The United Foundation made a weekend appeal for individuals to contribute coats meant to support underprivileged families through the winter period.

The Red Devils urged their supporters to “give unwanted clean adult and children’s coats to the Foundation, which will redistribute them to those accessing its community and education programmes, as well as local poverty charities in Greater Manchester.”

Ahead of his side’s clash against Brentford, Erik ten Hag was pictured donating a coat to the club’s charitable arm through John Shiels, who is its chief executive.

Erik ten Hag donates his coat to the @MU_Foundation #mufc pic.twitter.com/AgUkVmy2lb

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) October 6, 2023

Ten Hag emphasized the importance of giving back to society and lending a helping hand to those who are less fortunate.

The Dutchman also pledged his continued support to the campaign and what it stands for.

Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail reports that the Dutchman’s players followed his example and did the same.

It’s understood that the drive was extremely successful as supporters of both United and Brentford also chipped in massively.

The Red Devils hosted Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday. The game ended in a 2-1 win for United after Scott McTominay’s late heroics completed a sensational comeback for Ten Hag’s men.

“Goalkeeper Tom Heaton had enough to fill a bin bag and Marcus Rashford donated one by Japanese fashion brand BAPE worth hundreds of pounds.”

“The coats will be distributed among young people and their families across Greater Manchester as well as some in Ukraine.”

“The foundation is investing £100,000 to buy additional hats, gloves and scarves that will help people in deprived areas through the winter.”

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Dean Henderson’s permanent departure from Manchester United had been more or less assumed heading into the summer transfer window.

After Nottingham Forest took him on loan last season, Henderson had said that he was “fuming” at his parent club for “wasting” a year of his career.

His desire for first team football along with his willingness to burn bridges at United seemed to make his exit little more than a formality.

But things can change quickly in football and, according to 90mins, Dean Henderson is now set to stay at Old Trafford.

Despite impressing at Forest last term, the Midlands side have opted to sign Matt Turner from Arsenal instead.

At the time, it was thought that the club would still be back in for Henderson, such was their appreciation of his performances before his season-ending injury in January.

But, as reported by The Peoples Person, it has been a long road to recovery and, at one stage, fears that he would fail a medical were suggested as a possible reason for the delay of a permanent switch.

Injuries reared their ugly head again on the eve of the Premier League season, this time for Tom Heaton, who suffered a calf injury that will leave him unavailable for a few weeks.

With no senior backup to Andre Onana besides Henderson, and waning interest from Nottingham Forest, it seems that the academy graduate will not be getting his transfer this summer.

He has, according to 90mins, been “told in no uncertain terms” that he will be playing second fiddle to Erik ten Hag’s £42m summer signing in the event that no club matches United’s asking price this month. In essence, he has been sent to the bench.

That price is thought to be in excess of £20m, with reports from earlier in the window suggesting it may have been as much as £30m including performance-related bonuses. Given his bumper £120,000-a-week contract and recent injury issues, that would be something of a coup for Manchester United.

Whether Henderson manages to move in this window or not, it seems highly unlikely that he will have a long term future at the club. He may well feature in cup matches under Erik ten Hag for this season (or, at least, part of it), but the Englishman is unhappy with his situation and likely to cause problems somewhere down the line.

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While Andre Onana has clearly emerged as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of David de Gea, the question remains of what to do about backup option Dean Henderson.

Man United has a packed schedule given the team’s inclusion in the Champions League, thus making it possible for Henderson to appear in the odd match this season.

It’s reasonable to believe that Onana would most likely be relied upon in the league as well as in Europe, meaning that domestic cup games could prove to be an opportunity for a backup goalkeeper to get some exposure.

Still, is Henderson the right backup keeper to stand between the sticks for United during this season’s League Cup and FA Cup ties?

As Nottingham Forest’s first-choice keeper during his loan deal last season, there’s no question that Henderson has amassed a wealth of experience that has prepared him to up against top-tier opposition in cup games.

Still, Erik ten Hag as well as the club may have reservations when it comes to providing the 26-year-old with playing opportunities given his disciplinary record.

Henderson has been outspoken when it comes to his criticism of United, particularly during his loan spell.

Upon joining Forest on loan last season, the English goalkeeper criticized his parent club for keeping him on the bench in favour of playing De Gea, going so far as to say, “To sit there for 12 months, it is criminal really, at my age.”

In addition to being disrespectful toward United if not arrogant, Henderson’s comments also showed a lack of perspective, given that De Gea had been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the better part of the decade, even winning the Premier League title with the Red Devils in 2013.

In the same breath, fellow backup Tom Heaton, who has been uncontroversial, has gained favour with the club, with Ten Hag asking him to remain at Old Trafford this season should there be any incoming bids for the player.

Beyond the idea of not allowing bad behaviour to be rewarded, United would also do well to sell Henderson as soon as possible in order to raise the funds necessary to pursue transfer targets such as midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who the club is still intent on signing ahead of the transfer deadline.

Fiorentina is reportedly looking for €30 million for the player, and Henderson’s sale could go a long way in funding the purchase of the Moroccan star especially if Forest are willing to pay the €20 million that United are looking for.

Also important to note is that Henderson is believed to favour a move to Forest as opposed to another season at Old Trafford, and a club of United’s stature should not hold onto a player who doesn’t want to play for the badge.

Even if Henderson is a capable backup option who could cover for Onana during cup games, it makes more sense for United to find a way to offload the player in order to bring in signings such as Amrabat – a much higher priority.

The post Should Dean Henderson be selected to play in Manchester United’s cup games? appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United, heeding the advice of manager Erik ten Hag, bid farewell to David de Gea after 12 long years following numerous high-profile errors in big games last season.

In came Andre Onana from Inter Milan and he has enjoyed a solid start to his Old Trafford career. But who will be the club’s reserve goalkeeper is what is vexing the manager the most.

United’s reserve goalkeeper hunt

Matej Kovar, who impressed in the early part of pre-season, departed for the Bundesliga while Nathan Bishop joined Championship side Sunderland.

Tom Heaton was linked with moves to Premier League new boys Luton Town as well as Everton but Ten Hag was adamant that the player would be staying put.

However, recently the former Burnley star suffered an injury which has ruled him out for the first part of the season and this has created a major complication for Dean Henderson and United.

Initially, the plan was for the England international to join Nottingham Forest, with whom he had enjoyed a terrific loan spell last season.

Both clubs however, could not agree on the structure of a deal with Forest demanding a loan deal with an obligation to buy based on a high appearance count while United wanted a straightforward loan with a purchase deal.

However, now with Heaton unavailable, the United boss wants the academy graduate to stay and Forest have instead brought in Matt Turner from Arsenal.

Forest had even got in touch with United Football Director John Murtough in a bid to explore options on how to crack a deal but as The Athletic have pointed out, Henderson is no longer a priority for Steve Cooper’s side.

Forest no longer interested in Henderson

“Forest’s plans to bring Henderson back for a second spell — again on loan, with either an obligation or an option to buy — are now in limbo.

“Henderson’s thigh injury posed one problem when it came to him undergoing a rigorous medical. Ironically, while Henderson has edged closer to full fitness, an injury to his United teammate, Tom Heaton, has become a second potential hurdle.

“United are not in a rush to let Henderson move on and, having signed Turner, Forest do not view signing Henderson as an immediate priority.”

Henderson’s sale would have significantly helped United with their FFP issues but as of now, a deal looks unlikely to happen.

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As United prepare to get their Premier League campaign going when they host Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, Heaton will not be available to Erik ten Hag for possible selection.

The Red Devils confirmed via the club’s official website, “The experienced goalkeeper sustained an injury in training that is still being assessed but he is expected to be unavailable for the first few weeks of the season.”

According to The Manchester Evening News, the setback suffered by Heaton could put a potential transfer to Nottingham Forest for Dean Henderson in jeopardy.

Steve Cooper’s side have been locked in negotiations with United for Henderson’s services.

The Englishman of course spent the 2022/23 campaign out on loan at the City Ground, where he impressed as Forest beat the drop.

The crux of talks between both clubs lies in the terms at which an obligation in any loan deal for Henderson would be activated.

Forest want the loan obligation to be triggered around the 30-game mark, while United want this to be set at around five games.

As per Luckhurst, Heaton’s calf injury could translate to Henderson being marooned at Old Trafford for at least one more season as Andre Onana’s deputy.

This scenario is especially made more likely now that the 20-time English champions have reportedly agreed a deal to let Matej Kovar join Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent basis and have already let Nathan Bishop leave for Sunderland.

Henderson did not play even a single minute of pre-season.

United recently pursued a move for Urawa Reds shot-stopper Zion Suzuki, but the Japanese star recently revealed that he turned down the chance to play for Ten Hag as he would only come in as an understudy to Onana.

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After 12 long years, David de Gea decided to leave the club after being unhappy with United’s last contract offer and manager Erik ten Hag decided to bring in Andre Onana in the Spaniard’s place.

Dean Henderson, who is training with the club, still wants to leave as he has no intention of playing second-fiddle but his chances of earning a move to Nottingham Forest are slowly dwindling.

Kovar on his way out

One keeper who impressed during the early part of pre-season was Matej Kovar. The 23-year-old played against Leeds and Olympique Lyon and impressed with his ability with the ball at his feet.

After winning the league with Sparta Prague during a loan spell last season, there was a chance he could be kept on as backup but as per The Sun, a permanent move could be on the cards.

Sparta had tried to bring him back to the club but United’s asking price of £6 million was way beyond their means and a move ultimately failed to materialise.

The Peoples Person had already reported that the likes of Aston Villa and Cadiz were looking at the United academy graduate but two new teams have entered the fray.

“Manchester United will let keeper Matej Kovar leave — with Hull and Red Star Belgrade in a chase. The Tigers are keen to take the Czech, 23, who was at Sparta Prague on loan last season but may now go out permanently.

“Sparta were keen to buy but the price is higher than they want to pay. Now Hull and Red Star looking into making more serious offers. However, the Tigers would also take the Under-21 international on loan.”

Hull, Red Star want Kovar

If nothing works out, a loan deal with an obligation to work out could be worked out but United would ideally like to permanently offload the goalie in order to reinvest the amount elsewhere having already exhausted their summer transfer kitty.

It has already been reported that the young goalkeeper is not part of the manager’s plans going forward.

Tom Heaton has now decided to stay back at the club after positive discussions with the manager and that means the back-up keeper’s spot has now also been taken up.

Kovar needs regular game time at this stage of his career and a permanent move away from Old Trafford is the best decision for both parties.

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Tom Heaton will remain a Manchester United player this season after deciding to stay at the club.

As reported by The Peoples Person, Heaton was unsure of his future and was set for talks with Erik ten Hag before deciding his next steps.

Now according to The Manchester Evenings News, it is apparent that those talks have gone well.

A “good conversation” with the manager off the back of starting five of Man United’s seven preseason fixtures has convinced Heaton that his future remains at Old Trafford.

That is despite interest from Premier League new boys Luton Town and Championship outfit Hull City, either of whom would likely have offered a first choice position in the squad.

But with United having lost David de Gea and being set to lose Dean Henderson, the one-time academy graduate is closer to the front of the goalkeeping queue at United than ever before.

De Gea left after his contract expired and new terms could not be reached. Henderson, meanwhile, is dead set on a permanent transfer, as he wants an undisputed starting role.

Nottingham Forest – despite their imminent signing of Matt Turner from Arsenal – are expected to renew their interest in Henderson later on in the transfer window.

Henderson impressed during his time on loan in the Midlands last season and is desperate to return to the City Ground.

All of that leaves United’s goalkeeping department on the light side, meaning keeping Heaton at the club is a real coup for Ten Hag.

The club may still need to look to the transfer market to bolster their numbers once Henderson departs, but the need would have been far greater had their current backup opted for a move away.

His influence in the dressing room cannot be understated either. He has been referred to by a number of players – as well as Ten Hag himself – as one of the team’s leaders.

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Heaton spoke to MUTV after United’s 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin.

The Red Devils came from behind to score late in stoppage time through Facundo Pellistri, who was excellent.

In Bruno Fernandes’s absence, Heaton was handed the armband by Erik ten Hag. However, with the Premier League season now set to kick off in a few days’ time, the Englishman will be relinquishing a starting berth between the sticks back to Onana.

Heaton said about the Cameroonian, “He’s been great. He’s a really good lad and a great character. I really enjoy the style of his play and I think he’ll suit how the manager wants to play.”

“Hopefully I can learn a bit from him. I know I’m getting older but I’m always trying to develop and evolve. Hopefully I can offer him something about Premier League football and the requirements of the different challenges.”

On captaining United, the 37-year-old remarked, “It was a bit of a surprise, I think. Temporary custodian for the day, but still a proud moment. It is always an honour to captain United and I certainly enjoyed that today.”

Heaton explained that despite being in the latter stages of his career, he still feels brilliant and in top shape.

The United shot-stopper told club media that he has probably been aided to extend his longevity by not running as much or as hard as the outfield players.

He nevertheless pointed out that he still trains well and no differently to anyone else.

“That is one of the things for me, despite getting older, for me you still have to go through pain day-in, day-out, and do things properly. If you can’t do that you might want to ask yourself a question.”

One of the things that need clarity as Ten Hag’s men enter the new campaign revolves around Heaton’s future.

He is attracting interest from the likes of Luton Town and Everton. If his pre-season performances are anything to go by, the Carrington academy graduate could have made it very difficult for the club to let him go.

The post Tom Heaton backs Andre Onana to thrive at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Just a day after United beat RC Lens at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag named a much-changed starting XI.

Tom Heaton started in goal and captained the side. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Alvaro Fernandez started in defence.

In midfield, Dan Gore, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek were tasked with patrolling the middle of the park.

Jadon Sancho led the line once more and was flanked by Omari Forson and Facundo Pellistri.

Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao.

Harry Maguire must leave United for his own sake

The Red Devils were pretty much in control of proceedings during the opening 45 minutes until Bilbao took the lead just before the half-hour mark through Nico Williams.

A poor pass from Maguire was quickly intercepted and the ball turned over to an opposition player. Williams was played in and the 21-year-old put the ball into the back of the net despite Heaton’s best efforts to keep it out.

Maguire’s blunder, which essentially put the Red Devils on the back foot, is just the latest high-profile error from the former skipper.

Against Borussia Dortmund, an equally similar mistake put him at loggerheads with Andre Onana, who made no secret of his anger.

In no way has Maguire been the only player culpable of calamitous faults at the back. Just yesterday, Diogo Dalot’s inaccurate pass also led to a Lens goal.

However, for the England international it’s a case of his mistake-strewn displays being an almost assured occurrence in every match.

Fans would be forgiven for thinking that he always has a costly error in him.

It does not help that the 30-year-old is now almost a symbol of scorn and ridicule in the eyes of supporters. He has been booed on every occasion he has graced the pitch during the club’s pre-season tour.

He was once again the subject of audible boos at the Aviva Stadium every time he got on the ball.

Amidst interest in him from a number of English clubs such as West Ham and Everton, it would be in Maguire’s best interests to leave Old Trafford and look to revive his struggling career elsewhere.

At United, he is almost at a point of no return and it would take some doing for trust to be restored in him.

Already, he is below Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and even Luke Shaw in the pecking order. Going by his displays in recent pre-season games, he has done very little to convince Ten Hag of a rethink.

A parting of ways is arguably best for all parties at this point and Maguire would probably be best served by pushing for an exit himself.

Alvaro Fernandez very impressive

One of United’s outstanding performers was Fernandez.

It was a huge vote of confidence in him from Ten Hag that he was picked ahead of Brandon Williams, who boasts more experience.

Fernandez repaid his manager’s faith in kind in what can only be described as an impressive outing from him.

The Spaniard did not look fazed in the least bit and was confident in every action he took. His awareness, while not elite, was still very good. He will only get better as he progresses.

Fernandez showed his skill and especially caught the eye with a fabulous 360 degree spin that saw him leave a Bilbao player on the floor and oblivious of what had happened.

The 20-year-old was direct and demonstrated exceptional passing ability, especially going forward.

In general, his overall game was very solid and he will be pleased with what he has personally put up during pre-season.

Ten Hag seemed to also have liked what he saw, going by how he took time to chat to the left-back when he came off for Jonny Evans in the second half.

For his development, a loan spell next season would be a good idea. Premier League newcomers Burnley are thought to be keen on temporarily signing him and it’s easy to see why.

Van de Beek uninspiring

In a team consisting of so many youngsters, the expectation to carry the team and be a leader fell to the more experienced professionals, including Van de Beek.

The Dutchman was however disappointing to say the least.

He barely had any impact and it hardly shocked anyone that he was taken off at the interval.

Van de Beek’s below par performance was made even more glaring by his replacement, Hannibal Mejbri, who gave a much better account of himself.

It looks like Van de Beek’s days as a United player are numbered, especially with Real Sociedad knocking on the door for him.

The post Three things we learned as Man United score late to draw against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Andre Onana has come in and replaced long-serving goalie David de Gea and has made a positive impression in games against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

But no decision has been taken on who will be the reserve keeper with the manager still mulling his options.

ETH yet to decide who will be reserve keeper

Dean Henderson, who is injured and has not played a single game in pre-season, is a target for Nottingham Forest but currently both clubs are yet to agree on the conditions of the deal.

Tom Heaton played the whole game against Arsenal and the England international wants to play regularly after getting only three games in two seasons since his move back to Manchester.

Ten Hag is reportedly reluctant to let him leave with Premier League new boys Luton Town and Everton eyeing a deal.

The club had targeted Japanese youth prospect Zion Suzuki but the player had reportedly turned down an approach stating he wanted to stay in Japan in order to get more minutes and be in contention for a spot in the Olympic team.

One goalkeeper who has been recently linked a lot with a move to Old Trafford is Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayındır.

The 25-year-old played 40 games across all competitions last season and kept 14 clean sheets. He is valued at €11million as per Transfermarkt.

According to CNN Turk, the player’s agents have spoken with United and the Red Devils have “started official attempts” to sign the Turkish international.

United open talks for Altay Bayındır

What makes him even more attractive is the fact that his current contract with Fenerbahce, which runs until 2027, has a release clause of only €6 million.

“Manchester United, one of the English Premier League teams, started official attempts for Fenerbahçe’s national goalkeeper Altay Bayındır.

“It was stated that Altay Bayındır’s manager was in talks with Manchester United for a transfer. Altay Bayındır’s contract with Fenerbahçe includes a release clause of 6 million euros.”

It will be interesting to see if Ten Hag sticks with Heaton or decides to bring someone else in.

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