeback proves to be a turning point.

Much like Sir Alex Ferguson’s era-defining FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest in 1990.

A game where Mark Robins famously saved his job.

That victory sparked the never-say-die attitude that defined Ferguson’s United.

Amorim will be dreaming of this result doing the same.

If Maguire’s goal ends up launching another era of success, it could go down in history just as Robins’ did.

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Manchester United’s recruitment strategy has shifted focus towards securing young, high-potential talents as part of their long-term rebuild.

Names like Diego Leon, Patrick Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi all reflect the tactical direction United have adopted in the transfer market.

Now, another name sits firmly on the club’s radar.

River Plate’s exciting attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono.

United are keen to trigger the teenager’s release clause, as previously reported on CentreDevils.

The Red Devils are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

Chelsea to battle with Red Devils for Franco Mastantuono

However, competition for Mastantuono’s signature is intensifying, with Chelsea now firmly in the race.

According to journalist Gustavo Yarroch on his YouTube channel, Chelsea are well-placed and see Mastantuono as part of their long-term strategy to secure creative midfield talent early.

Even if it means meeting his €45 million release clause, which they are prepared to do.

Barcelona have also been tracking the River Plate starlet, while Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool all remain interested.

Although Barcelona’s financial situation could leave them at a disadvantage.

Atletico recently sent scouts to Argentina to assess the 17-year-old’s progress.

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Mastantuono signed his first professional contract with River Plate in August 2023.

It included a €40 million release clause that climbs by €5 million during the final 10 days of any transfer window.

The Blues are prepared to reach that figure in order to stay ahead of rivals, including Manchester United.

He has previously spoke on his focus on improving at his current club, despite the volume of interest.

It could shape up to be one of the more fiercely contested youth transfer races of the summer.

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Manchester United, high off their dramatic 5-4 win over Lyon, are now turning to their weekend match-up with Wolverhampton Wanderers and a front row seat to watch target Matheus Cunha.

The Wolves striker has had a fantastic season with 16 goals and four assists in 30 matches.

Not only has Cunha been a regular contributor to goals at The Molineux Stadium, but his versatility has also been shown off, being used as a striker, on both wings, and as an attacking midfielder and second striker.

As such, United have been interested in signing the 25-year-old in a bid to upgrade from Rasmus Hojlund, who has failed to provide consistency in front of goal.

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Manchester United’s interest in Matheus Cunha

Over recent weeks Cunha has joined Liam Delap at the top of United’s attacking shortlist, with the pair having proven themselves as Premier League strikers, despite their teams being close to the bottom of the table.

Now, with Cunha set to take to the pitch at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has specifically named him in the pre-match conference.

Speaking to the press, as reported by The Mirror, Amorim commented: “I think he [Vitor Pereira] is doing an amazing job. He has real quality players – [Matheus] Cunha and all these guys, they have real quality.

“They are fresh, so we know it’s going to be a tough match and we are going to need a lot from our supporters. I know it is a bad thing to ask anything this season from our fans but we need them on Sunday.”

With only six games left, a top-half finish is mathematically possible for The Red Devils, however with games against the likes of Chelsea and Aston Villa still to play, United will need to use their momentum and find consistency to fight up the table.

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Manchester United are looking to remodel their squad this summer as The Red Devils fight to return to their former winning ways.

It’s clear that after their worst ever Premier League season, significant changes ned to be made to the squad, with United looking to offload Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who have both cost the club with results and in massive transfer fees they’ve failed to live up to.

Now, United are looking to the summer to bring in new talent, with Rayan Cherki making his way onto their shortlist.

The Lyon winger scored in both games of the Europa League Quarter-Final, with United snatching victory after a dramatic comeback last night to win 5-4.

Throughout the season, Cherki has been a star for the Ligue 1 side, with 12 goals and 18 assists in 39 games, with his versatility shining through.

Although naturally a right winger, Cherki has been deployed across both wings, as a striker and in attacking midfield, with his youth and versatility perfectly matching United’s recruitment profile.

However, this isn’t the first time that United have been interested in the 21-year-old.

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Manchester United’s long-standing interest in Rayan Cherki

When he was 15 years old, Cherki was invited from the Lyon Under-19s side to visit Carrington and Old Trafford in the hope of signing him, however nothing materialised.

Now, The Daily Mail has reported that not only are United attempting to sign him for a second time, but Liverpool are also entering the race for his signature.

It’s understood that with a year left on his contract, Cherki has a release clause of £25 million, with Bayern Munich and PSG also circling the star.

With so much high-level interest in Cherki, it’s expected that he will leave Lyon this summer with Lyon desperate to secure a top-four finish to qualify for Champions League football next year.

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