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Post by bluetornados on Dec 23, 2023 22:14:21 GMT
West Ham 2-0 Manchester United: ‘Big problems’ for visitors after worst start since 1930..By Jess Anderson, BBC Sport.
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Man Utd have lost three of their last four matches and failed to score in any of them for the first time since 1992Manchester United's dismal season continues as their loss to West Ham - a 13th in all competitions - marks their worst start to a season since 1930. The Hammers' 2-0 win at the London Stadium means United have just one win in seven games in all competitions and sit eighth in the Premier League. Former midfielder Paul Scholes said his old side have "big problems" while manager Erik ten Hag said they are "underperforming". Not scoring goals, not winning games, a growing list of injuries and an ongoing saga around their ownership - what is going on at Manchester United ? United's poor run - the statisticsUnited have lost 13 of their past 26 matches in all competitions this season, as many defeats as they recorded in all 62 competitive games last season. United's tally of 20 defeats in all competitions in 2023 is their most in a calendar year since losing 20 in 1989. It is their most defeats before Christmas since 1930 - a season in which they finished bottom of the top-flight. They have scored just 18 goals in 18 top-flight games this season, failing to score in seven of those games. In a top-flight season, the only times they have managed fewer than 18 goals after their first 18 league games are 1973-74 (15), 1972-73 (16) and 1893-94 (15). United have failed to score in four successive games in all competitions for the first time since November 1992 under Sir Alex Ferguson ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/9371/production/_131954773_gettyimages-1787814178.jpg'Underperforming' and 'not good enough'
After Ten Hag's side earned a point against Liverpool last time out, scrutiny seemed to be momentarily alleviated. But a flat performance in Saturday's defeat places renewed pressure on the Dutchman and exposes their frailties. Granted, Ten Hag is missing several key players through injury including Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez while Christian Eriksen returned to the bench at the London Stadium but was only fit enough for a short cameo in the final few minutes. The absence of Maguire, Martinez, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof meant Ten Hag was forced to give 19-year-old French centre-back Willy Kambwala a debut, alongside 35-year-old Jonny Evans. "There are reasons for it [the loss], we have many injuries, so the team will be better if the injured ones return," said Ten Hag. "We have to be calm, stick together, stick to the plan, we have to do it together." Perhaps more concerning for the manager is the lack of attacking threat his side possess with none of his forward players firing and a goal drought extending to four games. "At this moment we are not top, but we have seen last week against the top of this league we were head-to-head," said Ten Hag. "In 2023, we won a cup, we played the FA Cup final, we were third in the league. There were highlights but we were over-performing, but in this moment we are underperforming." Defender Luke Shaw said his side's performance was "not good enough" and criticised their inability to win games. "We keep losing games, losing points and we're making it very hard for ourselves. Especially that second half, not good enough," he said. "It's tough to think what's going on. I think maybe we're just not creating enough and when we do on the other hand we're not clinical. "Maybe it could be a lack of confidence at the moment, sometimes that's normal in football, it happens. "We know that and we have to dig deep, look ourselves in the mirror and question ourselves and go from there." Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes said on TNT Sports: "Manchester United struggled last season in big away games as well - they have been naive. "This year United have had so many injuries, they have been to the better players and it is a problem. "United have problems, goal scoring is a big issue. They aren't creating at all. "Every single player is struggling with confidence going forward. The forward players have to step up, find some confidence and bring some threat. There is no threat to the team. This is a very patched up team you have to say. "You spend a lot of money on players, expecting a lot more from. Not happening for [Marcus] Rashford either. Easiest thing to coach in football is defending, hardest thing is to teach them to how to score goals. That has to come from the players. It is seriously lacking. "It's getting embarrassing, creativity is the big problem. The only time in the last 18 months I saw a connection was between Eriksen and Fernandes. I don't think you will see the best of this Man Utd team before the end of January - it is going to a very tough few weeks."
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 24, 2023 18:52:35 GMT
Manchester United: Sir Jim Ratcliffe agrees deal to buy 25% stake..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D49F/production/_131313445_f2ff138439005ce27aa993eba06b2622cfb6a178227_154_3160_17793160x1779.jpgBritish billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed to buy a 25% stake in Manchester United for about $1.3bn (£1.03bn). Ratcliffe's Ineos Group will take control of football operations. The 71-year-old will also provide $300m (£236m) for future investment into the club's Old Trafford stadium. The announcement comes 13 months after the club's owners, the Glazer family, stated they were considering selling to "explore strategic alternatives". The American family bought the club for £790m in 2005. The only other publicly declared bidder, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, withdrew his offer to buy 100% of the club in October. United have struggled on the pitch this season and have not won the Premier League since 2013, while there have been regular protests against the Glazer ownership. Manchester-born Ratcliffe is chairman of petrochemicals company Ineos and says he is a "lifelong supporter of the club". He tried and failed to buy Chelsea last year.. In a statement, he said: "Whilst the commercial success of the club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times. "We will bring the global knowledge, expertise and talent from the wider Ineos Sport group to help drive further improvement at the club, while also providing funds intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford. "We are here for the long term and recognise that a lot of challenges and hard work lie ahead, which we will approach with rigour, professionalism and passion. We are committed to working with everyone at the club - the board, staff, players and fans - to help drive the club forward. "Our shared ambition is clear: we all want to see Manchester United back where we belong, at the very top of English, European and world football." The club say the deal is "subject to customary regulatory approvals" but are "hopeful it will be completed as soon as possible". There is initially going to be a six-to-eight week process for the deal to be ratified, which includes being signed off by the Premier League. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/6416/production/_132122652_gettyimages-1240112368.jpgSir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed to buy 25% of Manchester United's class B shares, largely held by the Glazer family, who own 69% of the club, and contain almost all the voting rights, and up to 25% of its class A shares, which are listed on the New York Stock Market. It means the Glazer family will retain a majority stake in the club. Taking on sporting control at the club means Ineos will oversee the men's and women's football operations and academies. They will also get two seats on the Manchester United PLC and Manchester United Football Club boards. Subject to necessary approvals, Ratcliffe will delegate his seats on the PLC board to John Reece, a shareholder of Ineos, and Rob Nevin, chairman of Ineos Sport. On the UK club board he will delegate his seats to former British Cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford and former Juventus and Paris St-Germain executive Jean-Claude Blanc.
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 24, 2023 18:58:55 GMT
Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Man Utd: Transfer window; Erik ten Hag; Jadon Sancho - what happens next ?ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3D79/production/_131773751_gettyimages-.jpgUnited could spend significantly more than they already have if the Glazers were willing to spend their own money on top of revenue generated by the business. It is often said that January is a difficult window to make quality signings, and it would seem certain Ten Hag will be asked to stick within budget and be creative with any changes. He acquired goalkeeper Jack Butland, midfielder Marcel Sabitzer and striker Wout Weghorst on loan deals in January, and defender Sergio Reguilon and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the same manner on deadline day in September. United have already said they don't expect to be involved in extensive business next month, a situation only heightened by the complications over Jadon Sancho's future where selling the 23-year-old would incur a significant loss, and a loan is almost certain to involve subsidising his wages. There has been no indication during United's struggles on the pitch so far this season that manager Erik ten Hag's position is under threat. However, like any manager, the Dutchman stands or falls by results on the pitch, and United have more tricky games before their week off in January after what is now their worst start to a season since 1930 in terms of defeats, after Saturday's loss at West Ham. Despite taking the Premier League manager of the month award for November, United have only won one of their past seven games. In total, they have lost 13 out of 26 games in all competitions this season. Their Champions League and League Cup campaigns are already over. In the Premier League, United are eighth, 12 points off leaders Arsenal and eight points away from a top-four spot. United face top-four Aston Villa and Tottenham at home in their next three games, by which time, it should be clear whether they have any chance of finishing in the top four, although fifth may be enough for a Champions League spot. And, more importantly, it will be apparent whether the Dutchman has managed to mould together a convincing team after spending almost £400m in the three transfer windows he has been in place for. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6489/production/_131773752_gettyimages.jpgOne of the most pressing issues in the Ineos in-tray is the future of Jadon Sancho. In theory, if England winger Sancho were to offer a public apology for his now-deleted inflammatory "scapegoat" social media post in response to Ten Hag's explanation for why he was omitted from United's squad for the defeat by Arsenal on 3 September, he could return to the fold. In reality, so much time has elapsed with neither party backing down that some kind of split - either permanent or temporary - in January feels inevitable. And that will be costly. Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford might find themselves in the uncomfortable position of having to sanction either United subsidising a portion of Sancho's salary, or a mammoth hit on the £73m the club paid Borussia Dortmund for him in 2021, in order to deal with a problem Ten Hag has, so far, received 100% backing on. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8B99/production/_131773753_gettyimages.jpgAs part of the deal, Ratcliffe will provide $300m (£236m) for future investment into the club's Old Trafford stadium and infrastructure. However, it is accepted this figure - as big as it is - will not come close to funding the renovations required to bring it up to the standard demanded of a club of United's stature. What will be closely assessed is how further improvements are paid for. United fans have long argued the debt and associated costs incurred by the Glazer takeover - now estimated at more than £1bn - should have been spent on improving the team. However, there are virtually no examples of infrastructure projects of the size envisaged being completed without significant external funding - Tottenham's new £1bn stadium being a recent example. The cost of building works tends to be spread over an extended period of time, with the potential for repayment factored into the plans, through the creation of executive areas in many cases. Nevertheless, for a club already heavily in debt, the thought of taking on more will be difficult to swallow for some supporters.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 26, 2023 19:53:45 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 0:07:56 GMT
BOXING DAY TUESDAY 26th DECEMBER 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Manchester United 3 (Garnacho 59, 71, Hojlund 82) Aston Villa 2 (McGinn 21, Dendoncker 26)
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Report By Simon Stone..BBC Sport at Old Trafford.Rasmus Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal as Manchester United fought back from two goals down to record a sensational victory in a thrilling Boxing Day encounter with Aston Villa at Old Trafford. In United's first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25% purchase of the club, and with future director and current Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford in the directors' box, Erik ten Hag's side produced one of those 'back-from-the-dead' endings for which they are so famed. After John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker had given Villa a deserved half-time advantage, United rallied after the interval and refused to let their heads drop even after Alejandro Garnacho had a goal disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside decision. It was the 19-year-old Argentine who led the fightback, scoring twice in a game for the first time in his career to turn the game on its head. Villa did their best to stem the wave of home attacks. But, just as Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest discovered here in August, United retain some of the old doggedness from the Sir Alex Ferguson days. And, for the home fans at least, there could be no more fitting scorer than Hojlund, who reacted quickest and rammed the ball home after Bruno Fernandes' corner had struck McGinn and bounced free inside a packed penalty area. The relief for Hojlund and his team-mates was clear to see, with goalkeeper Andre Onana racing the full length of the pitch to join in the celebrations as Ten Hag bounced in delight, his fists clenched in evident celebration. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0A5E/production/_132145620_gettyimages-1885600216.jpg
Rasmus Hojlund joined Manchester United for £64m last summer, a fee which could rise to £72m with add-ons
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Alejandro Garnacho's goals came in the 59th and 71st minute, cancelling out Villa's two-goal lead
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 0:12:38 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/9371/production/_131954773_gettyimages-1787814178.jpgManchester United boss Erik ten Hag speaking to Amazon Prime: "I am so happy that the strikers scored today, because that is what we needed. I know they are capable of that, Rasmus and Rashford and Garnacho. They are all good finishers and we have more than that too. They have to show it every game. Be accountable, believe in yourself and be ready to take the chance and score a goal." On the half time team talk and keeping to the plan: "People only saw the result and judged the result at West Ham but we also played a solid game there. But they see the result and only complain. I know that football is about results and you get judged by them, that is normal, but as a manager you also have to see the performance, and we dictated the game at West Ham too." Was Hojlund going to be subbed before Rashford's injury: "The strikers work so hard so we wanted to bring fresh energy there, we saw that one of them had to come off. We saw that Rashford had an issue so decided that was the change to make. "I don't know [if it was a Christmas miracle], we created more. I am delighted Hojlund scored but it doesn't matter who scores, in the end we have to win. I am happy a striker scored, in front of the Stretford End too, and happy to get the three points." Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag speaking to Amazon Prime: "The atmosphere changed a lot from the first half to the second, but if you look at the first half you are losing because of two set plays, in moments where we were not so focused. I think already in the first half we played quite well, and kept trying and trying. "At half-time I said to the team, 'keep believing, and keep doing what we did, actually do even more'. We needed to put more and more pressure on. At 1-2 then when we added pressure you see what happened. On the response from his players in the second half: "I said before the game that we were competitive with Arsenal, competitive with Liverpool so if we play our best we can beat anyone. Believe that, even when you are two-nil down, it doesn't matter. Keep going, show character, and today they did show we have the personality to do it. I think it was a very good team performance." Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to BBC Match of the Day on Alejandro Garnacho: "He played a fantastic game. He was so disappointed after West Ham that he didn't score his one-on-ones. Now he's scored twice and it's a reward for all the effort and work he puts in." On Rasmus Hojlund's first Premier League goal: "He knows he can do it. On the highest level in the UCL he scored five and displayed his ability. He knows he can do it at any level. "The Premier League is close to the Champions League. So it will come and give him confidence. When strikers have confidence, they will score." On Sir Jim Ratcliffe's accepted bid to purchase a 25% stake in Manchester United: "We are optimists. We have been kept informed during the whole process. It's very good, we are looking forward to working with them. It's positives for United I know. But for now, it was important to focus on this game for our season. It's important for this team to get a base that we can build on. Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to BBC Match of the Day on what he said to his players at half-time: "Keep believing. I think our fans they deserved it. They are always behind us and we've had so many setbacks. So I'm really pleased from the performance of this team. What kind of team can handle and deal with the amount of setbacks we have had? "They are resilient, they have showed character and their personality to turn it around. I am very pleased with the performance of this team. "Keep going, even when you get setbacks. Again we had so many setbacks today as well. Two set plays and we lose focus, also you can say very well done from Villa. "But we created moments in the first half and you get disappointed you don't score. Straight after half-time we have a goal which is offside. But I am very pleased with the strength of my team and the character the team showed." Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes speaking to Amazon Prime: "Obviously we were really happy for Rasmus to get that first [league] goal, but not only for him, the fact it made the score 3-2 as well because we need the three points. He needs to score goals, he is eager to do it. "All we want is for our strikers to have enough confidence to score goals. Rasmus knows that he is going to have pressure, he plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world, he knows how it is playing for this club, you get a lot of attention so you need to get used to that. "I hope not [that is is the best day of his life] because I hope there is more to come, we really need him and every striker in the team to score goals. On the belief shown in the second half: "The belief has to be there, because if you don't believe in each other then it is going to be really tough. In some moments you drop that belief in others or in yourself, you have those thoughts that you might not be good enough to be here, it is normal. When things aren't going right you always get those doubts, no matter how brave or confident you are. On building consistency going forward: "I don't want to speak on this because we have had so many post [match] interviews saying 'now were are going to move forwards from this' and we didn't. But we have aims that are higher than we are at the moment but we have to look game by game. Understand the reality of where we are, get the basics right, and take it game by game."
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 11:37:39 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgManchester United are considering a move for £26m-rated Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee, 22, who has scored seven goals in 17 games this season for Serie A side Bologna. Inter Milan are keen to bring in Iran international Mehdi Taremi, 31, from Porto in January but could look at Manchester United's French forward Anthony Martial, 28, and Chelsea's Albania international Armando Broja, 22, as alternatives. Former England and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, 31, has been offered as a free agent to Ligue 1 side Lille. However, Brexit could ruin his chances of a move as French clubs are limited to signing four players from non-EU states or countries. Former France defender Raphael Varane, 30, is open to leaving Manchester United to return to Lens, where he started his career.
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 11:39:15 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 14:53:39 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/f598/live/7d8bb080-9a72-11ee-8df3-1d2983d8814f.jpgWe asked you for your thoughts after the Boxing Day match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Here are some of the top comments:
Manchester United fans
Bally: After many games of disappointing, embarrassing and very frustrating performances and results, this finally feels like Manchester United have turned a corner. 2-0 down at home early doors and thereafter I wholly expected a long evening of painful watching, but United were hungry, passionate, confident, playing with desire and belief. Great win, fully deserved. Peter: At last an effort. This reminded me of the good old Manchester United days when we always fought for every victory. Please let's not make this a one-off. Sir Jim must be a happier man now.
Graham: Brilliant turn around. So good to watch and so good to see and hear how the players reacted. Just pray we do this more consistently as we have done that before. But overall, brilliant to see. Agim: Honestly, I am happy with the result and the performance. Not sure we deserved to be 2-0 down in the 1st half. Anyway, we deserved to win the game this time with a great performance. The only problem with United at the moment is the consistency, so hope we can build on this result. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7a/Manchester_United_FC_crest.svg/190px-Manchester_United_FC_crest.svg.png
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 14:55:59 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgManchester United are considering a move for £26m-rated Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee, 22, who has scored seven goals in 17 games this season for Serie A side Bologna. Inter Milan are keen to bring in Iran international Mehdi Taremi, 31, from Porto in January but could look at Manchester United's French forward Anthony Martial, 28, and Chelsea's Albania international Armando Broja, 22, as alternatives. Former France defender Raphael Varane, 30, is open to leaving Manchester United to return to Lens, where he started his career. But Bayern Munich are also keen on making a move for Varane while another of his former clubs, Real Madrid, also remain in the race.
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 27, 2023 23:32:35 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgThe Glazer family will have to pay Sir Jim Ratcliffe up to $66m (£52m) if they terminate the deal for his Ineos Group to buy a 25% stake in Manchester United. As part of the deal, Ineos also have to be consulted about any moves by Manchester United in the January transfer window and manager Erik ten Hag cannot be sacked without Ratcliffe's involvement. Ratcliffe has outlined an eight-year plan to improve the club's Old Trafford home. Portugal midfielder Joao Neves, 19, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, is in talks over a new contract at Benfica that could see his release clause increased from 120m euros (£104m) to 150m euros (£130m). United are also linked with 25-year-old Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres from Benfica's rivals Sporting Lisbon.
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 30, 2023 9:34:32 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgManchester United are targeting VfB Stuttgart and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, 27, in the January transfer window. Manchester United's Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, 20, is wanted by Freiburg, Lyon and Sevilla. Barcelona may offer Mason Greenwood the iconic number 10 shirt if he joins the club in a £40m deal from Manchester United. The 22-year-old forward is currently on loan at fellow La Liga side Getafe. Borussia Dortmund's Algeria defender Ramy Bensebaini, 28, would be interested in joining Manchester United. Liverpool and Manchester United have been told that Benfica's 20-year-old Portugal defender Antonio Silva is not for sale in January.
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 31, 2023 0:54:57 GMT
SATURDAY 30th DECEMBER 2023 - PREMIER LEAGUE
Nottingham Forest 2 Manchester United 1 (Rashford 78)
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Gibbs-White has scored two Premier League goals for Forest this seasonMorgan Gibbs-White scored an 82nd-minute winner as Nottingham Forest recorded their first Premier League victory over Manchester United in 29 years to bring 2023 to a miserable end for Erik ten Hag's side. It looked as if Marcus Rashford had rescued a point for the visitors when he capitalised on a blunder from Forest keeper Matt Turner 12 minutes from time and end his wait of more than six hours for a Premier League goal. But after Turner had redeemed himself with a fine save to deny Christian Eriksen, Forest counter-attacked and Gibbs-White struck the decisive blow from a neat cut-back from former United forward Anthony Elanga. After a tepid first half, Nicolas Dominguez opened the scoring as new manager Nuno Espirito Santo steered Forest to back-to-back victories for only the second time since being promoted back to the top flight. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/17045/production/_132177249_1334e77569bd9b01d0227a5eb43fb408450a2f1f.jpg
Manchester United have lost as many as nine of their opening 20 league games in a season for the first time since 1989-90
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to Sky Sports: "It's clear the result is very disappointing. We should have invested more in these moments. We created less before half-time. We didn't do [enough]. The second half was better. "We are losing the game by a goal and you saw the fight in the team. We had our chances, the football in the second half was better. They kept believing and going until the end but of course when the result is this, we are disappointed. "The players are not happy with this but we have to do better. We haven't played with the same team in a row. We had to change again so every time we have to swap our team. That doesn't help or support the routines of the team and it explains why you are so inconsistent. "We had nine different partnerships in the back. It doesn't matter as well, the fans don't want to hear this, they want to see us winning and that is what we have to serve them." What is the main issue? "The injuries. Also some issues but mainly the injuries hold us back in the process. In January we have a lot of players returning so then our levels can be higher. "Definitely [Dave Brailsford] will see we have our problems. You want to build on the last result but we have to change our striker." Will you talk with INEOS group? "It will happen. No doubt about that. We will work together to set high targets of course for achievements and structures, we will talk about that." Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to Sky Sports: "It's clear the result is very disappointing. We should have invested more in these moments. We created less before half-time. We didn't do [enough]. The second half was better. "We are losing the game by a goal and you saw the fight in the team. We had our chances, the football in the second half was better. They kept believing and going until the end but of course when the result is this, we are disappointed. "The players are not happy with this but we have to do better. We haven't played with the same team in a row. We had to change again so every time we have to swap our team. That doesn't help or support the routines of the team and it explains why you are so inconsistent. "We had nine different partnerships in the back. It doesn't matter as well, the fans don't want to hear this, they want to see us winning and that is what we have to serve them." What is the main issue? "The injuries. Also some issues but mainly the injuries hold us back in the process. In January we have a lot of players returning so then our levels can be higher. "Definitely [Dave Brailsford] will see we have our problems. You want to build on the last result but we have to change our striker." Will you talk with INEOS group? "It will happen. No doubt about that. We will work together to set high targets of course for achievements and structures, we will talk about that."
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Post by bluetornados on Dec 31, 2023 0:56:49 GMT
"The most boring team in the league?" - how pundits reacted.
Former defender Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "They [Ineos] will make a decision on the manager before the end of the season, I have no doubt, even though they will keep him in charge until the end of the season. They have been so poor though and if that continues, Erik ten Hag will find himself under real pressure.
"Ten Hag did a very good job in his first season, now the new ownership will be on a watching brief and Brailsford will look at what this club is and he is not going to like what he sees.
"I have more optimism under the new owners. They are currently operating without a sporting director, without a CEO and without a head of recruitment. What club in the world does that?
"Ten Hag is operating without a management team around him, which is incredible to think. He has been handed the keys to the safe and that shouldn't happen."
Ex-Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I had someone message me earlier asking if Manchester United are the most boring team in the Premier League. You know what, it's hard to argue with that.
"The thing that troubles me with Erik ten Hag is I don't know what game he was watching when he comes out and answers like that. There comes a time when he has to take responsibility. He has spent over £400m."
Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage told BBC Radio 5 Live: "You are looking at the standard of players like Antony. He will develop but at Manchester United is the number of goals and assists he has good enough? No.
"Who has been saying, 'let's go and buy Antony for £90m' when he's worth £30m? Or Casemiro for £60m? And also, how many of the players who have been brought in have increased their value?"
'Ten Hag needs to be moved on' - what you said.
James: This is so bad. No clue, no plan, no identity, and no desire. It's so bad. The 3-2 versus Villa papered over the cracks again. ETH needs to be moved on. The players don't understand him and what he wants. So obvious. Disgusting how the richest club in the world has the worst elite team.
Anon: I can't see ETH surviving much longer. It's clear the players are a big part of the problem but I can't see what he is trying to achieve. I don't know what the style is, there seems no plan, no effort, players stropping at one another. Maybe Ineos will think 'a new manager for a new start'.
Martin: All the hype on Tuesday about United having top-four hopes, welcome back to reality. Be lucky to be in the top half of the table.
Ben: One thing that really, really bugs me watching the conduct of United's players over the last few years is the general demeanour and attitude towards one another throughout a game. We witnessed Rashford doing it against Villa to Hojlund, stropping and having a go. For goodness sake, support each other, give your team-mates a lift! I expect that for £200k+ a week...
James: The only thing I don't understand is how on earth Man Utd will be seventh in the Premier League after this match.
Andrew: United take off Mainoo half-time. No defensive midfielder on the pitch. Concede two goals from the defensive midfielder position. This is not rocket science.
Nigel: Sums it up for me. Forest were fighting to the end, we just looked like we were turning up again and hoping for the best. We can't continue to paper over cracks.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 1, 2024 2:24:56 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgManchester United have decided against activating the option to extend Raphael Varane's contract by a further 12 months, meaning the 30-year-old France defender can hold talks with overseas clubs over a summer free transfer move from 1st January. Barcelona are unlikely to make a move for Mason Greenwood because they cannot afford Manchester United's £40m valuation of the forward, who is on loan at fellow La Liga side Getafe. Atletico Madrid have already made an initial approach over a potential move for Greenwood. United are prepared to accept offers for defender Raphael Varane in January. Meanwhile, manager Erik ten Hag wants the club to offer centre-back Jonny Evans a new one-year deal. And United have activated an option to extend Victor Lindelof's contract to June 2025. The defender's previous deal was due to expire this summer.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 1, 2024 2:28:10 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/f598/live/7d8bb080-9a72-11ee-8df3-1d2983d8814f.jpgWe asked you for your thoughts after Nottingham Forest and Manchester United faced one another in the Premier League.
Here are some of the top comments:
United fans
Rory: The past two games are this United team in a nutshell. Hopelessly inconsistent. We carry barely any threat going forward and we concede the same goal over and over again, which is alarming. More strange in-game management from Ten Hag. I don't see how the manager survives much longer as we're a shambles and have been for a while. Mark: Poor again - normal service resumed. Major cull is needed. Sir Dave Brailsford was next to Sir Alex Ferguson so hopefully they can have an influence over the manager, coaching staff and players. Back to basics first and then a signing to inspire the rest of the team or play the kids - such as Gore and Hannibal - who care. Daniel: An absolute shambles from start to finish. Playing Rashford up front is like playing with 10 men, plus it took Garnacho, who was brilliant against Aston Villa, from the right. McTominay was a strange sub - Mainoo is a better player and for both goals McTominay didn’t track back with his man. Nigel: Ten Hag is not delivering what was promised. He's bought bad players, makes bad substitution decisions and team selections and has no idea of how to change a game. The players are at fault, but a manager should be able to influence an overall performance. The effort from a lot of these players is embarrassing. Manchester United are rotten to the core. upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7a/Manchester_United_FC_crest.svg/190px-Manchester_United_FC_crest.svg.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 2, 2024 21:08:02 GMT
Jadon Sancho: Manchester United winger might rejoin Borussia Dortmund on loan..By Simon Stone, BBC Sport.
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In December, Erik ten Hag said it was up to Jadon Sancho to facilitate his return to Manchester United's first-team squadManchester United outcast Jadon Sancho might return to Borussia Dortmund on loan this month. Sancho refused to apologise to Erik ten Hag for a social media post after the manager said his omission from September's defeat at Arsenal was related to his performance in training. The England winger, 23, rejected this and said he was being made a scapegoat. Since then he has been training away from the first team, with no end in sight to his exile. United bought Sancho from Dortmund for £73m in July 2021. It is understood the Bundesliga club are willing to offer Sancho a route back in the January transfer window, and are optimistic of reaching an agreement for the remainder of the season. Any deal might require United to pay a significant portion of Sancho's wages, given the huge increase he received when he signed for the Red Devils. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/1B80/production/_131104070_jadonsancho.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 3, 2024 0:32:57 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgManchester United have drawn up a four-strong wishlist for a new striker in January with Bayern Munich and Cameroon's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, 34, joined by team-mate and Germany forward Thomas Muller, 34. The club have also made contact with RB Leipzig over Germany's Timo Werner, 27, and will consider Stuttgart and Guinea forward Serhou Guirassy, 27, if they are able to raise funds from a sale. Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, is keen on a return to Borussia Dortmund, as he considers this the ideal option to regain his best form. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are considering bringing in both Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell to completely revamp how Manchester United approach the transfer market.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 3, 2024 16:41:48 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/1/3/9f067503-5776-4ade-a2a3-bcea1f95ce25.pngWe asked you for your thoughts about the business that Manchester United need to do during the January transfer window.
Here are some of your replies:
Tara: The main priority in the January transfer window should be buying a striker. Rasmus Hojlund is doing well, given the circumstances, but he needs someone experienced to learn from and take the pressure off him. The Nottingham Forest match showed that Marcus Rashford isn't a suitable alternative when Hojlund is unavailable. Duane: There are, at best, maybe three or four United first-team players worth keeping at this point. The rest don't have the right attitude, consistency or promise. I do not see a single position that does not need a reinforcement or an upgrade. Rohit: It's going to be very difficult to attract good and motivated players. Such players are unlikely to show interest in a club that has shown no sense of direction over the past decade. Rashford, Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Antony and a few others must be offloaded ASAP. Christine: A clearout is needed of players who are mediocre and think that they are world class. The young players who have come in outshine so-called star players. Give youth a chance, it seems we have replacements ready to play. Whatever players come in, don't pay ridiculous amounts for players who wouldn't get in a Sunday team.
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Post by bluetornados on Jan 4, 2024 6:35:44 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/172c/live/fac41220-68bf-11ee-a305-894244efd71e.jpgDortmund want Manchester United's English winger Jadon Sancho, 23, to join them on loan in their Marbella training camp next week. Manchester United are interested in making Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, 22, one of the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era at Old Trafford. Germany forward Timo Werner, 27, has emerged as a serious transfer target for Manchester United, with RB Leipzig set to allow a loan deal.
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