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United join race for versatile 20-yo Serie A sensation who fits perfectly with Amorim’s style of play – report

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Manchester United have set their sights on Lecce star Patrick Dorgu, as per reports.

United still have to wait a week before Ruben Amorim formally starts his work as their manager. However, multiple reports regarding his plans for the Red Devils’ squad have already started to circulate.

Erik ten Hag, who received backlash for his management style, has been sacked but there remain many gaps to fill in the United squad, who have recorded the club’s worst start to a league campaign after 10 matches since the 1986-87 season.

One of the most concerning positions at United is left-back, owing to never-ending injury issues to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Against Chelsea, Ruud van Nistelrooy started Noussair Mazraoui at left-back.

While the Moroccan star was absolutely brilliant in the 1-1 stalemate, United can’t continue to overlook the area of the pitch.

According to Football Insider, the Mancunians and Chelsea have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the “huge” race for Dorgu’s signature.

The 20-year-old left-back has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Serie A, leading to interest from top clubs across Europe.

The report adds: “Interest from United comes following the appointment of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, with the boss said to be keen to bring in players to suit his style of play.”

The Denmark international is impressively very versatile, having played as a left-back, right-back, left-midfielder, left-winger, and right-winger in his 12 appearances for Lecce this season. He also has two goals to his name across all competitions.

Top clubs in the Premier League reportedly “believe he could be a long-term signing both for the present and to become a star in the future.”

Amorim might be well aware of talents at Lecce, as in the summer of 2023, Sporting CP signed Morten Hjulmand from the Italian outfit.

Also a Dane, Hjulmand has proven to be a huge success under Amorim and has seen his name linked to United.

Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

“He can…”: Amorim backed to elevate Hojlund’s game to match Gyokeres’ ridiculous levels

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Manchester United created loads of chances but failed to capitalise and eventually had to settle for a point against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

It was the hosts who took the lead through a Bruno Fernandes spot-kick but as has often been the case this season, they allowed the opposition back in almost instantaneously as the Premier League encounter ended 1-1.

The midfield lacked control, something incoming manager Ruben Amorim must fix, while the wastefulness in front of goal is something that needs particular attention.

Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Fernandes were all guilty of spurning glorious chances while Rasmus Hojlund battled hard without making any real impact.

Amorim’s huge job with Rasmus

The Dane did win the penalty, but that was after he failed to control a brilliant pass from Casemiro and got lucky in the end.

But his lack of awareness regarding when to release his teammates was something that was frequently seen with the Old Trafford crowd groaning when he failed to spot Garnacho in acres of space down the left.

That happened at least two-three times in the game and the 21-year-old needs to work on his back-to-goal play and his passing, something Amorim has been backed to achieve.

After all, Viktor Gyokeres, who is a target for almost all European elite sides, was at Coventry City before his arrival at Sporting and it is clear to see where the Portuguese manager has taken the striker.

The United No 9 has two goals this season and netted 16 last term, while the Swede already has 20 goals to his name in the current campaign, ridiculous numbers!

Rasmus can match Gyokeres under Amorim

Both have similar games, with both strikers quite powerful and willing to run the channels. But Hojlund is lacking that killer instinct, something the Sweden international has developed during his time at Sporting.

Former Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who had managed Amorim back when he played for Benfica in 2008-09, feels his protege has the skills to improve young talents.

Amorim’s ability to understand the new generation of stars stands him in good stead as per the Spaniard. He even told The Sun, “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves.

“He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance. And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”

Flores also felt that Amorim’s work ethic and style of management are similar to former United manager Jose Mourinho, high praise indeed.

Amorim is like Jose

“I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates. The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.

“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.”

Fans will be eager to see how Amorim starts his United career. But for now, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has two more games to go — one in the Europa League and the last against Leicester City in the Premier League.

Hopefully, he can keep his unbeaten run going and build some momentum for the incoming manager.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Exclusive: “I’d hate to see it” – Gary Pallister reveals his thoughts on key INEOS decision at United

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Old Trafford or New Trafford?

The future of Manchester United’s prestigious stadium is currently under scrutiny with the club’s owners assembling a joint task force to explore ways to regenerate the area around Old Trafford, with the “development of a world-class football stadium at the heart of the project”.

There is debate over whether this would involve a refurbishment of the existing ground, or a completely new stadium altogether on an adjacent plot of land.

The current ground has undoubtedly grown into a state of disrepair under the incompetent leadership of the Glazer family. The American owners have allowed Old Trafford to become Old Trafford and the need for change is obvious to any spectator in the stands.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who gained full control over the football operation at United in February, has expressed a preference for a brand new, state-of-the-art facility which could function as the “Wembley of the North”. This option would, naturally, be more expensive but is likely to be less complicated than a redevelopment of Old Trafford.

However, many fans are opposed to the idea, believing the club’s identity and history are inexorably linked to the stadium; to knock it down and start again in a new stadium is to lose a piece of United itself. And this is certainly a view understood by Gary Pallister, the imperious defender who called Old Trafford home for nine successful years.

In an exclusive interview with The Peoples Person, hosted by Lucky Block, Pallister revealed he would “hate to see” Old Trafford be knocked down, but conceded the club has to “move forward” if it’s decided that’s the best option.

“If it is a new stadium, I’d be fascinated to see what it’s like. There’s talk of £2 billion, I’m not sure what you get for £2 billion these days but I would like to think it’s something special,” the former centre-back stated.

“I’d really be looking forward to going to a new stadium and enjoying Man United games, but obviously there’d be a part of me that would feel gutted about Old Trafford not being used anymore.”

Pallister recounts how there “so many happy memories” in the Theatre of Dreams, with the England international helping add three Premiership titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup, a Cup Winner’s Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to the stadium’s trophy cabinet during his time with the Red Devils.

It’s understandable therefore why the former defender, as well as swathes of United fans, are so reticent towards the idea of losing Old Trafford, even if it’s for a new stadium situated just next to the current ground.

Forward is the march of progress though and, as Pallister observes, the club may simply need to “move on” if that’s the decision it reaches for its new home. A recommendation is expected to be delivered by the task force by December 31, so the new year may bring with it the prospect of a New Trafford.

Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.

Amorim to decide the fate of these four United stars as soon as he arrives – ESPN

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Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will have a lot on his plate once he joins the club on November 11 as seen from the team’s chaotic display against Chelsea.

The forwards are lacking any real confidence while the team’s mentality yet again let them down once they had taken the lead. And the lack of a discernible style of play is also quite concerning.

The Portuguese needs to help quite a few players re-find their groove and while he might not hold as much transfer veto as previous managers, the head coach will have a say in contract renewals as per ESPN.

Plenty of underperforming United stars are coming close to the end of their current deals and the Red Devils hierarchy will consult with the Portuguese before deciding their futures.

Amorim will have a say on contract renewals

Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Amad Diallo are a handful of stars whose deals end in 2025 and Amorim will see how quickly the aforementioned quartet can adapt to his tactics before taking a call.

Interestingly, the report also makes it clear that unlike what transpired during Erik ten Hag’s reign, INEOS will have the final say on all contract and transfer matters.

“Manchester United will give new head coach Rúben Amorim a say before making contract decisions on players approaching the end of their deals, sources have told ESPN.

“Victor Lindelöf, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo are among the United players out of contract at the end of the season, and sources have told ESPN that the club will give Amorim time to form his own opinions before concrete decisions are made.

“Sources have told ESPN that he will be asked for his opinion about which players to retain, but final decisions will be made by CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.”

Both the England international and the Ivorian have options to extend their deal by a year and whether that clause is taken up by the club remains to be seen.

Amad has impressed in spurts this season and given Amorim’s penchant for giving youth a chance, the 22-year-old could be one to benefit.

Quite a few players playing to save their United careers

As for Maguire, he has previous experience of playing in a back three and that could hold him in good stead once the Sporting Lisbon manager arrives.

As for Lindelof, while the club was desperate to sell him, his closeness with Amorim (both were teammates at Benfica) could sway things in his favour while Eriksen has impressed this season.

Amorim and United need to decide fast regarding the future of these four stars as or else, they are free to sign pre-contract agreements in January with other clubs.

Apart from these names, plenty of other United stars could be discarded by the incoming manager if they fail to adapt and impress. Amorim will give them a clean slate to begin with but will be upto the players to save their United careers.

Feature image Emilio Andreoli via Getty Images

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Video: Ugarte discloses how “surprised” his United teammates were after learning how Amorim operates

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Manchester United created the better chances and took a deserved lead only to get pegged back and eventually had to settle for a point from their game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The game was a timely reminder that both teams, despite the vast gap on the table, are not too far apart in terms of quality with Ruud van Nistelrooy getting the players to gel better than what was the case under Erik ten Hag.

However, the team’s mentality needs to be fixed, especially their attitude after having taken the lead with this being yet another instance of the hosts allowing a team to equalise.

Incoming manager Ruben Amorim’s biggest task, however, involves trying to get the team to play with more composure and control in the middle of the park and not always follow the former boss’ chaotic direct style of play.

Improved style of play needed

Manuel Ugarte, who struggled to dictate the tempo in the middle of the park against the Blues, spoke to DAZN at the end of the game and highlighted something similar.

“The club needs to start building a path, which is important, and the coach will be key to that,” the Uruguayan said, referring to a proper style of play.

🗣️”A dinâmica e o dia a dia vai tentar ser igual ao Sporting CP”

📲 Manuel Ugarte em exclusivo à DAZN#DAZNPremier pic.twitter.com/YQ0NjSoPJk

— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) November 3, 2024

The defensive midfielder has worked under Amorim during his days at Sporting Lisbon and knows all about the Portuguese manager and the way he operates.

He disclosed that the United players had been asking about the Sporting manager and what he would bring to the table. Funnily enough, some players were shocked to find out how young Amorim still is!

“My teammates have asked a lot about him. What surprised them was his age. He’s also very hungry to win and that’s very important. I can tell he’ll enjoy it.”

Ugarte on Amorim

Ugarte also admitted that managing United would be a huge challenge for the 39-year-old but that having played under him, the Uruguay international felt he had the potential to turn things around at Old Trafford.

“I saw that Sporting fans were upset and that’s understandable, because the coach is a great coach. It’s good for United, we have to take advantage of it and get him to convey his ideas as quickly as possible.

“I think it’s going to be a different dynamic and the day-to-day will be similar to Sporting’s. The league, the country, the football… It’s a big challenge for him but we all know he has the ability.”

United’s underperforming stars should not look too far ahead. They need to get their act together ahead of their next Europa League tie against PAOK on Thursday and ensure Van Nistelrooy continues his unbeaten run.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

Down to work

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See pictures of Monday’s training session at our Carrington base.

Result: Women’s Player of the Match

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Monday 04 November 2024 13:07

Manchester United Women’s forward Melvine Malard has won our Player of the Match poll following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

The majority of supporters voting on ManUtd.com and in the United app selected Malard, following an impactful substitute cameo that saw her come off the bench to net our equaliser.

Former United striker Alessia Russo had given Arsenal the lead at Leigh Sports Village, before Melvine’s second goal of the season ensured we maintained our unbeaten start to 2024/25.

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…

It was quite the way to return from injury for the French forward, who missed our previous two outings with a hamstring injury sustained in October’s League Cup victory over Liverpool.

Coming on just after the hour mark, with the scoreline at 0-0, our no.9 helped the Reds respond to Russo’s opener, having been tasked with making a difference from the left flank.

Despite that, it was from two corners – one at either end – where Melvine really made her mark on the contest.

In the 82nd minute, Malard was stationed in the right place to deftly flick Rachel Williams’s goalbound connection with Gabby George’s delivery into the Arsenal net, to make it 1-1.

Then, with the last touch of the game following a Gunners’ set piece, the forward appeared to make a vital intervention on Lia Walti’s venomous attempt on goal, glancing it clear of Phallon Tullis-Joyce’s posts seconds before the full-time whistle was sounded by referee Kirsty Dowle.

Who was United Women’s Player of the Match v Arsenal?

poll

Who was United Women’s Player of the Match v Arsenal?

It is the second season in a row that Malard has come off the bench to score at home to Arsenal, having netted her first WSL goal in the corresponding fixture last term.

On this occasion, the forward’s efforts were recognised with a majority 22 per cent of our Player of the Match vote, ensuring she would finish ahead of the nearest frontrunners.

Ella Toone (19%) and Millie Turner (16%) – BBC’s Player of the Match – were also well-favoured by fans voting in our official poll, ensuring the England pair came second and third respectively.

Thank you to everyone who voted and congratulations to Melvine on claiming the prize for the first time this season.

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Monday 04 November 2024 13:07

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United Women cheered on by record Leigh attendance

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United Women cheered on by record Leigh attendance

Monday 04 November 2024 11:01

A new record attendance for Manchester United Women games at Leigh Sports Village has been set following Sunday lunchtime’s clash with Arsenal.

In total, 8,348 supporters were at LSV for our 1-1 draw with the Gunners, as Melvine Malard’s late goal ensured the Reds would take a point from after former United striker Alessia Russo had opened the scoring for the visitors.

The number surpasses the previous high at the stadium for a match involving our women’s team (8,312), which was set in last season’s corresponding fixture at home to Arsenal.

While Old Trafford still holds United Women’s all-time record attendance – 43,615 at November 2023’s Manchester derby against City – Leigh Sports Village has been the team’s primary home since reformation in 2018 and has become an arena that has hosted some of the Reds’ proudest moments in recent seasons.

This landmark is the latest and, speaking at full-time, centre-back Millie Turner shared her delight at rewarding our fans’ support with an important late goal today.

“They were [loud],” said Millie, after making her 150th appearance for the Reds. “I’m glad we could get the goal for them. I’m proud to come out and play for these fans.”

Head coach Marc Skinner, after celebrating his own personal milestone of 100 matches in charge, added: “It coincides with our men’s team being at home today as well so to get that turnout is exceptional. I want to thank all the fans, because we needed them today.”

WATCH UNITED WOMEN AT HOME

Fancy being part of our next record crowd? Tickets for the remainder of our matches at Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford are available to buy now.

Click here for more information.

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Ruud: The goals will come

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Monday 04 November 2024 07:00

Ruud van Nistelrooy says Manchester United’s luck in front of goal will soon change following another spirited performance on home soil.

The Reds drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes’s opener from the penalty spot soon cancelled out by Moises Caicedo’s effort.

Ruud, who took charge of his second game in a week following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, praised plenty of United’s play despite Alejandro Garnacho and our no.8 both missing chances to win the game late on.

With another encounter quickly following on Thursday against PAOK, van Nistelrooy believes his side will soon be firing on all cylinders in terms of the ball hitting the net.

Ruud: We played with fight and spirit Video

Ruud: We played with fight and spirit

Interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy insists United’s performance in the draw with Chelsea is one to build on…

“[I think] today we are slightly disappointed because we didn’t score the second with the opportunities we had, that is the feeling for me personally and also in the dressing room,” began Ruud in his post-match media duties.

“In the last [few games] that we [have] played, we lost some points that we didn’t convert our chances.

“The good thing always is, and the way I think, when you create a lot all through the season so far, so in that sense I am not too worried.

“When the players are going to get in the flow of things are results coming, confidence growing, the goals will come.”

Matchday Review: United v Chelsea Video

Matchday Review: United v Chelsea

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Despite scoring six times in two games against the Foxes and Chelsea, United will be hoping to get among the goals in Europe, as we aim for a first win in the competition.

Draws against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce mean the Reds still have work to do but will be hopeful of progressing in the new format.

Stay tuned across the week on ManUtd.com, our Official App and on MUTV for continued build-up ahead of Thursday’s clash in M16.

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Ruud hoping for midfield boost

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Ruud van Nistelrooy

Sunday 03 November 2024 20:22

Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping Manchester United can welcome some injured players back for his final two games as interim head coach.

The Reds host PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday before Leicester come back to Old Trafford next Sunday, in a repeat of Ruud’s first match as temporary boss – the 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over the Foxes.

Christian Eriksen was missing for that outing and his absence continued on Sunday, as the Dane was one of eight first-team players sidelined.

Ruud named four teenagers on his substitutes’ bench for Chelsea’s visit and Jack Fletcher and Jayce Fitzgerald, both 17 and with no senior minutes to their names, were the only options in the middle of the park.

Victor Lindelof – usually a centre-back and occasionally deployed on the flanks of the defence – replaced Manuel Ugarte for the final 10 minutes to play a sitting midfield role.

Ruud: We played with fight and spirit Video

Ruud: We played with fight and spirit

Interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy insists United’s performance in the draw with Chelsea is one to build on…

“No, we were thin,” the Dutchman agreed, in his MUTV interview with Liam Bradford.

“We had some young lads on the bench who are very talented and will be very important for the future.

“As you say we are thin, especially in midfield.

“We had no midfielders on the bench, but we hope we can bring some back for the coming week so we can have more options from the bench.”

Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount haven’t featured since the last international break, while Antony picked up an injury in Istanbul last month.

A further update on our injured players could be provided when Ruud faces the media on Wednesday.

For now, our legendary former striker is content with how the Reds have reacted to a challenging week.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” Ruud added.

“Monday to today has almost been a full week where so many things happened and my task was to steady the ship and to get results coming.

“I think the players reacted good on Wednesday and today and it’s something to build on for the next two games.”

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Sunday 03 November 2024 20:22

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