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Ferdinand claims Man Utd star should be ’embarrassed’ after Amorim dig

    ferdinand-claims-man-utd-star-should-be-’embarrassed’-after-amorim-dig
    Ferdinand claims Man Utd star should be ’embarrassed’ after Amorim dig

    Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand thinks Marcus Rashford should be “embarrassed” after hearing Ruben Amorim make a dig about his effort in training.

    The England international was dropped from Amorim’s squad to face Man City in their 2-1 Manchester Derby victory in December and has only made one squad since.

    Amorim had played down Rashford’s omission as just a “selection” decision but following their 1-0 win over Fulham he admitted he would rather play goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital over the Man Utd forward.

    When asked why Rashford was not available, Amorim told reporters: “It’s always the same reason – the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail.

    “If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.

    “You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”

    Rashford now looks set to leave Man Utd, if any club can afford his wages, with Barcelona understood to be the main club interested in his services.

    And Ferdinand insists he would be feeling “embarrassment” if he heard his Man Utd manager talk about him like Amorim did about Rashford.

    Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “If I was the player the manager said that about, my heart, my pride, my ego – it’s embarrassment.

    “For someone to question your application, to question you giving 100 per cent for the team, saying you’re lacking effort and taking shortcuts, that’s a damning comment.

    “There’s no way back for Marcus after that.

    “If he did come back that means other players can take their foot off the gas and have a way back into the team and take shortcuts.”

    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
    👉 Rashford transfer: Amorim slam ‘could backfire’ on Man Utd as Ratcliffe precedent points to cut-price deal
    👉 Ferdinand urges Man Utd to sign £62m star ‘now’ over Nkunku to show Red Devils flop ‘what to do’
    👉 Man Utd ‘offer’ £12.6m signing bonus to £39m ‘hot potato’; ‘ask him to reject all proposals’ from Barcelona

    And Man Utd legend Ferdinand is certain Amorim is telling the truth as Rashford has not reacted publicly to his manager’s comments since.

    Ferdinand added: “For me, if it isn’t true, I’m coming out all guns blazing. I’m holding a press conference and saying ‘I’m not having anyone say that about me.’

    “You only do that if you are 100 per cent sure that nobody can say you’re taking shortcuts.

    “We’re in an era where you have the ability to really communicate with the fans directly so the story is not getting twisted.

    “I would love to sit across the table from Marcus and look into his eyes and see if he could say that. If you can’t, you have to look at yourself.”

    Brutal from Ruben Amorim: I’d rather pick 63-year-old GK coach than Rashford

      brutal-from-ruben-amorim:-i’d-rather-pick-63-year-old-gk-coach-than-rashford
      Brutal from Ruben Amorim: I’d rather pick 63-year-old GK coach than Rashford

      Manchester United stumbled to victory past Fulham on Sunday night without Marcus Rashford and coach Ruben Amorim has brutally said he would rather put his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach on the bench.

      Rashford is training with United despite being very vocal and proactive about wanting to leave the club, with West Ham the latest to be linked with a move.

      Asked once again why Rashford was not on the bench when there was a lack of pace – Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Casemiro were the only outfield unused subs – Amorim was brutal in his answer.

      “It’s always the same reason,” Amorim replied. “The reason is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.

      “It’s the same situation for every player,” Amorim said. “If you do the maximum, if you do the right things…we can use every player. You can see it today on the bench – we miss a little bit of pace to go, to change the game, to move some pieces, but I prefer [it] like that. I will put Vital [on the bench] before I put a player that doesn’t give the maximum every day so I will not change in that.”

      Rashford is still the third top scorer in the Premier League for United this season behind Amad Diallo (who had a goal ruled out for offside in this poor win) and Bruno Fernandes, with Joshua Zirkzee on just three goals and Rasmus Hojlund on two.

      “You need sometimes a little bit of luck, and we had some games that we lost, and in the end nobody cares because the result [is what] counts.

      MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
      👉 Dorgu receives brutal review ahead of potential Man Utd transfer: ‘One mistake after another’
      👉 Ferdinand slams Man Utd star despite victory over Fulham: ‘A few fingers pointed at him’
      👉 Man Utd ‘discussing’ £70m bid for Chelsea forward after ‘talks with intermediaries’

      “I remember some chances that we miss, for example against Nottingham [Forest], Bournemouth, some goals in the first minute of the game that change the game. So, today I can see it that we have a lot to improve. We didn’t play so well with the ball but we gave time to the team and when you do have time with talented players, they can show in one play and they can change the game and today it was that situation.

      “Again, we controlled the ball, we understand the momentum, when to go a little bit slow to the throw-in, when to take a little bit of time, when you have to return to play with the central defenders.

      “These kinds of details are really important to give us time to have these kinds of moments from Bruno, from Garna, from Amad. They will find a chance. So we need to give time for our team to find a way to win the game.

      “It’s a little bit lucky because the kick changed direction but we had some situations in the last games that was the opposite, so it was a good day today.”

      Chelsea ‘tempted’ by £70m Man Utd bid for Bayern target with huge transfer ‘highly unlikely’

        chelsea-‘tempted’-by-70m-man-utd-bid-for-bayern-target-with-huge-transfer-‘highly-unlikely’
        Chelsea ‘tempted’ by £70m Man Utd bid for Bayern target with huge transfer ‘highly unlikely’

        Manchester United reportedly are ‘discussing internally’ a loan move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, who Bayern Munich are targeting.

        Chelsea paid Nkunku’s £51million release clause to sign him from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the 2023 summer transfer window.

        A pre-season injury meant the Frenchman did not make his Blues debut until December 2023 and he has only started five Premier League games since.

        He has been unable to become a regular starter at Stamford Bridge, with Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca preferring Nicolas Jackson up front.

        With Nkunku struggling for game time in the Premier League, there have been rumours of a potential return to Germany, with Bayern reportedly keen.

        READ MORE: Man Utd boss Amorim gives ‘green light’ to Chelsea ‘swap deal’ with both players ‘open’ to transfer

        However, Man Utd are also in the picture as Ruben Amorim looks to improve his attack.

        Amorim’s two strikers, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, have been poor this season but a big-money attacker is unlikely to be signed without one or two sales.

        Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho could both leave Old Trafford this month, which would give the Red Devils the financial freedom to sign Nkunku from Chelsea.

        The 27-year-old appears to be a genuine transfer target, with Sky Sports News reporting that Man Utd are ‘discussing’ if they should sign him on loan.

        Indeed, Nkunku is a ‘potential target’ for Amorim’s side, who have been in talks with intermediaries.

        MORE ON MAN UTD FROM F365
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        Chelsea would be ‘tempted’ by a £70million bid, which makes a permanent transfer to Old Trafford ‘unlikely’.

        Bayern are also mentioned in the report but are unlikely to make a move unless Mathys Tel leaves, with a separate move to Chelsea a possibility for the young striker.

        The report states:

        United are discussing internally whether to make a loan move for Nkunku.

        Sky Sports News revealed on Friday that Nkunku is a potential United target and talks are understood to have been held between intermediaries about a move.

        Chelsea do not want to sell Nkunku but it is thought they would be tempted to do business for £70m. He is a player United are considering but they are unlikely to meet that £70m figure. One source has told Sky Sports News a permanent move – at this stage – is highly, highly unlikely.

        Bayern Munich are trying to sign the player but have not been able to agree a deal. There would be more chance of Nkunku moving to Bayern if their forward Mathys Tel was willing to move in the opposite direction in a separate deal.

        Meanwhile Chelsea are also considering making a move for United forward Alejandro Garnacho. United are considering possibilities in attacking areas and what is feasible during this window given their financial restrictions. A lot will depend on what happens with Garnacho and Marcus Rashford…

        They do not want to be left short in attack – but they also cannot afford to be overstocked.

        READ NOW: Postecoglou proves he wants sacked but ‘assault’ overlooked by referee amid Arsenal discourse

        Romano reveals ‘next’ Man Utd signing could be Arsenal player with Red Devils ‘confident’ of deal

          romano-reveals-‘next’-man-utd-signing-could-be-arsenal-player-with-red-devils-‘confident’-of-deal
          Romano reveals ‘next’ Man Utd signing could be Arsenal player with Red Devils ‘confident’ of deal

          Man Utd are in ‘pole position’ to sign talented teenager Ayden Heaven from Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

          The Red Devils recruitment team has come under fire over the past decade with Man Utd failing to get anywhere near the heights they were at under Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

          Man Utd are currently 12th in the Premier League table after their 1-0 victory over Fulham on Sunday night with Ruben Amorim’s side having a terrible season.

          Amorim has struggled to get consistent performances and results from his side and Man Utd are trying to back him in the transfer market to get results.

          One thing Man Utd have been trying to do in the background is sign top young players for their academy with Chido Obi Martin, Sekou Kone, Diego Leon and others joining over the last year.

          And now transfer expert Romano insists the ‘next one could be’ Arsenal youngster Heaven with the the centre-back out of contract at the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season.

          Romano wrote in his GiveMeSport column: ‘It is the superstars and the big names that create the excitement during the transfer window, but then there are the future stars and special talents becoming more and more attractive on the market in recent years.

          MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
          👉 Brutal from Ruben Amorim: I’d rather pick 63-year-old GK coach than Rashford
          👉 Ferdinand slams Man Utd star despite victory over Fulham: ‘A few fingers pointed at him’
          👉 Man Utd ‘discussing’ £70m bid for Chelsea forward after ‘talks with intermediaries’

          ‘Big clubs want to sign these young players and turn them into key part of their projects to build the future and eventually help with the Financial Fair Play rules when it’s time to sign them.

          ‘Manchester United are for sure one of the most active clubs in this sense. They are trying to build on the talents they’ve recently signed after the investments they made for Chido Obi Martin, Sekou Kone, Diego Leon and more players joining for the future in the last eight or nine months.

          ‘The next one could be Ayden Heaven, a talented 6 ft 3 centre-back born in 2006 who’s out of contract at Arsenal at the end of the current season.

          ‘Arsenal have offered the “remarkable” youngster a new deal, while Eintracht Frankfurt and Man United made an approach with United clearly seen as favourites to land Heaven at the end of the season.

          ‘He was in attendance at Old Trafford on Thursday for Europa League game against Rangers and sources say Barcelona also called to be informed on his situation. However, Man United are confident to make it happen in the next months.’

          Man Utd star ‘reaches point of no return’ as Red Devils ‘set their sights’ on Barcelona star

            man-utd-star-‘reaches-point-of-no-return’-as-red-devils-‘set-their-sights’-on-barcelona-star
            Man Utd star ‘reaches point of no return’ as Red Devils ‘set their sights’ on Barcelona star

            Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford has now reached ‘point of no return’ at Old Trafford and will leave before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports.

            The Red Devils star was a shock omission from their 2-1 Manchester Derby victory over Man City in December and has only appeared in one matchday squad since.

            Reports have indicated that Rashford is still making himself available for selection and putting in extra training to make sure he is ready  – but Amorim’s comments post-match in a 1-0 win over Fulham indicates there is little doubt about the England international’s future.

            The Man Utd boss claimed he would rather play goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital before Rashford as he hinted that the forward “doesn’t give the maximum every day”.

            When asked why Rashford was not available, Amorim told reporters: “It’s always the same reason – the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail.

            “If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.

            “You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”

            Reacting to Amorim’s comments, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given said on Match of the Day 2: “The fans aren’t stupid. They see it’s not good enough from the players and Ruben Amorim is just being honest.

            MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
            👉 Dorgu receives brutal review ahead of potential Man Utd transfer: ‘One mistake after another’
            👉 Ferdinand slams Man Utd star despite victory over Fulham: ‘A few fingers pointed at him’
            👉 Man Utd ‘discussing’ £70m bid for Chelsea forward after ‘talks with intermediaries’

            “If you don’t train hard and dedicate your life, you won’t be in the team. You have to show your manager you deserve a place in the team.”

            Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger added: “He wants to set an example but, if he does that, they will never be friends again.

            “Amorim is also under pressure, if he is very harsh with the players then his teams have to improve.”

            And now Spanish publication Fichajes has claimed that Rashford has ‘reached a point of no return’ at Man Utd and the England international ‘will no longer play’ for the Red Devils.

            Rashford ‘wants to leave’ and is now ‘looking for an immediate exit’ and is ‘willing to make salary sacrifices to facilitate his signing’ at Barcelona, who are the ‘main option’ for his signature.

            And Mundo Deportivo claim that Man Utd have their own Barcelona ‘in their sights’ with former Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen of interest.

            Christensen is reportedly looking to remain at the Camp Nou with his contract running until the summer of 2026 and it seems like the Dane could be a long-term option for Man Utd.

            Marcus Rashford to do the ‘unthinkable’ as Garnacho ‘worst Man Utd fears’ loom

              marcus-rashford-to-do-the-‘unthinkable’-as-garnacho-‘worst-man-utd-fears’-loom
              Marcus Rashford to do the ‘unthinkable’ as Garnacho ‘worst Man Utd fears’ loom

              Marcus Rashford might be about to do the ‘unthinkable’ while we’re supposed to believe that Alejandro Garnacho joining Napoli would be his nightmare scenario.

              Responder
              Marcus Rashford is the biggest story in football if you ignore the fact that Tottenham are a basket-case of a football club. Ruben Amorim really does know to create headlines; saying he would rather pick his aged goalkeeper coach was a true gift.

              But you know what this isn’t, MailOnline? It’s not a ‘war of words’. Not even close.

              You cannot have a ‘war of words’ when one party has literally said nothing since mid-December and has actively briefed that he has no problem with the Manchester United manager.

              ‘RUBEN’S RASHFORD ROW’ it absolutely is not. Only married couples ‘ROW’ via the medium of one sarcastic comment and stoic, quietly seething silence from the other party.

              Indeed, the only thing Rashford has said in recent days is ‘congratulations on the win lads’ or – as some outlets would have it – ‘Marcus Rashford sends message to Man United teammates after he’s axed again’.

              The Express go even further, claiming: ‘Marcus Rashford responds immediately after Ruben Amorim lets rip at Man Utd outcast.’

              To ‘respond’ is to ‘say or do something as a reaction to something that has been said or done’. He didn’t ‘respond’, did he? He posted an anodyne congratulatory message, probably before he even saw Amorim’s quotes.

              ‘Many waited eagerly to see whether Rashford would respond. Soon after the game he did, but instead of ramping up his strained relationship with Amorim, he focused on sending a positive message to his team-mates. “Congratulations on the win lads,” he wrote.’

              So you ‘waited eagerly’ but he responded ‘immediately’? Almost like it wasn’t a response at all.

              Do you know the way to quote Jose?
              There’s Marcus gold to mine so the Express pile it on…

              ‘Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho agreed on Marcus Rashford before Ruben Amorim decision’

              How long before? Well in Mourinho’s case over six years before.

              ‘Ruben Amorim has hinted Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United is drawing to a close due to concerns that have been echoed by both Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag.’

              That’s not how echoes work, fellas.

              Their source of course is their Reach sister website the Mirror, who opt for this:

              ‘Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho in agreement as Ruben Amorim makes Marcus Rashford decision’

              ‘As’ is doing a f*** of a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence. As the Mirror concede way too far down the piece:

              ‘Mourinho famously questioned Rashford’s maturity levels after his tenure with the Red Devils came to a close. Speaking with Hristo Stoichkov after his departure in 2018, the 62-year-old said: “I think kids these days have a different social life than us, and players have around them an entourage, and I mean a personal entourage, the people that surround them, that protect them more, give them more affection, more excuses.”‘

              Mourinho then named Rashford along with three other Manchester United players. In 2018. He was only 20; of course he bloody lacked maturity.

              The Unthinkable
              ‘Marcus Rashford could be about to do the unthinkable after being destroyed by Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim’ is quite the headline from GB News, who are invested in bringing down the brazen child-feeder.

              What’s ‘unthinkable’? Go on strike? Go postal? Join West Ham? By definition we probably could not think of the lengths to which he could fall…

              ‘Yet the onus is now on the player to do the unthinkable and dedicate his life to United, a club crying out for the glory days of old.’

              Oh do f*** off.

              Please God don’t make me leave Man Utd…
              Elsewhere in Manchester United clicks land, ‘Ruben Amorim comments confirm Alejandro Garnacho’s worst Man Utd fears’, according to the Mirror.

              Are his ‘worst fears’ really that he could have to leave Manchester United and join either Napoli (top of Serie A) or Chelsea (sixth in the Premier League table)? Let’s face it, if he leaves United then he will be failing upwards.

              ‘Ruben Amorim has hinted that Alejandro Garnacho could leave Manchester United after failing a two-month long task,’ apparently.

              First, let’s deal with the ‘hint’; he was directly asked whether Garnacho could leave Manchester United and he said: “That, nobody knows.”

              Second, what is this ‘two-month-long (we added the second hyphen ourselves) task’? This was never spelled out by Amorim two months ago and indeed has not been spelled out now.

              “Anything can happen. He is improving in every part of the game: the understanding, when to defend. I am trying to find the best position for him, today he played a bit open, not so inside. We need guys who can play one v one.”

              So Amorim literally said that Garnacho was “improving” and the Mirror’s takeaway is that Amorim has ‘confirmed’ Garnacho’s ‘worst fears’?

              Have we accidentally entered a world where words no longer mean anything at all? It’s not a Reach…

              Already approached his entourage”: United looking to beat Chelsea, Liverpool in race for next English wonderkid – Sky

                already-approached-his-entourage”:-united-looking-to-beat-chelsea,-liverpool-in-race-for-next-english-wonderkid-–-sky
                Already approached his entourage”: United looking to beat Chelsea, Liverpool in race for next English wonderkid – Sky

                Given Manchester United’s difficulties in front of goal this season, head coach Ruben Amorim is desperate to revamp the team’s attack with the futures of several high-profile names up in the air.

                Marcus Rashford, who has already declared his desire to try a new adventure, is the likeliest to depart but so far, a January exit has not materialised with Barcelona looking favourites currently.

                Alejandro Garnacho was also being heavily linked with a shock exit this month with Chelsea and Napoli among his suitors but recently, his game-time seems to be on the rise.

                But with the club eyeing pure profit from his sale, a departure cannot be ruled out. And Rasmus Hojlund’s horrible form as striker has seen him get linked with an exit with Serie A clubs chasing his signature.

                United to revamp their attack

                The Red Devils are eyeing Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens as the perfect replacement given he can play as a winger, as an attacking midfielder and even up front on his own with versatility a huge draw for the current United boss.

                The Englishman has 11 goals and five assists already this season and despite being only 20, is already the club’s second top-scorer.

                With a Champions League spot seemingly heading out of their grasp, Dortmund are preparing for the worst and are open to the former Manchester City academy graduate’s departure in the summer.

                However, owing to a potential funds crunch that might follow due to missing out on European football, the German side are looking to raise as much as €100 million from his sale and want to ensure domestic rivals Bayern Munich do not land him.

                Which is why they have offered the wonderkid to English sides first and it seems INEOS are undaunted by that crazy valuation with the player also ready to return to the English top-flight.

                They have already touched based with the London-born star’s camp as they look to stave off competition from domestic rivals Chelsea and Liverpool as per Sky Sports.

                “In order to ward off competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund’s management recently opened the door to English clubs in the Jamie Gittens case.

                In talks with Gittens’ camp

                “Although he will finish the season with the Yellow and Blacks, the Londoner trained at Manchester City is prioritizing a return to the Premier League before starting the 2025/2026 season and Manchester United has already approached his entourage in order to gain points in the competition with Chelsea Football Club and Liverpool in this case.

                “Extremely ambitious in this matter, the leaders of Borussia Dortmund intend to raise the stakes and will deliver the English talent to the highest bidder.

                “An amount of 100 million euros is hoped for as this will be seen as an economic cushion allowing the German club not to suffer the backlash in the event of a possible non-qualification for the next Champions League.”

                Amorim will expect INEOS to sign an out-and-out striker and a midfielder as well in the summer and it remains to be seen if an approach for Gittens makes sense financially.

                Feature image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images

                Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                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

                12 shots all season: what Rasmus Hojlund is doing wrong and how to fix it – analysis

                  12-shots-all-season:-what-rasmus-hojlund-is-doing-wrong-and-how-to-fix-it-–-analysis
                  12 shots all season: what Rasmus Hojlund is doing wrong and how to fix it – analysis

                  Manchester United centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund carries the same attacking threat as his notoriously goal-shy former team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka, shocking analysis has revealed.

                  The Athletic conducted a deep dive into the trials and tribulations of the soon-to-be-22-year-old, who has failed to register a single shot – either on or off target – in seven of his 13 Premier League starts this season.

                  It is a dismal, but not entirely unexpected, figure, particularly with last night’s horror show still fresh in the memory.

                  United ground out an uninspiring but essential victory at Craven Cottage, a deflected Lisandro Martinez strike proving the difference in a 1-0 win over Fulham.

                  The Argentinian centre-back – yes, centre-back – has managed two goals in United’s last four league matches despite sitting the entire Brighton and Hove Albion game out.

                  In the same period Hojlund has mustered just one shot, an off-target effort against Liverpool.

                  It has to be said that the Danish international has a desperately unenviable task, the inexperienced spearhead of a United side at times allergic to creating chances for a traditional centre-forward.

                  The Athletic refence a moment against Fulham when Noussair Mazraoui opted to chip a cross to Diogo Dalot rather than cut the ball back for Hojlund. And their analysis is harsh but fair, noting that the striker “was not giving off the vibe of a player convinced he would bring a threat.”

                  A lack of self-belief seems to be entrenched in the youngster’s play at the moment, and it’s no secret that he is a confidence player. It took months for him to grow into himself at Old Trafford after arriving for a huge £72m, but this time last year he was in the midst of the purplest of patches, netting seven goals in six Premier League matches.

                  Now he looks a lonely, downbeat figure, forever backing into defenders in needless physical battles to hold the ball up, while it bounces hopelessly off him – his hold-up play is currently nowhere near good enough.

                  Bluntly, in his current state it’s not the role for him. The Athletic note that he is at his best “running onto forward passes in the channels”, and that when he got this chance against Fulham it proved fruitful. This was one of the most exciting aspects of his play last season, using his turn of pace to leave defenders for dust.

                  But for the United of the present, a Frankenstein’s monster of a side in an ugly transition towards Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 style of football, their centre-forward needs to offer more, and alternative option Joshua Zirkzee is not convincing in the role either.

                  Hojlund is a stark contrast to the last number 9 Amorim worked with before swapping Lisbon for Manchester; Viktor Gyokeres has 34 goals in 33 matches in all competitions so far this season. Or is the contrast as stark as all that? As The Athletic note, when the Swede was Hojlund’s age he had a loan at Swansea City where he failed to score in 11 Championship appearances.

                  And so we arrive at the crux of the issue, that the ask of Hojlund is wildly unrealistic given his lack of experience, and of the God-given natural talent which allowed players like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland to take the world by storm in their early 20s.

                  Speaking of his Danish centre-forward, Amorim said: “He wants really, really hard. Then you can see that sometimes without training there is a disconnection. Without training, sometimes he goes away when he should be near, sometimes goes near when he should make a run.”

                  Amorim has previously been firm that he doesn’t want to use the lack of training time as an excuse, but as an explanation it stands up.

                  “We don’t have time to create that connection. We don’t train these kind of things. We just talk about these things and he has a lot to improve, like the team-mates. Sometimes you have a good game and other days you can have a not good performance.”

                  His miserable night in west London falls squarely into the latter category, and brings us full circle to the cold hard numbers behind his current form. Hojlund has only had 33 touches in opposition boxes all season in the league – team-mate Amad is on 113 and counting, and Liverpool’s apex attacker Mo Salah has managed 248.

                  Somehow his lack of shots is even more depressing, with The Athletic laying bare the fact that his 12 shots is the same as out-and-out defenders Wan-Bissaka, Nathan Collins and Konstantinos Mavropanos. Again for some context, Haaland has taken 91 and Bruno Fernandes is United’s leading shot-taker with 62.

                  The best thing for United’s young number 9 would be the arrival of an established striker to take the heat off, a more senior figure for him to learn from and shelter behind.

                  Whether INEOS will deliver such a player in January or in the summer is anyone’s guess, but should they do a Hojlund and fail to get a shot away the Dane will have no choice but to knuckle down and shoulder the burden. He’s shown what he can do, he just needs to do everything he can to get back there, and the great hope is that the team around him will click into a gear which he can use to drive forward.

                  Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

                  Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                  Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

                  Robbie Savage: Tottenham need a change, Michael Oliver let down by VAR

                    robbie-savage:-tottenham-need-a-change,-michael-oliver-let-down-by-var
                    Robbie Savage: Tottenham need a change, Michael Oliver let down by VAR

                    Robbie Savage’s Winners & Losers: Tottenham need a change…

                    In association with Planet Sport Bet, Robbie Savage will give us his own Winners and Losers from the weekend’s Premier League action…

                    Robbie was thrilled for one of his old sides this weekend, but the need for change at Tottenham was all too clear in their latest defeat.

                    Robbie’s winners

                    My winners this weekend have to be my old club, Leicester .

                    No Premier League win since December, one draw and seven defeats in a row in their previous eight games but then they go to Spurs and they win 2-1, coming back from a goal down.

                    It was an incredible performance and I thought they thoroughly deserved the victory – they played some very good football.

                    It’s a huge relief for Ruud Van Nistelrooy but the most important thing is that they moved outside of the bottom three. With Southampton, Ipswich and Wolves below them, Leicester go on to 17 points. The Foxes, in my opinion, have got the best chance of those four of staying up.

                    The biggest winner this weekend… Bournemouth again? Perhaps. But @RobbieSavage8 loved what he saw from his old club. Leicester have hope again… https://t.co/p2ReSWCFPK@planetsportbet pic.twitter.com/tOaKnNimC6

                    — Football365 (@F365) January 27, 2025

                    You might argue that the biggest winners this weekend were my winners last weekend: Bournemouth.

                    What Andoni Iraola is doing there is incredible. The Cherries look so well drilled and so organised, despite injury problems of their own. Everyone is waiting for their luck to run out but their form looks sustainable and there is no reason they won’t be in contention for Europe. Maybe even the top four.

                    David Moyes celebrated his 700th match as top-flight manager with a massive win at Brighton. Everton were good value for their second consecutive win, with Jordan Pickford rarely troubled, despite the Toffees being down to 10 for the final quarter of an hour.

                    West Ham only took a point but they could have beaten Villa with a really encouraging performance at Villa Park. Villa looked off-colour, especially in the second half, when the Hammers created several clear-cut chances. Lucas Paqueta was a joy to watch and Graham Potter needs to hope his groin injury isn’t too serious.

                    Robbie’s losers

                    We can’t look beyond Tottenham for our main loser this weekend.

                    The stats don’t look good for Spurs fans. In the Premier League, they have one win in 10 – that came against rock-bottom Southampton. In the last seven, they’ve only taken one point – that was against Wolves – and then they lose at home to Leicester.

                    Are they even entertaining anymore? Yes, they’ve got so many injuries, but when I watch Spurs now, they don’t entertain me.

                    At times you have sympathy for them because of the injury list but big Ange desperately needs a turn around. For Spurs to be 15th in the Premier League, sat on 24 points… it’s not good enough. Things need to change and need to change fast.

                    ‘Are Tottenham even entertaining anymore?’ 🤔

                    The fact Spurs were fun to watch was a shield for Big Ange but @RobbieSavage8 reckons that’s no longer the case in the wake of their latest defeat…https://t.co/p2ReSWC80c@planetsportbet pic.twitter.com/IbQacqbG9K

                    — Football365 (@F365) January 27, 2025

                    Similar to Spurs supporters, Arsenal fans were also fuming, despite their win at Wolves. Yes, they had a right to feel aggrieved after Myles Lewis-Skelly red card – why didn’t VAR didn’t correct Michael Oliver’s mistake? That process is the biggest loser here – but the abuse that followed was a disgrace.

                    Chelsea were the losers in the Cole Palmer derby but the defeat to Manchester City highlighted once more that they need a new goalkeeper – another one! No side can compete at the top end of the table with a goalkeeper who makes the volume of mistakes Robert Sanchez has made this season.

                    Once again, Southampton caused a few problems for Newcastle but their creativity can’t cope with their defensive frailty. They still have only six points and, selfishly, I’m watching the Saints to see if they take the title of Premier League’s worst-ever side. It is hard to see where they will get the five points they need to at least match the Derby team I played for in 2007-08.

                    Robbie Savage is a brand ambassador for Planet Sport Bet

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                    Real Madrid plotting stunning move for “quality” wingback Amorim wanted United to sign – report

                      real-madrid-plotting-stunning-move-for-“quality”-wingback-amorim-wanted-united-to-sign-–-report
                      Real Madrid plotting stunning move for “quality” wingback Amorim wanted United to sign – report

                      Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has identified left wingback as a position in need of urgent reinforcement with both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui struggling to provide the attacking thrust required.

                      The Portuguese tactician had initially earmarked Nuno Mendes as the perfect signing owing to their past history at Sporting Lisbon and the fact that his contract was getting over in 2026.

                      That meant the Red Devils could potentially land the “quality” wingback on the cheap with the 22-year-old also keen to reunite with his former manager.

                      However, there have been reports that the Portugal international was close to agreeing new terms with Paris Saint-Germain, even though no official announcement has yet to be made, which prompted United to leave the chase.

                      Nuno Mendes race over with Real Madrid now eyeing him

                      Defensa Central have claimed that Real Madrid are ready to take advantage and just like they did with Kylian Mbappe, they will begin working on the signing so that Mendes can potentially arrive on a free once his deal gets over.

                      They believe they can convince the full-back to forego a lucrative new deal with the Ligue 1 giants in favour of joining the Galacticos of Real.

                      “After the failure to sign Alphonso Davies, Real Madrid have already begun to consider other options that may arise in the market. One player who is very popular is Nuno Mendes, the Portuguese player from Paris Saint-Germain.

                      “In recent seasons, Florentino Pérez has been trying to sign players as free agents. Alaba, Rüdiger, Mbappé, Alexander-Arnold. These are some of the examples.

                      “But this is something that does not always work. It has been seen with Leny Yoro and also with Alphonso Davies. But even so, they do not plan to change their way of working.

                      United now need to land Dorgu for Amorim

                      “It will all depend on what Mendes values ​​most. If he prefers a big salary to a big sporting project, he will renew with Paris Saint-Germain. If not, he could join Real Madrid. The club hopes he can arrive on a free transfer in 2026. He would be 25 years old and would have many years of football left in the elite.”

                      As for the 20-time English league champions, they have moved on and are currently locked in talks with Lecce over Patrick Dorgu with the Serie A giants playing hardball over his price.

                      They have promised a huge wage increase to the Dane to get the deal over the line but so far, INEOS have already seen two of their bids rejected.

                      With Mendes also out of the reckoning, the club have been forced to look at former United academy graduate Alvaro Carreras, who is currently at Benfica. They could exercise their buyback clause to get at least one option in for the new coach.

                      Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images

                      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                      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

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