Manchester United

Manchester United’s Set-Piece Struggles Have a Clear Solution on the Bench

Published

1 month ago

December 10, 2024

Manchester United’s vulnerability in defending set-pieces has been glaring, with three goals conceded from dead-ball situations in their last two Premier League outings. Addressing this weakness is crucial, and the solution may already be sitting on the bench.

Former United defender Phil Jones, now a pundit, delivered a concise yet insightful analysis following Nottingham Forest’s first goal against United. “Ultimately, go and attack the ball, be aggressive, and get first contact. United didn’t do that enough today,” Jones said.

Disorganization and Poor Matchups
The goal Jones referred to highlighted United’s shortcomings in aggression, organization, and communication. Diogo Dalot’s poor positioning, Lisandro Martinez marking the towering 6’4″ Nikola Milenkovic, and Manuel Ugarte being tasked with Chris Wood exposed glaring mismatches. It was no surprise that Forest capitalized.

Similarly, Arsenal exploited United’s defensive frailties, with both goals in their 2-0 win coming from corners. While the deliveries from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were pinpoint, United’s lack of organization made the goals avoidable.

Coaching Adjustments and Accountability
Set-piece defense has become a recurring issue for United, with only Wolves and Southampton conceding more goals from such situations this season. Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff has tried to address this weakness. Andreas Georgson, brought in during the summer, was initially responsible for set-piece training but has since been supported by Carlos Fernandes.

Amorim explained the new structure: “Carlos is responsible for set pieces, different stuff. Andreas is also there to help. That’s it.” Despite these adjustments, the team’s struggles persist, highlighting that coaching alone cannot solve the problem.

Harry Maguire: The Obvious Solution
The players’ on-field execution remains the critical factor. Aggression and aerial prowess are qualities that often come naturally, and in United’s current squad, Harry Maguire is unmatched in aerial duels. Maguire’s ability to dominate in the air makes him the ideal candidate to shore up United’s set-piece defense.

During the Nottingham Forest match, Amorim introduced Maguire for Matthijs de Ligt in the second half to bolster the team’s aerial presence. “We put Harry Maguire on because of set-pieces,” Amorim explained. “When Harry was on the pitch, he won all the first balls.”

Strategic Use of Maguire
With crucial fixtures against FC Viktoria Plzen and Manchester City this week, Maguire’s role could be pivotal. Starting him against Plzen on Thursday, with a planned substitution to preserve his fitness, could allow United to benefit from his presence in the Europa League while keeping him fresh for Sunday’s Manchester derby.

Although Maguire has been overlooked recently, his strong form before injury and his ability to handle aerial threats make him indispensable in resolving United’s set-piece issues.

A Pragmatic Choice
While Maguire may not be a trendy pick among fans, his value in “trench warfare” scenarios is undeniable. At a time when set-pieces are causing repeated headaches, leaning on his strengths is a logical move. United must prioritize practicality over style if they are to regain stability in their defensive setup.

Manchester United

Al Nassr Denies Rumors Linking Casemiro to the Club

Published

19 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Al Nassr’s media advisor, Saaed Abu Dahesh, has firmly dismissed recent speculation suggesting that Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is on the verge of joining the Saudi Pro League side.

Reports have increasingly linked Casemiro with a potential move to Al Nassr, fueling rumors that his tenure at Manchester United may soon come to an end.

Last summer, the Brazilian star rejected a transfer despite significant interest from Saudi Arabia. However, recent updates indicate he might now be more open to the idea of a move.

A previous report, as highlighted by The Peoples Person, claimed that Al Nassr had offered Casemiro an enticing deal worth approximately £650,000 per week. Adding to the buzz, there have been suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo has personally urged Al Nassr’s management to secure Casemiro’s services. The two players share a remarkable history, having won 12 trophies together at Real Madrid—including four UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns. Their partnership continued at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, and their strong personal bond has been well-documented.

Speculation reached a peak when reports from Brazil asserted that a deal to sell the 32-year-old to Al Nassr was nearly finalized, suggesting his departure from Old Trafford was imminent.

However, these claims were categorically denied by Al Nassr’s media advisor, Saeed Abu Dahesh. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Abu Dahesh stated, “All the news circulating about Al-Nassr’s negotiations with the player Casemiro is incorrect.”

He further explained, “The coming period will be filled with rumors about players, both local and international, being linked to Al Nassr. As always, the official updates will come from Al Nassr’s verified channels. Everything else is merely speculation that we cannot waste time denying daily.”

Abu Dahesh also urged fans to focus on supporting the team during their critical upcoming matches, emphasizing that their attention and encouragement are crucial.

Meanwhile, Casemiro and the rest of the Manchester United squad are gearing up for their next challenge. They are set to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the third round of the FA Cup. The match kicks off at 15:00 GMT on Sunday, promising an exciting clash between two top-tier teams.

Manchester United

Manchester United Eye January Reinforcements as £70m Star Looks Set for Transfer

Published

2 days ago

January 11, 2025

Jhon Kaung

Manchester United’s transfer activity this January appears tied to their ability to offload players from the current squad. Manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly restricted to pursuing loan deals and free agents unless significant sales provide additional funds.

Marcus Rashford Sparks Interest from Top Clubs
Academy graduate Marcus Rashford is rumored to be considering a move away from Old Trafford. European heavyweights AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Premier League side West Ham United, are said to be monitoring the situation closely. United are reportedly open to offers for several players as they aim to generate funds to support Amorim’s long-term vision for the team.

Amorim’s Plans for a Squad Overhaul
Speaking at the end of December, Amorim hinted at his plans to reshape the squad:

“When the window is open, we can try to do something, and we will try to do something. But I think, in the next weeks, we are going to have more time to train, and we can improve—that’s the only way. We had a lot of games without training; now we will have more space to grow.”

The United boss acknowledged the team’s current struggles, emphasizing the importance of managing the situation amid recent poor results.

Financial Constraints Dictate United’s Strategy
While Amorim aims to bring in players suited to his system, financial limitations have made permanent signings challenging. A significant sale, such as Rashford’s potential departure, could pave the way for the club to pursue high-profile targets, including a rumored £70m player reportedly “on the move.”

As the January window progresses, all eyes will be on United’s ability to balance their financial constraints with Amorim’s desire to implement his philosophy. Fans are eager to see how the club navigates these challenges and whether the Red Devils can emerge stronger for the second half of the season.

Manchester United

Nemanja Matic Linked with Shock Return to Old Trafford in February

Published

2 days ago

January 11, 2025

Jhon Kaung

A familiar face could be set to return to Old Trafford in the coming weeks, with former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic reportedly attracting interest from Ipswich Town. According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Tractor Boys are exploring a potential move for the veteran player during the January transfer window, alongside interest from Italian clubs Napoli, Fiorentina, and Como.

Ipswich Eye Reinforcements Amid Relegation Battle
Ipswich Town, currently embroiled in a fight to avoid relegation after their promotion to the Premier League last season, face Manchester United at Old Trafford in late February. Managed by former United assistant Kieran McKenna, the Suffolk-based club are keen to bolster their squad with experienced players like Matic to aid their survival campaign.

Matic’s Legacy at Manchester United
Matic joined Manchester United in 2017 and spent five years at the club, making 189 appearances and scoring four goals across all competitions. The 36-year-old Serbian international, who boasts 48 caps for his national team, left United in 2022 to seek new challenges. He joined AS Roma before moving to French side Lyon, where he has played 37 matches over two seasons.

A Career of Milestones
Matic’s career has seen him enjoy success at top European clubs. He had two stints at Chelsea, playing 154 matches and scoring seven goals. During his time with the Blues, he won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Between his Chelsea spells, he played for Benfica, adding further experience to his résumé.

Ipswich’s Interest
If Ipswich secure Matic’s signature, he would bring valuable experience and leadership to their squad. As the Tractor Boys aim to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, Matic’s presence in the dressing room could offer the guidance they need to navigate their challenging campaign.

Matic Reflects on His Time at United
Since leaving Old Trafford, Matic has shared insights into his tenure at Manchester United, contrasting it with the professionalism he experienced at Chelsea. Speaking last year, he revealed that punctuality was a recurring issue during his time at United. He spearheaded an internal disciplinary system to address lateness among teammates, with notable offenders including Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho. The collected fines, totaling £75,000, were initially intended for a team celebration but were repurposed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Farewell to United
Matic announced his departure from Manchester United with a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his gratitude for his time at the club:

“After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United. It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support.”

What’s Next for Matic?
As the January transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen if Matic will make a return to English football. With Ipswich Town, Napoli, Fiorentina, and Como all reportedly interested, the experienced midfielder could soon be embarking on the next chapter of his illustrious career.

Meanwhile, Manchester United prepare for an FA Cup clash with Arsenal this weekend, following their recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool. Fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on developments surrounding one of their former stars.