EPL
Man Utd boss explain why Club were right not to buy another striker
Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United were right not to sign a second striker last summer due to Anthony Martial still being at the club amid their Financial Fair Play concerns.
The Red Devils were fined €300,000 (£257,000) back in July after committing breaches of UEFA’s FFP regulations, serving as a warning for stronger punishments if they didn’t curb their spending.
Old Trafford chiefs subsequently gave Ten Hag a smaller budget compared to his first summer transfer window in 2022.
United didn’t pursue top target Harry Kane and instead focused on Atalanta hotshot Rasmus Hojlund, who the Red Devils eventually signed for £72 million in August, a move which raised eyebrows.
With Hojlund only being 20 at the time, Ten Hag hoped that Martial would step up and take the burden off the young Dane, but he’s been left disappointed.
Martial, 28, has spent much of the season sidelined with injury and could’ve played his final game in a United shirt due to his £250,000-a-week contract expiring in June.
Now would’ve been a perfect opportunity for the France international to stake his claim for a new deal, as Hojlund has been ruled out for a few weeks after picking up a muscle injury in training following his run of eight goals in his last seven Premier League games.
Speaking after the news of Hojlund’s injury emerged on Friday, Ten Hag was asked if he regretted not bringing in another striker to supplement his options.
“We were happy to bring Rasmus Hojlund in,” the Red Devils boss explained. “We had two strikers. Martial has done great things for us last season. So he is also on high payment in this club. We should have expected more, that is the truth. But to bring in another striker, that means you rule him (Martial) totally out at the start of the season.
“Then there is Marcus Rashford so actually we had three strikers in our squad. If you bring in a fourth, the prospects for the others will get short. So I thought – we thought – we had options. I wanted to bring in a striker in the winter but it was not possible. And we already had our problems with FFP in the summer.”
With Hojlund missing this Saturday’s match at home to Fulham, Ten Hag is expected to hand a first competitive start to highly-rated academy prospect Omari Forson. The London-born 19-year-old is expected to start out wide, with Rashford playing as a central striker and Alejandro Garnacho on the other flank.
BUNDESLIGA
Leroy Sane Breaks Silence On Arsenal Transfer Rumors
Leroy Sane has revealed ongoing talks with Bayern Munich about extending his contract at the Allianz Arena, signaling his reluctance to consider a return to the Premier League.
The German winger, who joined Bayern from Manchester City in 2020, is now in the final year of his current deal.
This situation has sparked interest from Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, especially after Sane’s hesitation to commit to an extension last year.
From January, clubs outside Germany can legally initiate discussions with Sane regarding a potential transfer. However, the 28-year-old has delivered a significant setback to his suitors, expressing his preference to remain at Bayern if terms can be agreed.
Since arriving in Munich, Sane has made a strong impact, contributing 51 goals and 50 assists across 186 appearances.
Despite featuring mostly from the bench this season under Vincent Kompany, Sane has reiterated his commitment to Bayern. In an interview with BILD, he stated: “We are in talks. I feel comfortable in Munich. I feel really comfortable. Talks are very good. My focus is currently only on Bayern.”
Addressing the possibility of a Premier League return, Sane was clear about his priorities. “I follow Premier League football, but the attraction for me lies in the club where I can show my best performance, develop, and win titles. I have that at Bayern,” he said.
Although Sane has seen limited starts this season, Kompany—his former Manchester City teammate—has acknowledged the winger’s influence. Speaking after Bayern’s recent win against Benfica, Kompany praised Sane’s contribution: “Leroy changed the game, you could say that. Leroy did very well after he was subbed on.
“I’m very happy to have the quality of Leroy Sane and Michael Olise in the same position, not to forget Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry. They have all scored goals and contributed well so far this season.”
Manchester United and Arsenal, who were reportedly preparing to battle for Sane’s signature, may now be forced to reconsider their plans.
Both clubs were eager to secure the services of a player with proven Premier League credentials, including two league titles and a PFA Young Player of the Year award from his time at Manchester City.
EPL
Real Madrid Star Endrick Could Make Shock EPL Move After Transfer Talk
Southampton, currently rooted at the bottom of the Premier League table, are eyeing an ambitious January transfer window with a potential move for Real Madrid’s young talent, Endrick. However, the Saints may face stiff competition for his signature.
The 18-year-old Brazilian joined Real Madrid in the summer from Palmeiras in a £60m deal but has struggled for regular playing time. This season, Endrick has made ten appearances across all competitions, scoring twice. Despite these contributions, he has yet to start a game, with his league minutes limited to brief late appearances.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid might consider loaning him out to gain more experience, and Southampton are reportedly interested. According to Sport, the Saints have initiated discussions with Real Madrid about a possible deal.
However, they are not alone in their pursuit. Serie A club Roma and La Liga side Real Valladolid are also said to have expressed interest in the talented forward.
The decision on Endrick’s future is expected to take shape as the January transfer window approaches. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds another Real Madrid youngster, Arda Güler. The Turkish starlet has attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal, who have reportedly opened talks with Real Madrid about a potential move.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently addressed the situation regarding both players. He emphasized their quality and readiness to contribute but maintained that the team’s immediate focus is on improving collective results.
He acknowledged that Endrick and Güler could play key roles, saying, “They are ready to play and showing a lot of quality in training. They can help us in the next games, but the priority is to turn things around as a team.”
For Southampton, the stakes are high. With just one win in their first 11 games of the season and only seven goals scored, the Saints find themselves four points adrift of safety.
Manager Russell Martin will be desperate for reinforcements in January to boost their survival hopes and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
EPL
Ruben Amorim Discovers Man Utd Transfer Budget
Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Manchester United manager marks a shift toward developing existing talent and a more measured transfer approach under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ownership.
The club, having spent heavily in recent years, is now focusing on sustainability, signaling a new era at Old Trafford.
United spent over £600 million during Erik ten Hag’s tenure, but Amorim’s arrival comes with a mandate to prioritize squad improvement rather than relying on lavish spending. The Portuguese coach, hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young tacticians arrives with his trusted coaching staff from Sporting Lisbon after achieving remarkable success, including two league titles and two domestic cups.
Costly Changes Amid Financial Pressures
Bringing Amorim to United mid-season came at a significant cost. The club paid Sporting Lisbon £9.25 million in compensation, while parting ways with Ten Hag and his staff required an additional £15 million.
These decisions highlight United’s financial struggles, as the club posted pre-tax losses of £312.9 million over the past three seasons and faces pressure to meet profit and sustainability regulations.
Amorim inherits a squad strengthened by a £180 million summer transfer window, which included signings like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte.
However, he has been told not to expect funds for the January transfer window. Instead, the club will focus on leveraging the potential of its current roster, including players like Rasmus Højlund (£72 million) and Mason Mount (£55 million).
Strategic Focus on Youth and Development
Amorim’s task is clear: maximize the potential of the squad and build around a promising young core.
The new leadership team, comprising sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada, and INEOS director of sport Dave Brailsford, believes this approach will stabilize the club financially and on the pitch.
Manchester United’s current position—13th in the Premier League and four points off the top four—underscores the urgency of Amorim’s mission. Missing out on Champions League qualification for a second consecutive year could have significant financial repercussions.
January Transfer Window: Limited Activity Expected
With financial constraints looming, United are unlikely to make major moves in the January transfer window despite links to players like Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. Instead, Amorim will look toward the summer window for more flexibility in reshaping the squad.
Contracts of several players, including Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelöf, and Jonny Evans, are set to expire at the end of the season, while options exist to extend deals for Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo.
Jadon Sancho could also leave permanently, as Chelsea hold an obligation to buy him if they finish in the Premier League’s top 14.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The new INEOS leadership has already implemented significant cost-cutting measures, including a controversial reduction of 250 staff members, costing the club £47.8 million. Such moves highlight the financial balancing act required as Manchester United aims to remain competitive while addressing long-term sustainability.
Ruben Amorim’s ability to revitalize the squad, instill his philosophy, and navigate these financial constraints will be pivotal in determining whether Manchester United can re-establish themselves as Premier League contenders. His journey begins with Sunday’s clash against Ipswich Town, where he’ll aim to spark the turnaround fans have been waiting for.
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