Tag Archives: Manchester United

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Nottingham Forest Stun Man Utd, Saka Shines in Arsenal Comeback

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Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United 1-0 to close in on Champions League football next season as Bukayo Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham on his return from injury on Tuesday.

Former United winger Anthony Elanga came back to haunt his former club with a stunning solo effort after just five minutes at the City Ground to earn all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Third-placed Forest extend their lead over Newcastle in sixth to 10 points.

Thanks to the strong performance of English sides in European competitions this season, the top five will almost certainly qualify for the Champions League.

Forest are two-time European champions but have not played in the continent’s elite competition since they were holders in 1980.

Elanga was discarded by United in 2023 after a bright start to his career at Old Trafford, but is one of many Forest success stories fulfilling his potential under Nuno.

The Swedish international collected possession deep inside his own half but showed blistering pace to burst into the United box before firing low past Andre Onana.

Just a year after battling to narrowly avoid relegation, Forest are enjoying an unexpected fairytale season that also includes progressing to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

They had been forced through 120 minutes and penalties to beat Brighton in Saturday’s quarter-final and were also without top scorer Chris Wood due to injury.

Forest fatigued in the second half, but United were undone by a familiar lack of cutting edge going forward.

Ruben Amorim resorted to sending on centre-back Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker in the closing stages and he nearly grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time when his shot was cleared off the line by Murillo.

United remain without two consecutive Premier League wins all season with the Red Devils languishing down in 13th.

Arsenal lose Gabriel

Arsenal maintained some pressure on leaders Liverpool by cutting the gap at the top to nine points.

Saka stole the headlines by coming off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21.

Mikel Merino’s deflected effort had given Arsenal a first-half lead.

However, victory came at a cost as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off injured.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but defeat is a blow to Fulham’s ambitions of European football next season.

Just one week away from the Gunners’ Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid, the sight of Gabriel pulling up with a hamstring problem added to Mikel Arteta’s injury woes.

Arsenal are already without forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus due to season-ending injuries.

But Merino has proved an able deputy as a stand-in striker.

The Spanish midfielder took his tally to five goals in eight games in his new role, albeit with the aid of a big deflection to open the scoring on 37 minutes.

Saka’s introduction was greeted with the biggest cheer of the night until that point at the Emirates Stadium when he replaced Ethan Nwaneri 25 minutes from time.

The England international took just eight minutes to net his 10th goal of the season.

Saka was in the right place to head in from close range after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino’s cross.

At the bottom of the table, Wolves pulled ever closer to survival with a 1-0 win over West Ham.

Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the only goal at Molineux as Wolves moved 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

AllAfrica/Trendznigeria

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Sancho’s Blunt Rashford Message Exposes Man Utd Toxicity

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Samuel Meade

Jadon Sancho has backed Marcus Rashford’s decision to leave Manchester United, taking a swipe at his former club on social media, but many believe it speaks to a wider issue of the problems at Old Trafford

Jadon Sancho’s swipe at Manchester United “reeks of toxicity” after the Chelsea loanee applauded Marcus Rashford for leaving.

Rashford hadn’t played for nearly two months until he took to the field on Sunday evening for his new team. The forward wasn’t part of Ruben Amorim’s plans and had been out in the cold for weeks before securing a move away from Old Trafford recently.

He posted on social media to thank his new fans for his reception, before Sancho came in with a one-word comment that simply said: “freedom”.

Sancho is on loan at Chelsea, but technically still on the books in Manchester, yet his bad feeling towards the Red Devils was very evident. He, like Rashford, spent a prolonged period outside the first-team environment but Ben Foster admits his willingness to speak publicly is a terrible reflection on his former club.

The goalkeeper said on his podcast, Ben Foster – The Cycling GK : “What is he doing? That’s ridiculous because he is still actually employed by Manchester United, so is Marcus Rashford. It just reeks of toxicity at United. It reeks of an unhappy place to be, that everybody’s buzzing for someone to get out [of the club].”

Sancho himself angered former manager Erik ten Hag, when he publicly responded to his comments on social media. That saw him shunned for months before he was able to secure a brief loan stint away with Borussia Dortmund.

He returned in the summer, and it was claimed that he and Ten Hag had put their differences aside as he was involved in pre-season. Sancho however was able to secure a move to Chelsea, where he will eventually stay on a permanent basis, having been unable to deliver in Manchester.

Rashford himself was dropped for the Manchester derby in December and never returned to the fold. His attitude had been called out in the past and Amorim himself wasn’t shy in speaking openly about why he was happy to overlook Rashford despite his talent.

I couldn´t put Marcus to see the way you´re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim said last week. “And sometimes you have one player that is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different.”

Mirror

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Wolves Triumph Over Manchester United in Foggy Clash at Molineux

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Cunha’s Corner Magic Seals the First Goal
Matheus Cunha delivered a pivotal moment for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday night as his corner kick, untouched by any defender or goalkeeper, found the back of the net against Manchester United’s Andre Onana. The bizarre yet skillful goal broke the deadlock in what was otherwise a scrappy Premier League encounter at Molineux.

Cunha’s ingenuity capitalized on the swirling Boxing Day fog and United’s defensive lapses, leaving Onana visibly frustrated. It was a moment emblematic of United’s struggles, with the visitors failing to mount a meaningful response throughout the match.

Fernandes Sent Off as United’s Struggles Deepen
Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes added to his side’s woes by earning a red card just two minutes into the second half. Already on a yellow from the first half, Fernandes carelessly fouled Nelson Semedo, leaving his team down to 10 men and with an even steeper uphill battle.

United, under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, seemed toothless in attack and disorganized at the back. Fernandes’ dismissal marked a turning point, allowing Wolves to dominate possession and maintain control of the game.

Wolves Clinch Victory with Hwang’s Late Strike
Wolves weathered a nervy eight minutes of added time before sealing the victory in style. In the dying moments, Hwang Hee-chan capitalized on a swift counterattack, slotting home the second goal to secure a 2-0 triumph. It was a perfect ending to Vitor Pereira’s first home match as Wolves’ manager, following an initial away win at Leicester City.

United’s Gloom Persists Under Amorim
For United, the loss marked their fourth defeat in five Premier League outings, leaving them languishing in 14th place with 22 points from 18 games. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag earlier this season, now holds the unfortunate record for the fastest Manchester United manager to lose four Premier League games achieving the dubious feat in just seven matches.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund symbolized United’s lackluster performance, failing to register a single touch inside Wolves’ penalty area before being substituted midway through the second half.

Wolves Climb Out of the Relegation Zone
The victory was crucial for Wolves, lifting them out of the bottom three and into 17th place with 15 points. It also brought joy to their fans, who celebrated Pereira’s promising start with the team. Cunha, undoubtedly the standout player of the match, not only scored the unusual opener but also assisted Hwang’s late goal, capping off a stellar performance.

United’s poor form raises significant questions about their direction under Amorim, with pressure mounting on the Portuguese manager. Meanwhile, Wolves will hope to build on this momentum as they aim to climb further up the table under Pereira’s leadership.

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Manchester United Eyeing Napoli Striker Victor Osimhen

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Red Devils Look to Strengthen Attack with Nigerian Forward Amid Striker Struggles

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with the possibility of including underperforming forward Joshua Zirkzee in the deal. The Nigerian international, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in impressive form this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in just nine appearances. Despite his strong showing, Osimhen is expected to return to Napoli next summer, with rumors of an early termination of his loan deal being firmly dismissed.

Osimhen’s Form and Future at Napoli

Osimhen, 25, has endured a turbulent period at Napoli since failing to secure a permanent move away from the club during the summer transfer window. Although there was significant interest from top European clubs including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and various teams in Saudi Arabia, the Nigerian striker rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League in favor of staying in Europe.

While he has impressed on loan at Galatasaray, Napoli remain the owner of his rights, and reports indicate that Osimhen will likely return to the Serie A club at the end of the season. However, despite this, the forward’s performances have caught the attention of multiple top clubs, with Manchester United now reportedly leading the race for his signature.

United’s Interest in Osimhen and Striker Search

Manchester United are actively looking to strengthen their attacking options, and Osimhen has emerged as a prime target. The club’s current strike force, consisting of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, has struggled to make an impact this season. United have managed just three goals between the two forwards in the Premier League, with Zirkzee failing to score since the opening match of the 2024-25 campaign. Højlund has scored just once.

As a result, United are keen to find a more reliable option to lead the line. Osimhen’s record at Napoli—76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances makes him an attractive prospect for the Red Devils. His pace, clinical finishing, and physicality would offer a significant upgrade to the team’s attacking options, making him a key target for new manager Ruben Amorim.

Zirkzee Could Be Included in Deal to Secure Osimhen

In a bid to land the highly sought-after striker, Manchester United are reportedly considering offering Zirkzee as part of the deal. The Dutch forward, who joined United from Bayern Munich in the summer, has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford. His lack of goals and limited playing time this season have led to suggestions that he could be used as a makeweight in a potential move for Osimhen.

Journalist Gerardo Fasano noted that Zirkzee’s inclusion in the deal could help facilitate the transfer, as Napoli may be open to adding the 22-year-old to their squad in exchange for Osimhen. Furthermore, Juventus are reportedly monitoring Zirkzee’s situation, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga.

The Striker’s Market and Potential Competition

While Manchester United are front-runners in the race for Osimhen, they are not the only club interested in his services. Chelsea and Arsenal have both previously been linked with the Nigerian forward, and it is expected that they will continue to monitor his situation throughout the season. With Osimhen’s future still up in the air, the competition for his signature will likely intensify as the transfer window approaches.

For now, the focus remains on the player’s current loan spell at Galatasaray, but with Manchester United seeking reinforcements and Napoli’s intentions unclear, the prospect of a transfer could materialize sooner rather than later.

A Major Upgrade for Manchester United

Should Manchester United successfully acquire Osimhen, it would represent a huge upgrade to their attacking options. The Nigerian’s proven goal-scoring ability in one of Europe’s top leagues, combined with his international pedigree, makes him a top-tier talent that would bolster United’s bid for a higher finish in the Premier League and a more competitive European campaign.

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Erik ten Hag’s Tenure Ends at Manchester United

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After two-and-a-half years in charge, Erik ten Hag has officially stepped down as the manager of Manchester United. In a statement, the club confirmed his departure and thanked him for his contributions.

“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024,” the statement read. “We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy Appointed Interim Manager

With Ten Hag’s departure, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been named interim head coach, supported by the existing coaching staff.

This temporary arrangement will remain until Manchester United appoints a permanent manager, a process that is expected to involve a comprehensive search.

A Difficult Decision Amid Poor Performance

According to club insiders, the decision to part ways with Ten Hag was a challenging one, made unanimously by the club’s leadership. Despite a promising start, the Red Devils have struggled this season, securing just four wins out of 14 matches. Currently positioned 14th in the Premier League, United has managed only one victory in their last eight games.

United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly considered replacing Ten Hag as early as the summer, meeting with several potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, Roberto de Zerbi, and Kieran McKenna. Despite a significant investment of £200 million in new players, the club’s faith in Ten Hag ultimately waned following a series of disappointing results, culminating in a recent 2-1 defeat to West Ham.

Potential Candidates for the Permanent Role

United is reportedly prepared to compensate clubs to secure their ideal candidate, and there are several names in contention. Brentford’s Thomas Frank is highly regarded within United’s hierarchy, while sporting director Dan Ashworth is known to have worked well with Eddie Howe at Newcastle, making Howe another viable option.

The club has also shown interest in Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. Meanwhile, sources in Spain claim that former Barcelona manager Xavi has held discussions regarding a possible move to Old Trafford. Xavi shares a close connection with United’s CEO Omar Berrada from their time together at Barcelona, potentially easing negotiations.

A New Direction for Manchester United

Ten Hag’s tenure at United initially brought success with domestic trophies but ultimately fell short of revitalizing the team. With the club’s new sporting structure in place as of this summer, United is looking for a manager capable of delivering consistent performances and results. The next few weeks are expected to be crucial as United searches for the right candidate to lead the Red Devils into a new era.

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Bruno Fernandes Receives Second Red Card in Dramatic Draw Against Porto

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Man United Captain Faces Red Card Controversy After Tottenham Decision is Overturned

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has once again found himself at the center of controversy after receiving a second red card in his team’s 3-3 draw against Porto.

The incident occurred just days after his previous red card against Tottenham was overturned, allowing him to remain eligible for upcoming matches.

Red Card Drama Unfolds

The Portuguese international was shown a straight red card last weekend in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham for a foul on James Maddison at Old Trafford. It marked his first red card in five years. However, Manchester United successfully appealed the decision, which was later rescinded by the FA, per Sky Sports, clearing Fernandes to play in the weekend fixture against Aston Villa.

Despite the reversal of the initial red card, United felt aggrieved as they had to play the entire second half against Spurs with only 10 men. This incident has further fueled frustrations within the team and among fans.

Second Yellow Card in Porto Clash

Just as the dust was settling from his previous red card, Fernandes found himself sent off again, this time during United’s 3-3 draw with Porto. The dismissal occurred in the 82nd minute when Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for a high boot challenge on Porto defender Nehuen Perez.

Fernandes was attempting to connect with a cross, but his foot made contact with Perez’s head as the defender lunged in with a diving header. After careful consideration, the referee issued a red card, forcing United to finish the game with 10 men yet again.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Harry Maguire rescued a late equalizer for United, salvaging a point after they had initially led 2-0 before allowing Porto to come back into the match.

Fernandes Addresses Red Card Controversies

In the aftermath of the match, Fernandes took to Instagram to release a heartfelt statement addressing the red card controversies and his current form. The 30-year-old midfielder reflected on the emotional toll of the recent events, writing:

“Tough moment as a team and personally for me, one of the hardest. Almost 5 years at the club with ups and downs, good and bad moments. I know it sounds cliché, and most of you United fans will be tired of it, but no one is more disappointed than myself with my own moment.”

His message seemed to resonate with fans who have witnessed both his highs and lows since his arrival at the club.

Future of Erik Ten Hag Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around the future of Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently addressed the situation, clarifying that the football leadership team would be responsible for making any decisions regarding the Dutchman’s future.

Erik Ten Hag

Speaking to the media, Ratcliffe emphasized that while ownership remains invested in the club’s success, the team overseeing football operations will handle coaching decisions, including whether or not to retain Ten Hag.

With tensions high both on and off the pitch, Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures are sure to be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa is expected to be another pivotal moment in a tumultuous season for the Red Devils.