Tag: Manchester United

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Barcelona, seeking reinforcements in their midfield, has found an unexpected candidate in Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek.

As per SPORT, the Dutch midfielder has proactively offered his services to the Spanish club, considering they are on the lookout for a player to fill in for the injured Gavi, who has suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

With the January transfer window approaching, Barcelona is keen on adding a midfielder to support Xavi’s squad. Van de Beek, having played a mere 21 minutes in the current season through brief appearances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League, sees this as an opportunity to revitalize his career.

Since his transfer from Ajax to Manchester United in 2020, Van de Beek has found it challenging to secure his place in the team. His stint at Old Trafford has not been as impactful as expected, leading him to seek playing opportunities elsewhere. This resulted in a loan spell at Everton, where he sought more game time.

Now, as Barcelona weighs their options, Van de Beek is eager to make a move, seeing it as a chance to reignite his career. He’s expressed a willingness to join Barcelona, notably alongside his countryman and former Ajax colleague, Frenkie de Jong.

However, Juventus is also showing interest in the 26-year-old midfielder. The Serie A giants are currently in talks for a potential six-month loan deal in Turin. Despite this, Van de Beek’s preference might lean towards Barcelona, potentially foregoing the Juventus offer if Barcelona opts to incorporate him into their team.

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Manchester United have once again put in an embarassing performance against a top half team, losing by one goal to nil against Newcastle United.

The hosts took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. It came as no surprise as they were barraging their visitors with chances.

Newcastle could have easily won this game by about a four or five goal margin.

Let’s dive into the performances of the players and the manager.

 

Andre Onana – 4/10

No high profile mistake for Onana this time but he still cut a nervous figure in his goal.

He looked unsure on a lot of Newcastle’s corners and his passing was wayward more often than not.

 

Diogo Dalot & Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 2/10

These two were absolutely shambolic throughout the game, especially in their defensive awareness.

Wan-Bissaka is not entirely to blame for the gaps that were left down his side though. We will get to Marcus Rashford soon.

 

Luke Shaw & Harry Maguire – 7/10

The only two players who can walk out of St. James’ Park proud of their individual performances.

The Englishmen defended like warriors and were the main reason for the scoreline not being much more shameful for Manchester United.

 

Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10

I felt sorry for Kobbie Mainoo in this match.

He was the only one with an ounce of calmness and composure on the ball but was badly let down by his teammates.

It will be difficult for him to develop properly in this kind of environment and directionless style of play.

Scott McTominay – 2/10

McTominay has one major skill – looking busy whilst not doing anything.

Whenever he doesn’t score, he’s just about the most hopeless player you can have in your midfield.

 

Bruno Fernandes – 6/10

Fernandes was one of the very few players actually trying to make something happen in this game.

He threaded through some lovely passes to Alejandro Garnacho and was working hard out of possession.

 

Alejandro Garnacho – 5/10

Just like in the last few matches, Garnacho was United’s biggest attacking threat.

The only issue was that the rest of the team was so poor, Garnacho barely got a chance to make anything happen.

 

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial – 0/10

These two put in the worst performances I’ve seen from any player this season.

Throwing their arms around, jogging about and killing every potential attack.

Rashford’s defensive work in particular was truly diabolical. Tino Livramento was slicing through Manchester United’s left-hand side like a hot knife through butter.

 

Erik ten Hag – 0/10

I’m rapidly starting to lose my patience with Erik ten Hag.

The persistence with Scott McTominay, kicking it long from every goal kick to an attacking trio incapable of winning aerial duels, the disjointed press, the exclusion of Raphael Varane.

He is in his second season of managing Manchester United and we are no closer to understanding what the identity of this team is meant to be.

I would not be surprised if he loses his job soon after Sir Jim Ratcliffe comes in, and I wouldn’t be against it if this mediocrity continues.

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The pursuit of Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian has intensified, with Manchester United now entering the fray alongside other European powerhouses, as per TEAMtalk.

The 16-year-old, hailed as “Messinho” for his playstyle reminiscent of the Barcelona legend, has caught the attention of the football elite.

Barcelona remains a key player in this saga, having already engaged discussions with his agent, Angel Curry. The Nou Camp is reported to be the preferred destination for the winger, aligning with his admiration for the Spanish giants.

In this high-stakes chase, Manchester United is the latest club to express serious interest. Their scouts were notably impressed by his performances at the under-17 World Cup.

Despite a hefty £47million release clause in his contract, there’s speculation that a lower offer might be enough to secure his transfer from Brazil.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s new part-owner, has ambitious plans to remodel the club along the lines of Chelsea’s successful youth-centric strategy.

This blueprint aims to create a future United squad capable of vying for top honors, with talents like Estevao at the forefront.

The challenge, however, is immense. Convincing top young talents like Estevao to choose United over other prestigious clubs will be a significant hurdle in this competitive landscape.

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In what was an incredibly chaotic game, Manchester United have failed to beat Galatasaray in Group A of the UEFA Champions League.

It leaves United in dead last place, having to rely on Galatasaray not beating Copenhagen while having to beat Bayern Munich ourselves.

Let’s try to unpick the performances of the players and the manager in the yet another disappointing night of Champions League action.

 

Andre Onana – 1/10

Incredibly frustrating display from the Cameroonian in the Champions League after the several great performances he had in the Premier League.

He was very much at fault for Galatasaray’s first two goals and cost United yet another crucial Champions League match.

 

Luke Shaw – 4/10

It was Shaw’s second start since coming back from his injury and he wasn’t great, although none of the goals conceded were particularly his fault.

 

Victor Lindelof – 3/10

Lindelof was simply bang average once again. Whenever he starts as the left centre-back, I am puzzled as to why Raphael Varane is sat on the bench.

His awkwardness on the ball also makes me miss Lisandro Martinez dearly.

 

Harry Maguire – 7/10

Maguire was by far United’s best defender in this match, something we’ve become accustomed to over the last few weeks.

He was dominating Mauro Icardi in the air and had some crucial blocks to deny the hosts.

 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10

The right-back’s overall game wasn’t great throughout as quite a few attacks were breaking through on his side.

He did well to assist McTominay’s goal though, making a smart run and putting in a perfect ball into the box.

 

Sofyan Amrabat – 4/10

The Morrocan was substituted in the 58th minute and he didn’t do much wrong when he was on the pitch.

Perhaps it is a coincidence, but United conceded two goals in quick succession as soon as he and Rasmus Hojlund came off.

 

Scott McTominay – 8/10

McTominay had a big part to play in two of United’s three goals.

His combativeness to win the ball in midfield lead to the first goal and he managed to score the third himself.

 

Bruno Fernandes – 8/10

Similar to his midfield partner, Fernandes was key in two of the United goals.

He made the perfect pass to assist Alejandro Garnacho for the opener and then scored a stunning goal himself.

The disappointment for him will be that he conceded two silly free-kicks that lead to two Galatasaray goals.

I struggle to blame him for those goals though, as Onana should have dealt with both of those goals.

 

Alejandro Garnacho – 8/10

This was another good game from Garnacho.

The finish with his weaker left foot for the first goal was exquisite.

He also worked really hard out-of-possession and it was no surprise to see him substituted in the 78th minute.

 

Antony – 7/10

The Brazilian came into the eleven for the suspended Marcus Rashford and had one of his best performances in a long time.

He was constantly beating his man down the right and progressing with the ball.

His pass to Bruno Fernandes was also key in United scoring the first goal.

Rasmus Hojlund – 4/10

A poor game from the Dane in contrast with the high level we’ve seen from him in this competition.

He struggled to hold up the ball on quite a few occasions and didn’t get any real chances to score.

 

Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10

The promising talent came on for a 30 minute cameo and had a few nice moments of composure with the ball.

His influence was limited by the frantic nature of the game though, as he only registered 16 touches and 10 passes.

 

Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri & Diogo Dalot – N/A

 

Erik ten Hag – 6/10

United dropped points in this Champions League group once again which will undoubtedly bring pressure onto Ten Hag.

However, it is difficult for me to blame the final result on him.

Onana’s two blunders practically ruined what was otherwise a solid performance in such a hostile environment.

The only frustration I have with the manager is his persistence with Victor Lindelof.

We’ve seen countless times now that the Swede just doesn’t bring enough to start this many games.

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Manchester United is intensifying their efforts to sign João Neves, amidst interest from several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich. The club is actively scouting the young talent, signaling their strong intent in the transfer market.

As per Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Manchester United has set their sights on securing at least one of two players – João Neves or António Silva – by next summer. Despite the growing competition, United’s determination remains firm.

The primary focus for Manchester United, however, is another player, as revealed by Sky Germany. Silva remains the absolute top target for the club, highlighting United’s defensive priority for the upcoming transfer windows.

SL Benfica, the current club of João Neves, is confident in retaining him for at least another year, until 2025. This could potentially complicate Manchester United’s pursuit, but the club appears undeterred in their quest.

On the other hand, the situation with Silva seems more promising for potential suitors.

As per Sky Germany, it is very likely that Silva will leave Benfica, with a substantial release clause of €100 million. This clause sets a clear price tag for interested clubs, including Manchester United, who are evaluating their strategic moves in the market.

Manchester United’s ambition in the transfer market is clear, as they aim to bolster their squad with top-tier talent.

The pursuit of players like Neves and Silva underscores the club’s commitment to building a competitive team capable of challenging at the highest levels.

As the transfer saga unfolds, all eyes will be on these potential moves and their impact on Manchester United’s future prospects.

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Manchester United is reportedly planning to bolster their squad with four new signings in the upcoming January transfer window.

This decision comes amid growing concerns over Sofyan Amrabat’s performance since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Amrabat, the Moroccan international, moved to Manchester United on the last day of the summer transfer window.

He came on a loan from Fiorentina, with an option for United to make the move permanent next summer. However, the 27-year-old’s tenure at United has been less than impressive.

According to the Guardian, there are internal doubts at the club regarding his effectiveness on the field.

Despite starting only seven matches across all competitions, some of which were as an emergency left-back, Amrabat has not lived up to expectations.

His recent relegation to the bench, even during Casemiro’s injury absence, highlights the club’s concerns. This was evident when 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo was chosen over him for the recent game against Everton.

As per a recent report published by The Guardian, the club is now reportedly contemplating the acquisition of a new defensive midfielder in January. Additionally, Manchester United is looking to strengthen other areas, including a right-sided center-back, a no8 midfielder, and a striker.

However, these plans could be impacted by financial fair play regulations, especially with the potential partial acquisition of the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The defense is another area of concern for United. They have been contemplating additional options since summer, and this need has become more pressing, casting doubt over Raphael Varane’s future at the club.

Varane, a World Cup winner, has started only one of the last nine matches for United, amidst speculation of a strained relationship with manager Erik ten Hag and interest from Bayern Munich.

In midfield, the club’s pursuit of a no8 is somewhat unexpected, considering the summer acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea.

Despite his potential, Mount has struggled to find his form in Manchester, still awaiting his first goal for the club and dealing with injuries.

Upfront, United seeks to reduce the load on their £72 million signing, Rasmus Hojlund. While Hojlund has been successful in the Champions League, his Premier League performance has yet to take off.

United’s scoring has been underwhelming, with only 13 goals in 16 league matches. This includes Marcus Rashford, who, despite a 30-goal season last year, is currently struggling to find form.

The club’s January plans could be influenced by departures, with Casemiro and Varane linked to moves to Saudi Arabia after less-than-ideal seasons.

Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, who considered leaving in the summer, are now back in the manager’s plans.

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Reports indicate that Galatasaray is grappling with injuries as they prepare for their upcoming match against Manchester United.

This comes as Erik ten Hag’s team, with a recent track record of five victories in six Premier League matches, gears up for a challenging away game in Turkey on Wednesday.

Manchester United’s chances of progressing in the Champions League are precarious, and a defeat to Galatasaray could determine their future in the competition.

The previous encounter between these two teams at Old Trafford in October ended in a 3-2 victory for Galatasaray. Errors in defense and goalkeeping, notably from the now-improved Andre Onana, contributed to United’s loss.

The necessity for a victory in Turkey is paramount for United, especially considering their missed opportunity in Copenhagen. A win in that match would have eased the current pressure they face.

While Manchester United has been dealing with its share of injuries, it’s Galatasaray who now faces fitness concerns before this crucial European game.

A report from the Turkish publication Sabah has revealed that Galatasaray’s ex-Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez is suffering from a grade two strain in the upper left section of his back muscle.

The severity of Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez’s injury was assessed through an MRI, and despite the concerns, reports suggest he is likely to be fit for the upcoming match.

Additionally, Galatasaray is facing another setback in their defense as Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s availability for the Wednesday game against Manchester United is uncertain.

Bardakcı is dealing with a minor issue, the specifics of which have not been disclosed. He is scheduled to undergo a test prior to the game to determine his readiness for the match.

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For the upcoming UEFA Champions League game against Galatasaray in Turkey, Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has named a 22-player squad, which includes youngsters Dan Gore and Rasmus Hojlund. This match is crucial as it’s one of the last in the group stages of the competition.

Antony, the Brazilian forward, is back in the squad after being sidelined due to an injury that kept him out of the recent game against Everton.

The full roster for the clash against Galatasaray is as follows:

In the goalkeeping department, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, and Andre Onana have been selected.

The defense line includes Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Midfielders chosen for this important match are Sofyan Amrabat, Bruno Fernandes, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Kobbie Mainoo, and Scott McTominay.

Leading the attack will be Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joe Hugill, Anthony Martial, and Facundo Pellistri.

This selection reflects ten Hag’s strategy for the pivotal Champions League game, blending experienced players with emerging talents.

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Tottenham Hotspur is setting its sights on Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nice defender, as they gear up for the January transfer window. Their mission: to bolster their central defense.

In what looks like a three-way tussle, Spurs are ready to go head-to-head with both Manchester United and Liverpool for the signature of the French international. This information was reported by Standard.

Todibo, 23, has been a standout performer in the Ligue 1, where he’s been instrumental in Nice’s challenge to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. It’s believed he could be acquired for a fee in the region of £39 million.

With the January window looming, Tottenham’s primary focus is on recruiting a new center-back. However, they are not alone in their pursuit of Todibo, as they are set to face stiff competition from several top European clubs.

Spurs’ need for defensive reinforcements has become more acute in light of recent developments. Micky van de Ven is sidelined with a hamstring injury until next year, and with Cristian Romero suspended, manager Ange Postecoglou was forced to improvise by deploying full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal in central defense during their recent 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.

While Todibo is high on Spurs’ wishlist, they have also shown continued interest in Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth.

Additionally, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are being considered as potential alternatives.

For Todibo, a move to the Premier League is appealing, but he seeks the guarantee of regular first-team football.

This is crucial for him in his ambition to cement his place in France’s highly competitive national team, especially with Euro 2024 on the horizon next summer.

Nevertheless, Todibo isn’t in a hurry to leave Nice, especially given the team’s strong performance this season, which sees them in a title race after an unbeaten start.

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Several Premier League teams have taken an interest in Mason Greenwood’s progress at Getafe, with scouts present to witness his stunning goal for the Spanish club last Saturday, according to AS.

Greenwood’s move to La Liga’s Getafe on a loan from Manchester United happened in August, subsequent to an internal investigation by his parent club regarding his behavior.

This development followed the dropping of charges against the forward, which included attempted rape, assault, and coercive control, in February. These charges were initially brought against him the year before.

Since his arrival at Getafe on a season-long loan, Greenwood has been getting regular game time. His hiatus from football, which lasted 18 months, ended with him making 11 appearances for Getafe so far.

His performance peaked during Getafe’s 2-1 victory over Almeria on Saturday, where he netted his fourth goal of the season, executing a remarkable long-range shot.

With a tally of four goals and three assists at Getafe, Greenwood is reportedly enjoying his time with the Spanish side. However, his long-term future is still up in the air.

AS reports that scouts from Premier League clubs have been consistently observing his play throughout the season, including his latest match.

While Getafe is keen on extending Greenwood’s loan for an additional year, they might face competition.

During the summer transfer window, there was no interest from Premier League clubs in acquiring Greenwood, though it was mentioned that two Championship clubs had initial talks before deciding not to proceed.

Additionally, clubs from Italy and Turkey were rumored to be considering him.

The Spanish media praised Greenwood’s latest goal, calling it a contender for goal of the season.

Getafe’s manager, Jose Bordalas, commented on Greenwood’s progress, saying, “We have been working with Mason since he arrived, with a lot of patience, working on timing. You all know that he has not played for two years.

There has been a very big deficit and he is recovering with the help of everyone. The credit belongs to everyone. It was a great goal, we know the quality he has. He is not yet at his best level. I am very happy because he has integrated phenomenally. I congratulate his teammates who have helped him a lot.”