MUFC news: Ten Hag keen to sign "brick wall" as Glazers priority revealed

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is set to raid the January transfer market as he eyes a solution to his injury crisis at Old Trafford, according to reports.

Man Utd updates: Ten Hag future, Greenwood permanent exit

Football Insider have delivered a worrying piece of Manchester United news concerning Red Devils boss Ten Hag's handling of the dressing room at Old Trafford, amid a backdrop of unsavoury incidents behind-the-scenes this term.

Antony, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho have all been caught up in off-field scenarios over the course of Ten Hag's tenure in charge, while Harry Maguire was stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford, and the Premier League giants' hierarchy are now believed to be worried that the Dutchman lacks the 'soft skills' to efficiently manage his group of players.

In other news which concerns Manchester United's takeover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is poised to complete a deal to assume control of 25% of the club, will look to 'accelerate' plans to expand Old Trafford to a capacity of 90,000 following widespread discourse that the facilities at the club need to be modernized, as per The Times.

The Glazer family have come under heavy scrutiny for their neglect of one of the most famous stadiums in world football and now it seems as if Ratcliffe has designs on correcting that issue. Ratcliffe reportedly bargained hard in negotiations to improve club infrastructure.

Controversial loanee Greenwood, who is on the books of La Liga side Getafe after being allowed to leave the Red Devils during the summer, is at the centre of a new Manchester United transfer update from The Mirror, which claims that Sevilla are among a batch of clubs in Spain vying to secure his signature permanently.

Greenwood is under contract at Manchester United until 2025; however, he is not expected to play for the Red Devils again after a lengthy investigation into his behaviour away from the field.

Manchester United's last five results – all competitions

Competition

Opponent and result

Venue

Premier League

Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

Old Trafford

Champions League

Manchester United 2-3 Galatasaray

Old Trafford

Premier League

Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace

Old Trafford

EFL Cup

Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace

Old Trafford

Premier League

Burnley 0-1 Manchester United

Turf Moor

Manchester United transfer news – Marc Guehi

Football Insider have issued another Manchester United transfer update, this time detailing that Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has emerged as a target for the Red Devils following Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both suffering injuries in the opening period of the 2023/24 campaign.

The England international has also been tracked by the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur over the last couple of years, but after it was revealed that a centre-back is the Glazers' next transfer priority, it seems United are well in the mix for the Palace star.

Marc Guehi

Guehi has made nine appearances in all competitions for Crystal Palace this term and has also found his way into the England squad as he continues to be a pivotal player for Roy Hodgson's men (Guehi statistics – Transfermarkt).

Labelled a "brick wall" by Club Brugge goalkeeper Josef Bursik, Guehi's stock continues to rise and a move to Manchester United could help the 23-year-old showcase his talents at the elite level.

Wrexham sent 'frustration' warning by manager Phil Parkinson as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side aim to get promotion push back on track

Wrexham have been warned by Phil Parkinson not to let their "frustration" get the better of them amid their run of disappointing results.

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  • Wrexham have won two of last five
  • Sit third in League Two table
  • Parkinson urges team to stay calm
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After losing 1-0 to Tranmere last week, the Welsh side have now won just two of their last seven League Two matches, leaving them in danger of falling out of the automatic promotion places. Parkinson has urged his team to keep cool heads as they look to get back on form.

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    WHAT PARKINSON SAID

    He told reporters: "We've got to make sure we don't let the frustration of the defeat affect us going into the next game. You analyse the game back, with the emotion taken out of it, and the reason we didn't win was because not a large percentage of our decision making was good enough. Some of it was excellent and we still produced some real moments of quality but probably not enough for the pressure we had.

    "Secondly Tranmere defended incredibly well, some of the last-ditch blocks that they got were probably a level that won't defend like it again this season and thirdly nothing fell for us in the box. But if we keep playing in the manner that we've done, improve our decision making and also increase our ratio of hitting the target then something's going to fall for us."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Red Dragons are now third in the table, ahead of MK Dons on goal difference only, though they sit just a point behind second-placed Stockport County. Another slip-up could see them slip out of the top three and into the play-off places.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

    Parkinson's team will hope to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they visit Grimsby in League Two. Their weekend opponents are currently in 21st place in the table, but are unbeaten in their last six matches.

Spurs: Maddison has privately hailed "under-the-radar" Tottenham starlet

Tottenham Hotspur fan favourite James Maddison has privately celebrated one "under-the-radar" starlet at Spurs, according to a report.

Spurs form under Ange Postecoglou

The north Londoners are a transformed side under their new manager. Ange Postecoglou, who joined from Scottish champions Celtic in June, is overseeing a serious change in fortune at N17. Postecoglou is also encouraging an exciting, attack-minded brand of football in major contrast to ex-head coach Antonio Conte's last year in charge. Spurs have been rewarded for their efforts with an early-season unbeaten streak and best overall start to a campaign since 1960/1961.

Winning six from a possible eight matches so far, including victories against the likes of Man United and Liverpool, the Lilywhites are set to return from the latest international break this weekend. Postecoglou's side take on Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which kicks off at 8pm on Monday. Supporters will be eager to watch their rejuvenated side take the field once again, with star players like James Maddison, Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and a few others stealing the show.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

As well as the aforementioned, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie have seriously impressed on-lookers, with former Arsenal striker Ian Wright saying the latter has particularly impressed him.

Speaking to the Wrighty's House Podcast, he claimed Udogie has been an exceptional performer, even going somewhat "under-the-radar".

"You know someone who has to get some love as well for going under the radar, Udogie," explained Wright (as transcribed by Spurs Web).

"You watch Spurs and they have put together some players that you look at and think it’s a team that are shutting up everything. He has given them a stability and a progression of the ball that is very impressive. The man is going under the radar. I cannot wait to see this guy, I can’t wait to see him live.”

Destiny Udogie praise

Destiny Udogie

The 20-year-old youngster, who has started every single game for Spurs in the league this season, has now been at the centre of praise from his teammate Maddison. According to a report by The Sun, both Tottenham's in-form summer signing and Man City star Jack Grealish celebrated Udogie in a private party after England qualified for Euro 2024. Both men could apparently be heard chanting the Italian's name at a boozy bar celebration which lasted until 6am.

Udogie looks set to be a key player for Spurs after finally linking up with the club from Udinese, having spent the entire 2022/2023 season on loan there from Tottenham. Head coah Postecoglou, commenting on the full-back recently, is another to have showered praise on his performances.

Destiny Udogie strengths

Dribbling

Ball interception

Tackling

"I really liked his profile," said Postecoglou to the press in September.

“Physically he’s got outstanding attributes but he obviously played a different style of football in terms of a lot of times he was used as an attacking wing-back.

“He made a real impact in a tough league as a young man. Serie A is a tough league. He handled himself really well and it was one of those where as soon as we got him in I could see that he wants to improve every day."

Gerard Pique's bank accounts probed by Spanish police as ex-Barcelona star comes under scrutiny amid Luis Rubiales corruption investigation

Spanish police are investigating former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's bank accounts in connection with a corruption case involving Luis Rubiales.

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  • Five bank accounts being investigated
  • Kosmos helped Spanish Cup deal
  • Links with Rubiales' corruption case

  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to , Pique's bank accounts are being investigated due to links between Kosmos, the sports entertainment company he owns, and Rubiales, the disgraced former Spanish FA president who was earlier arrested and subsequently released upon returning to the country. There is currently a judicial probe into the deal he oversaw that led to the Spanish Super Cup taking place in Saudi Arabia.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A Kosmos official said that no employee of the company has been detained or placed under investigation and that no property has been raided. The company, founded by Pique, is best known for its partnership with the Davis Cup, which lasted from 2018 to 2023 despite an initial 25-year agreement.

  • WHAT RUBIALES SAID

    When asked about the validity of his earnings, Rubiales has previously said: "I don't know what the judge has said or what Civil Guard has investigated. The money in my bank account is the result of my work and my savings."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR RUBIALES AND PIQUE?

    The corruption case regarding Rubiales is set to rumble on but Pique's role in it is yet to be determined, given the investigation is still ongoing.

Spurs could ease Bissouma blow with £100k-p/w "competitive animal"

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action again tonight, with fans likely still pinching themselves over their start to the new campaign.

However, they will have to contend without Yves Bissouma for tonight's clash with Fulham, who will be serving his one-match suspension.

How good is Yves Bissouma?

Having been deservedly booked for his first challenge, the Mali international would go on a weaving run just before the half time whistle, bundling into a crowd of opposition players.

Anticipating contact that never came, he threw himself over and was handed his second yellow, sent for an early bath before the break.

Whilst his side would still go on to win, his importance to Ange Postecoglou's outfit cannot be understated, with the 27-year-old enforcer having made himself near-irreplaceable with his form thus far.

A true defensive warrior, having maintained 3.3 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries per game in the league thus far, it is his ability in possession that makes him so useful, as a press-resistant metronome who keeps everything ticking in the engine room.

As such, his 91% pass accuracy will be tough to substitute, even if it is for just one match.

Who could replace Yves Bissouma?

Whilst the Australian tactician could seek to tweak his system, or trial other stars in that role, perhaps he may be safer by opting for the wisest option, and instead starting Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as a like-for-like alternative.

Although the £100k-per-week ace is not quite as mobile as Bissouma, he remains a sturdy figure more than capable of dictating a game on his own. After all, much of his Spurs career has seen him thrive without a partner of his level, with journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke writing: "Playing central midfield for Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is not easy.

"You are outnumbered the whole time, trying to hold the side together as half of a pair, generally coming up against teams who have one extra body in the middle of the pitch. The first thing that this means is that you have to be ready to run. Just watching Hojbjerg and Bentancur get around the pitch can be tiring, as the two men try to get through the physical work of three."

So, with form of filling gaps, already the 28-year-old is ready to thrive,

Not to mention that just last season saw the Denmark international shine amidst all the turmoil, maintaining a 90% pass accuracy of his own whilst making 1.3 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

He is a true warrior, and his time on the sidelines will have likely done little to damage his hunger to succeed. After all, journalist Manuel Domínguez attested that he was a "competitive animal" just last year.

Although perhaps sluggish at times, in a game where they are expected to dominate, his passing attributes under pressure will likely not be called upon too much. The Cottagers could fall into the trap of affording Hojbjerg time on the ball, which could see him thrive in Bissouma's absence, potentially reigniting his Spurs career in the process.

"Would be fascinating" – Phil Hay reacts to Leeds links to “superb player”

Leeds United failed to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Nadiem Amiri over the summer, but a reliable journalist has delivered an update on the chances of him potentially joining in January.

Nadiem Amiri profiled

Amiri is naturally a central midfielder who has plied his trade at the BayArena since 2019 having joined from Hoffenheim, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 142 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Amiri statistics).

However, Germany’s international is set to reach the conclusion of his deal at the end of the season (Bayer Leverkusen contracts), so his side will know that they don’t have long left to cash in should they not want to risk losing their prized asset for free.

The Bundesliga’s 27-year-old is reportedly looking to leave at the start of next year, with the same outlet claiming that chiefs are willing to sanction his sale should they receive a respectable offer from one of his potential suitors, one of those being in the Championship.

Over the summer, Xabi Alonso’s talisman turned down a move to Elland Road after visiting the city and even the training ground, but now looking to move onto new pastures, Daniel Farke may have been handed an ideal second opportunity to secure his target's services.

Phil Hay offers verdict on Nadiem Amiri

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast (as quoted by Leeds United News), Phil Hay shared his view on Leeds making another approach for Nadiem Amiri in January.

It would be fascinating if they did revisit it, given the way it ended – given he was told to find his own private jet home. He is really good. It wouldn’t be unheard of, but it would be odd for that to go through. Farke really likes him.

"There was a stage where Amiri thought he’d join Marseille. It was not an astute decision [to reject Leeds], he needs to go. It feels like bridges burned. Would have been a huge asset.”

Bayer Leverkusen midfielderNadiem Amiri.

Nadiem Amiri's style of play

While Amiri is naturally a central midfielder, he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having posted 77 contributions (41 assists and 36 goals) since the start of his career, form which has previously seen him described as a “superb player” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Ludwigshafen native, who pockets £47k-per-week (Bayer Leverkusen salaries), also currently ranks in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons which shows that he loves to use his pace to dribble past his marker and create chances in the final third (FBRef – Amiri statistics).

Nadiem Amiri's Style Of Play

Likes to play short passes

Gets fouled often

Likes to do layoffs

Likes to dribble

Likes to shoot from distance

Does not dive into tackles (Data via WhoScored)

Furthermore, Amiri shares the same representative, CAA Base Ltd, as Djed Spence (Leeds agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage should they decide to pursue another deal for their target in January.

VIDEO: Furious Bukayo Saka confronts referee after full-time after being denied last-gasp penalty in Champions League draw with Bayern

A furious Bukayo Saka attempted to confront referee Glenn Nyberg after being denied a last-minute penalty in the Champions League against Bayern.

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  • Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern
  • Saka went down in last-minute
  • Denied penalty by referee
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Saka was incensed after being denied a penalty in the last-minute of the 2-2 draw, as he sprinted through on goal and appeared to make contact with Manuel Neuer, before going to ground. He was not given the spot-kick, though, with the referee seemingly deciding that he had dived. The Arsenal winger continued his protests after the final whistle as a dramatic game ended in chaotic scenes.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Saka did actually score in the game, opening the scoring with a brilliant curling effort, but that was cancelled out by a Serge Gnabry goal and a Harry Kane penalty. Leandro Trossard equalised in the second half, leaving the tie evenly poised ahead of next week's return leg.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Arsenal will face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday before next week's second leg, while Bayern face Koln in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Kalvin Phillips to be offered chance to return to Leeds but Whites won't meet Man City's asking price

Leeds United are keen on bringing back Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road if they secure Promotion to the Premier League.

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  • Phillips could return to Leeds next season
  • The Whites want to sign their ex-player on loan
  • Man City want £30m for the midfielder
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Phillips, who is currently on loan at West Ham United, will return to Manchester City at the end of the current season. Having failed to establish himself as a regular starter under Pep Guardiola, the English midfielder is likely to be sold permanently in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Cityzens are expected to demand a transfer in the region of £30m (€35m).

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Whites are currently third in the Championship table, one point behind an automatic promotion slot. They will be looking to bring back their star midfielder on an initial loan deal as they are reluctant to meet City's price, according to the .

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Despite a switch in the January transfer window, Phillips has failed to adjust to life in London. He has struggled to find form with The Hammers and recently got embroiled in a controversy following flashing his middle finger towards his own fans amid heavy criticism.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR KALVIN PHILLIPS?

    The 28-year-old could be next seen in action on Thursday as David Moyes' side take on newly crowned German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final fixture.

Blow for Rodgers: Celtic’s £18k-p/w “workhorse” facing spell on sidelines

Celtic have been dealt a fresh injury blow regarding the fitness of one of their regular senior features, following a fresh update before Aberdeen.

Celtic injury news

The Scottish Premiership side currently have Reo Hatate, Liel Abada, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki out on the sidelines with their own respective injury problems for the foreseeable future, and unfortunately for supporters, they have now been joined by another squad member in the treatment room.

On Tuesday evening, Brendan Rodgers’ side suffered a staggering 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium leaving them at rock bottom of their group on just one point, so they’ve got it all to do in their final two fixtures should they want to stay in the competition.

During the heavy loss in midweek, Daizen Maeda didn’t help matters after receiving a straight red card after 23 minutes, and it appeared that the left-winger had hurt himself by making the tackle.

The Japan international has started 11 league games so far this season which highlights just how much of an integral feature of the starting side he is (WhoScored – Maeda statistics), but with an update on the 26-year-old’s fitness having emerged, he’ll face a wait before he can start his 12th.

Daizen Maeda ruled out for six weeks

Speaking to the press on Friday, Rodgers confirmed that Maeda is facing an extended spell on the sidelines at Celtic.

As quoted by STV News, he said: “Daizen will probably be up to six weeks out with the injury from the challenge. He has strained his medial knee ligament. f he was stronger in the challenge he probably wouldn’t have had the injury. The clash of feet has just opened up the knee ligament. It’s a big shame for us because he has been brilliant for me since I came here.”

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda.

Maeda injury a big setback for Rodgers

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Maeda has recently proven to be a “workhorse” for Celtic, so the fact that his high pressing and desire to make the magic happen in the final third will be unavailable for the next six weeks will be a blow for Rodgers. The Taishi native has four contributions – two goals and the same number of assists – to his name in the league this season (Transfermarkt – Maeda statistics), and he’s constantly able to carry a threat even if the end product isn’t always there.

Parkhead’s £18k-per-week earner (Celtic salaries), has recorded a total of 24 shots over the course of the current campaign, which is the third-highest throughout the squad behind Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley (FBRef – Celtic statistics), displaying his hunger and determination to hit the back of the net.

Furthermore, Maeda is a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even two roles in the midfield, so there’s no doubt that the boss will be hoping to have that versaility back at his disposal as soon as possible.

‘Starboy’ Mason Greenwood earns ‘incredible’ billing ahead of Man Utd future call – with three-goal performance at Getafe seeing personal bests shattered

Mason Greenwood has earned “starboy” and “incredible” billings at Getafe ahead of a big decision being made on his Manchester United future.

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  • Forward enjoying loan spell in Spain
  • Linked with teams across Europe
  • Transfer expected in summer window
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The expectation is that the 22-year-old forward will form part of a permanent transfer deal this summer. With it difficult to see a clean slate being offered at Old Trafford, the one-cap England international is poised to take on another challenge outside of his homeland.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    That could come at Getafe, if another loan can be agreed, but the likes of Juventus and Barcelona are reported to be mulling over approaches for a player that has been catching the eye in La Liga this season. Greenwood’s latest appearance saw him post three goal contributions against Almeria – two efforts of his own and an assist.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Greenwood has now shattered his personal best when it comes to goals and assists across any given league campaign, with his combined tally taken to 14 this term – topping the 11 that he managed in the Premier League with United in 2019-20.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

    Getafe have lauded Greenwood as their “starboy”, while also hailing his “incredible performance” against Almeria. They are understandably keen to keep him on their books for 2024-25, but the player himself will have some input on what happens next as United mull over whether to cash in at this point or delay a future call for a further 12 months.

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