Red Billy, Author at Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person https://thepeoplesperson.com/author/redbilly/ Manchester United's No.1 most popular news website. Latest Man United news, transfer gossip, goals, highlights and more. Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:08:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 "Excited" David De Gea poised to join new club, could face United this season - report https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/10/david-de-gea-in-talks-to-sign-for-real-betis-271638/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/10/david-de-gea-in-talks-to-sign-for-real-betis-271638/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:08:53 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271638 Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could be set for a…

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could be set for a return to football in his home country of Spain.

De Gea left Old Trafford in June when his contract expired.

Reports claimed that the club had reached an agreement with him over a new deal on a significantly reduced salary from the £375,000 a week he had been earning on his previous deal.

However, following a number of poor performances at the end of last season, including an awful outing at Wembley that cost United the FA Cup final, De Gea found himself out of work when United did not formalise the agreement that had been reached.

Andre Onana was brought in to replace De Gea, who has been out of work since.

According to Eldesmarque.com, Real Betis have opened negotiations with the shot-stopper about a deal to bring him to Seville.

For his part, De Gea would “would look very favorably on signing for Betis.”

“The club has met with David de Gea to explore the possibility of incorporating him into the squad and the goalkeeper would welcome joining the green and white ranks,” the outlet says.

“Contacts have begun between both parties and the footballer is excited about the destination.”

The outlet adds that Portuguese keeper Rui Silva would be expected to make way for the former Atletico Madrid man.

Ironically, as things stand, joining Betis could mean the 33 year old could face United in European football in the new year.

The Andalusians are on the verge of qualifying for the Europa League’s knockout stages, needing just one point from their last two games, while United could drop down from the Champions League to the Europa after losing three of their first four games.

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4-3-3: United will put Luton to the sword with this lightning fast line-up https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/10/predicted-man-united-xi-vs-luton-town-victor-lindelof-and-sergio-reguilon-to-return-271634/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/10/predicted-man-united-xi-vs-luton-town-victor-lindelof-and-sergio-reguilon-to-return-271634/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:52:31 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271634 A few months ago it would have been incredible to think that…

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A few months ago it would have been incredible to think that Erik ten Hag would be in a quandary about whether Raphael Varane is good enough to replace Jonny Evans in the heart of his Manchester United defence, but that is the situation facing him right now.

Evans picked up what looked like a hamstring injury against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday which will probably rule him out for several weeks.

Varane came on in his place with Harry Maguire moving to left centre back and the project was less than successful as United shipped four goals during the 85 minutes they played together.

With Lisandro Martinez a long-term absentee, the only other option for tomorrow’s Premier League home match against Luton Town is Victor Lindelof. If, as expected, he comes in at LCB, Ten Hag will have to choose between Maguire and Varane at RCB. On current form, the England man could get the nod.

Despite conceding all those goals, Andre Onana has done little wrong in goal lately and will continue.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been a bright spark at right back since his return from injury and should keep his place.

Diogo Dalot had been doing well at left back until a poor error where he switched off and allowed Lerager to go unchallenged to score Copenhagen’s equaliser. This may be enough for Ten Hag to recall Sergio Reguilon for the Luton game as he continues to wait for Luke Shaw’s return.

The fact that United scored three against the Danes could tell Ten Hag he has found the best formula from an attacking point of view, so we think he could stick to the same forward six.

One doubt could be whether the aging Christian Eriksen can play three 90 minute games in the space of 8 days, but with Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount both struggling to settle at United and Casemiro out until Christmas, there are few options.

Kobbie Mainoo could be included but it is unlikely he’ll start as he has not played for the first team since getting injured against Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly.

A McTominay – Eriksen – Fernandes midfield therefore almost picks itself, with the excellent Alejandro Garnacho continuing on the left and Marcus Rashford, who was sent off on Wednesday, returning on the right.

In a front three bursting with pace, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line and will be hoping to get off the mark in the Premier League after netting a brace on Wednesday, making it 5 from 4 in the Champions League.

With all that in mind, here is our predicted XI for the 3pm Saturday kick-off:

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C minus: Erik ten Hag's transfers have taken Man United backwards - opinion https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/09/c-minus-erik-ten-hags-man-united-transfers-have-not-improved-the-club-271607/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/09/c-minus-erik-ten-hags-man-united-transfers-have-not-improved-the-club-271607/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:09:36 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271607 Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending significant 25% investment into Manchester United is said…

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending significant 25% investment into Manchester United is said to come with the proviso that he is allowed to take control of footballing matters.

One of the mooted changes Sir Jim wants to implement immediately is the appointment of a new sporting director. The current incumbent, John Murtough, was never a football man and it is widely accepted that he has allowed manager Erik ten Hag to dictate transfer policy rather than the club having an overarching strategy of its own.

Fans and pundits alike have questioned the wisdom of this as well as the success, or lack of, of Ten Hag’s recruits. As we approach the 18 month mark since the Dutchman took the reins at Old Trafford, here we take a look at every one of his signings, including loans, and rate their success out of 10.

Tyrell Malacia was Ten Hag’s first signing for United. He showed some promise in his first season but was way too raw to be starting XI material. A pre-season injury has ruled him out of any football for months. Success rating: 3/10.

Lisandro Martinez was undoubtedly one of United’s top performers of last season, but he missed the end of 2022/23 and most of the first half of 2023/24 with injury. That is unfortunate, but let’s be generous and say this is a signing that has worked out reasonably well for Ten Hag nonetheless. Success rating: 7/10.

Casemiro looked to be the signing of the century until his first red card for United, but from then on, United fans have their hearts in their mouths every time he goes in for a tackle. This season he has also looked a yard off the pace and a shadow of his former self. The fact that he, too, is out until Christmas is not seen as the loss it would have been last season. Success rating: 4/10.

Christian Eriksen is probably one of Ten Hag’s more successful signings, picked up on a free following his release from Brentford last year. However, he started the season on the subs’ bench, an indication perhaps that the manager himself does not see him as a vital cog in the wheel. Success rating: 6/10.

Last summer’s other signing, Antony, has so far failed spectacularly to live up to his €95 million price tag. Average last season has given way to dire this time around. Success rating: 1/10.

Last season’s first loanee goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, returned to Newcastle after playing two EFL Cup games. Success rating: 1/10.

Marcel Sabitzer was one of Ten Hag’s January loan deals. He showed flashes of quality but generally underperformed and also picked up a bad injury that ended his loan prematurely. Success rating: 3/10.

Wout Weghorst was surely signed purely because he was known to Ten Hag. A player unable to get into Burnley’s squad, Weghorst was simply not fit for purpose and one of the strangest loan deals ever arranged by the Red Devils. Success rating: 1/10.

Jack Butland was signed on loan to replace Dubravka but never played a minute’s football at United, with Ten Hag preferring Tom Heaton as David de Gea’s backup. A pointless signing. Success rating: 1/10.

This summer, United eagerly snapped up Chelsea’s Mason Mount but he, too, has been a flop so far. Unable to command a place in the starting XI despite several injuries and suspensions, it is hard to see Ten Hag’s plan for the England man and the signing looks like a square peg – round hole mismatch. Success rating: 2/10.

André Onana got off to a bad start at United, but is looking good enough right now without yet having set the world on fire. Success rating: 7/10.

Rasmus Hojlund looks to be a fantastic prospect and could be one of Ten Hag’s rare successes in the transfer market. One caveat though is that United ended up paying €75 million for a player who Atalanta started the summer saying they would not accept less than €45 million for. Success rating: 8/10.

Jonny Evans looked to just be joining in training for a few weeks but the chaotic transfer window and multiple injuries saw him secure a longer term contract. He even started to nail down a starting XI berth until sustaining the injury against Copenhagen that looks to have cruelly robbed him of continuity. Success rating: 6/10.

Sergio Reguilon’s loan was on paper not the worst idea in the world, but you have to ask yourself why Spurs were so happy to let him go to a rival without even a loan fee. Injury proneness and inconsistency have limited his minutes despite two left back injuries and it still beggars belief as to why United simply did not recall Alvaro Fernandez from his loan at Granada. Success rating: 3/10.

Sofyan Amrabat’s loan did not come cheap nor easily. A late arrival on deadline day, missing the start of the season, Amrabat required a €10 million loan fee when he would have been just €24m to buy. A real Ten Hag “must have”, frankly, so far, he has not been worth that amount. Yet to find his feet in the Premier League and even looking overawed in Europe against the likes of Copenhagen, the Moroccan has been a major disappointment. Success rating: 1/10.

Altay Bayindir completes the list and we can’t pass judgement on him as he has not yet played a competitive match for United. Success rating: n/a.

Total score 54/150: 36% success rate.

Whether the blame is placed at the club’s door or that of Ten Hag, at a 36% success rate, the overall transfer policy must be deemed a failure. And it did not come cheap, either; €448 million has been spent on this group of players in loan and transfer fees alone (source: transfermarkt.com).

Some have questioned whether many of these stars have improved United. Is Onana an upgrade on David de Gea? Is Amrabat an upgrade on Fred? Overall, has Casemiro been an improvement on Matic? Will Bayindir be an upgrade on Henderson? Is Malacia better than Fernandez and is Reguilon better than Alex Telles? Have United replaced the likes of Juan Mata, Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood with anyone at all?

Too many workmanlike, work-in-progress, past their best or simply free-and-available signings. Arguably Jadon Sancho was the last really big name that United signed (and look how that turned out). Looking toward January, the kind of targets linked with United include OGC Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, FC Porto’s Mehdi Taremi and Spurs’ Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. These are hardly names to get fans queueing up for debut match tickets.

Whatever your personal opinion on the likes of Pogba, Sancho, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes or even Romelu Lukaku, they were top signings at the time, probably considered in the world’s top 10 players in their position. Now, with the possible exception of Onana, United’s recruits are nowhere near that level.

Whilst it is a good thing that United move away from the sort of big name, marquee signings that used to get former executive vice chairman Ed Woodward’s juices flowing, like Radamel Falcao, Angel di Maria and Cristiano (the second time), it is not a good thing if United pay way over the top for players who do not raise the bar on what went before.

Just as the stadium has sunk from one of the finest in the world to one struggling for Premier League mediocrity, so has the squad. A radical shift in approach is needed. Urgently.

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Confirmed United XI vs Copenhagen: Antony dropped, Rashford and Garnacho both start https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/08/confirmed-man-united-xi-vs-fc-copenhagen-marcus-rashford-and-alejandro-garnacho-start-antony-dropped-271575/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/08/confirmed-man-united-xi-vs-fc-copenhagen-marcus-rashford-and-alejandro-garnacho-start-antony-dropped-271575/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:44:56 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271575 Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will be Manchester United’s front…

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Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho will be Manchester United’s front three tonight in their must-win match against FC Copenhagen in Denmark.

Hojlund is returning to his home town and club and will hope to get on the scoresheet and help his new side take a vital step toward the knockout stages of the competition.

Elsewhere, the team is unchanged from the side that beat Fulham 1-0 on Saturday.

Andre Onana is in goal.

The back four is Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot.

Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes are the midfield trio.

https://x.com/ManUtd/status/1722324390015082920?s=20

There are two goalkeepers on the subs’ bench, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton.

Victor Lindelof, Sergio Reguilon and Raphael Varane are the reserve defenders.

Sofyan Amrabat, Mason Mount, Omari Forson and Hannibal are the midfielders on the bench.

Facu Pellistri, Antony and Anthony Martial are the forwards on the subs’ bench.

The continued selection of Maguire and Evans when Varane, in particular, is fit will continue to raise eyebrows.

Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are all injured. Jadon Sancho is not training with the first team after a dispute with the manager. Donny van de Beek is not registered to play in Europe and Kobbie Mainoo was selected to play for the Under 19s in the youth fixture against the same side today, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Kick off in Copenhagen is at 8pm UK time, 9pm CET.

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Casemiro is "primary transfer target" for January with United "open to selling" - report https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/08/casemiro-and-anthony-martial-both-being-targetted-by-the-saudi-pro-league-271561/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/08/casemiro-and-anthony-martial-both-being-targetted-by-the-saudi-pro-league-271561/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:19:53 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271561 The Saudi Pro League is targetting two more Manchester United stars this…

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The Saudi Pro League is targetting two more Manchester United stars this January, according to a new report.

Elite players from around the world, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino, Neymar and Sadio Mané are all now plying their trade in the Middle Eastern league after receiving lucrative offers to join their football revolution.

United sold Alex Telles to Al Nassr in the summer and since then there have been several reports linking other Red Devils to a Saudi switch.

Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes have all reportedly been targetted. Varane in particular has attracted a number of column inches in the press in recent weeks.

The latest name linked with a January move is Casemiro as the Saudis seem determined to pluck another name from the great Real Madrid team of the 2016-20 period.

According to 90min.com, “Casemiro has emerged as one of the Saudi Pro League’s primary transfer targets for 2024, with an offer even possible for the Manchester United midfielder in January.

“It’s understood that a number of United players, with Casemiro and even captain Bruno Fernandes, are of interest and the chances of deals are being explored via intermediaries.

“United are not actively shopping Casemiro but with their position along the lines of Financial Fair Play a concern for several months, would be open to selling for the right offer.”

Both Casemiro and Varane were huge influences in United’s successful rebuild last season but both have struggled with form and injuries this term amidst scattered reports of being unhappy at United.

However, it seems unlikely that United would sanction a move for either player in the winter window unless they were able to source a world class replacement at the same time.

The other United star mentioned in the report is Anthony Martial, who 90min says “has also been of interest to Saudi clubs for some time, and is out of contract next summer.”

United do have an option to extend Martial’s contract by a year but it would be tempting to cash in on him in January rather than risk triggering that extension and then being unable to sell him in the summer.

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Wolves want flying United winger on loan in January - report https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/08/wolverhampton-wanderers-want-amad-diallo-of-man-united-on-loan-in-january-271557/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/08/wolverhampton-wanderers-want-amad-diallo-of-man-united-on-loan-in-january-271557/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:50:33 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271557 Amad Diallo has not kicked a ball for Manchester United this season…

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Amad Diallo has not kicked a ball for Manchester United this season but it is not stopping clubs from targeting him for a January loan deal.

Amad sustained a knee injury during the pre-season tour that curtailed his bid to impress manager Erik ten Hag and convince him to keep him at Old Trafford this season rather than send him back out on loan.

The Ivorian is working his way back to fitness and is now back on the grass, but is yet to join team training, the final step before playing again.

Last week rumours emerged of Leicester City rekindling their summer interest in Amad and they will be competing with Wolverhampton Wanderers, if a new report is to be believed.

According to footballtransfers.com, “Wolves have already contacted the Old Trafford club over the possibility of a loan deal for the 21-year-old, having scouted the player during the reign of Nuno Espirito Santo back in 2021.

“Although they missed out on the starlet at that point, with Atalanta accepting Man Utd’s €21 million offer for the player, Wolves have continued to follow Amad and even made an approach for him in 2022 following his loan spell at Rangers.”

Whether or not the flying winger will be made available by United is an interesting question.

At the start of the season he looked to be fourth or fifth in the right wing pecking order at the club, behind Antony, Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga and, arguably, Facundo Pellistri.

However, Elanga moved to Nottingham Forest and Sancho is expected to leave on loan himself in January after falling out with Ten Hag.

Meanwhile, Antony is struggling for form and Pellistri does not seem fancied by Ten Hag, who despite all the other issues has given him just 291 minutes of football all season.

Amad set the Championship alight last season during his loan stint at Sunderland and the stars could now be aligning for him to make his push for the United first team.

At 21, both he and Pellistri are at, or close to, the make-or-break age for young talent at United and the crisis at the club could offer the perfect time for a showdown between the two to see which, if either, will make the grade.

This could leave Wolves and Leicester disappointed when the transfer window opens in January.

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Ten Hag says Marcus Rashford is "100% ready" to play against FC Copenhagen https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/07/erik-ten-hag-says-marcus-rashford-is-100-ready-to-play-against-fc-copenhagen-271549/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/07/erik-ten-hag-says-marcus-rashford-is-100-ready-to-play-against-fc-copenhagen-271549/#respond Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:14:09 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271549 Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford is “100% ready” to play in…

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Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford is “100% ready” to play in tomorrow night’s crucial Champions League Group A match against FC Copenhagen.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the manager also said that Harry Maguire is “ready to play” having followed all the head injury protocols following his concussion in the Fulham game.

Ten Hag was also questioned on the poor form of Antony.

“I think last week I made that remark, that break, to the rhythm. He had a very good preseason, I think he scored twice, now he has to get back in that rhythm, it will come.”

Asked what his team needed to do to improve their pressing, Ten Hag said:

“You need good formation, good constructions, composed on ball, find good solutions on the ball.

“There are times you go direct, it depends on the situation, it’s up to the players to find different solutions, the players have to make the right decisions, on the ball and movement off the ball.

“Playing with our best XI, we will have more automatisms. So far we have had to change a lot of things. The midfield balance is also not there. I’m sure once we get there, we’ll play better.”

“Even when we’re not playing well, we’re still creating chances.

One reporter raised the issue of the banner at Fulham that said “play like you mean it.” Ten Hag replied:

“The players made their efforts but there can always be more. The fans expect the highest standards and we have these high expectations. And when you’re not playing well, you still have to win.”

Ten Hag was also asked about how Rasmus Hojlund has settled in to life at Old Trafford, on and off the pitch.

“I think he integrates very good, he scored already scored 3 goals in the Champions League, it’s a very good integration period, as a team we can be better in possession, which can create more chances for our forwards to score more goals, but we have to have a stable 11.

“Social wise, he’s integrated very well in the club.

“From here on he has to take it on and improve.

“We speak with him about [understanding the goals are not yet flowing]. He’s aware of it, but of course, he wants to score goals. He’s still a young player but he’s smart and understands the situation he’s in. He wants to score goals and he’s so keen and working very hard in training.”

On the ongoing injury crisis, he said:

“Casemiro and Martinez are really strong injuries. I don’t expect them back before Christmas.”

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4-2-3-1: this powerful United line-up will crush Copenhagen tomorrow https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/07/predicted-man-united-xi-vs-fc-copenhagen-antony-dropped-defence-unchanged-271515/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/07/predicted-man-united-xi-vs-fc-copenhagen-antony-dropped-defence-unchanged-271515/#respond Tue, 07 Nov 2023 07:57:14 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271515 If it aint broke, don’t fix it. Manchester United head to a…

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If it aint broke, don’t fix it. Manchester United head to a must-win match in Copenhagen tomorrow on the back of their third clean sheet of the season.

This could mean that even though centre backs Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof might be fit and well and available, manager Erik ten Hag could retain the back four that shut Fulham out on Saturday.

This would mean playing Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans at centre back and Diogo Dalot at left back.

If the concussion sustained by Maguire on Saturday rules him out then it might also cost Evans his place, as Varane and Lindelof have experience playing together and could be recalled as a unit.

Sergio Reguilon is another option at left back.

Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen also played their part in a much more compact and disciplined performance against the Londoners and should also keep their places in central midfield.

Casemiro is injured and Sofyan Amrabat has not yet hit the form expected on him when he joined from Atalanta on loan. Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are other options, but Mainoo is still completing his slow return from injury and Mount, like Amrabat, still hasn’t found his feet at Old Trafford.

Also, it should be noted that Ten Hag said at Craven Cottage “We hope that we can play for a couple of games with the same line-up … That would help the routines and that would help the performance of the team. That would definitely help you into better performances and to get better results.” (source: Manutd.com)

This could be his chance to do exactly that, although he could tweak things up front after another misfiring performance that was only rescued at the death by a superb strike from captain Bruno Fernandes.

Marcus Rashford should return after missing Saturday’s game through injury but it would be harsh for him to replace Alejandro Garnacho, who played well, while on the other wing Antony was once again very disappointing.

Not for the first time this season, then, we predict that Rashford will be brought in on the right wing with Garnacho staying wide left.

If Rashford is not yet fit enough, either Mount or the lively Facu Pellistri, who came on and contributed to the goal on Saturday, could replace the Brazilian.

Amad is back training on the grass but it is almost certainly too soon for a return for him.

Fernandes will once again play in his preferred number 10 role and Rasmus Hojlund is expected to lead the line against his old team again.

With Andre Onana in goal, here then is our predicted line-up for the Champions League clash:

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What's going on with Raphael Varane? Recent bizarre events examined https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/05/what-is-going-on-with-raphael-varane-at-manchester-united-271454/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/05/what-is-going-on-with-raphael-varane-at-manchester-united-271454/#respond Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:00:24 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271454 Raphael Varane was named as a substitute again yesterday for Manchester United’s…

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Raphael Varane was named as a substitute again yesterday for Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It was the latest in a series of strange decisions involving the World Cup winner that have left United fans asking what is going on, if anything, between him and manager Erik ten Hag.

In this article we review how Varane’s season has unfolded so far as we search for clues as to the reason for his persistent absences from the starting XI.

Start of season

The season began normally enough, with Varane at the heart of United’s defence alongside Lisandro Martinez in the first two matches.

The first sign of trouble game in match three against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. United had been rocked when unfancied Forest put two past them in the first ten minutes of the match. United pulled one back before Varane was substituted at half-time by Ten Hag.

Ten Hag reported Varane as having “complaints” and that “we didn’t want to risk him”, meaning an injury, but interestingly, transfermarkt.com recorded his replacement by Victor Lindelof as “tactical”.

Sky’s Kaveh Solhekol then reported that Varane could be missing for six weeks. In fact, he was then missing from the team for the next 27 days with what transfermarkt records as an “unknown injury”.

During this August period, rumours were flying that Saudi Pro-League club Al-Ittihad were trying to sign the 30 year old, but it was reported that he had turned them down flat.

Autumn interruptions

In his first game after returning from the mysterious injury, Varane came off the bench for 11 minutes as United beat Burnley 1-0. He then captained the side in their impressive EFL Cup win over Crystal Palace and was taken off after an hour, presumably to rest him.

He then played 87 minutes of the next game, a 0-1 home defeat to the same side, Palace. His performance had appeared solid.

Varane then formed part of the disastrous defence that allowed Turkish side Galatasaray to record a memorable 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

Then came another absence, in United’s loss to Brentford. Ten Hag explained that “He couldn’t make the game, he had a minor issue.

“If it was two or three days longer [between matches], he could have made it but now it was too short.”

Once again, transfermarkt.com did not record an injury, simply registering Varane as “not in the squad”.

With more time to recover due to an international break, everyone then expected the 5-times Champions League winner to return against Sheffield United on the 21st October. But again, to everyone’s surprise, he was left on the bench as Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans occupied the centre back positions.

Again, fans put this down to Ten Hag keeping him in cotton wool for the Champions League tie against Copenhagen 3 days later, when he played for 90 minutes and acquitted himself well.

Breaking point?

Next up was the Manchester derby. As in the Sheffield United game, Varane was named on the bench. But this time there could be no explanation of cotton wool.

Ten Hag said the reason was “tactics.” When pressed to offer an explanation, he said “When you face City, they will go up to press and then to play with Rapha [Varane, on the right] and Maguire over the left, that can give problems and then you end up only kicking long balls.”

“He is, for me, better on the right, Harry, especially against teams pressing high and, second, is you have to step in over that side and that was our tactic – to step in over [Julian] Alvarez and get Sofyan [Amrabat] higher to get [the] press on their build-up and that’s why.”

It seemed like an odd explanation: you drop your best centre back because you think an inferior centre back is poor on the left.

According to The Athletic, dressing room sources said there were “raised eyebrows” at the decision.

He was then omitted from the Carabao Cup squad against Newcastle. United lost both of those games 3-0.

Latest mystery

By this point the Saudi rumours were back, with Teamtalk.com claiming the player now wants a January move to the Pro League to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

“It is also said that the promises made to Varane when he signed have not been fulfilled, with Man Utd falling further behind the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal,” reporter Fraser Fletcher claims.

Ten Hag seemed to stamp out the rumours at Friday’s press conference ahead of yesterday’s match with Fulham, saying “Varane is ready to play. He will travel with the squad.”

Yet once again, the Frenchman was consigned to the bench and was brought on for just one minute of the game.

What happens next?

No United fan – nor possibly even Ten Hag, for that matter – could have imagined that the manager would be regularly benching a fit Raphael Varane in favour of a Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans partnership this season. But that is precisely what seems to have happened.

There is enough evidence to suggest that there could be an attitude problem. The “injuries” and absences seem to follow poor performances by United, which could have involved dressings down from Ten Hag. But if a poor attitude or dissent is the case, why would Varane have been made captain against Palace?

On the other hand, if there is an ongoing injury issue, why does Ten Hag not explain that to the press to end the speculation that he and Varane are at odds?

The most likely explanation is that the Frenchman does have a recurrent problem that will not allow him to play 50 games a season. He himself said at the start of the season that “there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental well-being.”

Ten Hag may be using his best judgement to pick the 20-25 games a season that he needs Varane most. As for the Manchester derby, shocking as it might sound, rather than see that as a big game, the manager might have pragmatically written it off rather than waste one of his chips.

If there is a physical weakness, if Ten Hag admitted it publicly could allow opposition teams to target it. For instance, there are certain types of tackle that are hard on the knee, or the back.

If it is an ongoing physical issue, another big question is whether it will resolve in time or whether it is something that will need to be managed for the rest of Varane’s career. If it’s the latter, then United will have to move as soon as they can to bolster the defence and start to think about life beyond Raphael Varane.

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Confirmed United XI vs Fulham: Rashford and Varane both out, Wan-Bissaka and Dalot both start https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/04/confirmed-man-united-xi-vs-fulham-raphael-varane-and-marcus-rashford-both-absent-271404/ https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/04/confirmed-man-united-xi-vs-fulham-raphael-varane-and-marcus-rashford-both-absent-271404/#respond Sat, 04 Nov 2023 11:29:25 +0000 https://thepeoplesperson.com/?p=271404 Raphael Varane is not back in the Manchester United starting line-up for…

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Raphael Varane is not back in the Manchester United starting line-up for today’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Varane has been absent for several matches due to a combination of injury, illness and curiously being overlooked in favour of Maguire and Evans in the Manchester derby.

At the pre-match presser, Erik ten Hag said Varane would play, so his absence is a surprise and raises further questions as to what is going on behind the scenes.

He is named on the bench.

Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are the starting centre backs, with Victor Lindelof also ruled out through illness.

Marcus Rashford is also out of the side following reports he is injured. He is not in the squad after reportedly failing a fitness test.

Alejandro Garnacho starts in his place on the left wing, as he did against Newcastle on Wednesday.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back in the starting line-up after a long injury layoff, with Diogo Dalot switching to the left hand side in place of Sergio Reguilon.

Casemiro was already ruled out of the game through injury but his expected replacement, Sofyan Amrabat, is also not in the starting XI. He is also on the bench.

Scott McTominay appears to be playing in the holding midfield role alongside Christian Eriksen.

Andre Onana, Bruno Fernandes, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund make up the rest of the starting XI.

Joining Varane and Ambrabat on the bench are goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, Reguilon, Hannibal, Kobbie Mainoo, Facu Pellistri, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial.

Kick-off at Craven Cottage is at 12.30pm.

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