Man Utd transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jadon Sancho could be Man Utd’s worst signing EVER blasts ex-Red Devils ace Paul Parker in stinging criticism

      by

      FORMER Manchester United defender Paul Parker fears that Jadon Sancho could end up being Manchester United’s worst signing EVER.The winger arrived with huge fanfare in the summer of 2021 for a whopping £73million.
      Jadon Sancho could go down as Man Utd’s worst-ever signing, says Paul ParkerCredit: Getty
      Paul Parker has not been impressed with Jadon Sancho at Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But Sancho, 22, has failed to convince many fans so far in failing to replicate his electric form for Borussia Dortmund.
      His struggles have been so deep that no one was surprised when he failed to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad on Thursday.
      And Parker is worried Sancho could make Red Devils history for all the wrong reasons.
      The former United defender, who played at Old Trafford between 1991 and 1996, told Bettors: “To be honest I’ve never really understood why Man Utd paid so much money for Jadon Sancho.
      READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
      “He has a lot of issues because he is never attacking full-backs, he is passing backwards and is not really challenging his direct opponent.
      “The way you play in Germany is completely different to the Premier League and it seems like he’ll never be able to adapt well enough to be a key player for United.
      “If you look at the money the club paid for him, I would say he could end up being the worst buy in Manchester United’s history.”
      Sancho’s start to the season has shown some encouraging signs – with the winger already scoring two goals, just one fewer than the entirety of last season.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      One of his strikes also came in United’s crucial early-season clash against Liverpool.
      Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag played down Sancho’s absence from the England squad and blamed it on his illness.
      He said of Sancho’s form: “It’s been up and down.
      “He had some really good performances and I think he was heading in a good direction.
      “But the last weeks he struggled with illness and then it’s normal that you don’t get selected because every manager will only take fit players to the World Cup.” More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans all say the same thing about Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes’ attempt to win a free-kick

      by

      FANS were all saying the same thing about Bruno Fernandes’ cringey attempt to win a free-kick for Manchester United against Aston Villa. The Portuguese international was one of the Red Devils shining lights as they won a ding-dong Carabao Cup tie 4-2 against Unai Emery’s side.
      Fernandes clashes with Ezri Konsa during a free-kickCredit: Twitter

      Fans were left unimpressed with the midfielder’s actions as he crashed to the groundCredit: Twitter
      But he did not have his proudest moment as he fought with his opponents before they took a free-kick.
      The away side were preparing to put a ball into the box from range when Fernandes ran at Ezri Konsa and theatrically collapsed on the ground.
      The referee gave a free-kick United’s way, ending any chance for Villa to take advantage of the set-piece.
      It’s fair to say the majority of fans were not impressed by the extent Fernandes went to to win a free-kick.
      READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “I’m a United fan and even I can’t stand the bloke. Always on the floor always moaning always acting like his been two footed. It’s actually embarrassing for a grown man to act that way.”
      Another tweeter simply declared: “Bruno Fernandes. The biggest cheat in football.”
      Another fan on Reddit pointed out: “His arm goes up and he starts falling before contact.”
      And one fan joked: “[I] doubt Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes can play for Portugal in the FIFA World Cup after this horrific tackle.”
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      But some United fans stuck their neck out for the under-fire star.
      One said: “Players do it every single game but Bruno’s the cheat.”
      And another added: “Bro I love Bruno even more for making all these people cry.”
      Fernandes scored 12 minutes from time to put United 3-2 up and cap an otherwise brilliant performance.
      He and United have one domestic game left against Fulham on Sunday before the World Cup begins. More

    • 300 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He fights or he goes’ – Van de Beek set for permanent transfer if he can’t prove himself at Man Utd, warns Ten Hag

      by

      DONNY VAN DE BEEK is set for a permanent Manchester United exit if he can’t improve his performances, boss Erik Ten Hag has warned.The Dutchman has started the Red Devils’ last three matches in all competitions – failing to impress in any of them.
      Donny van de Beek has started Man United’s last three gamesCredit: Getty
      Van de Beek spent the second half of last season on loan at Everton in a bid to find form in the Premier League.
      But Ten Hag, under whom Van de Beek played the best football of his career at Ajax, has ruled out another temporary switch.
      He said: “I don’t think the loan makes sense.
      “It’s either he fights and proves himself in this environment or he goes, but for me, there is still a way for him.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “It it’s not going to be easy for him because the competition there is really strong.”
      Van de Beek, 25, has found himself stuck behind Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order during his time at Old Trafford.
      And the summer addition of Christian Eriksen didn’t do anything to boost his chances.
      Addressing criticism of Van de Beek’s recent displays, Ten Hag added: “I see the opinion but when I watch back the performance in Sociedad and also Villa, he is there in the positions I expect a No10 has to do.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      “And nowadays, it is difficult for a No 10 to really show themselves.
      “We have the romantic idea of the No 10 as a playmaker giving the final passes, that they have to play in the middle of the park.
      “But it is difficult there because nowadays all the good teams close the middle of the park, so it is really difficult to get a lot of ball touches.
      “So that is also not the player who Donny van de Beek is but what he is doing well is his positioning and his movement together with the strikers, especially with the No9, that combination.
      “He is really good in positioning and anticipation in and out of possession, he did that to my satisfaction in the last games.
      “But I have seen he is not on the scoring list, he is not on the assist list and he can do better. He is still not there on his limits, I have seen him better in the past, definitely.
      “But I think positioning wise he is acting quite well. But he has to make that step with pace and intensity.”
      Van de Beek has played 57 times for Man United, scoring two goals and laying on a pair of assists.
      Read More on The Sun
      Seven of his outings have come this term, with a muscular injury having ruled him out for much of the campaign.
      He suffered World Cup heartache this week, with Dutch boss Louis van Gaal leaving him out of his 26-man squad for Qatar.
      Erik ten Hag has challenged Van de Beek to step up his performancesCredit: Rex More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney slams Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘unacceptable’ attitude and questions Roy Keane for defending Man Utd star

      by

      CRISTIANO RONALDO is in danger of becoming an “unwelcome distraction” at Manchester United, according to Wayne Rooney.The Portuguese star, currently suffering a bout of illness, raised eyebrows last week when he was named captain for the 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.
      Wayne Rooney has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘unacceptable’ behaviour
      The legend refused to go on as sub against Tottenham after failing to seal a move awayCredit: Rex
      That was despite his recent row with boss Erik ten Hag after his walkout against Tottenham and his much-publicised failure to secure a summer exit.
      Now Ronaldo’s former United team-mate, the club’s all-time top scorer and currently manager of DC United, believes the 37-year-old’s behaviour has been unacceptable this term.
      And Rooney, who has named what he believes should be England’s starting XI at the World Cup, insisted that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has to knuckle down and accept that he is no longer a certain starter under Ten Hag.
      He told talkSPORT: “Him and Messi are arguably the two best players of all-time and you can go either way with that, whatever way you decide.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      “But I just think the things he has done from the start of season, it is not acceptable for Manchester United.
      “I’ve seen Roy Keane defending him. Roy wouldn’t accept that. Roy wouldn’t accept that at all.
      “It is a distraction which Manchester United don’t need at the minute, trying to rebuild. For Cristiano, just get your head down and work and be ready to play when the manager needs you.
      “If he does that, he will be an asset. If he doesn’t, it will become an unwanted distraction.”
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k

      Keane recently defended Ronaldo after he was axed by Ten Hag after refusing to go on as sub against Tottenham.
      He said: “Well, obviously the manager has made a decision to leave him out.
      “He’s disappointed at Ronaldo [for] not wanting to go on in the 87th [or] 88th minute and the fact he walked down the tunnel. He’s obviously being punished for it.
      “But I try to see as well from the player’s point of view, he’s obviously had enough and I think it’s been brewing over the last few weeks with Ronaldo.
      “But I will still try and defend him, I still think he’s a human being, he’s got flaws, he feels frustrated that he’s not been properly getting opportunities and he’s had enough.
      Roy Keane has defended the actions of his former team-mate
      “He’s walked down the tunnel, I think players have done a lot worse things at Man Utd. I think it happens, it’s human nature.
      “Everyone was talking after the game that they beat Spurs, it was a big win – best performance in years. Absolute rubbish, Spurs were terrible. Man Utd managed to beat Spurs as well last year at home when I think Ronaldo got a hat-trick.
      “So he’s more than capable of getting on that pitch and making a difference. But he has to take his punishment, is there a way back for him? I’m not sure.
      “I’d be more worried if Ronaldo was sitting on the bench every week laughing his head off and not caring. I think the guy cares.
      “I’ve said it before, this game is full of bluffers and he’s certainly not one of them. I think he cares about the club, I think he wants to play, he needs to play. World class player, people saying he’s not the player he was 10 years ago. Of course he’s not.
      “But he was the leading goalscorer last year for Man Utd. He went to Man Utd last year, to a bad Man Utd team – really bad team – [and] he was still leading goalscorer.”
      The Portuguese striker has spent the majority of the campaign on the benchCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s World Cup 2022 squad incredibly has more players from Coventry’s academy than Man Utd’s famous production line

      by

      ENGLAND’s 2022 World Cup squad incredibly has more players from Coventry City’s academy than Manchester United’s. The Red Devils’ famous production line has provided players for the national team for generations.
      James Maddison said he was living his dream by going to the World CupCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Callum Wilson has come a long way since his youth days at Coventry CityCredit: PA:Press Association
      But after Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement today, it appeared the club’s youth power is receding.
      Marcus Rashford is the only United product who has landed himself a place in Qatar out of the 26 chosen.
      Rashford successfully came through the club’s academy and then memorably burst onto the scene in 2016.
      He has since gone on to become a regular first-teamer and even a social campaigner in his spare time.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      But he is the only United success story who has made this year’s squad with some of his former youth team-mates, such as Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck, failing to impress in the later years of their careers.
      And it means that Coventry can take more credit for the Qatar-bound team than Manchester United, with the Sky Blues developing two players.
      James Maddison and Callum Wilson both made the squad after laying their football roots with the Midlands club.
      The pair – whose inclusion in the 26 was on a knife-edge right until Southgate made the announcement – have both had to fight their way to the summit of English football.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      After leaving the Ricoh Arena in 2016, Maddison arrived at Norwich where he began to make a name for himself.
      His attacking guile and quick feet saw Leicester City swoop for him in 2016 and Maddison goes into the tournament as arguably England’s most in-form player.
      Meanwhile Wilson spent time on loan at non-league minnows such as Kettering Town before permanently moving to Bournemouth in 2014.
      He made himself a deadly striker for the club before leaving for Newcastle in 2020.
      His hot form this season despite some injury issues saw him leapfrog the likes of Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney to play the role of Harry Kane’s deputy. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd verdict: Erik ten Hag must address Red Devils’ defensive fragility in January to stay in top-four hunt

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’s 4-2 fightback win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup papered over the cracks in what was a poor defensive display.Erik ten Hag’s men fell behind early on in the second half courtesy of an Ollie Watkins strike.
      Ten Hag must address United’s defensive fragility in JanuaryCredit: AFP
      The defence, particularly Harry Maguire, failed to pick up the striker and before they could make up for being caught sleeping, the ball was in the back of the net.
      Such napping from Maguire will be a cause for concern for England, who will undoubtedly hope the defender is up to speed for this month’s World Cup.
      Anthony Martial drew United level but again the defence were caught out shortly after.
      Second half Villa substitute Leon Bailey forced Diogo Dalot into an error with the Portugal international turning the ball into the back of his own net, seeing United concede their fifth goal in a week to the Villans.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      A much-needed injection of pace in the attacking areas helped United over the line, with Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay all netting to book the Old Trafford club’s place in the Carabao Cup fourth round draw.
      But if it wasn’t clear already; Ten Hag needs to dip into the transfer market in January and address United’s defensive fragilities.
      When Raphael Varane and/or Lisandro Martinez are missing, centre-back coverers Maguire and Victor Lindelof have proven unreliable.
      They have a tendency of switching off at the key moments, which could cost United ground in the League Cup, FA Cup, Europa League and the Premier League.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      And with Newcastle not slowing down in their top-four surge, as well as Brighton, Chelsea and Liverpool breathing down their necks, United can’t afford for anymore costly individual errors.
      Ten Hag has spoken glowingly of wanting to get United back to their glory days.
      Well, he might want to take a leaf out of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s book: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.” More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 4 Aston Villa 2: Hosts twice fight from goal down in frantic second half to keep Carabao Cup hopes alive

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD celebrated his World Cup call up by leading Manchester United’s stirring fight-back.Gareth Southgate’s number two Steve Holland was in the stands at Old Trafford just hours after the Three Lions party for Qatar had been confirmed.
      Marcus Rashford enjoyed a great evening for United on the day he got an England call-upCredit: Rex
      It took until the second-half for the game to get going but six goals followedCredit: Reuters
      The Red Devils forward is part of it for the first time since his Euro 2020 heartache – in recognition of his recent return to form.
      And he vindicated Southgate’s decision by pulling his team level with a well taken goal – before goals from Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay completed the turnaround late on.
      It capped a breath-taking second half which was in stark contrast to a desperately poor opening 45 minutes.
      And United claimed their revenge over Villa just four days after Unai Emery’s men had beaten them at Villa Park in the Prem.
      READ MORE ON MAN UNITED
      Both managers made seven changes from that game and among those dropping out was Cristiano Ronaldo – who was not in the United squad due to illness.
      Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who arrived at Old Trafford from Newcastle in August – was handed his Red Devils debut.
      Meanwhile England’s Harry Maguire was handed only his second start since early September – and was desperately in need of minutes.
      Maybe the teams knew each other too well after meeting only four days earlier because there was little of note in the opening exchanges.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Tyrell Malacia scooped a cross over which Diogo Dalot met with a header on the bounce but it was deflected narrowly over the bar.
      There was no great urgency from either side to win this tie in the opening half hour. 
      A trademark Douglas Luiz corner needed a clearance off the line by Scott McTominay – although Dubravka will feel he had it covered anyway.
      Minutes later, another one was only half cleared and former United man Ashley Young whistled a volley over the bar.
      Yet after a thoroughly forgettable first half, the game sprang into life after the break.
      Jacob Ramsey found space in the middle and played a perfect pass in to Ollie Watkins who had drifted off the shoulder of Maguire.
      He showed the class which once put him in the England frame to race clear and lift the ball brilliantly over Dubravka. 
      Yet the home side were furious claiming there had been a handball by Boubacar Kamara in the build up.
      Only hours after being named in Portugal’s World Cup squad, Bruno Fernandes gave everyone a reminder of his qualityCredit: Getty
      With no VAR in operation, the goal stood and United showed their frustration by hitting back within a minute.
      The smoke from the flares set off in the away end had still not cleared when Dalot played a lovely pass to find Fernandes who had drifted into space.
      He rolled the ball across the box for Anthony Martial to slot home a simple equaliser.
      The French ace was left out of his nation’s World Cup squad this week – maybe this will have put a smile back on his face.
      After such a dismal first half – suddenly the game was alive and the visitors were back in front just after the hour. 
      Leon Bailey had only just replaced Ramsey when he was picked out at the back post by Young’s cross.
      His header back across goal was not going in before Dalot stuck out a leg and diverted it into his own net. 
      That was three goals in 17 minutes – and there was almost another one soon afterwards.
      Scott McTominay got in on the scoring act right at the end of this ding-dong encounterCredit: AP
      Malacia picked out Rashford with a long ball and he took it past Tyrone Mings before blasting his effort just wide. 
      The England hopeful was not to be denied though – as he flicked on another pass from the full-back into the path of sub Christian Eriksen.
      When Villa failed to clear he pounced on the loose ball and took advantage of a slip by Mings before stabbing a shot low into the corner.
      Fernandes forced a low save from Robin Olsen as United chased a winner while the Swedish keeper also kept out Maguire’s thumping header.  
      But when Olsen fluffed his clearance sub Alejandro Garnacho pounced and played it into Fernandes.
      The Portuguese shot was on target but a deflection off the hapless Mings sent it flying into the corner.
      McTominay rattled a shot against the bar but wrapped up the scoring late on when he touched home Garnacho’s cross. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ratings: Maguire sluggish with World Cup around the corner while Fernandes shows why he’s Red Devils’ main man

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED came from behind TWICE to beat Aston Villa 4-2 in the Carabao Cup.Ollie Watkins opened the scoring for the visitors, ghosting in behind Man Utd captain Harry Maguire.
      Fernandes scored the winner for UnitedCredit: Getty
      United came from behind twice to beat Aston VillaCredit: AP
      The striker, who missed out on England’s World Cup squad, lifted the ball over Martin Dubravka finishing off a well-worked move.
      However, it didn’t take United long to draw level.
      Diogo Dalot found Bruno Fernandes in behind Villa’s backline with a searching ball.
      The Red Devils No8 then squared it to Anthony Martial, who tapped home from close range.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The equaliser didn’t deter Villa, who continued to press for a winner.
      And the restoration of their lead came through some good work by Leon Bailey, who forced Dalot to steer the ball into the back of his own net.
      Marcus Rashford then grabbed United’s second equaliser of the night before Bruno Fernandes’ deflected effort and Scott McTominay’s added time goal sealed the win.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Mbu rated the Red Devils.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Martin Dubravka – 5
      Didn’t have much to do in the opening 45.
      Had no chance stopping Watkins’ opener with the England striker getting his shot off unopposed.
      Diogo Dalot – 5
      Chugged up and down the line, as per usual.
      Caught napping for Villa’s goal and desperately tried to recover.
      Redeemed himself with a searching ball down the line to Fernandes for Martial’s equaliser.
      But then shot himself in the foot by turning Villa’s second into the back of his own net.
      Harry Maguire – 5
      Arrived late on Ollie Watkins just before half-time and picked up a booking.
      More minutes under his belt heading into the Qatar World Cup but his sluggish performance could be a cause for concern.
      Couldn’t get near Watkins for Villa’s goal.
      Should’ve scored a free header late on in the second half.
      Victor Lindelof – 6
      Didn’t put a foot wrong in the first half.
      Held his line well and wasn’t at fault for the first goal, with that coming down Dalot and Maguire’s side.
      Tyrell Malacia – 7
      Man Utd’s biggest attacking threat in the first half.
      The flying Dutchman overlapped Rashford well but saw multiple crosses be blocked in the first half.
      A decent performance, putting his Europa League horrors behind him.
      Could start to push Luke Shaw for the starting spot again in the New Year.
      Scott McTominay – 7
      Stopped Douglas Luiz from opening the scoring, clearing the ball off the line from a direct corner in the first half.
      Picked up the first booking of the game, clattering United legend Ashley Young.
      Was the more defensive of the midfield pairing until Fred’s substitution.
      Got forward in the latter stages and got his goal.
      Fred – 6
      Played a more advanced midfield role while McTominay did the sweeping.
      Was slow to pick up Jacob Ramsey for Villa’s opener.
      Focus has probably shifted to the World Cup, where Brazil are favourites.
      Was subbed for Christian Eriksen.
      Bruno Fernandes – 8
      Played out wide to allow Van De Beek to play through the middle.
      Played some clever passes into Martial at times and got the assist for United’s equaliser.
      Scored the winner with a deflected effort, proving why he’s United’s main man.
      Donny van de Beek – 5
      Largely a passenger in the Red Devils team.
      Really struggling to impress, even under Erik ten Hag, who managed him at Ajax.
      Was subbed for Anthony Elanga.
      Marcus Rashford – 7
      Relatively quiet night for Rashford, who received good news earlier on Thursday that he was heading to Qatar.
      Grabbed the equaliser after Villa made a mess of their defending.
      Anthony Martial – 6
      The Frenchman is just returning to fitness and struggled to make an impact in the opening 45.
      Got a goal on his return.
      Was subbed for Alejandro Garnacho with just under half an hour to go.
      Subs
      Alejandro Garnacho (for Anthony Martial, 62) – 7
      Bright when he came on, proving he can compete against Premier League teams.
      Got the assist for McTominay’s goal.
      Deserves more league minutes.
      Anthony Elanga (for Van De Beek, 62) – 5
      Added some energy, which Van De Beek simply wasn’t offering.
      Allowed United to play a lot wider.
      Christian Eriksen (for Fred, 62) – 6
      Added some much needed control to the midfield when he came on.
      Crisp passing kept United ticking.
      Read More on The Sun
      Casemiro (for Rashford, 82) – 5
      Didn’t have much to do when coming on.
      His job was to keep it tight at the back and maintain United’s lead – which he did.
      Lisandro Martinez (for Lindelof, 86) – N/A More