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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd chief Omar Berrada gets transfer reality check after agreeing latest deal
Omar Berra left Manchester City to lead the rebuild of Manchester United but he and his colleagues are not having things all their own way in the transfer market Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada was hailed as the man who would bring back the glory years to Old Trafford when Sir Jim Ratcliffe lured him away from Manchester City last year. But the 47-year-old has discovered that if you don't enter the transfer market in a position of strength then football becomes a cruel business. Berrada has been working closely with director of football Jason Wilcox to recruit the kind of talent that manager Ruben Amorim is demanding after a nightmare first six months at the club ended with United finishing in their lowest league position for 50 years. Amorim will be delighted that by the time he touches down in Chicago at the start of United's pre-season tour of the United States, he will have Bryan Mbeumo to strengthen an attack that will also include the hugely talented Matheus Cunha. But Berrada has had to sanction a £70million outlay to secure Mbeumo - the price he was quoted two months ago when United had a £55million opening bid rejected immediately by Brentford for the Cameroon star. Cunha was secured for the £62.5million buy-out clause stipulated in his contract at Wolves. And United must pay the fee in three instalments over the next two years after the Molineux club dismissed a notion that the deal could be settled over an extended five-year period. This isn't the way that Berrada did business at the Etihad. When he worked alongside City sporting director Txiki Begiristain, the pair would often walk away from deals if the figures didn't add up. City refused to break their budget when Southampton were asking for a world-record £75million for Virgil van Dijk. While their stance backfired on that occasion, they did the same when it came to negotiations over players like Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, Fred and Jorginho. The first three of those names ended up at Old Trafford. United's lack of joined-up thinking continued when Berrada arrived last summer. More than £200million was lavished on Levy Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui - and in November the decision was taken to sack manager Erik ten Hag. Amorim was recruited from Sporting Lisbon on Berrada's insistence - despite the Portuguese's three-at-the-back philosophy being an awkward fit for the squad he inherited. With United more than £1billion in debt and facing issues complying with Profit and Sustainability Regulations, the club are unable to spend their way out of the mess that has been created by more than a decade of gross mismanagement. When Amorim's team lost to Spurs in the Europa League Final in May and missed out on Champions League qualification, the need to sell unwanted players to raise money became even more acute. Cashing in on Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia would have potentially raised hundreds of millions of pounds in normal circumstances. But Amorim's decision to group them in a so called bomb-squad, refusing to allow them to train with the players he wants to take into the new season and instructing them to report for fitness sessions late in the afternoon when the chosen ones have left the building at Carrington means interested clubs are playing a waiting game in the knowledge that United are being held to ransom by the policy. Berrada must find a way of breaking the deadlock - and quickly. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ruben Amorim staring host of expensive Man Utd problems in face with clock ticking ahead of new Premier League season
United are no better equipped than they were at the end of May NO MOR SOLVED Ruben Amorim staring host of expensive Man Utd problems in face with clock ticking ahead of new Premier League season Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT wasn't supposed to be like this for Manchester United. After the chaos of last season, things were meant to be better from the off. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ruben Amorim's summer wishlist is nowhere close to being met Credit: Getty A transfer strategy aimed at getting rid of those Ruben Amorim did not want, and a squad replenished with signings hand-picked to meet the Portuguese manager's requirements. Yet as United prepare to start their pre-season campaign against Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday, it is hard for anyone to suggest this has been the smooth and decisive summer that Amorim had anticipated. Instead, just four weeks out from United's Prem opener against Arsenal, the Old Trafford outfit appear no better equipped than they were at the end of May. And, arguably, still facing all of the problems that confronted them then - with time running out. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS DEVIL YOU KNOW How Man Utd may be biggest losers in Liverpool and Newcastle's Ekitike fight When Amorim and his players flew out to the Far East just hours after beating Aston Villa on the final day of last season - a win still overshadowed by the ramifications of their Europa League Final defeat by Spurs four days earlier - it came following a public apology from the manager. Amorim told the United faithful: 'I know you are really disappointed with me - and really disappointed with the team. 'Now we have to make a choice or stay stuck in the past. We fight each other or stick together and move forward. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford 'When I took over, I said to you the storm was coming. After this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming. If there is one club in the world that can overcome any situation, it's our club.' That implied swift decisions. Quick action. Man Utd fans fume over ill-timed video and rage 'get a grip' None of which have taken place. Apart from the significant behind the scenes lay-offs and cost-cutting moves that were deeply unpopular. United did make one early strike, landing Wolves' Brazilian ace Matheus Cunha in a £62.5m deal. In addition, after more than a few moments of doubt, they held onto skipper Bruno Fernandes, who turned down the chance of a mega-bucks Saudi pay day. But they were rejected by both Liam Delap - whose decision to join Chelsea instead has already brought a Club World Cup winners medal - and Arsenal-bound Viktor Gyokeres. And while United made their pitch for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo more than a month ago, they have failed to get it over the line, with two bids, both short of the Bees' £70m valuation, rejected so far and seemingly little chance that the Cameroonian will be aboard when Amorim and his squad fly to Chicago on Tuesday. That would be bad enough. But Amorim's decision, backed by the United hierarchy, to segregate and isolate the five-player 'Bomb Squad' of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia, has added to the problems. While Fernandes staying as a boost for the squad, it was a problem for the balance sheet - United would have been able to bank the entire proposed £100m fee for their PSR calculations. United will be able to do the same with deals for Rashford and Garnacho but face accounting losses unless they can get significant fees for the others. And, knowing that - and the wages Rashford and Sancho in particular are on - means United are being low-balled when enquiries are made. It means more uncertainty hanging over the squad at the time when Amorim would have preferred certainty and calm. A situation not eased by the hamstring injury that threatens to rule Andre Onana out of the start of the Prem campaign - even if plenty of United fans would have wanted a new No 1 brought in. It was evident last season that Amorim did not have a squad that was designed to fit his 3-4-3 formation, too many square pegs battered into round holes, the club's worst season since they were relegated more than 50 years ago the natural consequence. Yet with the clock ticking, Amorim seems no better off than he did when he made those public apologies. No wonder the United fans are concerned.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Fulham star Calvin Bassey refurbishes childhood youth club to inspire next generation
Centre-back determined to invest cash and commitment to the centre that helped turn him into a Premier League and Europa League star Calvin Bassey could be forgiven for dining out on his status as Fulham 's Player of last Season. Instead the coveted centre-back has gone back to the future to pay it forward. Bassey, 25, has funded the renovation and reopening of the Forest Gate Youth Centre - where he spent his teenage years - in east London. It was an environment that would shape and encourage his determination to become a footballer, let alone win silverware with Rangers and move to the elite division of English club football. Since impressing at the 2022 Europa League Final with that club, Bassey has been snapped by Dutch giants Ajax and sign for Fulham for a £20million fee two years ago. He has never forgotten, however, how and where it all began - in Forest Gate. The Calvin Bassey Collective launched last week, hosting 90 young people and giving back to the community. It is an initiative rooted in community, inclusivity, and empowerment, pledging long-term support for young people across London by investing in safe spaces and creating opportunities both on and off the pitch. 'For me, it's special,' Bassey told Mirrorfootball, "because it's a place me and my friends used to come, gather and just have fun, Just be kids. 'The centre was able to provide us with certain things my family didn't have. A table tennis table, for example. 'I didn't have that at home, so being able to come here and play table tennis sounds so simple, but when you're here, it's lit. 'So I've got good memories with my boys here.' It hasn't all been plain sailing for Bassey. As with a number of areas across the country, crime has blighted and claimed the lives of loved ones he grew up with over the years. But the heartbreak has acted as an inspiration rather than an obstacle. 'I'm just a normal guy and I want to show kids that if I can do it, they can do it. That's what I want them to leave with them. 'That's my motivation to improve this safe space with a gym, new astro turf and goals for them to play football. 'I want try to help this place stay fun and interactive for the kids. It's important to me. 'Growing up I've had friends, I've lost friends and it's important for me to not have other kids repeat that cycle. 'Unfortunately we've had kids in the area getting involved in gang knife crimes. So for me it's my way of trying to tackle it and give kids the inspiration that if one angle doesn't work out, there are other ways that you can achieve your dream. 'There are other opportunities out there and for me it's making sure they're focused on what's more important.' Religion was all important to Bassey as a child and still is. Both his parents made sacrifices - despite their humble beginnings - to ensure his career could begin at Leicester. He is now proud to praised God for his success. 'God is my guide. He protects me. My middle name is Chinedu which means 'God leads'. 'So God guides me and he protects me. And I'm so happy that people are coming out and being so open about it, showing the amazing things God's been able to do in our lives, you know, because I truly believe that without God, none of this would be here.' Crystal Palace 's shock FA Cup win has acted to inspire clubs outside the Premier League 's top six teams that they too can beat the elite clubs to silverware in the most competitive league in the world. Fulham kick of the new season away to Brighton next month and Bassey is confident his side will be among the clubs similarly hungry to defy the odds. 'Last season, the so-called mid-table clubs like Bournemouth did so well and it just goes to show the quality in the Premier League throughout - from position one to position 20. 'We were able to beat Liverpool in April and they went on to be champions. It shows what happens with togetherness and when players really buy into what the manager wants- you can achieve anything.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
How to watch Manchester United's pre-season fixtures LIVE? — Streaming info, full schedule, kick-off times
Manchester United will engage in packed pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 season, where the Premier League club will play against several friendly matches. Where will Manchester United go for its pre-season tour? Ruben Amorim's team endured a nightmare campaign last year, finishing 15th in the Premier League, Manchester United's lowest finish since being relegated in 1974. The Red Devils were then also defeated in the Europa League Final by Tottenham, so do not have any European football this time round. United will start the pre-season tour in Sweden before travelling to United States to participate in Premier League Summer Series. What are Manchester United's pre-season friendly matches? July 19 - Manchester United v Leeds United (Stockholm) - Saturday, 14.00 BST (6:30pm IST) August 9 - Manchester United vs Fiorentina (Old Trafford) - Saturday, 12:45 BST (5:15pm IST) Premier League Summer Series July 26 - Manchester United v West Ham United (New Jersey) - Saturday, 00.00 BST (4:30am IST) July 30 - Manchester United vs Bournemouth (Chicago) - Wednesday, 2.30pm BST (7:00am IST) August 6 - Manchester United vs Everton (Atlanta) - Wednesday, 22:00 BST (2:30am IST) Where to watch Arsenal's 2025/26 pre-season friendlies LIVE? Premier League Summer Series fixtures are available on watch Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland. All other Manchester United friendly matches will be available for live-streaming on MUTV via pay per view pass. Related Topics Manchester United
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Smug Celtic ooze disrespect and a new Rangers will reign supreme as trophy dominators
The pre-season phoney war is ramping up on the Hotline and Rangers fans are growing in belief by the minute with Russell Martin's recruitment drive. Ibrox punters reckon this could be the year cocky Celtic get knocked off their perch. John Spence, South Ayrshire, said: 'You can almost touch the complacency which oozes from the usual suspects. 'They pontificate at length about their wealth, about how dominant they've been, their elite manager Brendan Rodgers etc. 'They dismiss Rangers with smug disdain, even though this is a Rangers with new owners, proper funding and an ambitious, young manager in place, with a raft of new, hungry players, who have experience of playing at a level similar to the SPFL. 'Well, pride comes before a fall and next season they're going to come crashing down from a great height. Bring it on!' George Wilson, West Sussex, said: 'Celtic fans should realise they are not the European and world giants they think. They are nobodies outwith Scotland. 'They have only been as successful as they have recently because they have had nobody to beat in Scotland. 'Rangers and Celtic have historically swapped being top dog so it's just a matter of time until it's Rangers' turn again.' Alan Flett, via email, said: 'The way Celtic fans gloat about the Champions League is just priceless. 'The next time that Rangers are in the competition, I really hope that we exit the competition at the first knockout round, having only got there by way of beating the two poorest teams in the group stage. 'What a great achievement that would be! Why on earth would you want to play in a Europa League Final, when you can get knocked out of the Champions League at the earliest opportunity and become a laughing stock all around Europe every year?' Gers have been plundering the English market for signings but Robert Livingston, Palm Beach, said: 'Lennon Miller is surely a future star that's crying out to be signed and one Rangers badly need –whatever the cost – to compete for the league title. 'What many Rangers fans must know and get the answer straight from Martin's own lips is why he made no bid for one of the best homegrown talents in donkey's years. 'Instead he signs lesser players whom their clubs are only too glad to get rid of, a dolly mixture of average players even some dross. 'That won't fill fans with any great prospect of success in Champions League and SPFL. Rangers haven't learnt from past mistakes over several years.' Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy has been linked with Gers but Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: 'There's more chance of Peter Vardy. 'Like my old car, it's an non-starter 'Desperation is creeping into Ibrox and they can't attract a high calibre player like the Gascoigne era. Instead they are looking at players after their last paycheck and one can see a new name finishing second as it won't be Martin's new bunch of OAPs.'
