Manchester United will have made the headlines this week following Sheikh Jassim’s very public withdrawal from ownership negotiations.

The Red Devils have been hard at work elsewhere, however, with contractual talks ongoing and understood to be well underway when it comes to Victor Lindelof and Hannibal Mejbri, according to sources close to CaughtOffside.

Fans can expect a first round of talks to also take place with fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the near future, with the club confident of reaching an agreement.

Despite rumours to the contrary, it’s understood that Christian Eriksen has no desire to depart Old Trafford.

What next for Harry Maguire and Anthony Martial?

There will, however, be other exits to keep an eye on in the coming months, with Anthony Martial attracting interest from West Ham who have already inquired about the player amid their ongoing need for striking reinforcements.

Unsurprisingly, Harry Maguire is also expected to depart the Manchester-based outfit whilst United have already come up with a shortlist of potential replacements. Goncalo Inacio, Jean-Clair Todibo and Marc Guehi are thought to be particularly well-admired by boss Erik ten Hag.

One might imagine, however, that Liverpool may have something to say in the matter should their club rivals seriously pursue the former of the trio in light of prior links.

The post Exclusive: Man Utd incomings & contract agreements enroute; end of the line for Maguire & Martial appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United started their Champions League campaign with a 4-3 defeat against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena.

After recent Premier League defeats against Arsenal and Brighton, Man United were expected to come up with a response to kick start their season but mistakes from goalkeeper Andre Onana ensured a Bayern Munich victory.

Another new Manchester United signing Rasmus Hojlund had an impressive outing after he scored his first ever goal for the club. On-loan left back Sergio Reguilon was another impressive performer for Man United in an under par team performance.

Paul Scholes on Andrè Onana‘s mistake: “He’s got to get over it quickly, he can’t let it affect the rest of his performance.”

After the defeat, Andre Onana took responsibility and told CBS that he wants to do an interview with them. Accepting his request, they decided to ask Onana about his Man United career so far and what has gone wrong.

Onana said: “It’s difficult to lose this way. We started the game well and after my mistake, we lost control of the game. It’s difficult situation for the team and for me as I’m the one who let the team down. The team was really good but because of me, we couldn’t win this game. We just have to move forward now, this is the life of a goalkeeper.”

“I owe it to the fans to improve. This is my worst game.”

Fans were impressed with this gesture from Onana which shows he’s willing to face his critics and improve his performances. Not many modern day footballers would do this after a horrible performance.

Rio Ferdinand on Onana’s post match interview:

“I respect that. I’ve lost games and made mistakes and refused to speak to the media at times. That showed good character and showed he’s made of the right stuff.”

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Pundit delivers harsh but fair assessment of Man United under Erik ten Hag

In an interview on talkSPORT, Simon Jordan delivered his assessment on Manchester United’s management under Erik ten Hag.

He begins his argument by making the point that nobody, including Manchester United fans, believe that they will get close to overtaking Manchester City in the near future, which is awful considering the stature of Manchester United as a Football club.

Jordan also waved off the notion of the Glazers being the issue, and spoke on the fact that the players are underperforming, the management staff isn’t doing their job and recruitment policy is wrong. This led on to criticism of Jadon Sancho coming out with a statement, where Jordan stated “I wouldn’t mind Jadon Sancho talking if he had a body of work, to support any sort of pushback”.

“The management isn’t doing its job!” ?

? “Elite means you’re one of a kind. He’s capable, but he’s not best in class for Utd!”

Simon Jordan argues #MUFC should have a better manager than Ten Hag. ??? pic.twitter.com/vgF3wRXwnu

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 4, 2023

He then went on to define his interpretation of the word “elite” and discussed where he would rank Erik ten Hag amongst other managers, where he placed him in the category under the elite, such as Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

Jordan’s definition of “elite” was that “you are one of a kind” and “you achieve something no one else can achieve”. When asked if he believed Erik ten Hag was “best in class”, he responded “No I don’t think so, I think he is a very capable and a very good manager”.

Given the position of Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, is this criticism slightly unjust after delivering a trophy to Old Trafford in his first campaign at the club?

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Arsenal vs Manchester United: Live stream, TV Channel, Start time and Team news

Arsenal (6th in the Premier League) take on Manchester United (10th in the Premier League) on Sunday 3rd of September, at the Emirates, at 16:30 PM (BST).

The last time these two sides faced, Arsenal got the beating of United, winning 3-2 at the Emirates. Goals from Eddie Nketiah (x2), Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez. Nketiah’s second goal won Arsenal the game in the 90th minute.

Arsenal drew their last Premier League outing 2-2 with Fulham, after going 1-0 down in the 1st minute of the game, bringing the scoreline back to lead 2-1 in the 72nd minute, followed by Fulham getting a red card and an equaliser inside the final 10 minutes of the game.

Manchester United won their previous Premier League game, beating Nottingham Forrest 3-2, after trailing 2-0 inside the opening 5 minutes. Goals from Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes rescued the points for United.

How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United

• Date: Sunday, September 3rd, 2023
• Kickoff: 16:30 PM (BST)
• TV Network: Sky Sports
• Venue: Emirates

Team News:

Arsenal will remain without Mohamed Elneny and the recently injured Jurrien Timber, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu will be available to make a return, after missing the Fulham game last week due to suspension. Gabriel Jesus is also expected to be involved, after his substitute appearance against Fulham, following his surgery on his minor knee issue. Thomas Partey also looks set to miss out, and could be out for an extended period of time with an injury.

Manchester United confirmed Raphael Varane will not be par of the squad to face Arsenal on Sunday, and the defender is set to miss the next few weeks due to an injury. Other absentees for this weekends clash are Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw. The big news though, is the availability of United’s big money signing Rasmus Hojlund, after Erik Ten Hag said he will be available for Sunday’s game, and he thinks he can start.

Predicted XI:

Arsenal: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Havertz, Rice, Ødegaard, Martinelli, Nketiah, Saka.

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Martínez, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka, Eriksen, Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund, Antony.

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Manchester United have an agreement in place to bring midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to the club.

The 27-year-old will join from Fiorentina, where he has spent the last three seasons, playing 107 times for the club.

After impressing at the 2022 World Cup for Morocco, Amrabat had been linked with a move away from the Italian club, with the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Al Ahli SFC, and of course Man Utd, all credited with an interest at various points.

David Ornstein of The Athletic (subscription required), has reported that the deal is a season-long loan from the Serie A side.

The Red Devils had been keeping tabs on Amrabat all summer, as a potential addition to their midfield, and they have finally added him to their squad.

Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United, here we go! Agreement in place — more to follow ?? #MUFC pic.twitter.com/xWx2g5kodx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2023

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Frankfurt are understood to be fearful of Manchester United making a move for their top goalscorer Randal Kolo Muani this summer.

The Red Devils are understood to be on the hot on the tail of Rasmus Hojlund, however, with the club in dire need of offensive reinforcements.

“Frankfurt are afraid of one club when it comes to the future of Randal Kolo Muani – Manchester United,” Christian Falk exclusively informed CaughtOffside in his latest Fact Files column.

“They heard that PSG weren’t so keen on the player right now, so they hoped to keep him for one more year but the only unknown for them is United. They are still waiting for the offer United were preparing.

“If they come, I think Kolo Muani would agree because there are not so many clubs left and they were one of the first who showed interest. The offer is not on the table now but Frankfurt are still afraid and now we have to see what they will do.”

The Frenchman enjoyed a stellar individual campaign with Die Adler, amassing 23 goals and 17 assists from 46 games (across all competitions).

What do Manchester United need from the market?

Backup for Marcus Rashford is a key priority for Erik ten Hag’s men – understandably so given that there was little in the way of competition from United’s support acts in Jadon Sancho and Antony within the goalscoring charts.

With 23 goal contributions registered in 42 games, it’s clear that the club won’t be getting the finished product from Atalanta, though he will be the far cheaper option of the two.

At 20 years of age, of course, there will be plenty of time for the Dutch tactician to shape his potential new signing however he wishes.

Whether an additional option is required to bolster the flanks – a task Kolo Muani would be readily capable of fulfilling – remains to be seen.

The post Exclusive: Bundesliga outfit ‘afraid’ of Manchester United swoop for 23-goal hitman appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United could still capitalise on RB Leipzig’s growing concerns over their ability to tie Dani Olmo down on a new contract.

The Spaniard is said to be particularly keen on the prospect of a switch to Barcelona in La Liga, though ‘is not averse’ to an alternative endpoint in England.

“Another Bundesliga midfielder hotly discussed in the Premier League is Dani Olmo. The Spaniard would like to join FC Barcelona, ​​but is not averse to a move to England,” Christian Falk exclusively revealed in his latest Fact Files for CaughtOffside.

“Manchester United are also among those interested whilst Leipzig are struggling to renew Olmo’s contract. The problem: Olmo wanted to have an immediate release clause for the summer of 2023 in the new contract.

“Originally, two clauses were agreed in the first round of negotiations last summer – one generally for any interested party (around €70-75m) and one for his home and desired destination Spain (around €60m).

“But now that the season has progressed and the club is looking ahead to the next, an immediate release clause could backfire badly.

“Chief amongst Leipzig’s fears is the possibility of a club signing Olmo shortly before the end of the transfer deadline – leaving the side with minimal time to find a replacement. In order to future-proof, Olmo should definitely stay for at least another year.”

With his contract currently set to expire in 2024 – not to mention amid the Spanish outfit’s financial turmoil – the Red Devils perhaps couldn’t ask for a better time to secure one of their targets this summer.

READ MORE: Exclusive: ‘Unlike Gravenberch’ – Manchester United told bargain price they could sign Sabitzer for

Aged 24, the Bundesliga star would bring down the average age of United’s midfield, whilst also offering an outlet to the club on either wing – a vital consideration whilst Jadon Sancho and Antony continue to underdeliver when it comes to goal contributions.

Though operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, Olmo has enjoyed some success on the flanks, registering six of his 10 goal contributions this term in more advanced positions.

His rate of four goals this term wouldn’t have alleviated the sheer over-reliance on Marcus Rashford in the forward line, of course, though it remains to be seen where the player’s long-term position would lie in an Erik ten Hag team.

The post Exclusive: Bundesliga outfit ‘struggling to renew’ Manchester United target’s contract amid interest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fabrizio Romano has exclusively confirmed Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim’s intentions to continue staking a claim for ownership of Manchester United despite the Glazers initiating a third round of bidding.

It’s not a decision that appeals to all, however, with Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus pulling out of the running and labelling the process ‘a farce’ on Twitter.

Jim Ratcliffe, sheik Jassim and myself all were ready to negotiate a deal to buy United. Instead Glazers chose to start a new round. I will not participate in a farce set up to maximize the profit for the sellers at the expense of Manchester United.

— Thomas Zilliacus (@TZilliacus) April 12, 2023

“Frustration is normal in the sense that all parties hoped for things to be done earlier rather than add another round of bidding; but it’s also an important process for a top club sale so it takes time,” the Guardian reporter wrote for CaughtOffside. “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim remain interested in buying Man United; let’s see the next steps.”

With the summer window quickly approaching, of course, few could blame the Old Trafford faithful for keeping a nervous eye on the calendar ahead of what they hope will be a heavy summer of spending.

MORE: Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano weighs in on Messi’s talks with Xavi as Barcelona position made clear

Sitting fourth in the table, behind Newcastle United only on goal difference, it’s far too soon to suggest that the United of old “is back”, though there will no doubt be a keenness on the part of management to capitalise on improvements on the pitch.

Addressing the clear over-reliance on in-form striker Marcus Rashford must be considered an absolute priority in the upcoming window for the Red Devils, especially whilst major prior transfers in Jadon Sancho and Antony remain frustratingly inconsistent.

Only time will tell whether the club gets the backing it needs ahead of a 2023/24 campaign in which they’ll hope to further close the gap to city rivals Manchester City.

The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano supplies Man Utd takeover update as bidder pulls out appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong is heating up ahead of the summer transfer window, as was exclusively revealed by Christian Falk in his latest Fact Files for CaughtOffside.

The Red Devils are understood to be particularly keen on the prospect of landing a new long-term right-back, despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka having worked his way into the manager’s good books this term with a string of impressive performances – the crowning jewel being his involvement in the Carabao Cup final.

“In the meantime, it is getting hotter and hotter with Manchester United and Jeremie Frimpong. There are talks,” the BILD journalist wrote. “Leverkusen know that they probably will lose their right-back, which is why they gave Arthur (20) a new contract til 2028. The Brazil right-back (full name: Arthur Augusto de Matos Soares) is coming from America Mineiro.”

This follows Erik ten Hag’s admission that the battle between the Englishman and Diogo Dalot is ‘really close’ (Forbes) as things currently stand.

MORE: Exclusive: Christian Falk drops interesting transfer update for Bayern fans on Harry Kane links

It remains a little unclear what the hierarchy’s plan is for the ‘loser’ of the contest whilst the club actively pursue Frimpong.

Logic would dictate that the Bundesliga fullback would come in for one of the two competing right-backs to vie for a full-time spot in Manchester United’s starting-XI, which will no doubt come as a disappointment to two players who have both ‘made progress’, according to the Dutch tactician.

With the Old Trafford residing outfit having designs on getting back involved in the title race, of course, the manager will be unable to balk when it comes to such ruthless decision-making.

May the best defender win!

The post Exclusive: ‘There are talks’ – Bundesliga insider confirms summer transfer heating up for Manchester United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are hoping to sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old Austrian international joined Manchester United on a six-month loan deal until the end of the season and he is set to return to his parent club, Bayern Munich in the summer.

A report from Football Insider claims that the player has managed to impress Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with his attitude and professionalism. The Dutch manager is reportedly a huge admirer of the player and he is currently pushing the Manchester United board to sign him.

Apparently, the midfielder is valued at around £25-£30 million and it will be interesting to see if Manchester United are prepared to pay up for his services.

The German giants signed the player for a fee of around £14 million and they are looking to make a hefty profit.

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Sabitzer needs to leave Bayern Munich permanently and joining Manchester United could prove to be a wise decision. He is likely to get more game time at Old Trafford.

The player had to leave the German club on loan after falling down the pecking order.

The 29-year-old is at the peak of his career and he will be hoping to establish a self as a regular starter for Manchester United next season. There is no doubt that the Austrian has the physical and technical abilities to thrive in English football.

The post Erik ten Hag pushing Man Utd board to sign 29-yr-old who will cost £25-30m appeared first on CaughtOffside.