Tag: Manchester United

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Reports coming in from Denmark claim that Manchester United Christian Eriksen has accepted he no longer has a place in the club’s plans.

As the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet reports, Eriksen is understood to have hit a dead end for the club, struggling to make a mark let alone appearances under ten Hag this season.

In the same report, Eriksen’s national team manager Kasper Hjulmand admits he is certainly worried about the situation as well.

“It is a concern for me regarding the situation Christian has found himself in. It is absolutely not optimal. We really hope that changes this spring,” he told Ekstra Bladet.

“It is a problem when you, as a player, are away from the team for an extended period. You lose match tempo, and it affects your physical form. Some things you can’t really train yourself to do.” he concluded.

Erisken was instrumental last season, making 44 appearances and forming a great partnership with fellow midfielders Casemiro and Bruno. This season has been entirely different as he has only made 20 appearances.

Emergence of young Kobbie Mainoo as an established starter has greatly hampered his chances as well as McTominay’s continued important goal streaks for the ten Hag side.

And while it is not likely to damage his immediate prospects of featuring for his country (Eriksen is just three caps short of breaking Peter Schmeichel’s record as his country’s most capped stars) he knows he will need to be playing more regular football to further build on his haul of 126 appearances.

According to the report, the situation is about to get ‘critical’ for Eriksen, who last appeared as a substitute in the 54th minute of February’s win at Fulham.

And with the player having been ‘overtaken by the competition’ it’s reported he was now ‘slipped to fifth choice’ leaving the player to ‘want out’ this summer.

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Jadon Sancho has been at his former club Dortmund on loan since January, and reports coming in from BILD claim that the German club would be open to a player swap with United for Sancho once his loan ends.

According to the report, BVB are only willing to negotiate for another loan spell or the player swap.

He is not expected back at Manchester United, as his relationship with the manager is deemed as good as irredeemable.

Were United to consider the player swap, these are the 3 players they should be looking at, as reported by utdfocus:

Man Utd are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, and BVB defender Nico Schlotterbeck could be a decent option to remedy this.

He is a left-footed centre back who is excellent in possession, a quality United only have in Licha. He is also very good in the air and at only 24, he still has close to 10 years left in his prime.

He has been immense this season, winning 72 per cent of his tackles and 64 per cent of his duels along with 178 recoveries and 29 interceptions – as per FotMob.

A player swap for him would solve a lot of concerns including the Jadon Sancho offloading problem.

Being a player swap, the deal will not cost United a lot of money, freeing up funds for a more needed right-sided centre back.

This will eliminate the need to spend 60, 70 million on other CB targets like Bremer and Brainthwaite.

Another player United should look at is Karim Adeyemi.

The young winger is incredibly versatile and even though his output has reduced considerably from last season, his potential is limitless.

Still only 22, he could be an absolute steal as a backup for any of the 3 front positions.

The other player United should look at is Donyell Malen.

He perhaps is the most realistic option of the 3 as Dortmund would be willing to trade him.

United have been suffering from a lack of squad depth up top and with Martial leaving, it will be even worse. Malen can be deployed on any of the front 3 positions including the striker, alleviating some pressure from Rasmus Hojlund.

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Mason Greenwood has been making a name for himself in Spain since joining Getafe on loan last summer from Manchester United.

He seems to be slowly settling in La Liga away from the glaring English press and is playing some decent stuff for Getafe, especially considering he hadn’t played professionally in two odd years.

Greenwood has six goals and five assists in La Liga this season in 23 outings. Only Diego Rico, with seven, has managed more assists for Getafe so far in the current campaign.

According to a report by The Insider, Greenwood has made the decision of staying in Spain beyond the summer and is drawn to staying at Getafe.

It was earlier reported by The Sun late last week that Spanish giants Barcelona were weighing up a move for the 22-year-old winger. Barcelona were looking to entice Manchester United with a swap deal with either of their numerous rising stars from La Masia.

It is unclear whether Greenwood feels like a move to a high profile club like Barça could thrust him back into the limelight he has been doing so well away from.

This recent decision is a blow to Barcelona and Joan Laporta’s plans, as they were looking at Mason Greenwood as a low-cost but high return option to bolster their fickle attack.

The implication on Manchester United and Sir Jim is perhaps not as big. If anything, it makes their decision much easier should they decide to offload him.

Mason Greenwood deciding to stay at the South Madrid outfit makes the decision for INEOS of deciding between Getafe and Barça.

Talks are set to continue over Greenwood’s future, and it’s still not clear where he will play his football next season. In the meantime, the forward is due to return to action with Getafe on Saturday in La Liga as Jose Bordalas’s side take on high-flying Girona.

 

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Manchester United are one of the clubs monitoring Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, whose contract negotiations are at an impasse.

The company representing Merino are reluctant to make a decision until a European place is guaranteed – and even then, the player may opt against signing an extension given the interest he is attracting across the continent.

The 6 ft 2 in midfielder, known for his passing ability, rose through Osasuna’s academy and youth system, racking up eight goals in 67 appearances.

Borussia Dortmund spotted Merino’s potential and lured him to Germany at the age of just 20, but managed just nine appearances.

Rafael Benitez lured Merino to Newcastle United in 2017, turning a loan move permanent before his time on Tyneside fizzled out.

By 2018, Merino was back in Spain with Real Sociedad, where he has really settled down and found his best form once again.

Merino has now bagged 25 goals and 30 assists in 233 games for Sociedad whilst picking up 19 caps for Spain.

According to Spanish publication COPE, Merino’s talks over a possible renewal are at a ‘standstill’ and an agreement may depend on whether Sociedad secure European football for next season.

Therefore, the Red Devils and many other European teams will be watching the La Liga table with great interest over the coming weeks to see where exactly Real Sociedad end up.

Only then will they know how viable a move is for the sought-after Merino. On the other hand, if it is European football he is seeking, United themselves have their work cut out to be able to offer that next season.

From United’s perspective, they could certainly do with a ball-winning midfielder who can run and press effectively since the loss of Fred last summer.

Moreover, Casemiro’s performance on Saturday against Everton was another worrying indicator that the player is not cut out for top level football any more, as he was incredibly careless with the ball and offered little protection to the defence as lowly Everton generated 23 shots on the United goal.

 

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Fabrizio Romano is 100% Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise would be willing to join Manchester United. This is off the back of numerous reports linking the Frenchman with Manchester United.

Reports of him being a diehard Manchester United supporter have been circulating and, as Fabrizio reports, this might be the case.

They begin to make sense when you recall that 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last January.

Crystal Palace were down 1-0 before Michael Olise smashed a postage stamp free kick past David de Gea to secure his team a draw. A goal like that was worth a dozen celebrations, and Olise barely cracked a smile.

The London-born France U21 international has struggled with a hamstring injury this term, but that hasn’t put off his potential suitors, and United see him as an upgrade on Antony, who has massively struggled in his second season.

“I’m sure that the player would be really keen on joining Manchester United,” Romano now tells The United Stand. “That’s 100 per cent guaranteed.

“But (Man United) won’t be the only club.”

No, but they’ve certainly got an advantage over the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and co. Furthermore, with a reported release clause in his contract of around £60 million, Crystal Palace will be powerless to prevent Olise from securing a dream move if – or when – United come calling.

Crystal Palace also have another bargaining chip up their sleeve in that they have long wanted to bring back right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the club, and they could use an Olise deal to accomplish this.

Chelsea has also been attempting to sign him, even activating his release clause last season. However, the forward elected to remain loyal to the Eagles and snubbed the move.

According to Football Transfers, ‘personal terms are not expected to be a problem’, while the presence of the release clause lets United know the precise fee required to unlock a deal.

All in all, Olise to Man Utd does have the feel of a transfer that can and will cross the line this summer.

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According to a report by Tuttosport, reports that former Manchester United and current Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has received a shocking offer to return to football, just weeks after his fresh 4-year-ban from football for doping.

According to the report, he has received an offer from a Russian celerity-hosted league team. The league is called Media Football League was formed in 2022, and it is made up of celebrities like actors, influencers and the likes.

The offer is from a team called Broke Boys, whose chief Artjom Chatjaturjan is serious about his interest in the World Cup winner.

“It may seem like a joke, but we called him.” He told Tuttosport.

“So far he has politely refused. He is in a desperate moment and needs time to accept it, Pogba is one of the best footballers in world and won’t be able to play for that long.” he added.

The club’s president has allegedly sent a letter to Pogba and his agent detailing out the terms of contract. They propose a salary of just 1167 pounds along with a set of benefits on the side were Pogba to accept the contract and move to Russia.

The contract would include ‘luxury’ accommodation, not shared with other players, in Odintsovo.

These reports add more uncertainty to the French midfielder’s future, as there are already rumours of him hanging up his boots if the appeal doesn’t go in his favour.

Pogba’s ban could be lifted or reduced if he can prove the banned substance was in his system by accident or contamination.

He still hasn’t given the full side of his story as he waits to be free of legal restrictions.

“When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.

“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances,

“And have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of the teams I have played for, or against.” Pogba stated right after his ban.

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Two years after his disastrous spell at United ended, Ralf Rangnick words continue to haunt United, and it finally seems like they will take his advice.

“If you analyse the situation, it’s not that difficult to analyse,” Rangnick said after Liverpool steamrollered United 4-0 in April 2022.

“The team needs a rebuild, not because some players have to go but quite a few have no contracts any more, their contracts are expiring. Then for me, it’s clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players.” he added.

He in fact called it a necessary open-heart surgery and finally, just finally, United just may complete the surgery.

This ironically comes around the time his two-year consultancy role was supposed to end.

His open-heart surgery was in reference to a complete revolution for United in terms of personell and with a massive exodus looming in the summer, this just may be realized.

There is uncertainty over the futures of an upwards of 15 players with only 7 players being deemed untouchable by the top brass.

Players who will be out of contract may in fact all be released including Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton.

All in all, United’s business has been below under-par especially cleaning out players.

Just a summer after Rangnick’s recommendations, the club only made two first team sales in young midfielders James Garner and Andreas Pereira.

The sub-par selling has directly contributed to our recruitment being just as bad with FFP coming into play.

Barring his ex Ajax contingent, Mason Mount and Höjlund, Erik ten Hag has had to rely on loans and free transfers in the case of Christian Eriksen.

The future is no longer looking bleak as new management Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems to be prepared to clear out dead stock and pave way for a rebuild.

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This season has been absolutely wretched for Manchester United with regard to injuries with Bruno, Dalot and Garnacho being the only outfield players to avoid injury this season.

As it is, United have upwards of 10 players on the injury list ahead of a very crucial run of games.

The most important of these will perhaps be Sunday’s F.A clash with arch rivals Liverpool. This is United’s last chance to win a trophy this season, a very fickle chance I may add.

United may have a double boost for the important clash as striker Rasmus Höjlund and former captain Harry Maguire may be fit for the clash.

Rasmus Höjlund was only beginning to enjoy a fine run of form after a rather difficult start to the season before tragically suffering a muscle injury in February.

He was on a rich vein of form, winning Premier League’s player of the month for February. The muscle injury kept him sidelined for Premier League matches against Fulham, derby defeat to City and Saturday’s early kick-off win against Everton.

He may end up only missing those 3 matches as he looks set to be back for the Liverpool clash.

Harry Maguire was enjoying a return to form before also being ruled out for the last 5 games. He has been enjoying a bigger role this season with Lisandro Martínez’s season-long injury issues.

His prolonged runs in the team have restored his confidence and performances to an elite level before.

His spell on the sidelines with a groin issue will be over soon as he returned to training ahead of Sunday’s Liverpool clash.

Onto more good news, right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also returned to training and may be in contention for the Liverpool game. We have not seen much of the defender this season as he has missed 21 games through hamstring issues.

All other injured players including Mount and Shaw will not be back till early April or after the international break at the end of the month.

 

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Manchester United recently formed a task force to consult on exploring options for Old Trafford refurbishment.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville was also added to the ask force as he announced on his social media stating how honoured and looking forward to the project he was.

“While I want the best for Manchester United, I also want the same for the surrounding community. Old Trafford should be a stadium that the whole of Greater Manchester can take pride in, and be a catalyst for sustainable, cohesive growth in an area of the city that has been neglected for too long,” he stated last Friday.

The former United right back has now detailed out the options Sir Jim and the task force have: either renovate and refurbish Old Trafford or build an entirely new stadium.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he highlighted how it all comes down to commercial factors and the feasibility.

“No one knows the answer to that because to be fair the one thing I won’t do is disrespect…what are the costs? What is the feasibility? What are the possibilities? What are the restrictions?” He stated.

“All the things that come into play. Where would United play while they are refurbishing their own ground. I know other clubs like Real Madrid have done it, but every stadium is different. “”

He added with regard to where the club would play in the meantime if the option of building a whole new stadium.

“Every structural solution is different. Until you get into the meat of the work and see what is really brought forward then I don’t think anyone has the answer.” He concluded.

He concluded by stating that is exactly why the task force was formed: to come up with answers to all those questions. The findings and the work they do will form the basis of this very important decision in the future of Old Trafford.

 

 

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Manchester United are gearing up for a busy summer, and they are looking at making a move for Napoli superstar winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Backed by INEOS Sir Jim is already building a solid footballing structure to steward business come the summer and a big money move like this in not off the table.

The Georgian Kvaratskhelia thrust himself into the limelight last season, recording 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 Serie A appearances. He alongside Nigerian Victor Osihmen were the main driving force behind Napoli’s Scudetto win last season.

His exploits earned him Serie A’s MVP of the season, as well as interest from top, top clubs all over Europe.

He has slowed a tad this season vis a vis his breakthrough season last. He is currently on 10 goals and 5 assists in 26 league appearances – which is still a pretty decent return for a winger.

Kvaratskhelia is an incredibly talented young man best known for his rapid dribbling, as his former manager at Rubin Kazan Leonid Slutsky recounted on Sky Sports.

“He can easily dribble past three or four players. This is not a big deal for him. When it comes to his football ability, it is fantastic dribbles, left and right, with very sharp decision-making and very good finishing. He has abnormal thinking on the football pitch.” Slutsky stated.

‘Kvaradona’ as the Napoli Ultras fondly call him has already cemented himself as one of the best players in his position and he would be a great addition to any side, especially a Manchester United side struggling to create and score goals.

According to a report by Fichajes, Erik ten Hag has identified the 23-year-old as a potential target to cover his immense lack of depth in attack.

He is on contract with Napoli till 2028, and he may have a huge price tag in the very unlikely event Napoli decide to let him go.

In fact, Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis claims he will not speak to any club unless they are willing to part with a hundred million euros.