Category: Football

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Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is on course to become the new coach of Bayern Munich, according to multiple reports.

The German is infamous among United fans for his dire spell in charge of the club where he had a meagre Premier League match winning percentage of 41.7% – the lowest among any coach in the club’s history since 1992.

However, he did gain some credit among fans for his frank and honest appraisal of the state of play at the club in his admission that the club required “open heart surgery.”

As new part-owners INEOS have already gutted the executive level with numerous new faces arriving at Old Trafford, and the news that most players are available for sale suggests the club probably should have listened to the controversial manager two years ago.

Since then, Rangnick has rebuilt his reputation as he led Austria to Euro 2024 qualification and has been linked with the soon-to-be vacant Bayern Munich job.

The 65 year old previously denied that he would be interested in the Bundesliga role as he was focusing on Austria’s Euros campaign but things have clearly changed since then.

The BBC report that “negotiations between Bayern Munich and Austria boss Ralf Rangnick are ongoing over him becoming their new manager.”

“It is believed Bayern think Rangnick can rebuild success at the club after Bayer Leverkusen halted their run of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles this season.”

Probably the two most interesting updates come from the fact that Bayern are currently not talking to anyone else and want to make a decision very shortly.

“Bayern are not in discussions with any other manager and a decision is expected to be made by the end of the week. Rangnick is believed to be interested in the role because it is an opportunity to reshape things during a time of confusion at the club.”

Simialry, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Austrian manager is on the verge of taking the reigns at the Allianz Arena, describing his appointment as “really close.”

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🚨 FC Bayern are discussing final details with Ralf Rangnick in order to complete the agreement really soon. The appointment is really close.

Main part of the points about project, influence of the manager for signings/outgoings and more have been discussed; it’s been positive. pic.twitter.com/SoSDMl8CQi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 1, 2024

At the moment, all signs point to him being the next manager at Bayern Munich and what a turnaround in fortunes it would be.

The former Red Bull Leipzig coach was derided during his time in England and when he left United in the spring of 2022, with his reputation at an all-time low. However, now he finds himself on the cusp of landing one of the biggest jobs club football has to offer.

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Andre Onana’s former teammate at Ajax Ryan Babel has accused the Manchester United defenders, especially Harry Maguire, of making the goalkeeper look worse than he actually is.

Onana’s life at Old Trafford started horribly as he made high-profile errors that dearly cost United, especially in the Champions League.

The Cameroonian’s howlers were intensely scrutinised and he became the object of criticism and at times, even ridicule.

However, Onana seems to have now turned a corner and is showing signs of what prompted United to fork out huge money to secure his services from Inter Milan last summer.

During a tumultuous period for the Red Devils in which they’ve struggled to achieve consistency in results and performances, he has come up with some fine saves that have kept the team in games.

He however suffered a setback during United’s 1-1 draw against Burnley when he conceded a late penalty, which Zeki Amdouni scored to deny the 20-time English champions all three points.

Babel – now retired – gave his opinion on Onana’s situation at United and bizarrely blamed Maguire in particular for his troubles.

The former winger, who also played for Liverpool pointed out, “I know the spotlight is on Onana a lot in this United team, but the mistakes we’ve seen are as a result of a combination of things.”

“Onana, at Ajax, had a back four in front of him who were all incredible with the ball at their feet. Respectfully, if Onana is then playing with Harry Maguire, then that immediately puts Onana in trouble, because he’s playing with defenders who aren’t opening themselves up, or making the right runs, so that Onana has options to play, and that puts him in trouble.”

“At Ajax, Onana had the privilege of four great defenders, and Frenkie de Jong in front of them. Onana is a great goalkeeper, but they made him look even better. If a set of players don’t work well together, it makes some of those players in particular look terrible. In this case, that’s what Onana has experienced.”

Babel added, “Absolutely, though, some mistakes have been completely his fault; sometimes you question his positioning, or you just wonder what he’s doing.”

“He’s not been himself in my opinion, but from what I know of him, and what I’ve seen, he’s an incredibly talented goalkeeper, and I hope that more people can see that next season for Manchester United.”

Onana and United return to action next week when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

 

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The latest executive changes to the structure at Manchester United after the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been announced.

While the departure of Patrick Stewart, who was just a placeholder till Omar Berrada came in was expected although a bit earlier than expected, the second change has huge ramifications for the future of the club.

United’s Chief Financial Officer Cliff Baty is leaving and in his place will arrive Roger Bell, the INEOS CFO with more than 40 years of experience in the field of finance.

Not only was this move never mooted to be in the works, but it directly conflicts with the parameter of the deal made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe to take a stake in the club.

Under the terms of the deal, as is in the public domain, Sir Jim was going to be in control of sporting matters while the financial side of the club was still under the Glazers.

Every appointment before Bell’s was in that direction, especially the potential arrival of Dan Ashworth and the signing of Jason Wilcox.

However, it is curious to see an INEOS man take over what is the top “financial” job at the club.

The role of the Chief Financial Officer is extremely delineated from sporting matters and performances on the pitch.

It is why Cliff Baty was a name rarely heard of by fans whenever there were talks about United’s poor performances and structure.

The brunt would always be borne by Director of Football John Murtough or the then CEOs Richard Arnold or Ed Woodward.

Baty would only be heard from when United held conference calls with investors to inform them of the latest financial condition of the club.

No sporting matters would be decided by the CFO which is why this appointment signifies only one of two things, both monumental.

Either Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already overreaching his authority at the club, which means Glazers’ power is a lot less than first thought when the deal was confirmed.

Or, there is a lot more to this deal that is not known and the public briefings were a way for everyone to save face while most of the power is already in Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hands.

Either way, this appointment, likely to be the least glamorous in the long run, has the potential to be the most significant one in the “new era”.

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26

Manchester United have announced the three players who will battle it out against each other for the club’s April Player of the Month award.

United played six matches across all competitions. In this period, Erik ten Hag’s men recorded two victories, one loss and three draws – the most recent one of which was the 1-1 against Burnley at Old Trafford last weekend.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes is competing to win the prestigious award against teammates Alejandro Garnacho and Harry Maguire

Fernandes has enjoyed a sensational April that saw him bag an impressive seven goals and two assists in the six games he featured.

The Portugal international found the back of the net against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final and also grabbed braces vs. Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

Such was the level of Fernandes’ impact on the team in April that he was named man-of-the-match on three of the six occasions United faced off against their opponents.

Three of Fernandes’ goals are also in the running to claim United’s Goal of the Month prize too. These are his headed finish at Chelsea, his fantastic strike from the halfway line against Liverpool and finally the rocket he produced in the 4-2 triumph over Premier League strugglers Sheffield United.

Garnacho capped the month with two goals and one assist in the six games he featured. The 19-year-old is on the three-man shortlist for a Player of the Month award for the second consecutive month, in what is shaping up to be a very productive individual campaign for him.

The Argentine winger kicked off April with a double against Chelsea and it was very unfortunate that he was part of the losing side on that occasion. One of his goals – the headed finish he came up with from Antony’s sublime trivela assist – is an entry in United’s shortlist for the Goal of the Month award.

His assist was for Maguire’s equalising goal vs. the Blades which paved the way for United to complete a sensational comeback.

In Marcus Rashford’s absence due to injury in the Reds’ last two games, Garnacho really stepped up and stood up to be counted.

Finally, Maguire also scored two goals against Coventry City and then in the next game vs. Sheffield. Unsurprisingly, both were headed finishes.

It may go unnoticed but Maguire was available to Ten Hag for selection amidst a crippling injury crisis that forced him to mostly play alongside Casemiro at the heart of the team’s backline. The England international barely put a foot wrong.

United will announce the winner of the Player of the Month and Goal of the Month awards on Friday.

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Manchester United have officially announced interim Chief Executive Officer Patrick Stewart and Chief Financial Officer Cliff Baty will leave the club at the end of the season.

United have confirmed the news in a statement issued via the club’s website.

More to follow…

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has responded to the speculation surrounding his future amidst suggestions that he could be sold in the upcoming transfer window.

Yesterday, a bombshell report from The Telegraph revealed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are plotting a radical summer overhaul of playing personnel as they aim to kickstart the new era at United on a high note.

This season, United have endured a dreary and very disappointing campaign that has seen them suffer 12 top-flight defeats.

Champions League qualification is no longer possible for Erik ten Hag’s men who currently lie in sixth position. With Newcastle closing in fast, United are facing an uphill battle to even clinch Europa League football.

The only hope the Red Devils of somewhat restoring some dignity and pride that has already been lost is by beating Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final later in May.

The Telegraph explained that INEOS could consider bids even for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Fernandes. No one in the starting XI is untouchable except Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo.

The prospect of Fernandes potentially exiting Old Trafford was brought up once again by BBC who confirmed that the Portugal international could indeed be let go if United were to receive a “major offer.”

The club skipper spoke to DAZNPortugal and addressed his situation and the chances of him carrying on with the 20-time English champions.

When asked whether he could say goodbye to the Premier League in the coming weeks, he replied, “I’m not thinking about other things at the moment.”

“Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.”

“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far. We could still end the season by winning the cup. After that, we have a very important Euros coming up.”

Fernandes added, “So if you want me to be very honest if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League.”

“It won’t be until after the EUROs because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the EUROs, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”

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🗣️ “Um jogador tem que sempre querer cá estar, mas, ao mesmo tempo, têm que querer que ele cá fique e, neste momento, sinto isso de ambas as partes”

🎙️ Bruno Fernandes em exclusivo à DAZN#PremierELEVEN pic.twitter.com/UX8pqhEgci

— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) April 30, 2024

Despite United’s struggles on the pitch this term Fernandes has still managed to put up very impressive numbers. The 29-year-old has plundered 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.

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5

Manchester United’s senior team may have struggled but the age group teams have been on fire with the famed United academy churning out one top talent after the other.

The United U18s clinched the U18 Premier League North title while losing only twice all season while they also clinched the Premier League Cup for the first time. The U21s have also qualified for the play-offs, where they will face off against Arsenal.

The academy has been the source of the only sliver of hope this season from a first team perspective as most high-profile names have struggled this season.

Erik ten Hag has benefited from the breakthroughs of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo while the rampaging injury crisis has seen him hand out debuts to the likes of Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala, Omari Forson and most recently, Ethan Wheatley.

Lacey’s season done

The forward became the 250th academy graduate to make his debut for the first team, a remarkable record and testament to the hard work done behind the scenes.

As relayed by The Peoples Person, 17-year-old Shea Lacey was next in line for a possible debut before the season concluded. But that has to wait now.

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Gutted to have picked up another injury to finish my season early looking forward to next season 😤🤞🏼 pic.twitter.com/wgV1MdiHnf

— Shea lacey (@Shealacey10) April 29, 2024

The winger revealed on social media that he has once again suffered an injury setback and is set to be out for the remainder of the season.

“Gutted to have picked up another injury to finish my season early looking forward to next season,” the Liverpudlian wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Fans eager to see him make his debut

Lacey, who recently signed his first professional deal with the club, was out for over five months due to a torn thigh muscle which restricted him to only 10 appearances this season.

Since regaining fitness, he has been a constant presence in first team training sessions where he has impressed the Dutch manager.

Following this latest setback, the club should try and look after the super talented wonderkid even more to ensure fewer disruptions moving forward.

Hopefully, the England U17 international can regain fitness before pre-season commences as fans are desperate to see him feature for the first team and they believe they have their “very own Lionel Messi“.

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New co-owners INEOS have plans to reshape the Manchester United squad moving forward as they seek to try and return the club to the top of the English footballing pyramid.

However, after years of bad investment in the transfer market, PSR concerns have caught up with the Red Devils and they first need to focus on moving players on and raising capital before thinking about recruitment.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a large-scale summer clearout which includes high-profile names such as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford even though the Mancunian would prefer to stay and fight for his place.

Players who are out on loan are all expected to be sold with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood staring at the exit door.

Greenwood’s future

But unlike the Glazers, INEOS have plans to be much more ruthless when it comes to sales and they will not agree to any cut-price deals for their stars.

Greenwood’s exploits in Spain for Getafe include 10 goals and six assists in 31 games across all competitions and the 20-time English league champions will not sell him on the cheap.

Getafe want to keep the versatile forward for the long term while they are not averse to the idea of another loan. Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were also chasing the England international while Juventus reportedly are in the lead currently.

But as ESPN have revealed, United want between £30-£40 million for the 22-year-old and Getafe are in no position to pay that much. Both Barca and Atleti have also removed themselves from the race.

The Old Lady seem to think they can get their man on the cheap or use United’s interest in Gleison Bremer as leverage. But United remain firm on their asking price and should they not receive a satisfactory offer, a return to Old Trafford could be on the cards for Greenwood.

“Another academy graduate, Mason Greenwood, is expected to depart this summer with the club seeking a permanent deal for the 22-year-old.

“Greenwood has scored 10 goals on loan at Getafe this season but it’s unlikely the Spanish team will be able to fund a permanent transfer. United are looking for between £30m and £40m.

“A source has told ESPN that, as with Rashford, United will not accept a significantly reduced fee and if the club’s demands are not met, Greenwood could return to Old Trafford.”

INEOS have huge call to make

The United forward was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was suspended by the club two seasons ago.

Those charges were subsequently dropped, and United’s own internal investigation also ended with manager Erik ten Hag keen to reintegrate the academy graduate back into the first team.

But fan backlash meant former CEO Richard Arnold’s decision had to be reversed and the club was forced to send him out on loan to Spain.

Despite what Sir Jim has said about the forward in the past, it would be a controversial move to bring back Greenwood. The player himself is not too keen and a huge summer awaits both the player and his parent club.

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4

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen claims that he is happy at the club, despite his lack of game time this season.

The Dane moved to Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer of 2022 and was a regular in United’s midfield last year, playing 44 times in all competitions. However, this season has been an entirely different story.

The midfielder has only played 24 time, frequently relegated to the bench. Whilst Eriksen has started the last two games due to injury to Scott McTominay and Casemiro having to fill in at centre back, it is not a vote of confidence from Erik ten Hag.

The extent of the Dane’s lack of playing time can be seen in the fact from the 14th of January until the 13th of April he only made it off the bench once in the Premier League, playing 37 minutes in a 1-2 home defeat to Fulham in February.

It had been reported that as a result, Eriksen was naturally unhappy with his playing time and wanted out of the club. However, Ten Hag soon quashed such rumours, suggesting it was just “supporter talk”.

In a later interview, the Dutchman went on to explain that his decrease in minutes were down to the spectacular rise to prominence of Kobbie Mainoo in the middle of the park.

The Dane has been linked to moves to Turkey and his former side, Ajax.

However, this may not be the plans of the 32 year old. Whilst admitting his future is far from settled he outlined his happiness to be at club like Manchester United in a recent interview with ViaPlay (via Tipsbladet).

When asked about his future at the club beyond the summer he claimed, “I do not know. I still have a year left on the United contract, so for now, I’m still a United player. So what will happen this summer, I don’t know.”

“But I am incredibly happy to be here. It’s a great club and I feel good, so we’ll see what happens. But as I said, I have one year left.”

Interestingly, Eriksen may be happy to play the role of bit part player at the club or he may be hoping that with INEOS’ intention to implement a more possession based style, he will have more opportunities next season to show his worth as he is poorly equipped to deal with the transition football Ten Hag has demanded from his side this year.

Furthermore, with the likes of Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat already seemingly having one foot out the door of the club, the Dane may figure there will be more opportunities in midfield for him next campaign.

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2

Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has admitted that Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood is affected by the constant abusive chants directed at him during games by rival supporters.

A week ago, Greenwood was once again the subject of abuse during Getafe’s 1-1 La Liga clash against Real Sociedad.

The Englishman provided an assist on that occasion to help his side get a share of the points.

A report covered by The Peoples Person noted that there were chants of “Greenwood die” and “Greenwood r—-t” in the stands from travelling Real Sociedad supporters.

It’s believed that the chants were heard by the referees who included the incident in their match reports to La Liga.

This was not the first time fans of other clubs targeted Greenwood. Back in January, the Osasuna faithful let him know how they felt as they also chanted death threats at him.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was also accused of insulting the Carrington academy graduate by labelling him a “r—-t”.

Spanish football authorities investigated the Bellingham situation, but in the end, no action was taken against the midfielder.

Over the weekend, Greenwood bagged a brace for Getafe in their 3-1 win vs.  top-flight strugglers Almeria.

Bordalas spoke to Marca (via Goal) and addressed the abusive chanting against Greenwood. The 60-year-old coach said, “He is calm, he is happy, he is treated very well.”

“The boy has had exemplary behaviour. His team-mates help him. I am sure [chanting] affects him.”

“You know my opinion, I am against any insult, whoever the player is, whether it’s a hundred or one, I can’t say anything else.”

Greenwood was of course controversially suspended in January 2022 after he was arrested on suspicion of raping and assaulting a woman. He was then charged with the offences but the case against him was eventually dropped, with the Crown Prosecution Service citing the withdrawal of key witnesses.

United subsequently launched an internal investigation into the matter and had provisionally planned to bring him back until their plans got leaked, prompting them to perform a U-turn and send him out on loan to Getafe.

In Spain, Greenwood has rediscovered some of his form and showed glimpses of the incredible talent he is. He has so far this term plundered 10 goals and six assists in 31 games across all competitions.

His Old Trafford future remains uncertain and a definitive transfer decision on him is certainly one of the things INEOS will need to make in the summer.

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