man utd news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Incoming Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel predicted Edinson Cavani would be a success at Man Utd after PSG glory together

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL’S imminent appointment at Chelsea will mean facing up to old PSG pal Edinson Cavani – a player he tipped for success at Manchester United.
      If the German is to launch a tilt at the Premier League title, overcoming Cavani’s Red Devils will be vital.

      Thomas Tuchel tipped Edinson Cavani to be a hit in EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manchester United striker Cavani has notched five goals this seasonCredit: EPA

      The clubs are set to square off on February 28, by which time Tuchel will have had time to settle in at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea are set to announce the former Paris Saint-Germain coach’s arrival as Frank Lampard’s replacement.
      Tuchel spent two seasons with Cavani in the French capital, in which time the striker bagged 30 goals en route to two Ligue 1 titles.
      After being released by the French champions in the summer, he joined United and was tipped by his old boss to be a success.

      The coach said in October: “[United] have got a great personality.
      “With many of the biggest players of the game, it’s the same with Edi. Very polite, almost a bit shy. Hard, hard worker.

      “He will be there in every training [session], first minute until last minute.
      “Every game from first second until last second, you can totally rely on him.

      “He’s living for goals, living for scoring.
      “When he scores, when he has the confidence, he’s one of the [best] number nines in world football.

      “Hopefully he will show [that], he can start to convince all of you. I have no doubt about that.”
      Cavani featured less frequently in his final year under Tuchel and is only now nailing down a consistent starting spot at Old Trafford.
      In 18 appearances, most of which have been as a substitute, he has scored five goals.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Next Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is fashion model, former barman, has business degree and refused Bayern Munich More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd signed Lindelof over Van Dijk in 2017, reveals Liverpool star’s former Southampton team-mate Charlie Austin

      by

      CHARLIE AUSTIN has revealed how Manchester United turned down Virgil van Dijk – to sign Victor Lindelof.
      While the Swede has been a decent acquisition for the Red Devils, there is no doubting the incredible impact Van Dijk has had at Anfield.

      Virgil van Dijk has enjoyed huge success since moving to LiverpoolCredit: Reuters

      Victor Lindelof was supposedly the man signed instead of the Dutch starCredit: Getty – Pool

      But it perhaps could have been different with former Southampton striker Austin revealing a chat he had with Van Dijk when the defender starred for the Saints.
      He told talkSPORT: “I remember at the back end of his Southampton career we were on the bench together at Chelsea away.
      “I asked him, ‘Come on Virg, what’s going on? Surely Man United must have been in for you?’.
      “He told me, ‘You know what, Chaz, in the summer it was between me and Lindelof, and they signed Lindelof’.

      “I was like, ‘You are joking?’.
      “I don’t know if anyone knows that. I couldn’t believe it, I was gobsmacked.
      “There was talk in the summer that he was going to go there, but they’ve gone and taken Lindelof instead.”
      Lindelof signed for United at an initial cost of £31million while Liverpool signed Van Dijk six months later for £75m.

      The Reds broke the world record fee for a defender in that deal, which was then pushed up by Harry Maguire’s £80m switch to Old Trafford in 2019.
      Speculation was rife around the Dutchman’s future for several months before he left St Mary’s.
      And Austin, who believes that Van Dijk always had his ‘heart set’ on Liverpool, detailed the confusion it caused at Southampton.
      The QPR striker continued: “At the time, the manager, Mauricio Pellegrino, got everybody on the pitch in pre-season, including Virg.
      “And he told everyone, ‘Look lads, Virgil wants to go, the club are not allowing him to go, so he’s not going to play. He’s not going to train with us’.
      “I remember Virg was gobsmacked because there was no heads up from the manager, nothing, he just said, ‘You’re going to train over there with the fitness coach and physio’.
      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      Charlie Austin spent two years with Van Dijk at SouthamptonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      “Ultimately he didn’t move in the summer, two days later the transfer window had shut and Virg was started again on the Saturday.
      “He apologised to the lads but we were all like, ‘Virg, we understand, you’re linked with Man United and Liverpool and you wanted to go, that’s fine by us’.
      “We were just happy he was still there because of the quality he brought to the team.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Virgil van Dijk made L’Equipe’s Team of the Year for 2020

      Virgil van Dijk rides exercise bike in Liverpool boost as he steps up recovery from horror knee injury More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jesse Lingard set to join West Ham on loan after Man Utd boss Solskjaer gives green light to transfer

      by

      WEST HAM are set to complete the signing of Jesse Lingard after Manchester United agreed to loan out the midfielder.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held talks with the 28-year-old last week amid another spell out the side.

      Jesse Lingard has been offered loan moves by a number of clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Lingard has only appeared three times this season, all in cup competitions, and has managed just one league goal in over two years.
      Therefore the chance to get much-needed gametime under old boss David Moyes is seen as appealing to the United academy product.
      West Ham are hoping to turn their good form of late into a serious push for European qualification.
      But attacking reinforcements are needed after the departures of Sebastian Haller and Robert Snodgrass.

      Bournemouth forward Joshua King is another player targeted by the London club.
      Solskjaer admitted on the weekend that he would have been ‘happy’ to keep Lingard in his squad ahead of a hectic second half of the season.

      Several success stories have come from January transfers
      But, with Sheffield United and West Brom also keen, a loan move has been green lit by the Red Devils.
      Last month, United triggered a one-year extension option on his contract, which now expires in the summer of 2022.

      Lingard was not involved in United’s weekend win over Liverpool and Solskjaer discussed his options after the game.
      The manager said: “Jesse trained this morning, he wasn’t in the squad.
      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      “So, of course, he wants to play football, we will have to see and I will sit down with Jesse and make a decision on what we’re going to do.
      “So far, he’s been the ultimate professional, trained well with a small group this morning that were not in squad.
      “I will sit down and see if anything comes up. I’m very happy to have him around us as I know he could have played today and done well.”
      West Ham have a maximum two domestic loan signings in their first-team – Said Benrahma and Craig Dawson – with the Brentford winger nearing a £20million permanent move.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Jesse Lingard says powerlifter grandad is the reason he’s where he is today More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Rashford dazzles with goal and stunning assist as Van de Beek flops again against Liverpool

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED sauntered into the FA Cup fifth-round after toppling Liverpool in a five-goal thriller at Old Trafford.
      Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood assisted each other as Mo Salah bagged a double in an entertaining clash.

      Bruno Fernandes scored the winner with a free-kick after coming on as a subCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Marcus Rashford scores the Red Devils’ second goalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Mason Greenwood celebrates scoring to bring Manchester United level at 1-1Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      But Bruno Fernandes climbed off the bench for a disappointing Donny van de Beek to smash home the winner with a perfect free-kick.
      SunSport’s Josh Graham hands out his ratings for the Red Devils.
      Dean Henderson – 7/10
      Did brilliantly to divert a very dangerous ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold to safety early in the piece.
      Not much he could do to stop Salah’s delightful dink flying over him for the opener but might have done more when he was nutmegged by the Egyptian King later on.

      Made a number of smart stops as Liverpool took the ascendancy.

      Mo Salah dinked over Dean Henderson to break the deadlock in the FA Cup tieCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Quiet first-half but will be disappointed he allowed Andy Robertson to get in behind him and send a dangerous ball into the box at the back end of the first 45.
      Went about his business after the break without too much alarm – handling the arrival of Sadio Mane from Jurgen Klopp’s bench.
      Victor Lindelof – 4
      The Swede was caught in no man’s land as Roberto Firmino’s gorgeous ball cut through the heart of United’s defence and Mo Salah chipped in.

      Lost out in an aerial battle with Firmino in the second-half but was let off the hook as James Milner blazed over.
      Harry Maguire – 5
      Maguire was clattered early on by James Milner when looking to impose himself driving the ball forward.
      And he should have done more to impose himself and prevent the ball rolling across the box for Salah’s second.
      Luke Shaw – 7
      Shaw was hugely impressive for United in the first-half as he continued his rich vein of form.
      A mix of superb defending and pin-point set-piece delivery saw him catch the eye in the first 45 minutes.
      After the break, he seemed to struggle more with Salah’s rampaging runs in from the right.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Luke Shaw impressed in both defence and attack in the first-halfCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Paul Pogba – 7
      A slow start to the game and should have done better with a free header from Shaw’s corner in the 35th minute.
      Happy to do the important dirty work as his team-mates grabbed the goal involvements – one surging run down the right gave a timely reminder of what he can do going forward.
      Scott McTominay – 5
      Struggled to get into the match early on and was too slow to close down Liverpool’s attack before Salah’s opener.
      Not his best display in the red shirt.
      Mason Greenwood – 8

      Greenwood equalised for United with a sublime finish at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Showed his threat with plenty of marauding runs down the right and after receiving a sensational pass from Marcus Rashford, cushioned the ball with his chest and finished expertly with his right peg to level the game at 1-1.
      He returned the favour for Rashford immediately in the second-half -sending his team-mate rushing onto goal for United’s second.
      Donny van de Beek – 4
      Showed his rustiness and lack of confidence by refusing to take on the Liverpool defence when set free by Scott McTominay in the first-half.
      He then tamely collapsed over Alisson’s leg with a loud shriek after misplacing his ball across the box, having been found expertly by Rashford.
      Solskjaer put him out of his misery after 65 minutes by bringing on Bruno Fernandes… who duly bagged a sensational free-kick.
      Marcus Rashford – 9

      Rashford dazzled for United as they trumped rivals LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      A clash of heads with Thiago seemed to spark the nation’s sweetheart into life as he sprayed an unreal pass into his England team-mate Mason Greenwood’s path for the equaliser.
      A constant thorn in Liverpool’s right-hand side, Rashford’s pace and guile was often far too much to handle.
      Greenwood turned provider immediately after the break and this time Rashford nonchalantly caressed the ball past Alisson.
      Worryingly went straight down the tunnel with a knee complaint late on.
      Edinson Cavani – 5
      Provided one moment of magic for the highlight reel when he back-heeled the ball gorgeously into Greenwood.
      But was mostly ineffective and unforgivably gave the ball away in the build-up to Salah’s second goal.
      Redeemed himself somewhat by winning the free-kick that Fernandes dispatched and almost completed the turnaround when he headed against the post.
      SUBS
      Bruno Fernandes (on for Van de Beek, 66) – 8
      Almost lobbed Alisson with a mis-hit cross after coming off the bench before firing a sensational free-kick into the bottom corner.
      Fred (on for Greenwood, 66) – 5
      Anthony Martial (on for Rashford, 86) – N/A
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer believes he has fab four to fire Man Utd top again More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘to make Jesse Lingard transfer decision after Liverpool FA Cup clash with Newcastle and West Brom keen’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly decide on Jesse Lingard’s future after the FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
      The midfielder has failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season.

      Jesse Lingard could be leaving Manchester United on loanCredit: AFP or licensors

      He has kicked a ball in three games this season, two in the EFL Cup and the other in the 1-0 FA Cup win against Watford.
      Now, according to the Mail On Sunday, Solskjaer will decide on Lingard’s future after the Liverpool game.
      Newcastle, West Brom and Sheffield United are all keen on signing the 28-year-old on a loan deal.
      And London clubs Tottenham and West Ham could even make a move for the out-of-favour star.

      But Solskjaer is still weighing up whether he can afford to let Lingard leave as the fixtures build up.
      United are firmly in title contention, are in the Europa League and if they beat Liverpool will go on in the FA Cup.
      Solskjaer allowed Timothy Fosu-Mensah to join Bayer Leverkusen last week and suggested others could follow, with speculation continuing over the likes of Juan Mata as well as Lingard.
      Asked if the latter would still be at Old Trafford come the end of January, he said: “Well, I don’t want to go into individuals but we can probably allow maybe one or two more to go out.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will decide on Lingard’s future next weekCredit: PA:Press Association

      “But then one of the strengths we have is that we have had a fit and deep squad. Strength in depth.
      “So, we don’t want to give our advantage away by easing off on our players. I can’t give you a better answer than that.”
      Lingard has been capped 24 times for England but has not received a call-up since 2019.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Alex Crook says that Man Utd are reluctant to let Jesse Lingard leave More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes pinpoints the moment he knew Man Utd would turn their season around and challenge for Prem glory

      by

      BRUNO FERNANDES can trace Manchester United’s transformation back to a downbeat dressing room at Leicester on Boxing Day.
      The playmaker says the frustrated reaction of his team-mates after conceding a late equaliser gave him a strong sense of satisfaction.

      Bruno Fernandes has revealed one moment that renewed his faith in a title tiltCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A late Leicester goal sparked a furious reaction in Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Portuguese, 26, believes that summed up a changing mentality that means Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are ready to step up their bid for silverware — starting with Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool.
      Fernandes said: “After the Leicester game when we drew in the last minute, I was really happy to see the frustration on the team when I got to the dressing room.
      “It was the first time I saw a real frustration after drawing a game.
      “I think we have to build on this and more and more be prepared, when we lose one game, to keep going on the same level.”

      It is a measure of the club’s turnaround in Fernandes’ first year at United that they face Jurgen Klopp’s reigning champions as Premier League leaders.
      The midfielder, though, insists there is still room for improvement.
      We have to be a little bit more of a team and not expect all the time that someone makes something exceptional.

      We have to be a little bit more of a team and not expect all the time that someone makes something exceptional.
      Bruno Fernandes

      The former Sporting Lisbon star said: “When I arrived I could see that the team was growing up.

      “Game by game, we started to do better and better. Now, almost one year after I arrived, I think we still have problems.
      “You can see we concede a lot of goals in the beginning of games.
      “We have to be a little bit more of a team and not expect all the time that someone makes something exceptional.”
      Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: “We are here to win trophies. We have chances in all of them and have to fight for all of them.
      “The mentality has to be winning all them.”
      United had the better of last Sunday’s scoreless league draw at Anfield.
      But Fernandes warned United cannot underestimate Klopp’s stuttering side, and admits he has sympathy for misfiring forwards Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Fernandes is preparing to do battle with Liverpool in the FA CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He told United’s official website: “When players don’t score, everyone talks about that.
      “I feel that on me because I know the standard is high, because I arrived and I scored a lot of goals and make a lot of assists so everyone is wanting goals and assists from me.
      “It is the same — everyone expects goals from Salah, from Firmino and from Mane.
      “They are not scoring in the last few games and it starts feeling like, ‘Oh, they are not playing well’.
      “I think it is a moment. We don’t have to look at that moment because big teams and big players can show in every moment.”
      Amad Diallo could get his first chance to show why he is tipped as a future superstar against Liverpool.
      The Ivory Coast teen, who cost £37million from Serie A side Atalanta, has only been at Old Trafford for a fortnight, yet is already impressing coaches.
      Now Diallo, 18, may feature in the fourth-round tie.

      Solskjaer said: “He’s been training a lot and might be involved, I’ve not decided yet.”
      One man sure to play a part is Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek, who is frustrated at only six starts since a £35m move from Ajax.
      Solskjaer added: “I wouldn’t say Donny is happy, of course he wants to play more.
      “When we have players doing well in his position, it’s not like we just want to give him games for the sake of it.
      “He is a quietly confident guy who is just waiting for his opportunity.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Liverpool vs Man Utd combined XI: Salah and Bruno Fernandes make joint side but Pogba misses out ahead of clash More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Kalidou Koulibaly ‘wants Man Utd transfer’ with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer huge fan but £100m Napoli demands could be issue

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a huge transfer boost with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly ‘wanting’ the move.
      The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Napoli centre-half for a while, with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly ‘a fan of the player’.

      Kalidou Koulibaly reportedly wants to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now according to Marca, the move may be one step closer.
      It is reported that the 29-year-old Senegalese international is pushing for a move to Old Trafford.
      But one stumbling block could be Napoli’s £100million valuation of their star man.
      United’s Premier League rivals Liverpool have also being linked with Koulibaly.

      Of course Jurgen Klopp has big problems at the back, recently forced to playing centre-midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson paired centrally.
      But Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has warned both clubs they must offer at least £100m if they want to sign Koulibaly.
      Now well into another transfer window, Jim White spoke to Napoli owner De Laurentiis about the prospect of another series of maddeningly low bids from the Premier League.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Speaking on talkSPORT, White revealed: “There isn’t a window in the last two, three or four that we don’t see big mentions of the Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
      “This morning, I spoke to Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli owner, and said what about your player, are there bids in for him?
      “He laughed it off saying he’s not for sale. It seems on this occasion Koulibaly is going nowhere. He stays and that was as recent as this morning.

      “Anyone going in with anything other than £100million for Koulibaly can forget it.
      “He’s absolutely not for sale unless one of the big clubs in England come up with £100million.”
      Koulibaly has played in 18 games in all competitions for Napoli this season, helping to keep seven clean sheets.
      He is under contract at the Serie A giants until the end of the 2022-23 season.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer believes he has fab four to fire Man Utd top again More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Paul Pogba’s Man Utd revival comes after working hard with ex-United ace Darren Fletcher in new coaching role

      by

      THERE was a satisfied smile on the Manchester United bench as Paul Pogba bagged another winner away at Fulham.
      Darren Fletcher was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted stalwarts for ten years — and is now hardening up the next generation of stars.

      Paul Pogba starred in Manchester United’s win over FulhamCredit: PA:Press Association

      Darren Fletcher has returned to Old Trafford and is working with the midfielderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Scotland midfielder spent 20 years at Old Trafford and was dependable, solid, hard-working and clever.
      At the start of this month United announced the 36-year-old had been promoted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff, to help bring his extensive knowledge to the first team.
      This was after just three months back at United, where he’d been helping the youth teams and learning his trade.
      Since starting his new role, he has worked with Pogba and United’s other midfielders to push their game to the next level.

      And it is already reaping rewards, with Pog hitting the winners at Fulham and Burnley — and he also fluffed a late chance to snatch victory at rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
      Fletcher is helping the 27-year-old French World Cup winner improve the defensive side of his game.
      Pogba has made more recoveries than any of his midfield team-mates, delivered more passes and made as many tackles as Fred since Fletcher was unveiled as a first-team coach 18 days ago.
      Not bad for a man who wanted to quit the club and was allegedly “unhappy and can no longer express himself”, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

      Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      In the five games since Fletcher’s promotion to Solskjaer’s staff, United have kept three clean sheets and conceded just three goals.
      He has been a hugely popular appointment among the players and staff, especially his former team-mate Pogba.
      Fletcher left United in 2015 and spent two years with West Brom, before playing another two with Stoke until he retired in 2019 aged 35.
      He had no intentions of going into coaching when he hung up his boots following a number of health issues.
      But he has fallen in love with his new role after returning to United in October.
      Table-topping boss Ole has hailed the appointment of his old team-mate.

      Fletcher (right) enjoyed a successful playing career in ManchesterCredit: AFP

      Ole Gunnar Solskjær is hoping Pogba can fuel a title challengeCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      Solskjaer, 47, said: “Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
      “He is at the start of his coaching career and his experience both on and off the pitch, along with his winning mentality, commitment and hard work, will be a great addition to the staff.”
      It is understood Fletcher now plans to become a manager one day — with his dream to take over the top job at his beloved Old Trafford.
      Another old team-mate, ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes the tough-tackling former midfielder is the perfect coach for Pogba and Co.
      Betfair Ambassador Berbatov said: “First thing, he was the boss’ son, for sure.
      “They were both Scottish. Second, he was very strong going into tackles.

      “He was unbelievable. He was slim but he was not afraid to put this body on the line, tackle and get into people’s faces.
      “He would defend and do the dirty work. This was Fletch.
      “He was needed for the team. He ran all day long, he was unbelievable.
      “These type of things that could benefit Pogba with Fletch being there.
      “He was the type of guy who would talk with you, give you advice if you needed.
      “I was watching him closely against Burnley and it was a different Pogs.
      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      “He was running down the pitch and fighting, he would lose the ball and sprint back.
      “If that all continues, everyone will benefit.
      “The goal he scored was the reward for everything he did in the game.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Adidas launch revolutionary new Predator boot to be worn by Paul Pogba and David Alaba More