Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United’s quest for reinforcements has received a transfer boost as Wolverhampton Wanderers are now considering the sale of 23-year-old winger, Pedro Neto, this is as per The Sun Football.

The young Portuguese sensation has been in stellar form this season, contributing three goals and 10 assists in 18 appearances, capturing the attention of both Manchester United and Arsenal.

His performance was notably impactful during a recent high-scoring match against Manchester United, where he found the back of the net, underscoring his value to potential suitors. Manchester United, in particular, holds Neto in high regard and sees Wolves’ openness to negotiation as a golden opportunity to secure his services.

Wolves’ willingness to discuss a transfer stems from their concerns about adhering to Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, necessitating some income through player sales. With Neto being one of their prime assets, his sale emerges as a viable solution to their financial predicament.

Securing Neto’s transfer, however, will come at a considerable cost for Manchester United, not only because of the player’s current form but also due to the three years remaining on his contract, inflating his market value.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, associated with Manchester United, is poised to invest significantly in the upcoming transfer window, and acquiring a promising talent like Neto aligns with his ambitions. Nevertheless, Manchester United’s ability to attract such talents hinges on their qualification for the Champions League, emphasizing the importance of their performance in the remaining part of the season.

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Manchester United’s interest in securing Gleison Bremer from Juventus persists beyond the winter transfer window, with plans afoot for a summer move.

Italian outlet Calcio Mercato report the Premier League giants are gearing up for a bid to bring the Brazilian defender to Old Trafford. The club reportedly reached out to Juventus last summer and revisited their interest in January for the standout center back.

The report by CM suggests Juventus might be open to negotiations for Bremer’s departure, provided an offer of at least 70 million euros is tabled. Despite this, it’s worth noting Calcio Mercato’s earlier valuation of the player at approximately 100 million euros (£85.3million), a figure United seems prepared to meet, as per the report.

Bremer’s impact at Juventus is notable, with his contributions across 24 Serie A matches this season helping the team to secure 12 clean sheets. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s defensive struggles are evident, with 33 goals conceded in the same number of Premier League games, leading to a net goal difference of zero.

Erik ten Hag is under pressure to bolster his defensive line, and Bremer is viewed as a significant upgrade over current options like Varane, Maguire, and Lindelof. However, investing 85 million in Bremer could limit United’s ability to pursue other high-profile signings, such as forwards Lautaro Martinez or Victor Osimhen, in the summer.

The dilemma presents a strategic decision for Manchester United: fortify the defense with a high-caliber addition like Bremer or diversify their summer signings to address multiple areas of need.

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Galatasaray is reported to have set their sights on Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as a primary target in the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Turkish media outlet A Spor, as cited by The Sun Football, the Super Lig powerhouse is keen on luring Bayindir away from Old Trafford, where he has found playing opportunities scarce since his move from Fenerbahce last summer for a fee of €5 million.

Despite being only 25 years old, Bayindir has had limited exposure at Manchester United, serving as the backup to Andre Onana, another addition to the squad last summer. His sole appearance came in a 4-2 victory over Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round on January 28, signaling a potential desire for more consistent first-team football.

During his tenure with Fenerbahce, Bayindir established himself as one of the premier goalkeepers in Turkish football, amassing 145 appearances and securing 44 clean sheets. However, his transition to Manchester United has not afforded him the expected game time, with Onana, despite experiencing an uneven season, firmly holding the number one spot with 10 clean sheets across 33 games in all competitions.

Sefa Seyrek, Bayindir’s agent, expressed concerns over his client’s playing time in November, indicating Bayindir’s ambition to claim the starting goalkeeper position, especially in anticipation of Onana’s departure for the African Cup of Nations in January.

Seyrek’s comments, “Bayindir wants to take over as Manchester United’s number 1 goalkeeper before Onana goes to the African cup! That’s his goal. Man Utd fans are actually oppressive on this issue. I hope Altay will be able to move into goal in the near future,” highlight the goalkeeper’s aspirations and the external pressures surrounding the situation.

Contrary to expectations, Onana’s participation in AFCON led to him missing only a single match for Manchester United, leaving Bayindir sidelined and bypassed even for the FA Cup third-round match against Wigan Athletic on January 8, where Ten Hag opted to start Onana.

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In the latest developments at Newcastle, Eddie Howe, the team’s head coach, revealed that Dan Ashworth, the club’s sporting director, has not communicated his intentions amidst Manchester United’s interest. United, under the new potential ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, sees Ashworth as a key figure to spearhead a comprehensive restructuring at Old Trafford.

Howe, when queried about Ashworth’s commitment to Newcastle, admitted receiving no assurances from Ashworth about his desire to stay. Furthermore, Howe confirmed the absence of any official communication regarding Ashworth’s future, despite rampant speculation. He noted, “No,” when asked if Ashworth had expressed a desire to remain, and added that there had been “Nothing” in terms of updates, underscoring the lack of contact from any parties involved.

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Manchester United have reportedly been handed a boost in signing Benfica’s promising defender, Antonio Silva, as the summer transfer window approaches. The Premier League giants have been monitoring Silva, who is high on their list for a new centre-back.

According to Record (page 8), Silva, who has a €100 million release clause in his Benfica contract, might be available for a lower fee, with negotiations expected to take place later this year. Benfica, looking to maintain financial stability, is open to selling Silva, continuing their trend of making significant sales each summer.

This strategy saw Darwin Nunez move to Liverpool in 2022 and Goncalo Ramos join Paris Saint-Germain last season, despite both having €100m release clauses. Ramos’s move, in particular, was finalized for €80m under a loan with an obligation to buy agreement.

With Benfica’s willingness to negotiate, United might secure Silva’s signature for between €70-80m. Silva, just 20 years old, has been impressive, boasting a pass completion rate of 93% this season. Additionally, his defensive stats are noteworthy, with a 67% duel win rate, 2.4 tackles, 6.2 ball recoveries, and 3.4 clearances per game in the Primeira Liga.

These performances make Silva an attractive prospect for Manchester United, who are eager to fend off competition from other European clubs. With Jorge Mendes representing Silva, United’s strong relationship with the agent could prove beneficial in the negotiation process.

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Dan Ashworth is on the verge of stepping into the role of sporting director at Manchester United, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time with West Brom, Brighton, the FA, and Newcastle United. This move is part of a broader strategy by Manchester United’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to revamp the club’s recruitment process.

In what could be Ashworth’s inaugural acquisition for the club, as per Italian outlet Calciomercato, Manchester United has reportedly initiated discussions regarding a potential transfer for Giorgio Scalvini, a promising young defender from Atalanta, valued at £34 million.

The 20-year-old Scalvini has caught the eye this season with his exceptional defensive skills, composure, and passing ability, making him one of the most sought-after teenagers in football.

Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are said to be in contact with Atalanta concerning Scalvini, who has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League. “For me it’s the best league there is, for the intensity,” Scalvini shared with Corriere dello Sport, indicating his ambition to play in England someday.

As Manchester United looks to strengthen their squad, the acquisition of Scalvini could signify a significant investment in their defensive future. However, it remains to be seen how Ashworth’s impending arrival will influence the pursuit of the young Italian defender.

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In a recent conversation with JD Sports on their TikTok channel, Rasmus Hojlund disclosed the identities of the teammates he holds in the highest regard.

Among the illustrious roster at both United and the Danish national team, Hojlund singled out two of his Manchester United colleagues as the pinnacle of talent he’s had the opportunity to play alongside.

He specifically pointed to Bruno Fernandes, the team’s captain, and Marcus Rashford, his fellow attacker, as the standout players in his career thus far. When pressed to identify the top player he’s ever played with, Hojlund was torn between the two, stating, “Like in terms of ability? Probably Marcus or Bruno.”

This admiration comes at a time when Hojlund himself is experiencing a surge in form in the Premier League. After an initial period of adjustment, he has hit a stride, scoring five goals in his last five appearances for Manchester United. This season, he has found the back of the net eleven times in 29 appearances, marking a significant contribution to the team’s campaign.

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In the wake of the Premier League’s green light for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United, with the Ineos group taking over football operations, the club is rumored to be eyeing significant player acquisitions under the new ownership. Among the names floated around are Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Wolves’ Pedro Neto, and Juventus’ Gleison Bremer, hinting at a substantial overhaul aimed at reviving the club’s fortunes.

Louis Saha, a former striker for Manchester United, has voiced his opinion on the matter, suggesting that the club should focus its attention on securing Bayern Munich duo Joshua Kimmich and Alphonso Davies. Both players are nearing the final year of their contracts, making them potentially valuable targets. Saha praised Kimmich for his ability to control the midfield and lauded Davies for his speed and offensive capabilities from the left-back position.

Speaking to Betfred, Saha highlighted, “They are two extremely experienced players, especially Kimmich,” praising Kimmich’s fitness and game management skills and acknowledging both players’ undeniable quality.

“They are two extremely experienced players, especially Kimmich,” he told Betfred. “Kimmich would obviously be a great fit because he’s one of the fittest players in Europe and is capable of running games and is very slick. He and Davies are both quality players, there’s no doubting that.”

Saha also touched on the challenges of transfer strategies, pointing out that success is not guaranteed even with a sound plan. He referenced Mason Mount’s situation as an example of how complex player acquisitions can be, emphasising the importance of a player’s character, adaptability to the Premier League, and the overall team dynamics.

“Going for players with one year remaining on their contract is a smart strategy, but sometimes it doesn’t work out,” Saha added. “At this moment, Mason Mount hasn’t been a success at Manchester United, so ultimately it’s dependent on the character of the players, their suitability to the Premier League, the style of the team and many other factors.

The competition for players whose contracts are expiring is fierce, and Saha noted that Manchester United’s ability to offer Champions League football could be a determining factor in their pursuit of top talent. The necessity for substantial investment in new talent is critical for Manchester United to stay competitive with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, according to Saha, who warns that failure to do so could significantly set the club back in its ambitions.

“Other teams will be interested in these players if their contracts are running down, so it won’t be easy for Manchester United to pull off any of these signings. If Manchester United are unable to offer these players Champions League next season, then that will be an advantage to certain other clubs looking to sign them.”

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In an emotional testament to resilience and friendship, Manchester United’s head coach Erik ten Hag shared his heartfelt response to Sebastien Haller’s triumphant goal for Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations. Ten Hag and Haller share a history that traces back to their days at Utrecht and later at Ajax, where their professional relationship deepened. The manager has been a pillar of support for Haller, particularly through his battle with testicular cancer.

Watching Haller’s decisive contribution in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria, ten Hag was moved to reconnect with his former charge, praising his journey back to the pitch. “I had direct contact with Seb on Sunday night after the final,” ten Hag disclosed. “There has also been frequent contact during his period of illness. I tried to support him as much as possible. Of course, he had only been away from Ajax for a fortnight when the illness was diagnosed. For me too, that was a huge blow.”

Ten Hag expressed admiration for Haller’s handling of his diagnosis and his fight back to health, culminating in his recent sporting success. Haller’s journey from battling cancer in July 2022, just weeks after his transfer to Borussia Dortmund, to becoming an African champion is a narrative of determination and strength.

He said: “A sportsman in the prime of his life with a young family of three children and then such an illness. The way he dealt with it deserves great respect. He did not flee in anger but accepted it immediately and took everything he could to improve his chances of recovery and be resilient.

“He has fought his way back tremendously and then it is great that this is now followed by such a well-deserved sporting highlight.” Haller was told he had cancer in July 2022, just weeks after joining Borussia Dortmund from Ajax.

Despite a setback last season, where Haller missed a crucial penalty for Dortmund that could have clinched the Bundesliga title, ten Hag views his latest triumph as a testament to his character and resilience. The Manchester United manager lauded Haller’s team spirit, humility, and calmness, traits that not only define him as an exceptional player but also underscore his significant contribution to any team.

Haller’s story, as highlighted by ten Hag, serves as an inspiring account of overcoming adversity, with his decisive goal in a major tournament marking a pinnacle in his recovery and career.

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According to ESPN, Gareth Southgate is considering fast-tracking young star Kobbie Mainoo through the England ranks as interest in the teenager intensifies from Ghana.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who has consistently impressed under the guidance of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, marked his 10th consecutive appearance in all competitions with a victory over Aston Villa this Sunday.

Mainoo, who has dawned the England jersey at the U17, U18, and U19 levels, faces the possibility of switching international allegiance to Ghana, the birthplace of his parents. Despite his ties to Ghana, where he still spends time, the Ghanaian Football Association has openly expressed its desire to have Mainoo play for their national team.

ESPN reports that Southgate sees substantial promise in Mainoo and is considering fast-tracking his development within the England ranks. The decision on whether Mainoo will leapfrog to the senior squad or join the U21s instead of the U20s is pending, with his continued impressive performance for Manchester United being a significant factor.

This topic is expected to be a significant point of discussion between Southgate and England U21s manager Lee Carsley in the upcoming weeks. England is reportedly confident in Mainoo’s desire to represent the country. However, he remains eligible to play for Ghana until he participates in a competitive senior international match. The challenge is that England’s immediate fixture list, which includes four friendly matches before this summer’s European Championship, does not offer an immediate competitive setting for Mainoo to cap-tie to England.

With matches against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley on the horizon, one potential avenue for securing Mainoo’s commitment could be his selection for Euro 2024. However, given Mainoo’s relatively brief first-team experience, totaling 17 appearances, and the reduction of the squad size to 23 players from the 26 allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, this would represent a significant decision by Southgate. The implication is that Mainoo may have to wait until the autumn for a chance to compete in a qualifying match, given the constraints on squad experimentation.