Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United is currently undergoing a significant staff overhaul in an effort to stabilise the team’s performance. Having been eliminated from the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, and sitting at eighth in the Premier League, 14 points behind Manchester City, the restructuring is seen as a crucial step.

A key focus of this overhaul is reducing the club’s wage bill. High-profile players such as Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, and Raphaël Varane have been mentioned in this context.

Sancho, in particular, is reportedly close to a loan move back to Borussia Dortmund.

The £73m-rated Sancho is expected to be the first player to leave, marking the beginning of what could be a significant reduction in the club’s high-earning players.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Varane might also be on his way out, with an offer allegedly made to Barcelona for a transfer fee of around €20m (£17m).

This move comes as Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, has reportedly ruled out a return for the defender to his former club.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ten Hag does not see Varane as part of his long-term vision for the team. The World Cup-winning defender’s high salary of approximately £340,000 a week is considered a financial burden by the club. Varane, who joined United from Real Madrid in 2021 for £34m, is now seemingly being offered to Barcelona.

The possibility of Varane’s transfer to Barcelona, however, is still uncertain.

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Sergio Reguilon’s time at Manchester United has come to an early end, as he returns to Tottenham Hotspur following the conclusion of his loan spell.

His departure leaves United in need of additional support at left-back. The team has been hampered by injuries in that position, with Tyrell Malacia sidelined for most of the season and Luke Shaw also struggling with fitness.

Despite these challenges, United is not expected to be a big spender in the upcoming January transfer window. The club’s financial strategy, influenced by Profit and Sustainability rules, will likely result in a more conservative approach after their substantial £200 million investment in players over the summer.

In light of these constraints, United’s ongoing communications with Tottenham could pave the way for Ryan Sessegnon to join the team at Old Trafford.

This potential move has been reported by the Independent, which notes United’s intention to explore the possibility of acquiring Sessegnon, leveraging their existing rapport with Tottenham.

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Fenerbahce is setting its sights on Manchester United’s forward Anthony Martial as they look to bolster their squad in January. The top-ranked team in the Super Lig, Fenerbahce, is looking to enhance its frontline, which currently features stars like Dusan Tadic and Edin Dzeko.

Reports from the Turkish media outlet Takvim claim that Fenerbahce sees the acquisition of Martial as a pivotal move to revamp their strategy in both domestic and European competitions.

The club believes that bringing Martial on board could significantly boost the morale and performance of the entire squad.

Ongoing discussions between Fenerbahce and United over Martial’s transfer have been confirmed in these reports. The initial proposal from Fenerbahce for Martial’s transfer is reported to be in the region of €8 million.

Fenerbahce’s prior dealings with United, including their purchase of Fred from the Red Devils and the sale of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to United as a secondary choice behind Andre Onana, are seen as foundational for fostering strong ties between the two clubs.

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Giorgio Scalvini, the 20-year-old Italian defender, has attracted significant attention from top European clubs, including Manchester United, Juventus, and AC Milan.

Scalvini has been a sensation in Serie A, earning seven caps for Italy and making 73 appearances for his club since debuting at 17.

United has shown a keen interest in Scalvini, following glowing reports from their scouts. The club is considering reinforcements in their defensive line, especially with Raphael Varane expected to depart at season’s end and uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire’s future.

According to SportItalia, United are prepared to join the competition for Scalvini’s services. Atalanta, however, has set a high price for their young star, reportedly not willing to negotiate for less than a ‘crazy’ fee of about £51m.

While Juventus and AC Milan are thought to be hesitant to meet such a valuation, the Red Devils might consider it, given their urgent need for defensive improvements.

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In a recent discussion with Football Insider, football finance expert Kieran Maguire emphasized the importance for Manchester United of securing Dan Ashworth’s services, regardless of the cost.

Maguire’s analysis comes amidst reports that Newcastle United, Ashworth’s current employers, are expecting a significant compensation for his departure, estimated in the seven-figure range.

Ashworth, who Newcastle United had earlier acquired from Brighton, has been labeled as a “prized asset” by Maguire.

This assessment is founded on Ashworth’s reputation for being a reliable executive who deeply understands a club’s broader objectives. Maguire’s comments reflect on Ashworth’s time at both Newcastle and Brighton, where he was highly valued, leading to substantial compensation for his move.

Maguire opines that despite the high cost, a figure around £5 million would be a “bargain” for Manchester United, considering the potential to overhaul their transfer strategy.

He pointed out the club’s spending post-Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, suggesting that a more strategic approach in the transfer market could lead to better financial management.

“A £5 million fee is an absolute bargain if you’re going to reduce the number of duds that a club signs,” Maguire stated, stressing the value of competent leadership in football operations.

Regarding the potential transfer, Maguire mentioned to Football Insider’s Sean Fisher, “Brighton negotiated hard with Newcastle because they didn’t want to lose Dan Ashworth and I would imagine that Newcastle will take a similar position.”

He further explained that if Ashworth were to leave Newcastle, it would likely involve either a period of gardening leave or a substantial compensation to release him from this period.

This situation highlights the value placed on skilled executives like Ashworth in the football world, where strategic and informed decision-making can significantly impact a club’s success and financial health.

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Manchester United, under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership, is on the verge of securing their first signing, with a notable Bayern Munich player showing interest in a transfer to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils, led by Erik ten Hag, have been facing challenges in their offensive line-up this season. Their current leading scorer in the Premier League is Scott McTominay, with a tally of just five goals.

In contrast, Marcus Rashford, who was previously a key scorer for the team, has been experiencing a slump in form this season. Likewise, Anthony Martial has been more often absent than present, and while the new recruit Rasmus Hojlund has shown potential, he is not yet in a position to spearhead the attack.

In light of these issues, United is reportedly in the market for a new striker. Their search has led them to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Bayern Munich, seen as a potential short-term fix for their scoring woes. German media outlet BILD reports that Choupo-Moting is open to a move to Old Trafford on a loan basis.

The same report suggests that Bayern Munich is unlikely to obstruct this move, especially considering the addition of Harry Kane to their squad over the summer and the rising prominence of young talent Mathys Tel.

Despite Choupo-Moting’s limited playtime, primarily as a substitute, he has managed to net two goals in the Bundesliga this season.

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Erik ten Hag is facing a tough situation due to the team’s poor performance this season.

The club has experienced a series of defeats, losing 12 out of 24 matches across all competitions. This includes a disappointing finish at the bottom of their Champions League group, an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle United, and a struggle in the Premier League where they currently sit in ninth place.

The uncertainty surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed investment in Manchester United has left the club in a state of limbo regarding Ten Hag’s future.

The anticipated completion of INEOS’ acquisition of a 25% stake in the club, expected within the next four to six weeks, has delayed any definitive decisions.

Sir Dave Brailsford is conducting a thorough review of the club’s operations in preparation for this new era. High on the agenda for the club’s future direction is the appointment of a new sporting director and CEO, but questions about Ten Hag’s tenure as manager remain.

INEOS, according to reports, is inclined to keep Ten Hag at least until the season’s end. They are hopeful that with players like Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez returning to full fitness, the team’s performance might improve. Nonetheless, there’s a growing acknowledgment that the team’s recent results are not up to par.

Rob Dawson of ESPN has indicated that Graham Potter has been ‘informally’ inquired about his availability. Potter has been without a managerial role since his departure from Chelsea last April, which followed a brief stint at Brighton.

Although Potter faced challenges in winning over the fan base at Chelsea, his coaching skills have garnered attention from INEOS. They even approached him last summer for the managerial role at Nice. Potter, seemingly waiting for the right opportunity, might find the prospect of managing Manchester United appealing if the position becomes available.

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Reportedly, Óscar Zambrano of LDU Quito has attracted significant attention from Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United, as per a recent column by journalist Christian Martin for El Futbolero.

The young midfielder, who emerged from the youth system of the Ecuadorian club and broke into their first team in 2022, has made a total of 48 appearances, 31 of which were in the previous year.

Zambrano, at just 19 years of age, had earlier garnered interest from Luton Town during the winter transfer window.

However, following the emergence of Brighton and United in the race for his signature, Quito is holding off on any immediate decisions. This delay comes as these more prominent clubs have shown a keen interest in the young talent.

Luton Town, on their part, have already put forward an offer for Zambrano, but the new developments have altered Quito’s stance.

At Manchester United, there’s a growing comparison of Zambrano to Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, noting similarities in their physical attributes and style of play.

Finally, the report by Martin suggests that Zambrano would likely not face any hurdles in obtaining a work permit for the UK, paving the way for a potential move to either Brighton, Manchester United, or any other interested English team.

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In the wake of injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba, both sidelined due to ACL issues, Real Madrid finds itself in a defensive dilemma.

Speculation has been rife about the club’s potential moves in the January transfer window, with Raphael Varane’s name emerging as a possible candidate for a return.

Varane departed for Manchester United in 2021 but has recently been linked with a move back to Madrid.

Despite the rumors, Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, has publicly dismissed the idea of bringing in new defensive reinforcements.

Ancelotti emphasised the club’s intention to rely on existing squad members.

“At this moment, we aren’t considering signing another centre-back,” he stated, underscoring his trust in Nacho Fernández, Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Dani Carvajal to handle the defensive responsibilities.

He reiterated, “I’ll repeat myself: yes, we won’t sign.”

Meanwhile, Varane’s situation at Manchester United is drawing attention. His contract is due to expire at the end of the 2023-24 season.

United has opted not to activate the clause to extend this contract by an additional year. This decision opens the door for Varane to start discussions with clubs outside England from January 1 for a potential free transfer in the summer.

Despite these circumstances, Varane is reported to be content at Old Trafford, where he has settled with his family.

However, with United looking to slash their wage bill, they are reportedly willing to offer Varane a new deal with reduced terms, a proposal that is still pending the player’s approval.

This move is part of United’s broader strategy to reallocate financial resources for summer signings, amidst anticipation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a 25% stake in the club, pending Premier League approval.

Manchester United has set its sights on strengthening their defense, and two names have emerged as top targets on their transfer shortlist, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano on The United Stand YouTube channel. These players have caught the attention of the club as they look to reinforce their backline.

According to Romano, the Red Devils are closely monitoring Atalanta’s young talent, 20-year-old Giorgio Scalvini. However, Romano emphasises that while Scalvini is under consideration, he isn’t the primary focus for Manchester United. The key target, as per Romano’s insights, is another promising defender.

This prime target, Romano explains, is none other than Todibo. “Yes, Scalvini is a player they appreciate and have been following, but Todibo is on a different position when it is about Manchester United’s list for present and future,” said Romano.

He further clarified that Todibo has been on United’s radar for a while, unlike Scalvini, who was not part of their summer transfer plans.

“Todibo was already on the list in the previous window, Scalvini was not on the list in the summer. Todibo remains on the list,” Romano added.

Romano also shed light on the collapsed deal between Tottenham and Todibo.

He stated, “Todibo is not going to Tottenham; the deal almost collapsed. Tottenham tried, Tottenham had conversations with Nice and on the player side. This is not going to happen.”

Interestingly, Romano hinted that there’s belief within the Ineos group that Todibo’s future lies at Old Trafford. He suggested that Manchester United could seize this opportunity, possibly in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Romano commented, “For Manchester United this is an opportunity if not in January, for the summer transfer window.

“Obviously, with Ineos group, this could be a good opportunity for Manchester United. There is also people at Ineos that believe Todibo could be the perfect centre-back for Manchester United’s future.”

As Manchester United plans for the future, the next transfer window could be crucial, especially with the potential departure of some of their older defenders.

The focus seems clear: Todibo is a priority, with Scalvini also in their sights as a secondary option.