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United have on their radar “agile” and “perfect goalkeeper” to play out from back – report

    united-have-on-their-radar-“agile”-and-“perfect-goalkeeper”-to-play-out-from-back-–-report

    Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Brazilian goalkeeper Mycael Pontes Moreira.

    Andre Onana is the obvious number one at the club but with the futures of Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton likely to be away from Old Trafford by next season, the Red Devils have begun to look at back up options.

    As a consequence, the club have been monitoring different options and it emerged earlier this week that one player that they could have interest in is SSC Napoli keeper, Alex Meret.

    Brazilian outlet globo.com report that the Red Devils may have another name on their list to provide competition for Onana.

    “Athletico Paranaense’s standout 20 year old goalkeeper Mycael, has already entered the radar of English teams, such as Manchester United, Leicester, Brentford and West Ham.”

    “Athletico sees in Mycael the potential to surpass the value of Bento’s transfer to Al-Nassr, from Saudi Arabia”, a value which exceeded €18 million.

    In spite of this, the Brazilian club are in no rush to sell the player as he has a contract until 2027. What’s more, they see him as the starting keeper for 2025 and have no hunger to enter the transfer window to find a suitable replacement.

    Nonetheless, the report does provide a glint of positivity for United as it claims, a “departure now would only happen in the case of a great offer and a project from a team abroad.”

    In spite of his tender age of 20 years, he has immense experience in national team youth football, playing almost 50 times for various youth sides, including receiving a call up for the Olympics.

    Mycael has really broken through this season, playing 20 games in total and conceding just 23 times, while keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

    The starlet has also been described as “very mature for his age, modern, confident, and an agile left-footed goalkeeper with good footwork. The perfect goalkeeper for a team looking to build from the back.”

    With new coach Ruben Amorim aiming to target modern defenders who are comfortable on the ball, it only makes sense any new goalkeeping recruits could match Onana’s ability in that area.

    United have recently shown interest in fellow South American Franco Mastantuono, as new owners Ineos have the intention to expand their scouting networks to South America.

    What’s more, Ineos have proven in the past with the transfers of Leny Yoro and Chido Obi-Martin that they are prepared to make aggressive moves for youngsters when they feel they can take the club to the next level.

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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.

    EFL clubs lining up for academy wonderkid’s signature in January with United yet to decide his future – report

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      Manchester United academy sensation Ethan Wheatley is attracting significant loan interest from EFL clubs in January as per latest reports.

      As per The Wrexham Insider, Wrexham A.F.C, who are struggling to score goals, want the 18-year-old United wonderkid on loan in the winter.

      However, they are not the only team in the race with fellow League One side Stockport County also eyeing the England U19 international.

      However, the Red Devils are yet to decide whether Wheatley’s development is best served leaving on loan at this stage of his career or staying at the club and playing as many minutes as possible.

      Wheatley attracting loan interest

      “Wrexham have put Wheatley on their list of striking targets heading into January. A transfer may prove tough to complete for two key reasons, however.

      “The first is that Man Utd are yet to decide if they want to loan the teenage sensation out. While the second reason is Stockport County, a League One promotion rival of the Red Dragons, are also looking at the player.”

      The young ace has six goals for the reserves this season while he also made his first senior appearance of the campaign when he came on as a substitute in the Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City, back when Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge.

      Last season was a special one for the United academy ace as he made his first team debut under Erik ten Hag against Sheffield United.

      In the process, he became academy debutant No 250, a significant milestone for the club. Not only that but the young striker was also named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Season.

      United yet to decide his future

      He had attracted plenty of loan interest after that, from Championship clubs no less, but the club opted to keep hold of him to ensure they kept a close eye on his progress.

      Wheatley has yet to make an appearance since Ruben Amorim took charge and it will be interesting to see what the club decide with his future.

      United have not exactly been free-scoring this season with Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford all struggling for consistency. Maybe Amorim could look to the academy for help and Wheatley could be the answer.

      However, given Chido Obi-Martin’s rise and Gabriele Biancheri’s exploits, Wheatley needs to come up with something special to catch the boss’ eye. A loan could do the trick.

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      Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

      Amorim requests signing of €60m-rated Spanish striker, United to try to “close the deal” in January – report

        amorim-requests-signing-of-e60m-rated-spanish-striker,-united-to-try-to-“close-the-deal”-in-january-–-report

        Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim wants the club to sign FC Porto sensation Samu Omorodion in January, as per reports.

        Amorim suffered his first defeat as United manager on Wednesday, as Arsenal’s exceptional set-pieces undid the Red Devils’ promising defensive work at the Emirates. In open play, Arsenal struggled to break United’s compact shape and had to rely on two goals from corner routines to grab all three points.

        While the visitors’ defence impressed, their attack lacked edge and didn’t do much to test Arsenal’s backline. This has once again underlined that Amorim needs backing in January to challenge the likes of Arsenal from this season onwards.

        It is now being suggested Amorim believes the same and has urged the United board to bring in attacking reinforcements sooner rather than later.

        A report from Spain relayed by Football365 claims Amorim “has made his priority clear for the upcoming transfer window”, asking the club’s hierarchy to find the money to sign his top target, Omorodion.

        The Spaniard, who left Atletico Madrid for Porto in the summer, has hit the ground running in Portugal, scoring 13 goals in just 16 appearances across all competitions. He scored a brace against United in the Europa League earlier this campaign.

        The highly-rated striker was also on Chelsea’s radar during the summer and the Blues came very close to securing his services before the move collapsed, opening the door for Porto to take advantage.

        However, the way he has started at the club, they might not be able to hold onto him for too long amid United’s interest.

        It is believed that the former Sporting CP boss “has closely observed Omorodion’s development since his beginnings in Spain and his subsequent explosion in Portugal.”

        Accordingly, the Portuguese tactician has “specifically requested” the signing of the 20-year-old. The idea is allegedly backed by the United board and they are willing to make a “significant financial effort to close the deal.”

        It is added that there is “talk of a possible offer of around 60 million euros, a figure that could convince Porto to let their star player leave.”

        Further, the Spain international, having already missed an opportunity to move to the Premier League, is thought to be keen on the idea of playing in England and joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.

        Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images

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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!

        Man Utd: Ruben Amorim identifies ‘smart signing’ mentioned in ‘every internal meeting’ with INEOS

          man-utd:-ruben-amorim-identifies-‘smart-signing’-mentioned-in-‘every-internal-meeting’-with-ineos

          A report from Fabrizio Romano claims Ruben Amorim has identified a “smart” Manchester United signing who has been mentioned in “every internal meeting”.

          Amorim suffered his first loss as Man Utd boss on Wednesday night as his side were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates by title contenders Arsenal.

          There were positives to come from this defeat, though. One was that summer signing Leny Yoro came off the bench to make his debut for Man Utd.

          The Red Devils pulled off a major coup in the summer as they paid an initial fee of around £52m to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign the 19-year-old.

          The centre-back has been unavailable for the first few months of this season as he suffered an ankle injury in pre-season, but he made a 31-minute cameo appearance for Man Utd against Arsenal.

          READ: Ruben Amorim ‘verbally exploded’ in ‘vicious’ attack on one Man Utd man

          Speaking post-match, Amorim revealed Yoro and three of his Man Utd teammates have a “time limit” to help them avoid getting injured.

          “It’s not because I like to change all the time but because I like to have all the squad fit,” Amorim said.

          “So for example, Harry Maguire has a time limit, Tyrell Malacia has a time limit, Mason Mount has a time limit, Leny Yoro has a real time limit.

          “So we have to manage winning games, a different methodology, a different way of playing, more meters to press.

          “Tomorrow we have to assess the guys and [if] they have a little bit risk of injury, they will not play. So we have to have everyone to work, to play and to improve the squad.”

          MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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          Romano says Amorim is a huge fan of Yoro, who is a “crucial player and smart signing”.

          “Leny Yoro made his debut for Man United last night… and will be a crucial part of Ruben Amorim’s project,” Romano said.

          “In every internal meeting, even during talks before joining United, Amorim and his staff mentioned Leny as a crucial player and smart signing.

          “His game time will be managed to avoid any injury in the next weeks but he’s for sure considered the ‘ideal player to sign’ by technical staff and of course Man Utd’s management.”

          Last month, Romano said: “Ruben Amorim and his staff consider Leny Yoro one of the most interesting players to develop for Man United’s long-term project.

          “He’s considered a generational talent by the club and Amorim with his staff fully agree on that.”

          Amorim ‘furious’ at ‘brain-dead’ Man Utd star as the Red Devils lost to Arsenal

            amorim-‘furious’-at-‘brain-dead’-man-utd-star-as-the-red-devils-lost-to-arsenal

            Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim was spotted being “furious” with forward Marcus Rashford during the second half in their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday night.

            The Red Devils suffered their first defeat under new head coach Amorim at the Emirates Stadium with two set-piece goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba settling the match in the Gunners’ favour.

            That defeat knocked Man Utd back into the bottom half and they could fall further down the Premier League table if Fulham and Bournemouth win their matches on Thursday evening.

            Goals have been a problem for much of the season but a 4-0 win over Everton at the weekend gave Man Utd fans hope that they could have turned a corner under Amorim.

            Rashford and summer signing Zirkzee both scored braces as the Red Devils beat the Toffees on Sunday but their attackers were out of form again at Arsenal.

            Roy Keane hit out at Rashford for his “shocking” performance in his 31 minutes on the pitch after coming on as one of three substitutions in the 59th minute.

            And Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst has claimed that Amorim was “furious” at Rashford for conceding a corner before Arsenal’s second goal of the match.

            Watching from the press box, Luckhurst saw Man Utd boss Amorim berating Rashford for giving away a set-piece after Arsenal had battered them all night with corners.

            Luckhurst wrote on X: “And what was Rashford doing by conceding that daft corner? Amorim looked furious at that.”

            And Luckhurst gave Rashford a 4/10 rating in his player ratings column in the Manchester Evening News and called his decision to give away the corner as “brain-dead”.

            Luckhurst wrote: “Conceded a brain-dead corner for Arsenal’s second goal. 4.”

            MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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            👉 Amorim reveals four Man Utd players have a ‘time limit’ as he pinpoints Arsenal ‘shame’

            Summer signing Matthijs de Ligt – who has received quite a bit of criticism since joining the club – was “really disappointed” with the two goals Man Utd conceded against Arsenal.

            De Ligt told MUTV: “Obviously, what I said, we’re really disappointed. Especially if you concede goals like this, chances like that.

            “But, as you mentioned, we are on the road to improve as a team. I think the manager has said it also. Maybe if you do it a certain way, we have a bigger chance of getting results right now, but in the future we stay the same and we won’t improve.”

            Touching on the positives during their defeat in north London, De Ligt added: “Obviously, now the feeling is really disappointed. But, as you mentioned, there were some positives, what you say, the defensive phase.

            “The amount amount of chances we conceded without the set plays, also. Obviously, in the end, we play a little bit more offensive, leave a little bit more space, and you get some chances against, but in general, I think that was quite good.”

            United want to sign former City ace who has surprised many with his “sensational development” – report

              united-want-to-sign-former-city-ace-who-has-surprised-many-with-his-“sensational-development”-–-report

              Manchester United are among the clubs chasing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, as per reports.

              After a tough debut season, the 24-year-old has established himself as a key part of Dortmund’s lineup, having already made 12 Bundesliga appearances this term.

              The German international also has three goals and two assists to his name across all competitions, which is pretty impressive for a player who has largely played as the deepest midfielder in Nuri Şahin’s setup.

              In 2023, he moved to Dortmund from VfL Wolfsburg, who placed their trust in his potential after he was released by Manchester City.

              Despite being highly rated at the youth level in England, Nmecha failed to cement his place under Pep Guardiola and eventually left City in 2021 upon the expiration of his contract.

              His promising performances in Germany have once again made his name relevant in England, with a report claiming three Premier Leagues are interested in the defensive midfielder.

              Manchester United are monitoring midfielder Felix Nmecha

              According to BILD (via Sport Witness), Nmecha is “being chased” by United, Newcastle United, and Chelsea after his surprise “sensational development” at Dortmund.

              It is added that the PL trio sent their scouts to follow the player in his side’s 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich last weekend.

              The German giants spent a fee in the region of €30m to sign him from Wolfsburg and handed him a contract until 2028. As such, it is not going to be easy for his suitors to snatch him from Dortmund in the near future.

              It is understood that any interested club will need to spend an “immoral sum of money” to find an agreement with Dortmund for their star midfielder. The exact transfer figure remains unspecified.

              United spent more than €50m to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. The Uruguayan defensive midfielder has had a promising start under Amorim, who also got the best out of him at Sporting CP.

              Accordingly, it is too early to believe the Mancunians would be interested in spending an “immoral” figure to sign another defensive midfielder, who has only now started to make headlines at the highest level.

              Feature image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

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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!

              United staff legend Kath Phipps passes away aged 85

                united-staff-legend-kath-phipps-passes-away-aged-85

                Manchester United fans around the world were saddened to hear today of the death of the much loved Kath Phipps.

                Kath, who became affectionately known as “Kath on reception”, worked at United in a variety of roles for 55 years and sadly passed at the age of 85.

                The club paid tribute on its official website, describing Kath as “A childhood United fan from Irlam” and noting that “her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”

                Her friendship with Sir Matt Busby and his legendary squad was well-known when she worked as switchboard operator in the 1960s.

                She moved on to become the receptionist at Carrington, “ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.

                “For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture,” United explain.

                Players past and present have taken to social media to pay their respects.

                Diogo Dalot wrote “You’ve seen it all. You truly represented everything what Manchester United is about. Rest in peace, Kath. We love you”.

                Harry Maguire wrote “A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. RIP Kath.”

                Wayne Rooney posted “The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”

                Patrice Evra wrote: “RIP Kath. Losing a family member never easy”.

                Scott McTominay posted “You were loved and adored by everybody Kath.You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace.”

                United’s tribute ended with the words “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.

                “Rest in peace, Kath.”

                Black armbands and minute’s silence at Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest would be a fitting tribute to a special person in the history of the club.

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                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.

                Football quiz: Can you remember the Man Utd XI that saved Sir Alex Ferguson?

                  football-quiz:-can-you-remember-the-man-utd-xi-that-saved-sir-alex-ferguson?

                  Ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Nottingham Forest, can you recall the Red Devils XI that beat Brian Clough’s side in 1990 to spare Sir Alex Ferguson the sack?

                  United went to the City Ground languishing in the bottom half of the Division One table with Fergie’s job in peril.

                  But Mark Robins headed in a second-half winner to set the Red Devils on the road to FA Cup glory, kickstarting Ferguson’s dynasty.

                  Can you remember Robins’ 10 team-mates from that murky Sunday at Forest?

                  You’ve got 365 seconds. Record your scores on the leaderboard and have a brag Below The Line</a>.
                   

                  If you enjoyed that and need more reasons to dodge work, we’ve got plenty more quizzes here. And our friends at Planet Football have even more.

                  In the meantime, make sure you don’t miss these…

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                  United looking to pounce on AC Milan superstar who is yet to agree new deal, he is perfect for Amorim’s system – report

                    united-looking-to-pounce-on-ac-milan-superstar-who-is-yet-to-agree-new-deal,-he-is-perfect-for-amorim’s-system-–-report

                    Manchester United have had to play Diogo Dalot at left wingback despite Ruben Amorim admitting that his compatriot is more suited to the right side.

                    Given Tyrell Malacia’s difficulties on the pitch since returning from injury and Luke Shaw’s frequent breakdowns, it is clear that the Red Devils need help and fast.

                    The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss had made it clear to INEOS that he wants a new left wingback in January but given the funds crunch, it will be intriguing to see if they can land one in winter.

                    One big-name star on the club’s radar is Theo Hernandez of AC Milan and his contract situation at the club is precariously poised, perfect for the Red Devils to swoop.

                    Theo Hernandez’s contract situation

                    The Frenchman’s current deal at the San Siro expires in 2026 and currently, the Rossoneri’s offer is well below the player’s expectations and that could lead to an inevitable exit next summer.

                    As per Calciomercato, the former Real Madrid ace wants the same salary as standout attacking star Rafael Leao, who earns around €8,970,000 per year according to Capology.

                    Hernandez earns €5,130,000 per year but AC Milan want to agree a new deal in which they will pay more than his current wages but less than Leao.

                    Apart from the 20-time English league champions, his former club Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also monitoring proceedings with interest.

                    “Theo Hernandez’s future at Milan is now more than ever a very important puzzle to unravel. The issue related to his contract, which expires on June 30, 2026 and therefore requires an acceleration in contract talks.

                    “Manchester United, a club with a large wallet, have the ability to offer Theo Hernandez a higher salary than the one he received in Milan.

                    United could get him on the cheap

                    “Omar Berrada has been given the mandate to find a new left-back on the market to deliver into the hands of Ruben Amorim. And Theo Hernandez, together with Alphonso Davies, are the two top profiles on the list.

                    “The distance between the will and the offer is however entirely economic with Theo who would like to reach, economically, the salary of Rafael Leao and Milan who instead push for a rise compared to the current 4.5 million, but not by much. Also for this reason to date the left-back is not closing the door to a farewell.”

                    The 27-year-old has two goals and as many assists this season and while last season, he registered 11 assists and five goals, just the sort of attacking numbers Amorim wants from his wingbacks.

                    He has a current market value of €60 million but owing to his contract situation, the Old Trafford side could potentially grab him for a lot less. Now for INEOS to deliver.

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                    Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

                    Sensational twist: United could now miss out on top target as CL giants close in on new contract agreement – report

                      sensational-twist:-united-could-now-miss-out-on-top-target-as-cl-giants-close-in-on-new-contract-agreement-–-report

                      Manchester United’s hunt for a new left wingback has been going on for sometime now but latest reports indicate the club could potentially miss out on their top target.

                      It is well known that Alphonso Davies’ deal with Bayern Munich ends in 2025 with both the Red Devils and Real Madrid eyeing the Canadian’s signature.

                      In fact, The Peoples Person recently relayed that the 20-time English league champions could pounce as early as January, potentially handing the Bavarian giants the chance to recoup a decent fee from the full-back’s sale.

                      However, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has now claimed that the Bundesliga giants are on course to agree a new long-term deal with the 24-year-old.

                      Davies to stay at Bayern

                      In fact, the Canada international has even agreed to lower his demands in order to stay at the Allianz Arena but it is not a done deal yet, which could potentially give United a small ray of hope.

                      “FC Bayern have made significant progress regarding a contract extension with Alphonso Davies beyond 2025. Negotiations are ongoing and positive, key figures already discussed. But some more details need to be clarified.

                      🚨🔴 Excl | FC Bayern have made significant progress regarding a contract extension with Alphonso #Davies beyond 2025 ✔️

                      Negotiations are ongoing and positive, key figures already discussed. But some more details need to be clarified.

                      The focus is on a new long-term contract.… pic.twitter.com/kex7baVuZD

                      — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 5, 2024

                      “The focus is on a new long-term contract. In terms of salary, Davies has made significant concessions to Bayern. Further crucial talks are set to take place before Christmas. Not a done deal yet.

                      “Manchester United are also aware that Davies is likely to sign a new contract with Bayern,” Plettenberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

                      United need to look elsewhere

                      Davies’ pace and versatility made him the perfect addition to Amorim’s system while his age and winning mentality made him the perfect match for what INEOS are trying to build.

                      But owing to this latest update, INEOS could now be forced to look elsewhere. The club could now pounce for Theo Hernandez owing to his precarious contract situation.

                      Given Luke Shaw’s injury problems and Tyrell Malacia’s struggles since his return, Amorim has been forced to play Diogo Dalot on the left even though he is much more comfortable on the right flank.

                      It is imperative that the club sign a new left wingback in January to give Amorim the best chance of success this campaign.

                      Feature image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

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                      Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25

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