bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 13, 2024 20:24:58 GMT
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
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Post by bluetornados on May 14, 2024 19:52:23 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/67df/live/079c9cb0-1207-11ef-b9d8-4f52aebe147d.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/f546/live/8fd0b9f0-11f7-11ef-8f05-f99dbd7284e4.jpgRaphael Varane was announced to Manchester United fans to some acclaim three years ago.It was pre-match, before a 5-1 win at Leeds United, in a summer that also marked the arrival of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seemed United were ready to really push for the top. But Varane, like United as a whole, failed to match the hype. He clearly is a class player, but he did not look a good fit for the Premier League. Varane is yet to start 60 league games across his three seasons and, while his partnership with Lisandro Martinez was the anchor of United's third-place finish last term, injury to both has robbed them of continuity and has played a significant role in the team's collapse. United had already decided not to trigger the option of a one-year contract extension but, the reality is, the former Real Madrid man probably did not want to stay on either. With a £34m fee and wages on top, United have spent about £85m on that deal. The reward has not been worth it. While they will get no fee for Varane now, it does create a gap which will be handy in profit and sustainability terms. In all likelihood, his replacement will probably not be a serial Champions League winner from one of the world's biggest clubs - so their salary will not be as high. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/f678/live/d0d1b800-120b-11ef-bee9-6125e244a4cd.jpgWe asked for your thoughts on how big a loss Raphael Varane will be to Manchester United after the France defender confirmed he would leave the club at the end of the season.
He has made 93 appearances and lifted the 2023 Carabao Cup after arriving from Real Madrid in 2021.
Here are some of your responses:Doug: Raphael Varane is arguably the best centre-half that United have - when fit. He is expensive, but it seems that United's decision not to keep him for another season indicates an unwillingness or inability to pay what it costs for a top player. United won't spend the money to find a replacement as good, so will end up with a weaker squad. No progress. Dan: Overpriced and salary heavy. Distinctly average. Get rid. Patrick: Too many injuries and huge wages. Great when he played but he was just not available enough. Seemed to come for a pay deal. He didn't seem vocal enough or help guide younger players through. Paul: I think Varane has been a good signing for us. As we get older it’s always time to move on, so a good time for it. I’m sure he’s been a good example in training for our younger players too. Time for some of them to step forward now to replace him - Willy Kambwala, as an example. Lee: Unfortunately, the perception and reality of Varane being in your team are worlds apart. On paper, what you have is a multiple Champions League winner. In reality, you have an injury-prone centre-half who, when fit, seems to command a place in the starting XI only to very quickly return to the injured list, upsetting balance and consistency. Gareth: Varane is a fantastic professional and leader, and last season he was brilliant. However, with his injury record and ridiculous inconsistency of starts for the club this season, it doesn't allow for a cohesive defensive unit. We need someone young and fit to come in and make the role their own alongside Martinez [and Maguire for rotation]. Steve: Another Real Madrid cast off United have paid over the odds for. When will they learn that buying has-beens is bad business, regardless of their reputation?
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bluetornados
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Posts: 15,759
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Post by bluetornados on May 15, 2024 5:38:32 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 15, 2024 5:41:34 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/67df/live/079c9cb0-1207-11ef-b9d8-4f52aebe147d.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/e74b/live/11121810-11c6-11ef-82e8-cd354766a224.jpgManchester United have scrapped plans to host a player of the year award next week. The awards had been planned for Monday 20th May. However, manager Erik ten Hag and the leadership at Old Trafford do not want any distractions ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City on 25th May. Club sources say winners will be selected for the men's and women's team and the academy as normal but there will be no dinner, which the club has said in the past raises "vital funds" for United's Foundation. While at first-team level, it has been a difficult season for United, on Sunday their women's team won the FA Cup for the first time. United's academy side finished top of Premier League North, winning 20 out of its 24 matches. They play Chelsea for the national title on Tuesday.
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bluetornados
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Posts: 15,759
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Post by bluetornados on May 15, 2024 8:07:22 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0321/production/_133310800_-e08939c5-4632-4cbf-825e-477f76adb76b.pngBayern Munich are looking at a move for Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes this summer and believe they can land the 29-year-old Portugal international because of growing frustrations at Old Trafford. Manchester United are prepared to offer £55m for Everton and England Under-21s centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, 21. Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong, 23, is leaning towards leaving Bayer Leverkusen in the summer with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Arsenal all keen to take advantage of a £35m release clause in his contract. Manchester United are trying to hijack Newcastle United's move for Fulham's English defender Tosin Adarabioyo, 26. United will listen to offers for 28-year-old English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Red Devils have contacted Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who has worked as a coach at Old Trafford. Brentford boss Thomas Frank is a strong contender for the Manchester United job should they sack manager Erik ten Hag.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,759
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Post by bluetornados on May 15, 2024 21:11:17 GMT
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bluetornados
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Posts: 15,759
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 7:32:36 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3229/production/_133314821_-1d38ac36-6162-4bc7-b6bc-cc4cebc7155f.pngManchester United want to sign England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa as the 28-year-old fits the profile of player they are looking to recruit. Erik ten Hag's chances of remaining Manchester United manager are rated at 50-50, with the 54-year-old Dutchman's future to be decided after the FA Cup final on 25th May. Thomas Tuchel, who is on Manchester United's shortlist of potential replacements for Ten Hag, is in talks to stay at Bayern Munich, having been set to leave at the end of the season.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,759
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 7:35:23 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 7:46:49 GMT
Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle: What Erik Ten Hag said:
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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to Sky Sports: "I think we had a difficult season, but one thing was constant and that was them [fans] being with us and backing the team. We are very pleased with it and we want to pay them back. "Our last game [at home]. We wanted to thank them for sticking with us, we are in difficult times. "We are in a transition at this club and the results are not what we expect. "We also have our reasons, but it's still a disappointing season. "I am very pleased [with the performance against Newcastle]. In the past months we had many games where we were in winning positions but we couldn't get over the line. "Today was very good and we can bring Lisandro Martinez on, an experienced player and warrior in difficult moments." On Casemiro: "I think he played a very good game and used his experience and calmness. I was pleased with his performance." On youngsters: "This club is in a transition, we have had a disappointing season but in this disappointment we progressed some good young players - Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. It is good that three were on the scoresheet." On possibly winning the FA Cup: "I don't talk about this moment. We have talk about Brighton." On his future at the club: "I cannot answer tonight this question as it is a very long answer. "I don't think it is the right moment to talk about this. I have to talk about the next game and then a great final – it a huge achievement even in a disappointing season. "I see the positives this team is developing."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 7:53:35 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/9f22/live/1965e8f0-1308-11ef-bbd2-a9a35738cce0.jpgManchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes, speaking to Sky Sports: "Obviously the job isn't finished yet. We still have one game in the Premier League then the biggest game of the season, the FA Cup final. "It has been a tough season. The table shows that and we are all aware of that. The fans have been amazing and behind us all season. We all appreciate what they have been doing for us. "We want to do better and do differently and they [fans] deserve that. "They have been amazing for us and we had to do something, we have been trying but results don't show that. We have been working hard and everyone has been giving their best, it is not enough and we have to do more. "We still have two games to go and we have to finish in the best way. "It doesn't exist, a captain's performance, it is a team performance. "I am no different from anyone just because I have the armband. I always try my best and we always do the best we can for the club – nobody hides that we play for a big club and we have to lift our standards every game." On his future: "I will be here until when the club wants me and the club wants me to be a part of the future. If for some reason they don't want me, then I will go."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 16, 2024 7:57:07 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/9e1d/live/bb9d90f0-1303-11ef-b9d8-4f52aebe147d.jpgManchester United boss Erik ten Hag addressing the Old Trafford crowd: "On behalf of the players, staff and myself I want to thank you all for the brilliant support during this season. "As you know it wasn't an easy season, but one thing remained constant and that was the backing of you for the team. "This season is not over yet. First we go to Brighton where we travel for three points and then we go to Wembley. And I promise you those players will give everything to get that cup and bring it to Old Trafford. "We are sure you will be there supporting us - thank you, you are the best supporters in the world."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2024 7:55:10 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CBDF/production/_133319125_gossip_greewood_getty.jpgNapoli are interested in Manchester United's Mason Greenwood, who is on loan at Getafe, but they may face competition from Juventus if they want to sign the forward. Atletico Madrid are also keen on signing Greenwood. Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel wants the club to give assurances that they will bring in a defensive midfielder and a playmaker in the summer, before he commits to changing his mind and staying with the Bundesliga side beyond the end of the season, with Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes a target. United are interested in signing 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 17, 2024 7:56:08 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 18, 2024 8:02:51 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/c043/live/ecb3f520-0913-11ef-82e8-cd354766a224.pngManchester United may have to give midfielder Bruno Fernandes a pay rise from his current £230,000-a-week contract if they want to keep their captain. United will turn down any offers that arrive this summer for Fernandes as they see the 29-year-old as untouchable. The Old Trafford club are willing to pay £55m for 21-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but Everton want £80m. Meanwhile, United have been offered the opportunity to appoint long-term target Massimiliano Allegri as manager after the Italian was sacked by Juventus.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 18, 2024 8:09:18 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/e404/live/4d93a110-12a1-11ef-82e8-cd354766a224.jpgWe asked for your views on Thursday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Here are some of your responses
Man Utd fans
Dean: It is a great shame a lot of the players did not show up this season like they did on Wednesday. One thing is for sure though, if you give Erik ten Hag the tools to work with, he will deliver. Peter: Why, oh why, leave it to the penultimate league match to prove they can get it together? I suppose a lot of the players are getting very worried about being sold as nobody else will offer the same sort of wages they have been used to. Royston: The only positive tonight is the result. Could have gone behind on a few occasions with Newcastle missing clear chances. Yet again United won thanks to individual quality. Similar story all season. I can only hope they are not going to be embarrassed by Manchester City in the cup final. Forget Europe next season and start the rebuild from here. Ian: I thought we were very lucky as it probably should have been a penalty for Newcastle and we also gave them plenty of chances. Ten Hag is hanging on by the skin of his teeth. No doubt he will have watched a different game though. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/559/cpsprodpb/9129/live/299f22c0-136e-11ef-82e8-cd354766a224.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 18, 2024 8:11:34 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/0580/live/3932f230-143f-11ef-b0d8-137e1a51c92d.jpgErik ten Hag says he is enjoying the "luxury problem" of having competition for places in his Manchester United squad, with the Premier League finale and an FA Cup final appearance looming. United have endured an injury-hit season and go into Sunday's final game at Brighton knowing they could register their lowest finishing position in the Premier League era. Captain Bruno Fernandes, centre-back Lisandro Martinez and striker Marcus Rashford all returned to action in Wednesday's home win over Newcastle, while midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and winger Amad Diallo have taken opportunities to impress when starting United's past two games. "It's internal competition and I think they perform well," said the United boss of Amrabat and Diallo. "I think the way they're progressing across the season is very good for both and now they deserve the chance, they took the chance and that's a luxury problem. "Which is good and that is actually what I need, what I was waiting for so long. Actually, I was waiting for a whole season, such a luxury problem and we need a squad to win both games." Referring to the 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace earlier this month, Ten Hag added: "There was only one very poor performance (recently), so all the others, there was always very good spirit. "I would almost say across the season, across all the problems we had - I don't think I have to sum them up again, but we have had them - but the spirit in the team, the fighting spirit, was always there. The dynamic was always there and I think we had also some good performances, even when the best players were not available. "But you know when all the best players are not available, and you have to change so many things, the patterns are not there, the new routines are not there. "Now, lately, the last two games, we are returning some players, players who progress very well came in the team and the performances, as you say, were good in the last two games."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 19, 2024 18:23:14 GMT
Sunday 19th May 2024 - Premier League - Final Day Result
Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Manchester United 2 (Dalot 73, Hojlund 88)
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Report by Emily Salley, BBC Sport journalist.Rasmus Hojlund and Diogo Dalot helped Manchester United finish their worst Premier League season with a 2-0 victory at Brighton. Despite the win, Erik ten Hag's side end the campaign eighth - their lowest top-flight finish since 1989-90. Brighton, meanwhile, failed to give departing boss Roberto de Zerbi the perfect send-off, despite having the better chances and dominating possession. Adam Webster and Joao Pedro came closest to putting the Seagulls ahead in the first half, but they each lacked the clinical edge to beat Andre Onana. Brighton were left regretting missed chances when Dalot slotted past Jason Steele in the 73rd minute, before substitute Hojlund sealed the three points two minutes before the end of normal time. The Seagulls end the season 11th, missing out on the top half by a single point. Manchester United went into the final day knowing they needed a result better than Newcastle's to guarantee seventh place and European football next season. But hopes quickly faded as the Magpies went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead at Brentford. Newcastle eventually wrapped up a 4-2 win, meaning the Red Devils will have to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday if they are to secure a spot in next season's Europa League. ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2024/5/19/a763300f-a50d-4f42-979a-f6e9dc9dcec4.jpgManchester United boss Erik ten Hag, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We changed something at half-time, and after that we had more control. In the end the win is OK. "We swapped our sixes from the sides, left and right, that was important. We had a lot of problems defending Joao Pedro in the first half but then we had more control and we were better on the ball. You see the goal, it was a movement in behind. The first half was too static." On Manchester United’s worst finish in Premier League: "It is not good enough by far. Although we had less than 60 points two years ago, 58 points, eighth is the worst performance. It is the truth but we should have done better. We knows the reasons behind, everyone knows, but it is not the right moment to go into it. It’s not good enough." On Saturday's FA Cup final: "Talking about all the things we had to suffer this season, it was good to bring players back. They worked hard, desperate to play the final games of the season and especially the final next week. We get options and hopefully we will have a g week and everyone is on board. We will put a comp team out and we will fight for the cup." ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/370f/live/84a268d0-0d47-11ef-b9d8-4f52aebe147d.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2024 8:21:15 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/c043/live/ecb3f520-0913-11ef-82e8-cd354766a224.pngMauricio Pochettino is on the radar of Manchester United and Bayern Munich after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday. United are in a position to spend heavily in the summer transfer window as big losses in recent years are now dropping out of their profitability and sustainability rules calculations. They are exploring the possibility of signing 23-year-old Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, if they fail to strike a deal with Everton for 21-year-old England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. Everton have placed a minimum price tag of £80m on Branthwaite, who has also attracted interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham. Meanwhile, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have made contact with Benfica over a potential deal for 20-year-old Portugal centre-back Antonio Silva. United and Bayern Munich sent scouts to watch 18-year-old Malian midfielder Malick Junior Yalcouye play for IFK Gothenburg in a 1-0 win against Mjallby on Tuesday. Finally, Aston Villa are interested in 24-year-old Italy defender Raoul Bellanova, after he impressed during his first season with Torino, but Manchester United and West Ham United are also keen.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2024 8:26:27 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2024 22:37:39 GMT
Man Utd and Newcastle vying to sign Tosin..by Simon Stone and Nizaar Kinsella, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/800/cpsprodpb/357d/live/c1696300-1859-11ef-baf9-2dfab45ba024.jpgManchester United are vying with Newcastle to sign Fulham central defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The 26-year-old is a free agent on 30 June, having opted against extending his contract at Craven Cottage. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a known admirer of the former Manchester City youth player and the Magpies were thought to be close to completing a deal to sign him. However, it is understood Manchester United have not ended their interest in Adarabioyo. The Old Trafford club are in a tight financial position this summer as they try to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations. And given central defence is one of the areas they are aiming to strengthen this summer, the prospect of signing a player for Adarabioyo’s quality without having to pay a transfer fee holds particular appeal. Spurs, Liverpool and Italian side AC Milan have also been rumoured to be interested in the former England youth international.
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