Category: Football

4

BBC sports pundit, Alan Shearer, has claimed that the vast majority of Manchester United’s problems stem from the ownership of the Glazer family.

Writing in The Athletic, the Newcastle legend claims that a football club is just like any other business and “what happens at the top of the organisation filters down to the shop floor”.

The all-time leading Premier League goal scorer stated that “uncertainty has taken root, on and off the pitch” and “ultimately, players want to run onto the pitch with their minds clear and from the outside looking in, fogginess has been ingrained for a very long time” at the Old Trafford side.

Shearer states that players “loathe” uncertainty, and while it remains to be seen what control INEOS will have at the club whilst the Glazers are still there, it is a step in the right direction. He claimed that players “sitting in the dressing room before a match, you want to know exactly what your role is and feel confident in your ability to fulfil it. You want to look around and know the players sitting near you all feel the same”.

“The common denominator” to foster such a culture is clearly the owner, according to the former England international.

“When that vibe is persistently gloomy or divisive, it seeps into your bones”.

Shearer claims that if owners give players the best of everything, it is much more difficult for them to “shy away from responsibility”. This is something numerous United teams have been guilty of over the years as they have thrown successive managers under the bus.

The Newcastle legend tells a story about his former coach, the late-great Sir Bobby Robson who once told his side, “If I give you my wrist, you’ll take my arm, if I give you my arm, you’ll take my shoulder”. For too long this culture has thrived at Old Trafford.

Shearer draws a comparison to his own spells at Newcastle United and Blackburn. He claims to have had a “brilliant owner” in Jack Walker at Blackburn and it was “similar” at St James’ Park under Sir John Hall, Douglas Hall and Freddy Shepherd. However, the player also had some experience of the toxicity he claims exists at United under the Floridian family.

Describing when he returned to Newcastle as caretaker manager in 2009 he stated, “it was toxic, a total shambles and relegation was staring us in the face. Negativity was tangible; you could smell it and feel it, players had been bombarded with different ideas and their heads were swimming and discipline had frayed. The tone was dictated by Ashley’s appointments and decisions”.

Shearer finally backs up his point on the ownership by taking swipe at the transfer policy that saw the club spend so much on a player like Antony and the mishandling of the Mason Greenwood situation demonstrate a “lack of clarity and leadership (that) eats away at the fabric of a place”.

United fans will be hoping that the news of INEOS’ investment and the fact the chemicals company is already involved in transfer and managerial decisions points to the fact that, at last, there is a genuine change in direction.

8

INEOS must be informed of every footballing decision made even while their deal to take over 25% of the club is being ratified.

The Times report that INEOS need to be consulted on any decision to sign a player or any hypothetical sacking of John Murtough or Erik ten Hag.

While the club was in the process of completing a miracle comeback versus Aston Villa on Boxing day “in front of Sir Dave Brailsford, INEOS’ director of sport, further ­details emerged about the company’s proposed 25 per cent investment in United”.

“Shortly after United’s win, the New York Stock Exchange published details of INEOS’ proposed investment in United in a 241-page document“.

It revealed that “Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will have to be consulted on any major sporting decision taken by the club during the ratification process, which is expected to take four to six weeks — a period which includes the January transfer window”.

According to the document, INEOS must also be told if United consider “appointing, ­dismissing or accepting the resignation of any director of football or first team manager of the company and/or any of its subsidiaries”.

This will come as a positive sign to many fans who would have feared that Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be powerless to stand up to the Glazers until any takeover deal was ratified.

The document also explicitly states that the chemicals company will still be involved in the rapidly approaching winter market as the Stock Exchange document states that the billionaire’s company must be kept up to date about any “entering into, or continuing any existing, discussions or negotiations relating to the purchase, sale or other transfer… of any player.”

The Telegraph go into more specific detail about what this could mean at United. The piece argues that no decision can be made on Jadon Sancho’s future for example, unless it is first run by INEOS.

Another popular statement to be found in the lengthy document is that “no dividends will be paid for at least three years with investment in the first team squad and Old Trafford prioritised”.

The Glazers have paid out more than £150 million in dividends since they took ownership of the club back in 2005. The American family have agreed to prioritise reinvestment of these funds into infrastructure and the team. This will be seen as a success right off the bat for Ratcliffe and good PR that he will not be bullied by the Floridian family.

Ratcliffe is providing an additional £237 million to invest in Old Trafford, however, The Peoples Person relayed yesterday that the chief architect of the club’s stadium redevelopment plan has said that the best option is to knock down and rebuild the stadium for £2bn.

Interestingly, buried in the huge document it is stated that, “although Ratcliffe will have first refusal for a period of 12 months should the Glazers opt to sell more B shares – which have 10 times the voting rights of Class A shares – the Americans could compel the Ineos chairman to agree to an outright sell down the line. ‘Drag-along’ rights included in the deal mean Ratcliffe would be obliged to sell his shares subject to him receiving a $33 (£26) per share cash offer from the Glazers should they decide on a full sale 18 months from now”.

It is difficult to interpret what this could mean down the line. On the one hand, it highlights the Glazers could be open to a full sale but on the other hand it could mean that said sale might not be to INEOS.

However, the rapid publication of this document, coupled with Ratcliffe’s statement to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST), shows that there seems to be much more communication and transparency already, than we ever saw under the Glazers.

2

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Belgian midfielder, Arthur Vermeeren, has opened up recently on reports that have suggested the player could be on the move from his current side, Royal Antwerp.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, the young midfielder is flattered by interest from abroad but is currently just focusing on his football at the moment.

The Flemish paper conducted an in-depth interview with the young star, who has made six Champions League appearances, scoring one goal and providing two assists in this campaign. (All statistics according to transfermarkt.com)

The Belgian international has previously quashed talks of a move as being “too early” when he spoke to HLN newspaper in March. Additionally, The Peoples Person has relayed in the past that teams such as the Red Devils, Arsenal and Barcelona are all keeping tabs on the starlet.

Vermeeren said it was a “great” thing that Manchester United were linked to him but he knows there is nothing concrete yet.

The midfielder said, “you get the articles forwarded, don’t you, or then my brothers will come with it. The youngest in particular [Caesar, 14] is always very enthusiastic. He reads everything and believes everything immediately. (laughs) Maybe normal at that age, but then I tell him that not everything that appears in the newspapers or online is true”.

He goes on to say that if anything was concrete, his lawyer would let him know.

The starlet also sees the benefits of leaving his home country. When asked if he would want to follow in Kevin de Bruyne’s footsteps he claimed, “I definitely think about things like that”.

The youngsters then summarised his opinion of the four major European leagues, without picking any favourites and consequently, keeping his options open.

“Germany is very good for your physical health. The Serie A, that’s more tactics. In Spain it’s all about footballing ability, in England it’s about intensity… But there is no competition yet that I really prefer. It mainly depends on the teams”.

Moreover, Vermeeren also can see the benefit of staying where he is.

“In football you never know. I would like to stay at this club for the rest of my life. Okay, of course you want to take it a step further, but it is difficult to say when that will be possible. The puzzle must fit together”.

The youngster seems to have an old head on young shoulders and is clearly in no rush to jump into a move. The Belgian international explained that many factors must be considered such as you could sign for one coach and then they are fired, leaving said player on the bench and unwanted.

He finished by claiming, “We’ll see what happens. But I want to finish the season here anyway”.

Hardly closing the door to a future move now, is he?

5

Not many would have given Manchester United a chance after they went two goals down against an Aston Villa side that had not tasted defeat after going ahead this season.

But against the odds, Erik ten Hag’s side came roaring back to win 3-2 and continue their fantastic Boxing Day record and now are unbeaten in 20 games on this day at Old Trafford.

While the attacking triumvirate of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford will rightly take most of the credit, the display of Jonny Evans at the back was another major highlight.

What a block from Evans

Unai Emery’s team had the chance to score their third with John McGinn diverting the ball goalwards with Andre Onana caught out of position.

But the Northern Irishman made a crucial goal-line block to preserve the parity after the Red Devils had done so well to come back into the contest.

It was a crucial piece of play at that moment which would certainly have shattered the team if it had gone against the team after they put in so much effort to finally end the curse in front of the goal.

That clearance almost acted like a booster shot as it imbued the team with confidence and subsequently, the young Dane proceeded to score the winner.

The 35-year-old was immense at the back, blocking three goalbound efforts and making one clearance and that crucial last-ditch intervention (all stats from Sofascore).

He also made four interceptions and won all his three aerial duels with the in-form Ollie Watkins hardly getting a sniff on the night.

Underrated signing

The academy graduate was calm on the ball and despite the Villa pressure, always kept his wits about himself and made the right pass.

He had 49 touches of the ball and completed 92 percent of his passes while also successfully delivering one long ball as United tried to beat the high Aston Villa backline.

Many were disappointed when the club signed the veteran as an emergency signing instead of spending big on a defender but the manager’s choice has certainly been vindicated.

He has undoubtedly been the signing of the season and despite a chastening campaign for the team, Evans can hold his head high.

18

Manchester United produced a stunning second half comeback to shock Aston Villa and give themselves some much needed Christmas cheer.

United were desperate for a result and despite a poor defensive start, where they were undone by two set plays, the side fought back admirably to claim a win against one of the Premier League’s best sides this season.

Amazon Prime Sports pundit and club legend, Patrice Evra, was delighted with the team’s performance, even in the first half where they went in to the dressing room 2-0 down.

When talking to Erik ten Hag, the former French defender claimed that “I was the only crazy man to say if United play with the same determination we will score three goals and win this game”.

“Even if we didn’t win, I’d be pleased with the performance”.

The former United full back claimed that the team really “stepped up” and “played the right way”.

The Champions League winner also used his time to back the under fire captain, Bruno Fernandes.

Evra stated “people love to criticise United but they aren’t on the pitch. They never talk about when United are good”.

He also passed on some advice to the captain by saying, “you shouldn’t listen to what outside say”.

The former United number three was also full of praise for Bruno Fernandes by stating “you are such a generous player, you played an excellent game”.

The final thing the United legend mentioned was the key is to find consistency and that will start in the next game, in a few days versus Nottingham Forest, in the final game of 2023.

The Red Devils will certainly be keen to build on a positive final game at Old Trafford and hope it is building block to a more successful 2024. First a trip to the City Ground awaits.

8

Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has voiced his dissatisfaction with the club’s performance this season, admitting that is has become difficult for him to watch Erik ten Hag’s team at times.

In an interview with The Daily Mail, the former United striker lambasted Man United for their poor performances this season as well as their failure to protect their “treble legacy” as rivals Manchester City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League last season.

Yorke was a key member of United’s 1999 treble-winning squad.

“Watching United has been a struggle,” Yorke admitted in his interview.

He continued: “I’m not going to lie, I’ve walked away from the game: refused to watch for a bit.”

“He spent money, he brought in his players. But the inconsistency, getting knocked out of Europe, must be devastating for them.

“When you look at the group with Galatasaray and Copenhagen, these are teams that United should blow past on one leg.”

The retired striker then went on to compare United’s current form with that of Aston Villa, who Ten Hag’s men face tonight at Old Trafford.

Yorke praised Villa boss Unai Emery, who he claimed has got the team playing a “dynamic, exciting style” of football, adding that this type of progress was expected of Ten Hag this season.

Unfortunately for United, the club’s performance stats this season do little to disprove Yorke’s argument.

As reported by The Peoples Person, United’s failure to score in the past four matches constitutes their longest goalless streak since November 1992.

Furthermore, the club has already lost 13 games in all competitions, more than their 12 losses the whole of last season.

Even more humiliating is the fact that following United’s 2-0 loss to West Ham United on Saturday, Jarod Bowen has scored more goals than the entire United starting XI on the day.

With a stern test ahead in the form of Aston Villa tonight, Ten Hag will need to somehow come away with a result to have any chance of restoring some of the faith that has been lost after what has been a chaotic season to date.

13

Manchester United take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford this Boxing Day night, in which is sure to be a Christmas cracker.

The Red Devils are desperate to get their season back on track and should be especially motivated to impress new owners, INEOS.

New board members Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc will start work next month at Old Trafford, where they will begin an audit to determine how to get the Mancunian side back on track.

United lie a disappointing eighth in the table while Aston Villa are flying high in third position, just one point off the top. In fact, should Liverpool fail to beat Burnley today, a victory would take the Villans top of the league.

Villa often line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation and employ a high press, looking to dominate teams by getting the ball forward to their dangerous attackers of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey.

Therefore, how are United to stop the side from Birmingham?

Stop Ollie Watkins

Watkins has been a thorn in the side of many teams this season and is likely to be licking his lips at having a shy at this United defence. The Englishman has scored nine Premier League goals and has six assists in what has been an impressive season.

The 27 year old forward is lethal with both feet and strong in the air. He will be a major problem for Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans or Willy Kambwala to deal with.

Finding a way to nullify the England international will be crucial to securing a significant win.

Beating the offside trap

Aston Villa employ a high defensive line and are very successful at catching teams offside. United struggle with this as only Liverpool have been caught offside more times than the Red Devils this season.

Therefore, between Villa’s high line and United’s tendency to be caught offside, expect a few flags for Erik ten Hag’s men. However, you only need to break through once and with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, they have the weapons to exploit the high line.

The question is whether they can in a way they haven’t been able to all season.

Play two defensive midfielders

It may sound strange to suggest playing two more defensive players in midfield at Old Trafford but United have struggled with Scott McTominay in midfield, as it has disrupted the balance of the side.

Playing Kobbie Mainoo alongside Sofyan Amrabat may allow the Old Trafford side to control the influential Douglas Luiz and John McGinn, both of whom are massively enjoying Unai Emery’s style of play and having fruitful seasons.

United will need to find a way to not allow the Villans to flood the midfield and try to get some sort of foothold in the match.

Winning the midfield battle, cutting off the supply to Watkins and using the electric pace of their own forwards: these are the keys to winning the match for United.

2

Manchester United’s goalscoring curse continued at the weekend as they failed to find the net for the fourth game in a row, the first time such a thing has happened since 1992.

It has been over 600 minutes since the Red Devils found the back of the net and judging by the displays of their frontmen, things could get even worse in the coming days.

The service provided to Rasmus Hojlund by the likes of Antony and Alejandro Garnacho has been so sparse that even an elite striker like Harry Kane would struggle in this United team.

United’s wingers have been shocking

United’s wingers have combined to score only once this term and it is clear that the wingers need to do a lot more if the team is to climb up the table.

Antony has been especially dire, having not scored or assisted the whole season but manager Erik ten Hag keeps selecting him due to the dearth of high-quality alternatives.

See more

📣 Amad Diallo: Manchester United prêt à prêter le joueur de 21 ans en janvier. Sunderland, Everton, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Wolves et Southampton montrent un vif intérêt. Après une blessure au genou, Amad figure dans la pré-liste pour la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations. 🌐⚽…

— Seb Ecrivain Foot (@SebEcrivainFoot) December 26, 2023

The Brazilian’s signing has been a major faux pas and the Dutchman should ideally give someone else a go. Step up Amad Diallo, who the manager recently revealed is close to making a first-team comeback.

This was supposed to be the Ivorian’s breakthrough season after the successful loan spell he had at Championship outfit Sunderland.

However, an injury sustained in pre-season and subsequent surgery meant he has missed the first four months of the season but the manager is poised to give the 21-year-old a few chances before deciding his short-term future.

It is clear that with Jadon Sancho’s exile and Antony’s continued struggles, Ten Hag needs to give the former Atalanta starlet his shot at claiming a first-team place this season, but increasing reports are suggesting that Amad is set to head out on yet another loan.

Amad loan interest

His former loan outfit and Southampton have been mentioned as suitors but as reported by Seb Ecrivain Foot, multiple Premier League outfits are also chasing the Ivory Coast international’s signature.

“Amad Diallo: Manchester United ready to loan 21-year-old in January. Sunderland, Everton, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Southampton are showing keen interest. After a knee injury, Amad is on the pre-list for the Africa Cup of Nations,” the journalist tweeted.

Judging by the calibre of clubs involved in the race, it is clear to see how highly rated the winger is and Ten Hag should ideally not make the mistake of loaning him out in a season where all his wide men have failed to deliver.

The Africa Cup of Nations does pose a potential problem and it will be interesting to see what the final decision is on Amad’s future.

8

Chris Lee, the chief architect in Manchester United’s stadium redevelopment project, has called on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to tear down Old Trafford.

This is according to The Telegraph, who have claimed, “Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been encouraged to knock down Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium and build a new one”.

After the billionaire’s Christmas Eve takeover, The Daily Mail stated that he has “pledged to invest £245m in the club, and one of his first big decisions is what to do with the outdated Old Trafford”.

The Peoples Person has recently relayed that the Old Trafford stadium is dilapidated and in a state of disrepair.

According to The Telegraph, there are “three options currently on the table”.

The possible options are to focus on a small makeover project, expand the south stand over railway line or build a totally new arena.

However, Populous chief executive, Chris Lee, is certain what is the right choice to make.

“The building is reaching the end of its natural life – the cabling, the electricity supplies, everything is nearing its sell by date. And the interiors are very cramped and difficult in places”.

He went on to state, “well, I would say this wouldn’t I but I feel the new build may well turn out to be the most cost effective solution. Yes, the initial outlay is obviously the highest of the three options but there is so much land available to develop there”.

Lee believes that there is the scope to do “something really innovative and exciting. There would be no space constrictions”.

Apparently, Ratcliffe is also acutely aware of the need to upgrade the stadium, which has been United’s home since 1910.

Populous believe that the fact the club could build on surrounding land means that “they could carry on using the existing ground while building work is underway, meaning no decline in matchday revenues”.

According to The Daily Mail, Old Trafford has become the butt of many jokes with Checkatrade (a site which connects homeowners with approved local tradespeople) putting up a giant poster taking aim at Old Trafford’s leaky roof within a stone’s throw of the stadium last month.

United fans will be excited by this news. On the one hand it would be sad to say goodbye to the iconic Old Trafford, but if they could build a new stadium right beside the old one, it would make the transition much easier.

Additionally, a club the size of United need a stadium which is best in class and sadly, The Theatre of Dreams is a long way from that as things currently stand.

4

Manchester United’s Boxing Day fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford gives Erik ten Hag the opportunity to show new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he has the right man at the helm to take the club forward.

United’s woeful form must finally push the manager into trying a different approach from the one that has let him down so badly so far this season.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund is still waiting for his first Premier League goal and has had virtually no service from the wings, or indeed from the midfield.

The lack of a deep-lying playmaker has been a problem all season and so one immediate change is that we expect Christian Eriksen to be brought back in alongside a holding mid, which should be either Kobbie Mainoo or Sofyan Amrabat.

Scott McTominay has been overused and despite being the side’s leading scorer, the shape required to accommodate his more attacking role has been a part of United’s problem. If nothing else, he needs a rest.

Alejandro Garnacho has been United’s best winger (of a bad bunch) this season but his inability to provide for Hojlund and his profligacy in front of goal could persuade Ten Hag he also needs to be rested, with Marcus Rashford coming back in to his favoured role on the left.

Antony’s form on the other wing has been shocking. Ten Hag said in the presser that Amad Diallo might finally be ready to play after a long lay-off, but we think Facu Pellistri might be given a rare start, with Amad taking over around the hour mark.

Bruno Fernandes should retain his usual number 10 role.

Ten Hag confirmed that Anthony Martial is still unavailable and Casemiro will not be ready before mid January. Mason Mount is still not training on the grass.

In defence, Diogo Dalot is expected to return after serving a one-match ban for the double yellow received at Anfield. Aaron Wan-Bissaka played well against West Ham but the manager seems to be leaning toward the Portuguese more at the moment.

The boss said Raphael Varane should return to the side and so he is expected to partner Jonny Evans at centre back, with Luke Shaw on the left.

Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia remain unavailable.

Andre Onana will be in goal.

With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for tonight’s 8pm kick off: