United.

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Scrimmage Report: United vs UCLA

Sunday Scrimmage Sees United Dominate Local University Team

By Logan Plant / @plantlounited / July 13, 2023, 7:05 AM

Report – Manchester United continued their preseason preparations with a scrimmage against UCLA, just a day after playing a friendly against LAFC. As expected, United dominated the game, giving their younger players a chance to gain some valuable minutes on the pitch.

Carney Chukwuemeka was the standout performer for United, scoring an impressive hattrick in just 25 minutes. Hannibal Mejbri and Ethan Laird also caught the eye after coming on in the second half, while the starting midfield three of Zidane Iqbal, Toby Collyer, and Kobbie Mainoo controlled the game and dominated the UCLA midfield despite not having much of an age advantage.

United started the scoring early on when Álvaro Fernández made a good run down the left flank before crossing the ball into the box for Zidane Iqbal to redirect past the keeper. United continued to dominate the first half, with Kobbie Mainoo tapping in a cross from Charlie Wellens to double the lead in the 38th minute. Just four minutes later, Mainoo turned provider, making a great run through the middle of the park before cutting on the edge of the box and passing the ball to Charlie McNeill, who had an easy attempt on goal and put it away.

United made several changes in the second half, but their dominance continued. Carney Chukwuemeka scored his first goal of the game in the 75th minute after being found in the box by Alejandro Garnacho. Ethan Laird then crossed the ball into Garnacho for United's fifth goal in the 84th minute. Chukwuemeka then scored two more goals, one from a corner in the 89th minute and another from an assist by Hannibal Mejbri in the 90th minute, to complete his hattrick.

Both Ben Amos and Nathan Bishop got a half in goal for United, but neither had much to do. Bishop made one save, while Amos did not have a save to make. United had 26 shots in total, highlighting their complete dominance over UCLA.

Toby Collyer was named the man of the match for his outstanding performance as a defensive midfielder. Despite being young and relatively inexperienced, Collyer was composed on the ball and played a key role in controlling the midfield and setting up United's attacks.

This scrimmage was an important opportunity for United's younger players to gain some valuable playing time and showcase their talents. With the season fast approaching, manager Thomas Walker will be pleased with the depth of his squad and the form of some of the younger players.

After this game, United will travel to Las Vegas to play against Louisville City on Saturday as they continue their preparations for the upcoming season.


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Youth Product Departs Manchester United for Everton

Versatile Midfielder Jimmy Garner Seals £15M Move for Regular Playing Time at Goodison

By Felix Short | July 14, 2023, 7:00 AM

Manchester, England – Manchester United have confirmed that young midfielder James Garner will be departing the club to join Everton for a fee of £15 million. Garner, made 21 appearances for United in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring a memorable goal against Stoke City in the FA Cup. However, with several promising young midfielders coming through the ranks at United, including Hannibal Mejbri, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kobbie Mainoo, and Zidane Iqbal, Garner was unlikely to feature prominently in the upcoming season.

Garner's career to date has been marked by his technical ability, vision, and passing range, which make him a well-rounded midfielder capable of playing in a variety of roles. He has a keen eye for goal and is comfortable dictating the tempo of a game, making him a valuable asset for any team.

Garner grew up in a footballing family, with his father and grandfather both having played the game at a semi-professional level. Garner's talent was evident from a young age, and he joined Manchester United's academy at the age of eight. He quickly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the club's youth set-up, earning his first professional contract at the age of 17.

Before his breakthrough season with Manchester United last year, Garner had already caught the eye of many footballing experts during his loan spell with Championship club, Nottingham Forest, in the 2021-22 season. Garner played a pivotal role in Forest's midfield, helping the team secure a 7th-place finish in the league. During his time at the club, he featured in 20 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists. His performances earned him widespread praise from fans and pundits alike, and his impressive displays saw him named as Nottingham Forest's Young Player of the Season.

United manager Thomas Walker commented on Garner's departure, saying, "We're sad to see Jimmy go, but we understand that he needs regular playing time to continue his development. We wish him all the best at Everton, and we're confident that he will continue to progress as a player."

Garner himself expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for United, saying, "It's been an honor to wear the United shirt, and I'm grateful for the experiences and opportunities that the club has given me. I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my career at Everton, and I hope to make a positive impact at the club."

Garner's departure is likely to have an impact on United's midfield depth, but the club has a strong focus on developing young talent, and they will be eager to give other promising players the chance to shine.

For Everton, the signing of Garner represents a shrewd piece of business. The Toffees have been keen to bolster their midfield options, and the addition of Garner provides them with a talented and versatile young player who has the potential to make a significant impact in the Premier League.

Everton manager Frank Lampard spoke highly of Garner, saying, "We're delighted to bring James to Everton. He's a talented young midfielder with a lot of potential, and we believe that he will be a great addition to our squad. He's shown his ability in the Championship, and we're excited to see what he can do in the Premier League."

Garner's arrival at Everton could also signal a change in the club's playing style, with the midfielder's passing ability and vision likely to be integral to the team's attacking play.

Garner's departure from United is a reminder of the difficult decisions that clubs must make when it comes to developing young talent. While it is always difficult to let go of promising players, the reality is that not all players can be accommodated within a squad, and sometimes a move to a different club can be the best option for a player's development.

For Manchester United, the summer transfer window sees another big domino fall. The club has already spent a reported £135 million on Victor Osimhen, and they show no signs of slowing down, with rumors that they’re looking to spend big on players like Mike Maignan, Rafael Leão, and Endrick.

However, the Red Devils have also been busy selling players, with the sale of Garner to Everton, their total amount of money raised from player sales this summer reaches £117 million. This significant sum will help offset the financial fair play (FFP) implications of United's spending spree, allowing the club to comply with UEFA regulations and avoid any potential sanctions. While fans may be disappointed to see some of their favorite players leave, the influx of cash will provide United with the necessary resources to continue building a world-class squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

For Garner, the move to Everton represents an exciting opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level and continue his development as a player. For United, the club will be confident in the ability of their young midfielders to step up and make an impact in the first team.

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Leeds United in pole position to sign Charles de Ketelaere from Club Brugge. 🔵 ⚪

Despite interest from Manchester United and AC Milan, Leeds are making strong progress in talks. 🔄

No deal done yet, but the Whites are optimistic. 🇧🇪🔝 #Leeds #MUFC #Milan



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EXCL: United Working on Deal for Wonderkid Endrick

By Oliver Lewis July 14, 2023 132


MANCHESTER, ENG - Manchester United is reportedly interested in signing Palmeiras' Brazilian wonderkid, Endrick, for a staggering fee of £60 million. The 16-year-old forward has been impressing on the global stage, with a standout performance in the Club World Cup Final, where he scored a goal and helped Palmeiras in a 4-3 defeat to Manchester United in extra time. Despite interest from other top European clubs, including his dream club Real Madrid, Endrick is said to be favoring a move to the Red Devils, who have a reputation for nurturing young talent and providing a clear development pathway.

Endrick was born on February 15, 2005, in São Paulo, Brazil, and started his football journey at the age of 7, when he joined a local youth academy. His natural talent and relentless work ethic quickly caught the attention of scouts from Palmeiras, one of Brazil's top clubs. At just 14 years old, Endrick was signed by Palmeiras, where he continued to develop his skills and establish himself as one of the most promising prospects in South American football.

As a versatile forward, Endrick is comfortable playing as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. His exceptional dribbling ability, lightning-quick pace, and eye for goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenders. Although still young, Endrick has showcased a level of maturity and footballing intelligence that belies his age.

Endrick's meteoric rise through the ranks at Palmeiras has been nothing short of remarkable. In his debut season for the club's U17 team, he notched an impressive 18 goals and 12 assists in just 22 appearances. This led to a rapid promotion to the senior team, where he continued to make an impact.

In his first season with Palmeiras' senior side, Endrick scored 11 goals and provided 9 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. His standout performances in the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league helped propel Palmeiras to domestic and continental success.

Although Endrick's signing is not yet official, reports suggest that he is likely to chose Manchester United over Real Madrid due to the club's reputation for nurturing young talent and a clear development pathway. The recent sale of Julián Álvarez to Madrid also demonstrated United's willingness to let players move on if they desire.

Should the move go through, Endrick's arrival at Manchester United would signal the club's ongoing commitment to investing in youth, a cornerstone of their philosophy. By providing a clear pathway for young talents like Endrick, the Red Devils hope to build a squad capable of dominating both domestic and European competitions for years to come.

It's important to note that due to English labor law, Endrick would not be eligible to come to England until he turns 18 years old. As he is currently only 17, it is likely that he will need to go on loan and continue to develop at Palmeiras for at least one more year. While Manchester United may secure Endrick's services, they will have to wait until he meets the age requirement to bring him to Old Trafford. In the meantime, they may keep a close eye on his progress and continue to develop a relationship with the Brazilian club.

Endrick will face considerable pressure to live up to the hype and justify his hefty price tag. The Premier League is renowned for its physicality and intensity, which may require some adjustment for the young Brazilian. Nonetheless, Manchester United's history of nurturing young talent suggests that the club will provide him with the support and guidance necessary to overcome these challenges.

(Photos by Holly Richardson / Associated Press)

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Oliver Lewis is a staff writer at The Athletic covering Manchester United. Previously, he wrote for ESPN. Follow Oliver on Twitter @OliverLewisAthletic.

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Financial Fair Play: Why is United Selling?

By Oliver Lewis July 15, 2023 132


MANCHESTER, ENG - Manchester United has made some surprising decisions in the transfer market this summer, with a flurry of player sales and a large planned spending spree beginning to unfold. After a new ownership group took over the club in February, United is undergoing a significant squad overhaul in an attempt to compete at the highest level. The sale of several young players has raised eyebrows, with many fans questioning the club's decision to let go of promising talents. However, there is a method to United's madness, and the club's summer transfer activity is geared towards restoring the team's former glory.

The sale of young talents like Jimmy Garner, Julián Álvarez, and Donny van de Beek has generated significant funds for United, enabling the club to invest in new players. The Red Devils have already spent £135 million on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and there are reports that they could spend up to £400 million if they stay within their wage budget. While this may seem like a lot of money, United's recent transfer activity has been relatively modest, with the club enjoying a surplus of £45 million in the 2022-23 season. Therefore, the sale of young players has allowed United to increase their total potential spend, balance their books and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

However, there is more to United's transfer strategy than just balancing the books. The club has been rebuilding its squad, with an emphasis on youth and long-term development. The sales of Garner, van de Beek, and Álvarez were not just about raising funds, but also about freeing up space in the squad for new signings. The emergence of talented young midfielders like Hannibal Mejbri, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Kobbie Mainoo made it clear that there was no room for Garner and van de Beek, despite their potential. Similarly, the arrival of Osimhen and the signing of another striker in the works meant that Álvarez was no longer necessary.

The decision to sell young players may seem harsh, but it is a necessary evil in modern football. The financial pressure on clubs to balance their books and comply with FFP regulations has forced many teams to adopt a more pragmatic approach to squad building. For United, the sale of young players has been a calculated move, allowing the club to invest in new talent while complying with FFP regulations.

The departure of Garner, in particular, has been met with mixed reactions from United fans. The young midfielder showed great promise during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest and impressed in his limited appearances for the Red Devils last season. He was also a product of United’s youth system, having joined the club as a boy. However, with the emergence of Mejbri, Chukwuemeka, Mainoo, and Iqbal, Garner was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. The sale of Garner to Everton for £15 million represents a good deal for both clubs, with United making a tidy profit and Garner getting the chance to play regular first-team football.

United manager Thomas Walker has spoken about the club's summer transfer activity, saying, "We are building a team for the future, and that requires some tough decisions. We believe in the potential of our young players, but we also need to bring in established stars who can help us compete at the highest level. The sale of some of our young players has enabled us to invest in new talent while complying with FFP regulations."

The club's transfer strategy has divided opinion among United fans, with some expressing concern over the sale of young talents. However, others believe that the club is making the right decisions, investing in proven stars while also nurturing its own talent. The arrival of Osimhen has been met with enthusiasm, with many fans hoping that the Nigerian striker can help fire United to success in the upcoming season.

Looking ahead, United still has plenty of work to do in the transfer market. The club has been linked with several high-profile players, including AC Milan’s Rafael Leão and Mike Maignan, as well as Palmeiras teenager Endrick, and were heavily linked to both Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice earlier in the summer.

United's summer transfer activity has been bold and ambitious, reflecting the club's desire to return to the top of English and European football and defeat their rivals Liverpool. While the sale of young players may be a bitter pill for some fans to swallow, it is a necessary step in United's journey towards success. The arrival of Osimhen, the emergence of talented young midfielders, and the prospect of further high-profile signings have injected a sense of excitement into the club and its supporters.

The challenge for United now is to turn potential into reality. The club has the talent and the resources to compete with the best, but it will take time and patience to build a team capable of challenging for major honours. With the new Premier League season just weeks away, United fans will be eagerly anticipating the start of the campaign, hoping that the club's summer transfer activity can translate into success on the pitch.

(Photos by Holly Richardson / Associated Press)

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Oliver Lewis is a staff writer at The Athletic covering Manchester United. Previously, he wrote for ESPN. Follow Oliver on Twitter @OliverLewisAthletic.

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Big Moment for USL, Great Form From United

Manchester United dominated USL-side Louisville City in a Game That Aimed to Showcase

By Felix Short | July 16, 2023, 11:59 PM EST

Bruno Fernandes scored a brace as United dominate USL club. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Las Vegas, USA – In a completely one-sided match, Manchester United put on a clinic against USL club Louisville City, winning by an emphatic scoreline of 4-0. United’s dominance was apparent from the opening whistle, as they held 90% possession in the first half alone. The Red Devils showed their intent early, with Victor Osimhen finishing off a well-worked team move in the 5th minute. Moments later, Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar before Bruno Fernandes doubled United’s lead with a well-placed header in the 9th minute.

Manager Thomas Walker was pleased with his team’s performance, saying, “We played with confidence and aggression, and the result speaks for itself. It’s always good to end a preseason tour on a high note, and I’m proud of the way the team played today.”

Bruno Fernandes, who scored two goals and was involved in a third, was named Man of the Match, but it was really a complete team effort from United. The midfield trio of Fred, Renato Sanches, and Fernandes controlled the game, with the latter showing his class by scoring a sensational solo goal in the 28th minute. Hannibal Mejbri and Mason Greenwood also had strong performances, with the former providing a pinpoint assist for Greenwood’s goal early in the second half.

United’s dominance was reflected in the statistics, with the team finishing the game with 85% possession and 14 shots, while Louisville City failed to register a single shot on target. Manager Danny Cruz was gracious in defeat, saying, “We knew we were going up against a top-class team, and we were just happy to be a part of the occasion. It was a great learning experience for our players, and we wish Manchester United all the best for the upcoming season.”

The match also provided an opportunity for two of United’s youngsters, Alejandro Garnacho and Zidane Iqbal, to showcase their abilities. Both players looked comfortable on the ball and demonstrated promising potential, suggesting they could be in line for first-team minutes this season.

Despite the lopsided result, the match was a major event and a huge opportunity for Louisville City and the USL as a whole. Facing off against one of the most storied and successful clubs in world football, Louisville City had a chance to showcase their talent and demonstrate the growing quality of soccer in the United States. While they were ultimately outclassed by United, the experience of playing against top-level competition will undoubtedly benefit Louisville City in the long run. It was also a chance for USL fans to see some of the best players in the world up close and witness the gap in quality between the USL and top-tier clubs like Manchester United.

Victor Osimhen continued to impress against Louisville City, scoring the opening goal of the match and looking like the £135 million pound man that Manchester United paid for earlier in the summer. The Nigerian striker showed great positioning and composure to tap in the ball after a dangerous pass from Bruno Fernandes, demonstrating the kind of predatory instincts that made him a standout player at Napoli.

Osimhen's performance bodes well for his future with the club, and he will be hoping to continue his impressive form as the season kicks off in earnest. Manager Thomas Walker was impressed with his performance, saying, "Victor is a proven goalscorer and he showed today why we brought him to the club. He's got a lot of talent and we're excited to see what he can do this season."

Manchester United's team morale and confidence were on full display against Louisville City. The players showed a great understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities, with everyone on the pitch working together to achieve a common goal. With such a positive team dynamic, it's clear that Manchester United are well-positioned to compete at the highest level this season.

Looking ahead, United will now return to Europe and play their final preseason game against Athletic Bilbao in Glasgow next weekend. Despite the one-sided result, this match will give Thomas Walker and his coaching staff plenty to think about as they finalize their starting lineup for the upcoming season. As Bruno Fernandes said after the match, “We know the season will be much tougher, but we’re ready for the challenge and we’ll keep working hard.”

Manchester United: 4 Goal Scorers: Victor Osimhen (5’, 3rd), Bruno Fernandes (9’, 1st), Bruno Fernandes (28’, 2nd), Mason Greenwood (50’, 3rd) Assists: Amad, Marcus Rashford, Hannibal Mejbri Louisville City: 0 Goal Scorers: Assists:

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Manchester United making significant headway in pursuit of AC Milan's Mike Maignan. 🔴⚫️

Personal terms are nearly agreed - player keen on the move. 👀📝

#MUFC see him as a key addition to their squad. Deal getting closer...



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