Fabrizio Romano offers glimmer of optimism over injured United star’s return

Manchester United believe Luke Shaw will return from injury just before the end of the season.

The 28-year-old defender was forced off the pitch just before half-time, during his side’s 2-1 win over Luton at Kenilworth Road. Ominously, Shaw headed straight down the tunnel into the away dressing room for an immediate assessment by the United medical staff.

After the game, Erik ten Hag cut a worried figure in his post-match interview.

“I can’t tell. We have to wait minimum until tomorrow to see what’s going on. When you come off, it doesn’t look great,” the Dutchman revealed when asked about Shaw’s condition.

Sources at the stadium also spotted the full back limping heavily as the United team departed Kenilworth Road.

After more comprehensive tests were conducted earlier this week, initial reports had suggested Shaw may be ruled out for the remainder of the season. It was revealed he had suffered a relapse of the hamstring injury which had sidelined him over the Christmas period.

However, Fabrizio Romano now contends Old Trafford officials “expect” their defender to “return just before the end of the season.” The transfer guru adds Shaw is hopeful he will “be ready for the Euros”, and that the United medical staff will be closely monitoring him on a weekly basis.

Manchester United expect Luke Shaw to return just before the end of the season, as English LB also hopes to be ready for the Euros.

He's gonna be monitored on weekly basis by the staff after leg injury. pic.twitter.com/njHfKnLBrs

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 22, 2024

While this still a significant blow for United’s fortunes this year, the fact the club are expectant Shaw will return before the season ends – rather than ‘hopeful’ – offers a glimmer of optimism.

Ten Hag’s side close out the year with back-to-back games against Arsenal (H) and Brighton & Hove Albion (A) in the final two weeks. Both games could very well be pivotal for United’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification.

Similarly, the club’s last chance of success this season lies with the FA Cup. United will play Nottingham Forest next week in the fifth round and will be expecting to progress through to the quarter-final stage.

With Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Arsenal having already departed the competition, there will be quiet optimism over United’s chances at making it to the final, as they did the previous year. This will take place on May 25th, six days after the final league game against Brighton.

Shaw’s expected return date offers some hope he may still play a key role at a key moment in determining United’s success this season.

The post Fabrizio Romano: Luke Shaw to return before the end of the season appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

“Not naive”: Shearer predicts what will happen in United’s stand-off with Newcastle over Ashworth

Alan Shearer has predicted that a compromise will be struck between Newcastle United and Manchester United over Dan Ashworth.

It was reported last week that Ashworth had agreed to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new-look United and was subsequently put on gardening leave by Newcastle this week.

In a massive interview given by Sir Jim Ratcliffe yesterday, The Peoples Person relayed that the new owner of the Red Devils labelled the Magpies’ decision to give the football director such a long period of gardening leave, until 2026, as “silly”.

However, it has been reported that Newcastle’s private stance may not be as steadfast as their public one.

It was relayed here that the Geordies are now ready to reach a compromise for the talented executive.

Sources close to Football Insider stated that after negotiations on Wednesday, the Magpies were likely to meet INEOS in the middle over the former Brighton man’s future.

Speaking to The Rest is Football podcast, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on the issue.

The all-time leading Premier League goal scorer praised Ashworth’s previous body of work by stating, “he’s had a really good career when you look at what he did at Brighton, what he did with England. Newcastle did that to Brighton in terms of they wanted him badly at the football club. He had to go on gardening leave at Brighton before he could take over at Newcastle”.

Delving into the matter further, Shearer predicted that his former side will eventually release their employee from his contract and suggested that keeping Ashworth on such a long leave would be futile anyway.

“We’re not naive enough to think that once someone goes on gardening leave then they’re not working for that other football club. My guess is that a compromise will be had, they’ll [Manchester United] pay a fee. He’s done a really good job at Newcastle, but when you think about what he knows in terms of players’ contracts, clauses in their contracts, who Newcastle might have to sell, who they want to buy – he’ll take all that info with him to another football club”.

The former England international also revealed what a big blow Ashworth’s decision is for the Magpies.

“It’s a tough one, but it is what it is. If you do well at your job then someone is going to try and poach you. Manchester United, they’re a huge football club and they’re going to go on to bigger and better things under this new ownership model that they’ve got. It’ll be sorted out one way or the other, he’ll eventually leave, United will pay a fee and Newcastle will get someone else in to do that job.”

After calling Ashworth a 10/10 sporting director yesterday, Ratcliffe has certainly nailed his colours to the mast on who he thinks can help United out of their current malaise.

The post Alan Shearer predicts Newcastle United will reach a compromise with Manchester United over Dan Ashworth appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United legend invited to special committee to advise on crucial stepping stone for club - report

Manchester United have invited former player-turned-businessman, Gary Neville, to help advise on the regeneration project around Old Trafford.

It was reported earlier this week that United had given the green light to proposals to regenerate land surrounding Old Trafford.

The plan is called the “Trafford Wharfside Development Framework” and aims to build new homes, hotels, and shops, and better connections between Trafford Wharfside and Manchester city centre.

According to Matt Lawton at The Times, “Gary Neville has been invited by Manchester United to join a special committee to oversee the regeneration of Old Trafford and the surrounding area”.

EXCLUSIVE: Gary Neville has been invited by Manchester United to join a special committee to oversee the regeneration of Old Trafford and the surrounding area

Read the full story | @Lawton_Times https://t.co/WekhwLPK1V

— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 21, 2024

The former United number two has made a name for himself in the business world after his playing days came to an end in 2011.

The former defender has of course been a successful pundit at Sky Sports for over a decade now and he is reportedly paid £1.1million a year, which is only behind Match of the Day stalwart, Gary Lineker.

This is only part of his post-retirement story however, as the former right back is also co-owner of Salford City football club and also has a part ownership of Hotel Football which he co-owns with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and his brother, Phil Neville, as well as the GG Hospitality Management Company.

The man from Bury has also recently appeared on British TV show, Dragon’s Den.

The show specifically focuses on people who want to create money-spinning ideas and the fact he was invited on the show, highlights the respect people have for his business acumen.

Neville has been a vocal critic of United and specifically, the Glazers’ lack of investment around The Theatre of Dreams.

Speaking on the lack of investment in and around the football club in 2021, he advised that the way forward for the club is “regeneration; a new stadium, new training facilities, a women’s stadium, an academy stadium”.

“You’ve got to make everyone believe they are on a journey to excellence and that culturally you’re connecting with people not just on a local or national level, but globally. Locally to start with, then you build a national community, then you build an international community,” he had said.

It may not be the stadium yet, but certainly regeneration of the area of Old Trafford could seriously be the beginning of the fostering of a local community that Neville has spoken so passionately about in the past.

Optimism among the fan base is high as it was announced last night that INEOS are officially the new minority owners of the club.

Today marks the successful completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in @ManUtd and the beginning of a new journey together: https://t.co/gjuMcSFDEA#MUFC pic.twitter.com/kl450Fb20F

— INEOS (@INEOS) February 20, 2024

The post Gary Neville invited by Man United to join special committee to oversee regeneration of land around Old Trafford appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Michael Owen: Rasmus Hojlund showed why he's better than Darwin Nunez last weekend

Former Liverpool and Manchester United striker, Michael Owen, has claimed that Rasmus Hojlund’s opening strike against Luton Town was a more efficient shot selection than that of Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez against Brentford.

Both players have enjoyed successful seasons to date, as the two strikers are locked on 13 goals for their respective sides in all competitions.

The two players are also no strangers to criticism for their wastefulness in front of goal.

Roy Keane spoke of Hojlund’s poor finishing versus Wigan at the start of January. However, he has recently been much more positive about the Dane by claiming after his strike against West Ham that “he’s obviously got a lot of confidence, he’s on a good run, brilliant goal”.

Rio Ferdinand has also claimed that “he is cooking right now”.

The Liverpool forward has scored goals during his time in England but has also been ridiculed for his inefficiency in front of goal and has been described as “one of Jurgen Klopp’s biggest conundrums”.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, Owen claimed that both goals had similar contexts but that Hojlund’s was a much better finish.

“A long punt or clearance, just like the Liverpool goal. Exactly the same position now. Everything is the same, isn’t it?”.

“What does he (Hojlund) do? In fact, it’s probably easier to chip the goalkeeper from here (in comparison to Nunez’s). He has got another four or five yards to get the ball up and down, so it’s the easier finish but still not the right finish”.

“But what does he do? Much more efficiently. He goes around the goalkeeper, that’s what I am saying. That finish, whether you like slotting, dinking or going around like that. In the long term, you are going to score far more goals doing the right percentage finish each time and that’s what Hojlund has just done”.

The Premier League winning striker with United blasted Nunez’s decision to chip the keeper and claimed, “there are no rights or wrongs in finishing in many ways. Apart from the Nunez one, it’s just wrong in many ways. You just can’t do that and score big numbers. It’s just incredible”.

The 2001 Ballon d’Or winner is a controversial figure amongst both United and Liverpool fans but if he knows one thing, it is how to finish, as he netted 222 goals in spite of his career being blighted with injury.

From Hojlund’s perspective, it is vital that he does not let the recent increase in positive media attention get to his head and he must continue to do what he is doing, and that is putting the ball in the back of the net for his boyhood club.

The post Michael Owen claims that Rasmus Hojlund’s goal against Luton Town was more “efficient” than Darwin Nunez’s finish against Brentford appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

"A unique opportunity": United legend has pick of 3 top-tier clubs following huge career decision - report

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.

Newcastle may stop Ashworth from joining United at any price until this happens - David Ornstein

Newcastle United are not only concerned about the financial element of Manchester United target, Dan Ashworth’s compensation package to leave the club, but also the impact it could have on their summer transfer plans.

In a flurry of activity over the last week, Ashworth has asked to leave Newcastle, after agreeing a deal with Manchester United to become their new sporting director.

However, the Magpies will not let the former technical director go easily and have reportedly demanded a gigantic compensation package of over £20m, if he is to released out of his contract to start work at Old Trafford this year.

Naturally, the Red Devils have baulked at such a price and believe they can negotiate the fee down. While the formal talks take place, the Englishman has been officially placed on gardening leave.

However, journalist David Ornstein, speaking on the BBC’s Monday Night Club claimed, “the conversations I’ve had today suggest Newcastle are most sensitive about this coming summer window”.

“If they can block off Dan Ashworth from working for Man United and communicating with them during that period then beyond that perhaps things will be okay. The two points I have garnered are that they want the money to be right and they don’t want him working for Man United in this summer window”.

“Beyond that, he wouldn’t be privy to the finer details of the plans, even though he has spoken in the past about how they work on multiple windows in advance so he’ll have an incline but then everyone in this industry knows what everybody else is doing”.

This new information could mean that talk of having to wait to 2026 is not a likelihood but it may mean, regardless of the money United offer, Newcastle could well refuse to release him until the beginning of the new season at the earliest.

The Red Devils of course have experience of this when they lost their Chairman, Peter Kenyon, in October 2003 and he took over at rivals Chelsea the next month as Chief Executive Officer.

According to The Standard, Kenyon “made a significant impact in the transfer market by beating United to the signings of Arjen Robben, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack”.

Newcastle will most likely want to avoid the same scenario.

Having poached Ashworth from Brighton in 2022, they know the talent of the man they are losing and probably fear what he can do with his insight knowledge of their transfer plans.

The 52 year old is one of the most respected men in the business and United legend, Rio Ferdinand, recently stated, “I think he’s the best. He’s so calm, he’s so sure in what he’s doing. He’s so focussed, diligent, he knows the market”.

What is clear is that INEOS have got their man and Ashworth will be the next sporting director of Manchester United. However, recent complications and reports suggest that the Red Devils may have to wait until at least after the summer window to welcome their new recruit into the fold.

Both sets of United fans will be waiting with bated breath to see what happens next as this fascinating story unfolds.

The post David Ornstein believes Newcastle United do not want Dan Ashworth to join Man United this summer appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

"Well-placed source" says Ratcliffe has already made decision on Marcus Rashford's future - report

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen to keep Marcus Rashford at the club this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have both been credited with an interest in the player should he depart in the upcoming window.

The 26 year old forward has suffered a terrible follow-up season to his magnificent efforts last year where he won the PFA’s Premier League Fans’ Player of the Year and fired in 30 goals in all competitions.

A meagre return of only five goals all year has seen the Englishman go from star man to very much third option in United’s youthful attack of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who are undoubtedly the main men at Old Trafford right now.

Myriad attitude and off-field problems have also plagued the Englishman and some have suggested that the Red Devils may aim to cash out on the player to cut their losses.

In fact, just this past weekend, the Manchester born striker’s lack of pressing against Luton’a Ross Barkley has caused a stir in the footballing world.

Finance expert, Kieran Maguire, has even suggested that the sale of the player could solve all of the club’s Financial Fair Play issues in one fell swoop.

However, Football Insider report that this is not the case.

“It is believed INEOS are keen to keep him at United as their new regime gets into full swing”.

“A well-placed source has told Football Insider that last season’s heroics from Rashford are fresh in the memories of club chiefs – who ‘know what he can do’ at his best.”

INEOS’ stance stands to reason, as the forward has always been a streaky scorer who could burst into life at any given moment.

A Rashford in full-flight paired with Hojlund and Garnacho, is certainly a mouth-watering proposition.

Moreover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly wanted to maintain a young, British core with Premier League experience, so ditching the academy product would seem counter-productive to this objective.

It is also highly unlikely that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will want to start off his era at the club with the drama and noise a Rashford sale would generate in the media, especially as he is still a regular in Erik ten Hag’s first eleven.

The rancid form of Antony and lack of trust in Amad Diallo means that Rashford is a shoo-in for a starting role currently as he has played 30 times this season for the Red Devils.

What is abundantly clear is, the Rashford issue is one of the most pressing topics on INEOS’ agenda after having their deal ratified recently by the Premier League and Football Association.

The post Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have no intention of selling Marcus Rashford this summer appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

"I didn't want my friends kicking him": United star's brother reveals what made him who he is today

Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, is not the only football player in his family plying his trade in England.

The Portugal international has been a revelation for the Old Trafford side since making his debut in February 2020 and was appointed club captain last summer.

The player has gone on to score 71 goals in 218 appearances for the Red Devils and play in a plethora of positions for numerous managers.

Surprisingly, he has someone very close to him in which he can discuss the finer details of being a footballer in England.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, the United captain’s brother, Ricardo Fernandes claimed, “we’ve got different lives. Bruno’s a professional footballer and I work for the NHS”.

However, Ricardo also plays for Roffey in Division One of the Southern Combination Football League.

“When I was young, my friends and close family probably thought I was the brother who was going to make it, but I didn’t and he did,” Ricardo said.

At a glance, the two players look similar as they “both have dark hair and beards, with a similar build and facial features”.

In addition, the two brothers want to dictate play on the pitch and try and make the difference to their side, albeit to a completely different standard.

Furthermore, the two also have the knack of putting away vital penalties for their side.

Bruno Fernandes has scored an incredible 51 out of his 57 career penalties, but it seems the instincts run in the family.

Ricardo also buried two penalties for Roffey in a great win for his side, who played 60 minutes with ten men on Saturday.

70' GOAL ROFFEY!!

Converted again by Fernandes

0-2

— Roffey Football Club (@RoffeyFC) February 17, 2024

Speaking on his time growing up with the United star, Ricardo stated, “I think he always looked at me growing up. We have a five-year age gap and he liked to come and play with me and my mates. I had to look after him – I didn’t want my friends kicking my brother if he was nutmegging them! I think that’s how he developed his strong mentality, playing against older opponents”.

Due to the high profile nature of his brother, he claims that it can be challenging to ignore the negative comments he receives on the pitch about his sibling but “you have to leave it”.

Hopefully both Fernandes brothers can finish the season well as we edge closer to the crucial season-defining games that the spring brings.

The post Bruno Fernandes is not the only family member who can tuck away crucial penalties for his team appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

"Furious": PL rivals react angrily to United's attempt to poach their prized asset - report

Newcastle United officials have reacted furiously to the request by Dan Ashworth to join Manchester United as their new sporting director, placing their director on immediate gardening leave and blocking his access to their computer and scouting systems.

As explained in greater detail here, United have identified Ashworth as their first-choice candidate to lead the football operation at Old Trafford, as the club conducts a comprehensive overhaul of its executive structure under the guidance of the INEOS Sport team.

Following confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s offer to become United’s new co-owner – which includes the INEOS owner being granted full sporting control – the club have been working in earnest with their new directors to install a ‘best-in-class’ leadership team.

Omar Berrada was stolen from local rivals Manchester City to be United’s new Chief Executive – a move inside sources describe as a potential “game-changer“. Potential moves for Southampton’s Jason Wilcox and Chelsea’s Kyle Macaulay are also in the pipeline, according to reports.

And INEOS now appear ready to poach another key asset from a Premier League competitor on Tyneside.

United made an approach to Ashworth to become their sporting director last week. The 52-year-old informed Newcastle of this move, before indicating to his bosses on Sunday his wish to accept the offer.

Martin Hardy (The Times) contends officials at St James’ Park were “furious” at this decision: “The Times has also learnt that Newcastle officials, furious at the manner of Manchester United’s approach for Ashworth, immediately blocked any access the 52-year-old had to the club’s computer programmes and scouting reports.”

Hardy reveals Ashworth’s contract includes a gardening period of 20 months, meaning the director would be unable to begin work at Old Trafford until near the end of 2025, should a compromise not be reached between the clubs.

This would involve some form of compensatory figure, as previously seen when Ashworth left Brighton & Hove Albion to join Newcastle in the first place, with a fee of £4 million agreed to circumvent the gardening leave period. The anger Newcastle officials are believed to be feeling ensures they will demand a far higher fee than that, however.

Hardy indicates the Tyneside club will ask for a “unprecedent figure” of £15 million for their director’s services. The fact United are yet to officially approach them over the move is believed to have fuelled this reaction, with Ashworth himself left to inform his employers of United’s actions.

The Times reporter contends Newcastle officials are “prepared to bide their time” and let their director remain on gardening leave for the full duration, should their financial demands not be met.

The Magpies are facing acute pressure from the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, however. This means a considerable compensatory fee – for a person who can no longer work for the club – would be mutually beneficial for both sets of Uniteds.

As such, at The Peoples Person we do not expect this stand-off to continue to rumble on, given it makes little to no sense for any of the respective parties involved. There’s only so long a Premier League club can cut off its nose to spite its own face before saner heads prevail.

We’re currently in the ‘anger’ stage of the grieving process; Newcastle will reach acceptance after an intense bargaining stage is initiated between the clubs this week.

The post Newcastle United react furiously to Dan Ashworth’s request to join Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Fabrizio Romano says United are “prepared to push again” to close game-changing deal next week

Manchester United are “prepared to push again” next week in order to confirm the appointment of Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director from Newcastle, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian transfer guru reveals Old Trafford officials will “insist” on negotiations with the Tyneside after receiving confirmation from Ashworth on his willingness to join United.

Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Romano states:

“Manchester United are prepared to push again next week in order to bring Dan Ashworth to the club. Ashworth has already accepted, United will now insist in negotiations with Newcastle to agree on compensation.”

Manchester United are prepared to push again next week in order to bring Dan Ashworth to the club.

Ashworth has already accepted, United will now insist in negotiations with Newcastle to agree on compensation.

Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, both on INEOS list for United. pic.twitter.com/dbbdeNsrV6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2024

Sources at St James’ Park reveal Newcastle are “well-protected” contractually and will be able to command considerable compensation for their executive’s services, particularly if United are to reach an agreement with Newcastle that Ashworth does not have to observe a gardening period, believed to be possibly as long as twelve months.

The INEOS Sport team – who are set to gain full control over the football operation at Old Trafford imminently – are thought to want Ashworth in place well ahead of the summer transfer window.

As such, United will likely pay whatever fee is required for the director to begin work at his new club as quickly as possible. Reports suggest Newcastle will demand potentially in excess of £10 million to agree to this arrangement, however.

As explained in greater detail by The Peoples Person here, United are expected to be ready to arm their new executive team with a “humungous war chest” this summer. Figures as lofty as £450 million have been ventured, though this feels an exaggerated projection.

Whatever the eventual budget ends up being, however, a fee of around £10 million to secure the ‘best-in-class’ candidate to oversee its spending will likely end up proving a bargain in the long-term.

Ashworth will join United in a Sporting Director capacity, alongside the already announced Omar Berrada as Chief Executive from local rivals Manchester City. INEOS are expected to make further appointments in the form of a head of recruitment and further technical directors to buttress the executive overhaul at Old Trafford.

Reports indicate United’s new rulers have earmarked Jason Wilcox, Southampton’s Football Director, for this recruitment role. A more comprehensive history of Wilcox’s ascension in football can be found here, with Romano confirming the director is on the “INEOS list for United”, alongside Ashworth.

For the first time in a long time, United are quickly moving towards the type of operational structure which is found at every other big club across Europe. And it’s taken Sir Jim Ratcliffe less than 10 weeks to achieve a feat the Glazers were incapable of in 10 years.

The post Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United will push to sign Dan Ashworth next week appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United fall behind Spurs and Arsenal in matchday income, but fans will be happy

Manchester United have fallen down the pecking order of European elites in one key metric.

This is according to a recent report by UEFA that has shown that United have been overtaken by Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in the income they are able to generate on matchdays.

The “UEFA financial report shows Spurs make more money per match than any other Premier League club and are third in Europe behind Barcelona and PSG”.

United are all the way down in seventh place, despite having the biggest club stadium in England. Arsenal also make more money per matchday, as they sit in fifth place.

UEFA financial report shows Spurs make more money per match than any other Premier League club and are third in Europe behind Barcelona and PSG pic.twitter.com/3zso0ma2aY

— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) February 17, 2024

On first glance, the statistic is puzzling as the Red Devils have the biggest average attendance in all of England with an average of 73,514 fans filling up Old Trafford every other weekend.

In fact this is just under 12,000 more than Tottenham’s average of 61,580 spectators and over 13,000 punters more than Arsenal bring in.

In addition, The Athletic took a deep dive into how much Premier League club’s charge their fans for a matchday experience and United actually charge less than Spurs in this regard.

According to the report, the cheapest ticket on offer at The Theatre of Dreams is actually £1 less than the Tottenham Hotspur stadium while the most expensive is a considerable £33 cheaper.

United also charge quite fair prices when it comes to drinks. Where a pint would set you back over £5 in any London stadium and a whopping £6.30 at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, you can buy one at Old Trafford for just £3.

Therefore, it stands to reason that not being based in London, and hence offering cheaper prices for matchday fans, probably hurts the club financially when compared to Spurs and Arsenal, but it is a definite plus point for fans during hard economic times across Europe as a whole.

A clear solution to seeing United rise up the rankings once again and generate increased matchday income would be rebuilding the stadium and consequently, increasing the capacity. Like this, they could also continue to keep more customer-friendly prices while being able to accommodate an increased number of fans that they easily could, due to the sheer popularity of the club.

Finance expert Kieran Maguire and the chief architect on the feasibility project both agree that only a complete rebuild on the adjacent site will allow the club to generate more income and improve the experience of match-going fans.

Thankfully, new part owners INEOS seem very aware of the problem and it is very much on their agenda to do something to upgrade the broken down stadium in the near future.

Accordingly, United can return to making the money they should be from being the country’s most supported team, playing in the nation’s biggest club stadium, but also being able to keep their prices competitive with the rest of the league.

The post Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal generate more matchday income than Manchester United according to recent UEFA report appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United set to poach key executive from Chelsea as INEOS shake up continues - report

Manchester United will attempt to poach Chelsea’s chief analyst Kyle Macaulay as part of the continued restructuring of the football operation at Old Trafford.

Alan Nixon (The Sun) reveals United are “ready to upset” their Premier League rivals by offering Macaulay the opportunity to form part of Dan Ashworth’s “new transfer team”.

Ashworth, currently the sporting director at Newcastle, is believed to have communicated to the Tyneside club his wish to relocate to Manchester, following an approach by United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Sport team have prioritised assembling a ‘best-in-class’ executive branch at Old Trafford, before any decisive decisions are taken in relation to the actual coaching staff or squad.

Omar Berrada, stolen from local rivals Manchester City, is the club’s new Chief Executive; a move described by inside sources as a “game-changer.”

Ashworth will likely be joining him as the new sporting director, while a head of recruitment and further technical directors are expected to be appointed as part of the aforementioned ‘transfer team’.

Macaulay, who previously worked with Ashworth at Brighton, left the Amex Stadium in 2022 to follow Graham Potter to Stamford Bridge as a recruitment analyst.

Despite the English manager’s unsuccessful tenure as Chelsea boss, the London club kept Macaulay in his role beyond Potter’s sacking.

It’s as a recruitment specialist United are believed to be targeting Macaulay, possibly at the behest of Ashworth, given their previous professional overlap.

Reports suggest Jason Wilcox, the current Director of Football at Southampton, is being considered for the Head of Recruitment position, though this is rejected by figures at the Championship club.

Wilcox made his foray into football at Manchester City as the club’s academy director, and would naturally have worked closely with Berrada in this role.

Sam Williams has been poached from Ipswich to “lead the recruitment drive at [United] for players aged between 17 and 21”, indicating Macaulay would likely work closely with the recruitment head on the senior squad.

The post Manchester United set to raid Chelsea for chief analyst Kyle Macaulay appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

4-2-3-1: this Rashford-inspired powerhouse line-up will rip Wolves apart tomorrow

The big question on everyone’s lips regarding the Manchester United line-up to face Wolves at Molineux tomorrow is whether manager Erik ten Hag will recall Marcus Rashford after his ill-advised antics in Northern Ireland last week.

The club confirmed that Rashford had been dealt with and will be in tomorrow’s squad, but either Alejandro Garnacho or Antony would have to be dropped if he were to march, or perhaps drunkenly stagger, his way back into the starting XI.

Neither Garnacho nor Antony set the world on fire against lowly Newport County on Sunday but Antony’s goal and assist coupled with Ten Hag’s predilection toward him could see him keep his place, with the Argentinian perhaps getting rotated after an extended spell in the starting lineup.

Of course, Rashford could start on the bench; Ten Hag could argue that United scored four goals on Sunday but in truth it was not a great attacking performance and Rashford with a point to prove might be exactly what the doctor ordered (along with Alka-Seltzer and Antabuse).

With Anthony Martial sidelined until April, there is little doubt that Rasmus Hojlund will start up front. He will hope to continue his goalscoring momentum and perhaps get a bit more service from his teammates than he has been enjoying of late.

With Jadon Sancho on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Facu Pellistri set to complete a loan switch to Granada, Amad Diallo and Omari Forson are the only other forward players likely to be included in the squad.

Bruno Fernandes will of course be in his customary number 10 role.

Casemiro partnered Kobbie Mainoo in midfield against Newport and we expect this to continue. The Brazilian looked a little leggy against the Ironsides but Ten Hag will need him back at his best if United are to mount a serious top four challenge.

Speaking of Mount, Mason remains out of contention and has still not resumed full training in what is proving to be an exceptionally long layoff.

With Donny van de Beek now at Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, the only other midfield options are Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen. Sofyan Amrabat could make the bench after his Morocco side were knocked out of AFCON by South Africa yesterday, but he is highly unlikely to start.

In goal, Ten Hag is expected to recall another AFCON returner, Andre Onana, with Altay Bayindir dropping back to the bench.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are all available for selection in defence but we predict that Ten Hag will stick with the same back four that underwhelmed on Sunday – Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.

Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia both remain unavailable due to injury.

Here then is our predicted line-up for tomorrow’s 8.15pm kick-off:

The post Predicted Man United XI vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Marcus Rashford returns, Alejandro Garnacho rested appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Shot of adrenaline for United women as flying winger signs two year contract extension

Manchester United winger, Leah Galton has signed a two year contract extension.

The news was confirmed this morning by The BBC’s Emma Sanders.

Galton first signed for United in 2018 and was a key part of the squad that won the Championship in that inaugural season.

Casey Stoney persuaded Galton to join the club after she took time away from the sport and she has been a key member of the team ever since.

She is one of four players that remain at the club who starred in that first season.

Galton’s contract was due to expire in the summer, but she has signed a two year deal with the option to extend for another year.

She has made over 100 appearances for United.

The club are still in negotiations with a number of other first team players whose contracts expire in Summer.

Mary Earps looked set to leave for Arsenal but negotiations seem to have stalled and sources close to the club say the England international is more open to the prospect of staying at United beyond summer.

Another member of that inaugural team, Katie Zelem, sees her contract expire in summer too but it is thought she will extend.

Lucia Garcia has apparently been negotiating a new contract for several months.

Rachel Williams and Nikita Parris also see their contracts expire in Summer.

Meanwhile, United are exploring the option-to-buy clause in Melvine Malard’s loan contract.

Manager, Marc Skinner, was hoping to add depth to United’s back line in this transfer window but as yet there has been nothing to suggest they will get any deals over the line with tonight’s 11pm deadline looming large.

The post Leah Galton signs contract extension with Manchester United women appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

“Preparing for offers”: United plotting early summer swoop for Serie A midfielder - report

Manchester United are looking to acquire Atalanta central midfielder Éderson.

Goal.com report that Man United have enquired about Éderson’s availability and are considering submitting a bid for the Brazilian.

This comes after The Peoples Person relayed earlier this month that scouts from Old Trafford have identified the 24 year old as a “promising target, with the club making contact with the player’s representatives.”

According to Goal, however, United are most likely to only move on the player in the summer transfer window and the Serie A side are “preparing for offers” to arrive in June.

Éderson’s contract with Atalanta runs until 2026.

During the current season, Éderson has proven to be a core component of Atalanta’s midfield.

With an 84% passing accuracy, the Brazilian is strong on the ball, with 67% successful dribbles, while also proving to be a handful in the air, winning 60% of his aerial duels.

Backtracking into defence, Éderson has made an impressive 2.6 tackles per game and an average of 5.7 ball recoveries each match.

Still, he has also proven to be effective during his sporadic involvement in attacking movements, scoring five goals and bagging an assist in 21 league matches. (Stats via Sofascore)

While Casemiro has long been considered United’s core holding midfielder, he has become the centre of transfer speculation following reports that INEOS may consider terminating his contract in order to free up the club’s wage bill.

What’s more, United are believed to be prepared to allow Amrabat to return to Fiorentina at the end of his season-long loan given that the player has struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford.

Should United be short-handed in the holding midfield role, Éderson could help to fill the void.

Still, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain also circling, United will have to act fast in order to get the deal done.

The post Manchester United preparing to pounce on Atalanta midfielder Éderson appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

"Not a simple deal": Fabrizio Romano gives important update on Marcus Rashford's future

Manchester United have suffered a disappointing first half of the campaign with underperforming players leaving Erik ten Hag under pressure at Old Trafford.

Last year’s star man, Marcus Rashford, has been one of those yet to produce anything like the form he found in Ten Hag’s first season.

The United forward has only scored four times this season after his 30-goal-haul last time out.

He has also found himself in hot water with the boss after being spotted in a Northern Ireland nightclub the night before reporting ill for training.

United have since dealt with the matter but the future of the 26-year-old now looks insecure at the club.

Speaking on his Daily Briefing podcast, transfer-guru Fabrizio Romano says United might be tempted to cash in on the player but nothing will be decided before the summer.

“I think his future could be the subject of some discussion this summer, but it’s important to clarify that it’s not something that will be decided now. I’m sure we’ll start hearing stories in the next weeks and months, but at the moment Manchester United are not thinking about it,” he said.

Romano also spoke on the complications of moving on a player like Rashford but despite the complexities, headmits it will be an option for United.

“It’s also not easy at all to sign a player like Rashford – a big name at Manchester United, on a big salary and long-term contract.

It’s not a simple deal at all, so at the moment nothing is happening, nothing has been planned for the summer. In terms of possibility, yes, but it’s not something that’s been discussed or guaranteed yet,” he added.

Given United’s changes with the sporting structure at the club, Romano believes it will “take some time for United to decide their summer strategy” and expects staff to come on board before any players.

Rashford now faces a huge second half to the season and could be fighting to save his career at Old Trafford.

United have not confirmed whether he will be available for selection against Wolves on Thursday, a fixture in which he started on the bench last year due to another disciplinary matter before coming on to score the winner in a 1-0 win.

Ten Hag will be hoping for a similar outcome this week to fully put the situation to bed.

The post Fabrizio Romano provides update on Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United launch ambitious approach for Karim Benzema, clock is ticking toward deadline - report

Manchester United are believed to have made an ambitious approach for Karim Benzema as the French forward continues to be linked with a move back to European football.

The 36-year-old striker left Real Madrid in the summer to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. His wages at his new club are believed to be worth in excess of £80 million a year.

Benzema was made captain of Al-Ittihad as the club’s crown jewel signing, alongside Fabinho (Liverpool), N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) and Jota (Celtic).

However, the Frenchman was believed to have quickly fallen out with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Reports suggested the pair had a fractious relationship which ultimately influenced club officials to sack the Portuguese manager in November. Nuno then joined Nottingham Forest as Steve Cooper’s replacement in December.

But it now appears Benzema could be set to follow in his previous manager’s footsteps by swapping the Saudi Pro League for the Premier League after falling out with Nuno’s replacement – Marcelo Gallardo.

Gallardo axed the French forward from the first-team squad after he failed to report for a winter training camp following the Saudi Pro League’s midseason break. As a result, Benzema is believed to have asked to leave Al-Ittihad.

L’Equipe contend this breakdown between the player and club has led United to “test the waters” with an enquiry about Benzema. The French outlet also believes Chelsea have made a similar approach for the 36-year-old.

Erik ten Hag’s squad have struggled severely in front of goal this season. The Dutchman was believed to have made a new forward a priority in January, but the pressures of financial fair play regulations have constrained the club’s capability in the market.

As such, a player with Benzema’s track record in front of goal, who may be available on loan, appeared a logical fit for United. One former midfield general at Old Trafford – Paul Ince – certainly agrees, describing the potential signing as a “great bit of business.”

L’Equipe also reveals the Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the entity who control the Saudi Pro League – are adamant they do not want to lose one of their league’s star assets. Instead, they would be willing to facilitate a transfer to a different Saudi club in order to keep Benzema in the league.

In order for this to happen, however, Al-Ittihad would have to consent to the deal, which the French outlet reveals is “not the case at the moment.”

As the European winter window enters its final two days, this feels a prospective transfer which has a few more twists and tales left in it.

The post Manchester United “test the waters” for Karim Benzema appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

"Couldn’t believe...“: United players and coaches react strongly to Rashford’s latest antics - report

Senior members of the Manchester United dressing room are said to be “angry” at the latest controversy involving team-mate Marcus Rashford.

The 26-year-old missed training on Friday morning as Erik ten Hag’s squad were beginning preparations for the crucial trip to Newport County in the FA Cup. Rashford was too ill to report for duty, having only arrived back that morning after a trip to Belfast.

While this was sanctioned by the club, they were under the impression their forward would be returning to Manchester on Thursday. Instead, reports suggest Rashford went out Wednesday and Thursday night in the Northern Ireland capital, with sources indicating the player went on a ‘12-hour tequila bender‘ before arranging a private jet to fly him home at 7am on Friday morning.

Rashford was then made to train alone at the club’s training ground on Sunday while his team travelled to Newport County. United would win the game 4-2 in an exciting, if somewhat concerning, manner, confirming their place in the 5th round of the FA Cup.

The competition constitutes the last opportunity for the club to salvage some semblance of success this season, having already crashed out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, while languishing in eighth place in the Premier League.

It’s likely for this exact reason why Rashford’s team-mates are believed to be so furious with the England international.

The Daily Mail reveals sources at Old Trafford say senior members of the dressing room are “unhappy” with his behaviour. “The players were told he was too ill to train, and then it came out that he’d been in the nightclub. They couldn’t believe that he would do that given the situation the club is in,” one source contended.

Similarly, these feelings appear to be mirrored by the club’s coaching staff. TalkSPORT reveals they are “concerned [that] Rashford’s lifestyle is having a negative impact on his career.”

During Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford, Rashford has been involved in two more minor behavioural incidents. The first was being dropped after arriving late to a team meeting ahead of a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The second was earlier this season, after Rashford went out to a nightclub to celebrate his birthday following the dismal 3-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby. Ten Hag described this incident as “unacceptable” at the time but contended it was an “internal matter”, mirroring the words he tensely used in a pre-match interview at Newport County when pressed on the incident.

This latest controversy is on a different level to the previous two, however. Yet it appears to have already been dealt with by the club.

Following “showdown talks” between the player and club officials, including Ten Hag, United released a statement last night indicating Rashford had taken full “responsibility for his actions” and the matter had been “dealt with internally”. The forward is now back in training and in contention for Thursday night’s game against Wolves.

The expediency of this decision comes as a surprise considering the almost flagrant unprofessionalism Rashford displayed during the incident.

Ten Hag’s interviews and press-conferences during his near-twenty months at the helm of Old Trafford have been constantly dominated by messages about attitude and work ethic. For his star forward to have defiantly defied these principles, but face a minor slap on the wrists, feels an odd response.

One wonders if Anthony Martial and Mason Mount were fit and in form, or Antony wasn’t utterly useless, would the Dutch manager have acquiesced so easily to a situation which must have enraged him privately. Needs must hey Erik?

The post Senior members of dressing room “unhappy” with Marcus Rashford’s behaviour appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

15 year old academy star achieves incredible feat with Old Trafford appearance

Manchester United’s Amir Ibragimov made his u21s debut this weekend on the same day as he made his u18s return.

The 15 year old was amongst the substitutes for the u21s at Old Trafford on Saturday, which came as a huge surprise as he had featured for the u18s at Carrington less than two hours earlier.

The u21s 4-2 win was highlighted by a four goal masterclass by Sam Mather, who stole the headlines from Ibragimov’s achievement.

After a lengthy injury lay off, Ibragimov only returned to action in December initially finding his feet again in the u16s.

The weekend marked his return to u18s football, having made his debut at just 14, where he got 29 minutes of football under his belt and almost notched an assist setting up triallist Mason Cotcher.

At just 15, Ibragimov doesn’t have a set position but has featured across the attack centrally and on the wing.

Despite his young age, the England youth international has been making waves in youth football for some time now and even trained with United’s first team last season.

Remarkably though, Ibragimov wasn’t the only player to feature in both games, with Finley McAllister joining him off the bench in both fixtures.

In academy football, playing in two matches in a day is rare but not unheard of in younger age groups.

15 year old Albert Mills was named among the substitutes alongside Ibragimov for the u18s at the weekend while simultaneously playing for the u16s on the adjacent pitch, but ultimately did not get subbed in for the u18s.

The feat achieved by Ibragimov and McAllister to play for the u18s and u21s in the same day is all the more rare though due to scheduling differences.

But Saturday offered an opportune time for the two youngsters to jet from Carrington in the morning to Old Trafford in the afternoon to make their second appearances of the day, in which will surely be a memory to never forget.

The post Amir Ibragimov makes u21s debut just hours after u18s appearance appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Skinner identifies key area requiring improvement as deadline day looms

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner was giving nothing away when he was pressed on potential movement before the transfer deadline on January 31st in his post match press conference.

His side beat Villa 2-1 after bouncing back from two consecutive defeats this past week.

United are yet to make a signing in this transfer window and a number of their current stars are coming to the end of their contracts this summer.

Skinner said: “The business people are doing the business work.”

He did identify a key area he is looking to invest in though, saying “the depth in the backline needs to improve.”

He continued: “I think the players are doing an exceptional job. We’ve come off the back of Chelsea, where we’ve been good in parts of that game, didn’t get the result. The Manchester City, I thought we were excellent, didn’t get the result and then we’ve come into here today and we’ve got the result.

“At the end, I’ve got players that are tired and they’ve had a three game week.”

However the United boss, who has come under fire in recent weeks, was full of praise for his squad.

“I want to make this clear, I’m really happy with the quality of my squad but I think we need quality in depth.”

He continued to draw comparisons with the big three: “If we’re going to chase down Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, we’ve got to continue to invest at the levels that they are.”

Along with Mary Earps, a number of key players are out of contract this summer including Lucia Garcia, Leah Galton and Katie Zelem.

The situation at United is hard to deconstruct. With the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there could be a delay as INEOS go through contract talks with a fine tooth comb.

The post Marc Skinner discusses key area for investment at Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.