United.

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Another United Youth to Derby County

Winger Shola Shoretire Will Join Teden Mengi at Derby County on Loan

By Felix Short | August 5, 2022, 7:05 AM

Shoretire will look to elevate Derby County's attack to threatening levels. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Manchester, England – Derby County's acquisition of Manchester United's Shola Shoretire on a one-year loan marks a significant moment for the 18-year-old winger and attacking midfielder. The English Championship club will provide the young talent with an opportunity to develop and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.

Manchester United manager Thomas Walker has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal, making the loan move an ideal solution for Shoretire's growth. United's Head of Academy Nick Cox expressed his excitement for Shoretire's future, stating, "Shola has shown a lot of potential in the academy and in his first team appearances. We believe this loan move will be beneficial for his development as a player, and we're excited to see how he performs in the English Championship."

The situation at Derby County is one of improvement after a 17th-place finish last season. New manager Paul Warne is eager to get the most out of his squad and has expressed excitement about adding Shoretire to the team. The competition for playing time in the attacking midfield position will be fierce, with Tom Lawrence, Jason Knight, Malcolm Ebiowei, and Louie Watson all vying for starts. However, aside from the veteran Lawrence, Shoretire has every chance to outcompete his rivals to make an impact and earn a place in the starting XI.

Shoretire has already shown his potential in his limited appearances for Manchester United, recording three goals and one assist in five appearances last season. He will be joining fellow Manchester United loanee Teden Mengi, who agreed to join Derby County yesterday, providing a familiar face in an unfamiliar environment.

This loan move is an important step in Shoretire's development as a player, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his skills and gain experience in a competitive environment. Manchester United fans will be watching closely, eager to see the progress of one of the club's most promising young talents. For Derby County, the acquisition of Shoretire adds depth and youth to the squad and could provide a spark to a team in need of improvement. The future is bright for Shola Shoretire, and fans of both clubs will be watching closely to see how he develops over the course of the 2022-23 season.

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Re: United.

Oxford United Add Manchester United Loanee

Red Devil Defender Björn Hardley Will Join the Third Division Side on Loan

By Felix Short | August 7, 2022, 7:00 AM

Björn Hardley made a surprising impact last season, appearing in ten games. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Manchester, England – Manchester United's Björn Hardley has joined Oxford United on a one-year loan, in a move aimed at furthering his development as a young center-back. Hardley, 19, is another future professional to come out of the Manchester United academy. However, he faces an uphill battle for playing time with United, with Raphaël Varane and the newly acquired Oumar Solet ahead of him in the pecking order. The arrival of Maxence Lacroix and the presence of Axel Tuanzebe also provide further cover for United in the center-back position.

Prior to Thomas Walker’s revitalization of the center-back depth chart this summer, Hardley made ten appearances for United and showed that he has the potential to be a valuable asset for the club in the future.

Oxford United, who finished tenth in the English League One last season, will be looking to improve on that performance this coming campaign. The club has set their sights high and will be pushing for promotion to the English Championship, the second tier of English football. This means that the pressure will be on for the team to perform and deliver results on a consistent basis.

Karl Robinson, the manager of Oxford United, is no stranger to developing young talent, and he will be excited to work with Hardley this season. The young center-back will face competition from Elliott Moore, Luke McNally, and Ciaron Brown for a starting spot in the Oxford United team.

Hardley made his debut for Manchester United on last September in an EFL Cup match against Portsmouth. Despite being young and inexperienced, he showed glimpses of his potential, and his ten appearances for United indicate that he has what it takes to succeed at a higher level. This loan move to Oxford United presents an opportunity for Hardley to gain valuable experience, as he looks to develop his game and become a more complete player.

It is yet to be seen what the future holds for Björn Hardley at Manchester United, but one thing is certain, he will have a lot to prove during his time at Oxford United. With a strong loan campaign, he has the chance to put himself in the plans for a future at United, and to show the world that he can deliver on his promise. Whether he will rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain, this loan move to Oxford United can be a step in the right direction for the young Dutch international.

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Rumour: United in Talks over Koulibaly

United Seem to be Pivoting Away from Ronald Araújo, Toward Kalidou Koulibaly

By Logan Plant / @plantlounited / August 8, 2022, 8:30 AM

Koulibaly is one of the game's top defenders. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Rumour – Manchester United's pursuit of Napoli center-back Kalidou Koulibaly appears to be lighting up, with the Red Devils reportedly ramping up their efforts to bring the Senegalese international to Old Trafford. The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the top defenders in world football and has been linked with several top European clubs, including Manchester City and Chelsea.

Manchester United's reported interest in Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly indicates that they have potentially given up on trying to persuade Barcelona to sell them Ronald Araújo. The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the Uruguayan center-back in recent months, however, with Barcelona unwilling to part with one of their key defensive assets, United has now shifted their focus to the experienced and proven Koulibaly.

Koulibaly joined Napoli in 2014 from Belgian club Genk and has been a cornerstone of the Partenopei's defense ever since. He has made over 200 appearances for the club, winning two Coppa Italia titles and reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League in 2018. His performances have earned him widespread recognition, and he was named in the Serie A Team of the Year for the 2018/19 season.

Koulibaly's ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has made him a sought-after commodity in the transfer market. He is also an excellent aerial presence, winning an average of 4.5 aerial duels per game last season, while his composed and dominant style of play has made him a fan-favorite in Naples.

Manchester United's interest in Koulibaly is not surprising given their recent struggles in defense. The Red Devils have been searching for a top-flight center-back partnership since the retirement of club legend Nemanja Vidic in 2014. Despite several high-profile signings in recent years, including Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf, United's defense has remained a weakness, and manager Thomas Walker is believed to be keen to add a player of Koulibaly's quality to his squad.

Having already acquired Maxence Lacroix and Oumar Solet, the addition of Koulibaly may seem like overkill, but a top line partnership of Raphaël Varane and Koulibaly could be the best in Europe. That type of partnership could allow United manager Thomas Walker to slowly nurture the younger, less experienced talents they acquired earlier this summer.

However, United's pursuit of Koulibaly will not be straightforward. Napoli are understood to be reluctant to sell their star player, and it is believed that they would demand a fee in the region of £35 million for the defender and they have been notoriously difficult to complete deals with for British clubs.

Furthermore, Koulibaly is understood to have several other suitors, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. The Blues, in particular, have been heavily linked with the Senegalese international, and it is believed that they would be willing to outbid United in the race for his signature.

Despite these challenges, United are understood to be determined to bring Koulibaly to Old Trafford. Walker is believed to have identified the defender as his top transfer target, and the club's hierarchy is said to be supportive of his efforts to bring the Senegalese international to Manchester.


MORE FROM RED DEVIL UNITED
Rumour: United Eyeing Top English Prospect
Rumour: United Look to Add Second CB
Confirmed: United Sign Jones to Pro Contract
Rumour: Walker Spends Time With USA, Canada
Confirmed: Kovář leaving United

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Re: United.

Manchester United 2022-23 Season Preview

By Oliver Lewis August 9, 2022 165


MANCHESTER, ENG - The offseason for Manchester United was a mixed bag of results. After winning the Champions League, the club was clearly on an upswing under new manager Thomas Walker. However, the failure of the club's board to capitalize on this success by making key summer additions has left many fans feeling underwhelmed.

Instead of adding depth to the roster, the club made several key departures, including captain Harry Maguire, center-backs Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, and Victor Lindelöf, as well as backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson. In their place, the club signed center-backs Maxence Lacroix from Wolfsburg and Oumar Solet from RB Salzburg, but failed to address other key positions, such as center-forward or midfielder.

Despite these departures, Manchester United did hand out contract extensions to several key players, including Fred, Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford. This shows that the club is committed to building a core group of players for the future.

The club's preseason tour provided an opportunity for Thomas Walker to scout the depth of the United roster and give valuable playing time to several players. This will be important as the club looks to make the most of its resources and build a competitive team for the upcoming season.

Schedule

The upcoming 2022-23 season is shaping up to be a busy one for Manchester United. After winning the Champions League last season, the club will kick off their season in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid in Helsinki, Finland. This will be United's first appearance in the Super Cup since 2017, where they lost to Real Madrid.

In the Premier League, United will look to win their first league title since 2013. The club finished in third place last season with 78 points, but will need to do better if they hope to win the title this year. Despite this, the lack of reinforcements has left some fans feeling pessimistic about their chances in the league.

Manchester United will also once again compete in the UEFA Champions League, with the draw for their group taking place on August 25th. The club will also serve as UEFA's representative at the Club World Cup next February, where they will be the favorites to win.

Last year, United lost in the FA Cup final to Manchester City, but they will look to contend prominently in both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

Goalkeepers

The 2022-23 season will see a fierce competition between the sticks for Manchester United. Manager Thomas Walker was not pleased with the performance of David De Gea last season and as a result, the club brought in Sam Johnstone to provide serious competition.

During the preseason, De Gea appeared to hold onto his starting spot, but the club has guaranteed Johnstone the opportunity to win the job, meaning he will likely see some game time. The goalkeeping position will be one to watch as De Gea and Johnstone battle it out for the starting spot. Both goalkeepers bring unique skills to the table, and it will be interesting to see how the competition plays out. De Gea has a wealth of experience at the highest level, including a stint as Manchester United's Player of the Year, while Johnstone has been impressing in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion.

In addition to De Gea and Johnstone, the club also has veteran Tom Heaton as depth. Youngster Bruno Schmitt has been sent out on loan to Swansea City.



Defense

Manchester United's defense is a mixed bag heading into the 2022-23 season. At fullback, the club is set with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the left and Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, and Brandon Williams on the right. The depth at fullback is impressive and United fans should feel confident about their starting fullbacks heading into the new season.

However, the center-back position is a bit more of a mystery. After proving himself as one of the best defenders in the world last season, Raphaël Varane once again anchors the defense. However, who will be his partner is a complete mystery. The club sold Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones this summer, and brought in Maxence Lacroix and Oumar Solet as replacements.

Axel Tuanzebe also returns after a successful stint on loan at Napoli last season. The club is looking to bring in one more center-back to the mix, and they have been connected to Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, so they may add another piece to the puzzle before the transfer window closes.

Overall, Manchester United's defense is a work in progress heading into the new season. Varane is a stud and the depth at fullback is solid, but the club is still searching for the right mix at center-back. Whether they find it through current roster players or through the transfer market remains to be seen, but the club's defense will be an area to watch in the coming months.

Midfielder

Manchester United's midfield remains a major concern heading into the 2022-23 season. The departure of key players Paul Pogba and Namanja Matić has left the club with question marks in the center of the park. Despite this, there are a few bright spots to keep an eye on.

Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the world and is expected to have another strong season. Fred and Scott McTominay have shown improvement in recent years, but their inconsistency remains a concern. Hannibal Mejbri was a standout performer last season, making his mark after his debut and earning a regular role in the team. However, with Mejbri and Fernandes playing the same position, it may be difficult to fit both in the starting lineup against top competition.

It appears that United will rely on the return of Donny van de Beek from a loan spell at Sevilla and Jimmy Garner from Nottingham Forest in the second division to offer some depth, but the reality is that United could have used an addition in the midfield. Fans will be hoping that the club can bring in reinforcements before the transfer window closes, whether that be in the summer or the winter.

The lack of investment in the midfield is a major concern for Manchester United heading into the new season. While they have some talented players in their ranks, the lack of depth and quality in the center of the park is sure to pose problems. Only time will tell if the club is able to rectify this situation, but for now, it remains a major area of weakness.

Attack

Manchester United's attack is looking sharp heading into the 2022-23 season. The return of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a record-breaking campaign last year with 52 goals in all competitions, is a major reason for excitement. Ronaldo will be joined by a number of talented players, including Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Julián Álvarez, who will provide quality depth in the attack.

Jadon Sancho, who joined the club last summer but missed most of the season after tearing his ACL, will eventually return from injury and will be expected to make a significant impact. Young players Amad and Anthony Elanga also made an impact last season and will continue to provide depth at important positions. Facundo Pellistri, who spent the 2021-2022 season on loan at Alavés, may also play a role for the club this season.

Mason Greenwood's future remains unclear, but he will likely play a part at some point as he’s both under contract and on the roster.

Despite the hope of bringing in a new striker to serve as an understudy to Ronaldo, Manchester United has a deep squad and plenty of firepower heading into the 2022-23 season.

(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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Re: United.

Bernard to Join Nottingham Forest

Manchester United Defender Di'Shon Bernard to Spend Season on Loan in Championship

By Felix Short | August 9, 2022, 7:30 AM

After fighting relegation at Hull City, Bernard will get a chance near the top of the Championship. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Manchester, England – Manchester United's young center-back, Di’Shon Bernard, has been loaned to Nottingham Forest in the English Championship for the upcoming season. This one-year loan move comes at a crucial juncture in Bernard's career, as the 21-year-old will need to make a strong impression in order to work his way into United's plans.

Despite showing promise at youth level, making one appearance for United’s senior team, Bernard is currently behind Raphaël Varane, Oumar Solet, and Maxence Lacroix in the club's center-back plans. With the transfer window still open, it's possible that United could bring in another center-back, further complicating Bernard's prospects for the near future.

Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, are a club on the rise, having finished fifth in the Championship last season. New manager Steve Cooper will be hoping that Bernard can help them push for promotion this year, as they aim to make it back to the Premier League.

Bernard will face competition for playing time at Forest, as they play with three center-backs. He will have to compete with Scott McKenna, Steve Cook, Joe Worrall, Jonathan Panzo, and Loïc Mbe Soh for a spot in the starting lineup. However, his aerial ability, solid tackling, and good decision-making make him an attractive addition to Forest's backline.

Bernard's time with Salford City and Hull City over the previous two years saw him make 83 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists. In the 2021-2022 season with Hull City, he appeared in 51 games, scoring 2 goals, proving that he could hold his own in the championship for a relegation threatened side. Now, he will have the opportunity to prove he belongs at the top of the league.

Despite not making much of an impression in two preseason games for United this summer, Bernard is known for his comfort with the ball at his feet and his ability to start attacking plays from the back. This skill set could make him a valuable asset for Forest, as they look to build a team capable of making a promotion push.

While United's Head of Academy, Nick Cox, has not made a public statement regarding the loan move, it is clear that this season at Nottingham Forest will be crucial for Bernard's future prospects with United. He will need to make the most of his playing time and prove that he is worthy of a place in the club's long-term plans.

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Re: United.

Manchester United 2022-23 Roster

Attackers



Midfielders



Defenders



Goalkeepers



On Loan

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Re: United.

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Re: United.

United Open European Season With Win

Victory Under Duress Propels United Over Real Madrid in Super Cup

By Felix Short | August 10, 2022, 11:59 PM EST

Despite dominant stretches from Real Madrid, Oumar Solet's 36-yard strike proves the difference. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Helsinki, Finland – Real Madrid dominated the much-anticipated kick off to the European Calendar between Europa League Champions Real Madrid and Champions League winners Manchester United. Despite the path that each took towards entrance into the annual UEFA Super Cup, Real Madrid were the clear favorites, and played better for most of this game. That didn’t stop Manchester United from emerging victorious in this contest, prevailing 2-1 to host the UEFA Super Cup Trophy.

“We came into this game knowing that Madrid is one of the best teams in Europe,” said United manager Thomas Walker, “They have talent everywhere. Experience, youth, athleticism, decisiveness, effectiveness, efficiency. That side is incredible, and I’ll be glad to not face them again.”

After losing out on the Kylian Mbappé sweepstakes, Real Madrid spent big money to bring in the top group of incoming transfers anywhere in Europe. Carlo Ancelotti’s club began by inking Chelsea center-back Antonio Rüdiger on a free transfer, then spent £140 million on Tottenham center-forward Harry Kane, before taking a trip to Italy and coming back with AC Milan fullback Theo Hernández for an additional €97 million. That outlay positioned Ancelotti and Real Madrid as the favorites to win this years’ Champions League.

Manchester United, on the other hand, has spent the summer failing to address the departure of Paul Pogba with any integrations in the midfield. There only additions have been a pair of young center-backs that Thomas Walker feels he can groom into elite talents.

That was the state of play going into Wednesday night’s showdown in Helsinki, Finland, and Real Madrid looked much the better side early, opening up with a dramatic and impressive first twelve minutes of the game. They opened the scoring at that point when Harry Kane netted his first Real Madrid goal. It concluded an opening twelve-minute period where Real Madrid held 93% possession and outshot United eight-nil. The final breakthrough came after Kane’s shot was deflected by Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The ball fell to the ground and spun in place, allowing Kane to regroup and fire another shot, past United keeper David De Gea and into the back of the net.

After that first goal, United began to settle the game down, but no neutral fan would’ve suggested that the game was even. Now able to hold the ball for a few minutes at a time, United was finally able to push the ball through the midfield and into the attacking third, where all their most dangerous players were ready to pounce. Once United got the ball to their front four, the game was on. That was made clear in the 22nd minute when Hannibal Mejbri broke into the box, received a pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, then flicked the ball across the face of Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, to the left foot of Bruno Fernandes for the equalizer.

That goal brought United back to life, as they managed to creep some control back from a suffocating and talented Madrid squad. Deep into added time, United struck again to seize a surprising lead at the break. In the dying moments of the first half, United earned a free kick close to the halfway line. Madrid anticipated a high ball into the box from United's Scott McTominay, aimed at creating one last opportunity, but instead he dumped the ball off to center-back Oumar Solet, who turned and launched a shot on goal from 36 yards out. Solet's effort was perfectly placed, soaring above the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. United capitalized on the fact that Courtois was off his line and executed the stunning play to perfection. And it paid off.

“That was the best shot of my life,” said Solet after the game, “Coach [Walker] saw that in film and he came over to me in practice and was like, ‘hey, can you do this’, and I just said yes, because I thought it would be fun. I can’t believe it happened and I can’t believe it worked.”

Just like that, United took an undeserving 2-1 lead into half time. They were being out-possessed 65-35 and had been out-shot 16 to 3. But in this sport, there’s only one number that matters and it’s at the top of the score line.

The reason Manchester United had that lead was the excellent goalkeeping play they were getting from David De Gea. He reminded fans why he’s been considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world at various points over the last decade. He finished the evening with thirteen saves on twenty-two shots, conceding only the 12th minute goal to Harry Kane. That performance earned De Gea man of the match honors.

Manchester United looked much more comfortable in the second half and, aside from a 73rd minute opportunity for Harry Kane that was saved by De Gea, never really looked like they would concede the game-tying goal. In fact, as they bunkered down, and as Real Madrid threw more and more trying to get the game-tying goal, United played better and kept the majority of possession in the second half. That helped them ice away a 2-1 win to kick off the European Calendar.

“It’s disappointing,” said Ancelotti, “We played better. They would agree with that. But sometimes it doesn’t go your way.”

Real Madrid’s loss tonight must have felt awfully familiar to their 2-2 draw to Shakhtar Donetsk at the Santiago Bernabéu last December that kept them out of the Champions League Knockout Stage. Considering their form in the second half of last season, they could have been very competitive in that tournament. Part of the reason they went out and spent so big this summer was to ensure that didn’t happen again. On the positive side, they just dominated the European Champions, outshooting Manchester United 22-5, so the talent in this team is evident.

Real Madrid will open their La Liga season this weekend when they take on Real Sociedad. Likewise, Manchester United will face Chelsea on Saturday in their Premier League opener.

Manchester United: 2 Goal Scorers: Bruno Fernandes (22), Oumar Solet (45’+2) Assists: Hannibal Mejbri, Scott McTominay Real Madrid: 1 Goal Scorers: Harry Kane (12’) Assists: Casemiro

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Re: United.

Rumour: United Enquired About Davies

Manchester United Began Conversations With a Reluctant Bayern Munich About Alphonso Davies

By Logan Plant / @plantlounited / August 11, 2022, 8:30 AM

Manchester United manager Thomas Walker is known as a big fan of Davies. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Rumour – Manchester United's search for reinforcements in defense has taken them to Germany, where they have approached Bayern Munich about the availability of Canadian left-back Alphonso Davies. However, despite the Red Devils' interest, it has been reported that the Bavarian giants have rebuffed United's advances, with Davies remaining a crucial part of Julian Nagelsmann’s plans for the upcoming season.

Davies has established himself as one of the best young defenders in Europe since breaking into the Bayern Munich first team in 2018. He has won numerous accolades, including the UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga and the German Cup, and was named the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season in the 2018-19 campaign. His pace, athleticism, and versatility make him a valuable asset, and he has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Manchester United.

The Red Devils' interest in Davies is likely linked to reports that Manchester United manager Thomas Walker is ‘obsessed’ with the player. Luke Shaw and Alex Telles have proven to be quality starters in the Premier League, but neither has established himself as a world superstar. That said, United has seemingly been absent from the fullback market this summer, planning to rely on Shaw, Telles, Brandon Williams, Diogo Dalot, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to man the position.

Thus, its fair to say that Davies is a special talent in the eyes of Thomas Walker, and that this must’ve been Walker led. Despite their efforts, United has been unable to secure the services of Davies, with Bayern Munich quick to rebuff their advances. The German champions have no intention of letting one of their most valuable assets leave, especially given their recent success.

Nagelsmann, the Bayern Munich manager, has praised Davies for his development, stating that he has improved in all areas of his game and has become an important player for the club. Flick has expressed his desire to keep the Canadian international at the Allianz Arena, and it appears that Davies will be staying in Germany for the foreseeable future.

The Red Devils' supporters, who have been frustrated with the club for their lack of activity in the market, will be disappointed that the club could not secure the services of a top-class left-back, as they aim to improve on last season's Premier League campaign. The success of first year manager Thomas Walker has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the club, and supporters will be hoping that the team can mount a serious title challenge this season.

Davies joins a list including Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo as targets that United have struck out on. The club has seemingly turned their focus to Napoli center-back Kalidou Koulibaly as they approach the end of the transfer window.


MORE FROM RED DEVIL UNITED
Rumour: United in Talks over Koulibaly
Rumour: United Eyeing Top English Prospect
Rumour: United Look to Add Second CB
Confirmed: United Sign Jones to Pro Contract
Rumour: Walker Spends Time With USA, Canada

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Re: United.

Previewing the Youth Academy in 2022-23

Alejandro Garnacho seems poised to break out this season for the senior team

By Logan Plant / @plantlounited / August 12, 2022, 8:30 AM

United has many exciting prospects coming out of the Youth Ranks. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Preview – Manchester United's youth academy is buzzing with excitement ahead of the new season. Under the leadership of Manager Thomas Walker, the club's focus on developing young talent has never been stronger.

"Youth development is the lifeblood of any program," Walker said in his introductory press conference last year. "We're going to build a foundationally solid youth program that continually delivers top talents to the first team. They'll be fast, aggressive, and will play with an edge. We're going to build that mentality and physicality at the youth level."

The Premier League has also made changes to the Premier League II, making it an Under-21 league instead of an Under-23 league. This shift in focus has allowed for even more young players to get a taste of competitive football and hone their skills.

One player who has made a major impact since being spotlighted by this publication last season is Hannibal Mejbri. The French attacking midfielder had a standout season and was even called up to the senior team, where he showed flashes of his potential.

This season, there is a new crop of young players ready to make their mark. Attackers Charlie McNeill, Daniel Hanssen, Joe Hugill, and Alejandro Garnacho, Midfielders Godwin Bada, Toby Collyer, and Kobbie Mainoo, and defender Willy Kambwala are all names to watch.

In goalkeeping, the future looks bright with 17-year-old Dave Howie leading the way. He was brought in from Dundee United for £3.8 million in January and is expected to split his time between the U-18's and U-23's. United also added 18-year-old Blake Burrows from Middlesbrough this summer and 19-year-old Dermot Mee.

In defense, the top prospects are French center-back Willy Kambwala and Spanish fullback Álvaro Fernández. Kambwala is the name most United fans will be familiar with and he could make his senior team debut this season. Charlie Wellens, Marc Jurado, Nikolai Strom, Will Fish, Maximillian Oyedele, and Gilbert Abass are other names to watch in the defense, while Arthur MacKie, winner of the Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year award, is expected to make a big impact at fullback.

The midfield also has several exciting prospects, including Toby Collyer, Godwin Bada, and Kobbie Mainoo, who could all make serious strides towards playing time with the first team. Selim Ali, Isak Hanssen-Aarøen, David Crespo, Milad Vukoja, and Martin Šviderský make up an interesting group in the midfield.

In attack, Alejandro Garnacho and Daniel Hanssen are the big names to watch. Both are expected to make their senior team debuts at some point this season, having made tremendous strides over the last twelve months. Logan Hutchison, Julian Hahn, and Joe Hugill and Charlie McNeill are also players to keep an eye on in the attack.

The depth and quality of the academy at Manchester United has never been stronger. With Manager Thomas Walker's focus on youth development and the Premier League's changes to the Premier League II, the future looks bright for these young players. Fans should expect to see several of these players make their mark on the senior team in the coming season.



































MORE FROM RED DEVIL UNITED
Rumour: United Enquired About Davies
Rumour: United in Talks over Koulibaly
Rumour: United Eyeing Top English Prospect
Rumour: United Look to Add Second CB
Confirmed: United Sign Jones to Pro Contract

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Re: United.

United's Galbraith to Join Portsmouth

Ethan Galbraith Will Join Third Division Side Portsmouth on Loan for the Season

By Felix Short | August 13, 2022, 7:30 AM

After a solid season at Doncaster Rovers, Galbraith will join Portsmouth this season. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Manchester, England – Manchester United has sent midfielder Ethan Galbraith on a one-year loan to Portsmouth, the club competing in League One, England's third division. The move is aimed at helping Galbraith develop into a professional player and increase his market value.

At Manchester United, Galbraith faced an uphill battle in terms of first-team opportunities. With the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri, Donny van de Beek, and Jimmy Garner ahead of him in the squad depth chart, Galbraith's prospects at Old Trafford were limited at best.

At Portsmouth, however, Galbraith will have the chance to prove himself as a valuable contributor in a team that finished fifth last season and will be seeking promotion. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has not yet commented on Galbraith's arrival, but the young midfielder will be facing competition from Louis Thompson, Joe Morrell, Ronan Curtis, and Ryan Tunnicliffe for a place in the starting eleven.

Galbraith made 32 appearances for Doncaster Rovers during the previous season on loan, contributing three goals and three assists. Despite his limited time with the first team at Manchester United, Galbraith played 108 minutes over three games this preseason, giving manager Thomas Walker a chance to see the young midfielder's skills in action.

Manchester United's Head of Academy, Nick Cox, expressed his excitement for Galbraith's loan move, saying, "We believe this loan move will be beneficial for Ethan's development as a player and we're eager to see how he performs in League One."

With his ability and the opportunity to play regularly at Portsmouth, Ethan Galbraith has the chance to build his value and potentially earn a more prominent role at Manchester United in the future.

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Re: United.

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Re: United.

Late Álvarez Goal Stuns Chelsea

A Dramatic Final Ten Minutes Saw Chelsea, United End in 1-1 Draw to Open Season

By Felix Short | August 13, 2022, 11:59 PM EST

Despite dominant stretches from Real Madrid, Oumar Solet's 36-yard strike proves the difference. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

London, England – Manchester United and Chelsea kicked off the Premier League season at Stamford Bridge today with a lackluster 1-1 draw. The two clubs have now drawn each of their last three Premier League showdowns, including the devastating 0-0 draw in the second to last match day that effectively robbed both teams of a chance to win the league title. Both clubs, but particularly Chelsea, will be hoping this draw doesn’t come back to bite them later on.

Despite the score line, the home-side was clearly the better team, outpacing Manchester United in almost every category. But a lack of clinical finishing did them in, and injuries may have played a part. Chelsea’s leading scorers last season, Cristian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku, were both injured during the World Cup, and were unable to participate in Chelsea’s preseason. Pulisic was out for Chelsea and Lukaku was a game-time decision. He chose to play, and he made the difference.

“He is an important player for us,” said Chelsea manager Thomas Teuchel, “I don’t want to think about where we would be if it weren’t for his contributions today.”

Romelu Lukaku was named man of the match for a strong performance coming off injury. His 81st minute goal finally broke the deadlock in favor of Chelsea, and sent the fans into momentary rapture. The goal came at the end of another long string of Chelsea possession. Winger Hakim Ziyech held the ball up inside the box, pushing United’s Raphaël Varane off the ball. As Varane was positioning to win it back, Ziyech passed outside the box to Jorginho, who had space. Given a bit of time and breathing room, Jorginho was able to make an inch-perfect cross between United’s Oumar Solet and Luke Shaw to the head of the hulking Lukaku. With a perfect pass, Lukaku had no trouble finishing the play with a goal.

“I thought that would be an important moment for us,” said Lukaku after the game, “I think we all felt when that happened that we were now going to win the game. It was such a tough battle for us, but we were playing well, we had the fans, we had the moment, Jorginho made such a nice pass, and we all I think had a sigh of relief that we were going to win. That was probably our problem.”

Lukaku’s 81st minute goal proved not to be the winner he had envisioned as it happened. Manchester United, just moments later, were able to break through and get the equalizer. Following the goal, United switched to the more aggressive 3-4-1-2 formation, and it paid off immediately. Overwhelming Chelsea from the jump, United midfielder Scott McTominay was able to find Julián Álvarez running the channel, and seemingly, with a step on Chelsea defender Malang Sarr. McTominay made the pass, Álvarez collected it in the box having beaten Sarr, and fired across the face of Chelsea keeper Édouard Mendy. Mendy had no chance from that distance and after eighty-one scoreless minutes, the game was suddenly one-one in the 84th minute.

“Julián is so special,” said Thomas Walker post-game, “He really is such an incredibly athlete, but he’s also so smart. He’s an absolute game-changer off the bench. I know he hates the role, but if you give him an hour to watch the other team, to see their tendencies, to see their flaws, and then you unleash him with all his pace and athleticism, and with that feel for the game. He’s extraordinary.”

Álvarez didn’t come in in the 60th minute, however. He came on after Lukaku’s 81st minute goal. His goal today was his first touch of the game.

The game ended in a one-one draw, but it was Chelsea who will feel worse about it. They were at home and were the better team for nearly the entire game. Despite a relatively even split of possession, Chelsea outshot Manchester United twelve shots to six and often had the more dangerous chances and could more easily put the ball into dangerous positions. Perhaps the only reason they didn’t win the game was because of the tremendous goalkeeping by David De Gea, who was United’s best player. De Gea finished the game with seven saves.

Now, with both teams’ season underway, they will need to regroup to face what lies ahead. For Manchester United, it’s an easier game next week, as they host newly promoted Fulham at Old Trafford. That game will serve as the home opener for the defending European Champions. As for Chelsea, their road gets no easier as they travel to the Etihad next weekend to face Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United: 1 Goal Scorers: Julián Álvarez (84’, 1) Assists: Scott McTominay Chelsea: 1 Goal Scorers: Romelu Lukaku (81’, 1) Assists: Jorginho

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Re: United.

United Engaging with Lille As The End of the Transfer Market Approaches

By Oliver Lewis August 14, 2022 165


MANCHESTER, ENG - The summer transfer window has been a disappointing one for Manchester United and their fans following their impressive run to the Champions League final and a promising first season under Thomas Walker. Despite a lot of speculation and rumors, the front office has been unable to secure any significant transfers to bolster the squad since inking Maxence Lacroix and Oumar Solet over a month ago. However, with Thomas Walker now at the helm, the Red Devils could be turning to his former club, LOSC Lille, in search of new talent.

Walker, who joined United from Lille last summer, is familiar with the players and the club, and it could be easier to lure prospects away from Lille and bring them to Old Trafford. Walker is well-regarded for the relationships he builds with his players, and this could be a decisive factor in attracting talent. Despite this, Lille’s front office has been uncooperative with United since Walker’s move, making this potential transfer scenario all the more uncertain.

Three players who have been mentioned as possible targets for United are Jonathan Bamba, Jonathan David, and Renato Sanches. Each player could bring something different to the United squad, and all three have the potential to make an impact this season.

Jonathan Bamba is a versatile forward who can play as a winger or as a central attacking midfielder. He has a good eye for goal and is capable of creating chances for his teammates. Bamba’s pace and dribbling skills make him a handful for defenders, and he could add an extra dimension to United’s attack.

Jonathan David is another exciting prospect. The Canadian international is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or as a number 10. David has a good eye for goal, and his movement off the ball is excellent. He could provide United with a much-needed goal-scoring threat that can understudy Cristiano Ronaldo, and his ability to create chances for others could be valuable for the Red Devils.

Renato Sanches is a central midfielder who is known for his box-to-box capabilities. He is strong in the tackle and has the ability to carry the ball forward, starting attacks from deep. Sanches is also known for his work rate and defensive awareness, making him a valuable addition to United’s midfield.

Although United has been linked with a move for these three players, there are no guarantees that they will be able to secure any of their signatures. Lille’s front office has not played nicely with United since Walker’s move, and they have persistently rebuffed efforts from United to reunite Walker and their key players leave.

United has spent most of the summer trying to secure a deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo, but that effort does not seem to be progressing. They were also briefly interested in Frenkie de Jong, but that too seems unlikely to matriculate. In recent weeks, it seems the club has set its sights on Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka but its still unclear how serious those efforts are. As the club nears the end of the transfer window, and with fan disapproval soaring, it is incumbent for the club to make some sort of a splash before the window closes.

(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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Re: United.

Tahith Chong Returns to Feyenoord

After Spending Preseason With the Club, Tahith Chong Was Sold for £7.5M

By Felix Short | August 16, 2022, 7:30 AM

Chong will return to Feyenoord after five years with the Premier League giants. (Michael Bradley/Manchester Guardian)

Manchester, England – Manchester United winger Tahith Chong has completed a return to his childhood club Feyenoord for a fee of £7.5 million. The 22-year-old had been a promising prospect when he arrived at Old Trafford as a 17-year-old, but failed to establish himself as a first team regular with the Red Devils.

Despite glimpses of potential, Chong found himself behind a number of talented attacking players in the United squad, including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Amad. Manchester United manager Thomas Walker spoke positively of the player, saying, "Tahith is a good player, but I think we all just believed that the best path forward for him is to make this type of move."

Chong will now look to reignite his career in his home country, with Feyenoord looking to build on their second-place finish in the Eredivisie last season. New Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is confident that Chong will fit in seamlessly at De Kuip, saying, "Tahith is a Feyenoord lad, he understands our culture. He’ll fit right in, and once he does, once he gets up to speed, he’ll be a very valuable asset for us."

Chong has a total of 66 senior team appearances, with 5 goals and 4 assists to his name. During his time at Manchester United, he made 16 senior team appearances, while on loan at Birmingham City last season he played 22 games and scored 3 goals.

Feyenoord has a number of talented attackers, including Luis Sinisterra, Reiss Nelson, and Aliresa Jahanbakhsh. However, with Sinisterra rumored to be leaving the club, Chong will have a chance to fight for a starting spot and make an impact for his new team.

In the end, Tahith Chong's move away from Manchester United makes sense for all parties involved. The player gets a chance to return to his childhood club and rediscover his best form, while Manchester United can free up space in their squad for other prospects. As for Feyenoord, they have added a player with potential and a hunger to succeed, which could prove to be a valuable asset for the Rotterdam-based club in their pursuit of the Eredivisie title.

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