Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United have been lining up potential strike targets for the summer as The Red Devils are desperate for consistency up front.

Manager Ruben Amorim has been reliant on Rasmus Hojlund as his first-choice striker, however with a goal drought of 21 consecutive games, concerns began being raised over if Hojlund should be the first-choice striker or if they could even sell him off this summer.

Thankfully Hojlund’s goalless run has come to an end, however there are still concerns about his consistency.

As such, United have developed a shortlist of truly impressive talents including Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.

However, The Athletic have now reported a shift on the shortlist with regards to Sesko.

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Manchester United receive huge blow in pursuit of Benjamin Sesko

Since joining Leipzig in 2023 from RedBull Salzburg, Sesko has established himself as the club’s top striker, making 80 appearances so far with 36 goals and eight assists.

As such, the 21-year-old is highly sought after, with United joined by Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United and Chelsea in trying to sign him this summer.

That said, other European strikers like Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have leapfrogged the impressive youngster in several shortlists, making Sesko more of a back-up option for some clubs.

However, it’s now deemed that Old Trafford is an unrealistic destination for Sesko during the upcoming summer transfer window.

RB Leipzig are wanting £60 million for the striker as they secured a gentleman’s agreement for Slovenia international who signed a new contract until 2029 last summer.

As such, The Red Devils are unlikely to be able to compete with other clubs for the striker given their ongoing financial pressures.

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Argentine side Boca Juniors have just released their campaign for promoting their new third shirt for next season, opting to use three of their stars who all previously played for Manchester United.

The South American club have called on three of their current line up to promote the new alternate kit which is predominantly navy blue with gold stars dotted across the torso.

The Boca Juniors crest, Adidas logo and Betsson logo also stand out in gold on the dark blue shirt, with a gold triple stripe leading from the collar to the shoulder.

So, to stylishly unveil the shirt, tucked in to some light crisp blue jeans and cream chinos, Boca picked out the trio of Edinson Cavani, Anders Herrera and Marcos Rojo.

All three previous wore the red of Manchester United with Rojo and Cavani playing together between 2020 and 2021 at Old Trafford before Rojo joined Boca in the summer of 2021 on a free transfer.

Cavani remained at Old Trafford for a further season until the summer of 2022 when he joined Valencia for a season on a free transfer before reuniting with Rojo in Argentina in 2023.

Whilst Cavani never played with Herrera at Old Trafford, they did share the pitch for a season at PSG.

Herrera joined United in 2014 from Athletic Bilbao for £30 million, playing for The Red Devils for five years. When his contract ran out in 2019, the Spanish midfielder moved to PSG, joining Cavani for a year before he went the other way on a free transfer.

Herrera is the last of the trio to join Boca Juniors, having joined in this season’s winter transfer window, however, he’s generated enough of a buzz to get in on the campaign.

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Over recent months, Manchester United have revealed plans to develop a whole new home ground for the men’s team.

The proposed development, designed by Norman Foster, is a 100,000 capacity stadium set to completely remodel Trafford Park, the stadium’s surrounding area.

It’s understood that the project has now been greenlit by the club, with a build time of five years expected, getting the stadium ready for the 2030/31 season.

As such, the ground will also be ready for the 2035 Women’s World Cup where it could be set to host some of the tournament’s fixtures.

Today it was confirmed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino that the UK’s bid to host the tournament in 2035 across the four-nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland was the sole bid, and therefore victorious.

The Telegraph and Argus has reported that Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has gone so far as to say he believes the tournament could be extended to 48 teams, which is possible under FIFA’s bidding regulations, requiring 16 venues, but could allow for an even bigger impact.

Speaking about using United’s new stadium, Bullingham commented: “We’re going to have conversations with (United) and work out if they can be part of it or not.”

He continued: “We’ve got a number of different stadia being built in the country, potentially Man United, potentially Birmingham, and with a 10-year horizon you’ve got to work out exactly where you’ll be then.

“There will be lots of conversations to be had, understanding timescales for stadium builds, understanding what people want and knitting that together.”

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Former Manchester United striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has dropped one of his Leicester stars following a recent confrontation.

The Dutchman took over at the King Power Stadium in December 2024, only a month after losing his interim manager role at Old Trafford.

The United legend was brought back to the club in the summer as part of INEOS’ coaching staff overhaul to support then-manager Erik ten Hag.

However, when ten Hag was sacked in October, van Nistelrooy was promoted to interim manager for two weeks, where he led United undefeated, to then be replaced by Ruben Amorim and his Sporting CP coaches.

Unfortunately for the legendary striker, his second stint at Old Trafford only lasted four months, however, the Dutchman wasn’t short of management options after leaving United.

Ultimately van Nistelrooy ended up with The Foxes, with his job now in question as Leicester fight to avoid relegation currently sat in 19th place in the Premier League.

Now, The Telegraph has reported that van Nistelrooy has had a bust up with Foxes star Harry Winks, axing the midfielder from his squad.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy and Harry Winks in heated row

The confrontation came over the international break as Winks declined the request to stay overnight one day a week at Leicester’s training ground.

Winks is one of three senior Leicester players who have a commute of over 90 miles to the Seagrave complex, with the former England international having private reasons for commuting each day from Hertfordshire.

However, when Winks declined the request to stay over at the training facility for one night, van Nistelrooy reacted angrily, perceiving the rejections as indiscipline, excluding the midfielder from the clash with Manchester City.

It’s not yet known if Winks will be back in the squad for Leicester’s Monday night fixture against Newcastle, with the row reportedly getting very heated.

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Manchester United are desperate to sign a new striker this summer, with Udinese star Lorenzo Lucca emerging as a new candidate.

United are considering in-form strikers like Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Jonathan David, however with Arsenal leading the pack for Gyokeres and Napoli wanting a bidding war for Osimhen, alternatives were needed.

As such, The Red Devils have turned to 6ft 7in Lucca who would be the Premier League’s tallest outfield star since Peter Crouch.

The Italian striker has registered 12 goals and two assists in 32 games for Udinese, and with his form, the Serie A club may struggle to retain him this summer, especially with his low price tag.

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Udinese reveal price tag for Lorenzo Lucca

The Sun has reported that Udinese are only wanting £25 million for their star striker, making him a really affordable option for most clubs.

Having moved to Udinese from Pisa after his season long loan in 2023 was made permanent for £6.75 million, even the £25 million would make a tidy profit for the Italian club.

However, as Lucca is now proven in Italy with 18 goals and six assists in 66 Serie A games for Udinese, it’s no surprise that other Serie A sides are also vying for the 24-year-old’s services.

Juventus and AC Milan are reportedly in the race alongside United to sign Lucca, with the striker having only spent a year outside of Italy, with a season-long loan to Ajax where he predominately sat on the bench.

Throughout the season, Lucca only made 16 appearances with two goals and an assist, having only started one game.

As such it’s unknown how Lucca would feel about moving to England, however United have a track record of signing strikers from Italy with Rasmus Hojlund joining from Atalanta in 2022 and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna last summer.

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Manchester United might be even closer to missing out on key summer target Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal step up their attack for the striker.

Earlier today it was reported that conversations had begun between Sporting CP and Arsenal about a move for Portuguese side’s star striker.

Rising Stars XI on X has reported that Arsenal have now been granted permission by Sporting CP to begin discussing personal terms with the Swedish striker.

Gyokeres is one of the world’s most in-form strikers right now, with 42 goals and 11 assists in 42 games for Sporting this season, plus nine goals and four assists in six games for Sweden.

As such, Europe’s elite have been monitoring the star aiming to sign him in the summer, with United hoping to use their links with Ruben Amorim to lure Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford.

However, Arsenal are also looking to use their links with Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya being long-term friends with Mikel Arteta.

Whilst this is a massive move to suggest a transfer to The Gunners, the report explains that Arsenal are “merely laying extensive groundwork” to shortlist and scope out strong attacking candidates ready for their new sporting director when appointed.

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Manchester United have placed a greater emphasis on recruiting young talents since INEOS took control of football operations in 2024.

After years of criticism over poor recruitment, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already reshaped the club’s approach to player signings.

Gone are the days of spending huge transfer fees on players past their prime and handing out enormous contracts.

Ratcliffe was never convinced by the signing of Casemiro, as United paid a hefty fee for a player who was already beyond his peak.

While Casemiro played a key role in his first season, it was evident he wasn’t the same force that won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

Now, INEOS chiefs are prioritising youth signings in a bid to build a sustainable future for Manchester United.

In the past year alone, United have recruited several young stars, including Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi, and Leny Yoro.

Barcelona wanted Man Utd starlet Sekou Kone

One of the most exciting youngsters to arrive at Old Trafford in the last year is Sekou Kone.

The 19-year-old midfielder completed a £1 million transfer from Malian club Guidars FC on deadline day last summer.

United initially scouted Kone at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia in 2023, before moving to secure his signature.

Since arriving, he has represented both United’s U19s and U21s, while also being on the verge of making his first-team debut.

Amorim has named Kone in three matchday squads this season, including for Premier League clashes against Tottenham, Everton, and Nottingham Forest.

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Barcelona had serious interest in signing Kone before he ended up at United.

The report states that Barcelona sporting director Deco is now focusing on internal development due to the club’s financial struggles.

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Regarding their failed pursuit, the newspaper adds: “The problem is that some of the targets required small financial compensation and have already escaped months ago.”

Barcelona’s inability to strike a deal allowed United to complete the transfer on August 30, 2024.

Due to delays in the transfer process, Kone missed pre-season and had to wait until November to make his first start for United’s academy.

Unfortunately, he suffered an injury just 40 minutes into his debut for the U21s against Huddersfield, ruling him out for weeks.

Now back to full fitness, Kone is on the fringes of the first team but continues to earn valuable minutes with the U21s.

Last weekend, he scored a stunning left-footed volley against Leeds, showcasing his immense talent.

He also won the penalty for Sam Mather’s equaliser as the game ended 2-2.

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Manchester United’s commitment to youth development has been a defining trait of the club for decades.

That remains the case under the new INEOS-led project.

Whether it’s recruiting young stars from abroad or bringing talent through the academy, United are determined to build for the future.

That vision has been reinforced with the news that Amir Ibragimov has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The highly rated attacking talent has been tipped for a big future, with many at United viewing him as a potential star in the years to come.

Ibragimov netted a hattrick against Liverpool for the U17’s back in September.

Although born in Dagestan, Russia, Ibragimov represents England at international youth level.

Capable of playing in multiple attacking positions, the 17-year-old made two appearances for United’s Under-18s in the 2023/24 season.

His versatility, creativity, and technical ability levels have stood out in United’s youth setup.

His potential has now earned him a deal to continue his development at Carrington.

Amir Ibragimov confirms contract on Instagram

Shortly after signing his contract, Ibragimov took to Instagram to confirm the news, marking another significant step in his young career.

His progression through the ranks highlights United’s continued investment in young players.

There seems to be a much more clear pathway from the academy to the first team.

This is a particularly exciting time for young players at United.

With the club’s current first-team struggles, comes more opportunities for academy graduates.

Both Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven have already caught the eye, demonstrating how the club is willing to trust its youth prospects.

With Ibragimov now committed to the club, the pathway to first-team football looks brighter than ever for United’s next generation.

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Manchester United’s need for a true No.9 has never been more obvious.

The team currently languish in the bottom half of the Premier League,  struggling for goals.

Rasmus Hojlund, the club’s £72 million signing, has endured a challenging season.

The forward is now effectively ‘on trial’ as United assess whether he can be their long-term solution up front.

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Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee has shown flashes of quality.

However, the Dutchman appears to be more suited to playing as a shadow striker rather than an out-and-out centre-forward.

One name that has been consistently linked to United is Victor Osimhen, with the on-loan at Galatasaray striker long admired by the club’s hierarchy.

Osimhen was seen as an ideal fit to lead United’s attack, despite rejecting the Red Devils last year.

However his time at Napoli is already over, with Antonio Conte not keen on keeping him at the club.

David Ornstein provides update on Victor Osimhen future

According to David Ornstein on The Athletic’s Q/A, the most likely destination for Osimhen is Saudi Arabia.

Premier League clubs are believing that’s where he will end up, as per Ornstein.

Osimhen’s physical profile and finishing ability make him tailor-made for English football, which is why he has regularly been linked to United and Chelsea.

However, with Saudi Pro League interest growing, it now appears unlikely that United will be able to secure his signature.

As a result, the club will have to turn their attention elsewhere, with Viktor Gyokeres emerging as a priority target.

The Sweden international has been in exceptional form at Sporting CP and has the added advantage of already working under Ruben Amorim.

You can certainly expect the links with Gyokeres to liven up even more.

Alternatively, Liam Delap has been a name mentioned – should the Red Devils fail in their pursuit of Gyokeres.

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This summer is set to be the most important in years for Manchester United, with the club’s long-term status hanging in the balance.

Since arriving at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has yet to deliver instant success, though recent performances suggest the squad is beginning to adapt to his system.

The Portuguese coach has admitted his satisfaction with United’s displays.

Especially in their dominant performance against Nottingham Forest, where they excelled in every key metric except finishing chances.

With the current squad lacking efficiency in both boxes, United are expected to oversee a major clearout this summer.

However, financial constraints could force INEOS to explore cheaper alternatives.

Potential free transfers may be considered rather than big-money moves.

Manchester United to pass on Angel Gomes reunion

One such free-agent target who has been linked with a return to Old Trafford is Angel Gomes, alongside interest from multiple Premier League clubs.

However, Graeme Bailey via United in Focus, has revealed that the club have no current plans to re-sign their former academy graduate.

Despite his Lille contract expiring this summer, United sources have played down the speculation of a move.

A major reason for this decision is that Gomes’ playing style has evolved into a holding midfielder role, rather than the attacking playmaker United once developed.

Manuel Ugarte is expected to be the stalwart choice as the ‘sitting six’, posing uncertainty as to where Gomes would fit.

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Earlier this season, Gomes received his first England call-up, impressing with his performances and subsequently fueling speculation over a return.

Back in October, the midfielder admitted he would struggle to reject United if an opportunity to return in 2025 arose.

However, while Gomes has been compared to Rodri for his ball retention and build-up play, United are set to avoid a reunion.

His lack of physicality has been an issue highlighted over the years.

While technically superb, questions would still arise, as to his suitability within Amorim’s system.

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