Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Month for January 2023.
Rashford picked the prize up in September as well and has remained a crucial player for United ever since, racking up 18 goals and eight assists in 31 games across all competitions this season.
In January, Rashford netted three goals across four Premier League outings, earning himself the Player of the Month prize for the second time this season and the third time across his career.
He opened the month by netting in a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, before he famously completed a United comeback in the Manchester derby against Pep Guardiola’s City with an 82nd-minute winner to seal all three points.
After drawing a blank against Crystal Palace, Rashford rounded out January with a screamer of a strike in a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal which was also nominated for the month’s Best Goal award.
Rashford came out on top of a seven-man shortlist that also included Newcastle’s Dan Burn, Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson, City’s Riyad Mahrez, Brighton’s Solly March, Brentford’s David Raya and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
The Red Devils will also come up against Leeds United and Leicester City, before rounding out February with the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Manchester United secured their place in only a second major final in six seasons on Wednesday night with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Goals from Anthony Martial and Fred decided the game, bumping up an already comfortable aggregate lead from the first leg to 5-0, setting up a clash with Newcastle at Wembley this month.
The hosts had mild penalty appeals when Alejandro Garnacho went down under pressure from Neco Williams and Willy Boly. But nearly half an hour had passed before either side had a clear sight of goal, with a powerful Casemiro header saved by Wayne Hennessey’s outstretched right foot.
Despite chasing an aggregate deficit, Forest had seen very little of the ball but probably should have taken the lead on a rare foray forward. A throw-in gave Brennan Johnson the chance to dribble his way through, but the pacey Welshman’s finish straight at Tom Heaton lacked conviction.
Antony’s cleanly hit strike from outside the box in the closing stages of the first half had Hennessey worried as he flew to his left, seeing the ball just rise over the crossbar.
Wout Weghorst then struck the post right before the interval after an otherwise quiet opening 45 minutes from the Dutchman, while Forest winger Emmanuel Dennis had his head in his hands when his goal-bound effort was inadvertently blocked by teammate Sam Surridge.
United had stronger penalty appeals not long into the second half when Weghorst nicked the ball in front of Forest defender Scott McKenna, whose attempt to clear then upended the forward. It was given the VAR treatment but the on-field decision surprisingly stood.
Tempers flared a little around the hour mark, with tackles flying and Alejandro Garnacho involved in an ongoing fracas with Johnson and Williams on Forest’s right flank. The young Argentine forced Hennessey into a good save at the near post in one of his final acts before Ten Hag made a flurry of changes, including the return of Jadon Sancho after more than three months out.
With United already starting to turn the screw, those changes triggered the second half goals. The first went to Martial, capitalising on a rebound after fellow sub Marcus Rashford had seen an attempt blocked following an initial run by the Frenchman.
Sancho was then involved in the second goal not long after, feeding Bruno Fernandes on the right. The United skipper’s exquisite outside-of-the-foot ball to the far post was then put back across the box by Rashford for Fred to score an easy tap-in.
Heaton still had to have his wits about him late on to preserve his clean sheet, throwing a big hand up to parry a powerful drive from Danilo as Forest searched for a very late consolation. With the goal gaping, Surridge skied his own attempt on the rebound.
Man Utd player ratings (4-2-3-1) GK: Tom Heaton – 6/10 – A deserved opportunity but hardly a busy night until a spectacular late save.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7/10 – Took up an interesting position relatively high up the pitch and often tucked inside that made it difficult for Dennis and made space for Antony.
CB: Lisandro Martinez – 7/10 – Commanded every situation.
CB: Raphael Varane – 7/10 – Always composed and in control.
LB: Luke Shaw – 6/10 – Back after illness and can be satisifed with this performance.
CM: Casemiro – 8/10 – Another fine example of the type of performance that has really driven the whole team’s resurgence this season.
CM: Fred – 7/10 – Has been thriving alongside his fellow countryman and could play an awful lot more now that Christian Eriksen is out for a few months.
RM: Antony – 6/10 – Inches away from a great goal and posed a threat early on.
AM: Bruno Fernandes (c) – 8/10 – Put in a star turn, especially after moving to the right in the seconc half. Went close to a goal of his own late on.
LM: Alejandro Garnacho – 7/10 – Becoming more and more at home in this team.
ST: Wout Weghorst – 6/10 – A quiet opening 45 minutes until hitting the post on the stroke of half-time. Probably deserved a penalty after the break.
Substitutes SUB: Marcus Rashford (62′ for Garnacho) – 7/10
SUB: Jadon Sancho (62′ for Antony) – 7/10
SUB: Anthony Martial (63′ for Weghorst) – 7/10
SUB: Victor Lindelof (80′ for Casemiro) – N/A
SUB: Harry Maguire (80′ for Varane) – N/A
Manager Erik ten Hag – 9/10 – Went with a strong side to avoid any slip-ups, but it was the substitutions and slight tweak in shape as Fernandes moved to the right that made the difference.
Nottingham Forest player ratings (4-2-3-1) GK: Wayne Hennessey – 6/10 – Made a handful of saves to keep it 0-0 for at least a while.
RB: Neco Williams – 7/10 – Had his hands full with Garnacho but ultimately outlasted his imprssive opponent, before switching to the other side.
CB: Scott McKenna – 5/10 – Arguably fortunate not to give away a penalty for a swinging leg that caught Weghorst.
CB: Willy Boly – 6/10 – Stood tall for long periods until the resistance finally broke.
LB: Renan Lodi – 5/10 – Barely touched the ball and had a tough night of defending.
CM: Remo Freuler (c) – 5/10 – Tough night against a very good United midfield.
CM: Orel Mangala – 5/10 – Similar story to Freuler, found it hard going.
RM: Brennan Johnson – 6/10 – Should have done with a great first half chance that he created himself, having already done the hard bit.
AM: Gustavo Scarpa – 6/10 – Had promising moments just as in the first leg.
LM: Emmanuel Dennis – 5/10 – Late replacement for the injured Jesse Lingard and initially struggled to get into the game. Had one decent chance blocked by his own teammate.
ST: Sam Surridge – 5/10 – With little of the ball, frustrations got the better of him when he cleaned out Raphael Varane to pick up a yellow card.
Substitutes SUB: Alex Mighten (64′ for Johnson) – 5/10
SUB: Danilo (64′ for Freuler) – 6/10
SUB: Serge Aurier (65′ for Lodi) – 5/10
SUB: Oliver Hammond (86′ for Scarpa) – N/A
SUB: Detlef Osong (86′ for Surridge) – N/A
Manager Steve Cooper – 7/10 – Set up his side well and they did admirably to hold out for as long as they did.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Jadon Sancho to become an important player for the club once more following his long-awaited return to action on Wednesday night.
Sancho came off the bench to a rapturous reception at Old Trafford to contribute to United’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest to cement their place in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
The 22-year-old hadn’t featured since October before that, with initially illness and then concerns over fitness and also his mental wellbeing keeping him out of the team.
But Sancho showed even in flashes against Forest, playing an important role in the move that made the second goal for Fred, that he has the quality to make an impact.
“He already showed that [he can be a decisive player],” Ten Hag said afterwards.
“This season for instance, the game against Liverpool was a great goal. He scored against Leicester. He had some really good games, Spurs as well, so he already showed his great capabilities.”
Sancho is yet to consistently perform to those standards in a United shirt since his 2021 transfer from Borussia Dortmund, although he has faith from the boss and time remains on his side.
“He has really high standards,” Ten Hag continued. “He has great capabilities to contribute to our team and the team is improving, we are playing more in the opponent’s half and his capabilities are coming more to the fore. He can act on them more and have more touches on the ball and that gives him the best platform to perform.
“It is always important that players enjoy football because that gives energy and also the motivation to act and to perform.
“The reception from the fans to him was great and that will give him even more a push to continue in the way he is now acting. He has just started again, he is back in Carrington, and hopefully he can keep that and really contribute to the team because when he is in form, he is important to us.”
Manchester United fought back for a dramatic 2-1 win against Manchester City that left their arch-rivals fuming over a controversial VAR decision to allow Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser, while troubled Liverpool crashed to a shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday.
Fernandes’ goal was the turning point and City boss Pep Guardiola and his players were seething after the flag went up for offside when Rashford ran on to Casemiro’s pass.
“The first goal is a joke that it can be allowed,” City defender Manuel Akanji told BBC Sport.
“He runs for 30 metres, he’s chasing the ball. In the situation, I played him (Rashford) offside. I understand he doesn’t touch the ball, but for me it is clearly offside.”
A win for leaders Arsenal at north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday would put the Gunners eight points clear.
While City splutter, United are in fine form following their ninth successive victory in all competitions.
Asked if they are in the title race, boss Erik ten Hag said: “The fans may dream but we are not. We have improved, that is obvious. There is still a long way to go.”
Marcus Rashford scored the winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 in a thrilling match at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Both United goals came in the final 12 minutes as Erik ten Hag’s side moved to within one point of their local rivals in the Premier League table after inflicting a damaging blow to City’s hopes of retaining the title.
Pep Guardiola’s men looked to be heading to victory when Jack Grealish came off the bench to head the visitors into the lead.
But Bruno Fernandes’ controversial equaliser turned the game and four minutes later Rashford netted for the ninth consecutive match at Old Trafford.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo could make his Saudi Arabian debut on January 22 after he was successfully registered by new team Al Nassr, a club source told AFP on Saturday.
Ronaldo, who was unveiled to fans this week, joined the squad list after Al Nassr terminated Manchester United-linked striker Vincent Aboubakar to stay within the maximum eight foreign nationals stipulated by the Saudi league.
He will now be available for the January 22 home game against Ettifaq after completing a two-match ban issued in November for smashing a fan’s mobile phone while playing for Manchester United.
“Al Nassr terminated Vincent Aboubakar’s contract by mutual consent and he received all his financial rights,” the club source said, adding that Ronaldo was registered before Al Nassr’s game against Al Ta’ee on Friday.
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“So now he served one game from the ban and will serve the other one against Al Shabab” on January 14, the source said.
The official did not address reports that Aboubakar, 30, could be on his way to Manchester United, saying he was now a free agent and could negotiate with any team.
Ronaldo, 37, joined Al Nassr in a deal believed to be worth around 200 million euros that has shone an unprecedented light on the Saudi Pro League.
It comes as Saudi Arabia, which watched as neighbour Qatar hosted the World Cup in November and December, considers a joint bid for the 2030 tournament with Greece and Egypt.
The deeply conservative kingdom is snapping up sports assets as part of a drive to soften its harsh image, attract foreign interest and diversify its oil-reliant economy.
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Critics have accused the Saudis of “sportswashing” — using sport to deflect attention from human rights controversies.
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland on loan until the end of the season.
The Red Devils had been on the lookout for a backup goalkeeper after Martin Dubravka was recalled from his loan deal early by parent club Newcastle United.
𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 confirmed earlier this week that talks had been ongoing between United and Butland’s representatives, and now a deal has finally been ironed out.
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Speaking to the club’s official website after making the move, Butland said: “This is an amazing club and one that I am now proud to represent. I’m really looking forward to working with an unbelievable goalkeeping group, supporting each other every day to create the best training and playing environment for the team.
“I’ve played against David de Gea and represented England alongside Tom Heaton; they are top-class ‘keepers, and I am relishing the opportunity to compete alongside and support them as teammates. There is a lot that this group can achieve this season and I’m excited to play my part in helping everyone to reach these ambitions.”
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Butland had been a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper earlier in his career but has been a backup for Crystal Palace in recent years and will take up at similar role at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag has warned fans that Manchester United will not be rushing Jadon Sancho back to action, calling for patience as they work with the England international away from the spotlight.
The 22-year-old has not played for United since October and, after missing out on a spot at the World Cup, has since been placed on an individual training regime which has included brief involvements in group sessions.
While Ten Hag has been crying out for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, he stressed that rushing Sancho back to competitive action is not under consideration and no time frame has been put on his return.
“I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible, but I can’t force this process,” Ten Hag said. “I will do everything that’s in my power but some processes you can’t force and this is one of them.
“I also have to show patience although I don’t have patience because we have a lack of opportunities in the front line, players who are available and capable to contribute not only in the Premier League but on the highest standard in football.
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“Jadon is one who, when he is fit, he will contribute and we will have an extra option and so we have more chance to win a lot of games.”
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Asked for an update on Sancho’s condition, Ten Hag admitted he has seen improvements from the winger but confessed he is not yet ready for competitive action.
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“With the physical, there’s also a connection of mental,” Ten Hag continued. “I think he’s now making good progress on the physical part and that will help him.
“I hope he can return quickly but I can’t say how long it will be. In this moment, he is not fit enough, no.
“We have some hurdles to take. I think he’s (heading) in a good direction. I can’t force this process so I don’t do. I would be really happy in the moment if he returned in the squad for team training, that’s the next step.”
The United boss added: “Football players are not robots. No one is the same, I think for everyone you need an individual approach.
“Sometimes it’s good to go away from the place where you’re at daily and to get a new fight and spirit. People have a different approach and that can give you the right push to get back on track.”
Manchester United were faster, sharper, smarter, and classier than Nottingham Forest in this seventh straight win over their visitors.
This was approaching the complete performance: a blend of measured attacking and rapid breaks and the constant harrying of an opponent who ended exhausted and demoralised.
Given United had scored only 20 Premier League goals at kickoff and there is limited finance in January to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, a strike apiece from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial before Fred’s late clincher was as fine a tonic as the three points which keep them on the heels of Tottenham. (Watch Video Here)
Freedom is one more adjective to describe how, 23 years after United spanked Forest 8-1 at the City Ground (Ole Gunnar Solskjær scoring four in 10 minutes), this Erik ten Hag side applied a similar schooling on what was, for most of the contest, a classic rain-lashed Mancunian night.
Of this first post-World Cup Premier League outing Ten Hag said: “You always question yourself after a break what will be the restart – the back four never played together and a player who never played in a centre-back position … and if you win three, concede no goal, you are happy with the performance.”
Luke Shaw lined up to partner the excellent Raphaël Varane versus a Forest side who had won their past three matches (two in the League Cup): their finest run of the campaign. (Watch Video Here)
The sequence appeared likely to end from the moment United began rolling the ball about. Rashford, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka spun Forest out of position and went close to scoring after Christian Eriksen joined them.
A prevailing criticism of United in the past decade has been how they are pre-eminently a counterattacking proposition and so another Rashford-Wan-Bissaka pattern that again had the latter pinging over – towards Martial – offered further encouragement.
The opener came from a corner on the right. Eriksen’s delivery – rolled along the turf – came out of the coaches’ playbook and there was Rashford to hammer home for a fifth in the competition. (Watch Video Here)
United’s No 10 may be in the form of his career – as his next act further evidenced. This time he turned creator, sliding a crafty pass to Martial who, from range, pulled the trigger. Hennessey dived low and right and spilled the ball over the line for five in nine appearances for the No 9.
Rashford was rampant. A bullocking run drew a yellow card, before a backheel, a feathered touch, and an incisive charge that cast Renan Lodi as amateurish were further dashes of menace. “I’m enjoying it,” he said. “Every forward always has a number they want to try to reach, and mine is to score more than I ever have before in a season – that’s 22.” (Watch Video Here)
As impressive was the hounding Forest received from United in any moment of possession – Casemiro, Varane and Eriksen often hunting in a pack. Yet, now, Willy Boly got the last touch on a Lodi set piece to score. But, in the melee, Ryan Yates’s header had hit the centre-back’s leg and, following one of those age-like VAR delays, this was chalked off for the Ivorian standing offside.
Manchester United had 69.5% possession by half-time. This was definitely their match to close out at a canter. The unplayable Rashford next popped up on the left and, using Martial’s run as a decoy, landed the ball at Fernandes’s feet. He tapped it right and the onrushing Antony should not have allowed Hennessey to repel his close-range shot. Martial, too, smacked off Hennessey’s legs – Fernandes again the provider – as United toyed with Cooper’s men. (Watch Video Here)
Donny van de Beek, brought off the bench, lashed a shot off Remo Freuler, Fernandes tried to lob Hennessey from halfway, and Alejandro Garnacho (another substitute) ripped down the left: this was a joyous display. Now came the third: Casemiro prodded the ball to Fred and another of the manager’s substitutes had scored. “Disappointment is my reflection,” Steve Cooper, Forest’s manager, said.
Brazil, tipped as one of the World Cup’s favourites, crashed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage on Friday.
Croatia had the upper hand during a penalty shoot-out that ended 4-2 in favour of the Luka Modric-led Europeans.
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Antony had regretted Brazil’s exit from the tournament, expressing sadness over the premature exit but promised that the Selecao would come back even stronger.
Pele reminded the 22-year-old his story is “just beginning.”
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The Portugal forward appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford following a recent television interview in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for new manager Erik ten Hag.
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“Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect,” said a United statement.
“The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances and wishes him and his family well for the future.
“Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch.”
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The bank also denied reports that it wants to close some deposit money banks in Nigeria over their inability to dispense new naira notes amid a cash crunch in the…
Manchester United have issued a statement following their forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview with British veteran journalist Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo recently did an exclusive interview with Morgan and hit out at Manchester United and their manager Erik ten Hag.
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The Portugal captain said Man United had betrayed him and that he does not respect Ten Hag.
However, reacting to the development, Man United, in a statement via its website on Monday, said: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
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Buhari, according to a statement issued on Saturday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will unveil the equipment at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to Sky Sports, Ten Hag and United players are extremely disappointed with the manner and timing of Ronaldo’s interview.
It adds that “United are likely to consider all their options now regarding the player”.
Short clips and quotes began to circulate on the Internet just after their 2-1 win at Fulham. A game in which 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho grabbed the headlines with a stoppage-time winner at Craven Cottage.
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Ronaldo will now fly to Qatar where he will captain the Portugal national team at the 2022 World Cup.
However, beyond the tournament, it is hard to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner return to Old Trafford.
United are likely to pay Ronaldo off in the January transfer window, a time in which he will have six months left on his current deal.
Ronaldo tried to leave in the summer for a club playing in the Champions League, but ended up staying at the club, where he has been benched for most games by Ten Hag.
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According to Sky Sports, Ten Hag and United players are extremely disappointed with the manner and timing of Ronaldo’s interview.
It adds that “United are likely to consider all their options now regarding the player”.
Short clips and quotes began to circulate on the Internet just after their 2-1 win at Fulham. A game in which 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho grabbed the headlines with a stoppage-time winner at Craven Cottage.
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Ronaldo will now fly to Qatar where he will captain the Portugal national team at the 2022 World Cup.
However, beyond the tournament, it is hard to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner return to Old Trafford.
United are likely to pay Ronaldo off in the January transfer window, a time in which he will have six months left on his current deal.
Ronaldo tried to leave in the summer for a club playing in the Champions League, but ended up staying at the club, where he has been benched for most games by Ten Hag.
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During the monitoring exercise, Jerry cans containing hoarded petrol were impounded in some fuel stations with the task force cautioning against such acts.
According to Sky Sports, Ten Hag and United players are extremely disappointed with the manner and timing of Ronaldo’s interview.
It adds that “United are likely to consider all their options now regarding the player”.
Short clips and quotes began to circulate on the Internet just after their 2-1 win at Fulham. A game in which 18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho grabbed the headlines with a stoppage-time winner at Craven Cottage.
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Ronaldo will now fly to Qatar where he will captain the Portugal national team at the 2022 World Cup.
However, beyond the tournament, it is hard to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner return to Old Trafford.
United are likely to pay Ronaldo off in the January transfer window, a time in which he will have six months left on his current deal.
Ronaldo tried to leave in the summer for a club playing in the Champions League, but ended up staying at the club, where he has been benched for most games by Ten Hag.
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Aston Villa recorded a famous win over Manchester United on Sunday evening, winning their first game under new coach Unai Emery.
Goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey were enough for the Villans to see off an in-form Red Devils side.
Aston Villa made a perfect start to life under Unai Emery inside the opening 10 minutes of the new manager’s first game in charge, taking a two goal lead against Man Utd.
The opener came from Leon Bailey, who drove the ball low and hard across goal and into the bottom right corner of the net, having been played through on goal by Jacob Ramsey.
The second goal would be scored by Lucas Digne in spectacular fashion. The French full-back curled a free kick from just outside the penalty into the top corner of the net.
Man Utd finally start to show some signs of life on the half hour mark, focring Emi Martinez into two good saves in quick succession. The first Red Devils player to be denied by the Argentine international was the young Garnacho who, after drifting past Matty Cash in the box, saw a decent effort on goal palmed clear by the goalkeeper.
Cristiano Ronaldo was denied moments later, with Martinez getting his foot on the forward’s header.
The visitors did eventually find a route back into the game through a deflected Luke Shaw volley. The left-back latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired the ball in on goal – an effort which flick off the back of Jacob Ramsey and into the back of the net.
Villa hit the ground running once again at the start of the second half, grabbing a crucial third goal in the 48th minute through Ramsey. The young midfielder coolly side-footed an Ollie Watkins cut-back cross into the top right corner of the goal.
After that, United didn’t really threaten to get back into the game as Emery’s team, rather comfortably, shut up shop for the remainder of the half.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1) GK – Emiliano Martinez – 7/10 – Made two very good saves in the first half and commanded his area well throughout.
RB – Matty Cash – 6/10 – Worked hard on the right flank.
CB – Ezri Konza – 6/10 – A solid performances from the 25-year-old.
LB – Lucas Digne – 7/10 – Scored a wonderful free-kick.
CM – Leander Dendoncker – 7/10 – Very solid in the middle of the park for Villa.
CM – Douglas Luiz – 7/10 – Impressed in transition, seemingly always playing the right pass.
RM – Jacob Ramsey – 9/10 – Really great performance. Unfortunate to score an own goal but quickly made amends with a lovely finish at the other end after half-time.
AM – Emi Buendia – 7/10 – Moved the ball around brilliantly, particularly in the first half.
LM – Leon Bailey – 8/10 – Opened the scoring with a clinical finish and cause Man Utd a host of problems with his pace.
ST – Ollie Watkins – 7/10 – Stretched Man Utd’s backline at will. Bagged an assist.
SUB – John McGinn – 6/10.
SUB – Ashley Young – 6/10.
SUB – Boubacar Kamara – 6/10.
SUB – Danny Ings – N/A.
SUB – Morgan Sanson – N/A.
Man Utd (4-2-3-1) GK – David de Gea – 5/10 – Conceded three but could do nothing about any of the goals.
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Manchester United have scouted Porto and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa at least half a dozen times this season as Erik ten Hag considers his long-term options to be the club’s number one, 90min understands.
Ten Hag and United’s decision makers have a big choice to make in goal over the coming months, with current number one David de Gea out of contract in June 2023.
United have an option to extend the Spaniard’s contract by a further year but the decision to proceed on that is complicated by De Gea’s salary, which sits among the club’s most expensive contracts at around £375,000 a week. Long-term concerns over De Gea’s capability to adapt to Ten Hag’s system mean he may no longer justify the earnings.
De Gea is open to renegotiating his deal to extend on reduced terms, but as it stands United are considering all options on the table as well as looking at alternatives. Costa is among them, though United’s potential task of signing the player became more difficult this week as the 23-year-old signed an extension to his contract with Porto until 2027 – with a raised release clause of €75m.
Such a move would come at great expense to United and they are also known to be targeting additions at right back and at centre forward in 2023, while central midfield remains an area in need of strengthening, while already having overspent on their summer budget in 2022.
United scouts are understood to be pushing the idea of pursuing Costa to decision makers, and he does fit the bill of a modern day goalkeeper – which both Liverpool with Alisson and Manchester City with Ederson have justified in recent years – capable of strong reflexes and distribution. Costa has also become renowned for his incredible record of saving penalties.
The club are understood to be in quandary of how to proceed in goal, with 90min learning that Ten Hag is falling for De Gea’s work ethic and presence around Carrington and on the pitch. De Gea made a miraculous double save during Thursday’s win over Real Sociedad and also earned United three points in the win over West Ham on Sunday, with outstanding saves from Kurt Zouma and Declan Rice.
United also have Dean Henderson, who has long eyed the club’s first choice goalkeeping slot, out on loan with Nottingham Forest at present and are due to make a decision on him upon his return at the end of the season, while Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak has long been admired.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo and insists the 37-year-old’s second stint at Manchester United has been successful – despite ruling out any possibility of the Magpies signing the Portuguese striker.
Ronaldo rejoined United in the summer of 2021, 12 years after leaving for Real Madrid, and scored 24 goals in 38 games last season.
Despite this, his second stint at the club has polarised fans, with many suggesting his presence was detrimental to United’s performances as they dropped to sixth in the Premier League table. Update: Rich sugar mummies in Lagos | No connection fee
Ronaldo attempted to leave Old Trafford in the summer but was unable to convince other clubs to sign him.
One side with the funds to sign Ronaldo would be Newcastle United – however, manager Howe insists the newly wealthy club has no intention of making such a move.
“At the moment, we have quite an ageing squad, so we need to invest more in young players. That’s probably a big part of our progression, we need to get the average age down.
“So, it might not be a signing that we would necessarily look to make, but that’s not under-estimating the quality of the player.”
Howe added: “He’s an outstanding player. You look at his goal record last year, that was incredible. So, for me, the transfer has worked, it’s been a success.
“He got massive goals last year and some really late, important goals in the Champions League. The quality of the player is unquestionable. We are going to have to be very, very good against him if he plays. We’re going to have to brief our players on the areas from where he wants to score That’s something we have to be aware of.”
Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has revealed why the Serie A side did not pursue a move for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, despite speculation linking him with a move to the club.
Ronaldo was intent on leaving Old Trafford after Manchester United failed to qualify for this season’s Champions League. However, he didn’t particularly come close to leaving and has now fallen down the pecking order in Manchester.
The 37-year-old was linked with several clubs across Europe – most notably Chelsea and Bayern Munich – while Napoli seemingly emerged as a late contender for his signature.
Giuntoli has since dismissed this as speculation, though in an interview with Corriere dello Sport, he revealed why exactly Napoli weren’t in contention to sign Ronaldo anyway.
“During the transfer market we pretend to chat with everyone, and sometimes we do it for real – but we wanted to invest in a young team,” he said.
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Napoli’s young stars – including Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – put Liverpool to the sword on Wednesday evening, smashing the Reds 4-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, made his first Europa League appearance since his Sporting CP days (and when it was known as the UEFA Cup) as United were beaten 1-0 at home by Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Manchester United’s winning run was broken as a Brais Mendez penalty saw Real Sociedad earn a 1-0 victory in their Europa League opener at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
A tight game was decided when substitute Lisandro Martinez was penalised for handball in the area despite the ball hitting his knee first, allowing Mendez to convert from the spot.
Sociedad have previously endured a poor record against English teams in Europe, failing to win any of their six matches, but held their hosts to a goalless first half.
The United side included Casemiro – making his first start for the club – and recalled duo Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward had a few half-sights of goal and saw an excellent header disallowed for offside.
Anthony Elanga enjoyed a few electric runs out wide, but Erik ten Haag’s side recorded just one shot on target as Sociedad frustrated their hosts going into half time.
Ronaldo squandered United’s first chance of the second half, not getting enough on substitute Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint cross from the right.
The tight battle swung the way of the visitors shortly before the hour mark in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. A shot from David Silva was blocked by diving substitute Martinez before the ball ricocheted onto his arm, with referee Marco Di Bello pointing to the spot.
Mendez made no mistake, lashing his effort beyond the reach of David de Gea.
The Spaniard was called into action soon after as he batted away Takefusa Kubo’s drive before Casemiro spurned a decent opportunity, heading the ball into the ground and over the crossbar at the back post.
United pushed on and the roaming dribbling of Martinez pushed them into promising positions, but it was Sociedad who nearly doubled their lead instead, though Alexander Sorloth butchered a counter attack and allowed De Gea to collect the pass.
It remained 1-0 and ended United’s recent winning run in the Premier League which stood at four victories
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Manchester United player ratings vs Real Sociedad – Europa League 1. Man Utd (4-3-3) GK: David de Gea – 5/10 – No saves to make and only four touches in the first half. More active in the second period but couldn’t save the penalty.
RB: Diogo Dalot – 7/10 – Used the ball well in the final third, whipping in some dangerous crosses.
CB: Harry Maguire – 6/10 – Back in the starting XI and thankfully for his sake not a difficult first 45.
CB: Victor Lindelof – 6/10 – A little tentative but used the ball accurately and made a couple of interceptions.
LB: Tyrell Malacia – 7/10 – Another forthright and front-foot defensive performance.
CM: Fred – 5/10 – Arrived in good positions from midfield but a couple of sloppy giveaways relinquished control.
CM: Casemiro – 6/10 – Wasted a good opportunity to equalise with a mistimed header. Gloriously spun by Aihen Munoz in a tough moment.
CM: Christian Eriksen – 7/10 – Quality of delivery was brilliant. United’s play now firmly runs through the Dane and they’re all the better for it, despite Thursday’s result.
RW: Antony – 6/10 – Tried to link up with his attacking teammates but was rarely successful.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo – 5/10 – Had an excellent header disallowed for offside. Missed another header he should have buried at the start of the second half. Didn’t look like he enjoyed playing in United’s Thursday night team.
LW: Anthony Elanga – 6/10 – A couple of brilliant runs made him United’s main threat in the first half. Threat waned after the break.
SUB: Bruno Fernandes (45′ for Eriksen) – 6/10 – Immediately set Ronaldo up with a cross. Increased United’s tempo for a period.
SUB: Lisandro Martinez (45′ for Dalot) – 6/10 – Somewhat unfortunate to concede the penalty. Broke forward with purpose late on.
SUB: Jadon Sancho (71′ for Antony) – 6/10
SUB: Alejandro Garnacho (71′ for Elanga) – 6/10
SUB: Charlie McNeill (83′ for Malacia) – N/A
Manager: Erik ten Haag – 5/10 – Switched up his starting XI for Europe. Lack of attacking quality will be concerning for Ten Hag, though he will certainly have a good idea of the players he can trust after Thursday night.
Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag, has said Cristiano Ronaldo is “ready to start” in the majority of their games this season.
After intense transfer speculation linking him with a summer exit, Ronaldo has found himself starting games from the bench.
However, Ten Hag believes the 37-year-old is now fully match fit and ready to start regularly for the Red Devils.
Speaking ahead of a Europa League group stage opener against Real Sociedad, Ten Hag said: “He [Ronaldo] started against Brentford, then not since, but he is ready to start.
“Of course [he can start for the majority of games].”
Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, who was a summer transfer target for Manchester United, has admitted that moving to Old Trafford would be a dream come true.
The 20-year-old was linked with a move to United, where he would have reunited with former manager Erik ten Hag, but he opted to rejoin Ajax on a permanent basis after returning on loan from RB Leipzig at the end of 2021.
Brobbey had moved to Germany just five months prior but struggled to hold down a first team place at Leipzig, making just nine appearances in the Bundesliga.
His return to Amsterdam, where he worked under Ten Hag, was hugely successful, and he scored seven goals in 11 games to help Ajax win a 36th Eredivisie title ahead of rivals PSV Eindhoven.
That form led to speculation that Brobbey could follow Ten Hag to Old Trafford, with a move to Manchester rumoured early in the transfer window. Ultimately, Brobbey decided to stay in the Netherlands, but has now admitted that Ten Hag had been in touch over a possible move.
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“Erik sent me a message, yes,” Brobbey told ESPN. “To congratulate me, and to tell me that he would like to have me in Manchester. But I’m not finished at Ajax yet, I want to show something here first.”
Pressed on where he would like to play his football in the future, Brobbey smiled and replied to reporters “Manchester United”.
United went on to sign Brobbey’s former teammates Antony and Lisandro Martinez, while they also concluded deals for Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Martin Dubravka. They have overcome a difficult start to the season to win four Premier League games in a row, the most recent of which was a 3-1 win over table-topping Arsenal.
Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League group stage opener against Real Sociedad.
United have bounced back superbly from their disastrous beginning to the new season, winning their last four matches – including landmark victories against Liverpool and Arsenal.
The Red Devils get their European campaign underway on Thursday evening. Here’s what Ten Hag had to say at his pre-match press conference.
Thomas Tuchel What are your thoughts on Chelsea sacking Thomas Tuchel? “I feel sorry, but there is nothing I can say. It’s Chelsea, not Man United. It’s early in the season, yes.”
Cristiano Ronaldo & rotation Will Cristiano Ronaldo return to the starting lineup? “He started against Brentford, then not since, but he is ready to start. Of course [he can start for the majority of games].”
What are your plans for Europa League rotation? “We have to win every game. We want to win every tournament, so we take everything seriously. We not only have a team, we have a squad, but we have to win every game and that is the mentality Manchester United needs.
“Maybe I can not keep them all happy every game, but everyone gets the game time if they perform well – quite clear. As I’ve said, we need everyone, we have a lot of games to cover.”
What’s the mood like in the squad? “It’s always difficult when you lose games, the mood is not the same, but we always come here every day to give 100%, to get better in every aspect and that we can be, obviously after Brentford we had a full week to prepare for a game we knew would be difficult. We won it, it’s in the past now, we want to focus on tomorrow and do the same things every game.”
Marcus Rashford What have you made of Marcus Rashford’s return to form? “Once again, it’s difficult for me to talk about the past. What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford. We worked really hard the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch. It started with happiness, he comes in every day, he enjoys it, he’s smiling, a really positive vibe, and if you put all of those things together – like the way of play – and you are happy, you will contribute more to the team.”
Does Rashford plan to sign a new contract? “Definitely. I don’t think he’s out of contract and I think United control the situation.”
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on loan with an option to make the move permanent.
Dubravka has slipped down the pecking order under Eddie Howe having been the Magpies’ number one before Nick Pope arrived in the summer.
Howe revealed contact from United over the Slovakia international last week, stating: “There has been contact between the clubs and those discussions will continue.”
Noble Reporters Media now understands the deal with United is done, with just personal terms and other smaller issues to work out. There will be an obligation for the Red Devils to make the transfer permanent should he play a certain number of games.
Dean Henderson’s loan to Nottingham Forest opened up a number two spot behind David de Gea at Old Trafford. The likes of Alex McCarthy, Kevin Trapp, Yann Sommer, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Daniel Bachmann and Giorgi Mamardashvili all emerged as potential options, but Dubravka was ultimately decided as their primary target.
The 33-year-old made 130 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle, having first signed on loan in 2017/18. He played 26 league games last season, but Pope has quickly made himself the first choice stopper at St James’ Park.
United are also closing in on the signing of Ajax winger Antony
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