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United plotting sensational double swoop for FC Porto duo who ran them ragged in Europa League – report

    united-plotting-sensational-double-swoop-for-fc-porto-duo-who-ran-them-ragged-in-europa-league-–-report

    Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to keep an eye on FC Porto pair Francisco Moura and Samu Aghehowa on Tuesday.

    The left-back and striker positions are believed to be two areas of the pitch United are keen on strengthening in the upcoming transfer windows.

    Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been dealing with fitness issues and there remains uncertainty over the suitability of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund to lead the line despite their heroics in United’s last two matches.

    Some of the left-backs United have been linked to include Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Antonee Robinson (Fulham) and Alvaro Fernandez Carreras (Benfica).

    In terms of strikers, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting Lisbon), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town) are some of the players mentioned to be on the Red Devils’ radar.

    According to The Daily Mail, United also retain an interest in Porto duo Francisco Moura and Samu Aghehowa.

    “[United] scouts were busy gathering information on Francisco Moura and Samu Aghehowa, formerly Omorodion, as they were deployed to FC Porto’s match against Ruben Amorim’s former team Casa Pia.”

    “It remains unlikely that United will be able to do a roaring trade in January, but these are crucial weeks of intel gathering with Amorim keen to make sure United are ready to move for top players – particularly from Portugal where he knows the league inside out – when funds are made available.”

    “It is understood that Burnley were among the other clubs to have scouts present at the game as the January transfer window creeps ever closer.”

    Against Casa Pia, Moura played all 90 minutes and helped the side keep a clean sheet as they cruised to a 2-0 victory.  Aghehowa found the back of the net in the 55th minute to take his season tally to nine goals in as many Liga Portugal appearances.

    Aghehowa in particular is a player United know very well. The Spain international grabbed a brace when the two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 Europa League draw in October.

    The 20-year-old ran United’s defence ragged and was a constant threat while he was on the pitch.

    Featured 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!

    Man Utd: Amorim picks ‘top star’ as ‘the future’ with head coach urged to ‘ruthlessly move on’ trio

      man-utd:-amorim-picks-‘top-star’-as-‘the-future’-with-head-coach-urged-to-‘ruthlessly-move-on’-trio

      New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been urged to “ruthlessly move on” three players as he looks to rebuild the Premier League giants.

      39-year-old Amorim was appointed to replace Erik ten Hag last month and has enjoyed a positive start as Man Utd’s head coach.

      After his first game in charge against Ipswich Town ended 1-1, Man Utd earned two wins last week. They battled back from behind to beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 before they hammered Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford.

      The Red Devils are currently ninth in the Premier League table and just four points adrift of the Champions League places.

      There is expected to be an overhaul at Man Utd in the coming months as Amorim puts his stamp on the squad, but summer signing Noussair Mazraoui should have a long-term future at the Premier League giants.

      The 27-year-old left Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to join Man Utd in the summer and has been one of the signings of the season in the Premier League.

      The versatile defender was one of Man Utd’s standout performers during the latter days of Ten Hag’s reign and is also shining under Amorim.

      READ: Five Man Utd stars are giving Ruben Amorim a ‘big problem’: ‘It’s not his fault’

      Amorim reckons Mazraoui is the “future” of Man Utd as he has three great qualities.

      “He is a top player because he understands the game, he is very good defensively, very good one on one,” Amorim said.

      “I think he is the future of our team, we need more players like Nous”.

      While Mazraoui is set to stick around, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock has named three players who should be “ruthlessly moved out” by Amorim.

      “I think that obvious. If you’re Ruben Amorim and you’re looking around the dressing room for players to clear out then you’re looking at the old guys, the players that are 30+,” Ruddock said.

      MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
      👉 Man Utd offer rubbished as ‘a market lie’ with striker given ‘no chance’ of joining
      👉 Ten Hag flop ‘eyes’ Man Utd return and Amorim ‘could be open’ to ‘fresh chance’ for Chelsea winger
      👉 Hamann tips Man Utd star to become ‘best in the Premier League’ with Arsenal, Liverpool stars mooted

      “Everyone knows that United isn’t going to be a quick fix, this is a huge task, and it’s going to take time for United to be challenging again.

      “I think we’re looking at a three-to-four-year plan, so he needs to look at the players that are over the age of 30 and ask himself what kind of role will they be playing in the future of Manchester United.

      “That means people like Maguire, Evans, Casemiro, those are the guys that you should be looking to move on if you’re going to move anyone out.

      “Will there be a market for these types of players? I can’t imagine that there will be a long line of teams looking to beat down the Manchester United dressing room door to take them.

      “For United to return to the club that we know they are, Amorim is going to have to be ruthless.”

      Picture: Luke Shaw confirms he has suffered fresh injury setback set to keep him out for weeks

        picture:-luke-shaw-confirms-he-has-suffered-fresh-injury-setback-set-to-keep-him-out-for-weeks

        Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has confirmed he has sustained a fresh injury via a message posted on social media.

        Shaw just recently returned to action following a lengthy period on the sidelines.

        He came on as a substitute during Ruben Amorim’s first match as United boss, which was a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town. It was his first taste of club action since February.

        Shaw also made appearances from the bench in United’s last two games against Bodo/Glimt and Everton.

        However, a report covered by The Peoples Person a few hours ago relayed that the England international picked up a fresh injury setback and as a result, he will not be available for selection during United’s meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday.

        ESPN journalist Rob Dawson has revealed that Shaw is expected to be out for a “few weeks.”

        Dawson adds that the issue is a muscle injury and isn’t a re-occurrence of an old problem.

        Luke Shaw’s injury expected to keep him for a few weeks. It’s a new muscle injury rather than a reoccurrence of an old problem.

        — Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) December 3, 2024

        Shaw wrote on Instagram, “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.”

        “I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.”

        “I understand there is gunna be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time.”

        “But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.”

        “Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”

        Arsenal vs. United kicks off at 20:15 BST.

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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!

        “Emotional” Ruben Amorim makes huge promise that Man United fans will love

          “emotional”-ruben-amorim-makes-huge-promise-that-man-united-fans-will-love

          Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has promised to stick to his guns and principles after replacing Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.

          Amorim was officially appointed United’s head coach last month from Sporting Lisbon.

          The Portuguese tactician has so far overseen three games, winning two and drawing one. His most recent outing was Sunday’s 4-0 demolition of Sean Dyche’s Everton.

          Amorim sat down with BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman and vowed that he will stick to what has made him so successful so far, despite the fact he’s now in one of football’s most scrutinised managerial roles.

          The 39-year-old said, “I will be OK. No matter what, in this stage of my life, I’ll be OK, so that’s why I’m relaxed. Everybody says to me, ‘this will change me’. This will not change me.”

          “If something happens I will be frustrated for a while but I know I will recover. But I believe that we are going to succeed. I’m ready. When I had this invitation, I felt that it was really hard to leave my players at Sporting. But, when I had this opportunity, I felt I had to do this.”

          “Maybe it’s destiny and I will be a little bit lucky in the beginning and then everything is going to be fine.”

          Amorim insisted that he already feels a connection with United fans.

          “Yes, for sure I feel that, maybe because I am a little bit [of] an emotional person. I can transmit that, even in interviews I think. Maybe because I am different from the last coach and this can bring a different connection with the next guy. I believe that I am the right guy. People always believe the next guy is the right guy. We always have this feeling.”

          “To maintain this feeling we have to play better, win games and be really honest with the supporters. If you are honest and direct with the supporters – maybe you don’t always say the popular thing – you create a better connection.”

          On whether he has always been emotional, he replied, “Yes, because it is my character. You cannot change. You cannot be one day not emotional and the next day be emotional. I think also with my head, not always with my heart. But when I do things, I do it with emotion.”

          “As a coach you can be so good with tactical and technical stuff, but if you are not emotional, you cannot have a connection with players, you cannot do nothing with a football team.”

          Chapman asked Amorim to describe what kind of player he was.

          The United gaffer responded, “I was a team player. I had a lot of injuries but all the team players say that to excuse some lack of success. I always loved the game and I will always love the tactical aspect of the game.”

          “I try to understand things. I played in all positions so I understood the game and tried to help the game in every position and that gave me the knowledge – not just the position – but the understanding. I grew up with not a large family, but a strong family with a lot of emotion. I am a Latin guy, I’m just like that.”

          “I like people, I like to bond with people, and I think it’s one of the best things in this job. You can make a lot of friends and still do your job. You can be demanding and still have a connection with everybody.”

          Up next for the Red Devils is a Wednesday clash against Arsenal at the Emirates.

          Featured image Alex Livesey 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!

          Top United transfer target “getting closer” to deciding which club he wants to play for next season – report

            top-united-transfer-target-“getting-closer”-to-deciding-which-club-he-wants-to-play-for-next-season-–-report

            Manchester United seem to be losing ground in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.

            At 24 years of age, Davies has evolved into one of the hottest left-backs in Europe, lifting the 2019/20 Champions League trophy with the Bavarian club as well as five Bundesliga titles.

            Recognising the Canadian’s talents, Man United have reportedly gathered information on Davies’ current situation in the hopes of luring him to Old Trafford.

            It didn’t take long for other clubs to also register their interest in the left-back, however. The Peoples Person noted that FC Barcelona have reportedly targeted the player as well.

            Real Madrid were also identified as an interested party, but while it appeared that United had an edge over the Spanish giants in the race for Davies’ signature, it suddenly seems that landing the left-back may prove even more challenging than previously expected, even if United have pulled ahead.

            Sport1 via TEAMTalk reported that Davies seems to be intent on remaining at Bayern for the foreseeable future.

            The report claimed that Davies has “reduced his salary demands and is getting closer to extending his contract with Bayern Munich beyond 2025.”

            Furthermore, the article claimed that he “regrets” his actions, which made it appear as if he was willing to leave the club.

            Should this report prove valid, United would not necessarily need to enter into a panic over losing out on Davies.

            After all, the player’s wage demands seemed to exceed what United were prepared to offer.

            What’s more, several alternative left-backs have also been identified as potential signings, including the likes of Ben Chilwell and former United player Alvaro Carreras.

            Even if the club does not secure a new left-back, Luke Shaw’s return from injury offers plenty of hope, as does that of his deputy, Tyrell Malacia.

            Ultimately, United should not lose sleep over Davies in the event that he remains at Bayern. The club remains spoiled for choice and will surely be able to sign a quality alternative should push come to shove.

            Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images

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            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.

            “Discussed several times internally”: United preparing to make move for talismanic 19-yo Dutch midfielder – report

              “discussed-several-times-internally”:-united-preparing-to-make-move-for-talismanic-19-yo-dutch-midfielder-–-report

              Manchester United are reportedly keen on completing a summer deal for Feyenoord midfielder Antoni Milambo.

              The middle of the park could be an area of the pitch United look to strengthen, amidst the need to find players that perfectly suit Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system.

              There is also uncertainty over the long-term future of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro and if the two leave, they will almost certainly need to be replaced.

              Some of the midfielders United have been linked to include Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Larsson (Eintracht Frankfurt], Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven), Douglas Luiz (Juventus) and Angel Gomes (Lille).

              Now, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reveals that United are also interested in Feyenoord’s Antoni Milambo.

              Plettenberg wrote on X, ” Antoni Milambo is considered a future transfer target for Manchester United.”

              “The 19-year-old midfield talent from Feyenoord has been on their list for a long time, has been discussed internally multiple times, and continues to be closely monitored.”

              “He fits perfectly into the profile that will be sought in the future.”

              “The Red Devils have gathered information on him. He is already on their shortlist for the upcoming summer. Contract until 2027.”

              🚨🔴 Excl | Antoni #Milambo is considered a future transfer target for Manchester United ✔️

              The 19-year-old midfield talent from @Feyenoord has been on their list for a long time, has been discussed internally multiple times, and continues to be closely monitored. He fits… pic.twitter.com/sOSUhrAVAx

              — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 3, 2024

              Milambo is a Netherlands U19 international of Congolese origins. He was born and raised in Rotterdam, so the fact that he plays for Feyenoord shouldn’t really be a surprise.

              The teenager is already a regular starter for the Eredivisie giants. So far this term, he has made 16 appearances, scoring an impressive six goals in that period.

              Milambo primarily plays as a central midfielder but is equally effective when deployed higher up the pitch.

              Transfermarkt currently value him at just €12m.

              Featured image Gualter Fatia 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!

              Five Man Utd stars are giving Ruben Amorim a ‘big problem’: ‘It’s not his fault’

                five-man-utd-stars-are-giving-ruben-amorim-a-‘big-problem’:-‘it’s-not-his-fault’

                New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has a “big problem” with five Red Devils stars ahead of their clash against Arsenal, according to former chief scout Mick Brown.

                Man Utd have taken four points from their opening two Premier League matches under Amorim after beating Everton 4-0 on Sunday in the Portuguese head coach’s first home match in the league.

                The Red Devils also beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 last midweek as Man Utd boosted their Europa League chances to move up to 12th in the group stage standings.

                Man Utd are now ninth in the Premier League table too, moving above Newcastle, Aston Villa and Fulham over the weekend but face a tough test against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

                And Brown – who spent a decade at Old Trafford and is still well-connected at the Premier League club – thinks Amorim has a “big problem” because of the volume of returning players, as the Man Utd boss continues to figure out his best team.

                Former Man Utd chief scout Brown told Football Insider: “His big problem is, he doesn’t know his best team is and five senior players are heading back.

                “It’s a bit of a problem because he’s got to win games while trying to figure it out. It’s not his fault that he hasn’t been able to do that yet because he’s got to try things, but we’re already seeing improvements in certain players.

                “He’s getting players back who haven’t been available for a while as well. The likes of Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are both back, but then you’ve got players like Harry Maguire who will start coming back in the next few weeks.

                MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE FROM F365…
                👉 Man Utd in ‘concrete talks’ over £83m transfer as Man City ‘intensify efforts’ to hijack move
                👉 Ruben Amorim reveals Man Utd summer signing ‘could’ make highly-anticipated debut v Arsenal
                👉 Man Utd stars spotted doing something they haven’t done in ‘two seasons’; Red Devils ‘could receive millions’

                “But some of them will need two or three games to get back up to full fitness. So he’s got to find some consistency in results while he works towards finding more consistency in his starting XI, if that’s possible.

                “It’s difficult, but that’s what happens when you take over half-way though the season.”

                One player who seems likely to start most matches under Amorim this season is Noussair Mazraoui with the Man Utd boss calling him “the future of our team”.

                Speaking to journalists in his Monday press conference, Amorim said of Mazraoui: “He’s a top player.

                “He understands the game. He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively and he’s very good one-on-one. He’s a modern player. I think he’s the future of our team.

                “When you think about him, you think we need more players like Nous that can control the tempo, they are really, really good and comfortable with the ball. So, Nous, I’m really happy with him.”

                United star Amorim called the “future of our team” named player of the month

                  united-star-amorim-called-the-“future-of-our-team”-named-player-of-the-month

                  Noussair Mazraoui has won Manchester United’s Player of the Month award for November.

                  As reported by the club’s official website, the Moroccan won the accolade for the first time with 55% of the fan vote, beating Amad Diallo (23%) and goalkeeper Andre Onana (21%).

                  The versatile Moroccan was a key part of the backline which helped United maintain an unbeaten record in November, first under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy and then Ruben Amorim.

                  Regardless of who was in the dugout, the 27-year-old started all five matches and in that short space of time played in three different positions.

                  He was one of the best players on the pitch for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, where he played at left-back, before returning to his natural right-back role for the Europa League win over PAOK.

                  He resumed at left-back for Van Nistelrooy’s last game in charge, supplying the cross for the own goal which doubled United’s advantage on their way to a 3-0 triumph over Leicester City.

                  Since the arrival of Amorim and his 3-4-3 formation, Mazraoui is making the right-sided centre-back role his own.

                  He was imperious against Ipswich Town, and sent United fans into raptures against Bodo/Glimt with his virtuoso assist for Rasmus Hojlund’s equaliser.

                  The former Bayern Munich man carried his form into December with another impressive outing against Everton at the weekend.

                  Although an Erik ten Hag signing, Mazraoui has shone brighter than ever under the new manager, who has waxed lyrical about his ability and attitude.

                  Amorim has described the 27-year-old as the “future of our team” and said United “need more players” like him.

                  Mazraoui has got revenge on fellow nominee Amad, who pipped him to the post for the August award for which he was also shortlisted.

                  Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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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.

                  Luke Shaw injured again, misses out on United’s crunch match vs Arsenal

                    luke-shaw-injured-again,-misses-out-on-united’s-crunch-match-vs-arsenal

                    Manchester United star Luke Shaw has reportedly suffered another injury and will as a result, miss Wednesday’s match against Arsenal at the Emirates.

                    Ruben Amorim is looking to extend his unbeaten run as United boss as he prepares his players to face Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Gunners.

                    United will be heading into the match off the back of a comfortable 4-0 victory over Everton on Sunday.

                    Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo were both booked in the Everton match and are suspended for the meeting with Arsenal.

                    Now, it seems that Amorim will also not be able to call on the services of Shaw, who has picked up a fresh unspecified injury.

                    According to a relatively reliable club insider [via X], “Luke Shaw is injured again & unfortunately not part of the travelling squad.”

                    “Mazraoui is fine, he’s travelled.”

                    🚨EXCL: Luke Shaw is injured again & unfortunately not part of the travelling squad.

                    Mazraoui is fine, he’s travelled. pic.twitter.com/MKR65vhAcx

                    — 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗺’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇵🇹 (@AmorimBalll_) December 3, 2024

                    This information has also been reiterated by another X source, who has proven to be accurate in terms of delivering United news.

                    “Luke Shaw injured again, confirmed.”

                    “Player is said to be described as “broken” regarding his body.”

                    “More tests will take place soon, club sources say “no surprise” that he has had another injury.”

                    🚨🚨 Luke Shaw injured again, confirmed. ✅🏥

                    🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Player is said to be described as “broken” regarding his body.

                    More tests will take place soon, clyb sources say “no surprise” that he has had another injury. #MUFC #LukeShaw pic.twitter.com/2pE9f5uY5j

                    — United Scout (@unitedsc0ut) December 3, 2024

                    Shaw only just returned to action for Amorim’s first match as United head coach, the 1-1 draw with Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town late last month.

                    Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the England international has managed just 98 minutes of competitive action. He also missed a huge chunk of last term although he somehow managed to play a part in England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

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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!

                    Hamann tips Man Utd star to become ‘best in the Premier League’ with Arsenal, Liverpool stars mooted

                      hamann-tips-man-utd-star-to-become-‘best-in-the-premier-league’-with-arsenal,-liverpool-stars-mooted

                      Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann thinks Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo “has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in England”.

                      The Red Devils academy product suffered a muscle injury in the closing stages of Man Utd’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa at the beginning of October.

                      However, he was back in the side in a 4-0 win over Everton for the first time in almost two months as new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim celebrated his first win at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

                      Amorim admitted after the comfortable victory against the Toffees on Sunday that playing Mainoo for 80 minutes was “a little bit of a risk”.

                      The Man Utd boss said: “We have lots of players returning from injury, Kobbie Mainoo was a little bit of a risk because he was to play just 60 minutes.”

                      Now Mainoo is back in the Man Utd side and Hamann reckons the England midfielder can push on to become a key player for both club and country.

                      Hamann told Genting Casino: “I think Kobbie Mainoo is a very interesting player. The way he played for England in the summer, for a young boy to come in, that was impressive.

                      “Last season he scored some important goals. I think Mainoo is a fantastic talent.

                      “If you look at the top teams, obviously Declan Rice is another one. It depends whether you see Rice in the holding role or as more of an offensive player. I’ve always seen him as a holding player and would like him to keep it simple.

                      “Martin Odegaard, he missed a lot of games for Arsenal over the last few months and that was a very big miss for them because central midfield is the area where games are won and lost.

                      “Odegaard can control the tempo of a game and if you can control that engine room; control that midfield, you control games. If you do that, you’ll win more games than you lose.

                      MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE FROM F365…
                      👉 Man Utd in ‘concrete talks’ over £83m transfer as Man City ‘intensify efforts’ to hijack move
                      👉 Ruben Amorim reveals Man Utd summer signing ‘could’ make highly-anticipated debut v Arsenal
                      👉 Five Man Utd stars are giving Ruben Amorim a ‘big problem’: ‘It’s not his fault’

                      “Liverpool are doing that this season. That is a big part of their success so far and Ryan Gravenberch looks like a new signing.

                      “Curtis Jones, he has been a revelation. Both players have been squad players at best in the last one or two seasons. They are vital players for the club now and this is what the managerial change has done.

                      “There are some fantastic central midfield players, but Mainoo is probably the one I’d be most interested in watching where he goes over the next couple of years.

                      “I think Mainoo can defend and attack, which is a good thing. When you play in central midfield with two players, I think it’s very important that you haven’t got similar players.

                      “You need players with different qualities that complement each other. I think Mainoo has discipline and if he wants to do it, he could be one of the best holding players. Then again, he gets his shot off. He’s got a trick as well. He can score goals.

                      “If you play him next to a Declan Rice, as he does sometimes for England, I think he can play higher. If his future is as a number 8, then I think he will need to get six, seven, or eight goals from open play in a season.

                      “I think he’s capable of doing that if he puts his mind to it. I think he has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in England.”

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