Home Blog Page 1838

Rasmus Hojlund given six months by Ruben Amorim to prove Man Utd don’t need Gyokeres

    rasmus-hojlund-given-six-months-by-ruben-amorim-to-prove-man-utd-don’t-need-gyokeres

    Rasmus Hojlund was signed by Manchester United to be Viktor Gyokeres. He isn’t, but could turn into something like him under Ruben Amorim. He’s got six months to prove himself or they’ll sign the actual thing.

    Key figures at Manchester United are understandably wary of signing Sporting stars for Ruben Amorim having been burnt implementing the same Buy His Players policy under Erik ten Hag. There’s very recent and strong evidence for caution, but Viktor Gyokeres is worth holding off on a blanket ban.

    Reports claim the striker will be available for £63m in the summer and for other clubs as well as United, but specifically United given they’ve just hired the manager under whom Gyokeres has made his name, that will surely prove too good an opportunity to pass up.

    After his hat-trick against Manchester City he’s now scored 48 goals in 2024, 12 more than second-best Harry Kane and 15 more than the man he’s being inevitably compared to, Erling Haaland.

    Thirty-plus goal seasons before moving to the Premier League are far from a guarantee of success once you get there, but 40+ might be (we literally don’t know because it’s not happened before) and Gyokeres is well on course to meet that target this season having claimed 43 last term.

    Manchester United will feel that that if they can afford to buy Gyokeres then they can’t afford not to, a) because there’s every chance he will be brilliant for them, and b) if they don’t buy him another Premier League club – maybe Arsenal – probably will.

    It would be a big slap in the face for Rasmus Hojlund, who’s retained his spot as the main man up front for United despite the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee in the summer by virtue of being able to do things like control and pass the ball. But it’s precisely because he’s not done a great deal more than that that these links with Gyokeres are even a thing.

    Let’s not forget that Hojlund was signed for the same fee as Gyokeres is available for; a ludicrous sum of money given what Hojlund did before the move and what he’s done since.

    But it’s impossible to know how much of Hojlund’s mediocrity has been down to the manager and the system, and there are plenty of Manchester United fans claiming – with reason – that they need not sign Gyokeres because they’ve already got their own version.

    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
    👉 Man Utd trio ‘could quit in 2025’ with ‘avenue’ to ‘agree multiple signings’ revealed despite PSR fear
    👉 Man Utd to ‘make moves’ with Arsenal target eyed in double swoop; two January priorities decided
    👉 Man Utd: Neville’s one Amorim concern rebuffed by Moyes as Wright lauds ‘brilliant’ INEOS decision

    Gyokeres is the player the United chiefs thought they were signing in Hojlund, or at least what they hoped he would turn into. That’s evidently not happened yet – he’s scored 18 goals in 53 games – but there’s been just about enough evidence to suggest that Hojlund at least has the tools to be That Guy even though he looks a long way off Gyokeres right now: clever finishes like the one against Brentford, driving runs with the ball as we saw frequently in the Champions League group stage last season and generally good hold-up play.

    Sporting aren’t about to let Gyokeres leave in January having just parted with their manager. The move will be in the summer. A perfect timeframe for Manchester United, if not for Hojlund, who now has a six-month audition under Amorim to show his new manager that the club doesn’t need a 40+ goal striker, thank you very much. No pressure then.

    But maybe he needs it. We get that there’s big pressure at Manchester United, which has no doubt been heightened by his price tag. But it’s not like he’s fighting for his place in the team. If he’s fit he plays, no matter his level of performance. At least now he has competition, even if that’s from someone yet to be a United player.

    The signing of Gyokeres would represent a climbdown for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new directorship at Old Trafford, who have consistently named Hojlund as one of three untransferable commodities along with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, convinced that he has the potential to be a £100m player.

    The question is how long will they wait for that potential to be realised, if it ever is, because while the £40m striker they bought for £63m may turn into a £100m goalscorer they could just buy a £100m goalscorer for £63m.

    Something has to give: three big surprises Amorim could spring on his arrival at United – analysis

      something-has-to-give:-three-big-surprises-amorim-could-spring-on-his-arrival-at-united-–-analysis

      Ruben Amorim will take over as head coach of Manchester United on Monday and already a number of outlets, including The Peoples Person, have had a bash at predicting how United might line up under the new boss.

      It is widely assumed that he will immediately replicate the three at the back system he has employed with such great success at Sporting. In fact, most people think he will stick to the 3-4-2-1, leaving the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Josh Zirkzee and Amad Diallo fighting it out for the two support attack positions behind Rasmus Hojlund.

      However, Amorim himself stated recently “I already said previously you cannot transport one reality into another… At Manchester United you cannot play exactly like this. You cannot play so defensively and so there we will have to adapt.”

      This suggests we’re not simply going to see the United players squeezed into the Sporting system, but rather, that the system will be adapted to play to United’s strengths. But what might this mean in practice?

      Three or four at the back?

      What if Amorim surprises everyone and doesn’t play three at the back? There are obvious reasons to do so, and not to do so. Playing three at the back should provide immediate extra stability to a defence that has been leakier than a sieve for some time.

      It might also play to the strengths of some of United’s centre backs – Harry Maguire for example has excelled in a back three for England. It might also be a good way of easing Leny Yoro into the side and also provides extra height to compensate for Lisandro Martinez’s lack of the same.

      On the other hand, United do not have any natural wing backs. This means full backs such as Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be expected to play in an unfamiliar role, while out-and-out wingers such as Garnacho, Rashford and Amad will be expected to reinvent themselves as inside forwards to some extent.

      This is all a lot to ask of a team low in confidence and might persuade Amorim – temporarily at least – to stick with four at the back. Specialist wing backs of the calibre United need would be difficult to sign in January, so it could be next summer before Amorim could get his hands on the right kind of signing to deploy his favoured system effectively.

      If Amorim does go with three at the back, another big question is who will occupy the two central midfield spots? With an extra defender in the team, it is normally unnecessary to have two defensive midfielders in those deep positions, especially when, as Amorim himself said, you “cannot play so defensively” at United.

      Combinations such as Ugarte-Casemiro, Mainoo-Ugarte or Mainoo-Casemiro would be unlikely to offer the deep-lying playmaking qualities that an attacking 3-4-3 requires. Christian Eriksen plus one of those three does provide that balance but places a huge burden on the Dane’s shoulders, given his age and the number of games to be played.

      One twist that Amorim could surprise everyone with would be to push Bruno Fernandes back into that role. It would certainly offer far more creativity from deep and with the extra cover, his profligacy might not be too much of a problem.

      Although Fernandes had left Sporting when Amorim took the reins there, the coach will no doubt be very aware of how effective Bruno was there when deployed as an 8 – the number he wears on his shirt and has tattooed on his arm. Mason Mount, likewise, could be employed in that deeper role on occasion.

      Pushing Fernandes and Mount back would have the added advantage of being able to employ two of Rashford, Garnacho and Amad in the side, who between them have bags of pace and who, when firing on all cylinders, should provide much of the goalscoring threat for the team.

      Another option could be to reinvent one of the wingers – with Amad the most likely candidate – as a wing back. This could swing the pendulum back to having two more defensive CMs in order to mop up some of the spaces that an inexperienced and attack-minded wing back might leave behind him.

      Ultimately, Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 does not fit well with the personnel available at United, so something will have to change. It will be fascinating to see how the Red Devils line up in Amorim’s first match against Ipswich Town in two weeks’ time.


      Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

      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.

      Ex-United boss has “unfinished business” in PL, ready to join sleeping giants – report

        ex-united-boss-has-“unfinished-business”-in-pl,-ready-to-join-sleeping-giants-–-report

        Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly set his sights on the Newcastle United job if Eddie Howe is shown the exit door.

        One of the most successful managers in Premier League history, Mourinho currently finds himself in Turkey, having joined Fenerbahce this summer following his abrupt departure from AS Roma.

        However, in recent days, the three-time PL-winning manager has made plenty of headlines in England and Europe through his extraordinary rant about the VAR officiating in the Süper Lig, suggesting he is not happy in Turkey.

        Amid this, a report has emerged claiming Mourinho is eyeing a return to England.

        According to The Guardian, the Portuguese manager is “targeting the Newcastle job if Eddie Howe leaves St James’ Park.”

        It is claimed the ex-Chelsea, United, and Tottenham Hotspur boss has “unfinished business” in the league, and has “identified Newcastle as his best chance of another job in England.”

        Mourinho is understood to have “reached out to intermediaries asking to be kept abreast of any developments at Newcastle.”

        The Magpies have endured a tough start to the new campaign under Howe. However, it is believed his position is not under immediate threat, especially after he led the side to back-to-back wins over Chelsea and Arsenal.

        The Englishman also has no intention to depart Newcastle.

        Still, there is no long-term guarantee as Newcastle’s owners want the club in the Champions League. They sit 11th in the league table at the moment and are not involved in any European competition this term.

        Mourinho, who reportedly encouraged his compatriot Ruben Amorim to join the Red Devils this season, might not be the only former United coach to potentially switch clubs in the near future.

        Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Erik ten Hag, who was sacked by United late in October, has landed on Borussia Dortmund’s radar.

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

        Scholes picks four Man Utd stars who ‘aren’t right’ for Amorim’s side as he identifies a ‘problem’

          scholes-picks-four-man-utd-stars-who-‘aren’t-right’-for-amorim’s-side-as-he-identifies-a-‘problem’

          Paul Scholes insists there are four Man Utd players who “don’t want to do the ugly side of the game” and will struggle under Ruben Amorim.

          The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag last week after a terrible start to the new season and quickly moved to appoint Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim.

          Amorim will officially start on November 11 after he’s taken charge of his final Sporting match against Braga at the weekend after they sensationally beat Man City 4-1 on Tuesday night.

          The Portuguese coach has used a back three formation throughout his time at Sporting with 3-4-3 emerging as his favourite in recent times.

          And former Man Utd midfielder Scholes has questioned whether Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are the correct fit under Amorim.

          Speaking ahead of the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday night, Scholes told TNT Sports: “There are three or four players, especially forward players, who don’t want to do the ugly side of the game. He’s going to have to make them do that.

          “We talk about the back three, we have six centre-halves they can choose from. He has got the two central midfielders in Casemiro and [Manuel] Ugarte. It’s the wingbacks that could be the problem.

          “Does he want wingers who are going to run back? If he wants that, I’m not sure Rashford and Garnacho are right for that.

          “Does he want two wing-backs in Dalot and Mazraoui who might be a little bit better defensively but not as good going forward?’”

          MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
          👉 Ex-Man Utd star snubs Amorim as ‘passionate’ manager should’ve replaced Ten Hag amid ‘big’ factor
          👉 Man Utd trio ‘could quit in 2025’ with ‘avenue’ to ‘agree multiple signings’ revealed despite PSR fear
          👉 Man Utd: Neville’s one Amorim concern rebuffed by Moyes as Wright lauds ‘brilliant’ INEOS decision

          And Scholes reckons Kobbie Mainoo could key play a key role under Amorim in a more advanced position than the England international is currently used to.

          Scholes added: “He has then got his two no10s. Fernandes is one of them and I actually think Mainoo could be one of them too. I think he’ll be better player higher up, it will suit it more.”

          Amad Diallo scored both the goals as Man Utd beat PAOK on Thursday night with interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy hailing the Ivory Coast international’s contribution.

          Van Nistelrooy said: “He made a difference for us today, because of his goals but he was very sharp. I think in the first half, he was one of the few who was at his level. Well done to him, good game. His first goal was a good goal and a good Bruno assist.

          “We like when we were in those spaces where Bruno was to put the ball in between the keeper and the backline – you can see the three players in the movement, it’s something we’ve worked on a lot since the beginning of the season.

          “They are always dangerous areas to cross from and we needed this. Amad made his own goal [for the second goal], Christian [Eriksen] tried to cross it and then he came inside on his left and getting it in the far post was excellent. He won his own duel and took the shot for the goal – a good goal.”

          “No doubt that Amorim will…”: PL legend offers worrying prediction for Hojlund’s future at United

            “no-doubt-that-amorim-will…”:-pl-legend-offers-worrying-prediction-for-hojlund’s-future-at-united

            Alan Shearer describes the situation Rasmus Hojlund has found himself at Manchester United since arriving last summer as “unfair” but believes Ruben Amorim is certain to look to buy a new centre-forward given the team’s struggles in front of goal.

            Amorim was confirmed as the new Red Devils boss last week following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. He has produced an exceptional four-and-half years at Sporting Lisbon and is widely considered one of the most highly-regarded young coaches in Europe.

            It’s clear United executives are willing to go ‘all-in’ on the 39-year-old, with a host of his coaching staff in Lisbon set to join him at Old Trafford, and Shearer contends there is “no doubt” Amorim will want a new number nine as well.

            There have already been strong links to Sporting’s Victor Gyokeres with the prolific Swede set to be available this summer for £63 million – £20 million less than his release clause.

            It constitutes a similar price to the one United agreed to pay initially for Hojlund when the Danish international joined last summer. A fee of £64 million, with an additional £8 million in add-ons, was enough to convince Serie A side Atalanta to part ways with their number nine.

            And while there have been many promising displays by Hojlund since arriving in Manchester, there have been equally concerning performances, with last night’s Europa League 2-0 win over PAOK FC a prime example.

            Hojlund was completely anonymous against a team he should be expecting to be dominant against. He only touched the ball 16 times, made four successful passes, zero dribbles and failed to convert the one big chance presented to him.

            While the team’s performance was poor in general, outside of a vibrant right-hand side with Noussair Mazraoui and match-winner Amad Diallo, Hojlund must take ownership for his lack of meaningful involvement. It is a type of display too often produced by Dane over the last fifteen months.

            Shearer believes Hojlund “wasn’t ready to lead the line on a regular basis” when United agreed the “huge” fee for him. “He should have been in and out, learning and developing, rather than becoming the first choice for such a huge club straight away,” the Premier League’s all-time goal scorer observes.

            And this lack of development is obvious in Hojlund’s displays. However, the Dane is only 21 and his upside is considerable, given his potent pairing of pace, physicality, finishing and (albeit inconsistent) technical ability.

            Shearer contends there is “no doubt” Amorim will “want to bring a centre-forward in, because that’s one of the positions Manchester United most need to strengthen in.” There is only a finite budget however, and the club are likely to need to invest heavily in the wingback position, as well as central defence and midfield to shape the squad in Amorim’s vision.

            Financial Fair Play restrictions make the idea of United spending big on another centre-forward, after paying over £100 million on Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the past fifteen months, an unlikely one.

            It will be one of the defining tests of Amorim’s opening to life at Old Trafford how he is helps the existing strikers at the club to develop, rather than relying on a new one in the form of his former pupil Gyokeres, as an example.

            Shearer believes Hojlund is a “really promising” striker – “I like a lot of what I see” – but that he’s “had to play for more than he should have done.” Amorim will be hoping this crash course in being a United number nine will serve the Dane in good stead to grow into the shirt long-term under his careful watch, just as Gyokeres did in Lisbon.

            Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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

            “Abusive”: Key United figure hit with shocking “three-match ban” for misconduct as FA swings its sword

              “abusive”:-key-united-figure-hit-with-shocking-“three-match-ban”-for-misconduct-as-fa-swings-its-sword

              Manchester United first-team coach Darren Fletcher has been sanctioned with a “three-match extended touchline ban” and a £7,500 fine by the Football Association (FA) for misconduct during the 2-1 win against Brentford on October 19.

              Fletcher was incensed by the referee’s decision to make Matthijs de Ligt leave the field of play with a blood injury just moments before the Bees scored from a corner.

              The coach, along with the rest of the United staff, were adamant the goal would not have stood if their key defender had been allowed to stay on the pitch, as they believed he should given the blood was dried.

              In the midst of these remonstrations, which extended down the tunnel as the half-time whistle blew, Fletcher confronted the officials in what the FA alleged was an “abusive” manner.

              The FA claim Fletcher had “acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time” during the match at Old Trafford.

              The United coach admitted to misconduct but disagreed he was abusive towards the officials. However, an independent Regulatory commission found this to be “proven” and “imposed his sanctions.”

              An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher for misconduct at Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday 19 October.

              Full statement: https://t.co/a42eyp6MTJ pic.twitter.com/S0KuP5xKWl

              — FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) November 8, 2024

              Tweet: “An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher for misconduct at Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday 19 October.”

              Fletcher is set to miss United’s match against Leicester City this weekend, as well as Ruben Amorim’s first game at the helm against Ipswich Town on November 24 and Everton on December 1.

              However, Simon Peach (PA) reveals the Scot is planning to appeal the ruling with United “hoping to reduce” the ban.

              #MUFC coach Darren Fletcher has been hit by the FA with a three-match touchline ban for misconduct v Brentford – a sanction the club are hoping to reduce on appeal. The ban covers Leicester, Ipswich (Amorim’s first game) & Everton

              — Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) November 8, 2024

              Tweet: “#MUFC coach Darren Fletcher has been hit by the FA with a three-match touchline ban for misconduct v Brentford – a sanction the club are hoping to reduce on appeal. The ban covers Leicester, Ipswich (Amorim’s first game) & Everton”

              Separate from this situation, it will be interesting to see what role Fletcher takes on, if any, when Amorim arrives from Portugal, accompanied by his support staff at Sporting.

              If the 39-year-old manager wants a coaching team comprised completely of familiar faces to him, the ban Fletcher is facing from the Old Trafford touchline will soon morph into a permanent one.

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

              Merson slams one Man Utd player over lack of ‘identity’ as he makes Leicester prediction

                merson-slams-one-man-utd-player-over-lack-of-‘identity’-as-he-makes-leicester-prediction

                Paul Merson thinks Ruben Amorim would have been better off joining Chelsea over Man Utd as he makes his prediction for the Red Devils’ clash against Leicester City on Sunday.

                Amorim will start work at Man Utd on November 11 after he takes charge of his final Sporting Lisbon match against Braga over the weekend.

                There are doubts about how the Red Devils’ squad will suit his formation with Amorim likely to deploy a 3-4-3 and certainly a back three.

                Merson thinks the current Chelsea squad would be better suited to get the best out of Amorim’s tactics with Man Utd needing to invest in players to give the Portuguese coach what he wants.

                The Arsenal legend also questioned the “identity” of summer signing Joshua Zirkzee and gave a prediction for Man Utd versus Leicester City on Sunday.

                Merson told Sportskeeda: “I watch Manchester United and I really think Ruben Amorim has his work cut out at Old Trafford. You could say he probably has an advantage because we aren’t expecting much. But I watch all the other big teams and all of them have a plan in place, Manchester United don’t.

                “When you look at the system that Amorim deploys at Sporting and you look at United, you don’t really know how many players at Old Trafford can pull that off. It doesn’t tick any box. Who will be the three at the back considering all their centre-backs available for selection aren’t the quickest? What about the wing-backs? They don’t have a proper goal-scoring no.9 like Viktor Gyokeres or two creative no.10s.

                MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
                👉 Scholes picks four Man Utd stars who ‘aren’t right’ for Amorim’s side as he identifies a ‘problem’
                👉 Amad stakes his claim as Man United finally end year-long wait for European win
                👉 Man Utd: Neville’s one Amorim concern rebuffed by Moyes as Wright lauds ‘brilliant’ INEOS decision

                “If Amorim goes to Chelsea for example, you know he has the resources to become a success. Quick defenders like Reece James, Malo Gusto. Two good no.10s in the form of Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku. Nicolas Jackson has already shown he can deliver if given the right supply as well. The resources are there, unlike the situation at Old Trafford.

                “Don’t get me wrong, I like Amorim and what he’s done in Portugal deserves a lot of credit. But this looks like a really tough challenge for him and he won’t become an overnight success at Old Trafford because he needs the players for his preferred system.

                “I also wanted to speak about Joshua Zirkzee. I don’t know where he plays, what his identity is as a player. If you’re always behind the eight ball at Manchester United, it’s tough for you as a player. Mason Mount suffers from it, so did Anderson and many other players back in the day.

                “Leicester did well to rescue a point against Ipswich last weekend. A defeat in that game would’ve been catastrophic for them. Jamie Vardy should remain fit throughout the season, if they are to avoid relegation. I think there’s only one winner in this game though, and it’s not Leicester. Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Leicester City”

                United learn asking price for teenage sensation with a host of clubs “willing to match” it- report

                  united-learn-asking-price-for-teenage-sensation-with-a-host-of-clubs-“willing-to-match”-it-report

                  Manchester United target Chris Rigg will cost a minimum of €30 million should they be able to lure him from Sunderland.

                  The young Englishman has set the Championship on fire this season for the league leaders.

                  Rigg has played in 14 games in this campaign, impressively racking up 1,068 minutes of action at such a young age.

                  The 17 year old has been described as a “shining light” of football in the North East and has really caught the imagination of fans at the Stadium of Light.

                  For this reason, numerous clubs have shown an interest in the young Englishman, including the Red Devils.

                  CaughtOffside has reported that “Sunderland’s 17-year-old talent Chris Rigg is a name that is starting to become well-known amongst the big clubs in Europe as several continue to monitor the youngster’s progress in the Championship.”

                  Rigg is under contract until 2027 but “the interest of several of Europe’s biggest clubs put the Black Cats in a difficult position to keep the midfielder as his departure could significantly impact Sunderland, both on and off the pitch.”

                  The outlet provides a fresh update in the race for the youngster as they state “the Championship club will seek at least €30m for Rigg in 2025 and there are several clubs who might be willing to match their asking price.”

                  United have reportedly been watching the player every week but there are numerous teams at home and abroad who admire him, such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and even Real Madrid involved in the fight over his future.

                  A report relayed by The Peoples Person as previously stated that Sunderland are keen to keep their young talent and have issued a “hands-off” warning to those who covet him.

                  Were Sunderland to land promotion this term, it may convince the youngster that his best chances of progression lie in regular gametime at his current side.

                  Nonetheless, with the complex world of PSR, it is possible that the Black Cats may not be able to turn down an offer so tempting even if they secure promotion back to the top flight.

                  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.

                  Man Utd slammed for ‘really appalling performance’ vs PAOK with Brazil flops backed to play for Amorim

                    man-utd-slammed-for-‘really-appalling-performance’-vs-paok-with-brazil-flops-backed-to-play-for-amorim

                    Frank Leboeuf has hit out at Man Utd for producing a “really appalling performance” in their 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday.

                    The Red Devils beat the Greek side thanks to two goals from Amad Diallo in their first victory in European competitions for over a year.

                    Ruud van Nistelrooy has won two and drawn one of his three matches in interim charge after Erik ten Hag was sacked last week – but their performances haven’t been much better than under the previous manager.

                    Ruben Amorim will take over on November 11 after he has managed his final Sporting Lisbon match against Braga over the weekend.

                    Man Utd struggled to create loads of chances against the Greek Super League side in a fairly poor performance, with Leboeuf going one step further by branding it “really appalling”.

                    Leboeuf said on ESPN: “That was a really appalling performance from Manchester United. And it’s time for Ruben Amorim to come over and for us to see if there is something that he can, you know, improve before achieving anything.

                    “But they are far away from being the Manchester United we used to know, that’s for sure, but not even the good Manchester United.”

                    Man Utd spent a combined £155m on Casemiro and Antony during Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford with the Brazil internationals failing to have the expected impact.

                    And now former Man Utd midfielder Kleberson thinks Casemiro and Antony still have more to offer the Red Devils before they eventually leave the Premier League club.

                    On Casemiro, Kleberson told The Metro: “Casemiro is the one player who doesn’t shy away from the pressure; he can handle the pressure.

                    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
                    👉 Scholes picks four Man Utd stars who ‘aren’t right’ for Amorim’s side as he identifies a ‘problem’
                    👉 Amad stakes his claim as Man United finally end year-long wait for European win
                    👉 Man Utd: Neville’s one Amorim concern rebuffed by Moyes as Wright lauds ‘brilliant’ INEOS decision

                    “People can get upset with him or the media, and the news can try and punch him down, but he’s always the same guy and will always try to play the way that he can play. You saw him score two goals [against Leicester City], the second goal that he scored he was the one that won the header and he still had the desire to get the next ball.

                    “I think things are getting better for him. Every time a season is done, you hear that Casemiro has to leave United, that he has done, has to go to Saudi Arabia or back to Brazil, but he can still play. He can still offer more to United.”

                    On Antony, Kleberson added: “I know Antony has struggled to get the best out of himself at United, it has been very up and down, but I believe that with a new manager a lot of things can change for players, and a new manager could give him great confidence.

                    “He’s a really good player, but just struggled to get to his best on the field. I believe that the right manager can get the best out of him, and I believe that he can have a good future at United.”

                    READ NEXT: Mediawatch: Ruud van Nistelrooy demoted as Manchester United ‘bar set low’ for Amorim all of a sudden

                    “Seriously interested”: Serie A giants line up move for United star with unique link to Amorim

                      “seriously-interested”:-serie-a-giants-line-up-move-for-united-star-with-unique-link-to-amorim

                      AC Milan are looking to jump the queue for Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof, who will be available as a free agent at the end of the season.

                      According to CaughtOffside sources, the Serie A side are “seriously interested” in the Swedish defender, as they “value his experience”.

                      The 30-year-old is one of the longest-serving players in the current United squad, having made 266 appearances since he was signed in 2017 by Jose Mourinho.

                      His contract expires at the end of this season and there seem to be no plans to offer the player a new deal, especially in light of the additions of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in the summer.

                      CaughtOffside report that as a free agent Lindelof is unlikely to be short of offers, but that AC Milan are prepared to act quickly to secure his signature.

                      The report states that the Italian giants “could make an approach to the 30-year-old in January”, when the centre-back will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs.

                      Lindelof has struggled for gametime over the past year, spending two long spells on the sidelines through injury last season, and he has only played a full 90 minutes twice this season.

                      His most recent full game was last night in the 2-0 Europa League win over PAOK, where he lined up alongside Jonny Evans.

                      He also played the whole of the Carabao Cup win against Leicester City, but is sorely lacking minutes in the Premier League where he has picked up a paltry 58 across four matches, often filling in as a full-back due to injuries.

                      There seems to be little chance of a Lindelof revival on the horizon, even with the incoming Ruben Amorim’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation, as the highly-rated Yoro targets a first competitive match in a United shirt after sitting out the season so far with injury.

                      United are not short of centre-backs as it is, and are once again being linked with a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

                      Although he is unlikely to retain his services, Amorim does have a unique connection with Lindelof, having shared the pitch with him three times as a player at Benfica.

                      Featured image Carl Recine 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.

                      1...1,8371,8381,839...1,862Page 1,838 of 1,862