It has been widely indicated that as Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on a partial 25% investment into United, he has identified possible key personnel to spearhead his vision at Old Trafford, with Mitchell being among them.

The INEOS billionaire’s proposal is entirely contingent on being granted sporting control.

He is keen to oversee a change of structure and operations at United, with a view to restoring the club’s past glories and bringing back success on the pitch.

Alongside Mitchell, it’s understood that former Juventus CEO Jean-Claude Blanc is also under strong consideration for a top job at United, with Richard Arnold’s future not secure.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person suggested that Sir Jim could start work at United as soon as next week when an official announcement could be made.

The Daily Star reports that Mitchell was present as Mason Greenwood’s Getafe won by one goal to nil against Cadiz at Estadio Coliseum.

Greenwood came up with an assist for Borja Mayoral’s all-important goal that secured the victory and clinched all three points for Getafe.

The English forward now has three goals and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions for the Spanish outfit this season.

As per the Daily Star, Mitchell was spotted by cameras while Greenwood was in action for his loan side.

The Carrington academy graduate of course joined Getafe after it was announced he will likely not play for United again. He was arrested last year and subsequently charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive control. He denied all the allegations.

In February this year, the Crown Prosecution Service stated that all charges against Greenwood had been dropped due to the withdrawal of key witnesses from the case.

United then launched their own investigation into the matter and had provisionally planned for his return but when the club’s plot was leaked, the Red Devils were forced to perform a U-turn, prompting the player’s loan move to Getafe.

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United scored two goals in the opening 45 minutes courtesy of Rasmus Hojlund who grabbed a brace.

Erik ten Hag’s men looked to be comfortable and in control, until a Marcus Rashford red card turned the game on its head. Copenhagen quickly scored two goals to restore parity before the break.

United momentarily took the lead in the second half after Bruno Fernandes converted his penalty.

However, once more, Copenhagen scored twice – this time in the space of five minutes – to clinch the win and secure all three points at Parken.

Ferdinand spoke to TNT Sports (via Eurosport) after the final whistle and blamed United’s poor mentality and a lack of leaders in the team for the team’s collapse.

The six-time Premier League winner said, “Back again into crisis mode, I think that’s the way it is. It’s a rollercoaster at Man United now. There’s no consistency.”

“We were watching that game and I was screaming, 2-0 up, Rasmus Hojlund, I’m thinking, ‘Wow, we’ve found a hero’, and then all of a sudden the wheels just fall off. They capitulate and that just signals to me a lack of character at the moment, there’s not enough characters in there to pull a team through.”

“When they’re in a situation where there’s a bit of adversity or they’re under duress, they haven’t got enough leaders and characters in those moments to pull them through in those moments and that’s what you need.”

“It doesn’t come down to ability in those situations. Away, Copenhagen, I’ve been there, we got beat 1-0 when I was there, but this is far too often we’re seeing this happen.”

Ferdinand added that the United players need to dig deep to overturn their current predicament and get the team back to winning ways.

The 45-year-old however admitted that ultimately the buck stops with Ten Hag and it’s up to the Dutch coach to pick his underperforming stars up.

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The Telegraph reports, “Dane Rashford was arrested on Oct 20 in Miami Beach in Florida. He initially appeared in court the following day where the bond for his release ahead of his pre-trial hearing was, according to police records, set at $1,500 [£1,224].”

“His charge was registered on Oct 24 as the misdemeanour of battery, further defined as domestic violence.”

“Dane was pictured in official police arrest photographs and has been issued by the court in the state of Florida with a pre-trial “stay away order” allegedly permitting no contact.”

As per The Telegraph, Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management.

Rashford is a client of the company which manages his affairs, including contract talks with United.

Sam Wallace reveals that Dane alongside Rashford’s other brother Dwaine Maynard – also a registered FA intermediary – were both named on the official FA documents for the United star’s last two contracts with the Red Devils.

It’s understood that the bond amount was paid by Chantelle Maynard, one week after the arrest took place.

Dane is no longer in prison. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. A hearing will take place later this month on the 27th.

The Telegraph adds that both United and the Rashford camp declined to comment when approached for a response on the matter.

Daysi Vega-Mendez, assistant state prosecutor for Miami Dade County told the newspaper, “The case is still active, at the moment I haven’t been able to get hold of the victim. Our office is trying to get hold of the UK Embassy because we need permission to speak to the victim.”

“I am not sure whether they are still in the United States or if they have left the country. I understand they were on vacation. Technically once you are charged you are not supposed to leave the country. When a person is given a bond if they leave, they surrender that bond.”

“At the moment the case is still active and listed for an arraignment hearing on Nov 27.”

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Former Manchester United player Philip Neville has been named the new coach of MLS side Portland Timbers.

Neville was sacked as manager of David Beckham’s Inter Miami just five months ago but has found another home in Major League Soccer.

As reported by The Sun, Neville has been officially named as Timbers’ head coach and is looking forward to his new challenge.

Neville says he had an immediate feeling toward his new club as soon as he met the staff and spent time in the city.

“I am massively excited about the challenge ahead.

“From the very first moment I met the staff I knew it was the right opportunity for me, the right club for me and the right city for me,” he said.

The former England man claims that he new club and city rekindles old memories for him, likening Portland to his hometown of Manchester.

“I have great memories visiting Portland, which reminds me of Manchester, my hometown, and I can’t wait for my family to get to know this beautiful city,” Neville says.

A dramatic Decision Day in the MLS saw Portland lose their final game and, coupled with other results going against them, meant they finished outside of the playoff spots to qualify for the MLS Cup, which is still yet to be decided.

Neville succeeds former Millwall striker Giovanni Savarese, who was sacked by the Timbers in the middle of last term after six years in charge, leaving American coach Miles Joseph to steer the side to the end of the campaign.

Despite an upturn in form, two loses in their last two fixtures killed the Timbers’ season and Neville has been chosen to start the next campaign with a bang.

Timbers’ general manager Ned Grabavoy spoke on his excitement to welcome Neville to Providence Park and is confident the relationship will be a fruitful one.

“We look forward to making Phil and his family feel at home in Portland. His leadership qualities, diverse experience as a coach, and ambition to evolve made him a terrific fit here with us in Portland,” said Grabavoy.

Neville will have plenty of time to get his feet under the table in his new surroundings with the new MLS campaign not getting under way until the first few months of next year.

The post Former Manchester United player Phil Neville named as new Portland Timbers coach appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

As the current record United goalscorer, and once holding the record national team goalscorer accolade, one can hardly say he didn’t reach his potential.

However, when he broke out, he looked destined to become one of the greatest footballers, period.

In an interview with rugby legend Rob Burrows, Rooney has lifted the lid on the challenges he faced after being earmarked for greatness at such a young age.

He said that alcohol became his release as struggled to cope with the challenges thrown at him, both on and off the pitch during his career.

He was reticent to talk about his problems with others due to the fear of embarrassment and the feeling of letting them down.

Rooney revealed that his drinking problem reached such a serious stage that at times, he would keep drinking till he couldn’t move out of the house and just passed out.

“I’ve had many different challenges, both on the pitch and off the pitch, and my release was alcohol.

“When I was in my early 20s, I’d spend a couple of days at home and wouldn’t move out of the house and drink almost until I passed out.

“I didn’t want to be around people because sometimes you feel embarrassed and sometimes you feel like you’ve let people down.

“Ultimately I didn’t know how else to deal with it, so I chose alcohol to try and help me get through that,” the Birmingham City boss said.

Rooney went on to say that now he has matured as a person and isn’t afraid to speak out about his issues and seek help instead of suffering alone.

It has helped him get away from the low place he was in due to his drinking problems.

“There were people there for me to speak to but I chose not to do that and tried to deal with it myself.

“When you do that and don’t take the help and guidance of others, you can really be in a low place and I was for a few years with that.

“Thankfully now I am not afraid to go and speak to people over some issues which I may have,” he said.

Rooney’s words could hopefully work as an encouragement for people going through something similar so they can seek help instead of suffering alone.

The post Wayne Rooney reveals struggles with drinking in early phase of his career appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Bailly was axed after getting involved in a bust-up with one of his teammates, Tayfur Bingöl.

Before the interval, the Ivory Coast international was seen walking towards Bingöl, before reaching out, grabbing his shirt and pulling him aggressively.

A surprised Bingöl turned around to meet a fuming Bailly.

Former Tottenham Hotspur loan star Gedson Fernandes, seemingly recognized that the situation could get ugly and quickly stepped in to defuse matters.

There is a strong chance that things boiled over at half-time since Bailly was substituted and replaced by Valentin Rosier.

In Bailly’s absence, Besiktas went on to lose by three goals to two in the crucial league clash.

The defender later took to Instagram and apologized for his behaviour. He wrote, “Competitive tension pushes us to greater success, and that is all we want.”

“We all want to win and want the best. I apologise to the manager, my team-mates and Besiktas family for my mistake. Heads up and focus on the next one.”

Interim boss Burak Yilmaz confirmed after the final whistle, “There was a problem with Eric Bailly during the half-time. That’s why I took him off. There is no injury situation. I took him out of the game due to an inappropriate move.”

Bailly was Jose Mourinho’s first signing at United when he arrived in 2016. The Red Devils paid Villareal £30m for the player.

He went on to make 116 appearances for the 20-time English champions.

His time at Old Trafford was marred by consistent injuries which prevented the centre-back from truly nailing down a regular spot in the team.

Erik ten Hag’s appointment at United saw Bailly sent off to Marseille on a loan basis for the 2022/23 season. Besiktas then permanently signed him in the summer, giving him the opportunity to get his career back on track.

The post Ex-Man United star Eric Bailly taken off at half-time after “inappropriate” bust-up with Besiktas teammate appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Today, 6 November, marks exactly 37 years since Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed Manchester United manager.

Back in 1986, United chairman Martin Edwards made the decision to appoint the Aberdeen boss and it would prove one of the most important events in the club’s incredible history.

Although Ferguson had enjoyed huge success north of the border, including an incredible European Cup triumph, even Edwards surely couldn’t have predicted that he’d just kicked off arguably the greatest managerial reign the game of football has ever seen.

Ferguson would go on to take charge of 1500 games for United, winning 895 and scooping a whopping 38 trophies over a 27 year spell at Old Trafford.

On this day, 37 years ago, Manchester United appointed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

Games: 1500
Wins: 895
Trophies: 38

The Greatest Manager In Football History, The GOAT. pic.twitter.com/lVRhEzxRHC

— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 (@TenHagBall_) November 6, 2023

United were without a top-flight league title since 1967 with Liverpool and Everton the dominant forces in the English game when the Govern-born manager took charge.

Ferguson immediately set out to wrestle the balance of power to Manchester, promising to “knock Liverpool off their perch,” in a defiant message to Merseyside.

After investing huge resource into the youth set-up at the club, it was clear the project was long term and the United hierarchy had to stand firm through the turbulent early years.

However, by 1990 Ferguson had won the FA Cup, going a long way to appeasing the fans who were restless at the trophy-starved period they were suffering.

The inaugural Premier League was formed in 1992 and after being pipped to the First Division title the year before, Ferguson and his troops were ready to strike.

United duly went on to win the Premier League in the 1992/93 season, ending the club’s 26 drought for a league title and sparking a remarkable period of dominance.

Ferguson went onto win a record 13 Premier League crowns, along with five FA Cup trophies, as United swept all before them domestically.

United also won two Champions League titles under Ferguson’s guidance, each one as dramatic as the other.

He secured an historic Treble in 1999 that will be seen as the crowning glory of Ferguson’s time at the club – earning the Scot a knighthood.

The second Champions League success came in 2008, with a side that was arguably his most talented on paper.

A front line of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo tormented Europe throughout that period and perhaps the only regret of Fergie’s time at United will be that he didn’t win more than the two European crowns.

United were involved in three out of four Champions League finals in that spell but came up against a Barcelona team that is widely regarded as the best to have ever played the game.

Sir Alex retired at the end of the 2012/13 season and bowed out in typical style, winning the league title at a canter and ensuring he would leave the club two first-division titles clear of Liverpool – something that looked impossible in 1986.

That Premier League win remains United’s last and the dramatic drop in silverware and standard only stands to highlight how incredible the great man was.

The post Sir Alex Ferguson appointed Manchester United manager 37 years ago today appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag and his players have come under pressure for a number of poor results and wanting performances.

United have lost eight games across 16 matches in all competitions this season.

At the moment, Erik ten Hag’s side are in eighth position in the league, six points adrift of Arsenal who are in fourth.

In the Champions League, United are third in Group A after managing just one win in three clashes, which came against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford.

The 20-time English champions got some much-needed reprieve after their victory vs. Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

A late goal from Bruno Fernandes ensured the club clinched all three points to relieve pressure that was mounting.

Sabitzer spoke to The Athletic and discussed a number of issues including his loan spell at United and why the team is struggling this term after making so much progress last season.

He was signed from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day in January after Christian Eriksen sustained an injury during an FA Cup clash against Reading.

Sabitzer did relatively well but at the end of his tenure, United elected not to make his signing permanent.

He was not helped by the fact that he picked up an injury which required surgery.

The Austrian said, “I went straight into the deep end after that tricky time at Bayern. I felt very good on the pitch and regained my confidence, I realised that I still had it and, despite not having that rhythm that comes with regular starts, I showed that I could still do it at that level.”

“It helped me a lot. Physically, mentally and football-wise, I’m very happy with how the last 10, 11 months have gone.”

Sabitzer revealed that when he was at United, there was generally a “positive and very calm atmosphere.”

The Dortmund star noted that all the players and coaching staff were firmly focused on improving on the pitch and there was an overwhelming feeling that the club was slowly returning to where it rightfully belongs.

The 29-year-old added, “I feel very positive about my time there and still talk to a couple of people. You ask yourself, ‘What’s going on?’ There’s a lot of noise, results are not good, they’ve had defeats at home, which almost felt unthinkable last season.”

“And there’s still the unresolved situation of the ownership. You can see what that does to a team. I feel sorry for them because they’re all good guys, and extremely hungry for success.”

When pushed to give possible reasons why United are struggling this season, Sabitzer quickly pointed out that injuries to key players could be a huge factor.

He suggested the respective absences of the likes of Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez who are all leaders that provide structure and stability as potential explanations for the drop in performances.

Sabitzer further stated, “Erik ten Hag comes with up very specific match plans and patterns of play. But if you have too many important players missing and too many changes as a result, things get lost between the tactics board and the pitch. The rhythm of players coming isn’t right, processes aren’t right.”

He divulged that especially in England where competition is stiff, a team needs its strongest and most capable players to be available.

Sabitzer expressed hope that when players return, United will be able to show their true ability and get back to consistently winning.

The post Marcel Sabitzer defends Erik ten Hag as he blames injuries for Man United’s poor form appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

As Sir Jim Ratcliffe closes in on a 25% partial investment into United that will essentially make him a minority owner, it was revealed that Ashworth was one of the names under strong consideration for a backroom role at the club.

Sir Jim’s proposal is contingent on being granted sporting control as he seeks to reverse United’s fortunes both on the pitch and in terms of recruitment.

It’s understood that ex-Monaco, Tottenham Hotspur and RB Leipzig sporting director Paul Mitchell is the leading candidate to spearhead Sir Jim’s vision at Old Trafford.

Ashworth is hugely credited with transforming Brighton into the powerhouse it is at the moment.

The Seagulls have of course been hailed for their recruitment model which entails scouting the globe for hidden gems, singing them and nurturing them into potential world-class players before selling them to bigger clubs for huge sums.

After his stint at the Amex Stadium, Ashworth was appointed as Newcastle’s sporting director.

Under him and Magpies manager Eddie Howe, Newcastle had a brilliant 2022/23 season that culminated in the club’s qualification for the Champions League.

Ashworth responded to the links suggesting he could be on the move to United.

He said, “It’s the same situation as Howe. I’m really happy.

“It’s a brilliant city, club and project.”

The 52-year-old added, “I’ve got no release clause in my Newcastle contract. Eddie has got a brilliant relationship with the staff, board and supporters.”

Newcastle director Ashworth on Man Utd links: “It’s the same situation as Howe. I'm really happy, it's brilliant city, club and project”.

“I’ve got NO release clause in my #NUFC contrwct”.

“Eddie has got a brilliant relationship with the staff, board and supporters”. pic.twitter.com/e4WYwcXbj2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 6, 2023

He went on ahead to say that he is enjoying himself at St James’ Park and is relishing the challenge of making it one of the biggest clubs in England once more.

The post Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth issues response to Manchester United links appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The emergence of the Middle East’s interest in football has been sent shockwaves throughout the game in the last twelve months.

Huge investments have been made into raising the profile of the sport in Middle Eastern countries, with Saudi Arabia leading the way in tempting players to their developing leagues.

The United Arab Emirates are also covering football like never before and have found a pundit who bears an incredible resemblance to former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville.

As reported by The Daily Star, it didn’t take long for the image of the doppelganger to go viral, with fans jesting that Neville had swapped his job at Sky for a role in the Middle East!

Social media users were typically quick-witted with their comments.

One fan wrote “Love the idea of Neville sneaking off to Abu Dhabi every few days behind his family’s back just to get his punditry fix lol”.

Another joked: “I wonder if he’s blaming the Glazers for everything too.” With a third dubbing him “Garab Neville.”

Since retiring with eight Premier League titles and over 600 appearances for United, Neville has become the lead man on Sky Sports.

The former England centre-back has sparked an unlikely relationship with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, with the pair regularly debating incidents across the Premier League.

As it transpired the look-a-like’s actual name is Hassan Ibrahim, a former footballer and now technical analyst on Abu Dhabi’s chief sports channel, AD Sports.

Ibrahim covers the UAE division as part of the channel’s coverage of the Middle Eastern leagues, as well as matches in Italy’s Serie A, Australia’s A-League, and the USA’s MLS.

Neville was last spotted on Sky forming part of the coverage of Newcastle United’s controversial weekend win against Arsenal.

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