Category: Football

With no new injuries or suspensions to worry about, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has an almost full squad to choose from ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League match with Southampton at Saint Mary’s.

Victor Lindelof, Brandon Williams and Facundo Pellistri are the only stars out injured. Eric Bailly has completed a season-long loan switch to Olympique de Marseille.

The big question in defence is whether Ten Hag will stick with the quartet who performed so heroically against Liverpool on Monday or rotate, as he has reportedly promised he would do as tactics dictate.

At centre-back, with Bailly gone and Lindelof out, this boils down to whether Harry Maguire would be brought back in. This seems unlikely given his current form.

It’s also hard to see a case for bringing Luke Shaw back in at left-back after the superb performance of Tyrell Malacia against Liverpool. Diogo Dalot is almost certain to start as well, with Williams out and Wan-Bissaka unfancied by the boss.

In midfield, there is another big mystery: will Ten Hag throw new signing Casemiro straight into the side?

It will be just over two weeks since the 30 year old played 90 minutes, against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Super Cup, although he did get seven minutes off the bench in La Liga a couple of days after that.

However, we think Ten Hag could gamble and start the Brazilian, depending on his sharpness in training. Despite Scott McTominay’s good performance on Monday, the Brazilian is a class above the academy graduate and generally keeps himself in peak physical condition. The sooner he is integrated into the side, the better.

If Casemiro does start then we think Fred could replace Christian Eriksen in midfield. Fred plays alongside the former Real Madrid man for Brazil and so they will have an understanding. Likewise, Casemiro is used to playing alongside Raphael Varane so that is another reason that the defender is unlikely to be rotated out.

Bruno Fernandes would then be set to retain the captaincy and make up the midfield trio.

Up front, everything points to Cristiano Ronaldo remaining on the bench, with the rejuvenated Anthony Martial playing up top having returned for 45 minutes on Monday. Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford will occupy the flanks, with Anthony Elanga dropping to the bench.

With David de Gea keeping his place in goal, this, then, is our predicted line-up for the 12.30pm kick-off on the south coast:

 
 

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The name of Frenkie de Jong seemed almost forgotten by Manchester United fans after a painful transfer saga appeared to have ended in a stalemate, with the Red Devils turning to Real Madrid’s Casemiro instead.

De Jong was reportedly Erik ten Hag’s top priority signing this summer, having worked with him before at Ajax.

And a new report from Sport in Spain says that United are still negotiating with the Dutchman’s agents and that there is still a good chance that he will join United in this window.

The outlet claims that agent Ali Dursun has flown in to Barcelona for a “summit meeting” with the Blaugrana, but nothing has changed on either side.

The club is still insisting that De Jong slashes his salary by 40% to stay at the club and the player is refusing to do so, having already foregone a huge €17 million chunk of wages during the pandemic, which are still owed to him.

“Barça need to get rid of the Dutchman’s contract to tackle the end of the market with guarantees,” Sport says.

“Everything is possible.

“The De Jong operation is absolutely strategic for Barça as he is one of the players with the highest salary in the squad.

“The Blaugrana club has him, but with conditions and they will try to reach an agreement with his agents in the long term.

“If this is not possible, the club will try to open the option of a transfer with Chelsea and Manchester United on the lookout for what may happen.

“[Barcelona] are aware that the footballer’s environment has been negotiating in recent days with United and, from the Netherlands, it has been confirmed that there are serious options that he could end up accepting in the last days of the market,” Sport claims.

British outlets such as The Athletic are adamant that United have closed a door on the De Jong saga and that outlet is usually more reliable than Sport. But the Catalan press do seem equally convinced that it’s not all over until the lady sings.

 
 

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It looks like Chelsea are now very close to signing Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this window.

It looks like he played his final game for the club last night in a charity match against Manchester City, a game in which he scored a very good goal in. This goal also just shows exactly what he brings to any team, and that is clinical finishing, exactly what Thomas Tuchel needs in his attack.

This move has been greeted by negativity from some Chelsea fans due to his age, the fact he allegedly had an attitude problem at Arsenal, and the fee….

However, none of the above matters to me at all. The fee I think isn’t even going to be that high for a prolific all round striker. Age is nothing in modern day football, just refer to Thiago Silva. And finally, his attitude problem? Well, Tuchel knows him better than any of us and I’m sure if he was concerned about that then he would not be pushing so hard to get him signed.

In fact, the pair clearly have a great relationship, otherwise neither would be prepared to reunite, which is what it looks like they will be doing again now very soon. Also, I think Aubameyang will simply be coming in as a short-term fix anyway, before targeting a player like Christopher Nkunku, who will have a low release clause, next summer.

If Tuchel is all for it, then so am I. And if Chelsea get this done, then they are signing a very good striker, that’s the bottom line here.<

Manchester United are in the hunt for a goalkeeper who will not only be an understudy to David de Gea but who will also provide the Spaniard with competition.

The Red Devils have been linked with a host of names, the most recent being Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp.

However, a move has failed to come to fruition with the Europa League winner now poised to stay at the German club.

A recent report also indicated United had made a bid for an unnamed goalkeeper, effectively ending their pursuit of Trapp.

A surprise name that has just popped up is Martin Dubravka.

The Newcastle goalkeeper, who started a large chunk of the Magpies’ games last season, has been relegated to serve as an understudy to the new arrival, Nick Pope, who has been favoured by Eddie Howe.

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth reports, “Manchester United have held talks with Newcastle United over the signing of keeper Martin Dubravka.”

“Dubravka now #2 after Nick Pope’s arrival & not in squad at Tranmere tonight.”

“Manchester United want competition for de Gea & Heaton.”

“Dubravka open to the move.”

The 33-year-old shot-stopper made 26 appearances for Newcastle last season.

He is valued at just €4m by Transfermarkt.

Dubravka would certainly be a welcome addition at Old Trafford. He would arrive with extensive experience and the potential to keep the embattled De Gea on his toes.
 
 

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Manchester United will face Premiership side Aston Villa at home in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The third-round draw took place this evening on Sky Sports after Newcastle United beat Tranmere Rovers 2-1 in the second round.

United only entered the competition in the third round due to European commitments.

Man United were knocked out last year in the third round by West Ham United as Lanzini scored early doors to give the Hammers the edge.

This time West Ham will take on Blackburn at home in the London Stadium.

Rivals Manchester City will face Chelsea whilst holders Liverpool will take on Derby County.

Steven Gerrard’s side will travel to Old Trafford the weekend commencing the 7th of November just two days after they host United at Villa Park in the Premier League.

The last time the two sides met was in the summer when they drew 2-2 in a pre-season friendly.

Erik Ten Hag’s side threw away their lead in the dying stages of that match but will hope to get the better of the West Midlands outfit when they host them in the Carabao Cup.

The new manager will surely be looking for a good cup run in his first season at the club, particularly after their shaky start to the season.

In the meantime, United will need to build momentum in the league and get out of the group stages of the Europa League.

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Manchester United have reportedly put in an offer worth €90 million for Ajax winger Antony.

According to Mike Verweij (Telegraaf), the Red Devils have a personal agreement in place with Antony for a five-year deal till 2027.

The player is desperate for a move and has informed Ajax that if they refused the move then it would impact his season.

He has officially handed in a transfer request, as per The Mirror.

Antony is said to be really keen on the idea of reuniting with his former manager and was disappointed at Ajax’s attempt of blocking a move last week.

The 22 year old has consistently been Erik ten Hag’s number one attacking target, and it looks like he could finally be getting his man.

The report claims that United’s new €90 million bid would be submitted on Thursday.

The final transfer fee would be €95 million, excluding bonuses.

United are ready to break the bank on Antony, as they look to bolster United’s attacking department.

The Brazilian is seen as the ideal right winger to fit into Ten Hag’s system at United.

His creativity and flair on the flanks would offer balance to the team’s attack and create spaces for other players.

United are also interested in PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo but are unsure whether they will continue to pursue him after getting Antony.

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The time is right for Callum Hudson-Odoi to move on from Chelsea and find a new club, for one season only at least.

I have total faith in the player and that he will become the world beater that we have all expected him to become. But to do this, he needs to play regular football in his preferred left attack position, and the only manager to really do that with him at Chelsea, was Maurizio Sarri.

Frank Lampard didn’t really put full trust in him, and although Thomas Tuchel has selected him a fair amount, he hasn’t often been selected as a left winger. Hudson-Odoi just wants to play now but play in the position he knows he is best in, and that is completely fair enough.

Bayer Leverkusen will be a great loan move for him and I think the Bundesliga provides a great pressure-free place and a good league for him to shine in, and I truly think that he will.

I hope that he goes on this season-long loan to Germany and he comes back to Chelsea next summer as the player we have all been waiting for him to become, and then he continues to smash it at Chelsea, his boyhood club that he is clearly determined to make it at.

Let’s see if this move goes through, but I genuinely think it will be an excellent move and the perfect time to go on this move for all involved.

Manchester United’s bid for Kevin Trapp came as a surprise to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Bundesliga club now has a serious decision to make, having already lost key players Filip Kostic and Martin Hintregger this summer.

Bild reporter Roland Palmert believes that Frankfurt should not make any decision to part with their number one lightly.

Frankfurt would have to pay a substantial fee for any replacement that could be seen as adequate for Trapp.

And time is running out for them to find such a replacement, with the window shutting in just a week.

With only two points from their opening three games and a “wobbly structure” at the club, fears of relegation for last season’s Europa League winners are not completely ludicrous at this stage.

As argued by Ulrika Sickenberger in the same article, Frankfurt should not stand in Trapp’s way should he desire a move since, at 32 years of age, he is unlikely to get such an opportunity again.

Despite falling behind their rivals, Manchester United offer an opportunity to play in the best league in the world.

And while the German has sampled big clubs before via Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United offer a historic global appeal the like of which Trapp has yet to be a part of.

Speaking to Sport Bild on Monday (quotes via Manchester Evening News), Trapp spoke up on his own future:

“As I said during my first spell at Frankfurt, it’s always nice when rumours like this come out. It’s a nice acknowledgement – but I can’t say anything about it.”

Given that he moved during his first spell, those words may offer some encouragement to United.

However a reported £21m price tag could be a stumbling block, as would the short deadline and lack of guarantee that Trapp would be United’s number one.
 
 

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag used external criticism to fire up his squad ahead of their crunching tie against Liverpool on Monday, according to reports.

The manager’s unorthodox methods seem to have worked, with the Red Devils grabbing a 2-1 win over their rivals.

The Mirror’s David McDonnell reports, “It has emerged the United coach used criticism of his players and damning statistics from their opening two defeats to get them in the right frame of mind to beat Liverpool.”

“A United source revealed Ten Hag printed off withering quotes from pundits and stuck them up at the Red Devils’ training ground complex and in the dressing room.”

Ten Hag’s side came under heavy fire and intense scrutiny after losing their two opening games, including a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Brentford.

Against Thomas Frank’s men, statistics showed that the Reds were outrun by a significant margin, which led to them being on the end of scathing attacks from supporters and pundits alike.

“Some of the quotes made by pundits and displayed by Ten Hag included: “United simply aren’t good enough.”

Others included, “Liverpool to win 5-0 again”, “Can’t run”, “not a team” and “they could go down”.

“Ten Hag also printed off statistics – including distance covered, passing percentages, clearances and ball recoveries – and displayed them around the training ground on a daily basis, to show his players how poor they had been compared to other teams.”

“The move was designed to show the squad the level it needed to get to beat Liverpool.”

“It worked. United covered more distance – 114km – and made 51 more sprints than Klopp’s men in their deserved win, their first under Ten Hag.”

Certainly, Ten Hag has shown he can get a reaction from his players if the report by McDonnell is anything to go by. Fans will be hoping that this effect can be prolonged across the rest of the season.

Erik ten Hag has praised Manchester United’s most recent arrival, Casemiro, saying the serial winner’s experience will help elevate the Red Devils.

The 30-year-old was unveiled yesterday at Old Trafford prior to United’s 2-1 victory against their bitter rivals from Merseyside.

Earlier on, Ten Hag branded the central defensive midfielder as the “cement” that would glue his side’s midfield together.

Speaking about Casemiro, Ten Hag said “He has won so many trophies in his career.”

“He knows the road: how you win games and finally how you win trophies.”

“We [now] have more players who have won already many trophies in their career.”

“That has to be a guidance for the rest of the team so they know and they understand how to win games.”

“We did really well today compared to last week so we make a step [forward], but it is what you have to deliver every day and in every game.”

Another pair that earned plaudits from the manager for their role against Liverpool was Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane.

The two were United’s standout leaders of the day, mentoring a relatively young Red Devils side to clinch all three points.

The Dutch manager told Sky Sports, “I think he [Bruno] took the responsibility and I think it encouraged him, the captaincy, and I think he showed leadership together with Rapha Varane.”

“I think definitely on the pitch, they make a huge difference, but that is what they have to bring, and it’s not just those two, I think we need more leaders.”

“When you want to make a winning team, you need more leaders and we need the spirit that we showed today.”

What the boss’s words mean for the likes of skipper Harry Maguire remains to be seen, but reports earlier today suggested that his demotion to the bench could be long term.