The goalkeeper has endured a tough few days following his abysmal performance against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to conclude Onana single-handedly (albeit, with both hands on occasion) cost his side all three points in the crucial fixture.

A win would have left United second in the group with a strong chance of qualification to the knockout stages.

Instead, a draw leaves them bottom, needing to beat Bayern Munich in their final game while also needing Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen to finish level.

Any other variation of results and United will be eliminated from Europe’s premier tournament.

These mistakes were not Onana’s first in the competition, however.

In the reverse home match against Galatasaray, the Cameroonian international made a dreadful pass out from the back which the opposition easily intercepted and bore down on goal.

In response, Casemiro desperately slid in to try and rectify his team-mate’s mistake. The result was a red card and a penalty. United were winning 2-1 at the time; they finished 3-2 losers.

Similarly, in the first match away to Bayern Munich, while fielding a severely weakened side due to injury, United started the game brightly, matching the German giants for the first twenty minutes.

This equality ended after a speculative shot by Leroy Sane was calamitously thrown into his own net by Onana. United would ultimately lose the match 4-3.

The criticism and pressure on the goalkeeper has been acute this week. Which has clouded what had been a series of excellent performances domestically by Onana.

United have won five of their last six league games, winning all three in November. A combination of favourable fixtures and the international break have undoubtedly played a significant role in this statistic, but Onana has consistently played well in the past two months since the Galatasaray howler at Old Trafford.

While Erik ten Hag’s side have suffered some embarrassing losses – 3-0 to City, 3-0 to Newcastle and 4-3 to FC Copenhagen – these have all stemmed from errors elsewhere on the pitch.

In November specifically, Onana did not concede a goal in the league. He leads the league in joint-first place for clean sheets while his underlying stats have been equally impressive – first place for save percentage and second for post-shot expected goals, goals prevented and overall saves.

Andre Onana’s Premier League stats so far:

13 games
78.8% save rate [=]
51 saves []
5 clean sheets [=]
+3.4 post-shot expected goals [=]
2.67 goals prevented []

Underrated. pic.twitter.com/zM9S0yfUKB

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 27, 2023

In fact, these performances were enough to warrant inclusion by WhoScored for their Premier League Team of the Month, alongside Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.

Premier League Team of the Month pic.twitter.com/03ttsfIMae

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) November 30, 2023

While Wednesday’s performance against Galatasaray was undeniably poor and questions can justifiably be raised about Onana, there is enough evidence over the past month to offer glimmers of positivity he will able to turn his Old Trafford career around.

The post Andre Onana selected in Premier League ‘Team of the Month’ appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

This season, especially in Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s absence due to injury, Dalot has featured heavily.

This season, the Portuguese has made 11 appearances for United in the Premier League alone and has featured in 17 matches across all competitions.

He has one goal to his name – a stunning strike against Sheffield United that secured an important three points for United at Bramall Lane.

Dalot spoke to club media and revealed details of his journey, which culminated in his current status as a regular presence in Erik ten Hag’s starting XIs.

He said, “I remember I was in a phase of [being] with injuries, with struggling to get minutes and to play and now, looking back to that and seeing the position that I am today, that’s what makes me proud. It’s not the way that I might be playing or what people might say about me, it’s just myself, inside of me.”

“I look back and I see, okay, I didn’t give up. And I remember that I told you that I was going to fight for my position and I was going to fight for that. And, sometimes, it’s just the way football is. The easiest way sometimes is to go away to, I don’t like to say give up because football has different paths and different ways.”

“Sometimes, you’re just knocking on a door that’s not going to open. You have to go to another one. But I always felt that I could do something here. I could achieve something here, which I feel that I still can do even more. But that feeling at that moment to know that, okay, I have to.”

He added that his primary goal was to stay at Old Trafford and prove his mettle as a player worthy of wearing the United shirt even though there was an easier option of securing a move elsewhere where there would have probably been less expectations.

Dalot explained that he is happy and extremely delighted with the progress he has made and the effort that went into it.

The 24-year-old further divulged, “I mean I like to think that what this club brings you and you can see, not just me – other players – [have a] big mentality. When things are not going well and you just keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting.”

The right-back expressed optimism that it’s only a matter of time until he and his teammates start reaping the rewards of all their efforts and hard work behind the scenes.

The post Diogo Dalot opens up on his fight for starting berth at Man United in candid interview appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The underwhelming performance of big-name players like Raphael Varane and Casemiro have highlighted the need to strengthen at the back and in the middle of the park.

At right-back, United have seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka miss a fair amount of games this season while Diogo Dalot has struggled to hit top gear.

United lack an elite RB

The right full-back berth has given Ten Hag plenty to ponder about since his arrival with both stars not quite up to the standard required to succeed.

The Portuguese earned a new five-year contract extension last season but he tends to switch off while defending. The former Crystal Palace star is far more secure when it comes to the defensive aspect but is not as comfortable going forward.

The former Eagles man has improved a lot but his United deal ends next summer and while initially there were plans to offer him a new long-term deal, the club currently seem to want to trigger the automatic one-year extension option instead.

At one point, lots of names were linked with a move to Old Trafford with Galatasaray star Sacha Boey one among them. The Frenchman impressed at the Theatre of Dreams when both teams faced off in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old, whose contract with the Turkish giants ends in 2025, was offered a new deal by the club but he seems to be backtracking after initially liking the offer.

As per Turkish outlet Aksam, the full-back wants to move to the Premier League with United, Arsenal and Brighton among clubs monitoring his displays.

Sacha Boey wants PL move

“The management proposed a new contract in order to sell Boey, whose value is increasing day by day, for higher prices. A four-year deal worth 1.5 million euros per year and an additional 1 million euro signing fee for each season. At first, the player’s manager responded positively to the offer.

“At the last moment, Sacha Boey did not agree to the new contract, stating that he had the English Premier League on his mind. The expectation for the French right-back, who has serious interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Brighton with the clubs watching his matches live, is at least 20 million euros.”

The report states that his future depends on Gala’s Champions League campaign with the Turkish side looking the likelier to make it out of Group A at United’s expense.

Most likely a move will occur next summer and not in winter. United will need to take a call on Dalot and Wan-Bissaka’s future first before incomings can be expected.

The post Sacha Boey turns down Galatasaray contract offer with Man United keeping a close eye appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United’s underwhelming start to the season has been largely down to the defensive injury crisis Erik ten Hag has had to deal with throughout the campaign.

The United boss has been unable to field a consistent back four and results have suffered as a result.

Diogo Dalot has been the only recognised first team defender that has been readily available to Ten Hag and has featured in every game since the second fixture of the season.

The Portuguese international has been busy on the field and is now set to become even busier off the field after confirming the birth of his first child.

Dalot announced the news on his Instagram page with a picture of him and his partner holding the newborn baby’s hand.

The heartwarming photo was captioned with “Welcome to the world Clara, 15.11.2023”.

Dalot missed Portugal’s 2-0 win over Liechtenstein last night due to the event and it remains to be seen whether he joins up with his country for the remainder of the international break.

The full-back has saved his career at United over the last 18 months, having looked set for the exit door under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, Erik ten Hag has breathed new life into the defender who has shared the responsibility of the right-back role with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Despite not hitting his best form this season, Dalot has contributed to the cause, helping his underperforming attackers by scoring an important winner away at Sheffield United with a wonderful long range effort.

However, an error against FC Copenhagen saw him come under renewed criticism, with many seeing Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the preferred choice at right back.

Ten Hag will now be hoping the sleepless nights that will be coming the defender’s way won’t have too much of an affect on him getting back to his best in the coming weeks.

All United fans will be sending their congratulations and well wishes to Dalot and his family upon the recent news.

The post Diogo Dalot announces he has become a father for the first time appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Dalot and United captain skipper Bruno Fernandes were called up by Roberto Martinez to represent Portugal in their two upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying games.

The Selecao are set to face Liechtenstein on Thursday before a home fixture against Iceland on Sunday.

Portugal already clinched Euro 2024 qualification and boast an impressive 100% record in Group J after winning all eight of their previous matches.

United recently confirmed that Dalot had elected to pull out of his national team’s squad for the November international break after holding talks with Martinez.

It was relayed that he was released for personal reasons.

Romano has now provided clarification on the matter and relayed any fears of injury or any physical setback.

“No injury or issues for Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot.”

“Told he has withdrawn from the Portugal squad as he and his partner are expecting a baby in the next days.”

“Dalot will be regularly available for the upcoming games.”

No injury or issues for #MUFC RB Diogo Dalot. Told he has withdrawn from the Portugal squad as he and his partner are expecting a baby in the next days.

Dalot will be regularly available for the upcoming games. pic.twitter.com/HYEssUOtsU

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 13, 2023

The United star has been replaced by Porto’s Joao Mario who is now on track to make his international debut.

Dalot was named in the Red Devils starting XI during their recent game against Luton Town at Old Trafford. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for Erik ten Hag’s men.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was ill and missed the clash, forcing Ten Hag to start Dalot on the right and Sergio Reguilon on the left.

So far this term, Dalot has made 10 league starts for United, who have struggled with multiple injuries to their full-backs including Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Reguilon.

Fernandes remains part of the Portugal squad.

The post Fabrizio Romano confirms reason for Diogo Dalot’s withdrawal from the Portugal squad appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United beat FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford and would have undoubtedly been keen on a similar result in order to advance to the next round of the competition.

Erik ten Hag started Andre Onana in goal with a defensive four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot ahead of the Cameroonian goalkeeper.

In midfielder, Ten Hag gave the nod to Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

Rasmus Hojlund led the line with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on either wing. Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 4-3 loss against FC Copenhagen.

Give Hojlund goalscoring chances and he will score

United started the game in breathtaking fashion through Hojlund who scored two goals in the third and 28th minute respectively.

For the first, a brilliant pass from Wan-Bissaka to find McTominay set the Scotland international very well inside the Copenhagen box. McTominay produced a stunning cross to Hojlund who was arriving at the back post.

The striker made no mistake from close range.

For Hojlund’s second, Garnacho tried to plant the ball into the back of the net but his shot was saved by Kamil Grabara. Luckily for United Hojlund was at the right place to score from the spilled save to give United a two-goal lead.

The 20-year-old is the first ever player to score five goals in his first four Champions League games for the 20-time English champions.

Rasmus Højlund is the first ever player to score five goals in his first four Champions League games for Manchester United.#UCL pic.twitter.com/ugACN43Ks9

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 8, 2023

Unfortunately for the Red Devils, a  seemingly ridiculous VAR intervention to send Rashford off led to events spiralling out of control to allow Copenhagen an avenue back into the game.

By the time both teams were heading down the tunnel, Jacob Neestrup’s men had restored parity.

Throughout the season, Hojlund’s teammates have been accused of not creating enough opportunities for him, especially in the Premier League where the Dane is yet to open his goalscoring account.

It’s clear that when presented with the chances during games, Hojlund certainly has the ability to score and make his mark. It’s up to the rest of the team to create for him.

United collapsed in the second half

During large parts of the second half while a man down, United seemed defensively sound and compact enough.

The Reds even took the lead momentarily after Fernandes dispatched a powerful shot from the penalty spot into the back of the net.

However, a big defensive mistake from Dalot allowed Lukas Lerager to draw Copenhagen level once more.

Dalot did not notice Lerager behind them and the rival star was all too happy to creep in and score.

Just four minutes later, United failed to deal with a cross inside the box. The ball found Roony Bardghji who expertly connected with it to give Onana no chance of saving the ball.

All of United’s good work was undone in a few minutes in which some players lost concentration and let the moment get to them.

United’s Champions League dream hanging by a thread

As a result of their defeat at Parken, United’s dreams of making it out of Group A and advancing to the next round of the competition are hanging by a thread.

At the moment. the 20-time English champions are in the bottom position in their group with just three points.

Galatasaray who were beaten by two goals at the Allianz Arena by Bayern Munich, are a point above United.

United are now facing an uphill battle to make it to the round of 16 and will need big performances against Galatasaray and Bayern Munich.

The post Three things we learned as Manchester United suffer devastating 4-3 defeat vs. FC Copenhagen appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Fresh off the back of an embarrassing defeat against Manchester City on Sunday, no doubt Erik ten Hag would have been keen to get his side back to winning ways and in the process, relieve some mounting pressure.

Ten Hag started Andre Onana in goal. In defence, the United boss gave the nod to Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Sergio Reguilon.

Casemiro returned back into the starting XI and slotted next to Hannibal Mejbri and Mason Mount in midfield.

Anthony Martial led the line with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony on either side of the Frenchman. Here are three things we learned from Manchester United’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle.

United are extremely poor defensively

The Red Devils demonstrated some control in the early stages of the work but as has been the norm this season, they could only sustain pressure and possession of the ball for roughly 20 minutes before the opposition grew into the game.

Newcastle took some time to get going but when they did, Ten Hag’s men barely had a sniff and primarily played second fiddle.

The Magpies created the most chances and got their reward in the 28th minute when Livramento easily cut through the midfield.

The Newcastle right-back powered through the middle of the park and effortlessly shook off Mount and Hannibal, who were left in his wake.

Livramento then passed the ball to Almiron. Dalot looked to be tracking the Newcastle sub, but the Portuguese defender lost his man who then went through on goal before putting the ball into the back of the net, beyond the reach of Onana.

It was a streak of costly defensive blunders from United which saw Newcastle take the lead.

For the second, Dalot was tricked inside his own box by a rival player who used his pace and tricky feet to bypass the United man.

Ten Hag’s players failed in their objective to clear the ball which landed on the feet of Lewis Hall just outside the box. Hall fired a shot which Onana could not keep out, to give Newcastle a two-goal lead heading into the break.

Newcastle’s third of the match came about as a result of Sofyan Amrabat being harried and dispossessed of the ball.

Willock then let loose a shot into the bottom-right corner to all but seal the win for his side and add to United’s woes.

This term, United have been made to suffer dearly for their laxity and defensive mistakes. These errors were harshly punished by the Toon who were ruthless in their execution.

It’s worrying how easily United are cut open and the number of chances they concede during games. There is simply no cohesion on the pitch and it’s hardly surprising that the backline often finds itself exposed.

Ten Hag has recently been speaking about the need to be pragmatic and direct but such a brand of football requires the team to be defensively compact and solid.

As the Dutchman seeks to stem the bleeding and get his side back to getting results, the defensive structure is an aspect of the game that will need to be addressed urgently.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka barely has a fight on his hands for a starting berth

Wan-Bissaka was the surprise inclusion in the United matchday squad.

The Englishman has not featured for the 20-time English champions since the loss vs. Brighton on September 16.

He returned to training just days ago and it seems he was given a clean bill of health to participate if needed against Newcastle.

Dalot had a nightmare during the 45 minutes he was on the pitch and if there were any doubts about whether Wan-Bissaka’s starting status should be immediately restored, these concerns were put to bed.

In Wan-Bissaka’s absence, Dalot has been decent and has done a relatively good job but against Newcastle, he proved that Wan-Bissaka does not need to do much to be above him in the pecking order.

United in shambles

United have now lost eight of their 15 games across all competitions.

After the City game, questions started being asked of Ten Hag’s tenure in the Old Trafford dugout and just how safe his job really is as the club continues to struggle.

A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that the board and power brokers within United are still backing the 53-year-old coach.

However, one gets the feeling that he is no longer as bulletproof as he once was – the pitchforks are certainly coming out.

Both at half-time and the final whistle, there were audible boos from the crowd who were clearly exasperated by what they saw.

It did not help that the travelling Newcastle supporters incessantly kept singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” in reference to the extreme pressure that is mounting on Ten Hag and his staff.

Amidst rumours of unrest in the dressing room and players not really taking to Ten Hag’s methods, it’s not looking good for the former Ajax manager.

The players look completely short of confidence and lack any drive or desire to do even the most basic things.

The situation on the pitch is just as bad off it, what with the imminent partial investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the uncertainty that his overhaul of sporting operations could bring.

United are undoubtedly a club in turmoil and an end to the misfortunes does not seem to be near.

The post Three things we learned as Man United’s misery continues after 3-0 defeat vs. Newcastle appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Andre Onana 5- Gets low points for being the goalkeeper that conceded two but in reality, he was left helpless by the defence for both.

Diogo Dalot 2- His game screams “fatigue” at the moment. Had a torrid time in both attack and defence. Made makeshift fullback Miguel Almiron look like a dynamo on his flank. Was relieved by Ten Hag at half-time, off for Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Harry Maguire 4- Was indirectly responsible for Lewis Hall’s goal as his header fell to the player for the second goal. The “renaissance” talks were always premature, the last two games have proved it.

Victor Lindelof 3- Restored to his natural centre-back position but there was no improvement in form to show for it. The whole defence looked at sea every time Newcastle attacked and he didn’t help.

Sergio Reguilon 4- Can’t really be directly blamed for any goal but was signed as an emergency third option and has played like one. United need more.

Casemiro 3- Got his customary booking early in the first half and picked up right where he left off pre-injury. He might actually be done at the top level, at least in a deeper position. Subbed off at half-time.

Hannibal 3- Could say he was “eager to impress” but in reality, was just plain poor decision-making as he pretty much dared the referee to send him off throughout his stint.

Mason Mount 4- Tested the goalkeeper with a sighter from long range but doesn’t look like a £60 million player right now, let alone a United No. 7.

Antony 2- Can’t really say anything about Antony that hasn’t been said already. His bad performances are like clockwork at this point. Biggest blot on Erik ten Hag’s recruitment at United.

Alejandro Garnacho 4- Ran fast and hard, but no quality in the final third. Showed why he’s rarely trusted to start games, especially when teams give no space in behind.

Anthony Martial 2- Rasmus Hojlund will feel no threat for his place anytime soon. Anonymous display from the Frenchman and ideally, should be one of his last appearances for the club.

Substitutes:

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6- Provided crucial thrust and overlap on the right when he came on. If he keeps up the encouraging signs, it will be a huge boost to United.

Sofyan Amrabat 3- In competition with Casemiro to see which defensive midfielder is in worse form. Dispossessed for Newcastle’s third.

Rasmus Hojlund 6- He’s the crowd favourite at least but the predicament he finds himself in is too much for his 20-year-old shoulders.

Marcus Rashford 5- Body language is a perennial problem with him. No attacking impact or impetus after coming on.

Bruno Fernandes 5- Missed a good chance to at least open United’s account but nothing going right for the United captain right now.

MANAGER ERIK TEN HAG 2: The losses are piling up, and the excuses are shrinking. Newcastle walked to Old Trafford with second-stringers and had United feeling dizzy. Doesn’t get one because at least there was rotation in the starting XI. Otherwise, there’s no structure and identity to United’s play at the moment. The clock is ticking now.

The post Manchester United 0-3 Newcastle United: Player Ratings appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The three were included in the star-studded team for their valuable contributions during United’s dramatic 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

With the game on a knife edge and the Red Devils growing desperate, it was Maguire who leapt highest to score the winner.

The England international got on the end of a brilliant cross from second-half substitute Christian Eriksen to plant it into the bottom-left corner.

In addition to the goal, Maguire was extremely solid at the back and formed a solid centre-back partnership with Raphael Varane.

In what was his third consecutive start for United across all competitions, the former club skipper currently seems to be enjoying a kind of renaissance.

FC Copenhagen were awarded a late penalty when Scott McTominay was penalised for risky play inside the box with his boot adjudged to have been too high.

Jacob Neestrup’s men were given a golden chance to equalize and get a share of the spoils. However, Onana came up trumps and saved the penalty.

The Cameroonian has endured a difficult start to life but when needed the most, came up with the goods to secure the win for United and kept his side’s hopes of still making it out of Group A alive.

Dalot is another one who had a brilliant game, fresh off a stunning goal against Sheffield United just a few days before.

During a period in which Ten Hag has had to deal with multiple injuries to key players in the defensive department, Dalot has massively stepped up and ensured the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have not been missed too badly.

Other players on Sofascore’s UEFA Champions League XI include Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and RB Leipzig’s David Raum at the back.

In midfield, Sofascore put in Xavi Simons, Rodri and Brais Méndez of Real Sociedad.

The attack was led by Porto’s Evanilson who grabbed a hat trick, with his teammate Mehdi Taremi and Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus on either side of him.

| Team of the Week

Our latest UEFA Champions League TOTW is here!

Six sides are represented in here, with players from two Manchester clubs making up almost half of our XI.

Porto's hat-trick hero Evanilson is our #UCL Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/d3ZMKMzXjA

— Sofascore (@SofascoreINT) October 26, 2023

United face Manchester City next in a high-stakes derby clash on Sunday.

The post Heroic Manchester United trio named in Champions League Team of the Week appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United beat the Blades by two goals to one.

Scott McTominay opened the scoring, but the Red Devils lost their lead just six minutes later when Oli McBurnie converted his penalty.

Dalot came up with a moment of brilliance in the second half when he fired a ferocious shot that flew into the back of the net from outside the box.

The defender spoke to MUTV after the final whistle and opened up on the thinking process that went into his goal.

Dalot said, “I could see the ‘keeper’s hand getting close, so I thought he might save it, but when the ball goes in, the feeling of seeing the fans behind the goal celebrating, I think it was a fantastic moment.”

The Portugal international paid tribute to United legend Sir Bobby Charlton, whose passing was confirmed by his family just hours before the clash at Bramall Lane.

Dalot explained that he and his teammates were motivated to win in memory of Sir Bobby.

“I take this opportunity to dedicate this win to Sir Bobby and his family. It was a very sad day for the club, but I think we contributed the best we could, which was to win the game and secure three points.”

“I think in these moments, when everything seems to be said, we have to find a way to see happiness and I hope with this win today, we could give some joy to the family.”

The 24-year-old said he enjoyed the atmosphere at Sheffield United’s home, and indicated that the match was a “proper English game.”

Dalot pointed out that the aim of the team is to win at all costs, even when things don’t go according to plan.

“I think this is how fans love to see games here in England and we have to find a way to win when we don’t play good football. Sometimes we are not right tactically and in the first half, we took longer than we should have to set up.”

He added, “When we came to half-time, the manager told us what to do and we did it better in the second half. This is what brings us confidence, is winning games at this club. This is the standard. We need the three points no matter what on Tuesday [Copenhagen] and I hope the fans, like always, will be there with us.”

The post “I thought he might save it”: Diogo Dalot explains his wonder strike that sealed win vs. Sheffield United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.