manchester united news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Solskjaer confirms Man Utd star Juan Mata has ‘been away a little while’ but hints he will play against Real Sociedad

      by

      JUAN MATA has ‘been away a little while’, revealed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Manchester United boss hinted he could return to play against Real Sociedad.
      The midfielder has not featured since United’s 1-0 FA Cup win against Watford on January 9, his only appearance in 2021.

      Juan Mata pictured with manager Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: EPA

      But ahead of their Europa League clash against LaLiga’s Sociedad, Solskjaer suggested Mata will get the chance to remind Spanish fans of his talent.
      He said: “He’s been away for a little while.
      “Of course, against West Brom, you’re thinking, ‘Can we have someone to unlock the door?’
      “If we had Juan there, to create that pass… because he has done well in the earlier part of the season, Juan. Now he’s back, he’s travelling with us.

      “He’s been bright in training, so if we see Juan on the pitch, he’ll want to prove to his Spanish fans as well what a quality player he is.”
      Solskjaer offered no further explanation of why Mata has been away but it’s thought to be for personal reasons.
      RARE START
      Mata has played just ten times this season, with two goals and three assists to his name, but was not even included in the match day squad for the last four league games.
      But with Paul Pogba and Donny van de Beek both sidelined with injury, the 32-year-old is in line for a rare start.

      Scott McTominay is also a doubt having picked up a knock, according to United’s website.
      BETS OF THE DAY: GET MAN UTD AT 11/1 TO WIN TONIGHT – PLUS HUGE EUROPA LEAGUE BOOSTS

      United travel to Turin to face Sociedad in the first leg of their last 32 tie with an unenviable recent record against Spanish opposition.
      They have not won in their nine most recent attempts, losing six.
      Solskjaer said: “That is probably down to the level of the teams we have played against.
      “Make no mistake Spanish teams are good and we have not performed well enough, that’s for sure.
      “We have to perform well against Sociedad. They are aggressive defensively and good on the ball.
      “They were top of LaLiga for a while and were probably the toughest draw we could have got.
      “We will need to play at a high level to get a result.”

      Real Sociedad vs Man Utd – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd starlet Shola Shoretire, 17, snubbed Barcelona and Juventus to sign deal and was added to Europa League squad

      by

      THE buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
      The Manchester 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.

      Shola Shoretire has signed a professional deal with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      First team star Aaron Wan-Bissaka puts Shoretire through his paces ahead of the Europa League tie against Real SociedadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And now, Shoretire has been fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
      His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has Old Trafford big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
      The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.
      WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
      The diminutive teen, comfortable with both feet, can play out wide and through the middle.

      It’s testament to his ability that United were already confident he has the ability to succeed at the highest level by eyeing him for a deal before he turned 17.
      Shoretire, pronounced Shor-ay-ti-reh, joined Manchester United’s youth set up at the age of nine from Newcastle and has continued to blossom.
      In last season’s FA Youth Cup, he fired United into the semi-final scoring at Old Trafford in the 2-1 defeat of Wigan Athletic.
      Incredibly, earlier that day he was studying for his GCSEs at school.

      “He was at school today, all day! Then he came over to Old Trafford to play,” Under-18 coach Neil Ryan revealed.
      “It’s incredible really. Different day for him compared to other players.”

      Starlet Shoretire has been added to Man Utds Europa League squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire is one of a number of promising United youngsters coming through the ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Blessed with quick feet, Shoretire has been likened to Jay-Jay OkochaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE HISTORY
      Shoretire appeared at the Milk Cup in Northern Ireland at the age of 13 in 2017. And in 2019 he made history.
      Aged just 14 years and 314 days he came on as a sub in United’s 2-1 win over Valencia, and became the  youngest player to appear in the UEFA Youth League – a competition reserved for Under-19 teams.
      “We want to keep them humble, hard-working,” Ryan explained.
      “It’s not just the coaching staff who do that, there are a number of staff throughout the academy, right throughout the place, feeding the same messages. It’s what we pride ourselves on.
      “When you see the professionalism of the likes of Marcus Rashford, he’s the shining example. Scott McTominay, so on. These boys are products of the academy and the staff who work with them. They are our examples.
      “Good players can enjoy the big stage. [Shoretire] is a really exciting player. He’s evolving and developing, can play a number of different positions, he showed a great maturity I thought.”

      In 2019 Shoretire made history as the youngest ever Uefa Youth League playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire was born in NigeriaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Shoretire celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup against WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      NIGERIA OR ENGLAND?
      With the stage set, Shoretire has joined first teamers Rashford and McTominay in training at Carrington ahead of the Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.
      Should he grasp his opportunity, like fellow youngster Mason Greenwood has, international honours will surely come to.

      But a tug-of-war between Nigeria and England will ensure for which country he represents.
      Although he was born in Africa, Shoretire has been invited to join England’s youth set-up in the past.
      At the age of 17, with the world at its feet, decisions on who he could play for can wait for now. His first step is to conquer United. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Solskjaer demands Man Utd strikers up their game with misfiring front four scoring just 17 goals combined this season

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on his strikers to up their game.
      While the club are the top scorers in the Premier League their four front men are nowhere in the goals charts.

      Marcus Rashford Anthony Martial and Edison CavaniCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pictured with Mason GreenwoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In fact Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have just 17 Premier League goals between them, only two more than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has on his own.
      Solskjaer said: “We are the top scorers in the league, but our forwards have not scored as much as we would have liked.
      “In a way that’s a big positive because as we go into the final stretch of the season because if we can get them firing again it will give us another edge in our game.
      “We have not been at our best for the last four or five games and we are waiting for them to show what they are showing in training.

      “They are working hard. Maybe the form is not the best but that will come, that is the positive thing.”
      There has been a heavy reliance on Bruno Fernandes this season and he is their top scorer with 14 in the league and 19 overall.
      Others like Scott McTominay have also chipped in, recently scoring in three successive games to make it seven for the season.
      Solskjaer said: “We have been getting goals from other positions which is an improvement on last season.

      BETS OF THE DAY: GET MAN CITY AT 6/1 TO WIN TONIGHT – PLUS RONALDO TO SCORE 2+ GOALS BOOSTED

      “If we can marry the two and defend a little bit better than it will be a successful season.”
      United travel to Turin to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie with an unenviable recent record against Spanish opposition.
      They have not won one of their last nine, losing six.
      Solskjaer said: “That is probably down to the level of the teams we have played against.
      “Make no mistake Spanish teams are good and we have not performed well enough, that’s for sure.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on his strikers to up their gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We have to perform well against Sociedad. They are aggressive defensively and good on the ball.
      “They were top of LaLiga for a while and were probably the toughest draw we could have got.
      “We will need to play at a high level to get a result.”
      United will travel without Cavani and Donny van de Beek both of whom have muscle injuries.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Mason Greenwood signs new four-year Man Utd deal with 12-month option More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Monchengladbach star Rami Bensebaini sends Man Utd ‘come-and-get-me’ transfer plea after failed Arsenal trial

      by

      BUNDESLIGA star Rami Bensebaini has sent Manchester United a ‘come and get me’ appeal.
      The Borussia Monchengladbach defender and former Arsenal triallist said he has been a lifelong Red Devils fan – and wants to play in England.

      Rami Bensebaini has sent Manchester United a ‘come and get me’ appealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Left-back Bensebaini has won the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria, and the French Cup with Rennes.
      Rated at £20million, he has helped Borussia into the Champions League last 16 following a fourth-place league finish last season
      Bensebaini also revealed his plans to foil his pal and national team-mate Riyad Mahrez when the Germans face Manchester City next week.
      The 25-year-old told BBC Afrique: “I have been a Manchester United fan since I was very little.

      “The Premier League has always attracted me. Everyone knows that I am a United fan.
      “I am with Gladbach for now, and I am happy with them.
      “But if one day I get the opportunity to make an upward step, and have a change of scene, I will seriously think about it.”
      Arsene Wenger handed Bensebaini a month-long trial with Arsenal in 2013 during his time with Algerian side Paradou AC.

      BETS OF THE DAY: GET MAN CITY AT 6/1 TO WIN TONIGHT – PLUS RONALDO TO SCORE 2+ GOALS BOOSTED

      The defender recalled: “I joined Arsenal’s academy. I stayed around a month, and trained with their first team.
      “But it was complicated as I didn’t speak English then. Five or six different coaches had to make the decision.
      “I also would have needed a European passport to stay. I hung round with the likes of Bacary Sagna and Marouane Chamakh.
      “I had gone from the Algerian third division to Arsenal. It was bizarre how quickly things went.
      “I ended up leaving, and going to play in Belgium.”
      Bensebaini is under contract until 2023. Signed from Rennes in 2019, he has also played for Lierse and Montpellier.

      Rami Bensebaini wants to play in EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He faces a tough task to thwart Mahrez and Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City next Wednesday.
      However he maintained: “I have trained alongside Riyad, and played an Africa Cup of Nations alongside him.
      “So I know a bit about how he plays. He is a great player, and it’s down to me to find a way to stop him.
      “He is a nice guy, he is very strong, he always listens to advice and knows where he has come from.
      “If you possess all those qualities, take things seriously and work as hard as he does, you are sure to be a success.”

      Wenger urges PSG to focus on keeping Mbappe and Neymar over Messi transfer More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd captain Harry Maguire makes thinly-veiled dig at Jurgen Klopp after saying VAR ‘has given them NOTHING’

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE fumed that VAR has given Manchester United ‘NOTHING’ ever since rivals team complained about them.
      The defender appeared to make a thinly-veiled dig at Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool boss was vocal about how many penalties United received.

      Harry Maguire fumed that VAR has given Manchester United ‘nothing’Credit: Jon Super-The Guardian

      Jurgen Klopp complained about Manchester United’s VAR decisionsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Captain Maguire was still incensed his ‘certain’ spot-kick against West Brom on Sunday was overturned after a VAR review.
      And he claimed referees have been influenced from outsiders who were vocal about decisions going to United.
      Maguire, 27, told MUTV: “Ever since people from other teams have spoken about us we’ve had nothing, absolutely nothing.”
      United have been awarded seven penalties this season, the joint-second highest, with Leicester having the most with ten.

      Klopp in January said: “I hear now that Man United had more penalties in two years than I had in five-and-a-half years.
      “I’ve no idea if that’s my fault, or how that can happen.”
      United believed they were given an eighth spot-kick at the Hawthorns after Semi Ajayi collided with Maguire in the box.
      But replays revealed Maguire was offside and should have reversed the decision on that basis.

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

      Referee Craig Pawson then cancelled the penalty, leaving Maguire baffled in his post-match interview. 
      He said on Sky Sports: “I was so certain it was a penalty. I don’t understand why he’s been sent to the monitor to check it.
      “I’m goal-side of the defender and I feel a touch on my shoulder, he’s pulling me back and there’s a clip on my heels. 
      “It’s minimal but it’s a penalty. When he points to the spot you think there’s no chance he overturns it.

      Harry Maguire fumed his penalty decision was overturnedCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      Harry Maguire was incensed he was not awarded a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      “There are decisions going against us, but we need to do more to win the game. 
      “We can’t be reliant on VAR decisions. We huffed and puffed and have to improve.”
      Pundit and former Liverpool player Graeme Souness was not so convinced and slammed Maguire for going to ground too easily.
      Souness said: “It’s clearly offside, and he goes to ground like he’s been hit by a baseball bat – diving.
      “He said he thinks it’s a penalty, that’s not enough to bring him down. That’s throwing himself to the ground.”

      Solskjer reacts to Man Utd’s dismal draw with West Brom More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd could line up against West Brom with Pogba ruled out injured but Amad Diallo fighting for place on bench

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will restart their Premier League title bid without in-form midfielder Paul Pogba.
      The French World Cup winner is sidelined with a thigh injury meaning there will be a shakeup in midfield.

      How Man Utd could line up against West Brom

      But winter signing Amad Diallo is unlikely to come into the starting XI and will instead fight for a space on the subs bench.
      Keeper Dean Henderson was back in between the posts for United’s FA Cup win against West Ham, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 win.
      It came days after No1 David de Gea was criticised for conceding three in the 3-3 draw with Everton at Old Trafford.
      Henderson is not expected to keep his position, despite De Gea being at fault for Everton’s first goal.

      Eric Bailly has returned to training but Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof should keep their centre-back pairing.

      Alex Telles will provide competition with Luke Shaw at left-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka keeping his place on the right.
      Scott McTominay scored his seventh of the season against the Hammers and has become a regular in midfield this season.
      Fred and Nemanja Matic will both compete for a place next to McTominay in the defensive pair.

      Summer arrival Donny van de Beek failed to make an impact in the cup and as a result is unlikely to start.

      BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE

      It leaves Bruno Fernandes primed to take up his usual spot in the No10 role.
      With two goals in two games Edison Cavani can expect to lead the line for United.
      Anthony Martial is the alternative option centrally, with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood favoured out on the wings.
      But if Martial is to play alongside Cavani, he will likely take up the left flank with Rashford or Greenwood on the right.

      How Man Utd could line up against West Brom More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Bruno Fernandes caught on pitchside mic joking with Man Utd pal McTominay ‘the ball was for me, motherf***er’ after goal

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes joked with Scott McTominay that the ‘the ball was for me, motherf***er’ after the Scottish midfielder’s winner against West Ham.
      McTominay expertly slammed home Marcus Rashford’s assist in the seventh minute of extra-time in the FA Cup fifth round clash.

      Marcus Rashford played a part in McTominay’s ‘brilliant’ goal

      Bruno Fernandes joked that the assist was meant for him

      But Fernandes, often used to taking the glory this season, joked that it should have been him heralded as the match-winner.
      As the players ran towards a delighted McTominay, Rashford was heard saying ‘brilliant’ while Fernandes said: “Hey, the ball was for me motherf***er.”
      The clip has been shared on TikTok and Twitter by the United Zone fan account.
      And United fans enjoyed seeing it, with Eric Mawlong writing ‘love this’, Shashank Choudhary posting ‘what a mad man, Cristiano mentality’ and Stephen Greenwood adding ‘this man, brilliant’.

      McTominay came on as a 73rd minute sub as to add some much needed energy to a tiring team.
      In all likelihood the ball would have ran on through to Fernandes.
      But McTominay showed the killer instinct just like Fernandes to bury it for his seventh goal of the season.
      And it added further gloss to what has been a brilliant season so far for the 24-year-old Scot.

      McTominay was the matchwinner for United in their FA Cup clash against West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      McTominay has now chipped in with seven goals this seasonCredit: Rex Features

      He is now one of the first name’s on the teamsheet for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has started to chip in with goals too.
      McTominay’s seven goal-haul this season is more than Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Fred and Nemanja Matic COMBINED.
      And Solskjaer revealed McTominay, who was sporting a lockdown haircut, enjoys being in the box thanks to playing as a striker in his youth.
      Following his side’s 1-0 win, he said: “Scott used to be a striker and I think he finishes with authority.
      “You see that he doesn’t mind being in those positions. He just smashed the ball into the net.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Fernandes was watching on as McTominay fired home

      Solskjaer hails ex-striker McTominay after Man Utd beat West Ham in the FA Cup More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand picks Jack Grealish and Phil Foden as best two English players around right now

      by

      RIO FERDINAND picked out Jack Grealish and Phil Foden as England’s best two players around right now.
      And the Manchester United legend reckons on current form Foden should be guaranteed a spot in England’s starting 11 for this summer’s Euros.

      Jack Grealish pictured with England team-mate Phil FodenCredit: The FA

      Ferdinand, 42, said on his podcast: “Right now, he has to play. It’s like who’s playing with him?
      “It’s who’s playing with him and Grealish right now. Him and Grealish are the best players.
      “Grealish and Foden are the best two English players playing right now. Best in form.
      “They are the best two players right now in England.”

      Ferdinand saw Manchester rivals City pull five points clear with a game in hand after they thumped champion Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield.
      Foden was the standout performer and rubbed salt in the wounds with a wonderstrike to make it four on the 83rd minute.
      Former defender Ferdinand was left in awe of the 20-year-old, who has stepped up in the absents of Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero.
      He said: “Foden, man. When we’re talking about top players, like generational talents, this kid is that. He is ridiculous.

      Manchester United legend Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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

      “See now, I was one of the people saying, ‘He’s got to go out on loan, if I’m him I’ve got to go out and see what’s going on outside somewhere, get me some experience, get me some games etc’.
      “But you see the confidence Pep’s got. No KDB, no Aguero, David Silva’s gone now – this is my man, throw him in, wrap it around him.
      “Put the responsibility on his shoulders, he’s waited long enough. Now’s your time son. And this guy boy, this kid lapped it up.”
      Foden took his goal tally to nine in 28 matches this season, which has seen him operate on both flanks, as a midfielder or centre forward.
      He made his England debut last September against Iceland and played in a friendly against Ireland in December.
      Aston Villa captain Grealish, 25, has scored six times with 12 assists in 22 matches as a left-winger or attacking midfielder.
      He has only three England caps to his name, having made his debut coming off the bench against Denmark three days after Foden’s international bow.

      Phil Foden was lauded by Rio FerdinandCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Jack Grealish has only three England caps to his nameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Man Utd ‘choked’ and are now out of the Premier League title race after ‘criminal’ defending vs Everton says Ferdinand More