Tag: Manchester United

Manchester United is gearing up for their next Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers this Thursday, aiming to capitalize on their recent 4-2 triumph against Newport County in the FA Cup’s fourth round. The team’s lineup prediction for this upcoming clash reveals a strategic approach by manager Erik ten Hag, favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup he frequently employs.

Andre Onana is set to guard the net for the Red Devils in their game against Wolves, returning to his position after participating in the AFCON, taking over from Bayindir who made his debut in the FA Cup match. The defense line will feature Diogo Dalot as the right-back, known for his offensive contributions, alongside Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the center-back positions, with Luke Shaw completing the defense as the left-back.

The midfield sees a blend of youth and experience, with teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, who recently netted his first goal for the club in the FA Cup, likely to start alongside the seasoned Brazilian international Casemiro. Bruno Fernandes is expected to helm the attacking midfielder role, bringing his leadership and creativity to the forefront.

Manchester United’s attack will showcase the Argentine talent Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing, stepping in amidst Marcus Rashford’s current tensions with Ten Hag. Rasmus Hojlund is anticipated to lead the line as the sole striker, having shown promising form by consistently finding the back of the net. Antony, after scoring his first goal of the season in the FA Cup, is predicted to start on the right wing, despite mixed performances.

The predicted lineup for Manchester United is as follows (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.

Currently sidelined due to injuries are Martial, Lindelof, Mount, and Malacia. Wan-Bissaka remains a doubt for the upcoming fixture, and Amrabat will be unavailable for selection.

This lineup and strategic insight hint at Erik ten Hag’s intention to maintain momentum from their FA Cup victory and secure a win in their Premier League campaign.

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Facundo Pellistri’s representation has openly criticised Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, over the handling of the young winger.

Pellistri, who moved to United in 2020 from Penarol for a fee of £9 million, has seen limited action on the field despite spending two seasons on loan to gain experience.

After returning to United last season, Pellistri found opportunities under Ten Hag scarce, making just 11 appearances, with a solitary start, and has yet to find the back of the net.

This season has seen a continuation of Pellistri’s struggles for game time, failing to score in 14 appearances across all competitions. With the situation remaining unchanged, Pellistri has joined Granada for the remainder of the season.

Before the move, Edgardo Lasalvia, Pellistri’s agent, voiced his concerns in an interview with Sport 890.

Speaking in Spanish and emphasising that it was his personal view, Lasalvia said: “Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows.

“If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional.”

Ten Hag, a couple of months back, pointed out Pellistri’s need to transition from a bench role to securing a spot in the starting XI, acknowledging the player’s positive impacts off the bench and expressing interest in seeing how quickly Pellistri can make this transition.

To date, Pellistri has made 24 appearances for Manchester United without scoring and has been sent on loan to Alaves twice since his arrival. His contribution to United this season includes nine Premier League appearances, with only one start.

The move to Granada, who are struggling in LaLiga, presents a new challenge for Pellistri as the team fights to escape relegation, sitting six points from safety.

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According to Independent, Manchester United have narrowed their search for a new sporting director, with the list honed so that any head of recruitment is set to feed into a technical role overseeing all football operations.

While the club had previously shown interest in Paul Mitchell and ex-Liverpool official Julian Ward, their attention has shifted toward other prospects. Currently, Bayern Munich’s Christoph Freund and Tiago Pinto, who is departing his role at Roma, are receiving more serious consideration, as per the report.

There are other notable figures in the mix, such as Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United and Liverpool’s former key figure, Michael Edwards. However, these two are viewed as less likely options, Miguel Delaney claims.

Ashworth would reportedly require a significantly more attractive offer to be drawn away, and Edwards is exploring different career paths beyond traditional club roles following a successful tenure at Liverpool, as reported by Independent. Dougie Freedman of Crystal Palace has also reportedly been under consideration by INEOS hierarchy.

The report further states that the appointment of the new sporting director is a key decision for the incoming chief executive, Omar Berrada, who will have a major say in football-related appointments. With Ineos’ confirmed decision on the chief executive position, they are now prioritizing the selection of a sporting director.

Ineos, a minority stakeholder in the club, is keen on overhauling the club’s structure, which has seen some stagnation in recent years. Sir Dave Brailsford, known for his achievements in cycling, is playing a significant role in this restructuring process.

According to the report, initially, there was a thought to split the responsibilities between two roles under the chief executive. However, the current view is that a head of recruitment should work closely under the sporting director, creating a more streamlined hierarchy within the club’s football operations.

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Former Cruzeiro, Corinthians, and Fortaleza player Ederson continues to make waves at Atalanta in Italy, capturing the attention of several top European clubs.

Manchester United is one of these interested parties, as reported by GOAL.

Manchester United, alongside other elite clubs, are exploring the conditions under which Ederson plays in Italy and are considering sending proposals to secure his services, although any transfer would likely not happen until after July 2024.

Some of the other clubs showing interest include rivals Liverpool, as well as Arsenal, Newcastle, and Paris Saint-Germain. These clubs are reported to be also assessing the midfielder’s situation.

Éderson’s contract with Atalanta runs until June 30, 2026, and he is aware that any potential move would occur in the next transfer window, which spans from July to September 2024. The midfielder is not pressing for a move, especially considering Atalanta’s impressive performance in the local league – they currently sit in fourth place, vying for a Champions League spot.

So far, interested clubs have only made preliminary inquiries about Éderson’s situation in the market, without any formal offers to lure him away from Atalanta’s Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Stadium.

These clubs are gearing up to potentially make offers in the next European football transfer window, which begins in July at the close of the local season.

Éderson is open to listening to offers that might tempt him to depart Atalanta, provided the proposed terms satisfy the Italian club. His standout season in Italian football has made him a target for multiple top teams.

After his stint with Salernitana, Atalanta is Éderson’s second Italian club. In the ongoing season, the Brazilian midfielder has clocked in 4,602 minutes across 56 matches, contributing 12 goals and two assists.

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Jose Mourinho, having previously been dismissed from Manchester United in 2018, is reportedly eyeing a sensational return to the club, according to Mike Keegan of MailSport.

Sources close to Mourinho suggest, as per the report, that the Portuguese coach views his earlier tenure at United as “unfinished business”.

Mourinho’s last managerial position was with AS Roma in Serie A, from which he was released earlier this month. Amidst searching for his next opportunity, Mourinho is believed to be keenly observing developments at Manchester United, particularly under the new football operations led by INEOS’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.

A significant move in the club’s restructuring has been the appointment of Omar Berrada, formerly of Manchester City, as the new chief executive. Mourinho is reportedly eager to collaborate with the revamped leadership at Manchester United, the report states.

A close acquaintance of Mourinho conveyed to MailOnline his aspirations, stating, “His ambition is to return to United. He feels like he has unfinished business there, after how it ended last time, and he had made it his mission to go back.”

As more details emerge in this developing story, further updates will be provided.

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Manchester United are interested in signing Martin Zubimendi, who has been on Arsenal’s radar, from Real Sociedad for the upcoming summer transfer.

The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their midfield, especially considering the issues they’ve faced in that area. Casemiro’s future at Manchester United seems uncertain after a season hampered by injuries, and his performance has not matched expectations set by his initial season. Similarly, Sofyan Amrabat’s tenure with Manchester United hasn’t been fruitful, and his return to Fiorentina is on the cards.

Journalist Dean Jones, in his conversation with GiveMeSport, mentioned United’s interest in Zubimendi. However, Jones also pointed out that Zubimendi might lean more towards Arsenal. He stated: “I’ve even heard that Man Utd like Zubimendi. I’m not sure he would choose that over Arsenal, but they have a degree of interest in him.”

Casemiro’s first season with Manchester United had been impressive, justifying the decision to bring him from Real Madrid. Unfortunately, his second season didn’t live up to the hype, with injuries being a major setback. The Brazilian midfielder, turning 32 this month, might see his journey with United coming to an end, especially as the club looks at options to offload him in the summer.

A potential sale to a Saudi Arabian club could help United recoup some of the hefty transfer fee they paid for Casemiro. With the midfielder’s departure increasingly likely, United’s pursuit of a top-quality midfielder like Zubimendi could intensify, as they seek a suitable replacement in the transfer market.

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According to Manchester Evening News, Isak Hansen-Aarøen, Manchester United’s promising young talent, is reportedly on the verge of exiting the club in the waning days of the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old Norwegian, whose contract is in its last six months, has been engaged in negotiations for a new deal, yet the likelihood of his departure is mounting.

Manchester United holds a preference for retaining Hansen-Aarøen but recognizes the practicality of selling him should he opt against a contract renewal, to capitalise on his current market value.

Should he depart on a free transfer in the summer, United would be due compensation. Nonetheless, they are reportedly open to the possibility of a sale this month, potentially involving a deal with advantageous clauses, like a cut from any future sale, as detailed by The Manchester Evening News.

The player himself is reportedly keen on making it work at United, though his limited first-team opportunities have been a source of frustration. Despite MEN’s reports of United’s desire for Hansen-Aarøen to commit to a new four-and-a-half-year deal, the terms proposed so far are reportedly not on par with what he might receive elsewhere. Additionally, his pathway to the first team remains unclear to him. United’s initial plan was for Hansen-Aarøen to extend his stay and then head out on loan.

Despite training with the first team multiple times this month, Hansen-Aarøen was not selected for the FA Cup matches against Wigan and Newport County, where other academy players were given a chance, adding to his frustration.

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In the latest developments regarding Manchester United’s transfer pursuits, it appears that Michael Olise of Crystal Palace, a key target for the club, may be available for a transfer fee lower than initially anticipated. The 22-year-old French forward’s performances in the Premier League have caught United’s attention, and his current contract reportedly includes a release clause that is surprisingly lower than his expected market value.

Fabrizio Romano said that United will consider triggering Olise’s release clause, and hinted that he could be available for less than the anticipated £60m-£70m figure.

In a conversation with The United Stand, Romano shed light on the situation, stating, “I think it is not £60m or £70m. I think it can be less than this. There are many clubs interested in this boy. I’m sure Chelsea will still be there. I’m sure that for Man United, it will be an opportunity they will consider because it’s obviously a big opportunity when a player has a release clause.”

Manchester United’s interest in Olise is part of a broader strategy to bolster their right-wing position. This plan might involve significant squad changes, including potentially offloading players like Jadon Sancho and Antony to finance new signings.

Romano’s insights indicate that United, along with other clubs, are seriously considering Olise as a viable signing option, especially given the potential for a lower-than-expected transfer fee due to his release clause.

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also Marcus Rashford has been making a lot of headlines recently.

After having been given some time off from training, his name was everywhere for calling in sick to training.

The reason it made so many headlines? Because he had allegedly been clubbing just hours before he was meant to be at Carrington.

Rashford had a meeting with Sir Dave Brailsford and John Murtough where it is believed he apologised for his behaviour. This has meant that the forward will be available to play against Wolves on Thursday.

Ironically, it was in the run-up to playing Wolverhampton Wanderers last season when Rashford was also disciplined. That time, it was for turning up to a meeting late. Rashford subsequently stepped up from the bench to score the winner in that game.

It is now being reported by iNews that a European heavyweight is considering an approach to sign Marcus Rashford in the summer.

Ligue 1 giants want Rashford

According to the paper, French side Paris Saint-Germain are tempted to make an offer at the end of the season.

PSG were allegedly thwarted with a move for the player last summer, before Rashford signed his new contract.

It seems that this time around, things could be different.

That’s because of a certain Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe is widely expected to leave in the summer and join Real Madrid.

If that happens, a spot in the side in Rashford’s favoured left forward role would open up.

It seems as if PSG are trying to see whether Rashford or United are committed to each other at this stage.

With new ownership at Old Trafford, there may be a different perspective on how crucial Rashford is to the future of the club. Likewise, Rashford might see this as an opportunity to replace a household name like Mbappe and play for a club that is virtually guaranteed the league title every season.

It will be interested to see what happens in the summer. But for now, it seems that Rashford is seemingly a candidate to take the place of Mbappe in the minds of the PSG hierarchy.

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According to Telegraph Sport, in a significant development at Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group is reportedly close to appointing a new director of football. This move is expected to be a precursor to an extensive overhaul of the club’s recruitment department.

Ineos recently completed a key appointment by bringing in Omar Berrada, previously Manchester City’s chief operating officer, as Manchester United’s new chief executive.

Following this, the focus has shifted to narrowing down candidates for the director of football role. As per the report, high-profile names in the running in the shortlist include Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, Julian Ward formerly of Liverpool, Dougie Freedman of Crystal Palace, and Paul Mitchell, who has had stints at Tottenham and Monaco.

The report also states that European candidates are also being considered, with Andrea Berta from Atletico Madrid, Cristiano Giuntoli of Juventus, Lee Congerton at Atalanta, and the AC Milan duo of Ricky Masara and Paolo Maldini, who departed last year, all linked to the role.

The appointment of the director of football is reportedly seen as integral to the new vision for Manchester United, with Ineos emphasising the importance of a unified approach between the director, the chief executive, and the manager. This synergy is something Berrada, set to formally start in the summer, will be involved in shaping.

The future of current manager Erik ten Hag is also under speculation, with decisions regarding his role to be taken by Berrada and the incoming director of football, as per Telegraph Sport.

Ineos representatives Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc are expected to provide support from their positions on the club’s board.

The report further states that the focus is not just limited to the director of football role, as there might also be changes in the performance director position or other senior recruitment roles.

John Murtough, currently overseeing United’s transfer policy alongside Ten Hag, might face a change in his role or potentially exit the club, as sweeping changes are anticipated, reports James Ducker.

United’s recruitment and scouting operations have long been a topic of scrutiny, and Telegraph’s insiders suggest a comprehensive restructuring could be on the cards. “I don’t think there are any sacred cows in this,” one source said Telegraph Sport.

Ratcliffe’s investment in United, which involves acquiring a 28.9 per cent stake for £1.03 billion and an additional £237 million for Old Trafford renovations, is expected to receive regulatory approval soon. This will reportedly kickstart a thorough audit of United’s football operations by Brailsford, projected to last around six weeks.

However, the urgency of appointing a new director of football ahead of the summer transfer window remains a priority. “It needs to happen quickly,” remarked an insider to Telegraph, highlighting the criticality of this appointment for Ineos’s plans at Manchester United.