Man Utd email

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      How to pronounce Man Utd wonderkid Shola Shoretire’s name properly… and it’s not how you think

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED gave Shola Shoretire his debut at just 17 years old at the weekend.
      And while the academy prospect only had a handful of touches in the dying stages, there was still plenty of talk around the talent.

      Shola Shoretire came on for his professional debut at the weekendCredit: PA:Press Association

      And one line of conversation was around how to pronounce his surname.
      BT Sport commentator Des Kelly went with ‘shore-ea-teery’ phonetically, that had a few United fans wondering whether he had got it all wrong.
      One supporter asked ‘where the hell Des Kelly got this pronunciation’ – with the sports journo quick to respond on Twitter.
      Kelly answered: “From his Dad. Anything else I can help you with?”

      The United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils recently.
      Shoretire was then fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      He sat on the bench against Sociedad in Europe, but his patience prevailed as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him on against Newcastle in the league, handing the youngest his pro debut.
      Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford with just a minute to go but got a sense of the big-time at Old Trafford.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford for the final minute of the game agaisnt NewcastleCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      After the game Rashford sent a classy message to Shoretire after his debut.
      Alongside a heart emoji, he tweeted: “Cherish this moment for ever little bro. Your family must be very proud.”
      Speaking post-match, England hero Rashford added: “It’s in our DNA, it’s what we do at Man United.
      “It’s important our kids know when they’re good enough, [they know] they’re old enough.
      “Shola has been training with us now for a little while, and has done really well, [this] was the next step up.
      “In the last transfer window we let a few players go out on loan, which made the path for him shorter and I’m sure he’ll remember his five or six minutes on the pitch tonight.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man United wonderkid Shola Shoretire scores ‘brilliant’ goal vs Wigan U18 at just 16 More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd could line up with Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Varane if they land five ambitious transfer targets

      by

      THE top scorers in the Premier League this season with 53 goals from their 25 games, Manchester United hardly need a striker.
      According to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they do, apparently – with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland one of FIVE big-name summer transfer targets.

      How Man Utd could line up if they sign all of their top five summer targets

      Man Utd have five European superstars on their summer transfer wishlist

      As well as the Norway ace, United are believed to be hot on the trail of Jadon Sancho for the second summer in a row.
      Defenders Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane and David Alaba are also on Solskjaer’s wishlist, with the back-four clearly a problem area.
      But how would the Old Trafford chief squeeze all five stars into the team in the highly unlikely scenario they managed to land all of them?
      First and foremost, Harry Maguire – still the most-expensive defender in history at £85million – would surely make way.

      Varane and Kounde would form a superb mix of youth and experience in the heart of a back-four.
      Solskjaer would be able to get the best out of Maguire by sticking him on the left of a back-three, where he thrived earlier in his career.
      David Alaba would be the obvious choice at left-back, despite Luke Shaw’s stellar season.
      The Bayern Munich star – out of contract this summer – is more than capable of playing at centre-back or further forward, in midfield.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      How Man Utd could line up if they fail to sign any of their summer targets

      However, questions have been raised over Alaba’s ability to play in the middle of a back-four in the ultra-physical Premier League, with John Barnes one pundit to suggest he’d struggle.
      In midfield, Solskjaer appears more than happy with his deep duo of Fred and Scott McTominay, with Nemanja Matic providing more than capable back-up.
      With Bruno Fernandes roaming behind the striker and Marcus Rashford on the left, the United boss has no worries there either.
      However, United have lacked some genuine width on the right flank, with natural centre-forward Mason Greenwood preferred to wide-man Daniel James.
      Sancho would comfortably slip in on the right-flank forging an impressive front-four with current Dortmund team-mate Haaland replacing the struggling Anthony Martial up front.
      Edinson Cavani has been United’s No1 striker in recent weeks, but his contract expires at the end of the season, with talks over an extension believed to be ongoing.

      Solskjaer says the title isn’t over until it’s over after Newcastle win More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer says Anthony Martial lacks desire to be a Man Utd goalscorer in scathing assessment of French forward

      by

      ANTHONY MARTIAL lacks the desire to a be Premier League goal-machine, according to Alan Shearer.
      Manchester United are the top-scoring team in the Premier League this season with 53 goals from their 25 games.

      Shearer has criticised Martial’s attitude after drawing yet another blank vs NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shearer claimed Martial doesn’t show the ‘desire’ to score goalsCredit: Rex Features

      But Martial – expected to be the lead centre-forward this term – has managed just FOUR of them.
      The French star, 25, had led the United attack since the return from the original lockdown last season, with fellow forwards Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood pushed out wide.
      Edinson Cavani was signed on a free transfer in the summer to add some experience and provide some competition for Martial.
      But instead, the Uruguayan veteran has become the No1 striker for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, such are Martial’s struggles.

      And Shearer – the top scorer in Premier League history with 260 goals – has torn into him in a scathing assessment.
      Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the Newcastle legend said: “Only four league goals this season, not enough movement, he’s certainly not desperate enough to score goals.
      “When you look at his positioning, he spends far too much time [out wide] when you need someone in the box.
      “Not once does he look to get anywhere near that box to score goals.

      NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BETFAIR

      “He’s spending too much time out there [wide], there’s no focal point, there’s no one there to hold the ball up.
      “He should realise he should get out of there and get into the box.
      “I don’t think it means enough to him to put that ball into the back of the net.
      “He’s only ever scored more than 20 goals in a season once. And that’s not just league goals.
      “When you consider Manchester United are top scorers in the Premier League with 53 and he’s got four, I don’t think that’s anywhere near enough.”
      Martial joined Man Utd from Monaco in 2015 for a fee of £36million rising to £57.6m.
      Despite that, many critics believe he will come good and just lacks ‘experience’ – something Shearer was quick to rebuff.

      Shearer added: “Apparently he’s the one who says he wants play centre forward, he deserves to be in there…
      “Well his numbers I think have to be a lot better if he wants to play in that position.
      “I wouldn’t say it’s a lack of experience. This is his sixth season at Manchester United.
      “I would say it’s his lack of hunger and lack of desire to get in there to constantly score goals you need to.
      “He had a good season in terms of numbers last season but you have to do that on a regular basis, particularly when Man Utd are scoring as many as they are.”
      Now into his sixth season at Old Trafford, Martial has only hit double figures in the Premier League on three occasions.
      His top return for a season is 17 goals in 2019-20, with 11 (2015-16) and ten (2018-19) his next-highest efforts.
      Martial’s tally of four goals this term is his joint-lowest return, with the striker most-recently failing to get on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win over Newcastle despite starting as the central striker.
      The Frenchman has only scored two goals since New Year’s Day – both of which came in the 9-0 mauling of Southampton.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Solskjaer says the title isn’t over until it’s over after Newcastle win More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League confirm just TWO positive Covid tests from 2,633 carried out on players and staff after Man Utd outbreak

      by

      MANCHESTER United’s backroom Covid outbreak prevented Prem chiefs announcing their first clear round of testing this season.
      The latest figures revealed that there were just two positive tests last week from 2,633 samples.

      Manchester United’s home game against Newcastle went ahead despite two of the coaching team testing positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      United have admitted two members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff were self-isolating after testing positive.
      The action did not prevent United’s Prem game with Newcastle taking place despite the scare.
      And while it did mean Prem execs are still awaiting the first clear week this season, the fact that the issues were contained to one club is seen as another step in the right direction.
      The figures revealed that one positive test came from the opening 1,290 samples taken across the 20 clubs between Monday and Thursday.

      That was followed by the second positive, from 1,343 tests, between Friday and Sunday.
      It matches last week’s season-low tally of two positives, with a rapid improvement since the League’s enhanced Covid measures were introduced at the start of January.
      League bosses will be hoping that this week will bring a clear round, which has not happened since the end of last season in July.
      Manchester United boss Solskjaer was joined on the bench against Newcastle by Nicky Butt and Mark Dempsey.

      BETS OF THE DAY: DON’T MISS TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS

      The Premier League will be hoping for a clean bill of health next time roundCredit: Reuters

      Butt, a long-time team-mate of Solskjaer’s at Old Trafford during their playing days, is the club’s head of development.
      Former United player Dempsey returned to the club in 2018 as part of Solskjaer’s staff, having previously worked with the Norwegian at Molde, and is now primarily working with the academy set-up.
      And all three will have been relieved to get the three points against Newcastle after a 3-1 victory.
      United made a nervy start to the game but managed to go 1-0 up thanks to Marcus Rashford’s opener.
      But Allen Saint-Maximin gave the Magpies some hope with an equaliser, before Dan James and Bruno Fernandes sealed the three points on offer.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Solskjaer says the title isn’t over until it’s over after Newcastle win More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd hit by coronavirus outbreak among coaching staff with Nicky Butt to join Solskjaer on bench for Newcastle game

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been hit by a coronavirus outbreak just hours before their Premier League clash at home to Newcastle.
      Nicky Butt and Mark Dempsey will join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the Manchester United bench for the game with some other members of the coaching staff in self-isolation, the club have announced.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be joined by Nicky Butt on the bench for the visit of NewcastleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The individuals in self-isolation are not being identified.
      It is understood there are no concerns that any players will need to isolate and tonight’s fixture, scheduled to kick off at 7pm at Old Trafford, will go ahead.
      Butt, a long-time team-mate of Solskjaer’s at Old Trafford during their playing days, is the club’s head of development.
      Former United player Dempsey returned to the club in 2018 as part of Solskjaer’s staff, having previously worked with the Norwegian at Molde, and is now primarily working with the academy set-up.

      The club statement read: “Nicky Butt and Mark Dempsey will join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the bench this evening due to some of the coaching staff having to self isolate.”
      Solskjaer’s side are second in the standings, 10 points behind big rivals Manchester City who play Arsenal.
      But the Red Devils should be full of confidence after the 4-0 Europa League thrashing of Real Sociedad in the week.
      And Solskjaer is refusing to overlook the danger poised by a Newcastle side desperate to pull themselves away from the relegation zone.

      The Norwegian told the club website: “Every game in the Premier League is difficult. You’ve got to earn the right.
      BETS OF THE DAY: DON’T MISS TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS

      Former United star Nicky Butt will be closer to the actionCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “You’ve got to do it by your quality but first of all the attitude.
      “Run more than them, want it more than them and we’ve got players who have got the quality, so hopefully we can take the chances.
      “The confidence is high, it’s a big boost for the morale. Of course it’s Sunday night so we’ve got three full days to recover.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Solskjaer tells his Man Utd stars they are paid enough to cope with relentless fixture schedule More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd pulled the plug on Thiago transfer as David Moyes didn’t know enough about him and then signed Fellaini

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were close to signing Bayern Munich star Thiago in 2013 but David Moyes vetoed it.
      Instead the Scot signed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini on deadline day.

      David Moyes vetoed Man Utd’s signing of Thiago in 2013

      The Scot instead signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton

      Thiago ended up signing for Bayern where he has since won seven Bundesliga titles and a Champions League.
      Whereas Fellaini only managed an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League title with United.
      Sir Alex Ferguson had set up a £17million deal to sign Thiago, 29, from Barcelona before his retirement, according to ESPN.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      But once he had left Old Trafford the decision fell to his replacement – and now West Ham manager – Moyes.
      Thiago was said to be keen on a Nou Camp exit in order to play first-team football.
      But Moyes reportedly shut the move down because he did not know enough about the Spanish international.
      The Scot had been told by United chiefs they were planning a mega move that summer – with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo being mentioned.

      And as a result he held off on giving the Thiago deal the green light.

      United reportedly attempted to sign Thiago’s Barca team-mate Cesc Fabregas instead but that move also fell through.
      So having missed out on several targets, Moyes was forced to raid his old club and sign Fellaini on the last day of the summer transfer window.
      Thiago made a belated move to the Premier League last summer, joining Liverpool in a £25million deal.

      Darren Fletcher says Cristiano Ronaldo became the player he is thanks to former Man Utd No2 Walter Smith More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ready to launch new Erling Haaland move with club prepared to back Solskjaer in major summer transfer splurge

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer WILL get the backing to bring the world’s top stars to Old Trafford this summer.
      And that means the green light to join rivals Manchester City in the battle for Erling Haaland.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (right) could launch a new bid for Erling Haaland this summer

      It is also the clearest indication yet that the Red Devils manager, 47, will be handed a new deal to continue his overhaul at the end of the season.
      United were in the hunt for Haaland, the most wanted striker in Europe, before he joined Borussia Dortmund last January.
      A £65million release clause only kicks in next year, meaning anyone wanting to sign the 20-year-old before then will have to pay an inflated premium.
      Leeds-born Haaland scored twice last night — one an incredible bicycle-kick — as Dortmund claimed an emphatic 4-0 win at Schalke.

      Fellow Norwegian Solskjaer refused to be drawn on specific targets but did admit he has been promised funds will be available to sign the best players around.
      He revealed: “I can’t say anything about individuals — but we’ve got the backing.
      “The owners keep backing the club and myself and hopefully we can improve.
      “We’ve got a plan to become a very successful Man United team, one that top players would like to play for.

      ONLINE CASINO OFFERS: CLAIM OVER £800 IN BONUS CASH

      Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.Erling Braut Haaland.This guy. Jeez 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zs9dvP0byV
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 20, 2021

      “We are getting better but we need to do better than last year, when we got to three semi-finals.
      “The next stage is to get into finals and establish ourselves again as title challengers in the league.
      “It’s down to us to keep improving and getting closer to the trophies.”
      Haaland, along with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, 22, are the two hottest prospects on the planet.
      With an incredible 27 goals in just 24 appearances this season for his German side, Haaland has been hitting the headlines.
      He even managed to bag FOUR goals in one game in a 5-2 trouncing of Hertha Berlin in November.

      Solskjaer knows his own situation will be decided by results — yet the promise of summer funds is a real sign he is there for the long haul.
      He added: “I’ve still got time on my own contract and my job is to keep doing my best for the club.
      “I talk to (chief exec) Ed Woodward all the time and I know we will keep on discussing the progress of the team.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Erling Haaland teases Real Madrid transfer as Dortmund star admits ‘it’s always nice if someone wants you’ More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Solskjaer admits De Gea’s Man Utd No1 jersey under threat as Henderson ‘is in with shout’ to face Newcastle

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has declared Dean Henderson ‘is in with a shout’ to start ahead of David De Gea for the clash against Newcastle on Sunday.
      The 23-year-old – who has featured in just three Premier League games for the Red Devils – kept a clean sheet in Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League victory against Real Sociedad.

      David De Gea knows Dean Henderson could soon take his No1 jersey at Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

      And United boss Solskjaer has hinted he could be rewarded with his first top-flight outing since the 3-2 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on December 17.
      This is despite De Gea earning United a draw away at West Brom last week after making a crucial double save to deny Mbaye Diagne from scoring the winner.
      Speaking ahead of the encounter against the Magpies at Old Trafford, the Norwegian gaffer said: “Of course Dean is in with a shout.
      “We pick a team on Saturday and Dean was very solid, good kicking and he could or should have had an assist for Marcus, which is another thing we worked on.

      “He was clean in his handling, clean in his short passes and it was a good performance.
      “He is maturing all the time but I have a very, very good goalkeeper in David. He saved us against West Brom so I can’t say to you now.
      “I always speak to the players first before I say who’s playing and they will know.”
      De Gea has been subject to criticism over his displays this term, with Gary Neville blaming him for Everton’s late equaliser in the thrilling 3-3 draw earlier this month.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Fellow United legend Paul Scholes also lambasted his performance against the Toffees, as he claimed the Spanish shot-stopper looks ‘timid’.
      Meanwhile Graeme Souness believes it’s only a matter of time before De Gea loses his No 1 jersey to Henderson.
      He said: “I’m a fan of Dean Henderson. It’s only a matter of time.
      “You look at Sheffield United’s plight, he is the single biggest reason why they are where they are. 
      “David De Gea is making mistakes, a manager can only tolerate that for so long. If the goalkeeper is making mistakes, it impacts the rest of the team.”

      Solskjaer working with Marcus Rashford in Man Utd training to help striker’s finishing and improve goal tally More