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Amorim has tough choice to make as sure-shot starter set for late fitness test ahead of Leicester City clash – report

Trouble is brewing inside the Manchester United camp ahead of their Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday.

The Manchester Evening News have revealed that Andre Onana is feeling under the weather and there will be a late fitness test to ascertain whether he can start the game.

“Andre Onana faces a late fitness test ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League match away at Leicester City tonight.

“Onana was not feeling well this morning and United have made plans for either academy goalkeepers Dermot Mee or Elyh Harrison to start if Onana is declared unfit for the 7pm kick-off.”

Onana fitness issue

Ruben Amorim is short of options at the moment with both Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton currently out injured and only has a couple of academy graduates to call upon should the Cameroonian miss out.

Since his £47 million move to Old Trafford in 2023, the 28-year-old has never missed a game owing to injury and in fact, has played in all league games thus far.

The report does add that the former Inter Milan star will travel with the rest of the squad to the King Power Stadium but it remains to be seen if he can start.

Onana, however, still feels he will recover in time for the game which is a late Sunday kick-off.

“The late kick-off time offers Onana time to recover and he still intends to travel to the King Power Stadium and make himself available. Onana is still optimistic he will start.”

Mee is the senior of the two backup options but his last senior exposure was two seasons ago when he went out on loan to
National League side Altrincham. He has seven appearances for the reserves this term.

Harrison is the more talented of the two but he is only 19 currently and might not be ready for the physicality of the English top-flight.

Young backup options

He had spent the first half of the season out on loan at National League North side Chester FC where he enjoyed a hugely successful temporary spell.

The England U20 international kept seven clean sheets in 18 starts at the Deva Stadium, impressing United staff with his mature displays.

He was recalled from his loan spell with a view to send him out on another loan, this time to a team higher up the EFL ladder but Amorim opted to keep him at United.

Social media rumours have indicated Mee is probably going to be Amorim’s top choice should Onana not be ready. Only time will tell who ultimately starts between the sticks away at the Foxes.

Feature image Carl Recine 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

Chelsea ‘stance’ on cancelling Man Utd transfer by accepting ‘significant penalty’ with ‘loophole’ revealed

A new report has revealed Chelsea’s ‘stance’ on signing Jadon Sancho permanently after it emerged that there is a ‘loophole’ in their deal with Man Utd.

Sancho joined Chelsea during last year’s summer transfer window from Premier League rivals Manchester United on loan with an obligation to buy.

The England international proved a massive flop after joining Man Utd for around £73m during the 2021 summer transfer window, as he failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford.

The winger was heavily criticised for his performances and his career hit a new low last season as he had a bust-up with former head coach Erik ten Hag.

This fallout contributed to Sancho‘s exit last year as Chelsea swooped to sign him after his successful loan at Borussia Dortmund last season.

READ: Newcastle the worst Champions League contender as clear qualification favourites emerge

Sancho returned to form at the start of this campaign, but his form has dipped in recent months as pundits and supporters have hit out at the 24-year-old.

It was initially suspected that the obligation clause would make Sancho’s permanent move a certainty as they would pay around £25m for him this summer as long as they finish above 14th in the Premier League this season.

However, a recent report from The Daily Mail revealed Sancho ‘could be back’ at Man Utd as there is a ‘loophole’ in Chelsea’s deal.

‘There is still a possibility that Sancho could end up back at Old Trafford this summer if Chelsea decide not to go through with the deal – although we can reveal it would cost what insiders say is ‘a significant penalty’ to pull out under the terms of their agreement with United.’

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‘Chelsea are believed to be looking at a number of wingers this summer, including exciting Real Betis talent Jesus Rodriguez.

‘Another issue could be Sancho’s contract with Chelsea. Players often agree terms with their new club before joining on loan with a view to a permanent move, but it’s understood the 24-year-old has yet to do so.’

Now, a report from journalist Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport has revealed Chelsea’s ‘stance’ on making Sancho’s move permanent.

It’s claimed that it would be a ‘surprise’ if they do not sign Sancho permanently this summer.

‘If Chelsea then decide not to proceed, they can pay Manchester United a significant fee to effectively override the obligation. The clause is not really intended as a bail out, and is big enough to act as a deterrent. GIVEMESPORT sources indicate that United would get back all their part of the salary covered and more.

‘Manchester United view this as a ‘win-win ‘scenario. Either Chelsea sign Sancho, based on all conditions of the obligation being met, or he returns and they still bring in an important fee.

‘Chelsea are pleased with Sancho’s form, application and development, so it would come as a surprise if they decided not to make the move permanent, especially with Mykhailo Mudryk serving a provisional ban, and his long-term future still unclear.

‘Sancho is currently competing with Pedro Neto for the left-sided starting spot and is expected to feature when they face off against Arsenal on Sunday in the Premier League.’

100% long ball accuracy, 98% pass rate: United loanee returns to form with stunning performance

Manchester United’s loanees had a busy Saturday afternoon of loan action across different leagues and countries.

Tyrell Malacia has had an up and down time so far in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven but he impressed in their 3-0 away win over Waalwijk.

He was given a rating of 7.4 on Sofascore and played the entire 90 minutes of action.

Malacia incredibly completed 62 out of his 63 passes for a 98% pass completion rate.

He also made six out of six of his long ball attempts.

The 25 year old won three ground duels in the match, three tackles and one clearance as he helped his side keep a clean sheet. They now move within five points of Ajax at the top of the Eredivisie.

Rhys Bennett did not have such an enjoyable afternoon but still had some impressive statistics for Fleetwood Town in their 0-3 defeat to Colchester United.

He played the full 90 minutes and made six clearances.

The 21 year old made one block and three interceptions as he did his best to protect his goal.

He also made two tackles and won two out of five ground duels.

The youngster was more successful in the air, winning four out of his five aerial battles.

The former Youth Cup winning captain was also solid on the ball, completing 83% of his passes.

Ethan Ennis came on for the final 26 minutes in Doncaster Rover’s 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

He had one shot on target and one shot blocked as he sought a winner for his team.

The 19 year old was inches away as his effort rattled off the post for what would have been a sensational contribution.

He also completed 100% of his passes in the game.

James Nolan also played 83 minutes for Inverness Caledonian Thistle as they lost 0-1 at home to Annan Athletic.

Finally, Ethan Williams came off the bench in the 90th minute in Cheltenham Town’s pulsating 3-3 draw with Swindon Town.


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

Why Leicester trip is United’s last game of March

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Sunday 16 March 2025 09:24

After Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Leicester concludes on Sunday, the Reds will have to wait until April to play another competitive game.

The March international break immediately follows our fixture at the King Power Stadium (19:00 GMT), while our elimination from the Emirates FA Cup also means we will not have a match on the weekend of 29//30 of the month either.

Our next game will be a midweek trip to in-form Nottingham Forest on Tuesday 1 April (20:00 BST), which will mark the beginning of the final straight of the 2024/25 campaign.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team have been the surprise package in the Premier League so far this term, and showed no signs of slowing down when they beat Ipswich 4-2 away on Saturday – as former United winger Anthony Elanga netted twice.

After our trip to The City Ground, we have the Manchester derby, two Europa League quarter-final legs against Lyon, a trip to Newcastle and meetings with Wolves and Bournemouth to contend with during a busy April.

The match against the Cherries will be postponed, however, should they beat Man City in the Emirates FA Cup and progress.

Now that Lyon were confirmed as our Europa League quarter-final opponents and the Wolves match was moved to the Sunday of the originally scheduled weekend, due to our Europa League progression, our full April schedule is taking shape.

APRIL FIXTURES
1 April – Nottingham Forest v United (20:00 BST)
6 April – United v Man City (16:30 BST)
10 April – Lyon v United (20:00 BST)
13 April – Newcastle v United (16:30 BST)
17 April – United v Lyon (20:00 BST)
20 April – United v Wolves (14:00 BST)
27 April – Bournemouth v United (14:00 BST)*

*Match will be postponed if Bournemouth progress in the Emirates FA Cup.

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Sunday 16 March 2025 09:24

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Man Utd star responds to Ratcliffe ‘overpaid’ blast with ‘much better’ under Amorim claim

One Manchester United star has responded to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “not good enough” or “overpaid” slam, claiming they are “much better” under Ruben Amorim.

Earlier this month, Man Utd co-owner Ratcliffe named five “not good enough” or “overpaid” stars contracted to the Premier League giants amid their woeful season.

The Red Devils are languishing in the bottom half of our calendar-year table, and they need to win the Europa League to secure European qualification ahead of next season.

Man Utd will move up to 13th in the Premier League if they beat Leicester City on Sunday evening, and it’s clear that a huge squad overhaul is required this summer.

Since Amorim replaced former boss Erik ten Hag in November 2024, Man Utd have only won eleven of their 27 matches in all competitions.

Responding to Ratcliffe’s verdict, defender Diogo Dalot revealed his honest thoughts on United’s squad, who “need to do much better”.

“I think the history of this club is about sacrifice and fighting against the world,” Dalot said.

READ: Premier League prize money calculated ahead of final TV games announcement

“It’s about sacrificing yourself, and each other, every moment on the pitch and being together with the fans to create the energy we all feel in Old Trafford.

“This is the history of the club. If you want to be successful, you have to have that desire to try to do everything on the pitch. Whether you like it or not, the attitude has to be there.

“It is clear that when we are 14th or 15th in the league we are not doing what we should. If we want to put Manchester United back on top, we need to do much better.

“Ultimately, this club will only progress through what we do on the pitch, so we are all responsible for the future and the momentum. We know that we have that responsibility – but we want to take it. The pressure is high but we are Manchester United players for a reason.”

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Despite this, Dalot claims Man Utd are a “much better team than a couple of months ago”.

“If you are a top footballer you need to be able to change things quickly. But obviously it does take time because we have been playing in the last few years in a different way,” Dalot added.

“You can see this is a period of change, especially since INEOS have come in. The club wants to go in a direction. They want to rebuild Man United and put Man United back on top. I hope in the next couple of years we can go there.

“I think you are now seeing a much better team than a couple of months ago. When we talk about needing time, we aren’t saying that just to buy time. I think it is something that is going to happen.

“Obviously it is difficult when you play for a club like this because you must improve by always winning. The pressure is always high to win every game and when results don’t come, it’s difficult to show progress.

“But I think in the last couple of games you have seen something different. There have been different styles of play, but overall we are improving, I think. It’s something everyone can see, but results will ultimately show our position.”

3-4-3: Heaven keeps his place, Hojlund dropped as Amorim makes 3 changes to his buoyant United side – prediction

Ruben Amorim should have Chido Obi, Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte available for today’s Premier League match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Ugarte was rested on Thursday despite being back in training, while Amorim said in the pre-match press conference that he is hoping Maguire will be fit for today’s game.

With Altay Bayindir still injured, Andre Onana is sure to be in goal.

The back three will be Maguire, De Ligt and Ayden Heaven, with Victor Lindelof coming in for Maguire if he doesn’t make it.

Leny Yoro is still injured, as are Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.

Noussair Mazraoui will be needed at wing-back as Patrick Dorgu completes his three-match suspension.

We think Ugarte will return in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes, with Casemiro dropping to the bench.

Toby Collyer is another option but Kobbie Mainoo is still injured.

Amorim may elect to play the same front three that he did against Arsenal, with Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen supporting Josh Zirkzee, and with Rasmus Hojlund dropping to the bench.

Amad is out until the end of the season. Mason Mount is back in training and Amorim said he should make the bench.

Our predicted bench would therefore be Elyh Harrison, Dermot Mee, Victor Lindelof, Harry Amass, Casemiro, Collyer, Mount, Hojlund and Obi.

The full predicted starting line-up is as follows:

Kick off is at the unusual time of 7pm GMT.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images


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Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

Two European sides vying for in-form United attacker’s signature with INEOS open to sale – report

Manchester United have planned a summer clearout to help mould the squad in Ruben Amorim’s image and Antony is one player who is expected to leave permanently.

Ruben Amorim tried to utilise the Brazilian both as a wingback and an attacking midfielder but the 25-year-old struggled to adapt.

As a result, the Red Devils moved him on during the January transfer window with the right winger joining Real Betis on loan until the end of the season.

The former Ajax ace has taken to La Liga like a duck to water, registering four goals and as many assists from 10 games in all competitions.

Real Sociedad want Antony

And the team from Seville want to make the Brazil international’s loan deal permanent but there are other suitors in the race as per The Sun.

Real Sociedad, who United saw off in the Europa League Round of 16 recently, are also interested in the left-footed attacker while teams like Bayern Munich are also monitoring proceedings.

But Antony is desperate to secure a permanent move to the Estadio Benito Villamarín outfit where he has already become a firm fan favourite.

“REAL BETIS are already looking at how they can make Antony’s move a permanent one. The £82m Old Trafford flop has been a smash-hit since joining on loan from Manchester United in January.

Antony wants to stay at Betis

“Sources close to the player say he is desperate to make the switch a permanent one as he looks to rebuild his career, while Real Sociedad also now believed to be monitoring developments.

“But the Brazilian is believed to prefer the idea of staying at Betis, where he has settled quickly and become a fan favourite.”

There have been murmurs that INEOS are keen to recoup as high a fee as possible from the Brazilian ace’s sale but whether Betis can afford such an outlay remains to be seen.

The most they have spent to sign a player was €30 million for Denilson back in 1998/99 and United would want more for such an in-form star.

Feature image Fran Santiago 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

United give up the chase for “sublime” Englishman who wanted to move to Old Trafford in the summer – report

Manchester United are unlikely to pursue one of their former stars, Angel Gomes, once the window opens, even though he is available on a free.

Ruben Amorim needs quality midfielders to replace the likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen and given the need to address the lack of goals, INEOS are unlikely to have a huge sum to spend on midfield additions.

Which is why a move for the Lille star made a lot of sense. The Englishman can play all across the midfield and has excelled as a deep-lying playmaker during his time in France.

He can also play as an attacking midfielder and that versatility would have come in handy given the uncertain futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.

Gomes no longer a target

The “sublime” midfield ace has 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season and has notched two goals and one assist and his impressive performances saw him finally break into the England national team set-up this season.

But Football Insider have revealed that the Red Devils do not have the Carrington graduate on their radar and will instead focus on other players.

“Man United will not pursue a move for midfielder Angel Gomes in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.

“The Red Devils do not have the Lille star, who is out of contract and available on a free transfer in June, on their radar ahead of the off-season.”

The 24-year-old has made his United debut under Jose Mourinho and made a total of 10 appearances for the first team before leaving for France back in 2020.

Remains in demand

Gomes had revealed recently in an interview that he was interested in a return to Manchester should an opportunity come calling.

The England international has plenty of other suitors, both in the Premier League and abroad, and he will be heavily in demand come the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are the clubs who are pushing to win the race and London-born star could see either as a good fit.

United have Adam Wharton and Hayden Hackney among other midfield stars on their radar and it will be interesting to see who the club ultimately land in the summer.


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

“Here we go!”: Chelsea snatch another Sporting youngster from under United’s nose, Amorim will be fuming – Fabrizio Romano

Todd Boehly’s determination to have more footballers in his collection than Panini has once again been in evidence today as Chelsea have sealed a deal for yet another promising youngster.

Fabrizio Romano has issued his famous “here we go!” for a second time this week to announce the Blues’ capture of a talented teenager who looked to be bound for Manchester United.

The transfer guru posted “BREAKING: Dario Essugo to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement done with Sporting and medical completed.

“€22m transfer fee for 20 year old midfielder to join #CFC THIS summer and be part of the first team.

“Essugo will sign a 7 year deal.”

🚨 BREAKING: Dario Essugo to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement done with Sporting and medical completed.

€22m transfer fee for 20 year old midfielder to join #CFC THIS summer and be part of the first team.

Essugo will sign a 7 year deal. 🇵🇹🤝🏻

Quenda joins in 2026 for €48m fee. pic.twitter.com/pLBwo3R29D

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 15, 2025

The Peoples Person relayed CNN’s claims yesterday that Chelsea had sealed the deal, but this has now been corroborated by the ever-reliable Romano, who also confirmed yesterday’s stated fee and contract length details.

United’s part-owners Ineos will be shifting uncomfortably in their seats as the light dawns on them that Boehly has hatched a master plan to undermine their own.

Given United’s dire financial status, Ineos have made it their mission to sign the world’s top young talent and already made a start with the likes of Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, Sekou Kone and Diego Leon.

However, Chelsea could be out to prove that they can easily thwart the plan if they get wind of United’s targets, as they can offer bigger transfer fees and longer contracts than the Red Devils can afford to match.

Sporting CP youngsters are an obvious place to start as Chelsea would know United’s head coach Ruben Amorim will likely want to harvest the talent available at his former club.

United will have to keep their cards very close to their chest where other deals are concerned if they want to avoid the same thing happening over and again.


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

Surprise duo pursuing summer deal for Ten Hag favourite, United star not in Amorim’s plans – report

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is planning a clearout in the summer and Jonny Evans is one high-profile name on that list.

The Northern Ireland veteran signed for a second time with the Red Devils last summer and initially, it looked like he would provide backup while providing experience in the dressing room.

Instead, due to multiple injuries, Evans ended up making 30 appearances last season and won the FA Cup as well. Erik ten Hag also used him seven times in the current campaign before his sacking.

Amorim, however, handed him two appearances and realised that the 37-year-old struggles in his high-intensity system and since then, the three-time Premier League winner has not made another appearance.

Evans set to leave

His contract is up in the summer and there are no plans of offering him another new deal but the centre-back still has no plans of hanging up his boots just yet.

Birmingham World have relayed that two Championship clubs who are fighting for promotion to the English top-flight are eyeing the Carrington graduate on a free deal.

Evans’ former club West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United are the two sides interested in the defender and both are looking to agree a pre-contract with the United No 35.

The Baggies are sixth in the standings while the Blades are third and irrespective of whether they get promoted or not, they feel Evans is the right fit who can add quality to the backline as well as a ton of experience.

Championship duo chasing him

He has 96 appearances for West Brom and manager Tony Mowbray wants to add a couple of veterans to his team and the United star fits the bill.

The Northern Ireland international is a proven winner and has won the Champions League winner as well as all domestic honours with the Red Devils.

It was a surprise to see him rejoin his boyhood club last summer but he certainly impressed and earned yet another contract extension last summer. But his road is set to end here with Amorim not really counting on him.

Evans had offers from Rangers and Saudi Arabia but he chose to stay. It will be interesting to see where he lands up at the end of the campaign.


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