After a chaotic draw in Istanbul and an insipid performance versus Newcastle, Manchester United will need to drastically improve before taking on Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Old Trafford this Wednesday 6th December.

The match will be the first game at Old Trafford during the festive month, so United fans will be hoping for a performance to get them in the mood to spread some Christmas cheer.

Last season’s fixture in late May was a cracker for the Red Devils as they vanquished The Blues 4-1 to seal their qualification for the Champions League.

However, despite sitting tenth in the Premier League table, the west London club have shown signs of improvement in big games. A credible 1-1 draw versus Liverpool on opening day has been followed up by a pulsating 3-3 draw with Manchester City and a chaotic 4-1 win away to Tottenham Hotspur.

So, in what promises to be a great tie, here are three things to look out for.

Maintaining a rich vein of form against Chelsea

As of late, the Red Devils have had a great deal of success against the West London outfit at Old Trafford in the Premier League. In fact, you have to go back a decade to the last time Chelsea won a game at the Theatre of Dreams.

After winning the title, Manchester United lost 1-0 to Chelsea in a dead-rubber game. Since that point, it has been a series of draws and victories for the Red Devils. Surprisingly, Chelsea have only won two out of the last 15 matches home and away in all competitions versus United, dating back to 2018. In that time there have been seven draws and six Manchester United victories, including the 4-1 win back in May and a 4-0 win at the start of the 2019/2020 season.

The 20 time English champions will be hoping their recent fortune against the Stamford Bridge does not end tomorrow night.

A chance for Kobbie Mainoo to shine once more

One of the most exciting aspects of the season so far has been the promising debut of Mainoo versus Everton a couple of weekends ago.

The 18 year old put in an awe-inspiring performance that left pundits, such as Ian Wright, gushing over his display. The BBC pundit claimed you just had to think “wow” when watching the player.

Rio Ferdinand also stated that the United academy product was a “star” and put in the exact type of performance that the Red Devils needed.

It will be fascinating to see if Mainoo can influence the game against such an accomplished, expensive Chelsea engine room, containing the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. However, one player he won’t be facing is Conor Gallagher, as The Peoples Person has reported that he is suspended for the match due to a red card in his previous game.

Poch vs Ten Hag

These two managers have history for a couple of reasons and this is the first time that they have faced each other in the Premier League.

The first time the two managers competed against one another was back in 2019 when Ten Hag’s Ajax faced off against Pochettino’s Tottenham side. Despite winning the first leg in London 1-0, the Dutch side threw away a 3 goal aggregate lead to lose 3-2 on the night and go out on away goals in the Dutch capital. Spurs would go on to lose the final 2-0 to Liverpool.

However, Ten Hag got his own back when he beat the Argentinian to the vacant United manager role in April 2022. The Peoples Person reported back in 2022 that Ten Hag was seen to suit the club’s structure over the former Spurs coach.

It will be enthralling to see which manager will take home the bragging rights this time.

In conclusion, the match promises to be must-watch affair as neither team are trustworthy defensively and both have to start claiming three points more regularly to match the ambitions of their fans and try to scale the dizzying heights of the English Premier League.

The post Manchester United vs Chelsea: 3 things to watch out for in crucial tie appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Most of the players played like they did not care for the badge, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial particularly poor on the night.

Manager Erik ten Hag‘s refusal to be brave has meant he has picked a weak midfield time and again with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay providing hardly any solidity and control, a huge drawback in an away game.

Mainoo’s emergence

That left young Kobbie Mainoo with a lot to do and he was quite brave and effective with his screening ahead of the back four, a performance that once again belied his age.

The 18-year-old has now started in two Premier League games on the bounce and even made a cameo appearance in the Champions League against Galatasaray in midweek.

It is clear to see that the manager rates the academy graduate very highly and has planned for him to be a regular member of the first-team squad going forward.

This new-found status upgrade for Mainoo means he is eligible for a pay rise as The Daily Star reported. His contract contains a clause that states that once the youngster becomes a first-team squad member, his wage is liable to be doubled.

The England U-19 international is reportedly currently earning £10,000-a-week after he signed a new contract extension earlier this year.

“Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo is about to double his money at Old Trafford – without a new contract.

Mainoo to earn windfall

“A clause in the teenager’s current £10,000-a-week deal, which he signed earlier this year and runs until June 2026, allows for the bumper 100 per cent pay rise once he becomes a matchday regular in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

“And that weekly salary leap to £20,000 is now close to being triggered following Mainoo’s recent emergence on the United first-team scene.”

His swift rise also has seen England manager Gareth Southgate planning to speak to the United gem about choosing to represent the Three Lions internationally.

Fixtures are set to come thick and fast for United during the festive period and Mainoo is expected to play a key role as Ten Hag tries to get the club back on track.

The post Kobbie Mainoo set to double his wages after first-team breakthrough appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, has recently commented on how important bringing through young players is to the culture of the club. There is no doubt in the Dutchman’s mind who should be credited for this.

The manager praised Darren Fletcher’s role in helping to bring through the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

According to TNT Sports (via Eurosport), the Dutchman believes that using academy products like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo makes up a huge part of the “DNA” of Manchester United and helps give the club an “identity”.

Both teenagers have impressed recently. The Argentinian forward has scored two goals in his last two games, while the young Englishman put in an incredibly mature performance versus Everton and also made an assured contribution off the bench in Istanbul.

When the United manager was asked about bringing players thorough from the academy he claimed, “I think it’s in the DNA of Manchester United; the Busby Babes, the Class of ’92”.

The Peoples Person recently reported on the fact that the club seem to be returning to this mantra as the squad last Sunday contained three of 2022 Youth Cup winning side.

The former Twente player mentioned that “developing players into the first team should be one key area of Manchester United because this club is very successful with it”.

The former Ajax coach should know what he is talking about, as the Dutch giants, like United, are another club that prides itself on bringing through young players of the highest quality.

Ten Hag went on to say another advantage of bringing through young players is that they will have a strong connection with the team and also with the fans. For example, other academy players on display at Everton last weekend were Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. Despite a poor start to the season this time around, Rashford was voted the club’s player of the season last season.

Furthermore, McTominay was recently voted the club’s player of the month for October after an extended run in the side that saw him score some goals, crucially a late double to defeat Brentford at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was critical of the youth setup when he arrived and described it as “isolated” from the first team. The Dutch coach lauded the work of technical director, Darren Fletcher, who has been seen as an important reason why the relationship between the youth and first team has improved of late.

The Man United manager stated, “we improved the connection. Darren Fletcher plays an important role with that, his connection with the Under-21s and academy. That connection is much better than before”.

Finally, the coach claimed that everyone is now beginning to see the fruit of his and the club’s labour as young players are often involved in first-team training, after getting their foundation in the academy and working “day by day with good strategies” put in place to ease development of the players.

Yesterday, The Peoples Person reported that Fletcher’s own son, Jack, at only 16, has massively impressed the manager and was given the opportunity to train with the senior team before their recent Champions League game against Galatasaray.

Giving young players a chance and watching them grow into a first team is something most United fans take great pride in. With an uncertain takeover future and a massive uphill task to be competitive this season, maybe giving youth a chance is a path to a happier future for fans of the club.

The post Erik ten Hag claims Darren Fletcher has played key role in Manchester United’s recent youth success appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The victory came courtesy of a couple of blinding displays from United’s academy products with Alejandro Garnacho scoring potentially the goal of the season, courtesy of an acrobatic overhead kick.

The Argentine rightfully claimed all the plaudits but it was Kobbie Mainoo who shone the brightest, producing a midfield masterclass from the defensive midfield position.

Mainoo, the new midfield star

Manager Erik ten Hag and skipper Bruno Fernandes were full of praise for the 18-year-old who covered every blade of grass and showcased excellent positional awareness.

It was clear from pre-season that the United manager had plans for the academy midfielder and now after returning from injury, we might see him play in more and more games, especially in the absence of Casemiro.

As per The Independent, the England U-19 international is considered as the perfect alternative to Frenkie de Jong, a midfielder Ten Hag has always wanted to bring to Old Trafford and one he had worked with and achieved great success with at Ajax.

While the Barcelona star might not be coming any time soon, the United boss seems to be delighted with the progress shown by the FA Youth Cup winner and there are plans to pair him with new recruit Mason Mount.

The former Chelsea man has struggled to adjust to his new surroundings but there is hope that with the pace and power of Mainoo alongside him, the Englishman can justify his immense price tag.

“The Dutch coach believes that Kobbie Mainoo greatly helps. There’s even a suspicion that his impact can end up being even more impressive and important than what it has been seen so far.

“Ten Hag is hopeful that Mainoo can be the Frenkie de Jong-style midfielder that he has been lacking since joining the club, and wants to see how a pairing with Mason Mount works.”

Mainoo-Mount, ETH’s dream combo

When paired with Casemiro, Mount ended up playing in advanced areas, thus leaving space for the opposition to counter which the Brazilian could not contain due to him losing a yard of pace.

But the United youngster is full of pace and power and can cover more efficiently, thereby allowing the England midfielder to do what he does best.

Ten Hag has faced criticism, especially in his second season with the team playing a more conservative way and he has been often urged to play in a more attacking style, like he had done with great success back at Ajax.

This combo will be quite an attacking lineup but it could bring success, especially in home games where the opposition are likely to sit deep and try and hold on for dear life.

The post Erik ten Hag thinking of pairing Kobbie Mainoo with Mason Mount moving forward appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

These are all difficult realities Kobbie Mainoo was forced to contend with on Sunday against Everton. Yet the prodigiously talented youngster dealt with each of them as adroitly and neatly as he dealt with the ball.

Manchester United ran out 3-0 winners and Mainoo was at the heart of the display, demonstrating both his defensive nous with a brilliant last-ditch tackle to deny Idrissa Gueye an equaliser, as well as his offensive capability via a delicious lofted through-ball to Bruno Fernandes when being harried as the last man.

Mainoo consistently sought possession, unafraid to receive the ball as the deepest midfielder, and displayed the bravery to evade Everton’s press. He diligently tracked the opposition’s runs into United’s box and was strong and firm in every challenge.

It was a truly excellent midfield performance; the perfect example of doing the basics to a high level. This constitutes a far cry from many of United’s midfielders this season, who are high level players performing the basics abysmally.

Mainoo only played 72 minutes on Sunday, yet ranked highly across every metric a midfield should be analysed by. The only players to ‘outperform’ the 19-year old were those who played the full ninety.

The academy graduate touched the ball 61 times, ranking him fifth for United. His fellow academy graduate midfielder partner – McTominay – managed only 40 touches, despite playing over twenty minutes extra than Mainoo.

He also produced ten passes ending in the final third, a total only bettered by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. This was accompanied by twelve ‘carries’ – defined as moving the ball by five metres or more – which put Mainoo joint third amongst United players for that statistic.

He also made two clearances, two interceptions, won two aerial duels, three ground duels and made one blocked shot. His one tackle – on Gueye – denied a certain goal.

While none of these statistics jump out the way Alejandro Garnacho’s outrageous overhead kick does, they quietly offer United fans the exact type of midfield performance they have been starved of since Michael Carrick retired.

Under the instruction of Erik ten Hag, Old Trafford officials spent almost the entire summer last year chasing Frenkie De Jong, trying to convince the Dutch midfielder to swap Barcelona for Manchester. It proved a pointless endeavour.

Yet this pursuit indicated the type of player Ten Hag wanted at the base of his midfield. Though Casemiro was ultimately signed as an alternative to De Jong at the end of that summer, he has always felt an awkward fit in this deep-lying role. This awkwardness has only grown more acute this season.

Mainoo feels the complete opposite.

The 19-year old offers the exact profile Ten Hag demands from his deepest midfielder – to act as the conduit between defence and attack, unperturbed in the face of opposition advances. His comfortability on the ball, and his intelligent distribution of it, are the exact selection of attributes Ten Hag’s midfield unit have been lacking this season.

And this assessment is not merely an exaggerated one from a United fan almost shocked by what a competent midfielder looks like. The accolades Mainoo received across the media on Sunday indicate they see what we saw.

Match of the Day dedicated a section of their analysis of the United-Everton game to Mainoo. “He looks like a senior pro”, Iain Wright claimed, while Danny Murphy detailed how the Everton players “couldn’t get near him at times.”

The assessment held true on Sky Sports where Roy Keane – often the harshest of critics for United – praised Mainoo as “brave”, contending he “looked a Man United type of player.” Gary Neville offered the opposite view, but one which indicates agreement, stating the youngster “looked like a Manchester City player”; the type Pep Guardiola would love to have at his disposal.

While Mainoo’s level felt like breaking news to these two outlets on the weekend, The Peoples Person had confidently predicted such a moment occurring back in September. Mainoo’s skillset and temperament – which belies his years – made him appear the perfect antidote to the sickly performances United’s midfield were delivering this season. And if not but for a desperately unfortunate injury in pre-season, we may have been privy to this type of simple midfield brilliance far sooner than the end of November.

Either way, it makes for a nice early Christmas present. Frenkie who?

The post Kobbie Mainoo – a debut which shows the future is now appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Nearly three months into the season, that still holds true, just not in the way many expected.

Evans has risen from the ashes to become arguably the second-choice defender for Erik ten Hag before injury, while Amrabat has had a nightmare start to his spell.

Reguilon has been pretty much a non-factor due to constant injury issues and is not likely to play much now that Luke Shaw is back.

While Reguilon was always a short-term buy, the only reason Amrabat didn’t arrive on permanent terms was because of United’s financial paucity.

However, they would be thanking their lucky stars right now that the move was only a loan.

The Guardian reports that doubts have been raised internally about Amrabat’s performances since joining the club after a protracted pursuit from Fiorentina on loan.

The Moroccan started off well in his first two games, as a left-back before he was quickly found out by the pace of the league.

His play always looks a step behind the pace of the game, and he is regularly caught on the ball, or forced to play rushed passes in the face of a fierce press.

Such has been his predicament now that he can’t even make the first XI despite injuries to Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount.

With Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence after his masterful debut league start and Scott McTominay’s goal threat preferred by the manager, Amrabat’s situation is not likely to change anytime soon.

Fans were up in arms when Amrabat was signed only on loan.

Now, it looks like financial worries saved the club from itself from having another dud on its books for the next four to five years.

The post Manchester United concerned about Sofyan Amrabat’s poor form at the club appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo was the surprise inclusion in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI at Goodison Park.

The Carrington academy graduate was named in a midfield trio also consisting of Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay.

United ran out 3-0 winners against Everton, courtesy of goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

After the final whistle, Gary Neville lauded Mainoo for outshining his senior teammates on his first Premier League start.

Recently, ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright also waxed lyrical about Mainoo and his abilities.

Ferdinand has became the latest TV pundit and former player to single out the promising 18-year-old for praise.

Speaking on Vibe With Five, Ferdinand said, “I don’t know how they gave the Man of the Match [award] elsewhere. 18 years old, especially centre midfield, very rarely do you see a composed performance like that. Away from home it’s crash, bang, wallop at Everton at Goodison [Park] under the circumstances they went there.”

“The way he was dropping in between the centre-backs, not even getting it and bopping it one or two touch, he was getting it, taking touches, drifting by people or away from people, away from the challenge and the press, and then releasing it.”

“That’s what these centre-backs and goalkeeper have been waiting for – someone who can alleviate that pressure and beat that press.”

Ferdinand added, “I thought about it the other day, 18-year-olds coming into the first team in the Premier League who gave performances like that… [Cesc] Fabregas? I’m not saying he [Mainoo] is as good as these guys, there have been more explosive but I’m talking about composure. This was a crazy performance.”

Mainoo will be hoping that his display vs Everton will  ultimately be enough for Ten Hag to give him yet another start against Galatasaray on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Ferdinand, went on to imply that Mainoo should keep his place in the team even ahead of Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, who has not really impressed since coming in during the summer.

The post “Crazy performance”: Rio Ferdinand says Man United have been crying out for a star like Kobbie Mainoo appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo made his Premier League debut against Everton on Sunday and was probably the best player on the pitch, while Pellistri offered another competent cameo when coming off the bench to replace Alejandro Garnacho.

Ten Hag was facing questions from the press ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League match against Galatasaray and was asked about 18-year old Mainoo and specifically whether he had any concerns over playing him in such a hostile atmosphere as that awaiting them in Istanbul.

“No, we don’t have fear and if players are good enough, they’re old enough, he replied.

“We’re very pleased with his performance [against Everton]. But that’s one performance. You have to do it on a consistent basis.

“But Kobbie knows that, he’s so mature and we are confident he will do it.

“But firstly you have to prove, we all have to prove, you’re only as good as your last game.”

Asked what he says to a young player like Mainoo at this stage in his development, Ten Hag replied:

“Enjoy it, keep the focus, don’t get distracted from things next to football. You have to focus on your game, on your performance, and get the right levels in.”

Attention then turned to Pellistri.

Marcus Rashford is suspended for tomorrow’s match after a dubious sending off against FC Copenhagen. Ten Hag mentioned in the presser that Antony will be back in the squad after missing the Everton game, but he was asked about the young Uruguayan and whether he was able to step up in Rashford’s absence.

“For Pella, he also has to make now a step now from bench player, often coming in and having a very good impact, to starting XI player,” Ten Hag replied.

“We will see how quick the process will go.”

Kick off in Istanbul is at 17.45 GMT tomorrow.

The post Erik ten Hag offers advice to Kobbie Mainoo and Facundo Pellistri ahead of Galatasaray match appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

As the dust has settled on Manchester United’s 3-0 victory versus Everton on Sunday afternoon, it is pertinent to highlight that three of United’s successful 2022 Youth Cup team were in the matchday squad.

Two of said players made massive contributions to the result and look to be two of the most promising stories of the season to follow from a Man United fan’s perspective.

Alejandro Garnacho scored “the best overhead kick ever” according to some, which crucially broke the deadlock in the third minute.

Another player from the starting line-up of the victorious Youth Cup side, Kobbie Mainoo, had pundits waxing lyrical over the 18 year olds afternoon’s work. Ian Wright claimed he just thought “wow” and the notoriously hard to impress, Roy Keane, even effused that it was challenging not to get excited about the midfielder’s full debut.

The third was striker Joe Hugill, who made the bench due to an injury to Rasmus Hojlund. The youngster didn’t get the chance to make an impression on the pitch, but after scoring in United’s pre-season tour, the attacker will hope to be get more opportunities in the first team.

Manchester United’s youth team won the coveted Youth Cup final in May 2022 at Old Trafford versus Nottingham Forest. Rhys Bennett and a double from Alejandro Garnacho saw the Red Devils win 3-1 on the night and claim the silverware. It would be a record extending 11th time the club has won the trophy and the first time since a Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard inspired triumph in 2011.

The Old Trafford outfit has a proud history of blooding youngsters and the academy has educated some of the finest players to play the game. United’s commitment to youth can be seen in their unmatched record of naming an academy graduate in every squad since the 30th of October 1937.

In fact, four academy-grown players started the game, including Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. Another, Hannibal Mejbri was on the bench, hence six in total to add to the names of Garnacho, Mainoo and Hugill, were in the squad.

Additionally, four more players in the matchday 18 may not have been part of the Man United youth system but were signed for the first team as teenagers. They are Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Facundo Pellistri.

In fact, to highlight the production power of the youth system at the club, two of Everton’s starters and one bench option also came through the ranks at United. James Garner, Dwight McNeil and former Youth Cup winner, Michael Keane.

There has been criticism of late of the team and their movement away from using the academy. Erik ten Hag has splashed the cash since his arrival in May 2022. The Dutch coach has spent £407m on new signings and has been critiqued here for abandoning players like James Garner far too early to fund moves for lesser players from other team’s academies.

Nonetheless, Sunday’s game provided a road map forward. The roles of Mainoo and Garnacho demonstrate that the youth system at United is still working and if used, can still be a vital characteristic of the side. Whilst, splurging on talent is necessary to reach the top, opportunities should still be given to the very best of the academy. It is in the club’s DNA.

Finally, with the under 18 team in scintillating form and huge talents like 16 year old Shea Lacey at the club, there is much to be excited about. If not left to rot, the youth system will continue to flourish and produce talents for the first team, like it always has since 1937.

The post Three 2022 Youth Cup winners given opportunity to shine in Manchester United’s squad versus Everton appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The club’s famed academy made all the difference on the night as Alejandro Garnacho silenced the home crowd with an acrobatic overhead kick, a worthy candidate for one of the Premier League’s top goals.

The reactions of the players said it all as they were all left astounded by what they had seen from the Argentine.

Academy stars dazzle

They all rushed towards the winger who emulated his idol and United legend Cristiano Ronaldo in his style of celebration.

On a day when the headlines will rightfully be claimed by the Argentina international, it was academy sensation Kobbie Mainoo who produced the most complete performance.

The 18-year-old covered every blade of grass and excelled in the defensive midfield role, earning the praise of his manager and skipper after the game.

Another Carrington product Marcus Rashford also got on the scoresheet after he converted a penalty after being handed the opportunity by Bruno Fernandes.

Great to see both Finley McAllister & Dan Gore in the crowd today at Goodison Park no doubt supporting their academy team mates, I know that McAllister is a regular at away games I’ve seen the lad a few times at different aways, this is the United way. Youth Courage Success #MUFC pic.twitter.com/BqDktfHE0a

— Benjamin Brazil (@bennymufc) November 26, 2023

Erik ten Hag, who was in the stands after being suspended for the game, jumped out of his seat in excitement after the wonder goal from Garnacho and there were two more from the club who could not contain their excitement.

In a picture that has circulated on social media, academy youngsters Finley McAllister & Dan Gore were spotted celebrating with the away fans.

Academy stars watch their mates in action

The U-18 skipper is often times seen in the away end and he is a boyhood fan of the club while Gore has already made his first team debut this season.

Despite their impressive rise through the ranks, both still remain fans at heart and that is something United have always enjoyed over their contemporaries.

United’s academy stars and senior stars are often spotted with the away fans and it shows the close-knit relationship the players share with the fans.

In the past, Rashford’s debut was enjoyed by then-United academy star Dean Henderson who was celebrating with the Mancunian after his brace.

The post Academy stars Finley McAllister, Dan Gore spotted in the away end appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.