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“Little bit unfortunate”: United coach says academy talent who made his debut under Ten Hag set to be out for “weeks”

    “little-bit-unfortunate”:-united-coach-says-academy-talent-who-made-his-debut-under-ten-hag-set-to-be-out-for-“weeks”

    Manchester United’s midfield reserves were severely depleted in recent games with multiple players missing. In fact, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy used the same combination in all four of his games.

    Mason Mount only recently returned from injury, as did Christian Eriksen. Kobbie Mainoo remains sidelined along with academy talents Toby Collyer and Dan Gore.

    Both youngsters made their debuts under Erik ten Hag, with Gore’s first cap coming last season, while Collyer’s came this term with the Dutchman reportedly keen to hand him more minutes before his eventual sacking.

    Gore’s luck with injuries has not been that great with a shoulder injury keeping him out of action for a long time and just after making his return, another issue seems to have cropped up.

    Injury update

    As for the former Brighton academy star, he has returned to training on the grass after an issue that has kept him out for a month.

    United U21 manager Travis Binnion provided an injury update on the duo, stating that while Collyer is ready to return after the international break, Gore’s comeback could take weeks.

    He also provided an update on Sekou Kone, tipped to make his first-team debut this campaign itself, who was seen in crutches after the EFL Trophy game.

    “He’ll be back…. soon. Days, weeks…. like it’s short,” Binnion was quoted as saying by The Manchester Evening News. “It’s a short-term injury and he’s been a little bit unfortunate, just like Sekou Kone tonight.

    “When you’re coming back you’re probably at your most vulnerable so it’s a case of him doing what Sekou needs to do – getting games, staying fit and then he’ll be in a good place.”

    Will Amorim use Collyer

    “Toby Collyer has returned to the grass this week, so that’s a positive. These lads are good players, they need to get fit, stay fit and have a positive impact for the club,” Binnion added.

    Collyer’s engine could be something new head coach Ruben Amorim could turn to for cup games with the Portuguese known for his penchant for giving youth a chance.

    As for Gore, he needs to maintain his fitness and get a run of games in for the reserves and hopefully, another loan opportunity will arrive and which can help catapult him into the manager’s attention.

    He was linked with a surprise move to Borussia Dortmund but United refused before the England U20 international headed to Port Vale instead.

    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

    “A trophy brings hope, but…”: United star appears to deliver belated jab at sacked Ten Hag in frank interview

      “a-trophy-brings-hope,-but…”:-united-star-appears-to-deliver-belated-jab-at-sacked-ten-hag-in-frank-interview

      Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has seemingly aimed a belated public jab at Erik ten Hag regarding the 2023/24 season.

      Last term, United finished a lowly eighth. For large parts of the campaign, the Red Devils were harshly criticised for their inconsistent performances and results, which often left a lot to be desired.

      However, there was light at the end of the tunnel for Ten Hag and his players, as they managed to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. The trophy was Ten Hag’s second in as many years at Old Trafford.

      Mainoo scored the winning goal that sunk City. It’s believed that the victory played a big role in INEOS’ decision to afford Ten Hag more time at the club when many expected him to be sacked.

      Before he was eventually relieved of his duties late last month, Ten Hag often claimed in the media that the 2023/24 season was a success by virtue of lifting the FA Cup.

      In fact, he insisted that over the last two years, United had been the second-most successful team in England, just behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

      These statements weren’t received well by a section of the fanbase, who perceived them as excuses for the Dutchman’s failures in the dugout.

      Now, Mainoo has appeared to defy the assessments of his former boss, remarking that a cup win does not automatically translate to a successful season.

      Mainoo said in an interview with GQ, “We couldn’t go into the summer with nothing, just finishing where we finished in the table.”

      “A trophy brings hope. But it definitely didn’t make the season a success.”

      He added about the FA Cup triumph, “I remember just the feeling around it was like, no one expects us to win. They’ve just written us off. I used that as motivation. I won’t say it made the season a success for us as a team, but we definitely needed it.”

      Mainoo is currently undergoing rehabilitation for an injury he suffered a few weeks ago. He’s expected to make a return to action after the ongoing international break when Ruben Amorim kickstarts his reign as United boss.

      Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

      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!

      Van Nistelrooy showed his class with stirring final message to players before his cruel exit – report

        van-nistelrooy-showed-his-class-with-stirring-final-message-to-players-before-his-cruel-exit-–-report

        In his final message as Manchester United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy reportedly asked his players to back Ruben Amorim.

        Van Nistelrooy returned to United ahead of the new season to assist Erik ten Hag despite an impressive stint at PSV as their manager. However, INEOS’s decision to shake up Ten Hag’s backroom staff didn’t yield the desired results, and the Dutchman was eventually shown the exit door. 

        The former striker was given the responsibility to lead the Red Devils on an interim basis. He did a commendable job of steadying the ship, as United remained unbeaten and won three of their four games under his tutelage.

        According to The Sun, the fan favourite urged his players to “get behind” Amorim and “work hard to bring back the glory days under the new boss” before signing off as interim manager with a 3-0 win over Leicester City.

        A source supposedly told the outlet that the club legend was keen on staying at United but at the same time understood that Amorim might have his own ideas.

        The source added: “He told the players he was very happy to have come back and to have had the chance to manage the club for four games. It has helped his managerial career, increased his already strong ties with United and he hasn’t given up on the idea that he might be back one day.

        “He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”

        The Sun previously reported that the first team squad also wanted Van Nistelrooy to remain at Carrington under Amorim.

        However, Amorim clearly had different plans. He arrived at Carrington on Monday, and within hours it was announced that Van Nistelrooy as well as Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar, and Pieter Morel had left the club.

        The Portuguese tactician enjoyed a remarkable level of success at Sporting CP with his trusted staff, who are expected to be part of his project in Manchester.

        It is understood that Carlos Fernandes, Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, Jorge Vital, and Paulo Barreira will form the new United boss’s backroom staff.

        Interestingly, Amorim is set to keep Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson. The former has been at United since 2020 and the latter was added to the club’s staff by technical director Jason Wilcox in the summer.

        Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

        Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

        United set for explosive transfer battle with Man City for “the future of Croatian football” – report

          united-set-for-explosive-transfer-battle-with-man-city-for-“the-future-of-croatian-football”-–-report

          Manchester United are chasing not one but two precocious Dinamo Zagreb midfielders, as reports claim the club are tracking Petar Sucic as well as teammate Martin Baturina.

          Links to Baturina reached fever pitch earlier this week when it was reported that the “next Luka Modric” had turned down a contract offer from Real Madrid.

          But according to TBR Football, he is not the only 21-year-old at the Maksimir Stadium who has caught United’s eye as well as that of their crosstown rivals.

          The report states that “both Manchester clubs are amongst a host of sides doing their homework on Croatian starlets Petar Sucic and Martin Baturina.”

          It continues to note that the pair, along with Petar’s cousin Luka, are “seen as the future of Croatian football”. All three are fully-fledged members of the international side, with Sucic grabbing a goal and an assist in the recent Nations League fixture with Poland, which ended 3-3.

          Sucic is a deep-lying playmaker who has nailed down a starting role at Dinamo Zagreb this season despite his tender years.

          In 17 appearances this season, he has picked up three goals and two assists, impressing on the biggest stage with important contributions in the Champions League.

          He sat out his side’s 9-2 humbling by Bayern Munich, but opened the scoring in their 2-2 draw with Monaco with an assist from Baturina.

          He then netted in their most recent match in the competition, a 4-1 win at Slovan Bratislava, and picked up his first league goal of the season earlier this month.

          TBR Football report that a number of clubs from all over Europe are interested in one or both of the exciting young talents, so United have anything but a clear run should they look to bring either on board.

          German sides Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are credited with a particular interest in Sucic.

          Portuguese heavyweights Porto, Benfica and Sporting CP have also reportedly been keeping an eye on the youngster, who is contracted at Dinamo Zagreb until 2028.

          Feature image Jasmin Walter via Getty Images

          Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

          “He’s a really smart manager…but…”: United star strongly suggests Amorim may have to abandon 3-4-3 system

            “he’s-a-really-smart-manager…but…”:-united-star-strongly-suggests-amorim-may-have-to-abandon-3-4-3-system

            Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has suggested that Ruben Amorim may be forced to abandon his preferred 3-4-3 system that made him so successful at Sporting Lisbon.

            Amorim arrived at United on Monday to officially take over his new role as head coach. A day later, he was photographed greeting a number of the players including Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw.

            The Portuguese is just awaiting his visa before he can take charge of training sessions at Carrington. This process is expected to conclude swiftly.

            Amorim guided Sporting to the Liga Portugal title in 2021 and 2024. The last time the Lions had won it was in 2002. When he departed, he left the Estadio Jose Alvalade outfit in top position in the league, having won all 11 of their matches.

            After beating Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City 4-1, Sporting are also in a very good position to advance to the next stage of the Champions League.

            Central to that success has been his 3-4-3 approach, which emphasises defensive compactness. There has been plenty of speculation over whether Amorim will seek to implement this playing style at United.

            According to Fernandes, Amorim may have to go a different way.

            The skipper told club media, “He’s a really smart manager that has done really good things for Sporting tactically – it’s really good, what I’ve seen from the games for Sporting.”

            “But obviously as we always speak, you can’t bring or transform what he has done at Sporting into here, because you have different players, you have different ways of play and everything.”

            “I’m pretty sure that the idea of football he has, independent of the way he wants to play, is going to be a good one and it’s going to bring us success. That’s what I hope and I’m pretty sure that [is what] he hopes too.”

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            Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

            United take drastic early legal action against Man City over financial breaches – report

              united-take-drastic-early-legal-action-against-man-city-over-financial-breaches-–-report

              Manchester United are reportedly among four Premier League clubs who have lodged legal notices for the right to receive compensation in the event that Manchester City are found guilty of their 115 breaches of financial rules.

              City’s case is currently being heard by an independent commission and if they’re found guilty, the reigning champions could be kicked out of the top flight.

              Among other things, City are being accused of failing to provide accurate financial information for nine separate seasons beginning 2009 and not availing the full details of Roberto Mancini and other players’ pay during their time at the Etihad Stadium.

              An outcome on the case is not expected before the close of the year.

              If the charges against City are proven, clubs could claim for loss of income as a result of missing out on Champions League qualification and any other European competition and the Premier League title. These claims could run into the hundreds of millions of pounds.

              According to Martyn Ziegler of The Times reveals, “Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have taken the step of formally registering possible compensation claims via arbitration before a potential statute of limitations deadline last week.”

              “The commission can make an order for compensation to be paid but it is understood that, because of laws around time limits to register such claims, there was concern among the clubs that it would be too late to wait until the case had been resolved.”

              “The compensation notices were served after the four clubs were advised by lawyers there was a potential six-year statute of limitations period dating from November 5, 2018, when the German website Der Spiegel first published the Football Leaks documents.”

              Despite the fact that City’s alleged rule breaches date as far back as 2009, the UK’s 1980 Limitation Act – which sets a six-year limit for legal claims regarding contract breaches – includes an exception for cases where the breach was concealed. This exception permits the six-year period to start from when the details of the alleged breaches became public.

              Ziegler explains that clubs cannot directly sue each other in court but can seek legal redress through arbitration.

              It’s understood that United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs declined to comment when contacted by The Times for comment on the matter.

              Meanwhile, the Red Devils are back in action on November 24 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!

              National team boss reveals “next step” for United goalscoring sensation as he provides fitness update

                national-team-boss-reveals-“next-step”-for-united-goalscoring-sensation-as-he-provides-fitness-update

                Denmark U18s manager Morten Esken has revealed that they’re in constant communication with Manchester United over the fitness of Chido Obi-Martin.

                Obi-Martin joined United in the summer from Premier League rivals Arsenal, whose attempts to tie him down to fresh terms failed.

                It’s believed that United warded off significant competition both domestically and abroad to land the teenage goalscoring sensation.

                Obi-Martin’s goalscoring exploits have carried on at United, the highlight of which was a sensational hat-trick in just his second appearance for the U18s.

                He has already been called up to United’s U21s and on current trajectory, it appears that it’s only a matter of time until Obi-Martin finds himself in the first team set-up.

                His bid to asced to the senior squad is aided by Ruben Amorim’s arrival as head coach. During his time at Sporting Lisbon, Amorim demonstrated a willingess to give youngsters opportunities to shine. A good example of this is 17-year-old Geovany Quenda, who is already a key member of the Lions’ team.

                In an interview with Tipsbladet, Denmark U18s coach Morten Eskesen revealed what the next step is for Obi-Martin on the international stage.

                Eskesen also gave some insight into the striker’s fitness.

                He told the publication, “It is important that the players we have in the national team play in clubs. In the end he didn’t participate because he hadn’t played for a long time. So that he was not injured, we chose that he should be built up quietly.”

                “He is in a good place after being without a club for a few months. He has not played 90 minutes since he was with us in Sweden in September to play.”

                “Since then he has trained for himself and has then been built up at United after he has changed there. He has not yet played 90 minutes, but he is close, and we are in close cooperation with United in relation to having all his physical data sent over, and looking at how he has played.”

                Esksen added, “He wants to be able to go 90 minutes now. That’s his next step and he might do it for us in the next few games.”

                Meanwhile, United return to action on November 24 when they travel to Portman Road to take on 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!

                PL rivals planning shock raid on United for academy sensation tipped to enjoy breakthrough season – report

                  pl-rivals-planning-shock-raid-on-united-for-academy-sensation-tipped-to-enjoy-breakthrough-season-–-report

                  Manchester United’s left-back crisis has been continuing since last season when both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia suffered long-term injuries.

                  The England international missed over 30 games last term and is yet to regain fitness while the Dutch star missed the entirety of the previous season and was recently seen in an U21 game as he builds his fitness back.

                  Despite the well-known issues, United refused to address the problem and in turn, brought in right-back Noussair Mazraoui in the summer.

                  Both the Moroccan and Diogo Dalot have taken turns in playing at left-back while centre-back Lisandro Martinez has also deputised there.

                  Left-back woes

                  Fans have been clamouring for academy sensation Harry Amass to be given a chance after his impressive pre-season displays but both Erik ten Hag and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy opted against it.

                  There are murmurs of the club attempting to sign a new full-back in January and if that happens, the academy star’s chances of earning minutes could get seriously impacted.

                  New head coach Ruben Amorim’s system is set to utilise wing-backs instead of traditional full-backs and the 17-year-old could find chances even harder to come by unless he can adapt.

                  Teamtalk have now revealed that Aston Villa are preparing to take advantage of this situation and are planning a raid on United for the England U18 international.

                  “Aston Villa are interested in a shock move for Manchester United defender Harry Amass, TEAMtalk understands. The 17-year-old has been tipped to break into the first-team, but has yet to make his senior debut despite the left-back spot being a real problem position for United.

                  “Given new boss Ruben Amorim is expected to deploy a back three, the new left-sided defender may be more of an attack-minded wing-back rather than a traditional left-back.

                  Amass interest

                  “Amass is under contract until 2027 and United would not welcome any interest in the teenager, but Aston Villa are monitoring his situation as they consider trying to lure him to Villa Park.”

                  The former Watford star has impressed for the reserves, playing 10 times in all competitions while registering three assists.

                  United had to fight off the likes of Villa and plenty others to sign Amass from Watford in 2023. And it would be a real shame if they were to let go of the highly-rated teen sensation.

                  Hopefully, Amorim, known for trusting youth, can finally unleash Amass and bring out the best in him to ensure that he remains at Old Trafford.

                  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

                  “I’ve not set hopes or expectations”: Ten Hag favourite unsure of what the future holds under Amorim

                    “i’ve-not-set-hopes-or-expectations”:-ten-hag-favourite-unsure-of-what-the-future-holds-under-amorim

                    It has been a roller-coaster two-and-a-half years for Christian Eriksen in Manchester United colours. His first season was a grand success, with the Dane forging a formidable partnership with Casemiro in the middle of the park.

                    Erik ten Hag brought both to the club in his first season and the Red Devils clinched the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League with plenty of fans excited to see what the future had in store.

                    But everything came crashing down in his sophomore season, with the club struggling to adapt to his chaos ball with the Dane hardly getting a look-in as Kobbie Mainoo took his place.

                    Despite a dismal start to the current season, the 32-year-old was once again trusted by the Dutchman and while his individual performances were quite impressive, the club’s poor form meant Ten Hag was relieved of his duties.

                    Eriksen’s future

                    An injury meant interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy could not call upon his services and with Ruben Amorim taking over permanently, the Denmark international’s future remains up in the air.

                    His contract with the 20-time English league champions ends in 2025 and despite four goals and three assists this term, Amorim wants younger players who can handle the intensity of his footballing philosophy.

                    The former Tottenham Hotspur star, currently out on international duty, was asked about his future and he confirmed that he is yet to hear from the club regarding the same.

                    “I haven’t focused on it yet, and I haven’t heard anything from the club,” he was quoted as saying by Tipsbladet. “Right now it’s just about football, and then we have to see where we stand in January and for that matter in the summer.”

                    Eriksen focussed on impressing Amorim

                    Amorim will have a say in contract renewals and he will give each player a clean slate and judge them after seeing them in action.

                    And the experienced midfielder also reiterated the same message, saying that his job was to train well and then leave it up the new head coach.

                    “As a football player, you just turn up and train, and then it is the coach who decides the team at the weekend. I have not set my hopes or expectations.”

                    Eriksen could still play a major role this season owing to Kobbie Mainoo’s injury and Mason Mount’s poor injury record. But his future seems to lie away from Old Trafford as Amorim and INEOS want to build for the future.

                    Feature image Harriet Lander via Getty Images

                    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

                    Amorim has found “generational talent” at United who could be a perfect fit for his 3-4-3 system – report

                      amorim-has-found-“generational-talent”-at-united-who-could-be-a-perfect-fit-for-his-3-4-3-system-–-report

                      New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has plenty of faith in Leny Yoro’s talents, as per Fabrizio Romano.

                      The Frenchman, considered Kylian Mbappe of centre-backs on the back of his incredible stint with Lille in Ligue 1, was one of the most sought-after players during the summer transfer window.

                      Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool were all reported to be keen on luring the 19-year-old. However, INEOS made a statement of intent by securing his services for United in a deal believed to be worth €62 million, plus a potential €8m in add-ons.

                      The France under-21 international instantly made a promising impression on his debut in pre-season, but an injury against Arsenal in the United States left him on the sidelines.

                      Erik ten Hag, who lost his job in October, couldn’t rely on his much-hyped signing but the youngster has now returned to first-team training and is expected to be available for selection under Amorim after the international break.

                      The Portuguese is understood to be looking forward to working with Yoro, who is yet to make his competitive debut for the Red Devils.

                      According to Romano, the ex-Sporting CP manager and his staff consider the centre-back “one of the most interesting players to develop for Man United’s long term project.”

                      The Italian journalist further added: “He’s considered a generational talent by the club and Amorim with his staff fully agree on that.”

                      🔴🇫🇷 Ruben Amorim and his staff consider Leny Yoro one of the most interesting players to develop for Man United’s long term project.

                      He’s considered a generational talent by the club and Amorim with his staff fully agree on that.

                      Yoro’s full recovery is also at final stages. pic.twitter.com/Yvl8t75Voz

                      — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 13, 2024

                      Amorim’s 3-4-3 system is built on strong defensive foundations and relies heavily on central defenders to progress the play from deep.

                      In that regard, the 6′ 3″ tall talent, who is comfortable in possession and is very good at covering wide channels, has all the skill sets to cement himself as an integral part of the new manager’s lineup.

                      Yoro is not the only United player who is highly rated by Amorim. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report suggesting the 39-year-old head coach admires Mason Mount.

                      The England international struggled to cement his place under Ten Hag, but Amorim is planning to put Mount “at the centre of his plans.”

                      Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

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