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Aston Villa plotting Liverpool raid for 27-year-old ace

Man United meet with representatives of 24-year-old wide player ahead of summer move

Leeds linked with a move for 21-year-old Crystal Palace winger

Vladimír Coufal was West Ham’s right back last season, but the 31-year-old only has one year remaining on his contract and it remains to be seen if he will be offered a new deal.

If the Hammers can complete a deal for Wan-Bissaka it means they will likely be starting the season with three new players in their backline following the signing of Kilman and the imminent arrival of Jean-Clair Todibo.

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Top journalist provides positive transfer update which will delight Man United fans

Charlie Patrick — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:30:35 +0000

Manchester United should complete the signings of Bayern Munich duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt this month according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

After a quiet start to the window United have completed the signings of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee and are working on a number of other deals.

The Red Devils are in conversations over a possible move for Burnley midfielder Sander Berge, whilst they are also pursuing another centre back.

De Ligt and Mazraoui should join United this month

Centre back has become more of a pressing issue after Yoro was ruled out for around three months through injury and United are still working to get a deal done for De Ligt.

United have also agreed personal terms with Morocco international Mazraoui, but before they can sign the right back they reportedly need to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who only has one year remaining on his deal and is attracting interest from West Ham.

Things currently seem to be at a bit of an impasse, but Plettenberg has reported that if everything goes to plan the pair should join United this month.

He took to X.com and said:

“Clear tendency at this stage: Noussair #Mazraoui AND Matthijs #DeLigt will join Manchester United in August!

“If all goes to plan, a double transfer will be completed. Positive and ongoing negotiations between the clubs are underway. ManUtd and Erik ten Hag are pushing for both players. Bayern willing to sell. No deals are done yet, but progress is being made.#MUFC”

??? Clear tendency at this stage: Noussair #Mazraoui AND Matthijs #DeLigt will join Manchester United in August!

If all goes to plan, a double transfer will be completed. Positive and ongoing negotiations between the clubs are underway.

ManUtd and Erik ten Hag are pushing… pic.twitter.com/mc4gOztjrw

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 9, 2024

Ten Hag knows De Ligt well having managed the Dutch international during his time at Ajax, and despite seemingly being around for a while he’s still only 24 years of age and has plenty to offer.

Mazraoui is slightly older at 26 but brings plenty of experience with him and would provide Diogo Dalot with some competition at right back and add more depth to that area of the pitch.

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United were decimated by defensive injuries last season and adding another two bodies to the squad in that area will certainly be of benefit to them as they look to tighten up defensively and climb the table having finished eighth last season.

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Man United dealt blow as Sean Dyche dismisses talk of Jake O’Brien being Branthwaite’s replacement

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 21:45:56 +0000

Everton boss Sean Dyche has denied the signing of Jake O’Brien means that Jarrad Branthwaite could be sold to Manchester United.

United have identified Branthwaite as a target and saw two offers rejected for the 22-year-old with Everton holding firm at their £70m valuation.

The Red Devils haven’t yet returned with a third offer and are still thought to be in the market for another centre back despite the signing of Leny Yoro.

United have identified Matthijs de Ligt as an alternative and have been in discussions with Bayern Munich over a potential move, which would see him reunite with Erik ten Hag.

Dyche insists O’Brien arrival doesn’t mean Branthwaite leaves

O’Brien, who has just arrived from French side Lyon for £17m has been touted by some as a replacement for Branthwaite, but Dyche remains adamant one of his star men isn’t going anywhere this summer.

“No way! You’re kidding me! I’m very surprised you’ve put two and two together at Everton Football Club,” he told Sky Sports when asked if O’Brien’s arrival had any impact on Branthwaite’s future.

Everton have turned down two bids from Manchester United for Branthwaite.

“It’s nothing to do with that. It’s just to do with trying to model the club with the finances available, obviously we’re stretched at the moment with depth.

“We are trying to bring in players who can add layers to the club, younger players who can develop and protect the club both on and off the pitch with their performances and then in the future with the finances.

“It’s a tough juggling act and it’s tough to find the players who can do that, we think we have a few here.

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“We’ve made it clear to him [Branthwaite] that there’s nothing other than that. But, of course, put two and two together and everyone starts speculating. What do you do?”

Everton have already lost one key player in Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50m and they will be desperate to keep hold of Branthwaite ahead of the new season.

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Steve McClaren leaves Man United to take up shock new management role

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:58:17 +0000

Steve McClaren has left his role at Manchester United to become the new head coach of the Jamaica national team.

The move sees McClaren bring to an end his two years as a coach on Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff to once again become a number one.

There have been a number of coaching changes at Old Trafford this summer with Rene Hake and former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy arriving at the club to help Ten Hag.

McClaren appointed Jamaica manager

It was announced on Wednesday that McClaren had signed a two year contract to become the new Jamaica manager, and his job will be to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Michael Ricketts, the president of the Jamaica Football Federation said: “We are truly elated to announce the appointment of Mr McClaren as head coach of the Reggae Boyz.

“We are confident we made the right decision and we are looking forward to him guiding out nation towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Please help us welcome the New Coach of the Jamaica Senior Men’s National Team Mr. Stephen McClaren ?? pic.twitter.com/UoOeeGWXVw

— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) July 31, 2024

McClaren himself added that he felt this was the ideal role for him at this stage of his career, and he was extremely proud and excited to take the job.

“I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of Head Coach for The Jamaica Men’s National Team.

I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.

“Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project.

“Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realise the potential the country possessed.

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“In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead.”

Former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce also held talks over the job, but the Reggae Boyz opted for McClaren.

McClaren brings a wealth of managerial experience with him having managed England, Newcastle, Queens Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest to name a few, and he was also Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant from 1999-2001.

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Man United fear marquee signing could face two months out with injury suffered against Arsenal

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:26:08 +0000

Manchester United are concerned that Leny Yoro could have fractured his metatarsal in their defeat against Arsenal last weekend.

Yoro joined United from Lille earlier this month in a deal worth up to £58.9m, but was forced off against the Gunners in just his second appearance for the club.

The teenager was spotted on crutches wearing a protective boot on Wednesday, whilst United have yet to release an update on the Frenchman’s fitness.

United concerned Yoro could be out for two months

Mail Sport have reported that United are concerned Yoro could face two months on the sidelines if it’s confirmed he’s fractured his metatarsal.

The report adds that the Red Devils are set to give an update on Yoro’s fitness on Thursday, but the sight of him on crutches and in a protective boot means any news is unlikely to be positive.

United are concerned Yoro might have fractured his metatarsal.

United face rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10th before kicking off the new season against Fulham on August 16th in games that Yoro would miss if United’s fears are confirmed.

Erik ten Hag’s side were plagued by defensive injuries last season, and the last thing he would have wanted is to lose a new signing for a couple of months at the start of the season.

United are still thought to be in the market for another centre back and could be forced to accelerate their pursuit if Yoro is ruled out.

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The Old Trafford outfit have been in talks with Bayern Munich over Matthijs de Ligt, whilst they have had two bids rejected by Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite.

United’s next game is against La Liga outfit Real Betis before they face Liverpool on the weekend in the final game of their tour of America.

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Arsenal dealt blow as teenage sensation opts to join Manchester United

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign talented teenager Chido Obi Martin according to Fabrizio Romano after the youngster decided to leave Arsenal.

After a quiet start to the window United have completed deals for striker Joshua Zirkzee and defender Leny Yoro, although the Frenchman picked up an injury in the recent defeat to Arsenal in pre-season.

The Red Devils are also believed to be in talks with Paris Saint Germain over Manuel Ugarte whilst they have agreed personal terms with Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui, but can’t proceed with a move until Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been sold.

Chido Martin chooses United

Whilst United are clearly looking to improve the first team it hasn’t stopped them at looking at signings for the future, and they were one of a number of clubs interested in signing Chido Martin.

However, Romano has provided a major update on the situation and has reported that the 16-year-old has now decided to join United after leaving Arsenal.

He took to X.com and said:

“EXCLUSIVE: Chido Obi Martin to Man United, here we go! Talented striker leaves Arsenal and he’s just accepted Man Utd proposal.

“Pathway key for Chido who’s turned down higher bids from Germany to sign for Man United.

“Project convinced 2007 born top talent to accept #MUFC.”

?? EXCLUSIVE: Chido Obi Martin to Man United, here we go! Talented striker leaves Arsenal and he’s just accepted Man Utd proposal.

Pathway key for Chido who’s turned down higher bids from Germany to sign for Man United.

Project convinced 2007 born top talent to accept #MUFC. pic.twitter.com/oFv1xM32UU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2024

The talented striker has been tearing it up in the under-18 Premier League and scored five hat-tricks in the final nine games of last season.

The Gunners wanted to keep hold of the teenager and offered him new school boy terms as they couldn’t offer him a professional deal due to his age.

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It certainly seems that Obi Martin is a talented goalscorer and only time will tell if he develops into the player many think he’s capable of becoming, but United do have a rich history of bringing players through the academy and into the first team with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo recent examples of that.

It remains to be seen how the youngster will get on, but it would seem unlikely he will appear for the first team over the next couple of seasons.

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Erik ten Hag faces anxious wait after United suffered double injury scare against Arsenal

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 09:06:23 +0000

Erik ten Hag will be sweating after Manchester United were handed a double injury scare in their defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

United took the lead through Rasmus Hojlund in Los Angeles but the Gunners equalised through Gabriel Jesus before Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner with nine minutes remaining.

However, the result will be secondary to Ten Hag as Hojlund and new signing Leny Yoro were both forced off through injury in the first half.

Ten Hag face anxious wait for update on Hojlund and Yoro

United suffered a whole host of injury problems last season and to see a reoccurrence of that in pre-season is the last thing Ten Hag would have wanted.

Hojlund, who endured a difficult campaign last season following his move from Atalanta had given United the lead, but just five minutes later the Dane went down, with some reports suggesting it could be a problem with his hamstring.

The 21-year-old was able to walk off the pitch and down the tunnel which could be viewed as positive sign, but United now face an anxious wait for an update on his condition.

Yoro was forced off in the first half against Arsenal through injury.

As if seeing Hojlund go off wasn’t bad enough United’s latest signing Yoro was also forced off 20 minutes later with an apparent ankle injury, and Ten Hag admitted afterwards it’s too soon to know anything and they will have to wait 24 hours.

“Of course it is too soon and we have to wait over 24 hours, then we will hopefully know more,” the Dutchman said.

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“We were careful especially with Leny as he only did 50 per cent of the sessions.

“But let’s be positive and see what comes out.”

United will be hoping it’s nothing too serious as they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10th, but before that they still have friendlies against Real Betis and rivals Liverpool.

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Ex-Premier League star who hasn’t played for a year in talks over shock transfer

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:59:32 +0000

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is in talks to join Serie A outfit Genoa on a free transfer.

De Gea has been without a club since he left Old Trafford at the end of the 2022/2023 season after his contract expired, and hasn’t played football since United’s defeat to Manchester City in the 2023 FA Cup final.

The 33-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as well as the MLS and Italy, and it appears it might not be long until he’s back playing football again.

De Gea in talks with Genoa

The Spaniard has dropped a number of cryptic messages on social media since he left United and has clearly been biding his time before he decides what his best option is.

The Athletic have reported that De Gea is in talks with Italian outfit Genoa over a possible move to Serie A, in what would be a surprise move.

Genoa are in the market for a new goalkeeper after Josep Martinez joined Italian champions Inter Milan, and some reports suggested Chelsea had offered Djordje Petrovic to the Italian side, but they deemed the 24-year-old too expensive.

De Gea hasn’t played football since the 2023 FA Cup final.

De Gea, who joined United from Atletico Madrid back in 2011 spent 12 years at Old Trafford and made made 545 appearances for the Red Devils.

The former Atletico man surpassed Peter Schmeichel’s record for most clean sheets at the club, and set the record for the most appearances made by a goalkeeper for the Old Trafford outfit.

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De Gea won five major trophies for United, including the Premier League, League Cup, Fa Cup and Europa League, and has been capped by Spain 45 times, although he’s not appeared for the newly crowned European Champions since 2020.

It will be interesting to see where De Gea ends up, and whilst it might take a little bit of time for him to get back up to speed, at 33 he still has plenty he can offer to any potential suitors and could be a smart pick up for a team.

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Man United ace impressed by start of statement signing but urged caution with the youngster

Charlie Patrick — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 12:57:54 +0000

Harry Maguire has been impressed by Leny Yoro’s start at Manchester United, but warned people to remind themselves that he’s really young.

After a quiet start to the transfer window United have completed the signings of teenage centre back Yoro from Lille and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

The Red Devils are also in talks over moves for Paris Saint Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Maguire impressed by Yoro

It’s evident that one of United’s main priorities is strengthening their defence ahead of the new campaign, and the club had seemingly identified Jarrad Branthwaite as their main target, but have seen two bids rejected by Everton who value the defender at £70m.

The club switched their attention to Yoro, and despite the 18-year-old’s preference to join Real Madrid, United were able to convince the Frenchman to make the switch to Old Trafford.

Considering he only had one year left on his contract the initial £52.2m fee for the defender does seem on the steep side, but if he does well no one will mention the price tag.

Erik ten Hag wasted no time in throwing Yoro into action and the centre back played 45 minutes of the 2-0 win against Rangers two days after completing his move.

Maguire has been impressed with Yoro following his arrival from Lille.

Yoro impressed in the friendly and is likely to have his next taste of action in a United shirt against Arsenal on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Maguire, who is a senior defender at United has been impressed with Yoro’s start but urged caution with the defender as he’s still very young.

“We must remind ourselves he is really young, there are gonna be mistakes but he has every attribute of a centre back in the modern game, so I’m sure he’s gonna have a bright future,” he told The Athletic.

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“It’s our job as senior centre backs, my job, to help him along, communicate well, let him know what to expect.”

Maguire endured a difficult campaign and missed both the FA Cup final and Euro 2024 through injury, and the defender’s future is up in the air given he’s only got a year left on his deal, although the club do have an option to extend it for a further year.

The England international was subject to interest from West Ham last summer, who had a £30m bid accepted by United but so far in this window no suitors have come forward.

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West Ham turn attention back to 26-year-old after move for Bayern Munich ace collapsed

Charlie Patrick — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 12:30:17 +0000

West Ham have switched their attention back to Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka after a move for Bayern Munich right back Noussair Mazraoui fell through according to reports.

The Hammers are looking to strengthen new manager Julen Lopetegui’s squad ahead of the new campaign and have targeted right back as an area that needs strengthening.

The London Stadium outfit have so far signed winger Luis Guilherme, defender Max Kilman and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, but will need more reinforcements if they are to improve on last season’s ninth place finish.

West Ham looking to complete Wan-Bissaka deal

With the Mazraoui deal falling through it now leaves United with the opportunity to sweep in and complete a deal for the Morocco international.

The deal is believed to have fallen through because of a disagreement with the right back’s agent, despite having an agreement in place with Bayern.

However, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has stated that in order to fund any move the Red Devils must first sell Wan-Bissaka, and United have reportedly lowered their asking price to between £10m-£15m.

Plettenberg added that West Ham have now switched their focus to the 26-year-old, who they were linked with earlier in the summer and are set to hold talks with United over the weekend.

??? After the failed deal with Noussair #Mazraoui, West Ham is now focusing on Aaron Wan-Bissaka!

New talks are planned for the next 48 hours.

ManUtd have lowered their demands. Price valuation of around £10-15m now. No agreements yet. #WHUFC @SkySportDE ????????? pic.twitter.com/AD2dqcBfDx

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 26, 2024

Wan-Bissaka only has one year left remaining on his contract so West Ham would be able to sign the former Crystal Palace man for a cut price deal, but he’s also been linked with a move to Turkish side Galatasaray.

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