Category: Football

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has given his verdict on one of Manchester United’s most controversial topics, the captaincy.

Current skipper Harry Maguire has come under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks over his possession of the armband.

After a poor season last campaign and the England international seemingly relegated to the bench with Erik ten Hag favouring a centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, the topic has again emerged.

In many sections of the fanbase, numerous supporters have suggested that a captaincy switch is of utmost importance.

In an exclusive with Lord Ping, Petit seemed to support a change of captaincy for the Red Devils.

He was asked whether Varane, a serial winner with Real Madrid and a man who has been in excellent form for his club this season, should replace Maguire.

Petit, however, backed a surprise candidate, Eriksen.

“The one player that should receive the Manchester United captaincy is Christian Eriksen.”

“He has the personality and the character, and he always gives the best version of himself on the pitch.”

“Raphael Varane has played at a very good level.”

“But he’s very shy, and he doesn’t have the temper or the personality to be the Manchester United captain.”

While the 51-year-old is right about Eriksen and the quality he brings to Old Trafford, many will vehemently disagree with him on his sentiments toward Varane.

The French defender, a fan favourite, is a leader in the dressing room, a quality that earned him plaudits from Ten Hag after the Liverpool victory where he barely put a foot wrong.

Manchester United comfortably got past Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 in their second Europa League game of the campaign.

It was Sheriff that started the game on the front foot, dominating possession for the first ten minutes.

United’s first attack came from Cristiano Ronaldo but he gifted possession back to Sheriff who had the first real chance of the half.

It was Mouhamed Diop who took a long range shot but it failed to hit the target.

Ronaldo had a point to prove to his new manager and he was growing into the game and causing the hosts problems with his movement.

However, It was Jadon Sancho who made the breakthrough after Christian Eriksen‘s fine reverse pass.

Sancho controlled it expertly, faked a shot to make space for himself before slotting it into the bottom corner.

Sheriff tried to respond with Cedric Badolo whose effort from distance went narrowly wide with David de Gea rooted to his spot.

Diogo Dalot was subsequently brought down in the box by Patrick Kpozo just before half-time and the referee pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo stepped up and slotted it down the middle to make it 2-0 to United.

Sheriff came out fighting in the second half but Diop’s final-third decision making saw their first chance snuffle out.

At the other end, United weren’t letting their foot off the gas as Bruno Fernandes had a shot that was brilliantly saved by the keeper.

United took a breather and began to control the game as they began knocking it around the midfield.

Ronaldo’s goal gave him the confidence to try one from distance but it flew over the bar.

Although Sheriff had chances, De Gea did not have a lot to do but in the 75th minute he was forced into a save after Badolo took a long range shot.

United played a risky game in the closing stages. Casemiro fouled on the edge of the box and Sheriff had a chance to get back into it.

Sancho lay down behind the United wall but Badalo still managed to get under the wall and forced De Gea into a save.

United managed to hold on and pick up their first win of the Europa League campaign.

Team: de Gea, Dalot (Shaw 70), Varane, Martinez (Maguire 90), Malacia, McTominay (Casemiro 45), Eriksen, Fernandes, Antony (Garnacho 90), Sancho, Ronaldo (Elanga 81).

Manchester United’s next test is against Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol and Erik ten Hag will be hoping his side can recover their momentum after falling to a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener.

The Red Devils’ Premier League form has seen a massive upturn with four wins on the trot following losses in their opening two games against Brighton and Brentford.

The four wins include the scalps of arch-rivals Liverpool and current league leaders Arsenal. Two away wins against Southampton and Leicester City have added to the feel-good factor around Carrington.

Momentum lost?

That momentum has slowly dissipated following the Queen’s death which had forced the Premier League to cancel two of United’s fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leeds United.

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Ten Hag on more training time: “I think we had good days, where we could give the players some time for themselves, but then also, after that, we had that time when we had some really good sessions. I think it will be really beneficial for the future, and to start tomorrow.” [mu]

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 15, 2022

But Ten Hag is not necessarily seeing it that way. He feels the team can be well served with the additional time spent training at Carrington.

The players also got some much-needed rest and could give their all in the training sessions.

“I think we had good days, where we could give the players some time for themselves, but then also, after that, we had that that time when we had some really good sessions.

I think it will be really beneficial for the future, and to start tomorrow,” the Dutch boss was quoted as saying by the club’s media team.

One of the major challenges for the manager will be to keep his squad happy and ready for United’s condensed fixtures list following the international break.

ETH happy with extra training

Rotation will be key but the manager is not thinking that far ahead at the moment.

“First, we have to see this game. Let’s focus on that and then we will see. Of course, I am aware there is a break and we are planning but that’s not important at this moment. There is only one thing that is important and that is this game,” Ten Hag revealed.

The former Ajax boss will not have been pleased with the way the players performed during the Sociedad match. He had given chances to a few of the fringe players like Fred but they did not impress.

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s form will also be crucial with Marcus Rashford out injured. He is yet to open his account and has looked rusty when he has played.

The Sheriff match is likely to see Ten Hag employing a strong starting line-up instead of rotating like he did for the previous game as United look to pick up their first win of the competition.

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After a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign, Manchester United will be desperate to get their first win of the competition on Thursday as they face Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol.

Erik ten Hag has picked a strong travelling squad for the contest and with no Premier League football for two weeks, there is a chance that the Dutchman does not rotate as much as he did last time around.

In the pre-match press conference, the former Ajax manager was joined by goalkeeper David de Gea who seemed focussed on the job at hand.

De Gea woes

The Spaniard did not enjoy the best of starts to the season as his mistakes led to a 0-4 thumping at the hands of Brentford.

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Manchester United want Atletico Madrid and Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak, 29, to replace current number one David de Gea. (Jeunes Footuex)#mufc

— Man Utd Fans (@United4fans) September 15, 2022

Ten Hag even had to change his style of play to accommodate the Spaniard who is not the strongest with the ball at his feet.

From the Liverpool game onwards, De Gea was seen kicking long instead of playing out from the back. His long passing also remains erratic, which is why Martin Dubravka was brought in from Newcastle United.

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, the Dutch boss is not convinced that the Spanish international can cope with his demands going forward.

This means United are in the market for a world-class alternative with De Gea’s current contract running till 2023. The former Atletico Madrid keeper wants to stay at United for the long haul but Ten Hag might have other plans.

Oblak the saviour?

One goalkeeper who has linked with the Red Devils for long has been Jan Oblak. The Slovenian’s contract with Atletico Madrid runs till 2023 and United could be set to swoop once his contract gets over.

To make the deal happen, “Man United would be willing to offer him a salary of 18 million euros per season, almost double his current salary,” the article goes on to say.

United are not the only suitors after the shot-stopper, with Paris Saint-Germain also credited with an interest with the French club not happy with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s performances.

Oblak has long been considered one of the best goalies in world football and it would be an absolute coup if United could get the 29-year-old.

There is the added question of what will happen to Dean Henderson, who has performed well out on loan. For now, Ten Hag needs De Gea to be at the top of his game and to try and adjust to his methods this season.

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Marcus Rashford has parted ways with one of his most trusted confidants and facilitators, Kelly Hogarth.

Beyond Manchester United where Rashford is a key personality, the 24-year-old also cuts a towering figure for his country, England.

Rashford has over the years gained worldwide recognition and national admiration for his efforts to combat child poverty and child hunger.

His initiatives have largely been overseen by Hogarth, who has left the role to the player’s brother, Dwaine Maynard — who already leads the sporting operation.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, on Rashford and Holgarth’s close relationship and their split “An influential member of the set-up that has aided Rashford’s journey was Kelly Hogarth, who first partnered with him in 2019.

“They later joined the Roc Nation entertainment agency founded by the rapper Jay Z. Hogarth then took Rashford to her business management agency Thelma Gwen.

“She helped drive the immensely successful #endchildfoodpoverty campaign alongside Rashford, which claims to have benefited 1.7 million vulnerable children across Britain.

“As well as the social impact work, Hogarth has covered areas including the footballer’s other community initiatives, media responsibilities, commercial partnerships and brand strategy.”

Ornstein attributes Hogarth’s departure to Rashford now placing greater focus on his football and his former aide pursuing other projects and endeavours.

Ornstein also remarks, “Sources close to Rashford indicate the parting with Hogarth after four and a half years is on good terms and she will continue working with his friend and international colleague Raheem Sterling.”

The setback seems to not have affected the England international who has been in fine form this season.

Rashford currently has three goals and as many assists to his name in the current campaign and seems to have rediscovered himself after a troublesome 2021/2022 season.
 

 

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Ex-Manchester United no. 2 Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as Iran national team manager ahead of the side’s participation in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The jubilant Queiroz took to his official Twitter account to confirm the news.

“When the family call you home, all you do is simply just show up.”

“Fully committed to your duties and ready for the Mission.”

“Let’s do it together Lads! To the future!”

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When the family call you home, all you do is simply just show up. Fully committed to your duties and ready for the Mission.

Lets do it together Lads!
To the future!

Thank you so much Team Melli pic.twitter.com/H6C0D0zIsP

— Carlos Queiroz (@Carlos_Queiroz) September 13, 2022

The 69-year-old served as Sir Alex Ferguson‘s assistant in two spells, effectively as the legendary manager’s right-hand man.

During his time at United, Queiroz helped the Red Devils win two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.

The highly successful Portuguese also went on to coach one of the biggest football clubs in the world in Real Madrid for a single season.

The former United no. 2 takes over from Dragan Skocic, who was sacked in July by Iran after failing to curb the indiscipline that was rife in the dressing room.

Queiroz will lead his side to Qatar, where they will face the United States, England and Wales in the group stages of football’s most illustrious competition.

He has served in other national team coaching capacities, including being the coach of his native Portugal, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Egypt.

The 2022 World Cup will be Queiroz’s third as coach of Iran, after the 2014 and 2018 competitions. In both cases, his side failed to get out of the group stages.
 

 

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As Manchester United Women prepare for their opening game of the WSL campaign on Saturday, the club has released training pictures and player profiles on the official website.

A major thing to note was the presence of Millie Turner, who looks to be thriving back in training with her teammates after her lengthy injury spell at the end of last season.

A number of United’s new signings including Nikita Parris and Aissatou Tounkara were also pictured.

They looked comfortable in their new surroundings at Carrington.

In every shot, the players are hard at work and look focused ahead of their season opener on Saturday.

Meanwhile, United also began to introduce our senior Reds with player profiles on the website.

While introducing Mary Earps, the club said, “She will be looking to carry her Team-of-the Tournament-worthy form into this season,” after she pulled off a fantastic performance to help secure the Euros for the Lionesses.

Also in the training pictures were two want-away stars Ona Batlle and Jackie Groenen who, despite harbouring the desire to leave, seem to be getting on well with their teammates as they were seen getting stuck in.

However, that appeared to be short-lived as hours after the images were released, rumours began to circulate that Groenen had gone to France to meet with PSG.

Batlle looks set to stay for now though and after appearing in 21 of United’s 22 league games last season, it is highly likely that she will be an integral part of the squad again this season.

Aoife Mannion is not yet back training with the team as she continues to recover from an ACL injury.

United take on Reading at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday at 12 noon.

Manchester United’s Europa League adventure began in the worst possible manner as they succumbed to a 0-1 loss at the hands of Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag made a raft of changes as he tried to give minutes to certain players who have not played as much. The likes of Fred and Casemiro failed in their audition.

Their next test is against Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol, a club which had famously beaten Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.

And United’s Dutch manager will be wary of making more mistakes as he looks to get a win under his belt in the competition. And that might mean making fewer changes to the starting line-up.

Europa League surprise inclusion

The Red Devils’ Europa squad is full of a number of academy prospects and youngsters as the idea was to give them game time to ascertain which players need a future loan.

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Uruguay winger Facundo Pellistri, has been asked to leave Manchester United because he is not a part of Erik ten Hag’s plans.
(TeamTalk)

🔴⚪️⚫️ #MUFC pic.twitter.com/PF16EX1G16

— Duke’s United Show (@DukesUnitedShow) September 14, 2022

Among the surprising inclusions was Facundo Pellistri, who had arrived at Old Trafford back when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager. He is yet to make his competitive debut for the club.

Ten Hag had given the young Uruguayan winger a chance during pre-season and the 20-year-old had even scored against Liverpool.

There were talks of a loan spell abroad but an ankle injury suffered during United’s penultimate pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid meant those plans had to take a backseat.

As previously reported, Pellistri is closing in on a full return to fitness and that might provide Ten Hag with an additional option on the right flank if needed.

But according to former Chelsea star Gus Poyet, the former Penarol youngster should be thinking of packing his bags and heading elsewhere if he is to become a permanent member of the Uruguayan national team.

“Pellistri should leave”

“Pellistri will struggle to get game time. It would be good for him to go somewhere and play, because the World Cup is around the corner and he is very important for the Uruguay team because the coach [Diego Alonso] has lots of faith in his ability, he’s a proper winger,” the current Greece national team coach was quoted as saying by Midnite.

The former Uruguay star gave the example of compatriot Luis Suarez who turned his back on Atletico Madrid when he realised his playing time would be hampered and opted to head back home in search of game time.

“He needs to find a place to play, like Luis Suarez who is playing at Nacional week in week out, training with the first team and getting game time three months before the World Cup, Pellistri should do something similar,” Poyet added.

Pellistri has had two separate loan spells at La Liga side Alaves but could not make it count. Fans will be hoping to catch a glimpse of the highly-rated youngster in the Europa League this season.

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• A unique match centre and hand-picked news, features and opinion
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Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann has confirmed Manchester United’s interest in this window.

United were keen on signing a goalkeeper to compete with David De Gea.

Bachmann’s name was said to be on the club’s list, and talks did take place.

He confirmed: “I would not have gone to Man United just to sit on the bench.”

“I would have come to training every day and tried to convince the coach to let me play. That’s very clear. Still, I’m glad it turned out the way it did for me.”

“I just want to play football.”

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🚨🎙| Bachmann: “I would not have gone to #mufc just to sit on the bench. I would have come to training every day and tried to convince the coach to let me play. That’s very clear. Still, I’m glad it turned out the way it did for me. I just want to play football.” [@LAOLA1_at]

— centredevils. (@centredevils) September 13, 2022

Bachmann wouldn’t have been a significant upgrade on De Gea, especially considering his poor record claiming crosses.

He doesn’t have the qualities that are required to play for United.

United ended up signing Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United, with an option to buy for £6 million.

So far this season, Ten Hag has opted to start De Gea, despite not being comfortable on the ball.

United have often had to play long to mask the Spaniard’s weaknesses.

In the long-term, Ten Hag would be looking at replacing the 31 year old with a modern-day goalkeeper who can fit in well in his system.

Genk’s Maarten Vandevoordt and Leeds United’s Illan Meslier could be two names to watch out for.

 

 

United Matchday Magazine – the ultimate pre-match experience
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• A unique match centre and hand-picked news, features and opinion
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Manchester United have received a triple training boost ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova.

Marcus Rashford has been spotted at training, easing fears that he might have a hamstring injury after being substituted against Arsenal last Sunday.

In the continued absence through injury of Antony Martial and the poor form of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Red Devils have become reliant on Rashford to provide the cutting edge to the attack.

He has not disappointed, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists so far this season.

Another star spotted in training was Donny van de Beek, who was expected to start last week’s Europa League tie against Real Sociedad, but pulled out late with an undisclosed injury.

It had been hoped that Van de Beek could recover some of the form this season that prompted United to buy him from Ajax in 2020, especially given the fact that he would be reunited with his old manager Ten Hag.

However, he did not impress on the pre-season tour and has hardly featured in the Premier League so far this season.

Another player who had been struggling for form, Luke Shaw, is also back in training, according to The MEN.

Shaw started the season as United’s first choice left back but has lost his place to the raw talent of new signing, Tyrell Malacia, at left back.

The availability of the three stars means that Ten Hag will have an almost full-strength squad to choose from on Thursday, with only Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri unavailable.

United will want to make no mistake against the Moldovan minnows having lost their home tie with Sociedad.

With Sunday’s Premier League match with Leeds cancelled, we can expect Ten Hag to field his strongest possible side for the game.

 
 

United Matchday Magazine – the ultimate pre-match experience
Get ready for aggression and entertainment. United are on a Moldovan mission. And the new issue of the Matchday Mag is out now!

• Online football content like you’ve never seen before
• A unique match centre and hand-picked news, features and opinion
• No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United
• Instantly delivered to your device with easy and secure online ordering
• Click Preview to see more or buy now for just £1.25/$1.50
• Limited time offer: SAVE 33% on a season pass – use discount code SEASON33 at checkout.