Tag: Manchester United

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It seems that it’s going to be a mere few days before it’s confirmed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will become a minority shareholder with Manchester United Football Club.

If news is to be believed, Sir Jim and his team will take over the sporting operations at the club – something that United fans, desperate for some competency in that department, will be delighted to hear.

There have been rumours online that one of the key changes at the club will be the recruitment of a new sporting director.

Many names have been reported online with Paul Mitchell being the early favourite for the role.

However, a new name has emerged today and it’s one of a man who is in the role currently at another English Premier League side.

According to The Daily Star, Manchester United are looking at Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman to take on a similar role at Old Trafford.

For those unfamiliar with the name, Freedman was a striker at Palace and was also the manager at the club for a period, before transitioning into the role of sporting director in 2017.

The paper states that Sir David Brailsford, who is believed to be joining the club to help oversee the sporting operations with Sir Jim, is a huge fan of the work that Freedman has done at Selhurst Park and is pushing for his appointment.

Sir David has been paying attention to the incomings and outgoings at Palace and believes that Freedman has shown great aptitude by signing the likes of Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze at great prices for the club and has since seen their values rocket.

Whether Freedman will have enough elite club experience could be something to be taken into consider – with Mitchell and former Liverpool men Michael Edwards and Julian Ward also believed to be in the frame.

Whatever route Sir Jim and his team take, United fans will be pleased that there seems to be an effort to bring the club into a more modern football structure and that should mean a better strategic approach at Old Trafford moving forward.

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When it was first reported that Victor Lindelof was starting against Luton Town instead of Raphael Varane, it certainly raised some eyebrows.

Not that Lindelof didn’t play well – his goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.

However, Varane is an acclaimed world-class defender.

This is a player who has played crucial roles for the likes of Real Madrid, winning three UEFA Champions League titles, as well as France, with whom he has won the FIFA World Cup.

Since the Manchester derby defeat, Varane has seemingly lost favour with manager Erik ten Hag with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and now Victor Lindelof all seemingly higher up the pecking order than the French international.

Reports recently have emerged that teams in Saudi are looking to buy Varane, with follow-up reports suggesting that United would consider offers for the player.

All the above is on the backdrop of rumours online that Varane and ten Hag have had a falling out, with Varane’s omission from the first team not helping to quell the murmuring.

The Athletic have now provided some detail on how the French international has responded to being dropped from the starting lineup.

According to the publication, people close to the French international (who told the publication that they did not want to be named to protect relationships) say he has accepted the decision of the manager is a tactical one and highlight that there is always a way back for a player under the coach, as proven by the re-emergence of former captain Maguire into the first team.

In fairness, Varane has always had a reputation of being a team player and it’s not a surprise that he’s accepted his role and is happy to keep plugging away.

With all the egos in the dressing rooms at the Stade de France, Bernabeu and Old Trafford, nobody has ever questioned or brought into doubt the professionalism of Raphael Varane.

But fans will be concerned if a player of Varane’s calibre continues to be used as fourth choice centre-back.

With Saudi clubs keeping an eye on how things evolve, fans will be hoping that Varane is able to make his way back into the first team sooner rather than later.

And if results and performances don’t improve soon, Erik ten Hag may be fielding more questions on this decision then he has been so far.

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Manchester United has emerged as a potential suitor for Kylian Mbappe, following recent developments in the race to sign the PSG forward, according to Football Insider.

The interest from United comes amid the ongoing negotiations for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to acquire a 25% minority stake in the club, a move seen as the first step in a larger takeover plan.

As per the report, this potential change in ownership at Old Trafford could position United most favorably in the pursuit of Mbappe, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the conclusion of this season.

While Real Madrid had been previously keen on Mbappe, reports from Spain indicate a waning interest from the La Liga giants in the 24-year-old superstar. However, there remains a possibility that Madrid could re-enter the race for his signature.

The expiration of Mbappe’s contract at PSG at the end of the 2023-24 season has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs.

According to Football Insider, among these clubs, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea appear to be the only ones with the financial capability to orchestrate such a high-profile transfer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement with United is seen as a crucial factor in their potential bid for Mbappe.

The France international, who has earned 72 caps for his country, is known for his impressive salary at PSG, reportedly at £1.2million per week.

His performance this season has been remarkable, with a tally of 12 goals and one assist in 14 appearances, despite limited pre-season play under Luis Enrique.

Mbappe’s history of interest from Real Madrid dates back to before he renewed his contract with PSG in 2022, a contract that includes an option for an additional year.

Since his move to PSG in 2017 for £166 million, he has scored 224 goals and provided 99 assists in 274 appearances.

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Manchester United is reportedly making moves to sign Fluminense’s young midfielder Andre, according to FootballTransfers. This development comes amidst rumors suggesting that Casemiro might be on his way out of the club next year.

Several Premier League teams have been in conversation with the Copa Libertadores winners regarding the 22-year-old Andre, but no concrete offers have been made so far.

Set for a European move in January, Andre has attracted interest from various clubs. Fulham has been highlighted as one of the interested parties, although earlier reports indicating them as frontrunners for his signature might be premature.

With Manchester United facing a potential change in their recruitment strategy due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Ineos’s anticipated 25 percent acquisition of the club, it’s understood that the team’s top brass has expressed interest in Andre.

The performance of Casemiro this season has been underwhelming, leading to speculation about his possible departure for the Saudi Pro League, which would create an opening for Andre at Manchester United.

Liverpool, who have long shown interest in Andre, appear to have shifted their focus to other players, as confirmed by the club to his representatives.

Despite Brazilian media suggesting Fulham as the leading candidate for Andre’s signature, FootballTransfers indicates that no formal bids have been made to Fluminense, who are now expecting a fee in the range of €30-€40m.

Andre, speaking about the possibility of a Premier League move, stated, “I follow the Premier League a lot. It’s a very competitive league that demands a lot from players. But today my dream is to live day by day here in Fluminense. I don’t know what will happen in the future. I have a long contract at Fluminense [which runs until the end of 2026] and I really like being here.”

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Ajax’s promising talent, Anass Salah-Eddine, has shared insights into a pivotal moment in his career when he had the opportunity to join Manchester United. However, he ultimately chose Ajax, a decision influenced by their reputation for nurturing young talent.

Salah-Eddine, in his own words, disclosed this critical juncture in his career path. His journey began with AZ Juvenil in 2008, leading him to Ajax where he progressed through the youth teams, including the U17s, U19s, and Ajax B. Following a loan stint at FC Twente, he broke into Ajax’s first team this season.

In the current season, as a left-back, Salah-Eddine has made a notable impact in the first team. With 12 appearances across various competitions, he has contributed one goal and two assists in 528 minutes of play.

Ajax, known for their emphasis on developing young players, particularly after a challenging period in transfers, sees Salah-Eddine as a potential future star. He reflects on what might have been, mentioning his near move to Manchester United in the past.

He spoke about his time at AZ Juvenil, praising their holistic approach to developing young athletes, which covered not only football skills but also education, sleep, and nutrition. Choosing Ajax, he felt, was a step up in the Netherlands.

Salah-Eddine recalls, “At that age, I wasn’t pushed. It was more like, what is best for you. I was close to going abroad, to Manchester United.” These words from Salah-Eddine illustrate the thoughtful decision-making process that has shaped his promising career.

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Reports indicate that Real Betis is currently engaging in negotiations with David De Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper has been a free agent since his contract with Manchester United expired over four months ago, leading to speculation about his next career move.

De Gea’s return to Manchester United was previously anticipated but has since encountered delays. Consequently, he remains unattached to any club since leaving Old Trafford last summer.

Spanish news outlet ED has reported that Betis is considering offering De Gea a short-term contract. However, the La Liga club faces financial constraints, as they need to adhere to the league’s salary cap. This situation necessitates the sale of one of their players before they can finalize any deal with De Gea.

It is suggested that De Gea’s move to Betis might not materialize until January, should an agreement be reached. Betis’ current goalkeeping situation involves Rui Silva and former Manchester City player Claudio Bravo, with Silva reportedly a candidate for transfer.

Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, are performing well this season, holding a sixth place in La Liga and leading their group in the Europa League. Their interest in De Gea has been ongoing since September, and discussions have now commenced in earnest.

Previously, there was speculation about De Gea’s potential return to Manchester United, as reported by SunSport. United was considering re-signing the 33-year-old, especially in light of Andre Onana’s absence during the Africa Cup of Nations. However, those plans have not progressed, leaving the door open for Betis to potentially secure De Gea’s services.

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Under the potential new management of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is on the brink of securing a £1.3 billion stake for a 25% share in Manchester United, a significant reshuffle might be on the horizon.

Ratcliffe, the 71-year-old Ineos founder, could see his acquisition finalised as soon as next Monday, bringing about a much-needed restructuring of the club’s sporting framework, following a period marked by what many consider to be poor management decisions.

With this change, United’s Chief Executive, Richard Arnold, and Director of Football, John Murtough, might find their positions in jeopardy, particularly due to a series of unsuccessful moves in the transfer market.

The club has seen an expenditure of £1.4 billion on player acquisitions since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, yet they have failed to secure another Premier League title during this period.

According to The Sun, Ratcliffe plans to extend Erik ten Hag’s tenure as manager, despite a rocky start to the season. Ten Hag, who led United to a third-place finish last season and clinched the Carabao Cup – their first trophy in six years – is expected to remain in his role for the time being.

However, a squad overhaul is seemingly in the works, potentially starting in the January transfer window. Players like Anthony Martial, Jadon Sancho, and Antony are reported to be on the chopping block.

Martial, a long-term member of the squad since his transfer from Monaco in 2015, has struggled to meet the lofty expectations set by a Ballon d’Or clause in his contract.

With his contract expiring next summer, United is keen to recoup some of their investment.

Sancho’s future at United is also uncertain following a public disagreement with Ten Hag over his training efforts, which escalated after a 3-1 loss to Arsenal in September.

Sancho took to Twitter to express his frustrations, labeling himself a ‘scapegoat’, a tweet he later removed. Despite this, he has not apologized to Ten Hag.

Interest in Sancho from his former club Borussia Dortmund has been reported, as he still holds positive memories of his time in Germany.

Lastly, Antony, for whom United paid a significant £86 million in 2022, might find his time at Old Trafford cut short. His performance this season has been underwhelming, with no goals or assists to his name thus far.

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Old Trafford could soon witness significant changes with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm.

Reports indicate that Ratcliffe is close to acquiring a 25% stake in Manchester United, with plans to oversee football operations as part of a £1.4 billion agreement.

In the wake of Manchester United’s disappointing performance this season under Erik ten Hag, highlighted by their recent 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen in the Champions League, Ratcliffe appears ready to implement his vision for the club’s future.

According to Alan Nixon of The Sun on Sunday, the 71-year-old INEOS chief is set to begin his new role from Monday.

Furthermore, Nixon has revealed that Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’s director of sports, will play a pivotal role in Ratcliffe’s strategy.

Brailsford, known for his successful tenure with Team GB’s cycling team and his significant contributions to the Team Sky/INEOS Grenadiers, which includes six Tour de France victories, is poised to assume a leading position in the club’s overhaul.

This change puts the future of current manager Erik ten Hag and football director John Murtough in an uncertain position, with Brailsford expected to have a substantial say in their futures.

Brailsford’s anticipated involvement in the club’s transformation has been a topic of speculation for some time.

His notable achievements include guiding Team GB to eighteen Olympic gold medals across the Athens, Beijing, and London games.

Under Ten Hag’s management, United have had a challenging season, currently sitting eighth in the Premier League with only six wins in eleven matches.

The news has been further confirmed by Simon Stone of the BBC, who has tweeted that we’re close to the United ownership situation being clarified.

We are getting close to the @ManUtd ownership situation being clarified.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 10, 2023

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Financial constraints at Old Trafford have placed a barrier between Manchester United and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, with the latter valued at £100 million by his current club in the Premier League. Despite his English roots and impressive form, the price tag hangs heavy amidst United’s economic concerns.

As Toney’s contract winds down, with a little over a year and a half remaining, the situation remains tense with no clear progress on an extension at Brentford.

This scenario might usually trigger a spending spree from the likes of Chelsea, but even Todd Boehly is seemingly hesitant to release the funds required to snatch the striker from his current club, particularly given that Toney’s contract edges closer to its end.

Next summer, the market dynamics could shift significantly, with Toney nearing the free agency mark, which might present Manchester United with a more viable opportunity to secure his signature without the current hefty financial outlay.

Reports from The Daily Mail suggest Manchester United would ideally pursue Toney. Yet, as things stand, Erik ten Hag might find himself navigating a winter window akin to the last, seeking bargain deals or short-term loan agreements due to the club’s monetary woes, leaving Toney a distant prospect.

Come the next transfer window, there could be a change in the tide with the potential of new investments, particularly with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement possibly rejuvenating United’s spending power.

In a candid conversation with talkSPORT on November 3rd at 10:30 am, Darragh MacAnthony, Toney’s former chairman at Peterborough United, didn’t mince words: “All day long (he is a potential £80 to £90 million striker),” he said. He praised Brentford’s negotiation acumen and hinted at United’s potential future bid under new stewardship, suggesting Toney would be an excellent fit for the club’s attacking needs.

Brentford’s firm stance on their £100 million valuation is underpinned by Toney’s 20-goal performance in the Premier League for the 2022/23 season.

This milestone echoes the prowess of a past United striker, as it has been a decade since a United player—Robin van Persie—has reached the 20-goal mark in a single Premier League season.

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The Red Devils made a considerable investment this summer by acquiring the talents of Rasmus Hojlund. Despite Anthony Martial serving as a reserve, it’s hardly shocking that the Old Trafford outfit continues to be connected with potential new additions to their forward line.

The young Hojlund, just 20 years old, has adapted admirably to life at United, carving out success in spite of limited opportunities to shine. His knack for finding the net in Europe is noteworthy, with five goals that currently place him at the forefront of Champions League scorers.

With the transfer window approaching, it seems prudent for Erik ten Hag to augment his strike force, ideally with a seasoned player who isn’t on the verge of hanging up their boots. Anticipation is mounting that January might see United opt for an economical signing, a seasoned striker to inject some much-needed vigor and depth to their offensive ranks.

Amid the search for such a player, as per multiple reports, Manchester United is considering signing Porto’s accomplished forward Mehdi Taremi, a sentiment echoed by Inter Milan’s reported interest.

As United’s attacking options appear to dwindle with Hojlund’s diminishing influence and the current form slump of established names like Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, the quest for reinforcements intensifies.

Report from Inter Live indicates Taremi has caught the eye of Inter as they too look for an affordable striking solution. However, United’s pursuit could pose a significant challenge in the bid for the 31-year-old come January.

Taremi’s goal-scoring prowess at Porto has been noteworthy. Yet, questions linger over how his skills would translate in a more demanding league.

For United’s purposes, his immediate impact might not be critical. Rather, his role could be to offer a different option from Hojlund for the interim.

Financially, Taremi is said to be obtainable for a comprehensive outlay close to €30million, a figure encompassing transfer fees and salary over a proposed three-year period, as the reports detail.