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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

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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

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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!

Jacobs confirms £68m PL star is ‘open’ to Man Utd transfer ‘alongside’ stunning Napoli swap

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Jacobs confirms £68m PL star is ‘open’ to Man Utd transfer ‘alongside’ stunning Napoli swap

Man Utd could complete stunning transfers for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reports.

The Red Devils are struggling this season in their worst Premier League campaign ever with Ruben Amorim unable to steady the ship after replacing Erik ten Hag in November.

Things have actually got worse under the Portuguese head coach with Man Utd winning just five of their 16 Premier League matches under Amorim.

Man Utd currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after 27 matches but Amorim’s side are no longer closer to the relegation places, in terms of points, than the top four after beating Ipswich Town 3-2 on Wednesday.

Only five Premier League sides have scored fewer goals than the Red Devils this term with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee facing their fair share of criticism for their performances.

Hojlund and Zirkzee have only scored five Premier League goals between them this campaign with Man Utd now looking to bring in a new striker in the summer.

But, if recent reports are to be believed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are looking to significantly boost the Red Devils’ attack under Amorim in the summer transfer window.

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’

And former CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Man Utd ‘hold a genuine interest’ in Crystal Palace’s Eze but ‘don’t want to meet his release clause’, which currently stands at £68m.

Eze ‘has been identified as a target’ with Antony and Marcus Rashford both likely to leave Old Trafford permanently in the summer transfer window.

GiveMeSport bring more from Jacobs:

‘Eze is a name being considered by many clubs, with Man United being one of them. Like last summer, the England international has a release clause of £68 million, though the clause is not a traditional clause and has been described as “complicated”.

‘Man United value Eze at around £50 million, however Palace are keen to keep hold of the England international and are unlikely to consider any offers below that release clause value.

‘According to Jacobs, Eze, who has been described as a “superstar”. has a preference for staying in London, though this is not an absolute or a dealbreaker, meaning the door remains open for Manchester United if they are able to strike a deal with the Eagles for Eze. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, while Serie A giants Napoli are also keen.’

GiveMeSport add that Eze could arrive ‘alongside’ Osimhen with a separate report on talkSPORT indicating a sensational swap deal could be on the cards.

Serie A side Napoli, who are Osimhen’s parent club, ‘would only be willing to pay a fraction of the £72million United paid for Hojlund’ and a potential deal to swap the duo may be a possibility.

Despite that, ‘sources have told talkSPORT a potential swap deal is “complicated”‘ despite Hojlund’s place in Amorim’s thoughts ‘looking increasingly vulnerable’.

United set to raid Sporting for the natural successor to Bruno, Amorim “hugely keen” on reunion with 26-yo – report

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United set to raid Sporting for the natural successor to Bruno, Amorim “hugely keen” on reunion with 26-yo – report

Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach for Sporting CP star Pedro Goncalves with Ruben Amorim “hugely keen” on a reunion with the Portuguese midfielder at Old Trafford.

Goncalves, 26, is currently recovering from a tendon injury but revealed he was aiming to “be back on the pitch soon” after a strong start to the season in Lisbon.

The attacking midfielder has four goals and four assists in just eight leagues for Sporting this campaign.

Last year, Goncalves returned an impressive 23 contributions in just 32 games for Amorim’s former side. The season before that the 26-year-old scored 15 goals and assisted 11 times in 33 league outings.

Evidently, the Portuguese star is a powerful attacking force with a wealth of experience in Lisbon in the 3-4-2-1 system United’s new head coach has been attempting, unsuccessfully so far, to implement with his new team in Manchester.

And it’s this proven connection, reporter Shaun Connolly (Theatre of Red) reveals, which has put Amorim’s former pupil on United’s wish list with Old Trafford officials “monitoring the rehabilitation of Pedro Goncalves ahead of a potential summer move.”

🚨 Manchester United officials are monitoring the rehabilitation of Pedro Goncalves ahead of a potential summer move.

Ruben Amorim is hugely keen on acquiring the player, and there is confidence in manufacturing a PSR-friendly package should United proceed. #MUFC

— Shaun Connolly (@shaunconnolly85) February 27, 2025

Tweet: “Manchester United officials are monitoring the rehabilitation of Pedro Goncalves ahead of a potential summer move.

“Ruben Amorim is hugely keen on acquiring the player, and there is confidence in manufacturing a PSR-friendly package should United proceed.”

Amorim is described as “hugely keen” on Goncalves given the lack of viable options for the LAM position from United’s current cohort of attackers.

The Sporting star is also likely to be a relatively cheap option this summer, in comparison to other more high-profile candidates for the role, such as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Matheus Cunha.

There is “confidence” at Old Trafford that a “PSR-friendly package” could be agreed with the Portuguese club to sign Goncalves, depending on his recovery from injury.

United’s finances are stretched due to PSR concerns and the prospect of adding a proven attacker with a wealth of experience in Amorim’s system would prove an attractive one.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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.

Terland scores her first Player of the Month award

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Terland scores her first Player of the Month award

Terland scores her first Player of the Month award

Thursday 27 February 2025 16:00

Elisabeth Terland has been voted Manchester United Women’s Player of the Month for February in recognition of her top form.

The talismanic striker joined the club from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer and is making a huge impact during her debut season.

Eliabeth has been particularly influential since the turn of the year and, in February alone, the Norwegian scored four goals and registered one assist across all competitions, underlining his status as an indispensable player for Marc Skinner. 

You can watch Teri’s highlights in the video below…

Terland’s award-winning February Video

Terland’s award-winning February

PLAYER OF THE MONTH | See why Norway international Elisabeth Terland dominated our poll for February…

POLL RESULTS

Dubbed the ‘Terminator’ by fans, in-form goalscorer Terland was nominated for our Player of the Month award alongside team-mates Jayde Riviere and Mared Griffiths.

Promising youngster Griffiths was shortlisted in recognition of her two-goal debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup victory. 

Consistent defender Riviere was recognised for her contributions towards clean sheets in the WSL wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, plus an excellent assist for Terland in north London.

But there was a clear winner in the poll. 

After several days of voting, Terland came out on top with a 54 per cent majority, winning the award for the first time in her flourishing United career. 

Riviere finished second on 24 per cent, followed by Griffiths on 22 per cent.

NEXT UP 

Following the international break, United Women will return to action on Sunday with an anticipated WSL match against Leicester City at Leigh Sports Village. 

The game will be shown live via the BBC red button, iPlayer and BBC Sport website. Fans can listen to live radio commentary on MUTV via the club channel, the United App and ManUtd.com. 

Tickets are also still available if you wish to attend and support our in-form Reds.

Recommended:

  • Terland’s WSL goals are top class Video

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    ON FIRE | United Women striker Elisabeth Terland is putting on a finishing clinic! Watch her seven WSL goals…

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    RISING STAR | Grace Clinton has now scored five goals in this season’s WSL, underlining her incredible potential…

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    AERIAL PROWESS | There’s something so satisfying about United Women’s five headed goals in the WSL this season…

Thursday 27 February 2025 16:00

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Man Utd star’s future ‘hanging in the balance’ as Red Devils ‘scout’ four replacements

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Man Utd star’s future ‘hanging in the balance’ as Red Devils ‘scout’ four replacements

Man Utd have been scouting four other goalkeepers as Andre Onana’s future is becoming very uncertain at Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Red Devils have been suffering this season with Ruben Amorim failing to improve things since replacing Erik ten Hag as the Man Utd head coach.

In fact, things have got worse under the Portuguese coach with Man Utd winning just five of their first 16 Premier League matches under Amorim this season.

The Red Devils invested heavily in new players over the summer for former boss Ten Hag with around £180m spent on Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Amorim was afforded one signing in the January transfer window with Patrick Dorgu – who was sent off as Man Utd beat Ipswich 3-2 on Wednesday – joining from Lecce.

However, the Man Utd hierarchy could now have to invest lots more money to give Amorim players that can adjust to the former Sporting CP manager’s playing style, formation and philosophy.

Man Utd have conceded 39 goals in 27 Premier League matches this season with Onana pulling off some wonderful saves at times to keep the Red Devils in games.

But his recent form has been a concern for the Red Devils staff and GiveMeSport now claim that they could now look to replace the Cameroon international in the summer.

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’

The report insists that Onana’s future at Man Utd is ‘hanging in the balance’ as ‘doubts are now creeping in over whether Manchester United will commit to him long-term’.

Onana was partly at fault for both Ipswich goals on Wednesday, with a mix-up with Patrick Dorgu leading to Jaden Philogene’s first, before the Tractor Boys star’s low cross managed to go all the way into the Man Utd net for his second of the game.

And now Onana’s ‘ongoing struggles between the sticks could soon result in the No.1 shirt at Old Trafford being up for grabs’ and Man Utd ‘could now be forced to explore alternatives in the transfer market sooner than expected’.

GiveMeSport adds:

‘James Trafford has been on the Red Devils’ radar since last summer, though a move didn’t materialise at the time. Now, with the Burnley shot-stopper linked to a potential move to Newcastle United, head coach Ruben Amorim could yet look to reignite negotiations and potentially offer the opportunity to challenge for the No.1 spot.

‘While a Trafford deal seems to be progressing with Newcastle, Manchester United still have a window of opportunity to make a move if they now decide to look more intensely at their options.

‘Manchester United have also been scouting a number of goalkeepers from outside the Premier League, with FC Porto’s Diogo Costa a long-standing target.

‘Although Atletico Madrid’s Juan Musso has been mentioned in connection with the Red Devils, sources suggest that there is little interest in him becoming the club’s primary shot-stopper, given his current back-up role in Spain.

‘In the coming weeks, Manchester United are likely to make a clearer assessment of their goalkeeping options, and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel could yet be one to watch.’

Former United chief Ed Woodward lined up for shock return to Premier League football – Sky Sports

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Former United chief Ed Woodward lined up for shock return to Premier League football – Sky Sports

Former Manchester United chief Ed Woordward has been “approached” over a potential return to football to serve as a director of Eagles Footballs Holdings – the vehicle which owns stakes in Crystal Palace and Olympique Lyonnais, among other clubs.

Mark Kleinman (Sky Sports) reveals the 53-year-old executive is “being lined up as an independent director of Eagle Football Holdings as it prepares to list in the US.”

Sources close to Woodward said it was “not certain” he would be appointed but “confirmed that he had been approached about his first mainstream football directorship since ending his long stint at the former Premier League champions.”

A Reign of Incompetent Terror

Woodward spent 17 years at Old Trafford after playing a “key role” in the Glazer family’s hostile takeover in 2005, which saddled the Red Devils with inordinate levels of debt to complete the deal.

The American’s ownership, helped by Woodward’s efforts, has cost the club of “more than £1 billion” since this point.

The British banker effectively became the chief executive at Old Trafford in 2013 after long-term CEO David Gill’s retirement, which came at the same time as Sir Alex Ferguson leaving the club.

The decade which followed constitutes one of the worst periods in United’s history with exorbitant amounts of money wasted on recruitment and a carousel of managers, while the club’s infrastructure, including Old Trafford, fell into a state of disrepair.

Without question, Woodward was a front for the Glazers; a puppet who did his master’s bidding and was given the freedom of the world’s biggest club as a result, despite zero experience in professional football. He was a banker with a blank cheque book and no idea how to spend it effectively.

Which is why the idea of Woodward returning to football, in any capacity, should made United fans shudder, unless it was to become the chief executive at Liverpool.

Eagle Football Holdings

The Sky Sports report reveals, “Sky News has learnt that Mr Woodward, who left Old Trafford in 2022, a year after United’s involvement in the ill-fated European Super League project, is being lined up as an independent director of Eagle Football Holdings as it prepares to list in the US.”

“Eagle Football, which is controlled by the American businessman John Textor, is expected to file confidentially with US regulators for an initial public offering in the next fortnight.

“The vehicle owns a 45% stake in Crystal Palace, which it has been trying to sell for months but may now retain as a result of the club’s improved performance in English football’s top flight.”

Exclusive: Ed Woodward, the former Manchester United chief, is being lined up to join the board of Eagle Football Holdings – a shareholder in Crystal Palace, Brazilian champions Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais – as it prepares to go public in New York. https://t.co/MBqmSfiGCJ

— Mark Kleinman (@MarkKleinmanSky) February 27, 2025

Tweet: “Exclusive: Ed Woodward, the former Manchester United chief, is being lined up to join the board of Eagle Football Holdings – a shareholder in Crystal Palace, Brazilian champions Botafogo and Olympique Lyonnais – as it prepares to go public in New York.”

It will be a dark day for any Palace, Botagofo, or Lyon supporter if a parasitic influence like Woodward gains a high-level position in their respective clubs. Just ask any Red Devil fan.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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.

Ex-United sporting director Dan Ashworth in line for shock March appointment at rival PL club – David Ornstein

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Ex-United sporting director Dan Ashworth in line for shock March appointment at rival PL club – David Ornstein

Former Manchester United executive Dan Ashworth is one of the candidates under consideration to be appointed Arsenal’s sporting director in March, reports the reliable David Ornstein.

Ashworth left his position as United’s sporting director in December last year, after only five months in the job.

The Red Devils recruited him from Newcastle to much fanfare and financial expense but he was dismissed in the immediate aftermath of the side’s 3-2 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest – a result that left United in 13th place in the Premier League table.

A statement released by United indicated that they reached a “mutual agreement” with Ashworth to permanently part ways.

It was later revealed that the 53-year-old did not see eye-to-eye with other members of the hierarchy including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Some of the issues they disagreed about included the choice of potential managers to replace Erik ten Hag and which players to recruit in the summer transfer window.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Ashworth landed a new consultancy role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Now, David Ornstein of The Athletic reveals that Ashworth is part of a five-man shortlist to replace Edu Gaspar and become Arsenal’s next sporting director.

The position has been vacant since November when Gaspar resigned. His deputy, Jason Ayto, was promoted on an interim basis while the club went about the business of searching for a more permanent solution.

According to Ornstein, “Arsenal plan to appoint a new sporting director next month and are in the process of whittling down candidates before their final decision is reached.”

“Ayto remains an option for the full-time post and is joined by the likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro among those to have been discussed internally or held talks. The process was supported by a recruitment firm initially — helping form, assess and reduce a long list — prior to a smaller group of individuals advancing to interviews with the club hierarchy.”

“Arsenal’s ownership, KSE, is heavily involved in the matter and an ultimate call will not be made without its consultation, approval and sign-off.”

Ornstein notes that after his failed United spell, Ashworth will undoubtedly be eager to ensure the next club he joins is the right one for him.

Berta – who left Atletico Madrid – was previously mentioned as someone United could try to enlist as Ashworth’s successor and interestingly enough, he’s a contender for the same job at the Emirates.

It’s understood that Berta has been learning English in London in preparation for a stint in the Premier League.

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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!

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