Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United’s ambitious plans for the upcoming transfer window have put Harry Kane and Frenkie de Jong at the top of their wish list, according to FootballTransfers. The club’s interest in Kane is significant, especially if the striker is open to a Premier League comeback, with last summer’s attempts thwarted by Tottenham’s high valuation. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s potential player sales could reportedly influence Kane’s future, depending on their need for funds.

As per the report, despite Rasmus Hojlund’s impressive performances, Manchester United aims to bolster their attack with a seasoned Premier League striker to avoid a repeat of this season’s goal shortfall. This ambition aligns with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s strategy focusing on youthful talents with Premier League experience.

Ratcliffe, the new head at Manchester United, is set to enhance the club’s financial power by personally investing, thus expanding the permissible loss from €20m to €122m for the current financial period. This financial injection is anticipated to significantly increase United’s spending power, with FootballTransfers projections suggesting an expenditure of €250m-€300m on new signings. However, this figure could fluctuate based on the team’s success in securing spots in the Champions League or Europa League.

Frenkie de Jong also remains on Manchester United’s radar, although the club is poised to only advance their interest if there are favorable signs from himself and his current team. This approach underscores United’s strategy of targeting specific players while ensuring financial and strategic prudence in their transfer dealings.

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Amidst a transformative phase under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s co-ownership, Manchester United is honing in on AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, marking him as Erik ten Hag’s “top target” for the forthcoming summer window.

The club’s operational dynamics are witnessing a shift, with Dan Ashworth in talks for the director of football role and Omar Berrada recently joining from Manchester City as the new Chief Executive Officer.

With an anticipation of active participation in the summer transfer market, Reijnders emerges as a “priority” signing, according to Football Transfers. The Dutch international, who has been pivotal in his debut season at AC Milan after a £16 million move from AZ Alkmaar, is known for his versatility in midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively with two goals and three assists across 33 matches in all competitions.

The urgency to secure a player of Reijnders’ profile is accentuated by the evolving midfield scenario at United, where veterans like Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are facing career uncertainties, and the promising young talent Kobbie Mainoo is still in the nascent stages of his professional journey.

AC Milan values Reijnders, whose contract extends until 2028, at no less than €60 million. This valuation underscores the midfielder’s exceptional form and the integral role he plays at the club, making any negotiations for his transfer a significant financial commitment for interested parties.

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In a standout performance during Manchester United’s recent 2-1 victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road, Kobbie Mainoo, the 18-year-old midfielder, drew high praise from Micah Richards for his remarkable composure and skill in possession.

Having become a vital component of Erik ten Hag’s squad and netting his first Premier League goal in a thrilling 4-3 win against Wolves earlier in the month, Mainoo’s contributions, although not clinching the game on Sunday, were pivotal in maintaining the team’s lead as Luton relentlessly sought an equaliser in the second half.

On the Rest is Football podcast, Richards, the former Manchester City defender, lauded Mainoo’s ability to retain calm and control over the ball amidst the game’s high tension. “It’s just like his composure. You know, today, when the game was getting a bit frantic, he was the only one able to get his foot on the ball and remain calm in possession.” Richards commented, highlighting Mainoo’s unique capability to stabilise play when the match intensity escalated.

Richards believes that this quality sets the starlet apart from rest of the Manchester United players.

Throughout the game against the newly-promoted side, Mainoo demonstrated versatility, initially playing alongside Casemiro before the Brazilian was substituted to avoid a potential red card. Scott McTominay replaced Casemiro post-interval, and despite McTominay’s offensive push, Mainoo continued to command the midfield.

However, Richards expressed concerns over the potential impact of an early call-up to the senior squad on Mainoo’s burgeoning career.

“In regards to England, it’s always a tough one.” He added. “On ability, I would take him. Because he’s dealt with the whole pressure of United and fitting in.

“Do you remember a couple of games back [December’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham United] he actually made a mistake that led to a goal, but he bounced back from that, it didn’t affect him, so you see his true character there.

“The only thing is, if we rush him too soon, is it going to spoil him? Is that going to be too much pressure? I was listening to an interview with Mourinho and he said what’s special about Jude is that he had his football away from the English media hype.

“He was able to go about his business without that pressure. And I just worry that if Mainoo were to go and play and start and do well, are we going to put too much pressure on him? But I agree, in that position, apart from Rice, there’s no one playing better. It’s a conundrum.”

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In an amusing turn of events on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher couldn’t resist poking fun at Gary Neville after the Manchester United icon embarrassingly confessed to not recognising Harry Styles during a live broadcast.

Before the game against Luton Town, the unexpected presence of Harry Styles, the former One Direction member and noted United supporter, at Kenilworth Road grabbed attention. Neville, caught off-guard by Styles’ polished appearance, shared on air that he mistakenly believed the pop star was a director’s son from Luton Town due to his smart attire.

Neville humorously recounted his mistake, stating, “I’ve got to get into the studio and try and resurrect the fact I didn’t recognise Harry Styles before the game because I’ve never seen him dress so smartly,” during the Sky Sports segment. He added, thinking Styles was a director’s son, showing his astonishment at not recognising the singer initially.

“He walked in with the Luton owners and I thought he was actually one of the director’s sons.

“[Did he recognise me?] No! Not that I’d want him to recognise me, he’s a United fan, so he may have done.

“I’m totally embarrassed, I’m shocked. My two girls will be horrified, mortified with me. I’m really sorry, Harry, I really am.”

The candid admission sparked laughter, with Neville jokingly expressing concern over his daughters’ reaction to his oversight, apologising to Styles for the mix-up.

“I’m really sorry, Harry. I really am.”

Gary Neville apologises to Harry Styles after mistaking him for “one of the Luton director’s sons” at the Luton vs Man United game pic.twitter.com/LQRWXxQYXB

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 19, 2024

The playful exchange was further highlighted when Sky Sports posted the interview clip on their official X account, leading Carragher to quickly chime in. Carragher shared a photo featuring himself, Neville, and Styles, further fueling the lighthearted banter among fans and viewers, showcasing Styles did, in fact, recognise Neville, contrary to the latter’s initial unawareness.

pic.twitter.com/O3jbMUefgY

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 19, 2024

This episode not only provided a humorous moment but also showcased the camaraderie between the Sky Sports pundits, leaving fans amused at the playful interactions surrounding the unexpected encounter with Harry Styles.

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In 2005, the Glazer family, including Joel, Bryan, and Avram Glazer, assumed control of Manchester United for £790 million. Their acquisition strategy, which involved leveraging the club’s assets to secure the necessary funds, immediately sparked fan outrage and saddled the Old Trafford institution with substantial debt.

Despite the early successes under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson, culminating in their last league title in 2013, the period following Ferguson’s retirement has been marked by a noticeable decline in the club’s fortunes. Critics and some within the club have suggested that the Glazers were more focused on financial gain than on-field success.

A revelation from a former club employee to ESPN highlighted this sentiment, noting a lack of concern from the Glazer ownership over trophy wins, seeing the financial benefits of Champions League participation as sufficient. “United won nothing the year after Ronaldo and Tevez left. But the word around the club was that the Glazers weren’t too concerned because no trophies meant they didn’t have to pay big bonuses to the players. Being in the Champions League was what mattered, rather than actually winning it,” the source disclosed.

The summer of 2009 serves as a significant turning point, illustrating the ownership’s diminishing ambition. The departures of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a then-record £80m and Carlos Tevez’s switch to Manchester City, without adequate replacements, signaled a stark contrast in ambition compared to Manchester City’s aggressive investment in talent.

Manchester United’s response, with the acquisitions of Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan, and Mame Biram Diouf for a combined £24m, was underwhelming. This cautious approach in the transfer market became a pattern, one that even club legends like Wayne Rooney challenged, fearing the club’s declining competitive edge.

Despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s defense of the Glazers, insisting they never denied his funding requests, the narrative of frugality persisted. Rooney’s 2010 contract saga, where concerns over the club’s direction nearly led to his departure, underscored the growing unease regarding the club’s trajectory.

With the Glazers announcing their openness to a sale in November 2022 and the advent of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover, there’s renewed optimism among the Manchester United faithful. However, the legacy of the Glazers’ tenure, split between Ferguson’s trophy-laden years and the subsequent era of underachievement, continues to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.

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In their latest Premier League fixture, Manchester United continued their winning streak, securing their fourth consecutive victory with a 2-1 win against Luton Town on Sunday.

The match saw an explosive start from United, with Rasmus Hojlund quickly becoming the center of attention. The Danish striker found the back of the net within the first minute, setting the pace for the Reds. His prowess was on full display as he notched another goal just six minutes later, propelling United to a solid two-goal lead early in the game.

Luton Town, however, showed resilience, with Carlton Morris managing to score a goal seven minutes after United’s second, narrowing the gap. Despite this effort, the scoreline remained unchanged for the rest of the match, securing United’s win.

This victory brings Manchester United closer to the coveted Champions League spots, now trailing Tottenham by three points in fifth and Aston Villa in fourth by five points.

Here are the player ratings:

Andre Onana (6)

While his attempt to stop Luton’s goal wasn’t successful, Onana impressed with his distribution, notably a brilliant pass to Diogo Dalot.

Diogo Dalot (7)

Dalot’s forward runs were a highlight, and despite a missed opportunity, his defensive work, including key blocks, was commendable.

Raphael Varane (8)

A defensive rock, Varane excelled in clearing danger and maintaining composure throughout the match.

Harry Maguire (3)

A horrendous half for Maguire ended early due to injury, after a performance marred by a booking and several conceded free-kicks.

Luke Shaw (4)

An injury cut Shaw’s game short, following a challenging half where he struggled defensively and received a booking.

Casemiro (3)

Mirroring a previous disappointing performance, Casemiro was overwhelmed in midfield and was fortunate not to receive a red card.

Kobbie Mainoo (9)

Displaying exceptional control and poise, Mainoo outshone in midfield, setting a high standard with his play. Very hard to believe he is only 18.

Bruno Fernandes (4)

Despite creating chances, Fernandes’ inconsistent passing and a crucial late-game error, where he shot the ball straight at the opposition keeper, highlighted a shaky performance.

Alejandro Garnacho (7)

Garnacho was a persistent threat on the right, setting up a goal and coming close to scoring himself on another day.

Rasmus Hojlund (10)

Dominating the match, Hojlund’s two goals and overall play were central to United’s victory, earning him top marks.

Marcus Rashford (6)

Rashford showed promise with his runs and attempts, but lacked the final touch to convert opportunities into goals.

Substitutes:

Victor Lindelof (6)

Brought stability to United’s defence, improving the left side’s security upon entering the game.

Jonny Evans (8)

A significant improvement on Maguire, Evans showed excellent game reading and aerial dominance.

Scott McTominay (6)

Added energy and discipline to the midfield, showcasing more restraint than Casemiro.

Sofyan Amrabat (6)

Played his role effectively, helping to solidify United’s position in the final minutes.

Manager

Erik ten Hag (8) – Despite a lack of control initially, Ten Hag’s strategic substitutions played a key role in securing the win, with United showing potential for a more decisive victory.

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In the upcoming transfer window, Mason Greenwood, currently under the guidance of his father Andrew for contract negotiations, is anticipated to part ways with Manchester United.

During his loan at Getafe in Spain, Greenwood has caught the eye with a tally of seven goals and five assists. His performance has attracted interest from Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, signaling a dwindling future for him in English football.

The intricacies of securing a high-profile transfer will demand significant effort from those behind the scenes. Menno Groenveld, a Dutch agent, has expressed his readiness to facilitate Greenwood’s next move, highlighting the opportunity for a substantial impact.

Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, Groenveld remarked, “That’s a player that suits my agency, I think. I think he is a top player, although you cannot sit back with him. You have to get to work. Of course, a lot has happened but, with a player like that, you can still make a difference. Then my input is also worth something.”

Although Groenveld’s clientele primarily consists of players from the Netherlands or those with ties to the region, securing Greenwood would mark a significant milestone, establishing him as the most prominent player represented by Groenveld. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain if Greenwood, who has been capped once for England, is in the market for new representation.

Under the ambitious guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, Manchester United fans are witnessing an era of significant transformation, with a special focus on enhancing the team’s roster.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s current managerial position, his future role in shaping the team’s transfer strategy remains uncertain as the season progresses.

The club’s active pursuit in the transfer market has led them to closely monitor a promising talent. The player in question has caught United’s attention and has been scouted on numerous occasions, highlighting the club’s interest.

Fabrizio Romano, in his exclusive report for CaughtOffside, mentioned, “In the summer, the situation regarding Joao Neves will definitely be a topic of discussion between Benfica and the player’s representation.

“Manchester United are being linked but again, they still don’t have a director in place and are working on new signings/summer plan as I mentioned many times. So, all the names of clubs that are in the media are just for scouting.

“Joao has been scouted multiple times by Manchester United, I already reported that in October/November. Nothing new so far.”

Joao Neves, a 19-year-old talent valued at €100m by GOAL, represents a significant investment for any club. Benfica’s valuation reflects their high regard for the player and their awareness of his potential to advance his career at a club offering greater opportunities, though they are determined not to compromise on the financial aspects of any potential transfer.

The prospect of playing at Old Trafford is undoubtedly appealing for the young player, yet, as Romano points out, the situation remains static for now, with no immediate developments.

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Rooney has once more expressed his preference for Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in the perennial debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time.

Despite having played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, Rooney has consistently voiced his support for Messi as the ultimate GOAT in football.

Rooney has been a part of the Messi camp for a long time, stating as early as 2012 through a tweet: “Messi is a joke. For me the best ever.”

This stance was reiterated over a decade later when Rooney, reflecting on Messi’s performance leading Argentina to the World Cup final in Qatar 2022 and their subsequent victory, reaffirmed, “Nothing has changed.”

Rooney has always made it clear that his preference for Messi does not detract from his immense respect for Ronaldo, recognizing that Messi’s unique style sets him apart. He openly admitted to struggling to match Messi on the field during their encounters.

Adding more perspective to his view, Rooney highlighted Messi’s less self-centered play compared to Ronaldo, who is intensely focused on scoring goals. Rooney acknowledges Ronaldo’s scoring prowess, as evidenced by his 868 career goals.

This discussion was reignited following comments from former Chelsea and Real Madrid standout Eden Hazard, who regarded himself as a superior ‘pure footballer’ compared to Ronaldo. Hazard’s comments are notable given his retirement at 33, while Ronaldo continues to compete at a high level at 39, now playing in the Saudi Pro League.

Rooney was asked about Hazard’s comments and his comments about being a better ‘pure footballer’ – and couldn’t help but bring up the Messi vs Ronaldo debate again.

“So for instance, Cristiano Ronaldo, his mindset is goals,” Rooney said in an interview with YouTubers Lyes Bouzidi and CultureCams.

“He doesn’t care about anything else, it’s goals, that’s all he wants.

“Whereas you look at Messi, he wants to play a bit more. I suppose that’s what Hazard is saying, he liked to play – exactly like myself.

“I saw something that Gary Neville said recently, that Alex Ferguson always used to have a go at me for coming too deep, but it was because I wanted to play football.  And I could have been a bit more selfish and stayed up top, and maybe scored a few more goals, but I wanted to play.

“I wanted to enjoy the game and I imagine that’s what Hazard means.”

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In a recent development in the football world, Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has expressed his eagerness to engage in discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding enhancing the fan experience at Old Trafford, alongside the potential for significant financial benefits for the club. Zilliacus, known for his previous attempt to acquire Manchester United, has shifted his focus to the Italian football scene, having placed a £1.2 billion bid to take full ownership of Inter Milan. This move is supported by his investment firm, which includes a fresh roster of business leaders not involved in the United bid, with a substantial portion of the investors based in the United States.

Despite his current focus on Inter Milan, Zilliacus remains interested in the Premier League, particularly in sharing his innovative fan platform concept with Ratcliffe. This idea was a key component of his unsuccessful bid for Manchester United. Ratcliffe’s recent £1.3 billion investment in Manchester United has been approved by the Premier League, granting him control over the sporting aspects of the club, while the Glazers continue to manage its commercial operations. Zilliacus believes his fan engagement proposal could significantly contribute to the commercial side of the club.

Zilliacus, who previously served as a high-ranking official at Nokia and was the chairman of Finnish football club HJK Helsinki from 1982 to 1986, has devised an app that aims to empower fans by giving them a voice in club decisions, in exchange for a fee. Although this would not extend to decisions on managerial changes, it would allow fans to influence the club’s transfer strategy and financial distributions.

The entrepreneur, aged 67, highlighted that this model has been successfully implemented at an Italian club, though he did not disclose the name. In one instance, the scheme generated $400 per participant, attracting the participation of five percent of the fanbase. Zilliacus is confident in the potential of his model to enhance fan engagement and generate additional revenue for football clubs.

He says he would be keen to talk about these proposals with Ratcliffe and his team amid revamp plans for Old Trafford. “I welcome very much the fact that Jim Ratcliffe is running the footballing side because he’s a passionate Manchester United fan and knows football,” he told MEN Sport.

“So what I would love to do is to talk with him and his team about the fan monetisation platform that we would have deployed if we would have been able to take over the club. It is a platform that can generate very significant revenues for Manchester United.

“And I would be more than happy to discuss the possibility of working together in order to generate those funds. I know we could structure something very exciting for the global fan base that would generate very significant revenues for the club.”

Speaking about the fan-led model itself, Zilliacus added: “It was actually a Swedish concept that I acquired a few years back. The best monetary returns was actually with a top Italian club, one of those in the Champions League. So it has been tested.

“We have run this with other top clubs and we have made over 400 US dollars per participating fan. So of course, not every single fan is participating… about five per cent of the fan base participated when we tested it with other clubs.

“So if Manchester United has around a billion fans, as has been claimed, five per cent of that is 50 million times 400 US dollars. That’s a hell of a lot of money.”

Zilliacus remarked that generating $20 billion from a $400 contribution from 50 million participants would represent an enormous sum. After opting out of the third phase of the bidding process for United in April, skepticism surrounded Zilliacus’s financial capabilities, casting doubts on his potential as a viable purchaser of the club.

Yet, Zilliacus expressed no regret over not securing the United takeover, especially since the Glazers shifted their focus to seeking minority investments. He views Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement with the club favorably.

He further noted, “I find it extremely encouraging. Given his extensive business commitments, the considerable amount of time he dedicates to the club is impressive and undoubtedly beneficial for the club.”