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Man Utd: Amorim pushes £36m Ten Hag signing out as space made for £58m Real Madrid, PSG target

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    Joshua Zirkzee only joined Manchester United in the summer but is ‘unhappy’ and wants to return to Serie A, according to reports.

    Zirkzee joined the club from Bologna in a £36.5m deal and scored on his debut for United against Fulham, but has been heavily criticised since having failed to find the net again after that first game.

    Recent reports have suggested the Netherlands international wants out and that’s been backed up by Turin-based newspaper La Stampa, who claim the 23-year-old ‘is unhappy and is therefore seriously thinking about saying goodbye in the winter window’.

    ‘He has given the order to his agents to find him another accommodation and try to probe the ground with Juventus’ where Thiago Motta, his coach at Bologna, is now in charge, as Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford is set to provide Zirkzee with ‘even less space’ to make his mark.

    The Old Lady’s first-choice striker Dusan Vlahovic has managed six goals in 12 games so far this season but Motta is keen on adding more forward options to his squad and it’s believes Zirkzee ‘would fit perfectly’ at Juventus, who would want to take the striker on loan as they won’t be able to get anywhere close to the fee United paid for him.

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    It won’t be a like-for-like replacement, but Zirkzee’s exit could make space in the squad for Ademola Lookman, who came close to leaving Atalanta in the summer.

    Paris Saint-Germain were in talks over a move for the former Everton winger, who starred for the Serie A star on their way to Europa League glory last season and continues to impress, with his eight goals and five assists in all competitions this term also bringing Real Madrid to the table.

    CaughtOffside claim ‘a January move is considered unlikely’ but United ‘could be on alert depending how things develop’ ahead of the summer, when Lookman is set for pastures new.

    It’s claimed United are ‘closely monitoring’ the Nigeria international’s situation as Atalanta hold talks over a new contract, though the Red Devils are yet to hold any concrete talks of their own, either with the player or the club, over a potential transfer.

    It’s claimed Atalanta would want between €60m and €70m for Lookman and United ‘view that as a fair price’, although ‘other targets in that area of the pitch will also be considered in the months ahead’.

    “The most promising in world football”: United vying with Spurs and Chelsea for insanely talented Frenchman – report

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      Manchester United are still seeking improvements in goal with new head coach Ruben Amorim set to run the rule over Andre Onana while reserve keeper Altay Bayindir’s future is also in the air.

      After a difficult start to his United career, the Cameroonian has certainly come into his own this season but he has never played under Amorim, who has a different style of working as compared to Erik ten Hag.

      While the former Inter Milan star is confident that the team can cope with the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss’ demands, a lot will depend on how the new coach sees things.

      As for the Turk, he has hardly played since his move last summer and if his prospects do not improve under Amorim, an exit could be on the cards.

      New GK hunt

      A new name has come up via TBR Football — Lille’s highly-rated goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. The 23-year-old is considered as “the most promising goalkeeper in world football”.

      Chevalier has kept seven clean sheets already this season while he did not let in a goal 19 times across all competitions last term. His form saw him receive his maiden call-up to the French national team during the recent international break.

      The Red Devils are not the only teams interested in the Frenchman with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle also looking at him while plenty of European giants also monitoring proceedings with interest.

      “TBR Football can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been making checks on Lille’s highly-rated goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

      “The 23-year-old is considered ‘the most promising goalkeeper in world football’ and his progress was rewarded with a call-up to the French squad for the recent Nations League double-headers.

      Chevalier interest

      “TBR Football has previously already revealed that Manchester City and Newcastle have been watching Chevalier. Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been watching Chevalier this season.”

      He has been described as the perfect modern keeper, great at shot-stopping while also able to execute a wide-range of passes from the back.

      The Lille star has a market value of €25 million according to Transfermarkt while his contract with the Ligue 1 side is valid until 2027.

      Whether Amorim moves on from Onana remains to be seen. Chevalier would certainly not prefer joining as the Cameroonian’s backup in case Bayindir departs.

      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 ‘serious’ about £30m Championship star as Ruben Amorim’s ‘first signing’ amid Newcastle interest

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        Manchester United have ‘serious interest’ in making Sunderland star Chris Rigg their ‘first signing’ under Ruben Amorim, but face significant competition from other Premier League clubs.

        Amorim is set to take charge of his first United game on Sunday against Ipswich having taken Red Devils training this week.

        He’s been told by the United bosses that he will have a limited budget to sign players in January and has been tasked with unlocking the full potential of the squad he inherited from Erik ten Hag.

        But there have inevitably been widespread rumours over possible moves in the transfer market, and GIVEMESPORT now claim United are ‘contemplating a deal which would see Chris Rig head to Old Trafford in January’.

        Their urgency is said to be with competition for his signature in mind, as Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen on the 17-year-old midfielder, who’s earned rave reviews through his performances in the Championship this season and would cost interested parties around £30m.

        The report adds:

        ‘Manchester United have a serious interest in winning the race for Rigg’s services, according to GMS sources, and it has resulted in key decision-makers behind the scenes toying with the idea of testing Sunderland’s resolve with a bid when the transfer window reopens for business at the turn of the year.

        ‘But GMS sources have been informed that Rigg is more likely to entertain the possibility of embarking on a fresh challenge at the end of the season, and that would come as a significant blow for Manchester United as they have been contemplating whether to make him the first signing of Amorim’s tenure.’

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        It’s further claimed that Rigg is interested in a move to either Man Utd or Newcastle, who are also vying to sign the midfielder from their bitter rivals, but would likely snub less ambitious Premier League clubss

        ‘GMS sources have been told that Rigg would be interested in eventually heading to Manchester United due to their profile and ambition in the coming seasons, but he has a similar stance when it comes to Sunderland’s arch-rivals Newcastle United as they are also mulling over whether to lure him to St James’ Park.

        ‘Rigg will hold out for a club which matches his ambition when the time comes to leave the Stadium of Light, GMS sources understand, and that is likely to go against West Ham United and Crystal Palace even though both London outfits have been looking to strike a deal in the summer.

        ‘GMS sources recently revealed that Manchester United are monitoring the up-and-coming talent’s progress as they are determined to acquire homegrown youngsters who are capable of having significant resale value after putting plans for the upcoming transfer windows in place.’

        “Yes, that’s true”: Europe’s deadliest finisher makes incredible Man United transfer admission

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          Barcelona talisman Robert Lewandowski has revealed just how close he came to signing for Manchester United during the final years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

          Lewandowski was plying his trade at Borussia Dortmund when United and Sir Alex came calling.

          At 24, the Poland international was rapidly building his reputation as one of the best strikers in the world and with Sir Alex in search of someone to lead the line after narrowly missing out on the 2011/12 Premier League title, he trained his sights on Lewandowski.

          In a sit-down with United legend Rio Ferdinand, Lewandowski narrated how he nearly came close to sealing a blockbuster switch to Old Trafford.

          He told a stunned Ferdinand, “I remember one conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson. I decided to join Manchester United in 2012.”

          “I remember the conversation that was before pre-season, we were playing some games. I knew that he [Ferguson] was going to call to me. And at half-time, I was subbed off because I knew that I was playing 45 minutes.”

          “I had the call, and that time, you know, my English, that was on a different level. Especially if I’m going to speak with this kind of guy – Sir Alex Ferguson. I was very nervous and he called. I said, ‘Hello, my name is Robert Lewandowski’. He said, ‘Hi, hi…’ you know, in this Scottish accent.”

          “I knew what I should tell him – Yeah, of course, I want to join Manchester United.”

          On why the transfer never materialised, Lewandowski explained that Dortmund were unwilling to let him go.

          “I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund. He said to me, they need him. They’re not going to sign me to Manchester United because I’m so important for them. It wasn’t the perfect time.”

          “But that time I said yes, that’s true. I said yes to join Manchester United because if Sir Alex Ferguson calls you, you cannot say no, you know. Especially when I was 22 or 23 years old.”

          “At that time I was playing for Dortmund. I was happy, but Manchester United were like the prime of Manchester United.”

          The Red Devils went on to sign Robin Van Persie instead from bitter rivals Arsenal. Van Persie led United to Premier League glory in 2013 as Sir Alex retired from football management.

          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 transfer: Player Amorim ‘already planning’ to sign revealed as Ratcliffe ‘assesses options’

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            Ruben Amorim’s first signing as Man Utd head coach will likely be a left-back with ‘more than three candidates’ on his wishlist, according to reports.

            Amorim is expected to set the Red Devils up in his trusted 3-4-3 formation, which is bad news for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bank account.

            After an expensive summer transfer window, the Man Utd co-owner will likely spend big next year on players used to playing in that system.

            A new left-sided defender appears to be a top priority. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez have both been linked in recent weeks.

            It was reported last week that Man Utd are keen on signing Kerkez alongside Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

            The Red Devils failed with three bids for Branthwaite in the summer and still appear keen despite signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt for a combined £90million.

            Bringing in a new left-wing-back appears to be a top priority for Amorim due to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s injury problems.

            Neither player has played this season which has forced Diogo Dalot to play on the left with summer signing Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.

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            Amorim reportedly does not see Dalot as a long-term answer at left-wing-back and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that a player natural in that position will be a transfer priority next year.

            Romano adds that the club has ‘more than three candidates’ on their shortlist and the only uncertainty is if the signing will be made in January or at the end of the season.

            He wrote on X: “Man United want to sign new left back for Amorim’s system in 2025, it’s already planned. The club is already assessing options with more than 3 candidates in list.

            “It only remains to be seen whether it’s gonna happen in January or summer window (most likely).”

            Romano mentioned Kerkez in June when discussing Man Utd’s plans to sign a left-back in the summer transfer window.

            He revealed that the Hungarian was “being monitored”, though Bournemouth plan to ask for an “important fee”.

            The Cherries signed Kerkez from Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in the 2023 summer transfer window for a reported £15.5m.

            Lazio were reportedly close to signing the 21-year-old before Bournemouth hijacked the transfer.

            Kerkez played 28 times in the Premier League last season and has started all 11 of his side’s top-flight fixtures in 2024/25, providing two assists, both of which came in a win over Manchester City.

            Besiktas set to do Amorim a big favour with January move for unwanted star – report

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              The futures of quite a few Manchester United stars recruited during the Erik ten Hag era are up in the air now that Ruben Amorim has come onboard.

              The Portuguese wants the team to play in a different style and quite a few do not fit his demands with Antony being one of them.

              Signed as a right-winger, his attacking exploits have been nothing to write home about and thus, the former Sporting Lisbon coach has tried him out at right wing-back during training.

              But with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui at the club, the former Ajax star’s chances of earning regular minutes in that position is not looking too bright.

              Antony’s bleak future

              The 24-year-old has already spoken to the club about his lack of minutes and he could seek an exit if there is no improvement in that aspect.

              And according to Turkish outlet Aspor, Besiktas are ready to offer a short-term solution to the problem in January should the Red Devils accept.

              Besiktas are ready to offer a loan deal for the Brazilian in the winter, akin to the deal they had tried to agree in the summer window. But with Ten Hag at the helm at that point in time, their request was turned down. The player is also eager to get the move done this time around.

              “Beşiktaş’ transfer efforts are continuing at full speed. The Black-Whites, who are expected to make a winger transfer to their squad in January, have once again stepped in for Manchester United’s Brazilian star Antony, who was on their agenda at the beginning of the season but could not complete the transfer.

              “It has been determined that the Eagle will make a loan offer in the interim transfer for the 24-year-old star, who is one of the names that the Red Devils’ Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim does not consider in the squad. It is stated that the right winger is also positive about leaving the team in order to play more.”

              Besiktas eyeing Antony

              Their chances have improved now that Amorim is here but INEOS might not agree to a straight loan and could try and include an obligation or option to buy, something Besiktas could struggle to afford.

              The report also does not make clear how much of the winger’s wages they will foot and how much the 20-time English league champions have to take care of.

              Even a loan exit for Antony would free up a lot of space on the wage bill for United with the Brazil international earning £200,000 per week (as per capology).

              If he can shine in Istanbul, United could recoup a better fee from his eventual sale. But they are still likely to incur a major loss on their initial £86 million investment.

              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

              Fantastic news as hugely positive injury update is provided on incredibly talented United youngster – report

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                Manchester United youngster Sekou Kone is expected to return to competitive action in a few weeks, as his injury is not considered to be too serious.

                United warded off significant competition in the summer to land Kone from Malian side Guidars FC, in a deal worth around £1million.

                The Red Devils heavily scouted Kone after first taking notice of him in November, at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

                Kone played a key role for Mali as they beat Argentina to finish in third place in the competition. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Kone will be fast-tracked into the United senior team.

                However, at the moment, United are eager to give him adequate time to adapt to life in a new country, where the demands of the game are completely different from what he was accustomed to.

                Kone made his first start for the Under-21s against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Trophy last week. However, his participation was cut short after just 40 minutes of play, as he had to be taken off with an injury.

                After the final whistle, the 18-year-old was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches while wearing a protective boot on his right foot.

                This sparked fears among fans that his injury could be severe but it appears that this is not the case.

                According to Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News, “Sekou Kone’s injury is not serious and he could return to a pitch in a matter of weeks for Manchester United.”

                “His injury is not thought to be a major issue and he is expected to return in a matter of weeks, not months, although the club will continue to handle him carefully as he settles in Manchester.”

                “Sources have reiterated patience will be key with Kone.”

                During the match vs. Huddersfield, Kone showed flashes of his brilliance and incredible talent, especially on the ball. However, it was also clear that there is still a lot to improve on and refine in his game before he is ready for first-team football.

                United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Portman Road to face Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town.

                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!

                Amorim favourite Gyokeres told to snub Man Utd for Arsenal if transfer opportunity arises

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                  Man Utd target Viktor Gyokeres has been told to move to Arsenal over other Premier League clubs by the Sporting Lisbon striker’s long-time mentor.

                  The Red Devils have emerged as potential candidates for Gyokeres after Ruben Amorim was announced as the new Man Utd head coach earlier this month.

                  There have been rumours that Amorim has asked his new club to sign Gyokeres with the Sweden international scoring 23 goals in 17 appearances so far this term.

                  Gyokeres also scored five goals in two matches for Sweden on international duty over the past fortnight and he continues to attract attention from the Premier League with Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all mooted as possible destinations.

                  And now former Sweden midfielder Anders Limpar, who considers himself a long-time mentor of Gyokeres, reckons a “crazy” transfer to Arsenal would be the best move for the Sporting Lisbon striker.

                  Speaking to FotbollDirekt, Limpar said: “I know Gyokeres very well personally, I was a bit of a mentor for him when he played for Brommapojkarna, he and Ludwig Augustinsson. So, I’ve talked a lot about professional life with him.

                  “He’s a fantastically hardworking forward who scores a lot of goals.

                  “If we at Arsenal [were to] buy Gyokeres, then he will definitely call me. But then to see Gyokeres at Arsenal, that would be crazy.

                  “His work rate, he runs like a madman. When it doesn’t work out for Viktor, he works his way into the game with uncomfortable runs.

                  “When other top forwards aren’t doing well, they don’t work so hard for the team, they save their energy, Viktor never saves his energy. When things are a bit slow, he works his way into a game with runs, that’s why it has gone so well.”

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                  He added: “We have to remember that the Portuguese league is inferior to the Premier League, but when Manchester City came to visit Lisbon, he scored a hat-trick, so he’s fully capable of scoring in England.

                  “He has played for Coventry and scored goals, he knows the English mentality. I think his next step is to play in the Premier League and he can really choose which team he wants to play in.”

                  Former Man Utd defender Paul Parker reckons the signing of Gyokeres “would be amazing” for the Red Devils if they could get it over the line.

                  “I think it would be amazing if Man United can sign Gyokeres. In my opinion, it would be one of the best possible signings and maybe one of the best signings in recent times in the Premier League.

                  “He knows how Amorim wants to play and vice versa. He would be the perfect addition, and also add some competition to Højlund who really needs it, because he hasn’t shown enough yet.

                  “Gyokeres would be a top striker in the Premier League.”

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                  “Things are moving”: Amorim’s January plans kick into gear as contact made for French international – report

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                    Manchester United have made contact with Paris Saint-Germain for France international striker Randal Kolo Muani.

                    The Red Devils have struggled for goals this season with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to convince as the lead striker when given the nod, scoring a total of three goals between them.

                    United reportedly have an interest in Sporting Lisbon’s red-hot striker Viktor Gyokeres but will be unable to make a move for the attacker until the summer.

                    One player who has been reported to be a more short-term option for United is Kolo Muani, with United supposedly having been offered the attacker ahead of the January window.

                    The Peoples Person has already relayed that United are considering making a loan move for the striker as they aim to give their flailing attack a shot in the arm this winter.

                    French outlet Le 10 Sport nudge the story in the right direction for United fans as they claim that despite Muani’s insistence he will not leave Paris, “behind the scenes, things are moving to get him to leave PSG.”

                    “According to our information, Manchester United recently made contact to express their interest in Randal Kolo Muani.”

                    Problematically for new head coach Ruben Amorim, United’s rash spending in the past has meant that they likely cannot spend big in the winter and are limited to loan moves.

                    “Discussions will continue until the end of the year and the choice will be up to the player to stay to ‘continue fighting’ or try the English adventure, with a brand new coach (Ruben Amorim) who seems, himself, to want to trust him.”

                    The French international has hardly been in sparkling form this season, as he has only scored two goals in 12 matches.

                    Since October 6, the Frenchman has only played 24 minutes for the Ligue 1 champions and his future looks like it will almost certainly be away from the Parc des Princes.

                    Whilst a move for Kolo Muani would represent a bit of a gamble, a loan deal could work out well for both parties as United aim to propel themselves back up the Premier League table and the Frenchman searches for regular game time.

                    Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                    Romano issues update on Man Utd interest in Davies as source reveals promising Amorim news

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                      Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Man Utd will “keep monitoring” Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies as interest builds in the Canadian.

                      The Red Devils appointed Ruben Amorim on November 1 as Erik ten Hag’s successor with the Portuguese coach taking over last week before taking his first training session on Monday.

                      Amorim has a tough job on his hands with Man Utd currently 13th in the Premier League, after a terrible start to the season, and looking for a manager to finally end their run of over a decade without a league title.

                      There have been claims that Man Utd will have very little money to spend in the January transfer window as they are close to their financial fair play limits.

                      But transfer expert Romano has confirmed they are looking to the summer with interest in Bayern Munich left-back Davies, who would be perfect for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

                      Romano said on his YouTube channel: “As I told you, there is still no agreement done with any club. Real Madrid remain there. But for Alphonso Davies, there are several possibilities. So let’s see what’s going to happen.

                      “On Manchester United, a name I already told you last year, because Manchester United were monitoring this player, and keep monitoring this player.

                      “Now there is a new coach, and the new coach is Ruben Amorim. So let’s see what Amorim will decide to do for that position.

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                      “But for Man United, first of all, in general, left-back is a priority position. So Man United want to cover that position. This summer, they decided to go with Noussair Mazraoui, this was the plan.

                      “So last summer, last transfer window, because they believed that Mazraoui could cover the two positions, right and left-back.

                      “But in 2025, Man United want to sign an important left-back to also play in a different kind of position for Ruben Amorim. He wants a top left-footed player in that position.”

                      And journalist Andy Mitten has some more encouraging news out of Old Trafford with sources telling him that Amorim’s new staff at Man Utd are going down well.

                      Mitten said on the Talk of the Devils podcast:”One source told me that the new staff are really impressive, lovely guys. There will be a huge amount of support for them, but it is important to get off to a good start.

                      “Those early games are really, really important, because if results are not good, those people will experience scrutiny, especially the manager, that they have never had in their lives before, and we’ve seen how it is eaten away at some of the most experienced managers in world football.

                      “That will be avoided if the team start well, or are perceived to start well.”

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