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Manchester United | 2022/23 Season

Manchester United want to sign Chelsea's former Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech, 29, after failing to muscle in on Germany forward Timo Werner's move from Chelsea to RB Leipzig. (Manchester Evening News)
 
Cristiano Ronaldo named in Man United's starting XI against Brentford
 
Absolute nightmare for Man U at the moment

Brentford 2-0 Man Utd
 
Absolute nightmare for Man U at the moment

Brentford 2-0 Man Utd

GOAL - Brentford 3-0 Man Utd
Ben Mee

It goes from bad to worse for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United.
 
man uniteds current relegation odds are 150/1 at moment, those are a good bet right now :)))
 
Wow, this is fast becoming one of the worst United sides of all time. Gutless!
 
From bad to worse for United

Having been deservedly beaten by Brighton last week, United sought to make a quick start but it was Brentford who found early joy as the visitors' defence crumbled in spectacular fashion against their high-pressing hosts.

De Gea, who for so long has been one of United's most consistent performers, was left red-faced when he allowed Dasilva's speculative shot from distance to slip underneath him and into the net, with Cristiano Ronaldo claiming he was fouled in the build-up.

Harry Maguire was then booked for a clumsy lunge on Dasilva, and while Mathias Jensen missed from the resultant free-kick, the Danish midfielder was celebrating two minutes later following another United mistake.

De Gea's pass to Eriksen on the edge of the United penalty area led to Jensen stealing the ball before slotting low into the net to double Brentford's lead.

After falling two behind to Brighton last week, it was another stern examination of United's character, but it only got worse as Brentford struck twice in the space of five minutes to move four clear.

Mee nodded home at the far post to make it three before Mbeumo finished off a rapid counter-attack when he controlled Ivan Toney's pass before curling the ball beyond a helpless De Gea to put the Bees four up after a scarcely believable 35 minutes.

Manager Ten Hag could barely have envisaged such a catastrophic start to his reign, and while there is still time for the Dutchman to transform their fortunes, the first two games of the season have underlined the daunting task facing the former Ajax boss at Old Trafford.
 
Gary Neville brilliant on Sky at the moment:

Blaming the owners for crippling the club.

Saying the Glazers have fleeced the club by borrowing money and forcing ot to go into debt

Saying the stadium and facilities are falling apart compared to other stadiums

Money in the bank has reduced dramatically
 
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Ten Haag:

Saying feels sorry for fans

Surprising performance

Players have to take responsibility and didn't believe in themselves

I am mainly responsible for the defeat

Individual mistakes cost us today
 
New signing Martinez getting slated for his performance today by the Sky pundits.

5 foot 9" and they reckon he's to small to succeed in the Premier League.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'The Glazer family do not put money in!' 💰<br><br>Gary Neville on the current ownership of Manchester United 👇 <a href="https://t.co/umE6zwO0EE">pic.twitter.com/umE6zwO0EE</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1558535223033430018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Man Utd have reached a new low.' 💔<br><br>Gary Neville on a "really, really bad" situation at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> 😶 <a href="https://t.co/PDYAH7Fp7D">pic.twitter.com/PDYAH7Fp7D</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1558530808775860224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🗣️ "I think I cost three points to my team today to be honest" <br><br>David de Gea personally asked to do the post-match interview after a 'horrible day' for Manchester United 🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a><a href="https://t.co/Z9Ful028R1">pic.twitter.com/Z9Ful028R1</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1558528229404803073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville spiralling into a heated argument on Sky Sports after the match about how bad United are. You love to see it
 
Jamie Redknapp and Gary Neville spiralling into a heated argument on Sky Sports after the match about how bad United are. You love to see it

Gary Nevilles and Roy Keane are both getting on my nerves. Every time they come on you'd think we just had a national tragedy. It's a game and next week there will be another game. This isnt Ind v PK at cricket, that is serious business
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">️ "I think I cost three points to my team today to be honest" <br><br>David de Gea personally asked to do the post-match interview after a 'horrible day' for Manchester United <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a><a href="https://t.co/Z9Ful028R1">pic.twitter.com/Z9Ful028R1</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1558528229404803073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

De Gea has been inconsistent and poor for over 4 years and United gave him a new contract at £15mn per annum.
 
New signing Martinez getting slated for his performance today by the Sky pundits.

5 foot 9" and they reckon he's to small to succeed in the Premier League.

And every man and his dog could have told you that he is too small to be Centre half.
 
Erik ten Hag: Manchester United boss says club 'needs quality players'

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says the club "needs quality players" after conceding the standard of the squad is not good enough.

United were thumped 4-0 at Brentford - conceding four in the first 35 minutes - and have no points after two Premier League games.

Dutchman Ten Hag, who took over at Old Trafford in May, told Sky Sports the situation is a "difficult process".

"We have to provide higher standards than what we did today," he said.

"We are, as a team, in a difficult process. You expect a different start. It's not what we expected.

"We need new players. We need quality players. We are working on that and we'll do everything to convince them to come."

United have been involved in a long-running hunt for fresh recruits since the transfer window opened, following a disappointing campaign last year and a shock defeat at home to Brighton last Sunday.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been the main target for Ten Hag but the 25-year-old has reportedly indicated he would prefer to join Chelsea if he left the Nou Camp.

A move for former Stoke and West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic attracted negative reaction from fans and was abandoned, as did interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot - a transfer that appears close, despite significant disapproval from United's support.

"The team has to take responsibility. I feel really sorry for the fans - they did everything to support us but we let them down," said Ten Hag.

"You have to take responsibility on the pitch as a team and as individuals, that's what we didn't do. What I asked them to do is play with belief and take responsibility for the performance. We have to work on that.

"The manager is responsible as well. He has the main responsibility and I'll take that and work on that."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62536996
 
Brentford 4-0 Manchester United: 'A joke', 'bullied' & 'rotten' - are Man Utd at rock bottom?

If last weekend's defeat at home by Brighton served as a warning for Manchester United and their new manager Erik ten Hag, then Saturday's embarrassing loss at Brentford will have sent alarm bells into overdrive.

The Red Devils' first away match of the new campaign ended in a sobering 4-0 reverse, which leaves the Red Devils without a point - and bottom of the league - after two games and desperately searching for answers.

BBC Sport expert Chris Sutton believes United may have "hit rock bottom", Sky Sports pundit Karen Carney said the situation "can't get any lower" for Ten Hag and his players, and Gary Neville said the club's owners are overseeing a "collective rot".

Former England striker Alan Shearer told BBC Match of the Day: "It is an absolute mess. Years of failure, years of mismanagement. There is a lack of leadership and the recruitment has been terrible.

"It will take time and an unbelievable amount of money to get things right, and a lot of patience from the Man Utd fans. They are miles away from where there want to be."

So just how bad is the situation at Old Trafford? BBC Sport takes a closer look.

'Bullied, mauled and messed about with'

If United's travelling fans were hoping for a fast start from their team in response to last Saturday's loss to Brighton, they were left disappointed.

The Red Devils fell behind after just 10 minutes in west London, Josh Dasilva's long-range shot somehow squirming underneath goalkeeper David de Gea, and eight minutes later Mathias Jensen capitalised on De Gea's poor pass to double the Bees' lead with a cool finish.

Ben Mee nodded Brentford further in front, before Bryan Mbeumo latched onto a long ball to put the hosts 4-0 up after just 35 minutes.

Sky Sports pundit and former captain Neville did not mince his words at full-time, telling viewers "we are witnessing the annihilation of Manchester United".

"I thought United would do better but they have been mauled, bullied, messed about with like you wouldn't believe, and there's nowhere to hide.

"I have been watching United for 42 years and I can't think of a moment when I have thought things have been as bad as that in the first half."

Records tumble
This is the first time United have started a league campaign with consecutive losses since the first edition of the Premier League - which, funnily enough, they went on to win.

The stats don't make pleasant reading for Ten Hag either, the Dutchman becoming the first manager since John Chapman in 1921 to lose his opening two games in charge of the club.

The Red Devils' recent away record is atrocious - this is the first time they have suffered seven straight league defeats on the road since 1936, when they tumbled to 11 consecutive away losses.

Remarkably, United have now conceded four goals in seven separate games since the beginning of the 2021-22 season. They have also let in four first-half goals on three occasions since October 2020.

To add insult to injury, this is Brentford's biggest top-flight win since beating Grimsby Town 6-1 in April 1938.

Liverpool, who visit Old Trafford a week on Monday, must be licking their lips.

Glazers 'haven't got a clue'

Then there are the club's owners.

There have been multiple protests against the Glazer family's ownership of the Old Trafford side in recent years - including one in May 2021 which caused the Red Devils' match against Liverpool to be postponed.

United fans are planning another protest against the American family, who have owned the club since 2005, during their latest meeting with their bitter rivals.

#EmptyOldTrafford has even been trending on Twitter as supporters call for a boycott of the game a week on Monday.

"Joel Glazer has to get on the plane tomorrow," Neville said. "He has to get over to Manchester and he has to start to divert the issues away from the club and tell everybody what his plan is with the football club.

"When a business is failing and not performing, it is the owner of that business's fault. It is failing miserably.

"They took £24m out of the club two months ago, now they have a decrepit, rotting stadium that is second rate, when it was one of the best stadiums 10 to 15 years ago.

"You've got a football project where they haven't got a clue. You can look at the players all you like, but there are big things that need to be put right.

"They have to show up and face the music. The club is rotten."

MUST, the club's Supporters' Trust, issued a statement in the aftermath of Saturday's defeat, saying the result feels like "the culmination of a long-term direction of travel".

It added: "What we have witnessed tonight is an embarrassment - no, a humiliation - for Manchester United fans. And yet in many ways it was not a surprise."

United seen as 'a joke' in Europe
A stunned Ten Hag admitted after the full-time whistle that United need quality players - but on this evidence, who would want to join them?

United's protracted move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong appears to have stalled, with the Dutchman reluctant to leave the Spanish giants because of a contractual disagreement which centres on deferred payments.

They have already splashed out over £65m on Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez this summer, which takes the club's spending since their last trophy - the 2017 Europa League - to about £672m.

United ended their recent interest in Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic because of a combination of the Italian club's transfer fee demands and the negative reaction from Red Devils fans.

However, negotiations are reported to be at an advanced stage with Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's #EuroLeagues podcast, French journalist Julien Laurens said: "They are not helping themselves.

"The non-existence of a transfer strategy, not just now but since Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] left, is not just baffling, it's outrageous."

Former United midfielder Robbie Savage, speaking on 5 Live, added: "How many more times will these players cost Man United managers their jobs?

"The recruitment has not been good enough over the last 10 years. Look at the centre forwards they have signed - [Edinson] Cavani, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Falcao, [Odion] Ighalo. Now they're linked with [Marko] Arnautovic. Where is the recruitment process?"

'Sick to our stomachs' - how social media reacted
Dean: It's fitting we chose a bright green kit as that's the face of every Man United fan watching. Sick to our stomachs.

Andrew: If *Brighton* and *Brentford* are able to take Manchester United to the cleaners... what will the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City do to this team? Utterly clueless. United are going to be relegation candidates & Erik ten Hag will be out by Christmas.

Zahi: I reckon most of these Man United players will have plenty of time for Xmas shopping when the season breaks. No way any of them will be in Qatar.

Baron: Frenkie de Jong's chance of signing for United just went from 0% to 0%.

Barotta: Man U will get their first points before the World Cup break for sure.

Alex: It's great to see the Man Utd fans crying. Very loud when they are winning but when the club goes through a bad patch they soon turn. Real fans?? Glory hunters!

BBC
 
PP Utd fans are missing &#55358;&#56611;&#55358;&#56611;&#55358;&#56611;&#55358;&#56611;
 
When was the last time Manchester United got relegated? Or were even in a relegation battle? :)
 
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag cancelled a planned day off on Sunday after the 4-0 humiliation at Brentford.

With no game until the visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford on 22 August, Ten Hag had intended to let his squad have the rest of the weekend off.

However, the manner of Saturday's loss prompted him to revise his plans.

It is understood he was at Carrington early on Sunday to mull over the nature of a defeat that has drawn plenty of criticism from both fans and pundits.

The loss prompted a debate on Sky between Jamie Redknapp, who feels the players need to take more responsibility, and former United skipper Gary Neville, who called for the club's owners to offer a public explanation for what has gone wrong.

Fans group MUST (Manchester United Supporters Trust), which is negotiating a share scheme with the Glazer family, has called for "urgent and radical change".

But senior United figures, despite being aware of the scale of the anger, accept there is no quick fix to the present malaise.

They continue to try and bring in the new players that Ten Hag feels are essential to his rebuild and talks with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot are ongoing.

However, Ten Hag must bring about vast improvement in the players he has, with David de Gea's pass to Christian Eriksen for Brentford's second goal symptomatic of the problem.

Ten Hag wants his players to take responsibility and be brave in possession.

Having conceded an early opener because of De Gea's blunder, rather than try to control the game to ensure the damage did not get worse, United carried on with their strategy of playing risky passes, resulting in Eriksen being robbed of possession inside his own penalty area for the second.

BBC
 
Man Utd are still weighing up a potential move for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy this summer, according to reports.

The Red Devils are getting desperate in their search for an attacker, as shown by their attempt to sign Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic, with the number of options currently narrowing as the window goes on.

Man Utd faced a backlash from supporters over their negotiations to sign former Stoke City and West Ham forward Arnautovic with their transfer team eventually pulling out of a deal.

Their interest in Benjamin Sesko at RB Salzburg had supporters briefly excited before he joined the Austrian side’s sister club RB Leipzig earlier this month.

And now it feels like Man Utd are scraping the barrel in terms of their striker targets with England international Vardy linked.

Vardy is a very good player but at 35 years old it doesn’t really show any forward planning from the Red Devils, who already have 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo leading their line.

Football365
 
Manchester United Supporters Trust will 'demand answers' from board

Manchester United Supporters Trust says it will "demand answers" from those running the club after a "humiliatingly bad" start to the season.

United have lost both of their opening games and currently sit bottom of the Premier League.

Manager Erik ten Hag cancelled the players' day off on Sunday following their woeful 4-0 defeat by Brentford on Saturday.

The statement from Must said: "This really does feel like rock bottom."

The supporters' trust added: "The ultimate responsibility for the terrible state of our football club must lie with its owners, the Glazer family.

"It is now for them and their management team to explain to United fans just why we are in this state, and what they are going to do about it.

"We will be raising fan concerns directly with the club and demanding answers for supporters on issues including ownership, debt, dividends and team performance and the need for real change on all these fronts."

The supporters' group, who are one of the largest in the world with over 200,000 members, said "unity really is paramount above all else" and "one united voice directed to the club and owners is needed more than ever".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62557023
 
Manchester United are considering a move for Leicester's Jamie Vardy, 35, but the Foxes are said to be reluctant to allow the English striker to leave. (Athletic via Daily Star)

United are also ready to battle Chelsea for Barcelona's 33-year-old Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. (Sun)

United boss Erik ten Hag is prepared to allow Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, to leave the club. (Times - subscription required)
 
Is it really the board’s fault? They seem like scapegoats and easy targets. But they have spent close to £1 billion on players. Surely the managers, coaches and players at United need to take some responsibility?
 
Is it really the board’s fault? They seem like scapegoats and easy targets. But they have spent close to £1 billion on players. Surely the managers, coaches and players at United need to take some responsibility?

Pundits are blaming the Glazers for taking money out and not keeping Old Trafford up to date while neglecting the farm system for homegrown players.

Personally I blame them for making United play in lime green. That would disempower anyone, to the point where they cannot stop an easy shot on goal or even run around for very long.
 
Manchester United are considering a move for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest.

Former Ajax star Dest is valued at around £17m.
 
Manchester United's attempt to sign France midfielder Adrien Rabiot from Juventus is off.

United had hoped to bring in the 27-year-old to strengthen their midfield.

They had agreed a fee with Juve, but it is understood that wages were the stumbling block - with the gap too great between what Rabiot wants and what United are prepared to pay.

United are thought to have offered to make Rabiot one of their higher earners.

It is possible a deal could be revived for Rabiot - who joined Juventus as a free agent in the summer of 2019 and has one year left on his contract with them - but United are now looking at other options.

They have not given up on Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, manager Erik ten Hag's preferred target - although the 25-year-old wants to remain at the Nou Camp.
 
Disgruntled #MUFC players including Cristiano Ronaldo & Bruno Fernandes have appealed to the board to back Erik ten Hag in the transfer market.
 
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Elon Musk says he was joking about buying English football club Manchester United Plc and isn’t in the market for any sports teams.

After earlier tweeting that he was purchasing the storied club in a thread joking about his political allegiances, the Tesla Inc. chief executive officer and world’s richest person walked back from the claim about four hours later, just after midnight New York time.

Musk has a track record of using Twitter to make jokes and troll the media, which follows his tweets closely. The billionaire has also run afoul of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, most infamously for tweets in 2018 about taking Tesla private. That led to securities fraud charges, and a settlement that included appointing a “Twitter sitter” to approve Musk’s Tesla-related tweets.

More recently, he has drawn scrutiny from regulators over a May 17 tweet that his $44 billion takeover bid for Twitter Inc. “cannot move forward.” Musk backed away from the purchase last month, spurring a lawsuit from the company to make him complete the deal.

The latest tweets, even though Musk specified they were a joke and were made when US markets were closed, could potentially also attract regulatory attention, given that Manchester United securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

“When someone in his position makes comments about buying an entity, people start speculating: ‘is he joking, not joking, half-joking?’” said Hui Chen, an ethics and compliance consultant who served as the first compliance counsel expert at the US Department of Justice. “His actions have major impact on markets and he really needs to be cognizant about the potential implications.”

Chelsea Sale

Manchester United is valued at $4.6 billion, according to Forbes. In the most recent sale of a Premier League powerhouse, a group led by Todd Boehly agreed to buy Chelsea FC from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich for £4.25 billion ($5.1 billion), including future investments.

Andrew Ward, Manchester United’s director of media relations and public affairs, didn’t immediately reply to an email seeking comment sent outside of normal business hours.

Manchester United, which has won a record 13 Premier League titles, is currently last on the table after a disastrous start to the season under new coach Erik ten Hag. It lost its two opening games -- including a 4-0 defeat to Brentford on the weekend.

Fans have protested the performance of the storied club under the ownership of the Glazer family, which also owns the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At the opening home game of the season -- a 2-1 loss to Brighton -- a large group of fans walked toward the stadium with banners that read: “Fight greed. Fight for United. Fight Glazers” and “We want our club back,” the Telegraph newspaper reported.

Manchester United won its last Premier League title under legendary coach Alex Ferguson in the 2012-13 season, and has since fallen behind crosstown rival Manchester City, which has won four of the past five titles. Wantaway star striker Cristiano Ronaldo will be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer if he can find a club to buy him, the Telegraph reported.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...dium=social&cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business
 
Manchester United have had a €130m bid for Joao Felix rejected by Atletico Madrid, according to Spanish outlet AS

What a signing he would be.

Seems teams know Man Utd are desperate for players so they won't come cheap.
 
The Glazer family are considering selling a minority stake in Manchester United, according to Bloomberg.

Preliminary discussions have been held about bringing in a new investor, Bloomberg reports. United are not commenting on the report.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interested in buying a stake in Manchester United, his spokesperson has said, with a view to taking full control of the club.

"If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer," Ratcliffe's spokesperson told The Times.

Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man, is the CEO of Ineos Group Ltd and owns cycling team Ineos Grenadiers as well as Ligue 1 club Nice, who he took over in 2019.

The 69-year-old tabled a last-minute £4.25 billion bid to buy Chelsea this summer but saw his offer rejected as American businessman Todd Boehly successfully took over the club.

The Glazers have owned Manchester United since 2005.
 
Feels like Man U are at the desperate end of the transfer window now where they will fire off extreme sums of money at anyone who they can somehow convince to sign for them.
 
Manchester United have made an approach to sign Real Madrid's Brazil midfielder Casemiro in a deal that would be worth about £60m.

The 30-year-old would become one of the club's top earners if he decided to join the side currently bottom of the Premier League after two matches.

After talks to sign Juventus' Adrien Rabiot collapsed over the player's demands, United have turned their attention to Casemiro as they look to address weaknesses in Erik ten Hag's midfield.

Casemiro has been with Real since 2013, winning three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.

All your Man Utd news in one place
Although Casemiro has a contract that runs to 2025, Real are mindful of the scale of United's offer of a contract that could extend to 2027 once the option of an additional season is added on. They would not stand in his way if he decided to accept.

He would arrive at United on a big salary in keeping with his status as one of 30 players nominated for this year's Ballon D'Or, even if his place at Real is under threat from new arrival Aurelien Tchouameni.

One of the best defensive midfield players in the world, Casemiro has been effective in a team that drops deep when it does not have possession, which Real tend to do with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in their team.

Casemiro's impact can be seen by looking at Opta statistics to compare his figures against those of other central midfielders in La Liga last season.

The Brazil international ranked top for successful blocks, placed second for tackles made, behind Barcelona's Sergio Busquets, and also came third overall for possession won. Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino was first and Busquets runner-up in that latter category.

He also contributed to Real's attacks, ranking fifth for forward passes and joint-sixth for shots among the league's central midfielders.

Casemiro spent a season away from the Bernabeu on loan at Portuguese side Porto in 2014-15 but returned to Spain the following season after Real activated his buy-back clause.

He has made 222 appearances for the Spanish giants and scored 24 goals.

BBC
 
<b>Former Manchester United director Michael Knighton is urging owners the Glazer family to "just quietly push the exit door now".</b>

Former Manchester United director Michael Knighton is putting his own ambitions to buy the struggling club on hold to back Sir Jim Ratcliffe to become the new owner.

Mr Knighton told Sky News that the Glazers "have run out of road" and should sell up.

The American family has given no indication it is willing to bow to fan pressure by selling the record 20-time league champions after 17 years.

But Mr Ratcliffe went public this week with his desire to potentially invest in the club the billionaire has supported since a child before making his fortune in chemicals with INEOS.

Mr Knighton told Sky News: "My message to the Glazer family is, you have run out of road. Please with honour, with dignity, with professionalism, just quietly push the exit door now. Your time has finished, it's over and the man to sell this football club to is British man Sir Jim Ratcliffe."

Mr Knighton had been forming his own consortium and claims to have raised more than £3bn, but Mr Ratcliffe's wealth eclipses their financial firepower.

"We need every Manchester United fan to back Sir Jim Ratcliffe," Mr Knighton said.

"If Jim doesn't do it, we will be there. We will be launching the hostile bid."

SKY
 
Feels like Man U are at the desperate end of the transfer window now where they will fire off extreme sums of money at anyone who they can somehow convince to sign for them.

Here we go…

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Casemiro deal. Negotiations now in progress on both player and clubs side with Manchester United, talks will continue on Friday to make final decision. 🚨🔴🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a><br><br>Man Utd have offered Casemiro a longer contract than current one with huge salary - but absolutely not double. <a href="https://t.co/fwPz7AvjYd">pic.twitter.com/fwPz7AvjYd</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1560333809328988161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Casemiro: Manchester United close to agreeing £59.2m deal for Real Madrid midfielder

Manchester United are close to agreeing a £59.2m deal for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro but have had a £67.6m bid rejected for Ajax winger Antony.

United are set to pay the Spanish giants an initial £50.7m for Casemiro with £8.5m in add-ons, while the Brazilian has a four-year contract with the option of a further 12 months at Old Trafford on the table.

But the move is unlikely to be completed in time for the 30-year-old to be available for Monday night's home game against Liverpool, live on Sky Sports, as he requires a visa.

Casemiro is greatly appreciated by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti but he is reportedly not viewed as indispensable given the wealth of options the Champions League holders have in the centre of the pitch.

Luka Modric signed a contract extension to 2023 and Toni Kroos also provides pedigreed experience to mesh with younger talents, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.

Real cannot guarantee a spread of minutes to Manchester United's potential new signing. It will be viewed as sensible to get his wages off the books, while banking a big transfer fee, but Real have stressed the final decision is Casemiro's to make.

United have desperately needed a defensive midfielder for years and the Brazilian offers attributes manager Erik ten Hag does not possess in his squad.

The former Sao Paulo man has played over 300 times for Madrid and has been part of five Champions League successes.

Casemiro is set to become United's fourth summer signing after the arrivals of Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez.

Man Utd have £67.6m Antony bid rejected

United also want to recruit a forward this summer but they have had a £67.6m bid for winger Antony rejected by Ajax, who want to keep the 22-year-old.

United are deciding whether to make an improved bid, but PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo is seen as a more realistic option.

Any move for the Dutchman will likely happen after PSV's Champions League qualifier against Rangers on Wednesday.

United's focus for now however, is on the Casemiro deal and potentially a move for another midfielder.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...greeing-59-2m-deal-for-real-madrid-midfielder
 
Manchester United hope to announce the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for close to £60 million in the next few days and are also now fully turning their attentions to PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo who will cost around £34m.
 
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust has laid out a list of demands for any new owner of the football club.

Ineos chief executive Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interesting in purchasing a stake in the Red Devils, with a view to completing a full takeover in the future.

His interest emerged following reports that the Glazers areconsidering selling a minority stake in the club.

The American owners are much maligned by the United fan base since the family’s takeover over the club in 2005.

The club has been saddled with huge debt and there have been criticisms at the way United has been managed as well as a lack of investment in infrastructure.

Chris Rumfitt, of M.U.S.T, joined White and Jordan on talkSPORT to give a verdict on the Ratcliffe reports.

“It’s clearly an interesting development and there’s lots of speculation about a change of ownership or new investors,” he said.

“In the light of everything going on, we’ve called for change. The change has to be the right change, though.

“We are not going to just accept any prospective new owner and we’ve got things we want from a new owner.

“We want them to commit to the culture, ethos and best traditions of Manchester United.

“We want them to invest real money in the playing side and stadium and we want them to imbed supporters in any new ownership model.

“If there’s a new owner coming along, whether it is Jim Ratcliffe or anyone else, who ticks those boxes then we would be very interested to talk to them.”

Rumfitt also insisted that fans should not get too carried away with the news, but the prospect of Ratcliffe, who is a United supporter, was a promising one.

He said: “It’s encouraging, but we’ve had false dawns before. As a supporter group, and as Manchester United fans generally, it is encouraging but we are a cautious bunch as well.

“We will put conditions on any new owners, we will. We believe in support share ownership and we are encouraged at the possibility of change, but it does have to be the right change.

“I hope any good new owner would not see it as a condition, but welcome that.”

He added: “He’s invested in other sports organisations. Obviously the cycling team, Nice Football Club, which appear to be doing some interesting things in the south of France.

“There’s a track record there, which would make him a potentially interesting person for us to talk to and potential future owner.”

Protests have continued against the Glazers, with the latest taking place before their 2-1 defeat to Brighton on the opening weekend of the season.

That is not likely to change unless there is meaningful progress.

Rumfitt added: “If it’s just at the stage it is now of speculation with nothing properly confirmed, I wouldn’t have thought it would change anything.

“It’s a sign of hope. United fans have had their fingers burnt before, so it will be hope tinged with caution.

“I doubt it will change anything in the short term, unless things become clearer or more substantial.”

https://talksport.com/football/1174316/man-utd-supporters-trust-ratcliffe-verdict-protests-glazers/
 
"Thousands of fans will protest on Monday with renewed hope that they can push the Glazers towards the exit. Previously, there was no credible alternative ownership publicly declaring that there is another, better way"
 
I like the idea of a mutualisation of football clubs, like supporter-owned AFC Wimbledon.
 
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro for 60m euros (£50.7m) plus 10m euros (£8.5m) in add ons.

Talks have progressed quickly and United are optimistic the deal for the Brazil international, 30, will be completed in the next few days.

Casemiro has been with Real since 2013, winning three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.

United are bottom of the Premier League and host Liverpool on Monday.

Casemiro would become one of the United's top earners if he completes the move and would sign a four-year contract with the option of an additional year.

After talks to sign Juventus' Adrien Rabiot collapsed over the player's demands, United have turned their attention to Casemiro as they look to address weaknesses in Erik ten Hag's midfield.

All your Man Utd news in one place
Although Casemiro has a contract that runs to 2025, Real are mindful of the scale of United's offer of a contract that could extend to 2027 once the option of an additional season is added on. They would not stand in his way if he decided to accept.

He would arrive at United on a big salary in keeping with his status as one of 30 players nominated for this year's Ballon D'Or, even if his place at Real is under threat from new arrival Aurelien Tchouameni.

One of the best defensive midfield players in the world, Casemiro has been effective in a team that drops deep when it does not have possession, which Real tend to do with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in their team.

Casemiro's impact can be seen by looking at Opta statistics to compare his figures against those of other central midfielders in La Liga last season.

The Brazil international ranked top for successful blocks, placed second for tackles made, behind Barcelona's Sergio Busquets, and also came third overall for possession won. Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino was first and Busquets runner-up in that latter category.

He also contributed to Real's attacks, ranking fifth for forward passes and joint-sixth for shots among the league's central midfielders.

Casemiro spent a season away from the Bernabeu on loan at Portuguese side Porto in 2014-15 but returned to Spain the following season after Real activated his buy-back clause.

He has made 222 appearances for the Spanish giants and scored 24 goals.

BBC
 
Some of the big names in recent history who have signed for Man U and haven’t made them competitive for the title:

1. Di Maria
2. Paul Pogba
3. Bruno Fernandez
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
5. Raphael Varane
6. Edinson Cavani
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
8. Falcao
9. Alexis Sanchez
10. Jordan Sancho
11. Romelo Lukaku

These are some of the biggest names in world football and all have featured at this club. Individually these players are all good enough, big enough to transform an ordinary team into a competitive side that can compete in Europe. All high impact players

I do not have any hopes for Casameiro to change the fortunes of United. Madrid are doing great business as usual by selling used goods to United
 
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says midfielder Casemiro wants a "new challenge" and to leave the club as Manchester United close in on a deal worth up to 70m euros (£59.2m).

Talks have progressed quickly and United are optimistic the deal for the Brazil international, 30, will be completed in the next few days.

Casemiro trained with Real on Friday.

"The negotiations are ongoing right now, he is still our player but his will is to leave," said Ancelotti.

"I have spoken with him. Casemiro, for what he has done and the person he is, we must respect that desire."

The Italian added: "Casemiro wants a new challenge and we understand his feeling, I do not think there is a way back."

United manager Erik ten Hag refused to comment on Casemiro speculation at his news conference on Friday, saying: "I cannot tell anything."

United's deal for the player is for an initial 60m euros (£50.7m) plus 10m euros (£8.5m) in add-ons.

Casemiro, who has been with Real since 2013, winning three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues, is not in the squad to face Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday.

United are bottom of the Premier League and host Liverpool on Monday.

Casemiro would become one of the United's top earners if he completes the move and would sign a four-year contract with the option of an additional year.

After talks to sign Juventus' Adrien Rabiot collapsed over the player's demands, United have turned their attention to Casemiro as they look to address weaknesses in Erik ten Hag's midfield.

Although Casemiro has a contract that runs to 2025, Real are mindful of the scale of United's offer of a contract that could extend to 2027 once the option of an additional season is added on. They would not stand in his way if he decided to accept.

He would arrive at United on a big salary in keeping with his status as one of 30 players nominated for this year's Ballon D'Or, even if his place at Real is under threat from new arrival Aurelien Tchouameni.

"Within the squad we have a replacement," added Ancelotti. "Tchouameni has been signed for this position and at the moment he is one of the best midfielders on the market.

"There is also the option of [Toni] Kroos, who can play in this position, as he did the second year I was here. There is also [Eduardo] Camavinga."

One of the best defensive midfield players in the world, Casemiro has been effective in a team that drops deep when it does not have possession, which Real tend to do with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in their team.

Casemiro's impact can be seen by looking at Opta statistics to compare his figures against those of other central midfielders in La Liga last season.

The Brazil international ranked top for successful blocks, placed second for tackles made, behind Barcelona's Sergio Busquets, and also came third overall for possession won. Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino was first and Busquets runner-up in that latter category.

He also contributed to Real's attacks, ranking fifth for forward passes and joint-sixth for shots among the league's central midfielders.

Casemiro spent a season away from the Bernabeu on loan at Portuguese side Porto in 2014-15 but returned to Spain the following season after Real activated his buy-back clause.

He has made 222 appearances for the Spanish giants and scored 24 goals.

BBC
 
Manchester United’s owners are expected to be offered a cash lump sum in exchange for a share of future TV income as a way of raising money to pay for the expansion of Old Trafford.

The Glazer family are understood to be exploring different ways to raise investment, including a loan or selling a minority stake in the club. The other possible option, which industry insiders say is certain to be offered by investment firms, would be to follow Barcelona’s example and do a deal with a finance company for a lump sum in return for a percentage of future TV rights income.

The Glazers need to fund infrastructure work costing about £200 million to raise the Old Trafford capacity to 90,000 and improve the training ground.

There have been reports of talks between the Glazers and Apollo Global Management, an American firm whose main business is providing finance. In May, Apollo offered Mexico’s football league Liga MX $1.25 billion in exchange for 20 per cent of overseas TV rights over the next 50 years.

Barcelona did a €207.5 million deal in June with American investment firm Sixth Street for ten per cent of their TV rights over 25 years and has since sold another 15 per cent to the company for an undisclosed sum.

Any such deals or new loans would be unpopular with United fans, but the Barcelona-style deal could have one advantage if it does not appear on a club’s books as debt

The Times
 
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign Brazil midfielder Casemiro in a deal worth up to £70m.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Understand Antony will NOT be part of Ajax XI vs Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. Brazilian star didn’t train with the group yesterday and today. 🚨⚪🔴🇧🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ajax?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ajax</a><br><br>Antony wants Manchester United and hopes for Ajax to negotiate with Man Utd when the new bid will be submitted. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/AtKCwCL6IV">pic.twitter.com/AtKCwCL6IV</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1561100621981384715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been given approval by the club's owners to spend his way out of trouble - by chasing deals for Netherlands pair Frenkie de Jong, 25, of Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, 23, as well as Ajax's Brazilian winger Antony, 22. (Sunday Mirror)

However, United are set to miss out on Chelsea wide forward Christian Pulisic, 23, with the USA international keen to join a club in the Champions League if he leaves Stamford Bridge. (Mail Online)
 
Ajax's Brazilian winger Antony, 22, is pushing to join Manchester United before the close of the summer transfer window. (Goal)

But United remain in the hunt for PSV Eindhoven's 23-year-old Dutch winger Cody Gakpo but are only likely to sign one of the forwards before the window closes. (Telegraph)

United are also gearing up for one last push this month to sign Barcelona's 25-year-old Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong. (Marcel van der Kraan, via Express)

The Old Trafford club will block any move for England defender Harry Maguire after Chelsea made an enquiry for the 29-year-old. (Sun)
 
Casemiro said his impending move to Manchester United is not motivated by money as he bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid on Monday.

The Brazil midfielder, 30, said he is joining "the biggest team in the world" after a nine-year spell with Real.

United have agreed to pay up to £70m to sign Casemiro on a four-year deal which would make him one of the top earners at the three-time European champions.

"If it was about money I would have left four or five years ago," he said.

"Those people who think that are wrong, they don't know me at all.

"The club has always treated me very well. It's my decision, my path."

After joining from Sao Paulo in 2013, Casemiro helped Real win the Champions League five times, plus La Liga three times and the Cope del Rey once.

He started last season's Champions League final, as Real beat Liverpool to become European champions for the 14th time, and he made his 336th appearance for the Spanish giants as a substitute in last week's opening-day win at Almeria.

"I spoke to my agent after the Champions League final as I had the feeling that I was coming to the end of my cycle here," said Casemiro.

"It was the hardest decision of my life but I'm excited about what's ahead of me. I want to face new challenges, know a different league, a different country and a different culture.

"I'm going to the biggest team in the world, that can compete with the greatness of Real Madrid, although now it doesn't."

United have lost their first two games of the new Premier League season and host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo won four Champions League titles alongside Casemiro at Real but the Portugal forward has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer.

"I haven't spoken to Cristiano, I hope he stays because he's one of the best players of all time," Casemiro added.

"Everything I did here, I want to do there too. I want to win the league there.

"I am going through one of the best moments of my career. I feel I'm really fit, mentally I feel great, and I feel like it's a great moment to take this decision."

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was also emotional during the ceremony held at the Spanish champions' training complex.

"You have been exemplary every single day in all of these years here," he said. "You have earned the right to decide your future and we must respect it.

"You leave the image of the champion that you are. You are going to a friendly club, the legendary Manchester United, but wherever you are you will always be an ambassador of Real Madrid.

"You will always be one of us. This is and always will be your home."

BBC
 
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag makes four changes to the side that started the humiliating 4-0 Premier League defeat at Brentford nine days ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo drops to the bench along with captain Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Fred.

In come Anthony Elanga, Tyrell Malacia, Scott McTominay and Raphael Varane, who partners Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, Eriksen, McTominay, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford, Elanga.

Subs: Heaton, Maguire, Ronaldo, Martial, Fred, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka, Van de Beek, Garnacho
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Manchester United fans are gathering outside the Tollgate pub to protest against the ownership of the club by the Glazer family. They’re set to march to Old Trafford before the home game against Liverpool. <a href="https://t.co/mVJEOH827n">pic.twitter.com/mVJEOH827n</a></p>— BBC Radio Manchester (@BBCRadioManc) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadioManc/status/1561770600628207616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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What a great opportunity for the club to turn things around and who else better than Liverpool to do it against.

The club's a mess at the moment so Liverpool have to be favourites, but anything is possible in this fixture.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A significant protest by Manchester United fans is taking place against the club's owners, the Glazer family. <br><br>Fans are marching to Old Trafford ahead of their home game against Liverpool this evening. <a href="https://t.co/CofDVJFwip">pic.twitter.com/CofDVJFwip</a></p>— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNWT/status/1561783049863536640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
BREAKING: Casemiro has completed his transfer to Manchester United from Real Madrid
 
If Ronaldo cant play big games like this, not sure what is he in the club for?
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A significant protest by Manchester United fans is taking place against the club's owners, the Glazer family. <br><br>Fans are marching to Old Trafford ahead of their home game against Liverpool this evening. <a href="https://t.co/CofDVJFwip">pic.twitter.com/CofDVJFwip</a></p>— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCNWT/status/1561783049863536640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A much much much needed win.

Three big points for United.
 
That's more like it from United.

They were really up for it and were the better side against Liverpool.

Only one team deserved to win tonight and that was United.
 
Manchester United manager says he "enjoyed the fight" shown by his side as they recorded their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win against rivals Liverpool in the Premier League.
 
Manchester United produced an outstanding display to defeat Liverpool and give manager Erik ten Hag his first Premier League victory at a thunderous Old Trafford.

Ten Hag took the bold decision to drop captain Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo and was rewarded with a performance that lifted the mood of crisis around Manchester United and leave Liverpool still searching for a first win of the season.

Jadon Sancho showed superb control and composure to deservedly put United in front after 16 minutes before Marcus Rashford raced clear to beat Alisson from substitute Anthony Martial's pass eight minutes after the interval.

Mo Salah set up a tense finish when he scrambled in a header with nine minutes left but United survived to give Ten Hag just the sort of triumph he needs to make his mark at Old Trafford.

Man Utd rise to the occasion

Manchester United were at their lowest ebb after a 4-0 humiliation at Brentford followed an opening day home defeat by Brighton.

And while thousands protested against the ownership of the Glazers before kick-off and the chants continued throughout the game, United's fans rallied behind a performance of fierce intensity and commitment that left Liverpool bullied for long periods.

New £60m signing Casemiro was paraded in front of the Stretford End before kick-off and how he must have relished the magnificent atmosphere inside Old Trafford as United turned the misery of their abject first two league performances on its head.

Liverpool won 5-0 here last season and 4-0 at Anfield but United mustered more energy and aggression in the first 10 minutes here than in both of those embarrassing performances.

Ten Hag employed pace to take advantage of Liverpool's high defensive line and they should have been ahead even before Sancho opened the scoring, Anthony Elanga hitting the post after racing clear.

United contested every challenge with a fired up Lisandro Martinez setting the tone early on with a robust challenge on Mohamed Salah.

Rashford's form has been indifferent in recent times but his confidence will surely soar after the composed manner in which he scored what eventually proved to be the winner.

And this was a landmark night for Ten Hag, who knew his decision to leave out Maguire and Ronaldo would have brought scrutiny had United lost.

Instead, he enjoyed the sort of night that he will hope gets his Old Trafford reign up and running.

Mediocre Liverpool fall short

Liverpool's disappointing start to the season continued as they found themselves over-run from the kick-off by an inspired Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp's side have injury problems and Darwin Nunez's moment of madness that resulted in a red card against Crystal Palace deprived Liverpool of the height in attack that might have exploited Martinez's lack of stature but they got exactly what they deserved here - nothing.

Klopp's decision to omit Fabinho was mystifying, even more so when James Milner and Jordan Henderson were left off the pace as United rattled into challenges and contested every ball with a fierce competitive edge.

Liverpool were also vulnerable at the back, with Virgil van Dijk's poor start to the season continuing, especially with a passive piece of defending for Sancho's goal.

Klopp will not be panicking and Liverpool have too much quality to struggle for long but two points from their first three league games is a bitterly disappointing return and it is hard to make a case that they deserved anything more.

BBC
 
Manchester United are still interested in signing Barcelona's 25-year-old Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, despite the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, 30, from Real Madrid. (Mirror)

United want to offer Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, 32, an annual salary of around 10-11 million euros (£8m-£9m) to join the club. (Sport1)

A new offer for Ajax forward Antony, 22, is expected to be submitted by United as the club push to sign the Brazil international. (Gianluigi Longari via Twitter)
 
Manchester United are prepared to raise their offer for Ajax forward Antony to around €94m including add-ons.
 
French side Marseille have signed Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly on loan for the rest of the season.
 
Manchester United are prepared to raise their offer for Ajax forward Antony to around €94m including add-ons.

Insane price. Leeds bought Luis Sinisterra from the same league for less than €30m and he has far better stats than Antony.
 
Manchester United boss Eric Ten Hag has praised "immense" Raphael Varane and says Harry Maguire will not play just because he is captain.

Maguire, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, was dropped for last Monday's 2-1 win against Liverpool.

Instead, Varane partnered Lisandro Martinez in the heart of defence.

"His profile, his stature or what he won already in the past shows he can really contribute to this team," Ten Hag said of France defender Varane.

"For the team there's competition and we need that. We have to cover so many games and we can do that in several constructions and we can see from game to game what we need."

The Dutch coach added: "We have options and [with] Varane his stature is immense."

Maguire started Manchester United's first two games of the season - a 2-1 loss at home to Brighton and then a 4-0 defeat at Brentford.

The 29-year-old was targeted for his poor form last season and also received some boos during a pre-season friendly with Crystal Palace in Australia.

Ten Hag has already confirmed Maguire as his captain for this season but stressed that does not guarantee him starts.

"I say that doesn't mean when you are captain that you are established to play always, especially not when you also have Varane in your squad," he added.

BBC
 
Manchester United ended a dismal sequence of seven straight Premier League away defeats as they secured a narrow win (0-1) at Southampton.

United manager Erik ten Hag wanted his side to build on the thrilling victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night and they were able to do so in the face of a spirited Southampton challenge.

Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the break with a precise side-footed volley to give United the three points they just about deserved.

The Saints, who will take heart from their performance, survived an almighty goalmouth scramble in the first half when keeper Gavin Bazunu saved from Anthony Elanga and Armel Bella-Kotchap blocked Christian Eriksen's follow-up.

United broke through when Fernandes met Diogo Dalot's cross and as they closed out their second successive win and first league triumph on the road since February, Ten Hag was able to introduce Casemiro, the new £60m acquisition from Real Madrid, as a late substitute.
 
Manchester United arrived at Southampton under pressure to prove the thrilling win against Liverpool was not simply a one-off illusion produced out of desperation.

Erik ten Hag's side sent spirits soaring and lifted the mood of crisis around Old Trafford with victory over the old adversary at Old Trafford on Monday night for the new manager's first Premier League win.

Familiar questions would have been posed, however, had United turned out to be one-hit wonders and slipped back into the old ways that saw them beaten at home by Brighton and humiliated 4-0 at Brentford in their opening games.

In the sunshine at St Mary's, and on a surface that looked like a victim of the recent drought, United fashioned a win that was not spectacular, was in fact at times a bit of an eyesore, but which was absolutely essential.

Time will tell whether the 1-0 victory, secured by Bruno Fernandes' precise side-footed volley in the 55th minute, is another building block on the road out of adversity or a false dawn, but for now this is exactly what United and Ten Hag needed.

The manager, wisely, stuck with the side that beat Liverpool, which meant captain Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo were kept on the bench, where they were joined by Casemiro, United's new marquee signing from Real Madrid.

There were times when United had to dig deep to keep Saints out but at least they had the capacity to get the shovel out and start digging, unlike at Brentford, where they subsided completely and to call them flimsy qualified as a superlative.

The Brentford game was a collective trauma for Ten Hag and his team, but particularly for Lisandro Martinez as the diminutive £57m defensive signing from Ajax found himself removed after 45 minutes of relentless bullying by Ivan Toney.

Martinez demonstrated his character and resilience with a starring role against Liverpool and he was man of the match here, his efforts being rewarded with chants of "Argentina" throughout the game and at the final whistle.

How he fares against strikers of greater stature remains to be seen given Southampton, like Liverpool, did not possess someone in the mould of Toney who could exploit the Argentine's lack of height - but there is no question United have got a real competitor and fighter in Martinez.

Fernandes' goal, taken expertly from Diogo Dalot's cross, may also be seen as another good sign for Ten Hag. The Portuguese, so influential in the months after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon, became mired in the mediocrity that engulfed United and was spending more time bickering about decisions and attempting to win cheap fouls than influencing affairs during games.

If Ten Hag can get Fernandes' mind and talents focused once more then United will have a renewed asset on their hands, especially alongside the composure of Christian Eriksen and the formidable shield that will be provided by Casemiro.

Ronaldo, whose days at United would surely come to an end of they could find any club attractive enough for him, was used as an impact substitute but the impact was minimal, while Maguire now appears to be very much on the outside looking in, a worry for the club captain and for England with the World Cup in November.

Ten Hag, understandably, declared himself satisfied with a win that will reduce the volume of noise surrounding United after those two opening defeats and the abysmal manner in which his new team performed.

United rode their luck at times, with keeper David de Gea saving well from Joe Aribo and Southampton furious they were not awarded a penalty when they appealed for handball against Scott McTominay.

Saints, for their part, deserve plenty of credit in defeat. There was talk of dressing room discontent with manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after an opening-day beating at Tottenham but this was a side full of commitment and desire, even if they were missing the final flourish.

United and Ten Hag will travel to Leicester on Thursday in good heart and perhaps with more of the reinforcements the manager wants added to his squad after two crucial victories.

The clouds over United have not rolled away completely but they are starting to lift after the darkness that threatened to envelop them a fortnight ago.

BBC
 
Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal with Ajax for forward Antony

United’s latest offer is thought to be close to €100m (£85m) inclusive of add-ons
 
Manchester United agree £85m deal to sign Antony from Ajax

Manchester United have agreed an £85m deal with Ajax for winger Antony.

United will pay a guaranteed £80.75m and another £4.25m in add-ons for the 22-year-old, who is expected in Manchester in the next 48 hours to have a medical.

Antony was once again left out of the Ajax squad for Sunday's game at Utrecht as talks between the clubs continued.

Personal terms are not thought to be a problem in this deal.

United have been chasing Anthony for several weeks and also saw a £67.9m (€80m) offer rebuffed by the club earlier this week.

United have looked at other options as well. They have an interest in Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and continue to keep an eye on his situation. Chelsea have been in talks over signing Aubameyang.

United's interest remains in PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo. Signing both Antony and Gakpo has been described as "unlikely but not impossible".

On Friday, in an interview with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, Antony said: "Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and, with them, certainly a great offer.

"During the window months, meetings concluded including a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again I want to leave the club.

"Today in a meeting with the board I expressed my interest in leaving the club, this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others have already arrived [but] Ajax always refuses with the argument it only has five days to replace (me).

"I'm not asking [for Ajax] to release me, I am asking Ajax to sell me as the highest bid received by a player who plays in the Eredivisie."

A move to United would see Antony reunited with ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, who has already recruited defender Lisandro Martinez from his former club.

"I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams," Antony added.

"People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart."

The transfer window closes at 11pm on Thursday, meaning United have four days after Sunday to complete any more deals.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...nited-agree-85m-deal-to-sign-antony-from-ajax
 
Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Newcastle over the loan signing of Martin Dubravka.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Antony has successfully completed his medical and will be unveiled as new Man Utd player on Tuesday. &#55357;&#57000;✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a><br><br>Martin Dubravka, set to undergo medical tests in the next 24h to complete his move.</p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1564380608033431552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Antony has successfully completed his medical and will be unveiled as new Man Utd player on Tuesday. ��✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a><br><br>Martin Dubravka, set to undergo medical tests in the next 24h to complete his move.</p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1564380608033431552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Antony looks a great player but they seem to have heavily overpaid, again. That top transfers list does not make for good reading.
 
Manchester United have confirmed they have reached agreement to sign Brazil winger Antony from Ajax.

The deal is for an initial fee of 95m euros (£81.3m) - which will be the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history.

It is subject to a medical, personal terms being finalised and international clearance.

Antony, 22, scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax.

He joined the Dutch champions from Sao Paulo in 2020 and played for them under Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's management.

The deal includes a potential 5m euros (£4.27m) of add-ons - making him United's second most expensive signing, ahead of the £80m paid for defender Harry Maguire.

The £89m paid for Paul Pogba remains the club's record.

Antony, who contributed to seven goals in his 11 Champions League appearances for Ajax, made his international debut for Brazil in October 2021 and has two goals in nine appearances.

United travel to Leicester City in their next Premier League fixture on Thursday, but Antony would need to receive a work permit before making an appearance.

With the transfer deadline looming, speculation remains as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at the club following concerns about how the 37-year-old's mood is affecting morale in the camp.

Big-money signing in a record-breaking window
In terms of record Premier League signings, only Pogba's return to United in 2016, Chelsea's £97.5m re-signing of Romelu Lukaku last summer and Manchester City's British record £100m deal for Jack Grealish, also in 2021, have cost more.

The attacker becomes United's fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of his former Ajax team-mate, defender Lisandro Martinez, midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, full-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and playmaker Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.

United have spent more than £210m in this transfer window to back new boss Ten Hag, while several players such as Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Andreas Pereira have left.

Record-breaking total spending by all Premier League clubs in this summer transfer window, which closes at 23:00 BST on Thursday, is now at more than £1.6bn - exceeding the previous record of £1.4bn in 2017.

United's summer spending puts the Glazer family's total outlay on transfer fees alone at 1.9bn euros (£1.62bn at current exchang rates) under the 17-year ownership - according to figures from Transfermarkt.

In that same period, only Manchester City (2.37bn euros) and Chelsea (2.19bn euros) have a bigger outlay on transfers.

United fans have organised multiple protests against the Americans' ownership in recent years - including before last week's 2-1 win over Liverpool.

BBC
 
Manchester United are exploring the possibility of a late deal for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest
 
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