Ten Hag recalls Antony to the starting line-up in Rashford’s place, with Alejandro Garnacho keeping ownership of the left wing spot.

Anthony Martial is also benched and is replaced by Rasmus Hojlund.

In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo also drops to the bench and is replaced by Sofyan Amrabat, who partners Scott McTominay with Bruno Fernandes ahead of them.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is another to have been pulled from the starting XI. Diogo Dalot returns to right back, Luke Shaw to left back and Victor Lindelof returns to partner Harry Maguire at centre back.

Andre Onana is in goal.

At 18 years of age, Mainoo is likely to be rotated but the other changes could be seen as a response to their lackadaisical displays against Newcastle on Sunday.

All four appear on the bench.

There is a spot of good news for United as Jonny Evans is fit enough to be named among the substitutes. Curiously, he appears to replace Raphael Varane, who unless injured looks to have slipped even further down the centre-back pecking order.

The above are joined by Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon, Facundo Pellistri and Donny van de Beek.

Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo are all still injured.

Jadon Sancho is still banished following a bust-up with Ten Hag.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is at 8.15pm.

Your #MUNCHE team news is in! #MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 6, 2023

The post Confirmed Man United XI vs Chelsea: Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Kobbie Mainoo benched appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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.”

The post Antony slams ex-Manchester United players for peddling “malicious rumours” about him appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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.

The post Juventus reconsidering Jadon Sancho deal due to costs involved appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

So far, United have had an extremely underwhelming season and pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag, especially with INEOS billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe closing in on a partial 25% investment into the club.

In the Premier League, the Red Devils have lost six times in 14 games, with their most recent defeat coming against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The situation is not any better in the Champions League, where Ten Hag’s men are currently sitting bottom of Group A with just four points and are on the brink of elimination from the competition.

Since the Newcastle match, there have been suggestions that Ten Hag has lost a section of the dressing room, with some players growing disillusioned with the Dutchman’s methods and tactics.

Ahead of United’s clash vs. Chelsea this evening, Ten Hag rubbished such insinuations and insisted that there is harmony within the ranks.

Nevertheless, it’s evident the 20-time English champions need to start getting results and performing better sooner rather than later.

According to AS, Ten Hag is not completely secure and apparently, United have a possible replacement lined up to replace him – Lopetegui.

The Spanish publication states, “There are already several important clubs that are thinking about him as the head of a project. One with whom he has been linked, in fact, is Manchester United.”

AS adds that Lopetegui’s good work in the Europa League with Sevilla alongside his proven track record with young players makes him an attractive proposition for outfits like United.

It’s believed that the 57-year-old was on the verge of taking over at Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al Ittihad after receiving a mind-blowing offer worth around €18m net per season – he rejected the proposal.

Such an amount would have instantly made Lopetegui one of the highest-earning coaches in the world.

As it stands, however, he is more keen on plying his trade in the Premier League as opposed to completing a move to the Gulf nation.

Lopetegui left Molineux during the summer after saving Wolves from relegation to the Championship. He cited Wolves’ lack of signings and ambitions in the market as his main reasons for leaving the role.

The post Man United are “thinking about” ex-Sevilla and Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui as potential Erik ten Hag replacement appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Dutch manager is under enormous pressure with British media constantly attacking him through sly reports of dressing room revolt over tactics, training, and even over mistreatment of Jadon Sancho.

Things reached such a state that the club was forced to ban serial offender Samuel Luckhurst from attending the Chelsea pre-match press conference.

ETH fighting for his job

It is clear that player power is running rampant at the moment with a couple of stars said to be feeding stuff to the media and Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to come in and fix this issue.

The next week will see the Red Devils fighting to stay alive in the Champions League and then travelling to Anfield to face arch-rivals, Liverpool.

The United boss will be aware of the need to get victories under his belt or else the INEOS chairman might be forced to part ways with him.

The Peoples Person has written about the British billionaire preferring current Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi to take over from the former Ajax coach should he be sacked.

Recently, there were reports that the Seagulls had agreed a contract extension with the Italian manager, who has overseen a hugely successful period for the club.

Brighton secured European football for the first time in their history last season and have qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League this season.

The team’s brave and attractive style of play has seen plenty of top clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and several Serie A outfits keeping an eye on the former Sassuolo boss.

Brighton want compensation for De Zerbi

Football Insider have claimed that despite a new contract, Brighton will not stand in De Zerbi’s way should an offer from United arrive provided adequate compensation is paid.

“Brighton will not stand in manager Roberto De Zerbi’s way if he wants to leave the club in the future amid strong Man United interest, sources have told Football Insider.

“It is believed that if the Italian were to have his head turned, Brighton would be willing to let him go if their compensation demands are met.”

The team from the south coast of England have done pretty well when moving on players and even managers, as seen from the deal that Chelsea agreed when buying Moises Caicedo and Graham Potter.

The post Brighton open to allowing Roberto De Zerbi to join Man United in case Erik ten Hag is sacked appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

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.

The post Andre Onana surprises young fans with appearance at Manchester United Foundation event appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Recently crowned winner of the Golden Boy Award, Jude Bellingham, has claimed that he grew up idolising Wayne Rooney.

Eyebrows were raised when Real Madrid splurged £88m on the 20 year old Englishman, however the youngster has taken it all in his stride and gone from strength to strength whilst playing in the pressure cooker of the Bernabeu.

The youngster won the Bundesliga player of the year last year as Borussia Dortmund came so agonisingly close to winning the league.

The England international also played a pivotal role for England in the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and has already become one of the most influential players for The Three Lions.

The former Birmingham City player has scored an eye-catching 15 goals in 17 games this season so far. To put this in context, the midfielder only scored 24 goals in 132 total appearances for Dortmund. (All stats according to transfermarkt.com)

Consequently, such form has seen the player rewarded with the Golden Boy award. After picking up the trophy, the England international claimed that his icon was Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney.

Bellingham has joined an impressive list of players like Rooney, Paul Pogba, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the much coveted award.

According to goal.com, at the ceremony in Turin the midfielder stated, “It’s about trying to make my team and my country the best teams in the world. I think to be the best player in the world, that’s what you have to do, to help your teams win. To join that list is such a big honour”.

Interestingly for fans of the Red Devils, Bellingham asserted that, “For me, I would probably say that Rooney was my biggest influence growing up. Being from England, the way he played, the way he fought. But there are so many other players I’ve taken bits from.”

Despite idolising Rooney, the player actually turned down the chance to follow in his idol’s footsteps and move to United in 2020.

The Peoples Person reported that “former Birmingham City advisor Andrés Manzano has admitted that the overwhelming belief during his time at St Andrew’s was that Jude Bellingham would join Manchester United”.

The Red Devils pulled out all the stops to convince the player by inviting the player and his family for a tour of the club’s facilities and even organized a meeting with legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, it was all in vain as the Stourbridge-born midfielder eventually opted for the Bundesliga and the rest as they say, is history.

Nonetheless, it is widely expected that Bellingham will make a return to the Premier League in the future and while United showed interest in the player when he was on the move in the summer, the Old Trafford outfit was never really seen by many as a serious destination.

Liverpool and Manchester City have been seen as more likely future options for the magnificently talented young star, however, Red Devils fans will be hoping by the time the player is ready to come back to his home country, United will be back in the mix as serious contenders for the League and Champions League.

The post Jude Bellingham reveals that Wayne Rooney was his icon growing up appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Last month, it was confirmed that Arnold would leave United before the end of the year, with Ratcliffe closing in on a partial 25% investment into the club.

A report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that after months of delays and due process, the Glazers and Ratcliffe have made a decision to put out a public announcement on the INEOS billionaire’s investment in the coming days.

The move, which will see the British businessman essentially become a minority owner, is contingent on being granted sporting control.

It’s understood that Ratcliffe has already identified key personnel to spearhead his vision at Old Trafford as he seeks to bring the glory days back at United.

Transfer expert Paul Mitchell is thought to be a prime candidate to take over as United’s next sporting director, with the future of John Murtough far from certain.

Ex-Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus chief Jean-Claude Blanc is also under strong consideration to become the Red Devils’ CEO.

At the moment, Patrick Stewart is serving as interim CEO.

The Daily Mail reports that contrary to popular belief, Ratcliffe did not play a role in Arnold’s exit from United.

“Richard Arnold jumped before he was pushed at Manchester United – but football director John Murtough is keen to work within the new set-up when Ineos start moving into Old Trafford next week.”

“Confidential understands that Ratcliffe did not ask Arnold to go, but the United CEO knew the writing was on the wall and decided to announce his decision to leave on his own terms before the end of the year.”

“There is also a question mark over Murtough’s future as Ineos focus on United’s recruitment policy. However, sources say he remains fully engaged in his role and highly visible at Carrington, and wants to continue in the job.”

The post “Jumped before he was pushed”: Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not force Richard Arnold to resign as Man United CEO appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.