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United’s pursuit of 19-yo PL sensation will put an end to Branthwaite chase, it will save Ineos millions -opinion

Manchester United are expected to be active in the summer transfer window, and if they’re seeking a long-term solution in central defence, Dean Huijsen should be at the very top of their list.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season with Bournemouth and recently earned his senior debut for the Spanish national team. As reported by David Ornstein, Europe’s top clubs are circling — but with a reported £50million release clause, Huijsen could be a game-changing bargain.

With Ruben Amorim renowned for developing young players and trusting defenders who are comfortable in possession, Huijsen’s profile makes him a dream fit for the Portuguese coach’s Old Trafford revolution.

He’s a modern centre back prototype — tall, athletic, calm under pressure, and exceptional on the ball. In his full debut for Spain, he registered 116 touches, completed 90 passes at a 90 per cent accuracy rate, and provided a sublime assist for Lamine Yamal.

It’s not just one moment of magic that sets Huijsen apart. His ability to glide out from the back and break lines with either foot is rare at any age and almost unheard of at 19.

From a defensive standpoint, the teenager is already Bournemouth’s standout performer. He leads all Premier League centre-backs for aerial duels contested in a single match and ranks near the top for ‘true interceptions’ per 1,000 opponent touches.

He’s quick to read danger, aggressive in one-on-one situations and unafraid to step into wide areas to snuff out counters, a necessity in Andoni Iraola’s high-octane, front-foot system.

That same aggressive style could translate well under Amorim, whose tactical setups at Sporting CP have relied heavily on proactive, technically skilled defenders.

Amorim favours a back three system, demanding his centre-backs defend large spaces and contribute to build-up play with composure and incision. Huijsen fits that bill perfectly.

The teenager’s passing range would also add a new dimension to United’s build-up. Only three Premier League centre-backs have played a higher proportion of progressive passes this season, and only five carry the ball forward more often.

His long-range distribution, often with a trademark lofted pass has already yielded assists at both club and international level, and he shows equal comfort using either foot.

Huijsen is not perfect. His eagerness to step in and win the ball can occasionally leave gaps behind, something Memphis Depay exploited in Spain’s recent Nations League tie. But that front-foot assertiveness, combined with the raw tools he possesses, gives any top-level coach the perfect canvas to work with.

Huijsen’s mentality is another major asset. “He knows what he’s doing, he’s under control,” Iraola said recently. “Sometimes he will make mistakes like all the others, but there is always a reason for the things he does.” That maturity has been clear in his response to hostile treatment from Dutch fans and his unshakable composure in high-stakes fixtures.

Beyond his clear tactical fit, signing Huijsen could also make financial sense for INEOS as they look to reshape Manchester United’s squad with long-term value in mind.

The club have been heavily linked with Everton’s Jarrod Branthwaite — a solid, left-sided defender — but the Merseyside club are reportedly demanding upwards of £70-80million for his services.

That’s a premium fee for a player with a lower technical ceiling and less versatility than Huijsen, who is available for a fixed £50 million release clause.

In pure football terms, Huijsen offers more upside. He’s younger, two-footed, taller, and already outperforming Branthwaite in key Premier League metrics — from ball progression to long passing accuracy.

nd while United face competition from elite clubs across Europe for the Spanish international, it’s telling that none of Europe’s giants are in for Branthwaite. That contrast speaks volumes.

For a club that has overspent on underwhelming centre-backs in recent years, INEOS now have a rare opportunity to back a high-upside, cost-efficient signing who could be both a short-term boost and a cornerstone for a decade to come.

Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images


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Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.

Price of “absolute monster” perfect for Amorim’s system goes down by almost £20m, perfect time for INEOS to strike – report

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim needs another midfielder who can adapt to his high-intensity demands, thereby allowing Bruno Fernandes to return to his favoured attacking midfield role.

Currently he is the one who is partnering either of Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro. And despite his recent improved form, the Brazilian no longer has the legs to control the tempo of the game.

Christian Eriksen is also expected to depart in the summer and the Portuguese is on the lookout for the perfect midfielder and he might be at his former club.

It was Amorim who had brought Morten Hjulmand to Sporting CP and now the Dane could be available on a cut-price fee as relayed by Givemesport.

Hjulmand available for less than release clause

The 25-year-old has a release clause of £67 million, something INEOS might struggle to trigger given the current financial situation at the club and the need to bring in a ruthless striker in the summer first and foremost.

Sporting could be ready to allow the combative midfielder to depart for only £50 million and it would represent a great move for the Red Devils given the Denmark international’s familiarity with Amorim’s system.

He has been described as an “absolute monster” in the middle of the park and his anticipation and positioning are superior to that of Ugarte, which should suit the Portuguese tactician’s requirements.

The former Lecce star has three goals and two assists this season and he has already expressed his wish of moving to the Premier League in the past.

Hjulmand wants PL move

“I’d say that is a destination [Premier League] I could see myself going to in the future. Whether it’s a dream, I don’t know. But it is a goal for me to play in the Premier League one day,” Hjulmand had been quoted as saying in the past.

Sporting had signed him from Lecce for only €18 million which means they will likely make a huge profit should they sell him in the summer. His current market value stands at €45 million with his current deal valid until 2028.

Amorim had his eyes on multiple Sporting players but two have already escaped his grasp with Geovany Quenda agreeing a move with Chelsea while Viktor Gyokeres has already rejected a move to Old Trafford in January.

Trincao is another player on United’s radar alongwith Hjulmand and it will be intriguing to see if a reunion with either occurs in the summer.


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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

Serie A giants to submit record €80m bid for Garnacho, fans will be heartbroken as INEOS ready to sell – report

A hue summer transfer window awaits Manchester United with another major revamp on the cards as INEOS seeks to offer Ruben Amorim all the help he can get.

But owing to the financial constraints, the co-owners will have to sell first in order to raise cash for incomings and the rumour mill has been abuzz with reports of several high-profile departures.

Kobbie Mainoo could make way while Alejandro Garnacho is another name on INEOS’ list of departures. Both sales will count as pure profit owing to their homegrown status.

The Argentine was the subject of a lot of interest during the January window as well with Napoli submitting multiple bids but none of them came close to the Red Devils’ valuation of the attacker.

Napoli to return for Garnacho

As per Fichajes, the Serie A giants plan on returning for the Carrington graduate in the summer and this time, they are prepared to pay €80 million for the United No 17.

The Italian club lost Kvicha Kvaratshkhelia to Paris Saint-Germain in the winter and Victor Osimhen is set to leave in the summer, possibly to join United.

And Antonio Conte is desperate for firepower up front and they are ready to submit a record bid to land the 20-year-old and INEOS could be ready to accept.

“Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United is the subject of rumors in this transfer window, after Napoli presented an €80 million offer for the young Argentine striker.

“The Italian club, looking to strengthen its attack ahead of next season, has set its sights on Garnacho as one of its main targets, especially given the possible departure of its star player, Victor Osimhen, this summer.

Record offer

“The Italian club, which has been one of the most competitive teams in Serie A in recent years, is in the midst of a rebuilding process following the departure of Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.

“With Osimhen’s possible departure, Napoli finds itself in a difficult position to remain competitive, so they have decided to look for a new star to lead their attack. Garnacho fits perfectly into the team’s plans.

“Manchester United hasn’t given an official response, but the 80 million euro offer is a significant amount that could make the English club reconsider its position.”

Ruben Amorim had fought tooth and nail with the new co-owners in order to keep the Argentina international in the winter after the pair patched up following a difficult start.

Garnacho has, in fact, improved a lot both on and off the pitch and remains a firm fan favourite. The United faithful will be devastated to lose both their crown jewels in the same window.

Already there are question marks surrounding Bruno Fernandes’ future as well. It will be interesting to see how INEOS deal with this latest dilemma.

Feature image Vasili Mihai-Antonio via Getty Images


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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

Serie A giants to submit record €80m bid for Garnacho, fans will be heartbroken as INEOS ready to sell – report

A hue summer transfer window awaits Manchester United with another major revamp on the cards as INEOS seeks to offer Ruben Amorim all the help he can get.

But owing to the financial constraints, the co-owners will have to sell first in order to raise cash for incomings and the rumour mill has been abuzz with reports of several high-profile departures.

Kobbie Mainoo could make way while Alejandro Garnacho is another name on INEOS’ list of departures. Both sales will count as pure profit owing to their homegrown status.

The Argentine was the subject of a lot of interest during the January window as well with Napoli submitting multiple bids but none of them came close to the Red Devils’ valuation of the attacker.

Napoli to return for Garnacho

As per Fichajes, the Serie A giants plan on returning for the Carrington graduate in the summer and this time, they are prepared to pay €80 million for the United No 17.

The Italian club lost Kvicha Kvaratshkhelia to Paris Saint-Germain in the winter and Victor Osimhen is set to leave in the summer, possibly to join United.

And Antonio Conte is desperate for firepower up front and they are ready to submit a record bid to land the 20-year-old and INEOS could be ready to accept.

“Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United is the subject of rumors in this transfer window, after Napoli presented an €80 million offer for the young Argentine striker.

“The Italian club, looking to strengthen its attack ahead of next season, has set its sights on Garnacho as one of its main targets, especially given the possible departure of its star player, Victor Osimhen, this summer.

Record offer

“The Italian club, which has been one of the most competitive teams in Serie A in recent years, is in the midst of a rebuilding process following the departure of Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.

“With Osimhen’s possible departure, Napoli finds itself in a difficult position to remain competitive, so they have decided to look for a new star to lead their attack. Garnacho fits perfectly into the team’s plans.

“Manchester United hasn’t given an official response, but the 80 million euro offer is a significant amount that could make the English club reconsider its position.”

Ruben Amorim had fought tooth and nail with the new co-owners in order to keep the Argentina international in the winter after the pair patched up following a difficult start.

Garnacho has, in fact, improved a lot both on and off the pitch and remains a firm fan favourite. The United faithful will be devastated to lose both their crown jewels in the same window.

Already there are question marks surrounding Bruno Fernandes’ future as well. It will be interesting to see how INEOS deal with this latest dilemma.

Feature image Vasili Mihai-Antonio via Getty Images


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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’m enjoying my football”: Rashford aims pointed barb at Amorim after FA Cup heroics for Villa

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has described netting his first goals for Aston Villa as a “great feeling.”

Rashford was Villa’s hero as they beat Championship side Preston North End 3-0 on Sunday afternoon to advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Despite enjoying an uptick in form since leaving United in January to join Villa, Rashford had yet to open his goalscoring account for the club.

He broke the deadlock against Preston after 58 minutes, rolling in a low cross from Lucas Digne. Rashford grabbed his second of the match just five minutes later, this time from the penalty spot as he sent goalkeeper David Cornell the wrong way.

Rashford was given 81 minutes before he was taken off by Unai Emery and replaced by Ollie Watkins.

The Carrington academy graduate was named Player of the Match for his heroic performance at Deepdale.

After the final whistle, he spoke to BBC [via ESPN] and said, “It’s a great feeling. I feel like I’ve slowly been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. So yeah, it’s obviously nice for a forward to always get goals, so hopefully it continues.”

“I think we have to just take it one game at a time and just give 100% on the pitch and we’ll see where it takes us.”

“But I think we’re a very ambitious team. We want to win, we want to try and get as far as we can in all competitions. And we also want to push to get back into the top four.”

Rashford attributed his change in fortunes to playing regularly after a difficult period at United, where Ruben Amorim consistently left him out of the team.

“Step by step. I think I can still get fitter and I’ve missed a lot of football before joining up with them.”

“So at the minute my body feels good and I’m injury free and just enjoying my football. So all good for now.”

Villa return to Premier League action on Wednesday when they go away to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images


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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!

One of Ten Hag’s best signings set to leave United, Euro giants confirm they want to sign him – report

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen is on Ajax’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

Eriksen arrived at United under Erik ten Hag, joining the Dutchman’s project as a free agent after leaving Brentford in 2022.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur star quickly established himself as one of Ten Hag’s most important players in the middle of the park.

The Dutchman made several costly transfer decisions, including spending big on Casemiro. In that regard, the acquisition of Eriksen worked out pretty well for him, especially in the player’s first two seasons at the club.

However, in his third season, Eriksen has found himself on the fringes of the first team owing to a sharp decline in his physical prowess.

Under Ruben Amorim, the 33-year-old has made just 14 appearances in all competitions and all signs point towards a summer exit. Interestingly, there’s already one club in the queue for his signature.

In an interview with ESPN, Ajax’s director of football Marijn Beuker confirmed the side’s interest in Eriksen.

The attacking midfielder made his senior breakthrough at Ajax and after lifting multiple Eredivisie titles, he joined Spurs in 2013.

“He is one of the players who has performed fantastically with us in the past that we are thinking about,” Beuker said. “There will be multiples in the media. Other names mentioned are those of Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind.

“Such players are always an option. To look at it. It has to fit into the phase we are in, though.”

The Denmark international’s contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the season and there are no suggestions that a renewal is on the cards. Recently, Eriksen admitted that he also expects to leave United this summer.

Despite limited minutes this term, Eriksen, with his technical prowess and composure in possession, has underlined that a midfielder of his ilk would greatly improve Amorim’s side.

As such, expect the Mancunians to explore the market for a new option upon his exit. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the Red Devils are eyeing a move for England midfielder Angel Gomes, who is set to leave Lille on a free transfer this summer. 

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images


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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 big transfer win as rival PL clubs have “little chance” of beating them to prolific sharpshooter – report

Rival Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle reportedly have a reduced chance of beating Manchester United to the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.

United are on the hunt for a new and reliable striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and Ekitike is believed to be part of a list that also includes the likes of Victor Osimhen (currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli), Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Samu Aghehowa (Porto) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), just to mention a few names.

Ekitike recently added fuel to the ongoing speculation over his future as he admitted he was a boyhood United fan.

But the Red Devils are not the only club chasing the former Paris Saint-Germain man. He has also been linked to Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Sky Germany have given a key update on Ekitike’s situation, indicating that United, Arsenal and Liverpool have a better chance of landing him compared to Villa and Newcastle.

The news outlet notes, “According to Sky, the Eintracht Frankfurt [star] is 99 percent likely to leave. Premier League clubs are already on the lookout, with a massive transfer fee looming.”

“Three top Premier League clubs, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, are interested in Ekitike. Aston Villa and Newcastle United, on the other hand, have little chance. Juventus is also showing interest. According to Sky, the trail to Bayern Munich is not yet hot.”

The report adds that Frankfurt want €80 million to sanction Ekitike’s sale. This would make him their second most expensive departure behind Randal Kolo Muani. He would be ahead of Omar Marmoush following his €75m (plus bonuses) move to Manchester City in January.

The 22-year-old’s contract with Frankfurt expires in 2029 but they are open to parting ways with him due to the massive profit they stand to make.

Ekitike has been in fine form for Frankfurt this season, rediscovering the kind of performances that convinced PSG to sign him from Reims in 2022.

Things didn’t go according to plan in the French capital but the towering striker reinvigorated his career with a loan spell at Frankfurt last year. Frankfurt made his stay a permanent one for €16.5m.

So far this term, Ekitike has plundered an impressive 13 goals and four assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances. He has managed 19 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images


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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!

Reassuring fitness update after Everton game

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Sunday 30 March 2025 16:21

Marc Skinner gave a reassuring update in his post-match press conference about several key United players who seemed to pick up a knock in Sunday’s hard-fought WSL contest with Everton.

The Reds won it 2-0, netting twice and keeping a clean sheet to secure three points that take us one step closer to Champions League football for next season.

A first half tap-in for Dominique Janssen and a second-half goal for Grace Clinton did the damage, on what was a positive Sunday afternoon at Leigh Sports Village.

The only blots on the copybook were a series of a knocks taken by several Reds over the course of a physical encounter, although Marc has since given reason to ease any qualms.

How did Marc rate United’s performance? Video

How did Marc rate United’s performance?

Marc Skinner says United’s controlled display against an in-form Everton side showed the maturity of his young team…

Jayde Riviere was able to carry on and complete 88 minutes after going down in the first half, while Celin Bizet and Leah Galton both came off after receiving treatment in the second half. Skinner did, however, give a positive update on their respective situations in his press conference, saying: “Jayde just took a knock on her ankle from that collision. Hopefully, it’ll be absolutely fine.

“Leah was, I think, more precautionary and Celin exactly the same. So for us, I’m hoping that we’re assessing Celin. I wouldn’t imagine it’s too long, but we’ll see if she goes away on international duty, just because, obviously she had to come off for the second game running with a similar situation. So we’ll check on her to see whether we make a decision about international duty.” 

During his post-match MUTV chat with Zarah Connolly, Marc also gave an insight as to why goalscorer Grace Clinton was subbed just after the hour mark, explaining: “Grace had a bit of illness this week so we changed her. Again, maturity from her to recognise the game was run and she needed to come off.”

At full-time, Marc spoke about the fitness of Millie Turner too, after our no.21 missed her first game of the season and was replaced in the backline by Janssen.

“Millie was a slight strain from the Villa game, and it [today’s game] came literally a day too early,” he added.

“If it was Monday, she’d have been fine, and obviously Gabby [George] was suspended. So I felt that Anna [Sandberg at left-back] was fantastic – first 90 completed for her in a while and obviously Dom stepping in at centre half… she’s played [there] for Wolfsburg in Champions League, so I know that she’s perfectly suited to that environment.

“Everton are one of the hardest teams to play against in terms of understanding their structure. They have a lot of rotation. They play from a box to a diamond shape in midfield. So if you want to get pressure on, you have to commit defenders into that space, which I thought Dom was perfect for, because of her being a natural midfield decision-maker anyway.”

Watch: Dom’s very happy! Video

Watch: Dom’s very happy!

Dominique Janssen is all smiles as she talks us through her goal against Everton, and another big United win…

WHAT ELSE DID MARC SAY IN HIS PRESSER?

Well, today’s win means United now just need two wins from our last four WSL games in 2024/25 to guarantee Champions League football next season, and the boss spoke about the potential of having European matches on next season’s schedule.

“You have to plan for that,” he insisted. “I’ll let the people around and upstairs do the planning for that. For me, I’ve got four games in the league and one in the cup, so I’ve got to plan to try and win all of those games.

“We will take West Ham the most serious, because they’re the next one in line in terms of the league. And obviously, we’ve got a big game against City coming up in the cup, so two massive games, but we will just take them as they come.”

He also reinforced his delight with the way United approached Sunday’s win over Everton, a side who have been steadily climbing the WSL rankings over recent months, after a slow start to the campaign.

“You drop a second and Everton easily have the quality to beat us today.

“So that’s what I’m really pleased with, the energy, commitment, but concentration. I said at half-time, the biggest detail was the concentration of the players, because when they rotate, it only takes a second step, and they play the ball behind, and they’re in.

“So, I felt Maya [Le Tissier] really dominated their frontline today with Dom, and I felt that they were limited.”

Skinner then went on to finish with particularly high praise for how the aforementioned Le Tissier has stepped up this season, in her new role as captain.

“I just think that she’s an impressive human,” he said. “She has grown. She’s not scared of things. She’s got so much growth still to come from her performances, with and without the ball, but more importantly, the growth she’s made as a leader this year is amazing.

“Captaincy is about leading as well as performing your own role, but she leads the group, and she’s going to learn so much more. I mean, she could be one of the greatest ever to play for Manchester United. I genuinely believe that.

“So my challenge for her is to stay in the zone she’s in, she’s in a great groove, and just to keep pushing us forwards.”

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Sunday 30 March 2025 16:21

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Man City star at risk of being ‘abused for f***ing years’ like Man Utd legend, says Neville

Gary Neville thinks Manchester City star Phil Foden is at risk of being “abused for f***ing years” for England like Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.

Scholes won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues in 20 years at United and is widely considered to be one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.

But the midfielder struggled to make a significant impact for England, making just 66 appearances before retiring in 2004, almost a decade before ending his club career.

Neville believes Scholes would have thrived for the Three Lions had Glenn Hoddle remained in charge, blaming Sven-Goran Eriksson for failing to get the best out of him.

And the pundit is concerned that Foden could be similarly “abused”.

“What happens with players like Phil Foden is because he’s so flexible and versatile, he does get moved around,” Neville said on The Overlap.

“He plays on both wings and No. 10. It does happen. It was the same with Scholesy. It’s the old age thing with England.

READ MORE: England player ratings v Albania: Foden awful, Lewis-Skelly shines and Rashford pleases everyone

“Some players have to be in form to play, others will get picked regardless. Harry Kane, it doesn’t matter if he hasn’t scored in five games, he’s going to play for England, fact.

“Alan Shearer was the same. Phil Foden should be that player for me. I have a very high opinion of Phil Foden.

“For him to just get into this Man City team over the last however many years is an absolute feat in itself. For England, in my opinion, he is level with Jude Bellingham.

“I saw England do to Paul Scholes exactly what we’re doing with Phil Foden. He played his best football for England under Glenn Hoddle with three in midfield, he was perfect in that system.

“Under Sven we played a rigid 4-4-2. We abused him for f*****g years and ended up retiring him because the system was rigid and wasn’t staying.

“If Hoddle had stayed as manager, Scholes would have played 100 games for England.”

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Jamie Carragher disagreed with Neville’s assessment of Foden, claiming he simply hasn’t taken the opportunities he’s been given.

“When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad, which is fine,” Carragher said. “I don’t think he has got that arrogance for England the same way Jude Bellingham does.

“That holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed.

“Phil Foden has played every position for England, and he just hasn’t done anything. We all love him and he’s amazing for Manchester City, but he hasn’t done it for England.

“He hasn’t done enough. He got picked at a similar time to Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham, but those two grabbed their chance and took it.”

3 key passes, 2 big chances created, 4 shots, 2 goals: United star’s heroic display clinches season-defining victory for loan club

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford registered a superb second-half brace against Preston North End to secure Aston Villa’s place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Rashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minute as he got on the end of a low cross to tap in home from close range. The goal was his first for Villa, since temporarily joining the club from United during the January transfer window.

RASHFOOOOORD! 👑@MarcusRashford gets his first goal in @AVFCOfficial colours 💜#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/wcOTvSCNyJ

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

Five minutes later, Rashford doubled Villa’s advantage, this time sending Preston goalkeeper David Cornell the wrong way from the spot-kick.

He’s got another! 🤩@MarcusRashford looked so confident from the spot, and grabs his second of the day ✌️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/WHagsK6bwI

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

Jacob Ramsey then produced an emphatic finish to dash whatever little hopes Preston harboured of mounting a comeback.

During the time he was on the pitch before being replaced by Ollie Watkins, Rashford led the line for Villa.

Rashy 🥶#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/CzBdU43yQD

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

The United loanee fired four total shots, all of which were on target. Two of them ended up in the back of the net. He embarked on two dribbles but couldn’t compete any of them. He could have had a hat-trick but missed a big goalscoring opportunity.

Rashford touched the ball 33 times and managed to find his teammates with 14 of the 15 passes he attempted (93% pass accuracy). Three of his passes were key passes.

The 27-year-old successfully connected with two of the three crosses he aimed. He created two big chances.

He won just one of the four ground duels he delved into and lost all three aerial challenges that he contested.

Rashford made one clearance, one interception and put in one tackle.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

It was a brilliant performance from the England international, whose resurgence in a Villa shirt doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down.

Rashford was named Player of the Match for his heroics at Deepdale

An @emirates Player of the Match performance from @MarcusRashford 👏#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/KHCktr8o3J

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

Villa will face Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace in the semis.

The FA Cup semi-final draw has been made.

Who will lift the trophy at Wembley in May? 🏆#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/qTj3XFI75u

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 30, 2025

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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!