Tag: Manchester United

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According to FootballTransfers, Manchester United are the frontrunners in the pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, eclipsing Arsenal’s interest.

Since his 2022 switch to Bayern, de Ligt’s future at the club appears uncertain due to limited playing time under Thomas Tuchel. Despite his high-profile status, de Ligt found himself on the bench during Bayern’s 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, hinting at his growing dissatisfaction in Munich, as Sky Germany reported.

With Thomas Tuchel favoring Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae as his central defensive duo, and even opting for Eric Dier over de Ligt recently, the Dutch international’s role at Bayern is under scrutiny. This situation has led to significant interest from Manchester United, with the club having engaged with de Ligt’s agents multiple times. The connection to United is further strengthened by de Ligt’s past association with manager Erik ten Hag during their Ajax days.

Despite Arsenal’s consideration of de Ligt as a potential signing, the Gunners have yet to make formal contact with the player or Bayern Munich. On the other hand, Manchester United, with ten Hag at the helm, is eager to reinforce their defense, especially following Lisandro Martinez’s recent injury. While other names like Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton and Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice have been mentioned, de Ligt remains a primary target.

Manchester United’s interest in de Ligt isn’t new; the club attempted to secure his signature in 2019 before he chose Juventus in an €85.5 million move. Now, with United poised to make a significant offer this summer, it seems they are prepared to finally bring the Dutch defender to Old Trafford, aiming to bolster their defensive line for the 2024 season.

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Manchester United is pausing before making a decision on offering a new contract to Raphael Varane or any other player, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

The 30-year-old defender’s current contract is set to expire in June, with United having opted not to activate a one-year extension. Despite this, Varane has been a regular starter, featuring in nine of the last 11 matches.

As per Luckhurst, the hesitation from United comes as the club anticipates significant organisational and staffing shifts, with the Ineos Group on the verge of acquiring a 25% stake. This change is expected to bring in a new sporting director, amidst the swirling speculations concerning Erik ten Hag’s future as manager. However, the team’s performance has been on an upswing, winning their last four matches.

Despite the uncertainty, Varane had previously expressed his desire to fulfill his four-year commitment to United, staying put during the January transfer window. An oversight by United misstated the expiration date of Varane’s agreement when he transferred from Real Madrid in 2021.

Erik ten Hag recently mentioned the club’s indecision over not only Varane but also Jonny Evans for future plans. Evans, at 36, has been an active participant this season, making 20 appearances.

Additionally, the club faces decisions on other players. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s contract is expiring soon, and United might not retain Brandon Williams, currently on loan at Ipswich Town and inactive since December.

Scott McTominay’s situation is also being closely watched. The 27-year-old midfielder, pivotal to United’s recent success, has a contract expiring next year, with an option for an additional year, potentially extending his stay until 2026. Given McTominay’s importance and market value, it’s likely that United will exercise this option if he remains under the same contract terms.

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As per a latest report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United is set to intensify the competition for Pedro Neto’s signature, joining Arsenal and Liverpool in pursuit of the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger.

Neto, who has demonstrated his prowess in the Premier League with a commendable tally of two goals and eight assists in just 15 appearances, is now at the center of a transfer tug-of-war this summer.

The report from Monday has highlighted Neto’s impressive performance, suggesting that his stellar form has made him a hot commodity for the upcoming transfer window, with interest already brewing from Arsenal and Liverpool. Arsenal has been closely monitoring the talented winger for some time and is keen to keep an eye on his situation at Molineux, acknowledging their long-standing interest in the player. Similarly, Liverpool has shown an affinity for Neto, hinting at a potential battle with Arsenal for his services when the summer window opens.

As per the report, Wolverhampton Wanderers have set a valuation between £50 million and £60 million for Neto, a figure reflective of the need to offload some of their star players to fund new acquisitions. Amidst this backdrop, the Daily Mail has reported Manchester United’s intent to enter the fray for Neto as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambition to equip manager Erik ten Hag with the necessary resources to reclaim the club’s former glory.

Further reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Manchester United’s interest isn’t limited to Neto alone. The club has also been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, indicating a broader strategy to bolster their attacking options, with both players reportedly being discussed as potential targets.

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According to Fichajes, Erik ten Hag has personally requested the signing of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez during the summer transfer window.

This move comes as United has been on a winning streak, bringing them within striking distance of the Champions League spots, currently just six points shy of fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur.

With Champions League qualification within reach, Manchester United is poised for significant financial investments, eyeing major signings to bolster their squad for the 2024/25 season.

Reports from Fichajes have highlighted Martinez as a key target for the club, with Ten Hag personally championing the Argentine striker’s signing to elevate the team’s competitive edge.

Martinez’s future at Inter remains uncertain, given his contract is set to expire in June 2026. It’s speculated that Manchester United might propose an enticing offer to convince Inter to part ways with the striker, especially as the Italian club looks to stabilize its finances. Should contract renewal discussions stall, Martinez might be on his way out.

The 26-year-old striker has been impressive in Serie A, boasting 22 goals and five assists this season, with the majority of his contributions in league matches. The challenge for Ten Hag lies in integrating Martinez into a squad that already includes Rasmus Hojlund, who, despite initial struggles in the Premier League, has recently found his goal-scoring form.

Adapting the team’s formation to accommodate both Martinez and Hojlund could mean a tactical overhaul for United, possibly moving to a diamond formation with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating the midfield. However, with Martinez valued at €110 million by Transfermarkt, a deal seems improbable. The focus might shift towards bringing in a younger striker to vie for the position alongside Hojlund.

Speculation around Martinez’s future is rife, with some suggesting it’s a maneuver by his agents to expedite contract negotiations with Inter. Given Martinez’s stature, it’s doubtful he’d settle for a lesser role at another club, making a move to United an intriguing yet complex possibility.

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Luke Shaw’s substitution during the Sunday match at Villa Park has raised eyebrows, with concerns about the defender’s fitness coming to the forefront.

Erik ten Hag, speaking to Sky Sports post-match, clarified the situation, stating the move to pull Shaw at half-time was merely a “precaution.” According to Ten Hag, Shaw had voiced some concerns, prompting the decision to not risk aggravating any potential issues, especially given Shaw’s history with injuries. “He had some complaints and we can’t take any risks with him because he’s had any injuries in the past. We’ll have to see how it goes in the next few days,” Ten Hag elaborated, expressing the importance of Shaw to his defensive strategy and the adjustments required in his absence.

Major insights have come from InsiderUnited, a well-regarded social media channel with connections inside the club, which disclosed that Shaw is expected back at Carrington for training TODAY. While he is set to undergo a thorough assessment by the club’s medical staff, the sentiment within the team is optimistic about his availability for the upcoming fixture against Luton, barring any new findings.

The 2023/2024 season has seen Ten Hag’s squad grappling with numerous injuries, particularly in the defensive lineup, impacting the team’s overall performance. Currently, alongside Shaw’s concerns, United are without Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia due to injuries. This has led to speculation that Victor Lindelof may be called upon to fill the left-back position if Shaw is deemed unavailable for future games.

As the team prepares for their next game against Luton Town on Sunday, February 18, there’s a focused effort to establish a recovery plan for Shaw. The coming days will be crucial in determining his readiness, with the medical team working closely to ensure his swift return to the pitch.

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Rasmus Hojlund has been on fire in recent matches for Manchester United.

The Danish international added to his tally for the season with the opening goal in United’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa yesterday.

It now seems that this form has piqued the interest of Real Madrid.

Madrid have been heavily linked to the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

However, according to Defensa Central, Los Blancos could turn their attention to Old Trafford when looking for a new attacker.

The publication states that Juni Calafat, the chief scout at Real, has been scouting Hojlund for months as the club search for a top striker for the summer.

Apparently, Calafat has been scouting Hojlund since he was in Italy at Atalanta.

With Mbappe and Haaland the first choices for Madrid, Hojlund is seen as a back-up option if Madrid cannot sign the PSG and Manchester City stars.

Hojlund’s goalscoring form and the fact that he’s seen as the striker for the next decade at Old Trafford means it’s likely to be difficult for the Spanish giants to even go for their backup option.

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According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United is keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive duo Jeremie Frimpong and Edmond Tapsoba as part of their scouting agenda, given Leverkusen’s outstanding performance in the Bundesliga this season.

The club has remained undefeated, with Tapsoba, 25, playing a pivotal role in their recent 3-0 triumph over Bayern Munich, and Frimpong, 23, coming off the bench to add to the scoreline.

United’s interest in Frimpong dates back to last year, with initial talks taking place with his representatives. He was considered a summer 2023 target, but plans were put on hold due to the resurgence of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the contract extension of Diogo Dalot, both right-backs. Despite this, Frimpong has committed his future to Leverkusen until 2028, prompting United to keep an eye out for a new right-back, especially as Wan-Bissaka’s contract nears its end next year.

With Wan-Bissaka sidelined due to a leg injury for the recent games and Dalot securing his spot as the first-choice right-back, United’s need for reinforcements in that position appears imminent. Frimpong has made his mark internationally, earning a cap for the Netherlands, while Tapsoba has been representing Burkina Faso, including appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The pursuit of a youthful and dynamic center-back leads United to Tapsoba, who, like Frimpong, is locked in with Leverkusen until 2028. This search for fresh defensive talent is underscored by the aging of United’s current defensive line-up, with Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof all approaching or surpassing the 30-year mark. Lindelof’s recent contract extension, similar to Wan-Bissaka’s, is seen as a move to protect his market value ahead of a potential summer transfer. Meanwhile, contracts for Varane and Evans are set to expire in June.

Leverkusen’s defensive prowess is highlighted by their record of the fewest goals conceded in the Bundesliga, with just 14 goals allowed in 21 games, positioning them as strong contenders for the league title, ahead of traditional powerhouse Bayern Munich.

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In a vital victory for Manchester United over Aston Villa, concerns emerged over Luke Shaw’s condition after he was substituted at the break, having initially taken the field as left-back. Victor Lindelof stepped in as his replacement following Shaw’s withdrawal. United had the lead at this juncture, courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund’s goal in the first half.

The game’s equilibrium was disrupted when Douglas Luiz netted a goal for Villa with 67 minutes on the clock. It seemed the match might conclude in a draw until Diogo Dalot’s exceptional cross found Scott McTominay, who headed in the decisive goal.

This win was significant for Erik ten Hag’s team, but post-match, the spotlight quickly shifted to Shaw’s early exit from the game. Ten Hag addressed the concerns, emphasizing that Shaw’s substitution was a precautionary measure. “He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk with, especially Luke Shaw, because he has had so many injuries in the past. We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days,” he clarified.

The manager also touched on the challenges his defensive lineup has faced, highlighting the absence of left-footed defenders like Licha Martinez and the season-long unavailability of Tyrell Malacia. “It’s not an advantage. Everyone knows my philosophy, to have Licha Martinez and Luke Shaw, two left-footed [defenders], and we also we haven’t had Tyrell Malacia available for the whole season. So all the way, all the time, we have to make compromises. And that is not in our advantage. But today we managed it, and hopefully it’s not too bad with Luke,” Ten Hag added.

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In a recent turn of events that saw Facundo Pellistri emerge as a standout player, his performance during Granada’s clash with Barcelona on Sunday has been the talk of the town. The Manchester United winger, currently on loan at Granada, played a pivotal role in the match that ended in a draw.

Manchester United made the decision to loan Pellistri to Granada just before the January transfer deadline, marking his return to Spanish football where he had previously spent 18 months with Alaves. Given his limited appearances this season for United, with only one start and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League, the move was aimed at providing him with more game time.

Pellistri’s impact was immediate and notable, especially in the game against Barcelona. Starting on the right wing for Granada, who are fighting to avoid relegation, Pellistri was instrumental in both of Granada’s goals, first by assisting the equalizer and then by scoring a goal himself. His performance was a silver lining for Granada, as they managed to secure a 1-1 scoreline before halftime and then take the lead twice in the game, although Barcelona eventually leveled the score late in the match.

Following the game, Pellistri expressed his determination on Instagram, hinting at the ongoing battle against relegation. His efforts did not go unnoticed by his Manchester United teammates, with Harry Maguire sending his congratulations, stating “well done mate”, and similar messages of support coming from Kobbie Mainoo as he sent two hearts to Pellistri whilst Amad Diallo stated ‘congrats bro’.

At 22, Pellistri is at a crucial stage in his career, and his current form in Spain could be a determining factor in his future at Manchester United. This loan spell not only offers him the chance to prove his worth but also puts him in the spotlight for potential inclusion in United’s future plans or could influence a decision on his sale this summer.

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Since the dawn of their ownership in 2005, the Glazers have been at the helm of Manchester United, facing scrutiny for what many perceive as a distant relationship with the club’s fanbase. In a recent development aimed at bridging this gap, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group has taken a 25% ownership stake in the club, a move that awaits formal approval. Although INEOS is set to oversee the football operations, the Glazers are not stepping away entirely.

Their commitment to the club’s future is underscored by their interest in leveraging cutting-edge technology for fan engagement. Specifically, they are exploring the potential of augmented reality (AR) to revolutionize how fans experience football matches.

According to a source familiar with the Glazers’ plans, as reported by Mark Ogden of ESPN and relayed by Sportbible, the idea is to equip players with AR-enabled bodycams. This innovation would allow supporters to virtually step into the shoes of their favorite players during live games, offering a unique, immersive view of the action on the pitch.

“The big idea, or maybe the big hope, that the Glazers have – and this was driven by Ed Woodward – is the emergence of Augmented Reality,” the source explained. They further elaborated on the concept, saying, “The technology is already out there, whereby a player could have an AR wearable on his body and a supporter anywhere in the world could pay a small fee to experience a game through the eyes of his favourite player.”

The potential for generating revenue from this global fanbase is significant, with the source positing, “Just imagine how much United could generate from their huge global fanbase if supporters were able to pay to be Marcus Rashford or Bruno Fernandes for 90 minutes?”

The Glazers are no strangers to pioneering AR in sports, as their NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was the first in the league to adopt this technology in 2016. While AR has seen application in football, mainly in pre-season games, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) currently prohibits its use in official matches. This regulatory stance presents a hurdle that Manchester United and other clubs interested in integrating AR into live games must navigate.