More stories

  • in

    Meet Man Utd’s next big things, the Ibragimov brothers, as ALL THREE kids score for academy teams over Easter weekend

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S three Ibragimov brothers are 12, 14 and 15 – but off the scale for potential.All three scored at academy level over Easter – with the eldest, Amir, training with the first team and being likened to Wayne Rooney.Amir and Gazik have appeared together in Man Utd coloursCredit: Instagram @amir_ibra7Amir Ibragimov has met ex-United chief Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @amir_ibra7Eldest brother Ibragim, 19, is an MMA starlet eyeing a UFC spotCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60And as they fight for a spectacular triple breakthrough in the long term, they have MMA-star bruv Ibragim looking over them aged 19!United are excited by the technical skills and potential of Amir, Gazik and youngest brother Muhammad.But so far it’s the first-of-the-three who at just 15 has had coaches raving the most – even meeting legendary ex-boss Alex Ferguson.The Russian-born midfielder captained United’s Under-14s and U-15s after switching from the Sheffield United academy.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow Amir has been capped by England youths and become a stand-out prospect for the Red Devils in the U-18s.But most impressive of all, he was called in to train with Erik ten Hag’s senior squad on Easter Friday.And in fact it that holiday weekend neatly sums up the rapid progress made by the three kids.Amir netted from close range for the U-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Monaco.Most read in FootballAmir Ibragimov has fired spectacular goals and won rave reviews this termCredit: GettyMiddle bruv Gazik thumped the winning penalty in a GA Cup match.And Muhammad threaded home a 20-yard free-kick for United’s Under-12s in the Mic Football Cup, which features many of the world’s leading academy teams.Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd performances described as ‘heartbreaking’ by Jamie Redknapp who ‘wants to see more’Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…

    Once the clip of all three goals was posted on social media, fans immediately noticed the brothers had exactly the same, three-part celebration.Each ran off while raising their hands in front of their chest, dropped to their knees and kissed the turf.And with Ten Hag’s men preparing to visit Chelsea, one viewer joked: “Start them all Thursday night.”Raducio King, the coach who brought Amir to United, has said: “I could see him playing as a No.10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it.”We don’t want Amir to lose his style or creativity and, as his coach, he has all the tools to succeed.”Some might think if just one Ibragimov brother becomes a Premier League star it would be a success, given how tough it is for young talent to go all the way.But United of course have history with brotherly brilliance.Bobby Charlton is an all-time great whose older sibling Jack never played for the Red Devils but played alongside him when England won the 1966 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Gary and Phil Neville became long-serving fixtures in United’s defence.So perhaps, with three brothers going for it instead of only two, the Ibragimovs might reckon the odds are in their favour! More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag to be STRIPPED of power this summer after spate of dodgy transfer dealings… if he avoids the sack

    ERIK TEN HAG will reportedly have less control over transfers this summer should he stay at Manchester United.The Red Devils boss has question marks over his future with the club’s inconsistent performances this season.Erik ten Hag is set to have less input into Manchester United’s transfer plans this summerCredit: AlamyThe Red Devils have reportedly made an approach for Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTen Hag, 54, has been in the Man United hot seat since 2022 but has had mixed success with his transfer business.The Dutchman has seen players such as Lisandro Martinez, Rasmus Hojlund, and Casemiro succeed following their arrivals.However, plenty more stars have arrived who have struggled to prove their worth at Old Trafford.Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount have been hampered by injuries, while Andre Onana, Antony, Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen have struggled to impress on a consistent basis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Daily Mail have now reported that Man United are looking at bringing in Southampton’s former director of football Jason Wilcox.The report claims that the club have already made an approach for Wilcox.However, the South Coast side has rejected an offer that would have paid off the remaining year in his contract.He has since resigned from his role at the Saints, and United must now agree on a compensation deal to get him out of his 12-month notice period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilcox previously worked at Manchester City alongside Omar Berrada, who is on gardening leave ahead of joining Man United as chief executive.Man United and new heads of footballing operations Ineos are continuing to negotiate with Newcastle over a compensation package for Dan Ashworth.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowAshworth would become the club’s new director of football and would be heavily involved in the transfer plans.This would see Ten Hag have much less input into the business of adding to the squad this summer.It is claimed that he would be much more focused on solely coaching the team and players at his disposal. Man United are set for a busy summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans an overhaul of the squad.Premier League stars such as Michael Olise, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ivan Toney are among the names being linked with the club.Ten Hag will have to hope he is still in place come the summer, as there is continued speculation that he could be sacked.Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate as well as Gary O’Neil have all been tipped as potential replacementsOmar Berrada is set to become Man United’s chief executiveCredit: PAThe club also hope to appoint Dan Ashworth as director of footballCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd suffer defeat in behind-closed-doors friendly vs Nice as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes advantage of Ineos link

    MANCHESTER UNITED have taken advantage of their newfound link with French outfit Nice with a behind-closed doors friendly. The Ligue 1 side are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, who completed their 27.7 per cent purchase of the Red Devils in February.Man Utd have taken advantage of their Ineos group links with a trip to the south of FranceCredit: GettyErik ten Hag will use the games to further analyse players in the Man Utd academyCredit: AlamyAnd it has now been revealed by the Daily Mail that Man Utd’s Under-21 side headed across the English channel for a friendly with Nice’s own U21’s.The match was played out on Easter Monday, with the hosts running out 3-2 victors. Man Utd’s team featured promising stars such as Gabriele Biancheri and Bendito Mantato. It was the second game during the U21’s time in France.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir first clash overseas came against Monaco, in which the Red Devils claimed victory.Senior team boss Erik ten Hag has dipped into the academy to bolster the first team a number times, which this season has included the likes of Willy Kambwala, Omari Forson and Kobbie Mainoo.Each team in Man Utd’s Professional Development Phase – U17s to U21s – took part in the trip and played equivalent fixtures.No games had been arranged in Premier League 2 or the U18 Premier League over the weekend.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, other ages groups took part in their own games and tournaments in countries such as Spain, Holland, Belgium and the USA. Man Utd also announced the U14 side would be going to Poland for a Holocaust Education trip later this month, while another age group compete in Czechia in the Karlovy Cup.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowAcademy director Nick Cox said of the trips: “This is always an exciting time of the year for our young players as they get the chance to experience travelling to tournaments and fixtures together.”Each trip has different aims depending on the age group involved. “Whether it is for cultural education, experiencing playing teams outside of our domestic games programme or learning how to represent the club abroad, our players enjoy a huge amount of personal and professional development from these opportunities.“Our Under-14s, for example, will be continuing their education on World War Two while our Professional Development Phase group are heading to the South of France for the chance to face elite European opposition.“At every age group, I know that each and every player will have experiences that will stand them in great stead for successful lives in football or outside of the game.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

  • in

    Forgotten Man Utd starlet ‘still hasn’t convinced’ new manager and has only played five times since making loan transfer

    ALVARO FERNANDEZ is unlikely to join Benfica permanently this summer, according to reports.The on-loan Manchester United full-back has made just five league appearances since joining the Portuguese side in January.Alvaro Fernandez has failed to convince Benfica to make his loan move permanentCredit: GettyThe youngster joined on loan in January after his spell with Granada was cut shortCredit: GettyHis future is now in doubt as a result, with his contract at Old Trafford also set to expire this summer.Fernandez moved to Benfica during the winter transfer window after his loan spell with Granada was cut short.However, he has played just 78 minutes across five substitute appearances in the league.Despite making 10 appearances across all competitions, just two of those have come from the start.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSJornal do Noticias now report that Carreras has not done enough to convince Benfica to make his loan move permanent.Instead, the club are said to be looking at other left-back targets ahead of the summer.The 21-year-old Spaniard joined United from Real Madrid in 2020 but has failed to make a senior appearance for the club.He has been included in several Premier League matchday squads in recent seasons, though.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPrior to his loan spells with Granada and Benfica, the under-21 international spent last season at Championship side Preston.However, he is now set to become a free agent once his Red Devils deals expires this summer.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The youngster was told by the club he was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford before joining Granada in September. More

  • in

    Man Utd told they must wait a YEAR to appoint Jason Wilcox after ‘derisory’ Saints offer in blow to Ratcliffe’s overhaul

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been told they must wait a year to appoint Jason Wilcox unless they up their compensation offer.The former Blackburn winger, 53, dramatically resigned from his role as director of football at Southampton on Monday in order to force through a move to Old Trafford.Jason Wilcox has resigned as director of football at SouthamptonCredit: GettyMan Utd had angered the Saints by offering a year’s salary as compensation to the Championship club.Sources at Southampton claim the Red Devils were only given permission to speak to Wilcox on the condition that their offer would be far more generous.Wilcox has a 12-month notice period which Southampton are determined to stick to unless Man Utd return with an improved compensation offer.The ex-academy director at Manchester City is viewed as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford rebuild alongside incoming director of football Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are also involved in a dispute over compensation with Newcastle to release Ashworth from his lengthy gardening leave at St. James Park.Southampton have not only been frustrated by the compensation offer for Wilcox, but also the timing of the approach.The Red Devils want Wilcox, who spent 11 years with rivals Man City, to start work immediately but the Saints are nearing the end of a promotion push with just eight games of their Championship season left.They sit fourth, 12 points adrift of second-place Leeds with two games in hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNews of Wilcox’s exit broke within an hour of their crucial game at Ipswich Town on Monday, which Kieran McKenna’s side won with a last minute goal to all but end Southampton’s hopes of automatic promotion.Owners Sport Republic, who have made significant changes to the footballing structure at St. Mary’s since last season, were reluctant to lose Wilcox just months before what will be a pivotal summer window.Watch as Roy Keane left devastated in rare footage after Man Utd’s 1999 Champions League semi-final against JuventusAfter United’s initial approach was rejected out of hand, Wilcox made the decision to resign. More

  • in

    Man Utd wonderkid could QUIT Old Trafford over broken promise in permanent summer transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED loanee Facundo Pellistri could finally leave Old Trafford permanently this summer, according to reports.The Uruguayan playmaker, 22, joined the Red Devils from Penarol for £7.65million in October 2020, signing a five-year contract.Facundo Pellistri could be set to leave Old Trafford in the summerCredit: GettyPellistri played nine times for Manchester United during the first half of this seasonBut since then he has only racked up 24 appearances for Man Utd, scoring no goals and providing two assists.One of those assists came in a 1-0 win over Fulham in November, before he was farmed out on loan to Granada in January.His spell in Spain – a third loan since arriving at Man Utd after two stints with Alaves – has seen him score once and assist twice in seven matches.And according to The Mirror, he is hoping to secure a permanent transfer to Granada in the summer, despite still having one year left on his Man Utd contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes after he was assured he would be given a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side when he arrived four years ago.Penarol secretary Evaristo Gonzalez claimed Man Utd had promised Pellistri he would go “straight into the first team”.Instead, it took him more than two years to make his debut for the club – and he has never been given a consistent run in the team.Yet ahead of the 2022/23 season, he insisted he wanted to remain a Man Utd player while earning experience on loan elsewhere.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I want to have the maximum continuity of minutes to try to arrive well.”I’m not looking for a particular league. It’s easy to say ‘earn minutes’ because nobody promises them to you, and you have to earn them.Unemployed David De Gea relaxes on beach on holiday but is trolled by former Man Utd team-mate over sunburn “It’s a complicated search, but I’m going to try to find the best option to play, show myself and feel good.”Since then, he now appears more interested in a permanent transfer away from Man Utd.And in February his agent, Edgardo Lasalvia, aimed a swipe at manager Erik ten Hag.He said: “Whether he returns to Manchester in the middle of the year will depend on the performance he shows.”If Ten Hag continues, it’s going to be difficult. Ten Hag hasn’t used him, valued him, or treated him like a professional.”Pellistri, who already has 19 Uruguay caps, impressed for Granada in February when he scored and assisted in a 3-3 draw against Barcelona.He will be seeking more performances of that ilk to secure a summer transfer away from Man Utd. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘trigger extension on Mason Greenwood’s contract keeping him on the club’s books for another year’

    GETAFE reportedly believe that Manchester United have triggered an extension to Mason Greenwood’s contract.The star striker is on loan at Getafe FC in Spain, but is still on United’s books for this season as they decide what to do with him.Mason Greenwood has scored seven goals in 25 matches for Getafe FC while on loanCredit: GettyThe Athletic reports that United had already triggered Greenwood’s contract extensionCredit: RexGetafe believe the Red Devils have already triggered the option to extend Greenwood’s contract for another year, The Athletic reports.United are yet to make a contract announcement about the 22-year-old.Triggering Greenwood’s contract extension would protect the striker’s value for United as it would give the club more of his contract to sell to another club.Greenwood’s contract is currently set to end in May 2025.Read more on footballThe Athletic wrote: “An extension would also give United a longer window to push through a sale, allowing them to recoup a fee until the summer of 2026.”Getafe reportedly believe that United has already triggered that extension and they now believe his contract will run until 2026.But senior Manchester United figures have disputed that the extension has been triggered to The Athletic.”No discussions have been held to that effect — either with the player, his family or any interested clubs.”Most read in FootballThey say they have no urgency with the deadline a year away, plus the club doesn’t have to inform the public of its decision.Extending Greenwood’s contract would suit United if they seek to sell him as they would need remaining time on the contract as they likely seek to avoid losing him to a free transfer.Fans spot Jude Bellingham’s classy gesture after facing Greenwood’s Getafe as they say ‘England captain material’Getafe is interested in keeping Greenwood, either in a permanent transfer or on loan for another season.Greenwood has impressed for Getafe, scoring eight goals in 27 games in all competitions.New owner Jim Ratcliffe had opened the door for Greenwood’s return to the club after it was thought to be unthinkable.Greenwood, who went on loan to Getafe in September, has not featured for United since he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.All charges were subsequently dropped but the Red Devils suggested the former England man was unlikely to return to the club.Getafe are also reportedly entitled to 20 per cent of any sale of Greenwood.New boss Ratcliffe previously spoke about the Greenwood situation, saying: “We will make a decision.“I don’t know if he (Greenwood) could still have a future.“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“He (Greenwood) is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. “So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision. Mason Greenwood timeline
    MARCH 2019: Greenwood makes his debut for United. He has gone on to make 129 appearances, scoring 35 goals.
    SEPTEMBER 2020: Wins his first senior England cap as a sub in a 1-0 away win over Iceland, left. Two days later he is withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel the squad was in.
    FEBRUARY 2021: United announce the striker has signed a contract until June 2025, with the option to extend it for another 12 months.
    JANUARY 2022: Held on suspicion of rape and assault. United suspend him on full pay.
    FEBRUARY 2022: Sponsors including Nike end relationship with him.
    OCTOBER 2022: Greenwood is arrested for breach of bail. He is charged the following day with attempted rape, assault and controlling behaviour and due to appear at Manchester magistrates court. Trial set for November 2023.
    FEBRUARY 2 2023: CPS announces it has dropped all charges. United announce they will hold their own investigation.
    FEBRUARY 2023: The Sun reports he is due to become a dad.
    August 2023: Manchester United bosses complete an internal investigation and say Greenwood won’t return to the team in a “mutual agreement”.
    September 2023: Mason Greenwood signs a loan deal from Manchester United to play for Getafe FC in the Spanish capital.

    “There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. Getafe Manager Jose Bordalas has been clear about his club’s openness to keeping Greenwood.He said: “In the end his club decides and also the boy’s intentions regarding his future count.”But I can say we are happy with his behaviour and his performance.”Reports have suggested that United could demand £40million for Greenwood.Getafe are unable to afford such a hefty fee and instead want to extent his loan stay beyond the summer.European giants like Barcelona and Juventus are potentially interested in signing him.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut, other European teams like Lazio, Valencia and Real Sociedad are also said to be eyeing the 22-year-old.Manchester United has been approached for comment.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plans
    Everything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…

    Other Spanish clubs are watching Greenwood, with Barcelona among themCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd anger Southampton with ‘derisory’ offer for former Man City chief as Sir Jim Ratcliffe frustrated in rebuild

    MANCHESTER UNITED have had an approach for Southampton’s Jason Wilcox rejected following a derisory offer.The Championship club have been left frustrated by United’s bid to remove their director of football with eight games to go in the season as the Saints push for promotion back to the Premier League.Southampton have been angered by Man Utd’s offer to prise Jason Wilcox, right, away from St. MarysCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has seen a part of his rebuild plans stutterCredit: PAWilcox only moved to St. Mary’s from Manchester City last summer.But he is already viewed as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s behind the scenes rebuild at Old Trafford.The Red Devils want Wilcox to become their new technical director as part of a revamped footballing department at the club.United are believed to have offered compensation of around a year’s salary to Southampton.This has been dismissed as well below Southampton’s expectations for such a senior figure. That offer, and the timing, has angered the Saints hierarchy.Wilcox is said to be keen on the move, and according to Fabrizio Romano he has now tendered his resignation from Southampton following their refusal to accept Man Utd’s terms.However, a further stumbling block is widespread reports of Wilcox having a 12-month notice period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilcox has been instrumental to the overhauling of the coaching staff and squad at Southampton.He hired Russell Martin as manager last summer as well as overseeing a hectic transfer window following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowThe former Blackburn Rovers winger is thought to be keen on joining Ratcliffe’s revolution at Old Trafford.Wilcox worked alongside incoming chief executive, Omar Berrada, at Manchester City and would work under Dan Ashworth, who is joining from Newcastle United as director of football.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More