“Nowhere near right”: Former United star says 26-yo is “very fortunate” to be in the starting XI

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"That's small change": Ex-United star urges Ratcliffe to speedily pay up for "key cog" who'll transform the club

Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has encouraged his former club to stop dithering and just pay up the money to Newcastle for the services of Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth is INEOS’ number one target to assume a maiden sporting director role at United.

However, Newcastle have so far proven stubborn in their resolve to let the 52-year-old fulfill his wish of joining the Red Devils for a fresh challenge.

When Ashworth asked his bosses at St James’ Park to let him leave, the Magpies responded by placing him on immediate gardening leave.

In a subsequent interview, new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe branded Newcaste’s behaviour as “stupid”, “silly” and “absurd”.

Eddie Howe’s side are understood to want a hefty compensation package worth around £20million to let their executive formally switch allegiances.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person noted that Newcastle seem to have had a change of heart and are now open to agreeing a compromise that is favourable for all concerned parties.

Should the Tyneside outfit stick to their guns, the earliest Ashworth can start work at Old Trafford is in the 2026 January transfer window.

According to Tim Howard who wrote for The Daily Mail, United should treat the Ashworth situation like they would a player transfer and just fork out the money needed to finally land him.

Howard, who is also the sporting director of Memphis 901, emphasised the importance of the role within clubs. He explained that sporting directors fundamentally decide the club’s identity, approach in the transfer market, how money is spent on improving the team and training facilities and also handling vital player and staff affairs.

The former goalkeeper noted that when he first got to United in 2003, he quickly realised that the players were very well taken care of – almost to the point of being “pampered” – so that their sole focus remained on football and performing on the pitch.

Howard encouraged United to replicate this extremely successful model that worked wonders during Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.

He wrote, “Back then, it was seamless. But United has not got that right for a while. Instead, the club has just papered over the cracks: bring in a new manager, bring in new players. But that wasn’t the issue: it was at the top. Which is why it would be such a coup if United hires Dan Ashworth.”

“He has had success elsewhere – it was on Ashworth’s watch that Brighton unearthed gems such as Moises Caicedo, Leandro Trossard and Kaoru Mitoma. And then, with a big budget at Newcastle, he found the likes of Alexander Isak and Sven Botman.”

“Sure, he won’t be able to sprinkle fairy dust around Old Trafford and fix everything. But the sporting director has always been the key cog – particularly at Manchester United.”

“So if Newcastle want £20million to let him go, that is small change. Instead of spending £100m on a striker, when he plays in a dysfunctional team, I’d rather pay £20m for a guy who can create an ethos and a holistic way of running the club.”

Howard added, “Don’t pay it, and United will still be in the same position – getting played off the park by Luton and losing at home to Fulham. Appoint Ashworth, give him the support he needs, and I have no doubt that United will be back – in a very short period of time.”

The 44-year-old opined that the 20-time English champions have it within themselves to challenge for top honours and silverware in two or three years, but only with the right and proper structure.

As per Howard, the first item on Ashworth’s agenda once he arrives at the club should be changing the environment.

“You are tasked with bringing the right players in. That means sorting contracts, scouting at games or on tape. It’s also on the sporting director to streamline the operation: are the current crop his style of players? Some will have to be pushed out of the door as Sir Jim Ratcliffe tries to raise $130m with a summer clearout. And is Erik ten Hag his manager?”

“Those are the big questions. But a lot of your time is spent almost babysitting – making sure that everybody is manageable and everybody feels like things are moving in the right direction.”

Howard stated that while the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Ashworth, he possesses a huge advantage that will prove invaluable in the discharge of his duties under INEOS – United are a big and historic club that naturally draws people in without much convincing.

The post “That is small change”: Tim Howard urges Man United to meet Newcastle’s asking price for “key cog” Dan Ashworth appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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"It is very quiet": United missing their leader both on the pitch and in the dressing room - report

Manchester United’s injury curse has returned with a vengeance and Erik ten Hag is struggling to pick a strong side for the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.

The Cup is the last shot at silverware and guarantees Europa League qualification, something that is looking difficult judging from their display against Fulham on Saturday.

A top four finish looks difficult while injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund are threatening to derail the momentum that had been built up in the New Year which had seen the Red Devils remain unbeaten till the Cottagers arrived at Old Trafford.

Raphael Varane has struggled to lead the back four in the Argentine’s absence and the manager even hinted that Harry Maguire and the Frenchman were doubts for the Forest game.

Lisandro’s injury has been a huge blow

It has been clear for a while for all to see that the team really struggles to fulfill Ten Hag’s demands whenever the 2022 World Cup winner is not around.

There is no fluidity while playing out from the back as the team does not have a centre-back who is as comfortable on the ball as the Argentina international.

His aggressiveness usually translates onto to his fellow defenders and they are often seen high-fiving each other but that has stopped now that the former Ajax star is injured.

He is likely to be out until March but there are concerns that he might not play again this season. Ten Hag is adamant that will not be the case.

As per Talksport journalist Alex Crook, the club have not only missed Martinez on the field, even off the pitch, the dressing room lacks a strong voice currently.

Dressing room doesn’t function the same way

“It’s interesting you mention Lisandro Martinez, he is a real fans’ favourite as much for his industry and leadership as for his footballing ability.

“I am told when he is not in the dressing room, and he has missed a lot of games this season, that it is a very quiet dressing room. There aren’t too many leaders out there. You can see that on the pitch,” Crooks was quoted as saying by The Boot Room.

The manager trusts the 26-year-old a lot and the centre-back seems to run the dressing room effectively and his absence must be hitting the Old Trafford side hard.

Martinez leads from the front and how Ten Hag will be hoping to get back his general at the back before the season concludes.

His position is on the line and finishing in the Champions League places is imperative if he wants to remain in the job. And without the defender, Ten Hag’s system simply does not work.

The post Lisandro Martinez’s absence felt in the Man United dressing room as well appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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United's born-again hero reveals advice that Sir Alex gave that "always stuck with" him

The second part of Manchester United defender Jonny Evans’ interview on the United podcast has been released this weekend and he has delved into a few more details about his time at the club.

The Northern Ireland international has been a crucial part of the side and an experienced head this season as United have been ravaged by injuries, especially to the backline.

With fresh injury concerns for Harry Maguire, who will definitely not play tonight against Nottingham Forest and Raphael Varane who is a doubt, Evans may be asked to step in once again in a pivotal moment in the team’s campaign.

Reflecting on his opening games for the Red Devils back in 2008/2009, Evans praised the influence of Rio Ferdinand on his assimilation into the first team.

“Rio was so calming on the pitch. He didn’t get mad or criticise. He was always very encouraging and made me quite relaxed,” he said. The Belfast born defender also believed that he shared “some similar traits” to the legendary defender and due to that, they could relate to one another.

Evans also delved into the pride he felt at being handed the United number six shirt when Wes Brown left the club in 2011. When asked by the interviewers if he felt he had made it once he was given such an iconic shirt he replied, “yeah. I made it. Wow, I’m at United and I’m number six”.

The interview went into somewhat darker territory, touching on the 1-6 drubbing to Manchester City in 2011. The afternoon was even worse for the Ulsterman as he was sent off early in the second half with the score at only 0-1. Mario Balotelli had been let in behind the United defence and Evans tugged at his shirt and as the last man, the referee had no choice but to brandish the red card.

“It was a dark day for everyone involved. I thought I’d been playing quite well in a sense, up until half time”.

Discussing the situation in further depth, the defender recalled watching the Citizens goals fly in on a television from the dressing room at Old Trafford, as United were ruthlessly put to the sword.

“I don’t know, what do you even think at that moment in time?”.

However, Evans praised Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to the game. One might have expected the defender to have received the famous “hairdryer treatment” but there was none of that.

“He (Ferguson) never took anything out on me. Obviously I felt a huge responsibility for that, regret”.

The Scottish manager did pass on some sage advice for the then young defender.

Evans recalled that his manager took him to one side and told him, “next time, trust your keeper”. The Northern Ireland legend claimed that this advice “always stuck with me”.

He also credited the manager’s choice to put the player right back in the team after he had served his suspension and he described the decision as a massive “show of faith really”.

Finally, United’s current number 35 spoke out on the difficult time David Moyes had at the club.

“It was a difficult situation to come into for any manager. How could Moyes come in and follow Sir Alex?”.

Evans will be hoping he can get some action tonight and help his side progress to the quarter finals of the FA Cup and perhaps dream of winning the trophy he never did as part of the United squad the first time around. He would however captain Leicester City to an impressive FA Cup triumph in 2021.

The post Jonny Evans reveals advice Sir Alex Ferguson gave him that has always “stuck with him” appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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"We need them": United manager predicts big role for two under-used starlets

Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag, has spoken of the importance of both Omari Forson and Amad Diallo in the upcoming matches for the Red Devils.

With United’s fitness problems continuing to mount up, Rasmus Hojlund’s injury has meant that Marcus Rashford has had to move into the centre forward position and Alejandro Garnacho has moved back to the left wing, after playing since the new year on the right.

This means there is a vacancy to fill on the right hand side of the attack.

The penny has seemingly finally dropped for Ten Hag that his expensive flop, Antony, is not good enough to fulfil the role and other options will be needed.

Academy product, Omari Forson, made his Premier League debut at the weekend but got little chance to impress as the whole team suffered to find any sort of rhythm.

Amad Diallo also got a rare outing off the bench when he was given the final ten minutes as the Red Devils searched for a goal.

Speaking after the game to the BBC (via the club’s official website) the Dutchman praised both his young players’ performance in the loss.

Commenting on Forson’s first Premier League start he stated, “I think it was reasonable. He had some good actions. He was reliable in defending and had some good actions in possession. I saw, for his first time, he did well.”

The former Ajax coach also spoke highly of Diallo’s role in the game in spite of the limited time he was on the pitch.

“Amad looks very sharp. I think it was a good sub [performance] from him. I think that’s good for the future”.

The 54 year old then added how important the two players would be over the course of the next few weeks until the Mancunian team’s injury woes subside a little.

“We need them because we have our problems in the frontline. So it’s about them, to show they can contribute to this team, that they can have an end product but also to show [re]liability.”

It will be interesting to see who the increasingly under-fire coach opts for on the right wing on Wednesday night, in what is a crucial cup tie against Nottingham Forest.

Lose that and one feels that Ten Hag will really be feeling the heat.

The post Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken of the importance of both Omari Forson and Amad Diallo in his side’s upcoming fixtures appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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United eye "fundamental piece" in Inter's title charge to bolster pitiful defence - report

Manchester United have expressed an interest in signing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

The Red Devils’ defence has been questionable at best this season as they have conceded 56 goals in all competitions and we have not even entered spring yet.

Yesterday afternoon’s 1-2 defeat at home to Fulham once again proved the weakness of the side in this department as Fulham, much like Luton the week before, cut through the team at will.

The future of numerous centre backs such as Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are all up in the air so naturally, the Mancunian side has been linked to a plethora of centre backs.

Jarrad Branthwaite is thought to be the top target and there have also been serious links to Nice’s Jean-Clair Tobido and Lille’s Leny Yoro.

However, Fichajes have added another name to the mix, Alessandro Bastoni.

The Italian international has enjoyed a fantastic season where his side sit top of Serie A and have only conceded a miserly 12 goals in 24 matches.

According to the Spanish outlet, “Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all eyeing” the talented defender.

“Bastoni has been a standout figure for Inter, starting 19 Serie A matches this season and playing a crucial role in the team’s success in the previous campaign, where he helped secure the Serie A title”.

Understandably, the Champions League finalists would like to keep their prized asset as they push for domestic and European titles.

“Inter are in no hurry to sell him, as he is a fundamental piece in the search for the Serie A title under the direction of Simone Inzaghi”.

Nonetheless, as is usually the case, a huge offer from England could change the Nerazzurri’s stance.

“It is rumoured that a significant offer of around €100 million could tempt the Italian club to consider selling him”.

Fichajes sum up the situation in an optimistic way for the English teams and claim, “in short, Bastoni’s future appears to lie in the Premier League, with several top clubs showing interest in securing his services and Inter facing the temptation of an offer for one of their most valuable assets”.

This is not the first time United have been credited with an interest in the player as they were linked to him last spring, alongside their cross-city rivals.

It is clear that INEOS do not rate the current set of defenders and there will certainly be movement in the summer in this regard. Bastoni would most likely be a popular choice due to his experience and sensational form of late.

The post Manchester United set to battle it out with Manchester City and Chelsea for Inter Milan defensive rock Alessandro Bastoni appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United "favourites" to land World Cup winner on a free transfer in the summer-report

Manchester United are looking to bring in Real Betis midfielder, Guido Rodríguez, on a free transfer in the summer, according to a new report.

The 29 year old was a member of the 2022 World Cup winning Argentinian squad and he is in his fifth season in La Liga representing Betis.

Casemiro’s form has fallen off a cliff recently, demonstrated by his recent disastrous performance against Luton Town.

Consequently, it has been reported that United are looking at options to replace the midfielder in the summer window, as the Brazilian is reportedly more and more open to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that the Red Devils could be about to swoop in and take advantage of Rodriguez’s reluctance to sign a new deal at Betis.

The outlet claims, “in the run-up to the next summer transfer market, Real Betis finds itself at a crossroads with respect to Guido Rodríguez, who since January 1 has been free to negotiate his arrival at zero cost to any club that may be interested in his services”.

“The Argentine player has attracted the attention of several high-level teams in Europe, including Manchester United, who according to the latest reports are positioned as the main favourites to acquire his services at zero cost for 2024/2025”.

However, United will not get a free-run at the player as it is reported that both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid offer a chance to remain in La Liga.

The website elaborated on the positives of the move for the Spanish team claiming, “Betis has been facing financial difficulties in recent times, and the departure of Guido Rodríguez, who has played 158 games so far, could be an opportunity to clean up the accounts”.

It is safe to assume that they are referring to clearing up the wage bill as any move for Rodriguez would be a free transfer.

This is not the first time that the Red Devils have been credited with an interest in the player.

In August last year it was relayed that United had opened talks with Betis about the signing of the midfielder for around €20m.

Furthermore, it was also reported in November that United were working hard to sign the South American in January as a result of Casemiro’s injury earlier in the campaign.

The Mancunian side have also been linked recently with a move for another Argentine World Cup winning midfielder, Exequiel Palacios, to take over Casemiro’s role as Kobbie Mainoo’s partner in the midfield.

Palacios would certainly be a better age profile at only 25 but the free transfer element could certainly swing in Rodriguez’s favour, to open up the possibility of signing more players to fix the numerous holes in the Red Devils’ squad that have been exposed this year.

The post Manchester United looking to land Guido Rodríguez on free transfer in the summer appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea, has three options if he were to make a move back to La Liga in the 2024/2025 season.

The Spaniard has been without a club since negotiations for a new deal with United broke down in the summer and he was replaced by Ajax’s Andre Onana.

The 33 year old has been linked with copious clubs ranging from Spain, England, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

However, no deal has come to pass and the Madrid born keeper still finds himself without a club.

It was also recently reported that the keeper has made the decision that he only wants to continue his playing career in Spain.

Fichajes claims that the Spanish goalkeeper “seems to be leaning towards a return to his native country, with there currently being three possible destinations in which the goalkeeper could fit perfectly throughout the next season”.

The Spanish outlet states, Sevilla, Real Betis and Barcelona offer “a unique opportunity for the experienced Spanish goalkeeper”.

The player has been linked to all three clubs in the past but at this point, it may be easier to find teams the legendary keeper has not been tipped to join.

Sevilla were credited with an interest in the player to replace Yassine Bounou in July.

The Andalusian side are struggling and currently languish in 15th spot in the table and have conceded 37 goals in 25 games. The prospect of signing such an experienced keeper on a free transfer might just be appealing to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan team.

Neighbours, Real Betis, have also been linked to the player, as it was relayed here that in November the Liga club were in talks to sign the player.

Betis are enjoying a much better season than their rivals as they sit seventh in the league and have only conceded 25 goals this year. However, the potential signing of such a famous player would be a big attraction for los Verdiblancos.

Finally, a switch to Barcelona as a potential back up to Marc-André ter Stegen is also on the cards.

The Catalans have endured a tough season to date for their usual high standards as they sit eight points off the top in third and have conceded 34 goals in the league this year.

El Blaugrana have been very active in the free agent market the last two seasons due to their financial difficulties, so a move for the former United keeper may just attract them.

As we approach March, it is unlikely the player will sign a deal for a club this season, so it will be interesting to see what develops over the coming months in regard to a move back to La Liga for the former Spanish number one.

The post David de Gea has three options to return to La Liga in Barcelona, Sevilla and Real Betis appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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