Tag: Manchester United

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Manchester United is reportedly setting their sights on signing two players described as a “perfectionist” and a “magnificent player,” following recent underwhelming performances.

The club’s latest European outing saw them suffer a disappointing loss to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, despite an initial lead thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s early brace. However, the tide turned after Marcus Rashford was sent off with a red card.

With the team’s form dipping in the Premier League as well—suffering five losses out of 11—and an early exit from the EFL Cup, it’s clear the team is exploring options to strengthen the squad. This comes as Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to have a say in the club’s sporting decisions upon completing his investment for a 25% stake in the club. It’s believed that a potential double signing from AS Monaco is being considered.

According to a report from 90min, the club is interested in signing AS Monaco duo Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana. With Ten Hag aiming to enhance the squad’s dynamics, the pursuit of the right-back Vanderson, who has made waves in Europe and whom Phillipe Clement, his former coach at Monaco, has called a “perfectionist,” is particularly telling.

Clement has previously praised Vanderson’s swift adjustment and ambitious nature, stating, “He had an exceptional adaptation here [last season]. We have already spoken about that… Vanderson is very ambitious and a huge perfectionist.”

Clement also expressed concern about Vanderson’s intense dedication: “Every day he wants to be better than the last… We need to manage that more for him. If I left him to it, he would train for 18 hours a day. He is like that.”

In the midfield, United’s attention is drawn to Fofana, who has garnered attention from other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. Jacek Kulig, a renowned football scout, has praised Fofana as a “magnificent player,” and with his valuation at a career peak, he’s a prime candidate for United’s midfield reinforcements.

As Ten Hag seeks to reinforce the squad’s right-back and midfield options, acquiring Vanderson and Fofana could be significant moves, potentially marking Ratcliffe’s first major influence on the club’s sporting direction.

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Facing the departure of key goalkeepers David De Gea and Dean Henderson, Manchester United found themselves in need of securing suitable replacements to bolster their squad between the sticks.

Andre Onana, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper, was recruited to fill the void left by De Gea. However, the pursuit of a backup goalkeeper continued.

While the Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, now on the roster at Nottingham Forest, was considered, Manchester United opted for the services of Fenerbahçe’s Altay Bayindir. The Turkish international goalkeeper has joined the ranks at Old Trafford but is yet to debut in a match for the team.

Vlachodimos, during his time with SL Benfica in Portugal, did catch the attention of Manchester United. He confirmed as much in a succinct response to a Greek publication, Gazzetta, affirming contact from the club, “Yes, there was,” he said when inquired about any outreach from Manchester United.

Though Vlachodimos remained tight-lipped beyond that confirmation, his statement implies Manchester United was casting a wide net in their search for goalkeeping talent.

Adding to the narrative, Braga’s goalkeeper Matheus divulged his own discussions with the club. In a conversation with TNT Sports, Matheus disclosed that he had been approached by Manchester United. He recounted engaging with United’s manager, Ten Hag, suggesting that the Dutchman had directly communicated with him regarding a potential transfer.

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As Manchester United aims to recover from an unsteady start to the season, reports from the Daily Mail claim that the club is eyeing reinforcements in two key areas in the January transfer window.

Under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag, United showed promise in the previous season, spurring hopes for further improvement and a challenge to rivals Manchester City’s dominance.

Despite significant investments in the squad during the last transfer window, United’s current campaign has been disappointing, with the team losing nine of their initial 17 matches across all competitions.

Currently positioned eighth in the Premier League and trailing by six points from a Champions League qualifying spot, United is also languishing at the base of their Champions League group and has already exited the Carabao Cup.

With a tough season unfolding, Ten Hag appears set to make strategic additions this winter to alter the team’s trajectory.

The Daily Mail’s report suggests that United is actively scouring the market to bolster their attack and defense. The club has shown interest in Ivan Toney to enhance their attacking options.

However, his £100m valuation is a significant hurdle, especially since United is constrained by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, limiting them to loans or economical acquisitions this January.

The potential sale of Jadon Sancho could inject some much-needed funds for United, which they could then allocate towards landing their main transfer targets.

Defensive targets on United’s radar include Jean-Clair Todibo, Giorgio Scalvini, Edmond Tapsoba, and Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.

Whether the club will have the financial leeway to secure any of these players in the January window is a matter of speculation.

Given the team’s challenges in goal-scoring and maintaining clean sheets, recruiting a new forward and defender seems a logical move to rectify these issues.

It will be intriguing to watch if Manchester United can execute the necessary changes to these two key areas when the January window opens, potentially revitalizing their season in the latter half.

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Manchester United’s search for a reliable right-back continues as questions linger over Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s place in Erik ten Hag’s vision for the team, despite signs of progress from the player.

Diogo Dalot has also struggled to cement his role as a top contender for the position.

Since Ten Hag’s arrival, several candidates have been considered to bolster the right-back spot, with Denzel Dumfries being a prominent name in the mix. Interest in Dumfries had waned, but a fresh update has come to light.

According to Calciomercato, citing La Gazzetta, there’s a new development regarding Dumfries’ tenure at Inter Milan. The Italian outlet reports that Inter is keen on retaining the Dutch defender and is looking to extend his contract. Yet, there’s a growing attraction from the English Premier League.

Manchester United remains interested in the 27-year-old defender, with Chelsea also joining the fray of potential suitors.

Nevertheless, acquiring Dumfries won’t be an easy financial endeavor. Inter has set a firm stance, indicating they ‘will not say yes’ to any proposal below €50m (£43.5m), emphasising their valuation of Dumfries as a vital component of their squad.

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According to Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United is poised to join the fray for Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with a January transfer window battle heating up.

The Danish international’s role at Spurs has diminished under new coach Ange Postecoglou, who has consistently chosen Pepe Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma as his central midfield duo, relegating Hojbjerg to the bench for much of this Premier League season.

With the transfer window approaching, reports from Corriere dello Sport indicate that the 28-year-old may be looking for a new club.

While Juventus has shown interest in a loan deal for the midfielder, Tottenham’s preference is a permanent transfer, with a price tag of £26 million set for the former Southampton captain.

The competition for Hojbjerg’s signature is fierce, with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid both showing strong interest. Although Hojbjerg was heavily linked with a departure during the summer window, a January move now seems increasingly likely.

Juventus’s loan bid might not align with Tottenham’s plans to sell Hojbjerg outright, potentially paving the way for either Manchester United or Atletico Madrid to secure his services.

Despite United’s depth in the defensive midfield position, with players like Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat, and Scott McTominay, there is a sense of urgency given Casemiro’s hamstring injury, which is expected to sideline him until Christmas. Should his recovery falter, United might look to Hojbjerg, with his extensive experience in English football, as an immediate reinforcement.

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The rocky start for Manchester United this season can be attributed to various issues including the ongoing takeover dramas, players struggling to hit form, toxicity around Jadon Sancho, and questions over Erik ten Hag’s strategy and approach.

Amidst these struggles, the team’s offensive woes have been glaring, yet the midfield woes cannot be overlooked. With most of the midfield underperforming, only Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay have been able to contribute positively to the team’s goal tally.

In particular, Mason Mount, who dons the iconic no. 7 jersey, was primarily brought for his playmaking skills, has not lived up to expectations since his arrival in Manchester, with his absence from the starting lineup being a telling sign of his current situation.

Recognising the issue of creating opportunities for the team and the need for an additional playmaker to alleviate the pressure on Bruno Fernandes, it’s no shocker that United is keen on Lyon’s Rayan Cherki for a potential move in 2024, a player who is known for his creative prowess.

According to Football Insider, Manchester United is plotting a move to sign 20-year-old Lyon talent, who already has over 100 professional appearances, 14 goals, and 17 assists to his name.

The club, alongside Newcastle United, are considered serious suitors for Cherki, eyeing a move when the opportunity arises.

Currently part of a struggling Lyon squad, which sits uncomfortably at the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings, Cherki is approaching the end of his contract in 2025. This could position him for a transfer that’s more economical than usual, provided he doesn’t extend his contract with Lyon.

Cherki’s skill set isn’t in question, and should he be available for the right price, it could represent a shrewd acquisition for United.

However, they face stiff competition from Newcastle, a club that has been showing promising progress, contrasting with the trajectory of Manchester United at the moment.

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The Saudi Pro League has set its sights on Manchester United’s Casemiro as a top transfer target for the 2024 season, with buzz growing about a potential bid for the midfielder come January, reports 90min football.

Casemiro’s transfer to United from Real Madrid in August 2022 came amid a rocky start to Erik ten Hag’s managerial tenure. The Brazilian international quickly proved his worth, becoming a pivotal force in stabilizing the squad and contributing to key victories that led to a top-four Premier League finish, a Carabao Cup victory, and an FA Cup final berth.

Despite his impactful start, Casemiro’s tenure at United has not been without its controversies, particularly given the steep £60m transfer fee plus £10m in possible add-ons, and his substantial £300,000-a-week salary.

United, who are into the second year of Casemiro’s four-year contract—with the option for an additional year—have faced scrutiny over the investment, especially as the player will be 32 come February.

Recently, Casemiro’s performance has come under fire as United has experienced a series of losses, and Ten Hag’s comments post-substitution during a match against Brentford last month have highlighted a perceived need for “more football” from the Brazilian, igniting further debate over his role in the team.

Despite currently nursing an injury, Casemiro remains on the radar of the Saudi Pro League, which is intent on elevating its competitive status by attracting stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. This ambition has placed not just Casemiro but also other United players, including the club’s new captain Bruno Fernandes, on their wishlist, with potential transfer discussions being facilitated through intermediaries.

While United is not proactively marketing Casemiro, the club’s Financial Fair Play considerations might make them receptive to a lucrative bid. Observing the financial windfalls Liverpool and Chelsea have reaped from player sales to the Saudi Pro League, which have aided their squad overhauls, United might see this as an opportune move.

Speculation also swirls around Anthony Martial, who has piqued the interest of Saudi clubs and whose contract expires next summer.

Corporate changes loom at United, with a forthcoming 25% stake acquisition by Sir Jim Ratcliffe expected to shake up the club’s management structure. With Jean-Claude Blanc poised to step in as CEO and Paul Mitchell, with a history at Tottenham, RB Leipzig, and Monaco, in discussions for a sporting director role, United’s approach to transfers is poised for transformation.

This shift is in line with Ratcliffe and INEOS’s commitment to improving club facilities and revising United’s post-Ferguson and Gill transfer strategy.

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Manchester United’s Amad is the subject of interest for a potential loan move in the upcoming January window.

This development comes from reports by Football Transfers, highlighting that the 21-year-old Ivorian might spend the latter part of the season at Wolves.

Amad, whose transfer from Atalanta in 2020 cost Manchester United a hefty £37 million according to Sky Sports, has yet to cement his place in the first team. A prolonged back injury has further sidelined the young talent.

Given the lack of first-team action and the setback due to injury, there are indications from United that they would consider a loan deal for Amad. This would give the young winger an opportunity for more consistent playtime.

While United could reintegrate Amad via the Under-21s, the prospect of joining Wolves is seen as a more ‘legitimate’ pathway for him to regain competitive match fitness, suggesting that manager Erik Ten Hag is inclined towards loaning out jersey number 16.

In his tenure at Old Trafford, spanning three years, Amad has two years remaining on his contract and has accumulated a total of two goal contributions in nine appearances across all competitions.

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Manchester United have been beaten by four goals to three in the UEFA Champions League by FC Copenhagen.

It is difficult to put into words how the result ended up being what it was. Ultimately, United crumbled twice at the end of both halves.

Rasmus Hojlund scored twice to give us the lead in the first half, with the first goal being a magnificent team move.

Marcus Rashford was then sent off for a completely unintentional challenge. The hosts took full advantage by scoring two quick goals to level the game.

United started the second-half well, with Bruno Fernandes converting a penalty to take the lead again. But, this team has shown us countless times that they cannot hold on to a lead when it’s needed most.

Copenhagen scored two quick goals again. winning the game by four goals to three.

Let’s take a look at how the players and the manager did in this calamitous match.

 

Andre Onana – 5/10

Onana made four saves in this game and there was nothing he could really do for any of Copenhagen’s goals.

Diogo Dalot & Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 3/10

United’s full-backs both performed really well up until the 83rd minute when Wan-Bissaka stupidly passed the ball back to Onana, resulting in a Copenhagen corner.
From that corner, Dalot fell asleep at the back post and Copenhagen scored to make it 3-3.
A terrible few minutes from these two ended up costing United the game.

 

Harry Maguire & Raphael Varane – 3/10

It is difficult to rate the centre-backs any higher when they conceded four goals, with Maguire giving away a penalty in for the first goal and Varane giving the ball straight to an opposition player for the fourth goal.

 

Scott McTominay – 7/10

McTominay was solid in the middle of the park, completing 36 out of his 39 (92%) passes. He also assisted Rasmus Hojlund’s first goal through a great half-space run.

 

Christian Eriksen – 5/10

Eriksen did okay in the first half, playing a part in the way United controlled the game. He only got to half-time though because of Rashford’s red card and his struggles without the ball.

 

Bruno Fernandes – 7/10

Back to playing at his preferred number 10 position, Fernandes was a lot more impactful creatively as he registered 3 key passes. He was also good in the press and did well to convert his penalty.

 

Marcus Rashford – 3/10

Extremely unfortunate for Rashford to be sent off the way he was. I am convinced there was zero intention in his action but he was punished regardless. He played well on the right up until the red card, contributing to the first goal.

Alejandro Garnacho – 6/10

Garnacho started on the left again after his bright display against Fulham. He was a constant threat on the counter. His pace and directness helped him to get a shot off that was then followed up by Hojlund for United’s second.

 

Rasmus Hojlund – 9/10

Mr. Champions League was at it again, scoring a brace in the first-half. Unfortunately, he was once again let down by his teammates and his goals did not matter to the final result.

 

Sofyan Amrabat – 5/10

The Morrocan came on at half-time and immediately helped United keep possession for the next half an hour or so. He wasn’t perfect though, as he gave away the ball in some dangerous areas and ultimately didn’t manage to help the team see the game out.

 

Jonny Evans & Mason Mount – N/A

Erik ten Hag – 7/10

Let’s start with the positives. United played much better in the first-half and deserved to be leading 2-0. The build-up was much better, as we saw with the first goal and how well worked it was.

I don’t think we can blame the manager for anything that happened in this game. A stupid red card, poor refereeing and players costing the team in key moments.

The only issue I had was the decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund for Mason Mount.

That substitution was baffling as it meant we couldn’t get out of our own half. If Hojlund was too tired to carry on, it would’ve made a lot more sense to bring Anthony Martial on instead.

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Fabrizio Romano has recently made a near-certain prediction about Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United, suggesting a staggering 99.9% likelihood of his departure in the upcoming January window. Sancho’s playing time came to a halt at the close of August following a dispute with United’s head coach Erik ten Hag.

Sancho’s absence from the squad was attributed by ten Hag to subpar training performances, particularly before the team’s clash with Arsenal in early September. Contradicting his coach, Sancho publicly refuted these claims on social platforms, accusing the club of making him “a scapegoat” and has since stood firm, declining to retract his comments.

Despite the ongoing tension, there appears to be little prospect of reconciliation. Sancho is expected to move on as soon as the transfer window reopens, with Romano citing active discussions between Sancho’s representatives and “multiple clubs around Europe”, in addition to potential interest from Saudi Arabian teams.

Romano’s comments on The United Stand emphasise the irreversible nature of the situation: “For Man Utd the situation is very clear. He’s not apologising and so nothing is going to change. The feeling is very clear: Sancho is going to leave.”

Clubs like Juventus, Barcelona, and Sancho’s former team, Borussia Dortmund, are reportedly keeping tabs on the situation.

He further elaborated that although an attractive offer from Saudi Arabia could be financially beneficial for Manchester United, Sancho’s preference seems to be staying within Europe.

The forward’s next move is expected to become more apparent in December, as clubs assess their mid-season status and Champions League standings, which could influence their transfer strategies.

It was also mentioned that Borussia Dortmund is holding off on any immediate decision until their Champions League fate is clearer, and a similar stance is being taken by Newcastle United as they evaluate their position later in the year.

Since transferring from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has scored 12 goals and made six assists across 82 appearances for Manchester United, with his contract set to run until June 2026.