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“You just wonder”: United CL winner offers bizarre reason for Fernandes’ penalty failure in loss vs. Brentford

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“You just wonder”: United CL winner offers bizarre reason for Fernandes’ penalty failure in loss vs. Brentford

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has made a bizarre claim regarding why Bruno Fernandes missed from the spot against Brentford.

Fernandes’ penalty failure proves costly

United slumped to their third defeat of the 2025/26 Premier League season on Saturday as they were beaten 3-1 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford found themselves 2-0 up inside 20 minutes as Igor Thiago capitalised on some pitiful defending to give the Bees a commanding advantage.

Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for the Red Devils before the half-hour mark, giving the visitors some hope of mounting a comeback. United had the opportunity to level the scores following a penalty decision against Nathan Collins for hauling down Bryan Mbeumo inside the area.

However, Fernandes’ effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. It marked his second penalty miss of the season, ending a streak of 18 successful spot-kicks. It was a costly miss as Mathias Jensen made it 3-1 in added time to secure the victory for his side.

Speaking to Premier League Productions after the final whistle, Hargreaves suggested that Fernandes may have missed the penalty because of being forced to play in a slightly deeper midfield role.

Hargreaves’ theory on Fernandes’ penalty blunder

The former United man remarked [as quoted by Metro], “If the goalkeeper just waits as Kelleher does it puts pressure on Bruno under pressure and he ends up just passing it.”

“That’s why I prefer the Harry Kane one where he whips it into the corner. If the goalkeeper waits it puts you under pressure to make a decision. Kelleher waits and reads it really well.”

“You just wonder for Bruno, is that because he is playing in that deeper midfield position? He’s not getting as many touches in the area where he can affect the game.”

Hargreaves insisted that Amorim should restore Fernandes to his more natural number 10 position, from where the playmaker can impact the game and make things happen.

“Defensively they have actually been pretty good up to this point but today they weren’t. The midfield is still an issue, Bruno has got to be a 10 again, he’s the best creator.”

“He has got to be a 10 again. Sesko scored which was the only positive for United today.”

United are back in action on Saturday when they host newly-promoted Sunderland.

Featured image Justin Setterfield 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!

Ratcliffe has been in “direct contact” with 55-yo manager as pressure mounts on Amorim – report

Farrell Keeling
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Ratcliffe has been in “direct contact” with 55-yo manager as pressure mounts on Amorim – report

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly held talks with former England boss Gareth Southgate, as pressure mounts on Ruben Amorim.

Amorim is facing an extremely uncertain future at United after an underwhelming start to the 2025/26 Premier League season. United sit 14th in the table with only seven points from six matches.

Their 3-1 defeat to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium has once again raised doubts over Amorim’s suitability for the role.

After the final whistle, a dejected Amorim insisted that he remains confident he can turn things around.

However, the numbers paint a grim picture of his Old Trafford tenure. The Portuguese coach has managed a mere 33 points from his 34 top-flight games in charge. He has registered just nine victories in this period.

His wait for back-to-back Premier League wins is set to continue.

United have repeatedly insisted that Amorim still has their backing, but with results continuing to falter, that faith looks poised to be severely tested. According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs, United have drawn a three-man list that features Southgate.

Crook and Jacobs reveal that Southgate is a genuine option for the Red Devils and Ratcliffe has been in “direct contact” with the former England boss in recent weeks.

The report further states, “If they do pull the trigger, they are likely to wait until after Saturday, November 1, to reduce the level of compensation.”

“Although Amorim has said publicly he would walk away without a payoff, it’s believed sacking him now would cost Manchester United around £12m.”

“Other potential replacements include Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.”

Southgate has been out of football management since July 2024, when he stepped down as manager of the Three Lions.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

United pushing to sign €3m unstoppable striker who is wreaking havoc in La Liga – report

Farrell Keeling
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United pushing to sign €3m unstoppable striker who is wreaking havoc in La Liga – report

Manchester United have set their sights on a La Liga forward, as per reports.

Benjamin Sesko opened his goalscoring account for United in their 3-1 defeat at Brentford. Despite the loss, the goal will come as a big relief to the young forward.

Signed from RB Leipzig in a deal worth around €85m, Sesko has impressed with his back-to-goal play in his early days at United. Now, the first Premier League goal should further ease the pressure on the 22-year-old.

Over the last decade, many strikers have failed to carry the goalscoring burden at United. As such, despite Sesko’s promising start, the club’s hierarchy would be wise to pursue another number nine, especially as Joshua Zirkzee has barely made his presence felt up front. 

Manchester United are interested in Eyong

According to Fichajes, United have entered the race for Etta Eyong.

The 21-year-old came up through the ranks of Villarreal, but decided to leave the Yellow Submarine in the summer in search of more playing time.

At the time, the Cameroonian also reportedly attracted Barcelona’s attention, but Levante pulled off a major coup by securing his services for €3 million.

The highly-rated forward, known for his pace, has had a prolific start to his Levante career, scoring four goals and registering three assists in seven La Liga appearances this term. His form has now sparked interest from the Premier League.

Villarreal could make any pursuit challenging

The Spanish outlet claim Chelsea, United and Tottenham Hotspur are all interested in Eyong.

It is reported that Chelsea have already made a formal move for the Cameroon U23 international.

Meanwhile, United and Spurs have “stepped up their efforts” to sign him.

The Premier League trio are “fighting to secure his services” but they could be pipped to his signature by Villarreal, who have the right to first refusal on the La Liga sensation.

Featured image Pedro Salado via Getty Images

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Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!

Video: 3 goals conceded, 0 saves: United flop fails to impress once more on loan

David Tully
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Video: 3 goals conceded, 0 saves: United flop fails to impress once more on loan

Andre Onana struggled despite his Trabzonspor side’s 4-3 victory over Fatih Karagümrük.

Struggles in Turkey

The Cameroonian keeper left Old Trafford at the start of this month and has had a complicated start to life in the Turkish Super Lig.

Onana was helpless for the home side’s opener as the ball was fired past him from close range, into the top corner.

The United keeper will not want to be reminded about the second goal he conceded though.

Fans of the Red Devils had become very used to seeing the keeper’s glaring weaknesses one-on-one and this was on full show once again.

Onana was beaten far too easily from a tight angle as the ball went by him in the centre of the goal, once again calling his positional sense into question.

The third effort he conceded was once again from close range, but there was little he could have done with it.

0 Saves

During the entire match Onana conceded three goals but did not complete one save in a poor ratio.

He also failed to complete any run out clearances, punch outs or high claims during the game.

Onana did manage to complete 77% of his passes, connecting with four of his 11 long ball attempts.

The African keeper also made two clearances and one interception during the match.

His performance in goal was so poor however, that his expected goals prevented stood at -1.73.

Onana will next be in action when his side face Kayserispor at home on Friday evening.

Trabzonspor currently sit second in the league, seven points behind Galatasaray.

Featured image Ahmad Moura via Getty Images

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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.

United considering replacing Amorim with shock candidate who recently became available, fans will be livid – report

Pranav Kannan
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United considering replacing Amorim with shock candidate who recently became available, fans will be livid – report

Ruben Amorim’s 200th top-flight game as a head coach ended in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

In November of last year, Amorim was chosen as the successor to Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese tactician arrived at Old Trafford with an exciting reputation, having led Sporting CP to two Primeira Liga titles. 

Amorim managed 167 Portuguese top-flight games before bagging the United job, losing just 14 times. In comparison, he has lost 17 Premier League games out of 33 in England, underlining his failure to adapt to the league.

Eight games into his managerial career, Keith Andrews tactically outclassed Amorim’s side, exploiting their weakness to defend long balls and predictable build-up play.

Accordingly, another defeat has ramp up the pressure on Amorim and United’s hierarchy. A report in Spain suggests, they are already searching for a new manager.

According to Fichajes, Graham Potter is among the candidates to replace Amorim at the helm.

Potter is without a club after West Ham United relieved him of his duties on Saturday.

It is claimed that the 50-year-old is still admired for his tactical flexibility and tendency to develop young players. United reportedly believe Potter is capable of quickly adapting to the demands of English football, owing to his stints at West Ham, Chelsea, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

It has been previously reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company considered Potter for the manager’s role at OGC Nice, an INEOS-owned outfit.

Potter’s career has been on a downward spiral since he left Brighton. As such, United shouldn’t even consider the possibility of going down that route.

Potter failed to implement his possession-based approach in London, and recorded a dire record of six wins from 25 matches in his nine months in charge of the Hammers.

The pressure and expectations at United are ten-fold in comparison. Accordingly, United need a manager capable of steadying the ship and churning out positive results from the get-go. 

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!

Video: “Always the manager…”: United new boy does not hold back when asked about Amorim after Brentford loss

Saikat
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Video: “Always the manager…”: United new boy does not hold back when asked about Amorim after Brentford loss

Manchester United’s poor away record against Brentford continued on Saturday, as the Red Devils crashed to a 1-3 defeat at the GTech Community Stadium.

Ruben Amorim had the chance to pick up back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time given the Bees’ poor form this season.

But United made them look like world champions, and despite the visitors missing a penalty, the home side deserved the win.

The pressure on Amorim will rise, and justifiably so given his damning record since he began, with only nine league wins in 32 games.

Matheus Cunha backs Amorim

However, new summer signing Matheus Cunha refused to blame the head coach and said that the players need to show more character out on the pitch.

“It’s full belief. Full belief. 100 per cent,” he told Premier League Productions. “I don’t think the United problem is always the manager. We need to have the character to take responsibility and change the situation.

‘I don’t think the problem is the manager’ 🗣️

Matheus Cunha puts his full belief behind Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim.

↳ Premier League. Live & On Demand with 4K on Football’s New Home, Stan Sport. Stream now.#StanSportAU #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/fBjZkl5NdW

— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) September 27, 2025

“It is us (the players) who play the game and it’s us who can change things. We know what we need to do. I hope we can do much better in the coming games.”

The Brazilian added, “It’s so hard now to give a reason to the fans. But inside us, we need to show the character to change things.”

Improve, improve, improve

While speaking to MUTV, the Brazil international also revealed that the plan is to head back to Carrington and work twice as hard to improve and return with the clear mindset and focus for the next game.

“Of course, we need to go to Carrington and to do everything we can. Improve, improve, improve – this is the word, I think. We need to use it, we need to be focused and to have big character right now.

“It’s like I say, how important it is to fight for the shirt and winning the games.”

United fans are running out of patience and rightly so. While players continue to back him, Amorim must start winning or else, INEOS must take action before the season becomes unsalvageable.

Feature image Richard Pelham 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’s 18yo wonderkid sends timely reminder of his attacking qualities to Amorim with sensational brace for U21s

Shahaam
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United’s 18yo wonderkid sends timely reminder of his attacking qualities to Amorim with sensational brace for U21s

Manchester United U21s hosted Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon in Premier League 2 action.

It was a change of setting for United as they played at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium rather than their usual home ground of Leigh Sports Village.

Coming into the match with a perfect record, United looked to continue their strong start to the season against Crystal Palace who were unbeaten themselves.

First half

Crystal Palace’s Asher Agbinone called Dermot Mee into action early on with a speculative effort from a wide angle which Mee smothered after an initial spill.

Operating in an unusual left-back role, Jack Fletcher curled in a deep cross towards Gabriele Biancheri, who headed just wide of the target.

The scoring wasn’t opened until stoppage time though, when Finley McAllister fed the ball into Biancheri who laid off with one touch for United captain Jacob Devaney to strike from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner.

Second half

Into the second half, Devaney returned the favour by providing the assist for Biancheri to double United’s lead.

Devaney burst down the right wing towards the byline before clipping a cross for Biancheri to head in from five yards out.

Biancheri latched onto a loose ball shortly after and darted into the box but his off-balance shot was held by the keeper.

In the 79th minute, Agbinone cut inside from the left wing and his 25-yard strike took a slight deflection that helped as it soared into the top right corner.

United substitute Shea Lacey then restored United’s two goal lead with a nicely placed free-kick goal to match Jim Thwaites earlier in the day for the U18s.

Lacey then capped off the match with his second goal to seal a 4-1 victory.

Jayce Fitzgerald’s long switch was taken in stride by Lacey, who then skipped past his marker before smashing the ball into the far corner from a tight angle.

The win takes United to the top of the Premier League 2 table with a perfect five wins from five.

Travis Binnion turns his attention next to the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, with a visit to Lincoln City.

Match facts

United: Mee, Kamason, Munro (T.Fletcher 62), Armer, J.Fletcher, McAllister (Lacey 63), Devaney, Mantato (Obi 63), Fitzgerald, Scanlon, Biancheri (Musa 90)

Unused subs: Murdock

Goals: Devaney 45+2, Biancheri 56, Lacey 87, 90

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

U21s: United 4 Palace 1

Shahaam
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U21s: United 4 Palace 1

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Saturday 27 September 2025 17:09

Manchester United’s Under-21s continued our unbeaten start to the Premier League 2 season with a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace in Salford.

Jacob Devaney got things started as he opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, before Gabriele Biancheri added a second shortly after the restart.

Asher Agbinone then pulled one back for the Eagles with a brilliant curling strike from range, but there was still time for more goals at the Peninsula Stadium.

Shea Lacey netted a brace from the bench, with his first a superb free-kick and his second a well-taken effort off the post that ensured victory for Travis Binnion’s side.

FIRST HALFUnited dominated most of the early sparring at Salford City’s ground, with Jaydan Kamason putting in a strong challenge that delighted the Reds faithful in attendance.

Bendito Mantato was proving too hot to handle for Palace as he burst forward after 21 minutes played, with his low shot across goal blocked at the decisive moment.

A neat cross from Jayce Fitzgerald was well met by Biancheri soon after, but the young Wales forward couldn’t direct his header goalwards.

Our good early work was rewarded in first-half stoppage time, as Devaney picked up the ball on the edge of the area after a neat move and finished with aplomb.

SECOND HALFIt didn’t take our young Reds long to then make it two, with Devaney this time turning provider. The captain for the afternoon teed up Biancheri, who nodded past Jackson Izquierdo at the back post.

United could have had a third if Devaney had picked the correct pass in the penalty area soon after, and Biancheri then tested Palace’s goalkeeper with another effort as we reached the final 20 minutes, but this time Izquierdo was more than equal to it.

The Eagles got themselves back in it, however, with 10 minutes left to play, as Agbinone plucked a wonderful strike from his right boot that sailed past Dermot Mee and into the very top corner.

Chido Obi and Lacey were both introduced for the final stages and it was the latter who put the game well and truly to bed.

His first goal was a beautiful free-kick that sailed around the Palace wall, leaving the Eagles goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

And there was still time for another from the Liverpudlian, as he received the ball inside the area, before twisting and turning and wrapping an effort into the net for 4-1.

Jaydan Kamason in action for United.

MATCH DETAILS

United: 

Mee, Kamason, Munro (T.Fletcher 62), Armer, J.Fletcher, McAllister (Lacey 63), Devaney, Mantato (Obi 63), Fitzgerald, Scanlon, Biancheri (Musa 90).

Sub not used: Murdock.

Goals: Devaney 45+2, Biancheri 56, Lacey 87, 90.

Booked: Armer, Munro, Kamason, J.Fletcher, Mee.

Recommended:

Saturday 27 September 2025 17:09

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1 goal, 88% passing accuracy: United youngster grabs first senior goal in memorable afternoon

David Tully
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1 goal, 88% passing accuracy: United youngster grabs first senior goal in memorable afternoon

Manchester United had numerous youngsters on loan duty on a busy Saturday afternoon of action.

To find out where all of United’s players are playing on loan, click here.

Sonny Aljofree

The young centre back only got nine minutes of action at the end of the match.

He won his only aerial and ground duel. Aljofree also completed a clearance and an interception in his Notts County side’s 1-2 defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

The young centre back will be desperate to earn back his place in the starting line up after a successful loan last year at Accrington Stanley.

Jack Moorhouse

The young Irish midfielder played the final 14 minutes of Leyton Orient’s 2-3 loss to Stevenage.

He completed 91% of his passes and was successful in his only dribble attempt.

Moorhouse won his only ground duel but lost his aerial battle as he could not prevent his side from losing.

Ethan Ennis

The young attacker scored his first senior goal in Fleetwood Town’s 4-2 win over Colchester United.

He was left unmarked in the first half to guide the ball home to bring his side level.

Ennis also completed 88% of his passes and one of them was a key pass in a positive display. He also won five duels in a feisty performance by the youngster.

Habeeb Ogunneye

The young fullback struggled in Newport County’s 1-4 loss to Chesterfield.

He made three clearances and blocked a shot despite his side’s defeat. He won his only aerial duel and also seven of his 12 ground battles.

Ogunneye also completed three of his six long balls and 79% of his passes.

Dan Gore

Gore got another valuable 90 minutes under his belt in Rotherham’s 1-2 defeat to Mansfield Town.

He completed 81% of his passes but failed to find his target in his only cross attempt.

Gore won eight duels in a combative performance in the middle of the park but did lose his only aerial contest.

Ethan Wheatley

The young forward’s afternoon was called to an abrupt end when he was subbed off after just 34 minutes whilst his Northampton Town side faced Bolton Wanderers.

He did not have any shots but did complete one key pass before picking up a potential injury.

United will hope the youngster will not be out of action too long.

Ethan Williams

The young winger was impressive midweek against Hibernian, grabbing two assists but he had a much quieter afternoon in Falkirk’s loss at Hearts.

He was subbed off at half-time, having completed 79% of his passes, including one key one.

Williams was unsuccessful with all his crossing attempts and also failed to win any of his ground duels in a frustrating afternoon for the player.

Radek Vitek

The Czech keeper impressed once again, keeping a clean sheet as Bristol City drew 0-0 away to Preston North End.

He made two saves in the match, both coming inside of the box.

Vitek was also successful with his one run out clearance and made one high claim. His improvement every week will surely not go unnoticed at Old Trafford as Altay Bayindir continues to struggle as number one for the senior team.

Harry Amass

Amass played the entire match of Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Queen’s Park Rangers.

He completed 80% of his passes and one of his three cross attempts.

The young left back was active in attack, having one shot on and off target. He was also very effective in his duels, winning five out of seven ground contests.

Featured image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images

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.

0 crosses, 0 dribbles, 1 big chance missed: United superstar’s powers clearly on the wane, even more problems now for Amorim

David Tully
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0 crosses, 0 dribbles, 1 big chance missed: United superstar’s powers clearly on the wane, even more problems now for Amorim

Manchester United came to London on Saturday in a bid to win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time under Ruben Amorim.

Instead, they lost 1-3 to Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium, and the hosts deserved all three points.

The result means the head coach has now won only nine times in 32 league games, and it is clear that he and his flawed system are simply not good enough.

And even more worryingly for the Red Devils, the ever-reliable Bruno Fernandes continues to struggle in the new season.

Bruno misses a penalty yet again

Against the Bees, the skipper ended up missing his penalty, the second time it has happened this season, and both times against teams from the capital.

Not only is he losing his normally impeccable penalty conversion rate, but his influence on games is also on the wane.

And that is partly due to the ex-Sporting CP boss’ insistence on playing his compatriot as part of a midfield pivot instead of further forward in his preferred attacking midfield role.

The club captain managed to complete 0 crosses, while successfully finding a teammate with a long ball only 45 percent of the time.

He failed to complete a single dribble, and ended the game with a passing accuracy rate of a mere 78 percent.

And off the ball, the Portugal international struggled to track back, and towards the end of the game, it almost looked like he had given up.

Amorim’s system doing him no favours

He ended the game with only 50 percent ground duels won, while not competing for a single aerial duel. The midfield maestro also lost possession 18 times.

Unfortunately, the skipper was handed the lowest rating of all United players by Sofascore (5.8).

With his mistakes on the rise, questions will be asked of United’s decision not to sell him in the summer when Saudi Pro League sides were ready to offer a record sum.

Bruno Fernandes still looks like United’s best player but Amorim’s system is doing him no favours, and if he continues to mess up at crucial junctures, INEOS might not fight to keep him for much longer.

Feature image Justin Setterfield 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

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