Category: Football

Manchester United have been urged to sign Moises Caicedo by former player Antonio Valencia after the midfielder’s excellent form for club and country.

The 20-year-old Ecuadorian had praise heaped upon him by his compatriot in a La Radio Redonda interview.

“I hope Moisés Caicedo can go to a big team in England, he is a humble boy, he was born to be great and I hope he can come to #ManchesterUnited ”

(Translated by Twitter)

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Antonio Valencia, histórico jugador de la selección ecuatoriana, habla en #LaRadioRedonda.

“Ojalá Moisés Caicedo pueda ir a un equipo grande de Inglaterra, es un chico humilde, él nació para ser grande y ojalá pueda venir al #ManchesterUnited” pic.twitter.com/uUuKAO9qPJ

— La Radio Redonda (@LaRadioRedonda) September 22, 2022

The Brighton and Hove Albion player has impressed since his move from Independiente del Valle.

United were mooted to be interested in signing Caicedo directly from the Ecuadorian league but encountered issues dealing with third parties and may have had concerns over the player’s ability to adapt to the Premier League.

Those concerns have been dashed by the midfielder’s performances in England, with Caicedo even registering his first Premier League goal against Man United last season.

He has become a key player for Brighton, putting in an incredible performance at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season.

In that match, Caicedo registered four tackles, three interceptions, and eight duels won, as he shut down United’s attempts to play through midfield on their way to a 2-1 defeat.

The aftermath saw United linked with a big-money move for the Ecuadorian, although the Red Devils opted to sign Real Madrid’s Casemiro instead to reinforce their engine room.

However there is certainly room for another midfielder in Erik ten Hag’s squad and Caicedo’s energy and dynamism could be a huge boost for a side that still lack options in the centre of the pitch.

A January scramble is on the cards, with Chelsea and Liverpool both interested.

But Manchester United may still be favourites to land the star, given Caicedo has previously declared it his “dream” to play for the Red Devils.

Manchester United’s striking options could be boosted for free next summer, with major players available at the end of the season.

United’s need to bolster their attacking ranks is clear; with Cristiano Ronaldo likely to leave Old Trafford for the second time, Ten Hag will be short on numbers at the top end of the pitch.

As reported in the Manchester Evening News, good options are available in terms of quality and economic sense.

Ronaldo is currently the only recognised striker at the club, but his lack of fitness and form has meant Marcus Rashford has been filling the role, with Anthony Martial, Ten Hag’s preferred option, out injured.

Rashford isn’t the most natural number nine, and Martial’s inability to stay off the treatment table means the centre forward position will be prioritised next summer.

Lyon’s Moussa Dembele is someone United have had a long-standing interest in, and his contract runs out at the end of the season.

Dembele is a natural centre forward and would bring a decent pedigree to the role, having impressed at Lyon since his move from Celtic in 2018.

The Frenchman had played in the Premier League before with Fulham, where he scored 15 goals in the league for the London club. So far, Dembele has started this season in decent form, grabbing a couple of goals in Ligue 1.

Another option comes in the shape of an old flame and Memphis Depay.

Depay will almost certainly leave Barcelona in the summer, who now have an embarrassment of riches at the Camp Nou. Depay hasn’t disgraced himself in Spain, serving the club well in a tricky season, last time out,

The Dutchman will feel as though he has unfinished business at United, having been moved on quicker than he would have liked in his first stint.

The Dutchman would return a more experienced player and person, equally important when dealing with Old Trafford and all that comes with it.

A final option would be Dortmund’s young German star, Youssoufa Moukoko.

At just 17 years old, there appears to be no ceiling to Moukoko’s potential; quick, strong, and with an eye for goal, Moukoko is tipped to be the next big thing to come out of Germany.

The potential is there to provide United with an answer to their striking problem for the next decade and beyond.

Having burst their budget with some rushed business at the back end of this year’s transfer window, these alternatives represent serious options for the United board.

The hierarchy at the club can take particular confidence in the free transfer market, with Christian Eriksen proving to be one of the coups of the summer, having signed on a free from Brentford.

Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Jan Oblak and could be forced into decisive action in January.

According to The Mirror, Atletico Madrid are considering selling their goalkeeper in the winter transfer window to avoid losing him for free.

Oblak’s contract expires next summer, and he will be a liberty to negotiate a Bosman move from January 1st.

Should Atletico hope to recoup a fee for their top shot-stopper, they will need to sanction a transfer away in that month.

David de Gea is the current number one at Old Trafford, but concerns over his distribution and declining form have caused the Red Devils to hesitate to extend his contract beyond this season.

His mammoth wages are another concern, with De Gea currently the highest earning goalkeeper in world football.

He is even the highest earning Spaniard in world football.

Oblak did not enjoy his best form last season, but at just 29 years of age there is plenty of time to recapture the performance levels that have entered him into discussions over the best goalkeepers in the game.

He is generally positive in claiming crosses, a big weakness for the incumbent number one at Man United.

In terms of distribution, Oblak is generally regarded as very good.

The Atletico system often requires him to go more direct with his passes, but he has shown that he is capable of mixing it up with his short game as well.

Should United opt to trade ‘keepers midseason, they could certainly do a lot worse than signing Jan Oblak.

Tyrell Malacia scored a wonderful goal while training with the Netherlands, sending Louis van Gaal into raptures on the side-lines.

The Manchester United fullback went on a trademark underlap that took him into the opposition penalty area.

He then wrong-footed a defender before curling an effort around two and the goalkeeper with the outside of his left boot.

The deft finish elicited an effusive “Ooooh Malacia!” from former United boss Van Gaal, along with some stunned expressions from Malacia’s teammates.

@ESPNnl tweeted the video earlier, along with:

“Tyrell Malacia gets Louis van Gaal screaming with outside left”

(Translated by twitter)

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Tyrell Malacia krijgt Louis van Gaal met buitenkant links aan het schreeuwen 🤣 pic.twitter.com/A4hE2Qe77e

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) September 24, 2022

Malacia did not feature in the Netherlands’ 2-0 Nations League win over Poland on Thursday, with Daley Blind preferred at left wingback.

However he is in line for a start against fierce rivals Belgium today in a 19.45 kick-off.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fine start to his Manchester United career, ousting Luke Shaw to become first-choice left back for the club.

The tenacity that earned him the moniker “Pitbull” during his time at Feyenoord has endeared him to teammates and fans alike.

Malacia will hope to continue his impressive form upon returning from international duty, with a crucial fixture against Manchester City awaiting the Red Devils.

Manchester United had begun the new Premier League season in dismal fashion, losing back-to-back matches against Brighton and Brentford.

The hammering at the hands of the Bees was partly due to David de Gea as he was directly responsible for three of the four goals conceded on the day.

The Spaniard had come out post match and personally apologised and accepted that he was to blame for his team’s poor display. Manager Erik ten Hag had supported his goalkeeper and insisted that, “I am convinced that he can do it.”

DDG woes

The Dutchman is known for his penchant for playing out from the back and he expects his goalkeeper to be able to initiate attacks and be quick off his line.

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🗞 #mufc are weighing up whether to trigger David de Gea’s contract option as they assess they assess their long-term plan. Jordan Pickford has clubs carefully monitoring his situation at Everton. [@mcgrathmike]

— UtdDistrict 🔰 (@UtdDistrict) September 24, 2022

The Spaniard is a fine shot-stopper but is not the most adept when it comes to playing out from the back and his propensity to remain rooted to the line is another mitigating factor.

Another issue with the 31-year-old is his humongous wages which is reportedly in excess of £350,000 per week, making him one of the highest-earners at the club.

So unconvinced was the Dutch manager that he forced the club to bring in Martin Dubravka on loan as competition for the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper.

Amidst this struggle comes the news broken by The Daily Telegraph that “Manchester United are weighing up whether to trigger David de Gea’s contract option.” The Spanish international has nine months left in his contract.

DDG out, Pickford in?

His form coupled with the increase in United’s wage bill which “reached a Premier League record £384 million for last season” have been mentioned as the reasons behind the Red Devils’ dithering.

United have the option of triggering a one-year extension but they are aware they can get a cheaper alternative who will “earn significantly less given the current market values”.

Jan Oblak was mentioned as a possible replacement with his contract with Atletico Madrid also set to end in 2023. Dean Henderson could also be in line to become the new No 1 if he keeps performing at Nottingham Forest.

The report mentions that De Gea can still salvage the situation. “His form in the next phase of the season is the opportunity to make a compelling case to stay.”

The article makes yet another revelation by stating that the Old Trafford outfit are “currently assessing their long-term plan and a change of No 1 could bring the likes of England and Everton’s Jordan Pickford into the frame.”

The Everton goalie has regained his form and his contract situation with the Merseyside outfit means a lot of clubs including United are monitoring his situation closely.

Manchester United’s Brazilian stars contributed to an impressive 3-0 victory in an international friendly against Ghana yesterday.

Brazil manager Tite had special praise for out-on-loan Alex Telles.

“Alex Telles played a great game and I believe that was clear. He’s been in a position that’s more suited to his style of play.”

Telles has made just one league start for Sevilla since joining the La Liga side in the summer, although he did start in both Champions League group stage games.

Rusty or not, Tite trusted the left back with the full 90 minutes against Ghana and was rewarded with a fine showing.

Antony also came off the bench to replace Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior with half an hour to go although by that stage the game was done and dusted.

United fans will be very pleased to hear that Casemiro started and played to the hour mark.

The marquee midfielder has been eased in at Old Trafford in part due to a need to boost his match fitness.

Another 63 minutes in the legs will surely aid him in his battle with a revitalised Scott McTominay for the holding midfield position.

Partnered with the adventurous Lucas Paqueta, with Neymar in the ten position ahead, Casemiro demonstrated his ability to stabilise an otherwise audacious midfield setup once again.

It is that ability that makes United fans keen to see him settle into the first eleven, where his presence will no doubt be a boost to Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes ahead of him.

With a chance for more match fitness against Tunisia on Tuesday, Casemiro may well come back cooked to perfection for Manchester United’s derby showdown at the Etihad the following Sunday.

After a thrilling display in the opening week of the WSL, Marc Skinner’s Manchester United side are looking for another win this weekend when they travel to West Ham on Sunday.

In a press conference on Friday, Skinner addressed the injuries he’s got in his squad and predicted when fans may next see them in action.

The biggest concern is Aoife Mannion, who will not be match ready until January. “I think we’re probably looking at game-ready in January, but she’s progressing really nicely and has been excellent in her rehab,” Skinner said.

Two of United’s new signings, Grace Clinton and Rachel Williams, have been ruled out of this weekend’s action too.

Skinner said “Grace Clinton may be out this weekend. She picked up a little cold in the week and has missed a couple of days training.”

When speaking about Williams, he said, “We’re probably looking at another two or three weeks.”

Switching attentions to the game itself Skinner said, “I have no doubt, we have to be on our mettle against them.”

Last year’s away fixture at West Ham ended in a draw and Skinner knows that can’t happen again this year.

“It was single points from draws that let us down last year,” he says. “There’s always a good or bad draw if that makes sense – if you dominate the game and draw, it feels like a bad point, but if you just grab a draw at the end it turns into a good point.”

But just like United, West Ham have strengthened and improved over the summer and that was evident in their win against Everton at the weekend.

“I thought their forward line looked bright and dangerous. In their back line, Cissoko is very good in the one-v-one areas, Parker builds up a little bit better with the ball but has great ability,” he said.

Speaking of his game plan, despite the injuries, Skinner believes there’s strength and depth in his squad to try different things. “We have a couple of game models we could use against West Ham – if we start with one we could adapt to another, but it’s what the opponent gives you on the day and we’ve got to take advantage of that. I feel we’re in a better space this year to be able to score goals,” the manager said.

He continued, “We blew Reading away in 35 minutes. I’m not expecting that every week, but you have to be relevant throughout the whole of the game and I think that’s going to be one of our key aspects.”

Skinner also touched upon the support he and the team has from other members of the club, “We will always be supported here as a women’s team. I thoroughly believe that.”

He continued, “John Murtough (football director) and Andy O’Boyle (deputy football director) were over watching the training session today. Steve McClaren (men’s assistant manager) was over the other day watching. We have that constant interaction and I have constant meetings with Andy and John.”

He concluded by assessing the league as a whole and how it’s changed, particularly thinking of Chelsea and City’s defeats last weekend and what that shows moving forward.

“It was a really good warning without us physically taking that warning. It shows the gap is shortening. But there is really interesting focus points within it of styles of football.”

United will take on West Ham on Sunday 25th September at 3pm.

Former Barcelona player and manager Ronald Koeman has urged Manchester United to give Erik ten Hag time at the club.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Koeman passionately pleaded with supporters and decision-makers at the club to be patient with Ten Hag, who he backed as the right man for the Old Trafford job.

The 59-year-old heaped praise on his fellow countryman, outlining some of the attributes that set him apart from his peers.

Koeman said, “He [Ten Hag] is a coach who likes good football.”

“He likes to play attacking football and with some good signings and time he will bring United back to the top of the Premier League.”

The former Everton boss added, “You need time as a coach.”

“I think United understands that they have to give Erik that time and then United will come back, I’m sure of that.”

United fans will certainly agree with Koeman on their manager, who has already shown glimpses of his brilliance as seen in his effect on the team already.

The Reds are currently on a four-game winning streak in the league and finally kick-started their Europa League campaign with a win against Moldovan opposition, Sheriff Tiraspol.

Ten Hag and his men have certainly done well in turning around what was a disastrous start to the campaign that saw the team lose in their opening two games domestically.

Many will undoubtedly concur with Koeman’s sentiments that patience is required and that the manager must be accorded adequate time to get his philosophy across to the players. However, there is also a recognition that football is a results-based business – something the manager will be fully aware of.

When the international break comes to an end, United face an acid test in the form of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The derby, on-paper, threatens to be Ten Hag’s greatest challenge yet in his time in England.

Former Manchester United left back Paul Parker blasted Bruno Fernandes for his recent comments.

In an exclusive interview with Adam Crafton (The Athletic), Bruno shared his thoughts on the season.

He spoke about how he gets unfairly criticised sometimes, comparing himself with Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe.

Parker has no time for Bruno’s excuses and criticised him for his attitude:

“I don’t think that’s any excuse. There’s been a lot of money spent on individuals to play for that club, and they haven’t signed there to be told what to do all the time.”

“A lot was expected of them, and they haven’t followed through. Nowhere near.”

“It is quite obvious that Bruno Fernandes is saying that to detox himself more than anything.”

“Coming out and saying there have been a lot of managers because you and your teammates haven’t been delivering is embarrassing.”

The 28 year old’s performances have deteriorated since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo last season.

His goal and assist numbers have dried up drastically, and he looks like a shadow of the player he was in the 2020-21 season.

Parker says, “It seems like he has a too high opinion of himself, and I think he should actually engage his brain before he opens his mouth.”

“I really don’t understand why Fernandes has this need to come out and speak all of a sudden when he really has not performed for a long time.”

“I would never have said that when I was playing for Manchester United. If I was asked this under Ferguson, I would turn away without answering because the manager would never have accepted that.”

“It is really up to the club who they want to sign, so the players should not be talking of things like this.”

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes.

The 21 year old is one of South America’s best talents and is ready to take the next step in his career.

Liverpool are said to be the other club keen on landing the Brazilian this January.

According to talkSPORT, United considered making a move in the summer, potentially offering Andreas Pereira as part of a swap deal.

South American football expert said:

“It looked like they [United] might have been interested in him when Andreas Pereira was on loan from United at Flamengo,” he explained.

“In the end, [Pereira] ended up going to Fulham. There was speculation that in exchange for that deal, they might take Joao Gomes, but they didn’t.”

Pereira was sold to Fulham for a fee of £10 million.

Gomes would be a fantastic signing for United. He is highly versatile and can operate in multiple midfield positions.

His defensive attributes are impressive, and his playing style has been compared to Fabinho.

Gomes has openly stated his desire to join Liverpool, so one would assume they have the upper hand in negotiations.

Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge fan of the player, and is adamant on getting him this January.