Latest news with #RedDevils
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ruben Amorim drops hint on next Man Utd transfer target in honest post-match message
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Bryan Mbeumo but plenty more transfer activity is expected at Old Trafford following their poor 2024-25 campaign Ruben Amorim singled out Manchester United 's midfield as a potential area of concern after the Red Devils played out an uneventful 0-0 draw with Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday. United jet off on their pre-season tour of the United States on Tuesday but kicked off their pre-season campaign with a match against their bitter rivals at the Strawberry Arena. There was little to savour, though, as both sides laboured to a goalless draw. Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon, United's only summer signings, both played in the first half and caught the eye. But with United in need of more quality additions before the new Premier League campaign kicks off next month, Amorim gave an honest assessment post-match where he pointed out the 'lack of pace' in United's engine room. He said: "It was a pre-season game. The gaps between our sectors was sometimes too big. "We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park and you can feel it is hard to win and bring the ball. But we created chances." Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes played together in midfield during the first half with Cunha and Toby Collyer ahead of them in the dual No 10 roles, though Collyer and Amad switched roles later in the half. Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte was United's midfield pairing for the second period. United are expected to target a new No 9 now that they have finally agreed terms with Brentford for the transfer of Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to undergo a medical and finalise his move over the weekend. But Amorim's comments could be a hint that United will now focus on adding to their midfield options after focusing on their attack. In Cunha and Mbeumo, United have secured two of the Premier League's top forwards from last season and Amorim was pleased with what he saw from Cunha in his first appearance for the club. He said: "I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need. That he is a player when he receives the ball between the lines can be really aggressive in the direction of the opponents. "We watched that during last season in a different team so we expect the same thing. Of course you can see the connection between him and Bruno is still not there but it's going to be a good connection." 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.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd star who refused contract while Erik ten Hag was boss suffers huge fall from grace
Millions of youngsters around the world dream of playing for Manchester United, but one Red Devils academy ace infamously snubbed a contract offer from the Reds Former Manchester United academy starlet Martin Svidersky is still yet to make his senior debut for Almeria. Ever since his move to the La Liga side, the Slovakian youngster has been confined to reserve team duties. In the summer of 2022, the then-19 year old turned down a new contract with the Red Devils and exited Old Trafford for a fresh start with the Spanish club. Despite battling through numerous injuries while in the academy, United were keen to keep him and offered him an extension. At that time, the Red Devils had just gone through a dismal season, which resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal and Ralf Rangnick taking temporary charge. Svidersky, who joined United at the tender age of 15 in 2018, could have had the chance to showcase his talents to Erik ten Hag. Instead, he opted for a switch to Spain with Almeria, but the move hasn't gone as planned for the midfielder. His failure to break into the first team is a huge fall from grace after he was tipped for big things when he arrived on the red side of Manchester. Upon signing for Almeria, he expressed his optimism to RTVS at the time, saying: "I have spent the last days in Spain, where my steps will continue. They will follow in the first Spanish league, La Liga. I have high expectations, it will be a new experience, a new country." However, his journey with Almeria got off to a rocky start when he was sent off on his debut for the reserves, despite their 3-0 victory over El Palo FC. His dismissal came after he had waited four months to get onto the pitch for the B team. After an 18-month stint, he was loaned out to Real Murcia, who ultimately decided not to make the move permanent. Svidersky did see more action with Almeria's reserves last season, clocking up 24 appearances. However, he might now be regretting his choice to leave Old Trafford. In October 2022, he explained his decision to turn down United's contract offer, believing that he would grow more as a player and individual in Spain. Speaking to Flashscore, he said: "I experienced a lot of nice moments in Manchester, but also difficult moments. They definitely strengthened me and taught me a lot. I tried to use every second. "I think I made the most of my time. It's true that I didn't manage to fulfil the dream I came for, I was very close, but I chose a different path. "I prioritised personal development over 'fame'. I met great people who I have stayed in touch with. Thank you also for my second parents from Manchester who have already come to visit me in Spain." The Slovakian's exit also meant missing out on what could have been an impressive season at United under Ten Hag, who led the team to a third-place finish and a League Cup victory. That season turned out to be Ten Hag's best with United, as they ended up eighth the next year before clinching the FA Cup. The former Ajax boss was dismissed at the end of October 2024 following a loss to West Ham United which left the team languishing in 14th place.
Leader Live
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Matheus Cunha showed what we need on Man Utd debut
Seven weeks after bringing the curtain down on their post-season trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong, the Red Devils stepped up their preparations for the new campaign at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. Amorim's men and rivals Leeds fought out a scoreless draw, with both sides making wholesale changes midway through a friendly that saw Cunha make his first appearance since his £62.5million switch from Wolves. Head coach Amorim said: 'It was a pre-season game. I think the distance between the sectors was really big sometimes. 💬 "I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need…but we have to increase our quality in the final third." Ruben's post-match reaction on #MUTV 👇 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025 'We suffered a little bit when we tried to press high. They kicked the ball, win the second ball and they were dangerous in that moment. 'We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park and you can feel that it's hard to bring the ball, but we created chances. 'I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need – that is the player when he receives the ball between the lines can be really aggressive in direction of the opponent. 'We watched that during last season in a different team, so we expect the same thing. 'Of course, you can see that the connection between him and Bruno (Fernandes) is still not there, but it's going to be a good connection.' Cunha played the first half in Sweden, as did fellow new boy Diego Leon. The 18-year-old left wing-back recently linked up with the Red Devils having agreed to move to Old Trafford from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno in January. 'We have to understand that the kid came from Paraguay and it's the second week in Manchester United,' Amorim told MUTV. 'He did really well. 'He's learning things, he's powerful. He's going to be a very good player.' Amorim felt Leeds provided 'a good test' but knows his side have a 'lot to do' as they prepare to face three more Premier League opponents in the United States. Thank you, Stockholm 🫵🇸🇪 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025 They will take on West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton on their pre-season tour, which they jet out to on Tuesday. 'It's really important,' Amorim said of the time away in America. 'I think we need to create that bond between everybody – not just them, but also the staff. 'All the changes are stopping, so we need to leave that as a group. We have a lot to improve – the speed of the game, all the details we are going to improve. 'I felt the environment is really good. Of course sometimes we are going to struggle, but what I feel since the first moment is we are going to struggle but we are (going to) struggle together, and that is the beginning of everything. 'Then we have to put the quality, because this club is not just about the effort. It's the quality and you have to win games.'
North Wales Chronicle
14 hours ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Matheus Cunha showed what we need on Man Utd debut
Seven weeks after bringing the curtain down on their post-season trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong, the Red Devils stepped up their preparations for the new campaign at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. Amorim's men and rivals Leeds fought out a scoreless draw, with both sides making wholesale changes midway through a friendly that saw Cunha make his first appearance since his £62.5million switch from Wolves. Head coach Amorim said: 'It was a pre-season game. I think the distance between the sectors was really big sometimes. 💬 "I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need…but we have to increase our quality in the final third." Ruben's post-match reaction on #MUTV 👇 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025 'We suffered a little bit when we tried to press high. They kicked the ball, win the second ball and they were dangerous in that moment. 'We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park and you can feel that it's hard to bring the ball, but we created chances. 'I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need – that is the player when he receives the ball between the lines can be really aggressive in direction of the opponent. 'We watched that during last season in a different team, so we expect the same thing. 'Of course, you can see that the connection between him and Bruno (Fernandes) is still not there, but it's going to be a good connection.' Cunha played the first half in Sweden, as did fellow new boy Diego Leon. The 18-year-old left wing-back recently linked up with the Red Devils having agreed to move to Old Trafford from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno in January. 'We have to understand that the kid came from Paraguay and it's the second week in Manchester United,' Amorim told MUTV. 'He did really well. 'He's learning things, he's powerful. He's going to be a very good player.' Amorim felt Leeds provided 'a good test' but knows his side have a 'lot to do' as they prepare to face three more Premier League opponents in the United States. Thank you, Stockholm 🫵🇸🇪 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025 They will take on West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton on their pre-season tour, which they jet out to on Tuesday. 'It's really important,' Amorim said of the time away in America. 'I think we need to create that bond between everybody – not just them, but also the staff. 'All the changes are stopping, so we need to leave that as a group. We have a lot to improve – the speed of the game, all the details we are going to improve. 'I felt the environment is really good. Of course sometimes we are going to struggle, but what I feel since the first moment is we are going to struggle but we are (going to) struggle together, and that is the beginning of everything. 'Then we have to put the quality, because this club is not just about the effort. It's the quality and you have to win games.'
Rhyl Journal
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Matheus Cunha showed what we need on Man Utd debut
Seven weeks after bringing the curtain down on their post-season trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong, the Red Devils stepped up their preparations for the new campaign at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. Amorim's men and rivals Leeds fought out a scoreless draw, with both sides making wholesale changes midway through a friendly that saw Cunha make his first appearance since his £62.5million switch from Wolves. Head coach Amorim said: 'It was a pre-season game. I think the distance between the sectors was really big sometimes. 💬 "I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need…but we have to increase our quality in the final third." Ruben's post-match reaction on #MUTV 👇 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025 'We suffered a little bit when we tried to press high. They kicked the ball, win the second ball and they were dangerous in that moment. 'We have a lack of pace, especially in the middle of the park and you can feel that it's hard to bring the ball, but we created chances. 'I think Matheus Cunha showed what we need – that is the player when he receives the ball between the lines can be really aggressive in direction of the opponent. 'We watched that during last season in a different team, so we expect the same thing. 'Of course, you can see that the connection between him and Bruno (Fernandes) is still not there, but it's going to be a good connection.' Cunha played the first half in Sweden, as did fellow new boy Diego Leon. The 18-year-old left wing-back recently linked up with the Red Devils having agreed to move to Old Trafford from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno in January. 'We have to understand that the kid came from Paraguay and it's the second week in Manchester United,' Amorim told MUTV. 'He did really well. 'He's learning things, he's powerful. He's going to be a very good player.' Amorim felt Leeds provided 'a good test' but knows his side have a 'lot to do' as they prepare to face three more Premier League opponents in the United States. Thank you, Stockholm 🫵🇸🇪 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2025 They will take on West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton on their pre-season tour, which they jet out to on Tuesday. 'It's really important,' Amorim said of the time away in America. 'I think we need to create that bond between everybody – not just them, but also the staff. 'All the changes are stopping, so we need to leave that as a group. We have a lot to improve – the speed of the game, all the details we are going to improve. 'I felt the environment is really good. Of course sometimes we are going to struggle, but what I feel since the first moment is we are going to struggle but we are (going to) struggle together, and that is the beginning of everything. 'Then we have to put the quality, because this club is not just about the effort. It's the quality and you have to win games.'
