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Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup winners combined XI: Ozil, Alexis, Rooney in as Rashford snubbed

    arsenal-v-man-utd-fa-cup-winners-combined-xi:-ozil,-alexis,-rooney-in-as-rashford-snubbed
    Arsenal v Man Utd FA Cup winners combined XI: Ozil, Alexis, Rooney in as Rashford snubbed

    In Louis van Gaal’s final match at Manchester United he won the FA Cup, which was Arsene Wenger’s last trophy at Arsenal. The two most successful clubs in the competition’s history face off in the third round on Sunday, so we have knocked up a cheeky combined XI.

    Instead of deciding between the current players, we have a different kind of combined XI consisting of the Gunners that beat Chelsea at Wembley in 2017 and the Red Devils squad victorious against Crystal Palace a year earlier.

    Players not in the matchday squads for those finals have not qualified for selection.

    GK: David de Gea (Manchester United)
    We have a nice and easy one to get this combined XI rolling. De Gea was arguably in his prime in 2016, saving a mediocre Man United team from slipping even further down the Premier League table year after year. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year every season from 2014/15 to 2017/18 and was in the Europa League Squad of the Season in 2015/16, when Louis van Gaal’s side won the FA Cup.

    He comfortably gets in this team ahead of David Ospina – who started in Arsenal’s triumphant final against Chelsea – and Petr Cech. The latter is arguably the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history but he was well past his best during his Gunners years. This is a no-brainer.

    RB: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
    Right-back isn’t quite so nailed on. Valencia and Hector Bellerin were at very different stages of their respective careers when these finals came around, with the former moving back after making a name for himself as an energetic winger, while the Arsenal youngster was regarded one of the most promising full-backs in the world and seemed destined for a return to his boyhood club Barcelona. That never came to fruition due to injuries as Bellerin became nothing more than a foul throw extraordinaire ahead of permanent exit.

    Valencia was older but had plenty left in the tank when the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace at Wembley and just edges out Bellerin here.

    CB: Chris Smalling (Manchester United)
    “Mike Smalling” was actually sent off in the 2016 final but we are giving him the benefit of the doubt and looking at the bigger picture, although we are about to do the opposite with his centre-back partner.

    Smalling was under-rated during his Man United career and went on to be very successful at AS Roma.

    CB: Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
    While Smalling was sent off, Mertesacker played an absolute blinder. Wenger’s decision to start him was a controversial one given the Big F**king German had been injured all season, playing his only 37 minutes of the season on the Premier League’s final day before starting and finishing the FA Cup final.

    There were understandably concerns over his sharpness and whether he would be able to adapt to the pace of the game from the start, but pace was never his thing, so that was a pointless argument looking back.

    We give the former Arsenal captain the nod ahead of Daley Blind and Rob Holding, who famously called Diego Costa a nutcase in Arsenal’s final. He wasn’t wrong.

    LB: Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
    Some might think Monreal v Marcus Rojo is close but not us. The physical Argentinian was average for United, while Monreal was one of the most consistent players in Wenger’s squad. He was hardly world-class but he rarely gave you a performance worse than a seven out of ten.

    CM: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
    The Player of the Match for United in their extra-time victory over Alan Pardew’s Palace, Rooney was utilised as a central midfielder under Van Gaal and enjoyed the role, with his incredible passing range and playmaking ability on show.

    Rooney’s evolution into a deep-lying midfielder came earlier than it ought to after he reached a world-class level as a teenager. Unfortunately, that resulted in him regressing a lot earlier than he would have liked. He was 30 when the Red Devils beat Palace, which is quite young to move into a pre-retirement playing role in this day and age.

    CM: Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
    There is some stern competition in the middle of the park but it was hard to overlook POTM Rooney and match-winner Ramsey. Ander Herrera, who started on the bench, Granit Xhaka, and most controversially, Michael Carrick miss out at the expense of the Welsh and English legends.

    Ramsey scored a diving header to win Arsenal the cup, three years on from his famous extra-time winner against Hull City, which ended Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought.

    Carrick does deserve a mention because he played the full 120 minutes at the age of 34. He was a fantastic servant for United and someone Van Gaal leaned on.

    RW: Juan Mata (Manchester United)
    Choosing Mata over Theo Walcott was difficult as an Arsenal fan but it is the right call. Chelsea had Mata at his absolute best before Jose Mourinho decided he wanted rid, which came as a huge shock. He never reached that level again but was still a successful United signing.

    MORE ON MAN UTD FROM F365
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    👉 Manchester United induce sleep again despite Sky’s ’embarrassing exaggeration’ – the football week on TV

    AM: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
    Jesse Lingard won the match for United off the bench but he was no Mesut Ozil, was he? The German divided opinions during his time in England but there was no doubting his technical ability and football IQ. Ja Gunners Ja.

    LW: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
    Alexis is a shoo-in. Seriously, what a player. If Arsenal could have any player from the past decade for their current team, it would have to be him. He would be absolutely perfect.

    The Chilean gets in ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – who played left-wing-back – and Anthony Martial.

    ST: Oliver Giroud (Arsenal)
    Marcus Rashford started up top in the 2016 FA Cup final in his breakthrough season under Van Gaal. He had scored a brace against Arsenal on his Premier League debut months before and was one of the highest-rated youngsters to come through the club’s famous academy. He’s had his moments in a United shirt, but his time at Old Trafford looks like it will end acrimoniously in the January transfer window, and might just end up at Arsenal.

    We have gone with Giroud ahead of him, Walcott and Martial. The Frenchman assisted Ramsey’s winner after coming off the bench.

    👉 MORE: 16 conclusions: Palace 1-2 Man United | Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea: 16 FA Cup final conclusions

    Amorim sets big challenge for United star amidst suggestions of contract stalemate with the club

      amorim-sets-big-challenge-for-united-star-amidst-suggestions-of-contract-stalemate-with-the-club
      Amorim sets big challenge for United star amidst suggestions of contract stalemate with the club

      Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has challenged Kobbie Mainoo to kick up a few extra gears, insisting that the midfielder is still not the finished article despite how good he is.

      Amorim also admitted that it’s a “hard moment” for United, amidst suggestions that Mainoo is currently in a contract stalemate with the club.

      Earlier this week, it emerged that Chelsea are eyeing a swoop for Mainoo if he were to part ways with the Red Devils. It was subsequently reported that the England international wants significantly more wages than United are prepared to fork out.

      Amidst United’s desperate need to comply with PSR rules, there have been murmurs that the club would consider offers for almost every player in the squad, including Mainoo.

      However, Amorim has insisted that he wants to continue working with Mainoo, urging the youngster to continue working towards improving his craft.

      Amorim told reporters ahead of United’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal on Sunday, “At the minute, it’s a hard moment at the club, but of course I’m happy with Kobbie.”

      “I think you can feel that he is the finished product, but he’s not yet. He has so much potential to grow even more, but he is really good and can be so much better.”

      “I think he is improving, all of the players are improving, and all of the players are important to me.”

      Amorim also heaped praise on Manuel Ugarte, indicating that the Uruguayan has added other aspects to his game from the time they worked together at Sporting Lisbon.

      “I think he has become better with the ball since then, and in playing between the lines. He’s continued to be an aggressive player, but I think he has improved in many ways.”

      “He is from Uruguay, which can help, but he is a good example. It is a really important position in the team, so it was easier to pass the [tactical] message to Ugarte, but I think others are also improving.”

      “A lot of players are giving their best. I think Kobbie has also improved a lot during these last few matches.”

      Amorim emphasised that he wants consistency from his players after noticing a drop-off when they’re facing perceived lesser opponents.

      “I saw it when the referee finished the game (at Anfield), some of the players were really tired and went down on the pitch and you don’t see it in all the games.”

      “We have to focus on these details. But we need to suffer, we need to run. It’s to prove every day and in every game that you can win it, not just in the final, on a good pitch with a full stadium.”

      “It’s to win it when the storm is there. Against City and Tottenham (in the Carabao Cup where they lost 4-3), we did very good jobs in that week and then (against Bournemouth), you have to focus again and be really competitive and you feel the team dropped the levels of playing.”

      “We need to improve on that, not in the big games because I’m not worried about that but to be consistent every day, that is my biggest concern.”

      The Portuguese coach admitted that he hopes to win silverware in his first few months in the Old Trafford dugout.

      “The feeling of winning, that feeling gives you so much confidence. If you win one thing you will believe you can win more. That feeling is addictive; you feel it and it’s really easy to follow that to try to win it again. I think it is important for the confidence of the players.”

      Arsenal vs. United kicks off at 15:00 GMT.

      Featured image Nathan Stirk 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!

      Video: Man United Women crush West Brom 7-0 in perfect start to cup defence

        video:-man-united-women-crush-west-brom-7-0-in-perfect-start-to-cup-defence
        Video: Man United Women crush West Brom 7-0 in perfect start to cup defence

        Manchester United Women began their FA Cup defence in style as they swept aside West Bromwich Albion 7-0 to book their place in the fifth round.

        The Red Devils were heavy favourites entering the game against their third division opponents and didn’t take long to threaten as Jayde Riviere looped a corner towards the far post which was headed against the crossbar by Dominique Janssen after 16 minutes.

        The breakthrough came after 23 minutes when Geyse put in a teasing cross from the right hand side and Melvine Malard did the rest as she produced an unorthodox but effective finish with her knee to give the holders an early advantage.

        The Frenchwoman almost had her second just three minutes later but misdirected a header wide of the goal.

        United huffed and puffed for the rest of the half but were met with brave resilience from their lower league opponents and entered the break at only 1-0 ahead at the Leigh Sports Village.

        The second half started much like the first, with United in control but not really threatening the Baggies’ goal as both Hinata Miyazawa and Dominique Janssen tried their luck from range but to no avail.

        United continued to dominate but could not find a second goal. One of the biggest cheers of the night arrived in the 66th minute when Ella Toone came on as a substitute, marking her first appearance for the team since she was injured in early November.

        Marc Skinner’s side eventually got their second after 77 minutes when Rachel Williams headed home from an Anna Sandberg free kick.

        Just a minute later, United killed the game off when Williams added her second of the game. The 37 year old powered in another header from Sandberg’s impressive cross once again.

        The floodgates were very much open now and on 83 minutes the home crowd were ecstatic when Toone scored her first goal of the season.

        In classic Toone fashion it was a wonderful strike from range that crashed off the underside of the bar giving the West Brom keeper absolutely zero chance.

        On 89 minutes, the hosts had their fifth as Celin Bizet showed pace and keen anticipation to take advantage of a mix-up at the back for the visitors and fire into an empty net.

        West Brom’s late pain would only continue as the officials decided to add seven minutes of extra time and in the 91st minute of action, Aoife Mannion whipped in a cross from the byline that was once again met by Rachel Williams, who powered home and completed a rapid and rare hat-trick of headed goals.

        United compounded the Baggies’ misery in the 95th minute. They added their seventh when Bizet fired in her second strike of the match from close range.

        Skinner’s side had to work hard for most of the match but got their rewards late on as they made their way safely into the fifth round of the cup.

        They will next be in action when they face Manchester City in eight days’ time. The Red Devils will also discover their next FA Cup opponents when the draw is completed on Monday.

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        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.

        Al Nassr club chief responds to reports of Casemiro January transfer in no uncertain terms

          al-nassr-club-chief-responds-to-reports-of-casemiro-january-transfer-in-no-uncertain-terms
          Al Nassr club chief responds to reports of Casemiro January transfer in no uncertain terms

          Al Nassr’s media advisor, Saaed Abu Dahesh, has publicly refuted speculation that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is poised to join the Saudi Pro League outfit.

          Casemiro has been heavily linked to a switch to Al Nassr, with his time at United looking increasingly over.

          The Brazilian was against an exit last summer despite heavy interest from the Gulf state but it’s understood he’s now more receptive to a transfer.

          A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Al Nassr have offered Casemiro a lucrative contract worth around £650,000 a week.

          It’s also been claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo has appealed to Al Nassr’s executives to complete a deal that would reunite him with Casemiro.

          The two players won 12 trophies together at Real Madrid, including four Champions Leagues and two La Liga trophies, while they also reunited at United under Erik ten Hag. They pair enjoy a close personal relationship.

          A report from Casemiro’s native Brazil claimed that the 32-year-old’s sale to Al Nassr was “practically closed”, insisting his Old Trafford exit is almost certainly guaranteed.

          However, Al Nassr media advisor Saeed Abu Dahesh has strongly refuted these claims.

          Abu Dahesh wrote on X, “All the news circulating about Al-Nassr’s negotiations with the player Casemiro is incorrect.”

          “The coming period will be full of names of players (foreign or local) who will be linked to Al-Nasr, as we are used to.”

          “You will find the official news through Al-Nasr’s official account, but other than that, it is just news and efforts that we will not be able to be busy denying daily.”

          “The team has important matches coming up, and your stars need your support.”

          كل ما يتردد من أخبار حول مفاوضات النصر مع اللاعب كاسيميرو ، غير صحيحة .
          الفترة القادمة ستكون مليئة بأسماء لاعبين (أجانب أو محليين) يتم ربطهم بالنصر كما تعودنا، الأخبار الرسمية ستجدونها عبر حساب النصر الرسمي، أما غير ذلك فهي مجرد أخبار واجتهادات لن نستطيع الانشغال بنفيها يوميًا.…

          — سعيد أبوداهش (@saeedabudahish) January 11, 2025

          Meanwhile, Casemiro and his United teammates are back in action on Sunday when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates in the third round of the FA Cup. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT.

          Featured Image Carl Recine 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!

          Man Utd: Milan ‘won’t need to convince’ Rashford as Amorim outcast ‘wants to come’ in January

            man-utd:-milan-‘won’t-need-to-convince’-rashford-as-amorim-outcast-‘wants-to-come’-in-january
            Man Utd: Milan ‘won’t need to convince’ Rashford as Amorim outcast ‘wants to come’ in January

            Zlatan Ibrahimovic does not need to “convince” Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford to join “one of the biggest clubs in the world” in AC Milan.

            Rashford is expected to leave the Red Devils this month and is attracting interest from a host of European giants.

            A loan departure is the most likely outcome after Man Utd reportedly want £50million for their academy graduate.

            He has not featured under Ruben Amorim since December 12 against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, when he probably played his final match for his boyhood club.

            New head coach Amorim has not been impressed by Rashford’s conduct off the pitch and performances on it, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe more than happy to shift the player’s whopping £325,000-a-week salary.

            Milan are among the clubs interested in signing the 27-year-old in the January transfer window, though Barcelona, Juventus, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, AS Monaco and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also keen.

            Rashford has reportedly already turned down a move to the Middle East as he targets a return to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, who officially took over as Gareth Southgate’s replacement on New Year’s Day.

            MORE ON MAN UTD FROM F365
            👉 Man Utd keep or sell: Amorim rebuild begins with 11 sales including Rashford and Garnacho
            👉 Rashford transfer: Man Utd offered ‘realistic package’ as ‘escape’ nears after Barcelona ‘meeting’
            👉 Mainoo transfer ‘surprising’ for Chelsea, Man Utd as he ‘wouldn’t get into team’ ahead of ‘top player’

            Some reports have claimed that Rashford’s representatives have been in Italy to discuss terms with Milan, but the club’s sporting advisor Ibrahimovic has denied this is the case.

            The former Man Utd striker has hinted that talks could commence with his old team-mate, however.

            “I know Rashford very well, I played with him when he was young, now he’s a grown-up and has done great things with Manchester United,” Ibrahimovic said.

            “I don’t think I need to convince him, because Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world and everyone wants to come here.

            “As of today, it is not an easy operation, but we have not spoken to him yet. We’ll see if we will speak to him.”

            Man Utd face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday and the chances of Rashford being involved appear very slim.

            A report from Manchester Evening News says Amorim is expected to field a strong team at the Emirates in a bid to earn a first win in five matches, but Rashford does not look like he will be involved.

            It has not been confirmed but the England attacker ‘was not among the Manchester United players pictured leaving for the weekend FA Cup tie with Arsenal’.

            The report claims Altay Bayindir will replace Andre Onana in goal, while young midfielder Toby Collyer has travelled.

            Rashford’s first matchday squad omission came for the Manchester derby on December 15. He did return for a Premier League match against Newcastle United 15 days later but was an unused substitute.

            His absence from last Sunday’s squad to face Liverpool at Anfield came down to illness, Amorim claimed.

            Arsenal are actually one of the teams Rashford has been linked with. While Mikel Arteta could do with more firepower up front, that transfer feels extremely unlikely.

            MORE: Marcus Rashford archives | Manchester United news | Arsenal news

            Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives hugely positive update on Milan’s pursuit of Marcus Rashford

              zlatan-ibrahimovic-gives-hugely-positive-update-on-milan’s-pursuit-of-marcus-rashford
              Zlatan Ibrahimovic gives hugely positive update on Milan’s pursuit of Marcus Rashford

              AC Milan chief and former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has finally addressed the Italian club’s ongoing pursuit of Marcus Rashford.

              Rashford has openly discussed his desire for a “new challenge” having spent his playing career at United and his wish appears increasingly likely to be granted before the end of the winter window.

              United are open to offers for him although at this point, an initial loan deal seems like the most likely outcome.

              Unsurprisingly, Rashford has an extensive list of suitors, with the likes of Barcelona, Napoli, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Borussia Dortmund all mentioned to be keen on landing his signature.

              However, at the moment, Milan’s interest appears to be the most advanced.

              Earlier this week, Rashford’s brother and agent jetted to Italy to hold exploratory talks with Milan executives about a potential transfer.

              It’s understood that Rashford is excited about the prospect of lining up for the Rosonneri.

              A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Milan are in pole position for the Carrington academy graduate as his Old Trafford exit nears.

              Now, Ibrahimovic – who currently serves as an advisor to Milan – has had his say on the situation.

              The former Sweden international spoke to Sky [via SempreMilan] and was asked whether Rashford’s switch is confirmed. Ibrahimovic was also quizzed on whether he has spoken to the United n.o 10.

              He replied, “I know Rashford very well, I played with him when he was young. Now he is a man, he is confirmed as a great footballer.”

              “He is a Manchester player, I don’t know if it takes much to convince him, everyone wants to play for Milan.”

              “It is a difficult operation, we haven’t spoken to him yet. Let’s see if we can speak to each other.”

              Rashford was not spotted with the United squad as they were travelling to London on Saturday afternoon ahead of their FA Cup meeting with Arsenal tomorrow.

              Feature image Octavio Passos 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!

              United star missing from travelling party to face Arsenal amid speculation over his future – report

                united-star-missing-from-travelling-party-to-face-arsenal-amid-speculation-over-his-future-–-report
                United star missing from travelling party to face Arsenal amid speculation over his future – report

                Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford was not spotted with the rest of the team as they travelled to the capital ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Arsenal.

                United are set to face Arsenal at the Emirates for the second time in a month, following their 2-0 Premier League defeat at the start of December.

                Ruben Amorim’s side put up a decent performance for large parts of the match but were undone by Arsenal’s set-pieces, with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both converting from corner kicks.

                The Red Devils will be going into the match full of confidence after last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield. United have also had another full week at Carrington.

                The United players were pictured at Stockport station on Saturday afternoon and according to Manchester Evening News, Rashford was not present, suggesting he may not be in the matchday squad.

                This comes amidst ongoing speculation over Rashford’s future at Old Trafford.

                The England international continues to be strongly linked to an exit in the coming weeks following his admission that he is ready for a new challenge.

                Some of the clubs thought to be pursuing a move for him include Barcelona, AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Como, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur.

                United travel to Arsenal with a strong squad and in his press conference on Friday, Amorim hinted that he will not tinker too much with his starting XI, in an effort to mount a winning run.

                However, the Portuguese coach confirmed that Altay Bayindir is set to start in goal in place of Andre Onana.

                Confirmed United squad members: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo.

                United remain without injured quartet Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Johnny Evans and Victor Lindelof.

                Featured image Carl Recine 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!

                “Getting closer”: Rashford tug-of-war nearly over with star set for Serie A – report

                  “getting-closer”:-rashford-tug-of-war-nearly-over-with-star-set-for-serie-a-–-report
                  “Getting closer”: Rashford tug-of-war nearly over with star set for Serie A – report

                  Marcus Rashford is primed for a January departure from Manchester United and despite recent conversations with Barcelona, AC Milan are closest to cracking a deal, according to reports.

                  The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, and looks set to head out on loan for the rest of the season.

                  A host of top European clubs have been linked with his signature, but La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that he is “getting closer to Milan”.

                  The Italian newspaper notes that Rashford has “already expressed to the Rossoneri his approval of a transfer to Serie A”, and claims that he prefers this league to the German Bundesliga.

                  This claim is presumably made to play down links with Borussia Dortmund, who are said to have joined the flock of admirers of the English forward.

                  The report continues that any deal for the player would likely be a simple loan without any option or obligation to buy at the end of the season.

                  This means that wages become the main sticking point, and Rashford’s salary is notoriously gigantic.

                  Gazzetta are clear that United would have to continue to pay part of his wages to make any deal possible, as his reported £15m salary is “absolutely out of reach not only of Milan, but also of all the Italian clubs.”

                  This, the report states, is why the Red Devils are “eager to broaden the range of teams interested in their player”, and this broadened range is perhaps why Barcelona have entered the frame.

                  Nevertheless, the La Liga giants are mired in financial difficulties of their own while Milan have “more room for manoeuvre, having their accounts in order.”

                  Not only this, but Gazzetta believe that the “charm of a fashionable city like Milan” would appeal to Rashford, and that England teammate Fikayo Tomori has given him “good references”.

                  And to complete the pretty picture, they explain that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will “vouch for him” given his “sometimes over-the-top behaviour”.

                  The Swedish legend knows Rashford well from his time at Old Trafford, where he scored 29 goals in 53 games.

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

                  United in “advanced talks” to sign elite forward and send struggling 23-yo the other way

                    united-in-“advanced-talks”-to-sign-elite-forward-and-send-struggling-23-yo-the-other-way
                    United in “advanced talks” to sign elite forward and send struggling 23-yo the other way

                    Manchester United and Juventus are in talks over a deal that would see Joshua Zirkzee and Dusan Vlahovic swap clubs, as per Fichajes.

                    United’s poor showing going forward has led to the Red Devils being linked with a number of seasoned strikers, including Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.

                    However, Ineos faces the daunting task of strengthening Amorim’s squad and at the same time ensuring United comply with financial fair play or profit and sustainability rules.

                    Following another summer of heavy spending, which saw the Mancunians sign the likes of Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, the club must sell players before bringing in new stars.

                    Amid this headache, a report in Spain has suggested that Juve may help United find their ideal attacker without any significant outlay.

                    Manchester United want to swap Joshua Zirkzee with Dusan Vlahovic

                    According to Fichajes, United and Juventus could be “the protagonists of one of the most eye-catching moves of the winter transfer market” as both sides are in “advanced talks to close an operation” that would see Zirkzee return to Turin and Vlahovic move to Manchester.

                    United admire the Serbian striker’s profile, including his physicality and movement in and around the penalty area. He is considered “an immediate solution” to improve Amorim’s attack.

                    Vlahovic, who has proved his goalscoring quality at both Fiorentina and Juventus, has 12 goals to his name across all competitions this season. However, his long-term future at the club remains uncertain as his contract is due to expire in the summer of 2026.

                    The Old Lady, meanwhile, have high hopes for Zirkzee’s potential and supposedly see him as a good fit for their long-term project.

                    The 23-year-old Dutchman has found it hard to show his talents in England, managing just four goals in all competitions. However, he made plenty of headlines with his link up play and technical ability under Thiago Motta at Bologna. Motta is now the head coach at Juventus.

                    The Spanish outlet add that negotiations between both clubs appear to be “well underway” and there is a willingness to complete the swap deal. It is believed an agreement “could be finalised in the coming weeks.”

                    The idea of getting one of the best strikers in Europe in exchange for a struggling youngster is certainly appealing, as far as United fans are concerned. Still, considering Fichajes’ reputation, it is best to take the claim with a pinch of salt!

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                    Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

                    Official: promising England international becomes United women’s first signing of the January window

                      official:-promising-england-international-becomes-united-women’s-first-signing-of-the-january-window
                      Official: promising England international becomes United women’s first signing of the January window

                      Manchester United Women’s team have beaten Ruben Amorim’s men’s side to the punch with regards to incomings in the January transfer market.

                      Having started the season in strong fashion, Marc Skinner is looking to add to his ranks and push on for a successful second half of the campaign.

                      As confirmed by the club’s official website, United have made a start by signing promising young goalkeeper, Kayla Rendell, from Southampton.

                      The 23-year-old has agreed a deal until the summer of 2027 with the club holding an option of a 12-month extension.

                      Rendell chalked up an impressive 134 appearances for the Saints where she made her name after progressing through the ranks as a teenager.

                      She has since been called up to the England senior squad after representing her country at every age group from Under-17s to Under-23s.

                      Rendell expressed her delight at the move and is desperate to continue her growth under Skinner at United.

                      “It’s a dream to be signing for Manchester United and I can’t wait to join the group and get started. I’m ready to take the next step in my career and play my part in pushing for success at United,” she said.

                      The stopper also had words of gratitude for her former club who nurtured her from an early age and gave Rendell the chance to achieve her dream.

                      “I want to thank Southampton for all the support and opportunities they have given me since joining as a nine-year-old girl. I will always cherish so many fantastic memories of my time there,” she added.

                      Since losing England number 1 Mary Earps in the summer, Phallon Tullis-Joyce has impressed between the sticks for United with Skinner’s team conceding a league-low three goals in their first ten games.

                      Rendell will no doubt be vying for the number one jersey in time but is likely to provide back-up to Tullis-Joyce for now, given her outstanding form.

                      United Women are currently sat fourth in the Super League table but only a point off Manchester City in second with champions Chelsea the favourites for the title owing to their six-point advantage at the top.

                      Skinner’s side are in action this afternoon as they begin their defence of the FA Cup at home to West Bromwich Albion.

                      Feature image Barrington Coombs via Getty Images

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                      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.

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