Iñaki Williams has been ruled out of Athletic Club’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Manchester United on Thursday.
The Spanish side confirmed on Wednesday that the Ghanaian forward will miss the crucial tie after picking up a muscle injury.
“Player Iñaki Williams has not been called up for the Europa League semi-final second leg match due to a muscle injury in the common tendon of the right hamstring,” the club said, adding, “His recovery will be monitored.”
Athletic Club’s 30-year-old forward was taken off after 62 minutes during Sunday’s league clash with Real Sociedad.
He shares the top scorer spot for the club in this season’s Europa League with five goals, tied with his younger brother, Nico Williams — who is also absent from the squad for the upcoming match.
With Manchester United carrying a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg in Spain, Athletic face a steep uphill battle in Thursday’s return fixture at Old Trafford.
Manchester United will allow Ruben Amorim to decide Jadon Sancho’s fate if the England forward returns to the club, though that scenario remains unlikely, a source told ESPN.
Sancho is currently on loan at Chelsea, who are required to make the move permanent for £25 million ($32 million) if they finish above 14th place in the Premier League. With nine games left, Chelsea sit in fourth, making the condition likely to be met.
However, reports suggest Chelsea might try to withdraw from the agreement, even if the requirement is fulfilled.
Sancho has had a mixed season under Enzo Maresca, scoring just two goals in 28 matches across all competitions. If Chelsea decide to cancel the deal, they would still have to pay United a significant portion of the £25 million fee.
A source told ESPN that if Jadon Sancho returns to Manchester United, Ruben Amorim will have the final say on his future.
Sancho, who joined United from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021, is under contract until 2026. However, his relationship with former manager Erik ten Hag soured after a public dispute in September 2023.
Following the fallout, the 24-year-old was sidelined for four months, forced to train alone at Carrington, and was eventually loaned back to Dortmund in January 2024.
Sancho had been reintegrated into the United squad last summer after discussions with Ten Hag. He played a key role in the team’s U.S. preseason tour and made a substitute appearance in the Community Shield loss to Manchester City in August.
His last official game for United was against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in August 2023.
Ruben Amorimhas admitted he regrets saying that his Manchester United squad might be the worst in the club’s history. He explained that his comments were meant to criticize himself, not his players.
He made the statement after their 3-1 loss to Brighton on Sunday but later clarified it during a press conference on Wednesday.
However, the 39-year-old also admitted that it would be unrealistic to ignore the serious challenges he faces, with his team losing seven out of the 15 games he has managed so far.
“First of all, I want to talk about that,” Amorim began after being asked about his suggestion that this is the worst United team in history.
“I was talking more about myself than the players. I also said in the same response that I was not helping my players. If you look around every time I speak and every time you push about the players are not good enough, I never put the spot on my players.
“So I understand I give you that headline and I am frustrated sometimes. Sometimes I should not say it in those terms, but it is what it is and that’s it.
“Sometimes it’s really hard to hide the frustration in the moment. But the good thing is I said the same things in a different way in the dressing room five minutes before. The response was quite normal because I’m really blunt with my players.”
After losing to Brighton, Amorim changedhis usual routine by talking to his players right away in the dressing room instead of waiting until the next day for a team meeting.
Reports suggest that the former Sporting CP coach was so upset that he even broke a TV.
“I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake,” Amorim said. “And that’s why I don’t [usually] talk after the game. This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake and then I get more nervous and go to the [news] conference really nervous and say things I shouldn’t say, that’s it. Sometimes I’m a young guy and I make mistakes.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted that his team struggled to defend against Kamaldeen Sulemana during their victory over Southampton.
The Ghanaian winger caused problems for United’s defense multiple times during the Premier League match at Old Trafford on Thursday, January 16.
Kamaldeen completed the most dribbles in the game and frequently got past Leny Yoro on Southampton’s left-wing attack.
Although Amad Diallo scored three goals in the final 12 minutes to secure a win for United, Amorim acknowledged the challenges posed by the Black Stars winger.
“They (Southampton) did a very good job creating spaces between the lines,” Amorim said.
“Their number 20 [Kamaldeen Sulemana], with a lot of space behind him, we had some difficulties stopping that player.”
Manuel Ugarte’s own goal, caused by a clever flick from Tyler Dibling, gave Southampton the lead before Amad Diallo’s hat-trick turned the game around.
Sir Alex Fergusonis poised to conclude his ambassadorial duties at Manchester United by the end of the current season, according to a source speaking to ESPN.
This move is part of the club’s broader cost-cutting measures initiated after Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a minority stake in February.
The decision comes on the heels of the club’s announcement of layoffs affecting 250 staff members, aimed at saving approximately £45 million (around $58.8 million).
Ferguson has held the position of club ambassador since 2013, following his retirement as manager after an impressive tenure of over 25 years.
During his managerial career from 1986 to 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to an impressive 13 English league titles.
He also claimed the Champions League trophy twice, in 1999 and 2008, and added nine domestic cup victories to his accolades. Ferguson remains the last manager to secure a Premier League title for United.
Since retiring, he has frequently visited Old Trafford and has held a position on the club’s ceremonial football board.
As he approaches his 83rd birthday in December, sources indicate that Ferguson will gradually reduce his involvement in various roles over the next year, including some not directly related toManchester United.
Former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and France defender, Raphael Varane, has officially announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.
The center-back, who joined Italian club Como on a free transfer in July, has decided to step away from the game after suffering a knee injury on his debut against Sampdoria last month. Despite hanging up his boots, Varane will stay on with the Italian club in a non-playing role.
“I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game,” Varane shared in an Instagram post. “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct.”
Varane’s career has been nothing short of illustrious. Starting at French side Lens, he spent only one season in the first team before making a big move to Real Madrid in 2011. During his 10-year stint with the Spanish giants, he won an incredible 18 trophies, including three La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles, cementing his place as one of the game’s elite defenders.
In the summer of 2021, Varane transferred to Manchester United for an initial fee of £34 million. Despite facing several injury setbacks, he made 95 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils. He also played a key role in United’s Carabao Cup triumph in 2022 and his final match for the club was the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May 2023.
Internationally, Varane’s contributions were equally significant. He made his debut for France in 2013, earning 93 caps over the span of his international career. His crowning achievement came in 2018 when he helped France win the FIFA World Cup. He was also part of the team that won the Nations League in 2021 and reached the World Cup final again in 2022.
Reflecting on his career, Varane said, “I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley. I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.”
As for his future, Varane hinted at new opportunities ahead, noting that he will remain with Como in a different capacity. “A new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.”
Varane has also been an outspoken advocate for player welfare, especially regarding the effects of heading the ball. In April, he shared that the repetitive action had “damaged his body” and recalled finishing a 2014 World Cup match for France on “autopilot” after suffering a concussion. He has since called for greater protection and better awareness of such issues in football.
As one of the most decorated defenders of his generation, Varane leaves behind a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and integrity both on and off the field.
Cristiano Ronaldo has called for a complete overhaul at Manchester United, stating that the club must “rebuild everything” if they hope to return to competing for football’s biggest prizes.
The Portuguese star, who left United for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in December 2022, was critical of current manager Erik ten Hag and the direction of the club in recent years.
In an appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ronaldo questioned Ten Hag’s mentality and approach to managing one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
“The coach says they cannot compete to win the [Premier] League and Champions League,” Ronaldo said. “As Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the league or Champions League.”
While acknowledging that the club might not currently have the resources to challenge for those titles, Ronaldo stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset.
“Mentally [you can] say maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that. We’re going to try, you have to try,” he added.
Ronaldo’s comments come at a time when Manchester United are under pressure following a disappointing eighth-place finish last season—their worst in Premier League history—and two defeats in their opening three games of the current campaign.
United have struggled to find consistency since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, something Ronaldo also highlighted, saying there had been “no evolution” at the club since Ferguson’s departure.
Reflecting on his two spells at Old Trafford, Ronaldo, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League with United during his first stint, expressed a deep affection for the club.
“What I wish for Manchester [United], it’s what I wish for me – [to be] the best team they can. I love that club… I’m not that kind of guy that forgot the past,” he remarked.
Ronaldo also pointed to the need for a comprehensive rebuild at United, emphasizing that changes must happen across all levels. “The club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change,” he said. “The owners of the club are investing in the training ground, so I’m happy because things are changing. But if they don’t rebuild from the bottom, it will be impossible to compete.”
However, Ronaldo expressed optimism about the club’s recent decision to bring in former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as part of Ten Hag’s backroom staff, suggesting his experience could help the manager turn things around. “If Ten Hag listens to Ruud, maybe he can help himself,” Ronaldo said. “The people who understand football are the people who were there in the dressing room.”
The Portuguese legend emphasized the importance of drawing on the experience of United’s former players and legends. “You [Rio], or Roy Keane, or Paul Scholes, or Gary Neville, or Sir Alex Ferguson…you cannot rebuild a club without knowledge – not guys who work in [the] office,” Ronaldo added.
As the club looks to chart a new path under the influence of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a 25% stake in Manchester United, Ronaldo’s call for a complete rebuild reflects the pressing need for structural changes if the club is to return to its former glory.
There has been a lot of changes at Man United in recent months since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and former Red Devils hero Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he is “happy” to see changes are being made at the Premier League club.
The Portuguese star is a legend at the Manchester club having had two spells with the team, with the first going down having some of the best football the Old Trafford crowd has seen from an individual player.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made 346 appearances for United, scoring 145 goals and assisting a further 64.
Ronaldo won everything in Manchester, and the club undoubtedly has a special place in his heart; however, the forward left the Premier League giants on a sour note after a falling out with current boss Erik ten Hag.
The 39-year-old has admitted on Rio Ferdinand’s Five Podcast that he is “not happy” with how things ended but is aware that he can’t control the past.
The Al-Nassr star said via Fabrizio Romano: “I’m not happy the way it all happened, but in the same way, we cannot control some points of our life sometimes, but it’s done, already done.”
One thing Ronaldo has been happy about is that change is occurring at Manchester United following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, withManchester Unitedbringing in some top personnel such as Dan Ashworth and Omar Barrada.
Speaking about the changes that have occurred and continue to be made at Man United, Ronaldo has admitted that he is “happy” with this aspect of the club at present and understands that it will take time for the Manchester outfit to rebuild back to the top.
“Man United need time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change,” the superstar told Five. “They understand that. This is the only way.
“This is why they show, they start to change again, the structure of the club, the president, the infrastructures and everything.
“The owners of the club are investing in the training ground. I’m happy because things are changing.”
Casemiro is reportedly open to leaving Manchester United only if he is informed that he no longer has a future at the club, according to sources.
Turkish side Galatasaray have expressed interest in acquiring the Brazilian midfielder on loan before the Turkish transfer window closes on September 13.
However, Casemiro remains confident of his chances to feature regularly at Old Trafford this season, despite the club’s recent acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for £50 million ($65.8 million).
Currently on a break during the international window, the 32-year-old is expected to return to United’s training ground next week as they prepare for a September 14 fixture against Southampton.
His form has come under scrutiny following United’s recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, where he was substituted at halftime after two costly errors led to goals from Luis Díaz.
Although United are reportedly willing to consider offers, manager Erik ten Hag and sporting director Dan Ashworth are wary of weakening the squad ahead of a busy schedule, with upcoming Carabao Cup and Europa League matches.
The team will face seven matches in just three weeks following the break.
Additionally,Casemiro’s high wagescould be a stumbling block for potential suitors, including Galatasaray. The former Real Madrid star still has two years remaining on the contract he signed when he joined United in 2022.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended his team after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford, insisting that it’s too early to lose hope in the season.
Despite the loss, Ten Hag remains confident that his side can still compete for silverware, dismissing any notion that quick fixes or “magic” solutions exist.
Liverpool dominated the match, with Luis Diaz scoring twice within seven minutes in the first half. Mohamed Salah added a third goal shortly after the break, sealing a comfortable victory for the visitors.
The defeat was particularly disheartening for United fans, who feared a repeat of the 5-0 thrashing Liverpool handed them in the same fixture back in 2021.
Ten Hag’s starting lineup included six of his signings, making the loss even more frustrating for the Dutch manager. Among them was his latest acquisition, Manuel Ugarte, a £50.5 million midfielder from Uruguay. Although Ugarte was introduced to the fans before kick-off, he was not eligible to play, having been registered after Friday’s deadline.
United’s poor start to the season has seen them slip to 14th place in the Premier League, with just three points from their first three games. However, Ten Hag refused to dwell on the negatives, stressing the need for patience and time to integrate new players into the squad.
“It is not like I am Harry Potter,” Ten Hag remarked, emphasizing that expectations of instant success are unrealistic. “For three players it was their first start of the season. Manuel Ugarte did not play one minute—he needs to build his fitness. Then we have to build him into the team. I am sure he will contribute to our team. It will take a couple of weeks, maybe even a month. That is the same for a lot of players.”
One of the key issues during the match was the performance of striker Joshua Zirkzee, who had a mixed game. While he managed to create United’s best chances, his finishing left much to be desired, with one attempt going wide and another brilliantly saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Matthijs de Ligt, another of Ten Hag’s signings, struggled at the back alongside Lisandro Martinez, while young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was often outplayed by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch.
Tensions flared during Ten Hag’s post-match press conference when the manager clashed with a journalist who suggested that United had been making the same mistakes for two years. Ten Hag defended his approach, asserting, “I have a different vision, otherwise we wouldn’t win trophies and beat bigger opponents.”
Acknowledging the pain of the defeat, Ten Hag said, “I don’t want to talk about positives today. This defeat hurts for us and our fans. It is the third game of the season. We have to build a new team. We will be fine but it is clear we have to improve.”
One of the most controversial moments of the match came when Ten Hag substituted veteran midfielder Casemiro at half-time, after the Brazilian was at fault for two of Liverpool’s goals. Casemiro’s errors led to Liverpool’s first goal when he gave the ball away to Gravenberch, and he was outmuscled by Diaz for the second. Ten Hag replaced him with 20-year-old Toby Collyer in an attempt to inject more energy into the midfield.
Rumors circulated on social media that Casemiro had left Old Trafford early, but Ten Hag was quick to dismiss these claims. “He didn’t leave the stadium at half-time,” the manager clarified. “I met him in the dressing room after the game. I took him off because we were 2-0 down against an opponent like Liverpool. We had to take risks because we wanted to bounce back and needed players in midfield who can cover the ground.”
Despite the setback, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the season ahead. “He [Casemiro] won everything in his career. I am sure he will keep contributing to our team,” Ten Hag said, expressing his confidence in the team’s ability to recover and challenge for trophies as the season progresses.
Chelsea have secured the services of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on loan until the end of the season.
The deal, which includes an obligation for Chelsea to make the move permanent next summer for a fee between £20-25 million, offers the England international a fresh start after a challenging period at Old Trafford.
Sancho, who joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 for £73 million, has struggled to find his footing at the club.
Despite making 83 appearances across three full seasons, his time at United was marred by a high-profile dispute with manager Erik ten Hag, resulting in Sancho being excluded from first-team training.
After a brief loan spell back at Borussia Dortmund in January, Sancho returned to Manchester United in the summer but has not featured in either of their Premier League matches this season.
The 24-year-old, whose last appearance for England came in 2021, was notably left out of the squad for both the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the upcoming Euro 2024.
Manchester United have bolstered their ranks with the signing of promising young midfielder Sekou Kone.
The Mali youth international has made the move from Guidars FC, a club in his homeland, to join the Red Devils.
Kone, who only turned 18 in February, has put pen to paper just ahead of the summer transfer window’s closure this evening (Friday).
As a young talent, Kone will be integrated into the club’s Academy, where he will receive the necessary support to help him adapt to life in Manchester and develop his potential further.
Liverpool wrapped up their three-match tour of the US with a perfect record, capping it off with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United in Columbia.
Playing before a record crowd of 77,559 at the Williams-Brice Stadium—the largest attendance for a non-US football match—Liverpool took the lead early when Fabio Carvalho capitalized on a defensive lapse by Casemiro to score in the 10th minute.
Mohamed Salah extended Liverpool’s advantage in the 36th minute. His skillful control and burst down the wing allowed him to deliver a low cross to Curtis Jones, who finished neatly.
Konstantinos Tsimikas added a third goal in the 61st minute after Andre Onana failed to secure Diogo Jota’s initial shot, allowing Tsimikas to pounce on the rebound.
New manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp, will take positive notes from this pre-season success. However, Slot will understand that his real assessment will begin with the Premier League opener against newly promoted Ipswich on August 17.
For Manchester United, the match was further marred by a serious injury to young defender Will Fish, who had to be stretchered off after a collision with Harvey Blair.
United’s tour concluded with two defeats to Premier League sides, following a previous loss to Arsenal, although they managed a victory against Real Betis in between.
Both Liverpool and United will look forward to the return of their key players from Euro 2024 and Copa America as they resume training next week.
Olympique de Marseille has finalized the signing of forward Mason Greenwood from Manchester United in a transfer deal worth up to €31.6 million (£26.6 million).
The 22-year-old, who emerged from Manchester United’s youth academy, has committed to a contract with the French club that will keep him at Marseille until 2029.
Greenwood’s tenure at Manchester United saw its highs and lows. After making his debut in 2019 and demonstrating significant promise by scoring 35 goals in 129 appearances, his time with the club was abruptly interrupted in January 2022 due to serious legal issues. Charges of attempted rape and assault were dropped in February 2023.
During a loan spell at Getafe last season, Greenwood managed to rejuvenate his career, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 36 appearances. Following a six-month internal investigation into his conduct, Manchester United and Greenwood mutually agreed to part ways in August 2023.
The decision by Marseille to sign Greenwood has not been without controversy, drawing criticism from various quarters, including the mayor of Marseille, due to the sensitive nature of the allegations previously leveled against him.
Despite the backlash, Marseille proceeded with the transfer, aiming to strengthen their squad with Greenwood’s addition. Manchester United has secured a substantial sell-on clause as part of the deal, maintaining an interest in Greenwood’s future performance.
Greenwood’s first opportunity to play in England as a Marseille player could arise on August 3, when Marseille is set to face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly at Bradford City’s Valley Parade, due to renovations at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Manchester United’s attempt to secure Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton has hit another snag, with the Merseyside club rejecting a second bid of £50 million ($64m) for the defender.
Everton is holding out for closer to £70 million, sources familiar with the negotiations have informed ESPN.
Branthwaite, who made his senior England debut against Bosnia & Herzegovina last season, missed out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad despite emerging as one of the Premier League’s most promising defensive talents.
United, keen on rebuilding their squad this summer, initially offered £35 million plus £8 million in performance-related add-ons for the former Carlisle player.
Everton swiftly turned down that offer.
Despite recent departures easing Everton’s financial burden, including players like Ben Godfrey, Dele Alli, André Gomes, and Lewis Dobbin, the club remains firm on their valuation of Branthwaite at £70 million.
Any transfer deal would also involve a commitment to pay Carlisle 15% of the transfer fee, as stipulated in the agreement when Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle in January 2020.
The 22-year-old forward, sidelined from Euro 2024 due to a muscle injury, could be available for €35 million.
Brobbey has a history with Ajax, having left for RB Leipzig in 2021, but returned on loan just six months later after struggling in Germany.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are confident that Brobbey’s added experience will translate to success in the Premier League.
The forward, who has two caps for the Netherlands, previously played under Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax and has expressed admiration for both English clubs.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that his summer holiday was interrupted by the club’s management, who flew out to inform him that they wanted him to stay in charge.
The Dutchman’s future had been uncertain before he guided United to victory in the FA Cup final, but the club has decided to retain him.
“The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza,” Ten Hag said in an interview with Dutch TV channel NOS. “They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.”
Despite finishing eighth last season, their lowest Premier League position in the club’s history, United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reported to have spoken to former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel. However, the club ultimately chose to stick with Ten Hag.
“Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager,” Ten Hag added.
“Ineos took their time. They are new in football, it’s normal to reflect on the season. It’s no secret that they talked with multiple candidates.”
Ten Hag’s debut season with Manchester United saw the club finish third in the Premier League, reach the finals of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, and win the EFL Cup in 2023.
While the United board has expressed their support for Ten Hag, the manager confirmed that negotiations for a new contract are still ongoing.
“Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done – we are still going to have to talk about this,” he said.
Erik ten Hag is still uncertain about his future at Manchester United despite securing an FA Cup victory, sources told ESPN.
Ten Hag led his team to an unexpected 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
However, the Dutchman, who began his holiday on Sunday, remains anxious about his position as the club prepares for its end-of-season review.
According to a source, the review will start this week, with Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford leading the process, which typically takes around four days.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and new technical director Jason Wilcox are dedicated to evaluating every aspect of United’s season, including Ten Hag’s performance and future.
Club sources told ESPN that a final decision on Ten Hag’s future has not yet been made and will depend on the review’s outcome.
The decision will be based on on-field performance and whether Ten Hag fits into the club’s new leadership structure, including accepting a reduced role in player recruitment.
Ten Hag, who has one year left on his contract, wants to stay.
However, sources indicate that informal talks have been held with representatives of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank as potential alternatives.
There is also interest in Gareth Southgate, but he remains focused on leading England in this summer’s European Championship.
In his post-match news conference at Wembley,Ten Hag defended his tenure, stating that the team he inherited in 2022 was “a mess” and that winning two trophies is a solid achievement over his two years at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, sources close to Ten Hag are worried that neither Ratcliffe nor Brailsford have guaranteed his job security, even after the FA Cup win.
Ratcliffe, present at the final with Brailsford, released a brief statement that evening but did not specifically mention Ten Hag.
Those close to Ten Hag doubt that the FA Cup victory has significantly altered Ineos’ perspective on the club’s future, especially after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
But sources have told ESPN that victory over City has made the decision harder for Ratcliffe and Brailsford.
A source has told ESPN that if Ten Hag does leave he will go with “his head held high.”
Winning the FA Cup has secured Manchester United a spot in the Europa League next season.
Sources informed ESPN that ifTen Hag is dismissed, he is now entitled to a larger compensation package than he would have been if United had failed to qualify for European competition.
A Ghanaian Manchester United fan recently delivered a special Thanksgiving at the Asankare Emmanuel Methodist Church in the Asante Akim South Municipal of the Ashanti Region to celebrate the club’s English FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
The fan, representing a male church member, expressed gratitude to God for Man United’s victory, attributing their success to divine intervention. She humorously noted that with God on Man United’s side, even her appetite for food improved.
In a video circulating online, the fan went on to pray for blessings upon Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, and local club Asante Kotoko, wishing them the same success as Manchester United.
A Ghanaian Manchester United fan today delivered a special Thanksgiving to God at the Asankare Emmanuel Methodist Church in the Asante Akim South Municipal of the Ashanti Region for winning the English FA Cup against Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/7mZrr1mThU
Manchester United secured their 13th FA Cup title by defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 final at Wembley Stadium. Goals from United Academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the first half gave the Reds a commanding lead.
Although City’s Jeremy Doku scored a late goal in the 87th minute, United held on to secure the victory. This win also guarantees them a spot in the Europa League next season, marking their first FA Cup triumph since 2016.
The victory was a remarkable achievement for United, especially under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, with many pundits considering their chances unlikely prior to the match.
Manchester United have claimed the FA Cup for the 13th time in the club’s history after defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 final at Wembley Stadium.
This victory secures the Reds a spot in the Europa League next season, as a reward for winning English football’s most prestigious knockout competition for the first time since 2016.
First-half goals from two United Academy graduates, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, in the 30th and 39th minutes respectively, put the Reds in control of the match.
Although City substitute Jeremy Doku pulled one back for the Premier League champions in the 87th minute, Erik ten Hag’s men defended valiantly through the remainder of the game, securing a triumph that some pundits had considered unlikely in the build-up.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley. Manchester United clearly were not the favourites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them.”
Erik ten Hag commented: “After a year with so many setbacks and injuries, the team showed so much resilience and I am so proud of them. I am proud of the fans too. They are incredible. We have the best fans in the world.”
Bruno Fernandes held the FA Cup aloft as United captain and said afterwards: “It was our last chance to get something positive from the season.
“Last year, we were not good enough go up the stairs and lift the trophy, so we had to see them doing that. This season is the other way around.
“We had to suffer, we had to sacrifice, but we also had to put some quality into the game. And we did great things.”
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana revealed that it took him six months “to feel good” at Old Trafford.
United signed Onana from Inter Milan for £47.2m in July, replacing four-time club player of the year David de Gea.
Despite high expectations, the Cameroon international struggled initially, being chipped from 50 yards on his Old Trafford debut against Lens and making several errors that contributed to the club’s poor Premier League performance and Champions League group-stage elimination.
Onana’s form only began to improve significantly after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations in February. While he has made the occasional mistake, he is now considered one of the more dependable members of manager Erik ten Hag’s squad as they prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City (15:00 BST).
“I arrived as the best goalkeeper in the world and ‘boom’ it went down. It was like ‘what happened?’,” said the 28-year-old.
“But that is how difficult football is sometimes. It depends if you want to stay down there or stand up and fight. I know what I did to arrive here. I know who I am. I decided to stand up and fight.”
Onana points to team-mate Marcus Rashford as an example of why players should avoid extreme judgments.
Last season, Rashford scored a career-high 30 goals. This term, he has managed eight and didn’t even make England boss Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man European Championship squad, let alone the final cut.
“We are talking about the same player,” said Onana. “So now he’s a bad player? No. You can have a bad season or a bad start but the most important thing is how you end.
“Rashy, for me, is one of the best players in the world. But he is facing difficulty. It’s not only him and me but the whole club.
“But he will come back. I know my killer will score some important goals for us. Hopefully against City he will score two and we win the FA Cup.”
‘I don’t mind facing 20 or 30 shots’
Image caption,United faced the second-highest number of shots of any Premier League team this season (667) – and Onana’s 14
The apprehension among some United fans about a second consecutive FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City stems from the sheer number of chances their team concedes.
Between March and April, there was a seven-game streak where the opposition had at least 20 shots per match on Onana’s goal.
In their last encounter with City in March, United had just three shots compared to their opponents’ 27 in a 3-1 defeat.
Onana believes this is largely due to the changes Ten Hag has had to make to his defense.
The partnership between Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez that started against Brighton on May 19 was the 15th different central defensive combination United have used this season. No partnership has started more than four consecutive games.
“I don’t mind facing 20 or 30 shots,” said Onana. “I am very happy with what my team-mates are doing because a lot of them make sacrifices for the team.
“It would be nice to have everyone back but what can we do? Hide? We are a big club. We have to go on the front foot and deal with difficulties. I am positive. I know things will get better. If not today, tomorrow.”
Onana pays little attention to the overwhelming odds favoring City to repeat their triumph from 12 months ago when United conceded the fastest goal in FA Cup final history after just 12 seconds.
Having been part of the Inter Milan side that made life exceptionally difficult for City in last season’s Champions League final, Onana knows what it takes to challenge them. Inter were the better team for periods before ultimately losing to Rodri’s decisive strike.
Saturday’s match holds significant importance for Ten Hag, whose future at United remains uncertain.
Onana, familiar with the Dutchman from their five-year tenure together at Ajax, understands Ten Hag’s strategies well. Both left Ajax in the same summer, with Ten Hag joining United as Onana headed to Italy.
“I’m not here to back him because he’s big enough to back himself,” said Onana. “But he’s a really good guy, a positive coach and tactically he is good.
“If he had all his squad together, it would probably be different for him, for us, the club and the fans.
“We know how good City are. They are the best team at the moment and we lost twice to them already.
“But we are motivated. Beating them wouldn’t make it a successful season. Playing for this club, I don’t think winning the FA Cup is enough.
“But it would make things look better. We go there to win.”
Rasmus Hojlund ended his 10-game scoring drought to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory for Manchester United against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
A defeat would have seen Erik ten Hag’s side endure their lowest league finish in 34 years. However, the win means they go into the final day needing to better Newcastle’s result to secure a place in next season’s Uefa Conference League.
Alternatively, a victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 25 May would see them qualify for the Europa League.
Kobbie Mainoo opened the scoring for Manchester United after 31 minutes with a composed finish from 10 yards, staying onside thanks to Kieran Trippier’s pass.
Anthony Gordon equalized four minutes into the second half, and Manchester United were fortunate not to fall behind as Sofyan Amrabat made a brilliant tackle to deny Alexander Isak on a three-on-one counterattack.
Amad Diallo restored Manchester United’s lead just before the hour mark with his first Premier League goal, capitalizing on Newcastle’s failure to clear a corner. Despite a close call as Miguel Almiron narrowly missed turning in a low cross from Gordon at the far post, Manchester United held on.
Hojlund then eased home nerves with his 15th goal of the season, confidently slotting a low finish into the bottom corner.
Newcastle did manage to pull one back in stoppage time through left-back Lewis Hall’s strike from the edge of the box, but it was too late to mount a comeback.
Newcastle now need a win at Brentford on the final day to secure a top-seven finish.
Arsenal clinched an unconvincing 1-0 victory against Manchester United, a win they’ll gladly embrace despite the less-than-stellar performance.
Mikel Arteta‘s side, far from their fluent best, scraped through against a lackluster United team, securing three crucial points.
The lone goal came in the 20th minute, courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s opportunistic finish at the near post, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder, a mere shadow of his former self, allowed Kai Havertz to slip behind the defense, inadvertently setting up Trossard’s strike.
With Manchester City holding the upper hand in the title race, Arsenal’s hopes rest on their rivals, Tottenham, who face City next. A win for Tottenham could significantly boost Arsenal’s chances of securing their first Premier League title in two decades.
💬 "It's a huge win. We knew what we needed and we had to deal with that pressure and with that demand."
Arteta was delighted with our 27th victory of this season's Premier League 👇
Arsenal found a stroke of luck as a massive storm hit Manchester after the game, leaving the pitch waterlogged. Fortunately for Arsenal, the final whistle came just in time, sparing them any potential weather-related setbacks.
Despite the challenging conditions, Arsenal emerged victorious, with Arteta drenched but undeterred on the sidelines. The win, albeit scrappy, keeps their title aspirations alive as they continue to defy the odds.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed that he has no regrets about taking the job, despite the club’s current challenges.
With a year remaining on his contract, Ten Hag is facing significant pressure following a series of poor results, including a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
United’s position in the Premier League has slipped to eighth, outside of the European places, leading to speculation that new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may consider a managerial change.
“I don’t regret being here for one second,” said Ten Hag.
“This is a massive club. You don’t know the challenges you have to face until you are in it. But I wanted this challenge.”
In his first season, Ten Hag led Manchester United to victory in the EFL Cup, ending a six-year trophy drought. He also guided the team to the FA Cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League.
The former Ajax manager considers these achievements as “over-achievement,” especially given the challenges faced this season. A series of injuries, particularly in defense, has forced Ten Hag to frequently alter his central defensive pairings and has left him without a regular left-back for most of the campaign.
Critics argue that injuries are not a sufficient excuse for United’s recent poor performances. The team has only managed one win, excluding extra-time and penalties, in their last nine games.
Following the defeat to Crystal Palace, reports emerged suggesting that United’s players no longer supported Ten Hag. However, the manager has dismissed these claims.
“There is great team spirit,” he said. “In almost every game they fought.
“Not on Monday [at Palace], that is why I was so disappointed. But in all the other games they have fought. I can’t have any doubts about this.”
Crystal Palace secured their first league double over Manchester United with a commanding 4-0 victory at Selhurst Park.
Michael Olise opened the scoring after 13 minutes, running 20 yards unchallenged before slotting the ball past Andre Onana. Jean-Philippe Mateta doubled Palace’s lead with a powerful finish, his sixth consecutive goal at home.
Tyrick Mitchell added a third for Palace, tapping in from close range following a fine cross from Adam Wharton. Olise scored his second of the night, capitalizing on a Casemiro mistake to score a superb strike.
From the outset, Oliver Glasner’s team displayed a strong intent against a lackluster United side. United’s defensive performance was one of their worst this season, with Casemiro and Johnny Evans forming their 14th center-back partnership of the campaign.
Eberechi Eze and Olise controlled the midfield, causing United numerous problems. Despite a couple of threatening moments from United, including two disallowed goals from Casemiro, Palace dominated the game.
Odsonne Edouard almost extended Palace’s lead in injury time, hitting the post with his effort.
United’s hopes of European football are dwindling, with Europa Conference League football now the most realistic target. They must either finish seventh in the Premier League or win the FA Cup to secure European qualification.
United’s recent form, with just one win in seven matches, has seen them slide down to eighth in the table. Their next fixture against league leaders Arsenal presents another tough challenge for Erik ten Hag’s side.
The defeat and performance at Selhurst Park will be particularly disappointing for United fans, as the players appeared disinterested and lacked motivation throughout the match.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on signing a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Dutchman initially believed that his team’s goalscoring options for this season “should have been enough.”
However, with just seven games remaining in the Premier League, United have scored only 45 goals, the lowest among the top 10 teams.
Asked at a news conference how vital it will be to bring a proven scorer to Old Trafford this summer, Ten Hag said: “I think it would help.”
Ideally, he wants more than one strong contender for each position on the team.
Ten Hag added: “You need more options. You need double positioning in every position.
“Some positions we didn’t have the choices this season – the striker position, the left-back position – and that has a negative impact on the results.”
Ahead of their clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, United secured Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last August in a £72 million deal, signing him on a five-year contract.
The 21-year-old has proven to be a significant asset, emerging as the club’s top scorer in his debut season with 13 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.
England striker Marcus Rashford has found the net eight times in 38 games, while France international Anthony Martial, sidelined since undergoing groin surgery in January, has scored twice in 19 appearances.
“In this plan we constructed we should have had enough goals,” Ten Hag said.
“You count on goals from Rashford – last season he scored 30. You count on goals from Martial – in my first season he played very well, and also in very important games he had a high impact on our performances.
“And then bringing a goalscorer like Rasmus Hojlund in, it should have been enough goals.”
Erik ten Hag has acknowledgedthat securing qualification for next season’s Champions League will pose a significant challenge for Manchester United following a costly week.
United experienced setbacks by conceding stoppage-time goals in both a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Saturday and a dramatic 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday.
These results saw them drop five points from winning positions within a span of six days.
As a result, Ten Hag’s team now finds themselves 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and nine points behind Tottenham in fifth. With only eight games remaining, Champions League qualification appears increasingly difficult for United.
Moreover, England’s potential allocation of one of UEFA’s performance spots for the expanded 2024-25 competition further complicates the situation.
“In this week we have dropped five points in stoppage time and that is very expensive,” Ten Hag said.
“The points are getting more expensive because the games are running out; we know that. We have to catch up and we are many points behind so it will be difficult but we will keep fighting and I’m sure you’ve seen our team has character.
“They showed [against Chelsea] they are resilient and I’m sure they will go on Sunday and fight against Liverpool.”
Following their defeat at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United now face a daunting challenge as they aim to regain momentum when title-contending Liverpool visit Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ten Hag emphasised the need for his players to swiftly overcome the disappointment from the Chelsea game and hopes they will channel their emotions positively by approaching the match against Jürgen Klopp’s team with determination and a sense of urgency.
“First I have to deal with this, but I will say we can’t deal with this for long, we have to recover very quickly and turn this around,” Ten Hag said.
“From Friday on I will be in a positive mood, we have to be looking forward and take energy. You can take a lot of energy from being angry and that is how we have to do it.”
Ten Hag also addressed his decision to bench Marcus Rashford for the game at Chelsea. The England forward struggled to make an impact after coming on midway through the second half but Ten Hag insists he has no problem with the 26-year-old’s form.
“Lately his form is progressing,”Ten Hag said.“He has big motivation because he wants to be successful with us , win trophies and score goals.
He wants to win trophies and contribute and we still have a chance in the FA Cup and he wants to fight for the Champions League spot.
The Euros are coming so I would say motivation should be high and the form is momentum and we can always change momentum.
“Lately he scored; before Brentford he scored three goals in three games.”
Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, the founder of The New Force, has expressed his interest in acquiring one of the two major English football clubs.
The Ghanaian businessman, who is aspiring to run as an independent candidate in Ghana’s 2024 election, stated his desire to purchase either Chelsea FC or Manchester United to demonstrate that Africans.
“As I sit here I hope to raise money to buy Chelsea at the blind side of the public or buy Manchester United and show the white man that the Black man is also powerful. I would like to invest and have an African Champions League just like what pertains in Europe.
“Let’s build strong leagues in Africa so that we can sell our players outright to Europe instead of smuggling players through dubious means for peanuts,” he stressed.
Nana Kwame Bediako, who hails from Kumasi, emphasized the importance of Ghana leveraging its former football stars, particularly in negotiating favorable deals for players’ transfers abroad.
The leader of The New Force expressed his belief that Ghana has not effectively utilized its football legends in this aspect, which he finds puzzling.
“A few days ago I went to the late Papa Arko’s home, he’s one of my legends along with the likes of Opoku Nti who were the big stars in football when I was a young boy.
“We failed to ensure that these quality footballers gained legendary status because today these players I mentioned should have been big-time football agents and well-connected around the world. We are not serious as a country, that is why many of them end up broke after their playing time,” he said.
Phil Foden’s second-half brace propelled Manchester City to a crucial 3-1 comeback victory over rivals Manchester United in a highly anticipated Premier League clash.
United took an early lead with a stunning strike from Marcus Rashford, but City responded emphatically, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Foden equalized with a long-range effort before putting City ahead with a goal in the 80th minute. Erling Haaland sealed the win with a goal in stoppage time.
The victory narrowed the gap between City and league leaders Liverpool to just one point ahead of their upcoming clash at Anfield.
Foden, who also scored the winner against Bournemouth last week, continued his impressive form and is emerging as City’s standout performer this season. Rashford’s early goal showcased his quality, but United struggled to maintain their lead against City’s relentless pressure.
Despite United’s occasional counter-attacks, City remained dominant, with Foden and his teammates creating numerous opportunities. Haaland, in particular, missed a clear chance to score before Foden’s equalizer.
United protested the goal, believing Rashford had been fouled in the build-up, but the referee allowed the goal to stand. The equalizer reignited the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, and City continued to push for a winner.
Foden’s winning goal, assisted by Julian Alvarez, demonstrated City’s attacking prowess, while Haaland’s late goal sealed the victory and added to his impressive goal tally for the season.
The result was a crucial one for City as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, while United will be disappointed to have squandered an early lead.
De Gea, who has been a free agent since departing Old Trafford last summer, has been approached by multiple clubs over the past seven months.
Despite rejecting an offer from the Saudi Pro League (SPL) in the summer, recent talks have taken place with Al Shabab.
The 33-year-old Spaniard left United after 12 years when a new contract couldn’t be agreed upon. United sought an arrangement involving a wage cut for De Gea after Erik ten Hag opted for André Onana as the new No. 1 goalkeeper.
Al-Shabab, currently 11th in the SPL standings, has displayed ambition by attempting to secure Jose Mourinho as their manager and signing Miguel Almirón from Newcastle United.
Although De Gea reportedly prefers to continue his career in Europe, he has not ruled out joining an SPL team.
Additionally, sources indicate that SPL clubs are expressing interest in Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira.
The Brazilian international, who moved from Manchester United to Fulham in 2022 for £10 million ($12.7 million), has impressed during his 18-month tenure at Craven Cottage.
Pereira, with a contract at Fulham until 2026, has garnered attention after registering four Premier League assists this season and six last term.
Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO.
Omar Berrada, recognized as one of the most experienced football executives in European football, brings a wealth of expertise in both football and commercial aspects.
He currently serves as the Chief Football Operations Officer for City Football Group, overseeing 11 clubs across five continents. Prior to this role, Berrada held senior positions at Barcelona.
The appointment of Omar Berrada is considered a crucial step in the club’s efforts to re-establish Manchester United as a title-winning team.
The announcement emphasizes the club’s ambition to bring football success back to the forefront of its priorities.
Omar’s official start date will be communicated in the future, while Patrick Stewart will continue to serve as the interim CEO in the meantime.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe anticipates the Premier League’s approval of his assumption of control over Manchester United’s football operations to occur “by mid-February.”
In his first public statement regarding his investment in the club, the 71-year-old businessman discussed the matter ahead of Sunday’s game against Tottenham.
After extensive negotiations, Ratcliffe reached an agreement to purchase a 25% stake in United from the Glazer family, the American owners, for £1.3 billion. The announcement was made on Christmas Eve.
As the founder of INEOS and the owner of French team Nice and Swiss side Lausanne, Ratcliffe will join a three-person board alongside Joel Glazer and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford once the Premier League approves his investment.
However, Ratcliffe clarified during discussions with reporters at Old Trafford that the deal will not be finalised before the end of the January transfer window.
“Early to mid-February,” Ratcliffe said when asked when he expected the deal to be ratified. “Hopefully we don’t find anything dodgy on my CV.
“This is the first match for me since we got here. I am very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions really.”
When asked how long he has wanted to be involved with United, Ratcliffe said: “A few years. It has taken a few turns, as you know but these things take some doing.
“When did I first come to a game? When I was a kid. Quite young. Ten or something, it is 60 years ago.”
In a thrilling Premier League clash, Tottenham staged two comebacks to deny Manchester United a victory in front of their new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ratcliffe, attending his first match since confirming a proposed 25% purchase of the club on Christmas Eve, expressed excitement about being present.
Despite Rasmus Hojlund giving United an early lead in the third minute, Brazilian striker Richarlison equalized for the visitors. Marcus Rashford then put the hosts ahead before Rodrigo Bentancur leveled the score a minute into the second half with a powerful shot.
During the game, Ratcliffe, seated alongside Sir Alex Ferguson in the directors’ box, witnessed Tottenham dominating possession with 16 shots compared to United’s nine, and only a third of United’s six shots on target.
The draw wasn’t enough for Tottenham to surpass rivals Arsenal in the standings, but it maintained an eight-point lead over United, who could drop to 10th place before their next fixture against Wolves on February 1.
Ratcliffe had a privileged viewing experience as Hojlund and Rashford, who had collectively scored only four Premier League goals before this game, found the net. Both players played crucial roles in each other’s goals, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Hojlund’s early goal showcased a surge in confidence, while Rashford, aided by Bruno Fernandes and Hojlund, scored a well-executed goal. Despite Rashford’s performance, he seemed discontent when substituted three minutes from time.
Tottenham’s Betancur, a fan favorite, had an eventful day, clearing a shot off the line, receiving a caution for a needless action, and scoring a brilliant goal, marking his return from injury.
Tottenham deserved at least a draw, with new signing Radu Dragusin making his debut. However, concerns arose as Micky van de Ven was forced off with an injury, with hopes that it’s fatigue-related as he returned after a two-month hamstring injury absence.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou praised his team after the match, revealing that some players had struggled with illness during the week, including Dejan Kulusevski, who missed out due to being unwell.
👨🎓 Taking to the stage.
Our young Reds are making the most of the opportunities earned 👊#MUFC || #MUNTOT
Days of Manchester United striker Anthony Martial at the club seem numbered, with Fenerbahce emerging as the likely destination in January, either on loan or through a permanent deal, according to Sky Sports.
Martial, aged 28, is approaching the final six months of his contract with United.
Although the club has the option to extend for an additional year, it appears unlikely given that he doesn’t feature prominently in manager Erik ten Hag’s long-term plans.
While talks of a contract extension were hinted at by the United boss earlier in the week, it seems these discussions may only aim to prevent Martial from leaving on a free transfer in the summer.
The club might trigger his extension and then consider sending him out on loan, paving the way for a permanent departure later.
Fenerbahce is reportedly keen on securing Martial on a permanent deal in January, hoping for a favourable bid due to his expiring contract. The Turkish club had already submitted a £6.8 million offer earlier in the week.
Despite interest from Inter Milan andWest Ham United, Fenerbahce remains a preferred option for the French international.
Manchester United has reached a preliminary agreement to loan Jadon Sancho back to his former club, Borussia Dortmund, as reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
However, certain details still need finalisation before the 23-year-old winger can join the Bundesliga side.
Expressing a desire to return to Dortmund, where he played before his £73 million move to Old Trafford 2½ years ago, Sancho has been out of favour with United’s first-team under manager Erik ten Hag.
United has accepted the proposed framework for a six-month loan from Dortmund, which involves a nominal fee and a contribution towards Sancho’s wages.
Despite the acceptance, the formal signing of the agreement is pending, and until that occurs, Sancho won’t be cleared to join Dortmund’s winter training camp in Spain.
Barring any last-minute breakdown in negotiations, the England forward is expected to receive the green light over the weekend.
Man Utd Erik ten Hag aims to maintain his influence in Manchester United’s recruitment decisions even after the approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in the club, as per a source reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
A team led by Ratcliffe, the chairman and CEO of INEOS, is poised to take charge of football operations at Old Trafford upon finalizing the $1.3 billion deal for a 25% stake.
Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport at INEOS, intends to overhaul United’s player recruitment strategy. However, Ten Hag, as per the source, is eager to ensure that he retains a significant role in the decision-making process.
Since assuming the managerial role in 2022, the Dutchman has held a veto on all transfers and wishes to continue playing a major part in determining the ins and outs of players at Old Trafford.
Questions have been raised about United’s transfer policy, notably after spending €100 million to acquire Antony from his former club Ajax.
According to ESPN’s source, the veto is a contractual provision for Ten Hag, and he anticipates this clause to be honoured despite changes in the leadership of the football department.
Ten Hag is scheduled tohold discussions with Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and the rest of the INEOS team ahead of the official ratification of the investment deal.
Morgan Gibbs-White fired Nottingham Forest to a first victory against Manchester United since 1994 as Erik ten Hag’s side ended a topsy-turvy year with a whimper.
The Red Devils had won the sides’ last 11 meetings in all competitions, but new boss Nuno Espirito Santo would celebrate a memorable second win in just five days.
Gibbs-White’s super late strike from the edge of the box wrapped up a memorable 2-1 triumph after Marcus Rashford had capitalised on a terrible Matt Turner pass to cancel out Nicolas Dominguez’s opener.
This was United’s 14th defeat in all competitions this term and a miserable end to the year for a side that were a pale imitation of the one that roared back to beat Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
Match-winner Rasmus Hojlund was absent through illness and Ten Hag’s team underperformed at the City Ground, where a forgettable first half made way for a pulsating second period.
Rodriguez fired Forest ahead in the 64th minute, only for under-fire Turner to see a poor pass cut out as Rashford went on to rifle home a 78th-minute leveller.
But the goalkeeper helped make amends four minutes later, denying Christian Eriksen before the hosts raced up the field and Gibbs-White slammed the hosts back ahead.
Turner held firm in stoppage time to ensure Forest beat United at home for the first time since 1992.
INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford was an interested observer alongside Sir Alex Ferguson on the banks of the Trent, where Kobbie Mainoo heading away an early Dominguez attempt.
Chris Wood, brimming with confidence after his hat-trick at Newcastle on Boxing Day, drove off target before United survived an 11th-minute scare.
Former United talent Anthony Elanga drove a cross in front the left and Raphael Varane’s awkward attempt to cut it out took it over helpless Andre Onana and across the face of goal.
The Forest faithful bellowed “you’re not famous anymore” as their side continued in the ascendancy, thanks in no small part to United’s poor decision making and passing.
The home side crowded out Ten Hag’s men in attacking areas, just as they did when Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw a shot blocked shortly after Ryan Yates scooped over at the other end.
A forgettable first half limped on until the break, when Scott McTominay replaced Mainoo.
Ten Hag would also take off Antony in the 54th minute to Forest chants of “what a waste of money” as Amad Diallo made his first United appearance in two years.
A minute later, misfiring United nearly went ahead through the unlikely source of Diogo Dalot. The full-back’s first-time drive from distance came back off the right-hand post.
But, in truth, Forest had emerged from half-time with more bite to their play and the City Ground was rocking in the 64th minute.
Elanga played into right-back Gonzalo Montiel, who followed an expert touch with a smart cutback for compatriot Dominguez to stroke a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
It was an excellent strike that sparked chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” being aimed at Ten Hag.
Alejandro Garnacho sent an acrobatic effort into the ground and onto the roof of the net as United sought a leveller that Turner was soon relieved not to gift them.
The Forest goalkeeper’s miskick flew up in the air but bounced back to him. His blushes would not be spared for long, though.
Turner saw a lax pass out from the back cut out by Garnacho, who squared for Rashford to level in the 78th minute.
Forest fans went ballistic after the goalkeeper’s latest error and there were murmurs when he next touched the ball.
But Turner atoned his earlier mistake by stopping Eriksen, which sparked a Forest break. Elanga squared for Gibbs-White and the man of the match curled beyond Onana into the bottom corner.
The stadium erupted, just as it did midway through 10 minutes of stoppage time when Turner brilliantly tipped over a deflected Fernandes volley.
Amad was also denied before the final whistle saw players collapse to the turf.
Erik ten Hag remains optimistic that key players returning from injury will help him solve the ongoing issues at Manchester United.
The Red Devils slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest in their final match of 2023, Morgan Gibbs-White netting a late winner on the counter after Marcus Rashford had cancelled out Nicolas Dominguez’s second-half opener.
United have now lost 14 matches in all competitions this season and the last time they suffered more before the turn of the year was way back in 1930-31.
But Ten Hag believes an easing of the current injury crisis at Old Trafford will allow his side to be more consistent in the second half of the campaign.
The Dutchman told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We have to make our performances consistent and have to do better. A game is 90 minutes and we have to invest from the first minute on.
“We are hopeful that many players will be back in the new year and they will strengthen the team and the squad.
“We know the reasons why it is not working. No team can deal with all the issues and injuries that we have had.
“We should still have done better and we have depth in the squad. When you have so many injuries, the depth is not enough.”
United were without Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Sofyan Amrabat and Anthony Martial for the trip to the City Ground, while Rasmus Hojlund was also taken ill shortly before the match.
Christian Eriksen believes the Red Devils’ season has been a case of “one step forward two steps back”, but like his manager, he remains confident things will improve in the new year.
The Denmark international said: “Things will heal and get better. There’s only one way forward and that’s to work hard.
“Sometimes it goes against us. As a footballer you want the best game every day but the only way to do that is to work.”
Erik's reaction to tonight's defeat ⤵️#MUFC || #NFOMUN
Manchester United secured a remarkable comeback victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in front of an energetic Boxing Day crowd.
In the first half, Aston Villa took the lead with a John McGinn set-play that found the net, followed by Leander Dendoncker doubling their lead from a corner just five minutes later.
Erik ten Hag’s team displayed resilience and determination after the break. Although an Alejandro Garnacho goal was initially ruled offside by VAR, the Argentine international responded with two goals in just over 10 minutes, leveling the score for the Reds.
The turning point came when Rasmus Hojlund, scoring his first Premier League goal for the club, emerged as the hero, securing a crucial win for Manchester United. The victory delighted the home fans and showcased the team’s fighting spirit on Boxing Day.
When Rasmus scored, we all felt that ❤️#MUFC || #MUNAVL
In a thrilling encounter at London Stadium, West Ham United secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, with Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Paquetá once again proving to be the matchwinners.
The trio, who had previously combined to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers, showcased their synergy in the final 20 minutes, propelling West Ham into the Premier League’s top six just in time for Christmas.
The first half saw limited attacking rhythm, with both teams managing only four shots on target. Emerson’s early attempt for West Ham and Alejandro Garnacho’s chance for Manchester United were the closest either side came to scoring.
The opening 45 minutes ended with Tomáš Souček heading wide from James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick.
The second half, however, provided a more engaging spectacle. David Moyes’ tactical switch, placing Bowen in his natural position on the right, and repositioning Kudus and Paquetá centrally, proved pivotal.
Bowen’s goal came on 72 minutes when he capitalized on a rebound from his initial effort, scoring with his right knee.
The second goal occurred six minutes later as Paquetá seized on a defensive mistake by Willy Kambwala and set up Kudus, who clinically finished past André Onana.
West Ham’s ninth win of the season propelled them into sixth place, surpassing Manchester United, at least temporarily. This victory marked only the ninth occasion in 55 Premier League meetings that West Ham emerged triumphant against Manchester United.
Liverpool’s failure to score for the first time since April denied them the top spot in the Premier League as Manchester United secured a goalless draw. The result cost Liverpool a chance at a club record and allowed Manchester United to stem a recent defensive crisis.
Erik ten Hag’s United successfully kept Liverpool at bay, despite Jurgen Klopp’s team finishing the game with five attacking players. The goal drought for Manchester United on Liverpool’s home turf extended to 507 minutes, but they managed to secure a valuable point.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance and numerous attempts (34 shots in the game), they couldn’t convert their chances into goals. Mohamed Salah’s efforts were thwarted by a solid United defense and goalkeeper Andre Onana. The draw prevented Liverpool from reclaiming top spot in the Premier League.
In the last few minutes of the game, United’s Diogo Dalot received a controversial double-yellow card sending off. The result leaves Manchester United with just one win in six matches, while Liverpool, despite their dominance, couldn’t secure the victory they were seeking.
Scott McTominay has acknowledged that the atmosphere at Manchester United became toxic under recent managers but believes it is not repeating itself under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman is facing pressure as United has experienced a downturn in form, losing five of their last 10 matches.
McTominay, who played under various managers at United, including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ralf Rangnick, thinks the atmosphere has improved under Ten Hag despite recent challenges, such as a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
He said: “It is not the case like with some of the other managers where it has been a little bit toxic at times.
“The boys are firmly behind the manager and that is the be all and end all. I have said in many other interviews that it’s the way it will remain.
“We have got amazing coaching staff as well. It is the players’ responsibility first and foremost, the players know that as well.”
Scott McTominay acknowledges that Manchester United has experienced inconsistency this season, with notable wins against Everton and Chelsea but also concerning defeats. Despite the challenging results, McTominay is determined to repay the faith shown by manager Erik ten Hag. The midfielder is focused on helping the team regain its form and address the recent setbacks.
He added: “We are inconsistent as a team, we have not been naive to that.
“The schedule has been relentless but we can’t use that as an excuse. As a group we have to come together and find out the answers to that.
Manchester United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth on Saturday
“Faith in me from the manager has been massive and you want to repay that as much as you can.
“In the life of a footballer you will always have ups and downs — it is not always sunshine and rainbows. I have had an opportunity and want to do what I can to support the team.”
Manchester United faces a crucial match against Bayern on Tuesday and must secure a victory while hoping for a draw between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. Failing to win would result in United not even qualifying for the Europa League.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has expressed his admiration for young Benfica midfielder João Neves, who has been linked with interest from Old Trafford.
Scouts from the Premier League side reportedly attended Benfica’s 2-1 victory against Sporting CP, witnessing the 19-year-old’s crucial stoppage-time goal.
Neves has been a standout performer for Benfica this season, earning his senior international debut for Portugal.
His impressive form has attracted attention, including interest from Manchester United, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
“It has to be the Manchester United coach who says whether he has a place in the team or not,” Fernandes told reporters ahead of Sunday’s 2-0 win over Iceland.
“He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas. But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes.
“I would love to have him by my side, because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him.What I want most is the best for him.”
Fluminense midfielder Andre, aged 22, has stated that he is not informed about any interest from Manchester United.
Andre, who is attracting attention from various Premier League clubs, had a previous offer from Liverpool rejected in the last transfer window.
Recent reports from England suggest that Manchester United is actively contemplating Andre as a potential successor to Casemiro in the future.
“I didn’t know about it (the Manchester United interest),” Andre said. “And I also don’t think anything arrived. We’re in November; there’s the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship; there’s the Club World Cup, but I’m very happy.
Casemiro is someone who has had a huge career. I try to talk to him a lot when I’m with the national team. He’s a person who gives me a lot of advice; he’s a great leader and what’s left for me is to continue playing well. I’m happy to attract these interests.”
Andre, 22, says his dream is to play in Europe one day.
“At the end of the season, we’ll see what will happen,” the Brazil international said. “Every young player aspires to play in Europe one day. This is not just my dream, but that of the vast majority. I have a contract withFluminense; proposals should arrive and then it’s time to talk to the club and decide what’s best for everyone.”
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his dissatisfaction with Marcus Rashford’s present form but remains supportive of the player, backing him to regain his stride.
The England international has tallied only one goal in 15 appearances across all competitions this season and received a straight red card during Wednesday’s 4-3 loss against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Despite Rashford’s recent struggles, Gareth Southgate has maintained confidence in him by including him in the latest Three Lions squad. Ten Hag anticipates a turnaround in performance from the 26-year-old in the future.
The Dutch manager said: “I think he’s [Rashford] not happy, we are not happy. We have an expectation. He has high expectations from himself. In this moment he is not in the best form but I know he will be back.
“I know when the team is playing better he will play better. He will go and score goals. I am confident of that. This season he will improve and score goals.
“He is totally in the team, he is aware of everything so I think he will be back on track.
“It can happen very quickly and sometimes you only need one game. I’m sure he will get there.”
United’s defeat in Copenhagen was their ninth in 17 matches this season, making tomorrow’s Premier League meeting with Luton a must-win for Ten Hag.
When asked whether recent results have been acceptable, the Red Devils boss replied: “It is about the end result and we have to win every game, so we are very disappointed to lose any game but finally it is about the end result.
“It is always about being in a process, thinking about a process and then it’s about managing the process. That’s the only thing I focus on.
“I think we have often proved we can, like at Fulham, like Brentford, that we can overcome big setbacks.”
Rashford is set to rejoin United’s starting XI against Luton after being absent in the 1-0 victory over Fulham last weekend. However, Ten Hag confirmed that center-back Jonny Evans won’t be available at Old Trafford due to an injury sustained on Wednesday night.
Newcastle United secured an impressive Carabao Cup fourth-round victory on Wednesday night at Old Trafford, defeating Manchester United for the first time since 2013. The goals from Miguel Almirón, Lewis Hall, and Joe Willock sealed their triumph.
Substitute Almirón scored the opening goal, finishing a well-crafted move initiated by Tino Livramento. Teenager Hall then volleyed in a superb second goal, giving Eddie Howe’s team a comfortable lead at half-time.
Although the hosts made a brief attempt to rally, Willock’s brilliantly taken third goal, in his first start since May, secured Newcastle’s spot in the quarter-finals. They convincingly eliminated the defending champions, who had defeated Newcastle in the 2022/23 final.
Newcastle faced an early setback when Matt Targett was forced off within four minutes, and Almirón was brought on as his replacement. Eddie Howe’s team has been dealing with a series of injuries in recent weeks.
While Casemiro had an early attempt saved by former Manchester United loanee Martin Dúbravka, Newcastle dominated possession early on. Almirón’s delicate touch and precise finish into the far corner extended their lead.
Mason Mount had a chance for a quick response but failed to find the target. Newcastle then added a second goal through Chelsea loanee Hall, who volleyed the ball beautifully into the bottom right-hand corner.
Manchester United made changes at half-time, showing more vigor in the second half. However, just after the hour mark, Willock sealed the victory with a magnificent goal. Despite his recent return from a six-month injury layoff, he showcased his skills by striking a powerful and precise shot into the bottom corner.
Newcastle came close to adding another goal when Sean Longstaff, captaining the team on his 150th appearance for the club, narrowly missed the target. Their place in the quarter-finals was all but confirmed by then.
Manchester City delivered a brilliant performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, marking their best showing of the season so far. Erling Haaland initiated City’s success by converting a first-half penalty, though it hardly reflected their dominance.
Haaland netted his second with a header just after the halftime break, and he later set up Phil Foden for a late third goal. This comprehensive win was well-deserved for the Treble winners, as they put on a remarkable 90-minute display against their cross-city rivals.
Before kickoff, an emotional tribute was paid to Sir Bobby Charlton, with City representatives Mike Summerbee and Tony Book, along with Brian Kidd who played for both Manchester clubs, warmly welcomed onto the pitch. A minute’s applause reverberated through Old Trafford in his honor.
The game commenced with City initially appearing somewhat disjointed but eventually finding their rhythm, nearly taking the lead in the eighth minute. A lofted pass from Rodrigo found Kyle Walker in the box, whose header met Phil Foden, only for Andre Onana to save the header. Haaland attempted to connect with his foot but couldn’t, and United managed to clear the danger.
United’s strategy was to get numbers behind the City midfield, and their counter-attacks were often threatening, with City’s defense outnumbered on several occasions.
City’s next notable effort was a curling shot by Jack Grealish in the 20th minute, which Onana pushed around the post. City continued to press, and Foden earned a free-kick 35 yards from goal.
As Julian Alvarez’s cross entered the box, Rodrigo appeared to be pulled back by Rasmus Hojlund. Referee Paul Tierney paused the game for a VAR check and concluded that Rodrigo had been fouled, awarding City a penalty. Haaland stepped up and, despite facing criticism from the Stretford End, calmly sent Onana the wrong way to make it 1-0. This was City’s first penalty at Old Trafford since 1992.
The rest of the half saw United largely pinned back in their final third as City dominated possession, with Rodrigo playing a pivotal role.
United had an excellent opportunity to level the score just before half-time as Scott McTominay unleashed a powerful rising shot from the edge of the box, but Ederson made a superb save.
City should have been two or three goals ahead by half-time, but their lead was only 1-0.
United began the second half aggressively, with Bruno Fernandes testing Ederson with a swerving drive. A few minutes later, City extended their lead to 2-0. A purposeful break led to Alvarez finding Grealish on the left, who then delivered a pinpoint cross for Haaland to head home.
Grealish almost added another goal but was denied by Onana, who saved his shot. City continued to dominate, and United struggled to mount a threat.
On 69 minutes, United had a rare attack, with Marcus Rashford missing a chance to score as he sent an angled shot wide. Grealish also had an opportunity to extend City’s lead, but Onana made a crucial save.
City secured the win with a third goal in the 80th minute. Haaland selflessly set up Foden, who calmly flicked the ball into the net. United players received several late bookings as City displayed a statement performance in the rainy Manchester weather.
Overall, it was a vibrant and outstanding 90 minutes from Guardiola’s side.
The most probable exit route for winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United now appears to be through Saudi Arabia, as reported by The Athletic.
Borussia Dortmund, the club where Sancho developed before his move to Manchester United, currently faces financial constraints that prevent them from reacquiring the player.
At just 23 years old, Sancho seems destined to leave Old Trafford in January due to a fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, primarily concerning his behaviour during training sessions.
This dispute has resulted in Sancho’s exclusion from the first-team squad, and he hasn’t made an appearance for Manchester United since August.
Despite not living up to expectations at United following his £73 million transfer from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has garnered interest from various European clubs.
However, his high wages pose a significant obstacle.
Initial sources from ESPN suggested thatDortmund was keen on bringing Sancho back to the club.
However, they reportedly cannot match his substantial £200,000-a-week salary, making a move to Saudi Arabia the most feasible option for the English international.
While a move to Saudi Arabia was strongly rumoured at the end of the summer transfer window, it never materialised.
Nevertheless, it is expected that Saudi clubs will pursue Sancho in January, as such a deal would likely benefit all parties involved.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag faced difficulties in securing several of his desired signings in the summer, largely due to the inability to offload surplus squad players.
Thus, he is likely motivated to facilitate Sancho’s departure, which would free up funds for Manchester United to pursue their own targets in the upcoming transfer window.
Manchester United endured a second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League as Crystal Palace secured an impressive victory at Old Trafford, courtesy of Joachim Andersen’s outstanding strike.
These two teams had faced each other just five days earlier, with Erik ten Hag’s side comfortably winning 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
However, Palace had rested several first-team players for that match and presented a different challenge on Saturday, delivering a flawless away performance.
After Tyrick Mitchell cleared Rasmus Hojlund’s attempt off the line, Palace took the lead when Andersen brilliantly fired a first-time shot into the top corner following a free-kick.
Following that, Manchester United increased their offensive pressure but encountered difficulties in breaching the Palace defense. When they did manage to create opportunities, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone displayed exceptional form.
Sam Johnstone played a pivotal role in the second half by making two critical saves to maintain Crystal Palace‘s lead. He first tipped over Bruno Fernandes’ dipping shot and then denied Rasmus Hojlund’s powerful header.
The Palace goal appeared to have a stroke of luck on their side as Manchester United struggled to break through. As a result, the visitors secured a victory that propelled them to ninth place in the standings, while the hosts slipped to 10th.
For Erik ten Hag’s team, it marked their fourth defeat in seven Premier League matches, representing their worst start to a league season after seven games in 34 years.
Crystal Palace scored a first-half goal for the first time this season
Manchester United entered September with three consecutive defeats and were eager to conclude the month on a positive note. A victory against Crystal Palace would have marked their third consecutive win and potentially kick-started their season.
Following their comfortable victory over Roy Hodgson’s team on Tuesday, home fans may have anticipated a similar outcome against the Eagles.
Initially, it appeared that way as Manchester United made a strong start, but Tyrick Mitchell’s goal-line clearance proved to be a pivotal moment.
Subsequently, Palace began to pose more of a counter-attacking threat, while Manchester United grew increasingly frustrated as they struggled to break through their opponents’ defense.
At the end of the match, there were boos from the home fans, who voiced their frustration at the match officials due to the dismissal of a couple of penalty appeals.
Ultimately, the hosts had numerous opportunities to secure a draw, but a combination of poor finishing and exceptional defending ensured that it would not be their day.
Brighton achieved a remarkable 3-1 victory against Manchester United, adding to the woes of Erik ten Hag’s team following a tumultuous two weeks marked by controversies.
Jadon Sancho was excluded from the first-team squad, and Antony was granted a leave of absence due to assault allegations that emerged after their disappointing last-minute defeat to Arsenal.
On Saturday afternoon, Brighton compounded Manchester United’s misery on the field, with goals from Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross, and Joao Pedro, offset only by Hannibal Mejbri’s consolation effort.
This defeat marked the end of Manchester United’s 31-game unbeaten streak at home in all competitions and occurred against the very team that last defeated them at Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag’s inaugural match in charge.
Welbeck, a former United player, opened the scoring, while Marcus Rashford’s strike struck the woodwork and Rasmus Hojlund’s first goal for the club was disallowed by VAR.
Gross, who netted both goals in last season’s win at Old Trafford, extended Brighton’s lead early in the second half, and substitute Pedro added another goal.
Despite Hannibal’s goal, there was no dramatic comeback akin to United’s recent home game against Nottingham Forest. Attention now shifts to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Brighton, on the other hand, can look forward to a historic Europa League match against AEK Athens after securing only their second victory at Old Trafford in their history.
De Zerbi made six surprising changes, while Ten Hag made three and opted for a midfield diamond that initially troubled the visitors.
Rashford’s skill and determination led to a low shot saved by Jason Steele, and Hojlund headed over. The two nearly combined when the newcomer stretched for Rashford’s cross.
However, Brighton remained composed and took the lead in the 20th minute through a well-executed move. Welbeck surged toward the box after playing wide to Simon Adingra, whose low cross from the right was cleverly left by Adam Lallana for the 32-year-old to score.
The goal injected energy into Brighton fans, but United responded five minutes before halftime. Rashford’s stepovers allowed him to reach the byline and pull back for Hojlund, who turned and poked the ball into the net for what seemed like his first United goal.
However, VAR intervened, and referee Jarred Gillett was informed by VAR Chris Kavanagh that the ball had gone out of play before Rashford made the pass.
United tried to rally, with Rashford looking dangerous, but Brighton remained determined to secure a second goal.
Gross capitalized on a pass from Tariq Lamptey just inside the box, sending Lisandro Martinez tumbling with a shoulder feint before scoring in front of the away fans.
United struggled to recover from that 53rd-minute blow, and Ten Hag made a change, replacing Hojlund with Martial, a decision that was met with audible disapproval.
Rashford’s free-kick was saved as the hosts desperately sought a goal, but Brighton struck again in the 71st minute.
Lamptey sprinted down the left, cut the ball back to substitute Pedro, who opened his body to fire a right-footed shot past Onana.
United managed to pull one back immediately, courtesy of young Hannibal, who unleashed a shot from 25 yards that beat Steele.
Victor Lindelof headed over, but intelligent Brighton controlled the game, exploiting the gaps left by the desperate hosts.
Kaoru Mitoma, substitute Evan Ferguson, and debutant Ansu Fati saw their shots saved as the clock ran down, with Onana stopping the latter again in stoppage time.
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