Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand launched a passionate defence of Alejandro Garnacho after the winger was accused of consistently making poor decisions on the pitch.
The Argentina international started as one of the two most advanced midfielders in Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.
Garnacho’s faulty execution was on full display, especially in one or two crucial counter-attacks that broke down because he failed to release the ball to Marcus Rashford early enough.
Ex-United star Lee Sharpe pinpointed this as something Garnacho needs to work on, as he labelled the forward “a little bit greedy.”
Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe was also very comfortable against Garnacho and hardly needed to break a sweat.
The United n.o 17 has since come under some criticism from a section of fans, who have highlighted his weaknesses. In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, co-host Stephen Howson provided a scathing critique of Garnacho, claiming the Carrington academy graduate “has the decision-making of a cat. It’s awful.”
Howson added that he would drop Garnacho from the starting XI, in favour of an attacking trio of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Ferdinand wasn’t having any of it and responded, “Don’t talk about Garnacho like that. You can’t be perfect, he’s a kid man!”
“[Without Garnacho] no one’s running back, no one’s running in behind the opposition. I’d play Garnacho on the left.”
“This is a process we can’t expect them to look like the Sporting team now. It’s impossible, you can’t expect that to be the case.”
Garnacho will certainly be hoping for far better fortunes when United host Eliteserien outfit FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford on Thursday.
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 are preparing an offer for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports in Italy.
The Red Devils drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town on Sunday with Marcus Rashford opened the scoring inside two minutes before a long-range deflected effort from Omari Hutchinson gave the Tractor Boys a share of the spoils.
The point pushed Man Utd up one place to 12th in the Premier League table and also marked a small forward step in Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of the Red Devils.
A big theme of discussion this season has been the lack of goals from Man Utd with Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only scoring four league goals between them all campaign.
Hojlund scored two goals as Man Utd came from behind to beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 on Thursday evening in Amorim’s second match in charge – but Amorim is still determined to bring in a new striker in January.
Former Man Utd winger Lee Sharpe reckons the Red Devils board should consider selling Antony as he continues to struggle at Old Trafford.
Sharpe told TG Casino: “Antony’s been very disappointing for Manchester United since day one. We’ve seen flashes of his ability, but nothing ever consistent to what he was showing at Ajax. When you consider the formation that Ruben Amorim will be playing, I think he will struggle to get a game.
“For me, if United can get a half decent price in January and get him off the wage bill, that would allow Amorim to buy one or two other players that would suit the system well.”
On Amad Diallo, Sharpe added: “Amad Diallo was very good against Ipswich in that right wing back position. There were obviously some question marks about whether he’d be good enough defensively, but he’s probably one of the more industrial players out of the four wingers Manchester United have at their disposal.
“He understands the game well and I don’t think he’s ever let anybody down whenever he’s been in the team. He very rarely gives the ball away and he’s very powerful for his size – we saw his pace when he was going past players. He’s got the energy but he’s also got the intellect, so I think he can be a bit of a surprise package in that position for United.”
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says he will rotate his side ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton at Old Trafford.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, which was recorded immediately after last night’s victory over Bodo/Glimt, Amorim said he wants to win the game at all costs but that rotation would be necessary.
“I’m hoping to win. It’s going to be a different match with a lot of fighting, long balls, second balls.
“A quality coach that understands the league, who understands the movement of the opponent.
“We need to have the ball, because we have a short time to recover. We need to rotate the team.
“So I’m hopeful for a win and I’m hopeful to see different things from my team, improvement as there was from Ipswich to now, different things and better things.”
Asked about Diogo Dalot, he responded:
“He is very powerful. We have to rotate him sometimes because he looks always fresh but it’s not always like that, he’s not a machine.
“I think he plays better on the right, he’s a very good player, very powerful, that can play both sides. Nowadays a player that can play both sides is like … it’s perfect … so I expect the same as you saw last year, a great player that can help the team, and he’s really a team player.”
The next question was about getting his methods over to the players.
“I was a football player, and more than 12 minutes, forget it, they will lose the concentration. So we have to work on indoor stadium, we have that, instead of video we do it like walking and jogging, showing some videos. Then we have all the stuff, for example Carlos is with the strikers, to show individual moments.
“Trying to see the game, what is missing. They are very good players, they have to believe.”
Asked about the time for preparation compared to Everton’s he responded:
“It is what it is. We will rotate players and we’ll be ready. We managed the fitness [against Glimt] so we have to do it. No excuse.
“Without training you have to use the games. I felt we played with more intensity. Mason Mount for 60 minutes with high intensity, Rasmus was dead in the end. The guys that are playing have to push more and the other guys have to train tomorrow. Luke Shaw did some minutes but he has to train again.”
Amorim was then asked whether he thinks Mason Mount will be a valuable member of his team.
“First thing is he’s working really hard. And then you have to understand the human as well, he wants this really bad, and that’s the most important thing.
“I think he proved to all of you he’s a talented player. He was European champion. So we believe a lot in him, he has to stay fit, today he did a great job, Mason Mount is a proper footballer, I believe a lot in Mason Mount.”
The final question was about wing backs.
“Today if I ask you guys you saw more 4-4-2 defending, I think you agree?” he said.
“But then we have two wide players … but you have to change the characteristics, because Dalot and Malacia, they are more defenders because they defend in the back four, and today Amad and Antony defended like a winger and stay open. So what I want is good one-on-one, to open the field when they have the ball and close the field when they don’t.
“So I think the structure is more fluid than you guys think, three defenders, it’s more the characteristics of the player.”
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
Manchester United picked up their first win of the Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford on Thursday, overcoming Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in their Europa League encounter.
There remain question marks surrounding the wingback options, but the attack purred at times against the Norwegian champions with Rasmus Hojlund picking up a brace.
And now, the former United striker can take revenge on Amorim and INEOS for that brutal cull with Leicester City set to appoint him as their new manager following Steve Cooper’s sacking.
The Foxes are currently a point above the drop zone and have not won a game in their last five attempts with two defeats coming at the hands of the 20-time English league champions, incidentally being managed by Van Nistelrooy.
And as per The Times, the 48-year-old could turn to Rene Hake, who also lost his job as assistant coach following Amorim’s arrival, as his No 2 at the King Power Stadium.
“Leicester City are set to appoint the former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as their manager. The club could confirm the Dutchman’s appointment before their game this weekend.
Hake to join him
“He had returned to Old Trafford this summer as part of a shake-up of the club’s coaching staff under Ten Hag, with Dutch coach Rene Hake, who may join him at Leicester, also arriving as assistant, but all three left when Rúben Amorim was appointed.”
It will be a difficult challenge for the former PSV coach but he certainly has the knowledge and courage to take Leicester out of the danger zone into safety.
He always wanted to manage at the top-level following his PSV departure and despite offers from Burnley, the lure of returning to Old Trafford proved too strong and he chose to come and join as an assistant.
Since his departure, Van Nistelrooy has been linked with Burnley and Coventry City in the Championship as well as Hamburg in Bundesliga 2. But it seems the Foxes have finally won the race for his signature.
He was always their first choice even though there were links with the likes of David Moyes and Graham Potter. The exact makeup of his support staff will become clearer once his appointment is made public.
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 could sell Alejandro Garnacho in the summer transfer window as he’s ‘not indispensable’ to Ruben Amorim, according to reports.
There has been a lot of change at Man Utd this season with five new signings in the summer transfer window and a number of players also departing Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag was also replaced by Ruben Amorim as Red Devils manager earlier this week with the Portuguese taking over officially earlier this month.
Despite the opening goal, solely created by Rasmush Hojlund’s pressing of the Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper, Garnacho could be on his way in the summer.
Spanish website Fichajes claim that Garnacho ‘could leave’ Man Utd in the summer transfer window amid reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring the 20-year-old.
Garnacho ‘could be living out his final months at Old Trafford’ as he ‘does not seem to be an indispensable piece’ of Amorim’s plans going forward.
Amorim, ‘who took over the dugout with clear ideas about the profile of players he needs, would not rule out the departure of the Madrid native if a suitable replacement is found to cover his position.’
Fichajes add: ‘His style of play does not seem to fit in with Amorim’s tactical plans, who is looking for a more structured approach on the wings. This discrepancy could open the door to his departure, especially if the club finds an interesting offer in the next transfer window.’
Man Utd ‘have not yet made an official decision, the current situation suggests that the player’s continuity is not guaranteed’.
Arsenal legend Alan Smith has told Garnacho to ignore his critics after receiving some stick from a small section of the Man Utd fanbase this season.
Smith told Ace Odds: “He’s a young lad still. I think as you get older, you can shrug it off more. I mean, he’s been one of their better players. He’s such a brilliant talent.
“It’s a bit of a mystery why you would get to stick off anybody. I saw that little video clip of some supporter outside the ground.
“You get it, and as you get older, you don’t take any notice of it. He’s a young lad, and he’s one to cherish. He is for the next few years, for United.
“He just needs to ignore the noise from outside. The fans in Old Trafford have adopted Ronaldo’s song for him, and they love him. Why wouldn’t you with what he’s produced?
“You’re always going to have your critics. I would always tell players to stay off social media, but I don’t think they do. They’ll find it hard to do that.
“Just concentrate on your game. Listen to your manager. If he’s happy with you, if your teammates are happy with you, you’re doing the right thing.”
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho’s breakthrough into the first team was one of the high points from Erik ten Hag’s turbulent reign at Old Trafford.
The young winger is now an established player at the club after producing some magical moments in a red shirt since his breakthrough.
One of the finest was the stunning bicycle kick scored against Everton last November which has now been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards in football.
As reported by The Metro, Garnacho’s wonder strike is one of 11 goals from last season shortlisted for the coveted Puskas Award, presented to the best goal of the previous season.
The global award recognises the finest efforts from around the world and Garnacho faces stiff competition but will fancy his chances given the quality of his goal against The Toffees.
Diogo Dalot’s hopeful cross from the right hand side looked to be overhit as Garnacho made his way into the home box.
However, after shuffling his feet, the United forward flew into the air and connected perfectly with the ball that arrowed into Jordan Pickford’s top corner.
The outrageous hit sent United’s travelling fans into raptures and the team went onto record a notable 3-0 victory at a notoriously difficult away venue.
It was an unforgettable moment that will go down as one of the greatest goals ever scored by a United player.
Unsurprisingly, Garnacho was awarded United’s Goal of the Season award, along with the same honour from the BBC.
However, the Puskas award would top the lot and no doubt Garnacho will be desperate to get his hands on the individual gong.
United have had only one previous winner of the award coming in the shape of Garnacho’s idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, for his 40-yard bullet against Porto in 2009.
The full list of this years nominees is below:
Hassan Al Haydos, Qatar vs China PR Terry Antonis, Melbourne City vs Western Sydney Wanderers Yassine Benzia, Algeria vs South Africa Walter Bou, Lanus vs Tigre Michaell Chirinos, Costa Rica vs Honduras Federico Dimarco, Inter Milan vs Frosinone Alejandro Garnacho, Everton v Manchester United Mohammed Kudus, West Ham vs Freiburg Denis Omedi, KCCA v Kitara Paul Onuachu, Trabzonspor vs Konyaspor Jaden Philogene, Rotherham vs Hull City
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.
Marcus Rashford is ‘cooked’ and probably not the £129m Mo Salah replacement Liverpool would need. Nor can he stop Arsenal winning the Premier League title.
Send your thoughts to theeditor@football365.com.
The future’s bright The thing that must please UTD fans more than anything is the obvious high standards he is installing in the players from the outset.
When interviewed straight after the final whistle, Hojlund was asked if he was happy with his nights work, two goals and a win, his reply was “yes and no, we got off to a bad start”……..was he expecting them to score in the first 30 seconds? High standards indeed. Howard (how old is Mats Hummels?) Jones
So, new manager, decent result but certainly plenty of questions and concerns. There are positives for United for sure, the biggest for me being that Amorim appears to – for now – have the power in the dressing room. His formation, his changes, his vision. And if we’re honest, it already looks more clear than whatever it was ETH was trying.
The good: a reminder that if he gets involved, Hojland is a really talented striker, especially at his age. If he stays fit, Mazraoui will be the bargain signing of the summer. Ugarte looks good in a system built for Ugarte. Mason Mount looks good in a system, period. And the squad is starting to get fit, which feels like some weird pipe dream. Shaw and Malacia available for the same elven? Gotta be two years.
The bad: Rashford is cooked, he’s not coming back. Dalot’s regression this season has been impressive. Casemiro is still good for creating at least one, often two excellent chances for the opposition each match. The players aren’t fit enough, so the last 10 minutes are ridiculously nervy as they run out of steam. Bruno is not a 6, and never will be, and is the captain. We have no wing backs for a system that requires two wing backs.
The conclusion: it won’t happen, but we have to give Ruben time. Like actually do that. No articles about the system, the fit, the players or anything for at least a few months. 9 matches in December means very little time internalising system changes, so it’s not going to happen quickly. Problem is, if there is one thing the coverage of United has never and will never have, it is patience. Ryan, Bermuda
Well done, ref Watching the Chelsea – Heidenheim game right now, and the ref has just denied Chelsea a pen, got told to go to the screen by VAR, saw what looked like a dive by Mudryk, and stuck to his guns! This is the first time I have EVER seen a referee do that after the introduction of VAR.
I celebrated that like a goal! Absolutely fantastic stuff and finally a referee with some basic brains and the courage to back himself. It should never be a given that just because VAR asks you to review it, you change your mind. Excellent work.
Cheers Aman (The pen was a close call, but just the right decision at the end I think)
A Manchester City bottling? If Man City finish outside the CL top 8, they will have to play two extra games in Feb, a month in which they play Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham in the PL. They are going to have an Arsenal-esque ‘season over’ Feb, notwithstanding their traditional easy FA Cup draw. Shappo
Slightly giddy Firstly, at what point do we decide a player isn’t all that? Delle Alli, Joe Hart, Robhino all had a few years of being quite marvellous, and then form declined and they were deemed as sh*te.
What’s the biting point with that? Rashford is there for sure, and as a mailbox contributer has pointed out, Mbappe shows all of those signs as well. He’s fast for sure, can finish, but Bradley had him on toast.
Secondly, tongue in cheek articles like the LFC/Still Not Played Anyone Good always brings out the humourless chumps in every fan base. LFC has as many of them as the next team. Personally, I won’t be happy until science recreates the Brazil 70 team and we lamp ’em.
Thirdly, I’m a little giddy now. A win against Citeh and I will concede we’re in with a chance. Though I’d be concerned for Peps self-harm if we did win (seriously, what was with those scratches? Worrying). David (Lads, it’s Madrid) Molby, Shrewsbury.
But Arsenal will win the league The detailing of this idea may wreak havoc in the minds of many Liverpool supporters who are, understandably, on Cloud 9 at the moment and the tribal outrage that it may provoke could be beyond imagination, especially as Salah and the gang have just swatted aside an awfully depleted version of the Champions League winners.
Good luck to Slot and his team, but I have reason to believe that it is Arsenal’s season. I will preface this by stating that the only form of loyalty I have to Arsenal is that Gabriel and Raya are in my Fantasy Premier League team, while Saka soon will be, and I also own Salah, along with around 6 million others and my 0.000017% share is more often than not my trustworthy captain. Mo Salah, you little dancer!!
Liverpool are obviously very good. That’s a non-negotiable. I really hope Mo Salah is given the recognition he deserves – he really is one of the most incredible players I have ever seen in my 41 years and I don’t believe that he is valued quite as highly as he should be. The fact that he has had a hand in 16 of 23 Liverpool league goals thus far is, however, as concerning as it is impressive. There will be a lean patch or an injury, given the nature of the busy schedule. They did cope well last season, but Salah’s absence aligned with fixtures versus Luton, Bournemouth, Burnley and a pre-improvement Chelsea. Diaz is a very streaky player, Nunez is erratic, Jota’s fitness travails will always undermine him and Gakpo is a reliable 7/10 player. Speaking of sevens, that number of Liverpool’s December league fixtures seems remarkable. Considering they include Man City at home and trips to Newcastle, Everton, Tottenham and West Ham, plus Girona in the Champions League, this period could prove to be the biggest indicator of the strength of Slot’s squad.
Curtis Jones provides a lot of hope. To both Liverpool and England, as he is an excellent technician. He scored the winner as Liverpool edged past Chelsea, but this was a game that demonstrated a lack of physicality in the midfield that Caicedo intermittently exploited. Out of Liverpool’s last six league wins, five have been by one goal margins. Last season, prolonged control of games didn’t really materialise due to the lack of a dominant number 6. Gravenberch has been a huge success story so far, but Liverpool have been on the right side of some chaotic fixtures, playing seven of the bottom ten, and question marks have to be raised as to whether it is sustainable. A lot centres upon Virgil Van Dijk’s capacity to remain fit.
While Arsenal have already managed a lengthy injury and suspension list, they have defenders who can play in several positions and probably have more scope to cope over time. Quansah, Gomez, Bradley and Tsimikas are not quite at the level of White, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko, Kiwior and Partey. A similar situation in midfield is apparent, where Partey, Jorginho, Nwaneri and an inverted Zinchenko provide more flexibility than Szoboszlai, Elliott and Endo.
It is fair to note that Arsenal have had quite an unremarkable start to the season, on face value. Considering the top four’s current variance in points though is not a million miles from irrelevant, as it is heavily skewed by the fixtures and arbitrary events at this stage. However, the 2024 calendar table shows Arsenal in second place to Man City with a game in hand and a far superior goal difference of 54, to City’s 43 and Liverpool’s 38. Furthermore, Arsenal have already played away at City, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham and at home to Liverpool and Brighton. Eight of the top eleven teams of the year. Red cards in three winnable games have cost up to seven points and injuries to Gabriel and Timber (alongside Saliba’s suspension) allowed Liverpool to snatch a draw at the Emirates Stadium. In spite of these teething problems and tough schedule, Arsenal have only conceded four more goals than Liverpool and scored three less.
As much as the aforementioned praise for Jones is thoroughly deserved, I really wish Martin Odegaard was English and Arsenal fans will be immensely relieved that is now available after a seven game absence. He is the Rodri to City, the Kroos to Real, the Optimus Prime to the Autobots. Nine goals in three games since his return and seven different scorers. He remains absolutely crucial to the Arteta gameplan and quite clearly elevates the level at which Bukayo Saka operates, as well as the team as a whole. Timber looks excellent and Calafiori and Merino are huge physical presences who should improve as the season progresses and they familiarise with Arteta’s methods. Think Havertz last year. With short city trips to West Ham, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford coming up and home fixtures against Man United, Everton and Ipswich, a strong run could propel Arsenal to the New Year summit.
It will certainly be interesting to see how things stand at the beginning of January and let’s hope for a breathtaking multiple horse race as there is, of course, Manchester City and Chelsea to consider. While Rodri isn’t going to be around to fix City any time soon, Chelsea do probably deserve further analysis as an outsider, but for now my crystal ball indicates an Arsenal ascension. AC in Milan
The new Champions League format Means More There have been numerous discussions, including comments in the mailbox yesterday from Aidan and Graham about how the new Champions League format means that games mean less. “Both teams will reach the knockout stages (with an extra game or not) anyway.” etc. I disagree.
I feel like people are living through massively rose tinted glasses when thinking about the old Champions League format. Because if it were the case that Madrid and Liverpool were drawn together in the old format, would it really be any different? No. They would have comfortably finished 1st and 2nd in the group, probably with a game to spare. People talked about this all the time. Whether through the mailbox or staff articles, we were constantly being told about how boring and predictable the old group stage was.
When under the old format did we ever get a truly seismic shock? When Madrid, Bayern or a top level Liverpool or Man City, didn’t make it through? I can’t remember any. Just some examples from last year:
Madrid and Napoli were drawn together. Madrid won every game, and Napoli finished on 10 points, 6 ahead of 3rd place. Bayern (in an admittedly weak group) got 16 points. Inter and Real Sociedad qualified 8 points ahead of 3rd place. City won 6 from 6 and 2nd place Leipzig finished 8 points ahead of 3rd place. Like it or not, the old format was predictable, and qualification for the big teams was done and dusted by the end of game 5 or even game 4.
This year has already given us shocks and some brilliant matches. Now as we get into the later stages, results actually matter. The fact that 8 teams go straight to the last 16 means there will be intrigue right to the end. Because although everyone says “Oh yeah, well they’ll qualify anyway” there is a huge difference between having an extra playoff match and not. Not just 2 extra ties in a busy season, but it’s another chance to get knocked out. We could yet see any combination of Milan, Madrid, Man City, PSG, Bayern, Atletico, Juventus and others, meet in the playoff round. I am sure that is something they would really want to avoid. It will really matter for most teams, right to the end.
It’s also worth pointing out that teams who previously finished 3rd (the equivalent of 17th-24th) still stayed in Europe. But dropped down to the Europa league, which was a terrible system that devalued that competition. This new system prevents that.
Criticise the format if you wish, but please let’s move away from the fantasy that the old group stage format was anything other than repetitive and predictable. I for one welcome our new big table overlord. Mike, LFC, Dubai
Contracts killer Everyone knows and it may irritate some that Liverpool is generally a professional and well run club.
Such a club would, given the sensitive nature of three stars contracts being under negotiation, conclude all three deals (however they go) before announcing anything.
So expect this business to be tidy and respectful. Life doesn’t always need to be intriguing and scandalous.
One press conference, three announcements, no departures Chris
I’ve read numerous articles and mailbox posts about why Liverpool should, and shouldn’t, offer Mo Salah a new deal. So for what it’s worth, here are my thoughts. Offer him another two years with an option for another year at whatever he’s on now, say £350k a week. He’s going to bang in around 30 goals this season, a return any striker would take. And there’s no reason to think he won’t do the same next year. Even if he dropped off 30%, he’s still good for 20.
£350k a week is £18.2m a year in wages, two years is £36.4m. If you could buy a player who could guarantee you goals like Salah, he’d be north of £80m easily, plus wages of at least £250k a week. So for the same return (over three years) Liverpool would need to spend £129m on a new player versus £54.6m on the tried and trusted Salah.
So unless there’s a gem in the academy we know nothing about (unlike Bradley, what a player!) just give Mo the money. And Virgil whilst you’re there.
I’ll get back to work now. Steve (LFC) Cirencester
Savage garden It should be illegal for TNT to have Robbie Savage commentate on games and not offer the Amazon Prime feature of turning off voice and only having stadium noise. Neil, Man Utd.
Robbie Savage has made two careers out of winding people up.
Now he wants to keep his head down and be left alone, you can’t just expect the fans he’s been winding up for 27 years to respect that.
Not even his name, mate Neil Raines, always love to see a mail from a fellow Villa fan in a mailbox that’s usually dominated by Man U and Liverpool fans. However, I’ve got to pick you up on this one mate….
Jeff G, West Brom Villan (Careful, he might get injured easily but he’s still a big unit you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of)
Largely agree with Neil Raines’s Villa analysis, but Leon Bailey “starting to look good again”? Er, what? Every time he gets the ball (which is usually too deep anyway) he fannies around with it and either loses possession or falls over and gets a slightly fortuitous free kick. He’s been doing it all season.
I liked him a lot last year, but he must have had too many Covid boosters or something because he seems to have regressed to the level of a not terribly talented eight year old. Matt Pitt
Oh Ken, Cork A pre Madonna?
That’s Cyndi Lauper, right? Graham Simons, Gooner, Norf London
Primma-donna Ken not before Madonna which is maybe ABBA. Andrew, Wexford
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly decided which centre-back he will target in January to bolster his team’s defence.
While Man United have been inundated with transfer links ahead of the winter transfer window, one problem area that the club will need to invest in is its defence.
Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire have both been injured, leaving Amorim short-staffed at the back.
This becomes even more problematic given that United’s new manager has taken to using his preferred 3-4-3 formation since his arrival, meaning that three centre-backs are required rather than two as was the case under Erik ten Hag.
Now, it appears as if the new boss already has a plan for dealing with United’s defensive deficit.
The Sun reported that Amorim is targeting Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo in the January transfer window.
“Amorim has a meeting with Old Trafford decision makers on Friday and will discuss a move for Araujo,” the report read, adding that the 22 year old will be available for a price of £50 million.
Araujo has been one of Benfica’s biggest stars this season, producing a particularly strong showing in the UEFA Champions League. With an average of 4.3 tackles per game, Araujo has won 66% of his total duels while enjoying 100% dribbling. He is also an elite passer, with 91% of his passes reaching their intended target.
His season within Liga Portugal has also been highly impressive, committing zero errors leading to a shot or a goal as Benfica have won eight of their ten matches so far. (Stats via Sofascore)
United’s need for a gifted young centre-back was apparent in last night’s 3-2 Europa League win over FK Bodø/Glimt.
Conceding two soft goals in a matter of four minutes, United’s defensive woes could have been a result of players who were playing out of position as well as a lack of match fitness for some.
Tyrell Malacia looked sluggish in his first game back since his long-term injury, while Antony is clearly not suited to a wingback role. Given the lack of centre-back options, Noussair Mazraoui and substitute Luke Shaw were forced to shift to the centre to play alongside Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt.
Had Mazraoui been able to play as a wingback, things could have looked a lot different at the back for United.
Amorim would do well to sign another centre-back in January, whether it’s Araujo or an alternative. Clearly, the team is currently lacking options.
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.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has “a sneak feeling” that Everton could get something at Man Utd despite predicting a Red Devils win at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have made a terrible start to the new season with Erik ten Hag losing his job just nine games in before Ruud van Nistelrooy steadied the ship for a few matches.
New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim had an underwhelming start with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich Town last weekend, although the Portuguese boss had limited time to work with his players in the lead up to the fixture.
Amorim managed a more positive result on Thursday night with Man Utd coming from 2-1 down against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League to win 3-2, thanks to two goals from Rasmus Hojlund.
Merson was not impressed by Man Utd against Ipswich and reckons one of the top teams would have “destroyed” the Red Devils.
Making his prediction for the match against Everton at the weekend, Merson told Sportskeeda: “Nothing changed for Manchester United last week in my opinion. Ipswich were by far the better team! I think even Ruben Amorim was shocked by what happened.
“If they don’t start winning games, Amorim will have to start answering a lot more questions whether he likes it or not. That is just how big this club is and how the Premier League is in a nutshell.
“I’m not entirely convinced about Manchester United’s new system under Amorim. After a point in that game, you would’ve thought Ipswich were the bigger club and not United, that’s how it went. You could say everyone was away on international duty and he did not have enough time. But if that performance was against one of the big boys in the league, Manchester United would have been destroyed by four or five goals!
“Everton are a team who have a special X-factor in them. They always have that one fixture every season when they just spring to life and surprise us. I’m going for a United win, but I can’t help but admit that I have a sneak feeling about Everton. Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Everton.”
Reflecting on his start at Man Utd on Thursday night, Amorim told reporters: “I know it will be tough. We will have problems in the future but that is normal in every club and with every coach.
“We are changing in the middle of the season and we know that we don’t have time to train. I believe in the people, I believe in the players, I believe in the staff and I feel at home. I have a job to do and I know how to do that job.
“You have to be lucky, sometimes the ball hits the post and goes in so these small things will help us. I am confident because I believe in everyone in this squad.”
Manchester United are interested in former Manchester City striker Liam Delap, who is making headlines with his exploits at Ipswich Town.
Delap only left City for Ipswich on a permanent transfer in the summer in a deal believed to be worth around £20 million.
At the time, the figure appeared pretty significant for the young Englishman, who didn’t exactly set the Championship alight during his multiple loan spells away from City in previous seasons.
However, according to The Athletic, Delap is “generating interest among bigger clubs over a potential move next summer” following his prolific start at the newly-promoted side, led by former United assistant coach Kieran McKenna.
His return of six goals and an assist in 12 Premier League games this term has raised eyebrows, boosting his valuation in no time, with suitors across the division following his progress closely.
It is understood some interested parties attended Ipswich’s 1-1 draw against United on Sunday.
The clash also underlined the lack of goalscoring threat at Amorim’s disposal. Marcus Rashford started as the number nine and Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench in the second half. Both forwards could do little to impress in the limited minutes they got at Ipswich.
The Denmark international did show promise against FK Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League, scoring twice in Amorim’s second match in charge of United. However, he still needs to improve a lot to cement his place as the undisputed first-choice number nine at United. For now, the Mancunians continue to be linked with new strikers.
There is an expectation that Delap will move to one of the Premier League’s “Big Six” if he continues to shine, and it is claimed the Red Devils are one of his admirers.
Delap, who has the physicality of an old-school centre-forward, has the potential to become an ideal fit for United. However, The Athletic adds that City could “technically scupper any move elsewhere.”
If United show serious interest, it is not far-fetched to assume that the noisy neighbours wouldn’t sit idle, especially since they put “matching rights or buy-back clauses in most sales.”
Meanwhile, how Ipswich would control Delap’s future may depend on their own fate in England’s top-tier, as relegation to the Championship would have a significant impact on the 21-year-old’s potential fee. He signed a five-year contract at the club upon his summer arrival.
But like the 1-1 draw with Ipswich in his first game in charge, it wasn’t a convincing display as the Portuguese boss works to implement his ethos and vision for the club during the season.
But The Sun claim he will arrive at a meeting with Dan Ashworth and the other United directors on Friday with a ‘wanted list’ of new players.
One player on that list is said to be Benfica star Tomas Araujo, who’s impressed alongside former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi at the heart of the Portuguese giant’s defence this season,
Araujo – who won his first international cap last week – was linked with Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain during the summer, but interest was waved away from Benfica chiefs, who are well aware of the centre-back’s talent and won’t allow him to leave easily.
The report claims Amorim hopes to persuade the United bosses to make a £50m bid for Araujo in January as the 22-year-old ‘has all the attributes he’s after – he is 6 ft 2, a good passer of the ball, and physically strong, with plenty of room for improvement.’
Araujo can play both in the middle or on the right of defence, making him a good fit for Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation and ‘is considered the best prospect to come out of Portugal’s most productive academy since current Manchester City star Ruben Dias’.
Jorge Mendes is Araujo’s representative and it’s thought the renowned super agent ‘is trying to establish a close working relationship with Amorim’, though that link won’t matter if Benfica insist on the defender’s €100m release clause.
Amorim was eager to point out after United’s win over Bodo/Glimt that his side are a work in progress, but hailed the fans for his “special” welcome to Old Trafford.
He said: “Of course, I see what what everybody sees, good moments, difficult moments.
“There was some confusion in the end trying to hold the result, but the lads did a great job. They ran, they pressed, they tried to do the things we have worked on in the last three days and we won!
“Half of the stadium doesn’t know me, I came from Portugal and I did nothing for this club. Yet the way they make me feel at home is special.
