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Video: United winger provides last minute heroics with free kick winner for U21s

    video:-united-winger-provides-last-minute-heroics-with-free-kick-winner-for-u21s

    Manchester United u21s hosted West Ham United in Premier League 2 action on Friday night.

    Travis Binnion’s side lined up in a three at the back system similar to that of new first team manager Ruben Amorim.

    It almost got off to a perfect start for United when West Ham’s keeper rushed out of his goal but gave the ball away, giving chances to Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley. But West Ham’s defenders filled in to block both efforts.

    The visitors hit the back of the net just before the 20th minute but it was quickly ruled out for offside.

    Jack Kingdon had a fine display. One of his best moments coming when he charged up field before slipping through Malachi Sharpe, whose effort towards goal was blocked out for a corner.

    It was then United’s turn for a disallowed goal. A short corner was delivered into the box for Sam Murray to flick on to an offside Wheatley, who turned it past the keeper.

    West Ham then had perhaps the biggest chance of the match when Emeka Adiele broke through in behind, but Dermot Mee was quick off his line to cut the angles and make a big save to keep it level going into the break. It was a fair reflection of the opening 45 minutes, with United controlling the possession but both sides limited to half chances.

    Half time saw United switch back to a traditional back four and Binnion turn to the bench with the introduction of Jack Moorhouse and Jacob Devaney.

    There was another early chance for United from the off, with Sharpe racing down the right wing to cross, but Wheatley could only connect with an outstretched foot to steer it wide.

    West Ham had the more clear-cut chances in the second half, forcing a handful of blocks from Kingdon, who looked unbeatable at the back before they hit the right post from a volley.

    Ethan Ennis then came close with a long range effort before providing the goods in the final minute of the match.

    A free kick from the edge of the box took several minutes to be taken due to a commotion in the West Ham wall. Ennis didn’t let the pressure get to him though and placed the ball into the bottom corner, out of the keeper’s reach to earn United the three points.

    90+5’ – Ethan Ennis!

    Final minute free kick for what is surely the winner. #MUFC #MUAcademy #PL2 pic.twitter.com/ZnN86Ow0kB

    — RedYouthUnited (@RedYouthUnited) November 29, 2024

    Binnion’s side now look toward the National League Cup on Tuesday where they will travel to Rochdale.

    Read our player ratings for the match here.

    United: Mee, Kamason, Kingdon, Jackson, Murray (Devaney 60), Amass (Missin 64), Rowe, Gore (Moorhouse 46), Sharpe (Biancheri 80), Wheatley, Ennis

    Unused subs: Myles

    Featured image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images

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    A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.

    Liverpool set for quadruple after Chiesa: Rubbish transfer windows that preceded brilliant seasons

      liverpool-set-for-quadruple-after-chiesa:-rubbish-transfer-windows-that-preceded-brilliant-seasons

      Liverpool are yet to play a Proper Team yet this season and won’t at any point, and that surely means they’re on for the quadruple, which – try as we might to belittle their achievements – would be alright.

      Even if they don’t win the lot they’re very much on course to join themselves and four other teams in enjoying brilliant seasons following terrible transfer windows having this summer signed a winger we all knew wasn’t going to play, hasn’t played and won’t, and a £25m goalkeeper they decided they don’t need in a season in which Caoimhin Kelleher has shown enough to suggest they won’t ever.

      Anyway, here are eight previous examples of teams thriving in the season after a poor summer transfer window.

      Manchester United: 1995/1996
      Tony Coton (£500k, Manchester City)

      Quite the baller move from Sir Alex Ferguson after ceding the Premier League title to Blackburn the season before to decide all they needed to do over the summer to surpass Kenny Dalglish, Alan Shearer and the lads was to sign a 34-year-old goalkeeper who went onto make no appearances in their double-winning campaign.

      Manchester United: 1999/2000
      Mikael Silvestre (£4m, Inter), Massimo Taibi (£4.5m, Venezia), Quinton Fortune (£1.5m, Atletico Madrid), Mark Bosnich (free, Aston Villa)

      It’s possible that they got a bit too big for their boots after the treble, or Ferguson took the If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It approach. Either way, their blasé approach to the transfer market that summer paid off, as United won 12 more Premier League points compared to the season before as runaway champions.

      More than a bit unfair to tar Silvestre with the Taibi and Bosnich brush given he made 361 appearances for the Red Devils, but it’s perhaps not the marquee post-Champions League glory signing some may have expected.

      We can’t imagine him tweeting (or shouting into a crowd in the absence of social media) ‘I’m signing for the champion’s league winner’ would have let to quite the same losing of the sh*t from fans as it did when the big-arsed Belgian did it in 2012.

      Chelsea: 2002/2003
      Enrique de Lucas (free, Espanyol), Filipe Oliveira (£500,000, Braga)

      Jesper Gronkjaer scored the £1bn goal on the final day but it was 36-year-old Gianfranco Zola who drove Chelsea to Champions League qualification in what was both his final and most productive season at Stamford Bridge. Legendary status assured for him if it wasn’t already as fourth place encouraged Roman Abramovich to invest.

      Thirteen new players arrived in his first summer and hundreds thereafter during the Russian oligarch’s 19 trophy-laden years at the helm. And what suddenly looks as though it could be another productive era under new ownership is still all thanks to Claudio Ranieri and his team in 2002/2003, though not so much marquee summer addition Enrique de Lucas, who got no goals and no assists in what was his only season in the Premier League.

      Arsenal: 2003/2004
      Philippe Senderos (£1.35m, Servette), Jens Lehmann (£1.5m, Dortmund), Johan Djourou (free, Etoile Carouge), Gael Clichy (£250,000, Cannes), Cesc Fabregas (free, Barcelona)

      A rarely experienced addendum in Arsenal fans’ gloating over the over-egged excellence of their Invincible season is the Gunners spending only slightly more than £3m the summer before they went unbeaten and soared to the title by 11 points.

      Jens Lehmann played every Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup game upon his £1.5m arrival from Germany and was therefore critical to their success as well as being mad as a box of frogs.

      But while Cesc Fabregas became one of the stars of his generation and went onto captain Arsenal before achieving things of significance with Barcelona and then Chelsea, Gael Clichy was the only other summer arrival to contribute during the 38-game run, making seven appearances as Ashley Cole’s understudy,

      Chelsea: 2009/2010
      Yuri Zhirkov (£18m, CSKA Moscow), Daniel Sturridge (£6m, Manchester City), Nemanja Matic (£1m, MFK Kosice), Ross Turnbull (free, Middlesbrough)

      Ask Chelsea fans their favourite ever season and they will probably say 2004/2005, when Jose Mourinho arrived and set fire to the Red Cartel. The combination of his magnetism and it being the first Premier League title makes it very difficult to even consider an alternative.

      Carlo Ancelotti probably doesn’t even want them to – he’s an unfussy winner, and led Chelsea to their first ever domestic double playing some brilliantly attacking football that saw them score the most goals in a Premier League season (103), including eight on the final day against Wigan to see off the challenge of Manchester United.

      Neither Zhirkov nor Matic scored a goal – with the latter leaving for Benfica before coming back as the dominant midfielder we later saw in Mourinho’s second spell – Sturridge got five, and not a sausage from Turnbull.

      Tottenham: 2018/2019
      n/a

      Just imagine the smug grin on Daniel Levy’s face had they beaten Liverpool in that diabolically bad Champions League final after spending literally nothing in the summer.

      ‘What’s that Mauricio, you want £60m for Tanguy Ndombele? Don’t need him, mate.’ Would have been a good call as it turned out with Poch out on his ear in November and Jose Mourinho arriving to fat-shame Ndombele and call the rest of the Spurs squad Specialists In Failure or something equally motivational.

      But they were good when they signed no one. Man City, Ajax, remember all that? Yeah. Lovely.

      Liverpool: 2019/2020
      Sepp van den Berg (£4m, PEC Zwolle), Adrian (free, West Ham,), Andy Lonergan (free, Middlesbrough), Harvey Elliott (Blackburn, £1.5m)

      “We have solutions for all the situations,” Klopp said when asked at the end of the transfer window about his side’s relative inactivity. Not half.

      Liverpool went unbeaten and won 26 of their first 27 Premier League games of the season to give themselves a huge lead at the top of the table that Manchester City got nowhere clawing back, with the Red finishing 18 points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side come the end of the campaign.

      Adrian played his part, with Liverpool winning all 11 games he subbed in for the injured Alisson, but neither Van den Berg nor Lonergan made a Premier League appearance and Elliott made just two.

      Chelsea: 2019/2020
      Mateo Kovacic (£40m, Real Madrid)

      They qualified for the Champions League under Frank f***ing Lampard.

      “One of the strongest signings”: United officials in awe of game-changing summer recruit – Sky Sports DE

        “one-of-the-strongest-signings”:-united-officials-in-awe-of-game-changing-summer-recruit-–-sky-sports-de

        Manchester United officials consider Noussair Mazraoui one of the club’s “strongest signings” in recent years as the 27-year-old fullback continues his fine form under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

        Signed in the summer to replace Aaron Wan-Bisska, Mazraoui swapped Munich for Manchester to reunite with Erik ten Hag after their shared time at Ajax, joining the Red Devils in a joint move with fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt.

        And while Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end last month following United’s dismal start to the new campaign under the Dutchman, Mazraoui was a rare bright spot amidst a sea of underperformance by his teammates.

        The Moroccan international’s technical ability and positional versatility has seen his £12.8 million transfer fee prove a pittance, a recruiting rarity for the Red Devils in recent years given the enormous sums spent on players who have consistently failed to justify their purchase.

        And Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports Germany) reveals Mazraoui is “internally regarded” as a fantastic piece of business by Old Trafford officials who are “extremely satisfied” with his performances this season.

        🚨🔴 Noussair #Mazraoui is internally regarded as one of the strongest signings of recent years at @ManUtd.

        Both the board and the coaching staff are extremely satisfied with his performances. He is seen as an absolute leader and is expected to continue in this role under Ruben… pic.twitter.com/sakzYWLwyP

        — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 29, 2024

        Tweet: “Noussair #Mazraoui is internally regarded as one of the strongest signings of recent years at
        @ManUtd.

        Both the board and the coaching staff are extremely satisfied with his performances. He is seen as an absolute leader and is expected to continue in this role under Ruben #Amorim in the future. Contract until 2028.”

        Mazraoui has been deployed in an unfamiliar RCB in Amorim’s new 3-4-3 system. But the Moroccan’s assured displays in both of the 39-year-old’s opening games – against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League – have proven positions mean little to player with his quality and experience.

        Mazraoui is seen as an “absolute leader” within the Old Trafford dressing room, with Amorim already recognising the 27-year-old’s talents. “He is so smart and is so important for us. He can play anywhere and that kind of player is crucial for our future,” United’s head coach eulogised after the 1-1 draw with Ipswich.

        The Moroccan is capable of playing virtually anywhere in defence, having played in either fullback positions this season, as well as central defence, and even in midfield.

        Wherever he is deployed, Mazraoui offers intelligence in and out of possession and has adapted to the physical rigours of English football with ease.

        The 27-year-old was one of the only players to impress under Ten Hag this season. But he’s gone to another level in the early period of Amorim’s reign, immediately establishing himself as one of the first names on the 39-year-old’s team sheet.

        Feature 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.

        United eyeing sensational swoop for Argentine wonderkid to fix problem position – report

          united-eyeing-sensational-swoop-for-argentine-wonderkid-to-fix-problem-position-–-report

          Manchester United overcame a stubborn Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in their Europa League game at Old Trafford on Thursday in what was Ruben Amorim’s first win since taking charge.

          A brace from Rasmus Hojlund and the performance of the front three in general will have pleased the Portuguese but the displays from his wingbacks, not so much.

          Left-back has been a problem position for over a year now with fullbacks out injured for the most part, which forced former manager Erik ten Hag into playing midfielders or centre-backs in that spot.

          Tyrell Malacia, who returned to the first team after a gap of more than a year, looked rusty as expected and was at fault for the Norwegian outfit’s second goal of the night.

          Left wingback issues continue

          Diogo Dalot did come on for him at the start of the second-half but Amorim later claimed that the Portugal international is much more suited to the right flank and that is where his future eventually lies.

          Luke Shaw seems to be preferred as a centre-back currently and the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss wants help from INEOS to fix this problem in January.

          Lots of targets have been mentioned including 19-year-old Argentine wonderkid Julio Soler of Lanus. United and Liverpool are long-term admirers of the Argentina U23 international.

          However, River Plate could beat both English giants to the punch as relayed by Sport Witness and they are ready to make their move in the winter itself.

          Marcelo Gallardo, head coach of River, wants the young Argentine star as a backup for Marcus Acuna, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

          “Knowing that they cannot sleep in the face of Manchester United and Liverpool’s advances, River is going for Julio Soler from Lanús,” journalist Jonathan Riniti was quoted as saying on El Crack Deportivo.

          “Gallardo wants him no matter what as an alternative to Acuña. He will have to negotiate urgently with Granate so that he does not end up in the hands of the Premier League giants.”

          Soler interest

          Despite being only 19, Soler has already been called up to the senior Argentina squad and was part of the Argentina Olympic team as well.

          Soler’s current deal with Lanus expires in 2026, which opens up the possibility of a cut-price exit but Lanus have “high demands” for the youngster despite his contract situation.

          His current market value stands at only €6 million as per Transfermarkt but Lanus are expected to ask for a lot more considering the interest their player has generated among the elites of the English game.

          Whether the Old Trafford side get their man or not, it is refreshing to see United scope out the South American market under INEOS, after the huge potential from that area was largely untapped during the Glazers reign.

          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

          Scottish giants emerge as surprise January suitors for United star but face a major “stumbling block” – report

            scottish-giants-emerge-as-surprise-january-suitors-for-united-star-but-face-a-major-“stumbling-block”-–-report

            Manchester United produced a much better display on Thursday as compared to last weekend as Ruben Amorim claimed his first win since his appointment.

            Against Bodo/Glimt, he picked Manuel Ugarte from the start while pairing him with Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the pitch while Mason Mount was preferred further forward.

            This comes after plenty of criticism was aimed at Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who started in Amorim’s first game in charge, but seemed unable to cope with the intensity of his demands.

            The Dane has enjoyed a personal renaissance this season and started nine times when Erik ten Hag was at the club but his minutes are likely to reduce with Kobbie Mainoo nearing full fitness as the Englishman suits Amorim’s style more.

            Eriksen exit

            There have been murmurs of a January exit for the former Tottenham Hotspur man, something which would allow the Red Devils to recoup a small fee from his sale considering his contract with Unitex expires next summer.

            There has been recent interest from Turkey, while former club Ajax have been keen on him for a long time. Now, as per Football Insider, Scottish giants Celtic are interested in a winter move for the 32-year-old.

            Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wants an experienced midfielder to cope with their European tests and the Denmark international fits the bill. He has scored four goals and provided three assists this season for the Manchester giants.

            However, Eriksen’s wages of £150,000-per-week are proving to be a major stumbling block.

            “Celtic have met a financial issue in their pursuit of signing Man United midfielder Christian Eriksen, sources have told Football Insider.

            “The 32-year-old is on a £150,000-per-week deal at the 20-time champions, and that is proving to be a stumbling block for the Scottish giants.

            Celtic want Eriksen

            “Well-placed sources have informed Football Insider that Celtic aren’t going to get “anywhere near” the wages that he’s currently earning, which could stop a deal from happening in January.”

            The Scottish side will not come close to paying such an exorbitant amount and could wait until next summer to try and sign him on a free,

            However, plenty of clubs are watching the United star and could offer him a pre-contract agreement in January itself.

            United are yet to approach the Danish midfielder regarding a new deal and an exit looks likely, whether in January or next summer.

            Feature image Burak Kara 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

            Fabrizio Romano confirms United have signed 17yo wonderkid on new five-year deal

              fabrizio-romano-confirms-united-have-signed-17yo-wonderkid-on-new-five-year-deal

              Ruben Amorim will be delighted with Rasmus Hojlund’s brace on Thursday in the Europa League and will be hoping the Dane can start carrying that form into the Premier League.

              The Red Devils have scored the joint third-fewest goals in the English top flight this campaign with the Denmark international contributing only one goal while summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also managed only a solitary strike.

              Given Alejandro Garnacho’s misses and question marks over Marcus Rashford’s application, the Portuguese has a tough task on his hands to get his team firing up front.

              With a tight January window expected, the solution could very well come from within the academy and Chido Obi-Martin, though only 17, is being tipped to enjoy a breakthrough season.

              Obi-Martin new deal

              He turned 17 on Friday and as previously relayed by The Peoples Person, he was due to sign his first professional deal with the 20-time English league champions on his birthday.

              Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the same while adding that the former Arsenal youth prodigy will be signing on the dotted lines for five more years.

              🔴🔐 Chido Obi-Martin will sign his first pro contract at Manchester United today, as he’s turning 17.

              Understand it will be valid for the next 5 years. pic.twitter.com/tYe604ifDK

              — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 29, 2024

              “Chido Obi-Martin will sign his first pro contract at Manchester United today, as he’s turning 17. Understand it will be valid for the next 5 years,” the Italian wrote on X.

              The Denmark U18 international has impressed since his move to Manchester, scoring four times for the United U18s and was also on the bench for the U19 team during the most recent UEFA Youth League game.

              He was a goal machine during his Arsenal days and even netted 10 times in a game against Liverpool’s youth team.

              Age no bar for Amorim

              The 20-time English league champions had to beat off competition from multiple big clubs to secure his signature in the summer.

              Amorim has already called up 16-year-old Jim Thwaites and Godwill Kukonki to senior training with the young centre-back even travelling with the first team to Portman Road last week.

              He is now afraid to trust players, irrespective of their age, something he constantly showed during his time in Lisbon and he will certainly be keeping a close watch on Obi-Martin from now on as well.

              The youngster had chosen to leave the Emirates from Old Trafford, believing in United’s promise of a quicker path to senior football and it is up to him now to impress and grab his chances with both hands.

              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

              Club boss publicly tells disgruntled star wanted by United to “accept his role” amid January exit rumours

                club-boss-publicly-tells-disgruntled-star-wanted-by-united-to-“accept-his-role”-amid-january-exit-rumours

                Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has told reported Manchester United target Evan Ferguson to accept his role at the club amidst suggestions he could be available for transfer in January.

                United have been linked to Ferguson on several occasions over the past few months but a move has never materialised.

                It recently emerged that the striker could leave Brighton in January, to seal a loan move to a club where he would be guaranteed first-team minutes.

                Under Hurzeler, Ferguson has found playing time very hard to come by, with the German coach preferring the likes of Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Georginio Rutter all ahead of him in the pecking order.

                Ferguson has been limited to just one top-flight start this term. His lengthiest cameo off the bench thus far was a 17-minute appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

                All his other substitute appearances have been less than 10 minutes.

                It was claimed that the 20-year-old himself could push for a move during the winter transfer window and it’s unsurprising that suggestions of a switch to United have surfaced once again.

                However, according to Hurzeler, Ferguson is not available to go on loan. The 31-year-old tactician also insisted that the United target must “accept” his role at the Amex Stadium.

                Hurzeler said [via BBC], “I don’t know from where this information comes because I said to Evan that I am happy he is here with the team.”

                “I am happy how he is training, what shape he is in physically, mentally. Of course, he is a young player and needs game time.”

                “Accept your role and make sure you bring yourself in the mood and the shape that, when you get the chance, you are ready.”

                “It is exactly that which I demand from Evan and also what I said to him. I never said anything to him about a loan or anything like this.”

                Ferguson put pen to paper on a six-year deal with Brighton last year.

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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!

                Sky reporter gives major update on Ruben Amorim’s demands in the January window

                  sky-reporter-gives-major-update-on-ruben-amorim’s-demands-in-the-january-window

                  Manchester United’s decision to replace Erik ten Hag with Ruben Amorim marked the dawn of a new era at the club with the new Portuguese head coach trusted to take charge of a side that hasn’t won a Premier League title for over a decade.

                  Amorim’s fresh approach will mean United have to adapt tactically to their new boss’ ideas, with his favoured 3-4-3 system not one regularly used by his predecessor.

                  Therefore, many predicted Amorim would require a hasty revamp of his first team squad in order to ensure his reign goes as planned at the Theatre of Dreams.

                  However, it’s likely the 39-year-old will be spending the remainder of his first season in charge assessing the current crop before adding to his lot next summer.

                  Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has claimed Amorim has made no suggestion to the board he is looking for reinforcements in the January window.

                  Ruben Amorim is focused on working with, and developing, the players in his Manchester United squad. He has not made any requests about buying players in January – including Portugal-based Gyokeres, Quenda and Araujo

                  — Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) November 29, 2024

                  Solhekol posted on his X account that Amorim is “focused on working with, and developing, the players in his Manchester United squad” and that “he has not made any requests about buying players in January.”

                  This “includes Portugal-based (Viktor) Gyokeres, (Geovany) Quenda and (Tomas) Araujo,” says Solhekol, leaving Amorim to work with current crop of stars.

                  Despite Amorim’s acceptance to work with the players at his disposal it will be a surprise to not see him add his numbers at the end of the campaign after deciding who is fit for purpose going into his first full season.

                  The Portuguese coach has kicked off his reign with a frustrating draw in his first outing against Ipswich Town and an entertaining win against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

                  Amorim has already showed flashes of his coaching talent, displaying tactical nous to meddle with the team that found itself behind to the Norwegian Champions on Thursday before eventually running out as 3-2 victors.

                  United will be expected to win their weekend fixture with struggling Everton visiting Old Trafford on what will Amorim’s first Premier League game in front of home support.

                  It’s another opportunity for the current squad to earn a much-needed three points and show their new boss they are desperate to be a part of his plans for the rest of the season and beyond.

                  Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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                  Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.

                  Official: Leicester confirm managerial appointment of ex-United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy

                    official:-leicester-confirm-managerial-appointment-of-ex-united-interim-boss-ruud-van-nistelrooy

                    Leicester City have officially confirmed the managerial appointment of former Manchester United striker and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.

                    Van Nisterlrooy left his coaching role at United earlier this month, following Ruben Amorim’s arrival as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.

                    The legendary striker was keen on remaining at Old Trafford and becoming part of Amorim’s backroom staff but the new United head coach had other ideas, preferring to work with his coaches from Sporting Lisbon.

                    It recently emerged that Van Nistelrooy was set to become the next manager of Leicester, who parted ways with his predecessor Steve Cooper after just 12 league games at the helm.

                    The Foxes have now officially named Van Nistelrooy as their new permanent manager. He will be in the dugout for Leicetser’s meeting with West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday.

                    Welcome, Ruud van Nistelrooy 🦊 💙 pic.twitter.com/wHcwZc85eY

                    — Leicester City (@LCFC) November 29, 2024

                    Reacting to his appointment, Van Nistelrooy said, “I’m proud, I’m excited. Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic, has great stories about the quality of the people working at the Club, the supporters, also of course, the recent history of the Club is impressive. I’m dead excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the Football Club.”

                    “It’s also something I hear a lot about. I can’t wait to find that out, to be part of the Club, in a manager role, which is a big responsibility. I take it very seriously. Also, getting to know everybody, the community and the supporters, I can only imagine what it means to them. I want to feel it. I want to get started and get to know everybody and take time to invest in the relationship with all the other departments and community of the Football Club. That can make us a really strong movement to go forward and get results.”

                    “Of course, when you’re in football a long time, you know so many people and that’s why I said about the stories about the Club and its people and its supporters. That’s always positive. It’s a stable club, you can see within the leadership structures that it’s all good and organised and with an idea. Also, the squad, of course, is exciting with young emerging talents, also experienced players… a good mixture. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start with them.”

                    The 498-year-old added, “I think the depth of the squad is very good as well. There are two players in every position of good quality. There’s young, emerging talents, with very experienced players and, obviously, the captain, Jamie Vardy, has the most experience and the character. He’s the face of the Football Club. As a former striker, I can’t wait to work together with him as well.”

                    “Preparing those two games against Leicester, that’s where you get to study the opponent, and their qualities – and also where you can hurt them. Of course, that gave a broader picture of the squad and the team, and the behaviours of the players. After that, the interest was shown, and I started to look even further into the games and looking to improve.”

                    “Where can we improve and where do we have to improve to stabilise, to start growing, to start collecting more points? That’s what I did, and I trust the squad that we can manage that.”

                    Van Nistelrooy further explained that at times, he will need to be flexible with his tactical approach, depending on the opponent.

                    Featured image Michael Regan 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!

                    First time in 20 years: Amorim has already achieved something no United manager has since Sir Alex Ferguson

                      first-time-in-20-years:-amorim-has-already-achieved-something-no-united-manager-has-since-sir-alex-ferguson

                      Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim enjoyed his first win on Thursday, as his side beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in the Europa League.

                      An Alejandro Garnacho goal and a Rasmus Hojlund brace were all that United needed to clinch their second victory in the competition this season.

                      Beyond the result, the other encouraging thing was that there were very clear and positive signs of a football identity, even as the Red Devils lined up in a 3-4-3 formation once again.

                      It wasn’t entirely pretty or the complete article but there were glimpses of the kind of style Amorim wants to implement at Old Trafford.

                      After the final whistle, Amorim himself said that the performance vs. Bodo/Glimt was an improvement from last weekend’s meeting with Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The United gaffer admitted that at the moment, every game is an experiment to determine what works and what doesn’t, but he was left encouraged by what he saw.

                      Statisticians OptaPlay have now revealed a superb assist, which proves that United may certainly be heading in the right direction under Amorim.

                      According to OptaPlay, United’s 3-2 triumph over Bodo/Glimt was the first time on record that the club completed more than 700 passes, had more than 70% possession, fired 20+ shots and had 40+ touches in the opposition box in a major European match since the 2003/04 season, when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.

                      To be precise, United put together 723 passes, managed 72.4% possession, aimed a total of 20 shots at Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Khaikin and touched the ball 47 times in the opposition box.

                      1 – Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Bodø/Glimt was the first time on record that they completed 700+ passes (723), had 70%+ possession (72.4%), registered 20+ shots (20) and had 40+ touches in the opposition box (47) in a major European match (since 03/04). Impact. pic.twitter.com/ZjAQbEYE2U

                      — OptaPlay (@OptaPlay) November 29, 2024

                      On more than one occasion since his appointment as head coach, Amorim has emphasised that United must work on keeping the ball and dominating proceedings.

                      This was evident against Bodo/Glimt although there is still a long way to go before the players are fully up to speed with the demands of Amorim’s football philosophy.

                      Fans will certainly be hoping that the team builds on this foundation when they return to Premier League action against Everton on Sunday.

                      United vs. Evertok kicks off at 13:30 BST.

                      Featured image Gareth Copley 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!

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