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Manchester United monitoring Ajax left-back as option instead of Alex Telles

22 September 2020 by

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico and an alternative option to FC Porto left-back Alex Telles, who has been linked to the Old Trafford club this summer, according to The Sun. It was reported on Friday evening that Telles had agreed on personal terms with United, however, reports of that unravelled within an hour with United interested in the Brazilian along with Paris Saint-German, who are also interested in adding a left-back to their squad this summer.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seeking a new left-back to add some competition to Luke Shaw at the Old Trafford club what with the player losing form, not attacking enough, and his injury record is not good enough for a first team player. With Shaw better than Brandon Williams, which is based on experience more than talent, Shaw will not really be challenged and the best team have competition for places. United need this across the entirety of the pitch in order to become successful once again.

United were originally linked to Sergio Reguilon, who eventually signed for Tottenham Hotspur with United not willing to accept a buyback clause as part of the deal. Telles, 27, was another option and personally would be the best option out of him and Reguilon based on the fact he can score goals, although the player should not be judged on his 13 goals and 12 assists last season. United are in negotiations for Telles with Porto for the player who is into the last year of his contract at the club.

Tagliafico is free to leave Ajax this summer as long as his £23 million fee is met and United have a good relationship with the Dutch club, having bought Donny van de Beek from the club earlier this summer, who is United’s only summer signing this year so far with just over 12 days of the summer transfer window remaining and United having a lot to do in the market, if they actually plan anything other than reading speculation. Tagliafico, 28, was on the radar of Leicester City, who sold Ben Chilwell to Chelsea earlier this summer, but they signed Timothy Castagne instead.

The 28-year-old is contracted at Ajax until the summer of 2022 and during the 2019/20 season, which was cut short for the club because of the coronavirus pandemic, made a total of 38 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and seven assists. This season, Tagliafico has made just one appearance for his club, playing 27 minutes in the 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam before being sent off. Atletico Madrid have been interested in the left-back but their financial problems will make it difficult for them.

Porto would require £23 million for Telles this summer, a similar fee to that of Tagliafico and with Ajax ready to part with the player and the fact United have already dealt with the club already this summer, it might be a deal that can be done quickly, ad Ed Woodward and Matt Judge seem to take their time. It must take them hours to pick their pants and socks of a morning with them being indecisive, or just plain moronic. Time is running out for United and this transfer window looks to be the worst post-Sir Alex Ferguson, with United likely to face a tough season with lessons to be learned again, but nothing will be learned. Eat. Sleep, Repeat.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: , , , , ,

Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton interested in signing Sergio Romero to challenge Jordan Pickford

30 August 2020 by

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly interested in signing Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero this summer to challenge Jordan Pickford for the number one spot at the Goodison Park club. This is not the first time that the Argentinian as been linked with an exit from United this summer with Leeds United and Chelsea also linked with the player in recent weeks – although nothing concrete has happened regarding the speculation. It could be the start of something though.

Romero was seemingly annoyed this season after David De Gea performed poorly in the Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, conceding two poor goals which saw United exit from the competition. It was expected that Romero would continue playing in the competition. De Gea was then kept in the team for the remainder of the season in the Premier League, which must have irked the Argentinian goalkeeper. Romero then played in two UEFA Europa League matches; LASK and FC Copenhagen before being benched in the semi-final for De Gea with United exiting the competition.

Romero has spent five year at United, signing as a free agent in the summer of 2015 and doing well at the club, also becoming the best second choice goalkeeper in the league for the performances he has made when called upon. The return of Dean Henderson to the Old Trafford club this summer has put the cat amongst the pigeons with Henderson, 23, seeking to take on De Gea for the number one shirt at the club which could leave Romero on the sidelines looking on. The Sun has reported Everton’s interested in the Argentinian this summer.

It would make sense for Romero to leave United this summer, if that is what he wanted to do. The player has a contract at the club which expires in the summer of 2021, although United have the option to extend that for another year – which they might be forced to do in order to get a decent fee for the player. During the 2019/20 season, Romero made a total of 17 appearances for the club, playing in the UEFA Europa League, Carabao Cup and the Emirates FA Cup, conceding five goals and keeping 12 clean sheets.

The 33-year-old might well be seeking to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper at a club, which might not be what could happen at United considering the rise of Henderson, who has done well on each loan spell away from the club, spending two years at Sheffield United which saw the club rise from the Championship with the goalkeeper in the squad and finish highly in the Premier League in their first season back in the English top flight.

It would make sense if the player seeks a move to a club whereby he would be granted the opportunity to challenge the existing goalkeeper at the club, which would not only see him rise in stature but the goalkeeper he is challenging would have to do the same to win his place back, giving a club two top goalkeepers giving rotation options to keep freshness in the squad. An Everton move would be good for Romero, should he decide to leave the club this summer. His time at United would be applauded for what he helped to win; one Emirates FA Cup, one EFL Cup, one FA Community Shield and one UEFA Europa League.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Marcos Rojo raises doubts over his Manchester United future

5 August 2020 by

Manchester United central defender Marcos Rojo has raised doubts over the future of his career at the Old Trafford club. In January, the Argentinian was loaned to former club Estudiantes for the remainder of the season but the coronavirus pandemic then hit, suspended world football meaning the player made just one appearance. With the season now over, the player was recalled by the Old Trafford club but will not be used for the remainder of the season.

It is unknown as to whether the player is back in England to still in Argentina, presumably the latter. Rojo would like to remain at his former club giving the suggestion that he loan spell could be extended. However, that was ideal for the remainder of the 2019/20 season not for this season. If the player would like to remain in Argentina, in my opinion, he should be pushing the club to sign him permanently as United should not be letting him be loaned out again.

During the 2019/20 season at United, Rojo made just nine appearances, four of which came in the UEFA Europa League, three in the Premier League and two in the Carabao Cup. He player a total of 648 minutes of football during the course of the season, giving the impression that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not want to keep him at the club, which might be the best thing for all parties in all fairness. If the player is not going to be utilised, why remain at the club.

United could sell Chris Smalling and Phil Jones this summer, and with Rojo’s future seemingly up in the air, United might need to strengthen in the central defence area with only Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire and Axel Tuanzebe as the experienced players, although both Ethan Laird and Teden Mengi could bolster Solskjaer’s squad. Rojo has reveated, as reported by The Mirror, that he has spoke to Solskjaer in the past week, to which he said:

“I spoke to Solskjaer, the coach, about two weeks ago. Because I had to go back to England. He said to me: ‘Look, now the season is over and everyone has a few days off.

“Then we go to play the Europa League. I don’t need to tell you: you’re going to come here, you have to be alone for 15 days and I’m not going to count on you because you haven’t trained for 4 months.’

“Then I told him that it’s said that at the beginning of August, training returns in Argentina. ‘If I stay here, is it better? Obviously, with your permission, I can train in Estudiantes’, I asked him.

“And then he told me: ‘After the Europa League there will be two weeks off. Come when we are about to start.’

“Now a thousand things are spoken, but most of them are lies. If I start to deny I’d be here all day. I’m calm because I spoke. My idea is also to try to stay at Estudiantes.

“I played a game, got injured and all of this happened. That is why I will see in September if the loan can be extended and continue for a few more months.”

Obviously, with Rojo wanting to remain at Estudiantes and United seemingly looking to sell the player this summer, the Argentinian club might not have the money post-coronavirus pandemic to secure the deal. Therefore, United might opt for a loan spell which could be reviewed during the January transfer window with the view for a permanent deal being concluded then or during the 2021 summer transfer window. In March 2018, Rojo signed a new contract at the club, expiring in the summer of 2021, although there is a further year that could be added. United would need to activate this in order to sell the player as in effect, next summer, he would be a free agent. Perhaps they could take the financial hit and release him to get him off their books?

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours Tagged With: , , , ,

Marcos Rojo to leave Manchester United this summer after loan spell with Estudiantes is over – reports

9 July 2020 by

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo will allegedly leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer, according to the player’s agent. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not used the player all that much this season with the Argentinian making just nine appearances for the club, playing just 648 minutes of football before being loaned out.

United have warned the player twice for his conduct whilst away from the club as he was pictured breaking lockdown regulations twice in his native country, which is not the best look for the player. It is suggested that United would be looking to offload the player this summer, which would be about right as Solskjaer looks to continue his rebuild.

It is suggested that United would be seeking to get rid of Rojo, Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez if they can this summer with United linked to Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund, who will cost upwards of £100 million – with Solskjaer making space for the player both in terms of monetarily and in his squad.

Stretty News exclusively reported on Wednesday that the Argentinian is set for an Old Trafford exit this summer after speaking to Jonathan Barnett, who represents the player. When asked whether he feels his client is in the plans of United manager, Solskjaer, which does not seem the case considering his lack of appearances, Barnett said:

“I couldn’t comment on what [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer thinks but I think it’s obvious.”

The former Sporting Club de Portugal defender, who signed for United in the summer of 2015, then under the management of Louis van Gaal, would probably like to stay in his native Argentina with Estudiantes a possible destination, if they can afford the player – which may not be all that likely. Barnett concluded by saying:

“I think with Rojo, probably (a move) is more than likely somewhere else.”

It might be a shame that the player’s time at United could end like this but in recent years, he has not been a standout player in the clubs defence and was used sparingly. With Solskjaer seeking to guide the club in a new direction, seemingly taking on the might of Liverpool and Manchester City to challenge for the Premier League title, a new angle might be needed, especially with the club needing a decent partner for Harry Maguire.

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Manchester United ‘open transfer talks’ with Velez Sarsfield for Thiago Almada – reports

6 June 2020 by

Manchester United could be about to beat Arsenal to Valez Sarsfield playmaker Thiago Almada, if reports are anything to go by. The Argentinian attacking midfielder has been dubbed the ‘new Lionel Messi’ and has seen the likes of United, Arsenal and Manchester City all interested in him ahead of the summer transfer window.

The playmaker, 19, predominantly plays in the central attacking midfield area, but has also played as a left-winger, a right-winger, as a centre-forward and as a central midfielder. It is said that City are eyeing the player as a potential replacement for David Silva, who is expected to leave the club as a free agent this summer.

In Spain, it is suggested that Atletico Madrid hold an interest in Almada, who has made a total of 25 appearances at the club this season, scoring five goals and two assists. It is stated that the player has a £19 million release clause, so could be a cheaper option this summer, although the player canoe close to joining City a year ago.

The 19-year-old holds compatriot Carlos Tevez, who played for both United and City, as his footballing idol and because of this, sources in South America seem to suggested the player is enthusiastic to join Pep Guardiola’s side. It is suggested that Tevez’s 58 goals for City in four seasons is behind the enthusiasm to join City.

However, if United, Arsenal, Atletico or any other club manager to get a deal done for the player, they could beat City to him this summer, which could be something that Guardiola regrets. However, they could have some kind of option with the Argentinian club that gives them an option if any other club activates the player’s release clause.

Almada’s pace, vision, and versatile playing style could make him a decent addition to United, or any other team this summer, and will fit in with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans to build a team around youth and talent, clearly building something at the club for the future. Before the transfer window opens though, United will need to finish the season.

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Marcos Rojo likely to return to Manchester United after loan spell with Estudiantes – reports

1 June 2020 by

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is likely to return to the Old Trafford club after his loan spell with Argentinian side, Estudiantes has expired, according to the manager of the club, Leandro Desabato. Rojo has made just nine appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season, before leaving for Estudiantes on loan in January.

The 30-year-old has made just one appearance for Estudiantes, seemingly struggling with injury before the coronavirus pandemic suspended world football in mid-March. Rojo made known his desire to remain in his native Argentina after his loan spell has expired, and the comments from his manager will no doubt be a blow for him to contend with. Rojo said:

“If it depends on me, I will speak to Manchester United’s management about the possibility of staying here for another six months.

“I will feel a tremendous sense of pain if I have to leave after playing in so few matches. I am completely recovered now, and fit to play once more.”

Rojo’s contract at United expires in the summer of 2021, meaning this summer he will be into his final year at the club, so when the transfer window eventually opens this summer, it would give United one chance to offload the player, receiving a transfer fee for his services. Although, like most new signings and contract renewals, there is the option for another year to be added at the club.

Estudiantes manager, Desabato, was speaking to Argentinian radio channel, Radio Late 931 which was reported by SportWitness with the manager confirming that after his loan spell has finished with the club, Rojo would return to United. United though would have the deciding factor as to whether the player could be loaned again. He said:

“We have to wait, but Rojo is likely to leave. The loan is due, and if Manchester do not want to continue loaning, it’s understandable.”

Solskjaer does not seem to rate Rojo much, playing him a total of 12 times since he was made the caretaker manager of United, being named as the next permanent manager of the club around four months later. Even with injury problems, the Argentinian was not really ahead of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Harry Maguire, or Chris Smalling.

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Manchester United hope to start a bidding war so they can sell Marcos Rojo this summer – reports

23 May 2020 by

Manchester United are apparently hoping to start a bidding war between Argentinian clubs Boca Juniors and Estudiantes in order to sell £12 million rated defender Marcos Rojo, according to reports. The Argentinian left the club back in January on loan, spending the remainder of the season in his native Argentina playing for Estudiantes.

Rojo played just nine times for United this season, playing a total of 648 minutes of football in total. It was clear that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not rate the player enough to play him regularly, seemingly ignoring the player for much of last season and a lot of the current season, then allowing him to leave the club in January.

United have some good defenders in the squad with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof the regular starters with Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe also chosen, although injuries to the pair have cost them valuable minutes on the pitch. Phil Jones is also at the club, he too playing football sparingly, perhaps not a player Solskjaer wants either.

This summer, it is important for United to continue clearing the players who are no longer needed at the club, which in my opinion, thinking of defenders, Rojo, Jones and even Chris Smalling, who is wanted by AS Roma, if they can do a deal to sign the former England defender. These three departures could give other players a chance at the club.

Tuanzebe deserves to play more football, providing his is fit and healthy. It has also been suggested that Teden Mengi, who is part of the clubs academy, could well rise into the first team at some point based on recent comments by U23 coach Neil Wood, who stated that Mengi could be the next young player to break into the first team.

It has been suggested that Boca Juniors have entered the race to sign Rojo this summer, with United seeking to offload the player they pay around £16 million for in the summer of 2014. The Argentinian’s contract at United is due to expire in the summer of 2021, giving him one more year at United, hence the interest in offloading him for money this year.

In some senses, it is a shame that Rojo is going to be sold. In terms of passion, he has it all and in ability and positioning, as he can play in the left-back position also and was intrinsic in that position when Luke Shaw suffered his horrifying double leg fracture a few years ago. It seems like a different time as Louis Van Gaal was the manager of the club then.

Rojo played a big part under Van Gaal, then in Jose Mourinho’s first season, played more times than he had in a season before at the club, then his appearances started to shorten as other players began to arrive at the club, lessening his grip on a first team place. Under Solskjaer, Rojo seemed to be out in the cold, which might have been unfortunate for him.

One thing is sure though, Solskjaer means business at the club and is seeking to bring back the glory days, which have not really been seen since Sir Alex Ferguson was stood on the touchline jeering his players on. In the long seven years since Ferguson retired, United has won two FA Community Shields, one EFL Cup (now the Carabao Cup) and the UEFA Europa League.

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19-year-old Argentinian midfielder has both Manchester United and Manchester City after him – reports

16 May 2020 by

Manchester United have reportedly been joined by Manchester City in the race to sign Velez Sarsfield midfielder Thiago Almada, according to reports. The player has been linked to City before with Pep Guardiola chasing the teenager in a bid to replace David Silva with him, which would be good for the bitter side of Manchester.

However, a year ago City failed to agree on a price for the midfielder meaning he remained at Velez Sarsfield and now has United interested in him, which could be the reason City have revisited their plans to sign the 19-year-old, stopping United from getting a young and exciting player which could help them start a new generation at the club.

It is suggested that the play could cost £15 million plus add-ons. City were not happy to agree to that fee last summer, which seems strange as they have spent more money on players who brought nothing to the club since they won the lottery. Sources in South America suggest that the player is keen on moving to City, which would leave United’s interest pointless.

Almada has made a total of 25 appearances during the 2019/20 season, up to the point in which the coronavirus pandemic suspended world football. He has scored five goals and two assists playing in the Superliga, the Copa Sudamericana, and the Copa Superliga. It may not seem much for some, but at his age, he seems to be doing something on the pitch.

It has been suggested that Almada once idolised Carlos Tevez and he was truly a great player in his time and spent two-years at United before signing for City. Tevez has been vilified by United supporters for his antics, the most unforgivable was the RIP Fergie tombstone sign he held up after City won the league during the 2011/12 season.

United have missed out one many players in the past and will still continue to do so in the future. It is good to see the club look at younger players with their futures ahead of them, rather than already established player, who will want a high wage and have a very little resale fee, which seems to be the way United played things until recently.

United have prioritised the signing of younger players, signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James last summer, the same summer Harry Maguire arrived. Maguire, despite being 26 at the time he signed for United, was slightly older as United needed an experienced central defender to reinforce the backlines, which is what he has done.

This summer, United have been linked to many names already this summer with Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, among others with the likelihood that United, despite executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward suggesting that big money may not be spent, although confirming that the club will still be competitive in the market.

Almada has predominantly played as an attacking midfielder (eight appearances, one goal and one assist). He has also played as a left-winger (seven appearances and one goal), a right-winger (four appearances, two goals and one assist), a centre-forward (one appearance, one goal and one assist), and as a central midfielder (one appearance).

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Manchester United join Barcelona in race for £94 million rated Argentinian striker – reports

10 May 2020 by

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. It was previously reported that Barcelona were very close to agreeing terms with the 22-year-old Argentinian ahead of a summer move, however, reports from Spanish news source, Sport suggest that United are back in the running to sign the player.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a big admirer of the Argentinian and has reportedly asked the club to tempt the player with a ‘multi-million pound contract’. The player has a £94 million release clause in his contract, which is a massive amount to spend on a player but considering the money spend recently, would be well spent.

It was suggested that Barcelona were hoping to get a deal sorted by offering Nelson Semedo and Carles Alena to Inter Milan in a player plus cash offer but the coronavirus pandemic might change that for the foreseeable future. It is stated that along with United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain remain interested in the player.

During the current season, despite it currently being suspended due to the coronavirus, Martinez has made a total of 31 appearances for Inter, playing in the Serie A, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, and the Coppa Italia, scoring 16 goals with a further four assists, playing a total of 2,437 minutes of football.

United will need another striker this summer, having lost Romelu Lukaku, who signed for Inter Milan last summer, also Alexis Sanchez, who was loaned to the Italian club. Solskjaer managed to sign Odion Ighalo on a six-month loan spell during the January transfer window but reports suggest that he may not stay at United much longer.

United will have Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood at the club going into next season, but it was not enough for this campaign so will not be enough for next. There are many strikers linked to the Old Trafford club this summer, so Solskjaer will have a plan to ensure he goes into the new season with reinforcements.

The 22-year-old started his career in youth football playing for Liniers de Bahía Blanca, but left the club Racing Club de Avellaneda back in 2014, the club that gave him his first team debut. Martinez played a total of 59 times for Racing Club, scoring 27 goals and six assists in around four seasons at the club.

In July 2018, Martinez moves to Europe after Inter Milan signed him on a five year contract with a €22.7 million fee. To date, he has played a total of 66 times for Inter, scoring 25 goals with a further five assists. It may be relatively early in the players career but he clearly knows how to put the ball into the back of the net, something that United require.

United might have their work cut out for them if they were to land Martinez this summer, which may seem unlikely at this moment in time. However, United will sign a striker, they need to. Currently, the club has been linked with Moussa Dembele, a player that have been linked to in the past. More will be linked as time goes on though.

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Manchester United defender in ‘play me or let me leave’ plea to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

7 September 2019 by

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has reportedly given the club an ultimatum to play him or let him leave. The Argentinian was linked with a deadline day move to Everton last month, which failed, also being linked with a departure with the club effectively paying him to leave, which never materialised either.

Last season, Rojo made just six appearances for the Old Trafford club, five of them coming in the Premier League alone. The 29-year-old is clearly not in with much opportunity to play on a week by week basis under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but an injury to Luke Shaw saw him included in the match day squad for the 1-1 draw at Southampton last weekend.

Rojo can play at left-back, also as a central defender. When he played last season, despite being a breath of fresh air at times, he was also a liability due to his rash tackling technique. He also does not give me the impression that defence, at the standard needed, is in his locker, however, that is my own opinion.

Currently, Rojo has a chance to get himself into the first team again with the injury to Eric Bailly, which will see him on the sidelines until the Christmas period. If Shaw is out for any period of time, with Ashley Young playing at left-back, Rojo could be a player from the bench, if needed. If Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out for a period of time, Rojo may actually play.

In the summer, Rojo lost his place in the Argentina squad for the Copa America and he will need to play regularly in order to get back into contention at international level. However, in a central defensive capacity, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Axel Tuanzebe seem to be ahead of him, leaving him with work to do.

Phil Jones could also be considered ahead of him, although he is yet to make a match day squad this season. Playing at left-back, which is not really a position that he should be considered for, is his best option but Solskjaer should utilise youth with the likes of Demetri Mitchell and Brandon Williams two of the available options.

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