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Chido Obi lays down a challenge to Amorim as United’s shocking strikers continue to struggle

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Chido Obi lays down a challenge to Amorim as United’s shocking strikers continue to struggle

“I love to score goals”.

It’s a mentality shared by every great goal scorer in the history of football; and it’s one embodied by Manchester United’s new starlet, who is increasingly banging on the door of the senior squad, despite only turning 17 a few months ago.

Chido Obi completed a sensational switch from North London to the North West of England when he joined the Red Devils from Premier League rival Arsenal last summer.

The Danish phenom had already established himself as one of the biggest prospects – in a literal sense as a 6’2 teenager, but also as highly-rated youngster – in English youth football, having already made national headlines with his goal-scoring prowess.

Obi’s capture was considered a “coup” for the club with the 17-year-old’s path to first-team football at Old Trafford believed to be key to United winning the race, despite efforts by Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta to convince him to remain at the Emirates.

And it’s a choice which has already paid dividends with the Dane making his debut for the Red Devils in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago.

A mini injury crisis forced Ruben Amorim to name a number of youngsters in the match-day squad against Spurs. But only was given the opportunity to step onto the pitch in the white half of North London as United pushed for an equaliser.

Four days prior, Obi had scored a sensational hat-trick to help United’s U18’s team dispatch Chelsea 5-1 in the FA Youth cup, continuing an impressive season for in the club’s academy for the striker.

And now United have released a snippet of the first interview with Obi on the club’s website in a video previewing the U18’s quarter-final clash with, ironically, Arsenal.

“I love to score goals, and I love to help the team to win in this big competition, so yeah, it’s really good,” the 17-year-old striker states.

Obi has already played a key role in United’s youth side progressing in a cup competition with his goals.

Given the continued struggles of senior strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, Amorim may be forced to turn to the Danish starlet to help the senior team do the same with a fifth round tie in the FA Cup against Fulham next on the agenda for the Red Devils this weekend.

Zirkzee and Hojlund have combined for just 5 goals in the league this season. The pair have totalled the same number of shots on target as centre-back Matthijs de Ligt – a shocking statistic which explains United’s struggles this season.

The idea either senior striker “loves to score goals” is questionable; there are no such doubts over the academy’s newest star – Chido Obi.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.

“Few others could learn a thing or two”: Insider claims United star linked with January exit has cemented his place in the team

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“Few others could learn a thing or two”: Insider claims United star linked with January exit has cemented his place in the team

Despite being a goal and a man down, Manchester United battled past Ipswich Town in their Premier League clash on Wednesday to ultimately clinch a 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

Patrick Dorgu’s red card will likely be the main talking point from the game but Ruben Amorim will be pleased with the improvement in the team’s mentality.

All three of the hosts’ goals came from set-pieces with skipper Bruno Fernandes and the entire back three impressing under the lights.

There were familiar struggles up top with Rasmus Hojlund once again putting in an anonymous shift but Joshua Zirkzee has certainly turned the corner in his still nascent United career.

Booed off in the first half against Newcastle not too long ago, the ex-Bologna ace went off amid thunderous applause against the Tractor Boys.

Great turnaround for Zirkzee

He put in quite the shift and worked hard both on and off the ball. Amorim’s tweak to play him as a No 10 instead of up top has certainly brought out the best in the Netherlands international.

Zirkzee dropped deep to link up play and his ability to retain possession under pressure was key, especially with the Red Devils being a man light.

After a disappointing first-half of the campaign, there were numerous rumours linking the 23-year-old with a January exit, just six months after arriving in Manchester.

But former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Zirkzee’s hard work both on and off the pitch had impressed coaches and even if the 20-time English league champions were to sign a striker next summer, his place in the squad remains secure.

“He’s certainly improved in recent weeks. And that’s because he’s showing a bit of desire and fight to get on the ball and make things happen, even if it doesn’t always come off. That’s the way you improve and get things going in your favour. Ruben Amorim and his coaches will take note of that and will want to work with it.

“He’s dropped into a bit of a new role recently, playing behind the main number nine, and that’s where they’re getting the best out of him. It looks like being a long-term thing because they’ve accepted he’s not going to be their striker.

“They’re still looking at options in the transfer market, but I don’t think that will affect Zirkzee. He’s got to keep putting the building blocks in place to develop his game, keep improving and keep working hard on and off the pitch.

Set to stay at United

“But where I think there were questions about his place at the club before, I don’t think those questions will be there any more. As long as he keeps working hard, he’s going to have a role in the squad, and that’s down to himself and the effort he has put in to earn a place. I think a few others in this team could learn a thing or two from that.”

The last part of the statement might have been aimed at the likes of Marcus Rashford, who downed tools as soon as he encountered criticism, while Hojlund seems to be regressing every week.

One thing Brown was spot on about was the hard work being put in behind the scenes by Zirkzee, something Amorim had acknowledged after the Tottenham Hotspur game a couple of weeks ago.

“I think Josh is not a clear [number] nine, he played more as a 10 [attacking midfielder]. He’s stronger physically, he’s thinner, he’s working really hard, and he plays in a better position for him. He’s improving, he’s winning more duels and he’s even faster, you feel that in the game, and that helps to make the decision.”

The Dutch forward has lost a lot of weight since his move to Old Trafford, which has helped him deal with the pace of the Premier League. And while he is not a natural striker, Amorim’s use of twin attacking midfielders up front certainly fits in with Zirkzee’s strengths as a player.

Feature image Alex Livesey 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

Man Utd: Ratcliffe wants ‘project to revolve around’ ex-PL star as he does ‘everything he can’ to seal deal

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Man Utd: Ratcliffe wants ‘project to revolve around’ ex-PL star as he does ‘everything he can’ to seal deal

Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly insisting that the Red Devils go all out to sign former Tottenham striker Harry Kane in the summer.

The Red Devils are going through a season to forget with Ratcliffe’s decision to replace Erik ten Hag with Ruben Amorim backfiring so far.

Man Utd scraped past relegation-threatened Ipswich on Wednesday night in a 3-2 win, moving Amorim’s side to 14th position in the Premier League.

Much of the criticism faced by Man Utd players this season has been levelled at their attackers with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee receiving plenty of stick.

Marcus Rashford was also on the end of criticism before completing a loan move to Aston Villa, with only five Premier League clubs scoring fewer goals than the Red Devils this season.

Man Utd were keen to bring in a new centre-forward in the January transfer window on the cheap but the right opportunity didn’t materialise for Ratcliffe and his INEOS team.

READ: Man Utd fan favourite is ‘an accident waiting to happen’ as more ‘dismal business’ is slammed

And now they are set to make a new forward addition their priority in the summer with Spanish website Fichajes insisting that Bayern Munich striker is at the top of their list.

Man Utd are ‘preparing a major market clean-up’ in the summer with Ratcliffe making it ‘his priority to reinforce the forward line with a high-impact signing and has set his sights on Harry Kane’.

Kane is the British billionaire’s ‘big bet to lead the new project at Old Trafford and return the team to the elite of English and European football’.

The report adds:

‘United’s interest is not new. In the past, the club have tried to sign him without success, opting for other alternatives such as Rasmus Højlund.

‘However, with the Dane’s inconsistency and the need for an elite striker, the option of Kane is gaining strength again. In addition, his release clause at Bayern will drop to £54m, making him an attractive opportunity in the market.

‘While Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the English striker, Ratcliffe is determined to do everything he can to make his project revolve around Kane.

‘His potential return to the Premier League is a story to follow in the coming months, and United will do everything they can to secure the services of one of the world’s best goalscorers.’

MORE MAN UTD ON COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd insider claims Amorim is ‘destroying the morale in the dressing room’ after Ipswich win
👉 Amorim ‘wants Man Utd star out’ with his ‘attitude’ causing ‘problems in the dressing room’
👉 Fernandes gives bleak assessment of Amorim system at Man Utd: ‘It’s not working’

But former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan reckons the “the perfect tonic” for Arsenal after recent woes in the Premier League would be to sign Kane, who played for north London rivals Tottenham.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Jordan said: “If Arsenal fans feel deflated at the end of the season for again finishing Premier League runners-up – which they should! – I’d suggest the perfect tonic for them would be to sign Harry Kane.

“A flight of fancy? Perhaps, it depends on how deep the England captain feels his attachment to his former employees, Tottenham Hotspur.

“But professionally it would make sense for all sides. Arsenal would get the prolific goalscorer to help them take the final step and Kane would give himself the best chance of winning a league title in this country as well as surpassing Alan Shearer as the Premier League’s leading marksman.

“Both of which I’d suggest gives him a more meaningful legacy than a Bundesliga winners’ medal, which Bayern Munich achieve nearly every season.

“Certainly, if Kane decided to return to his country next season with a £54million buy-out clause there to be activated, joining Arsenal would be a more sensible decision than returning to Tottenham, who need another £300m spent on players to become realistic challengers, something that is very unlikely to happen under the current ownership.

“While there may be no economic resale value in Kane, becoming champions would open a raft of commercial benefits for Arsenal that would negate that concern.”

Man Utd: Keane rips into ‘f***ing imposter’ who Wright claims is saving Red Devils from ‘relegation battle’

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Man Utd: Keane rips into ‘f***ing imposter’ who Wright claims is saving Red Devils from ‘relegation battle’

Roy Keane ripped into the “f***ing imposters” at Manchester United and argued with Ian Wright over one player who the Arsenal legend believes is saving the Red Devils from a “relegation battle”.

United earned a welcome three points against Ipswich on Wednesday to lift them to 14th in the Premier League table, but Keane took issue with their “f***ing bizarre” celebrations after coming from behind to draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The former skipper claimed it looked as though they had “won the Cup” before taking aim at Bruno Fernandes.

“I see fans at matches and they’re singing for Bruno. I see these boys, I think you’re f***ing imposters!” Keane said on the Stick To Football Podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.

Wright then incurred Keane’s wrath by disagreeing with his thoughts on Bruno: “Ah Wrighty, I’ve had enough of that rubbish! You watch United every week, we focus more on United. Sit and watch a game with him! People pretend to be closing people down.

“Talent is not enough! You keep going back to talent – Bruno’s a talented player, but it’s not enough!

“Who were you in the dressing room with, Tony Adams! Tony Adams was this, Tony Adams was that, because he was a fighter!

“You’ve got young players who have to look at somebody and go ‘I like what he does’. They all can’t put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that, but you want someone who’s going ‘Lads, are you with me? Are you with me?’”

Fernandes’ 13 goal contributions is more than any other United player and Wright continued to extol his virtues.

“Maybe he’s not that kind of captain, Roy, I’m with you, but what he’s doing in respects of… saving you, playing that pass, the goal.

“If Bruno’s not there, United are in the relegation battle.”

MORE MAN UTD ON COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd insider claims Amorim is ‘destroying the morale in the dressing room’ after Ipswich win
👉 Amorim ‘wants Man Utd star out’ with his ‘attitude’ causing ‘problems in the dressing room’
👉 Ferdinand names two summer signings among four Man Utd stars unfit for Amorim system after Ipswich win

Keane then questioned who is to blame at Old Trafford if not Fernandes.

He added: “Forget the board and all that for a second. The players who walk on the pitch, who do you start pointing fingers at? At some point players have to look at themselves look at the person in the mirror. So who would you start at with Man United?

“The goalkeeper? [Harry] Maguire? Would you have a go at Maguire? Or are you too pally with people?

“You sit there every few weeks and you say Tony Adams is amazing,” Keane added, before Wright interjected to say he was the captain he was used to, prompting further Keane rage.

He said: “Of course, that’s what the captain we expect! Tony Adams used to – was Tony Adams the most talented player in the Arsenal dressing room? So why do you look up to Tony Adams and go ‘listen I have a lot of time for him?’”

Wright replied: “Because he was an amazing leader, and he lead us, he lead us to the Championship and everything.”

Keane again asked Wright who he thought was to blame, miming closing players down to make his point.

“Who then? I’ve asked you a question, who would you start going ‘he’s got to do a bit more’? When they go out on that pitch, show some courage, want the ball. When you close somebody down, close them down properly!

“Let me tell you something, when you close somebody down, this is what I call a bluffer, I’m closing you down, but I’m not really closing you down and you pass it, ‘I’ve done my bit!’

“F*** off! Excuse my language.”

Promising United star has “exhausted the patience” of Ineos who are ready to get rid of him – report

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Promising United star has “exhausted the patience” of Ineos who are ready to get rid of him – report

Alejandro Garnacho could be counting his final months at Manchester United because of his concerning attitude, as per reports.

Garnacho was again in the headlines on Wednesday, not for his performance against Ipswich Town but questionable reaction to Ruben Amorim’s decision just before the break.

The United head coach substituted the Argentine forward for defender Noussair Mazraoui in the first half after Patrick Dorgu received a red card.

Garnacho went straight to the dressing room after coming off, leading to Amorim facing questions over his behaviour in his post-match press conference after the Red Devils’ 3-2 win.

A report in Spain now suggests things are even more tense behind the scenes.

According to Fichajes, the 20-year-old’s attitude, both on and off the field, has “caused him problems in the dressing room.”

The Argentina international, who has eight goals and six assists this season, is still highly rated at Old Trafford but “the controversies surrounding him have caused his relationship with the coaching staff to deteriorate.”

It is claimed that his antics have “ended up exhausting the patience” of the board who are open to listening to offers for him.

Having already shown Marcus Rashford the exit door in the winter window due to the Englishman’s poor work ethic, Amorim is now prepared to part ways with Garnacho as well.

Napoli tried to sign the young winger in January and are understood to be at the front of the queue for his services ahead of next season.

However, it is not going to be easy for the Serie A giants to meet United’s demands and convince Garnacho to join their project this summer.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report suggesting the United star is looking to return to Spain to play for his boyhood club Atletico Madrid. 

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!

Details emerge of Amorim’s explosive private talk with Garnacho after Ipswich controversy, it’s not looking good – report

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Details emerge of Amorim’s explosive private talk with Garnacho after Ipswich controversy, it’s not looking good – report

The 10-men of Manchester United fought valiantly and emerged 3-2 victors against Ipswich Town in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The team’s mentality under pressure has often been questioned in the past but not against the Tractor Boys as despite losing Patrick Dorgu to a straight red card, the hosts fought back and clinched all three points.

But a United matchday is incomplete without some sort of controversy with Ruben Amorim’s decision to sub off Alejandro Garnacho following the Dane’s dismissal creating a stir.

The Argentine walked straight down the tunnel and posted a picture of him dejected after the game instead of congratulating his teammates.

Garnaho’s social media controversy

That allowed the media to pounce as they questioned the head coach about the latest infraction from the 20-year-old, trying to elicit a controversial reaction from the Portuguese.

“You’re making a connection with Rashford, right? I’m obviously going to talk with Garnacho about that and if you want we’ll talk about that in the next press conference.”

And as per The Daily Star, the former Sporting CP boss has had a talk with the Carrington graduate and he asked the young ace to improve his attitude instead of sulking.

The head coach has been no stranger to falling out with players, as seen from the whole Marcus Rashford fiasco and he is keen to avoid a repeat of the episode as he looks to build up team morale ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

He also challenged the Argentina international to prove to him why he deserves to start each game and to work even harder both on and off the pitch.

Details now out

“Ruben Amorim has told sulking Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho to improve his attitude. Amorim is keen to avoid a repeat of the scenario involving Marcus Rashford, who became a huge distraction after making it clear he wanted to quit Old Trafford.

“Amorim has held private talks with winger Garnacho, and told him to work hard and prove he deserves to be a regular starter between now and the end of the season.”

That talk seems to have worked as seen from Garnacho’s subsequent post where he congratulated his teammates for the hard-fought victory.

This is not the first time his social media activity has come under the scanner with the Argentina international forced to apologise to former manager Erik ten Hag for liking a post criticising the decision to sub him off in a game against Bournemouth.

He had deactivated his X account after Amorim’s decision to leave him out from the Manchester derby matchday squad. Garnacho must buckle down and work even harder to win over the boss again. Especially with his future seemingly up in the air and his form not exactly up to the mark expected.

Feature image Alex Livesey 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 midfielder leads the whole of Europe in tackles and interceptions, he’s become irreplaceable – report

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United midfielder leads the whole of Europe in tackles and interceptions, he’s become irreplaceable – report

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is proving to be one of his club’s key players this season.

Having arrived as a fresh summer transfer at the start of the season, Ugarte began his Man United career during what has been a particularly turbulent era for the club.

United started the season under manager Erik ten Hag, whose inability to improve the team following a dismal start in the league led to his departure.

While his replacement, Ruben Amorim, inspired hope in the United fanbase that the team’s fortunes could be turned around, the Portuguese manager has quickly realised how deep the structural issues at the club truly are.

Among the team’s issues are the ineffectiveness of numerous players, both long-term servants of the club and newcomers alike. Rasmus Hojlund is one example, while Marcus Rashford has been sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.

One new signing who has successfully lived up to his price tag is Manuel Ugarte.

Statman Dave posted on X to show just how impressive the Uruguayan has been during his stint so far at the club.

Manuel Ugarte is averaging more tackles + interceptions p90 (5.90) than any other midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues this season.

Added some much-needed steel to Man Utd’s midfield. 👊 pic.twitter.com/1vR78z1JXI

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 27, 2025

“Manuel Ugarte is averaging more tackles + interceptions p90 (5.90) than any other midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues this season.”

“Added some much-needed steel to Man Utd’s midfield,” the post read.

Last weekend, Ugarte scored his first goal for United – a phenomenal half-volley against Everton.

Yesterday, during the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town, he continued to impress, winning eight of 13 ground duels while completing 13 of 15 passes. (Sofascore)

Although there may be numerous outstanding issues that Amorim still needs to iron out in order to get his team on track, he can at least rest assured that Ugarte is not one of them.

Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

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

‘Rashford wins’ as two Euro giants rival Aston Villa for Man Utd star urged to avoid ‘worst mistake’

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‘Rashford wins’ as two Euro giants rival Aston Villa for Man Utd star urged to avoid ‘worst mistake’

Marcus Rashford is at the centre of a “win-win-win situation” as two Euro giants look set to rival Aston Villa for the permanent transfer of the Manchester United star.

Rashford joined Villa on loan in January after being ostracised by Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, and although he’s started just one of the five games he’s been available for at Villa Park, the England international has shown glimpses of his best form.

He came on at half-time against Chelsea to turn the game on its head with two assists, and displays like that look set to benefit him, Aston Villa and Manchester United, according to former United and Villa scout Mick Brown.

“I hear Barcelona and Bayern Munich are looking at him,” Brown told Football Insider.

“If he keeps performing to his best level, it’s a three-way win-win-win situation.

“Villa win because they get a very good player for six months, Marcus wins because he has the opportunity to show off his talent and potential earn a big move.

“And at the end of the day, Man United win because they’re more likely to get their highest-paid player off the books rather than having an unhappy player at the club.

“If these top clubs are interested and they come in, his value will shoot up.

“United will look to drive his price tag up and make as much money as they can from him.

“Having these top teams interested will do them no harm at all.

“So then everybody’s a winner – but only if he keeps performing as well as he can.

“He’s certainly got enough in his locker, it’s just a question of if you can get it out of him, and I think he’s got to help himself by working hard to be the best he can be.

“So the likes of Bayern and Barcelona will be looking at him to see if he’s going to be at that level.

“It all depends what he can do while he’s at Villa, that’s the expectation.”

MORE MAN UTD ON COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Man Utd insider claims Amorim is ‘destroying the morale in the dressing room’ after Ipswich win
👉 Amorim ‘wants Man Utd star out’ with his ‘attitude’ causing ‘problems in the dressing room’
👉 Fernandes gives bleak assessment of Amorim system at Man Utd: ‘It’s not working’

Sam Allardyce insists Rashford still has to “prove himself” at Villa and urged the 27-year-old not to make the same mistake as former Red Devils teammate Jesse Lingard.

Allardyce said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “He [Rashford] doesn’t fit into that type of system.

“He’s got to prove himself for the first time in a long time. As a kid, he had to prove himself by being good enough to break into United’s first team, now he has to prove himself to the Aston Villa players.

“He’s going out there with a new manager and new teammates and that’s got to inspire him, rather than languishing at Man United.”

Former Man Utd academy graduate Lingard struggled to reach his potential at the Red Devils and now plays for South Korean club FC Seoul.

And Rashford’s situation at Man Utd has reminded Allardyce of the same situation Lingard was in with the winger eventually turning down a permanent move to West Ham in favour of staying at Old Trafford.

Allardyce added: “It reminds me of Jesse Lingard, he was languishing at Man United and then Moyes rescued him.

“Lingard made the worst mistake ever not going with Moyes to West Ham. He went to Forest and just petered out again and now he’s somewhere obscure in South Korea.

“This was an England international player in his early 20s. Players moving is the biggest thing you can do.

“If you’re stagnating at your football club, pack your bag and move on, because your football career will soon be finished before you know it.”

United star is “dispensable”, could raise £60 million this summer, says Michael Owen

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United star is “dispensable”, could raise £60 million this summer, says Michael Owen

Manchester United’s latest performance was yet another that did little to lower the heart rate with Ruben Amorim’s men having to fight until the very end to secure a 3-2 win against lowly Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

United looked to be in control of proceedings until Patrick Dorgu was sent off moments before half time which led to Alejandro Garnacho being sacrificed as Amorim attempted to keep the balance of his side.

Up to his substitution Garnacho was enjoying a decent first half down the left flank which saw him and Dorgu emerge as the biggest threat to Kieran McKenna’s men who had took an early lead.

Garnacho was naturally disappointed at being the man to make way and talks have resurfaced regarding the Argentine’s future at the club.

As reported by The Mirror, former United striker Michael Owen spoke on Garnacho’s current plight and feels Amorim clearly doesn’t fully trust the 20-year-old as yet.

“There is a choice for Amorim and he’s not playing him. He’s a good player. I’m sure Manchester United fans will want to keep him, but Amorim will be seeing him every day and making his choices. So far, actions speak louder than words, and Amorim’s actions say that he’s possibly dispensable.

“At the moment, he’s not getting into the Manchester United side. If he was that good, you know, Ruben Amorim would consider him to be undroppable even though he has been reportedly misbehaving,” the former striker said.

Owen continued by saying he believes Garnacho is yet to reach the level that would deem him to be an automatic starter and feels there is still much more improvement to be done in his game.

“Ability-wise Garnacho is very good, but he’s not great. He’s very good at the moment and lots of people keep telling me how good he is, and I keep watching him think, yeah, he is very good, but I’m still waiting to see him be great,” said Owen.

The 2001 Ballon D’Or winner then added that people “get carried away” with young players and although he feels Garnacho has the “potential to be really good” is still waiting to see him produce it on a consistent basis at Old Trafford.

The youngster walked down the tunnel after his substitution last night, prompting Amorim to admit that he will “have words” with the player who he has previously called out for a lack of professionalism.

To his credit Garnacho has kept his head down since his infamous admission from the Manchester Derby in December where Amorim questioned his approach in and around the training ground the week prior.

Amorim has since praised Garnacho’s attitude who has regained his place in the squad but yesterday’s episode has the potential to undo the hard work produced in recent weeks and is yet another issue the United head coach has to deal with.

United are back in action in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday and it will be interesting to see what part Garnacho plays in the home tie against Fulham.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

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Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.

United make move to sign highly in-demand €25m goalkeeper, sporting director has admitted they may be forced to sell – report

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United make move to sign highly in-demand €25m goalkeeper, sporting director has admitted they may be forced to sell – report

Manchester United are reportedly one of several European clubs interested in a move for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

United could dip into the market for a new goalkeeper amidst doubts over the long-term future of n.o 1 Andre Onana. The Cameroonian has been poor over the past few weeks, making mistakes that have dearly cost United in matches.

Against Ipswich Town on Wednesday night, he made an ill-judged decision to come rushing off his line in an attempt to meet a Patrick Dorgu pass. Unbeknownst to Dorgu, Onana was left in no man’s land as the pass left him wrong-footed, allowing Jaden Philogene an easy tap-in.

With United 2-1, Onana was at fault again, this time allowing a speculative cross from Philogene to creep past him and into the back of the net.

He eventually settled but question marks remain over whether he’s the right man to carry United forward between the sticks.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that his future at Old Trafford is “hanging in the balance,” with some potential replacements being lined up.

According to Sport, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is of interest to the Red Devils, who have enquired about the possibility of signing him in the summer.

Garcia has played a crucial role for Espanyol this season in their bid to beat the drop. The side are currently 15th in La Liga with 27 points, just four above Valencia in 18th.

Their shot-stopper has kept four clean sheets in 25 appearances. He has let in 36 goals in that period.

Sport say about United’s pursuit of Garcia, ” In recent days the possibility of Manchester United has been raised, who have sounded out the option of signing the Espanyol goalkeeper.”

Ruben Amorim’s side are not the only party eyeing him. Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also keen on adding him to their ranks.

Sport note that a few weeks ago, Espanyol sporting director, Fran Garagarza, warned that they may be forced to sell him. He explained that they may even have to let him go for less than the value of his release clause, except if Barcelona come calling.

Espanyol do not want to sell to a rival team and if Barca approach them, they will not only ask for his full release clause to be paid, but they’ll demand the money upfront. A transfer to the Premier League is therefore seen as the most likely outcome.

Arsenal had a €20m for him rejected last summer. Espanyol referred the Gunners to his release clause, which currently stands at €25m but rises by €5m in the final 15 days of the window and will increase by an additional €5m if he is capped by Spain.

The North London club are expected to try again for Garcia. PSG are understood to be plotting a swoop for the 23-year-old but they’re yet to make their interest known to Espanyol.

CaughtOffside state that Manchester City are considering Garcia as a replacement for Ederson, who is increasingly likely to depart the Etihad when the season ends.

If he is indeed the goalkeeper they want, United should remain alive to the situation to ensure they’re not beaten to his signature.

As interest in him mounts, it appears whatever club offers him the clearest path to first-team football will win the race for him.

Featured image Alex Caparros 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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