Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United has been heavily reliant on Rasmus Hojlund for goals this season, following his summer transfer from Atalanta. Erik ten Hag, who has been keen on offloading Anthony Martial since his arrival and first pre-season at the club, has faced challenges in reshaping the squad due to the club’s recruitment struggles in selling players he had identified for departure.

The club is currently navigating Financial Fair Play regulations, leading them to consider loan deals in this transfer window. They had previously secured Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer on loan in the last window.

In their quest for reinforcements, United is contemplating a six-month loan for Choupo-Moting, believing his experience and physical presence could prove valuable in the season’s latter half.

In another development, as reported by Jacque Talbot of FootballTransfers, Manchester United has shown interest in Marcus Edwards of Sporting CP.

As per the report, the 25-year-old, who primarily plays as an inverted winger on the right but can also adapt to central and left positions, is seen as a potential replacement for Antony, who has had a challenging second season at Old Trafford.

While Edwards’ transfer won’t likely materialise until the summer, there is a growing belief that a £30 million deal could be finalised, taking into account his contract is set to expire in 2026.

This season, Edwards has been impressive for Sporting CP, contributing to 11 goals in 26 matches, with eight of those in Liga Portugal.

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Manchester United is reportedly preparing a substantial £60m offer for Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace and England midfielder.

Eze, 25, has caught the attention of major clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, thanks to his impressive performances as an attacking midfielder in the Premier League over recent seasons.

Having joined Crystal Palace from QPR in 2020, Eze quickly became a vital player for the club, prompting them to secure his commitment with a new three-and-a-half-year contract last November.

Despite this, Manchester United seems undeterred in their pursuit of the England player, who has earned two international caps. According to Fichajes, as reported by FourFourTwo, the Red Devils are prepared to spend £60m to bring Eze to Old Trafford this summer.

But this might not suffice, as Crystal Palace reportedly values Eze, one of their key players, at about £80m.

Manchester United has only exceeded the £80m transfer fee mark on three occasions, with the most recent being Antony’s acquisition from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

Antony’s move to Manchester has been less than successful, mirroring the situation of Jadon Sancho, who joined United for £73m the previous summer.

Sancho, after an underwhelming stint, is now back at Borussia Dortmund on a loan, with signs pointing towards a permanent departure soon.

With a gap in their creative midfield presence, Manchester United appears to view Eze as a potential solution.

Eze, who once was part of the Arsenal academy, has demonstrated his versatility, being effective both in central and wide positions, and seems poised for a significant career progression.

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In a significant development reported by Nizaar Kinsella of the Independent, Manchester United is looking to offload Jadon Sancho and Antony to clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The Red Devils are attempting to recover a portion of the £155 million they spent on the duo.

The club is reportedly seeking approximately £50 million for each player. Both Sancho and Antony have had difficulties finding their form since their high-profile transfers to Old Trafford.

Sancho, who joined United for £73 million in 2021, was the subject of interest from Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq last summer. The club considered a loan deal but was not willing to commit to a £50 million obligatory purchase.

Sancho has temporarily returned to Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal, a move Manchester United hopes will enhance his market value and attract potential buyers in the upcoming summer.

Antony, who made an £86 million move to Manchester United in 2022, is also under scrutiny. Manager Erik ten Hag recently admonished him to “do better,” hinting at a precarious future at the club.

John Murtough, United’s director of football, has been proactive, meeting with officials from the Saudi Pro League and the Saudi Ministry of Sport during the Club World Cup in December.

These meetings were part of an effort to foster relationships, potentially paving the way for player sales in the near future.

Additionally, Casemiro, the 31-year-old midfielder sidelined since October due to an ankle injury, is reportedly high on the list of desired players by Saudi clubs. United seems open to selling him if the price is right.

Raphael Varane is another player who could find his way to the Saudi league. However, it appears unlikely that United will receive a transfer fee for Varane, as the club chose not to use the one-year extension option in his contract.

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In a strategic move that has taken the football world by a huge surprise, Manchester United have successfully appointed Omar Berrada, the former Chief Football Operations Officer of Manchester City Football Group, as their new CEO.

Berrada’s impressive track record at City is a testament to his capabilities, and here’s why he’s so highly regarded in the football community:

Berrada’s Impact at Manchester City

During his four-year tenure as City’s COO, Berrada demonstrated his exceptional ability to manage the club’s operations comprehensively.

His efforts were instrumental in enhancing City’s performance on the football field, securing high-profile targets, and transforming the club’s image in the transfer market.

These accomplishments led to his well-deserved promotion to CFO of the City Football Group.

Transfer Strategy Acumen

Berrada’s approach to transfers at Manchester City was marked by strategic foresight and financial prudence:

• He played a pivotal role in deciding against signing Harry Maguire due to cost concerns, opting instead to wait a year and sign Ruben Dias as a replacement for Vincent Kompany.
• Demonstrating his discerning judgement, Berrada chose not to pursue Jorginho, deeming the player not entirely fitting for City’s needs, and instead waited to sign Rodri the following year.
• He was instrumental in the high-profile acquisition of Erling Haaland, showcasing his ability to secure key targets.
• His decision to pass on Alexis Sanchez, primarily due to the player’s wage demands, reflects his commitment to financial sustainability.

Role and Responsibilities at Manchester City

As a key strategic planner at Manchester City, Berrada worked closely with Director of Football Txiki Begiristain. His responsibilities extended to long-term planning, including:

• Forecasting player departures, budgeting for revenue growth, and overseeing significant capital expenditures, such as stadium development, according to Manchester Evening News.
• He was a crucial figure in the decision to appoint Pep Guardiola as the team’s manager.
• Collaborating with Txiki, Berrada ensured the squad planning was in line with the club’s budget, maintaining a balance between transfer expenditures and wages.
• His oversight ensured adherence to financial strategies and proper processes in bids and wage offers.

Implications for Manchester United

Berrada’s arrival at Manchester United signals a potential shift in the club’s approach to football operations, particularly in the transfer market.

His track record suggests a move towards more strategic and financially prudent decisions. For instance, under his guidance, it’s unlikely that United would have sanctioned the £85 million expenditure on Antony, indicating a more calculated approach to future signings.

His extensive experience not only in footballing matters but also in the business aspects of club management positions him as an invaluable asset for Manchester United. With Berrada at the helm, the club can expect a more strategic, financially sound approach to transfers and overall football operations.

According to a report from Sky Sports News, Sheikh Jassim is currently seeking legal counsel in the United States following allegations that he failed to demonstrate proof of funds during his attempt to acquire Manchester United.

The bid from Sheikh Jassim, valued at £4.5 billion and promised to be without debt, was bolstered by a guarantee from Qatar National Bank’s CEO, representing the largest financial entity in the Middle East and Africa.

The group from Qatar maintains that their offer was entirely cash-based and asserts that their decision to not proceed was based on a refusal to pay more than what they already considered an overvaluation for the club, which currently has a market capitalization of £2.6 billion.

Amidst claims that they did not show proof of funds, Jassim’s team, who aimed to purchase the entire club and clear its debts, reacted with a mix of bewilderment and amusement, as per Sky Sports News.

They argue that this narrative is misleading and does not align with their series of legitimate, credible, and fully funded offers, which were backed by financial guarantees and legally submitted in writing.

They are contemplating seeking intervention from the US Securities and Exchange Commission to issue a statement to correct the record.

The Qataris are of the opinion that the Glazers would not have engaged in nearly a year of personal negotiations with them had there been any genuine concern about their financial backing.

Sheikh Jassim, as stated in the Sky Sports News report, has reportedly expended several million dollars on a team of legal advisors, bankers, and consultants to manage his bid.

Ultimately, Sheikh Jassim decided against becoming a minority shareholder, believing it would not significantly influence the club’s future.

Manchester United has upheld the statements made in the documents released on Wednesday and has declined to comment further.

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Rasmus Hojlund’s recent performances have caught the attention of Dimitar Berbatov, who has pointed out areas for improvement for the Manchester United striker.

Hojlund, a Danish international, has managed to score in consecutive Premier League games for the first time, marking a potential upturn in his form at Old Trafford.

Despite his success in the league against teams like Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur, Hojlund faced challenges during Manchester United’s latest FA Cup victory against Wigan, where he struggled to find the back of the net.

Former Manchester United forward Berbatov acknowledges that Hojlund’s back-to-back goals in the Premier League will boost his confidence. Nevertheless, he has advised Hojlund that to elevate his performance, he needs to refine his positioning skills.

Berbatov’s insight comes from his own experience as a top striker and reflects his belief in Hojlund’s potential to lead Manchester United’s attack more effectively.

“I’ve said before that once Hojlund has his first Premier League goal, he needed to follow it up with more. I’m very happy that he scored against Spurs and it was a good goal to be honest,” Berbatov said.

“I hope he’ll keep scoring. Aside from his goal, he needs to work on his positioning because sometimes Bruno Fernandes or Rashford have the ball and he’s not been in the right place to receive it.

“Rashford needed his goal and I hope it gives him more confidence. He can bring so much more to the table with his sharpness and movement. Everyone expects so much more from him and he needs to be a leader. He’s one of the longest-serving players in that team now so he needs to lead by example.”

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What a historic afternoon!

The Athletic and David Ornstein have just announced that Manchester United are set to make a huge appointment in the boardroom.

As the dust settles on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership stake in the club, it seems that he and his team are not taking long to make their mark.

It seems that their first call of duty was to appoint a new CEO after the role was vacated by Richard Arnold in November.

And the appointment is one from within Manchester.

That’s because United are set to appoint current Manchester City Chief Football Operations Officer as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Manchester City have released a statement to The Athletic in response to the news that Omar Berrada is set to leave the club to join Manchester United as the new CEO at Old Trafford.

Confirming the news to The Athletic, a Manchester City statement read: “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that Omar Berrada has resigned from his role as chief football operations officer at City Football Group.

“The club understands his decision to look for a new challenge and he leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”

Manchester United fans will be delighted with the news.

Not only has the football side of things been looked at by Sir Jim and his team, but they’ve actually appointed someone with football knowledge.

A criticism of the Glazer family was that they didn’t have football people in important positions in the club. Former United captain Gary Neville has blasted the owners consistently for not having best in class in those roles. It now seems that Sir Jim has decided to poach someone from City, a club that has been super strong over the past decade while United have declined, and place a leading football man in that role.

Berrada has not only worked at City, but he was also a prominent member of staff at Barcelona before his latest role in England.

United have not yet confirmed the news nor have they released a statement of their own.

When they do, it is a statement that will surely be received positively from fans.

| MAJOR BREAKING:

Manchester United set to appoint Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City as their new CEO.

[@David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/D81hUyv3mi

— centredevils. (@centredevils) January 20, 2024

In a stunning development, Manchester United is on the brink of finalising the appointment of Omar Berrada from Manchester City as their new chief executive, as per a major revelation by David Ornstein.

In the wake of Richard Arnold’s departure from Old Trafford, coinciding with INEOS’ impending acquisition of a 25 percent stake in the club, United has been in pursuit of a new CEO. This search has led them to Berrada, a pivotal figure in Manchester City’s recent triumphs both on and off the field.

According to David Ornstein’s report, United prioritised finding a candidate with an established football background and robust business acumen. Berrada, with his impressive tenure at City and previous experience at Barcelona, fits this profile perfectly.

Set to oversee both the executive and business aspects at United, Berrada will also have a seat on the club’s board of directors and report to the new ownership structure, as per Ornstein.

The report states, his recruitment, initiated by INEOS but also backed by the Glazers, signals a joint decision, highlighting INEOS’ burgeoning influence as the club awaits formal confirmation of its investment.

This move is seen as a major strategic win for United, especially considering the discreet and efficient manner of Berrada’s acquisition during a time of considerable transformation for the 20-time English champions.

Berrada, in his role at City Football Group, which owns Manchester City and several other clubs globally, worked in close collaboration with City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain on aspects including transfers and contracts, playing a key role in the high-profile signing of Erling Haaland in the summer of 2022.

Prior to his current role, Berrada served as City’s commercial director and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2016, following his transfer from Barcelona in 2011 where he held key roles for nearly eight years.

The Athletic also reported that Berrada had previously turned down CEO positions at another Premier League club, various teams, and a major franchise.

Patrick Stewart, who stepped in as United’s interim CEO following Arnold’s exit, has been with the club since 2006. His role as the club’s chief legal officer and general counsel involves overseeing legal and regulatory affairs and managing key stakeholder relationships.

In a recent match for Borussia Dortmund, Jadon Sancho experienced a moment of tension with teammate Niclas Fullkrug. The incident occurred during Sancho’s second start since rejoining Dortmund on a six-month loan from Manchester United. Sancho, who had a falling out with United’s Erik ten Hag last September, was brought down in the box in a game against Koln, leading to a penalty while Dortmund was already 1-0 up.

Sancho, eager to take the penalty, was seen asking Fullkrug, “Give me the ball, give me the ball.” However, Fullkrug, who had not played with Sancho during his initial tenure at Dortmund from 2017 to 2021, chose to take the penalty himself. The German international’s decision proved right as he successfully converted the penalty, doubling Dortmund’s lead. The two players were later seen sharing a smile, seemingly putting the incident behind them.

Dortmund’s lead was extended to 3-0 just three minutes later with Donyell Malen scoring his second of the match. A late goal by substitute Youssoufa Moukoko wrapped up the victory at 4-0. Sancho, who was taken off in the 66th minute, had a notable performance, recording the most dribbles and winning the most fouls in the match. This Bundesliga clash was briefly delayed due to fan protests.

Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug opened up on the penalty scene and said, “Of course Jadon Sancho wanted to shoot too. I shot at the end and that was the right thing to do. Jadon had his assist again. He wanted to score his first goal for Dortmund. That will come soon enough…”

Sancho’s focus on the pitch was evident, especially following his recent performance off the bench against Darmstadt, where he registered an assist. His last competitive play was in August, amidst public criticisms from Ten Hag and a social media response from Sancho.

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Premier League giants Manchester United are said to be closely monitoring Brentford’s Ivan Toney, joining a host of other top-tier clubs in the race for his signature.

Erik ten Hag, the United boss, is reportedly keen on enhancing his attacking force and is eyeing Toney to alleviate the goalscoring pressures currently shouldered by Rasmus Hojlund.

Transfer journalist Dean Jones recently shed light on the ongoing developments in Toney’s transfer saga.

He revealed that apart from Manchester United, the Brentford striker has caught the attention of several other prominent clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

Jones pointed out the possibility of Toney signing a new contract with Brentford, which has been a topic of discussion. However, as of now, the striker has not made any moves to extend his tenure with the Bees.

Brentford has reportedly valued Toney at a staggering £100m, as per The Independent.

Discussing Toney’s future, Jones, in an interview with GIVEMESPORT, stated, “The first thing to look for with Toney is whether or not he does actually sign a new contract. There’s been a lot of talk around it. But so far, there’s nothing in place for him to actually do that.”

He further elaborated on the speculations about a new contract for Toney, which might include a release clause. This clause would be pivotal for his transfer in the summer. With no such contract currently in place, Toney’s move in the upcoming transfer window seems more likely.

Adding to the intrigue, Jones commented, “I think there are a lot of clubs that genuinely are looking at Toney, I think that Arsenal and Chelsea are the two main ones. In the background, Tottenham and even Manchester United are having a look just in case the situation could change in a way that suits them.”

Toney is set for his much-anticipated return to the field in Brentford’s upcoming game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The 27-year-old forward had been sidelined from the game for eight months (259 days) due to a suspension related to betting.