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Confirmed: Details of United’s prize for beating Arsenal in the FA Cup announced

    confirmed:-details-of-united’s-prize-for-beating-arsenal-in-the-fa-cup-announced
    Confirmed: Details of United’s prize for beating Arsenal in the FA Cup announced

    Manchester United started their defence of the FA Cup trophy with a fine battling display against Arsenal culminating in a penalty shootout success at the Emirates Stadium.

    The victory secured safe passage to round 4 where they will face club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City, at Old Trafford.

    As reported by the club’s official website, the details of the fixture have now been announced after television outlets picked their games for broadcast.

    It’s confirmed the two sides will clash on Friday February 7 at 20:00 GMT, kicking off the round of ties.

    United will start the game as favourites having already beaten their visitors twice at Old Trafford this season.

    Ironically, Van Nistelrooy was in temporary charge for United on both occasions which came in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League, respectively.

    The 5-2 win in the cup was an enthralling encounter that saw six goals shared in the first half before Bruno Fernandes rounded off the scoring in the second.

    It was also the captain who proved the star-of-the-show in the league meeting with Bruno’s fine long range strike opening the scoring which resulted in a comfortable 3-0 win for United.

    The game will certainly be one of mixed emotions for the new Leicester coach who is widely regarded as one of United’s finest ever centre-forwards and facing his former club for the first time.

    Should United see off the Foxes, they will fancy themselves to go deep into a competition in which they have reached the final in the past two seasons.

    Last year’s Wembley success against Manchester City was one of the finest moments in the club’s recent history and Ruben Amorim will be desperate to repeat the feat this time around.

    However, Leicester also have recent history in the competition having lifted the famous old trophy in 2021 after beating Chelsea in the final, under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.

    Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.

    Man Utd rejected in huge transfer blow as ‘main’ target ‘closes door’ amid ‘most likely’ outcome reveal

      man-utd-rejected-in-huge-transfer-blow-as-‘main’-target-‘closes-door’-amid-‘most-likely’-outcome-reveal
      Man Utd rejected in huge transfer blow as ‘main’ target ‘closes door’ amid ‘most likely’ outcome reveal

      According to reports, Manchester United have been dealt a huge transfer blow as ‘main target’ Nuno Mendes has ‘closed the door’ on a potential move.

      Head coach Ruben Amorim has implemented his preferred 3-4-3 formation at Man Utd and they are expected to be busy in the transfer market this year as the 39-year-old builds his team.

      One of his priorities is to sign a new left wing-back. Amorim has been forced to use Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui out of position to fill in with United lacking options.

      Man Utd have been linked with several potential options but it’s been claimed that the Paris Saint-Germain defender is their ‘main target’.

      Earlier this month, a report claimed Mendes is ‘very keen’ on a reunion with Amorim after they previously worked together at Sporting Lisbon.

      READ: Curling toes at ’embarrassing’ Rio Ferdinand and rolling eyes at ‘unwatchable’ Man Utd – the football week on TV

      Despite this, a new report from L’Equipe claims Mendes has decided to turn down a move to Man Utd as he’s set to extend his PSG contract.

      His current deal is due to expire in 2026, but he’s ‘closed the door’ on a transfer as ‘he’s most likely to sign a new contract to extend his stay even further at the Parc des Princes’.

      The Red Devils are also looking to sign a new striker and 2024 top scorer in Europe – Viktor Gyokeres – is linked with a move to Man Utd as he’s known to be an admirer of Amorim.

      26-year-old Gyokeres has 32 goals and six assists in his 30 appearances this season and is attracting interest from several Premier League sides.

      Man Utd are unlikely to move for him this month, but a report from The Independent says they are ‘hopeful’ of landing him in the summer.

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      👉 Man Utd star slammed for ‘stupid act’ vs Southampton after avoiding ban despite ‘strong possibility’
      👉 Shearer urges Amorim to sign ‘top class’ player as Man Utd ‘have to improve’ in one aspect

      The report explains:

      ‘Manchester United are hopeful of holding off competition for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres to secure a deal in the summer. Arsenal are understood to have raised the striker in discussions over a badly-needed forward signing for January.

      ‘Gyokeres’ form for Sporting has seen him outstrip many other strikers as a target for Europe’s top clubs, with the situation potentially facilitated by a release clause under £100m.

      ‘United cannot afford that in this window without a series of sales, but Sporting would also prefer to keep the forward for a full season, having already lost their star manager Ruben Amorim to Old Trafford.

      ‘The clubs have a good relationship, which has fostered a belief that Gyokeres is likelier to move in the summer rather than now. While the Swedish international is naturally keen to take his career to the next level, he would love to work with Amorim again, given the Portuguese is credited with bringing out the best qualities in Gyokeres’ game.

      ‘There is also the lure of Old Trafford and United as a club, as they embark on a new era. Sources say there is hope from within all of this can stave off other interest, and ensure Gyokeres arrives at the end of the season.’

      European duo’s question marks over attitude of United star holding back January move – report

        european-duo’s-question-marks-over-attitude-of-united-star-holding-back-january-move-–-report
        European duo’s question marks over attitude of United star holding back January move – report

        Alejandro Garnacho’s Manchester United future is currently up in the air with INOES reportedly open to offers for the 20 year old.

        However, despite interest from clubs across Europe, Garnacho is still very much a United player underlined by his starting the last two games for Ruben Amorim.

        Napoli and Chelsea have been in contact over a potential move, with the Serie A side making a formal offer of £40 million, which was rebuffed by the United board.

        The Italians are hesitant to up their offer for the winger as they, along with Chelsea, harbour concerns over the winger’s temperament.

        As reported by The Telegraph, both clubs have “attempted to get reassurances” over Garnacho’s attitude as part of their homework on a player who has struggled for form this season.

        With United holding out for a fee north of £50 million for the academy product, any club that takes a punt on the Argentine will want him to hit the ground running.

        Garnacho’s professionalism has been called into question at times since his breakthrough to the first team at Old Trafford with Amorim dropping him for the Manchester Derby citing such issues.

        Club captain Bruno Fernandes has also challenged the youngster over the last couple of years who burst onto the scene under the guidance of former manager, Erik ten Hag.

        Despite his up’s and down’s, Garnacho has been a rare shining light for United in recent seasons, providing some fine moments since his debut in 2022.

        His outrageous bicycle kick goal against Everton last season recently won the coveted Puskas Award and will live long in the memory of United fans.

        There is no doubt the forward has potential and The Telegraph do stress United are in no rush to move the Argentine on, should his asking price not be met.

        Garnacho has shown signs of his capabilities in his back-to-back starts and will be desperate to get back to his best for the second half of the season.

        Amorim will be hoping for the same and the youngster is likely to be involved in tomorrow’s (Sunday) important Premier League fixture against Brighton with United looking to avenge the loss from earlier in the campaign and edge closer to the Seagulls in the table.

        Featured image by Gareth Copley via Getty Images

        Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

        Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.

        United’s transfer window thrown into turmoil as Amorim’s key target rejects club’s advances – report

          united’s-transfer-window-thrown-into-turmoil-as-amorim’s-key-target-rejects-club’s-advances-–-report
          United’s transfer window thrown into turmoil as Amorim’s key target rejects club’s advances – report

          Manchester United’s transfer planning could be set to face a significant blow with Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes reportedly set to sign a new deal at the Parc de Princes.

          The Red Devils are believed to have identified the 21-year-old, who previously played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, as a key target for the left wing-back position.

          Existing options in Amorim’s squad – Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia – are either incapable physically (Shaw) or technically incapable (Malacia) of meeting the demands their Portuguese head coach places on his wingbacks.

          Amorim’s 3-4-3 system is heavily dependent on the wingbacks to provide overlapping width as the two attacking midfielders in the front three are positioned more centrally.

          This means the wingbacks will be repeatedly fed the ball in the opposition half and expected to engage their opposing fullback, while providing support to the forward line. This requires the wingback to be technically strong with good dribbling and ball progression abilities.

          However, the wingbacks must also have the physical capability to perform high intensity recovery runs to be able to track back to cover the opposition winger when being attacked. This makes the position an extremely demanding one with few players possessing the skillset to perform both sides of the role to a high level.

          Mendes would be one of this select few.

          The Portuguese defender was introduced to life in first-team football under Amorim in this exact slot – the left wing-back role at Sporting. And his form in the demanding position was so good that it put Europe’s top clubs on alert, with PSG swooping to to sign the then 19-year-old for €40 million in 2022 ahead of their continental rivals.

          Mendes has since settled into life in the French capital well while he has firmly established himself in the national team, starting five of Portugal’s six games at EURO 2024.

          However, the 21-year-old’s contract with PSG expires in 2026, meaning his deal will be entering its final twelve months this summer.

          This opening had reportedly put United officials on red alert to a potential swoop for Mendes to reunite him with Amorim at Old Trafford as PSG could be tempted to cash in on a player rather than run the risk of losing him on a free next year, with reports suggesting the defender could be open to the move.

          It would have constituted a significant coup for the Red Devils had they been able to convince the defender to swap Paris for Manchester as he represents the perfect candidate to fill an acute weakness in the United squad with a great age and experience profile.

          However, it appears Mendes is set to sign a new deal with the Ligue 1 champions, which would swiftly bring an end to these aspirations.

          L’Equipe (as relayed by GFFN) reveals the 21-year-old has “closed the door to a potential departure” as he is now “most likely” to sign a new contract in Paris. The report contends PSG manager Luis Enrique has been “instrumental in convincing the 21-year-old to commit his future to Les Parisiens” with the Spaniard seeing the left-back as a key part of the team.

          What had felt like a very improbable transfer for Old Trafford officials to pull off, now appears an impossible one. Back to the drawing board.

          Featured image Julian Finney 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.

          Spanish club make Ten Hag favourite their “priority target” with United desperate for a January exit – report

            spanish-club-make-ten-hag-favourite-their-“priority-target”-with-united-desperate-for-a-january-exit-–-report
            Spanish club make Ten Hag favourite their “priority target” with United desperate for a January exit – report

            Real Betis have reportedly submitted an improved offer to sign Manchester United winger Antony after making the Brazilian their “priority target” in the winter window.

            Miguel Moran (Marca) reveals negotiations between the Spanish side and the Red Devils began “at the end of December” over a potential loan move for Antony in January.

            The 24-year-old winger has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford in 2022 following his £86 million move from Ajax, despite linking up in Manchester with his former manager Erik ten Hag.

            The Brazilian international lacks the physicality to impose himself on games in English football. And while he possesses good acceleration, his top end speed is not a stand out within the Premier League the way it was in the Eredivisie.

            Antony’s confidence has been sorely dented as a result of these struggles and he is entirely ineffective whenever he does feature in a Red shirt, despite some promising performances in his debut season. The 24-year-old has played under new head coach Ruben Amorim in both the right wing-back position and the right attacking midfielder slot without impressing in either.

            Antony’s work rate and tenacity off the ball had given some hope he may be able to repay the faith the club demonstrated in him with his exorbitant transfer fee under Amorim – a manager famed for his demands of pressing and tracking back – but this has, unsurprisingly, not materialised.

            United are open to Antony’s departure this month with acceptance amongst the club’s executive branch that a loan move is the only realistic option for a player on big wages and low confidence.

            During negotiations with Real Betis, Old Trafford officials made it clear the requirements any deal would have to meet to be accepted after the Spanish club’s initial offer was rejected.

            And Moran reveals these fresh negotiations have “come considerably closer in a second amount” with the Andalusian club “raising the amounts” involved in the deal. The report contends Real Betis are “speeding up their efforts” to sign Antony with other Liga clubs believed to be interested in the 24-year-old’s services.

            Betis’ offer is a straight loan until the end of the season with the Red Devils taking on a “large part of his outstanding salary”  – a reality United officials were acutely aware of entering into the January window.

            Antony has almost certainly no long-term future at Old Trafford with his skillset unwholly suited to the rigours of English football.

            Spain, with a slower pace and a greater focus on technique over physicality, would be a suitable environment for the Brazilian to try and regain some of the form which led the Reds to extract him from Amsterdam in the first place.

            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.

            Man Utd star facing ban after ‘stupid act’ vs Southampton with ‘strong possibility’ of severe punishment

              man-utd-star-facing-ban-after-‘stupid-act’-vs-southampton-with-‘strong-possibility’-of-severe-punishment
              Man Utd star facing ban after ‘stupid act’ vs Southampton with ‘strong possibility’ of severe punishment

              Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been criticised for his “stupid act” during his side’s comeback win against Southampton on Thursday night.

              The Netherlands international was United’s first summer signing before the 2024/25 campaign. He joined the Premier League giants for around £34m after they activated the release clause in his Bologna contract.

              After scoring in his Premier League debut, Zirkzee failed to kick on and was heavily criticised for his dire form as it looked increasingly likely that he would be axed following a brief spell at Old Trafford.

              Zirkzee’s poor performances fuelled reports linking him with a speedy return to Serie A amid interest from Juventus. His season hit a new low as he was grabbed off after half an hour in Man Utd’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United last month.

              It was suggested that this could have been the final nail in Zirkzee’s coffin at Man Utd, but the forward’s response to this setback has been admirable.

              READ: Manchester United scapegoat praised for ‘massive turnaround’ as they celebrate St Totteringham’s Day

              The 23-year-old showed immense character as he scored a penalty in United’s FA Cup win against Arsenal and shone off the bench against Southampton on Thursday.

              The Red Devils were 1-0 down when Zirkzee came on, but he gave the hosts a foothold in forward areas before Amad Diallo scored a quickfire hat-trick to turn the match on its head.

              There were wild scenes at Old Trafford after Man Utd went in front and Zirkzee risked finding himself in hot water over his celebration in front of the home supporters.

              Zirkzee grabbed his crotch while celebrating and former Premier League referee Keith Hackett claimed a “three-match ban” is a “strong possibility”.

              MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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              👉 Ratcliffe left unimpressed by Man Utd duo as ‘utterly hopeless’ star picked out as ‘boy among men’
              👉 Scholes hits out at ‘so poor’ Man Utd star who ‘kept giving it back to’ Southampton

              Hackett told Football Insider: “I expect the Football Association to charge the player for his rather stupid celebration act.

              “Doing this in front of the supporters will certainly result in a fine and a strong possibility of a minimum three-match ban.

              “The FA have to take into account that actions of this nature incite the fans and can easily create fans surging forward and potentially crushing injuries.

              “A young man who will not doubt receive some operational advice from his club and management.”

              Despite this, the FA have confirmed that he will not be punished. A statement read: ‘As guidance, we have issued Joshua Zirkzee with a reminder of his responsibilities, and he will face no further action.’

              Former United defender Paul Parker thinks Zirkzee is on track to redeem himself following his disappointing start.

              “He’s impressed when he’s come on as a sub against Southampton and the Arsenal game was his best performance. He showed some foresight and he had a little bit of drive about him. He got into areas, driving forward and lets be honest his impact was better than anything Hojlund did throughout his time on the pitch,” Parker said.

              “He took the penalty as well which might come off the back of the fans singing his name in the Liverpool game. I wasn’t fazed when he took the pen because of what he did in the game.

              “I don’t know if it’s a turning point because things change in football quickly but I wouldn’t be surprised if he started the next game. I don’t think anyone wants to see Hojlund start either. United have to look at someone to come in to play the number nine role.

              “United have winnable games in name at least coming up so it’s an opportunity to get a European spot. United must be in Europe every season.”

              Why victory against Brighton tomorrow will break a massive jinx on Amorim’s United

                why-victory-against-brighton-tomorrow-will-break-a-massive-jinx-on-amorim’s-united
                Why victory against Brighton tomorrow will break a massive jinx on Amorim’s United

                Manchester United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, looking for two Premier League wins on the bounce for the first time this season, after eventually overcoming Southampton on Thursday night.

                United have only played Brighton 34 times and have won 21 of them.

                They have drawn five and have been on the losing side eight times in total.

                Here are three storylines to whet the appetite.

                Danny Welbeck’s return

                The Old Trafford crowd always enjoys welcoming back one of their own and Danny Welbeck will once again return to where it all began.

                The Manchester native played 142 times for the Red Devils scoring 29 goals, including a Champions League strike at the Bernabeu in 2013.

                He has gone on to play for Arsenal, Watford and Brighton in his career.

                The 34 year old scored against United in the Seagulls’ 2-1 victory over his former side in August and has found the back of the net five times in the league against his old team.

                According to the BBC, “he has scored more goals against the Red Devils than any other former player in the Premier League.”

                Brighton are truly United’s bogey side

                The victory on Thursday was a relief as it was the club’s first victory at home since the 1st of December and another monkey on their back they would love to get rid of is their poor form against Brighton.

                The Red Devils did win the last match of the season 2-0 on the south coast last year but that was a rarity in recent history.

                Despite United’s historical dominance of this fixture, Brighton have had the upper hand as of late.

                “Brighton are vying to earn a third consecutive Premier League away win at Manchester United. The only club to have achieved that feat are Manchester City, on two separate occasions.”

                What’s more, “the Seagulls have won five of their past six Premier League matches versus the Red Devils, and seven of 15 overall. Their win rate of 47% is the highest by any side against United in the competition’s history.”

                United aiming for a better start

                Interestingly, United started their first two matches under Ruben Amorim in electric fashion scoring inside the first two minutes against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt.

                Nonetheless, one aspect that has characterised the club’s play this season is poor starts to games.

                “The Red Devils have trailed at half-time in six top-flight fixtures this term, second only to Leicester.”

                This is something that must be eradicated as regularly giving teams head starts, like they did on Thursday, is the very definition of shooting yourself in the foot.

                Therefore, Amorim will be keen for his side not to fall behind in this encounter against one of the hardest teams to beat in the league who have only lost four league matches all season.

                Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

                Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                Rashford snubbed in Man Utd transfer blow with Euro giants ‘agreement close’ for ‘immediate’ transfer

                  rashford-snubbed-in-man-utd-transfer-blow-with-euro-giants-‘agreement-close’-for-‘immediate’-transfer
                  Rashford snubbed in Man Utd transfer blow with Euro giants ‘agreement close’ for ‘immediate’ transfer

                  Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been dealt a blow as AC Milan are ‘close’ to signing Manchester City star Kyle Walker.

                  Rashford is looking to leave Man Utd this month but is short on options. His form and attitude have been heavily criticised over the past 18 months. 

                  The England international’s reputation has been severely dented recently and his huge salary is making it difficult for Man Utd to offload their academy product.

                  AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and FC Barcelona are among the clubs linked with Rashford and it remains to be seen whether he will get a move this month.

                  AC Milan had been mooted as his most likely next destination, but they have also been working on a move to sign experienced Man City defender Kyle Walker, who is also ready for a new challenge.

                  READ: Curling toes at ’embarrassing’ Rio Ferdinand and rolling eyes at ‘unwatchable’ Man Utd – the football week on TV

                  The Serie A giants would presumably like to sign both players this month, but Italian rules prohibit them from signing more than one non-EU player during this window.

                  This obstacle is set to make Rashford miss out on a move to AC Milan as German journalist Florian Plettenberg claims they are in “advanced” talks to sign Walker.

                  He said: “Advanced negotiations are underway between AC Milan and Kyle #Walker for a transfer in this window. A total verbal agreement is close to being finalised.

                  “Walker is eager to join #Milan immediately. Concrete discussions are ongoing regarding a contract lasting at least until 2027.”

                  MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
                  👉 Shearer urges Amorim to sign ‘top class’ player as Man Utd ‘have to improve’ in one aspect
                  👉 Man Utd player ‘temperament’ causes transfer ‘doubt’ as Napoli ‘make offer’ for €40m winger
                  👉 Man Utd: Marcus Rashford ‘close’ to transfer as he sends Barcelona arrival message

                  Former England international Emile Heskey has backed Rashford to leave Man Utd and has picked out a “good prospect” for the wantaway forward.

                  “I can’t see him staying at Manchester United for the rest of the season,” Heskey said.

                  “I think Marcus Rashford’s representatives have already been around Europe scoping out which club could be a potential suitor for him.

                  “Italy looks to be a good prospect for Rashford; I don’t see a reason why he can’t go abroad and do well. He’s proven in the past that he has the ability to be one of Europe’s elite forwards – the talent is there.

                  “I don’t think his relationship with the English press has helped persuade him to stay in the Premier League, and I don’t think United will want to let him go to another club in England.

                  “I have no doubts that a top club in Europe will happily take him off United’s hands. Some fans might claim his attitude could deter clubs from approaching him, but I don’t think that’s the case here. Mario Balotelli received plenty of offers from a selection of top European clubs and Rashford’s attitude is incomparable!”

                  “I idolised him”: Sir Alex Ferguson pays emotional and inspiring tribute to fallen legend – report

                    “i-idolised-him”:-sir-alex-ferguson-pays-emotional-and-inspiring-tribute-to-fallen-legend-–-report
                    “I idolised him”: Sir Alex Ferguson pays emotional and inspiring tribute to fallen legend – report

                    Manchester United have announced their plans to pay tribute to Denis Law after his recent death.

                    The sad news of the former United striker’s passing broke yesterday evening.

                    The former Scotland international was one of the greatest strikers of his generation and formed part of the “holy trinity” alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton.

                    In August 2021, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia and sadly lost his four year battle yesterday.

                    Sir Alex Ferguson paid an emotional tribute to the legend yesterday, saying:

                    “Denis was a fantastic character, one of the great characters you get in football who absolutely loved the game.

                    “He was a magnificent player. I have always said that he was my hero as a player and he has to be the best Scottish player of all time. I idolised him.

                    “When I first met him I was so excited. It was at a game in Paris, he had played in the first half and we went for a cup of tea afterwards.

                    “For me, he epitomised everything a Scotsman is about. He was daring and courageous, he had that bravado about him and he had style. He was a truly fantastic footballer.”

                    The Manchester Evening News report that “a minute’s silence will be held at Old Trafford on Sunday to honour Manchester United icon Denis Law” before their league match at the weekend.

                    “Ahead of the 2pm Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion, United players will wear black armbands in tribute.”

                    United’s youngsters already paid their respects with armbands in their 5-2 Youth Cup victory over Preston North End last night.

                    United fans will come out in full force to pay their respects on Sunday afternoon before a 2pm kick off versus Brighton at Old Trafford.

                    Featured image Keystone via Getty Images

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                    Latest Top Stories…

                    Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                    “Only a small gap”: United’s dream signing in tatters as he draws inches close to new deal – Ornstein

                      “only-a-small-gap”:-united’s-dream-signing-in-tatters-as-he-draws-inches-close-to-new-deal-–-ornstein
                      “Only a small gap”: United’s dream signing in tatters as he draws inches close to new deal – Ornstein

                      Manchester United target Alphonso Davies is close to a new deal with Bayern Munich, all but ending the Red Devils’ chances of signing him.

                      Ruben Amorim’s side are desperate for new signings and one of the most glaring weaknesses is the team’s lack of natural left wing-back.

                      Luke Shaw’s medical woes continue and Tyrell Malacia has only been given rare opportunities since his return from injury at the end of November.

                      It has meant that Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui have had to fill in and while they have given it their all, they are not natural left wing-backs.

                      United have been linked to players such as Nuno Mendes, Milos Kerkez and Miguel Gutierrez but one player they won’t be signing now is Alphonso Davies.

                      There have been numerous conflicting stories over the past few months, some suggesting the Canadian would be open to a move from Bavaria, with his agent wishing to meet other clubs including the Red Devils.

                      Meanwhile, others have stated that he has been keen to agree a new deal with the Germans and this now appears to be the case.

                      The Athletic’s super reliable reporter David Ornstein claims “Bayern Munich are close to an agreement with Alphonso Davies over new contract.”

                      “Only a small gap between Bayern and the 24 year old left-back’s expectations on a proposed four year deal.”

                      “Real Madrid and Premier League clubs are still waiting in the wings but a compromise is now likely to be struck.”

                      🚨 Bayern Munich close to agreement with Alphonso Davies over new contract. Only small gap between #FCBayern + 24yo left-back’s expectations on proposed 4yr deal. #RMFC & PL clubs still waiting in wings but compromise now likely to be struck @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/Fc2ICx5tRR

                      — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 17, 2025

                      Davies would have been a dream target for the club as his raw pace, strength and attacking prowess would have added numerous dimensions to United’s attacking play.

                      Nonetheless, there are still considerable quality options available in this key position and Ruben Amorim’s side must do everything they can to bring in an upgrade at least for the summer if not in January.

                      Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

                      Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

                      Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

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