United.

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Commercial Success, Fan Engagement Highlight Preseason

By Oliver Lewis July 17, 2023 132


MANCHESTER, ENG - Manchester United’s preseason tour of America is now over, and while the games against Louisville City and other local sides drew the attention of fans, the club’s off-field activities and fan engagement were equally impressive. The tour was not only an opportunity for the team to prepare for the upcoming season, but also a chance to showcase the club’s global brand and connect with fans around the world.

The club’s commercial activities were front and center during the tour, with United’s players taking part in numerous events and appearances. Fans had the opportunity to meet their favorite players and get autographs, take pictures with the team, and participate in various giveaways and contests. The club also hosted a number of charity events, including a charity auction and a youth soccer clinic in Miami, where United’s young fans were able to learn from the pros.

Speaking about the tour, Manchester United Executive Director Richard Arnold said, “Our preseason tour of America is an important part of our global strategy, and we were pleased to see such a positive response from fans across the country. It was a great opportunity for us to engage with our supporters and showcase the Manchester United brand.”

The tour also allowed Manchester United to connect with its growing fan base in the United States. The team has been investing heavily in its American fan base in recent years, and the tour was another opportunity to build relationships with supporters in the country. United’s new owner, Jim Ratcliffe, emphasized the importance of the American market, saying, “The United States is an incredibly important market for us, and our preseason tour is a key part of our strategy to grow the club’s profile and fan base in America.”

In addition to the commercial and fan engagement activities, Manchester United’s players were also able to enjoy some of the unique experiences that America has to offer. During the tour, the team visited some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Grand Canyon and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They also took part in some of the country’s favorite pastimes, such as playing basketball with the Dallas Mavericks and attending an MLB game in Los Angeles.

One particularly memorable experience for the team was their visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The players were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the space center and had the opportunity to meet with astronauts and learn about the history of space exploration. United manager Thomas Walker spoke about the visit, saying, “It was an incredible experience for us all. To be able to see the amazing work that NASA is doing and meet some of the people behind it was truly inspiring.”

Another highlight of the tour was the team’s visit to Miami, where they had the opportunity to train at the state-of-the-art facilities of new minority owner David Beckham’s MLS team, Inter Miami CF. The training session was attended by Beckham himself, who welcomed the team and spoke to them about the importance of hard work and dedication.

During their tour, Manchester United was also actively pursuing commercial partnerships in America. They announced a new multi-year partnership with American Express, which will be their official payment partner in the US. Additionally, they announced a new partnership with Fanatics, which will see them operate the club's official retail stores in the US, including the online store. This move is seen as a key step in growing the club's brand in the US and reaching out to a wider audience. Manchester United has always been known for its commercial success and it appears that they are continuing to expand their reach in the US.

Manchester United’s preseason tour of America was a huge success both on and off the field. The team was able to prepare for the upcoming season, while also building relationships with fans and showcasing the club’s global brand. As the team returns to Manchester, fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the start of the new season and the continued growth of the Manchester United brand.

(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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United Closing in on Maignan

French Goalkeeper Poised to Signal Red Devils' New Era

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

Manchester, England – Recent reports suggest that Manchester United is edging closer to signing Mike Maignan from AC Milan. The French goalkeeper has emerged as a top transfer target for the Red Devils, with manager Thomas Walker keen to bring in a top-quality shot-stopper as his team prepares to challenge for both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Maignan, who played under Walker at Lille, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and his addition to the United squad would be a major boost. The 28-year-old was a key player in Lille's title-winning campaign in 2020-21, keeping 21 clean sheets in 38 league appearances. He then joined Milan in the summer of 2021, where he helped the team win the Scudetto and reach the round of 16 in the Champions League. This season, he made 53 appearances in all competitions for the Italian club, leading them to the Europa League final.

The potential addition of Maignan to the United squad would likely signal the end of David De Gea's time at the club. The Spanish goalkeeper, who has been a mainstay in the United team for almost a decade, has seen his performances dip in recent seasons and has lost his place as the club's undisputed number one goalkeeper on multiple occasions. While Sam Johnstone has been a reliable backup, he is not seen as a long-term solution, and Bruno Schmitt is still very young and untested at the highest level.

Maignan's strengths lie in his shot-stopping ability, his command of the box, and his ability to make crucial saves in one-on-one situations. He is also a modern goalkeeper who is comfortable playing out from the back, and his distribution is a major asset. Additionally, he is very comfortable against penalty kicks.

The potential deal for Maignan is reportedly very close, with all sides confident that a deal will be done in the coming days. Manchester United is said to be willing to pay a significant fee for the goalkeeper, with Milan facing financial fair play issues that could force them to sell their star players. The two clubs are also engaged in negotiations over the transfer of winger Rafael Leão, which could complicate the deal for Maignan. However, it is understood that the deal for Maignan has eclipsed any deal for Leão and that that is the priority for both clubs.

The addition of Maignan would be a major coup for United and a sign of the club's ambition to challenge for the biggest trophies. With a talented team already in place, the new ownership is looking to add more quality to the squad, and Maignan could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

In addition to his on-field abilities, Maignan's experience and leadership would be valuable assets for United. He has played in high-pressure situations throughout his career, including in the Champions League and on the international stage with France. His presence in the dressing room would also be a major boost for the younger players in the squad.

Manchester United fans have expressed their excitement at the potential signing of Maignan, with many believing that he would be the perfect addition to the squad. The Frenchman's impressive performances for Lille and Milan have not gone unnoticed, and United fans are hopeful that he can replicate his form at Old Trafford.

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Manchester United and Real Madrid locked in battle for Palmeiras' 16-year-old prodigy Endrick. 🔴⚪️ #MUFC #HalaMadrid

Future superstar on the move this summer, confirmed. ✅

Palmeiras in active negotiations. ⚽️🇧🇷



1458 297 78940

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Rumour: Burnley Working on Tuanzebe Deal

Axel Tuanzebe Could Be on the Move Soon, with Vincent Kompany's Burnley as Landing Spot

By Logan Plant / @plantlounited / July 18, 2023, 7:05 AM

Rumour – Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is reportedly close to joining Burnley in a deal that would see him move away from his boyhood club after spending his entire career there. The 25-year-old center-back is said to be seeking a move in order to secure regular playing time and establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League. Despite his modest number of appearances at United, Tuanzebe is still regarded as a talented defender with a lot of potential, and he has attracted interest from several clubs this summer.

Burnley is said to be one of the front-runners in the race to sign Tuanzebe, with the club keen to strengthen its defensive options ahead of the new season. The Clarets have struggled defensively in recent years, and Tuanzebe could provide valuable cover for their current center-backs, as well as offer a long-term solution to their defensive issues.

Tuanzebe spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Aston Villa, where he played 30 games for the club and impressed fans and coaching staff alike. Villa is also said to be interested in signing Tuanzebe, but Burnley appears to be the front-runner at the moment.

The move to Burnley could provide Tuanzebe with the playing time he needs to take his game to the next level. Burnley is known for its tough and physical style of play, which could suit Tuanzebe's strengths as a defender. He is a quick and athletic player, with strong aerial ability and excellent tackling skills, and he could thrive in Burnley's style of play.

Tuanzebe's departure from United would be a loss for the club, both in terms of team morale and depth at the center-back position. He is a popular member of the squad, known for his positive attitude and willingness to help the team in any way possible. Tuanzebe wore the captain's armband on seven occasions last season, highlighting the respect he commands from his teammates.

From a depth perspective, Tuanzebe's departure would leave United comfortable at the center-back position. With the likes of Ronald Araújo, Oumar Solet, Maxence Lacroix, and Raphael Varane ahead of him in the pecking order, it's hard to see him getting many opportunities to play this season. However, if United decides to let him go, the club may need to bring in a replacement in order to maintain the necessary depth in defense.

Overall, Tuanzebe's potential move to Burnley represents an opportunity for the defender to take his career to the next level. He has the talent and potential to be a top-class defender, but he needs regular playing time in order to reach his full potential. The move to Burnley could provide him with the platform he needs to establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League.

For Burnley, the addition of Tuanzebe would be a major boost to their defensive options. The club has struggled defensively in recent years, and the addition of a talented and athletic defender like Tuanzebe could help shore up their backline and make them more competitive in the Premier League.

However, there is still work to be done in order to finalize the deal. Both clubs will need to agree on a fee for Tuanzebe, and the defender himself will need to agree on personal terms with Burnley. Nevertheless, the reports of the potential move suggest that a deal could be close, and it will be interesting to see how things develop in the coming days.


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🚨 Charles de Ketelaere set to join Leeds United from Club Brugge for £35M. 🔵⚪️

Despite interest from AC Milan and Manchester United, no formal offer made.

de Ketelaere chooses Elland Road for his next step. 🇧🇪➡️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Deal done. 🔄✍️ #LUFC #HereWeGo



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Axel Tuanzebe's move from Manchester United to Burnley is gaining serious momentum 🔴🔜🟣.

Burnley's manager Vincent Kompany and Tuanzebe pushing for the deal 🔄⚽.

Things are moving quickly now #MUFC #Burnley



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Osimhen to Join Haaland, Mbappé on EA Sports Cover

By Oliver Lewis July 19, 2023 132


MANCHESTER, ENG - Manchester United's newest signee, Victor Osimhen, has already taken advantage of his new fame before even stepping onto the pitch for the Red Devils. The Nigerian striker has just agreed to a deal with EA Sports' FIFA series to appear as a cover athlete alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland. This is a major coup for Osimhen, as he joins an elite group of footballers to grace the cover of the world's most popular football game.

For Osimhen, being selected as a FIFA cover athlete is a dream come true. "I used to play FIFA growing up, and now I'm going to be on the cover," he said. "It's an amazing feeling, and I'm so grateful to EA Sports for this opportunity."

The announcement was made in a press conference by EA Sports, where Osimhen was joined by Haaland via Zoom. The two young stars will pose for photos in Manchester later this summer, with their images set to be emblazoned on millions of copies of the game around the world.

The deal is a testament to Osimhen's growing reputation as one of the most promising young strikers in world football. Since bursting onto the scene at Lille in 2019, he has consistently impressed with his pace, power, and goal-scoring ability. Last season, he scored an impressive 41 goals in 51 appearances for Napoli, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the game.

It was this impressive form that caught the eye of Manchester United's coaching staff, who have been monitoring his progress for some time. When the opportunity arose to sign him this summer, they jumped at the chance. The club paid a club-record fee of £135 million to secure his services, and he has quickly become one of the most exciting prospects at Old Trafford.

Osimhen's signing was seen as a major statement of intent by Manchester United. The club's new ownership group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, have made it clear that they are willing to spend big to build a winning team. With Osimhen now in the fold, Manchester United has added yet another world-class player to their squad.

For EA Sports, selecting Osimhen as a cover athlete is a shrewd move. The company is always looking to feature the biggest and brightest stars of the football world on their game's cover, and Osimhen certainly fits that bill. With his incredible speed, goal-scoring ability, and youth, he is a player that fans will be eager to control in the game.

The decision to pair Osimhen with Haaland is also an interesting one. The two young stars are seen as the future of football, and their impending rivalry on the pitch has already begun to capture the imagination of fans around the world. Seeing them together on the cover of FIFA will only add to the excitement surrounding their careers.

For Manchester United fans, the announcement of Osimhen as a FIFA cover athlete is just the latest reason to be excited about the future of the club. With a talented young squad and a commitment to investing in top players, the Red Devils are well positioned to challenge for titles both at home and abroad.

As for Osimhen himself, he is looking forward to getting started with his new club and making an impact on the pitch. "I'm honored to be a part of Manchester United, and I can't wait to start playing," he said. "Being on the cover of FIFA is an incredible honor, but my main focus is on helping the team win trophies. I'm looking forward to working hard in training and making a positive impact on the pitch."

The FIFA cover athlete deal is just the latest in a string of accolades for Osimhen, who has already achieved so much in his young career. He has won multiple individual awards, including the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award and the African Youth Player of the Year award, and has been a regular member of the Nigerian national team since 2017.

As Osimhen's star continues to rise, there is no doubt that he will be a major figure in the world of football for years to come. And for Manchester United fans, the prospect of seeing him in action on the pitch and in FIFA 24 is a tantalizing one.

(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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Burnley secures Tuanzebe to bolster defense

Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe joins for £15m as part of clear out

By Felix Short | July 20, 2023, 7:00 AM

Manchester, England – Burnley has completed the signing of Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe for a fee of £15 million. The 25-year-old center-back has been seeking a move away from Old Trafford in order to secure regular playing time and establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League.

For Burnley, the addition of Tuanzebe is a major boost to their defensive options. The club has struggled defensively in recent years, and the addition of a talented and athletic defender like Tuanzebe could help shore up their backline and make them more competitive in the Premier League.

Tuanzebe is a product of Manchester United's youth academy, having joined the club at the age of eight. He made his first-team debut for the Red Devils in 2017 and has since made 37 appearances for the club. Despite his modest number of appearances, Tuanzebe is still regarded as a talented defender with a lot of potential, and he has attracted interest from several clubs this summer.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is known for his love of defenders, having been a world-class center-back himself during his playing career. Tuanzebe's signing is seen as a major coup for Kompany, who will be looking to build a strong defensive unit at Turf Moor.

Tuanzebe's versatility is also an asset for Burnley. He can play as both a center-back and a right-back, which could provide the team with additional cover in those positions. His pace, power, and physicality should also fit in well with Burnley's style of play.

Burnley will be hoping to have a better season after finishing just above the relegation zone in 17th place last year. The addition of Tuanzebe could be a step in the right direction for the club, as they look to improve their defensive record and avoid being dragged into another relegation battle. With manager Vincent Kompany at the helm, Burnley will be hoping to build on their solid defensive foundation and add more attacking threat to their game. The club has already made a few other signings this summer, including the acquisition of winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Liverpool, and will be looking to continue their recruitment drive in order to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

From Tuanzebe's perspective, the move to Burnley represents an opportunity to take his career to the next level. He has the talent and potential to be a top-class defender, but he needs regular playing time in order to reach his full potential. The move to Burnley could provide him with the platform he needs to establish himself as a regular starter in the Premier League.

"I'm really excited to join Burnley and work with Vincent [Kompany]," Tuanzebe said in a statement. "I know that the club has a strong tradition of tough and physical defenders, and I think my playing style will fit in well here. I'm looking forward to competing for minutes and helping the team win games."

Tuanzebe's departure from Manchester United will be a loss for the club, both in terms of team morale and depth at the center-back position. He is a popular member of the squad, known for his positive attitude and willingness to help the team in any way possible. Tuanzebe wore the captain's armband on seven occasions last season, highlighting the respect he commands from his teammates.

However, with the likes of Ronald Araújo, Oumar Solet, Maxence Lacroix, and Raphael Varane ahead of him in the pecking order, it's hard to see Tuanzebe getting many opportunities to play this season. The move to Burnley is likely the best option for his career at this point.

With the sale of Tuanzebe for £15 million, Manchester United has now raised a total of £132 million from player sales this summer. This has helped the club to balance their books and stay within the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. With the money raised, United is reportedly looking to close deals for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and forward Rafael Leão, two players who would add quality to their squad. The club is still looking to invest in top-class players while also adhering to FFP regulations, and the funds raised from player sales have put them in a strong position to do so.

Looking ahead, Tuanzebe has the potential to be a key player for Burnley for years to come. He is still only 25 years old, and he has already shown that he can perform at a high level in the Premier League. If he can continue to develop and improve, he could become one of the best defenders in the league.

"Tuanzebe is a player that we've been tracking for a long time, and we're delighted to have him join the club," Kompany said in a statement. "He's a talented young defender with a lot of potential that has done it in the Premier League, and I'm looking forward to working with him and helping him develop his game."

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