Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United full back Tyrell Malacia has been absent from Manchester United’s squad all season, which has caused a lot of speculation. His knee injury has been responsible for his continued absence but said absence gets more conspicuous every day from the lack of updates from the club.

The 24-year-old has not made a single appearance for The Red Devils since the final Premier League game last season – a 2-1 win against Fulham.

The injury can explain the lack of playing, but he has not posted on social media since July last season, which has only served to build suspense in the whole situation.

While speaking to The United Stand, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave the latest on the young Dutchman’s situation.

“It’s a really complicated moment for the boy. He’s really struggling. I think Manchester United will make some clarity in the next weeks or months to clarify what’s happening,” Romano stated.

This is in line with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s latest update on the situation just a few weeks ago.

Erik ten Hag indeed did confirm he expected the Dutch left back to miss the whole season through injury, although his desire was for Malacia to be back as soon as possible on account of how thinly stretched his squad was, especially at left back with Luke Shaw also out injured.

The manager was optimistically hopeful for Malacia’s return from knee injury, but it is seemingly very unlikely especially after recent confirmation the left back is also struggling mentally.

The added social media absence as well as non-appearances on the club’s official social media pages has worried fans even more with no official communication from the club.

Erik ten Hag still insists the left back will be back soon ‘fighting’ for his place in the team, but perhaps this season will not be it.

 

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Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt has been repeatedly linked with Manchester United, especially considering his relationship with Erik ten Hag, whom he captained Ajax for.

The Dutch defender has finally spoken on his future with The Bavarians.

“Where to go? On holiday?. But no, I don’t think so. I hope for us and for Bayern that we’ll both stay [he and Musiala]. That’s what I’m assuming, too.” he told Bavarian Football Works.

The Netherlands international has struggled for game time at times this season and was linked with a possible move to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

United are expected to target a centre-back in the summer after unexpectedly relying on the experienced Jonny Evans for large parts of the campaign.

The Dutch central defender has struggled with injuries this season, fighting and playing himself to full fitness.

The 24-year-old started only 2 of Bayern’s first 15 league games, working himself to full fitness, which sparked the links to United.

His reservations to playing in a back 5, which is part and parcel of Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel’s philosophy also contributed to the uncertainty over his future.

He has since regained his place in the Bayern side, starting nine of the last 11 league games.

That could be a possible blow to United’s transfer plans ahead of the summer window. It remains to be seen how De Ligt will be viewed by Thomas Tuchel’s successor at Bayern Munich, though his contract is scheduled to run until 2027, meaning United would be required to pay a hefty fee for his services.

As for De Ligt, his immediate focus is reclaiming his place in the Netherlands side after an injury-hit campaign.

He will be looking to put together solid displays for Ons Oranje as he seeks to convince manager Ronald Koeman to include him in his plans for the upcoming Euros in the summer.

 

 

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Manchester United have for a while now been linked with 23-year-old midfielder Orkun Kokcu.

The former Feyenoord captain has been courted by numerous teams before he finally decided to commit to Portuguese side Benfica last summer for around €30 million.

This move has however not gone according to plan for the Turk, as reports are coming in that he is extremely unhappy in Portugal.

This is fantastic news for Manchester United, as Portuguese outlet O Jogo confirms that The Red Devils are very keen on bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford after failing last summer.

According to a report published just last week by De Telegraaf and as confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Kokcu is very unhappy at Benfica especially about the game time and role he is getting.

In the report, Kokcu accuses Benfica manager Roger Schmidt of misusing him and not fulfilling the promises that led to him signing for the Liga NOS giants.

“No, this is not what I expected. There was a lot going on in the transfer market last summer, I made a conscious choice for Benfica with the idea that this was the best step in my career to further develop in all areas. That has only partially happened,” Kokcu said.

“I have of course seen how other players have been put in the spotlight in Portugal and at other big clubs. That creates a certain status. I never felt like I was being made to feel important from the start. Not even by the coach!” he concluded.

It is rumoured the 23-year-old was promised a more advanced role for Benfica, but he has primarily been deployed in the central defensive midfield position.

United are very keenly following up on the midfielder’s situation and could be looking to bring him in the summer.

This may be a challenge, however, since Benfica are not planning to sell because they believe Kokcu has a high ceiling to improve in the coming years.

It is reported Benfica could demand at least €40 million if they decide to cash in on Kokcu this summer.

 

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Reports coming in from Italy allege that Manchester United scouts have been thoroughly impressed by Torino left back Raoul Bellanova.

As per Tuttosport, United scouts have been thoroughly impressed by the Italy U21 and are expected to closely monitor him in the coming months and weeks.

Bellanova has been enjoying a breakout season with Torino being deployed at left back, albeit he is predominantly a right back.

In 27 games across all competitions, he has one goal and five assists to his name and his performances have alerted the Italian FA, with national team manager Luciano Spalletti contemplating calling him up for the Euros.

Even at his young age, Bellanova is extremely experienced and has already turned out for Inter where he won the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup, Atalanta and Bordeaux in France while coming up through the ranks at AC Milan.

His acceleration and dribbling ability have caught everyone’s eye, and a possible European Championship call-up will only lead to increased interest.

Manchester United personnel issues a full back will be more than incentive enough for United to buy into the hype of a young, promising full back who can be deployed on both flanks.

Starting left back Luke Shaw has been injured close to most of the season, being limited to only 15 appearances all season.

His understudy Tyrell Malacia has been out all season with a knee injury, and there is virtually no hope of him returning to action any time this season.

Diogo Dalot who sometimes fills in at left back has been busy as the sole right back on account of Wan-Bissaka’s injury troubles.

Torino know they have a winner on their hands and are expected to make a hefty profit from a future sale.

As for Bellanova, all he wants is to run up and down the flank to try to achieve his 2 big goals of the season: to accompany Torino back to Europe and win a place in the national team for the European Championship.

 

 

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UEFA has this nifty rule where two clubs owned by the same person or conglomerate cannot both participate in the  same UEFA competition.

What this rule stipulates is were two teams to both make it into the UEFA Europa League, or Champions League for that matter, only one of them would be allowed to participate.

Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s and INEOS’ 28% investment in United, the British billionaire and his INEOS outfit now co-own two European outfits in United and French side Nice.

Both Nice and Manchester United look set to qualify for the Europa League. Nice are fifth, and Manchester United are currently in 6th.

UEFA’s crackdown on multi-club ownership stipulates that the highest ranking team will be given priority, which means if the season were to end this way, United would drop to the UEFA Conference League.

To be allowed to compete in the same European competition, INEOS would need to prove to UEFA that there is enough detachment between the two clubs. They will have until June 3 to show UEFA that is the case.

It however may not be a simple enough issue, as Samuel Luckhurst explains.

“If both teams qualify for the same competition then UEFA are likely to open proceedings against them, with the case referred to the CFCB, but there is a reluctance to kick clubs out of Europe, which is why they have worked with those involved in previous cases to find a solution. They are likely to lay down a series of conditions that INEOS must meet concerning the running of United and NICE.”

Ratcliffe was quizzed last month on a potential issue around multi-club ownership preventing either United or Nice from playing in Europe next season, and was insistent it wouldn’t be a problem.

“No, there are no circumstances upon which an ownership of Nice would prevent Manchester United from playing in the Champions League. I’ll be crystal clear on that,” he said.

 

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The Manchester United managerial position has been in doubts over the past couple of months, with no assurance of ten Hag continuing beyond the summer.

As such, lots of managers have been whispered to take over the role and lead the club into a new era under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.  One of these ‘whispered’ managers has been England manager Gareth Southgate, who will be out of contract after the Euros.

A report from Football Transfers allege that Man United bosses may just pass up on snatching up Southgate and their ideal manager would be Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti – although they appreciate the fact that he is impossible to get.

According to the report, they are of the conviction of passing up Southgate for Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who is of course not without his drawbacks.

There are obvious drawbacks – a lack of trophies and Brentford being only his second senior post in coaching after a spell with Brondby – but his ‘attacking style’ and ‘ability to identify and progress young talents’ is right in line with Ratcliffe’s vision for the club.

They add that it is Dan Ashworth ‘who will make the call’ on Ten Hag, the question then turning to who might replace him. And there remains no obvious answer

It remains unclear what will happen in the summer, as some reports also claim that United hierarchy are considering keeping ten Hag beyond the summer.

As per iNews, the new Manchester United co-owner and the director of sports at INEOS, Sir Dave Brailsford, are considering keeping Ten Hag as the club’s manager beyond the current season after he guided them to a memorable win over rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

A potential F.A Cup win and a Champions League berth will do wonders for ten Hag’s cause, and it may be enough to convince his new bosses to trust him as the captain of this new era.

 

 

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Despite not being the majority owner, since the deal was completed in February Ratcliffe has taken over footballing operations at United alongside his INEOS colleagues Jean-Claude Blanc and Sir David Brailsford.

The INEOS group also own Nice, with the French side currently fifth in Ligue 1 and on course to secure European football.

Man United could be denied a European place due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership, and UEFA’s ownership rules would take effect if Erik ten Hag’s side qualify for Europe.

Manchester United are facing the strong possibility of being barred from European competition next season after UEFA stuck by their rules of multi-club ownership – but Sir Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a plan in place to remedy the situation in years to come.

The Red Devils have suffered fluctuating fortunes this season, with Erik ten Hag failing to get a consistent tune out of his players with their form at one stage leading to the club suffering their worst start to a season since 1930/31.

As a result, the Dutchman has seen his job come under serious scrutiny with multiple reports suggesting his job is on the line and he could he sacked as Manchester United manager.

Indeed, TEAMtalk was the first to break the news that senior figures att Old Trafford feel Ten Hag is a dead man walking at Old Trafford and that a change is certain to be made.

Since our revelation, multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail and the Manchester Evening News – the latter of whom understandably do have to tread extremely carefully – have followed our lead with the same claim.

However, Ten Hag continues to battle on, and the 54-year-old does still have some backing at the club, while last weekend’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals illustrated exactly what they are capable of when playing to their best.

Nonetheless, any decision on his future will be decided at the end of the season, with the final decision resting with new minority shareholder Ratcliffe, who has also been granted full sporting control at Old Trafford.

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Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has been subject to admiration from different Premier League clubs including Manchester United.

Just a few weeks ago, it was reported that The Red Devils has scouts watching the Dutchman in Atalanta’s game against Juventus, a game in which Koopmeiners scored twice.

Koopmeiners has intensified suggestions of his exit by revealing that he has already informed Atalanta of his desire to depart Bergamo at the end of the season.

In an interview with Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, he explicitly stated his desire to leave the Bergamo club, even hinting he would do just fine in one of England’s fine cities.

“I have indicated to Atalanta that I want to make a move next summer. But there must be something very nice to exchange that for Atalanta,” he stated.

The next part of the interview which will very much interest Man United was how he subtly hinted that ‘he can endure the rain in some clubs of England’.

This little quip comes as good news to all concerned with United on account of just how rainy it is usually in Manchester and Koopmeiners subtle reference was in a way agreeing to a move there.

The Dutchman can play in any position in midfield, but he has found his best form playing as an attacking midfielder.

His technique and composure in midfield guarantee he could be a great addition to a Manchester United midfield lacking the same.

However, United may face serious competition for his services.

Napoli tried to sign him last summer, and Koopmeiners also mentioned Juventus when talking about his alleged suitors ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

“Already last year there was a concrete interest from Napoli but in the end, the clubs couldn’t find an agreement. “I would be lying if I said that I’m not aware of the interest from Juventus and a Premier League club. Naturally, I read the news too,” he mentioned.

Atalanta are reportedly seeking an offer around 60 million euros, which won’t be an easy price for his suitors to meet.

 

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According to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale, Manchester United are among a host of five Premier League clubs to have enquired about Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.

He states that Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United, Man City, and Newcastle are all eager to sign Sudakov.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea have even gone as far as making contact with the Ukrainian club. TEAMtalk recently reported that Chelsea allegedly had talks with Shakhtrar as recently as Wednesday over a potential move for the youngster to Stamford Bridge.

Labelled as the best footballer in Ukraine, Georgiy Sudakov, 21, has been turning heads with his performances for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, leading to a transfer battle from some of the world’s biggest clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Ukrainian international has been a regular in Shakhtar’s first eleven this season, playing 24 games in total.

He has contributed five goals and two assists in this campaign and has been a major reason for his side’s rise to the top of the Ukrainian Premier League.

Sudakov has also crucially impressed in Europe, playing all six Champions League group games for his team and scoring one goal.

The highly sought-after 21-year-old has even been compared to a Premier League icon stylistically as he “plays a role akin to Kevin de Bruyne, wherein he loves to play as a midfielder whose main job is to create chances for the team”.

His former youth coach Fernando Valente even labelled him as the best player he has ever coached.

“He was the best player I coached, and we have a strong relationship, ” Valente lauded the youngster.

The highly rated youngster has an astonishing release clause of over €100m if any of these Premier League suitors are to lure him away from his current home.

It seems probable that the Miners will need to have to ask for significantly less than this however if they want to cash in on their asset, as according to transfermarkt.com, he only has a market value of €25m.

If Shakhtar were to lower the price, you can see why United would be interested.