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‘I’m not sure I can do this job’ – Merson claims Amorim will regret Man Utd move

    ‘i’m-not-sure-i-can-do-this-job’-–-merson-claims-amorim-will-regret-man-utd-move
    ‘I’m not sure I can do this job’ – Merson claims Amorim will regret Man Utd move

    Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim will be questioning why he took the job at Old Trafford after his tricky start to his tenure, according to Paul Merson.

    The Red Devils have been in terrible form this season with their 3-1 defeat to the Seagulls last weekend keeping them 13th in the Premier League ahead of their clash against Fulham later on Sunday.

    Man Utd have only won seven of their 22 Premier League matches this term and Amorim is feeling the pressure after their latest poor performance.

    Amorim reportedly broke a television in the Red Devils dressing room in a ‘furious’ rant at the players after their loss to Brighton, while he came out in an interview and called his squad “maybe the worst team in the history” of Man Utd.

    And former Arsenal midfielder Merson reckons Amorim is feeling the pressure at Old Trafford and is likely to be questioning why he took the Man Utd job.

    “This man’s [Amorim] 39 years of age. I mean, there are players just finishing their footballing careers at 38,” Merson told Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.

    “He’s young and in management, really young. He’s done well in Portugal. He’s coming to one of the biggest clubs in the world.

    “By far not the best team in the world, but one of the biggest clubs in the world. And he’s finding it hard. The pressure’s on him.

    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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    👉 Man Utd have second bid of £27m ‘rejected’ with Red Devils set to turn to £15m alternative
    👉 Man Utd boss Amorim gives ‘green light’ to Chelsea ‘swap deal’ with both players ‘open’ to transfer

    “Someone’s obviously said to him, you need to backtrack on that and start blaming yourself a little bit here because the players won’t have that, they won’t have that, they won’t be sitting there saying that, but it’s going to be hard for him.

    “I don’t see where this turns around. With the Tottenham one, I can see the players when they get back, I think they’ll cause team problems on their day, especially the way they play.”

    Merson added: “I think the manager will be sitting there deep down and thinking, ‘Should I have taken this job?’

    “He didn’t want to take it until the end of the season, and I think he’ll be sitting there now thinking. ‘I’m not sure I can do this job.’

    “I don’t think it’s just him. I think any manager, I think you’re looking at Financial Fair Play rules and how far they’re behind now, and look where they are in their league, they’re 13th in the league. Bournemouth have got better players. I mean, when has that ever happened?”

    “Extraordinary” CL winner “in favour of staying” at Spanish giants despite United pushing for January deal – report

      “extraordinary”-cl-winner-“in-favour-of-staying”-at-spanish-giants-despite-united-pushing-for-january-deal-–-report
      “Extraordinary” CL winner “in favour of staying” at Spanish giants despite United pushing for January deal – report

      While Manchester United’s lack of goals has received a lot of attention, the truth is the team has also leaked goals this campaign.

      In fact, since Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the Red Devils have kept a solitary clean-sheet which came almost two months ago. Given Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans’ recent injury record, strengthening the backline would not have been a bad call this January.

      There have been links with Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen who has only played once this season due to injury with the Catalan giants open to an exit as they seek to make space for Marcus Rashford’s arrival.

      The former Chelsea ace can play as a defensive midfielder as well, which would have come as a boost for the United head coach but as per SPORT, the Dane has no intention of leaving this January.

      United interested in Christensen

      The 28-year-old’s current deal is valid until 2026, which means the Spanish side risk losing him on a free if they cannot move him on either this January or next summer.

      Juventus were also eyeing the defender but Christensen feels despite the lack of opportunities so far, he is likely to be called upon between now and the end of the season as he is now fully fit and raring to go.

      He is open to a discussion on his future once the season ends when he will have one year left in his contract. Since he arrived on a free, even a small fee will count as profit.

      “Christensen could have had the green light to leave, although Barça are not going to force the issue. Clubs such as Juventus and Manchester United have sounded out his future, but the final decision will always be up to the player and, for now, both he and his entourage are in favour of staying.

      Defender does not want to leave in January

      “The Dane is clear that, despite the competition, whenever he has been in good form he has always ended up playing due to his reliability and he believes that the season is long and he could have his chances. If not, a decision could be made in the summer with a year still left on his contract.”

      Hansi Flick has already made it clear to the “extraordinary” player that he is lower down the pecking order and chances will be limited. Also the centre-back’s €173,077 gross per week wages (via capology) are something that Barca are eager to clear off the wage bill.

      However, they will not push the former Champions League winner to leave and as of now, he is likely to remain at the Camp Nou and the La Liga giants will have to look at alternate means to make room for Rashford’s arrival.

      Already both Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati have declared their intention to stay and given the Mancunian’s wage demands, a January dream move seems to be slipping away.

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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

      “Set to sign…”: United’s pursuit of Dorgu receives lighting bolt after Lecce’s latest move – Fabrizio Romano

        “set-to-sign…”:-united’s-pursuit-of-dorgu-receives-lighting-bolt-after-lecce’s-latest-move-–-fabrizio-romano
        “Set to sign…”: United’s pursuit of Dorgu receives lighting bolt after Lecce’s latest move – Fabrizio Romano

        Manchester United’s pursuit of Lecce wingback Patrick Dorgu has received a fresh boost with the Italian side finalising a move for a versatile fullback, Danilo Veiga, to potentially replace the 20-year-old’s place in their squad.

        The Red Devils have identified Dorgu, 20, as a priority target this month to buttress Ruben Amorim’s squad with a natural left wingback given the lack of viable options the Portuguese coach is able to rely upon.

        Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are incapable of providing meeting the physical or technical demands Amorim’s 3-4-3 system places on its wingbacks.

        This has led the 39-year-old to deploy his countryman Diogo Dalot out of position on the left-hand side, despite the defender normally playing as a right-back.

        And while Dalot has performed to the best of his abilities, his right-footedness and lack of incisiveness in the final third are a hindrance to the team’s attack in a system which relies upon the wingbacks to provide width and threat down the channels.

        Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain’s left-back, who previously played under Amorim at Sporting CP in the wingback role – was linked as an option to improve this situation, but a move for the Portuguese international proved too costly for United’s limited budget in January.

        As such, the less-established Dorgu emerged as the first-choice option in Mendes’ place, with Lecce reported to be open to the Dane’s departure if a bid worth in the region of €40 million.

        United have seen two offers rejected by the Italian club with the latest proposal believed to be €5 million short of Dorgu’s valuation.

        But, as Fabrizio Romano reveals, Lecce are “set to sign” Veiga from Estrelo Armada. The 22-year-old is a versatile fullback capable of also playing further forward, as Dorgu often has in Serie A this season.

        🟡🔴✅ Lecce are set to sign Danilo Veiga from Estrela Amadora as new fullback.

        Exclusive story, confirmed. ⤵️ https://t.co/Mkvbo4Mx1j

        — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2025

        Tweet: “Lecce are set to sign Danilo Veiga from Estrela Amadora as new fullback. Exclusive story, confirmed.”

        This confirms a report relayed by The Peoples Person earlier this week revealing Lecce were targeting the U21 Portuguese defender, suggesting the club are actively preparing for Dorgu’s departure by bringing in fresh talent in his place.

        The Serie A side are also believed to be close to a deal for Hearts defender Daniel Oyegoke, also a versatile fullback.

        Lecce are not a financially strong side within Italy’s top league. The fact they are in talks to sign not one but two fullbacks should give strong encouragement over United’s pursuit of Dorgu with reports suggesting the two clubs are drawing closer to a compromise over a deal for the Danish international.

        Featured image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images

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

        Man Utd legend Neville responds to claim he’s the ‘best candidate’ to save the club

          man-utd-legend-neville-responds-to-claim-he’s-the-‘best-candidate’-to-save-the-club
          Man Utd legend Neville responds to claim he’s the ‘best candidate’ to save the club

          Gary Neville has pleaded with Des Lynam to “stop putting” him forward for the Man Utd job as he doesn’t “want to go back into coaching”.

          The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag at the end of October and replaced the Dutchman with Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP.

          Amorim has so far failed to improve results and performances with Man Utd remaining inconsistent, while some of his squad are struggling to get to grips with his formation, playing style and philosophy.

          The Red Devils boss even labelled his side as “maybe the worst team in history” of Man Utd after they lost 3-1 to Brighton a week ago.

          And former BBC Match of the Day presenter Lynam still thinks former Man Utd right-back Neville is the “best candidate” to save the Red Devils amid Amorim’s struggles.

          Lynam told the Daily Telegraph: “A few years ago I suggested that the only man who could steer United back to their former glory was their one-time captain Gary Neville. I put it to him and while I touched something of a nerve, Gary made it clear that his business interests and his punditry for Sky would take precedence over any thought of engaging in football management again.

          “But here goes – Neville would still be the best man for the job. He has Manchester United blood running through his veins. He is deeply hurt by the club’s present predicament. He has a powerful personality and would be a strong presence in the dressing room.

          “Oh and the money men had better watch out, Neville is an astute businessman. My plea to him was over three years ago but as the men with their furrowed brows took their temporary residence in the United dugout, Neville has remained the best candidate, in my mind. He is hugely successful as a broadcaster but then almost every Tom, Dick and Rio has had a go at that.

          MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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          👉 Man Utd have second bid of £27m ‘rejected’ with Red Devils set to turn to £15m alternative
          👉 Man Utd boss Amorim gives ‘green light’ to Chelsea ‘swap deal’ with both players ‘open’ to transfer

          “Apparently Neville has made a great deal of money from his business exploits but will he be remembered for them? If he were to save Manchester United, he would be forever remembered. He is tough and would be ruthless when needed.

          “It is close to impossible to run the team and the club but if there was anyone who could give it a good go, I think he would have the courage and knowledge to face up to the challenge. I used a quote when trying to nudge Neville back into football management.

          “It comes from the former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. ‘Men do not shape destiny, destiny produces the man for the hour.’ Outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens.”

          But Neville has responded to Lynam’s claim and asked his former colleague to refrain from touting him for the Man Utd job.

          Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast: “I love Des Lynam. I met Des Lynam in 2002. My first ever punditry gig was 22 years ago. I broke my foot before the World Cup in Japan and South Korea and ITV asked me to be a pundit. I had the most incredible time, it was the moment that I recognised I wanted to go into punditry because of the people I was surrounded by.

          “The fellow pundits on that panel were Bobby Robson, Terry Venables and Paul Gascoigne. I totally don’t belong in that panel from the point of view of football greatness and coaching. What I could give them was the current understanding of what was happening in that dressing room.”

          He added: “Des Lynam was the doyen, the God of hosts and presenters in that era. Someone with an unbelievable voice, great delivery, great humour. I always got on with Des but if you could please stop putting me forward as the manager of Manchester United it would be quite helpful.

          “I understand where you’re coming from, I do understand the club, I do love the club, I do believe I can communicate well. However, I don’t want to go back into coaching number one, number two I don’t believe that I’m the best man for the job by a long way.”

          “We certainly will not…”: Napoli executive fires public transfer warning to United over Alejandro Garnacho

            “we-certainly-will-not…”:-napoli-executive-fires-public-transfer-warning-to-united-over-alejandro-garnacho
            “We certainly will not…”: Napoli executive fires public transfer warning to United over Alejandro Garnacho

            Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna has warned that the Serie A club will not be held to ransom on the transfer fee for Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho.

            Last week, United held talks with Napoli for Garnacho but they didn’t bear fruit, with the two sides still some distance apart in terms of their valuation of the player.

            Despite United lowering their asking price, Napoli are still insistent that the sum demanded is too high and out of their reach.

            The Red Devils are believed to want around £60million to sanction the sale of their academy graduate, as they seek to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

            As talks for Garnacho stall, Napoli have turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund Karim Adeyemi and it has been claimed an agreement with the Bundesliga outfit is firmly on the cards.

            Napoli executive Giovanni Manna spoke to DAZN [via ESPN] after the Partenopei’s 2-1 victory over Juventus and was asked about the progress of their respective pursuits of Garnacho and Adeyemi.

            He replied, “These are two names that are of interest to us, they are players we like, but they are not the only ones.”

            “We are trying to evaluate a few things and looking at the opportunities, but we certainly will not pay prices that are outside the market value.”

            “We made this sale that unfortunately was necessary for what the player wanted and our dynamics. We will respect our parameters, not just for the transfer fee, but also the salary.”

            Manna added, “We are evaluating a few situations, it would not be right to give our fans false hope, but we will certainly do what is best to improve the squad.”

            Garnacho’s contract at Old Trafford runs until the summer of 2028 and United remain open to keeping him within their ranks if their valuation is not met before transfer deadline day on February 3.

            The 20-year-old has made 32 appearances across all competitions so far this term, scoring seven times and providing five assists.

            Feature image Harriet Lander 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!

            Real Madrid and Barca fight for Mason Greenwood transfer that will secure United millions – report

              real-madrid-and-barca-fight-for-mason-greenwood-transfer-that-will-secure-united-millions-–-report
              Real Madrid and Barca fight for Mason Greenwood transfer that will secure United millions – report

              Marseille are facing a challenge in retaining Mason Greenwood as interest from top European clubs continues to grow.

              The 23-year-old forward, who joined Marseille last summer in a €30 million (£25m/$34m) move from Manchester United, has been in sensational form, raising speculation of a big-money transfer in the upcoming window.

              Greenwood has delivered an impressive 13 goals and four assists in 20 appearances, proving to be an invaluable asset for the Ligue 1 side.

              His ability to consistently influence games has made him a fan favourite in Marseille and has caught the attention of clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid.

              Marseille sporting director Julien Fournier has warned of the difficulty in keeping hold of a player of Greenwood’s calibre.

              Speaking to Le10Sport, Fournier said: “Look at Luis Henrique, who is on fire.”

              “A few months ago, the whole stadium was making fun of him… A Greenwood, you have to be able to keep him.”

              Greenwood’s performances have not only bolstered Marseille’s attack but have also increased his market value significantly, making him a prime target for Europe’s elite.

              Man United, Greenwood’s former club, may also stand to benefit financially if a move materialises.

              Reports suggest a sell-on clause in Greenwood’s transfer to Marseille entitles United to 50% of any future transfer fee.

              This clause ensures the Premier League club remains invested in his career progress.

              United would be keeping a close eye on Greenwood’s situation, one which could benefit them by reducing some of the financial burden they find themselves in.

              Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images

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              Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.

              “We have had an offer”: Serie A giants preparing for United’s mega bid by ramping up search for a replacement – Di Marzio

                “we-have-had-an-offer”:-serie-a-giants-preparing-for-united’s-mega-bid-by-ramping-up-search-for-a-replacement-–-di-marzio
                “We have had an offer”: Serie A giants preparing for United’s mega bid by ramping up search for a replacement – Di Marzio

                Manchester United’s hunt for a new left wingback is continuing with the Red Devils still locked in talks with Lecce over Patrick Dorgu.

                United have already seen their most recent bid of €34 million turned down with the Serie A side holding out for €40 million.

                Owing to PSR concerns, the club have refrained from going as high with multiple outlets claiming Alvaro Fernandez of Benfica could be brought back owing to the buyback clause the club had inserted, which would mean a lower outlay.

                But it is clear to see why Ruben Amorim is a fan of the Dane, whose physicality and engine would be a huge upgrade compared to what the head coach currently has at his disposal.

                United’s new bid incoming

                The 20-year-old is adept at playing as a wingback unlike the Spaniard and Dorgu is also versatile and capable of playing higher up and on the opposite flank if needed.

                All theses reasons combined is exactly why the 20-time English league champions have not given up the race and are pondering matching Lecce’s valuation through the inclusion of bonuses and a new bid is expected soon.

                And despite the Italian club’s reluctance to let the Denmark international leave, they are slowly coming to terms with the fact that it is only a matter of time before Dorgu departs.

                Which is why, as revealed by Gianluca Di Marzio, Lecce are eyeing a quality replacement and have their eyes on Daniel Oyegoke of Hearts in Scotland.

                Lecce looking at a replacement

                “Lecce is the Italian club most interested in English defender Daniel Oyegoke, a footballer who plays in Scotland with Hearts.”

                “We have had an offer from another club, the clubs are negotiating but the deal is not done yet. We will see what happens in the next 24/48 hours,” Neil Critchley, the Hearts manager revealed in a press conference.

                Initially, Lecce were favouring Napoli’s proposal which included buying the player now but loaning him back for the rest of the season. United were asked to do the same if they were to win the race for his signature.

                But should INEOS match Lecce’s valuation, they will have no choice but to let him go with the player desperate to link up with Amorim’s side and he has already agreed personal terms.

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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

                Official: United issue statement in response to fantastic news about Old Trafford

                  official:-united-issue-statement-in-response-to-fantastic-news-about-old-trafford
                  Official: United issue statement in response to fantastic news about Old Trafford

                  Manchester United have been handed a significant boost after the government announced support for plans to regenerate the area around Old Trafford.

                  A UK Treasury statement on Saturday evening noted that Chancellor Rachel Reeves was championing the Old Trafford project as “a shining example” of the Government’s plans to promote economic growth.

                  United are understood to be considering either a new 100,000-seat stadium or an 87,000-seat refurbished arena. The former appears to be the most likely outcome, with a final decision expected before the end of the season.

                  It’s understood that the club will be responsible for stadium development but public bodies will be required for other areas of the project including improved transport infrastructure and housing.

                  In response to the Treasury statement, United CEO Omar Berrada said, “The delivery of a world-class stadium can be the catalyst for major regeneration of an area of Greater Manchester which requires new investment to thrive again.”

                  “We cannot achieve that wider aim on our own, which is why we welcome the announcement by the Chancellor and the ongoing support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester and Trafford Council. If we work together, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a landmark project around Old Trafford that the whole region can be proud of.”

                  Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, remarked, “With our devolved powers we’re mobilising the whole Greater Manchester system to lock in growth for the next decade and reap the rewards for our city-region and UK plc.”

                  “The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester.”

                  “We look forward to working with the Government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity for our rail network and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.”

                  United add that the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, chaired by Lord Coe, determined that the project can inject a whooping £7.3bn gross value into the UK economy while also creating in excess of 90,000 employment opportunities.

                  In the next few days, Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority will discuss the benefits of establishing a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) – a statutory body that can drive the delivery of huge development projects –  as a means to support the endeavour.

                  According to the Daily Mail, senior United chiefs are hopeful that enabling work could start on the project before the close of the year.

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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!

                  Threat to Man Utd swap deal revealed as Euro giants admit they are ‘not holding back’ over transfer

                    threat-to-man-utd-swap-deal-revealed-as-euro-giants-admit-they-are-‘not-holding-back’-over-transfer
                    Threat to Man Utd swap deal revealed as Euro giants admit they are ‘not holding back’ over transfer

                    Napoli director of football Giovanni Manna has openly admitted that the Serie A side are “not holding back” in their pursuit of Man Utd winger Alejandro Garnacho.

                    The Red Devils have had a terrible season so far with Man Utd currently 13th in the Premier League table ahead of their match against Fulham on Sunday evening.

                    Ruben Amorim even branded his side “maybe the worst team in history” of Man Utd after they lost 3-1 to Brighton last weekend, before they beat Rangers 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Europa League group stage on Thursday.

                    Man Utd are trying to bring in reinforcements before the end of the January transfer window with Lecce star Patrick Dorgu emerging as their top target to improve left wing-back.

                    While there are rumours that Garnacho could be sold to help them pull further away from breaking the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, while the Argentina international has also been mooted as part of a potential swap deal for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.

                    Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that discussions are taking place over a possible swap and that both Garnacho and Nkunku would be ‘open’ to the idea.

                    However, Napoli director of football Manna has now revealed that the Serie A side are “are not holding back” as they look to land Garnacho before the transfer deadline in a move that could scupper a swap deal with Nkunku.

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                    👉 Rashford seen as most ‘realistic’ Barcelona signing but they want Liverpool, Newcastle stars instead

                    Manna said: “Adeyemi and Garnacho are two names that interest us, that we like.

                    “They are not the only ones; we will try to evaluate the opportunities. We will certainly not pay prices outside the market.

                    “We need to replace Kvara, a transfer for the player’s will. We are not holding back. We also have other ideas, let’s see what happens in the next few days.”

                    Former Man Utd defender Paul Parker wants to see the Argentina winger leave Old Trafford before the end of the window as he doesn’t “like Garnacho as a person”.

                    Parker told BonusCodeBets: “I have obviously seen that Garnacho is linked to Chelsea. I don’t like Garnacho as a person, but you can’t deny he has some sort of talent. For me it looks like everything has gone to his head and it’s not a good look for a young player. He will compete against 37 wingers at Chelsea, and he doesn’t seem like someone who likes competition, so I don’t know what he is on about.

                    “Obviously, I would like him to leave, and for Man United, it’s fantastic to see that Chelsea wants him, as they usually pay a lot of money for players. It’s great news really, but I don’t expect him to do very well. Why should he change just by going to London?

                    “He doesn’t stand for pressure, and he is only showing something when being subbed on. Best of luck to him, he needs it. He really needs it, and I hope he gets his head straight very soon.”

                    Man Utd have second bid of £27m ‘rejected’ with Red Devils set to turn to £15m alternative

                      man-utd-have-second-bid-of-27m-‘rejected’-with-red-devils-set-to-turn-to-15m-alternative
                      Man Utd have second bid of £27m ‘rejected’ with Red Devils set to turn to £15m alternative

                      Premier League side Man Utd have had a second bid of £27m turned down by Lecce for their wing-back Patrick Dorgu, according to reports.

                      The Red Devils have been looking for a new wing-back to fit into Ruben Amorim’s system on the left-hand side as the Man Utd board look to provide the Portuguese head coach with reinforcements.

                      Man Utd have had a terrible season with the Red Devils currently 13th in the Premier League table ahead of their match against Fulham on Sunday evening.

                      And Lecce’s Dorgu – who is often deployed further forward on the right-hand side too – has been chosen as their top target ahead of the January transfer deadline as Man Utd face a race against time to get a deal done.

                      On Friday afternoon, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein revealed that Man Utd had made a bid of around £25m to Lecce for Dorgu’s signature.

                      Ornstein wrote:

                      ‘Manchester United have tabled a €30million (£25.3m; $31.4m) bid for Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu.

                      ‘The Athletic reported on January 22 that the two clubs were €10m apart in negotiations for the Denmark international, who Lecce priced at €40m while United indicated a willingness to go to €30m.

                      ‘United’s director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves met with Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino in Milan.

                      ‘Figures at United are hopeful that a deal will be agreed and if one is, Dorgu would become the first senior arrival at Old Trafford under head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese has been keen to add reinforcements in the January window amid a run of form that has seen his side slip to just 10 points above the Premier League’s relegation zone.’

                      The Serie A side were not satisfied with their opening bid for the Denmark international and now they have also rejected an increased offer of around £27m, as they hold out for £35m.

                      TalkSPORT revealed on Sunday that they could turn to Benfica defender Alvaro Fernandez if they aren’t successful in their attempts to land Dorgu.

                      ‘Manchester United have had a second offer worth £27million for Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu rejected, talkSPORT understands.

                      MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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                      👉 Rashford seen as most ‘realistic’ Barcelona signing but they want Liverpool, Newcastle stars instead

                      ‘Should United be unable to reach an agreement with Leece for Dorgu, it is understood they would consider activating their buyback option on Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez.

                      ‘The Spanish left-back spent three-and-a-half years on United’s books but never played a senior match, spending time on loan at Preston North End, Granada and Benfica.

                      ‘Benfica made the deal permanent for just €6million (£5million) in May last year.

                      ‘Fernandez has gone on to make 30 appearances across all competitions for Benfica this term, registering three goals and four assists.

                      ‘United and Lecce will continue talks this weekend with the aim of reaching a compromise deal.’

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