The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Man Utd

  • Man Utd beat Tottenham to win fourth straight game under Carrick

    Man Utd beat Tottenham to win fourth straight game under Carrick

    Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was accused of letting his team-mates down as his first-half red card helped condemn his side to defeat as Manchester United extended their winning run under Michael Carrick.

    Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after 38 minutes at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

    Fernandes wrapped up the win late on as he turned home Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross.

    But the main focus was on Romero. So critical of Tottenham’s board in midweek, the Argentine gave referee Michael Oliver no option other than to brandish a red card with a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle and left the Brazilian screaming in pain.

    It was Romero’s second red card of the season, which means he will miss four games, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    The result means Tottenham have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, a run that has yielded just four points and leaves them 14th and too close to the relegation places for comfort.

    Although they were not at their best, United at least avoided the same embarrassment they suffered against an Everton side reduced to 10 men even earlier in the game in November, when David Moyes’ side claimed victory.

    The result led to more chants backing interim manager Carrick as United consolidated their position in the top four.

    With each passing game, Ruben Amorim’s decision to condemn Mainoo to the substitutes bench for the entire Premier League season looks more ridiculous.

  • EPL: Spurs defender Romero sent off as Man Utd extend winning run

    EPL: Spurs defender Romero sent off as Man Utd extend winning run

    Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was accused of letting his team-mates down as his first-half red card helped condemn his side to defeat as Manchester United extended their winning run under Michael Carrick.

    Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after 38 minutes at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

    Fernandes wrapped up the win late on as he turned home Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross.

    But the main focus was on Romero. So critical of Tottenham’s board in midweek, the Argentine gave referee Michael Oliver no option other than to brandish a red card with a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle and left the Brazilian screaming in pain.

    It was Romero’s second red card of the season, which means he will miss four games, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

    BBC Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said Romero had “let his team-mates down”.

    The result means Tottenham have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, a run that has yielded just four points and leaves them 14th and too close to the relegation places for comfort.

    Although they were not at their best, United at least avoided the same embarrassment they suffered against an Everton side reduced to 10 men even earlier in the game in November, when David Moyes’ side claimed victory.

    The result led to more chants backing interim manager Carrick as United consolidated their position in the top four.

  • EPL: Man Utd thrash Man City in memorable derby victory

    EPL: Man Utd thrash Man City in memorable derby victory

    Michael Carrick enjoyed the perfect start to his second spell as Manchester United caretaker boss as second-half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu inflicted massive damage on Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes.

    After so much recent discontent, this was a day when Old Trafford came alive, leaving Sir Alex Ferguson celebrating in the stands and United fans sarcastically waving off City spearhead Erling Haaland when he was replaced 10 minutes from time.

    City had goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to thank for keeping his side in the game, with the Italian making a string of superb saves to deny Dorgu, Amad Diallo, Casemiro and Mbeumo.

    But even Donnarumma was powerless to prevent United going in front as skipper Bruno Fernandes led a surging counter-attack and fed Mbeumo to his left before the Cameroon forward, returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty, applied the finish.

    Eleven minutes later, United doubled their lead as City defender Rico Lewis was caught flat-footed, allowing Dorgu to nip in front of him and turn home Matheus Cunha’s cut-back.

    Read Also: EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

    United had three goals disallowed for offside and Diallo hit the post late on but with Haaland extending his run to one goal in seven games, City didn’t look like mounting a comeback.

    As United’s fans paid homage to Carrick, City boss Pep Guardiola slumped in his dug-out as his side’s run without a Premier League win extended to four games, opening the door for Arsenal to strengthen their grip on the title.

    However briefly, United move up to fourth, something they failed to do so often under Ruben Amorim, leaving Carrick to celebrate with his new coaching team at the end.

  • EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

    EPL: Man Utd draw 2-2 with Burnley as Sesko shines with double

    Manchester United were denied victory in their first game since the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim as relegation-threatened Burnley fought back to claim only their third point in 12 games.

    The visitors were on track to claim a comeback victory when striker Benjamin Sesko doubled his tally for the season with two goals in a 10-minute spell at the start of the second half – both thanks to precise first-time finishes.

    Ayden Heaven’s own goal had put Burnley in front at the break, and just as it looked as though they were heading for yet another defeat after Sesko’s goals, Jaidon Anthony equalised.

    Read Also: EPL: Haaland nets 150th goal as Man City draw 1-1 with Brighton

    That made it a frustrating night for interim United boss Darren Fletcher, who ditched Amorim’s formation – including three central defenders and wing-backs – and saw his side carve out numerous chances.

    Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu both had goalbound efforts cleared off the line, Lisandro Martinez had a goal disallowed for a debatable push on ex-Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, Sesko wasted a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick, and teenage substitute Shea Lacey curled a superb effort against the bar.

    The visiting fans had made their feelings known about the club’s hierarchy before the game when they raised a banner bearing a message condemning minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. They also sang a vicious song about co-chairman Joel Glazer.

    However, they also sang loudly in support of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick – the two frontrunners to take over as caretaker boss until the end of the season.

    BBC

  • EPL: De Ligt scores late equaliser as Man Utd draw Spurs in thriller

    EPL: De Ligt scores late equaliser as Man Utd draw Spurs in thriller

    Matthijs de Ligt scored an equaliser deep into stoppage time to earn Manchester United a point in a Premier League thriller at Tottenham.

    In an astonishing climax to a game the visitors seemed to have control of, Brazilian striker Richarlison appeared to have won the game for Tottenham when he flicked Wilson Odobert’s long-range shot past Senne Lammens.

    But in the last of six minutes of injury time, with keeper Lammens up for a Manchester United corner, De Ligt found the net from an acute angle to give his side a point.

    There were disbelieving looks from both sides at the end.

    Richarlison was almost in tears, having jubilantly celebrated his goal, only to realise it had not proved to be the winner.

    Meanwhile, United head coach Ruben Amorim was equally stunned, having watched his side almost toss away a game they appeared to have control of.

    Bryan Mbeumo had put the visitors ahead in the first half, heading home Amad Diallo’s precise right-wing cross.

    Read Also: EPL: Amad’s late goal earn Man Utd point in Forest thriller

    When Lammens made excellent saves to deny Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven after the break, Tottenham looked to be heading for their third successive home Premier League defeat.

    However, the boos that accompanied Mathys Tel’s introduction for Xavi Simons midway through the second half turned to cheers when he swivelled on to a left wing-cross six minutes from time, evaded the attentions of De Ligt six and crashed a shot past Lammens.

    The relief inside the stadium was palable – but much more was still to come.

    Richarlison, the subject of so much criticism recently, thought he had won it. De Ligt had other ideas.

  • ‘World-class potential’ – Sesko joins Man Utd for £74m

    ‘World-class potential’ – Sesko joins Man Utd for £74m

    Manchester United have completed the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a move worth £73.7m.

    The deal for the Slovenia international, who has joined on a five-year contract, includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3m, with the remainder in add-ons.

    He is United’s third major signing in attack following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and Bryan Mbeumo for £65m with £6m in add-ons.

    Sesko, 22, was also a target for Newcastle United but has chosen to join Ruben Amorim’s side.

    United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, while the Magpies were fifth and qualified for the Champions League in a campaign in which they also won the EFL Cup.

    “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” said Sesko.

    Read Also: Man Utd agree £74m deal for Leipzig striker Sesko

    “When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.

    “From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

    “I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

    BBC

  • Man Utd agree £74m deal for Leipzig striker Sesko

    Man Utd agree £74m deal for Leipzig striker Sesko

    Manchester United have agreed a deal worth £73.7m (85m euros) with Red Bull Leipzig to sign Benjamin Sesko.

    The agreement includes a guaranteed payment of £66.3m (76.5m euros) with the remainder in add-ons.

    Sesko will now complete the formalities, including undergoing a medical on Friday, before finalising his move to Old Trafford.

    The 22-year-old Slovenia forward, who was also wanted by Newcastle, has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for German side Leipzig.

    United have aready signed forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer for a combined fee of about £130m.

    Those payments have been arranged in a favourable way to allow United to keep spending, while the entirety of Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week salary is being covered by his loan move to Barcelona.

    United also received £5m from Chelsea after the Blues pulled out of a deal to sign Jadon Sancho.

    Read Also: Man Utd make £74m bid for RB Leipzig striker Sesko

    And United want a further £50m for Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho, who is attracting interest from Chelsea and has been told he can leave Old Trafford this summer.

    Their main striker from last season, Rasmus Hojlund, has been made available for sale for £40m after scoring just 14 Premier League goals in two seasons.

    Sesko’s decision to move to Old Trafford is a further blow to Newcastle, who missed out on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and face seeing their main striker Alexander Isak potentially join him at Anfield.

  • Man Utd make £74m bid for RB Leipzig striker Sesko

    Man Utd make £74m bid for RB Leipzig striker Sesko

    Manchester United have made a bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko with the overall package potentially rising to 85m euros (£73.8m).

    The offer includes a guaranteed payment of 75m euros (£65.2m).

    United are yet to get a response but believe it is an appropriate valuation for the 22-year-old Slovenia forward and that the player is keen to complete a move to Old Trafford.

    Newcastle also want Sesko and have made a bid in the region of 80m euros (£69.5m) as they continue negotiations with RB Leipzig.

    Read Also: Watkins and Sesko head Man Utd’s striker wishlist

    Manchester United’s offer is seen as significant as there had been suggestions they did not want to firm up their interest with Leipzig without knowing the forward was prepared to join them.

    United are willing to let Rasmus Hojlund leave the club in order to make space for Sesko to come in.

    Sesko has 39 goals in 87 appearances for RB Leipzig and, at 6ft 5in, he would also bring a significant physical presence to the Old Trafford club’s front line.

  • Watkins and Sesko head Man Utd’s striker wishlist

    Watkins and Sesko head Man Utd’s striker wishlist

    Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are at the top of Manchester United’s list of strikers if they decide to bring in further reinforcements during the current transfer window.

    There is an acceptance among United’s hierarchy that they need to start off-loading some of their unwanted players – which might not happen until nearer the 1 September deadline – in order to fund a new arrival.

    Neither player would be straightforward to bring to Old Trafford.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Watkins scores as Arsenal lose to Aston Villa

    Newcastle, who have missed out on a number of key targets this summer and also have uncertainty over their own star forward Alexander Isak, are known to be keen on Slovenian Sesko.

    The 22-year-old scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season,

    Villa have made it known they are not interested in selling England international Watkins.

    However, United feel that stance might change nearer to the deadline, although they believe a suggested £60m price tag would be far too high for 29-year-old Watkins, whose contract at Villa Park runs to 2028.

    BBC

  • Man Utd forward Rashford passes Barcelona medical

    Man Utd forward Rashford passes Barcelona medical

    Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has passed a medical at Barcelona before his loan move.

    The 27-year-old arrived in Catalonia on Sunday night after getting permission from United to complete the formalities of a move.

    The England international was met by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco at the training ground on Monday morning.

    Talks between Barcelona and United progressed swiftly in the last week, with a deal agreed in principle over the weekend.

    Read Also: Rashford double fires Villa into FA Cup semis

    Barcelona have agreed to cover Rashford’s wages for the duration of his season-long loan after he accepted a 25% pay cut, saving United about £14m.

    The deal, which is for an initial 12 months, includes an option to buy for £30.3m (35m euros).

    Rashford will be presented to the media on Wednesday.