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“I said to the manager..:” high-flying United star reveals exactly what led to his position change

    “i-said-to-the-manager.:”-high-flying-united-star-reveals-exactly-what-led-to-his-position-change

    Amad Diallo has been on fire since Erik ten Hag was sacked, notching two goals and four assists since the Dutchman’s departure.

    From being dejected for being overlooked for Antony under the former manager, the Ivorian has really come into his own under new coach Ruben Amorim.

    While the goals from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee against Everton will have pleased the Portuguese, he will have been more impressed with the intensity shown by his players.

    None more so than Amad, who won the ball back with his relentless pressing twice against the Toffees, with Amorim reserving special praise for him.

    Amad impact

    “He was really good defensively, and really good attacking, so he has to continue to play like that,” the head coach had said at the end of the game.

    Such has been the 22-year-old’s impact that the coach has demanded INEOS offer him a new contract with his current deal expiring in 2025.

    Having not had the chances he might have deserved under Ten Hag, the former Atalanta starlet could well have thrown his toys out of the pram when asked to play in an unfamiliar wingback role under the new coach.

    Plenty of players have made their displeasure known when asked to sacrifice their favourite position for the betterment of the team, like Rashford and Antony in the recent past.

    But the versatile forward has expressed no such qualms and has excelled as the wingback but the coach will know that he can play further forward as well, with versatility a highly-valued trait in Amorim’s system.

    Speaking to the club website, the Ivory Coast international explained how desperate he is to play, something that he has made known to the boss as well.

    Desperate to play

    “You can’t be focused only in one position. Sometimes you can play as a defender, sometimes you can play as a striker.

    “Wherever the manager puts me, I’m ready to fight for the team. I have no problem to play just as the right winger or no. 10, I can play everywhere. Like I said to the manager, if you need me as a keeper, I’m ready to do my best!”

    This sort of determination, drive and hunger will please Amorim who has spoken of the need for intensity in all his players, something Amad is showing in abundance.

    Despite the presence of other options, Amorim is likely to trust the Amad for the game against Arsenal on Wednesday, which will be his biggest test yet as United boss.

    Feature image Michael Regan 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

    United keen on signing former Amorim star who is thriving in PL and is ready to move to ‘giant’ club – report

      united-keen-on-signing-former-amorim-star-who-is-thriving-in-pl-and-is-ready-to-move-to-‘giant’-club-–-report

      Manchester United are interested in Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro, as per reports from Spain.

      Amorim’s arrival at Carrington was followed by question marks over United’s full-back options, as the new manager’s 3-4-3 system relies heavily on the side’s full-backs to create chances from wide areas.

      As far as the right-flank is concerned, Amad Diallo has so far exceeded the expectations, proving to be a very promising option as a right wing-back going forward. However, it remains to be seen how he deals with defensive responsibilities against more able opponents.

      In the meantime, the Red Devils continue to be linked with other quality options for the position. It has been widely reported that Amorim wants to reunite with Sporting CP right wing-back Geovany Quenda. 

      Now, it is being suggested that United are following Porro, another full-back who has previously impressed under Amorim.

      According to SPORT (via Sport Witness), the Tottenham Hotspur star is ready to move to a “giant” club and has attracted interest from several top European sides, including Real Madrid.

      The Spanish outlet says “now is the time” for the Spaniard to depart North London and earn a big move.

      The 25-year-old, known for his creative instincts, has been one of Spurs’ best players under Ange Postecoglou.

      United, alongside Madrid and Manchester City, are believed to be keen on Porro.

      However, Spurs’ stance on the potential departure of their prized asset, who only joined the club from Sporting in 2023, remains unclear.

      After struggling to cement his place under Pep Guardiola at City, Porro moved to Portugal and thrived under Amorim at Sporting before returning to England.

      As such, if the player is indeed looking to leave Spurs, the idea of reuniting with his ex-boss in Manchester isn’t far-fetched and can’t be ruled out at the moment. 

      Featured image Tom Dulat 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!

      Leny Yoro could finally make long-awaited United debut vs. Arsenal as he travels with squad to London – report

        leny-yoro-could-finally-make-long-awaited-united-debut-vs.-arsenal-as-he-travels-with-squad-to-london-–-report

        Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is reportedly travelling with his teammates to the capital, ahead of their meeting with Arsenal.

        United are set to come up against Mikel Arteta’s men on Wednesday at the Emirates.

        In his presser, head coach Ruben Amorim revealed that Yoro was in contention to be included in the matchday squad for the game against the Gunners

        Yoro fractured a metatarsal in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal in Los Angeles in July, just a week after joining United for £52million from Lille.

        He has been in training in recent weeks following surgery but he hasn’t been named in any matchday squad.

        According to Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News, “Leny Yoro is travelling down to London with the United squad to face Arsenal.”

        Breaking: Leny Yoro is travelling down to London with the United squad to face Arsenal #mufc

        — Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) December 3, 2024

        Railston’s information almost certainly confirms that Yoro will be available to Amorim for selection.

        A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Amorim is eager to work with the Frenchman, who is widely considered to be a generational talent.

        United warded off significant competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain to secure his services in the summer.

        What is not clear is whether Amorim will start Yoro on the bench or immediately thrust him into the action. The former appears to be more likely as it would mean the teenager is gently reeled back in after a lengthy period on the sidelines.

        Amorim is unbeaten in his first three games in charge of United but the Red Devils have now won at the Emirates since January 2019.

        Kick-off is 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!

        United star with poor recent injury record “hopeful” of impressing Amorim to earn new deal – report

          united-star-with-poor-recent-injury-record-“hopeful”-of-impressing-amorim-to-earn-new-deal-–-report

          Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 on Sunday and finally climbed into the top half of the Premier League table after a dismal start under former boss Erik ten Hag.

          New coach Ruben Amorim is unbeaten in three games with his team scoring eight goals in those games, something that will please the Portuguese considering the pressure being put on the goalscorers.

          The intensity shown by the players against the Toffees was another highlight with the head coach’s policy of rotating the squad helping in that aspect.

          Almost the entire squad has earned minutes under Amorim with the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss not afraid to throw stars who have only recently returned from injury straight into the action, as seen with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

          Maguire’s future

          The England international has now made a few substitute appearances and has impressed enough to likely be in contention to start against Arsenal on Wednesday with Lisandro Martinez suspended.

          Another star who recently returned from injury is Harry Maguire, who emerged as a second-half substitute for Matthijs de Ligt on Sunday.

          The former club captain is in the same boat as Amad Diallo, with regards to their contract situation with both their current deals ending next summer.

          The Ivorian has impressed the boss enough to warrant a new deal which is likely on its way. As revealed by The Manchester Evening News, Maguire is also hopeful of the same.

          “Manchester United are yet to trigger the one-year extensions in the contracts of Amad and Harry Maguire. Both players are approaching the final six months of their contracts but United have the option of an additional year to tie the duo to the club until 2026.

          “United usually trigger the extension in players’ contracts in the winter to avoid them being free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs in the January transfer window.

          “Maguire, who made his return from an eight-week lay-off with a calf problem against Everton on Sunday, is hopeful United will extend his deal. The 31-year-old started United’s first three games this season but has missed ten of their 21 games through injury.”

          Hopeful of earning long stay

          Amorim will have a huge say on contract renewals and the 31-year-old will have to impress the coach now that he is fit to earn an extended stay.

          His recent injury record is not the greatest but the England international’s best form has come when playing in a back three where his lack of pace does not get exposed.

          He is likely to play a few games in the middle of the backline and if he can impress, Maguire might be at Old Trafford beyond 2025 and the club could trigger the one-year extension.

          So far, despite links with quite a few clubs, Maguire has shown no inclination to leave and his professionalism and experience could come in handy at times moving forward.

          Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images

          Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

          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

          Man Utd offer rubbished as ‘a market lie’ with striker given ‘no chance’ of joining

            man-utd-offer-rubbished-as-‘a-market-lie’-with-striker-given-‘no-chance’-of-joining

            There is “no chance” that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will end up at Man Utd in the January transfer window, according to reports.

            The Red Devils have been struggling to score goals in the Premier League this season with Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to get the numbers required of them.

            However, Rashford and Zirkzee got a brace each as Man Utd beat Everton 4-0 in the Premier League on Saturday as Ruben Amorim won his first home league game in charge of the Red Devils.

            That has relieved some of the pressure around the strikeforce and calmed the need for a new centre-forward in the January transfer window, although Man Utd could still consider potential options.

            One player rumoured to be a possibility in the January transfer window for Man Utd is Osimhen with the Napoli striker currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray.

            There were claims that Man Utd were preparing an ‘offer’ including Zirkzee and a ‘substantial balancing payment to get Osimhen’ in the winter transfer window.

            But Italian journalist Paolo del Genio insists there is “no chance” that Zirkzee could be used in negotiations to bring Osimhen to Old Trafford with the Red Devils’ interest in the Nigeria international a “market lie”.

            Del Genio told Kiss Kiss (via Arena Napoli): “I’ll go out on a limb and say that this is nothing more than a market lie.

            “There is no chance, at the moment, that the striker now at Manchester United could end up at the court of mister Antonio Conte in the possible negotiations between the Red Devils and the Neapolitans for Victor Osimhen.”

            MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE FROM F365…
            👉 Man Utd ‘tempted’ to accept ‘£50m offer’ for star to fund two January signings for Amorim
            👉 Hamann tips Man Utd star to become ‘best in the Premier League’ with Arsenal, Liverpool stars mooted
            👉 Five Man Utd stars are giving Ruben Amorim a ‘big problem’: ‘It’s not his fault’

            And transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio insists that Napoli striker Osimhen wants to see out the season at Galatasaray before considering his options again next summer.

            Di Marzio told bettingexpert.com: “First of all, Osimhen wants to finish the season at Galatasaray. He is very happy to be there and doesn’t want to talk about other clubs.

            “He wants to play and win there. I will leave a small percentage for Galatasaray to try to buy him and I will discuss with Napoli to find an agreement.

            “It would probably be less than the release clause, but Galatasaray are so happy with him that they plan to find a solution with Napoli.

            “I also know that a club in Saudi Arabia wants him. I don’t know the name of the club, but they are prepared to buy him for Napoli and get him back at the end of the season.

            “The problem is that they want to sign him now and Osimhen doesn’t want to sign now, he wants to wait. He wants to use this season as an opportunity to let the Premier League club decide whether to make an offer to Napoli.

            “PSG are always an opportunity, and they’re the only club who have made an offer for him this summer. They offered €220m for Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia, so maybe they’ll try to get both again.

            “But he wants to finish the season at Galatasaray, even if the Saudi Arabian club want to sign him now.”

            F36Skive: Missing Men: Man Utd XI when Keane told Vieira: ‘I’ll see you out there’

              f36skive:-missing-men:-man-utd-xi-when-keane-told-vieira:-‘i’ll-see-you-out-there’

              Can you recall the Man Utd team that followed Roy Keane out of the Highbury tunnel and into battle against Arsenal in 2005?

              Keane told Patrick Vieira ‘I’ll see you out there’ before United beat the Gunners 4-2 in February 2005.

              John O’Shea wrapped up victory with a sublime late chip, but the Republic of Ireland defender started on the bench, so he’s no use to you here.

              As always, record your times on the leaderboard and have a brag Below The Line.

              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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              Video: Ruben Amorim reveals United need to sign “more players like” this standout star of the season

                video:-ruben-amorim-reveals-united-need-to-sign-“more-players-like”-this-standout-star-of-the-season

                Ruben Amorim has revealed Manchester United “need more players” in the mould of Noussair Mazraoui after the Moroccan international’s impressive start to life under the club’s new head coach.

                Signed from Bayern Munich in the summer for just £12.9 million, Mazraoui has proved a revelatory figure in defence for the Red Devils with his versatility and technical ability allowing him to play anywhere along the backline.

                The Moroccan replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined West Ham for £15 million, in what constitutes a rare piece of excellent business at Old Trafford.

                Under previous manager Erik ten Hag, Mazraoui was most often deployed at right-back or, given the long-term absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, left-back. The Dutchan even deployed the 27-year-old as a number ten in an away match against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, underscoring Mazraoui’s talents on the ball.

                However, Amorim has chosen to play the Moroccan as a right centre-back in his trademark 3-4-3 system; with impressive results.

                Mazraoui has started all three of the Portuguese coach’s opening games in England, drawing rave reviews from Amorim despite the unfamiliar position.

                Following Mazraoui’s strong showing in Amorim’s opening game against Ipswich Town, the former Sporting Lisbon manager praised his new defender as “so smart and so important for us” in his post-match interview.

                And ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial trip to the Emirates to play Arsenal, Amorim again name checked Mazraoui as a “top player”.

                “[Mazraoui] understands the game. He knows how to attack, he’s very technical. He’s very good defensively, very good one-on-one and is a modern player.”

                🙏 “He is the future of our team.”

                Ruben appreciates @NMazraoui97 ahead of our trip to Arsenal 🫶#MUFC || #PL

                — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 2, 2024

                Amorim describes the Moroccan as the “future of our team” – a reference to both the quality of Mazraoui as a player, but also his profile in terms of recruitment at Old Trafford moving forward.

                “When you think about [Mazraoui], you think we need more players like [him] that can control the tempo. They are really really good and comfortable with the ball, and they understand the game.”

                Amorim spoke of United’s need to improve through “more possession with the ball” after the 1-1 draw against Ipswich. And given the 39-year-old coach’s system uses only a midfield pivot, there is an expectation the central defenders will step up and help the team in possession and build up play.

                Mazraoui’s potent pairing of technique and athleticism, with a football intelligence cultivated in the esteemed academy of Ajax, makes him an ideal candidate for this role. And his new head coach evidently wants the club to recruit more players with this selection of attributes moving forward.

                Therefore, while the Moroccan was a target identified by a former Ajax manager in Ten Hag, it’s the Dutchman’s successor in Amorim who will benefit the most from the decision to bring the talented and versatile defender to Old Trafford.

                Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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                Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.

                “End their interest in him”: United tipped to move on from long-term target after Sunday’s horror show

                  “end-their-interest-in-him”:-united-tipped-to-move-on-from-long-term-target-after-sunday’s-horror-show

                  Manchester United thrashed Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday in Ruben Amorim’s first home league game as the Red Devils climbed up to ninth in the Premier League table.

                  The Portuguese will be pleased with the goalscoring exploits of Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom have faced criticism and have been linked with exits.

                  The players displayed intensity as demanded by the coach and just like in the game against Bodo/Glimt, they forced the opposition into making an error and capitalised from it.

                  The second goal of the game, netted by the Netherlands international, saw Amad Diallo, who was the standout performer on the day, pinch the ball of Jarrad Branthwaite before passing it to Zirkzee to score.

                  Jarrad had a nightmare

                  Before the first goal, the Toffees were quite good on the ball and were winning all the duels with the England international enjoying himself at the back, and even made a couple of good blocks.

                  But he was also to blame for the first of the game which came from a set-piece. The corner found Rashford on the edge of the box and his side-footed volley took a terrible deflection of the defender before going in.

                  And as revealed by former long-term Everton scout Bryan King, Sunday’s display might just signal the end of United’s pursuit of the 22-year-old.

                  United had made two bids for the Toffees star in the summer, both of which were rejected as the Merseyside club wanted £80 million for his services.

                  A quality player can certainly not be judged based on one game but INEOS will have taken notes and the game will have further cemented the fact that Branthwaite is certainly not worth the amount being quoted by Everton.

                  Huge mistakes

                  “I can’t imagine that deal is going to go forward now. He looked very poor, certainly not an £80 million player, that is for sure. Looking at his performance against United, they could certainly end their interest in him,” King told Goodison News.

                  “Branthwaite was all over the place against United. He was very ordinary, he got caught out so many times. That really could affect the interest from United.”

                  Whether INEOS return for him next summer remains to be seen with Everton keen to keep him at the club for longer. They will reject all January approaches for the Englishman.

                  Lots of other elite clubs are also in the race. Whether Sunday’s display will dissuade others as well will be worth keeping an eye on.

                  Feature image Alex Livesey 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

                  “No longer trusted…”: Fabrizio Romano reveals shocking reason why Amad refused to sign new deal with United

                    “no-longer-trusted…”:-fabrizio-romano-reveals-shocking-reason-why-amad-refused-to-sign-new-deal-with-united

                    Conflict over playing time between Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff and Amad Diallo is the reason why contract talks between Manchester United and the 22-year-old winger stalled earlier this season, Fabrizio Romano reveals.

                    As relayed by The Peoples Person here, there is currently “good progress” during negotiations between Old Trafford officials and Amad’s representatives over an extension with new head coach Ruben Amorim considering the Ivorian a “key” player in his squad.

                    Amad has started two of Amorim’s opening three games in an unfamiliar right wing-back role, but has still produced three assists despite being deployed deeper than usual.

                    His work rate on and off the ball has also been excellent – a prerequisite to play in an Amorim team.

                    As such, United’s head coach is described as wanting the club to agree a new deal with Amad “as soon as possible“.

                    However, tensions with Amorim’s predecessor – Ten Hag – could have led to a very different outcome with Amad, as the Dutchman and his coaching staff were not happy with the 22-year-old’s performances and he was often left on the bench earlier in the campaign.

                    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano states “Amad was no longer trusted” by Ten Hag and his technical staff, which was “having an impact on contract talks” between the club and the winger.

                    “That’s why the new contract was not signed,” the Italian transfer guru concludes.

                    But Romano confirms Amorim “absolutely loves” Amad and this uplift in recognition by the new coaching team at Old Trafford has set contract talks back on track.

                    “Amad is very happy at Man United, he loves Man United and United as a club and management love him [as well].”

                    Romano further reveals negotiations are “advancing very well” with sources at the club stating a new deal for Amad could be announced “before the end of the year”.

                    Given the brilliant form the 22-year-old has demonstrated in the early period of Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford, securing his long-term future at United constitutes one of the most important pieces of business for the club to complete.

                    Feature image Glyn Kirk via Getty Images

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                    Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.

                    Ten Hag flop ‘eyes’ Man Utd return and Amorim ‘could be open’ to ‘fresh chance’ for Chelsea winger

                      ten-hag-flop-‘eyes’-man-utd-return-and-amorim-‘could-be-open’-to-‘fresh-chance’-for-chelsea-winger

                      Ruben Amorim ‘could be open’ to a return to Man Utd for Jadon Sancho with the loanee hoping Chelsea don’t take up their option, according to reports.

                      The England international spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund after claiming on social media that he had been made a “scapegoat” following criticism from Erik ten Hag, who was sacked at the end of October.

                      Winger Sancho, who cost Man Utd £72m when he joined from Dortmund in July 2021, has not played for the Red Devils since a 3-2 home win over Nottingham Forest last August.

                      It is understood Sancho reflected on past issues, and both men agreed to draw a line under the situation and move on.

                      However, after being left out of the Man Utd squads for the first two Premier League matches of the season against Fulham and Brighton it became clear that he would only play a small part under Ten Hag this term.

                      That led to Sancho leaving Man Utd to join Chelsea on loan before the summer transfer deadline, in a move that includes a deal to buy the winger at the end of the season.

                      Football Insider claim that Sancho ‘eyes Man Utd return’ under new head coach Amorim with the 24-year-old ‘looking to retain some relations with Man United though, recently liking Instagram posts from the likes of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes after their win over Everton’.

                      The report adds:

                      ‘Things have of course now changed, with Ten Hag departing at the end of October to be replaced by Ruben Amorim.

                      ‘It is a change that could open up a new door for Sancho when it comes to his Man United career if the permanent clause in his Chelsea loan deal isn’t activated.

                      ‘The new manager may be keen to give his full squad a clean slate, and could therefore be open to giving the winger a fresh chance, once his loan spell at Stamford Bridge comes to an end.

                      MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE FROM F365…
                      👉 Man Utd ‘tempted’ to accept ‘£50m offer’ for star to fund two January signings for Amorim
                      👉 Hamann tips Man Utd star to become ‘best in the Premier League’ with Arsenal, Liverpool stars mooted
                      👉 Five Man Utd stars are giving Ruben Amorim a ‘big problem’: ‘It’s not his fault’

                      ‘A return to the fold at Man United under the new manager may also be appealing for the 24-year-old, given the Portuguese’s reputation for success with Sporting, and bright start at Old Trafford where he is rejuvenated various players already.

                      ‘It could be a way to recoup some of his own reputation after a previously difficult spell at one of the world’s top clubs, and may give him the chance for more success as well.’

                      Despite those claims from Football Insider, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insisted at the end of August that Chelsea must buy Sancho unless they finish outside the top 14 places in the Premier League this season.

                      Romano said: “Jadon Sancho, Chelsea and Man Utd signed all docs in time as deal is 100% done. Loan with obligation to buy guaranteed, formally if CFC will finish among first 14 position in PL table. Fee starts from £20m guaranteed up to £25m in add-ons based on performances.”

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