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Ratcliffe and INEOS decide against “highly-controversial” move that sparked fan anger – report

    ratcliffe-and-ineos-decide-against-“highly-controversial”-move-that-sparked-fan-anger-–-report
    Ratcliffe and INEOS decide against “highly-controversial” move that sparked fan anger – report

    Manchester United have decided against cutting the £40,000 budget of their disabled supporters’ association.

    Towards the end of last year, it was reported that United were considering slashing the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association’s budget.

    It was indicated that the club was contemplating this move as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures since he became co-owner and assumed the day-to-day running of the Red Devils from the Glazers 12 months ago.

    United enlisted the services of corporate restructuring firm Interpath Advisory to oversee a major cost-cutting drive that resulted in around 250 staff members being made redundant.

    Corporate credit cards of senior executives were cancelled while Sir Alex Ferguson’s multi-million-pound ambassadorial contract was also terminated.

    Other brutal measures taken by Ratcliffe over the past few months include axing the staff Christmas party and replacing the usual £100 Christmas bonus with a £40 Marks & Spencer voucher.

    According to the Daily Mail, United have opted against cutting MUDSA’s budget.

    “In November, we revealed how bosses were considering slashing the £40,000 they hand to the group in half amid a series of cost-saving measures.”

    “However, it can now be disclosed that they have now decided against what would have been a highly-controversial move.”

    It’s understood that this money is spent on hosting events and a bowling day for the group.

    The Christmas party, in particular, is a popular annual event which sees many of the players attend and sign autographs for those present.

    MUDSA – one of the oldest disabled supporters’ associations in the country – had long been run by Chas Banks MBE, who passed away in October at the age of 74.

    The much-loved Banks was a passionate advocate for disabled rights.

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    Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

    Gary Neville reveals what he expects from Amorim’s United next season, fans will be shocked

      gary-neville-reveals-what-he-expects-from-amorim’s-united-next-season,-fans-will-be-shocked
      Gary Neville reveals what he expects from Amorim’s United next season, fans will be shocked

      Manchester United legend Gary Neville has insisted that Ruben Amorim has made the club “a lot worse”, following last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

      United slipped to a fifth defeat in seven games since Amorim’s appointment, courtesy of a second-half brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

      The result left United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table.

      The Red Devils have struggled for consistency under Amorim, as the Portuguese coach goes about trying to implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation.

      Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville predicted that there’s a lot more pain in store for United before the end of the season.

      Neville also explained that United’s troubles could spill over into the next campaign, hindering their chances of making any meaningful progress.

      The former England international said, “I thought it would get better when Ruben Amorim came in. I thought the enthusiasm and the new system, I thought they’d buy into it the players, and we’d see a bounce.”

      “We’ve seen the absolute opposite. It’s got a lot worse and that’s surprising.”

      “But there’s going to be a lot more pain towards the end of the season and it is going to be damaging.”

      Neville added, “They’re obviously going to stick with Ruben Amorim, but the more you lose, the more difficult it is to convince the players of the idea. The idea that he talked about in the early days.”

      “You need the players to buy into it, but if they lose with it, and they keep getting criticised, the spotlight comes on them more and the fans are leaving unhappy.”

      “You can’t keep losing. It will depress the thoughts of the players, to the point whereby they’ll lose faith with the idea.”

      “It’ll damage the start of next season. He has to do something. He can’t change his approach because he’s died in a ditch on it. And rightly so. I think he’s lost more games at Manchester United since he’s come than he lost in the last 75 at Sporting.”

      United are back in action on Friday when they host Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City at Old Trafford for a fourth-round FA Cup clash.

      Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images

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      Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

      Industry experts raise huge concerns about Ratcliffe’s deadline for Old Trafford rebuild – report

        industry-experts-raise-huge-concerns-about-ratcliffe’s-deadline-for-old-trafford-rebuild-–-report
        Industry experts raise huge concerns about Ratcliffe’s deadline for Old Trafford rebuild – report

        Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly in a hurry, with the INEOS billionaire keen on the building of a new stadium to be finished by 2030.

        At the start of 2024, Ratcliffe assumed operational control of United after he purchased a minority stake in the club. One of the cornerstones of his bid to acquire a part of United was the development of Old Trafford.

        The two main options that have been under consideration are either the construction of a new 100,000-capacity home or the refurbishment of the existing stadium, which would see the addition of an extra 14,000 seats at Old Trafford, taking it’s total capacity to 87,000.

        As it stands the first alternative appears to be the preferred option but a final decision on which course of action to pursue is expected before the end of the season.

        United’s plans for a new Old Trafford recently took another step forward after the regeneration project received government backing.
        Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, labelled it “a shining example” of the government’s plans to promote economic growth. United would be responsible for the stadium development, but the club noted that support from public bodies would be needed for areas of the project including improved transport infrastructure and housing.

        Now, the Daily Mail reveal that Ratcliffe is eager to have the project completed by 2030 – two years earlier than experts have predicted.

        According to the newspaper, “Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in a hurry to get the Old Trafford project up and running, but industry insiders believe it could be 2032 before the stadium could be fully rebuilt or redeveloped.”

        “Ratcliffe and minority owners Ineos hope it can be finished by 2030 and that enabling work can begin before the end of this year.”

        “One example would be the stunning SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles – where United played Arsenal on tour last summer – which was completed ahead of schedule. But Confidential understands architects think 2032 is a more realistic target, given that it could take several years just to get full planning permission.”

        The report adds that purchasing the land behind Old Trafford, which is currently being used as a freight terminal, is viewed as the key to unlocking the project and wider regeneration plan.

        There is hope that a breakthrough over this land will be made over the next few months.

        Talks are going on well.

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        Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

        “Top of the agenda”: Amorim wants United to agree a new deal with fan favourite “before the end of the season” – report

          “top-of-the-agenda”:-amorim-wants-united-to-agree-a-new-deal-with-fan-favourite-“before-the-end-of-the-season”-–-report
          “Top of the agenda”: Amorim wants United to agree a new deal with fan favourite “before the end of the season” – report

          Manchester United fans breathed a sigh of relief once it became clear that both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho would not be leaving the club.

          Owing to PSR concerns, INEOS took the bold step of putting both up for sale, despite the duo being classed as untouchable just a few months ago.

          Initially it seemed like the Englishman would not fit into Ruben Amorim’s new tactical shape but the co-owners have taken stock of his recent resurgence.

          The Carrington graduate shone as one of the No 10s against FCSB while the head coach even picked him over strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee to lead the line against Crystal Palace last Sunday.

          Mainoo’s importance growing

          Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for the 19-year-old with the Red Devils slapping a £70 million price tag on the midfield wonderkid.

          But now that his importance in Amorim’s plans have increased, Givemesport have revealed that INEOS’ primary agenda is trying to agree a new deal with the England international.

          His current deal is valid until 2027 with the club having the option of extending it by a year but Mainoo currently earns only £20,000 gross per week (via capology).

          United are keen to reward him for his growth as a bonafide first-team star and also to ward off potential suitors.

          “Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and members of the Old Trafford hierarchy have immediately turned their attentions towards convincing Kobbie Mainoo to sign a new contract in the aftermath of the winter transfer window slamming shut, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

          New deal in the pipeline

          “GMS sources have been told that Manchester United have been handed a significant boost in their bid to tempt Mainoo into signing a new contract as he is not seeking a fresh challenge away from his boyhood club, leading to plans being put in place to have him on improved terms before the end of the season.”

          There were reports stating Mainoo was unhappy with United’s initial contract offer with the Carrington graduate demanding £200,000-a-week to sign on the dotted lines.

          The report claims United do not want to lose the midfield ace next summer and hence, they are planning to up the ante with regards to agreeing a new deal before the current season ends.

          Hopefully, fans will continue to see more of Mainoo as well as Garnacho in the seasons to come and INEOS are not forced to take drastic steps like selling academy wonderkids in order to balance the books.

          Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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          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

          Man Utd transfer: Red Devils to push late transfer through today as player ‘arrives’ for ‘medical’

            man-utd-transfer:-red-devils-to-push-late-transfer-through-today-as-player-‘arrives’-for-‘medical’
            Man Utd transfer: Red Devils to push late transfer through today as player ‘arrives’ for ‘medical’

            Man Utd will wrap up a loan move for Tyrell Malacia today with the Red Devils left-back ‘in Holland’ to seal a move to PSV Eindhoven, according to Fabrizio Romano.

            Although Man Utd didn’t get in all the players they were wanting, it was a fairly successful January transfer widnow for the Red Devils.

            Big earners Marcus Rashford and Antony left for Aston Villa and Real Betis on loan respectively, while Patrick Dorgu arrived from Lecce to improve a key position for Ruben Amorim.

            Man Utd avoided any panic buys associated with the Red Devils in previous years and Amorim will have to make do with his current squad until the end of the season.

            Yesterday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Malacia was heading out on loan to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven with a medical booked in.

            Romano wrote on X: ‘PSV Eindhoven are closing in on loan deal for Tyrell Malacia from Man United, agreement at final stages. Medical booked, as @joost_blaauwhof reports.’

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            Before a further update later in the day: “Tyrell Malacia has arrived in Holland to proceed in talks with PSV Eindhoven on loan from Man United.”

            And this morning Romano has confirmed that Malacia is now ‘in Holland’ to ‘fix details’ of his move to PSV Eindhoven as the Dutch transfer window is open a day longer than in England.

            Romano added on X: ‘PSV Eindhoven are set to fix details of Tyrell Malacia’s loan move from Man United today. Malacia, already in Holland to get the move done.’

            Former Man Utd defender Paul Parker reckons the Red Devils should have signed Benfica left-back Alvaro Fernandez over Dorgu in the transfer window.

            Parker said: “I would rather United go for a player who has already had a taste of English football and the Premier League. Someone who has experience. United can’t afford mistakes in this window.

            “Fernández was good enough to play but they believed in Shaw and Malacia instead. He could easily come back and fill the void.

            “Fernández is the perfect player to step in, but it’s about whether he wants to return to a club with the issues they’ve got.”

            While he also reckons they should have signed Brighton’s Evan Ferguson – who joined West Ham on deadline day – Parker added: “He had a good run under De Zerbi, but with the new manager, things have changed for him.

            “Ferguson has technical skills and know-how, and playing for Brighton in the Premier League has given him valuable education. United should look to grab him, even if it’s just until the end of the season. Højlund could learn from him, see what he’s doing, and grow his game.”

            Here We Go: Tyrell Malacia joins PSV Eindhoven “with immediate effect” – Fabrizio Romano

              here-we-go:-tyrell-malacia-joins-psv-eindhoven-“with-immediate-effect”-–-fabrizio-romano
              Here We Go: Tyrell Malacia joins PSV Eindhoven “with immediate effect” – Fabrizio Romano

              Manchester United have agreed on a six-month loan deal with PSV Eindhoven for left-back Tyrell Malacia.

              Voetbal International journalist Joost Blaauwhof broke the news on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Done deal! Tyrell Malacia is a player of PSV.

              “Manchester United has arranged everything. Left back is employed by the Eindhoven team immediately.”

              The left-back’s loan contract with the Eredivisie side also includes an option to buy at the end of the temporary stint, though the price is yet to be revealed.

              Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the move and gave his signature Here we Go to announce the move.

              “Tyrell Malacia leaves Man United to join PSV Eindhoven, here we go! Loan move with salary covered until June and buy option clause included, told it’s worth €10m.

              “Understand Man United will also have 30% sell-on clause as part of the deal,” the Italian wrote.

              The move follows his previous loan deal with Benfica collapsing at the last moment.

              Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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              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

              Ex-United chief axed by Ratcliffe and INEOS after 12-year spell lands new job overseas – report

                ex-united-chief-axed-by-ratcliffe-and-ineos-after-12-year-spell-lands-new-job-overseas-–-report
                Ex-United chief axed by Ratcliffe and INEOS after 12-year spell lands new job overseas – report

                Former Manchester United loans manager Les Parry has reportedly landed a similar job at Saudi Arabian first division club Neom.

                In October last year, Parry left United after a successful 12-year spell.

                He joined the Red Devils in 2013 and managed the club’s players while they were out on loan at other teams.

                Parry arrived at United after more than two decades with his hometown club Tranmere Rovers, where he held a number of roles, including head of sports science and medicine as well as first team manager.

                Initially, Parry served as United’s elite player performance manager. In this capacity, his duties and responsibilities revolved around coordinating the functions of the club’s physiotherapists, coaches and sports scientists in the youth and development squads.

                He then took up the job of United’s loans manager.

                Parry departed Old Trafford amidst significant backroom changes at the time, that INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was implementing.

                Now, the Daily Mail reveal that Parry has been appointed the loans manager of Saudi club Neom.

                According to the newspaper, “He [Parry] was heavily involved in Amad Diallo’s development at United as well as the careers of Dean Henderson, Alvaro Fernandez and James Garner.”

                “Now Parry is responsible for improving the loan system at Neom to maximise the potential of their players.”

                “Confidential learnt that he will be at Lille this evening to watch Muhanad Al-Saad, the first Saudi player to go on loan in France, play for Dunkerque in the French Cup.”

                Neom are currently at the summit of the second tier and pushing for promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

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                Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

                Marcus Rashford set to face massive financial hit due to loan move to Villa – report

                  marcus-rashford-set-to-face-massive-financial-hit-due-to-loan-move-to-villa-–-report
                  Marcus Rashford set to face massive financial hit due to loan move to Villa – report

                  Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is reportedly set to suffer a huge financial hit on his sponsorship deal with Nike, following his move to Aston Villa.

                  On Sunday evening, it was officially confirmed that Rashford had completed a temporary switch to the Villains.

                  He will spend the rest of the season at Villa Park under Unai Emery, as he seeks to revive his fortunes on the pitch and return to his sensational best.

                  While at Villa, Rashford will continue to net his wages, believed to be in excess of £300,000-a-week. Villa will cover around three-quarters of this sum.

                  However, according to the Daily Mail, Rashford will be forced to “take a hit on his lucrative sponsorship” with athletic footwear and apparel brand Nike.

                  Rashford’s deal with Nike was signed in 2021, making him part of a group of elite footballers to represent the company alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne.

                  The newspaper reports, “Confidential understands a Nike client like Rashford can earn in excess of £1.5million-a-year including bonuses, but that figure can drop to £50,000 at the lowest end of the scale.”

                  “And while Villa are paying a minimum of 75 per cent of Rashford’s salary – rising to 90 per cent based on him helping the Midlands club progress in the Champions League or qualify for Europe next season – there is no such protection on the Nike contract.”

                  “They are structured according to different categories of clubs, with a 50 per cent reduction in pay between each category. United were a Category A club when Rashford signed his deal and he is moving into a lower band by going on loan to Villa.”

                  The report further states, “It is understood that Nike are entitled to reduce his basic wage and have the power to request repayment of some of the signing-on fee they paid him four years ago.”

                  As the Daily Mail point out, this setback could explain why Rashford had earmarked La Liga giants Barcelona as his preferred transfer destination.

                  Rashford will get the chance to make his Villa debut on Sunday when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

                  Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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                  Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

                  Rashford told Emery ‘won’t take passengers’ as Man Utd star in ‘last chance saloon’ at Aston Villa

                    rashford-told-emery-‘won’t-take-passengers’-as-man-utd-star-in-‘last-chance-saloon’-at-aston-villa
                    Rashford told Emery ‘won’t take passengers’ as Man Utd star in ‘last chance saloon’ at Aston Villa

                    Marcus Rashford has been told “it’s last chance saloon” for him at Aston Villa after leaving Manchester United on loan for the rest of the season.

                    Rashford left Man Utd for Aston Villa last week after holding talks with Barcelona and AC Milan in the January transfer window.

                    A transfer abroad failed to materialise and the England international will look to get his career back on track under Unai Emery.

                    Game time should not be hard to come by after Emery’s side sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

                    Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer thinks Rashford was correct to leave the Red Devils but the player has been warned that Emery “won’t take any passengers”.

                    READ MORE: Every Premier League club’s worst player in 2024/25: Hojlund, Robertson, Merino…

                    “Marcus Rashford leaving Man United was the best option for all parties,” Shearer told Betfair.

                    “I know it’s only a loan but he’s now got a chance to start his career again because he’s been miles off it, and has had a few managers criticise him, they’ve said he’s had the wrong attitude, so he’s now got a chance to start again.

                    “He has to start again because there’s no doubt a talent is there but it’s a talent that has been wasted for the last few years and a football career is short, so to waste a few years is terrible really.

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                    “Now he’s got his fresh start, we’ve got to see the energy, the love and all those things that we saw when he hit 30 goals.

                    “I’m not sure if it can be classed as an achievement but the main thing is Rashford has got to get back to what he was. He has to get back to showing everyone that he loves the game of football and he wants to be part of a successful Aston Villa team.

                    “Unai Emery won’t take any passengers so it’s the last chance saloon for Rashford to prove to himself that he still loves and wants to be in the game of football.”

                    Shearer continued: “This was a young guy who could sit down with Prime Ministers, but it’s all gone wrong.

                    “He’s had more than one manager question his attitude and this one has basically had enough of him and wanted him out because he didn’t feel that Marcus was right for his team – and you’ve got the right to do that as a manager.

                    “It’s all down to him. He doesn’t want to play down the middle, I think he’s said that himself. He feels as if he’s better on the left-hand side which is where I suspect he’ll play.

                    “We don’t know how long Ollie Watkins is out for but they’ve also now signed Marco Asensio so they have a couple of options in forward areas now.”

                    👉 More: Premier League player stats | Premier League tables | Premier League five-year net spend

                    Paul Scholes names “odd” thing Ruben Amorim does that “sucks the life out of the players”

                      paul-scholes-names-“odd”-thing-ruben-amorim-does-that-“sucks-the-life-out-of-the-players”
                      Paul Scholes names “odd” thing Ruben Amorim does that “sucks the life out of the players”

                      Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has raised a concern, suggesting that Ruben Amorim is too focused on the tactical shape of the team, at the expense of letting his stars play with freedom.

                      Amorim has endured a mixed start to life at United since his appointment as Erik ten Hag’s replacement late last year.

                      The team has suffered embarrassing losses, including Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at home against Crystal Palace. On the other hand, there have been some good moments including wins over Manchester City, Arsenal and a 2-2 draw at Anfield against Liverpool.

                      The players are still struggling to get fully acclimated to the demands of Amorim’s style of play and preferred 3-4-3 formation.

                      Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes remarked, “When I was playing, I wanted to play with more freedom. I watch football all the time, but I don’t analyse the game as much anymore. Nowadays, with football being so tactical, I feel like the life has been sucked out of the players.”

                      “I’ve been watching Manchester United the last few weeks, specifically how they’ve been warming up before matches, and I’ve noticed that they’re practising the team shape”

                      “They’ve got the back five defending the goal, with crosses coming into the box for the forwards to attack and they’ve even started practising set pieces in front of the fans, which just seems odd to me.”

                      The former England international added, “The warm-up is there to enjoy, having the ball at your feet, practising your touch, but everything is focused on tactics and I’m not sure I’d be able to deal with it, if I was playing.”

                      Scholes conceded that Amorim’s constant tweaking is down to him trying to find what works for the squad going forward.

                      However, the 11-time Premier League winner insisted, “Trying to work out the tactical element of football matches doesn’t fascinate me.”

                      “I want to see good bits of play, defenders firing the ball into the midfield, a winger taking on their full back, so I’m not looking at the tactics, but maybe I should be.”

                      United are back in action on Friday when they host Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

                      Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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                      Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

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