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The Dutchman restored a positive mood at Old Trafford in his short period as interim boss and should be kept on as a new era begins

"I wanted to bring Manchester United into a better place," Ruud van Nistelrooy said after rounding off his interim tenure with a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford. "It was my absolute goal, together with the players, and it's three wins and a draw. Getting 11 goals at Old Trafford, and only three against, is the standard you want to go to as a club. I think it's something to build on."

He just gets it, doesn't he? United is a club that must always demand the highest standards. Van Nistelrooy saw that the players had forgotten their responsibilities in the final months of Erik ten Hag's turbulent reign, and in just four games, gave them the proverbial kick in the backside that had been long overdue.

Because of Van Nistelrooy's impressive work, Ruben Amorim is walking into a more settled environment. United were in crisis when Ten Hag was sacked on October 28 and the future looked bleak because of the INEOS group's failure to put the former Ajax coach out of his misery at a far earlier date. But now, there is genuine cause for optimism again.

Amorim can focus on shaping the squad in his image instead of lifting the confidence levels of the entire dressing room. United's new permanent manager owes Van Nistelrooy a debt of gratitude for that, and making the Dutchman his No.2 would be the perfect way to repay him.

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  'Spirit' of a real United team

  Van Nistelrooy could scarcely have asked for an easier opening game as interim boss. United romped to a 5-2 win over a half-strength Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each scoring a brace while Alejandro Garnacho also got in on the act.

  Ten Hag may well have delivered a win in that fixture too, having overseen the 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the previous round. But the biggest difference was still undeniable: the players had smiles on their faces again.

  That was in no small part due to Van Nistelrooy's body language, as he prowled the edge of his technical area throughout the game and reacted passionately to every key moment. It made a refreshing change to the sight of Ten Hag rooted to the spot with the empty expression of a man who had no idea how to motivate his team.

  United were far less impressive in Van Nistelrooy's second game against Chelsea, but they dug in to earn a vital point. "I saw the spirit on the pitch," the 48-year-old said after the 1-1 draw. "That's the foundation to grow."

  That "spirit" also lifted the Red Devils to their first Europa League win of the season at home to PAOK four days later, and it was prevalent again on Sunday.

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  'Connection is there'

  United still didn't look fluid in their latest win over Leicester, but they were clinical. Fernandes marked his 250th appearance for the club with a brilliant strike from the far corner of the box to open the scoring, before forcing a Victor Kristiansen own goal that gave Van Nistelrooy's side a comfortable half-time lead.

  Garnacho then stepped off the bench to deliver the final blow, curling home a sublime long-range shot for his 10th goal involvement in 17 appearances this season. Van Nistelrooy made the bold decision to drop the Argentina winger after his ineffective displays against Chelsea and PAOK, and it paid off as Garnacho played like a man with a point to prove in his 33 minutes on the pitch.

  The Red Devils also looked relatively solid at the back, with Matthjis de Ligt producing perhaps his best display since his summer switch from Bayern Munich. It was the perfect way for Van Nistelrooy to bow out, and he was serenaded after the final whistle as the United faithful expressed their gratitude.

  "The connection is there. It's what United is about," he said. "Being together and getting results. I'm proud of that and thankful to the supporters. It was beautiful moment." It doesn't have to be the last one either.

  Van Nistelrooy added when pressed on his future: "In the end, the most important thing is this football club, and I'm here to support that in my role. I want to continue doing that in the future and now also the communication was OK [that] 'after the block of four games, there will be communication towards you and your colleagues that are in an uncertain situation'. So, I expect to hear today or tomorrow from them."

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  Reviving Fernandes

  There will certainly be several players lobbying for Van Nistelrooy to stick around. Casemiro, De Ligt and Manuel Ugarte have all shown signs of improvement under his stewardship, while Amad Diallo has made a very strong claim for a regular starting role on the right wing.

  But no one has benefitted more than Fernandes. The United captain looked a shadow of his usual self in the first three months of the season as he went 12 games without scoring, and his presence appeared to be hindering the team in attack and defence.

  Fernandes had reached the lowest point of his Old Trafford career, but Van Nistelrooy reignited the spark inside him. A return of four goals and two assists in his last four appearances suggests that reports of Fernandes' demise were greatly exaggerated. He was particularly influential against Leicester at the weekend, making 33 passes in the final third (almost double the amount of any other player) and creating the most chances (seven).

  It remains to be seen how Fernandes will fit into Amorim's 3-4-3 system, but he's made himself indispensable again. On current form, he is United's best player and the one Amorim must build his team around. Fernandes gives much of the credit to Van Nistelrooy, and has hinted that he would welcome an extended alliance.

  "It's been a big part, obviously. He felt that everyone was a little bit down, so everything he did every day in training, it was trying to bring joy," Fernandes told . "He brought a lot of energy from that, he brought people fighting, training, running, trying duels and lots of small games, competitions. And I like [that], with small things, just to bring the energy back. And he did it. He did it well."

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  Ronaldo endorsement

  Van Nistelrooy always felt like a shrewd addition to Ten Hag's backroom staff. The former Red Devils striker had proved his coaching chops at PSV, who won the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup in his only season at the helm before he stepped down in May 2023 due to concerns over how the club was being run.

  But more importantly, as Ten Hag put it, Van Nistelrooy also brought "some Manchester United DNA". Van Nistelrooy established himself as one of the most prolific centre-forwards of his generation at Old Trafford. He scored 150 goals in just 219 appearances for United between 2001 and 2006, firing them to Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup glory.

  He understands the inner workings of the club and the core principles that made them so successful under Sir Alex Ferguson. That's not enough to lead the team permanently, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer found out to his peril, but having someone with Van Nistelrooy's experience on hand in a supporting role is potentially invaluable, as Cristiano Ronaldo explained during an interview with Rio Ferdinand at the start of September.

  "You cannot rebuild a club without knowledge. Not guys who work in an office. They understand," Ronaldo said when assessing his former team-mate's role. "The people who understand the football, it was, 99 per cent is the people who were there in the dressing room. They know how to deal with the players. It’s the people who understand these things. So I believe that Ruud is going to help because he was inside the club. He knows the club. He knows the fans."

England duo Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo have both been featured on British GQ's Men of the Year cover.

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• Palmer and Mainoo dress up for GQ shoot
• Named two of the magazine's Men of the Year
• Both are recovering from injuries

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer and Mainoo may be absent from their England duties this week, but they are making a splash on social media after being featured on the cover of British GQ. The Chelsea and Manchester United stars were snapped in Burberry blazers for the magazine's second 'Men of the Year' cover following their rise to the top of the football pyramid.

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• WHAT BRITISH GQ SAID

  The magazine posted its latest edition to Instagram, saying: "This summer, as the Three Lions once again brushed maddeningly close to glory, two players grabbed the nation’s attention: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United’s 19-year-old midfield prodigy, and Cole Palmer of Chelsea, the Premier League’s most cold-blooded breakout. As it happens, they became friends along the way. The two players meet for a mid-season hang for their joint #GQMOTY cover story."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Recognition for both Palmer and Mainoo is a testament to how much young talent England have breaking through. With the likes of Declan Rice, Harry Kane, John Stones and Harry Maguire all absent against Greece, it gave younger players including the likes of Curtis Jones and Morgan Rogers to be given the same chances Palmer and Mainoo have been given.

  GQ

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER AND MAINOO?

  Both players are on the road to recovery but will likely be back when club football returns next weekend. However, their achievement of being included as cover stars for British GQ will open up a whole new host of opportunities for the pair.

Looking to reinforce their attacking options, Aston Villa have reportedly emerged to take a shock lead in the race to beat both Everton and Ipswich Town in the race to sign a familiar face for Unai Emery.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have been one of the busiest sides in the Premier League when it comes to incomings so far this summer, with the likes of Ross Barkley, Ian Maatsen and others all arriving ahead of the Midlands club's first Champions League campaign under Emery. The Spaniard has, however, lost Douglas Luiz to Juventus in a swap deal that saw Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea arrive in the opposite direction.

Luiz may not be the only one to complete a move away from the Midlands either following rumours that West Ham United are interested in Jhon Duran in a move that could leave those at Villa Park scrambling for attacking reinforcements and a swift reunion with an exciting winger.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are now closing in on signing Jaden Philogene from Hull City in a deal that will see them hijack both Ipswich Town's and Everton's move for the Hull City winger worth £18m. This follows an earlier report from The Athletic that the Villans had joined the race by exercising a clause they agreed when he left the club.

A last-ditch steal, Villa have reportedly used their first-refusal clause to match Everton and Ipswich to leave themselves in pole position to re-sign Philogene one year on from his departure, also offering the player a "huge" contract to tempt him to the West Midlands.

Aston Villa in talks to sign new CM who'd brilliantly replace Ramsey

He could be involved in a swap deal

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 11, 2024

Coming through the Aston Villa academy, Philogene could now finally get the chance he was previously denied under Emery. There will be plenty of competition alongside Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby, but the Championship star proved that he's more than ready for a Premier League place in the last campaign.

Why "ridiculous" Philogene should join Aston Villa

It would be quite the full circle moment for Philogene if he completed a return to Aston Villa just one year after leaving for Hull, highlighting just how good a year it has been with the Tigers. The winger has more than earned a second chance to impress at his boyhood club and looks likely to be handed just that this summer.

The 22-year-old has earned plenty of fans during his time at Hull, including former manager Liam Rosenior who, like many, was left in awe at Philogene's incredible rabona goal against Rotherham last season. Rosenior told Sky Sports: "Ridiculous, it's ridiculous, his ability is something we have missed for a long time. He is only going to get better the more games he plays.

"It is not just his goal or the showreel moments, it is his energy levels for the team, he has a real belief, he can be a top player but the reason he can be a top player is because he works so hard on his game. We have to get him off the training pitch because he wants to do extra."

Over the years, Manchester United have prided themselves on having one of the best academies in world football, with the club constantly producing new talent year on year.

From the Class of 92 to players such as George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, the talent is endless and a real key to their huge success in European football over multiple decades.

Kobbie Mainoo is the latest star to break through from Carrington and make an impact on the first team, even earning a call-up to the England national side for Euro 2024 – an incredible feat for a youngster in his first professional campaign.

However, the club have often turned to the transfer market to push the club forward in recent years, spending big on players who have failed to make an impact at Old Trafford.

Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba are just two examples of the poor business conducted in the window, but after the added investment from INEOS, there’s hope that the days of scattergun investment are a thing of the past in Manchester.

They’ve wasted no time in making their mark at United, already making two huge additions ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Manchester United’s transfer activity

Erik ten Hag’s side only managed to achieve a measly eighth-placed Premier League finish last season, with investment desperately needed to catapult the Red Devils back towards Champions League contention.

Striker Joshua Zirkzee has already arrived from Bologna for a fee in the region of £35m, adding needed firepower at the top end of the pitch.

The Dutchman registered 11 goals in his 34 Serie A outings last season, scoring more league goals than any United player during the same time period.

Ten Hag’s side have also added defender Leny Yoro to the squad, joining from French side Lille after registering an impressive 32 appearances in Ligue 1 despite being the tender age of just 18.

The club have needed reinforcements at the back after the departure of Raphael Varane, with high expectations on the youngster to make an immediate impact alongside Lisandro Martínez at the heart of United’s defence.

The Red Devils have also been constantly linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte this summer, but, despite personal terms being agreed with the Uruguayan, no deal is close for him to move to the North West.

However, despite the respective big-money transfers and rumours, the club currently employ one talent who is valued higher than the latter duo of Yoro and Ugarte.

Marcus Rashford’s market value in 2024

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over eight years since Marcus Rashford made his Manchester United first-team debut against Midtjylland in the Europa League, making an immediate impact, scoring two goals.

He’s since cemented his place in the first-team at Old Trafford, featuring over 400 times, scoring on 131 occasions – an average of one goal every three games.

Whilst he endured a tricky campaign last time around, scoring just eight goals in all competitions, he’s been a fantastic player for the club, demonstrating the quality of the club’s incredible academy.

Rashford, who’s been dubbed a “future legend” of Manchester United by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has seen a huge increase in his market value as a result of his form for the club over the years, with the 26-year-old now deemed to be worth £80m, according to reports.

His current value is higher than the £52m new addition in Yoro, while transfer target Ugarte is also said to command an asking price of roughly £59m.

Whilst he’s divided opinion in recent months, Rashford has been a hugely successful academy graduate and one that deserves more plaudits than he’s received over the past couple of years.

Whilst his cutting edge in front of goal has been lacking over the last 12 months, he still has the ability to play a huge part under Ten Hag during the INEOS era, with the club potentially living to regret any sale of the 26-year-old.

Man Utd pushing for "a younger Kante" who'd have been perfect for Pogba

This one’s creeping toward the finish line.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 19, 2024

Wrexham edged out Lincoln City with a slender 1-0 home win but failed to close gap at the top as late heroics from Wycombe saw them beat Mansfield.

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• Wrexham beat Lincoln 1-0
• Narrowed the gap at the top to two points
• McClean played a captain's role and stole the show

• TELL ME MORE

  It was not one of the brightest and cleanest performances from Wrexham, but they just did enough to pick up the three points and get their title ambitions soaring again. They were hoping to close down the gap at the summit to two points with Wycombe, but a late Luke Leahy goal at Adams Park fired the leaders to a 1-0 win of their own against Mansfield that dampened Wrexham's plans.

  Phil Parkinson's men were the dominant force right from the first whistle with Elliot Lee slotting in as a second striker to Ollie Palmer – just as they did against Exeter City in League One. However, the pair were struggling to link up and goal-scoring opportunities came at a premium for both teams. Palmer came close to giving his side the lead after latching onto a cross from McClean but his effort went across goal. Minutes later, just before the end of first-half, Lewis Brunt headed against the woodwork after jumping the highest to get his head to a McClean free-kick.

  Parkinson's pep talk might have worked as Wrexham showed more teeth in attack in the second half. The almost 12,000-strong crowd did their best to inspire their heroes and McClean finally broke the deadlock in the 67th minute. It was a fortuitous strike as the Wrexham skipper's attempted cross took a deflection off Tendayi Darikwa and ended up inside the net. The goal provided the Red Dragons with a spring in their step and they went for the insurance goal with Paul Mullin being introduced in the 73rd minute. However, Mullin's dry run in front of goal continued as Wrexham settled for a 1-0 win.

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  THE MVP

  McClean was the star of the show as his attempt ended up being the difference-maker between the two sides. Although it was awarded as an own goal to Darikwa, credit must be given to the Irish for his intent and power on the delivery that completely bamboozled the defender.

• THE BIG LOSER

  It was a tight defensive performance from Lincoln but Darikwa's momentary lapse of concentration and a fumbled clearance brought their downfall. The velocity completely took him by surprise and the defender had no one to blame but himself for the mistake.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  The Red Dragons will be back in action against Barnsley on Tuesday in their next League One fixture.

It's not been the busiest of summers for Arsenal so far this year, with just the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori so far in terms of new first-team players.

That said, it appears that the signing of Mikel Merino is a matter of days away from being completed, and in the last week or so, several top-class strikers linked with the club, such as Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

However, in the last couple of days, another name has consistently been touted for a move to the Emirates: Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke.

The Englishman might not have the same level of excitement around his name as the other number nines on the market at the moment, but he's Premier League-proven, a good age, and seemingly available.

He'd likely be a success leading the line for an increasingly dangerous Arsenal, although he could have a fight on his hands for the starting role with another attacker at the club who is worth considerably more.

The latest on Solanke to Arsenal

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are now interested in Bournemouth's Solanke this summer, alongside several other clubs, including North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

There appears to be some discrepancy in how much the former Chelsea ace would cost, but based on the report, his contract has a release clause worth £65m.

This would represent a significant investment from the Gunners, but based on his form last season and the fact that they missed out on the title by just two points, it would probably be worth it.

For example, in his 42 appearances for the Cherries across 2023/24, the Basingstoke-born dynamo scored 21 goals and provided four assists, which converts to a goal involvement on average every 1.68 games and would have made him the second most productive player at Arsenal.

However, even after such an impressive campaign for the South Coast side, Solanke is worth considerably less than one of Arteta's key men.

The valuation of Kai Havertz in 2024

Yes, the key man in question is last summer's £65m man, Kai Havertz, who is valued at a whopping €98M by Football Transfers. This converts to about £84m, or at least £19m more than Solanke, and while it's significant, it might be justified.

The German international began life at the Emirates in a midfield role, and in all honesty, he was rather ineffective for a large part of last season until he was moved up top, that is.

Following his change from left eight to starting nine, the former Chelsea ace became one of the most important players in Arteta's squad, alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. He was one of the first names on the teamsheet during a period when the North Londoners were tearing teams apart.

He ended the campaign with 14 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances, but his numbers look a lot more impressive when you consider the games in which he started as the team's out-and-out striker.

In those 18 matches, the "magnificent" ace, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, scored eight goals and provided seven assists, which equates to a goal involvement on average every 1.20 games, and is actually more impressive than Solanke's average.

Now, the question over the German's head is whether he could keep that rate of return up for an entire season, but it would make for an interesting dynamic to see him compete with the Bournemouth man in 2024/25.

Ultimately, signing Solanke would likely be a smart idea for Arsenal, as more firepower is always a good thing, but he'd have to really impress to permanently dislodge Havertz from the starting lineup and surpass his mammoth value.

Arsenal prepare bid for world-class Merino upgrade in blockbuster swap deal

The incredible talent would be an exceptional addition to the Gunners’ squad.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 5, 2024

Oliver Glasner has called for "calm" amid the fallout from Marc Guehi's decision to repeatedly write about Jesus on his rainbow captain's armband.

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• Rainbow Laces campaign has dissenters
• Guehi writes about Jesus on armband
• Palace boss Glasner calls for "calm"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  For the second game running, Crystal Palace captain scribbled "Jesus" onto his LGBTQ+ armband; this time against Ipswich Town on Tuesday. This was despite the England international being reminded of the rules by the Football Association that any religious message on a player's kit is prohibited. Now, Eagles boss Glasner has come to the aid of his defender following their 1-0 win at Portman Road.

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  WHAT GLASNER SAID

  On Guehi writing on the captain's armband, he told : "I think we should calm it down. Everybody knows Marc, everyone knows he is a great player, he is a great personality. He is a very humble guy. He wore this. It's LGBT and everyone now is about integration, no discrimination, and Marc as well. I think we all have the same opinion. We are in sports and in sports we are always against discrimination and any kind of abuse, and Marc as well."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Guehi, who is a devout Christian and his father is a minister, could be sanctioned for his actions, as could Ipswich skipper Sam Morsy – who for the second match in a row refused to wear the armband entirely due to his "religious beliefs".

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Rainbow Laces campaign runs until Thursday, December 5, so neither Palace star Guehi nor Ipswich ace Morsy – who is a Muslim – will have to wear the armband in their next games. What punishment comes their way, however, is likely to be revealed soon.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed the severity of defender Wesley Fofana's hamstring injury during the Blues' 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

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• Chelsea win 3-0 against Aston Villa
• Fofana goes off injured in clash
• Maresca confirms severity of issue

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea have been in top form these last couple of months as Maresca's football starts to take action on the Blues squad. That form was on display at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea won 3-0 against Aston Villa with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, in the 60th minute, a concerning moment awaited Chelsea fans as in-form defender Fofana went down on the floor and had to be replaced by Benoit Badiashile. Maresca has now confirmed the severity of Fofana's hamstring injury and confirmed that he may not return to action this year.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to the media, Maresca said: "It's bad news [Fofana's injury]. He has a muscular problem. It looks like it's his hamstring. These (injuries) usually require at least three, four or five weeks out… It's a big loss."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FOFANA?

  The Chelsea defender's year may be over, as per Maresca's apparent timeline. However, Fofana will now undergo tests which will give a more accurate timeline to his return.

Chelsea chiefs think they can persuade a forward, who's been likened to Brazilian footballing legend Ronaldinho, to join Enzo Maresca this summer.

Chelsea undergo busy transfer window with nine signings made

Todd Boehly and BluCo have overseen yet another busy window at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea yet again showing they're not afraid to invest in bringing in new talent from across the globe and closer to home.

Chelsea agree deal to sell £98m player with Gallagher but key issue arises

The Blues have shook hands with an unexpected club.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 2, 2024

The club have officially announced their signings of Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United), Estevao Willian (Palmeiras) and Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal), with Aaron Anselmino making the move to Chelsea as well.

This long list of new recruits totals nine additions for the window, and it is believed that Chelsea are also closing in on the signing of Genk goalkeeper Mike Penders, which would make it 10.

The 18-year-old has apparently agreed to join Maresca, according to HITC, with both Chelsea and Genk agreeing a deal worth around £16.8 million for Penders.

A recurring theme of the last few weeks has been Chelsea adding more rising stars to their ever-growing pool of young players to watch out for. Only Tosin, Dewsbury-Hall and Jorgensen can be considered obvious senior upgrades to the squad, so it remains to be seen if any of their new starlets can go on to become mainstay players in the first team next season.

Chelsea have repeatedly looked to Brazil for talent since Clearlake Capital's takeover in 2022, with Estevao being the latest talent from that nation to swap South America for the UK.

As well as the teenage winger, Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos have all decided to join Chelsea. It is believed west London chiefs are convinced they can sign another Brazilian prodigy in the coming weeks as well – Gremio wonderkid Gabriel Mec.

Chelsea optimistic they can persuade Gabriel Mec to join

Mec has drawn comparisons to Ronaldinho, due to his playing style and the fact they both graduated from the same academy. Fabrizio Romano confirmed last month that Chelsea had opened talks to sign the teenage attacker, so this looks like one to watch.

GiveMeSport and journalist Ben Jacobs add further background on this potential deal, claiming Chelsea chiefs are optimistic they can persuade Mec to join Maresca from Gremio this summer.

As well as being likened to Ronaldinho, the 2008-born winger is said to have a "Neymar-esque" playing style as well, according to TEAMtalk analyst and scout Ben Mattinson.

"Neymar-esque play-style and comes from the same academy (Grêmio) as Ronaldinho. Hard to not be excited by him," wrote Mattinson on X.

"Mec has rapid feet able to do skills so quickly that he can fool defenders easily. A joy to watch, he’s a real throwback Brazilian."

As of now, it is unclear just how much Gremio want, in terms of a transfer fee, to part ways with their latest rising star.

As their search for a midfielder continues, Manchester United have reportedly offered one target the chance to more than double his current salary in a hefty summer move.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils' search to find an upgrade on Casemiro has been an open secret this summer. The main name mentioned throughout the window has been Manuel Ugarte, but with a deal yet to be sealed with Paris Saint-Germain, alternative options are now beginning to emerge. The likes of Marco Verratti could even become the surprise choice, with his agent reportedly offering United the chance to secure his signature this month.

The former PSG star is currently playing in Qatar, however, and at 31 years old does not represent the type of player that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants his club to focus on. Instead, those at Old Trafford could look towards younger options and those who have already experienced Premier League football.

There's no doubt that United need to replace Casemiro this summer following a campaign to forget last time out. The 32-year-old has shown all the signs that the peak of his career is now over, leaving the Red Devils on a hunt for a replacement which could end in the Championship.

Man Utd now in constant talks with all parties to sign £51m Brazil star

The Red Devils could sign an alternative to Ugarte…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 16, 2024

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have offered Sander Berge the chance to more than double his current salary by tabling a personal terms package worth €6m-a-year (£5m). That turns into £98,000-a-week for the midfielder, who currently earns £40,000-a-week a Burnley.

Growing desperate to solve their midfield problem, United will also need to meet Burnley's reported £30m valuation if they want to secure a deal for Berge in what will be cheaper than their pursuit of Ugarte. Recent reports suggest that PSG are demanding as much as £59m for the former Sporting midfielder this month, so far pricing United out of a move.

"Leader" Berge can replace Casemiro

Although Berge is not a name that stands out as much as Ugarte, he can still do the same job for almost half the price for United. The former Sheffield United has the ability to step in and replace Casemiro to solve Erik Ten Hag's midfield problem once and for all. Meanwhile, at 26 years old, the midfielder should be in the peak of his career.

Berge's ability to progress play and the fact that he recovered possession far more than Casemiro last season expose the struggles of the Brazilian, whose legs are showing all the signs of wilting amid the Premier League's intensity.

Former Burnley boss was full of praise for his midfielder last season, saying in his pre-match press conference before the Clarets' game against Sheffield United: “I think he’s one of the players that has looked a leader for our team, and he’ll be massively important again for us on Saturday and in the games ahead."

Now, Berge seemingly has the chance to make a step up from relegation in a similar leap to the one Kompany enjoyed to become the new Bayern Munich manager this summer.