Gareth Southgate has named his England squad for November's Euro qualifiers

Raheem Sterling once again misses out on the squad with Southgate making no major changes to the England team that won back-to-back matches last month, with Callum Wilson the only player to be… pic.twitter.com/6uXwTRyzE0

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 9, 2023

The two games are England’s last in their qualifying campaign.

The Three Lions secured their qualification for the competition after beating Italy in a 3-1 victory last month. Rashford scored a stunning goal in that clash at Wembley Stadium.

Since Southgate’s side have also secured top spot in Group C, the players will be looking to use their two remaining fixtures to prepare for the Euros and keep fit until club football returns after the upcoming international break.

Southgate spoke to the media and gave his reasons for selecting Rashford, who is currently undergoing a tough time at United.

The forward has only managed one goal across 15 appearances in all competitions this season.

He was the subject of a controversial red card decision during United’s most recent defeat against FC Copenhagen at Parken.

Courtesy of his sending-off in the first half, the Red Devils played a large part of the game a man down and could not manage to get a result vs. Jacob Neestrup’s men.

Southgate said about Rashford being called up, “I’ve not spoken to him. He knows we love him.”

“He’s been exceptional in his last three starts with us so we’re really happy with him. He enjoys his football with us so, for me, there’s nothing to discuss. What happens at his club is nothing to do with me.”

On whether Rashford deserved to be given his marching orders against Copenhagen, Southgate remarked, “He’s unlucky. I think it’s a red card, in the end the action takes him into a player. But everyone knows he’s trying to protect the ball and get his body across it. It’s just really unfortunate in that respect.”

The England boss expressed his pleasure at Maguire’s change in fortunes at Old Trafford.

At the moment, Maguire seems to be back in Erik ten Hag’s plans and even appears to be above Raphael Varane in the pecking order.

Southgate stated, “It’s great. I thought it might mean this was the first time I wouldn’t get a question about him! You want your players to be enjoying their club football and he’s battling for the team. I’m really pleased for him.”

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Brain injury charity Headway has expressed its worry and called for the introduction of temporary concussion substitutes in the sport.

This incident has ignited a debate about player safety and the prioritization of health over the outcome of the game.

Maguire, aged 30, suffered the injury early in the match following a collision with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

The contact resulted in Maguire’s shoulder striking his head.

Referee John Brooks stopped the game after 60 minutes to insist that Maguire leave the pitch for treatment, initially citing a hand injury. Maguire returned to the field and completed the match.

Speaking after the game, Maguire stated that he passed the Premier League concussion protocol and knew his whereabouts. However, Headway criticized the incident, emphasizing the sport’s reluctance to prioritize player health.

Luke Griggs, Chief Executive at Headway, said, “The incident with Harry Maguire is concerning for a number of reasons. Every time the ‘if in doubt, sit it out’ principle is seen to be ignored in elite-level football, our chances of educating younger players and better protecting future generations from short and long-term brain injury are diminished.”

“Temporary concussion substitutions would immediately help return some credibility to the process, but an evolution of attitude is urgently needed.”

While the International Football Advisory Board (IFAB) rejected a trial of temporary concussion substitutions, concerns continue to mount.

The English Football Association’s concussion guidelines stipulate immediate removal from the pitch for players with suspected concussion.

However, the implementation of temporary concussion substitutes remains a contentious issue.

The incident involving Maguire highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to player safety, with the sport facing increasing pressure to prioritize health over the result of the game.

As debates continue, it is essential to consider the long-term well-being of footballers and the potential consequences of neglecting head injuries.

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The centre-half’s frustration is palpable as referee John Brooks assesses the VAR monitor, his anger undoubtedly shared by every single United fan who tuned in to watch the game.

(WARNING – Video contains expletives)

I love Maguire’s reaction for the disallowed goal.

“I wasn’t even involved ref! Hey! I wasn’t even involved! F****ing hell!I wasn’t even involved!” pic.twitter.com/OqekXi1beG

— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 (@TenHagBall_) November 5, 2023

Though United would ultimately end up winning the game 1-0, courtesy of a last-minute winner by Bruno Fernandes, it was a tough match for Erik ten Hag’s men, devoid of clear-cut chances or any semblance of attractive football.

Arguably, Fulham were the better team and may feel hard done by to have come away from the match with nothing to show for their efforts. The home side were largely held at bay by the impressive Maguire, who overcame an early blow to the head to produce a Man of the Match performance in the United defence. 

Fulham (1.17) 0-1 (0.74) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) November 4, 2023

The injury crisis that continues to plague the United dressing room undoubtedly played a significant role in this however, with Ten Hag once again fielding a severely depleted side.

Marcus Rashford and Casemiro were ruled out in the days leading up to the game, joining Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo on the injury table. Raphael Varane and Kobbie Mainoo, both recently returned from absence, were only fit enough to make the bench.

Nevertheless, it would have likely been a very different story if Scott McTominay’s opening goal in the 8th minute had not been disallowed.

A free-kick from Christian Eriksen found Alejandro Garnacho arriving at the back-post, who subsequently fired it back across goal into the path of the Scottish international, as McTominay finished off a well-executed move. Or so they thought.

VAR promptly jumped in to once again rule out a United goal; the fourth such example this season.

Maguire was adjudged to have been offside as the free-kick was taken, and then deemed to have been interfering with play to such an extent his offside was sufficient enough to rule the goal out.

Given it was Maguire’s ear which looked offside, and the centre-back never actually touched the ball – instead, if anything, being fouled by the Fulham defender – his frustrated swearing in the video above are understandable. It’s not a new feeling for United either.

In the entirety of last year’s campaign, the team with the most goals disallowed by VAR was Liverpool – with six. United are already fast approaching this total with less than a third of the season played.

In fact, only eleven goals have been ruled out through VAR intervention this year so, meaning Ten Hag’s side account for over a third of the total so far. Manchester City, by comparison, have had none.

United have not played well this season and the players, as well their manager, must shoulder the blame for these performances. But when the team is facing almost unprecedented levels of bad luck – either through injury or through constant poor VAR decisions – some leeway must be granted. 

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Former footballer Danny Murphy believes that Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay could play a role in re-establishing confidence in Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag following a torrid start to the season.

While both players have been subject to widespread criticism due to their poor performances over recent months, both Maguire and McTominay have improved their form, thereby giving reason to believe that Ten Hag’s coaching methods are proving effective in certain areas.

Maguire was easily one of Man United’s standout defenders in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Fulham, completing the most touches, passes, clearances, and blocked shots of all players on both teams.

United legend Peter Schmeichel was quick to take note of the centre-back’s emphatic performance, calling him “majestic” before naming him, Maguire, as his player of the match.

Although McTominay’s goal early in the first half was ultimately ruled offside (ironically because Maguire was deemed offside), he proved to be reliable in his central midfield role, also tracking back to help his defence with three clearances and two interceptions. (Sofascore)

Murphy wrote in his weekly column for The Daily Mail that both Maguire and McTominay’s performances against Fulham should be enough to earn them a spot in the starting 11 set to face FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

“Ten Hag will now know he can rely on Maguire and McTominay,” Murphy declared, continuing: “He should be hugely relieved they decided to stay at Old Trafford.”

Once Ten Hag arrived at United at the start of last season, Maguire saw his playing time greatly reduced, which may have been viewed as unexpected given that he was the club captain at the time.

This summer, it appeared as if the England international’s career at Old Trafford was all but over, particularly after he was stripped of the captaincy.

While Maguire was then linked with a move to West Ham United, he ultimately rejected the notion, opting instead to fight for a spot in the starting 11 yet again.

McTominay, who also struggled for game time, was also on West Ham’s radar, with The Hammers offering United a combined £60 million bid to sign both the Scottish midfielder and Maguire in a package deal.

Ultimately, United rejected the offer, feeling that the London club’s valuation of McTominay was too low.

Should Maguire and McTominay continue their fine form, Ten Hag may just feel the relief that Murphy described in knowing that the two former outcasts did not depart the club during the summer.

The post Danny Murphy believes that Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire can help restore faith in Erik ten Hag appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

A late goal from Fernandes provided some relief for Erik ten Hag who has been under pressure.

In defence, United largely had Maguire to thank for the side’s solidity at the back that secured a third clean sheet in the Premier League this season.

Speaking to TNT Sport (via The Mirror) after the final whistle, Ferdinand hailed the two players.

He said, “The captain stood up. We needed a big performance, we needed a goal. Critical time against Burnley after the Champions League defeat, he stepped up. Today they needed somebody to step out of the shadows and get into the spotlight. That was him. He took responsibility. A fantastic strike.”

“He (Maguire) deserves special mention as well. Head injury in the first couple of seconds of the game, battled his way through. It’s not about performances, there wasn’t a good performance there today. But they got the three points and that’s the most important thing.”

Ferdinand also addressed Rasmus Hojlund’s situation. The goalscorer cut a very lonely and frustrated figure up front as he had little to no service to pounce on.

When he was taken off, Hojlund was visibly angry and was spotted moaning and shaking his head on the bench.

Ferdinand explained that Hojlund is right to be disappointed because his teammates are neither playing to his strengths nor supporting him in terms of fashioning clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

The Dane is yet to score in England’s top flight, although he has managed three goals in the Champions League this term.

Ferdinand remarked on the 20-year-old United star, “I wish we’d had a bit more time with Erik ten Hag [to discuss Hojlund] because he’s invested in a player we’re not seeing the best of. His best attributes are not being seen because the team aren’t playing to his strengths.”

“He [Ten Hag] said in his press conferences we want to play a bit more direct with players like Hojlund and Rashford who can play on the counter. Too many times they get wide and the quality is nowhere near good enough.”

“Antony doesn’t want to cross it, his first instinct is to see what he can do for himself. Marcus is more of a striker who wants to get on the end of things and see if he can finish. When he’s making his movements the ball is being delayed and isn’t coming into the areas.”

The 44-year-old TV pundit noted that in one instance during the match, Hojlund had made a brilliant darting run in anticipation of a cross from Alejandro Garnacho, but the Argentine’s cross never came.

As per Ferdinand, Hojlund’s case is not assisted by the fact that he is still so young and as such, does not possess the fortitude to ruffle a few feathers and demand more from his teammates.

The post Rio Ferdinand praises Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes for stepping up vs. Fulham appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United beat Fulham by one goal to climb to sixth position in the Premier League table.

A late goal from Bruno Fernandes was enough to secure the win for the Red Devils at Craven Cottage.

In yet another game, Erik ten Hag opted for a centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans. Raphael Varane was on the bench and Victor Lindelof missed the match due to illness.

Maguire and Evans did well and ensured United walked away with a clean sheet vs. the Cottagers.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Schmeichel picked out Maguire for praise and hailed the Englishman for working hard to get back into the team.

The ex-goalkeeper said, “The best player for me today was Harry Maguire. He was majestic. He was here, there and everywhere. The adversity he has met and the criticism he has been in for and how he has turned it around.”

“Every coach now will put him in first. He was fantastic and without him today I can’t see how Man Utd would have won today.”

Schmeichel indicated that the manner of United’s win against Fulham could provide the much-needed impetus to get the club’s season going and finally help the team nail down a run of good results.

The 59-year-old added, “Football is very much about building on the momentum and hopefully, this is a start. You win in a scruffy way but it builds up that belief.”

“They’re going to Copenhagen on Wednesday and they’re going to play a game on a terrible pitch and they have to win that game. So, to win this game and bring that into the next one is fantastic.”

“That win is something that can help them start a new period, so let’s hope its more wins in the future.”

The post “He was majestic”: Peter Schmeichel names Harry Maguire as Man United’s best player vs. Fulham appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United managed to bring an end to a torrid run of results by scraping out a 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

While Man United’s attacking performance left a lot to be desired, save for Bruno Fernandes’s late winner, the team looked confident at the back, doing well to extinguish the home team’s attacking threat.

One player who proved particularly valuable at the back was Harry Maguire, a previously out-of-favour player who may just be proving that his career at United is not over just yet.

In the opening minutes, it appeared as if Maguire’s afternoon would be cut short after he suffered a facial injury after colliding with a Fulham player as he jumped up to win a header.

Fortunately, after receiving treatment, he was able to continue.

The centre-back soon proved to be crucial component of United’s defence, making several key clearances and tackles to maintain his team’s clean sheet.

Maguire looked particularly sharp during the second half, sliding in to block a threatening shot from Willian.

He also did well to jockey the ball away from Harry Wilson and João Palhinha, preventing another goalscoring opportunity.

Out of both teams, it was Maguire who had the most involvement in proceedings, leading both United and Fulham with 74 touches throughout the match.

He also led both teams in passing accuracy, completing 49 of 60 attempted passes to achieve an 82% passing success rate.

While not known for his attacking prowess, the former United captain made some notable long passes, completing six of his 11 attempted long balls.

In defence, Maguire led both teams yet again, making an impressive eight clearances and blocking two shots.

He also managed two tackles, while being dribbled past just once.

Maguire also showed strong physicality, winning seven of his nine aerial duels and two of his three ground duels.

While Maguire has long been viewed as a washed-out player, particularly after losing the captain’s armband, his performance against Fulham is the latest in a series of decent games that have shown that perhaps the England international has what it takes to become a regular starter yet again.

(Stats via Sofascore)

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Heading into the game, pressure was mounting on Erik ten Hag and his players to get back to winning ways after a number of poor results.

Ten Hag started Andre Onana in goal, with a defensive four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot ahead of the Cameroonian.

In midfield, Christian Eriksen started as United’s deepest-lying man with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay alongside him in the middle of the park.

Rasmus Hojlund led the line with Antony and Alejandro Garnacho on either side. Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 1 – 0 win against Fulham.

Raphael Varane’s peculiar exclusion

In yet another game, Varane was left out.

Amidst suggestions of rifts in the background and dressing room unrest, it was reported that Varane is one of the players who may be unhappy with Ten Hag.

It was relayed that the Frenchman was not amused by the manager’s decision to leave him out of the game against Manchester City in favour of Evans and Maguire due to “tactical reasons.”

Varane did not feature vs. Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. United claimed that he was ill and that was the sole reason for his absence.

Conflicting reports relayed that the World Cup winner did not train and was not satisfied with his ongoing situation with respect to lack of game time despite being fit.

It was therefore surprising when the team sheet came out for the Fulham game and Varane was on the bench again.

It’s puzzling that Ten Hag gave the nod to Maguire and Evans once more despite Varane’s presence.

On more than one occasion across the 90 minutes, Maguire had to come off for treatment but even then, Ten Hag did not opt for Varane.

Not to say that Maguire and Evans have done anything particularly wrong when they’ve started together but few will disagree that Varane offers much more and is easily the better defender when in top shape and injury-free.

Varane only came on int the dying embers of the game for Garnacho, to ensure United got over the line.

United struggling to create enough clear-cut goalscoring opportunities

A noticeable theme of the game was just how much the Red Devils struggled to fashion enough goalscoring chances.

With the exception of McTominay’s disallowed goal in the opening 45 minutes, United barely created anything for the rest of the half – something that extended into the second period.

Most of United’s chances came about through trying long-distance efforts that frankly, didn’t trouble Bernd Leno who was mostly comfortable throughout the game.

Ten Hag’s men had a lot of possession but it’s disappointing they could not do much with the ball up until Fernandes grabbed the late winner.

United had Eriksen and Fernandes on the pitch, arguably two of the Premier League’s most creative midfielders but even then, chances were far between each other.

As has usually been the case, Hojlund cut a very frustrated and lonely figure up front. The Dane did not have much to pounce on.

He was visibly angry when substituted.

During the game, the away fans could be heard chanting “attack attack attack” in an apparent effort to get the players to speed things up.

United’s forwards have struggled to put the ball into the back of the net this term and while this has been down to poor finishing, another primary reason is that they’ve not been presented with enough opportunities to score.

This is something Ten Hag will undoubtedly be keen to sort out if he is to be successful in retaining his job as manager of the 20-time English champions.

Antony extremely poor again

Antony was easily United’s poorest performer against Fulham.

The Brazilian contributed next to nothing when he was on and it was hardly a shock that he was the first to be taken just minutes after the hour mark.

It has usually been said that Ten Hag’s continued selection of Antony and his favouritism for the player is one of the players’ major gripes with the Dutchman.

Consistently this season, Antony has failed to justify his inclusion in the starting XI and already, he appears to be another player United have wasted big money on.

Even Facundo Pellistri who only played a few minutes managed to do more than Antony did. The Uruguayan registered an assist for Fernandes’ goal.

It’s telling that when the 23-year-old came off, United fans cheered in response to the change made by Ten Hag.

There's a Brazilian winger on the pitch United could/should have signed: Willian in 2018.
United fans cheered as Antony was substituted. He has been abysmal again. #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 4, 2023

If United are to be a successful team going forward, they can no longer rely on Antony – clearly a very limited and one-dimensional player not suited to playing at this level.

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Despite a heartfelt interview by Scott McTominay yesterday insisting everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet, report after report is emerging about discontent and the most damning of all comes from the most trustworthy source of all, The Athletic.

The football-specialist outlet is well-known for its reliability and whilst that does not make it right 100% of the time, if The Athletic says something is happening, it usually is.

On reports of dressing room dissatisfaction with the manager, The Athletic says “there is a growing feeling of unrest within the squad, with some players beginning to lose faith in him.” Several reasons are cited:

• “Ten Hag’s intensity, which was widely lauded and seen as a positive last season, is now being viewed as a problem.”
• Ten Hag’s press conference comment that he substituted Casemiro at half time against Brentford because he wanted to “play more football” “did not go down well inside the dressing room.”
• The report also states that there were “raised eyebrows” at the manager’s decision to play Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans ahead of Raphael Varane for the Manchester derby.
• Ten Hag’s handling of Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled after criticising his manager on social media, has also not gone down well with some players.
• Harry Maguire is also said to have been “bruised by efforts to get rid of him in the summer.”
• Ten Hag is accused of “lacking charisma” by the players, none of whom he has a good personal relationship with.

Despite all this, The Athletic says that while there is no longer “universal confidence in his abilities among those with connections to United,” Ten Hag’s job is probably safe for now.

The club’s imminent investment from INEOS means that the decision to hire or fire the Dutchman is likely to be put on hold until the new decision makers are in place.

The Athletic’s report corroborates that of The MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst, who said that “doubts are growing [among the players] over Erik ten Hag’s management.”

What is even more concerning in that report is that it claims there is “simmering resentment among certain players towards teammates.”

According to The Sun, Ten Hag “has ordered his players to have one-to-one sessions with him to mend Manchester United’s broken dressing room.”

Whether he will be able to repair the damage and rebuild the team harmony that was so refreshing to see last season remains to be seen.

The post Man United players losing faith in Erik ten Hag for six reasons appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Then the Manchester Derby happened and the club got hit in the face with a reality check. City barely got out of second gear while dispatching United and that one bad result has turned the optics of the whole month.

Still, there are three players who come away this month with some credit to their names. Coincidentally, these were the players who were targeted the most for their bad form when the team was doing well.

Now with the team in a state of disarray, they have stepped up.

Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, and Scott McTominay are the three nominees for United’s player of the month. Here’s a look at who should be the winner-

Harry Maguire’s case

The former United captain capped off his club renaissance by scoring a crucial goal against Copenhagen to save United’s European campaign. He has been up to the task of replacing Lisandro Martinez, and surprisingly with Jonny Evans, formed a defence that was patched up but still came through in three wins.

The front-foot defending is back, he is winning his aerial duels, and even the progressive passes from the back are coming off.

However, the Manchester Derby was his first stern test this season in terms of opposition strength and he didn’t look completely convincing. There were a few scary moments and mix-ups he wouldn’t like to see back.

Therefore, while Maguire has been good recently, it’s more a reflection of how bad he had been prior to that, rather than him being world-class in isolation.

Scott McTominay’s case

It can be argued that without Scott McTominay, United would probably finish the month with zero wins, or one at most. Sat on the fringes of the team, nearly being sold to West Ham, he had a fight on his hands to save his United career.

And save it he did. Two late goals against Brentford saw the best of the Scottish player, with his instinctive finishing in the box saving United from another shock home loss. He followed it up by scoring against Sheffield United as well, in a nervy game again by the team as a whole.

There were no more goalscoring heroics but stationed as the most advanced midfielder, he was regularly getting on the end of chances.

That’s precisely the factor which works against him, however. If McTominay is not scoring goals and affecting the game directly, chances are he’s not doing much else.

It was painfully clear against Manchester City, where his lack of passing repertoire hurt United in possession. As a midfielder, his role is to be a dynamic presence. At present, he’s just become Erik ten Hag’s version of a more refined Marouane Fellaini.

Andre Onana’s case

Most United players will remember October as the wretched month. For Onana, it might well be the month where everything fell into place.

After a wretched start to the season, Onana had consecutive commanding performances, punctuated with a last-minute penalty save against Copenhagen which saved United’s European adventure.

He was brave in possession, improved his shot-stopping form, and was one of the few players who came away from the Derby defeat with an enhanced reputation.

Without the Cameroonian, another big-game embarrassment was on the way for United against City. Fans and the club will hope that that is not a false dawn and the goalkeeper has finally found form in English football.

If that’s the case, the team will look reformed when the outfield clicks.

For that reason, Onana should be the favourite for the award. He has no asterisks next to his candidacy, unlike McTominay and Maguire.

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