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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man Utd face big decision as striker responds to exit rumours
Rasmus Hojlund Faces Fresh Scrutiny but Declares Commitment to Manchester United Future promises amid present doubts There is an art to sounding certain when everything around you is uncertain. Rasmus Hojlund, the £72 million striker whose goals have largely been memories rather than moments, has spoken, not with the bullish swagger of a man in demand, but with the soft, oddly formal cadence of a player trying to persuade himself as much as anyone else. Photo: IMAGO 'I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United,' he told Ekstra Bladet. As Reported by TalkSport. In footballing terms, that's somewhere between a shrug and a vow. Expectation, after all, is not the same as certainty. Numbers that tell a brutal truth The raw statistics are difficult to sugarcoat. Four goals in 32 Premier League appearances. That's not a lean patch, it's a drought. When the number of goal involvements mirrors that of Ederson, Manchester City's goalkeeper, it becomes a kind of grim poetry. Advertisement And it gets worse. Hojlund's struggles are not confined to the red half of Manchester. He's scored just once for Denmark since October 2023, and even that fleeting spark is now smothered by a 2-1 slog over Northern Ireland. Subbed off after 66 minutes, his international manager Brian Riemer offered more confusion than clarity. Photo IMAGO 'It was difficult for him, and it wasn't what we had hoped for,' Riemer admitted, suggesting tactical misalignment more than personal failure. 'He becomes isolated, and then the match ends as it does.' Inter Milan whispers and the shadow of Gyokeres All of this comes at a time when Manchester United are supposedly eyeing other striking options. Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a compelling link, largely due to his rapport with ex-Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim. Photo: IMAGO Amid this backdrop, Inter Milan reportedly expressed interest in a £38 million move. Such figures, while below the sum paid by United, would at least allow all parties to save face. But Hojlund insists he hasn't entertained such talk. 'I try to stay away from all that,' he said, before reinforcing once again that 'I expect to play [at United]'. Advertisement It is loyalty, of a kind. Or perhaps resignation. Still room for growth? What makes the Hojlund situation so perplexing is the paradox it represents. Physically imposing and technically promising, the 22-year-old clearly possesses the tools. What he lacks, at the moment, is rhythm, consistency and perhaps trust—both from himself and those around him. The forward's own words feel scripted, but not insincere. 'I'm looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway.' The project, however, remains vaguely defined. What exactly is underway? A revival? A reset? Or the slow fade of yet another big-money United gamble? Our View – EPL Index Analysis He's young, hungry, and was never meant to carry the weight of a broken attack. Yet when the club splashes £72 million on a player, the fans have every right to expect impact, not excuses. Advertisement The idea that he has the same number of goal contributions as Ederson? That's the kind of statistic that fuels pub debates and meme pages, not title challenges. Add the fact that the new manager arrived with a clear tactical shift—and possibly a preference for someone like Gyokeres—and Hojlund's place becomes precarious. Still, there's something endearing in his insistence that he's staying, that he's invested. Supporters respond to honesty, even if it's tinged with naivety. But this is Manchester United. Sentiment only lasts until September. After that, it's goals or the bench.
Metro
5 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Ruben Amorim makes Jadon Sancho decision as two clubs eye moves for Man Utd flop
Ruben Amorim has 'no intention' of reintegrating Jadon Sancho into his Manchester United squad as three clubs eye moves for the former Chelsea loanee. Chelsea agreed to sign Sancho on a permanent transfer when the England international joined the club on loan last summer. However, Chelsea were able to cancel the £25m agreement by paying Manchester United £5m in compensation. Chelsea were not expected to go down that route despite Sancho's inconsistent season at Stamford Bridge but informed United the player would be returning after contract talks broke down. The 25-year-old largely underwhelmed in west London, scoring just three league goals for the club, but did help Enzo Maresca's side qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Chelsea were willing to make Sancho's stay permanent but the two parties were some distance apart during contract negotiations and he is now set to return to Manchester United. It was Erik ten Hag who sanctioned Sancho's departure from Old Trafford last summer and the pair had a strained relationship which culminated in a public fall-out over his standards in training. Ten Hag was sacked in October and replaced by Amorim but Sancho's Manchester United prospects will not improve under the ex-Sporting Lisbon manager. The Daily Mirror says Amorim has 'no intention' of reintegrating Sancho into the United squad and will push for his sale this summer. Amorim is keen to bolster his attacking options but is pushing to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and has already welcomed Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home — teammates, staff and the the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, Thank you Blues 💙🙏🏼 — Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) June 3, 2025 Given Amorim's stance, Manchester United will begin talking to clubs about a deal for Sancho and hope to raise at least the £25m they were due to receive from Chelsea. It is claimed Sancho's best hope of a transfer at this stage lies in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr all interested in the former Borussia Dortmund star. Sancho is believed to be on around £300,000-a-week at Old Trafford and it is unlikely any European clubs will be willing to take on those wages. More Trending Manchester United have already held talks with Saudi Pro League teams this summer as Al Hilal thought they were closing in on Bruno Fernandes before the midfielder decided to stay put. Sancho, meanwhile, is open to the idea of spending next season out on loan once again before leaving United on a free transfer in the summer of 2026. Reacting to Chelsea's decision to send him back to Manchester United, Sancho said: 'Grateful for the experience. 'Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home — teammates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, thank you Blues.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Chelsea urged to ruin Manchester United's transfer plans by hijacking £60m deal MORE: Inter Milan in talks with Arsenal legend to replace Simone Inzaghi MORE: AC Milan set price for Chelsea to sign Mike Maignan
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Fernandes dines with 'Al-Hilal's secret agent' amid Man Utd transfer exit talks
Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes is the subject of huge interest from Al-Hilal and has been out dining with one of their current stars, Joao Cancelo, as he weighs up an offer Bruno Fernandes continues to be linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal and has been spotted dining with Portugal pal Joao Cancelo - who has been dubbed a "secret agent" by fans as he looks to convince the Manchester United star to join him in the Middle East. Al Hilal are willing to make Fernandes one of the best-paid players in the world and will fork out £100m to sign the playmaker. Fernandes' agent Miguel Pinho has been in Riyadh for talks with senior Al Hilal individuals and those in Saudi see it as a positive sign that discussions have been held. United want to retain Fernandes, but Al Hilal believe every player has a price. The Portuguese star will turn 31 in September, but does have a contract until 2027. It has been reported that the Saudi offer will only last for so long and Al-Hilal want an answer within days. Their lucrative bid will be rescinded if they do not hear back soon, putting Fernandes and United on a timer. The United skipper has met with Al-Hilal's full-back Cancelo, formerly of Manchester City, and national team-mate with Fernandes. A snap of them at a group meal in a restaurant has seen speculation soar that a deal could be sorted within days with Cancelo playing his part. The ex-City man was 31 last Tuesday and a birthday cake with candles was presented to him at the restaurant as he celebrated at the weekend. Fernandes was by his side having made the trip back from United's post-season tour of Asia. It would be a huge loss for Ruben Amorim, who has seen his side saved by Fernandes on numerous occasions. But he believes the ex-Sporting Lisbon man wants to remain in England. He said: "Of course I am the manager, the coach, but sometimes it is the decision of the player, but of course I talk with him, I explain things and I just have that feeling. When you talk to someone, you have that feeling if he wants to stay. "Of course in a lot of games this season he was so frustrated, but he knows what we are doing. The feeling that I have every time I speak to him is he wants to continue for sure at Man Utd. But you never know." Al Hilal have also held talks about signing Cristiano Ronaldo, who will become a free agent next month if he doesn't sign a new contract at Al Nassr. He recently claimed his "chapter was over" on social media. The Saudi club expect to have at least one big-name signing and a new head coach - possibly Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi - when they play in the Club World Cup this month.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ruben Amorim brutally AXES Alejandro Garnacho and tells him to ‘pray' to find new club in front of pals in team meeting
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim axed Alejandro Garnacho in a brutal public dressing down in front of the entire squad. Garnacho, 20, has been strongly linked with a move away from United this summer after seemingly expressing immense frustration at Old Trafford. Advertisement 3 Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim axed Alejandro Garnacho in a brutal public dressing down 3 Amorim told Garnacho he 'better pray' he can find another team in front of the entire Man Utd squad The winger appeared unhappy with Amorim's decision not to include him in the starting line-up for the Europa League final that saw Man Utd losing to Tottenham in Bilbao. The Argentina international then slammed the Red Devils' "s*** season" before his brother lashed out on social media by claiming the club "threw him under the bus." It later emerged that Garnacho and Amorim's relationship had completely broken down. According to The Mail, the United boss held an open meeting at Carrington on Saturday and essentially confirmed Garnacho could leave in the summer with a savage put down. Advertisement The Portuguese tactician was so angry that he told him, "You better pray that you can find a club to sign you", in a manner that suggested his United career is over in front of the entire squad. This comes amid an imminent squad overhaul under the 40-year-old head coach. The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss' plans appear to have the backing of United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team. And a sale of a player like Garnacho would raise some much-needed funds after missing out on Champions League qualification, which would have led to a whopping £100million cash injection. Advertisement CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Chelsea and Napoli appear as the likeliest candidates to sign the wantaway player this summer. Man Utd allegedly want £60m for the academy graduate, but club officials are willing to negotiate if another suitable offer arrives. Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho The Manchester giants have identified Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo as a potential replacement. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Ruben Amorim brutally AXES Alejandro Garnacho and tells him to ‘pray' to find new club in front of pals in team meeting
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ruben Amorim axed Alejandro Garnacho in a brutal public dressing down in front of the entire squad. Garnacho, 20, has been strongly linked with a move away from 3 Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim axed Alejandro Garnacho in a brutal public dressing down 3 Amorim told Garnacho he 'better pray' he can find another team in front of the entire Man Utd squad The winger appeared unhappy with The Argentina international then It later emerged that had completely broken down. According to Read More on Man Utd The Portuguese tactician was so angry that he told him, "You better pray that you can find a club to sign you", in a manner that suggested his United career is over in front of the entire squad. This comes amid an imminent squad overhaul under the 40-year-old head coach. The ex-Sporting Lisbon boss' plans appear to have the backing of United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team. And a sale of a player like Garnacho would raise some much-needed funds after missing out on Champions League qualification, which would have led to a whopping £100million cash injection. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Chelsea and Napoli appear as the likeliest candidates to sign the wantaway player this summer. Man Utd allegedly want £60m for the academy graduate, but club officials are willing to negotiate if another suitable offer arrives. Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho The Manchester giants have identified Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo 3
