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Club legend slams “very very wrong” treatment of United star being unfairly “singled out” for miserable season

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Club legend slams “very very wrong” treatment of United star being unfairly “singled out” for miserable season

Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has jumped to the defence of under-fire star Andre Onana, calling out the relentless barrage of criticism that has been directed his way.

Onana has endured another difficult season, making a series of extremely costly errors between the sticks.

He has been in the firing line since his mistake-strewn performance in the first leg of United’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon. Ruben Amorim dropped Onana for the subsequent game against Newcastle at St James’ Park for Altay Bayindir.

The Turkey international didn’t fare much better as the Red Devils slipped to a humbling 4-1 loss. Bayindir’s horror display paved the way for Onana to return to the XI and he looks set to start again this Sunday against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Speculation over Onana’s future at Old Trafford remains rife, amidst links to the likes of Diogo Costa (Porto), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), Kaua Santos (Eintracht Frankfurt), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Carl Rushworth (Brighton), Lucas Chevalier (Lille) and Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp), just to mention a few names.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Schmeichel expressed some sympathy for the Cameroonian.

Schmeichel said, “Just look where Manchester United are in the Premier League. The players are not having the greatest time.”

“I try to explain this to people, why is it different playing for Manchester United as opposed to any other club?”

“I showed this to my wife the other day. We have a broadsheet newspaper in Denmark that doesn’t have a sports section, but they still carry Manchester United’s results and not just a little line but in an article.”

“If you’re any other club, or most other clubs, you don’t have that. You don’t have all the fringe, non-sporting papers reporting on your games and that is where the pressure is.”

“Every single thing you do in a game of football will be reported everywhere in the world. For instance, as a goalkeeper, if you make a mistake, everybody in the world will be talking about that mistake. If you make a mistake for so many other clubs in the Premier League, they might just be in the newspaper the next day. But you’re not going to talk about it tomorrow or the day after.”

“That is where the mental toughness of being a Manchester United player comes in. It’s been a difficult year, it’s been a difficult year for everyone, so singling out anyone, I think that would be very, very wrong.”

Schmeichel emphasised that United need to win the Europa League not only to restore some lost pride but also to qualify for the Champions League and give themselves the best possible chance in the upcoming summer transfer window.

“There is still this chance that Manchester United could win the Europa League,’ the five-time Premier League winner added. If they win the Europa League, it’s a completely different situation the summer transfer window coming up.”

“It will give an opportunity to sign better players because the club will be more attractive because of the Champions League. And, of course, they would be in a better financial situation so they can sign more players. This is where we’re pinning our hopes so let’s hope that happens and let’s hope the club moves in a more positive direction.”

Asked about Marcus Rashford and where his future may lie, the five-time Premier League winner refused to comment, only saying everyone will have to wait and see how the situation develops.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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 striker returns from disappointing loan to remind Amorim of his talents

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United striker returns from disappointing loan to remind Amorim of his talents

Manchester United U21s had to comeback from behind twice before overcoming Everton 4-2 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs.

Here are our player ratings for the match. Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 6.5 – Couldn’t do much for either of the goals with the first being a wonder strike and the second a scramble in front of the goal. He didn’t have a great deal of keeping to do beyond that. But was very good with his feet again which helped the backline play out under pressure and his long pass to find Wheatley kickstarted United’s first goal.

Habeeb Ogunneye – 6.5 – One of the few United players who looked comfortable under the physical pressure of Everton. Defended well under pressure to hold off challenges and play out from the back or win fouls. But could have offered a bit more in attack.

Louis Jackson – 6 – Defended the box well with a couple of clearances and blocks but was caught out a few times when pushing up the field.

Godwill Kukonki – 5.5 – A tough test for Kukonki up against one of the few strikers in the country who is actually bigger than him in Martin Sherif. Without the physical advantage he struggled to keep hold of Sherif who was able to shield the ball and spin Kukonki a few times including in the build-up to their first goal. A unique test for the 17-year-old though who will have learnt plenty from it.

Sam Murray – 6.5 – A very nice pass for Wheatley’s first goal, he was very safe in possession and rarely lost it but also slowed down the play a bit too much by playing it safe more often than not.

Sekou Kone – 6 – A polarising performance, he made the difference late on with an assist for Fletcher’s goal and bagging the fourth himself with a deflected effort. But it was a poor performance up until that point. He started off very slowly, coughing up possession in dangerous areas twice in the opening 10 minutes and was often outmuscled throughout the match. As the deepest midfielder he also offered very little protection to the backline as Everton’s Braiden Graham exploited the space.

Tyler Fletcher – 6.5 – Incredibly well taken goal. To turn at the edge of the box and quickly pick his corner showed his class. Improved in the second half, getting involved more and moving the ball quicker after a poor first half.

Bendito Mantato – 5 – A very quiet match, he threatened with an early direct run before completely drifting out of the match.

Jack Moorhouse – 6.5 – Was one of the few bright sparks in what was overall an insipid and slow performance from United. His ability to turn and dribble through tight areas fashioned a couple of chances but more often than not he couldn’t produce the end product.

James Scanlon – 5.5 – Didn’t offer much threat from the wide areas and when he came inside to get involved his shots were blocked or couldn’t find an opener.

Ethan Wheatley – 8 – Hasn’t seen much match time on his loan but you wouldn’t have guessed it. Some good hold up play and relentless pressing got him his two goals which were finished off with clinical ease. He will be hoping to keep it up as he puts the loan spell behind him.

Substitutes

Jacob Devaney – 7 – Changed the game off the bench by really shoring up United in the midfield and shutting down Everton’s talisman Braiden Graham which gave United much more security at the back to build forward from.

Gabriele Biancheri – 6.5 – Lively cameo up top with good hold up play including an assist for Kone’s goal.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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

Man Utd: Huge transfer twist as ‘deal cannot move forward’ for striker despite ‘basic agreement’

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Man Utd: Huge transfer twist as ‘deal cannot move forward’ for striker despite ‘basic agreement’

A potential deal to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is stuck with Man Utd unwilling to match his wage demands, according to reports.

The Red Devils are keen to reinforce their strikeforce in the summer transfer window after a miserable season in the Premier League.

Man Utd do still have a chance of some success this season with Ruben Amorim’s side in the semi-finals of the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao and the Red Devils know that glory in the competition will guarantee them a place in the Champions League for next season.

That would be a game-changer in terms of the money they could spend ahead of next season, as well as the calibre of player who would be willing to sign for Man Utd.

Either way, it seems Man Utd will have to be more careful with their money going forward with rumours that they will have to sell as many as six players to fund their summer transfer push.

A new striker remains a priority, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee largely disappointing this season, scoring just six Premier League goals between them.

READ: Mediawatch: Bruno Fernandes over Mo Salah for Player of the Year? Sorry, what?

Wolves’ Matheus Cunha and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap are now the most likely attacking additions, according to widespread reports, but Osimhen – who has been on loan at Galatasaray this season – was another player they’ve had their eye on.

There were rumours on Wednesday that Man Utd had ‘reached a basic agreement’ to sign Osimhen in the summer transfer window from Serie A side Napoli.

However, GiveMeSport now claims that ‘a deal cannot move forward’ as it stands with Man Utd and Osimhen at a standstill over his huge wage demands.

The report claims:

‘A potential problem has always been the cost – both in transfer fee and wages. Delap, though, comes with a set fee that can be triggered and also has resale value down the line.

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‘That same logic is also behind Manchester United’s early interest in Cunha, who has a release clause that makes negotiations more straightforward. These are the types of signings the Red Devils want to prioritise under their evolving recruitment model.

‘Manchester United have maintained a strong interest in Osimhen, but influential figures at Old Trafford have been waiting for clearer indications from the player over his willingness to move, especially with the club potentially missing out on European football.

‘Over the past week, their explorations have led to an understanding that a move for Osimhen would be even more complicated than anticipated. His wage demands are understood to be around £300,000-per-week, which is beyond what they are prepared to offer.

‘While Osimhen is not believed to be open to reducing those terms, Manchester United are not willing to break their wage structure either, meaning a deal cannot move forwards.’

Official: United confirm key star enjoying brilliant WSL season has signed a new contract

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Official: United confirm key star enjoying brilliant WSL season has signed a new contract

Manchester United have confirmed that goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has put pen to paper on a new deal, extending her stay at the club at least until June 2028.

🔏 @Phallon91 is here to stay ❤️#MUWomen

— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) April 25, 2025

Tullis-Joyce joined United in September 2023 and became the club’s No 1 shot-stopper after the departure of Mary Earps in the summer.

She has been a key member of the squad this season, keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets from 19 games – the most in the WSL. Her contributions have also been invaluable in helping United reach a third successive FA Cup final.

Marc Skinner’s side have conceded just nine goals – four fewer than the next lowest team, Chelsea. She ranks in the top five for saves, crosses caught and punched clearances.

It has been a fantastic past few weeks for the 28-year-old, who also earned her first cap for the USA national team earlier this month.

Skinner recently branded Tullis-Joyce one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Reacting to her new contract, Tullis-Joyce told club media, “I am really grateful to have this opportunity to continue the exciting journey we are on.”

“All of us in the team have ever-growing dreams of what we can achieve together. We want to keep making history and I am so proud to keep wearing the Manchester United badge.”

Matt Johnson, Manchester United interim head of women’s football, stated, “Phallon has been exceptional for us this season, both on the pitch as a keeper and, off the pitch, as an ambassador and leader.”

“This shows the ambition of the club that we can retain one of the best goalkeepers in the world here at Manchester United.”

United are back in action next Wednesday when they host table leaders Chelsea at Leight Sports Village. The Reds will then take on Manchester City on Sunday before closing the WSL season with a fixture vs. Arsenal.

There is then the small matter of the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley on May 18.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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!

Video: Sekou Kone scores a belter as United advance to the quarter-finals of Premier League 2 play-offs

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Video: Sekou Kone scores a belter as United advance to the quarter-finals of Premier League 2 play-offs

Manchester United U21s hosted Everton at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night in the first round of the Premier League 2 play-offs.

The top 16 sides in the league moved into the play-off rounds with 5th-placed United hosting 12th-placed Everton.

It was the visitors who took the lead within the opening minute. Poor defending allowed Everton to counter at pace which ended with striker Martin Sherif producing a wonder strike from 25 yards out into the bottom left corner.

It was a very slow start from United but Ethan Wheatley, on his return from a disappointing loan, provided a bit of class of his own to level it up at 1-1 in the 11th minute.

Wheatley did well to hold up Elyh Harrison’s long ball before getting the return pass from Sam Murray in the box, He then rounded the opposition keeper and finished into an open net.

Jack Moorhouse was one of the few bright spots for United in attack with his dribbling and ball carrying and arguably could have had a penalty when he took a hit charging into the box but chose to remain on his feet which saw the call not given.

Everton restored their lead in the 33rd minute, completely catching out United with a well-worked corner routine.

A deep delivery to Braiden Graham found the number 10 wide open to head back into the congested area for the ball to bounce off Sherif and in for his second of the match and to give Everton the lead going into the break.

Into the second half, the two number 9s were determined to match each other as Wheatley grabbed his second to make it 2-2 on the night.

Relentless pressing from the United man paid dividends as he stole the ball high up before smashing inside the far right post from a wide angle.

On the hour mark, a deep corner to Graham caught United out again leaving the Northern Ireland international free to volley on goal which was only kept out by a block on the line.

Jacob Devaney’s introduction helped shore up United in the midfield but it was the other two midfielders who combined to score United’s third.

Sekou Kone found Tyler Fletcher on the edge of the box who took it on the turn excellently to open the space and slot past the keeper.

Kone then finished the scoring himself with a long-range stunner which looked to have taken a slight deflection after Gabriele Biancheri’s lay off outside the box to seal a 4-2 win.

🚨 GOAL🚨 Kone scores for United. Manchester United 4-2 Everton #MUAcademy #MUNEVE #PL2 #LeighSportsVillage #ManchesterUnited #ManUtd #MUFC #Kone pic.twitter.com/IOkLO9lYJ6

— Benjamin Brazil (@bennymufc) April 25, 2025

The victory sees Travis Binnion’s side advance to the final eight where they will take on the winner of Sunderland and West Ham.

United: Harrison, Ogunneye, Jackson, Kukonki, Murray, Kone, T. Fletcher, Mantato (Devaney 68), Moorhouse, Scanlon, Wheatley (Biancheri 76)

Unused subs: Rowe, Musa, Munro

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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

United great slams costly “gamble” under Ten Hag that has set the club back many years

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United great slams costly “gamble” under Ten Hag that has set the club back many years

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has taken a swipe at the club’s transfer policy under Erik ten Hag, highlighting their tendency to sign mostly Dutch players who had previously worked with the former boss.

During Ten Hag’s tenure, United gained an infamous reputation for going after players who either hailed from the Netherlands or had experience playing in the Eredivisie. 11 of the 21 players Ten Hag brought to Old Trafford fell in this category, including the £86m swoop for Antony.

Two of these 11 players were loaned out by United in the January transfer window – Malacia and Antony.  Over the course of Ten Hag’s three summer transfer windows at United, the club spent approximately £386.7m on these 11 signings, with £337.05m paid upfront and an additional £49.75m in potential add-ons.

Time has shown that this strategy was deeply flawed. The majority of Ten Hag’s signings have failed to make the desired impact, leaving United stuck with players they can’t offload for a profit or, in some cases, can’t find suitable buyers for at all.

The massive spending spree under Ten Hag has also significantly hampered United’s financial flexibility this summer, even as it becomes increasingly evident that Ruben Amorim urgently needs reinforcements.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe slammed the transfer policy in a round of media interviews last month and now, Stam has echoed the INEOS billionaire’s sentiments.

Stam said [as quoted by Manchester Evening News], “I wouldn’t call it a mistake, but it’s definitely a gamble. Moving from Holland to the Premier League is a big step for a manager and hopefully Ten Hag understood the quality he’d be facing.”

“Bringing in players from the Dutch league, where the level of competition is not as high as the Premier League, is always a risk. These players need time to adapt to the league, to the intensity of English football, and to the quality of the opposition.”

“A lot of players struggle with that transition. And when you’re signing them for significant sums of money, expectations are naturally high. If they don’t meet those expectations, the pressure and criticism mount quickly for the players and the manager.”

“So I wouldn’t say it was a good choice to bring in so many players from Holland. Scouting and recruitment need to be precise. You have to be absolutely certain that the players you bring in can make a difference. If there’s any doubt, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.”

However, Stam expressed confidence that Matthijs de Ligt will come good at United.

De Ligt has enjoyed a solid debut season at United despite the team’s struggles. He is currently sidelined with an injury but Amorim revealed that he is close to a return.

Stam continued, “When De Ligt was at Ajax, he was very young when he broke into the first team. They played a familiar 4-3-3 system that he knew well from the Ajax academy. Playing in the Netherlands is also easier because the overall quality of the opposition isn’t as strong. That period was a great learning curve for him during his early years.”

“But moving to a different league, especially one as tactical and defensive as Italy, requires adaptation. The style of defending and the type of players around him were different, so naturally, expectations rose, and with that came some criticism.”

“Despite that, he played quite a few games in Italy and then later at Bayern as well. Sometimes the manager made different choices, playing (Dayot) Upamecano over him at the back, but that’s part of football. He’s no longer a young talent. You can’t call him that anymore. He needs to be established and performing consistently. Coming to United, he needed time to adjust to the Premier League and the quality of the opposition. But I think he’s been doing a decent job.”

United are back in action on Sunday when they go away to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth. Kick-off is at 14:00 BST.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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: Schmeichel slams Red Devils fans, critics for ‘very wrong’ singling out of one star

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Man Utd: Schmeichel slams Red Devils fans, critics for ‘very wrong’ singling out of one star

Former Man Utd goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel insists the singling out of Andre Onana for criticism this season has been “very, very wrong”.

The Red Devils are having a nightmare campaign with Ruben Amorim’s side now guaranteed to go down as the worst Man Utd side to play in the Premier League, even if they win their final five matches.

One glimmer of hope they have is in the Europa League with Man Utd beating Lyon to move into the semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao.

If Man Utd win the competition then they will qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would be a game-changer in terms of players they could attract in the summer and their transfer budget.

One player they are likely to look to replace is Onana with rumours they will accept bids of around £20m for the Cameroon international.

Onana was recently pulled out of the firing line after making two mistakes in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, leading to intense criticism.

READ: Mediawatch: Bruno Fernandes over Mo Salah for Player of the Year? Sorry, what?

After being left out of their squad for a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park, Onana was back in for their second leg against Lyon a few days later.

When asked for his view on Onana’s poor form, Schmeichel told talkSPORT:  “Just look where Manchester United are in the Premier League. The players are not having the greatest time.

“I try to explain this to people, why is it different playing for Manchester United as opposed to any other club?

MORE ON MAN UTD ON F365…
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“I showed this to my wife the other day. We have a broadsheet newspaper in Denmark that doesn’t have a sports section, but they still carry Manchester United’s results and not just a little line but in an article.

“If you’re any other club, or most other clubs, you don’t have that. You don’t have all the fringe, non-sporting papers reporting on your games and that is where the pressure is.

“Every single thing you do in a game of football will be reported everywhere in the world. For instance, as a goalkeeper, if you make a mistake, everybody in the world will be talking about that mistake.

“If you make a mistake for so many other clubs in the Premier League, they might just be in the newspaper the next day. But you’re not going to talk about it tomorrow or the day after.

“That is where the mental toughness of being a Manchester United player comes in.

“It’s been a difficult year, it’s been a difficult year for everyone, so singling out anyone, I think that would be very, very wrong.”

United submit first offer for La Liga goalkeeper in desperate attempt to replace Onana – report

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United submit first offer for La Liga goalkeeper in desperate attempt to replace Onana – report

Manchester United appear to be advancing their efforts to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

Given his struggles between the sticks this season, first-choice keeper Andre Onana has been unable to inspire confidence at Old Trafford.

It came as little surprise when he was dropped from the starting 11 against Newcastle United, particularly given his poor performance against Lyon earlier in the week.

This has divided the Man United management team, with manager Ruben Amorim seemingly running out of patience for the Cameroonian.

Given the lack of belief in Onana’s ability to meet the club’s lofty expectations, it appears that United are on the prowl for a replacement.

Cope reported that Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García is on United’s radar, with the club advancing their pursuit of the Spaniard.

“Joan García continues to be popular, and interest in his signing is growing daily, with his performances in charge of the Espanyol goal,” the article explained.

“Juanma Castaño, director and presenter of COPE’s El Partidazo, revealed that the latest club to have contacted him to make him “an offer” is Manchester United. This was specifically last Sunday.”

“Man U’s move follows the already known move by Arsenal and many others who, with varying degrees of secrecy, may have approached Juanma López, the Sallent goalkeeper’s agent,” the article continued, suggesting that a transfer war could be brewing between United and Arsenal.

“Little has been heard about Real Madrid in recent hours, considering that both Courtois and Lunin have current contracts and have not expressed any intention of leaving the club. In Manchester, on the other hand, they are in a hurry to find an alternative to the controversial André Onana, who is not well-liked by the Old Trafford crowd, as he tends to alternate outstanding performances with grotesque afternoons.”

With so much interest in the player coming to light, it appears that his current club may be considering allowing him to leave, depending on whether they get a good deal for him.

“Espanyol has accepted that it could lose Joan García in the summer, for the common good, although the option that has not been ruled out is that they could fight with the ‘big’ club that wants Joan so that he can remain on loan at Espanyol for another season,” the report concluded.

It was also mentioned that García’s release clause is valued at €25 million, with a drop to €15 million no longer relevant as the club has avoided relegation from La Liga this season.

Still, this price is well within reason for United and could certainly make the Spaniard a top transfer target for Amorim given his affordability.

What’s more, his reasonable cost could prove even more important if United truly are willing to slash Onana’s price by over £20 million as a means of forcing a sale.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

U21s: United 4 Everton 2

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U21s: United 4 Everton 2

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Friday 25 April 2025 21:00

Manchester United came from behind twice to progress into the quarter-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs.

Visitors Everton had led after just 37 seconds through Martin Sherif, who netted another after Ethan Wheatley’s well-taken 10th-minute leveller.

The United striker, who became the club’s 250th Academy graduate last April, netted a second equaliser of the night shortly after half-time as the young Reds pressed high up the pitch.

Tyler Fletcher’s edge-of-the-box shot from a Sekou Kone pass put Travis Binnion’s side ahead and the latter midfielder then benefitted from a significant deflection to further extend the advantage.

United finished fifth in Premier League 2’s regular season, and will now look forward to another exciting knockout fixture. Well done, lads!

Although it was United who attacked straight from kick-off, Everton’s imposing striker Sherif provided the visitors with a lead after just 37 seconds, when his low left-footed curler found the bottom left corner.

The young Reds overcame the initial frustration to regain a foothold in the game. Wheatley shot wide of the left post only two minutes later and before the opening 10 were out, the now dominant hosts had levelled. Goalkeeper Elyh Harrison’s fine ball towards Wheatley was chested down to James Scanlon, who spread it wide to Sam Murray. The left-back’s well-weighted ball allowed Wheatley to poke it around the Everton shot-stopper Barnsley before finishing expertly.

Despite United continuing to get a hold of the ball and drive forward, the visitors led again shortly after the half-hour mark. Braiden Graham headed a right-wing corner back across goal, where it came off Sherif’s midriff and into the back of the net, somewhat fortunately.

Another left-footed Wheatley effort from the area’s left side nearly restored parity once more, after a driving run from Jack Moorhouse, but Barnsley parried it away.

U21s pay tribute to Joe Thompson Video

U21s pay tribute to Joe Thompson

Our Under-21s paid tribute to Joe Thompson before Friday evening’s PL2 play-off game v Everton…

The intensity of United’s play with and without the ball increased after the break, and earned just reward when Wheatley scored his second leveller of the game. Where the first was a team move, this was all his own work, chasing down Everton’s half-time substitute Luca Davis, stealing the ball and finishing ruthlessly into the right side-netting.

United’s confidence subsequently matched the team’s intensity. Sekou Kone struck over from long range, Wheatley and Moorhouse had close-range efforts blocked and Scanlon’s edge-of-the-box effort was saved after a quick counter-attack.

At the other end, Harrison denied Graham well from another dangerous corner and then came out to force Sherif to think when one on one. The two-goal marksman struck over the crossbar.

It proved a key turning point. A little over a minute later, Kone drove between men, picked a pass out to Tyler Fletcher, who turned beautifully and shot from the area’s edge to find the bottom left corner.

Francis Gomez drilled one wide of the right post as the visitors enjoyed a good spell, but United came through it and benefitted from some fortune when Kone’s long shot deflected in five minutes from time.

Fine skill from Scanlon opened up another scoring opportunity, but his pass out right to Moorhouse was a tad overhit, leaving the midfielder to instead earn a corner, from which Kone shot over.

Although Everton pushed forward in five additional minutes, United held firm and looked comfortable at the end to secure progression into the quarter-finals.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Harrison; Ogunneye (c), Jackson, Kukonki, Murray; Kone, T. Fletcher, Moorhouse; Mantato (Devaney 68), Wheatley (Biancheri 76), Scanlon.

Unused subs: Munro, Musa, Rowe.

Goals: Wheatley 11, 51, T. Fletcher 71, Kone 84 | Sherif 1, 33.

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Friday 25 April 2025 21:00

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Man Utd transfer: ‘Contact’ made over ‘signing’ of ‘£25m’ La Liga star amid Arsenal interest

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Man Utd transfer: ‘Contact’ made over ‘signing’ of ‘£25m’ La Liga star amid Arsenal interest

Man Utd could launch a £25m bid for one of La Liga’s highest-rated goalkeepers, who is also on Arsenal’s shortlist this summer.

Andre Onana has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks after the latest in a string of high-profile errors led to Ruben Amorim leaving him out of Man Utd’s squad for a Premier League match against Newcastle.

The growing doubts over his ability to be Man Utd‘s number one come on the back of a turbulent first season at Old Trafford, which mixed flashes of quality with a series of costly errors.

The Cameroonian has since been reinstated between the sticks but an increasing number of reports suggest Amorim is plotting a move for a replacement.

According to the report shared on Sky Sports News’ Transfer Centre quoted below, Utd are interested in signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Manchester United have made contact over the signing of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to Spanish radio station COPE.

Sky Sports News has previously reported about Arsenal’s interest in the 23-year-old, who reportedly has a release clause of around £25m.

Andre Onana has had a season of ups and downs at United, but high-profile errors against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final first leg have raised doubts about his future.

COPE claim Espanyol may fight to keep Garcia on loan for another season if a big club comes in for him in a deal akin to the one Liverpool agreed for Giorgi Mamardashvili with Valencia.

Garcia is yet to make his full international debut for Spain with Athletic Club’s Unai Simon and Arsenal’s David Raya currently ahead of him in the goalkeeping pecking order.

Despite plying his trade for relegation-threatened side Espanyol, Garcia, 23, is widely seen as the best goalkeeper in Spain right now.

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The 6ft 2 shot stopper has kept seven clean sheets and has conceded 41 goals despite facing an xGOT (Expected goals on target) tally of 49.27, which suggests he’s prevented as many as eight goals with unlikely saves.

His notable performances look like helping the Spanish club avoid relegation to the Segunda Division, though it’s increasingly likely they’ll lead to a move away. Despite that, Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza has attempted to pour cold water on the rumours.

“There’s a lot of noise but nothing is happening,” he said.

“There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous window.

“There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”

What’s particularly interesting is that his initial release clause is thought to be £21m, rising to £25m in the final 15 days of the transfer window.

Amorim shared during Friday’s press conference that he has a clear idea on what the Red Devils need to do in the transfer window and expects to see plenty of early movement.

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