Tag: Manchester United

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Jadon Sancho hasn’t played for United since his public fallout with manager Erik ten Hag in August.

He made a surprise return to Borussia Dortmund in January. He has been blowing hot and cold under Edin Terzić, but it is slowly beginning to tick. As such, there is renewed hope the Black and Yellow would be willing to sign him permanently.

He recently scored his first goal for Dortmund in a 2-1 win against Werder Bremen. Speaking after the game, he told the media how he was somewhat disappointed to his start in Germany and was delighted to finally get on the scoresheet.

“It felt really good,” he told club media about scoring.

“It took a while, but I stayed patient. I had a feeling this week that I was going to score. I stayed positive, even if my performance didn’t always show it, and I’ve disappointed some people a bit in recent weeks,” he stated.

Sancho’s loan is due to end at the end of the season and with his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag reported as irredeemable, his future hangs in the balance.  It is very unlikely he wiggles a way back into ten Hag’s plans, and United will not be willing to lose him for free.

According to a report by Fichajes, Borussia Dortmund are leaning towards negotiating another season-long loan deal.

According to the report, the German side is also open to a swap deal involving Dutchman Donyell Malen.

As a bonus, Malen is represented by SEG, the same agency that represents Erik ten Hag.

All things considered, Malen could be a very decent option and even has the same time left on his contract as Jadon Sancho.

He has been at Signal Iduna for two and a half years, making 104 appearances for the Black and Yellow. He has recorded 32 goals and 18 assists, which translates to a goal or assist every other game.

He certainly will not cost the club as much as Antony, and his statistics are much, much better than the Brazilian’s.

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Manchester United are set for a huge summer overhaul under new owner Ratcliffe and INEOS. Massive departures, nearing 20, are expected.

The defence is one of the areas where reinforcements are expected and to that effect, they are looking at a number of potential targets including Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The manager’s future is still unclear but what is absolutely clear is the rebuild plans and according to Manchester Evening News, the 21-year-old is on the list.

Manchester United have been extensively scouting the young man according to reports and a transfer just may materialize.

The club is in something of a defensive crisis, with most of their senior centre back already in their 30s.

36-year-old Jonny Evans will be leaving after his short term contract ends.

World Cup winner Rapha Varane who will be 31 next month runs out of contract in June, and he has been attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi league.

Harry Maguire recently turned 31 and Victor Lindelof will be 30 in July.

The age factor is well deep-rooted, as Lisandro Martínez is the only senior centre back who isn’t close to 30. The 26-year-old who is United’s best centre back has been injured for most of the season, further emphasizing just how much defensive reinforcements are needed.

Young Branthwaite has been enjoying a fine breakout season for Everton, benefitting from playing next to so much defensive experience in James Tarkowski.

The duo have formed sort of a Bonnie and Clyde partnership with the old head Tarkowski. The captain Tarkowski does all the dirty work and the young man takes care of playing out from the back, which has been the backbone of Sean Dyche’s tactics this season.

The 21-year-old has impressed many with his displays this season and there are talks he may earn himself a senior cap for England, having represented the Thee Lions only at youth level.

It’s claimed the Toffees are likely to demand a fee in excess of £75million for their prized possession, though United are hopeful of capturing the England Under-21 international for around £50m.

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Manchester United and their fans in particular were engrossed in 13-month uncertainty over who would become the new partial or full owner of the club. It was between British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim.

The latter ended up withdrawing his bid after a long back and forth with the Glazers rendering Sir Jim the eventual winner.

The sale was overseen by The Raine Group, the same organization that oversaw the sale of Chelsea two years ago to American businessman Todd Boehly.

While speaking to The Times, Raine Group co-founder Joe Ravitch revealed all about Jassim’s bid for United and why it ultimately fell apart.

“We met Jassim, He was in New York. He’s a lovely guy; a very smart guy. The Qataris were very real. They were very smart guys, very thoughtful. I don’t know why they didn’t appreciate the value of the club, but we were not their adviser. We tried as the seller to explain the value to them, and they put what they thought was a series of very serious bids on the table,”

He explained.

According to Joe, their initial valuation of the club was about 5 billion pounds which was spot on with regard to Sir Jim’s bid. He paid 1.3 billion pounds for 25% of the club which translates to around 5.2 billion.

Sheikh Jassim’s bids were not enough, and the Glazers rejected them all. The highest they bid was about 4.5 billion pounds.

“I think the Qataris got to about $5.75 billion. We said to them, ‘You’re within 10 per cent, why don’t you get in a room and try to get to a deal.’ But they said no. I think they were very conscious of criticism if they were seen to be overpaying.

“Ultimately, we think they would have been good owners, but we think the Glazers made the right decision not to take the lesser value and go with Ratcliffe instead.” He concluded

 

 

A report by Tuttosport via Fichajes reports that Manchester United had scouts present at the Juventus-Atalanta match to watch three targets.

The players in question were Juventus centre back Gleison Bremer, who has been a Manchester United target for a while now as the club aims to bolster their defence.

The 26-year-old, who is a target for so many Premier League clubs, could be a massive upgrade for United in lieu of ageing players like Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire. Bremer has been phenomenal for the Turin side this season, and he will be hot property come the summer.

Manchester United have been defensively vulnerable all season, and top centre backs are at the top of their shopping list.

Another one of their CB targets in Giorgio Scalvini was also scouted in the match.

The 20-year-old Italian is one of the best young centre back prospects in Europe. He is highly regarded and at his age, he could be a great investment for the long-term.

The Atalanta man has fantastic technique for a 6″4 centre back and is surprisingly good on the ball. He has been likened to fellow Italian and Inter’s defensive stalwart Alessandro Bastoni.

With the right guidance, he certainly could develop into a world-class centre back and fulfil his already immense potential.

Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners was also in the spotlight.

The Dutch midfielder was indeed the star of the show and probably took up all the scouting report after his magnificent display.

He scored both of Atalanta’s goals in the 2-2 draw, both of which were fine, fine finishes.

The Dutchman is a master at controlling tempo, and he always adds goals and a bit of creativity when he is on the pitch. He has been in great form all season scoring 12 goals for his side in all competitions.

United are suffering from a midfield creativity deficiency and Koopmeiner’s could definitely be a quality addition.

Erik ten Hag has failed to replicate the success he achieved with Manchester United last season and as such, there are some speculations on him keeping his job after the end of the season.

In fact, most of the reports have new ownership INEOS opting for a new manager, which will leave ten Hag virtually a free agent.

According to a report by The Mirror, Ajax are considering being a safety net for the Dutch manager in the event that INEOS decide to replace him come the summer.

According to the report, Ajax, who have been in a similar results crisis as United, have drawn up a list of potential managerial appointments and that list includes Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch club’s new chief executive Alex Kroes has been tasked with finding a replacement for stand-in coach John van ’t Schip at the end of a season which saw the Amsterdam club stranded at the bottom of the Eredivisie table after a shocking start to the campaign.

The report effectively means they are indeed considering offering ten Hag something of an escape route from the challenging experience that has been this season.

Erik ten Hag has previously guided the Dutch team to 3 successive league titles, as well as famously almost getting them to a Champions League final in 2019.

According to the report, Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders is favourite to land the job.

He remains the most realistic option with ambitions of landing a senior role, as he too is set to leave Anfield along with his boss Jürgen Klopp.

Ajax are however not willing to pay any compensation fee for a manager, which rules out the possibility of them appointing a manager who is still on contract.

Ajax will be waiting to see if INEOS decide to keep ten Hag on or not, to make a decision on pouncing on their former manager or not.

 

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Former Manchester United captain and right back Gary Neville has given a statement on his inclusion to a task force evaluating the regeneration of Old Trafford.

Neville, who owns a nearby hotel, had been contacted by the club earlier for his two cents on how to go about the regeneration of the iconic stadium and the surrounding area.

There had been rumours and speculations of new management INEOS looking at possible options for the Theatre of Dreams in terms of regeneration or building a new stadium altogether.

It is pleasant to see this will actually materialize as Neville announced in his statement below;

“I’m delighted to be part of a task force looking at the regeneration of Old Trafford and the surrounding area. I’ve spoken many times about the importance of creating a special place around Old Trafford.

“Obviously I’m passionate about Manchester United winning on the pitch, but I feel it’s equally important for Manchester United to win off the pitch aswell.

“Manchester United should have a world-class stadium befitting of its status as the world’s greatest club and if this is achieved it will be a landmark project for the whole of Greater Manchester helping to create growth and opportunity.

“Over the last few years we’ve seen the regeneration of other stadiums both in this country and internationally that have set the standard and it’s an honour to be asked to play a small part in helping the club to deliver a best-in-class stadium and regeneration of the surrounding area and I can’t wait to get started.” Neville announced on social media.

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Talking to talkSPORT, West Ham United coach Kevin Nolan pointed out how Manchester United just may be Harry Kane’s next destination.

I can certainly see him back in the Premier League,” Nolan told talkSPORT.

“I don’t think Tottenham would have ever have sold him to Manchester United, but for him to go to Bayern Munich, then it’s easier for him to come back from Germany and I think Man United will be his destination. he added

Harry Kane certainly needs no introductions. The aura and quality he possesses is enough to walk him into any team in Europe.

The Three Lions Skipper was heavily linked with Manchester United last season but financial restrictions got in the way.

He ended up joining German Champions Bayern Munich for an initial fee of 86 million pounds.

He has been at his brilliant best for the Rekordmeister netting 33 goals in just as many appearances with 27 of those coming in the Bundesliga.

Even with all the starpower in their ranks, Bayern seem set to relinquish their Bundesliga crown as Bayer Leverkusen seem to be running with it.

This begs the question: Did Harry Kane take the Tottenham bottling jinx with him?

Kane left Spurs a certified Premier League legend but there was one chink in his otherwise stellar career: zero career trophies.

He left Spurs with over 200 Premier League goals but with nothing to show for it.

He left to seek trophies and the very one that is assured for Bayern every season seems to be slipping away.

Were Bayern seeking to get some of their money back on Kane, a shocking Premier League return would not be off the table and Manchester United would certainly be in the conversation.

With the impact and quality he possesses, it would not be illogical go acquire his services for the 3 or 4 years he has left to his prime.

 

 

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Samuel Luckhurst is of the persuasion that talented Utd winger Amad Diallo may be well on his way out of the club, especially if manager Erik ten Hag remains in charge past the summer.

Judging by how few and far-in-between, his chances have been, this is certainly a relatively sound judgement.

Amad suffered a serious knee injury at the beginning of this season, greatly hindering his chances of building on his excellent loan at Sunderland last season.

His first appearance for the club this season came in December’s 2-1 loss at Nottingham Forest. He came in for Antony and played the last 36 minutes of the game.

It was a rather substandard cameo, failing to produce much output despite some flashes of brilliance.

His other 2 appearances this season have both come as substitute appearances against Fulham and against Nottingham Forest again, this time in the FA Cup.

He only completed 27 minutes of play in both of these games combined.

Luckhurst described how the lack of faith from the manager may greatly hamper his playing chances, especially if ten Hag is given the resources to bolster his attack in the summer.

“The winger has been restricted to three substitute appearances since he recovered from a knee injury in late December. If Ten Hag is backed, then Amad might as well pack his bags.” he added.

There were reports of Amad gathering interest from Championship clubs Middlesbrough and his former team Sunderland.

There is no better litmus test for ten Hag’s trust in Amad than this weekend against Everton.

United have been in an injury crisis virtually all season. As it is, Rashford, Garnacho and Antony are the only senior attackers available for ten Hag, although Höjlund could still make the cut.

Rashford and Garnacho may be assured starters for the game, but that right wing spot remains up for grabs.

Antony has had a million and one chances this season, failing to impress the million and one times.

The other remaining options are 19-year-old Omari Forson and Amad Diallo.

Erik ten Hag certainly needs to give Diallo a chance to impress.

 

 

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Manchester United face the tough task of turning around a completely horrendous season in the coming months as the season nears it end.

The first test comes against Everton at Old Trafford in Saturday’s early kick-off.

This season has been riddled with injuries, and it is no better this time, with ten Hag having up to ten first team players on the injury list.

Players like Shaw and Mount still have a long way to go before they can re-enter the fray.

On a brighter note, Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans will both be available.

Both of the players were forced off with injury concerns in the derby defeat last weekend, and thank goodness they are in contention for the match squad.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund and defender Harry Maguire are also nearing match fitness, and they may be back for the F.A Cup clash with Liverpool: Wan-Bissaka as well.

The predicted line-up is perhaps considerably predictable, considering how fickle ten Hag’s options are at the moment.

The backline will probably remain unchanged with Onana, Dalot, Varane, Evans and Lindelof.

In the event however that Evans is not ready to start, Lindelof may start at CB and have Amrabat slot in as a makeshift LB. In any case, Evans will not play 90 minutes and will probably be replaced by young Willy Kambwala, the only remaining CB, some time in the second half.

The midfield will remain unchanged from the derby, and this is the one area of the pitch where ten Hag still has the luxury of fielding his best line up despite all the injuries.

Captain Bruno, Casemiro and starboy Mainoo most likely will be the midfield 3.

With Hojlund’s recent injury, the attack will have to be reshuffled, albeit Rashford being fit is a great boost.

Rashford and Garnacho will be guaranteed starters, with the third attack option perhaps being Antony.

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Manchester United on Friday annouced the formation of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, a task force formed to spearhead plans to renovate The Theatre of Dreams.

Plans for a rebuild or renovation of the stadium are custom after a change of regime and Sir Jim certainly wasn’t messing around in this regard.

The mission objective for the task force as reported is “explore options for regenerating the Old Trafford area of Greater Manchester, with the development of a world-class football stadium at the heart of the project’. That area includes Old Trafford, and the nearby Wharfside, Salford Quays and MediaCity.”

The task force will be overseen and chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe, the brains behind the planning of the London 2012 Olympics and current World Athletics president.

More prominent names included are Andy Burnham who is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Sara Todd who is the chief executive of Trafford Council.

Other members of the task force will be Duncan Drasdo who is a member of Manchester United Fans’ Advisory Board and Chief Executive of Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, Tom Ross, leader of Trafford Council, Eamonn Boylan, chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester, Anna Bensky, associate director of Peel Land, Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, Malcolm Press, vice-chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville will also be a part of the task force after the club approached him a few weeks ago.

New owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has previously spoken of building an iconic national stadium in the North West, ‘the Wembley of the North, if you will and it sure seems like he will do just that.

He is particularly excited about the project lamenting over how the region lacks a Nou Camp or Bernabau calibre of a stadium.

“The north-west of England has a greater concentration of major football clubs than anywhere else in the world, yet we don’t have a stadium on the scale of Wembley, the Nou Camp or Bernabeu. We will not be able to change that on our own, which is why this task force is so important to help us seize this once-in-a-century opportunity.” he stated.