Tag: Football

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Manchester United are looking to Southampton’s Tyler Dibling as they hope for a transformative summer with the transfer window on the horizon and Ruben Amorim in charge for his first set of pre-season tours.

The club are in desperate need of bouncing back after their worst Premier League campaign on record, set to finish in the bottom half of the table.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer market, United are lining up a lot of offers for their shortlist targets; however currently have limited funds to do so.

The club are experiencing significant financial struggles, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe claiming that were it not for his cash injection and cost-cutting measures, the club would be bust by Christmas 2025.

As such, The Red Devils are desperate to lift the Europa League trophy, not only for the prize funds, but also for entry into the Champions League next season.

Champions League football would bring in an extra £100 million of income to the club whilst also being the club’s final chance of securing European football for next season, a factor which significant interest in moving to Old Trafford is hinging on.

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Manchester United’s pursuit of Tyler Dibling hinges on Europa League

Now ESPN has reported that United will only advance their interest in Southampton’s Tyler Dibling if they win the Europa League with the Saints wanting £100 million for their star.

The report also expresses that with Southampton set to be relegated and Dibling drawing interest from teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, this is unlikely to be the final valuation.

However, it’s clear that to compete with the other interested parties, United will need a significant financial boost from winning the Europa League as well as the lure of European football.

United have already fallen down the pecking order for both Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens due to their uncertainty around European football next season.

However, if they can beat Athletic Club in the Semi-Final and go on to lift the trophy, they’ll once more be on a level playing field.

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Manchester United have been trying for some time now to lock down Kobbie Mainoo with a new contract.

Mainoo established himself as a core part of the United squad with a breakthrough season last year, even being nominated for the Golden Boy award.

Since rising through the United ranks, Mainoo’s also been called up to the England squad under Gareth Southgate, featuring heavily at Euro 2024.

Whilst United are keen to secure the future of their talented midfielder, Mainoo is wanting his contract to reflect his status in the squad and on the global stage.

With other United stars on ridiculous wages like Casemiro and Marcus Rashford on over £300,000 per week, Mainoo and his team have been holding firm on a substantial pay rise from his current wage of around £20,000 per week.

It’s understood that Mainoo’s team have been requesting a new wage of £180,000 per week, however United are keen to keep costs down, but still open to a contract of over £100,000 per week.

Now, SullyTalks has reported that the youngster and United have had positive talks over the recent week, with another on set to be held next week with Omar Berrada.

No doubt after United’s 5-4 comeback to beat Lyon, The Red Devils will be even more keen to keep hold of their star who always delivers in the big games.

Mainoo’s goal in extra time drew the teams level before Harry Maguire came up good again to seal the win.

So, this could be music to United fans everywhere as it looks like Kobbie Mainoo will have a new contract by the end of the season.

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Goodness gracious me, where do we begin?

Do we start with the fact Man Utd raced into a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes to go and found themselves 4-2 down in extra time?

Or should we analyse the fact that the Red Devils rallied to score three goals in six minutes to astonishingly win the game?

There are certain nights like this that occur when following Man Utd. Where you remember why there is a uniqueness to the remarkable, baffling magic that happens at this club.

With everything riding on the line to salvage the 24/25 season, Utd impossibly came back from being 4-2 down with six minutes left to play and qualified for the semi finals of the Europa League.

On a night to remember, here are five things we learnt from an astounding quarter final:

1. Bafflingly Brilliant Comeback

It never feels like it’s straight forward with this Man Utd team but this took the cake.

When Man Utd played ball after ball over the top in the first half, the tie was looking comfortable.

Anything can happen in knockout football as Lyon struck back with two goals in six minutes and then scored two more in extra time.

Amorim went for broke and threw everyone forward with Harry Maguire and Casemiro the aim for crosses into the box. Both players have an underrated ability to threaten up front and create chaos which is exactly what they did.

The resilience from this Man Utd team was incredible. To continue going and believing that they could turn a result around deserves massive credit.

The fact that they executed the comeback was even more staggering.

2. Errors under Amorim continue

There has been problems under Amorim in terms of adapting to the system and finding the right players that work, but there has also been a huge amount of errors and horrendous game management.

With 20 minutes left and the tie looking secured, United opened the door for Lyon just as they did in France.

Defensive mistakes and lapses in judgement have been a constant under the Portuguese manager. The game should have never got the point where Man Utd needed to score three in extra time and they must learn to manage the game better and dictate the tempo.

3. Penalty in extra time changed the game

Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty dagger in extra time put Lyon 4-2 up and at that point Man Utd looked dead and buried.

The Red Devils still piled forward and it paid off with Casemiro’s box presence resulting in a penalty. With the crowd roaring behind them Man Utd pressed on.

The penalty gave Man Utd a lifeline and the encouragement to hunt for an equaliser and then the winner.

In recent years, this Man Utd side seems to rely on leaning into the chaos in order to salvage important games, it was the same when they won the FA Cup last season under Erik ten Hag.

The frustrating aspect is getting consistent performances week in, week out and not just in big games.

But Man Utd’s ability to do it when the chips are down and when it matters is clear.

4. Kobbie Mainoo’s excellent goal

Kobbie Mainoo has not played enough under Amorim as the English midfielder has struggled with injuries.

His goal in the 120th minute was a pertinent reminder that Man Utd have the answer to their central midfield problem right in front of them.

Mainoo is a player who debuted under difficult circumstances before having a crazily successful season under Ten Hag, he’s unfazed by the biggest of games and can deliver the goods when needed.

His FA Cup final goal showed this.

The goal vs Lyon had echoes of his strike vs Liverpool. There has been murmurs of Mainoo and Man Utd stuttering over a new contract to keep him at the club.

The equaliser from the academy talent was another brilliant moment in Mainoo’s short career.

5. Champions League dream lives on

The point of tonight was to get through to the semi-final by all means necessary, though the circumstances were incredulous, Man Utd  made it through.

The first season under INEOS has been dreadful with mistake after mistake off the pitch and on it.

However, Man Utd can still somehow, someway qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

The Lyon game conveyed this isn’t an easy feat, but the manner in which Man Utd came back and won will give them huge confidence heading into a difficult tie vs Athletic Club.

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In an insanely dramatic game, Manchester United have emerged victorious against Lyon as they move on to the Semi-Finals of the Europa League.

The first leg was frustrating for Ruben Amorim and his men as a disastrous showing from Andre Onana gifted Lyon two goals, ending in a 2-2 draw.

However, with the win at Old Trafford being essential for United, Amorim’s men have fought to the final whistle to secure the victory.

Ruben Amorim took a confident lead in the first half, with Manuel Ugarte opening the scoring in the first 11 minutes, before Diogo Dalot grabbed another on the bring of half time.

Unfortunately for United though, Lyon bounced back in the second half thanks to goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagiafico in the space of seven minutes as the half was coming to a close.

However, with the two teams now drawing, Tolisso picked up a second yellow card, putting Lyon down a man going into extra time.

With the second leg ending in a 2-2 draw at 90 minutes, extra time was called, with the game descending into madness.

Lyon took an impressive lead despite being down to ten men, going ahead by two as Rayan Cherki and Alexander Lacazette scored, taking it to 4-2.

However, United fought back with three goals in even minutes to avoid penalties and win 5-4, taking them forward on their path to the final.

The comeback was led by Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire as The Red Devils kept battling till the final whistle, securing the much-needed win.

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The path to the final for Manchester United

Lifting the Europa League trophy is United’s only chance to secure European football for next year, a feat that is needed both for increased funds and to lure new signings over the summer.

A Champions League slot is on offer, and with it, £100 million in extra funding that would help to ease United’s financial struggles.

However, in their way stands Athletic Club, who beat Rangers 2-0 in the other Quarter-Final.

Amorim’s men will hoping to be victorious once again when they face the LaLiga side, although will surely be hoping to wrap things up much sooner in the game.

In the other Semi-Final, Tottenham Hotspur will be taking on Bodo/Glimt after the latter knocked out Lazio on penalties.

If United go on to beat Athletic Club, an all-English final could be on the cards. Unfortunately though, United have failed to beat Spurs in both of their Premier League match ups and in the Carabao Cup, losing all three fixtures.

However, if Spurs lose to Bodo/Glimt, United would have a confidence boost going into the game having beat the Norwegian side in the Group Stages.

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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has shifted his footballing career from player to management and now to pundit.

Over the last four years, the former striker has managed Derby, D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth, and has been without a club since December.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast back in January about his time in the hot seat at Plymouth Argyle, Rooney commented: “I would like to go back in [to management], but it would have to be the right club. Certainly the right club.”

He continued: “I think you always have that ego, don’t you? You always have that confidence you could go in and get the best out of a bad, or difficult, situation. Obviously, that wasn’t the case [at Plymouth].

“I’m going to enjoy time with my family, though.”

However, the former striker is now linked with a return to management with Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn are currently tenth in the Championship, looking to remain in the competition next season, potentially without current manager Valerien Ismael.

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Wayne Rooney reveals long-term plan for club management

Now, in a recent appearance on Match of the Day, as reported by Manchester Evening News, the United legend revealed his long-term coaching aspirations.

Rooney revealed: “Managing Manchester United or Everton is the aim, these big jobs are where you want to get to.

“But it’s a process I have got to go through the steps and get myself back on track.

“I want to get myself back into management to make sure in these next 10 years I’m, hopefully, in a position to go into one of the big jobs.”

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Manchester United have experienced a glut of injuries this season, with stars like Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee ruled out for the rest of the season.

Fears emerged that Amad Diallo also experienced a season-ending injury, with damage to the ligament in his ankle, however, the winger looks close to a return.

Ahead of him, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are all back into the matchday squads, whilst Ayden Heaven has had a setback to his recovery, being stretchered off the training pitch on Monday.

However, another injured United midfielder is set for a return to the pitch as he leaves Carrington to return to his temporary club, continuing his loan spell.

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Dan Gore returns from injury

Manchester United youngster Dan Gore went out on loan to Rotherham in the winter transfer window to grab more gametime for his development.

However, after only one appearance for the League One side, in which he registered an assist, Gore was ruled out through injury.

The 20-year-old returned to Carrington for further tests and recovery, with United confirming an injury to a bone in his foot.

Now, two months on and the Rotherham Advertiser has revealed that Gore is due to return to training with Rotherham this weekend.

Speaking of Gore’s return, manager Matt Hamshaw commented: “We’ll get a full week into him after that and look to give him some minutes at Stevenage.”

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Manchester United are planning ahead for a major summer window under Ruben Amorim, with recruitment strategies aimed at strengthening the midfield and defence.

Their scouting department has been actively monitoring Serie A, with a specific eye on Champions League-bound clubs, as Amorim looks for quality signings that can perform at the highest level.

The Red Devils are expected to part ways with several senior players at the end of the season, freeing up space in the squad and wage budget for new arrivals.

With Champions League football still within reach, United’s management is pushing to reinforce the squad with players already accustomed to top-tier European competition.

And while United’s performances in the Europa League have drawn praise, the club’s long-term planning continues in the background, especially with a focus on dynamic midfielders who can adapt to Amorim’s system.

One player firmly on United’s radar is Ederson of Atalanta, as per Il Giorno.

The Brazilian has been a standout figure in Serie A this season, playing a key role in helping La Dea close in on a return to the Champions League.

Fresh off a vital victory against Bologna, Atalanta now hold a four-point cushion in fourth place and face a favourable run-in that could cement their European status.

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But behind the scenes, the club is already preparing for a summer of major sales, particularly to English clubs.

John Murtough, the former Manchester United football director, has just taken up a role at Atalanta as their new Director of Global Development.

His Premier League connections, including his long-standing presence at Old Trafford, put United in a strong position to negotiate.

Atalanta know the English market well, having already sold Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo to United in big-money moves.

Ederson could be the next to follow, with the Red Devils reportedly making initial moves to secure him ahead of Manchester City, who have also expressed interest.

Ederson isn’t the only name on United’s radar from the Bergamo side, but he’s seen as a key piece in Amorim’s tactical evolution.

Atalanta’s openness to selling to the Premier League adds further optimism for a deal.

United fans will be watching closely as the Bergamo-England transfer axis continues to heat up this summer.

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Rasmus Hojlund’s Manchester United career has stalled badly this season.

The striker has struggled to recapture the promise he showed during his debut campaign under Erik ten Hag.

Despite flashes of quality early in his tenure, the 22-year-old has lacked confidence and end product.

Especially since Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford.

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The absence of an experienced, top striker ahead of him has only increased the pressure.

It has forced Hojlund to carry the burden of United’s goal-scoring struggles almost single-handedly.

That situation has affected his performances.

Belief in his long-term potential is said to be fading fast within the Carrington coaching staff.

Manchester United prepared to make a heavy loss on Rasmus Hojlund

Now, according to Football Insider, United are prepared to accept offers for Hojlund this summer.

Juventus are among the clubs exploring a deal.

Former United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected at the club, has revealed that Amorim does not consider Hojlund part of his future plans at Old Trafford.

“Man United took the plunge and it’s never really happened for him here.

“But it hasn’t stopped the interest from some of the other clubs.

“They believe they can resurrect what they saw in him in the first place.

“Juventus I hear are one of those clubs, they like what they saw from him playing in Italy.

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“It’s a deal that will only happen if the fee is right for them, and I’m not convinced it will be.

“It looks like United will hold out for £50million because of the amount they spent on him.

“I’d be shocked if any team was willing to pay that.”

Should Hojlund depart this summer, Italy certainly seems to be his most likely destination.

Although Juventus and Napoli are unlikely to meet that figure of £50m.

Especially with Napoli eyeing a £39million deal, as previously reported on CentreDevils.

However, Amorim and United fans will be desperate to see money coming in, with a rebuild in urgent need.

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Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League clash with Chelsea has officially been rescheduled.

The trip to Stamford Bridge will now take place on Friday 16 May, with kick-off set for 20:00 BST.

That is as per the confirmation on Manchester United’s official club website.

The fixture has been moved in order to avoid a direct clash with the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final.

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The final which is due to be held at Wembley on Sunday 18 May at 13:30 BST.

The Chelsea encounter will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and stands as the penultimate fixture of Manchester United’s league campaign before the final day against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

It may well be a clash with huge stakes, considering Chelsea’s push for Champions League spots.

Chelsea’s last outing against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge ended 4-3, with a Cole Palmer hattrick.

The reverse fixture this season at Old Trafford back in November finished 1-1.

Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty before Moises Caicedo found the equaliser for the visitors.

Marc Skinner’s Manchester United Women will also be facing Chelsea in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the semi-finals.

A number of other fixtures are still subject to change depending on the progress of the men’s Emirates FA Cup.

However Brighton are still set to face Liverpool on Monday 19 May at 20:00 BST.

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Manchester United remain in desperate need of a proven striker as their goalscoring struggles continue to define another underwhelming season.

Rasmus Hojlund has endured a tough campaign, often left isolated and learning on the job as the club’s main attacking outlet.

With goals proving hard to come by, United are expected to prioritise a new striker in the summer.

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Names like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres have been dominating the conversation.

Jonathan David is another target.

The 25-year-old would likely be seen as a good fit of their long-term rebuild, coming in on relatively low wages.

However, the Red Devils may be set to miss out on the Canadian striker.

West Ham edge closer in race to sign Jonathan David

According to Daily Mail’s report, West Ham have leaped ahead of United in the race for David.

The Lille striker has attracted interest from across Europe.

Multiple clubs said to be monitoring his situation ahead of a potential summer switch.

Chelsea have long been linked with the 25-year-old.

David’s contract at Lille expires this summer, meaning he will be available on a free transfer.

A factor making him one of the most attractive names on the market.

Since arriving at Lille in 2020, David has hit an impressive 107 goals in 227 appearances.

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Despite the absence of European football at West Ham next season, the Hammers remain confident in their pursuit of the prolific forward.

Chelsea are expected to remain in the mix.

Although the ongoing recruitment reshuffle – including the exit of Kyle Macaulay to reunite with Graham Potter at West Ham, could tilt the advantage in the Hammers’ favour.

With the Hammers also eager to reduce the average age of their squad, David is viewed as a perfect fit for their long-term rebuild.

Thus, leaving Manchester United with serious competition in the months ahead.

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