Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United are reportedly in ‘pole position’ to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, with a potential deal valued at £43 million on the horizon as the Premier League beckons.

Sport Italia reports that United is in ‘pole position’ in acquiring Zirkzee’s services post the ongoing season. Zirkzee, a youthful and talented 22-year-old, offers a long-term prospect to the Red Devils in the frontline.

Having started his career with Feyenoord and moving through the ranks at Bayern Munich, Zirkzee now appears ready for a new challenge, eager to demonstrate his prowess on Europe’s grandest stages.

While not the most prolific scorer, having netted eight goals in 22 appearances, Zirkzee’s contribution goes beyond mere numbers. As noted by journalist Filip Joos, his style of play enhances the performance of his teammates, marking him as a different kind of attacking force.

While Bayern Munich retains a buy-back option for Zirkzee, their need to activate it seems unlikely, especially given Harry Kane’s commanding presence at the club. This scenario leaves Manchester United with a clearer path to secure Zirkzee’s services.

If Zirkzee does make the move to Old Trafford, he is expected to fill the gap likely to be left by Anthony Martial, whose contract is set to expire this summer.

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The January transfer window gives managers and teams the opportunity to refresh their squads before the season concludes.

New players can be brought in and existing players not in first team plans can be sold.

As ever, the rumour mill is abound with stories of players who might be coming in and going out of Old Trafford this window.

Recent reports have suggested that the new regime is looking to completely revamp the defence in the summer. But that still leaves the question in regards to what can be done in this window.

In this article, we name three players that we think should stay at the club as well as three players for whom we think the time has come to put an end to their United career.

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Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura, a 26-year-old centre-back.

Itakura, who moved to Gladbach from Manchester City in 2022, has drawn attention from several Premier League clubs thanks to his impressive performances.

According to FootballTransfers via CaughtOffside, not only Manchester United but also Liverpool and Tottenham are showing interest in the Japanese defender.

Itakura’s ability to play both as a central defender and a defensive midfielder makes him a valuable asset, and his skills in distribution and versatility are particularly noted.

The report suggests that Gladbach might be willing to let Itakura go for £13m in the summer. United, keen on bolstering their defense, sees Itakura as a potential fit, especially considering his capability to enhance their defensive line and contribute to building plays from the back. At this price, Itakura represents a significant deal, considering his experience and skill level.

United, with their financial capacity, are in a strong position to pursue Itakura’s signature. However, they face stiff competition from both Liverpool and Tottenham.

The club’s uncertainty regarding the future of some of its current defenders, including Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, has led them to explore various options in the defensive department.

As a Japanese international, Itakura may be enticed by the opportunity to challenge himself in the Premier League. The ultimate decision of his next club remains to be seen as he weighs his options.

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Reports emerging on Friday suggest Manchester United are keen on securing a new permanent signing as the January transfer window draws to a close.

Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United experienced an impressive inaugural season, culminating in an FA Cup final appearance, League Cup victory, and a top-four spot in the Premier League.

However, Ten Hag’s second season at the helm has seen a dip in form, with the team already eliminated from the League Cup and European competitions. Furthermore, United’s inconsistent results have left them in the seventh position in the Premier League.

Ten Hag is reportedly looking for support from the United board to bolster the squad during the winter window, aiming to reverse the club’s fortunes.

Earlier reports indicated that Ten Hag was eyeing up to three new players, focusing on strengthening positions such as centre-back, midfielder, and striker.

Football Insider now report that Manchester United are actively pursuing a significant permanent signing as the January transfer deadline approaches. According to the report, a high-profile deal, described as ‘huge’ by sources, remains a possibility, although it hinges on further player departures from the club.

The report also mentioned that Manchester United’s recruitment team is particularly focused on acquiring a new centre-back, should the opportunity for a deal arise.

United currently holds the seventh spot in the Premier League following a 2-2 draw with Tottenham last Sunday, 14 January.

Their next fixture is in the FA Cup fourth round, where they are set to face Newport County at Rodney Parade on Sunday, 28 January.

In the latest developments surrounding Manchester United’s ownership saga, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani’s bid team is currently pushing for a revision to the club’s recent SEC Filing.

This document, which became public on Wednesday, has been a major topic in the sports world. It suggests that Sheikh Jassim’s failure to provide proof of adequate funds led to his unsuccessful bid for Manchester United.

Consequently, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as the only remaining bidder, has acquired a 25% stake in the club. Ben Jacobs, a well-regarded sports journalist, has reported updates on the situation, indicating that Sheikh Jassim’s team is dissatisfied with the portrayal of the events in the media.

A member of Sheikh Jassim’s bidding team communicated to Jacobs, “The filing – which is made by MU Plc unilaterally without consulting or having to verify with other parties – refrains from disclosing the most basic and irrefutable facts, both about the financial guarantees given and the level of offers made, all of which are fully documented.

“Enquiries are being made with the SEC as to a corrective statement of fact. It is also curious to note the widespread media reporting of the inflated level of the other competing bid at the time, and how that stacks up to reality today.”

In essence, the team behind Sheikh Jassim is challenging the SEC Filing, claiming it neglects to mention essential facts and financial guarantees they provided.

The documents filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission reveal that Sheikh Jassim did not comply with the club’s requests to substantiate the source of his funds.

This non-compliance led to several improved offers, but the necessary documentation was still missing.

Eventually, this situation led to Qatar’s withdrawal from the negotiations, giving the impression that their involvement may have been more about posturing than a genuine intent to acquire the club.

And a reminder once again of what SEC guidelines say: “Any information you do provide must be truthful to the best of your knowledge or belief. A person who is found to have knowingly and willfully submitted false, fictitious, and/or fraudulent statements to the SEC may be subject to criminal sanctions under federal law.”

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Manchester United’s search for a new striker could soon reach a successful conclusion, as a young talent currently boasting a remarkable goal-scoring rate of one goal every 63 minutes has expressed interest in a move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have been on the hunt for a forward to support Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled to meet expectations after his £64m transfer. Hojlund’s challenging start in the Premier League has seen him score only twice in 16 games.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is committed to securing a top-tier striker, with aspirations akin to Harry Kane’s prowess, understanding that such a signing would command a hefty fee.

Recent news from Belgium points to Manchester United potentially securing French-Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena. The 17-year-old, currently with Royal Antwerp, has indicated a future interest in joining Manchester United.

Last summer, Ilenikhena turned down offers from Juventus and Marseille, opting instead for Royal Antwerp from French club Amiens for a reported fee of around €6m.

His decision, aimed at fostering his development, has paid dividends with the youngster scoring nine goals in just 564 minutes this season.

Despite his young age, Ilenikhena has made a significant impact, mostly in substitute appearances, including scoring a last-minute winner in Antwerp’s 3-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League on December 13.

In a conversation with Belgian media outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Ilenikhena expressed his admiration for Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo. He mentioned his dream of playing in the Premier League within the next five years.

Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws (via Sport Witness), Ilenikhena said, “I used to watch a lot of matches in the Champions League, I saw how players like Cristiano Ronaldo scored goals.

“Now I was there myself. That first moment after my goal (against Barcelona)… I couldn’t believe it.

“He is the best footballer of all time. He inspires others and is also a good person off the field. I watch his videos all the time.

“So, it should come as no surprise that Manchester United are my favourite club, right? Cristiano played there, didn’t he? But I also really like Mbappe or Haaland.

“Where do I want to be in five years? I hope for the Premier League. That competition really appeals to me.”

While Manchester United has not officially pursued Ilenikhena, the young striker’s clear interest and the longstanding relationship between Royal Antwerp and Manchester United might favor United if they decide to make a move in the future.

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Manchester United has decided to postpone any significant signings until the summer transfer window, aligning with the club’s previously stated stance on the January window. The club’s hierarchy doesn’t view the winter window as the best opportunity for squad enhancements.

January’s transfer market is notoriously challenging, as clubs are typically hesitant to let key players leave halfway through the season. This environment often leads to inflated prices, a situation Manchester United is keen to avoid.

Despite this strategy, United’s lackluster performance this season raises questions about their decision to pass on January reinforcements. The team is notably in need of a new striker to alleviate the pressure on Rasmus Hojlund, and adding a defender could also be beneficial.

The club’s approach is likely influenced by the anticipated summer arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The British billionaire’s official association with the club was announced on Christmas Eve, but he will not be involved in January’s decisions due to pending Premier League ratification.

As per MEN Sport, any current transfer decisions must receive approval from INEOS. Once Ratcliffe gains control over transfer decisions, there are several potential targets for United, as analysed by the Manchester Evening News.

Among the prospects is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, a promising defender who could solidify United’s backline for years, especially considering Everton’s financial difficulties.

Another potential acquisition is Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice. Although Todibo is already part of one of Ratcliffe’s clubs, his youthful talent could complement Lisandro Martinez well in defense.

An ambitious target is Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. While MEN Sport acknowledges the improbability of this move, particularly if Real Madrid acquires Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. could still be a tantalising, albeit expensive, option.

Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich is another name on the radar. Despite a seemingly strained relationship with manager Thomas Tuchel and limited playtime, de Ligt’s defensive prowess remains attractive to United.

Victor Osimhen from Napoli is also under consideration. Recognised as one of Europe’s premier strikers, Osimhen has had an unpredictable journey at Napoli, making him a potential target at season’s end.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney, returning from an eight-month suspension, has expressed his ambition to play for a major club, making him an intriguing option for United.

Lastly, Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna, a young and promising forward, aligns with the profile of a typical Ten Hag signing and represents a forward-thinking investment for United.

This article originally appeared on Manchester Evening News, full credit for its content goes to them, you can view the original piece here.

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Manchester United is gearing up for a significant defensive overhaul in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Rob Dawson from ESPN.

The club, currently awaiting the Premier League’s approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake, is proceeding with its transfer strategies. Ratcliffe, the chairman of INEOS, is expected to see his stake confirmed come February.

During this transition phase, Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’s director of sport, has been actively involved in discussions at United’s training ground, Carrington.

While Brailsford is focusing on filling vital recruitment roles, football director John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag are already laying plans for summer acquisitions and departures.

Speculation is rife about possible changes to the United backline. One significant uncertainty surrounds Raphaël Varane, whose future at Old Trafford hangs in the balance following United’s decision not to extend his contract by an additional year. His current deal is set to expire in June, making him a potential free agent.

The fates of other defenders, including Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelöf, and Harry Maguire, are also in question. The latter two might depart if the right offers are made.

On the recruitment front, as per ESPN’s report, United’s radar includes several notable names.

Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich, and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice are all reportedly of interest to United.

The report also states Galatasaray’s right-back Sacha Boey has caught United’s eye, due to his impressive Champions League performances against the Red Devils.

In addition to scouting for immediate reinforcements, United is also keenly observing players whose contracts are due to expire in June 2025, as per Rob Dawson

This approach was evident in their acquisition of Mason Mount last summer from Chelsea, capitalizing on the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. United appears poised to leverage similar situations as the current season concludes.

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Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou in their expanded list of centre-backs for this summer’s transfer window, as per Florian Plettenberg.

The Red Devils are keen on revamping their defense for the upcoming season and have shortlisted a number of high-profile defenders.

Adding to that expanded list now is Kossounou, the 23-year-old is considered to be one of the best young defenders in Bundesliga, he made 24 league appearances last season, and helped his team in keeping eight clean sheets.

So far this season, Kossounou has delivered impressive performances in 20 games and is considered a very important player in Xabi Alonso’s team.

Reports indicate that both Liverpool and West Ham attempted to acquire the Ivorian footballer this past summer but were unsuccessful. Additionally, Arsenal has previously shown interest in the Leverkusen star, underlining the widespread demand for his signature.

Kossounou is under contract at Leverkusen until 2026 and the German club are unlikely to let him go cheaply given the amount of interest from the Premier League.

The player’s current valuation by Transfermarkt stands at around €35 million, but should Leverkusen clinch the title and demand for him surges in the summer, his price could significantly increase.

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Manchester United are very interested in signing Swedish wonderkid Lucas Bergvall from Djurgardens IF, according to Fussball.news.

Bergvall, 17, who has been turning heads with his performances in Sweden, has amassed 29 senior appearances for his club, displaying versatility in both central and defensive midfield roles.

This skill set has not only caught the attention of Manchester United but also sparked interest from European powerhouses including Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Eintracht Frankfurt.

The young talent, currently valued between €8-10 million, is in high demand.

Despite being a self-professed United fan and having previously trialed with them at 14, Bergvall’s move to the Red Devils appears unlikely this month.

Financial constraints, particularly relating to Financial Fair Play, are a significant hurdle for United, who currently cannot manage permanent transfers without offloading players.

In contrast, Eintracht Frankfurt is aggressively pursuing a deal with Djurgardens IF for Bergvall, with reports from Florian Plettenberg suggesting they are willing to offer €9m.

Eintracht’s plan includes immediate first-team integration, an attractive proposition for any young player seeking regular game time.

The situation puts Manchester United in a challenging position. Without a swift formal proposal from them, Eintracht Frankfurt seems poised to lead the race for Bergvall’s signature.

The German club’s promise of regular playtime could be a decisive factor for the youngster, a guarantee Manchester United might struggle to match.