Despite suffering a turbulent start to the Premier League season, Manchester United won all three of their league games in November.

United beat Fulham, Luton Town and Everton in the last month, keeping a trio of clean sheets in the process.

The strong defensive form led to centre-back Harry Maguire winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for November.

Harry Maguire is the Premier League Player of the Month for November. pic.twitter.com/gV9VBGPAPN

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2023

The accolade marks a stunning turnaround for Maguire who looked to be on his way out of Old Trafford in the summer.

The 30-year-old was stripped of the captaincy due to his poor form since Erik ten Hag’s arrival and United were open to offers for the player.

However, a defensive injury crisis handed Maguire a chance at redemption and it’s a chance he has grasped with both hands.

With his United career hanging by a thread, the latest return to the first team was surely make-or-break for the Englishman.

Maguire was especially outstanding in the two away wins at Craven Cottage and Goodison Park, winning everything in the air and playing forward effectively when in possession.

His form has kept World Cup winner Raphael Varane out of the team with Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and now Luke Shaw partnering him on the left side of defence.

Maguire is now arguably the first defensive name on the team sheet and is likely to partner Lisandro Martinez when the Argentine returns from injury.

Question marks still remain over the long-term future of the centre-half but his performance levels this season have eased the pressure on his shoulders.

However, after losing their first league fixture in December and with a tricky looking festive fixture list on the horizon, Maguire will be tested to his limits in the coming weeks.

Ten Hag will be desperate for his former captain to maintain his levels throughout the next period and help lift the mood around the club, which is sombre to say the least at present.

United entertain Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday in a perfect game for Maguire and his teammates to kick start their jam-packed Christmas schedule.

The post Harry Maguire wins Premier League Player of the Month award for November appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United signed Antony from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for a whooping £85m. In his maiden season, he managed a decent eight goals and three assists in 44 appearances across all competitions/

This term, however, has been an entirely different story. The Brazilian is yet to register a goal or even an assist.

Earlier during the campaign, Antony was granted a leave of absence by United after multiple women publicly accused him of among other things, assault, violence and causing bodily harm.

At the moment, Antony seems to have slightly lost favour under Erik ten Hag, who has recently opted to deploy Marcus Rashford on the right wing, with Alejandro Garnacho tasked with the responsibility of playing on the left flank.

Antony has had his fair share of critics, not only from supporters but also club legends.

Last year, Paul Scholes labelled the 23-year-old a “one-trick pony” for his over-reliance on his left foot. After the Manchester derby last month, Gary Neville slammed the forward for kicking out at Jeremy Doku while the Red Devils were losing at Old Trafford.

In a frank interview, Antony opened up on his critics and said, “I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play.”

“But I’ve never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through.”

He added, “The ‘digital court’ is ruining lives – contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters. I am silently rebuilding myself, and I know that I will be able to be in my best physical and mental shape and overcome all these barriers and challenges that are in front of me because it has always been like this in my life.”

“No one has ever given me anything, I have always fought hard for everything I achieved. I would like to know how these people who make these unfair and malicious criticisms [would have] fared in my place.”

Antony admitted that his life has changed radically over the last four years and it hasn’t always been easy to accommodate the shift from growing up in poverty in São Paulo in his native Brazil to now playing for the biggest club in England.

He explained that as it stands, his primary battle is getting back in top shape and performing at the very highest level on the pitch.

The United man revealed that he is still working to fully adapt to the Premier League and obviously get his numbers up.

He remarked, ” I am working hard to reach my best level soon.”

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United succumbed to their 10th defeat of the current campaign at the weekend against Newcastle and the British media came out all guns blazing against the manager.

There have been widespread reports of dressing room revolt over the manager’s tactics, his training methods, and even his mishandling of Jadon Sancho.

Sancho transfer

The squad are reportedly unhappy with moles within their ranks and Ten Hag has doubled down by banning journalists from the Chelsea pre-match press conference.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe must come in and end player power which is currently rampant across Carrington. That includes moving on players who are adding to the toxicity.

One talented star whose attitude has been questioned by the manager and his peers is Sancho, who is currently banished from the first team.

The Englishman had responded to the manager’s claims of not giving his all in training by accusing the manager of preferential treatment via a social media statement.

The Dutch manager was open to reintegrating him back into the squad if he apologised but despite the involvement of his national team colleagues, the winger has refused to do so.

He has been removed from the first-team WhatsApp group and barred from utilising first-team facilities at Carrington. The player will likely be moved on in January.

Juve backing away from deal

Juventus have been mentioned as being active suitors for his signature with even the prospect of a loan deal being discussed.

But now as per Tuttosport, the Old Lady are reconsidering their stance due to the costs involved in the deal. Sancho’s market value has taken a major hit but it is still quite substantial and his wages are also very high.

“Sancho is liked but the operation has costs considered excessive at the moment,” the report stated with the Turin outfit now looking at Georgiy Sudakov, the Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker.

Whether Ratcliffe can come in and broker a truce between Ten Hag and the English winger remains to be seen. But the winger must improve his attitude first if there is to be any hope of a positive resolution.

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Presenting on his BBC 606 show, Savage answered a question posed by a caller, who appeared as frustrated with United as the host following the team’s dismal loss to Newcastle on the weekend. 

Though Erik ten Hag’s men ‘only’ lost 1-0 to Eddie Howe’s side, it was a score line which flattered United, such was Newcastle’s dominance in the game.

They out-ran, out-fought and outplayed their United counterparts, who looked worlds away quality and desire wise.

United have endured far worse defeats on paper under Ten Hag, but this loss was as comprehensive as some of the maulings experienced last season. As demonstrated by the xG statistics below.

Newcastle (3.06) 1-0 (0.38) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) December 2, 2023

Compared to…

Liverpool (2.91) 7-0 (0.92) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) March 5, 2023

The collective feeling around the fanbase is one of growing anger at factions within a dressing room, who appear to be sharpening their knives as a vicious blame game begins.

“The problem is we keep defending these players, do any of these players right now make any of the top six right now?” the caller inquired of Savage. “You have to look at your competition,” they concluded.

Savage replied in a forlorn manner: “No, no the only one I’d say does is Luke Shaw, Luke Shaw.”

Shaw was a rare bright spot on Saturday, despite playing out of position at centre-back. Though the England defender gave the ball away, which ultimately led to Newcastle’s goal, there were myriad mistakes after this moment which were equally culpable.

Shaw’s performance was a generally positive one.

Alongside Harry Maguire, the pair were able to consistently repel Newcastle’s attacks, with little help from the players further forward. Unlike Maguire, however, Shaw was technically strong and brave enough to attempt to play out from the back.

As demonstrated in the video below, while Maguire defended well off the ball, his refusal to engage tactically when United were on the ball, helped contribute to Newcastle’s dominance.

Maguire was a monster defensively against NUFC, and we have many areas that must improve — but this game clearly shows how Maguire is not capable to play the way we want with the ball and his presence on the pitch is the biggest structural issue we have.

Here is why: pic.twitter.com/W6cDDYgTna

— The Swedish Rumble (@SwedishRumble) December 3, 2023

This critique was not true on the other side of United’s defence. Which is why Savage was correct to identify Shaw as the sole representative from the United team on Saturday who would make it into the Newcastle, or any other top six contender’s team at present.

The post Robbie Savage: Luke Shaw is the only top six quality player at Old Trafford appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Andre Onana has faced his fair share of criticism from all quarters this season, however the Cameroonian recently showed his charitable side by helping out with the United Foundation.

Onana has had a torrid start to his career in Manchester.

The goalkeeper has conceded 14 goals in the Champions League and 17 in the league. The Old Trafford side have also already racked up ten losses for the season in all competitions. This was brutally seen by the player’s shambolic keeping performance versus Galatasaray when he seemingly gifted Hakim Ziyech two free kick goals.

In fact, The Peoples Person recently reported that no keeper has made more mistakes in the Champions League since 2018, and the club still have at least one more game to play in this year’s edition.

However, if we go back less than a year, the keeper was one of the most highly rated players in the world. After a trophy-laden career in the Netherlands for Ajax, he won the Supercoppa Italiana against rivals AC Milan, and also went on to win the Coppa Italia in the 2022/23 season.

The keeper was also a vital component of the Inter side that pushed Manchester City all the way in the Champions League final, narrowly losing 1-0 to a Rodri goal.

Consequently, the Cameroon international was hand-picked by Erik ten Hag to take over the gloves from the departing David de Gea in the summer. The club paid a huge £43.9m fee to secure his services. So far though, it is safe to say that this has not been seen as money well spent.

Nonetheless, Onana has been kind enough to get involved in the charitable side of the club. According to The Daily Mail, the former Ajax keeper “braved the elements for two hours between 5-7pm on Monday night, surprising local kids when he visited one of the Manchester United Foundation’s community projects, Street Reds”.

Despite being a day off for the players, Onana spent time with 30 children who all live less than a mile from the Old Trafford stadium. The goalkeeper was witnessed encouraging the kids and even gave a special pair of his gloves to one of the children in attendance.

It was reported here yesterday that the Manchester United Foundation has also launched a “warm hub” initiative to give local people a place to go chat and be somewhere warm during the winter months and amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Onana himself has also been heavily involved in charity work during his career. The Cameroonian owns his own organisation called the Andre Onana Foundation. The organisation was created in 2016 and is involved in many projects in Cameroon.

The United number 24 states on his own website that, “I know first-hand what many children in my country are suffering. Inside I feel I must help them to have a better future”.

While Onana may have had somewhat of a nightmarish start to his Manchester United career, and has rightly taken flak for it, the player must also be praised for his charitable work with the club and indeed, for his own foundation.

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While the England international netted 30 goals in all competitions for Man United last season, he has been unable to repeat his heroics this term, scoring just two goals and registering only one assist in the Premier League.

In addition, the 26 year old has faced several issues off the field.

His brother was arrested under a battery charge while on vacation in Miami.

This was followed by the passing of his cousin, to whom Rashford dedicated his goal against Everton.

Although United manager Erik ten Hag praised captain Bruno Fernandes for allowing Rashford to take his penalty in the 3-0 win over Everton, former United captain Roy Keane blasted the decision, exclaiming, “He’s giving toffee out there to Bruno for passing on the ball for the penalty. Absolute b***** rubbish. Absolute rubbish coming out with that.”

Keane went on to emphasize that United have a way to go in order to compete with the Premier League’s best teams.

Following United’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend, club legend Paul Scholes blasted Rashford in particular, questioning his work ethic and even going as far as to suggest that he has been causing more harm than good to the team.

Still, Harry Maguire, who is no stranger to criticism, came to his teammate’s defence, insisting that he has been working hard to find his form.

In an article for CaughtOffside, Romano decided to provide his take on Rashford’s current predicament.

According to the journalist, Rashford is happy to be at Old Trafford and trusts the club and Ten Hag.

He also implored fans to reserve judgment of the 26-year-old stating, “We can’t switch from Rashford being one of the best players in the world last season to “needs a change” now, that is football.”

Romano went on to remind everyone that it’s the entire United lineup that’s struggling to find form, not just Rashford.

With United set to host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Rashford will surely hope to receive an opportunity from Ten Hag to make a strong impact on the game so that he may silence his critics and begin a season turnaround.

The post Fabrizio Romano gives his take on Marcus Rashford’s place at Manchester United amid criticism appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

It was recently confirmed that the Black Cats fired Mowbray after 15 months in charge at the Stadium of Light.

His sacking came after Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Millwall, which extended the club’s poor recent run to one win from their past five games.

Sunderland sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, said, “All at SAFC have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tony and he is quite rightly held in high regard by our players and staff, and our supporters. After arriving at an uncertain time, he helped guide us to the Championship playoffs and played an important role in developing our team.”

“This was a difficult decision to make, but we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step. We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period.”

Amad of course spent last season out on loan in the Championship with Sunderland. It was an incredibly successful loan spell in England’s second division.

The Ivorian managed an impressive 14 goals and three assists in 39 league matches.

Amad’s sensational performances earned him a spot in United’s pre-season tour travelling party.

He seemed set to feature prominently under Erik ten Hag this season but unfortunately, he sustained a knee injury that has kept him from playing even a single minute of competitive action this term.

It’s thought that his recovery is going well and the forward is not too far from making a return to the team in what would be a massive boost to United who are struggling in the right-wing position.

Amad of course struck a very close relationship with Mowbray while at Sunderland.

Mowbray frequently spoke highly of the United star’s abilities and praised him in public.

After Mowbray was fired from his role as Sunderland manager, Amad took to social media and wrote, “Thanks boss and good luck.”

Thanks boss and good luck

— Amad (@Amaddiallo_19) December 4, 2023

Mike Dodds will temporarily take over from Mowbray pending the appointment of a new head coach.

The post Man United’s Amad Diallo sends message to Tony Mowbray after sacking as Sunderland boss appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

During United’s defeat over the weekend against Newcastle at St James’ Park, Rashford highlighted just how poor the team was.

Since the loss, the Englishman has come under intense criticism for a perceived lack of effort and failure to track back on multiple occasions.

Rashford cut a very frustrated, lonely and hopeless figure on the pitch and when taken off, was visibly angry as he shared some words on the bench with Sergio Reguilon.

Shearer wrote for The Athletic and had his say on Rashford and indicated that there is extra pressure on the 26-year-old since he is a local lad who came through the ranks.

The Newcastle legend said, “I don’t know if Marcus Rashford has fallen out with the manager, if he’s at odds with some of his team-mates or if he doesn’t like the position he’s playing, but judging by everything I saw on Saturday in the defeat against Newcastle United, I know there’s an unhappy player there.”

“There is always going to be a lot of scrutiny on Rashford’s performances because he is one of the biggest names in the Premier League, because he is an England international and, yes — absolutely — because he’s a local boy.”

Shearer compared Rashford’s current situation to his own during his playing days, as a Gosforth-born boy who went on to play in front of Newcastle’s Gallowgate End.

The Premier League’s record goalscorer explained that after a loss or when he played poorly, he was conscious not to go for a night out as he didn’t want to project the wrong image or send out an incorrect message.

Shearer mentioned that as a local player, he was fully aware that the spotlight was on him and as a result, there were more expectations on his shoulders compared to anyone else in the team.

The 53-year-old further stated, “A lot of new signings at Old Trafford haven’t proven to be successful over the years and Rashford has had to carry the team on his shoulders at times because of that, but that’s simply what is expected of you as a local lad.”

“One thing that’s not acceptable is not running around, not tracking back and not looking bothered. That goes for any player, but especially one local to the club. Fans know they would try to cover every blade of grass if given a chance to wear the shirt and as their embodiment on the pitch, that’s the least they expect from you.”

“Whether Marcus likes it or not, I and many others watching him at the weekend — whether they were Manchester United fans or not — saw a player lacking in desire.”

Shearer noted that fortunately for Rashford, he is an attacking player and as such, something as simple as a goal could be enough to turn the tide and get his season back on track.

He hinted that perhaps Rashford’s struggles this term are due to the winger playing out much wider or playing on the right flank, which is not really his strength.

As per Shearer, Rashford should not frown on the criticism levelled at him and should take it in stride as it almost certainly means the fans hold him in high regard and is proof of the high standards he has set over the years.

The post Alan Shearer suggests underperforming Marcus Rashford is “unhappy” at Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

British media are ramping up the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, with multiple outlets reporting variations of the same story — that a majority of the squad are unhappy with the Dutchman.

While some were said to be against the training methods, a few were also not too impressed with the manager’s handling of the Jadon Sancho saga.

Recruitment issues

Samuel Luckhurst of The Manchester Evening News has gone one step further and reported that the players are unhappy with the recruitment done since the former Ajax coach took over.

The names of Antony, Mason Mount, and Wout Weghorst were mentioned as disappointing signings while surprisingly, the list also included the name of the newest recruit Rasmus Hojlund.

“Some time-served players are startled by the calibre of Ten Hag’s signings. One is believed to be particularly perplexed by the addition of the callow Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million signing from Atalanta who is yet to score in the Premier League.

“Antony, Wout Weghorst, who managed two goals in 31 appearances, and Mason Mount are among the other signings who have been questioned by players.”

Antony has not started his second season well, with 0 goals and assists so far while Weghorst was forced upon the manager due to the lack of funds in the January window last season.

As for Mount, he has been predominantly injured so the jury is still out. As for Hojlund, he is the top scorer in the Champions League. If not for his goals, United would have been embarrassed in Europe.

The writer of the article is a serial offender, and he has often written along the same lines regarding previous managers as well. No wonder he has been banned by Erik ten Hag from attending the Chelsea pre-match press conference.

Player power needs to end

Concerningly, the report also mentions, “Anthony Martial has been identified as one of the prime players who is not invested enough in helping United to succeed while there are growing issues over Marcus Rashford.”

These overpaid prima donnas need to be ousted from their positions of power and the manager must restore order in a chaotic dressing room full of over-inflated egos with no substantial achievements to back it up.

For too long player power has run rampant at Old Trafford, aided by the Glazers’ lecherous handling of the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s entry cannot come soon enough.

Just like behind-the-scene personnel changes, players should also be shown the door who are unwilling to work and come out of this current predicament.

The post Man United players said to be unhappy with recruitment under Erik ten Hag appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United’s list of absentees has blighted their progress this season and left manager Erik ten Hag under pressure at Old Trafford.

United are slowly getting players back to fitness but with the festive fixtures coming thick and fast, it could be too little, too late for the Dutch coach.

Captain Bruno Fernandes has been ever-present for his manager this campaign but could find himself suspended for one of the crunch upcoming games.

As reported by The Mirror, Fernandes is just one more yellow card away from a one game ban in the Premier League.

The midfielder has picked up four bookings so far this season and one more will see him miss the subsequent fixture.

What makes avoiding the suspension even more important for United is the nature of the fixtures on the horizon.

United face trips to Liverpool and West Ham as well as hosting high-flying Aston Villa before the New Year and given Fernandes’ importance to the side, Ten Hag will be desperate to see the player avoid a caution in the coming weeks.

Bournemouth also visit Old Trafford in December and should Bruno pick up a yellow card during Wednesday’s game against Chelsea, he will miss that fixture.

A cynical mind would see that the Bournemouth game is the easiest to navigate without the skipper and missing that game at Old Trafford would be the least damaging to the side.

Furthermore, a booking in the Bournemouth game would mean he misses the trip to Anfield, arguably the fixture he will most want to avoid missing.

Given the way Fernandes plays, it would be a surprise to see him get through the festive fixture list unscathed.

Ten Hag will surely be reminding his captain to pay extra care in the upcoming games to ensure he is available for the festive schedule.

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