The Peoples Person

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Mason Mount will not be available for selection during Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Tottenham Hotspur, while there are also question marks over Noussair Mazraoui’s availability.

Mount started last weekend’s comeback win over Manchester City at the Etihad but he was on the pitch for only 15 minutes before he was forced off with an injury.

The England international hit the ground and could clearly not carry on any further. He was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo.

Mount headed straight down the tunnel for further assessment of his issue. The severity of the problem remains unclear at the moment.

Sunday’s derby was just Mount’s 32nd appearance in a United shirt since he joined in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea.

He has directly missed 37 games through injury over the past year and a half.

Meanwhile, Mazraoui managed 78 minutes of action at the Etihad before being taken off for Antony. Mazraoui was later spotted leaving the Etihad while limping.

Ahead of United’s meeting with Spurs tomorrow, Amorim gave updates on Mount and Mazraoui.

The United boss said [via club media], “Mason Mount is not available.”

“He has an injury. Nous, we will see today. The rest of the squad are ready to play the game.”

“We have to assess all the players and try not to get a lot of injuries. If we do that, we’ll be stronger in these kind of moments.”

According to Manchester Evening News, Mazraoui has recovered from the knock he sustained against City and he rendezvoused with teammates for the journey to London on Wednesday afternoon.

Confirmed United squad members include Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

There was “no sign” of Marcus Rashford amid the travelling squad for Manchester United as the Red Devils head to London for tomorrow night’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Samuel Luckhurst (ManUtdMEN) reveals Rashford was “absent” from the ensemble of United players travelling to the capital as questions over the 27-year-old’s future at Old Trafford continue to swirl following his blockbuster interview yesterday.

Rashford was omitted from the matchday squad for the Manchester Derby on the weekend, alongside fellow winger Alejandro Garnacho, with head coach Ruben Amorim explaining his decision to drop the pair in his post-match interview following the dramatic 2-1 win.

Amorim revealed: “It is important to say why [Rashford and Garnacho were dropped], it was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game new life, they are fighting for their places.”

“But for me it is important the performance in training, the performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, they way you engage with your teammates, the way you push your team-mates. Everything is important in our context in the beginning of something when we want to change a lot of things, when people in our club are losing their jobs, we have to put the standards really high.

“For that, they have to fight for their place in the team and today the team we proved we can leave anyone outside the squad and manage to win if you play together.”

“I’m going to say again it was not a disciplinary thing. It’s the small details. You can see the games like I see, there are some things that have to change. But it is a new life, it’s not a disciplinary thing, it’s the performance in training, the performance in game and then I have to change, to choose players.

“If it was disciplinary, I would say that here and it will be a bigger problem but it was not that. It was just that I want to improve my players and you understand that for so long, for example with Rash, we tried a thing and it doesn’t work. Let’s continue to do the same thing or try something different?”

“So it’s as simple as that. If they train well with the talent they have we will be so much better with them. Both of them. But they have to work hard, they do, today they trained really hard so it’s a good thing. New week, new life, let’s see the next one.”

And while Garnacho has been confirmed to have been reinstated into the squad for tomorrow night’s quarter final at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Rashford’s absence will continue, Luckhurst reveals.

Tweet: “Alejandro Garnacho travelling with the #mufc squad to Tottenham. No sign of Marcus Rashford as squad left Manchester.”

Speaking this morning about the game and the prospect of the two wingers being recalled, Amorim stated, “We have one more training. But it’s the same situation of all the other players. If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see see at the end of training.”

“Of course [I expect a reaction]. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.”

Yesterday, journalist Henry Winter released an interview with Rashford revealing the 27-year-old was open to a departure from his boyhood club as he was “ready for a new challenge“.

And while there was a refreshing honesty to Rashford’s words, it appears unlikely they constitute the “reaction” his new head coach would have been demanding following last weekend’s dropping. Amorim did stress in today’s press conference that United were “better with Marcus Rashford“, but the fact the winger has again not been included in the matchday squad underlines this further.

In a more positive update, Noussair Mazraoui, who sustained a knock in the win over City on Sunday and was considered a risk, has “recovered” and travelled with his teammates to London.

The confirmed United squad is:

Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Dalot, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof, Evans, Martinez, Malacia, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund, Amad

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Manchester United’s on loan winger Jadon Sancho shone as Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 to go second in the table.

The winger enjoyed a fast start to his career at the Blues but recently missed a few games as his form dipped.

He did provide an assist in the Conference League a couple of weeks ago against Heidenheim and scored his first Chelsea goal last weekend in a 5-1 victory over Southampton.

The England international was named in the first eleven this evening and his side got off to the worst possible start at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, as they were 2-0 down after 11 minutes.

However, Sancho stepped in with a moment of magic after 17 minutes before goals from Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez won the day for the visitors in the London derby.

The winger received the ball out wide on the right, cut in, beating three Spurs players on his way, before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the bottom left hand corner.

Sancho also showed wonderful trickery for Chelsea’s second goal as he beat the Tottenham defender and played a fantastically weighted ball into the penalty area which resulted in a Chelsea player being taken out in the box for one of the clearest penalties you will see.

Sofascore gave him a rating of 7.9 for his fine display as he registered his second goal of the season.

He completed 47 out of his 54 attempted passes for a passing accuracy of 87%. Among those passes were two key ones that helped his team secure a vital away victory.

The 24 year old proved a menace for Spurs’ defenders all evening as he completed three out of his four dribble attempts.

He also got through some crucial defensive work as he won three out of five ground duels.

As United’s own wingers continue to struggle, numerous fans will look over enviously at what is happening at Stamford Bridge and wonder if it really was the right call to let Sancho leave last summer.

The English winger will next be in action for the Blues when they travel to Kazakhstan to take on Astana in the Conference League on Thursday afternoon.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to compete for the signature of FC Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

United have been linked to the Dutchman since the summer of 2022 when they had a €85 million fee accepted from the Spanish club.

However, De Jong rejected the chance to join his former manager Erik ten Hag at United and the Red Devils went on to sign Casemiro that summer from Real Madrid.

Spanish outlet Fichajes is adamant that United, alongside Tottenham, still hold a major interest in acquiring the midfielder.

“Frenkie de Jong, one of the key players in Barcelona’s squad, could be close to leaving Camp Nou,” the outlet reports.

“The Dutch midfielder has attracted the interest of several Premier League giants, with Tottenham being the club that has been most insistent in recent days in trying to secure his services. This interest is added to that of Manchester United, who have been closely following the player’s situation for some time, although now direct competition seems to have emerged between the two English clubs.”

In a fresh twist to the story, it is added that finally De Jong might be ready to embrace interest from abroad and willingly depart the Catalan giants.

It is claimed that the decision to let the “fundamental” midfielder go is not an easy one for Barcelona but the financial needs of the club may “tip the balance”.

Interestingly, it is stated that “the possibility of exploring a new challenge in the Premier League and the temptation of an ambitious project could seduce the player.”

The 27 year old’s ability to handle the ball under pressure and precise passing are seen as very attractive qualities to both United and Spurs.

The Spanish site concludes by stating that Ruben Amorim maintains United’s long-standing interest in the Dutch international as an “historic transfer” could be triggered in the near future.

De Jong would certainly bring a level of passing to the United midfield that will likely be lost once Christian Eriksen leaves but it is debatable whether he would have the physical intensity that Amorim seems to crave in players.

Manchester United have ambitiously set their sights on Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, as per reports.

United are in north London today to face Arsenal. Despite a promising start under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils are seen as the second favourites for the high-profile clash at the Emirates.

Irrespective of what happens tonight, there is no doubt that the United board will have to sign several top players in order for Amorim to consistently go toe-to-toe with the likes of Arteta.

In that regard, a report has suggested the Mancunian giants are interested in signing a superstar of another north London outfit.

Son Heung-min is “viable” Manchester United transfer target

A report from GIVEMESPORT reads: “There’s plenty of chat around Old Trafford that Tottenham star Son Heung-min is a viable target.”

It further adds: “Son – described as being “world-class” by Ange Postecoglou – would certainly be welcomed by United fans who still regret losing out to Bayern Munich who signed Harry Kane – Son’s partner in crime at Spurs.”

Following multiple big-name exits at Spurs in recent seasons, Son has become a crucial figure under Postecoglou. He has also been handed the captain’s armband.

The 32-year-old forward, who has been directly involved in seven goals in the Premier League this term, is in the final year of his contract.

As things stand, he will be available on a free transfer next summer. However, Spurs still have an option to extend his deal by one-year to 2026 if they fail to find an agreement over a new long-term contract.

Son is one of the best attackers in Europe in transition situations and has all the tools, including pace and impeccable ball-striking ability, to be a great fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and challenge Marcus Rashford for the left-sided number 10 spot behind the striker.

However, even on a free transfer, the Spurs talisman would be a risky option, owing to his age.

United have signed many veteran forwards, including Cristiano Ronaldo, in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era and bar Zlatan Ibrahimovic all stars have failed to meet expectations.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Manchester United are interested in Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro, as per reports from Spain.

Amorim’s arrival at Carrington was followed by question marks over United’s full-back options, as the new manager’s 3-4-3 system relies heavily on the side’s full-backs to create chances from wide areas.

As far as the right-flank is concerned, Amad Diallo has so far exceeded the expectations, proving to be a very promising option as a right wing-back going forward. However, it remains to be seen how he deals with defensive responsibilities against more able opponents.

In the meantime, the Red Devils continue to be linked with other quality options for the position. It has been widely reported that Amorim wants to reunite with Sporting CP right wing-back Geovany Quenda.

Now, it is being suggested that United are following Porro, another full-back who has previously impressed under Amorim.

According to SPORT (via Sport Witness), the Tottenham Hotspur star is ready to move to a “giant” club and has attracted interest from several top European sides, including Real Madrid.

The Spanish outlet says “now is the time” for the Spaniard to depart North London and earn a big move.

The 25-year-old, known for his creative instincts, has been one of Spurs’ best players under Ange Postecoglou.

United, alongside Madrid and Manchester City, are believed to be keen on Porro.

However, Spurs’ stance on the potential departure of their prized asset, who only joined the club from Sporting in 2023, remains unclear.

After struggling to cement his place under Pep Guardiola at City, Porro moved to Portugal and thrived under Amorim at Sporting before returning to England.

As such, if the player is indeed looking to leave Spurs, the idea of reuniting with his ex-boss in Manchester isn’t far-fetched and can’t be ruled out at the moment.

Featured image Tom Dulat via Getty Images

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly contemplating sanctioning a January deal for PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Malik Tillman.

It has been suggested that Amorim will have very little to spend in the upcoming windows, amidst United’s dire financial shape – a fact that became even more apparent after the club announced its quarterly results.

It’s believed that United chiefs are eager for Amorim to try and get the most out of his current squad.

However, this has not stopped the Red Devils from continuing to be linked with several stars, even as the January transfer period approaches.

According to GIVEMESPORT, United retain an interest in Malik, who plies his trade in the Eredivisie. There are at least two other Premier League clubs also eyeing the midfielder, who was described by his USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino as “unbelievable” and “similar to Dele Alli.”

“Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is facing competition from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur after setting his sights on luring PSV Eindhoven star Malik Tillman to Old Trafford during the fast-approaching winter transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.”

“Manchester United are monitoring Tillman ahead of potentially testing PSV’s resolve with a formal proposal in January, according to GMS sources, but their pursuit is in danger of being complicated due to Aston Villa and Tottenham also contemplating whether to offer a route into the Premier League.”

“His performances have left his current employers facing a battle to keep him on board as the Red Devils, Villans and Spurs have been checking him out as they make plans for the winter transfer window.”

GMS add that United, Spurs and Villa have all sent scouts to watch Tilman in action.

It’s understood that he has more than three years left on his £5,000-per-week contract with PSV Eindhoven.

Tillman impressed on loan at the Philips Stadion from Bayern Munich last term, prompting the Dutch outfit to make the signing a permanent one for around £10 million before the start of the ongoing 2024/25 campaign.

Bayern have a £30million buy-back and a sell-on clause for the ex-Rangers attacking midfielder.

So far this term, Tillman has made 17 appearances across the Eredivisie and the Champions League, registering an impressive six goals and three assists in that period.

Featured image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly contemplating making a January swoop for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, in a bid to beat Manchester United to his services.

Gomes rose through Manchester United’s academy and made history as the club’s fourth youngest player, debuting in the Premier League against Crystal Palace in May 2017 at just 16 years and 263 days old.

However, he was unable to build on this feat and found playing time hard to come by. Gomes made just 10 first-team appearances for the Red Devils before his departure in 2020.

He has looked like a player reborn at Lille, where he has attracted a number of top clubs to his availability, especially as he nears free agency in the summer of 2025.

There have been whispers of a potential return to United and when asked about these suggestions last month, Gomes welcomed them, indicating he retains a “soft spot” for the club.

Other teams thought to have the midfield technician on their radar include Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and even Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Spurs want to steal a march on their rivals by trying to strike a deal for Gomes as early as when the winter transfer window opens.

“Tottenham Hotspur are considering making a January offer for Angel Gomes as boss Ange Postecoglou and members of the Hotspur Way hierarchy are desperate to beat the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United to the Lille star’s signature, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.”

“[Postecoglou] is working with technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy to win the race for Gomes.”

“Tottenham have been making inroads in a bid to discover whether it would be possible to snap up Gomes for a small fee when the transfer window reopens in January, according to GMS sources, and they are mulling over whether to launch an offer in an attempt to see off competition from Manchester United and Newcastle.”

The news outlet states that Spurs are eager to test Lille to determine whether they’re willing to gain some money from parting ways with Gomes instead of just letting him leave a few months later for nothing.

GMS add that United “are only likely” to “pounce” on Gomes when he officially becomes a free agent in the summer.

It’s understood that the 24-year-old currently earns less than £11,500-per-week in France but is eyeing a whooping £150,000-per-week, as he seeks to capitalise on the increasing demand for his services.

Manchester United are facing the possibility of playing two crucial games in less than 48 hours, following the confirmation of their Carabao Cup quarter-final meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

United proceeded to the quarter-final stage of the competition after easing past Leicester City in a 5-2 victory last week. The match was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first as interim manager.

United have now confirmed that they will take on Ange Postecoglou’s men at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday 19 December.

Kick-off is at 20:00 BST and unsurprisingly, the fixture has been selected to be shown live on Sky Sports.

It was expected that quarter-final ties will be played in the week commencing Monday, December 16.

Presumably, this would have seen the Red Devils’ clash with the North London outfit take place on either Tuesday, December 17 or Wednesday, December 18, in line with Carabao Cup traditions.

Currently, United are set to face Spurs on December 19, followed by a home match against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday, December 21, with the latter kicking off at 15:00 BST.

If this stands, the 20-time English champions will be forced to prepare for two matches in less than 48 hours.

Last month, the Premier League revealed its TV picks for the Christmas and New Year period, and United’s match against Bournemouth was not selected for live broadcast in the UK, so it remains scheduled for its original 15:00 BST time slot on December 21.

Even worse for United is that they are scheduled to take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on December 15. Ruben Amorim and his players may therefore find themselves in a situation in which they play three times in less than a week.

There is certainly a serious risk of the United stars pushing themselves to the limit.

It’s unclear whether the club will seek a postponement of the Bournemouth clash to guarantee the team a little bit more recovery time.

Manchester United are losing ground in the race for League of Ireland star Mason Melia.

Ineos have been very decisive so far in terms of bringing in young talent, such as Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone.

The Red Devils have also been linked with other skilled starlets such as Chris Rigg at Sunderland and Franco Mastantuoso at River Plate, as they aim to become the premier destination for young talent in world football.

The 17-year-old Irish star Melia is another player United are keen to add to their squad of already talented teenagers. Nonetheless, they face an uphill task to land him as one Premier League team has already taken a lead to secure his services.

According to TEAMtalk, “Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race ahead of their Premier League rivals to land Irish teen sensation Mason Melia.”

“Melia is regarded as one of the best young talents to emerge from Ireland after impressing for Dublin-based outfit St Patrick’s Athletic and for Republic of Ireland’s youth sides over the course of the last two years.”

Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as United, have all sat up and taken notice of the player’s rise but it is Spurs who are reportedly in “pole position” to land the talented forward.

“Tottenham see Melia as a potential star in the making and they are keen to steal a march on their rivals by firming up a move for the teenager as soon as possible”.

He has played over 50 times for the League of Ireland side despite his tender years and has scored 10 goals.

According to scout reports, Melia is a “very direct player” who “possesses some excellent close control, allowing him to retain possession whilst travelling at speed.”

He also has “a good eye for a pass” and can make “highly intelligent” off-the-ball movements to open up defences.

It was reported last year that United had been tracking the youngster and then in the summer it seemed that Everton had taken a lead in securing the exciting forward’s services.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images