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Liverpool screwed, Man Utd desperate, Man City expulsion: PL ‘Big Six’ summer rebuilds ranked

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Liverpool screwed, Man Utd desperate, Man City expulsion: PL ‘Big Six’ summer rebuilds ranked

The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ have huge summers coming up and all for very different reasons.

Arsenal must do enough to get themselves over the line, while Liverpool might have to replace their three best players. It’s going to be a big one, folks.

6) Arsenal
This summer will likely be one full of reflection for Arsenal, who will wonder how they let Arne Slot waltz straight in and win the Premier League at the first time of asking. If Manchester City were to have an off-season, it had to be Arsenal that took advantage. Instead, it was Slot’s Liverpool.

READ MORE: When will Liverpool win the league? Earliest, funniest, Arsenal guard of honour, Anfield decider

We know Mikel Arteta will remain in charge. We know he wants to sign a defensive midfielder and a striker. We know Martin Zubimendi and Alexander Isak are his top targets. We know Zubimendi is a lot more likely to join than Isak, whose future seems dependent on Champions League qualification for Newcastle United. There is a concise plan but everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face (by a £150million asking price).

There will be no overhaul at the Emirates this summer. The sporting director stuff has been sorted, the foundations are already in place to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and it seems set in stone that Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave on free transfers.

Having a plan is fine but executing said plan is the important thing. There will be some very uncomfortable questions asked of Arteta if 2025/26 is another trophyless season for the Gunners. No rebuild is required, just do enough to win the Premier League, lads. There have been too many transfer windows where Arteta has been left short.

5) Chelsea
Further trimming the squad and bringing in a world-class player or two should do the trick for Chelsea. Unless the rest of their season is catastrophically bad, they will not move on from Enzo Maresca as head coach and the worst-case scenario is Europa League qualification because there is surely no conceivable way this team does not win the Europa Conference League.

As has been the case for the last five transfer windows, the Blues desperately need to sign a striker. Nicolas Jackson has his charms but as John Obi Mikel is so eager to tell us, ‘This is f**king Chelsea’. They need better and Christopher Nkunku does not appear to be that.

Being sensible is the priority for a very silly football club. They are no longer rebuilding but needing to establish themselves as a Champions League side again having not finished in the top four since 2021/22. That is an eternity for Chelsea.

4) Tottenham Hotspur
Nobody really knows what Tottenham Hotspur’s 2025/26 pre-season preparation will look like. Fittingly, not even Spurs know what the plan is. If they stick with Ange Postecoglou as head coach, they will probably be in the Champions League having won the Europa League and if that is the case, the Australian will be looking to bulk his squad up a bit and keep hold of his important players like Atletico Madrid-linked Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Surely Spurs will not have a season with a freakish number of injuries again and with a fitter squad, there will be high hopes of a positive campaign in Europe’s premier competition under Big Ange.

The other side of the coin is grim. No Europa League triumph probably means Postecoglou loses his job and Spurs’ managerial searches are usually nothing short of shambolic. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is reportedly the leading candidate to replace the ex-Celtic boss if he is sacked, with Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank also in contention. A managerial search alone would knock Spurs up a place or two in this ranking.

Whether it is Postecoglou or someone else, Champions League or no Europe, there will be some upheaval in the first-team squad. This team clearly needs more defensive depth – all across the back four – and an elite forward, with Heung-min Son struggling to make much of an impact in games. Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert are very promising attackers and Dejan Kulusevski is brilliant when he is not run into the ground, so there is some hope in that department.

Hope is not a word synonymous with this football club and the uncertainty of where they will be come the end of 2024/25 makes them pretty hard to rank.

3) Manchester City
There is no guaranteeing Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City, even if he signed a new contract earlier this season. He could very conceivably walk at the end of 2024/25 because at the end of the day he really doesn’t need the stress, does he?

It has been a disastrous year for a club with six of the last seven Premier League titles. The champions caved in and gave up after Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury and now they are in a scrap to qualify for the Champions League with Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham.

The rebuild started in January with the signings of youthful defenders Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Juma Bah, while Omar Marmoush has only recently turned 26 and Nico Gonzalez is 23. Over £150million was spent and we can see City splashing the cash again at the end of a terrible season.

There are obviously 115 reasons why nobody can predict the state of play for Man City in the summer – but it is a gargantuan one no matter what happens in court and on the pitch.

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2) Manchester United
Getting a bit boring now, isn’t it? It might be the second summer under their new owners but witnessing another summer rebuild that Manchester United Have To Get Right is going to be painful.

It would be less stressful telling you what Man United don’t need to do this summer because f**k me, where do we even start?

A lot hinges on Champions League qualification – which can only come via winning the Europa League. Playing in that competition means the transfer budget is significantly bigger and better players want to join. It really is that simple.

Ruben Amorim will be eager to bring in his Own Players, with the Portuguese head coach complicating the rebuild with his compulsion to use a 3-4-2-1 formation, which only a handful of players in his current squad suit.

His first signing was a wing-back in Patrick Dorgu and another one of those will be on Amorim’s shopping list, along with a striker, centre-back and a winger or two. Winning the Europa League is going to be bigger than we initially thought.

READ MORE: Manchester United to shatter world transfer record in stunning plan if they ‘choose’ to make £310m

If United fail to win that competition, they will not be in Europe next season and that feels like the second-best thing that could happen. Sure, Europa League still brings in revenue but it is incomparable to Champions League money and the Thursday-Sunday schedule is a killer. A year of no European football could be a godsend for United in another crucial transitional period. Focusing entirely on domestic football gives them a better chance of a high league finish and success in either cup competition.

No Europe also means Amorim’s squad does not need a big overhaul, which saves money on new signings. Yes, we have already identified that the current personnel are not suited to his system, but you can’t have it all in life.

1) Liverpool
Everyone thought last summer was going to be huge for Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp decided to step down but it was a case of less is more, with no squad overhaul necessary to ensure a seamless transition from the legendary German to Arne Slot. The Reds have reaped the rewards from a calm summer and are Premier League champions-elect.

We might have said similar last year but next season, we cannot see Liverpool competing for the title.

It will not be your usual second-season syndrome for Slot, who is definitely losing Trent Alexander-Arnold and maybe Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as well. No biggie, just his three best players. For a combined £0. Yeah, everything is fine.

Slot can cope with the loss of Alexander-Arnold alone when Conor Bradley is Right There but club captain Van Dijk departing would create a huge void at the back, while Salah is as irreplaceable as any player in world football. The Egyptian is on course to break the Premier League records for both goals and assists this season, for crying out loud.

No matter who Liverpool sign to replace Salah and Van Dijk, they will be drastically downgrading. The only players capable of getting anything close to Salah’s numbers (27 goals and 17 assists in the league) are not coming to Liverpool. Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal come to mind but we all know the only place any one them will be seen wearing a Liverpool kit is on EA Sports FC.

The loss of Salah and Van Dijk makes sense to some in the Anfield boardroom, but on the pitch, it makes the best team in England significantly worse and top four/five contenders at best. At least they will have their 2024/25 Premier League winner’s medals to dry their tears with. Although that does sound painful.

Amorim is a “big fan” of 20yo “unreal” hitman with 21 goals, he tore United to shreds earlier this season – report

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Amorim is a “big fan” of 20yo “unreal” hitman with 21 goals, he tore United to shreds earlier this season – report

Manchester United’s hunt for a striker will not be an easy fix given the team’s current position in the Premier League table and their financial situation.

The Red Devils are languishing in 13th position and while they remain alive in the Europa League, the likelihood of Champions League football for next season looks bleak.

Which is why Ruben Amorim’s primary target Viktor Gyokeres rejected a move to Manchester in January as he wants to play in Europe’s premier club competition.

Another top target Victor Osimhen is reportedly open to a switch even without Champions League football but his wage demands and Napoli’s valuation are both pretty significant and it remains to be seen if INEOS can muster up the funds.

Aghehowa remains a top target

Which is why alternatives like Liam Delap and Lorenzo Lucca are also being monitored. Another young striker on the club’s radar is Porto hitman Samu Aghehowa.

United fans will remember the Spaniard well with the 20-year-old netting twice in Porto’s 3-3 draw with the 20-time English league champions during the Europa League group stage.

He tore Matthijs de Ligt, known for his aerial prowess, to shreds on that night, and has been in red-hot form throughout the campaign.

This is his debut season in Porto colours and he already has 21 goals and three assists and has even broken into the Spanish national team.

As a result, multiple top European clubs have joined the race for the former Atletico Madrid starlet with Porto unlikely to sell for less than his €100 million release clause.

As per CaughtOffside, despite the steep price, it is Amorim who is pushing United to try and sign the “unreal” ace while Lamine Yamal is asking Barcelona to do the same.

Amorim pushing for him

“Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Porto striker Samu Aghehowa ahead of this summer’s transfer window, CaughtOffside understands.

“Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Man Utd are joined by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and West Ham United in tracking Aghehowa.

“It is understood that Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Aghehowa and is driving the Red Devils’ interest in the Spaniard, though it remains to be seen if he’ll be realistically affordable for them.

“Barcelona also really like Aghehowa, with Lamine Yamal understood to be personally pushing for the Catalan giants to bring in his international teammate.”

He fits in perfectly with what Amorim demands from a centre-forward, both physically and finishing-wise but it would require a huge bid to land him in the summer. Whether that is possible remains to be seen.

Feature image Octavio Passos 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

From Italy: United to go all-out to beat Napoli in the race for €35m “imposing” striker who has set Serie A alight

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From Italy: United to go all-out to beat Napoli in the race for €35m “imposing” striker who has set Serie A alight

Manchester United’s primary priority in the summer will be to bring in a ruthless finisher with Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles laid bare this season.

The Dane only has eight goals this season and only one in the last 100 days. His overall play has been rightly criticised and Ruben Amorim wants him gone in the summer.

What the head coach ideally wants is a reunion with Sporting CP protege Viktor Gyokeres but the Swede has already turned down a move to Old Trafford in January as he seeks a move to a club which will offer him Champions League football.

The Red Devils might not be in a position to offer him the same and hence have moved on to Victor Osimhen, who has no such demands. But his wages and Napoli’s asking price might prove beyond INEOS’ reach given the club’s current financial predicament.

Lucca on United’s radar

Which is why low-cost options are being monitored like Liam Delap. Now Tuttomercatoweb have added a brand-new name into the mix — Lorenzo Lucca.

The Udinese striker has impressed this season, netting 12 goals and registering a couple of assists in 27 starts in all competitions, an impressive tally given the Italian club are languishing in 10th place in the Serie A standings.

His form has already seen him break into the Italian national set-up this season and current Serie A leaders Napoli are in pole position for his signature.

He has been described as “imposing” striker owing to his 6ft 7in frame but he is very pacey for his size, which explains the growing interest in his services.

“Lorenzo Lucca, the Udinese centre forward has reached high levels. In these last two years he has shown his entire repertoire but probably has not yet fully expressed his potential.

Napoli also in the race

“Of course 35 million are needed but his characteristics are ideal for the project that Napoli has in mind. There is also interest in him from abroad — Manchester United and West Ham but it is clear that if the blue club decided to accelerate decisively they would move into an advantageous position.”

Udinese’s demand of €35 million will not be difficult for United to match but he is 24 and has just started scoring consistently this season.

In other words, it is not worth the risk and the 20-time English league champions should focus on a more well-rounded option who can handle the pressure of leading the line at Old Trafford.

Lucca is not the only Udinese player on United’s radar with the three-time European champions also keeping tabs on centre-back Oumar Solet.

Feature image Timothy Rogers 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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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

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“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

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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

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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

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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

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!

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