United midfielder finally poised to make first appearance under Amorim after lengthy lay-off

December 11, 2024

Manchester United academy graduate Toby Collyer is in line to make his first appearance under new head coach Ruben Amorim after the midfielder was included in the club’s travelling squad to face Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday.

United will make their way to Doosan Arena on Thursday to take on the Czech First League outfit. Ahead of the fixture, the club have confirmed their 24-man travelling party.

Collyer, who last played for the Red Devils during the 7-0 demolition of Barnsley in the League Cup in September, has been sidelined for several weeks with a knock.

He was part of the group that trained at Carrington on Wednesday.

In fact, apart from Luke Shaw, every other player was part of the training session. Ruben Amorim therefore has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from.

The other star who will not be available to Amorim for selection is veteran defender Jonny Evans. Despite training with his teammates, Evans has not been included in the travelling contingent.

Evans last lined up for United during Amorim’s opening game in charge against Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town. He sustained an injury, which has kept him out of action since.

Although their league form has declined with back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, United are performing well in the Europa League after a rocky start.

The 20-time English champions kickstarted their Europa League campaign with three consecutive draws against FC Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce.

However, victories over PAOK and Bodo/Glimt have put them back in contention for automatic qualification to the next round.

United’s full travelling squad

Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Matthijs De Ligt, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte.

Forwards: Amad, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee.

Viktoria Plzen vs. United kicks off at 17:45 GMT.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

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!

Amorim denies claim about his Man United team as he makes huge transfer admission

December 11, 2024

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has denied any suggestions whatsoever that he has made up his mind about some of the players in his ranks.

Amorim also admitted that United will look to strengthen the squad by dipping into the market when the winter transfer window opens.

The Red Devils continue to be linked with a number of players, with about three weeks left until the new year.

Amorim has utilised 20 different players in his first five matches in charge, making full use of all 25 available substitutions.

It’s abundantly clear he is still trying to figure out his best starting XI, with the Portuguese coach himself previously admitting that every match is an experiment to determine what works or what doesn’t.

Ahead of United’s Europa League clash against Czech First League outfit Viktoria Plzeň at Doosan Arena, Amorim spoke to reporters and was asked if he has drawn conclusions on some of the players.

He denied this claim.

Amorim replied, “I really don’t know, there’s a lot at stake in this moment, we have a lot to do. A lot of games, we don’t have time to train, the players have contracts, we have to see.”

“It’s a new idea, a new coach. Sometimes I have one idea in the first week, second week I have a different idea and then we have to see what happens so everything is so close.”

“All the games during the opening of the window of January, I really don’t know.”

He added, “I’m just focused on improving the team, I cannot think further than the next game.”

“Like any other team, when the window is open we can do something but our focus is to win games, we have to have this feeling of winning and we have to start tomorrow.”

Viktoria Plzeň vs. United kicks off on Thursday at 17:45 GMT.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

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: Romano reveals ‘active talks’ for first Amorim signing as INEOS repeat ‘future talent’ transfer

December 11, 2024

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are in “active talks” to land a “talent for the future” as Ruben Amorim’s first signing.

Last month, Amorim took over at Man Utd after being appointed to replace former head coach Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The 39-year-old has endured a difficult as Man Utd have suffered back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. These results leave them 13th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Amorim would presumably prefer to start his overhaul of Man Utd during the winter transfer window, but a report has claimed he has a ‘tight budget’ to work with in January.

This means Man Utd are unlikely to secure any big-money signings in January, but a report from Romano says they are in “active talks with Cerro Porteno for 17-year-old left-back Diego Leon”.

READ: Man United secure not one but two spots in the rundown of top 10 2024 sh*tshows

He tweeted: “Manchester United are in active talks with Cerro Porteno for 17-year-old left-back Diego León as talent for the future.

“Similar to Sekou Koné deal last summer, Man Utd keep looking at talents from abroad and $4m deal is being discussed also with León’s agents.”

Leon has broken into Cerro Porteno’s first team this season and has featured prominently for the Paraguayan Primera Division outfit. He has two goals in his 19 appearances for his boyhood club this season.

The teenager is not an immediate answer for Man Utd, but at least he’s a left-back and they certainly need one of those.

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd staff ‘disgruntled’ after new ‘brutal’ Ratcliffe ‘cut’ with situation ‘worse’ than under Glazers
👉 Man Utd have ‘already chosen’ replacement for Amorim starter as Euro giants face ‘major dilemma’
👉 Two transfer ‘options’ for Man Utd star who is ‘fighting to save’ his Old Trafford career

The Red Devils are reportedly also considering players closer to home as they and Chelsea are ‘keen on’ Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling.

The teenager has been a bright spark for the Saints this season and the two Premier League clubs are ‘battling’ to sign him.

‘The 18-year-old has established himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the country in recent times, and it looks like Southampton are going to face a battle to keep hold of him.

‘Sources with a close understanding of Dibling’s situation have informed CaughtOffside that scouts from Man Utd, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham have been monitoring Dibling’s displays this season.

‘The England Under-21 international really caught the eye in Southampton’s recent game against Liverpool, and it seems this has led to growing interest in a potential transfer deal.

‘However, sources have told CaughtOffside that Southampton are adamant they don’t want to sell Dibling, even though they’re currently struggling in the Premier League.

‘For now, it seems the Saints will fight to keep hold of Dibling, with the club setting an asking price of at least €25m for the midfielder.’

United will have to spend €50m to sign ex-Real Madrid star, could be perfect fit for Amorim – report

December 11, 2024

united-will-have-to-spend-e50m-to-sign-ex-real-madrid-star,-could-be-perfect-fit-for-amorim-–-report

Manchester United would have to pay around €50 million to sign Theo Hernandez from AC Milan, as per reports.

After struggling to find his feet at Real Madrid, Hernandez left the Spanish capital for Milan, joining the Serie A giants on a permanent basis in 2019.

At San Siro, the French left-back steadily established himself as a key part of Milan’s squad, making a difference on both ends of the pitch.

Now he is regarded as one of the best attacking full-backs in Europe, having managed 31 goals and 41 assists in 230 appearances for the Rossoneri.

However, Milan are fighting a difficult battle to keep their star player at the club beyond the summer of 2026, with both parties struggling to come to a consensus over the terms of a new deal.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are looking to take advantage of the situation by making a move for the France international.

Now, Fichajes are claiming that Milan have set a minimum price tag of €50m to sell their prized asset.

The Spanish outlet adds that the development has sparked interest from United as well as his former club, Real. It is understood that the two European powerhouses could compete for the 27-year-old’s signature.

United are in the market for a new left-back and have interestingly made significant progress in their bid to sign Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno.

However, Leon is only 17 years old and even if United manage to secure his services next summer, he is unlikely to cement his place in Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup from the get-go.

Accordingly, the Mancunians’ interest in Hernandez makes sense. His tendency to consistently attack the opposition penalty area makes him an ideal fit for the left-sided wing-back role under Amorim.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos also appear determined to sign a new full-back and have been linked with United star Diogo Dalot.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Vishal Singh

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

Man United chief “has stepped into” Ashworth’s role ahead of January transfer window – report

December 11, 2024

Jason Wilcox has reportedly taken over the duties and responsibilities formerly handled by Dan Ashworth after the club decided to part ways with their sporting director.

Last weekend, a bombshell report by The Athletic disclosed that Ashworth departed from United after a meeting held in the aftermath of their 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

It’s understood that United initiated the separation, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe playing a crucial role.

A subsequent report detailed the reasons for Ashworth’s abrupt exit, including strained relations with other executives and his indecisiveness when it came to sacking Erik ten Hag.

It was also stated that Ashworth was in favour of appointing a manager with Premier League experience, making him reluctant to approve the hiring of Ruben Amorim.

The Sun noted that United will not seek a replacement for Ashworth, with the club electing to scrap the sporting director position.

Now, The Daily Mail point out, “Jason Wilcox has stepped into Dan Ashworth’s role at Manchester United going into the January transfer window.”

“An email sent to staff on Wednesday made it clear that Wilcox, who has been United’s technical director since April, will fill Ashworth’s shoes for the time being and is the point of contact for the scouting department on any recruitment matters.”

“The club’s interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is also expected to take a more prominent role after Ashworth was axed by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe just five months into the job.”

It’s understood that Wilcox has wasted no time in stepping up.

The former Southampton chief has led transfer talks with Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno over the signing of highly-rated youngster Diego Leon.

It’s believed that United are very close to sealing a deal for the 17-year-old, who is also on the radar of Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Red Devils are back in action on Thursday when they face Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti

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: Only three stars safe from Amorim axe with ‘fan favourite’ among ‘virtually every player’ for sale

December 11, 2024

According to reports, Manchester United chiefs are ‘open to selling virtually every player’ as only three of their stars are safe from being axed.

Man Utd were brimming with optimism heading into this campaign following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover and FA Cup final win against arch-rivals Manchester City.

However, the bad vibes have quickly returned to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag was sacked following a poor start to the season and Ratcliffe has left staff ‘disgruntled’ after sanctioning another ‘brutal cost-cutting’ measure.

Last month, Ruben Amorim took over at Old Trafford after being appointed to replace Ten Hag as head coach.

The 39-year-old got off to a decent start as his side earned a draw at Ipswich before they beat Bodo-Glimt and Everton, though they have suffered back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. These results leave them 13th in the Premier League and eight points adrift of the Champions League places.

READ: Man United secure not one but two spots in the rundown of top 10 2024 sh*tshows

Under Ten Hag, they failed in the transfer market and there are major question marks surrounding their recruitment team following Sunday’s shock exit of Dan Ashworth.

There is likely to be a major overhaul at Man Utd in the coming months and a report from talkSPORT claims they are only ‘keen to keep young stars Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho’.

Barring these three players, the Red Devils are said to be ‘open to offers for virtually every other player to help stay on the right side of PSR rules’.

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd: Romano reveals ‘active talks’ for Amorim signing with INEOS repeating ‘future talent’ transfer
👉 Man Utd have ‘already chosen’ replacement for Amorim starter as Euro giants face ‘major dilemma’
👉 Man Utd ‘nepo baby’ is ‘going around acting the big shot’ and Brailsford’s ‘bag man’

Argentina international Lisandro Martinez is one recent signing who has worked, but ‘United could be tempted to cash-in on defender Lisandro Martinez if Real Madrid steps up their interest in the World Cup winner’.

‘Martinez is one of a number of Premier League stars being tracked by the Spanish giants, along with top summer target and Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

‘While Martinez is seen as a fan favourite in the eyes of many United followers and viewed as one of the few success stories from recent transfer windows, talkSPORT understands the Argentine is not considered off limits for any potential buyer.

‘The Red Devils are keen to keep young stars Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho, but are open to offers for virtually every other player to help stay on the right side of PSR rules.

‘This includes England forward Marcus Rashford, who has previously been linked with PSG. While it’s unlikely a deal of that magnitude can be done in January, the Red Devils are willing to consider selling their £300,000-a-week academy poster boy after several months of poor performances and concerns over his off-field lifestyle.

‘Los Blancos have also identified Martinez’s Old Trafford teammate Diogo Dalot and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro as a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative. They also have a long-standing interest in Spurs star Cristian Romero.’

“Don’t change nothing”: Amorim speaks out about Dan Ashworth’s shock exit from Man United

December 11, 2024

Ruben Amorim says “one person leaving don’t change nothing” when asked about the sudden departure of Dan Ashworth from his role as sporting director of Manchester United.

The head coach was speaking with Tyrell Malacia at the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League tie against Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic.

Amorim said “Since the first day I felt great support from the ownership, from Omar and Jason, and I was part of them. I felt real support from Dan also. This is football and sometimes these things happen.

“It’s not always the best situation because you have to think of the human being. But the important thing is we continue in our way. The path is really clear for everyone.

“This is a massive club. if you don’t win, the coach goes, the players go!”

Amorim also confirmed Malacia would be in the starting XI for the game tomorrow.

More to follow …

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Latest Top Stories…

Red Billy

Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

Price tag revealed for PL rising star who United are exhibiting a “growing interest” in – report

December 11, 2024

Manchester United are reportedly making inroads into the transfer of Southampton’s rising star, Tyler Dibling.

With the likes of Joshua Zirkzee and Antony facing uncertain futures, Man United may need to acquire some additional forwards in January.

One cheap yet talented option that the team has reportedly taken a liking to is Dibling.

Not only have United allegedly sent scouts to watch Dibling in action, but Technical Director Jason Wilcox is believed to be a big admirer.

Suddenly, it seems as if United are seriously looking into luring the youngster to Old Trafford.

“Sources with a close understanding of Dibling’s situation have informed CaughtOffside that scouts from Man Utd, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham have been monitoring Dibling’s displays this season,” Caughtoffside reported, suggesting that United may face some stiff competition in their pursuit of the 18 year old.

“The England Under-21 international really caught the eye in Southampton’s recent game against Liverpool, and it seems this has led to growing interest in a potential transfer deal. However, sources have told CaughtOffside that Southampton are adamant they don’t want to sell Dibling, even though they’re currently struggling in the Premier League,” the article continued.

But even as Southampton appear reluctant to allow Dibling to depart, the club is believed to be commanding a €25 million price tag for the youngster.

It’s been a difficult season for Dibling, playing for a struggling side that sits at the bottom of the Premier League table. Still, he has shown his skill with the ball at his feet, completing 64% of his long balls and winning 51% of his ground duels, showing his resilience when taking on defenders, many of whom would have been his senior.

What’s more, he has averaged 1.1 tackles per game, meaning that he could be a good fit for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup, where attackers may be required to track back and support their defence. (Stats via Sofascore)

Dibling is also a versatile player, playing in Southampton’s midfield for much of the season.

While he may not yet be a big name, Dibling is a promising youngster with great talent who may just prove to be a great fit at United. Of course, his affordable price tag may be another factor that convinces Amorim and his colleagues to take a chance on him.

Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Mathew Cohen

A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

Man Utd ‘agree fee’ for first Amorim signing as he ‘sentences’ Red Devils trio in brutal squad cuts

December 11, 2024

Manchester United have reportedly ‘agreed a fee’ to sign Diego Leon from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno as Ruben Amorim’s first signing as head coach, with a Dan Ashworth substitute leading negotiations.

Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as United boss last month and hasn’t had the best of starts, picking up just four points from his first four Premier League games having lost to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest in his last two.

Reports suggest he will have to work with the squad he’s got in the main with a shortage of funds available for January additions, but the club – now without Dan Ashworth, who was embarrassingly let go as sporting director this week after just five months in charge – are still looking to make low-cost signings.

‘Manchester United are in active talks with Cerro Porteno for 17 year old left back Diego León as talent for the future. Similar to Sekou Koné deal last summer, Man Utd keep looking at talents from abroad and $4m deal is being discussed also with León’s agents,’ Fabrizio Romano reported earlier on Wednesday.

And now Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo claims United have had a bid of $4million (£3.15million) for Leon, who’s made 19 league appearances for the senior side this season, accepted by Cerro Porteno.

It’s been claimed that Jason Wilcox, who was appointed as technical director in the summer, has been front and centre of negotiations having taken over from Ashworth.

United are said to be considering making a new executive appointment but it won’ be a like-for-like replacement for Ashworth.

A Daily Mail report stated:

‘An email sent to staff on Wednesday made it clear that Wilcox, who has been United’s technical director since April, will fill Ashworth’s shoes for the time being and is the point of contact for the scouting department on any recruitment matters.

‘The club’s interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is also expected to take a more prominent role after Ashworth was axed by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe just five months into the job.’

According to Transfermarkt back in October, Leon was the 20th most valuable 17-year-old in world football, behind the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Lamine Yamal, and Chris Rigg.

Speaking to Transfermarkt, ESPN’s associate editor and Paraguayan football expert Roberto Rojas claimed Leon is “viewed highly”.

“He’s a player with a lot of promise, who happened to make this big jump into the first team at Cerro Porteño so quickly,” Rojas told Transfermarkt.

“As someone coming from a remote place (Yguazú, in Alto Paraná which is roughly 300 km from the capital Asuncion) and growing up in difficult circumstances, León has proven to be someone who can surpass that adversity to get to where he’s been.

“He’s definitely viewed highly because of his talent and recent performances for one of the biggest clubs in the country and occupying that left flank as a full-back has allowed him to be someone who can go onto the attack, start playing from the back and also be versatile.”

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd have pair on top five Premier League ‘pure profit’ PSR list
👉 Man Utd: New ‘reason’ INEOS appointed Amorim revealed; most ‘obvious’ sale ‘candidate’ identified
👉 What one Man Utd player did to leave Ruben Amorim ‘furious’ against Everton

United will also be looking to trim their squad in January, and it’s claimed Amorim has ‘sentenced’ three stars.

It is noted that Amorim ‘will have no mercy on players he considers do not have the necessary level to help United and has already put together a list of candidates to pack their bags next June, or even in January’.

The three stars being ‘forced’ to ‘pack their bags’ are Antony, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford.

Regarding Rashford, the report claims the out-of-form England forward can ‘say goodbye’ and has been ‘offered’ to Barcelona.

‘Rashford, who in the past was considered the team’s main figure and the benchmark of the project, can also say goodbye to the Red Devils.

‘He has not been able to maintain the impressive level he showed in the past, and has also been heavily criticised for his life away from the pitch.

‘Amorim does not count on him, and one of the teams to which he has been offered is Barça, who could consider his incorporation.

‘Deco values the idea of giving a chance to the attacker born in 1997, who became one of the best in Europe in his position, although the price they are asking to open the doors to him is still unknown.’

Price tag revealed for PL rising star who United are exhibiting a “growing interest” in – report

December 11, 2024