The current United squad is reeling under the weight of injuries with over 16 players injured at one point with the club even forced to conduct an internal enquiry into the matter.

One position that had been fortunate enough to not suffer any injury-enforced setback was in goal but now even that is changing after Andre Onana picked up a knock during Cameroon’s World Cup qualifying win over Mauritius on Friday.

Onana injury update

As per The Athletic, the Cameroonian federation have now confirmed that the United No 1 will miss their upcoming game against Libya and will be returning to Manchester.

The former Inter Milan star was substituted with ten minutes left to play and the forecast from the tests conducted seem to indicate an injury to the pubis.

Once the shot-stopper is back at Carrington, United will conduct further tests to find out the exact severity and whether this will force the keeper to miss multiple games.

“Tests later revealed an injury to the pubis, one of the three bones that make up the pelvis, the federation said.

“He won’t play a part when Cameroon take on Libya in Benghazi in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and is instead returning to Manchester where he will undergo further testing.

“It remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to return to action for United next weekend. United are next in action against Everton on Sunday in the Premier League.”

Bayindir waiting in the wings

Onana has not enjoyed the best of debut campaigns and had committed several high-profile errors, both in the Premier League and Champions League with multiple pundits and former stars calling for Ten Hag to drop him.

The 27-year-old seems to be regaining his form somewhat in recent weeks and a long-term absence will be a big miss for United with Ten Hag relying on the keeper’s passing ability to help United play out from the back.

United have Altay Bayindir as a reserve keeper with the Turkish star joining the club in the summer. He is yet to make his debut but Onana recently claimed that he is one of the best backup keepers he has ever trained with.

United also have Tom Heaton waiting in the wings but Ten Hag will be hoping his former Ajax compatriot can make it for the game against the Toffees.

The post Andre Onana out of Cameroon’s next game, returns to Manchester for further tests appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Many Manchester United fans will be dreaming of a busy winter window that will kick-start their season domestically and abroad.

However, the major stories from transfer windows are not always about who your clubs brings in, but also on who they decide to cut ties with.

Man United have seven players who have contracts ending in June 2024 and face an uncertain future beyond the end of the current campaign.

The Mirror has drawn attention to the players that could be moving on to new pastures in the summer. One rule of the transfer window is that “any player looking to move from one English team to another as a free agent can only open talks after entering the final month of their previous contract”. However, they can negotiate with foreign clubs from the January previous to the expiry date of their deal.

Safe in this knowledge, let’s take a look to see which of the seven Red Devils may opt for this route.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

The Mirror are downbeat on Wan-Bissaka’s chances of staying at the club. They sum him up as a player who has “veered from dependable player to a lightning rod for fan criticism”. The publication believes it is unlikely he will be offered a new deal. At the start of the season the English fullback seemed a shoe-in for a new contract but things on that front have certainly cooled down of late.

Consequently, The Peoples Person has reported that Ten Hag is interested in bringing in his own right back but many would argue that Wan-Bissaka may provide more effective backup than Diogo Dalot. Additionally, Wan-Bissaka would most certainly be of interest to English teams such as West Ham, so it is improbable that he would lack attractive offers from mid table Premier League clubs if United decide not to renew his deal. Unlikely to go.

Victor Lindelof

The Swede is another name that could depart the club in the summer. The Swedish captain has had plenty of admirers from abroad such as Atletico Madrid, so if he were to desire a new challenge, he would have numerous options as a free agent. However, Lindelof has already played 15 times for the club this season due to the defensive injury crisis and even scored the winning goal against Luton. Nonetheless, Victor may fall down the pecking order as United have been linked to many new central defenders including Jean-Clair Todibo, so the Swedish defender may choose this path, as he is certainly the most sought after of the seven. Likely to go abroad

Antony Martial

The French forward is probably a much clearer case. While Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof remain relatively popular players where you could envision a future back-up role at the club, Martial does not enjoy this reputation among supporters. The Frenchman has been heavily critiqued and has seemingly lost largely everything that made him winner of the Golden Boy award in 2015. Not many English clubs would be willing to sign the attacker but as long as he asked for sensible wages, a list of European clubs would most likely be attracted to him. The Peoples Person recently stated that Inter Milan and PSG are among such teams. Likely to go abroad

Hannibal Mejbri

The 20 year old Tunisian Mejbri is enjoying something of a breakthrough year, having played 5 times already for the Red Devils in this campaign and also having scored a wonder goal against Brighton in September. United do have an option to extend for a year and it is hard to see them not at least taking up this option. The Tunisian is hot-tempered and still has much to learn but it is unlikely that club or player are willing to give up on each other yet. Unlikely to go just yet

Jonny Evans

The Northern Irishman was a surprise signing during the summer but like Lindelof, has had to fill in more than he had probably anticipated due to the injury-ravaged defensive department. Despite admirably deputising, future summer signings at centre back, again like Lindelof, will most likely see Evans leave the club. He could decide to retire as he had contemplated before joining United or play for a lower division English team. Likely to go, but not abroad

Tom Heaton

The 37 year old keeper saw the arrival of two new keepers in the summer and has not played yet this season. The United academy graduate almost joined Luton Town in August but this deal collapsed. Heaton will most definitely leave unless offered some sort of coaching job, but again, he is unlikely to try and secure a deal abroad at this point in his career. Likely to go but not abroad

Alvaro Fernandez

The young Spanish left back will probably have developed the taste for first team football. Last season he played 42 times for Preston in the Championship and has been a regular for Granada in La Liga this year. He is highly rated at United and it is likely the club would love to tie him down to a new contract. However, with Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and possibly even Sergio Reguilon potentially in front of him, he may not have the patience to wait for his chance. Especially as the youngster is from Spain, he could well try and pursue a move to his homeland or elsewhere in the winter. Likely to go abroad

The post Seven Manchester United players free to talk to European clubs from January appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The United Foundation made a weekend appeal for individuals to contribute coats meant to support underprivileged families through the winter period.

The Red Devils urged their supporters to “give unwanted clean adult and children’s coats to the Foundation, which will redistribute them to those accessing its community and education programmes, as well as local poverty charities in Greater Manchester.”

Ahead of his side’s clash against Brentford, Erik ten Hag was pictured donating a coat to the club’s charitable arm through John Shiels, who is its chief executive.

Erik ten Hag donates his coat to the @MU_Foundation #mufc pic.twitter.com/AgUkVmy2lb

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) October 6, 2023

Ten Hag emphasized the importance of giving back to society and lending a helping hand to those who are less fortunate.

The Dutchman also pledged his continued support to the campaign and what it stands for.

Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail reports that the Dutchman’s players followed his example and did the same.

It’s understood that the drive was extremely successful as supporters of both United and Brentford also chipped in massively.

The Red Devils hosted Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday. The game ended in a 2-1 win for United after Scott McTominay’s late heroics completed a sensational comeback for Ten Hag’s men.

“Goalkeeper Tom Heaton had enough to fill a bin bag and Marcus Rashford donated one by Japanese fashion brand BAPE worth hundreds of pounds.”

“The coats will be distributed among young people and their families across Greater Manchester as well as some in Ukraine.”

“The foundation is investing £100,000 to buy additional hats, gloves and scarves that will help people in deprived areas through the winter.”

The post Tom Heaton and Marcus Rashford lead players in supporting Manchester United foundation winter appeal appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Dean Henderson’s permanent departure from Manchester United had been more or less assumed heading into the summer transfer window.

After Nottingham Forest took him on loan last season, Henderson had said that he was “fuming” at his parent club for “wasting” a year of his career.

His desire for first team football along with his willingness to burn bridges at United seemed to make his exit little more than a formality.

But things can change quickly in football and, according to 90mins, Dean Henderson is now set to stay at Old Trafford.

Despite impressing at Forest last term, the Midlands side have opted to sign Matt Turner from Arsenal instead.

At the time, it was thought that the club would still be back in for Henderson, such was their appreciation of his performances before his season-ending injury in January.

But, as reported by The Peoples Person, it has been a long road to recovery and, at one stage, fears that he would fail a medical were suggested as a possible reason for the delay of a permanent switch.

Injuries reared their ugly head again on the eve of the Premier League season, this time for Tom Heaton, who suffered a calf injury that will leave him unavailable for a few weeks.

With no senior backup to Andre Onana besides Henderson, and waning interest from Nottingham Forest, it seems that the academy graduate will not be getting his transfer this summer.

He has, according to 90mins, been “told in no uncertain terms” that he will be playing second fiddle to Erik ten Hag’s £42m summer signing in the event that no club matches United’s asking price this month. In essence, he has been sent to the bench.

That price is thought to be in excess of £20m, with reports from earlier in the window suggesting it may have been as much as £30m including performance-related bonuses. Given his bumper £120,000-a-week contract and recent injury issues, that would be something of a coup for Manchester United.

Whether Henderson manages to move in this window or not, it seems highly unlikely that he will have a long term future at the club. He may well feature in cup matches under Erik ten Hag for this season (or, at least, part of it), but the Englishman is unhappy with his situation and likely to cause problems somewhere down the line.

The post Dean Henderson has been told where he will spend his season appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

While Andre Onana has clearly emerged as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of David de Gea, the question remains of what to do about backup option Dean Henderson.

Man United has a packed schedule given the team’s inclusion in the Champions League, thus making it possible for Henderson to appear in the odd match this season.

It’s reasonable to believe that Onana would most likely be relied upon in the league as well as in Europe, meaning that domestic cup games could prove to be an opportunity for a backup goalkeeper to get some exposure.

Still, is Henderson the right backup keeper to stand between the sticks for United during this season’s League Cup and FA Cup ties?

As Nottingham Forest’s first-choice keeper during his loan deal last season, there’s no question that Henderson has amassed a wealth of experience that has prepared him to up against top-tier opposition in cup games.

Still, Erik ten Hag as well as the club may have reservations when it comes to providing the 26-year-old with playing opportunities given his disciplinary record.

Henderson has been outspoken when it comes to his criticism of United, particularly during his loan spell.

Upon joining Forest on loan last season, the English goalkeeper criticized his parent club for keeping him on the bench in favour of playing De Gea, going so far as to say, “To sit there for 12 months, it is criminal really, at my age.”

In addition to being disrespectful toward United if not arrogant, Henderson’s comments also showed a lack of perspective, given that De Gea had been the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the better part of the decade, even winning the Premier League title with the Red Devils in 2013.

In the same breath, fellow backup Tom Heaton, who has been uncontroversial, has gained favour with the club, with Ten Hag asking him to remain at Old Trafford this season should there be any incoming bids for the player.

Beyond the idea of not allowing bad behaviour to be rewarded, United would also do well to sell Henderson as soon as possible in order to raise the funds necessary to pursue transfer targets such as midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who the club is still intent on signing ahead of the transfer deadline.

Fiorentina is reportedly looking for €30 million for the player, and Henderson’s sale could go a long way in funding the purchase of the Moroccan star especially if Forest are willing to pay the €20 million that United are looking for.

Also important to note is that Henderson is believed to favour a move to Forest as opposed to another season at Old Trafford, and a club of United’s stature should not hold onto a player who doesn’t want to play for the badge.

Even if Henderson is a capable backup option who could cover for Onana during cup games, it makes more sense for United to find a way to offload the player in order to bring in signings such as Amrabat – a much higher priority.

The post Should Dean Henderson be selected to play in Manchester United’s cup games? appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

United, heeding the advice of manager Erik ten Hag, bid farewell to David de Gea after 12 long years following numerous high-profile errors in big games last season.

In came Andre Onana from Inter Milan and he has enjoyed a solid start to his Old Trafford career. But who will be the club’s reserve goalkeeper is what is vexing the manager the most.

United’s reserve goalkeeper hunt

Matej Kovar, who impressed in the early part of pre-season, departed for the Bundesliga while Nathan Bishop joined Championship side Sunderland.

Tom Heaton was linked with moves to Premier League new boys Luton Town as well as Everton but Ten Hag was adamant that the player would be staying put.

However, recently the former Burnley star suffered an injury which has ruled him out for the first part of the season and this has created a major complication for Dean Henderson and United.

Initially, the plan was for the England international to join Nottingham Forest, with whom he had enjoyed a terrific loan spell last season.

Both clubs however, could not agree on the structure of a deal with Forest demanding a loan deal with an obligation to buy based on a high appearance count while United wanted a straightforward loan with a purchase deal.

However, now with Heaton unavailable, the United boss wants the academy graduate to stay and Forest have instead brought in Matt Turner from Arsenal.

Forest had even got in touch with United Football Director John Murtough in a bid to explore options on how to crack a deal but as The Athletic have pointed out, Henderson is no longer a priority for Steve Cooper’s side.

Forest no longer interested in Henderson

“Forest’s plans to bring Henderson back for a second spell — again on loan, with either an obligation or an option to buy — are now in limbo.

“Henderson’s thigh injury posed one problem when it came to him undergoing a rigorous medical. Ironically, while Henderson has edged closer to full fitness, an injury to his United teammate, Tom Heaton, has become a second potential hurdle.

“United are not in a rush to let Henderson move on and, having signed Turner, Forest do not view signing Henderson as an immediate priority.”

Henderson’s sale would have significantly helped United with their FFP issues but as of now, a deal looks unlikely to happen.

The post Dean Henderson no longer an “immediate priority” for Nottingham Forest appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

As United prepare to get their Premier League campaign going when they host Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, Heaton will not be available to Erik ten Hag for possible selection.

The Red Devils confirmed via the club’s official website, “The experienced goalkeeper sustained an injury in training that is still being assessed but he is expected to be unavailable for the first few weeks of the season.”

According to The Manchester Evening News, the setback suffered by Heaton could put a potential transfer to Nottingham Forest for Dean Henderson in jeopardy.

Steve Cooper’s side have been locked in negotiations with United for Henderson’s services.

The Englishman of course spent the 2022/23 campaign out on loan at the City Ground, where he impressed as Forest beat the drop.

The crux of talks between both clubs lies in the terms at which an obligation in any loan deal for Henderson would be activated.

Forest want the loan obligation to be triggered around the 30-game mark, while United want this to be set at around five games.

As per Luckhurst, Heaton’s calf injury could translate to Henderson being marooned at Old Trafford for at least one more season as Andre Onana’s deputy.

This scenario is especially made more likely now that the 20-time English champions have reportedly agreed a deal to let Matej Kovar join Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent basis and have already let Nathan Bishop leave for Sunderland.

Henderson did not play even a single minute of pre-season.

United recently pursued a move for Urawa Reds shot-stopper Zion Suzuki, but the Japanese star recently revealed that he turned down the chance to play for Ten Hag as he would only come in as an understudy to Onana.

The post Man United confirm huge Tom Heaton injury blow that could have repercussions for Dean Henderson appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

After 12 long years, David de Gea decided to leave the club after being unhappy with United’s last contract offer and manager Erik ten Hag decided to bring in Andre Onana in the Spaniard’s place.

Dean Henderson, who is training with the club, still wants to leave as he has no intention of playing second-fiddle but his chances of earning a move to Nottingham Forest are slowly dwindling.

Kovar on his way out

One keeper who impressed during the early part of pre-season was Matej Kovar. The 23-year-old played against Leeds and Olympique Lyon and impressed with his ability with the ball at his feet.

After winning the league with Sparta Prague during a loan spell last season, there was a chance he could be kept on as backup but as per The Sun, a permanent move could be on the cards.

Sparta had tried to bring him back to the club but United’s asking price of £6 million was way beyond their means and a move ultimately failed to materialise.

The Peoples Person had already reported that the likes of Aston Villa and Cadiz were looking at the United academy graduate but two new teams have entered the fray.

“Manchester United will let keeper Matej Kovar leave — with Hull and Red Star Belgrade in a chase. The Tigers are keen to take the Czech, 23, who was at Sparta Prague on loan last season but may now go out permanently.

“Sparta were keen to buy but the price is higher than they want to pay. Now Hull and Red Star looking into making more serious offers. However, the Tigers would also take the Under-21 international on loan.”

Hull, Red Star want Kovar

If nothing works out, a loan deal with an obligation to work out could be worked out but United would ideally like to permanently offload the goalie in order to reinvest the amount elsewhere having already exhausted their summer transfer kitty.

It has already been reported that the young goalkeeper is not part of the manager’s plans going forward.

Tom Heaton has now decided to stay back at the club after positive discussions with the manager and that means the back-up keeper’s spot has now also been taken up.

Kovar needs regular game time at this stage of his career and a permanent move away from Old Trafford is the best decision for both parties.

The post Hull City and Red Star Belgrade are interested in Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Tom Heaton will remain a Manchester United player this season after deciding to stay at the club.

As reported by The Peoples Person, Heaton was unsure of his future and was set for talks with Erik ten Hag before deciding his next steps.

Now according to The Manchester Evenings News, it is apparent that those talks have gone well.

A “good conversation” with the manager off the back of starting five of Man United’s seven preseason fixtures has convinced Heaton that his future remains at Old Trafford.

That is despite interest from Premier League new boys Luton Town and Championship outfit Hull City, either of whom would likely have offered a first choice position in the squad.

But with United having lost David de Gea and being set to lose Dean Henderson, the one-time academy graduate is closer to the front of the goalkeeping queue at United than ever before.

De Gea left after his contract expired and new terms could not be reached. Henderson, meanwhile, is dead set on a permanent transfer, as he wants an undisputed starting role.

Nottingham Forest – despite their imminent signing of Matt Turner from Arsenal – are expected to renew their interest in Henderson later on in the transfer window.

Henderson impressed during his time on loan in the Midlands last season and is desperate to return to the City Ground.

All of that leaves United’s goalkeeping department on the light side, meaning keeping Heaton at the club is a real coup for Ten Hag.

The club may still need to look to the transfer market to bolster their numbers once Henderson departs, but the need would have been far greater had their current backup opted for a move away.

His influence in the dressing room cannot be understated either. He has been referred to by a number of players – as well as Ten Hag himself – as one of the team’s leaders.

The post Erik ten Hag convinces Tom Heaton to stay at Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Heaton spoke to MUTV after United’s 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin.

The Red Devils came from behind to score late in stoppage time through Facundo Pellistri, who was excellent.

In Bruno Fernandes’s absence, Heaton was handed the armband by Erik ten Hag. However, with the Premier League season now set to kick off in a few days’ time, the Englishman will be relinquishing a starting berth between the sticks back to Onana.

Heaton said about the Cameroonian, “He’s been great. He’s a really good lad and a great character. I really enjoy the style of his play and I think he’ll suit how the manager wants to play.”

“Hopefully I can learn a bit from him. I know I’m getting older but I’m always trying to develop and evolve. Hopefully I can offer him something about Premier League football and the requirements of the different challenges.”

On captaining United, the 37-year-old remarked, “It was a bit of a surprise, I think. Temporary custodian for the day, but still a proud moment. It is always an honour to captain United and I certainly enjoyed that today.”

Heaton explained that despite being in the latter stages of his career, he still feels brilliant and in top shape.

The United shot-stopper told club media that he has probably been aided to extend his longevity by not running as much or as hard as the outfield players.

He nevertheless pointed out that he still trains well and no differently to anyone else.

“That is one of the things for me, despite getting older, for me you still have to go through pain day-in, day-out, and do things properly. If you can’t do that you might want to ask yourself a question.”

One of the things that need clarity as Ten Hag’s men enter the new campaign revolves around Heaton’s future.

He is attracting interest from the likes of Luton Town and Everton. If his pre-season performances are anything to go by, the Carrington academy graduate could have made it very difficult for the club to let him go.

The post Tom Heaton backs Andre Onana to thrive at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.