“It was time to move on:” former United prodigy reveals why he left the club this summer in tell-all interview

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November 7, 2024

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Thursday 07 November 2024 12:00

It was a feeling akin to that when United are awarded a penalty. Excitement balanced by hesitancy. Your brain rushes through thoughts of what is to come: something glorious, or something else.

At Tuesday’s ‘Town Hall’ meeting, as I listened to what might lie ahead with the Old Trafford regeneration project, excitement was the primary feeling.

It’s inevitable when you hear a member of the architect firm talking about a “world-class stadium that celebrates the club’s unique and extraordinary history.” It swells further when you get the chance to chat one-to-one with that expert, and they really do recognise how essential it is to focus on that identity in any new project.

Old Trafford Regeneration

says

More than 50,000 fans took part in our survey, which was distributed to Season Ticket holders, United Members, and Executive Club members in September – the highest engagement rate of any fan research conducted by the club.

Redevelop, or rebuild?

It’s a tough choice. As United fans, some of us have come firmly down on one side or the other. But I, and most people I know, are torn. It’s emotional.

As one of the panellists said: “These are the joint spaces where we share life memories together.” Or another: “You’ll get to do this once as a club and a city in your lifetime. So you better get it right.”

That’s pressure. And opportunity.

It’s no surprise that I and many fans I know are hesitant — a little bit scared, even. When you care so much about a place, as we do with Old Trafford, when so many of your most special memories are attached to a place, then it’s hard to imagine something different and new.

I remember talking to my barber once. He’s from Kurdistan and spoke about the town he grew up in at the base of a snowy mountain in northern Iraq. I asked him if one day he’d want to move back there, and he said yes, because there’s nothing like home. And to him, that mountain represented home, with life in his town revolving around it. The sight of it made him feel at ease.

I tried to think of places similar to this in my own life but, having grown up in a city, it’s harder. You’ve got houses, buildings, skyscrapers, shops, parks… but it’s all ever-changing and updating. There’s often no landscape that really roots you to a place in a city. No mountain, you could say. But Old Trafford is my equivalent. Something permanent. With the same streets, smells and emotions. And that’s why it means so much.

Old Trafford Regeneration

says

The survey results showed that 52 per cent declared support for a new-build stadium. Redevelopment of the existing stadium was preferred by 31 per cent of fans, with 17 per cent declaring themselves unsure.

And yet, knowing the history of this club, it is visionary ambition which drove us to the top of English and then world football. More than 100 years ago, during United’s first golden era, that included moving across Manchester to Old Trafford. People then shed sentimentality for progress, and we’d be loath not to follow their inspiring example. It really is a difficult balance. There are strong emotions on all sides of this. And excitement is the key one. When you hear of a redeveloped ground with an 87,000-capacity and vastly improved outside areas, that’s a thrill. Or a new build with space for 100,000… well, that would be quite something.

The key truth is that any conversation around this is good. I love Old Trafford, but we all know it could be so much better. And with this project, it will be, in one way or another.

Old Trafford Regeneration

says

The survey data showed the strongest support for a new-build stadium to be among current season ticket holders, with the desire increasing with age. Younger fans lean more towards redeveloping Old Trafford.

Most pleasing in Tuesday’s sessions was to hear the concerns of match-going supporters acknowledged. We don’t want a soulless bowl, we don’t want all tickets to be unaffordable and we don’t want the unique history and identity of the club to be lost. The survey responses made that clear, just as any conversation with Reds would do. Those speaking recognised those worries and gave some specific detail on them.

It was those little details that were most exciting. The mention of teams dedicated to acoustic design who work out the best way to retain that raw atmosphere that defines English football at its best. The idea of being able to walk to the ground from the city centre, along the canal which defines Mancunian history. The concept of wider concourses and better food and drink options but with identity maintained. One expert on the panel referenced Everton’s new stadium project, explaining that the concourses there, while obviously newly built, feel like an older stadium in their character because of the materials used and the way the space is designed.

Old Trafford Regeneration

Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement says

“We know how important our home is to fans and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.”

Another spoke about visiting the famous new stadiums built in the USA which clearly look great and feel great, but in a very different way to an English football ground.

“We don’t want just a bigger stadium if it’s at the expense of atmosphere,” they said. “That’d be a failure.”

That’s what I want to hear. And it’s only a start. But to hear experts recognising what fans want is always positive. That’s all we can ask for at this stage. The next step, of course, is for those opinions to be taken fully into account and influence the final project. Those in attendance promised that would be the case. If so, whatever the eventual choice is, we have something special to look forward to.

The opinions expressed in this article are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United.

Dive deeper into Old Trafford’s regeneration:

The Town Hall sessions

Gallery

This gallery takes you inside Tuesday’s meetings between fans and the Old Trafford task force.
Old Trafford survey results

Collection

In case you missed it, read eight key points from the first phase of fan consultation…

Thursday 07 November 2024 12:00

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How women’s football history will be made next weekend

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November 7, 2024

How women’s football history will be made next weekend

Old Trafford.

Thursday 07 November 2024 11:00

Have you heard? Fans across the Barclays Women’s Super League and Championship will officially be a part of history next weekend.

For the first time in the respective leagues’ existence, every fixture will take place at the home side’s main stadium.

It’s the only time this has been the case for all 11 fixtures of a match weekend across the two divisions.

United Women will be in action against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Here’s the WSL fixture list at a glance…

90 in 20: United Women v Arsenal Video

90 in 20: United Women v Arsenal

Women’s 90 in 20 | Make sure you watch the extended cut of our much-anticipated clash with the Gunners…

Saturday 16 November

Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United (American Express Stadium, 12:30 GMT)
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 13:45)
Chelsea v Manchester City (Stamford Bridge, 17:30)

Sunday 17 November

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (Villa Park, 14:00)
Leicester City v Manchester United (King Power Stadium, 15:00)
Everton v Liverpool (Goodison Park, 15:00)

The weekend will also see clubs across the leagues mark Stonewall’s annual Rainbow Laces campaign which aims to celebrate and show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.

From corner flags and captain’s armbands to the rainbow laces themselves set to feature across the weekend’s games, this year’s celebration is centred on Stonewall’s Hold My Hand campaign which has the objective of ensuring that everybody feels safe to live their life freely.

For more information and to purchase your own Rainbow Laces merchandise including the iconic laces themselves, please visit www.stonewalluk.myshopify.com.

United Women v Arsenal:

Highlights: United Women v Arsenal Video

Highlights: United Women v Arsenal

Women’s highlights | The Reds took on Arsenal at Leigh in Marc Skinner’s 100th game at the helm…

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Thursday 07 November 2024 11:00

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Moyes should retire Bale, Fabregas stories as Neville falls into Manchester United transfer trap

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November 7, 2024

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Manchester United makes up about four per cent of the coaching career of David Moyes, but nearly all of his interviews. It is obvious why but no less boring.

A few years ago it was seemingly impossible for the news cycle to turn without Jamie Vardy first explaining how he made the right choice in turning down Arsenal.

That Vardy remains with Leicester more than eight years after making his decision sums up how easy it was for him, but the number of times it was deemed necessary to retread old ground in the aftermath was bizarre. Having just won a miraculous Premier League title – and perhaps sensing both a tactical clash and shift in the sands which would not benefit Arsene Wenger’s side – the decision to stay in a place of comfort and worship was not really worth exploring past a surface level.

And really that is on the media for delivering such softballs while nodding earnestly like that Garth Crooks meme at an answer told countless times before to numerous different outlets. Is a rejected transfer really more important or interesting than asking about the gastrointestinal health of a man sustained on a diet of Red Bull, port, cheese and ham omelettes and opposition fury, or his thoughts on whether Dean Gaffney is still equipped to play him in the film trilogy?

Quite obviously not but for a time, Vardy had to recycle and regurgitate the same tired quotes on the same tired subject.

Yet that pales in comparison to the ultimate version of this phenomenon, as can be witnessed on the latest episode of Stick to Football. After the infectious thrill of seeing Ian Wright walking into the studio with his phone out, giddily waiting to show everyone a picture of Gary Barlow’s abnormally large son before realising no-one else is permanently online, it becomes clear that Gary Neville has secured quite the coup with his latest guest: finally, someone connected to Manchester United who can, at some point, speak at least in broad terms about Sir Alex Ferguson.

It has been a long time coming and it is no surprise whatsoever that by far the longest of the 11 sections the interview is broken up into is titled: ‘David Moyes as Manchester United manager.’ A discussion about a reign which ended more than a decade ago is afforded about twice as much time as a far more relevant, pertinent and revealing chat about his West Ham exit in the summer.

It is a fundamentally weird balance with an obvious explanation. This is Manchester United Football Club they are talking about here. Those 10 months Moyes spent at Old Trafford account for about 4% of a near-three-decade managerial career but will forever be, right or wrong, biased or unbiased, the most noteworthy part of it. That is how it works and it would be wilfully stupid to pretend otherwise.

Yet that makes these perennial recaps no less tiresome. Even just framing it as a chin-stroking dialogue about the coaching graveyard Ruben Amorim is about to walk into does not really work because the demise of Moyes was nothing particularly close to that of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Erik ten Hag.

For all their considerable foibles, each of those men resembled something at least vaguely similar to a Manchester United manager during their terms in office; Moyes never did, as his admission that the pressure “was getting on top of me” after a 2-0 defeat to Olympiacos towards the end of his spell attests.

It’s certainly difficult to imagine the Scot ever describing the challenge of managing a post-Ferguson Manchester United as “fun”, even when inheriting the champions.

It was only a few months ago when he told Simon Jordan “my time at Manchester United was a failure”, as if revealing some untold truth. Rolling Moyes out twice a year to relive probably the worst part of his professional life is just weird and unnecessary. If he has not already had the same conversation with Steven Bartlett and Jake Humphrey, it is only a matter of time. Neville is just another rung on the podcast ladder.

It would be broadly fine if Moyes ever introduced anything new to the equation but that fixation – and again this falls squarely on the shoulders of those asking the questions rather than answering them – on signings is ever-present, despite it only forming a fraction of the reason Moyes and Manchester United were never compatible.

Of course Moyes falls back on the anecdotes about Cesc Fabregas promising to join if he didn’t play the first league game of the season for Barcelona. Of course he defaults to the story about pursuing Gareth Bale while always mindful of how the Welshman had his heart set on Real Madrid. Of course Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines get a mention. Of course he doesn’t properly throw Ed Woodward under the bus. Of course Neville nor his fellow presenters press him on why they targeted two players who were out of reach while identifying no possible alternatives. Of course in big 2024 he still calls it “the Premiership”.

Of course he was saying these exact same things when asked seven years ago about recruitment at Manchester United, because really why wouldn’t he? It is excellent after-dinner speech material which Moyes has instead been forced to exhaust by unimaginative interviewees; that’s neither his fault nor his problem.

There are slightly bigger issues in the current global landscape, sure, but it is time to move on from that most explicable of failures in an otherwise phenomenal managerial career. The world should pray for someone brave enough to ask Moyes why he pronounced Asier Asier Illarramendi’s surname like he did that one time, or what he reckons Gary Barlow feeds his offspring.

At this point we’d accept his take on whether Jamie Vardy was right to turn down Arsenal if it meant we at least got something new.

MORE MANCHESTER UNITED COVERAGE FROM F365
👉 Neville has one Amorim concern rebuffed by Moyes as Wright lauds ‘brilliant’ INEOS decision
👉 Man Utd make £12.6m ‘offer’ for Amorim’s first signing as Gyokeres snubs Old Trafford move

Academy Briefing: An unforgettable European tie

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November 7, 2024

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Thursday 07 November 2024 11:00

Adam Lawrence says Manchester United will “never forget” our UEFA Youth League tie with FK Zalgiris, thanks to the excellent hospitality and relationships built with staff and players from the Lithuanian youth champions.

The Under-19s’ lead coach also discussed the progress of summer arrival Sekou Kone (pictured above, with Jack Fletcher), how his team learned lessons across this two-legged tie and what’s in store in the next round as United take on AZ Alkmaar.

A MEMORABLE OCCASION

A group of United fans travelled over to Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, a fortnight ago to see the young Reds win 5-2 on the road. In the stands at the LFF Stadium, they were joined by a selection of local United fans, including those from the Official Supporters’ Club, soon to be celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Something similar was replicated at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday night as a 6-0 victory confirmed United’s spot in the UEFA Youth League third round. A small assortment of travelling supporters from Lithuania had made the journey over to back Zalgiris, and some fans of the club living in the Greater Manchester area had also turned out.

‘We’ll never forget this tie’ Video

‘We’ll never forget this tie’

U19s lead coach Adam Lawrence reviews a dominant aggregate victory over the Lithuanian youth champions…

United’s players and staff would like to thank the fans of both teams for making the two-legged tie a memorable occasion. Asked about the interaction with Zalgiris, Lawrence said:

“Amazing. Very good staff, very friendly, nice to speak to. The hospitality we got out there and the support we got from the fans in general and the way they made the game [means] the lads and the staff and everyone connected to it will never forget it.

“Huge congratulations to them for getting to this stage. And who knows, now we’ve been there once, we might end up back there again. Nothing but admiration and it’s been great getting to know them a bit more.”

LESSONS LEARNED FOR UNITED

Lawrence described United’s second-leg display as “really pleasing”. The Reds scored three goals in each half in a dominant performance. Ethan Williams, captain Tyler Fredricson and Ethan Wheatley netted before the break, with Gabriele Biancheri, Ashton Missin and James Scanlon capping off a fine evening. You can watch the goals below.

“After the first leg, we thought we’d go into this one knowing we’d dominate the ball and have large amounts of possession,” said Lawrence.

“But, as always, it’s about how you use that and how you find ways to break the opposition down to then create the chances and nice for us to finish the game properly as well.

U19s highlights: United v Zalgiris Video

U19s highlights: United v Zalgiris

U19s highlights | Watch the key moments from an entertaining UEFA Youth League encounter with Lithuania’s FK Zalgiris…

“In the away leg we conceded two goals late on which was disappointing so it was good the boys had that bit about them later on in the game to manage it right and properly and not give them any opportunities, so that was pleasing.

“As you progress through the competition the tests get harder and you get different types of games. It’s probably [been] a nice one for us in that over the two legs we’ve had a lot of the ball, we’ve scored a lot of goals, we’ve had opportunities to practise certain things that the group are going after and individually. And the boys have done well over the two games and deserve the opportunity in the next round, so we look forward to it.”

AZ ALKMAAR NEXT

United will now face AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Youth League third round, with the first leg to be played in the final week of November. The Dutch side won the tournament in 2022/23.

“We know they’re a very good Academy,” Lawrence said.

“They won this competition two years ago, so you probably only need to go as far as that, really. They have a good reputation of developing young players and obviously they’ve been successful in this competition.

“We want to get in this competition and progress through it to play against the best across Europe and really test ourselves and we’re definitely going to get that across the two legs, so the lads are really looking forward to it.”

SEKOU KONE’S PROGRESS

Eighteen-year-old Mali midfielder Sekou Kone, who signed for United in summer, made his second competitive appearance on Wednesday, replacing Jayce Fitzgerald as a half-time substitute. He was also a sub for the Under-21s in their match at Sunderland last Saturday.

Lawrence credited Kone’s patience as the young talent adjusts to life in England, and reflected on a squad with three additions to it since the first leg.

“When you arrive at this club you just want to be playing football and obviously get on the pitch and put on the Man United shirt and show people what you can do,” the Academy coach commented.

“He’s had to be patient. It’s right we’ve built him up slowly. He’s picking up a bit of English, we’re picking up a bit of French, so we’re trying to work it both ways!

Sekou Kone has been patient as he settles into life at Manchester United.

“And obviously Harry [Amass] and Ethan Wheatley playing tonight was nice. They didn’t get the opportunity to play in the first leg. Good for them in terms of going into the next stage, rather than them maybe going in fresh and playing their first games in the next round, it’s nice that they both played in the game today. So a nice mix of the squad as well.”

WATCH THE UNDER-18s LIVE ON SATURDAY

With 40 goals in their opening eight U18 Premier League fixtures, and a further 13 across two European matches, Lawrence’s side have proved an entertaining watch thus far this season.

Their 11:00 GMT kick-off against Everton on Saturday will be shown live on MUTV – subscribe now to watch.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

All times listed in GMT.

Catch up on our Academy documentary series:

Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain Video

Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain

OUT NOW | ‘Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain’ follows the path of an Academy player, ending with an epic season finale…
Lifeblood: Developing People Video

Lifeblood: Developing People

LIFEBLOOD 3 | ‘Developing People’ reveals how our Academy develops outstanding people, as well as top footballers…
Lifeblood Short: U16s in Hong Kong Video

Lifeblood Short: U16s in Hong Kong

NEW RELEASE | This exclusive Lifeblood short follows our Under-16s on a lifechanging trip to Hong Kong…
Lifeblood: Innovation Video

Lifeblood: Innovation

LIFEBLOOD 2 | ‘Innovation’ revealed the incredible science behind Scott McTominay’s strategic development…
Lifeblood: History Video

Lifeblood: History

LIFEBLOOD 1 | ‘History’ tells the story of our iconic Academy, with a focus on Alejandro Garnacho’s emergence…

Thursday 07 November 2024 11:00

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Man Utd ‘make moves’ with Arsenal target eyed in double swoop; Ratcliffe decides two January priorities

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November 7, 2024

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According to reports, Manchester United are “planning to make moves” in January as they have decided their two transfer priorities for the January window.

The recruitment team at Old Trafford has been overhauled by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have joined the Premier League giants.

Man Utd are active in the summer as they spent around £185m to sign Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte.

Despite this, the Red Devils have endured a miserable start to the 2024/25 campaign. 13th-placed United have only won three of their opening ten Premier League games and Erik ten Hag was sacked last month.

Ruben Amorim has been appointed as his replacement and will officially take over at Old Trafford next week.

Amorim and the United board will likely be keen to make signings in January. However, a ‘crushing blow’ may mean they must get imaginative to land their preferred targets in the winter.

READ: Ruben Amorim and the three-letter word that should excite Man Utd fans

Reports in Germany claim Man Utd have their eye on two Bayern Munich stars ahead of January. Journalist Christian Falk says they are “interested” in Leroy Sane, who has been linked with Premier League rivals Arsenal of late.

Falk said: “Manchester United are interested in Leroy Sane (28/FC Bayern) and has already inquired about him. He is a free agent in the summer.

“Arsenal also have Sane on their list. He will wait for the negotiations with FC Bayern before making a decision.”

Experienced centre-midfielder Leon Goretzka – according to Florian Plettenberg – is another player on Man Utd’s radar.

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd blow amid Gyokeres ‘truth’ with Arsenal ‘favourites’ as Ratcliffe faces two ‘major hurdles’
👉 Man Utd: Neville’s one Amorim concern rebuffed by Moyes as Wright lauds ‘brilliant’ INEOS decision
👉 Ruben Amorim appointment the ‘dream scenario’ for three Man Utd players

Regarding Man Utd’s priorities, he said: “Manchester United plan to make moves in the winter transfer market. Understand that the Red Devils are looking for an affordable striker.

“#MUFC are also in search of a number eight, a central midfielder. Leon #Goretzka’s situation is still being closely monitored. However, as of now, the 29y/o still has no plans to leave Bayern in winter.”

A report from Football Insider claims Man Utd could be forced to enter the loan to ‘agree’ deals for ‘multiple signings’ in January.

‘Man United will be forced to focus on loan deals if they are to strengthen in January, sources have told Football Insider. They will struggle to make any permanent signings in the winter transfer window for new boss Ruben Amorim.

‘United’s budget has been stretched after Erik ten Hag was sacked last week and replaced with the costly appointment of Amorim. Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider on Sunday (3 November) that Man United could have spent up to £37.5million on their managerial change.

‘Sources say it will therefore be difficult under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) for Amorim to spend any money in the January transfer window.

‘One avenue open to United is the use of loan deals, with the club yet to use their two allotted Premier League loan spaces this term. They could also look overseas to bolster their squad, as they did with Sofyan Amrabat last season before declining to sign him permanently.’

“Part of the answer or is he part of the problem?”: Mike Phelan questions contribution of United’s biggest star

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November 7, 2024

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Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has claimed that his former side must find a way to get the best out of Bruno Fernandes again.

Phelan was a member of the coaching team in 2020 when the Portuguese international was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 62 year old also accompanied Solskjaer on a scouting trip to Lisbon to watch Fernandes in action and according to a recent interview with The Athletic, this was enough to convince them of his talents.

Commenting on the match where they watched Fernandes in action Phelan said, “Bruno did everything that day. No real specific position, but he was everywhere, quite undisciplined. It worked in the environment he was in. What he had was vision, the ability to control the ball, to take a risk and to create something.”

The former first team coach claimed the club was convinced so “went all-in” for him and they were not disappointed with what they got as he instantly adapted to life at Old Trafford.

“He didn’t disappoint. Very enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the game. Pretty effective around the place, quite controlling. But he delivered. And he was the right player at the right time for us. A good person.”

Whilst Fernandes has been generally considered an overall success and in many peoples’ books, the biggest transfer success for the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, there have been some criticisms of the player as of late.

Phelan believes that the player’s willingness to take on responsibility has ultimately negatively impacted the player he once was.

“He became the focal point of everything, and that was probably down to the group of players we had. Then he became captain. That was a decision other people made for whatever reasons, and he probably levelled out a little bit. He probably tried to affect everybody and forgot about himself.”

Phelan then suggested that one of incoming coach, Ruben Amorim’s biggest tasks is to “find a way of getting the best out of Bruno. I think they’re still juggling with that. Is he part of the answer or is he part of the problem? I don’t know. It’s about trying to make him a little bit more aware of the job at times.”

Fernandes has not had his best season so far but he still has eight goal contributions in all competitons, including three goals in his last two matches.

He will hope that the arrival of his campatriot, Amorim, will help him return to the outstanding player he has been for most of his time at the football club.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Alex Browne

Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

Reds trio in line for return

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November 7, 2024

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Thursday 07 November 2024 09:45

Three first-team players could return to the Manchester United bench for Thursday night’s Europa League meeting with PAOK.

Antony, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount have all been working at Carrington with the main group this week, after missing recent matches due to injury.

Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to have the trio available at Old Trafford, as the Reds look to record a first win in this season’s competition.

“Yeah, it’s looking that we’re going to add some people to the bench that were injured before,” our interim head coach told MUTV’s Mark Sullivan.

Watch Ruud’s PAOK preview Video

Watch Ruud’s PAOK preview

MATCHDAY Q&A | Ruud van Nistelrooy on Yoro, returning players and what he expects from Greek champions PAOK…

“We just trained. We’re going to check how things are.

“Hopefully we can get Eriksen and Mount and Antony back in the squad.”

Mount hasn’t featured since the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in late September, while Antony has been sidelined for the last three games, following our 1-1 draw in Fenerbahce last time out in Europe.

Eriksen has scored an impressive four goals already this season but had to miss Ruud’s two games in charge so far after picking up a knock against West Ham.

There has been a youthful look to our bench in recent days, with Harry Amass, Jayce Fitzgerald and Jack Fletcher included in matchday squads, and Ethan Wheatley introduced as a substitute for the Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City.

Ruud said their involvement was just reward for the hard work they have put in behind the scenes.

“I mean, I have to say the lads did really well in training,” Ruud explained. “They also were a part of pre-season.

“They’re still very young – 17-, 18-year-olds. They need time, but they showed already that they can help the team – like Ethan Wheatley.

“He came on in the Carabao Cup against Leicester as an 18-year-old striker. [He has] A lot of potential, but the others [do] as well. So we keep working with them as well.”

United have drawn each of our three matches in the Europa League thus far but will be looking to move up from 22nd in the table during November, with the visit of Bodo/Glimt following later this month.

This will be van Nistelrooy’s only continental match at the helm – Ruben Amorim arrives as new permanent head coach next week – and the Dutchman wants his players to build on the platform established against Leicester and Chelsea.

“In every game Manchester United plays you’re expected to win it, so there’s no difference there,” he said.

“But for us it’s a matter of performing, building on performances that the lads put on over the last two games, with that spirit, with that togetherness and that’s the foundation.

“Also, as I said after the Chelsea game, the qualities of the players will start to flourish.”

More key updates:

Ruud and Andre’s press conference Video

Ruud and Andre’s press conference

PRESS CONFERENCE | Before the game, make sure you watch Ruud and Andre’s compelling media briefing…

Thursday 07 November 2024 09:45

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Man Utd blow amid Gyokeres ‘truth’ reveal with Arsenal ‘favourites’ as Ratcliffe faces two ‘major hurdles’

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November 7, 2024

Gyokeres is clear of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe as Europe’s top scorer in 2024.

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According to reports, Arsenal are the ‘favourites’ in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres as they are ‘better placed’ than rivals Manchester United.

The Sweden international left Championship outfit Coventry City last year to join Sporting Lisbon for around £15m and he’s been sensational for the Primeira Liga leaders.

The 26-year-old has been in stunning form this season as he’s grabbed 23 goals and four assists in his 17 appearances across all competitions. Overall, he has 66 goals and 19 assists in his 67 appearances for Sporting Lisbon.

Gyokeres‘ form has not gone unnoticed as he is being linked with several European giants ahead of next year’s summer transfer window.

Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s move from Sporting Lisbon to Man Utd, Gyokeres has been mooted as a potential signing for the Red Devils, who could use a new striker.

READ: Ruben Amorim and the three-letter word that should excite Man Utd fans

A report from Football Transfers reveals ‘the truth regarding the rampant speculation’ as Gyokeres to Man Utd is a ‘difficult prospect’. There are said to be two ‘major hurdles’ for the club to overcome in the race to sign him.

‘We are told there are major hurdles that would need to be overcome first.

‘For one, Gyokeres is at the stage of his career where he will not settle for anything other than Champions League football. Man Utd, currently languishing in 13th in the Premier League and 22nd in the Europa League, will face an uphill battle to make it into Europe’s premier competition.

‘Moreover, and potentially a bigger issue, is the relationship between Gyokeres’ agency and the club. The 26-year-old is represented by HCM Sports Management, which also boasts Frenkie de Jong among its list of clients.’

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It is also claimed that Arsenal are ‘better placed’ than Man Utd and they are ‘dreaming’ of signing Gyokeres.

‘The Gunners view Gyokeres as one of their top targets for 2025 and have been encouraged by Sporting CP’s willingness to reduce their demands.

‘FootballTransfers can corroborate reports that the Portuguese champions will not insist on his €100 million release clause being triggered next summer. Gyokeres publically complained about his hefty price tag earlier this year and the two parties compromised.

‘The Swede can leave the club for €60m-€70m next year and Arsenal are on red alert. The Gunners had scouts in attendance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday and, needless to say, they will have liked what they saw, with Gyokeres showing himself more than capable of tearing apart one of Europe’s best teams.

‘As of right now, Arsenal can legitimately be considered the favourites for his signature, but of course, things can quickly change in the upcoming months.’

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November 7, 2024