Manchester United FC | 2024/25 Season

I thought Mainoo was the best player for Utd .

Utd are better playing young hungry players , need to rid of the older ones who are on huge wages . I’d get rid of Rashford, Bruno , Casimero , McGuire & rebuild with hungry players.

A long way to go in the season
 
I thought Mainoo was the best player for Utd .

Utd are better playing young hungry players , need to rid of the older ones who are on huge wages . I’d get rid of Rashford, Bruno , Casimero , McGuire & rebuild with hungry players.

A long way to go in the season

Agree bro. Gooners are confused.com
 
Desperate Gooners are using deflecting tactics after a miserable performance from Declan which could have already possibly ended their title challenge.

Mainoo is 19years old. If you want to compare Rice at 19 to Mainoo at 19, I won't bother. I'm sure, at that age, Rice was a confused Irish man.
Welcome Back bro. Had me worried for a while there.

How does it feel to get bashed by your biggest rivals at home when they have a new manager in charge but still smashed you in all facets of the game. No Maguire or McTominay to blame. Just a pathetic pathetic team. Shadow of what Man United should be.

Zirkzee just looks like a lump.

Did Bruno play yesterday?

I have lost count of the times Martinez has been in defense for these sort of mauling's yet he is supposed to be bad boy defender?

Onana needs to learn how to position himself.

You guys are such a mess. This a Man United thread so I am talking about what I see with United.

In the words of KK..... I LOVE IT
 
Desperate Gooners are using deflecting tactics after a miserable performance from Declan which could have already possibly ended their title challenge.

Mainoo is 19years old. If you want to compare Rice at 19 to Mainoo at 19, I won't bother. I'm sure, at that age, Rice was a confused Irish man.
No deflection tactics at all.

Are you eating humble pie with a spoon or knife and fork?
 
There was. Same yesterday, first 20 mins we were really good. Problem is, as soon as we concede, we just collapse like a pack of cards.
Games are 90 minutes not 20, united team with a backbone of a jelly fish.
 
Seriously bro. With all your criticism of Arsenal. Your definetly a Spursy in disguise.
Not at all, I have the guts to call things out with my club. Unlike the delusionist in the fan base. Seems united fan base is fully of delusionist as well.
 
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I hate the terms "rebuild", "project" etc.. so il be consistent as usual.

Ten haag has been in charge 3 season and their is no style of play.

You look at brighton and how many times they have changed managers recently and you can see a clear style of play.

Even Liverpool after 3 games you can see what they are trying to do

It's actually embarrassing that united are literally just putting 11 players out and hoping for best, rather then any sort of tactical plan
 
Welcome Back bro. Had me worried for a while there.

How does it feel to get bashed by your biggest rivals at home when they have a new manager in charge but still smashed you in all facets of the game. No Maguire or McTominay to blame. Just a pathetic pathetic team. Shadow of what Man United should be.

Zirkzee just looks like a lump.

Did Bruno play yesterday?

I have lost count of the times Martinez has been in defense for these sort of mauling's yet he is supposed to be bad boy defender?

Onana needs to learn how to position himself.

You guys are such a mess. This a Man United thread so I am talking about what I see with United.

In the words of KK..... I LOVE IT
Agree bro. But Even in our worse period. We've managed to win trophies in consecutive seasons.

Last time I checked. Gooners are counting biryani plates as trophies. 🤣🤣
 
'I left Man Utd to better myself' - Gomes on England call

Angel Gomes says he has been on a "difficult" journey since leaving Manchester United to "better myself as a player and person".

Lille midfielder Gomes is one of four uncapped players called up by interim England manager Lee Carsley for Nations League games away to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday (17:00 BST) followed by Finland at Wembley on Tuesday (19:45).

He joined United in 2006 aged six and progressed through their academy to the first team, but only gained 46 minutes of Premier League experience before joining Lille in 2020.

But the 24-year-old has forged a successful career at the French Ligue 1 side, helping them qualify for this season's Champions League, which has led to a first senior England call-up.

"When I left [Manchester United] it was more the idea to better myself as a player and person," said Gomes.

"Being on the journey I went through I knew eventually I'd be able to create a pathway to be in this position I'm in now.

"It was difficult leaving the club I was in since six and heading into the unknown really for me personally.

"From then it's been an uphill trajectory, but also with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments going through it, but being in this position now makes it all worth it."

England's game in Dublin is the first without Gareth Southgate in charge since September 2016.

Carsley guided the under-21s to the European Championship title last summer with Gomes in his side.

Gomes added, when asked about Carsley: "He's very honest, he's direct with his approach and is close to the squad. And that helps as a player when a coach takes interest in not just you as a player, but as a person.

"He's very easy to speak to. He'll ask you what you think of training sessions, games or pull you aside to see what you think. When a manager puts that confidence in you, you repay it on the pitch."


BBC
 
Manchester United new stadium plans move forward

Local councils have agreed to work with Manchester United to ensure the area around Old Trafford benefits from plans to redevelop the ground.

The club set up a task force chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe to explore the feasibility of renovating the stadium or building a new one.

Manchester United, Trafford Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have entered into a partnership to ensure the plans benefit the area around the stadium.
Lord Coe said the agreement would "help fully unlock the incredibly exciting potential" of the redevelopment.


 

Man Utd report net loss of £113.2m for 2023-24​


Manchester United have reported a net loss of £113.2m in the year to 30 June, their latest accounts show.

It follows losses of £28.7m in 2022-23 and £115.5m in 2021-22, and their latest figures take total losses over the past five years to over £370m.

Despite the results, United are not expected to breach the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules because not all spending goes against their calculations and clubs can claim allowances known as 'add backs'.

Under Premier League rules clubs cannot lose more than £105m over a three-year period and Everton and Nottingham Forest received points deductions for being in breach.

"The club remains committed to, and in compliance with, both the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules and Uefa's financial fair play regulations," said United chief executive Omar Berrada.

United's new financial figures cover a period when they finished eighth in the Premier League and finished bottom of their Champions League group, but won the FA Cup.

Last season also saw British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchase a 27.7% stake in the club.

United director Sir Dave Brailsford has led a wide-ranging review of club operations since Ineos' co-ownership of the club was confirmed in December.

In July, it was announced United would cut 250 jobs as part of a determination to slash costs.

The club say they expect to save between £30m and £35m over two years from 2025 due to the 'club-wide cost review'.

In addition to the long standing debt of $650m (£496.52m), United also have 'total current borrowings' of £35.6m, and the outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility on 30 June was £30.0m.

United say they expect to generate between £650m and £670m in revenue next year after recording a record £661.8m this year, while wages rose 10% to £364.7m.

United, who will play in the Europa League this season, have won one of their three Premier League games so far.

They signed five players this summer in Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

 
Manchester United need to start responding to the demand Erik ten Hag set 13 months ago

Manchester United will be targeting a return to winning ways when they travel to St Mary's to face Southampton on Saturday lunchtime.

Erik ten Hag's side were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool prior to the international break, marking a second consecutive defeat. They were beaten 2-1 by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium eight days earlier.

The trip to St Mary's will mark the beginning of a relentless period for United; they will play seven times in just 23 days, appearing in three different competitions.

Of the seven fixtures on the horizon between now and the October international break, four of them are away from home. Following the trip to St Mary's this weekend, they will travel to Crystal Palace, FC Porto and Aston Villa.

Each of those four matches will present very different tests for Ten Hag and his players. As ever, though, they will be expected to win each of them.

United's away record in the Premier League under Ten Hag is far from fruitful. Of the 39 away league games he has overseen during his time in charge, he has led United to three points in 16 of them, losing the exact same number.

In 2022/23 - Ten Hag's first season in charge - United turned Old Trafford back into a fortress, winning 15 of their 19 home league games, amassing 48 points. Only Manchester City won more points on their own patch that season.

Away from home, however, United won just eight of their 19 assignments, picking up 21 points fewer. As a result, ahead of United's first away game of last season - a 2-0 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Ten Hag highlighted the importance of his side improving on their travels.

"Well, this is one of the aims we have for this season, that we have to step up in away games to get more points," he said, speaking in August 2023. "[We want] to bring higher levels, because that is the foundation for, of course, more points."

For the second season running, United picked up 27 points on their travels, winning eight matches. They won just one of their final six away games last term, beating Brighton 2-0 on the final day of the season.

United, of course, faced Brighton in their first away game of this season and were beaten 2-1 at the Amex Stadium last month, courtesy of a last-gasp strike from Joao Pedro. A late lapse in concentration contributed to the Brazilian notching a late winner, once again highlighting the Reds' vulnerabilities on their travels.

Saturday's trip to Southampton, on paper at least, strikes as being a golden opportunity to get a first away win of the season on the board. It is arguably the easiest away game United will have before the October hiatus.

United were thrashed at Selhurst Park in May, losing 4-0, and have not won there since July 2020. Palace have established themselves as something of a bogey team for United and Ten Hag.

Having declared that he wanted United's away record to improve at the start of last season, Ten Hag will be praying for a crop of good results on the road in the next few weeks. So far, it is a demand his players have not heeded to.

 
Ten Hag still 'needs' Casemiro despite 'bad day'

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says he is still relying on Casemiro despite the midfielder's "bad day at the office" against Liverpool.

The 32-year-old Brazil international was hauled off at half-time after mistakes led to two goals in the Reds' 3-0 win before the international break.

He will now face competition for a starting spot with £41m signing from Paris St-Germain Manuel Ugarte.

" definitely need him, for sure," said Ten Hag about former Real Madrid star Casemiro.

"Of course I speak with him about the situation, but everyone can have a bad at the office, or do you never have a bad day at the office?

"He is experienced and it’s not the first time, I guess, he has dealt with a bad game and now he has to overcome this one as well.

"But that is normal in life. You have highs and you have lows."

Uruguay international Ugarte is eligible to make his United debut against Southampton on Saturday.

"Such players, in our club especially, you know when you are playing on this level that there is always competition," said Ten Hag.

"Because they also know in this club you can only be successful when you have a squad where you have to cover five leagues.

"You can’t have a squad where in positions we have only one player who can cover this, so you need at least two players in every position who can cover this."

BBC
 
Antony must earn right to play for Man Utd - Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Brazil winger Antony has to "earn the right" to play for the club.

An £82m signing from Ajax in 2022, Antony is the second-most expensive player in United’s history behind Paul Pogba.

But he scored just five goals and three assists in 55 Premier League appearances, and last season contributed a single goal and one assist as United finished eighth.

The 24-year-old has only had a single minute of competitive action this season, at Brighton last month, as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have been chosen ahead of him.

Antony will hope to have more involvement in Tuesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie with Barnsley, but Ten Hag says the player is in charge of his own destiny.

"He’s impatient," said the United manager. "He wants to play.

"But in top football there are laws. You pick the team that has most chance to win the game, the one with the best dynamic, the best chemistry. Players have to fight for their positions."

Rashford, Garnacho and Amad have all scored this season, which has increased the pressure on Antony, who was linked with Turkish club Fenerbahce before the transfer window closed.

"The other players are doing so well - they're contributing," said Ten Hag. "He has to get over them. He has to earn the right in training."

On Tuesday's cup game against Barnsley at Old Trafford, Ten Hag added: "You will see what the line-up will be.

"We have every day training and the players have to earn the right to play.

"When players do the right thing in training, when the attitude is good, when

they show performance in training, they will earn the right to play."


 
No public cash going to Man Utd stadium plan - mayor

No public money will be spent on Manchester United's plans for revamping their Old Trafford home for the time being, the mayor of Greater Manchester has confirmed.

Andy Burnham has outlined ambitions to redevelop the stadium alongside a "mixed use" neighbourhood featuring apartment blocks, shopping centres and new public transport stations.

The club's owners are currently considering whether to pursue a £2bn plan for a brand new 100,000-seat stadium or redevelop the existing ground.

However, a freight rail terminal situated behind the stadium needs to be moved to free up land to make room for any expansion and Mr Burnham suggested some taxpayers' cash could go into infrastructure needed to move it to Merseyside.


 
'Twente wanted it more' - so are Man Utd showing any improvement?

Is it one step forward and two back for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United?

After bouncing into the summer on the back of an FA Cup final victory, a show of support for the manager and more money spent on new signings, there was a distinct air of optimism around Old Trafford when the new campaign began.

Yet just seven games in, familiar noises are starting to come out of Old Trafford to explain away below-par results.

A smattering of boos at the final whistle of the Europa League draw with Dutch side Twente does not suggest a mutinous mood in the stands exists just yet.

But to hear manager Ten Hag agreeing with Christian Eriksen’s post-match assessment of the 1-1 outcome - that Twente "wanted it more" - does not bode well.

"It was far from good enough," said Eriksen. "They looked like they wanted it more – that can't be right.

"We didn't lose but it feels like a loss."

Including their penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield, Ten Hag's men have won just three of their first eight games of the campaign - fewer at this stage than in either of the manager's two previous seasons.

They have drawn twice and lost three games, yet they have at times showed more defensive solidity. So are United showing any improvement under the Dutchman?

'Ninety-nine per cent is not good enough'

One of United's three wins came against League One Barnsley in the EFL Cup.

That and the Premier League victory at Southampton – who have so far accumulated a single point – are the only times this season when United have scored more than one goal in a game.

No United player has scored more than one goal in the Premier League. Alejandro Garnacho – a substitute against Twente – is the overall top scorer with four, two of which came in the 7-0 Barnsley victory.

Ten Hag is not averse to quoting expected goals (xG) figures in his news conferences.

He will know therefore that United have underperformed their xG in five of those seven competitive games - setting aside the Community Shield for now. Their chance conversion rate is seven per cent.

All of their major attacking players have scored fewer goals than their xG in the Premier League so far this season.

Twente gobbled up their chance in Wednesday's game when it came their way, and Ten Hag accepted the opposition went the extra yard.

"It was the game of their life," said Ten Hag. "They fought for every yard and we didn't. Ninety-nine per cent is not enough.

"Often I think the mentality from this team is very good. Today I have some criticisms. It is not only the team that has to look in the mirror; I am part of it. You know we have some problems scoring goals, but we have to kill the game."

'They should score more'

The new eight-game single league first-stage format for the 36-team Europa League means that even if they finish 24th, United would qualify for a play-off in February.

However, external criticism is bound to mount if the current form does not improve quickly.

"For all the firepower Man United had, even though they had 19 shots, it didn't feel like it was good enough," said former United and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

"Ruthlessness comes from the matchwinners. Man United have always had those players – the best of the best. Think of the firepower they had. Someone needs to step up with a goal when they need one. They should be creating more and scoring more."

Captain Bruno Fernandes and £36.5m new arrival Joshua Zirkzee came closest to snatching victory for the home side. But United failed to smother their opponents in the manner of successful teams in the past.

Sir Alex Ferguson's presence on the pitch before the game to present a plate to his Treble-winning assistant – and Twente's former title-winning manager – Steve McClaren was a reminder of what United used to be.

Hargreaves, it should be remembered, was part of the last United side to win the Champions League in 2008.

"At a club like this you need to win," Hargreaves said. "The fixtures coming up are incredibly difficult. They need to rise to the occasion now and find some solutions."

Defensive improvement but tough test ahead

Tottenham's visit to Old Trafford on Sunday at least presents opposition who have endured a similarly underwhelming start to the season, while next Thursday's trip to Porto pits United against a side who surprisingly lost their Europa League opener to Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.

After that is a very difficult trip to Aston Villa when United must look to avoid entering a second international break in a row with mutterings around Ten Hag and his management.

On the plus side, United's defence, which looked so shaky last season, has improved. Their goals-per-game conceded rate is below one, which is better than in either of their two previous seasons under Ten Hag, and that is despite conceding three in that home defeat by Liverpool on 1 September.

Ten Hag continues to state his team are improving and any issues are short-term concerns. But while he doesn't tend to talk about it, last season's eighth place has not been forgotten.

He still has time on his side but time, as with any manager, can soon start to drift away if results and consistency remain elusive.

"We are very ambitious and when you have ambition, you have to perform," Ten Hag said. "Especially today, in the second half, we were too complacent. We didn't bring it over the line and as a team, you have to do this."

BBC
 
Man Utd successfully appeal against Fernandes red

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has avoided a ban after the club successfully appealed against his red card in Sunday's loss to Tottenham.

The 30-year-old was shown a straight red card for a foul on Spurs midfielder James Maddison and would have faced a three-match suspension for serious foul play.

However, United successfully argued that the decision to send him off was wrong and Fernandes will now be available for his side's forthcoming Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham.

Erik ten Hag's side were 1-0 down when Fernandes was sent off and proceeded to lose 3-0, their third league defeat of the campaign.

The incident came in the 42nd minute at Old Trafford with Fernandes slipping and sticking out a leg to catch Maddison halfway up his shin as he went past him.

"Never a red card - that is my view," Fernandes told BBC Match of the Day after the game. "I agree that it is a foul.

"The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs. No. I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.

"If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case."

United's next match is against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday before they return to league action against Villa on Sunday.


BBC
 
Porto's Costa on 'special' Man Utd, penalty saves & his future

Diogo Costa has written himself into football folklore through his art of saving penalties.

The Portugal international, 25, became the first goalkeeper to save three consecutive penalties at a European Championship in the summer.

He had already claimed the penalty-saving Champions League group-stage record with Porto, and 36.36% of penalties taken against him for club and country have been missed.

That is why the goalkeeper is a dangerman of sorts for a struggling Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday.

"We know United are not coming from good games but we also know what Manchester United is," Costa tells BBC Sport.

"For me, they are the biggest team in England, a special club and one I have admired since I was a kid. It is like a Champions League game; we know it will be a great game. We need to be at our best to win the game."

Costa's talents are widely admired and, like most of the best players in Portugal, he is frequently being linked with a move to Europe's 'big five' leagues, most notably England's Premier League. Before Andre Onana joined United from Inter, Costa was one of the names tipped to move to Old Trafford.

Costa says United full-back Diogo Dalot is "like a brother", having grown up together at the academy in Porto, while his fellow international team-mate Bruno Fernandes is described as "one of the best" players in the world and "one to stop" at Estadio do Dragao.

But amid links to United and other clubs, why has Costa yet to move?

"What I always say is true - if I never leave Porto, the club I love and learned to play football in, then I will be a happy guy, but we all know what is the life of a footballer," he explains, in his first interview in English.

According to reports in Portugal, there is a £62.5m release clause in Costa's contract - a tantalising valuation given his achievements at his boyhood club.

Costa was born in Switzerland before the family returned to their native Portugal.

Inspired by his hero Vitor Baia, who was the goalkeeper when Jose Mourinho's Porto survived an Old Trafford test in 2004 on their way to winning the Champions League, Costa now follows his legacy by wearing the number 99 shirt.

Iker Casillas, who played at Porto between 2015 and 2020, described Costa as his "successor" in an interview in 2018, a prediction which has come true.

"I watched and learned and I wanted to play at Baia's level and win like him - he is a big idol," Costa says.

"Iker is a big legend, I learned every day training technical things with him, but most of all it was his mentality.

"He is a guy who always wants to learn. And even he used to say, 'I am well over 30 years old, but I am still learning things', and the best advice he used to give to you is every time you're still going to learn things no matter how old you are, enjoy it, keep learning and just try every day to be better."

Porto lost their opening Europa League match to Bodo/Glimt, while Erik ten Hag's United side drew at Old Trafford against Twente.

But Porto are back on track domestically under the leadership of new club president Andre Villas-Boas, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham, and manager Vitor Bruno.

"These are two people who know the history of the club," Costa says. "They want to continue to bring the titles and to give all conditions for the players to make good success.

"We are working every day to win titles. We are a big team and we need to be ambitious. We believe we can win every title we are playing."

Why Costa is so good at saving penalties

Costa's 36.36% success rate of either saving penalties or seeing them missed is significantly above the statistical average for goalkeepers.

According to Opta's expected goals model, there is a 79% chance of a penalty being scored, implying a 21% chance of it being missed.

Explaining his ability to win these duels against the odds, Costa says: "The best advice I can give is to listen to your instincts. With the life you're learning about the experiences of football; you need to feel that instinct and follow that instinct.

"Of course, I see videos of the players who are going to take the penalties, everything that helps I am going to take. In the games, I am thinking about the videos, but in the end instinct will make me decide at that moment."

But that's not to say that Costa is just a penalty specialist.

"I've always tried to be the most complete goalkeeper," he adds. "I don't just want to save penalties. I don't just want to play with my feet. I want to go and collect the crosses. I want to make a difference in all the games, and not just in special moments [like penalty shootouts].

"That is, my work that I do for myself, to become the most complete goalkeeper I can be. That is what matters for me."

There is little doubt Costa is well on his way to becoming a complete goalkeeper, and one who will be hoping to add to United's ongoing problems. He is modest into the bargain.

"I think I have a lot of things to learn and that I must continue to learn," he says. "I don't want to be thinking that I am a very good goalkeeper, so all the time I am just trying to improve my skills.

"That’s the kind of person I am, I want to work, learn and eventually win."

BBC
 
'I'd be happy to' - Ex-Man United coach offers to return and makes Ruud van Nistelrooy admission

A former coach at Manchester United has expressed his willingness to return to Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag is dismissed.

The Dutch manager is under significant pressure to retain his position following a severe loss to Tottenham last weekend. Despite increasing demands for his dismissal, it's reported that United will stand by Ten Hag for the upcoming matches.

They are set to face FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening, followed by a match against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Rene Meulensteen, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching team at Old Trafford, has indicated he would consider returning if Ten Hag is replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Speaking to BoyleSports, Meulensteen stated: "If the chance to return to the club under Van Nistelrooy became a possibility then I'd be happy to have a conversation about it. The best years I've had as a coach were at Manchester United without a shadow of a doubt and I was very fortunate to be there through a very successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson."

He further said: "If the opportunity came about to return, I'd have to consider what I would be able to contribute when thinking about the level of Manchester United. It's the same as when we used to scout players. We would only bring in players that could make a difference and I'd think about myself in that way if it came to a role on the staff, but I do know Ruud and I know that we would be able to work well together again."

Meulensteen has warned Ten Hag that he must tread carefully in the upcoming fixtures to secure his position, especially after United's loss to Tottenham. Looking ahead to the clash with Porto, he said: "It's up to him and his staff to get that message across to the players and come up with a game plan to turn things around. United simply cannot afford to start the game in the same way they started against Tottenham."

He emphasised player responsibility, adding: "When you cross the line, you choose your attitude as a player. You choose to run or not to run or put your heart into the game and that should never be in question, no matter what team you play for."

Meulensteen also highlighted the importance of effort on the pitch: "The first thing that you expect from every player is work rate and if that's not there then you have to question the motivation of those players. This is the time for the manager and players to come up with the strongest possible performance."

 
'I'm a Man Utd Treble winner – but Sir Alex Ferguson almost sacked me'

Peter Schmeichel has claimed that he once lost it with Sir Alex Ferguson after a Manchester United game – causing him to almost get the sack.

The ex-United goalkeeper spent eight years at the club, winning five Premier League titles, one Champions League and other domestic trophies too. Schmeichel was also an integral part of the team in the 1998/99 campaign that won the first ever treble in English football – securing the Premier League, the FA Cup and Champions League, where they lost just five times overall all season.

His time at Old Trafford was glittered with exceptional performances both domestically and in Europe as he developed a great defensive team alongside the likes of Gary Neville, Steve Bruce and Jaap Stam during his time with the Red Devils.

However, Schmeichel has recalled a time where his behaviour was so unacceptable that Sir Alex threatened to send the Dane packing. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the now-60-year-old said: "Sir Alex Ferguson picked on me after a game and the second half was so bad, but I made a lot of saves and I felt like I kept the team in.

"He blamed me for my goal kicks. I felt really heart done by for him picking on me. My head went and that was probably my biggest regret in football and I’m not repeating that. On a Monday morning, he called me into his office and said that he was going to sack me and that we can’t have a player doing this. I accepted that and I apologised to him.

"He had a meeting in the changing room after and it was the worst I’ve ever seen him. He was so angry. He never done that in training before. He left and then I apologised to the team. My behaviour was so out of order. There are certain things you can do and certain things you can’t do.

"In the 90 minutes, I feel like you can say whatever because it’s all about winning. Before the game and after the game, you can’t say anything. It’s up to the manager or the coach to talk about what happened. You can’t go in and say you played bad, but I did that. I shouldn’t have done that. But he never brought it up again."

Schmeichel also revealed that Ferguson enjoyed when players gave him a bit back in the changing rooms during a game, adding that he wanted to shake things up by picking on certain players. The Danish star said: "What I learned very quickly was that Sir Alex Ferguson needed an out.

"Very often it was in games where things were going well, or he needed something off his chest. He had certain players that he would do that to. I was one of them, Gary Pallister was one of them and Roy Keane was one of them. Ryan [Giggs] was also one of them. It would have been brutal to watch but you were allowed to talk back as a player. He wanted that confrontation because it was shaking things up. He wanted that.

"What I learned from him was that 95% of everything he said was by the sign and he was thinking about it and was waiting for the opportunity to say that. He would pick those moments and once it happened, gone."

After leaving United in the summer of 1999, Schmeichel went to the likes of Sporting in Lisbon and Aston Villa, before returning to Manchester to play for United's neighbours. He played for Manchester City for just the 2002/03 season before retiring.

Now, the former goalkeeper appears on podcasts and television broadcasts giving his thoughts on various European games – including some that his son, Kasper, is involved in now with Celtic.

 
Ten Hag decision 'not my call' - Ratcliffe

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says the future of under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag is "not my call".

Billionaire Ratcliffe took control of football operations at Old Trafford in February and, in July, the club triggered a one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract.

But following a difficult start to the campaign, Ratcliffe said the United hierarchy he has put in place must "take stock and make some sensible decisions".

Asked if he still had faith in former Ajax boss Ten Hag, Ratcliffe told BBC Sport: "I don’t want to answer that question."

Ratcliffe was speaking after watching Ineos Britannia become the first British sailing team to reach the Americas Cup final since 1964 on Friday, and a day after 10-man United blew a two-goal lead but drew 3-3 at Porto in the Europa League.


 
Ten Hag decision 'not my call' - Ratcliffe

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says the future of under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag is "not my call".

Billionaire Ratcliffe took control of football operations at Old Trafford in February and, in July, the club triggered a one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract.

But following a difficult start to the campaign, Ratcliffe said the United hierarchy he has put in place must "take stock and make some sensible decisions".

Asked if he still had faith in former Ajax boss Ten Hag, Ratcliffe told BBC Sport: "I don’t want to answer that question."

Ratcliffe was speaking after watching Ineos Britannia become the first British sailing team to reach the Americas Cup final since 1964 on Friday, and a day after 10-man United blew a two-goal lead but drew 3-3 at Porto in the Europa League.



Writings on the wall. Sunday could well be Ten hags final game in charge
 

'I had to strip everything back - now management is my focus'​


No-one teaches you how to deal with the end of your playing career but, when it happened to me, I knew what I wanted to do next.

The way I was forced to stop playing football because of my knee injury was unfortunate, but it is one of the reasons I decided that coaching and, ultimately, management is the path for me.

I only announced my retirement in August but I knew for a while before then that I would be finishing. To come to terms with that, I had to re-evaluate everything and unpick myself personally and professionally, with therapists and psychologists, to find myself.

I've talked quite a lot recently about how that worked for me and helped me deal with the issues I faced mentally, but it's important for anyone reading this to know that the process is the same in every aspect of life, not just sport, if your circumstances change or things are not going well for you.

For me, that meant stripping everything back to understand who I was and where I wanted to get to next in life, and then thinking about the challenges I would face to get there.

Part of the purpose I have found is as a husband and a father, because I always wanted to be the best I could be at both for my family, but it applied to my future in football too.

It meant going away and trying to almost rediscover what had got me to that point in my career in the first place, and thinking about what I had actually achieved, before I was able to take the next step.

I have had some difficult times, but I am ready for anything now.

When you are playing you never really look back and reminisce about the good days, like the trophies you have won or big games you have played in, because it is always about the next game, and the next one after that, and so on.

Even when I was struggling to deal with being injured so often - and some of the abuse I was getting about it - I'd never really thought about the past and what I'd done in the game.

So, it was almost a case of saying to myself 'well done you', and finally showing myself that appreciation and being thankful for what I'd achieved, because I did not always think like that.

The example I always use to explain that change in my mindset is when someone came up to me at a railway station and said, "Oh it's a shame about your career". I was in a much better place by then, and responded by saying I disagreed because I had lived the dream, with my boyhood club Blackburn, then Manchester United and England.

I'd had lots of public situations like that to deal with down the years without responding in that positive way, and had often ended up just trying to avoid them.

It got so bad for a while that I would be walking down the street, worried about what people would say to me in case I got abuse, and thinking about what I'd say next. I just wanted to keep my head down when I was in a crowd, and it was the same on social media, which is why I came off it for a while.

If you knew me, you knew all I wanted was to be able to play football - but it is as if people thought I just woke up each morning and decided I was injured.

You want to say something back, especially when they said it to my face, but it has never been in my character to do that. I've always been humble and down to earth, and I've never taken myself too seriously.

So for me to feel that way was hard, and it would get to me. I was ashamed that I was injured, to the extent I didn't even want to speak to my team-mates, and I was embarrassed going into the club every day just for treatment.

It took a long time for that to change and for me to realise that, while I had lots of ups and downs in my career, ultimately I was proud of what I did as a player. I can look back on some unbelievable memories and I made some amazing friends for life.

That stage is over for me now, but I am just at the start of the next one.

I am only 32 and I know that I've got a long way to go as a coach or manager. Just because I played for United for so many years, it doesn't mean I can just walk into a job, but I am determined to get a chance somewhere.

It is something I feel passionate about and I feel I have so much to give with my knowledge about all aspects of the game, plus my drive to succeed even further in football because I missed out on two or three years as a player.

I never fell out of love with football even when things were not going well for me, and I love coaching because I miss the buzz of being out on the grass, of being involved in and around the players, and helping them.

That applies to any level, for any team, but I really love watching young players come through and watching them develop because I have been there, and I know what it takes to make it in the game.

Off the pitch too, I can pass on my experiences of adversity and help to prepare them for what is coming - the peaks and troughs that every player goes through, and the mental challenges they will face to deal with all of that.

Players are not robots, they have feelings and emotions, and everyone is different, so I am not a teacher who is going to tell them they have to do exactly this or that.

But I have lived and breathed the game since I joined Blackburn aged 10 in 2002. I know the values that are important to me, and the standards that I would expect now - and also some of the advice that worked for me along the way, and the support I needed and did not always get.

Unfortunately there were times when I was at United when I did not look for help. My coping mechanism when I had any problems was to stay silent, and that was probably my downfall. I didn't open up to anyone, and I would hide my injuries from other players and the staff. I put a shield up so no-one knew what was going on, apart from my close family.

I only spoke about this for the first time on a podcast last week, but one of my lowest moments was when I was trying to play through the pain of my knee injury, when it had got to a point where the doctor had to inject my knee before every game I played so I didn't feel it.

I was on the bench for a game at Brighton but one of our centre-halves was struggling in the warm-up, so I thought I would be pro-active and get the injection before kick-off.

It was embarrassing for me because I didn't want anyone to see that I was struggling, or in pain - I was meant to be a tough guy as a defender, remember - so I went into a cubicle in the changing room just as the manager started his pre-match talk, and got the doc to inject me in there.

It wasn't just me, because I know it is hard for any footballer to open up. But I'd hope if a player was struggling mentally, or was short of confidence like I was at times, then if I was his manager he would feel comfortable having that conversation with me, and he would feel he had a voice to speak to me, at least.

Any manager going into a job has to be bang-on tactically, but in the initial phase, when they have just taken charge, I feel it is just as important to command respect and, to get that, the players have to feel they can trust you.

If the players feel that, and think they have that love and support, they are going to speak to you honestly.

Some managers I played under did that well, and others not so well, but that’s what I'd be looking to establish if I am ever working with people on a day to day basis.

I learned so much from all the different managers I played for and the team-mates I played with, in lots of different competitions at club and international level. I have built up and stored all of that information, and feel I could use it to really help players and get them to the next level.

I’d like to think I’ve taken a bit from each manager and created my own coaching identity. I dislike the word 'philosophy' but I know the way I'd want my teams to play.

Like I say, though, from my own experience, what is paramount is an atmosphere and environment at your club where the players trust you and engage with you, and believe in what you are doing. If that isn’t there, then I don’t care how good you are tactically, because it won't make a difference.

There is a way of managing players and I think Sir Alex Ferguson did it best. He knew exactly how to manage, or micro-manage, every single player - the ones he could have a pop at, and the ones who needed a little bit of love.

I'd like to think that is something I will get bang-on as a manager too, because I think as a player, all you want is honesty - that's all I wanted anyway.

My coaching journey has started already because I worked with Manchester United's academy while I was completing my Uefa A Licence last season, which I really enjoyed doing.

There are three stages of getting on a Pro Licence course, which starts in January, and I am on the last part now. Hopefully that will be really good for me, not just from the point of view of developing as a coach, but as a networking opportunity as well.

I am looking forward to it because I am ambitious, I want to challenge myself and I love to put myself under pressure. I am itching to get involved somewhere in some capacity and hopefully, in a few years' time, I will be in a position where I can put all of this to the test.

 
Players must take responsibility for Man Utd form – Maguire

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says it is easy for the club's players to "blame the staff and tactics" but they have "got to do better" as manager Erik ten Hag comes under increasing pressure.

The Old Trafford side are 14th in the Premier League after two wins, three defeats and one draw in their six top-flight games this season.

They face Aston Villa away on Sunday (14:00 BST) with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe saying a decision over Ten Hag's future is "not my call".

"This is my sixth season now and I know what it's about," said England centre-back Maguire.

"I know that you go through difficult moments and everything, everyone piles on you.

"We've proven over the last couple of seasons with the manager that we can beat anybody when we perform. But the problem has been consistency, and we need to start showing that."

United go into the game at Villa Park on the back of a 3-0 home league defeat against Tottenham and a 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, in which Maguire scored a late equaliser.

They have now conceded three or more goals in 24 matches under Ten Hag.

"No, obviously it's not good enough. For sure, we've got to do more," added Maguire, 31.

"But as a footballer, it's easy to look around and blame your team-mates, or blame the staff or the tactics. You've got to look at yourself.

"You've got to take responsibility and each and every one of us has got to do better in these moments."

'We feel we're playing better than last season'

United, who beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season, claimed a 2-1 win at Villa Park in February.

However, they ended up finishing eighth in the Premier League with a -1 goal difference.

Ten Hag's side have a -3 goal difference so far this season, having scored five goals and conceded eight, but Maguire feels they are "playing better than last season".

"We've got to find belief within ourselves, take the belief from what we did last season at Villa Park," Maguire said.

"The results haven't been there. Obviously, the performance was really poor against Spurs. Apart from that, I feel like we should have more points on the board.

"But they're not, so we need to do something about it starting with Sunday. Tough game but what a great place to go."

BBC
 

Man Utd's Mazraoui has minor procedure after palpitations​


Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has had a minor procedure after experiencing palpitations.

The 26-year-old Morocco international is expected to make a full recovery from the precautionary procedure and should be available for selection within the next few weeks.

United signed full-back Mazraoui from Bayern Munich in August for an initial fee of £12.8m.

Mazraoui had to take time away from football to deal with inflammation of heart tissue in January 2023 after suffering from Covid-19.

On that occasion, Mazraoui resumed ball work in training one month later but did not return to competitive action until March.

Mazraoui has started all seven of Manchester United's Premier League games this season, making 10 appearances across all competitions.

 

Benni McCarthy says there’s only one manager who would improve Man Utd if they sacked Erik ten Hag​


Erik ten Hag is under a serious amount of pressure at Manchester United at the moment.

Ten Hag’s future is in doubt, and United are reportedly scouting out potential replacements.

Gareth Southgate has been linked with Manchester United as of late, while Thomas Tuchel is apparently keen on a return to the Premier League.

Benni McCarthy knows a thing or two about Ten Hag’s methods having worked under the Dutchman as a coach at Old Trafford.

Speaking to SuperSport, McCarthy has discussed the idea of replacing Ten Hag, and he can only think of one coach who would improve United right now.

Benni McCarthy says only Pep Guardiola would improve Manchester United
McCarthy discussed the idea of Ten Hag leaving Old Trafford.

The pundit questioned which other manager would do a better job, claiming that unless Pep Guardiola swaps the Etihad for Old Trafford there aren’t many out there.

“People are always looking for answers like replacing the coach, but who is better than what they have? Unless Pep decides to change from Man City to go to United then maybe you will have a change in fortunes, but other than that, mate, I can’t see if there’s better than Ten Hag, man,” McCarthy said.

 
Erik ten Hag set to sell Harry Maguire at slashed price as Man Utd face huge transfer loss

Manchester United will listen to offers for Harry Maguire in January - starting at just £10million.

That price, a huge reduction on the £30m he would have cost barely a year ago, underlines that United consider the England defender dispensable. Maguire, 31, has constantly struggled to retain a regular place under Erik ten Hag during the past couple of seasons.

Stripped of the captaincy this time last year, he was deemed surplus to requirements by the Dutchman. But a proposed move to West Ham collapsed and Maguire later earned a reprieve with Ten Hag before being rocked by injury problems.

Last season he started just 18 Premier League games after two long spells out with groin and muscular trouble and eventually missed out on the European Championships. And that run of bad luck struck again last Sunday as he was forced off with a foot injury 45 minutes into the Reds’ goalless draw at Aston Villa.

Maguire is not expected back in first-team contention until next month and by then, if everyone is available in the centre-half position, will have dropped down the pecking order. Ten Hag was key to the £50m capture of Matthias de Ligt from Bayern Munich in the summer and will want to persist with his Netherlands defender.

Maguire cost £80m from Leicester City in July 2019 and has divided opinion since - whether on the domestic or international front. Capped 67 times, he is facing a battle to regain his England place after his omission from Lee Carsley’s latest squad.

And his Old Trafford future would appear similarly uncertain as the club’s football hierarchy continue to clear the decks of older players. Although Maguire is into the final nine months of his £200,000-a-week contract, United have a one-year extension option.

Should they fail to sell him at a cut price in the January window, they will trigger that clause and try again next summer.

SOURCE: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-transfer-ten-hag-33879126
 
Man Utd hopes of appointing Thomas Tuchel still very much alive despite England links

Manchester United still have a chance of appointing Thomas Tuchel as their next manager despite him being linked with the England job, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal.

The German coach is highly regarded in football due to his previous success with Chelsea, where he helped the Blues win the Champions League title.

Tuchel is currently a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season but he has plenty of opportunities and two of the world’s biggest jobs are among his options.

Man Utd are actively looking for a replacement for Erik ten Hag as pressure continues to mount on the Dutchman. Tuchel is on the club’s shortlist and they spoke to him over the summer about taking over.

Tuchel wanted to take a break from football after leaving Bayern, hence why he didn’t replace Ten Hag at the time. But he’s now ready to return to management following a brief spell out of the game.

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that he is on the FA’s radar and has been discussed as a potential option to replace interim England manager Lee Carsley.

We understand that Tuchel is open to a conversation with England chiefs but his preference would be to remain in club management as the day-to-day nature of the role is more appealing to him at this stage of his career.


 

I haven't given up on 2018 Premier League title - Mourinho​


Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has cheekily claimed he is not giving up hope of earning a title-winning bonus from 2018 because of Manchester City's ongoing legal case with the Premier League.

United finished second to City in the 2017-18 season, which was Mourinho's final full campaign in charge at Old Trafford.

City, who have since won four consecutive league titles, have been accused of breaking the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

City deny the 115 charges and expect an outcome from the case by early 2025.

Should the club be found guilty, they could be stripped of silverware won during the period concerned.

Mourinho was asked about his old club before his current team Fenerbahce’s Europa League encounter with United in Istanbul on Thursday.

He mischievously made reference to the legal situation with City, which is being dealt with by an independent disciplinary commission that has unlimited sanctioning powers.

"As you know, we won the Europa League [in 2017] and we finished second in the Premier League [in 2018]," he said.

"I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal."

It was part of a 20-minute exchange that was typical of the kind of magnetism Mourinho still holds.

In praising United for keeping faith with current manager Erik ten Hag during the present difficult spell, Mourinho managed to refer back to his own dismissal in December 2018 after two and a half seasons in charge.

"I wish the best to Man United since the moment I left," he said.

"I left with a good feeling to the club and with a good feeling to the fans. If things are not going amazingly well for them it's not something that makes me happy.

"It doesn't make sense for me to be thinking about what happened and what didn't happen.

"What happened for sure, because it's very objective, is they keep faith in the coach, they support the coach, the coach is staying season after season and that means stability, it means trust, and they are giving him conditions to keep developing his job. That was different in relation to me."

Mourinho said he was unaware he has never previously lost a home game against United.

He pointed out his previous encounters with them were with big clubs and said Fenerbahce would require the help of 35,000 home supporters in the stadium to stand any chance of victory.

"We are going to try and we can do it, but there is a gap," Mourinho said.

Mourinho also offered his view on Sir Alex Ferguson, who will lose his ambassadorial role at United at the end of the season.

The pair have got on ever since Mourinho arrived at Chelsea in 2004 and despite his own experience at Old Trafford, it is clear Mourinho's affection for the 82-year-old remains.

"He is amazing, incredible," said Mourinho. "When my Netflix documentary comes out, you will know why I have so much respect.

"I don't know the situation, it doesn't matter why or what. He has the love and respect of every Man United fan around the world. That is more important than the ambassadorial role or money he doesn't need."

Mourinho is already encountering some criticism, with Fenerbahce eight points adrift of old rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish league table.

He said he would take the advice of local journalists before finalising his line-up for the United game.

However, after two spells with Chelsea, plus his time with United and Tottenham, it appears the 61-year-old is not finished with the Premier League just yet.

"Sooner or later they [Manchester United] will succeed," he said. "Hopefully it is sooner, hopefully before one day I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponent.

"At this moment they are just my opponents for one match."

 

I haven't given up on 2018 Premier League title - Mourinho​


Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has cheekily claimed he is not giving up hope of earning a title-winning bonus from 2018 because of Manchester City's ongoing legal case with the Premier League.

United finished second to City in the 2017-18 season, which was Mourinho's final full campaign in charge at Old Trafford.

City, who have since won four consecutive league titles, have been accused of breaking the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

City deny the 115 charges and expect an outcome from the case by early 2025.

Should the club be found guilty, they could be stripped of silverware won during the period concerned.

Mourinho was asked about his old club before his current team Fenerbahce’s Europa League encounter with United in Istanbul on Thursday.

He mischievously made reference to the legal situation with City, which is being dealt with by an independent disciplinary commission that has unlimited sanctioning powers.

"As you know, we won the Europa League [in 2017] and we finished second in the Premier League [in 2018]," he said.

"I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal."

It was part of a 20-minute exchange that was typical of the kind of magnetism Mourinho still holds.

In praising United for keeping faith with current manager Erik ten Hag during the present difficult spell, Mourinho managed to refer back to his own dismissal in December 2018 after two and a half seasons in charge.

"I wish the best to Man United since the moment I left," he said.

"I left with a good feeling to the club and with a good feeling to the fans. If things are not going amazingly well for them it's not something that makes me happy.

"It doesn't make sense for me to be thinking about what happened and what didn't happen.

"What happened for sure, because it's very objective, is they keep faith in the coach, they support the coach, the coach is staying season after season and that means stability, it means trust, and they are giving him conditions to keep developing his job. That was different in relation to me."

Mourinho said he was unaware he has never previously lost a home game against United.

He pointed out his previous encounters with them were with big clubs and said Fenerbahce would require the help of 35,000 home supporters in the stadium to stand any chance of victory.

"We are going to try and we can do it, but there is a gap," Mourinho said.

Mourinho also offered his view on Sir Alex Ferguson, who will lose his ambassadorial role at United at the end of the season.

The pair have got on ever since Mourinho arrived at Chelsea in 2004 and despite his own experience at Old Trafford, it is clear Mourinho's affection for the 82-year-old remains.

"He is amazing, incredible," said Mourinho. "When my Netflix documentary comes out, you will know why I have so much respect.

"I don't know the situation, it doesn't matter why or what. He has the love and respect of every Man United fan around the world. That is more important than the ambassadorial role or money he doesn't need."

Mourinho is already encountering some criticism, with Fenerbahce eight points adrift of old rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish league table.

He said he would take the advice of local journalists before finalising his line-up for the United game.

However, after two spells with Chelsea, plus his time with United and Tottenham, it appears the 61-year-old is not finished with the Premier League just yet.

"Sooner or later they [Manchester United] will succeed," he said. "Hopefully it is sooner, hopefully before one day I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponent.

"At this moment they are just my opponents for one match."


Jose's the Man.
 
I haven't given up on 2018 Premier League title - Mourinho

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has cheekily claimed he is not giving up hope of earning a title-winning bonus from 2018 because of Manchester City's ongoing legal case with the Premier League.

United finished second to City in the 2017-18 season, which was Mourinho's final full campaign in charge at Old Trafford.

City, who have since won four consecutive league titles, have been accused of breaking the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

City deny the 115 charges and expect an outcome from the case by early 2025.

Should the club be found guilty, they could be stripped of silverware won during the period concerned.

Mourinho was asked about his old club before his current team Fenerbahce’s Europa League encounter with United in Istanbul on Thursday.

He mischievously made reference to the legal situation with City, which is being dealt with by an independent disciplinary commission that has unlimited sanctioning powers.

"As you know, we won the Europa League [in 2017] and we finished second in the Premier League [in 2018]," he said.

"I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal."


 
Injuries holding Man Utd back - Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says his club's ongoing injury issues are holding them back.

Last season United suffered 45 injuries - more than any Premier League rival - while they were without 10 first-team players for Thursday's Europa League draw with Fenerbahce - nine because of injury.

And while veteran central defender Jonny Evans could return for Sunday's trip to West Ham, there are huge doubts over Brazilian winger Antony, who went down with no-one near him after coming on as a second-half substitute in Turkey and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

Defensive trio Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia are all yet to make an appearance this season, while Mason Mount has made five, including the Community Shield, and is currently in his second spell out of action in this campaign alone.

"Yes, it holds us back in our levels and also in our position in the league," said Ten Hag. "When you don’t have the players available, you can't line up the best team."

United hoped they would solve their problems through the hiring of Gary O'Driscoll from Arsenal as their new head of medical 12 months ago.

But it hasn't happened and Ten Hag knows his side will struggle to fulfil their potential until an answer can be found.

"We need more players available often," he said. "We all have to work together on this point - the players, the coaching staff and all the other staff.

"We have to do better at that because we know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and we can be really successful."

United go to London Stadium 12th in the Premier League, and now 21st in the expanded Europa League, after a run of three away draws and a home win over Brentford in the four games since the shambolic home defeat by Tottenham on 29 September that led to intense speculation over Ten Hag's future.

Because they lost that game, United's draw with Fenerbahce means they have won once in seven games in all competitions.

Had they been victorious, it would have been an unbeaten run of nine, their longest since the early months of 2023.

The recent sequence of away draws are all creditable given they represent their hardest two Europa League games and a trip to high-flying Aston Villa, when they had a day less to prepare.

Now they face a West Ham side smarting from their London derby defeat at Tottenham, who have had a whole week for manager Julen Lopetegui to sort out their problems.

Ten Hag looks back on that loss to Tottenham, when his side were totally outplayed but only a goal down when Bruno Fernandes was sent off late in the first half - only for the decision to be ruled incorrect and the suspension overturned later by a disciplinary panel - and claimed the circumstances mean it is unfair to judge his players.

"I deny that game," he said. "I ignore that game against Spurs because we were downsized to 10 and the red card was overturned.

"It is not a fair assessment of the team to take this into consideration because we didn’t have the chance to bounce back. Of course, it was a tough first half, but in that period is also remember some very good chances.

"But you see this team is resilient and determined. Against Brentford and in tough away games, this team has showed character, fighting spirit and determination to win games."


BBC
 
West Ham defeat feels 'unfair' - Man Utd boss Ten Hag

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says it feels "unfair and unjust" that his team fell to a 2-1 defeat after West Ham were awarded a controversial late penalty.

After waving away initial penalty appeals, referee David Coote was sent to the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee to review Matthijs de Ligt's challenge on Danny Ings.

After a lengthy stoppage, Coote pointed to the spot and ignored protests from United's players over a handball by Ings before Jarrod Bowen converted the penalty in the second minute of injury time.

"Before the season there was the instruction about VAR only interfering in clear and obvious mistakes," Ten Hag told BBC's Match of the Day.

"That is definitely not a clear and obvious mistake from the on-field referee."

United dominated possession and had the better chances in the first-half, with Alejandro Garnacho striking the crossbar and Diogo Dalot missing an open goal.

"We have to look in the mirror, we don't score in a good game from our side. Create loads of chances and concede none, but when you lose in this way it's a bad feeling," Ten Hag added.

"Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty."

The Dutchman said he had spoken to the officials after the game at London Stadium.

"I spoke with them. But the decision is made. There's no way back and that's football," he said.

"That's a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It's not right."

The result moves West Ham up to 13th in the Premier League, one place above Manchester United who have won just three of their opening nine games.

Asked about the penalty decision, West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui said: "I didn't see it. The players say it's a penalty and the referee says it is a penalty, so I am sure they are right.

"I prefer to highlight that after they scored we keep the energy and positive momentum to win the match. I prefer to keep that energy."


BBC
 
How the mighty have fallen! Proper mid table Club from owners to fans and sponsors everybody has accepted it
 
Man Utd can be unstoppable - Van Nistelrooy

Manchester United can be "unstoppable" but it will take time and hard work, says interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The former United and Netherlands striker will take charge for the first time when Leicester City visit Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday.

He was placed in temporary charge after Erik ten Hag's sacking on Monday, with United 14th in the Premier League.

United have made an approach for Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, although he said on Tuesday that he has not made a decision on his future.

Van Nistelrooy spent five years at United as a player from 2001 to 2006, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and FA Community Shield. He returned last summer as Ten Hag's assistant.

"When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player," Van Nistelrooy wrote in his programme notes before the Leicester game.

"I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work.

"We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough."

Van Nistelrooy, who managed PSV Eindhoven for a year from 2022, said United "can be unstoppable" when "players, staff and supporters pull together".

It is unclear whether he would remain at the club if Amorim is appointed.

Van Nistelrooy said: "Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so."

BBC
 
We can hopefully see light at the end of the tunnel and get UTD back to where we belong. The pinnacle of English football.
 

Ruben Amorim: Manchester United target says nothing has been decided yet​


Ruben Amorim insisted "nothing has yet been decided" as Man Utd and Sporting remain in advanced negotiations for the Portuguese manager.

Sporting confirmed to the Portuguese stock exchange on Tuesday that United are willing to meet Amorim's release clause after making him the number one choice to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.

Key figures from Manchester United are in Portugal as negotiations continue with Lisbon over their pursuit of Erik ten Hag's successor.

Sky Sports News understands the focus of the talks remains on the backroom staff Amorim may want to bring with him to Old Trafford.

Media flocked to Portugal for what could be the 39-year-old's last game in charge as Sporting beat Nacional 3-1 in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final to probe Amorim on his potential move to Old Trafford.

But Amorim insists he remains focused "on wanting Sporting to become double winners of the league and cup. This doesn't change. I have nothing new to say at this moment".

He was quoted as telling broadcast media: "Nothing is decided yet. I don't know if it's the farewell game or not."

Speaking later at his press conference in Portuguese, Amorim said: "There was the club's statement and that's the only thing they have at the moment. There is interest from Manchester United, there is the payment of a clause and then, when I have something more concrete, I will tell you, because it is always my choice.

"When everything hasn't been decided, one way or the other, there's no point in talking much more, because otherwise we'll create noise.

"I'm not going to say anything properly, because I don't have anything useful to say. Just saying that I will take on whatever I want to do, as I have always done throughout my time as a player and even as a coach. Regarding the game, it was a strange game, a strange environment."

When asked simply, "do you want to leave" by a journalist, Amorim replied: "We haven't got to that part. The club talks to another club, is talking to another club, and then you take the next step with the coach.

"And whether I want to go or not, I'll say later. That's the decision we're talking about here. I won't say."

Asked by Sky Sports News' Gary Cotterill if the decision now lies with him, Amorim said: "Yes, [the only thing left] is my decision. I will tell everything. We have to wait."

Amorim was unable to give a definitive timeline over how long that would take.

 
'A celebration of a man living a new reality - even if just for a moment'

Ruud van Nistelrooy doesn’t know when the moment will come back again.

When he will be in charge of Manchester United, at Old Trafford, when they win, in such thrilling style.

At the final whistle of United’s 5-2 win over Leicester, Van Nistelrooy first shook the hand of vanquished opponent Steve Cooper, then he strode purposefully towards the centre circle, where he shook the hands of the officials, embraced his players and had a particularly appreciative hug with two-goal midfielder Casemiro.

Then he headed to the Stretford End, where two decades ago, Van Nistelrooy celebrated so many of his 150 goals for the club.

As he was walking he turned to acknowledge the rest of the stadium. But once in front of that famous old stand, Van Nistelrooy raised his fists in jubilation. He had delivered on his pre-match demand.

“We want to get a lot of the ball, attack and try to give the fans a good night,” he said on Sky Sports before kick-off.

There will be some who will wish the union was more long lasting and United were not trying to secure the services of Sporting coach Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday.

Chatting before the game with Roshelle from nearby Wythenshawe, she certainly fell into that category.

“He [Ten Hag] should have gone in the summer,” she said. “It happening wasn’t a shock but maybe the timing was.

“I would have preferred it if Ruud had got the job. He has all the history with the club.

“I didn’t actually know who he [Amorim] was. He is unbeaten in his own country and that is good. But that is not here. Ruud played here. He knows what the game is like here.

“But if that is the way it is going, I obviously hope it works out because it has not been good enough for too long.”

What next for Van Nistelrooy?

Van Nistelrooy said after the game he would be willing to help the club "in any capacity".

On Thursday, that will be to sit in front of the media and conduct a press conference to talk about Sunday’s game against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

It is likely, but not certain, Van Nistelrooy will still be in charge for that game. Indeed, there is a growing feeling it may be the international break in November when Amorim finally severs ties with Sporting.

United have been here before, drinking in the euphoria of a famous ex-player succeeding as interim boss.

Ryan Giggs beat Norwich 4-0 in April 2014 when he stepped in for four games following David Moyes’ dismissal. Michael Carrick won 2-0 in Villarreal when he took over for three games after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit in 2021.

Solskjaer, of course, got the job full-time after initially taking over from Jose Mourinho as an interim in 2018. United also scored five, at Cardiff, in Solskjaer’s first match in charge.

“I will text Ole about this,” smiled Van Nistelrooy when he spoke to MUTV at the end of the game.

A much-improved performance?

United never scored four in a first half under Ten Hag, as they did against Leicester.

Yet Van Nistelrooy was honest enough to admit they had created more and better chances at Crystal Palace, Fenerbahce and West Ham this season and won none of those games. Sometimes, he admitted, you need "a little bit of luck".

Leicester boss Steve Cooper remarked that he was surprised at the atmosphere inside Old Trafford: "It wasn’t what we were expecting. It wasn’t intimidating at all. It was good to play in."

That is a bit harsh. United’s fans got behind their team and they provided a performance.

Van Nistelrooy was clearly focused.

In the first few minutes he was so embroiled in the game he was halfway across Cooper’s technical area before he was guided back to his own by fourth official Michael Salisbury.

His celebration of Casemiro’s opener was that of a man who was living a new reality having enjoyed so many memorable Old Trafford days two decades earlier.

He made a point of having a word with both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho when he replaced them during the second half. He will know more than most how valuable confidence is for an attacking player.

His demeanour was one of professional pride and a determination to do his job properly and to the best of his ability.

We do not know what Ten Hag thought, or what Amorim made of the victory, or a quarter-final trip to Tottenham, which will almost certainly be his to fulfil in the middle of next month.

Van Nistelrooy cannot know how many more days there will be. But he does know, on this one, he did well – and he enjoyed it.

BBC
 
Dwight Yorke urges Man Utd to make daring transfer raid to sign 'monster' from Liverpool

Dwight Yorke has identified Liverpool star Darwin Nunez as a 'monster' Manchester United should make an audacious bid to sign.

The Uruguay international joined Liverpool in a deal that could reach £85million, fending off interest from United and Atletico Madrid. Nunez has failed to maintain his impressive scoring rate from Benfica and scored 35 goals in 107 outings for the Reds.

Two of those goals have come in 11 appearances this term with Nunez starting the season on the bench under Arne Slot. Though, with Diogo Jota injured, the striker will be handed greater opportunity.

Yorke believes Nunez is simply out of form. The United treble-winning legend sees the 25-year-old as being able to offer physicality that the Red Devils lack and more suited to Old Trafford than Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

"If I could sign anyone to come in at number nine for Manchester United, then I would try and nick Darwin Nunez off Liverpool," Yorke told SafestCasinoSites.

"Again, I know people may scoff at that suggestion, he’s a little bit out of form, and people give him stick, but I’m convinced that there is a monster of a player in there that is waiting to come out. He’s got a presence; he’s got something nasty about him and I think he’s a real handful.

"Manchester United need a player who can act as that focal point and give them that presence on the pitch. They need someone with Darwin Nunez’s physical attributes.

"He’s somebody I would try to poach. If I’m looking for a number nine right now, I would take a chance with this guy.

"Ollie Watkins is a great striker, but I think United need someone with a bit more of a physical presence up top.

"I’m convinced that if you played him week-in, week-out, Darwin Nunez would start ripping up the Premier League."

Liverpool boss has also praised his striker's qualities. "I think about Darwin, I gave him credit for the fact he worked so hard in previous weeks when he didn't play a lot to be able to play three games in a row," Slot said.

"I think three games in eight days, so that says a lot about him – but it also says a lot about the quality of our performance staff and medical staff that we were able to give him the right sessions to prepare him in the right way.

"You always need the player to buy in because you can give him the right sessions, but if he doesn't give everything then it is very difficult for him to do what he did. Also with him it was a good thing his ban for the Uruguay team was cancelled so he could play two games there, that probably helped for him to play the way he did – and I am not talking about the quality he played with, but the intensity he played with.”

 
Ten Hag wishes Man Utd 'trophies and glory' after 'end of dream'

Erik ten Hag says he wishes Manchester United fans "nothing but success, trophies and glory" after he was sacked on Monday.

The 54-year-old was dismissed following last weekend's 2-1 Premier League defeat at West Ham, and United have appointed Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as the Dutchman's permanent successor.

Ten Hag, who won two trophies in as many seasons at United, thanked supporters in a statement released by his representatives SEG.

"Thank you for always being there for the club," he said. "Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you.

"I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad."

The former Ajax manager took charge in the summer of 2022, ending the club's six-year wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup and achieving a third-placed finish in the Premier League in his first season.

Ten Hag also led United to an FA Cup final victory over neighbours Manchester City in May, but the club finished a disappointing eighth in the league. He was sacked following a poor start to the 2024-25 campaign, leaving United 14th after nine games.


 

Man Utd players will 'step up' for Amorim - Onana​


Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana says the club's players will "step up" and have no issue adapting to new manager Ruben Amorim's tactics.

United appointed the Sporting boss as their new manager last week, with Amorim set to start his new role on 11 November.

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has used the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by Erik ten Hag during his two matches in charge.

Amorim, who has predominantly used a 3-4-3 formation during his managerial career, masterminded a 4-1 victory against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I did watch the game yesterday, it was a great victory for them," said Onana.

"It's a different system but my team-mates are all pragmatic. I think everyone here is capable of playing in each system so I don't think this will be an issue for us.

"We have big players, they will step up."

United host Greek champions PAOK on Thursday, looking for their first win in this season's Europa League.

Leny Yoro, a £52m signing from Lille last summer, participated in full training on Wednesday after fracturing his foot in August.

The Frenchman is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

"He's been managed very well after his injury in pre-season, obviously we knew it was going to be a long one," said Van Nistelrooy.

"It's a big moment for him as it's the first time that he's been back in full training.

"We will bring him back partially over the coming weeks and look to get him on board as soon as possible."

Midfielders Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Antony were also in training following recent absences.

 

Shaw back in Man Utd training after three months out​


Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has returned to training following three months out with injury.

The England left-back, who has not played for the club since February, sustained a calf injury in early August.

He had been expected to return after the international break in October but former manager Erik ten Hag said Shaw had suffered a "setback".

Shaw injured his hamstring in February which ruled him out of the remainder of the last Premier League season.

However, he was selected in England's squad for Euro 2024 and started the final defeat by Spain after missing the group phase.

United welcomed back Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount from injury during the side's 2-0 Europa League win against PAOK on Thursday.

Leny Yoro, a summer signing from Lille, is yet to make his competitive debut for the club after fracturing his foot in pre-season but is now back in training.

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy says the club's injury problems are starting to ease.

"Christian played 30 minutes and Mason also played," said Van Nistelrooy.

"It's beneficial for us and I'm happy that they're back. For the long-term absentees like Luke and Leny they are on the pitch with us."

 
Van Nistelrooy wants Man Utd manager's job one day

Ruud van Nistelrooy says he would like the Manchester United manager's job on a permanent basis in the future, but wants to go back to his role as assistant coach when Ruben Amorim takes charge on Monday.

The former United striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag, but took interim charge when his Dutch compatriot was sacked on 28 October.

United have won twice and drawn once under Van Nistelrooy, who takes charge of the team for the fourth and final time on Sunday, when they host Leicester in the Premier League.

The 48-year-old won the Dutch Cup in his sole season as PSV Eindhoven manager.

Van Nistelrooy has repeatedly stated that Manchester United are the only club he would put his managerial ambitions on hold for by accepting an assistant's job.

Asked if he would like to manage the 20-time English champions one day, Van Nistelrooy said: "Yeah, of course.


 
Van Nistelrooy leaves Man Utd coaching staff

Ruud van Nistelrooy has left Manchester United after not being given a role in new manager Ruben Amorim's backroom staff.

The 48-year-old Dutchman took over at Old Trafford on an interim basis after compatriot Erik ten Hag was sacked.

Van Nistelrooy, who joined United as an assistant coach in July on a two-year deal, managed three victories and a draw in his four games during his time as caretaker boss.

However, Amorim has decided against retaining the services of former Netherlands striker Van Nistelrooy, who spent five seasons at United as a player.

"Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend," the club said in a statement which confirmed Van Nistelrooy's exit.

"We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford."

United confirmed that fellow coaches Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also left the club.

However, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will remain in his coaching role and continue his link between the first team and the academy.

United said they will "confirm the full men's first-team coaching composition" under the new Portuguese boss "in due course".


 
Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks his silence with classy statement after Man Utd exit

Ruud van Nistelrooy says it was "an honour" to be Manchester United's interim head coach in a touching farewell message following his exit.

The United legend was let go earlier this week following the arrival of Ruben Amorim after overseeing four games following Erik ten Hag's departure.

And the Dutchman has now broken his silence on his exit on social media. In a statement on X, he wrote: "To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

"It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

"@ManUtd will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon - not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! All the best and take care, Ruud."

Van Nistelrooy won three of his four matches in charge at Old Trafford and signed off with a 3-0 win over Leicester last weekend.

Some speculated that Van Nistelrooy - who only returned to the club as an assistant coach to Ten Hag back in the summer - was saying farewell to fans after said game. And it was confirmed shortly after that the former PSV Eindhoven boss would not be apart of Amorim's new-look coaching team.

The Red Devils confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday afternoon, which read: "Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.

 
Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks his silence with classy statement after Man Utd exit

Ruud van Nistelrooy says it was "an honour" to be Manchester United's interim head coach in a touching farewell message following his exit.

The United legend was let go earlier this week following the arrival of Ruben Amorim after overseeing four games following Erik ten Hag's departure.

And the Dutchman has now broken his silence on his exit on social media. In a statement on X, he wrote: "To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

"It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

"@ManUtd will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon - not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! All the best and take care, Ruud."

Van Nistelrooy won three of his four matches in charge at Old Trafford and signed off with a 3-0 win over Leicester last weekend.

Some speculated that Van Nistelrooy - who only returned to the club as an assistant coach to Ten Hag back in the summer - was saying farewell to fans after said game. And it was confirmed shortly after that the former PSV Eindhoven boss would not be apart of Amorim's new-look coaching team.

The Red Devils confirmed the decision in a statement on Monday afternoon, which read: "Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.

 

'Dreamer' Amorim 'right guy' to revive Man Utd​


New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says he is the "right man" for the club but will need time to implement his ideas.

The 39-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal earlier this month to replace Erik ten Hag, who was sacked in October.

United are 13th in the Premier League table, seven points above Sunday's opponents Ipswich Town, who are fourth from bottom.

While Amorim recognises the size of the task facing him at Old Trafford, he believes he can turn the club's fortunes around.

"I'm a little bit of a dreamer and I believe in myself and I believe in the club," he said during his first news conference as head coach.

"I think we have the same idea, the same mindset and that can help.

"I truly believe in the players, I know you don’t believe a lot but I do. I want to try new things. You guys don’t think it’s possible, I do.

"Call me naive, but I believe I am the right guy at the right time. I truly believe I am the right guy."

The Portuguese, who has joined United after four years at Sporting, insisted he will bring change in order for the club to challenge for the Premier League title again.

He added: "I know at Manchester United we have to win games. We need a lot of time because it's a tough league, we have to improve a lot to try to win the title.

"We have to change the physical aspect of the team. I don’t know how long it will take."

Given his nationality and success in Portugal, Amorim has often been compared to Jose Mourinho, who had spells in the Premier League with United, Chelsea and Tottenham.

The Fenerbahce coach spent two-and-a-half-years at Old Trafford, winning the League Cup and Europa League following his appointment in 2016.

Amorim, though, was keen to play down the comparisons.

"I'm different from Mourinho, I remember that time," said Amorim, referring to when Mourinho joined Chelsea in 2004 after winning the Champions League with Porto.

"You looked at Mourinho and felt he could win everywhere. It's not the same thing. He was European champion, I am not.

"Football is different nowadays, I think I am the right person for this moment. I am a young guy and I try to use this to help my players.

"Their young guys were [Frank] Lampard and these kind of players, nowadays it's so much different. I think I'm right for now."

 
Ruben Amorim's demand to Marcus Rashford will give him the answer he needs most

Ruben Amorim says he wants more from Marcus Rashford – despite the Manchester United striker scoring twice in an emphatic win over Everton.

New boss Amorim maintained his unbeaten start with a win that took United into the top half of the Premier League and within four points of the Champions League places. Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee got the goals, but Amorim said the former – who took his tally to seven for the season – can do even more and take his game to another level.

“There is so much to improve,” said Amorim, when asked about Rashford. “He can do so much better. We all have to improve, but it was a great job from the players.

“He has to continue to improve and he has the ability to do it. He already proved that, but he can play so much better, like the other guys. So it was a good performance. Tomorrow he has to recover and start thinking about the Arsenal game.

If Amorim can get the answer from Rashford that he requires, then it will go some way to helping him achieve his goals at Old Trafford. Rashford, for all his struggles in the last 12 months, remains United's most capable goalscorer - provided he is at his best.

Rashford, who has still not managed to win back his England place, hailed the arrival of Amorim for helping lift the mood of United's players, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

"The connection is going to build and grow the more we get used to him,” said Rashford. “He's come in at a busy period and hopefully the connection keeps building and growing. He's come in with a great attitude and it's passed onto the players. It's a nice result and that's important with a new coach and a new way of playing, when we're still learning.

"We all, as individuals, want to get back to our best and then push to improve, so even in the bad moments you're doing the right thing. It is early on but I feel energised and ready for the next game. This game has only just finished but the next one is always the focus for the players."

Joshua Zirkzee also scored twice to take his United tally to three in his first league start since the end of September and Amorim was delighted for The Netherlands striker.

“Josh did a great job,” said Amorim. “Scoring two goals is always important for the confidence, but more important than that is the performance and he fought in every situation. So it was a good day for him and our team.”

Most Everton fans left Old Trafford after United scored their fourth goal on 64 minutes and Blues boss Sean Dyche refused to criticise them.

“I’ve never questioned our fans and I certainly wouldn’t,” he said. “There’s no question about the fans. The question is on me, my staff, the team and how can we correct things further and go further with this team. They’re the questions and it’s never about the fans.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his fellow United co-owners the Glazers were targeted before the game by hundreds of fans angry at the club hiking ticket prices to £66.

They were joined by Everton fans and a spokesperson for The 1958 Manchester United supporters group said: “This is our first step. This movement will grow.”

 
We can smell champions league places.

Possible as upto 6/7 teams are competing for this. This manager already has started to inject more energy and sensible tactics.

His own team will take a couple of seasons to set but good signs for Utd.

Arsenal away mid week. A huge chance for Utd to show they are improving, taking points off them. A win away would be hug!

Ill be supporting Utd ;)
 
Possible as upto 6/7 teams are competing for this. This manager already has started to inject more energy and sensible tactics.

His own team will take a couple of seasons to set but good signs for Utd.

Arsenal away mid week. A huge chance for Utd to show they are improving, taking points off them. A win away would be hug!

Ill be supporting Utd ;)

Yep. He has clarity in tactics, which is key.

As for the Gooners game, to right we can beat them, on our day, we can beat any team lol.
 
Ticket price rise necessary for finances - Man Utd

Manchester United say controversial ticket price increases are part of the club's aim to put themselves "on a stronger financial footing".

United were accused of exploiting fans after taking the mid-season decision to raise matchday ticket prices to £66 per game, with no concessions for children or pensioners.

A supporter-led protest was held before Sunday's 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.

United posted net losses of £113.2m for the 12 months ending 30 June 2024.

In response to the criticism, United said in a statement on Monday: "As a club, we have been focused on cost saving to put us on a stronger financial footing.

"This means having to make very hard decisions, including a significant reduction in our staff numbers.

"It also means looking for opportunities to increase our revenues so we can continue to invest in football and infrastructure.

"We have now sold over 97 per cent of tickets this season, many of which were at a discounted rate. We are implementing some policy changes for matches that have already sold out, where only small numbers of tickets will be released."

In their first-quarter financial results released last week, United revealed they had spent £8.6m as part of a redundancy programme that has led to about 250 employees losing their jobs.

Sir Alex Ferguson will also leave his role as Manchester United ambassador at the end of the season, having been paid a multi-million-pound sum by the club since his retirement as manager in 2013.

The ticket pricing announcement came after the club confirmed the cost of paying off former boss Erik ten Hag and his staff was £10.4m, while the cost of paying a release clause to bring in his replacement Ruben Amorim was £11m.

BBC
 
Good Lad 🫡 🫡

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Man Utd scrapped LGBTQ+ jacket plans​


Manchester United abandoned plans to wear a jacket supporting the LGBTQ+ community before Sunday's win over Everton because a player refused to wear it.

The Athletic, external said defender Noussair Mazraoui declined to take part in the initiative, citing his Muslim faith.

United declined to confirm the identity of the player when approached by BBC Sport. Mazraoui's agent also declined to comment.

LGBTQ+ supporters' club Rainbow Devils said it was a "great disappointment".

Rainbow armbands are being worn as Premier League clubs show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport by taking part in charity Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign.

United captain Bruno Fernandes wore a rainbow armband during the 4-0 win over the Toffees at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Athletic reported that Mazraoui - a £15m summer signing from Bayern Munich - told team-mates he was not prepared to wear the jacket. The team then decided that no player would wear it so he would not be seen as the only one publicly refusing, according to the Athletic.

When asked about the situation, United issued a statement: "Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

"We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters' club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.

"Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club's position."

United have previously worn rainbow-themed warm-up kit to show support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Rainbow Devils said in a statement that members were informed "shortly before the game that these jackets would not be worn".

"The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs," the group said.

"Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.

"We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn't wear their jackets.

"We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality."

On Wednesday, the Football Assocation said it was taking no formal action against Crystal Palace or captain Marc Guehi after he wrote a 'Jesus loves you' message on his rainbow armband for the club's win over Ipswich the previous night.

Guehi and the club had been reminded by the FA that religious messaging on kit is banned after the 24-year-old's rainbow armband in Palace's draw against Newcastle United on Saturday had the message 'I love Jesus' written on it.

Ipswich captain Sam Morsy did not wear a rainbow armband again on Tuesday, after his club said he elected not to do so at the weekend because of his "religious beliefs".

 
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Manchester United make breakthrough in contract talks with ‘diamond’ compared to Bukayo Saka

Manchester United have made a major breakthrough in contract talks with their unheralded 'diamond' one pundit compared with Bukayo Saka.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Amad Diallo over a new deal by the end of this month.

Diallo's current deal expires next summer and while United have the option to extend it for a further 12 months they want to tie him down for the long-haul.

The Ivorian is seen as a key player by new manager Ruben Amorim.

Diallo was a shining star during Amorim's home Premier League debut as the Red Devils beat Everton 4-0 thanks to braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.

The scoreline meant Amorim had steered United to a bigger margin of victory in a league match than they had managed throughout the entire reign of Erik ten Hag.

The maiden domestic victory came days after Amorim’s team triumphed 3-2 over Bodo/Glimt to provide a week full of promising signs following a mildly disappointing 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town to kick off the Portuguese boss’ tenure in charge.

Switching to a back-five system with wing-backs, Amorim’s tactical changes have breathed life into certain members of the Manchester United squad.

None more so than Diallo, who was highlighted for his standout performances by both Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe on NBC's 'The 2 Robbies Podcast' this week.

“Right now I’m going to go to my under-appreciated performer of the week,” ex-Premier League midfielder Earle said.

"We knew Ruben Amorim was coming, we did a couple of breakdowns on the system and who would be where and wing-backs was one part where we weren’t sure who would be where.

“And Amad Diallo has been a little find for Ruben Amorim. Under Erik ten Hag, Diallo was in and out, didn’t really know if he was playing, played a few European games, a few cup games.

"I got the sense every time I saw him that he looked a little frustrated because he never really felt he would get a real run in the team. He would come on and even if he played well he’d out of the team the next game.

"But he’s come into this role at right-wing-back. Two assists today [vs Everton], he was involved in everything good that Manchester United did.

“What I’ve really been most impressed by is his understanding of the role. One of the worst positions in the world if you don’t understand it - I hated it! You’ve got to go up and down and up and down and this kid looks like he’s got most of that.

“What I like is that he does his defensive side, he takes that responsibility. And then when he breaks he breaks with energy and he breaks with quality.

“He’s been a little find for me and he’s my underappreciated performer of the week. Because for all the big money that’s been spent, all the big names that are around Manchester United, they might have just unearthed a little diamond.”

Mustoe seconded the opinion, even comparing Diallo to Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka who started his club career as a full-back and wing-back before moving into a forward position permanently.

“I love him, I love him,” Mustoe said. “And he’s been there a little while, went on loan, just think about a left-footed small player on the right side, he’s an end product guy…think Bukayo Saka.

“Not always incredibly flashy but things happen when he gets the ball. Who wants to play right-wing-back for Manchester United? I don’t know if anyone wants to do it but Diallo can.

“And it all goes back to the team, he knows what he’s doing. It's what Man United have wanted for a long time now, a manager with a strong tactical game plan.”

Unbeaten in his first three games in all competitions, Amorim will look to continue his strong start to management in England when Man United head south to London to face Arsenal on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit second in the Premier League table, six points ahead of Manchester United, but Amorim can take a huge step forward in the battle for the top four with a statement result at the Emirates.

 
Shaw's 1,675 days lost to injury in three charts

When Manchester United defender Luke Shaw posted on Instagram on Tuesday about his latest injury setback, he described the "absolute devastation" he was feeling and said this was "definitely" his "toughest period".

This from a player who suffered a horrific double leg break in 2015 and who has lost a total of four and a half years to multiple injuries.

The focus on Shaw's fitness was exaggerated again in the summer as England manager Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 selection gamble resulted in just two substitute appearances and a place in the starting line-up in the final against Spain.

Shaw, 29, has made just three substitute appearances for United this season after he sustained hamstring and calf injuries in February and August respectively.

In the social media post, Shaw acknowledged "frustrated, angry, disappointed" critics, but said "no-one is feeling that more than me".

BBC Sport, working with data from website PremierInjuries.com, looked at the numbers behind Shaw's injuries.


 

Why Amorim must unlock Zirkzee's unique talent​


'Overweight, slow, not a Manchester United-level player... '

Thirteen games in and most fans and a few pundits had already decided that Joshua Zirkzee, named in the Serie A Team of the Year for his beguiling performances in Italy last season, was a poor investment by the Red Devils.

Bologna football club reside in Italy's food capital. Few cities in the world could delight the appetite quite like Bologna and while the football has often been hopeful at best, Thiago Motta and his group of chaos-inflicting footballers began to attract as much passion as the famous tagliatelle with ragu last season.

Zirkzee was worth the ticket price alone as many happily pointed out to the reporters arriving in droves to enjoy the spectacle.

Complex, incredibly intelligent and a throwback to the kind of football that once showcased players' unique talents as opposed to a team's tactical philosophy, Zirkzee entertained.

He was the amalgamation of all the players who inspired him and a product of Cruyff Courts, the enclosed football pitches that augment skill on the ball.

Did he score endlessly? Nope. Was he essential to Bologna and the football viewing experience? Absolutely.

The third goal for Manchester United against Everton captured a glimpse of what Zirkzee does so well. A second to survey the pitch, a moment of perfect technique to deliver to Amad. The only thing Zirkzee loves more than runners alongside him is the freedom to drop deep, create and deliver.

But that was a glimpse and only a glimpse. How pleasing for Zirkzee fans to watch a United coach finally exploit the player's tactical intelligence and movement in space by allowing him the freedom to roam, to create, to unleash.

How thoughtful to surround him with runners who can showcase what his intelligence can produce rather than asking him to simply stay in the box and score.

When Corriere della Sera asked the player in February what he needed to improve, he replied: "I have to remember that I am the only striker in the team and to stay more inside the area."

He tries to remember and he can obviously manage it but that's not where his talent lies.

Italian media analysed and scrutinised the player's heat map after a match between Bologna and Roma. Zirkzee was omnipresent, moving vertically and horizontally, coming to the rescue of his team-mates to create an outlet for the pass, dragging defenders away to clear space for the incursions of midfielders and Riccardo Calafiori and even coming back to aid the defence.

Zirkzee is not a striker, he was the heart of the operation. Every move flowed through him at Bologna because, as he says: "I have a certain ability, [Motta] gave me the confidence to exalt it."

One of his most perfect games was against Inter in the Coppa Italia last season. Surrounded by seven players in the centre of the pitch as he accelerated forward, flanked by two runners, he threaded the perfect pass for Dan Ndoye to score.

Inter were knocked out of the cup. Go back and watch his first assist of the game - a flying backheel kick with the outside of his boot from the byline for Sam Beukema to score. Nothing he does is ordinary.

Should the defender wish to press him, this will delight the Dutchman further. He loves nothing more than to lure his opponents close to him, the more the better, before he unleashes his technique.

Even defenders capable of pivoting are caught flat-footed in the presence of Zirkzee. He is the master of escapology and to him football is art, it's a source of enjoyment, of fun.

It's all about the game of one-upping the guy ahead of you and unless Zirkzee can tap into that energy, be allowed to express his talent, he may disappoint. It's almost like he manages the impossible with ease - and the easy with great difficulty.

When playing for Bayern Munich, he notoriously missed a tap-in against Ajax in a pre-season friendly that led to an insufferable amount of criticism and abuse from fans.

Social media was too much to bear and the forward proceeded to delete all his Instagram posts and even changed his profile picture to a black screen. Then boss Julian Nagelsmann wasn't impressed: "He wanted to finish this one casually. I hope that he has a different sense of seriousness in competitive matches."

That's the problem with Zirkzee - his attitude has seemingly always been questioned.

"Talent alone is not enough, it is important that he works on himself," said former Bayern manager Hansi Flick. "Then he can play Bundesliga. It's about mentality and attitude and the absolute will to show what you want."

Does Zirkzee want it at all costs?

At Anderlecht, a viral clip of then coach Vincent Kompany berating his players made the rounds earlier this summer. "And second thing, Zirk, this is the last time I talk about your attitude. You come off, I don't need a ******* smile but I need an attitude that's perfect. You were not good, just like all the other ones. I could have taken anyone off without anyone complaining."

In teams where effort and intense determination are prized beyond insatiable skill then perhaps Zirkzee may not win hearts until people see a moment of magic and begin to question what football should be about.

Kompany actually proved to be an important coach for Zirkzee - he scored many goals in Belgium, paving the way for his move to Bologna. Having a coach who believed in him and helped nurture him was pivotal for a player who always wants to learn but is temperamental by nature.

With Motta at Bologna, especially in his second season when Marko Arnautovic had left and Zirkzee was loaded with more responsibility, the Dutchman thrived.

Bologna had players that understood how to exploit the space Zirkzee created for them, allowing for Calafiori's excellent drives forward and Lewis Ferguson's many goals. When Zirkzee understands the skill of the players around him, he learns how to manoeuvre to create the conditions for them to express their best.

"I try to move knowing the characteristics of my team-mates. With some I come to meet and receive the ball, with others I pretend to attack the depth, then I try to receive the ball on my feet," explained Zirkzee to DAZN in March.

"I don't consider myself a selfish striker but I think it's something I'll have to work on in the future. People are right, I don't score enough. When I don't score I get angry with myself. Believe me."

It doesn't help that Zirkzee's physical stature suggests he ought to be a different type of striker. One look at his physique and we imagine him to bully opponents, use his weight, win the aerial duels and fight.

Instead, he is defined by his technique, ambidextrous as a child, he always wants the ball on the ground, more interested in delivering the game-splitting pass than scoring the goal.

That's not to suggest he isn't a clinical finisher - two predatory goals against Salernitana last season showed he's not all beauty and magic, there's efficiency too. But that hunger for goal perhaps isn't a feeling that resides deep within.

The more he feels involved, the better he plays and Ruben Amorim has seemingly started to understand how the player can be utilised. Be patient with him, it's not every day a player can comfortably contort his body like Zlatan Ibrahimovic or evokes Ronaldinho on pitch.

"Seeing him day to day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona," Motta said. "But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is Joshua, he is special, he enjoys his football and above all works very hard in training."

 

Ruben Amorim makes clear demand to enable Man Utd to win the Premier League​


Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are a massive club but not a massive team as he continues to try and turn around a group that need to “run like mad dogs” if they are to become winners.

A poor start to Erik ten Hag’s third season in charge last month led the Red Devils to turn to the 39-year-old, who immediately lifted the mood after swapping Sporting for Old Trafford.

Amorim followed a draw at Ipswich in his opening match with entertaining wins against Bodo/Glimt and Everton, yet he repeatedly attempted to manage expectations.

The Portuguese said United would “suffer for a long period” and then warned a “storm will come” ahead of Wednesday’s 2-0 loss at Arsenal – a reality check before hosting Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

“I think that is very clear,” Amorim said of the scale of the job. “We are a massive club, but we are not a massive team, and we know it. It’s no problem to say it.

“So, we want to improve, we are in a different moment from Arsenal, but you could feel it during the game.

“I think we have to believe more because we were not dominant in the game, but we had control in the game.

“Not so many chances for Arsenal – of course a lot of set pieces – but we were OK, especially in the first half. We had some good things in that moment, but you could feel that there’s so much to do.

If we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to win

Ruben Amorim
“We need to be better in the final third, we have to create more danger, they have to feel it.

“I felt that Arsenal had problems to block our build up but then when they were defending the goal it was quite comfortable for them, so we are learning these things and trying to improve in two days.”

United’s problems mean they enter the weekend 13th in the Premier League standings – quite the sight for fans of a club who have won an English record 20 league titles.

Asked if perceptions around the club need to change, Amorim said: “That will not change because this club has glories in the past.

“Our players have to understand that this is a very difficult position, so we are not (one of) the best teams in the league, and we have to say that and to think that clearly.

“But our past, our club is maybe the best one in the league, so we have here a problem, but we have to focus on the little things, the little details.

“If you think in everything, it will be a problem. Let’s focus on the small details and then we will improve it as a team.”

Amorim has had precious little time to work on such details having started during an international break followed by a relentless winter schedule.

Saturday’s home game against Forest is United’s third of nine matches in December and came with a demand for effort on top of technical quality.

“It’s impossible to win the Premier League without a team like that – that every moment runs back, runs forward,” Amorim said. “It is impossible to win. If you want to win, we have to do it.

“Even with the best starting XI in the planet without running they will not win nothing, so that is very clear.

“If we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to win.”

Interestingly, Amorim’s comments come six years after compatriot Jose Mourinho spoke about United’s lack of “mad dogs” following a December draw at Southampton.

“It doesn’t matter about the system,” the former United manager said. “It has to do with the characteristics of the players and we don’t have many, with all the respect, mad dogs – the ones who bite the ball all the time and press all the time. We don’t have many with that spirit.”

Amorim will hope not to be feeling similar after facing Forest, having previously said he needs to improve the “physical aspect of the team”.

“The problem to be fit enough is if they can cope with that,” United’s head coach said. “If they are used to do that in training, they will do that in games.

“So, they are professional athletes, they can improve this. You cannot be faster, but you can run more with training. We are in that path.”

 
Man Utd sporting director Ashworth leaves after five months

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has left his role after just five months.

The 53-year-old officially joined the club on 1 July after spending five months on gardening leave at Newcastle.

News of his departure was first reported by the Athletic., external

A United statement said the decision was made by mutual agreement.

"We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future," the statement added.

Multiple sources with knowledge of the situation have said Ashworth was told of the decision after United's home defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday, which left the club 13th in the Premier League.

Ashworth was seen walking through the press conference room with the club's chief operating officer Collette Roche after the game.

It is understood Ashworth was on his way to a meeting where his exit was confirmed.

United have had a disappointing season so far, sacking manager Erik ten Hag in October after just three wins from their opening nine Premier League matches.

The club later confirmed it cost £10.4m to pay off Ten Hag and his staff, while the cost of paying a release clause to bring in his replacement Ruben Amorim was £11m.

Ratcliffe has also been criticised by fans for scrapping concessions of what the club says are the 3% of tickets that remain unsold for Premier League matches and introducing a minimum price of £66.

The move triggered protests at Old Trafford before last weekend's victory over Everton.

Ratcliffe has said that United have become "mediocre" and warned more "difficult and unpopular decisions" will be needed.

In the latest accounts, to 30 June 2024, the club announced a net loss of £113.2m.

Total losses over the past five years are more than £370m, and the club have sacked Ten Hag and hired Amorim since then.

BBC
 
‘Little boy’ – Jamie Redknapp slams Lisandro Martinez for being bullied in Manchester United defeat

Lisandro Martinez has been criticised for his performance against Nottingham Forest.

The Manchester United defender was at fault for two of the goals in Forest's 3-2 win at Old Trafford on Saturday night.

Martinez failed to stop Nikola Milenkovic from scoring a header just two minutes into the match.

He was later caught out as Chris Wood's header creeped in at the back post to extend the visitors' lead in the second half.

Phil Jones and Jamie Redknapp were both critical of Martinez during their analysis of the opening goal on Sky Sports.

Martinez was outjumped by Milenkovic at a corner and could be seen holding his shirt as the Serbian towered above him.

Discussing the goal, former United defender Jones said: "First of all it’s a great header. You sense a bit of vulnerability from set-pieces. Martinez is too fixated on his man.

"Diogo Dalot takes a couple of steps towards the ball, maybe gets caught underneath the ball a little bit and almost gets sucked under the ball."

Redknapp then added: "He's got to be stronger Martinez, he's like a little boy there, he just gets bullied. It's a towering header."

Martinez had been making his return to the starting line-up on Saturday.

The World Cup winner was absent in midweek whilst serving a suspension during the defeat to Arsenal.

He had picked up a one-match ban after his fifth yellow card of the season against Everton last weekend.

Although Rasmus Hojlund equalised before half-time, Forest retook the lead after the interval as an error from Andre Onana allowed Morgan Gibbs-White to score.

Wood's header extended the lead before Bruno Fernandes gave the hosts some hope, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

The loss is United's sixth Premier League defeat of the season after just 15 matches.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils now find themselves 13th in the table ahead of next weekend's Manchester Derby.

 
Man Utd ‘open to top offers’ in January for Rashford as main ‘reason’ given for possible exit

The Red Devils have been in terrible form this season with Man Utd currently 13th in the Premier League table after winning just five of their 15 matches.

Erik ten Hag was sacked because of their poor start to the new campaign and Amorim hasn’t done much better in his four Premier League games in charge, drawing one, winning one and losing two.

Man Utd have struggled to score enough goals in the Premier League this season with Rashford on four goals, Joshua Zirkzee on three and Rasmus Hojlund on just two.

Rashford’s overall performances have been particularly frustrating with Roy Keane claiming after the Red Devils’ 1-0 loss against Arsenal that the England international’s “general play as a footballer is shocking”.

And now Sky Germany reporter Plettenberg insists Man Utd “would already be open to top offers in the winter” as they look to raise funds.

Plettenberg wrote on X: “Manchester United would sell Marcus #Rashford at the latest by the summer and would already be open to top offers in the winter. The club acknowledge his development under Ruben #Amorim but consider him definitely not unsellable.

“One reason why a sale is being discussed: if he were to leave the club due to his very high salary, it would free up critical points in the complicated Financial Fair Play system, which, in turn, would give the Red Devils more room to maneuver in the transfer market. 27 y/o with a contract until 2028. #MUFC”

Gary Neville recently criticised Man Utd forward Rashford for travelling to Madison Square Garden in New York to watch an NBA match between New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets during the international break.

Neville said on the Stick to Football podcast: “The professionalism, looking after your body and making sure you’re best prepared for the next training session is critical to every decision you make during the season.

“He [Marcus Rashford] has got a mental break, he’s got to get away and has got to rest with friends – then you talk about the choice of venue, how far do you fly, what’s the time difference, is that going to give a jet lag issue, is that going to give a stiffness issue from being on a flight for 12 hours?

“This is on Casemiro more than Rashford but if I’m [over] 30 years old and I’m looking after my body – and he’s won five Champions Leagues and is an unbelievable player, but if he was away with Brazil for 10 days, we would say he would struggle this weekend because he’s been away.

SOURCE: https://www.football365.com/news/man-utd-open-top-offers-january-marcus-rashford-reason-exit
 
Is Man Utd keeper Onana part of problem or solution for Amorim?

Manchester United have Rasmus Hojlund to thank for digging them out of trouble against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday night, but the spotlight was firmly on goalkeeper Andre Onana after another mistake.

With the game goalless, his attempt to pass out to Matthijs de Ligt was intercepted by Pavel Sulc, who swiftly teed up Matej Vydra to score.

Hojlund's double ensured it ultimately did not matter as United secured a vital Europa League victory - but the mistake by Onana was his second in as many games and is arguably a cause for some concern, particularly with rivals Manchester City up next on Sunday.

However, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes came out in defence of his team-mate after the game.

"It is not about Andre making the mistake, we don't look at individuals here when something happens on the wrong side," Fernandes told TNT Sports.

"We have huge belief in him. He knows he made a mistake because he is a clever guy, he is going to help us many times and we trust his qualities on the ball.

"Mistakes are part of football. If they don't happen then goals don't happen. But we did well to show the resilience to come back and find the victory."


 
I'm ready for new challenge - Rashford

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says he is "ready for a new challenge" after being asked about his future at the club.

Rashford, 27, was dropped from the squad for Sunday's derby which United won 2-1 against Manchester City.

New head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed that there were no disciplinary issues behind his decision, but he appeared to hint he had hoped to see more from the England player on and off the pitch during his first few weeks in charge.

In an interview with football writer Henry Winter published on X, Rashford said: "If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person.

"When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me.

"When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.

"For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."

Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016, having come through the United youth ranks.

The 2022-23 campaign was his most prolific when he scored 30 in all competitions.

However, he has struggled for form over the past 18 months and attracted criticism from pundits and fans for a number of laboured displays.

When asked about his decision to omit Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from his matchday squad at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Amorim said: "It is important to say it was not a disciplinary thing.

"Next week, next game, new life and they are fighting for the places. For me what is important is the performance in training, the performance in game, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you engage with team-mates and push team-mates."

Rashford's professionalism was questioned by former United captain Gary Neville after he flew to the United States during the recent international break and was pictured attending an NBA game in New York.

Speaking further about his situation, Rashford who says he feels "misunderstood" added: "It's disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it's happened, we won the game so let's move on.

"It's disappointing, but I'm also someone as I've got older, I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I'm available."

He also stressed that the prospect of an England return under new manager Thomas Tuchel "still excites" him after being excluded from Gareth Southgate's squad for this summer's European Championship in Germany, where the Three Lions lost to Spain in the final.


 
Man Utd are better with Rashford – Amorim

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says the club are "better" with Marcus Rashford after the striker suggested he could leave Old Trafford.

The England international, 27, said on Tuesday that he was "ready for a new challenge and the next steps" in his career.

It came two days after Rashford was dropped for United's derby win against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

Rashford's last Premier League start came in a 4-0 win against Everton on 1 December, when he scored twice.

Amorim suggested the club want the striker - who came through United's youth ranks - to stay, saying: "I don't talk about the future, we talk about the present.

"We are better with Marcus Rashford. This kind of club needs big talents - and he is a big talent."

Asked about Rashford's desire for a "new challenge", Amorim said: "He is right. We have here a new challenge, the biggest in football, we are in a difficult situation. I hope all my players are ready."

United face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Amorim refused to confirm whether Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho - who was also left out of the squad to face City - would feature against Spurs.

"We have one more training session and they are in the same situation as the other players," said Amorim.

"If they train well we have to make a choice."

BBC
 
Joshua Zirkzee could depart Manchester United with Marcus Rashford as striker set for showdown talks

Joshua Zirkzee could be set to return to Italy only six months after joining Manchester United.

Several top clubs across the continent, including Juventus, are keeping a close eye on the Man United striker.

The Italian giants are among other European clubs that are interested in the Bayern Munich academy product.

And that could mean he becomes a victim of Ruben Amorim's overhaul of the Man United squad, with Marcus Rashford's future up in the air too after his recent squad snub and interview.

Juventus, who are determined to add firepower under Thiago Motta, are reportedly planning to step up their Zirkzee pursuit.

He scored 14 goals in 58 appearances under Motta at Bologna, contributing to their qualification for the Champions League in 2023-24.

His former manager and the Bianconeri now view him as a long-term solution to their attacking needs, and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has already outlined his strategy to bring the striker to Turin.

Although Zirkzee may wish to stay at Man United should he start getting some more minutes in the team under Amorim.

He seemed to have earned a starting spot when he scored two goals in a 4-0 win over Everton at the start of December.

But the 23-year-old has only collected 57 minutes of football since in three Premier League matches against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.

According to Tuttosport, his agent Kia Joorabchian has now arranged a meeting with the Man United directors and boss Amorim to discuss the prospects of a move.

Juventus are interested in a January transfer, specifically a loan opportunity with an option to buy.

Zirkzee has not quite lived up to expectations at Man United, as he has scored just three goals and assisted twice.

Scoring on his Man United debut seemed to earn him some hype around his potential, but he has since made just five starts in red.

And with the manager who signed him, Erik ten Hag, sacked, he will have to try and win Amorim over.

His total of 607 minutes played at Man United since joining the club in the summer may turn his head to a January loan move.

 
What happens now with Man Utd and Rashford?

Marcus Rashford is one of the most well-known players in the Premier League.

He has made 426 appearances for Manchester United and is 12th on the club's all-time scoring list with 138 goals.

The 27-year-old has won both the FA Cup and EFL Cup twice. He has also won the Europa League. He has 60 England caps.

Off the pitch, he was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his work around child poverty.

But now his career is under a cloud amid a belief that his days at United are numbered after he was dropped for the Manchester derby.


 
Rashford should have moved earlier. Massive talent which was wasted. Sometimes you just don’t fit a club.

Uniteds problems are as a result of two things. Ferguson left a past it’s best squad which only won the league largely to robin van persie in form. When other managers started failing with it, management sided with the squad wrongly when it needed upheaval.

I also think the coaches have been the wrong picks. Ole and ten hag (especially the latter who wasted his transfer budget) were poor choices. Mourinho probably past his best when he got the job, but his defensive tactics didn’t gel well with Man Utd’s aggressive identity. Which is why I think players in the squad did not gel with mourinho’s plans. Same thing happened with spurs likely. At Chelsea or inter Milan I think the players and fans would have got fully behind mourinho’s style of football. Or if you want to back a manager like Mourinho you’ve got to turf out the players who are against/ don’t fit with his plan. They didn’t do that with Mourinho, backed the players instead and got rid of him.

What United need is a proven coach who plays an attacking style of football. I’m not sure United have ever had that since Ferguson despite having so many managers. Amorim is another gamble just like ten Hag, but I have a feeling he will do better.
 
Man United 'plot move for Brazilian midfielder' with Ruben Amorim considering Atalanta star as his first signing ahead of the January transfer window opening

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Atalanta's Brazilian midfielder, Ederson, in what could be Ruben Amorim's first signing at the club.

The newly-appointed Red Devils boss will soon be in a position to launch his recruitment initiative when the January transfer window opens and is expected to make some big calls.

United are towing the line on the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules and face the prospect of needing to sell some players to fund new arrivals.

Marcus Rashford is amongst the most likely candidates to depart Old Trafford midway through the season after publicly declaring his ambitions to leave the club earlier in the week and having been dropped from another matchday squad since.

The 27-year-old's homegrown status means United will be able to reinvest 100 per cent of the fee received for Rashford on new signings, with Ederson emerging as a top candidate to make a switch to England, as reported by Florian Plettenberg.

Ederson has become a standout figure at Atalanta this season and United are now monitoring his situation ahead of what could be a third set of negotiations with the Italian club in recent years.

United and Atalanta have previously struck deals over Amad Diallo and more recently Rasmus Hojlund who have become starters during Amorim's short United reign so far.

Midfield has been identified by Amorim and his coaching staff as an area that needs strengthening as he goes about transforming United's fortunes amidst a difficult first half of the season.

Ederson has been discussed at the club with some of the INEOS-backed sporting leadership team convinced the Brazilian would thrive in England, while others still remain unsure.

No negotiations have yet taken place between the two clubs with a unanimous decision wanted in Manchester before attempting to thrash out a deal with the Serie A outfit.

However, should the club give the green light then United can move quick with scouting reports and research on the Brazil international already completed.

Meanwhile, Amorim's need for investment in his squad was further highlighted on Thursday evening as United crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a 4-3 defeat against Tottenham.

The 39-year-old was again pressed on his decision to leave Rashford out of his team and defended his decision after the wantaway star's admission earlier in the week.

'No, it is not [a mistake],' insisted Amorim about his decision. 'I feel that I do the right thing for the team so it's never a mistake.

'We have to make a selection, sometimes you lack in the game and you see some guys go into the game and change it a bit but I don't think it was a mistake because I'm always doing the best for the team in my way of seeing things.'

SOURCE: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14212973/Man-United-ederson-atalanta.html
 
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