Roberto De Zerbi &#8211; CaughtOffside

Liverpool looking to steal 6ft 5in player from Aston Villa

Returning Arsenal star praises key figure who was “very supportive” during lengthy injury

Exclusive: Arsenal transfer target could move for €25-30m, two other clubs have had bids rejected so far

Nketiah himself, meanwhile, is understood to be open to leaving the Emirates Stadium for a new challenge after falling down the pecking order and seeing a lot less playing time in Mikel Arteta’s side last season.

Being a homegrown player, AFC could make pure profit from selling Nketiah, so this is undoubtedly a deal that will appeal to them as they look to raise funds for players to come in, though it remains to be seen if they will end up prioritising Brobbey and David, or focus on other positions.

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Exclusive: Brighton’s bravery, all over for Mason Greenwood and more

Fabrizio Romano — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive articles via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

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Brave of Brighton to appoint Fabian Hürzeler – but a good idea

The appointment of Fabian Hürzeler is a brave one, absolutely.

Of course there’s risk but it’s Brighton style, to go for talented and young people. I think it’s good idea to follow their plans, their style.

Hürzeler did excellent at St Pauli so he has all the possibility and potential to shine also in the Premier League.

Patience will be needed, of course.

Morata wants Serie A return but Torres and Williams are happy in Spain

Álvaro Morata would like to return to Italian football, for sure. Nothing is happening now because he’s focused on the Euros, but there could be movement between July and August with Serie A the likely destination if there will be proposals.

He’s open to leaving Atlético Madrid because they’re already in talks for other strikers, Artem Dovbyk being one of them.

Sticking with La Liga, I’m not aware of any bid from Newcastle for Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, despite the reports.

He’s happy at Barcelona, not in negotiations with any club at the moment so completely quiet. If something changes we will see, but at the moment no negotiations are taking place for Torres.

The situation is the same with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams. Completely quiet at the moment, full focus on the Euros. There’s a release clause around €58m, so clubs are informed.

But again, Nico is happy in Bilbao and any club should pay big money to the player also, in terms of salary package.

Terzić bows out and De Zerbi set to sign in

After the Champions League final and because of many problems internally he decided to leave the club. Among the big favourites to become the new manager is Nuri Şahin.

I will say almost a here we go for Olympique Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi too. There is an agreement on a three-year deal, and everything is fixed between De Zerbi and Marseille, just waiting just on some final details.

What is needed now is just an agreement between Marseille and Brighton.

Chelsea pushing hard for Michael Olise

We mentioned Michael Olise in October, in November, in December, and in the recent months he has become a target again for Chelsea and Manchester United.

Chelsea have always been there and some people on the board consider Olise a fantastic player. This is why Chelsea have approached Crystal Palace formally to ask about the release clause. They want to understand how it would work.

These details are still private in terms of official documents, but Chelsea need to understand about the clause in order to get the green light to have a conversation with Michael Olise and his agents over the contract.

Manchester United and Newcastle are still there and both clubs are really interested in Michael Olise.

Duran could sign but Gallagher focused on Euros

Staying with Chelsea, conversations are also ongoing between them and Aston Villa, and the agents of Jhon Duran about the contract, the salary, the commission, so the entire package is being discussed but important clubs are preparing to enter the race.

For now Chelsea are still considered a favourite because they know the player wants to go to there, and it’s on them to agree personal terms and agents fee.

Conor Gallagher at the moment doesn’t want to decide anything now before the Euros. He wants to focus on the tournament, but Gallagher will be one to watch in the next few months.

Juventus eyeing Mason Greenwood

We keep repeating since February, March that the Mason Greenwood story is over at Manchester United.

They want to sell Mason Greenwood and my information is that it could be a loan with obligation to buy, so it could be that kind of formula – a potential loan move with buy obligation not option.

Let’s see what’s going to happen but there are many possibilities around Mason Greenwood, and Man United will take the time to pick the best proposal.

There is interest from Juventus but they have to sell at least one offensive player before they can land the player.

Matias Soulé is attracting concrete interest from West Ham and others but no formal bid yet, so Soulé could be one to watch in terms of exits.

Juventus want around €40m to let Soulé leave the club, so it won’t be an easy negotiation between clubs… but for sure there’s lot of interest around Europe, including at least 4-5 clubs from abroad. It’s an open race, but West Ham are keen.

It’s also important to say we have to follow the situation of Federico Chiesa because that is another interesting situation for this transfer window.

Dzenan Pejcinovic courting interest from several clubs

Man City are one of many clubs monitoring Wolfsburg’s Dzenan Pejcinovic for the future, but there are several clubs keeping a close eye on him.

Nothing close or advanced yet, but normal to monitor one of the potentially best talents in Europe.

At the moment that’s it, keeping a close eye and we will see which club will “attack” the situation.

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Exclusive: Brighton are brave to appoint Hurzeler but it’s a good idea – Romano

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 06:30:00 +0000

As a football fan of any club, you have to admire the way that Brighton and Hove Albion continue to do things.

After all, it was only 13 years ago that the club were still playing their matches at Withdean Stadium, a venue built for athletics and only one stand that wasn’t temporary.

Under chairman, Tony Bloom, the Seagulls continue to take risks, but to now at least, that bravery has paid off.

Patience required with Hurzeler appointment

It therefore is completely in keeping with their business model that the club should choose St. Pauli’s 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler as the man to replace Roberto De Zerbi.

The decision might have raised a few eyebrows, but Fabrizio Romano is impressed.

“The appointment of Fabian Hurzeler is a brave one, absolutely,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“Of course there’s risk but it’s Brighton style, to go for talented and young people. I think it’s good idea to follow their plans, their style.

“Hurzeler did excellent at St Pauli so he has all the possibility and potential to shine also in Premier League. Patience will be needed, of course.”

It’s worth pointing out of course that Hurzeler, once appointed, will be seven years younger than his midfielder, James Milner.

On the face of it that could cause problems, however, if the American can garner similar success to that which he has managed at St. Pauli, there’ll be no issues.

Leading the club back to the Bundesliga deserves the plaudits, and given that he has all of the necessary coaching qualifications in place, the feeling is that it will be his strength of personality in the dressing room that will ultimately dictate how well the club do in the immediate future.

If he’s able to hit the ground running and get points on the board quickly, so much the better.

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Big-name manager rejected chance to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss

Mark Brus — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:59:19 +0000

Former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is reportedly closing in on the Marseille job, but rejected the chance to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss.

That’s according to journalist Santi Aouna via his official account on X, with De Zerbi said to have turned down the chance to take over at Man Utd this summer.

This comes following the news that Ten Hag will be staying at Old Trafford, with Fabrizio Romano telling CaughtOffside earlier today that Fulham manager Marco Silva had also been discussed internally by the Red Devils.

Now it seems De Zerbi may also have been in contention, according to Aouna in the post below…

?????? #Ligue1 |

? Roberto De Zerbi réclamait environ 10M€ / an aux clubs intéressés

?? De Zerbi a refusé une offre de Manchester United

?? L'italien a revu ses exigences financières la baisse pour rejoindre l'OM. Les Olympiens ont eux aussi réalisé d'importants… pic.twitter.com/jBBTzyPITe

— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) June 13, 2024

De Zerbi to Manchester United – could he have been the best man for the job?

De Zerbi did hugely impressive work at Brighton and it was anticipated that he’d attract a lot of interest from elite clubs upon leaving the Seagulls this summer.

Many United fans would surely have been excited to see the Italian tactician taking over from Ten Hag after the poor form of the team under the Dutchman for so much of last season, even if they ended on a bit of a high by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Roberto De Zerbi turned down Manchester United

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It’s a bit surprising that De Zerbi is not in contention for a bigger job than Marseille, though it will certainly be intriguing to see what he can do with the Ligue 1 club, who have the potential to be challengers to Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s not clear why De Zerbi didn’t fancy the United job, but it could perhaps be a bit of a worry if they failed to attract someone like that, and perhaps ended up having to stick with Ten Hag as a last resort when they spent a few weeks unsuccessfully sounding out other candidates.

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Transfer news: Man United exits, Chelsea close in on wonderkid, Arsenal target available & more

Fabrizio Romano — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 15:45:00 +0000

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Tuchel, Sancho and Greenwood latest at Man United

There’s been a big update on the Manchester United manager situation as my understanding now is that Thomas Tuchel and Man United are not expected to reach an agreement for the former Bayern Munich manager to become the new manager at Old Trafford. I can confirm Christian Falk’s report here that Tuchel had a meeting with Man Utd, they had many contacts and Tuchel was always considered the favourite candidate in case United decided to part ways with Erik ten Hag.

A decision on Ten Hag has not been made yet, so what’s going on? As I’ve said recently, Man United are having meetings with several agents and representatives of managers to make sure they assess all the options on the market before making a decision on a new manager, or on keeping Ten Hag.

Tuchel was the favourite of these options because he had direct conversations with Manchester United, and direct contact with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but my understanding now is that Tuchel wants to take a break from football this summer. Tuchel doesn’t want to take any job for now, so his decision is to leave the conversations. Tuchel wants to take a break, he had talks with Man United but he’s currently planning to relax and wait for new opportunities in the future, but for sure, Tuchel was the closest to getting the job in case they considered a change.

Let’s see what will happen, if Man United will try to make one last effort or not, or if they decide to continue with Ten Hag or consider someone else for the job. But at the time of writing, Tuchel’s intention looks clear – to not continue in talks with Manchester United, so they are not expected to continue this conversation for the former Chelsea manager to take over at Man United. Now it’s on Manchester United to decide what they want to do, what happens with Ten Hag and other candidates.

In the next days, the next hours, we expect Man United to make a decision on Ten Hag and to clarify their plans for the future of the club in terms of the manager, but it’s an important update on Tuchel, and there’s also an important update on Jadon Sancho, because the position from Man United now is really clear – they are prepared to sell Sancho this summer.

Regardless of who will be manager, Man United will try to find a solution for Sancho. They want to sell Sancho and make some money from his departure, and the same is true for Mason Greenwood. United want both players to leave, and for now the plan is to enter into concrete conversations over Sancho to find a solution. When they discussed this internally, they indicated that £40m is the fee expected for Sancho if he is to leave the club.

Borussia Dortmund are obviously interested in keeping Sancho after signing him on loan in January. He’s one of their priority targets but £40m could be too expensive, so let’s see what they decide to do with Sancho, but for sure the interest is still there and the player is still keen on Borussia Dortmund. Still, Man United also feel that there could be some possibilities with other important clubs around Europe, so that’s why they are open to the market, and open to selling Sancho for around £40m, so keep a close eye on this one in the next days and I will keep you posted, but we don’t expect to see Sancho in a Man United shirt next season unless something crazy happens.

In terms of other manager updates – Roberto de Zerbi is waiting for an opportunity, he’s really keen on a new chapter in the Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino also feels ready, let’s see if something moves. Despite rumours, Graham Potter was never close to Brighton return, with Fabian Hurzeler expected to become the new manager soon. Stefano Pioli was Napoli’s plan B but the priority has always been Antonio Conte, so he’s now open to other options.

Joao Palhinha expected to join Bayern, but what does it mean for Joshua Kimmich’s future?

We can now say it looks like the Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich deal is going to happen. Bayern have agreed personal terms with Palhinha – the contract is agreed, the salary is agreed, and Palhinha is super excited about the possibility to join Bayern.

The initial Bayern proposal to Fulham was €35m plus add-ons, which Fulham rejected, but early next week the two clubs will talk again and the expectation is to reach an agreement for a fee of around €40-45m. Bayern will push again, but for now they have an agreement with Palhinha, and he expects Fulham to help him make this transfer to Bayern happen.

Why? Because last summer a transfer for Palhinha to join Bayern was 99.9% done. On deadline day of summer 2023, Palhinha travelled to Munich and everything was set – even the pictures of Palhinha with a Bayern shirt. But then Fulham were not able to find a replacement, they wanted Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and other players but they were not able to make it happen, and so the deal collapsed.

Since then, Palhinha was super professional – he didn’t complain about not being able to join Bayern, he played a fantastic season under Marco Silva, trained in a fantastic way, didn’t ask for a transfer in January, and so this is why Palhinha now expects Fulham to give the green light and let him go to Bayern.

Let me clarify one final point – new Bayern manager Vincent Kompany has approved the Palhinha deal. The Portuguese midfielder was a target for Thomas Tuchel last summer, but Kompany also wants the player, Bayern have always been the most interested club, and I now expect this transfer to happen because there is big optimism around all parties involved to keep pushing and make this transfer happen soon.

I’m still receiving many questions on Joshua Kimmich’s Bayern future and my understanding is that Bayern’s position is very clear – they are not negotiating a new deal for Kimmich, the situation is completely quiet as the player is focusing on the Euros, but the feeling is that if Bayern receive an important proposal for Kimmich this summer, they will be open to considering it. Unless they reach a new deal agreement, and at the moment it’s on total standby, they are prepared to let him go.

Let’s see who will approach Bayern, but for now it’s not something advanced or concrete. Still, the name of Kimmich could be one to watch for this summer’s transfer window, and also other incomings for Bayern – remember the name of Jonathan Tah, who is still a player Bayern want, along with Palhinha, so they could be busy with incomings.

Major ins and outs to watch at Juventus

Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been approached by Al Nassr. The Polish shot-stopper has been offered a two-year contract with a really important salary, and Al Nassr will now also make an approach to Juventus, who are open to letting him go. Szczesny can leave Juventus and so it’s up to him to decide if he wants to go to Saudi.

Another important player at Juventus facing an uncertain future is Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger is out of contract next summer, and his agent will discuss the future of the player next week. Discussions are going to take place for the future of Chiesa. There is interest from Napoli but not only them, there is also interest from abroad and this is why I expect Chiesa could be one to watch in the next days.

Chiesa’s agent will speak to Juventus but the feeling is that the club could be open to letting the player leave this summer. They could then use the money from his sale on several other deals they want this summer, such as Teun Koopmeiners from Atalanta and Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.

So, this meeting between Chiesa’s agent and Juventus could be important, because Chiesa knows that Juve will have a new manager in Thiago Motta and so he and his camp are exploring options around Italy and elsewhere. Napoli and Antonio Conte are interested in Chiesa, but, again, it’s not the only solution there so this looks like one to watch for this summer’s transfer window.

Another player to watch could be Douglas Luiz because Aston Villa are under pressure financially to sell one player in the next weeks, and there is interest in Luiz from Juventus. Again, Juve’s top target is Koopmeiners, so Luiz would have to be an opportunity, perhaps with a swap deal, while clubs from the Premier League will also move. Luiz has always been appreciated by Arsenal and he was close to joining them two years ago, so let’s see if they decide to return or not, though at the moment they are not actively working on this one.

Still, Luiz looks like one to watch for Juve, Arsenal, and maybe other clubs too because for Villa, the Brazilian midfielder could be one to watch in terms of possible outgoings to stay in line with Financial Fair Play.

Busy summer of outgoings at Tottenham?

Tottenham are prepared to clear players out and make some changes to their squad. Tanguy Ndombele could be one of the names to watch, while Gio Lo Celso is also one name who could leave this summer. He has just one year left on his contract and there are no talks over an extension, so there are many possibilities in different countries.

Real Betis could be one option for Lo Celso, but not the only one, there are also other clubs interested, so keep a close eye on him as someone who could leave Spurs in this transfer window.

As reported, Unai Emery appreciates Lo Celso but Villa are currently busy on other deals, including Ross Barkley. A loan deal is not an option because his contract is short, has to be a permanent move and I don’t think he’s going to stay at Spurs, I see him leaving. For sure, La Liga is an attractive destination for Gio.

The situation also remains the same on Emerson Royal – from what I’m hearing, he would absolutely love to join AC Milan. He has two years left on his contract so Tottenham want an important amount of money, something like €20m, though Milan want to pay less than this, also because the player has an important salary. Let’s see how club-to-club discussions will go, but he is giving his priority to Milan even though there is also interest from Villarreal.

Bryan Gil and Alejo Veliz could be other players to watch, with the latter of those two expected to leave on loan, so for sure there could be movement for Tottenham in terms of outgoings as they are prepared to let several players leave.

Chelsea close in on new signing, plus Broja sale update

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of talented young right-back Pedro Lima, who could become the next big South American talent to join the Blues after Kendry Paez, while Estevao Willian is another expected to join.

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We also know there will be outgoings at Chelsea this summer, and one player to keep an eye on is Armando Broja, who has been linked with Everton, among others, but what’s really going on?

My latest understanding is that the Everton board like Broja but with their financial situation, it’s all on stand-by now. It’s not something imminent or close, interest is there as well as from many other clubs as Broja is 100% expected to leave Chelsea on a permanent transfer this summer.

Trafford to Newcastle latest as Ramsdale considered too expensive

Newcastle United are in club-to-club talks to sign James Trafford from Burnley, so let’s see if they will be able to agree a deal. Talks are ongoing, while other goalkeepers such as Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale are also appreciated by Newcastle but considered too expensive because of the Financial Fair Play situation at the club.

Trafford could be an easier deal, could be cheaper, and Newcastle consider him a very good solution. Talks are taking place, Trafford would be keen on the move, so it’s an important one to watch for Newcastle in this transfer window.

Real Madrid relaxed over fitting Endrick and Mbappe together

Endrick continues to shine for the Brazilian national team, and it’s going to be interesting to see how he and Kylian Mbappe fit in together at Real Madrid next season.

All people at Real Madrid are quite relaxed, they’re sure that Endrick will shine and nothing will change with Mbappe’s arrival. Endrick is considered a fantastic talent, Real Madrid believe their early move for him in December 2022 was the perfect strategy to get one of the best gems in the world.

Personally, I’m really excited to see him playing in Europe next season, he looks like a top, top talent and ready to make the step up to this level.

The post Transfer news: Man United exits, Chelsea close in on wonderkid, Arsenal target available & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fabrizio Romano provides update on De Zerbi & Pochettino as Man United talk with reps of other managers

Mark Brus — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:34:08 +0000

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on both Roberto de Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino as he also says Manchester United have been holding talks with representatives of other managers as they’re yet to decide on the future of Erik ten Hag.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano said that both De Zerbi and Pochettino are waiting for opportunities and open to moves, despite still being two of some of the biggest names in management who are currently out of work.

We already know that Jurgen Klopp is taking a break after leaving Liverpool, while it now also looks like Thomas Tuchel is not going to Man Utd as he wants to take some time away.

De Zerbi and Pochettino, however, are both ready to go after recently leaving Brighton and Chelsea, respectively, and one imagines there’ll be some United fans who are keen to see them take over from Ten Hag.

Romano didn’t link their situations with the Red Devils, but he did say that some talks have taken place with agents of unnamed managers as they weigh up what to do about Ten Hag, so one imagines there’s a chance that De Zerbi and Pochettino are being considered.

Who could be next Manchester United manager?

Roberto de Zerbi is sure to be a man in demand

“A decision on Ten Hag has not been made yet, so what’s going on? As I’ve said recently, Man United are having meetings with several agents and representatives of managers to make sure they assess all the options on the market before making a decision on a new manager, or on keeping Ten Hag,” Romano said.

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He added: “In terms of other manager updates – Roberto de Zerbi is waiting for an opportunity, he’s really keen on a new chapter in the Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino also feels ready, let’s see if something moves.

“Despite rumours, Graham Potter was never close to Brighton return, with Fabian Hurzeler expected to become the new manager soon. Stefano Pioli was Napoli’s plan B but the priority has always been Antonio Conte, so he’s now open to other options.”

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Surprising twist sees Brighton hold talks with highly-regarded 49-year-old

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:04:49 +0000

The Roberto De Zerbi era is over at Brighton and Hove Albion, but it appears as if the Seagulls are taking their time over the next managerial appointment.

Italian, De Zerbi, took Brighton to new heights after taking over from Graham Potter when he left to take on an ill-fated position at Chelsea.

Sacked soon after because of a series of disappointing performances and results, Potter has been out of work since.

Brighton looking at Graham Potter return

It’s believed that he is still in the frame for the Man United job, but that all depends on whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides to sack Erik ten Hag or not.

The longer that there is no announcement, the more that there’s a belief that the Dutchman will be granted a stay of execution, meaning that Potter would lose out on re-starting his career at Old Trafford.

That could even be a reason why, according to The Guardian (subscription required), Potter has held talks with his old employers at the AMEX Stadium.

Graham Potter could be a target for Brighton

The outlet also note that Brighton aren’t going to rush into anything at present, though the fact that they’ve tested the waters with their former manager would suggest that he’s definitely in the mix when Tony Bloom and the board are ready to make their new managerial appointment.

Though a Potter return might not necessarily please all supporters of the club, at least they and the powers that be will know exactly what they’re getting from the 49-year-old.

Under him the Seagulls played hugely attractive football and they were a tough side to beat. De Zerbi simply carried on where Potter left off.

The next few weeks are likely to be crucial for the club, and all should become clear well in advance of pre-season.

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Andy Townsend says offensive manager should join Chelsea

Jason Pettigrove — Wed, 29 May 2024 11:57:59 +0000

Reports circulating would suggest that Enzo Maresca is close to putting pen to paper to take over the Chelsea manager’s role from Mauricio Pochettino.

The Italian has only just got Leicester City back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but clearly believes that moving to Stamford Bridge is an opportunity that he can’t turn down.

Given the pressure that comes with the post it’s a big gamble for Maresca, however, he will hope to do what Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Pochettino failed to, and that’s create a winning team that owner Todd Boehly can be proud of.

Former Chelsea star says De Zerbi would make sense at the Bridge

If he doesn’t, then make no mistake, he’ll be out the door.

Former Chelsea ace turned broadcaster, Andy Townsend, actually believes that another Italian should’ve been given a look over.

“Now, it’s really intriguing which way Chelsea are going to go,” he told talkSPORT (h/t HITC).

“Do they go for one of these younger guys? That then gives the owner and the sporting director carte blanche to do what they want to do. You start getting the experienced guys in they aren’t going to do it. It doesn’t matter what players you bring in, you don’t tell Jose Mourinho what player to play on a Saturday or midweek.

“I think De Zerbi or that kind of guy would do well at Chelsea, I do. They need someone really single-minded at that club, someone brave enough to make a decision and it goes against the flow for a period. They tried to bring in a Graham Potter. That didn’t work – I have a feeling he would do quite well there.

“Someone like Enzo Maresca, I get that. That would work. They are desperate to get an opportunity at a club like Chelsea. They are happy to turn around and nod their head when perhaps they don’t totally agree.”

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Opinion: The shine of FA Cup win cannot blind the future of Man United

Darren Looney — Tue, 28 May 2024 21:01:19 +0000

Last Saturday was yet another magical day in the rich history of Man United as the Red Devils overcame Man City to claim their 13th FA Cup crown at Wembley.

Heading into the finale of the English football season, a report from The Guardian dominated the conversation around the cup final. It said that no matter the result against the Premier League champions, Man United would sack Erik ten Hag at the end of the campaign.

The 2023/24 season has been a very underwhelming one for Man United as they finished eighth in the Premier League – their lowest-ever finish in England’s top flight. This term also saw United suffer 14 league defeats in a single term, which is their highest since recording 16 during the 1989/90 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Away from England’s top flight, the Manchester club were dumped out of the Champions League in the group stage, finishing bottom of their group.

Their Carabao Cup defence was a failure and even their run to the FA Cup was marred by their disgraceful showing in the semi-final against Championship outfit Coventry City, where the Premier League club threw away a 3-0 lead.

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