Category: Sports

5

Amad Diallo is going nowhere in this winter transfer window and will be a key part of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United squad for the remainder of the season.

There has been a lot of speculation that the young Ivorian could be on his way to a Championship side for the rest of the season, with Sunderland, in particular, openly showing interest.

Amad himself has done nothing to dampen the rumours, liking a social media post saying he should come back to the Stadium of Light.

Ten Hag’s choice to bring on Omari Forson for Antony in Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Newport County, leaving Amad on the bench, further fuelled speculation he was being lined up for a loan. Amad himself was reported to have asked for a move to the Black Cats on the back of this.

But renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has said this morning that Amad is “expected” to be going nowhere.

“it’s likely that Amad Diallo will stay at the club this January and have more of a first-team role,” Romano said in his Daily Briefing.

“Erik ten Hag wanted him to stay and it’s the same for the club, so it’s likely.

“He’s training well, and is very determined to succeed at Man United despite constant rumours over a January loan exit.

“He’s expected to stay and be part of the rotations at Man United.”

The news will be greeted fondly by United fans who are keen to see the explosive talent get some chances in the first team.

The right wing role has proven to be a poison chalice this season, with Mason Greenwood having been shipped out of the club, Jadon Sancho having fallen out with Ten Hag and subsequently loaned to Borussia Dortmund and Antony being embroiled in his own domestic violence scandal before experiencing a dramatic dip in form.

Alejandro Garnacho has shown promise when switched from the left wing into the role to accommodate Marcus Rashford, but Rashford too has struggled for form and has been disciplined this week for missing training after a booze-fuelled 12-hour party in Northern Ireland.

Another right winger, Facundo Pellistri, is expected to complete a six-month loan deal to Granada today.

There may certainly never be a better opportunity for Amad to finally make his first team breakthrough at United and cement his future at the club for seasons to come.

8

Manchester United made hard work of League Two side Newport County in their FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday but eventually progressed with a 4-2 win.

The defence was far from secure, allowing the hosts to come back from two goals down with Raphael Varane’s performance a cause for concern.

The Frenchman has been linked with an exit after the club decided not to trigger the one-year extension
option in his contract which greatly disappointed the defender.

INEOS are reportedly keen to get the World Cup winner’s wages off the bill and the club have been linked with a host of centre-backs who can partner Lisandro Martinez.

New CB needed

Jean-Clair Todibo, Jarrad Branthwaite, Giorgio Scalvini and Marc Guehi are just some of the names linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams.

United’s FFP situation is well-known and it has been reported than things might not improve without sales even in the summer.

As per Football Insider, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has been far from impressed with the money thrown at Casemiro, wants the Brazilian gone.

The former Real Madrid superstar’s wages, just like Varane’s, is exorbitantly high and the new minority stakeholders are keen to trim the excess fat off the wage bill.

And with the money raised through a sale, the club plan to pursue the signing of Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer.

The defensive midfielder is wanted by Al Nassr and more Saudi Pro clubs are expected to return in the summer.

“Man United are working on a deal to sign Juventus ace Gleison Bremer and that could pave the way for Casemiro’s exit, sources have told Football Insider.

Bremer in, Casemiro out

“It is believed that United have made an enquiry about Bremer’s situation and Serie A giants Juventus have set a £59.7million asking price to let the centre-back depart.”

The Brazil international has been one of the most in-form players in Italy, having been named in the past two Serie A Teams of the Season while also winning the Serie A best defender award two seasons ago.

He was linked with a move to United last summer as well but the club could not manage to offload Harry Maguire.

It will be interesting to see if they can finally land their man in the coming transfer window.

3

It always seemed far-fetched and now that last remaining hope has also diminished.

The Athletic report that Karim Benzema has decided to stay at Al-Ittihad for the foreseeable future amid rumours of a potential move.

Benzema had grown disillusioned in the Gulf state and recently there were reports that he had made up his mind about leaving.

Manchester United were near the top of the list as potential destinations due to his pedigree, age profile, and the short-term boost it would provide.

Former players, pundits, and legends were all urging United to sign the Ballon d’Or winner as his immediate future looked to be away from the club.

However, this report puts a stop to all that noise and the plan could be to reintegrate the Frenchman into the Al-Ittihad squad.

Benzema had excused himself from team duties over the mid-season break and had returned late without permission.

Showdown talks with the club hierarchy looked to be ending with a breakup at one point.

It could be conceivable that his wage demands combined with his subpar form for the Saudi Pro League side contributed to his staying at the club.

Perhaps more importantly, Benzema was arguably the second-most high-profile arrival in the league after Cristiano Ronaldo.

His leaving on a sour note could have turned off future superstars from following that path, something the player and the league would be conscious of.

Ultimately for United, this brings an end to the transfer window on a whimper as the striker position remains understaffed and no new arrivals walking through the door in January.

3

Manchester United’s January business has primarily consisted of outgoings when incomings were what manager Erik ten Hag was desperate for.

Most departures have been temporary with a few deals having the option of being made permanent in the summer as in the case of Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez.

With Deadline Day just around the corner, one more departure has been confirmed in the form of Facundo Pellistri joining Spanish side Granada on loan.

The temporary move is said to include no option to make it permanent but HITC Football have revealed that the La Liga team did try to include on during their talks with the Red Devils.

Pellistri has never been trusted fully by EtH

The Uruguayan has only seen 54 minutes of action since November with Erik ten Hag opting against using the right winger despite the poor form of Antony and the absence of Jadon Sancho.

The Dutchman did not start the 22-year-old in FA Cup games against lower-league opposition, choosing to bring on Omari Forson instead during Sunday’s tie against Newport County.

United could be waiting to see if the Uruguay international catches fire during his La Liga spell before arriving at a decision but all roads point towards a summer exit.

A successful loan spell will allow the 20-time English league champions to command a larger fee and make profit on a sale for a change.

“Sources have told HITC Football that Manchester United are actually ready to sell the South American when his loan spell at Granada ends this summer, after initial discussions with the Spanish side took place earlier this month.

“Pellistri’s future will be assessed internally at Old Trafford once the 2023/24 campaign is over, and a lot could change depending on how well the Uruguayan performs in La Liga.”

The Daily Mail have corroborated this fact and have added that Granada intend to go after the former Penarol starlet in the summer.

“Granada will try to sign Facundo Pellistri in a permanent transfer this summer if his loan to the Spanish club finally goes through.”

Granada eyeing permanent deal

Ten Hag prefers a left-footed winger on the right and with Amad Diallo back from injury, he is likely to get more minutes.

“Ten Hag feels Forson may have a brighter future” than Pellistri and hence this could mean the end of the road for Pellistri.

He has shined on the international stage but never came close to showing United fans what he is capable of while at the club.

Lack of opportunities will always be cited but two permanent managers have overlooked him and there might be a reason behind that.

1

INEOS have come in like a tornado at Manchester United and without even getting their deal ratified, have already driven multiple changes at Old Trafford.

A new CEO has been decided, a Sporting Director is coming, money has been set aside for work on the stadium, and a recruitment revamp will happen too.

It looks like their revolution will not just be limited to sporting matters.

It recently came to light that Glazers are welcoming their input beyond the sporting remit and another area of revamp has emerged.

The Daily Mail reports that MUTV, the club’s in-house media department, is set to “move operations within Old Trafford to a new space”.

The new space is already gathering a lot of attention, with the report likening it to a “New York-style loft”.

The report states that the new office will be close to the ticketing office in its own separate space armed with comfy seating and a giant screen.

An open-plan look will be implemented to encourage more creative thinking, honest discussions, and a free-flowing decision-making process.

While it might not seem like a big change considering how many seismic ones are already underway, these are small things that add up to make a difference.

United’s in-house media department is arguably far behind other clubs that regularly create engaging content with out-of-the-box ideas.

The club has been unable to tap into its huge worldwide following and despite that, ranks near the top in interactions and engagements.

Instead, MUTV has been reduced to a club mouthpiece with run-of-the-mill quotes, commentary, and archival footage dominating the programming.

INEOS are bringing the club into the 21st century on and off the field and these are undoubtedly exciting times to be involved in the club.

2

Manchester United’s Andre Onana has returned to the club after an unsuccessful Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

The United man played just one game in the tournament after losing his place in the starting XI on the back of a 1-3 defeat to Senegal in the group phase.

Cameroon exited the competition at the hands of Nigeria in the first knockout round, with Onana warming the bench for the Indomitable Lions.

The Daily Mail has reported that he is now considering quitting international football altogether after the dismal campaign.

Onana missed Cameroon’s opening group game after issues with his flight caused him to arrive late, having left Manchester straight after United’s Premier League draw against Tottenham.

The stopper was trusted to start the crunch game with Senegal but an unconvincing display was enough for Rigobert Song to decide he would play second fiddle to Nimes Fabrice Ondoa for the remainder of their time in the competition.

It isn’t the first time Onana has encountered issues with his national side having left the World Cup in Qatar early after a fall out with Song.

The 27-year-old announced he no longer wished to be considered for selection after the Qatar debacle but made a u-turn ahead of the AFCON.

No official announcement has been made by the player but hanging up his gloves for his country would certainly benefit United.

Onana is now back in Manchester and expected to regain his place in the first team for the trip to Wolves on Thursday night.

Altay Bayindir covered capably for the FA Cup win at Newport but will be back on the bench with the former Inter man set to reclaim the No 1 spot moving forward.

United will be desperate to return to league action with a win and kick start the second half of a campaign that has been underwhelming to say the least.

7

Manchester United are set to appoint a new director of football in the next couple of weeks, according to a reliable reporter.

The Telegraph’s James Ducker claims that “ Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team hope to appoint a new director of football at Manchester United within the next few weeks ahead of an anticipated purge of the club’s existing recruitment operation.”

Ducker also says that the list of potential candidates has already been “whittled down… to a couple of names.”

Whilst the reporter does not say who the two remaining candidates are, he lists those who were originally considered.

These are “Dan Ashworth, Newcastle’s director of football, Julian Ward, the former Liverpool sporting director, Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and Paul Mitchell, formerly head of recruitment at Tottenham”, as well as “Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta, Cristiano Giuntoli from Juventus, Lee Congerton at Atalanta and Ricky Masara and Paolo Maldini, who left AC Milan last year”.

It can be inferred that the two names will be among those listed above.

Ducker also says that incoming CEO, Omar Berrada, was appointed first so that he have “valuable input” into the decision on who should be director of football, “given [INEOS’] strong belief that the two men and the manager must ‘share a vision’ and work as a ‘coherent whole’.”

Once the DoF is appointed, he and Berrada will given hiring and firing responsibility in regard to the manager.

“Sources have indicated that Berrada – who is to formally start in the summer – and the incoming director of football will ultimately be the ones to determine the fate of United’s existing manager, Erik ten Hag, whose future remains shrouded in uncertainty,” Ducker says.

“It remains to be seen whether Ineos also look to bring in a performance director or make another senior appointment in recruitment.”

The reporter goes on to claim that current football director, John Murtough, will definitely see “his roles and responsibilities … downgraded in the shake-up unless he was to leave the club altogether.”

Furthermore, recruitment and scouting operations could be completely overhauled, with an insider saying “I don’t think there are any sacred cows in this.”

However, the appointment of the director of football is clearly seen as the next step, and there is a sense of urgency about it. Ducker cites one source as saying “It needs to happen quickly … It’s so important for the project that we can’t hang about.”

3

Senior members of the Manchester United dressing room are said to be “angry” at the latest controversy involving team-mate Marcus Rashford.

The 26-year-old missed training on Friday morning as Erik ten Hag’s squad were beginning preparations for the crucial trip to Newport County in the FA Cup. Rashford was too ill to report for duty, having only arrived back that morning after a trip to Belfast.

While this was sanctioned by the club, they were under the impression their forward would be returning to Manchester on Thursday. Instead, reports suggest Rashford went out Wednesday and Thursday night in the Northern Ireland capital, with sources indicating the player went on a ‘12-hour tequila bender‘ before arranging a private jet to fly him home at 7am on Friday morning.

Rashford was then made to train alone at the club’s training ground on Sunday while his team travelled to Newport County. United would win the game 4-2 in an exciting, if somewhat concerning, manner, confirming their place in the 5th round of the FA Cup.

The competition constitutes the last opportunity for the club to salvage some semblance of success this season, having already crashed out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, while languishing in eighth place in the Premier League.

It’s likely for this exact reason why Rashford’s team-mates are believed to be so furious with the England international.

The Daily Mail reveals sources at Old Trafford say senior members of the dressing room are “unhappy” with his behaviour. “The players were told he was too ill to train, and then it came out that he’d been in the nightclub. They couldn’t believe that he would do that given the situation the club is in,” one source contended.

Similarly, these feelings appear to be mirrored by the club’s coaching staff. TalkSPORT reveals they are “concerned [that] Rashford’s lifestyle is having a negative impact on his career.”

During Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford, Rashford has been involved in two more minor behavioural incidents. The first was being dropped after arriving late to a team meeting ahead of a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The second was earlier this season, after Rashford went out to a nightclub to celebrate his birthday following the dismal 3-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby. Ten Hag described this incident as “unacceptable” at the time but contended it was an “internal matter”, mirroring the words he tensely used in a pre-match interview at Newport County when pressed on the incident.

This latest controversy is on a different level to the previous two, however. Yet it appears to have already been dealt with by the club.

Following “showdown talks” between the player and club officials, including Ten Hag, United released a statement last night indicating Rashford had taken full “responsibility for his actions” and the matter had been “dealt with internally”. The forward is now back in training and in contention for Thursday night’s game against Wolves.

The expediency of this decision comes as a surprise considering the almost flagrant unprofessionalism Rashford displayed during the incident.

Ten Hag’s interviews and press-conferences during his near-twenty months at the helm of Old Trafford have been constantly dominated by messages about attitude and work ethic. For his star forward to have defiantly defied these principles, but face a minor slap on the wrists, feels an odd response.

One wonders if Anthony Martial and Mason Mount were fit and in form, or Antony wasn’t utterly useless, would the Dutch manager have acquiesced so easily to a situation which must have enraged him privately. Needs must hey Erik?