Home Blog Page 1614

United academy graduate “keen to embark on a fresh challenge”, eyeing sensational summer switch to Tottenham – report

    united-academy-graduate-“keen-to-embark-on-a-fresh-challenge”,-eyeing-sensational-summer-switch-to-tottenham-–-report
    United academy graduate “keen to embark on a fresh challenge”, eyeing sensational summer switch to Tottenham – report

    Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is eyeing midfielders to bolster his ranks with quite a few of his high-profile stars expected to depart, either this month or once the season concludes.

    Casemiro was left on the bench yet again with the Portuguese opting to start academy ace Toby Collyer from the start against Rangers.

    The lack of game time is sure to be rankling the Brazilian who has already seen a move to Saudi Arabia to reunite with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo slip away.

    Chances are expected to be few and far between now and the end of the campaign as he simply does not have the engine to operate in Amorim’s system.

    Angel Gomes set to snub United

    And despite earning a rare start on Thursday, Christian Eriksen’s future also lies away from Old Trafford with his contract up in the summer.

    The head coach asked INEOS for reinforcements in the middle of the park and owing to the club’s PSR woes, a reunion with Angel Gomes, currently plying his trade for Lille, made a lot of sense as he is set to become a free agent next summer.

    Fans will already know all about the Englishman, who came up through the ranks at Carrington, before eventually leaving for Lille back in 2020 after a contract dispute.

    Since his move to Ligue 1, the 24-year-old has completely remodelled his game and now he not only excels as an attacking midfielder, but can also do a great job in a deep-lying position.

    Such versatility would fit well with what Amorim is trying to build with his system needing a lot of midfielders instead of traditional wingers.

    However, Givemesport have claimed that the England international, who is eager to return to the Premier League, fancies a move to Tottenham Hotspur over a return to his old stomping ground.

    West Ham’s new boss Graham Potter is also a fan of his talents but he is set to face rejection if Dean Jones‘ report is anything to go by.

    Tottenham in pole position

    “Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a significant boost in their bid to beat the likes of West Ham United and Manchester United to the signing of Angel Gomes as the Lille star is keen to embark on a fresh challenge at Hotspur Way instead of the London Stadium or Old Trafford, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

    “GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are putting together a proposal for Gomes at a time when West Ham have been trying to beat them to his services, while Manchester United have stopped short of lodging an offer at this stage, allowing Postecoglou to steal a march.”

    The London-born star’s exploits in recent times which has seen him break into the England set-up have seen Newcastle, Aston Villa and plenty of European giants circle for his signature.

    And whoever eventually wins the race will have to fork out a significant sum in terms of wages with the report claiming Gomes will ask for £150,000-per-week, up from the measly £11,500-per-week he currently earns at Lille.

    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

    One of the world’s best 18 year olds boards jet heading for Manchester, fans will be going wild – report

      one-of-the-world’s-best-18-year-olds-boards-jet-heading-for-manchester,-fans-will-be-going-wild-–-report
      One of the world’s best 18 year olds boards jet heading for Manchester, fans will be going wild – report

      Rosenborg wonderkid Sverre Nypan is reportedly jetting to Manchester amidst transfer links with a number of English clubs including Manchester United and Manchester City.

      Regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European football at the moment, Nypan has been mentioned to be on United’s radar for several months now.

      A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United were aiming to agree a deal to sign him in January, in an effort to beat other interested parties to his services.

      Nypan has in the past admitted that it would be a “dream” to line up for the Red Devils.

      The 18-year-old put pen to paper on his first professional contract in January 2022 and has since played over 70 matches in all competitions for Rosenborg in Norway’s top flight.

      He made his debut for the Eliteserien outfit in November 2022. At just 15 years and 322 days, Nypan played the full 90 minutes in a 4-2 victory over Jerv, becoming the youngest player in Rosenborg’s history to play a league match for the club.

      Nypan has often drawn comparisons to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

      It appears that the player and his representatives are finally set to pick their next transfer destination amidst heavy interest in his signature.

      According to journalist Ole Sagbakken, Nypan is flying into Manchester Airport on Friday night, although his specific intentions are currently known.

      Siste: Nypan flyr til Manchester i kveldhttps://t.co/mb6dsYFrGR

      — Ole K. Sagbakken (@Ole_Saga) January 24, 2025

      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reveals that Nypan will visit City, where the reigning Premier League champions will have the chance to present their plan to him.

      City may loan Nypan out to Girona before he is integrated into their plans at the Etihad later on.

      🚨🇳🇴 Norwegian 18 year old top talent Sverre Nypan will be in Manchester in the next hours, as @Ole_Saga reported.

      🔵 Understand Nypan’s gonna visit Manchester City as they’re set to present their plan…

      …including potential Girona loan. Nypan will take his time to decide 👀🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/AiDIMkm4z9

      — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025

      Meanwhile, David Ornstein of The Athletic points out that Arsenal are working on a deal to land the teenage midfielder.

      “Dialogue between the clubs and with the player’s representatives is advancing, as Arsenal try to land the 18-year-old Norway youth international.”

      “However, a firm decision on his future has yet to be made and no agreements are in place — meaning the situation remains open.”

      United should certainly be alive to the situation to ensure they’re not usurped in the race to secure Nypan’s services.

      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

      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!

      United are just €5m away from sealing a deal for Amorim’s dream wing back – Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs

        united-are-just-e5m-away-from-sealing-a-deal-for-amorim’s-dream-wing-back-–-fabrizio-romano,-ben-jacobs
        United are just €5m away from sealing a deal for Amorim’s dream wing back – Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs

        Manchester United have had a second bid for Patrick Dorgu rejected by Lecce, reports the reliable Fabrizio Romano.

        United are targeting Dorgu as part of their efforts to secure the services of players who fit into Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

        The 6ft 2in player is incredibly versatile and can operate at left or right full-back. He can also be deployed on the right wing to great effect.

        Earlier this week, United chiefs met with Lecce to formally express their interest in Dorgu but the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement.

        A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United lodged a fresh and improved bid for Dorgu. The Athletic noted that the bid was worth €30 million – €10 million short of the €40 million Lecce are believed to be holding out for.

        Now, Romano has given an update, revealing that United’s second offer has been turned down by the Serie A outfit.

        “Lecce board insist on €40m package for Patrick Dorgu to Man United or he won’t be allowed to leave in January.”

        “The Italian club hope to keep the player until the summer unless valuation is met. Manchester United’s second approach, not enough to get it done so far.”

        🚨⚠️ Lecce board insist on €40m package for Patrick Dorgu to Man United or he won’t be allowed to leave in January.

        The Italian club hope to keep the player until the summer unless valuation is met.

        Manchester United’s second approach, not enough to get it done so far. pic.twitter.com/zIBgvEvn6i

        — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025

        Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs points out that the valuation gap between United and Lecce is not too big and there is confidence that a compromise can be found.

        Jacobs wrote on X, “Manchester United and Lecce have a €5m gulf in valuation following a second offer.”

        “As reported, Manchester United have offered north of €30m. Optimism a deal can be reached.”

        “More club-to-club talks planned over the weekend.”

        Manchester United and Lecce have a €5m gulf in valuation following a second #MUFC offer.

        As reported, Manchester United have offered north of €30m. Optimism a deal can be reached. More club-to-club talks planned over the weekend.🔴 https://t.co/Z3Y1RZaQfq

        — Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 24, 2025

        Since joining Lecce from Danish club Nordsjaelland in 2022, Dorgu has made 43 first-team appearances, scoring three goals in the Italian top-flight this season.

        The 20-year-old has also been capped four times by Denmark.

        Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

        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: Shock Rashford move to PL rivals becomes ‘real possibility’ as transfer ‘fails’ amid ‘stance’ reveal

          man-utd:-shock-rashford-move-to-pl-rivals-becomes-‘real-possibility’-as-transfer-‘fails’-amid-‘stance’-reveal
          Man Utd: Shock Rashford move to PL rivals becomes ‘real possibility’ as transfer ‘fails’ amid ‘stance’ reveal

          Marcus Rashford leaving Manchester United for a rival Premier League club is reportedly a ‘real possibility’ as an alternative transfer has ‘failed’.

          At the end of 2024, Rashford announced he’s “ready” to leave Man Utd, insisting it’s time for a new challenge.

          The England international has been blasted for his poor performances and attitude over the past 18+ months as he’s not close to living up to expectations after he scored 30 goals during the 2022/23 campaign.

          This has reduced the interest in Rashford and Man Utd are struggling to offload the wantaway forward, whose huge salary is another stumbling block.

          FC Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan have been mooted as potential destinations for the 27-year-old, but he could be forced to stick around until the summer as exit talks are yet to advance.

          READ: Manchester United definitely ask FANS for £300m in latest money-saving Ratcliffe scheme

          Earlier this week, Dortmund emerged as a front-runner in the race to sign Rashford, but a report in Germany claims this move has ‘almost certainly failed’ with the forward preferring Barcelona.

          The Spanish giants have been mooted as Rashford’s dream destination, but their financial problems make a deal difficult.

          This could open the door for Premier League clubs and West Ham have been mentioned as a possible left-field destination as new head coach Graham Potter looks to do significant business.

          Many have scoffed at the idea of Rashford joining West Ham, but a report from our pals at TEAMtalk (from journalist Fraser Fletcher) claim this shock deal is a ‘real possibility’.

          MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
          👉 Chelsea ‘raise offer’ for Man Utd star as ‘blockbuster betrayal’ edges closer to completion
          👉 Man Utd ‘offered’ Spurs, West Ham target in ‘significant transfer twist’ with INEOS ‘switching attention’
          👉 Ruben Amorim ‘blocks’ Man Utd winger departure despite ‘agreement in place’ for transfer

          Regarding Rashford’s ‘stance’ on a move to the London Stadium, the report explains:

          ‘West Ham are not out of the race to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window, TEAMtalk understands.

          ‘West Ham are looking to make new signings in January, and sources have confirmed that the London club have a real possibility of landing a huge deal this month.

          ‘Sources have told TEAMtalk that a move abroad is something Rashford is very open too, but the Man Utd forward is also keen to keep playing in the Premier League and regain his form.

          ‘This is where West Ham come in, as the Hammers want him on loan in the January transfer window with the view to making the move permanent in the summer of 2025.

          ‘Many have written off West Ham’s chances of getting Rashford, but those close to the situation have been quick to keep them in the race.

          ‘New manager Potter has big plans and the club will back him, with the former Chelsea boss seen as someone who could bring the best out of the Man Utd man.’

          Man Utd transfer: Romano reveals ‘deal on’ as INEOS ‘table improved offer’ after ‘green light’

            man-utd-transfer:-romano-reveals-‘deal-on’-as-ineos-‘table-improved-offer’-after-‘green-light’
            Man Utd transfer: Romano reveals ‘deal on’ as INEOS ‘table improved offer’ after ‘green light’

            According to reports, Manchester United have submitted an ‘improved offer’ to Serie A outfit Lecce as they look to sign left-back Patrick Dorgu.

            The Red Devils have yet to make a January signing as they have been focused on outgoings recently.

            The Premier League giants have a tight budget this month and have looked to raise funds by offloading unwanted talents.

            There has been plenty of talk but not much action so far, but the potential exit of Alejandro Garnacho could enable Man Utd to make a signing or two before the window closes.

            It has been widely reported that their priority is to sign a left wing-back as Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have had to play out of position with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia dealing with injuries.

            Man Utd have been linked with several potential targets but Dorgu has emerged as their leading target.

            READ: Manchester United definitely ask FANS for £300m in latest money-saving Ratcliffe scheme

            The 20-year-old has already broken into Denmark’s national team and has made 56 appearances for his boyhood club since the start of last season.

            Dorgu would fit perfectly into Amorim’s preferred system as he has four goal involvements in his 20 Serie A appearances this season.

            Man Utd are stepping up their efforts to sign Dorgu and The Athletic have reported that they have ‘made a €30m offer to Lecce’.

            ‘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.’

            MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
            👉 Ruben Amorim ‘blocks’ Man Utd winger departure despite ‘agreement in place’ for transfer
            👉 Man Utd ‘prepare first offer’ for Real Madrid man as Red Devils ‘lead race’ for Arsenal starlet
            👉 Man Utd target ‘late January loan swoop’ for Barcelona star in possible Rashford sweetener

            Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano meanwhile says it’s “deal on” after Dorgu gave his “green light” earlier this week.

            Romano said: “Manchester United have sent a new bid for Patrick Dorgu, as revealed today.

            “Proposal now in excess of €30m with the club trying to get it done, also after a green light from the player from two days ago. Deal on.”

            Before United’s “improved offer” was submitted, journalist Ben Jacobs said: “Manchester United’s improved offer for Patrick Dorgu will be north of €30m.

            “Parties have a €5m gulf in valuation now. #MUFC still optimistic despite Lecce’s starting price of €40m.”

            He later added: “Manchester United is optimistic about agreeing to a deal with Patrick Dorgu.”

            Major setback for United as Amorim’s defensive stalwart suffers knock – report

              major-setback-for-united-as-amorim’s-defensive-stalwart-suffers-knock-–-report
              Major setback for United as Amorim’s defensive stalwart suffers knock – report

              Manchester United’s defensive options were dealt another blow as Noussair Mazraoui was left out of the matchday squad for the Europa League clash with Rangers due to a knock sustained in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

              Head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed the decision was precautionary as the club manages a growing list of fitness concerns ahead of their trip to Fulham on Sunday night.

              The Europa League encounter saw further disruptions to United’s backline, with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro both substituted after complaining of discomfort.

              De Ligt, who had a goal controversially ruled out during the first half, did not return after the break, replaced by Harry Maguire.

              Yoro, meanwhile, lasted just ten minutes of the second half before being taken off, prompting Tyrell Malacia’s introduction and a tactical reshuffle that shifted Diogo Dalot into a back-three role.

              Speaking to MUTV, Amorim addressed the substitutions, explaining the necessity of prioritising player welfare.

              “He [De Ligt] has a pain, so he cannot risk [it].”

              “Leny felt pain also, so he cannot risk [it]. We have a lot of players who can play, and we cannot lose anybody.”

              “Everybody has to be prepared.”

              There was some relief for United fans as Victor Lindelof returned to training and could be available for selection against Fulham.

              With Mazraoui’s fitness being monitored and concerns over De Ligt and Yoro, Amorim faces a challenge in assembling a robust defensive line for the coming fixtures.

              His focus will now shift to ensuring his squad’s depth and fitness as United juggle domestic and European commitments in the weeks ahead.

              Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images

              Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

              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.

              “His outburst will…”: Ratcliffe responds to Amorim’s explosive comments about United players – report

                “his-outburst-will…”:-ratcliffe-responds-to-amorim’s-explosive-comments-about-united-players-–-report
                “His outburst will…”: Ratcliffe responds to Amorim’s explosive comments about United players – report

                Sir Jim Ratcliffe has “no concern” Ruben Amorim’s description of his Manchester United squad as the “worst” in the club’s history will negatively affect the players.

                Amorim has endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford since joining from Sporting CP in November to replace Erik ten Hag.

                A combination of a squad lacking options in key areas of the 3-4-3 system the Portuguese coach utilises and a continuation of the almost inexplicable mistakes which have plagued first-team performances in recent years have seen United lose six times in 11 games in the Premier League.

                Results have been better in cup competitions with the Red Devils producing a spirited performance to beat Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on penalties and positioned fourth in the Europa League group phase – sufficient for automatic qualification for the round of last-sixteen.

                However, performances have been marked by a disjointed approach filled with errors.

                A manager implementing a new system midway through the season was always going to produce short-term pain, but Amorim will undoubtedly have been surprised by his new team’s ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

                Following a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday, the 39-year-old coach delivered the explosive assessment of the situation at United.

                “In 10 games in the Premier League, we won two. I know that. We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” Amorim remarked.

                Three days later, in the pre-match press conference for last night’s Europa League victory over Rangers, the head coach expressed regret over his comment, explaining it was more of a reflection of his performances than his players since his appointment.

                “I was talking more for myself than my players because I was talking that [I am] a coach who starts out losing seven games in the first [15]. So it’s more for me.”

                There had been a feeling that a squad with the mental fragility of this current iteration of United may not react well to being described in such a negative manner. However, these concerns are not shared by the club’s owner – Ratcliffe.

                The British billionaire has no issue with the emotive language used by Amorim and has “no concern…[it] will cause the players to lose faith in the head coach and adversely affect performance,” according to Jamie Jackson (The Guardian) 

                Jackson reveals, “Ratcliffe’s view is that the squad understand Amorim has a fierce desire to win and can be passionate and that his outburst will soon be forgotten.”

                United’s performance last night against Rangers – which saw the Reds produce a memorable last-minute win – was spirited with zero signs of a lack of effort, though the same issues with an uncomfortability in possession and defensive lapses continued.

                Amorim may have the “worst” selection of players in United’s history, but they are a group still committed to trying to produce what the Portuguese coach wants to see on the pitch.

                Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                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.

                “I’m hoping for more”: United wonderkid linked with January exit wants to fight for Old Trafford place

                  “i’m-hoping-for-more”:-united-wonderkid-linked-with-january-exit-wants-to-fight-for-old-trafford-place
                  “I’m hoping for more”: United wonderkid linked with January exit wants to fight for Old Trafford place

                  Ever since his appointment, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has not been afraid of taking bold selection calls and he took another on Thursday for the Europa League game against Rangers, opting to hand Toby Collyer his first European start in the middle of the park.

                  The academy graduate had impressed in his recent cameos against Arsenal and Southampton and the Portuguese opted to include him in the starting XI ahead of Casemiro, who was once again sat on the bench.

                  The 21-year-old acquitted himself well after a nervous start and eventually grew into the game. He kept things nice and tidy in the midfield, just what the coach would have wanted from the 21-year-old.

                  When asked about what he felt after the game, the former England U17 international told MUTV, “It’s great. I think these are the nights you dream of playing, as a kid and now as well.

                  Collyer impressed on his first European start

                  “It’s great experience for me, great exposure and, with the players around me, they helped me through the game. So I think I was able to show some of the qualities I possess.”

                  The young Englishman was tipped to enjoy a breakthrough year when Erik ten Hag was in charge of the Red Devils but things didn’t go as planned for the Dutchman who was sacked in October.

                  The former Brighton academy starlet must have thought the worse when Amorim came in, especially as the new coach’s arrival coincided with the midfielder picking up an injury that kept him out for over a month.

                  But he has kept working hard behind-the-scenes and his impressive training displays became hard to ignore with Amorim affording him more and more chances recently.

                  “Since coming back from the injury I needed to get fully confident when I was back and get up to speed, now I’m making steps with the system and I’m excited to make more steps.

                  And according to the defensive midfielder, he fits Amorim’s system and is hoping for further starts down the line after impressing against the Scottish giants under the lights at Old Trafford.

                  “I think the system has been good, I think it suits every player, gives every player options on the pitch and out of possession it helps everyone. I think it’s a really good system.

                  Fits Amorim’s system

                  “Amorim demands a lot from everyone which is really good. It means we can improve as a team and as individual as well. I’m hoping for more starts.

                  “We’ve definitely not had many training sessions but I think, in the ones we have had, everyone is trying to understand the head coach’s tactical plan their best and make steps. It’s all we can do, make steps. It’s slow progress but we’ll get there in the end.”

                  Collyer seems to have worked his way into the coach’s thinking and is ahead of both the Brazilian and Christian Eriksen in the pecking order due to the energy he brings in the middle of the park.

                  It has been quite the turnaround for the midfield ace who was mulling over leaving on loan in January. But Amorim has blocked his exit and now, more first-team chances beckon.

                  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

                  Man Utd boss Amorim accused of ‘insanity’ as Merson reckons Ratcliffe must regret buying club

                    man-utd-boss-amorim-accused-of-‘insanity’-as-merson-reckons-ratcliffe-must-regret-buying-club
                    Man Utd boss Amorim accused of ‘insanity’ as Merson reckons Ratcliffe must regret buying club

                    Arsenal legend Paul Merson thinks Ruben Amorim’s approach at Man Utd “is insanity” and that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be questioning why he bought a stake in the club.

                    Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November after the Dutchman was sacked by the Red Devils hierarchy following a poor run of results.

                    Man Utd have barely picked up under the Portuguese head coach with two promising performances against Liverpool and Arsenal soon forgotten after back-to-back poor displays against Southampton and Brighton over the last week or so.

                    Despite beating Southampton 3-1 eight days ago, the Red Devils were trailing for 82 minutes of the match against the Saints in a poor performance, before looking second best in a 3-1 loss against Brighton on Sunday.

                    Man Utd did beat Rangers 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Europa League group stage on Thursday night too but they needed a Bruno Fernandes strike two minutes into stoppage time to beat the Scottish Premiership side.

                    And now Merson reckons there will be “nothing but a Fulham win” on Sunday with the Red Devils travelling to Craven Cottage to take on Marco Silva’s 10th-placed side.

                    Arsenal legend Merson is convinced that Man Utd boss Amorim “needs to adapt to the league and change his system” before the Red Devils slip further down the Premier League table.

                    Making his prediction for Fulham versus Man Utd, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Nothing but a Fulham win, no I’m not joking here! It sounds crazy because we are still in an era where Manchester United dominated England. But this team isn’t like that. They don’t turn up to games like Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City.

                    “I know they did not lose to any of those three teams under Ruben Amorim. In the Arsenal game, Martin Odegaard missed a penalty. City shot themselves in the foot in the derby and if not, they could have lost that game too!

                    “Liverpool game is the only exception with Harry Maguire missing that golden chance to get the win. So you could say these results don’t really paint the accurate picture about where Manchester United are as a football club.

                    “Amorim isn’t wrong, this is one of the worst United teams. But he has to be more flexible though. If you keep playing three at the back when you don’t have the right players, you will be in trouble.

                    “There’s a life lesson that I follow – If you keep doing the same things and expect a different result every single time, it is insanity! Amorim has done a good job in terms of getting rid of players he doesn’t want, but he also needs to adapt to the league and change his system when required.

                    MORE ON MAN UTD FROM F365…
                    👉 Man Utd told that Gary Neville is still the ‘best man’ to save the club with Fidel Castro quoted
                    👉 Mediawatch: Manchester United definitely ask FANS for £300m in latest money-saving Ratcliffe scheme
                    👉 Chelsea boss Maresca makes clear Garnacho admission in Man Utd transfer blow: ‘We are okay’

                    “This rebuild will take years because they are a million miles away from Liverpool and Arsenal. Manchester United are chasing the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton, Forest and Chelsea now. I think the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rule will limit Manchester United so much.

                    “You just can’t go and throw money around whoever they want, there is a huge element of risk involved. They will have to operate on hope and luck when getting players, more like fantasy football!

                    “Take Viktor Gyokeres for example, he struggled in England and went to Sporting and became a success. That doesn’t mean he will set the stage on fire if he returns now.

                    “I don’t think Amorim knew the size of the job he had in his hands when he first arrived. In Portugal, it’s just three big clubs fighting each other but it’s not the same here in England. This is a massive club in a massive league.

                    “Jim Ratcliffe must be sitting there thinking, ‘what have I done buying this club?’. Manchester United are one of the most famous sports teams ever, but if they don’t start winning, they will not be in that conversation anymore. Kids who grow up watching football will now start to support Liverpool or Arsenal because no one wants to support a team that’s losing!

                    “Manchester United are 13th in the table for a reason and I think they will lose again. Prediction: Fulham 3-1 Manchester United.”

                    READ NEXT: Manchester United must ‘stop haggling for £5m’ over player who ‘couldn’t beat an egg’

                    “£1.5 million saved”: Wantaway United attacker’s exit from Old Trafford is confirmed – The Athletic

                      “1.5-million-saved”:-wantaway-united-attacker’s-exit-from-old-trafford-is-confirmed-–-the-athletic
                      “£1.5 million saved”: Wantaway United attacker’s exit from Old Trafford is confirmed – The Athletic

                      The details of Antony’s move to Real Betis have been revealed following confirmation the Brazilian winger had left Manchester United on loan for the remainder of the season.

                      The 24-year-old has endured a torrid time since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022 for a club-record fee worth £86 million – the most money ever spent on an Eredivisie player.

                      Antony began life in Manchester brightly, scoring in three consecutive games for his new club. But this form quickly dwindled as it became increasingly evident the Brazilian lacked the physicality and pace to survive in the Premier League, let alone thrive in it.

                      Despite being reunited with Erik ten Hag following their shared time in Amsterdam, Antony quickly fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

                      And this lack of first-team opportunities has continued under Ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim. There had been some forlorn hope Antony may reinvent himself as a wingback in the 3-4-3 system preferred by the Portuguese coach; but this has, unsurprisingly, not materialised.

                      United executives were open to Antony’s departure in the January transfer window but there was acceptance a loan move was the only viable exit for an overpaid and underperforming player.

                      Real Betis emerged as a frontrunner after the 24-year-old winger ruled out moves outside Europe’s big leagues, with interest from Greece and Turkey not being followed up.

                      And, as relayed by The Peoples Person, Antony’s move to the Liga club has now been sealed with the Brazilian set to travel to Seville tonight to finalise the move.

                      The Athletic report Real Betis will “cover 84 per cent of the forward’s wages” with Antony currently earning £105,000-a-week at Old Trafford. This means the move is “estimated to trim around £1.5million from United’s balance sheet for the rest of the campaign.”

                      The deal is a straight loan transfer “without an option to buy” – an implicit acknowledgement that Antony’s dismal performances at United mean his current value on the transfer market is not worth the club committing to. If the Brazilian can regain some of the form in Spain which he demonstrated for Ajax, his potential fee may be much higher come the summer.

                      The Athletic reports there is “no up front loan fee” but there are “potential bonuses depending on performances for the loan period” included in the deal. This means the £1.5 million saved may even increase by the end of the season.

                      Given there is a strong argument Antony is the worst signing in Premier League history, this constitutes a reasonable deal for United and is an important first step in enabling the Brazilian winger to depart the club on a permanent deal.

                      Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images

                      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                      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.

                      1...1,6131,6141,615...1,896Page 1,614 of 1,896