Category: Football

Manchester United face Arsenal on Sunday, in what is set to become Erik ten Hag’s first substantial test in England.

The Red Devils have been on a steady run of form, winning three on the bounce. Arsenal, who currently sit top of the table are six points above United and are still yet to lose a game.

United legend Patrice Evra is one who knows one or two things about the rivalry between the two giant English clubs.

In a column for Betfair, the former France international reflected on his past glorious battles with the Gunners, including an 8-2 thrashing of the North London club at Old Trafford in 2011.

“I remember some of their players saying in interviews that they are going to show me what they are really made of and they are not babies, and then we beat them 8-2.”

The 41-year-old predicts that the Reds will suffer against the league leaders and will need to have luck on their side. He also hailed Arsenal’s recent change of fortunes which he pinned down to attitude and more grit.

“I used to call them ‘our babies’, now it’s the other way round and we’re looking more like the babies. This is going to be a tough one and talking with my heart I’ll say United, but anything can happen.”

One player to watch out for as per Evra is Gabriel Jesus, who he labels a ‘killer’. The Brazilian has been in scintillating form for his side, scoring three already.

Evra calls for Ten Hag to be given time, including his new signings. On Antony, the club legend says, “We have to give Antony time, but he’s a good signing.”

He defends Ten Hag’s transfer strategy which has come under scrutiny from sections of the press who feel that he has been given too much power at the club. Evra says that the manager is probably bringing in people he trusts after seeing the former crop of players throw multiple managers under the bus.

Another player who Evra heaps praise on is Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine is rapidly becoming a fan favourite.

On Martinez, “Lisandro Martinez is a pit bull, he’s going to give his life and that’s what we need.”

He compares the Argentine to other South American greats he graced the pitch with, including Carlos Tevez, Paulo Dybala, Gabriel Heinze and Lucas Bernardi.

“I remember when Martinez signed for United, he said every game is important, and people started to judge him too soon.”

Big words for Martinez from a United great!
 
 

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From being at the bottom of the Premier League table three weeks ago to now up to fifth, Manchester United seem to have turned their fortunes around.

Three wins on the trot and two successive clean sheets are the ideal preparation ahead of a stern test against current table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday.

Martial out again

While the defence is certainly looking quite strong, there are still issues up front with regards to the personnel available for selection for Sunday’s clash.

Erik ten Hag revealed that Anthony Martial is yet to recover from his Achilles injury while he still does not know when the likes of Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be fit for selection.

“It’s difficult to say when I talk about Luke Shaw and Aaron but Anthony Martial will not be involved on Sunday. I cannot tell at this moment (when the trio will be back),” the Dutch manager said during his pre-match press conference.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga have started the last three matches but the Sweden international has certainly looked below-par in the last two games.

Antony debut on the cards

New signing Antony has received his work permit and is available for selection and fans will be hoping to see their latest acquisition in action against the Gunners.

The Brazilian is still to have a training session with the rest of the players as the manager mentioned and that might indicate that the manager is still not sure about starting him but a debut is still expected.

“Today, he did his first training, individual[ly]. Tomorrow, we have a team session and Saturday we have a team session, so I will think about it and then we will take a decision.”

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Ten Hag on Antony: “Today (Thursday), he did his first training, so [an] individual [session]. Tomorrow (Friday), we have a team session and on Saturday we have a team session, so I will think about it and then we will take a decision.” [mu] #mufc

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) September 2, 2022

Ten Hag praised the defensive organisation of the entire team and mentioned the togetherness being shown by the defensive unit is adding up in making it difficult for the opposition to score.

“Collectively, I see the whole team as defending. That makes it easier for our defenders. But I think what they do well is they cooperate, they do it together, they support each other, and then they have a good performance.

“It’s difficult for opponents to create chances, that is what we see at this moment on the pitch.”

Squad rotation will be key

The games are set to come thick and fast with mid-week fixtures as well as weekend league fixtures. And squad rotation will likely be key. Casemiro is yet to start a game while Cristiano Ronaldo is also due a start.

Ten Hag will have all these in mind when selecting his strongest XI against Mikel Arteta’s team, who are enjoying a fine start to the season and have been playing together for a considerable period of time.

“I have to think, I have seen Arsenal, a tough opponent, they have started really well as we all know in the season and you can see there is a team who are [a] long [time] together, with a coach who brings his philosophy in the team.

“So, this is a good test and I’m really looking forward [to it]. We will pick the right XI to start but as you see, it’s not only a team, we have a squad and also, today, the subs who came on did really well so I’m happy with that. That is what we have to construct further.”

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Raphael Varane has been majestic for Manchester United alongside Lisandro Martinez since returning to the side.

The Frenchman’s performance against Leicester City on Thursday evening was almost flawless and helped the Red Devils to another clean sheet and their third victory in a row.

The statistics confirm how well the World Cup winner played.

Varane won 100% of his tackles and 100% of his ground duels.

He achieved 87% pass accuracy, made 53 passes, including 5 long balls.

He also won 3 out of 4 aerial duels and made 3 clearances.

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Raphael Varane’s game by numbers vs. Leicester:

100% tackles won
100% ground duels won
87% pass accuracy
62 touches
53 passes
5 long balls
3/4 aerial duels won
3 clearances

Another huge performance. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/DI9B1XbeFF

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 1, 2022

If Varane and Martinez can stay fit, it is hard to see how stalwarts Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, both on the bench against Leicester, can force their way back into the team.

Varane seems comfortable with Lisandro’s style of play. As @Utd_Analytics notes, “Martinez proactive defending and aggressiveness suits Varane. Varane has more surety and can play his natural game. Maguire was often in-between or hesitant which causes disfunction.”

In United Matchday Magazine, Darragh Fox likens the pairing to the Varane-Ramos partnership at Real Madrid.

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Notice how Martinez proactive defending and aggressiveness suits Varane. Varane has more surety and can play his natural game. Maguire was often in-between or hesitant which causes disfunction. #MUFC

— ManUtd Analytics ⚽ (@Utd_Analytics) September 1, 2022

The pair have won three out of three games when they have been paired at centre back together and only conceded one goal.

It is quite a remarkable achievement for a new partnership who had never played together before being thrown in at the deep end after a 4-0 drubbing against Brentford.

The pair’s heroics have helped United climb from bottom of the table to fifth in just three games.

 
 

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s exit from Manchester United was blocked during this transfer window by persons unknown for reasons unknown.

The full back was widely tipped to leave having seemed to be deemed surplus to requirements by Erik ten Hag during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

According to journalist Jonathan Shrager, the manager was keen to replace the 24 year old with Barcelona’s Sergino Dest, who was available for around £8 million or on loan. There were reportedly plenty of offers on the table for the United man. But someone at the club was blocking the move and Dest ended up at AC Milan.

“Ten Hag would like Dest at Manchester United, but some people at the club currently seem reluctant to let Wan-Bissaka leave, which is an obstacle to Sergiño’s potential arrival,” Shrager said at the time.

Owner Joel Glazer has intervened on transfers in the past, reportedly blocking the sale of Antony Martial. Perhaps it was the American who did the same again in Wan-Bissaka’s case.

At the pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Leicester, the manager held out an olive branch to the Englishman, saying “Aaron showed in the past that he is a constant factor at United.

“I have trust in him. I haven’t seen him that much because he was injured in pre-season.

“What I heard, he is a good option. He’s been training and needs to compete for the position.”

However, the boss also suggested that it was a temporary stay of execution, saying:

“Of course, Aaron wan Bissaka will stay in. So this squad, we will go from September to min. January, but we will play with this squad this season”.

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Erik ten Hag: “Of course, Aaron wan Bissaka will stay in. So this squad, we will go from September to min. January, but we will play with this squad this season”. 🚨🔴 #MUFC

“When there is great opportunity you always have to be alert at this top club”. pic.twitter.com/OTk8tTQb1o

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022

West Ham and Crystal Palace were among the clubs vying for Wan-Bissaka’s services, with the Londoners making a solid enquiry, as per the Metro, in the latter stages of the window.

There was some speculation when the teams were announced about the player’s absence from the bench, with some wondering whether the club had changed its mind and released him to complete a late deadline day transfer.

However, Ten Hag insisted that he had simply suffered a minor knock.

 
 

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Manchester United cruised to a 1-0 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

United opened the score in style, courtesy of a Jadon Sancho goal, who did well to round the Foxes goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net.

United were exemplary in the opening 45 minutes, excelling in their retention of the ball, winning possession back, passing between the lines and creation of chances.

The team fought hard in the second half against a resolute Leicester side, eventually clinching all three points.

Here are three things we learned from United’s clash against Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Outstanding 45 minutes

The Red Devils came out flying from the start against their opposition. In stark contrast to the 1-0 win vs, Southampton, the team did well in dictating the play and speed of the match.

The midfield looked in control bar a few instances in which they were caught in transition and required the defence to bail them out.

Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain of the day was the standout in the first half. He was crucial in a lot of his side’s chance creation and progression of the ball. Christian Eriksen had another steady game in the pivot where he was able to pull strings and keep proceedings ticking.

Scott McTominay, who has come under intense pressure, was solid, rarely giving the ball away. The Scotland international was also immense in his defensive duties, doing well to shield the back four.

The attack was again fluid, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rahsford the most outstanding of the trio. The two seem to be developing a deadly partnership, capped by the no. 10’s assist to Sancho for United’s opener.

Erik ten Hag and certainly the fans will take a lot of positives from the first 45 minutes.

United were more solid defensively

The Red Devils were relatively comfortable in the game and never looked likely to leak a goal.

The team came under more pressure in the second half with the Foxes pushing for an equalizer, but the Reds withstood the goading.

The full-backs, despite being on yellow cards for most parts of the game, were disciplined while still containing Leicester’s pacy attackers.

As has now become the norm, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane combined well to lock down the Red Devils’ defence and prevent an opposition goal.

What stuck out was also the work rate of Rashford, Elanga and Sancho, who got back on multiple occasions to lend out a helping hand. Casemiro, who came on in the second half, served to further reinforce an already watertight defensive unit.

United can not stay on the front foot for 90 minutes

While the 20-time English champions were stellar in the first half, the second was a far cry from the opening 45 minutes.

Ten Hag’s men seemingly reverted back to old habits, absorbing pressure and looking to hit the Foxes on the break. They tried to use balls over the top to catch Rashford’s runs behind defenders – a tactic that was to a large extent unsuccessful.

United also did not create a multitude of chances as in the first period, although they did come close once or twice.

Leicester were clearly the more adventurous and searching side, and pushed United back. It is crucial that Ten Hag find a way to sustain constant pressure throughout the game.
 
 

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After Manchester United suffered back-to-back defeats in the opening two games of the new Premier League season, there were multiple reports which lambasted the club’s transfer dealings till that point in time.

Only three players had ended up arriving at Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag seemingly furious that the club had failed to back him in the transfer market.

Since then, the club has seen a massive upturn in form with two decisive victories over arch-rivals Liverpool and Southampton which have helped in dissipating those grey clouds over Carrington.

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Cody Gakpo will stay at PSV. 🚨⚪️ #DeadlineDay

Leeds agreed with player and offered more than Southampton but PSV rejected — and Van Gaal suggested player to stay until World Cup.

Been told Leeds are determined to try again in January. pic.twitter.com/Lm9YlbVAJv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022

The club managed to splash the cash in the end and signed midfield general Casemiro from Real Madrid and right winger Antony from Ajax. Martin Dubravka also has arrived on loan as a back-up goalkeeper.

Gakpo move ruled out

One player whose arrival can be safely ruled out is Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven. All the talk seemed to indicate that if a deal for the Brazilian right winger failed to materialise, United would go after the Dutch winger who was seen as the cheaper alternative.

The Brazil international ended up signing for a record €100million and the Gakpo rumours slowly faded away.

United were not the only Premier League clubs after the 23-year-old with the Saints and Leeds United also keen on signing the Netherlands international.

But according to The Athletic, PSV Eindhoven have decided to keep a hold of their star winger and have refused to allow him to leave so late in the transfer window.

This comes as a big blow for both clubs with Southampton reportedly working on a deal while Leeds’ DoF even travelling to Eindhoven in order to force through a move.

“Leeds also retained a strong interest in the player, with the club’s director of football Victor Orta travelling to the Netherlands in the hope of signing him. Orta will return to England on Thursday morning with a deal for Gakpo now off,” the article goes on to mention.

PSV’s star man

Gakpo’s deal with PSV runs till 2026 and he has been their standout performer in the last couple of seasons. He was their top scorer and had the most assists in the Eredivisie last season with 12 goals to his name and a further 13 assists.

He has started the new season in breathtaking form, with six goals and three assists to his name already, that too in a mere four games. This includes an impressive hat-trick in the club’s 7-1 victory over FC Volendam on Wednesday night.

PSV are hopeful of keeping a hold of Gakpo for the long-term and they will certainly not be doing any business on the cheap for their star man in the future.

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Manchester United have officially completed the signing of Ajax winger Antony.

On Tuesday the club announced that an £85.4m agreement had been reached with the Eredivisie champions.

The completion of the deal was subject to international clearance.

That has now gone through, meaning that Antony will be available for the Red Devil’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

He will not feature tonight against Leicester City however Erik ten Hag will be delighted to have got his man, nonetheless.

Antony will play on the right and, according to the manager, bring some much needed “fighting spirit” to the club.

Along with Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro it is clear that the manager wanted players with such character added to his squad.

In spending £85.4m on the Brazilian winger, United have taken their spending to £227m this summer.

The hope now is that the money has been spent wisely.

Ten Hag is certainly familiar with a number of the new signings and is well placed to get the most out of them.

United enjoyed back-to-back wins over Southampton and Liverpool last week and will be hoping that Antony can add vital options to the Red Devils attack.

They will have to do without him tonight, but the most expensive deadline-day signing of all time will be well worth watching out for on Sunday.
 

 

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Erik ten Hag has lifted the lid on Machester United’s approach to the transfer market this summer during his pre-match press conference ahead of today’s clash with Leicester City.

During the embargoed section, The Athletic reports that the Dutchman insisted that the recruitment team at Old Trafford did well in setting out their goals for the summer:

“First, we really quickly identified the positions we wanted and then identified the players we wanted. The process is if you get them or not. More parties are involved, there are many factors who make it complicated.”

But the club does not exist in isolation, and prices seem to have risen significantly in this window. Real Madrid’s capture of Aurelien Tchouameni for €100m seemingly set the tone for a seller’s market early in the summer.

“Then the market and how it developed. Last season, the benchmark was only five transfers above £60m and I don’t know how many now.”

For the manager’s part, he was impressed with United’s agility in responding to shifting sands brought by this summer.

“They (United) made adaptations because of how the market (was) and I think the club did that well.”

In any case, the Dutchman is now “satisfied” with his squad, saying “I think we’ve strengthened the squad, that is clear.”

United added Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez to the defence, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to the midfield, and are set to wrap up deals for Martin Dubravka in goal and Antony in offence.

For Ten Hag, the hard work now begins.

“It’s about development of the team, the individuals, to get this team stronger and have more consistency and bring more quality. That is what me and my coaches have to do.”

With the signing of Antony set to take Manchester United’s spending up to £227m this summer, Ten Hag will at least have options to work with.
 

 

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Manchester United take on Leicester City tomorrow evening in a match that has the potential for a high-profile inclusion or two.

The Red Devils secured back-to-back Premier League wins last week by opting for the same eleven against both Liverpool and Southampton.

However with a short turnaround between Thursday’s match against the Foxes and Sunday’s clash with Arsenal, some rotation in likely.

Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag seems to have found a winning formula in the centre-back pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, while Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot look to be un-droppable at present.

Martin Dubravka may be coming in to give David de Gea competition in goal, but with his registration unlikely to be done in time for this fixture any fanciful notions of him replacing the Spaniard immediately can be shelved.

Marquee signing Casemiro is in line for his first start in a United shirt and could come in for Scott McTominay, who could be rested.

Partnering him, Christian Eriksen’s creativity could be useful from deep, with his crossing ability when drifting wide a potential threat to the Leicester back line.

Bruno Fernandes is sure to start ahead of that pairing with Ten Hag impressed by the Portuguese’s performances while wearing the captain’s armband.

Leicester seem like an ideal opponent for Cristiano Ronaldo given their difficulties in dealing with crosses. The noises around the club suggest that the legendary goalscorer will continue at Old Trafford, but of course, it being deadline day anything could happen in the next 22 hours.

Whether he should start even if he is available is another matter, although with Anthony Martial unavailable and Marcus Rashford struggling physically at centre forward against Southampton, if Ronaldo is going to start any matches for United this season, he will probably start this one.

Picking Ronaldo up top frees up Rashford to play on his favoured left flank while Jadon Sancho can continue his fine form on the right of the front three. That would also rotate Anthony Elanga out of the first eleven following his poor performance at St Mary’s.

The team could shape up in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, but with Ten Hag usually opting to go man-for-man in midfield, he is likely to favour the former against Leicester’s single-pivot midfield.
 

 

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Manchester United have been the biggest spenders among Premier League clubs so far this transfer window, having spent more than £200 million on six players.

The signings of Antony (£86million), Casemiro (£60million) and Lisandro Martinez (£51.6million) are among the biggest deals of the transfer season.

The Sun have reported that United feel this show of ambition might be enough to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to deviate from his course of leaving for a Champions League club and that he would now prefer staying back at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo U-turn possible

“The club’s hierarchy are now hoping Ronaldo can see the ambition at United to get back to the top after a club-record window spend of £207m,” the article by Neil Custis mentions.

United sources have indicated that such a drastic U-turn cannot be ruled out and he could yet buy into “Erik ten Hag’s revolution after the club’s spending splurge.”

It has been one of the worst-kept secrets that Ronaldo wants to leave the Red Devils and his agent Jorge Mendes has been trying desperately to find him a club in the Champions League capable of affording his wages.

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🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo will STAY at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag confirms. pic.twitter.com/iJEBUwFVJv

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 31, 2022

So far, none of his efforts have borne fruit with multiple clubs in France, Germany, Spain and England declining to advance in their efforts to sign the Portugal international.

United and Ten Hag are both said to be open to letting the player leave as he is currently having a bad influence on the dressing room.

As reported previously on The Peoples Person, players were said to be delighted to have learnt the news that the Portuguese hitman wanted to leave.

ETH wants to work with CR7 on his terms

While the Dutch manager wants to work with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ten Hag also wants to be setting the rules and that might mean more substitute appearances which might not be to the 37-year-old’s liking.

The five-time Champions League winner has started only a solitary game so far, which United ended up losing 0-4 to Brentford. He has made a further three appearances from the bench.

While Antony’s move to England might be a huge boost for the Reds considering their right-flank woes, the former Real Madrid star remains their only top goalscorer and that might be hard to replace if he ends up leaving.

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