Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand launched a passionate defence of Alejandro Garnacho after the winger was accused of consistently making poor decisions on the pitch.
The Argentina international started as one of the two most advanced midfielders in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Garnacho’s faulty execution was on full display, especially in one or two crucial counter-attacks that broke down because he failed to release the ball to Marcus Rashford early enough.
Ex-United star Lee Sharpe pinpointed this as something Garnacho needs to work on, as he labelled the forward “a little bit greedy.”
Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe was also very comfortable against Garnacho and hardly needed to break a sweat.
The United n.o 17 has since come under some criticism from a section of fans, who have highlighted his weaknesses. In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, co-host Stephen Howson provided a scathing critique of Garnacho, claiming the Carrington academy graduate “has the decision-making of a cat. It’s awful.”
Howson added that he would drop Garnacho from the starting XI, in favour of an attacking trio of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Ferdinand wasn’t having any of it and responded, “Don’t talk about Garnacho like that. You can’t be perfect, he’s a kid man!”
“[Without Garnacho] no one’s running back, no one’s running in behind the opposition. I’d play Garnacho on the left.”
“This is a process we can’t expect them to look like the Sporting team now. It’s impossible, you can’t expect that to be the case.”
Garnacho will certainly be hoping for far better fortunes when United host Eliteserien outfit FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford on Thursday.
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!
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
“Long-standing interest”: Amorim ready to pounce for Dortmund ace amid United star’s unconvincing recent displays – report
Manchester United have continued to leak goals even after Ruben Amorim’s arrival with the clean-sheet secured against Fulham last weekend their first away shut-out registered in the league under the Portuguese.
While the defence has been far from exemplary, Andre Onana’s mistakes have not helped with the Cameroonian at fault for the 1-3 defeat to Brighton a couple of weeks ago.
He has built up quite the catalogue of errors since his €50 million move from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023. When former manager Erik ten Hag decided to move David de Gea on for the 28-year-old, this was not what the fans had hoped for.
And the current head coach is far from happy which is why he has asked INEOS for reinforcements in goal with Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel on their radar as per The Independent.
Mistakes creeping into Onana’s game
A move in this window is considered unlikely but a summer approach could be on the cards. And the Red Devils will have Chelsea for company.
The Blues have goalkeeping issues of their own to solve with current No 1 Robert Sanchez committing quite a very high-profile errors this campaign.
“Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, although any move is likelier in the summer. Chelsea have started to consider their goalkeeping situation after some high-profile errors from current No. 1 Robert Sanchez.”
“There may also be competition at that point from Manchester United, who have a long-standing interest in the Swiss international. Dortmund are nevertheless resistant to even considering anything for the 27-year-old right now
“But should their stance change for the summer, it might spark United into considering a move, too. They have been monitoring Kobel for some time, and have faced similar issues to Sanchez with Andre Onana’s inconsistent form.”
Kobel on United’s radar
The United No 1 must get his act together if he is to remain at Old Trafford. Recently, he saw the coach pick backup keeper Altay Bayindir for the Europa League game against Rangers, which was the Turk’s first European start for the club.
The former Fenerbahce star has impressed, including in a dramatic FA Cup tie against Arsenal and he is breathing down Onana’s neck for the No 1 spot.
Whether United go after Kobel in the summer will depend on the kind of budget INEOS hand to Amorim. It is clear to see that multiple areas are in need of improvement with goalkeeping position not seen as a priority at the moment.
That might change if Onana makes further errors between now and the end of the season.
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
PL club strikes €60m agreement in bid to hijack United’s deal for highly-rated teenage forward – report
Bayern Munich and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached a €60m agreement for Manchester United target Mathys Tel.
Tel put Premier League clubs on red alert after it emerged that he wants to leave Bayern before the close of the winter transfer window on February 3.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl confirmed as much, indicating that he has been inundated with calls from interested parties keen on signing Tel.
United want him but only on an initial loan deal. Tel is believed to prefer a switch to Old Trafford ahead of any other possible transfer destinations.
Other teams mentioned to be in the race to secure the 19-year-old’s services include Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Spurs.
Now, Le Parisien reveal that “things are speeding up” for Tel after several clubs “smelled a good deal” to “snatch his signature.” Spurs have gone a step further, striking a €60m agreement with Bayern for the Frenchman.
This sum represents more than double the amount the Bundesliga giants forked out to recruit him from Rennes in the summer of 2022.
L’Equipe also state that Spurs and Bayern have wrapped up an agreement that would see Tel join Ange Postecoglou’s ranks in North London.
Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange recently jetted to Germany to persuade Tel he should pursue his career with the Lilywhites.
Both publications however note that the highly-rated Tel has yet to make a final decision over his future.
He wants to listen to all offers that are presented to him before settling on his next club. The player will prioritise a move that will give him the most chance of featuring regularly.
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!
Man Utd star Rashford ‘disappeared’ after signing ‘mega contract’ as Arsenal warned against transfer
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit thinks Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel could be a “very interesting” signing for his former club and has compared his mentality to Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford, who has “disappeared” since signing a big-money contract.
We had the pleasure of speaking to French icon Petit at the opening of the new Sports Betting Lounge at Grosvenor Casino Luton.
The topic of conversation was always going to be Arsenal but it quickly shifted into a hottest topic of the January transfer window: Marcus Rashford and his Man Utd future.
“He is a talented young player, he doesn’t get much time to play for Bayern Munich and he has got ambition, that’s why he wants to leave the club because he wants to play regular football. That’s very important when you’re young,” Petit told Football365when speaking at the new Sports Betting Lounge at Grosvenor Casino Luton.
“He has got quality, he has got intelligence in terms of movement, he has some flair, the way Arsenal is playing in terms of DNA and movement, especially up front, I think that could be something very interesting.
“He has got a big margin to improve but his desire and ambition is very important. For me, this is the most important things to watch if you bring a young player into the team, especially at Arsenal.”
Asked if his attitude should be praised having decided to leave one of the biggest clubs in Europe in search of consistent playing time, Petit replied: “Of course, yes.
“Most of the time, especially nowadays you meet some players that are happy to get the money and stay on the bench, even not playing at all. In comparison, a name that comes into my mind is [Marcus] Rashford.
“If you love football, your desire is to be on the pitch, to improve, you have personal ambitions and targets. Earning a lot of money is one thing but the fact you want to play regular football is very important for the manager.”
Emmanuel Petit speaking at the new Sports Betting Lounge at Grosvenor Casino Luton
Diving deeper into Rashford’s issues and whether he would fit in at Arsenal, the 1998 World Cup winner added: “The problem with Rashford is it’s not his talent, we all know that, what he is capable of doing on the pitch. He is capable of a lot of things, he has got such talent.
“The problem is very simple: why is Rashford for the last two years? I don’t know him, I don’t know what’s happening in his life, but ever since he signed his big mega money deal, he is not there anymore.
“When you are not starving anymore, you don’t have any more ambition in your life. On top of it, if you have troubles outside the pitch in your private life then you can’t perform well on the pitch.
“I really like him, I am sure he is a decent person, he has shown great things for Manchester United since he started playing for them years ago.
“All of a sudden he disappeared. Is it just because of the money? The deal he signed with them, I don’t think so. I think something away from football happened to him and I have no idea what it is. He must solve his home problems before coming back on to the pitch.”
Petit continued: “He’s not happy at all, you can see that. His body language speaks (volumes), he never smiles as you said, I’ve seen him a couple of times this season playing for Manchester United and I had the same feeling, this guy has lost his happiness.
“Is it because of the money? I am sure it’s not that. I’m pretty sure the problem is somewhere else.
“He must solve something outside the pitch; is it because of what’s happening at Manchester United for the last four, five years, maybe. Maybe that has an impact on him. Probably. But that is not an excuse, especially when you sign a big deal like this.
“If it’s unrelated to your club, then you have to be responsible. You have something to give back to the club.
“I have a feeling somewhere he has let people down in the club, but again, if it’s something different not related to the club, then it’s something the club cannot solve and the solution only can come from him.”
Emmanuel Petit was speaking at Grosvenor Casino Luton’s new Sports Betting Lounge, which shows all major live sports around the clock, on multiple big screens.
Aston Villa hijack risks Tottenham’s ‘new priority’ transfer as they ‘learn’ demand for ‘preferred’ Tel deal
According to reports, Aston Villa have joined six clubs in the race to sign Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Bayern Munich invested around £24m to sign the France U21 international from Ligue Un outfit Rennes during the 2022 summer transfer window.
Telhas sparkled in flashes for the Bundesliga giants as he’s grabbed 16 goals and seven assists in his 83 appearances in all competitions.
Despite this, the 19-year-old is looking to leave Bayern Munich this window as he is behind Harry Kane in the pecking order. He has only made five starts this term in all competitions.
Several Premier League clubs are in the market for a new forward and Tel represents a tempting option for a couple of sides.
On Thursday afternoon, journalist Fabrice Hawkins revealed Aston Villa are ‘interested’ in Tel as a replacement for Jhon Duran, who is heading to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Spurs, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have previously been mentioned and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims it’s a seven-club chase.
He said: “One more club has called today for Mathys Tel: Aston Villa have also asked for deal conditions.
“Jhon Durán leaves to join Al Nassr and Villa are in the market for new striker, with contact made for Tel as @FabriceHawkins reports. There are currently 7 clubs involved.”
A report from The Boot Room claims Spurs have made Tel their ‘new priority’ signing before the January transfer window closes on February 3.
They have also revealed Bayern Munich’s ‘asking price’ and their ‘preferred’ outcome.
‘Tottenham are one of several clubs who have opened talks with both Bayern Munich and Mathys Tel over a potential transfer.
‘Spurs have already made Bayern aware that a permanent deal for Tel would be too expensive this month given Bayern are asking for more than £40 million.
‘However, the Lilywhites have informed the German giants that they would be prepared to do a loan with an obligation deal for the 19-year-old.
‘TBR Football understands that Bayern would prefer a permanent deal for Tel this month, but they would accept a loan with obligation.
‘Arsenal and Manchester United have also had contact with both parties, meanwhile, Tel has reservations about joining Chelsea but the Blues retain an interest in him.
‘Tel has made it clear via his representatives that he does not expect to be spending time on the bench at his new club – which is the main reason he is leaving Bayern.’
Rival WSL star releases bombshell statement to force through late move to United
Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has released a statement, going public with her desire to leave as she tries to force a move to local rivals Manchester United.
Earlier this month, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were keen on completing a shock loan deal for Kelly, who has fallen out of favour at City.
She has started just one of the 12 WSL games played by Gareth Taylor’s side. Taylor has been questioned several times about Kelly’s lack of minutes but has consistently remained coy over the matter.
Kelly was left out of the matchday squad on 19 January as United beat them 4-2 at the Etihad, courtesy of an Ella Toone hat trick and a Leah Galton strike.
It’s understood that Kelly’s contract with City expires in the summer and talks have been unproductive. Her relationship with Taylor is also broken, almost to the point of no repair.
According to The Telegraph, Kelly knows regular football is needed in a bid to guarantee her place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2025, hence her desire to leave City before the window closes at 11 pm on Thursday.
Sky Sports reveal that Kelly has rejected the chance to move to Brighton and Hove Albion, with her preference being a switch to United.
The Lionesses forward wants to stay close to family but City are reluctant to let her join a direct rival. Sky note that City have only received “one suitable bid”, which has been with Kelly for her consideration. The player knows that City would demand more from United.
On Wednesday, Kelly took to Instagram and expressed her disappointment with City’s treatment of her.
She also said she would no longer “tolerate” someone’s negative behaviour”, although she did not specifically name that individual.
Kelly wrote, “For a long time I’ve tried to work through professional challenges privately, not commenting publicly, but with my situation increasingly being debated in the public domain I feel it’s time to be open and transparent and you heard it from my perspective.”
“A key lesson I have learned in my life is that whilst I can’t control someone’s negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it.”
“From day one, I’ve felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. With my contract expiring in June I’ve accepted my future is not at this club beyond then.”
“With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so.”
“However, to be dictated whom I can and can’t join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well-being. The situation has dragged on for too long, it’s disappointing and not right.”
She added, “I’m at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me and [it] is very disappointing that the sport we love can make you feel this way, especially after there’s been so much growth in our sport.”
“This is why I’m posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence.”
“I am human and I have and will give everything to the game that I love. Ultimately, I just want to be happy again.”
Marc Skinner and his players are back in action on Sunday when they face Tottenham Hotspur.
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!
PL rivals planning to push for United attacker’s signature late in the window have “significant” obstacle to overcome – report
Alejandro Garnacho’s future continues to be the talk of the town with Chelsea and Napoli chasing the Manchester United wonderkid’s signature.
INEOS were forced to put him up for sale due to PSR concerns and it would be a huge blow to lose the Argentine, who was deemed untouchable not too long ago.
It would be even greater jolt should a direct domestic rival acquire him in this window. Which is why the new co-owners have a different price for the Blues.
The London side are set to ramp up their interest in the 20-year-old with less than five days to go for the January window to close.
“The Argentine international is courted by Naples but also, and above all, by Chelsea. The Blues have been discussing for several days to find a solution with Manchester United.
The leaders of the London club plan to return to the charge in the coming hours. United’s demands are significant: £80m, or €95m.”
The only way for Chelsea to afford such a huge outlay is if Christopher Nkunku were to depart on a permanent deal this month. Bayern Munich have their eyes on the Frenchman, as do United but they can only offer a loan exit.
In any case, Amorim has been offering him more and more minutes recently which shows there might be a case for him to stay and fight for his place.
United are only open to a sale for a 48-hour window after which they will block all exits. In case, he does depart Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel has been lined up as a potential replacement.
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
United planning to sell Garnacho and replace him with “next Benzema” in final days of window – report
Manchester United intend to sell Alejandro Garnacho and replace him with Mathys Tel before the winter window slams shut, as per reports.
The Red Devils have had a fairly quiet transfer window so far and are yet to formally add any player to their ranks despite their inconsistent form.
However, the final days of the window are expected to be a lot more chaotic. Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu is set to undergo his medical tests over the weekend before officially joining the ranks at United.
Further, The Independent claim that the Mancunians are aiming to sign Tel on loan from Bayern Munich and sell Garnacho.
The Frenchman, who is wanted by the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, reportedly favours a move to Old Trafford as he would be an “immediate starter” under Amorim.
The suggestions aren’t far-fetched as United’s attack has been very frustrating in recent weeks.
Marcus Rashford and Garnacho find themselves being linked with moves away from Manchester. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have consistently delivered underwhelming performances.
Tel, who moved to Bayern from Rennes, has been “likened to Karim Benzema” due to his technical prowess and movement. Capable of playing on the flanks as well as through the middle, the 19-year-old has promising ball control and dribbling ability.
The Bayern starlet could prove to be a brilliant replacement for Garnacho, who has struggled as a wide-playmaker in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup.
He has so far failed to realise his potential in Munich as Vincent Kompany is blessed with high-profile talents like Harry Kane, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala. Accordingly, he is pushing to leave the club before the deadline of February 3.
United are attracted to the idea of a potential loan deal. Further, their position in the market would strengthen if Garnacho leaves before the deadline day. However, it is underlined that “any Tel deal is not dependent on Garnacho leaving.”
Both Napoli and Chelsea have shown serious interest in signing the Argentina international but no suitor has so far shown a willingness to get close to United’s £70m price-tag.
United fans to suffer frustrating delay before they can see exciting new signing – Fabrizio Romano
Patrick Dorgu’s Manchester United medical is set to be slightly delayed, with a fresh date now set, reports the reliable Fabrizio Romano.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that United are Lecce reached a €35 million agreement for Dorgu after days of negotiation.
The 20-year-old was Ruben Amorim’s top target for the left-wing-back position and Romabo even gave his customary ‘here we go!’ remark to signal the deal was virtually done.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Dorgu was to fly to Manchester on Thursday to undergo his medical and sign his United contract.
However, Romano has now revealed that there has been a slight delay with United rescheduling the defender’s medical.
Romano noted that the transfer is not at risk of collapsing.
The Italian journalist wrote on X, “Patrick Dorgu’s medical at Manchester United to be re-scheduled as could now take place over the weekend.”
“No issues or problems as deal has been agreed but just due to documents/contracts Dorgu’s expected to fly to England over the weekend.”
🚨 Patrick Dorgu’s medical at Manchester United to be re-scheduled as could now take place over the weekend.
No issues or problems as deal has been agreed but just due to documents/contracts Dorgu’s expected to fly to England over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/UsUKfwBq83
This means that United fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Dorgu make his debut for the club.
Considering his medical is poised to take place over the weekend, he will certainly not be registered on time to be available to Amorim for selection during Sunday’s meeting with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
If everything goes according to plan, it’s likely that will make his debut for the Red Devils in the FA Cup.
After the Palace game, United are set to come up against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City next Friday for the fourth round of the FA Cup.
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 transfer: Barcelona discover ‘solution’ to sign Man Utd star ‘chosen’ for three reasons with ‘diamonds’ axed
Barcelona have reportedly found a ‘solution’ as they look to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before Monday night’s transfer deadline.
Rashfordis available for transfer. On New Year’s Eve, he announced that he is “ready” for a new challenge away from Man Utd.
The Red Devilsare looking to offload several talents to raise funds for Ruben Amorim’s rebuild at Old Trafford, but they have struggled to usher their underperforming stars out of the door.
The United forward presumably assumed he’d have a move by this point of the January window, but his huge salary and poor recent performances are proving a stumbling block.
Barcelona are already well-stocked in attacking areas and it’s hard to see Rashford improving their squad, especially considering his decline over the past 18 months.
Despite this, a report in Spain claims Barcelona are ‘trying to speed up Rashford’s arrival’. They have ‘decided that they will bring in a new player in this winter transfer market’ and the Man Utd outcast ‘is the chosen one’.
There are reportedly three reasons for Barcelona’s interest in Rashford: ‘He has a great deal of experience in the elite, and can land at Camp Nou in really favourable conditions.
‘In addition, he can occupy all the positions in the attacking area, so he would serve to give Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski a rest.’
Regarding the conditions to sign Rashford, it’s claimed that ‘in addition to having to pay a total of three million euros to United for the loan until June, they will also have to pay him practically all of the salary he receives at the moment, which is not exactly low’.
Barcelona’s financial issues will be impacting negotiations with ‘their idea behind recruiting Rashford to get rid of some of the squad’s players who have a secondary role’.
Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, Pau Victor and Pablo Torre are named as candidates to leave, but they ‘have decided to reject the offers they have received and will stay in the dressing room’.
Instead, the exits of three young talents provide a ‘solution’ for Barcelona. The report explains.
‘So the solution will be found with two talents from the reserve team who are very close to saying goodbye to Barcelona, after not having had the opportunity to debut with the first team, nor to be included in any of Hansi Flick’s squads.
‘We are referring to Pau Prim and Unai Hernandez, who were considered two of the great diamonds of La Masía, and were free on June 30, which is why they are working on renewing their contracts.
‘The problem is that they have rejected all offers, and have opted to leave for Qatar and Saudi Arabia, respectively. At least, they will leave about 10 million in the coffers.
‘Barcelona could also make a considerable profit thanks to the transfer of Mika Marmol, who continues to play for UD Las Palmas, to AS Roma, who have his 10 million release clause ready.
‘50% of that figure would go to the Catalans, who would thus have more budget available and would be invested in signing Rashford.’
