Manchester United must avoid a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta – they should’t be fooled by his sparking form.
That’s the view of ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, who believes the Frenchman is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal.
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Mateta has been a player transformed since Oliver Glasner took over at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
Mateta has been in sensational form for Palace of late – scoring eight Premier League goals from his last eight games.
It is a marked contrast from the first half of the season, where he found the back of the net just four times from Palace’s first 19 top-flight fixtures.
Mateta’s recent purple patch has reportedly left Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim impressed with what he’s seen, to the point where he could come calling for the Palace star in the summer.
However, Deeney believes it would be a foolish move from United’s end given Mateta scored only 13 goals from 83 appearances in all competitions for Palace before Oliver Glasner arrived in February last year.
When asked whether Mateta is the answer to United’s striker woes, Deeney told talkSPORT.com: “No, because he’s not the answer for Palace.
“So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”
In response to being told Mateta’s form under Glasner includes 28 goals in 46 games, Deeney replied: “Did he never play before that? OK, so we take people from that small sample size and go, ‘That’s what it is?’”
Mateta’s importance to Palace aside, Deeney also held grave fears as to whether the 27-year-old could even step up to the level required of a United player.
Although the former Hornets skipper pointed out United and Palace operate with a similar formation, which could benefit Mateta, the stature of the two clubs is ‘completely different’.
“I think Jean is a very good player, by the way,” Deeney remarked.
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Mateta’s goal tally has been boosted by an impressive run of late
“But he’s a very good player at Crystal Palace. I was a very good player at Watford. Going to the levels of these big clubs is completely different.
“The only thing that plays into his favour is they kind of play a similar formation with Palace at the moment, where he’s the lead one through the middle.
“But I would argue that Palace’s No. 10s are better than what Manchester United have got currently.
“So I think he’s going through a good vein of form because Palace are in a good moment. No-one was saying they should have signed him in pre-season.”
Deeney’s verdict on Mateta comes amid the prolonged struggles for United’s incumbent strikers.
Rasmus Hojlund, who was signed from Atalanta for a whopping £72million in July 2023, has not scored in his last 19 fixtures.
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Mateta has more goals than Hojlund has shots on target in the Premier League
Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has fired in just 23 goals from 79 appearances in all competitions.
It is a goal return far below what United would have expected when they forked out the fee they did for the Dane.
Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also struggled to shine since he joined from Bologna.
The Dutchman has been used in a variety of positions for the Red Devils but most predominantly at centre-forward, with only six goals from 41 games to show for his efforts.
Given the pair’s goalscoring woes, United boss Amorim will be tempted to address the issue in the summer window.
Although Deeney can understand why Hojlund and Zirkzee have struggled at Old Trafford, he believes a new face up top is needed.
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He stated: “You bring in someone to improve them. I think Zirkzee is more of a ten, more than a striker. At Bologna, he was a ten and on the left. People try and force him into the position.
“I think you go and get a proper No. 9 and you allow Hojlund to learn off that No. 9. Maybe someone that’s five, six years older.
“There’s a player there in Hojlund. I still think the same with Darwin Nunez. They’re both great team players that run around and do all the good stuff, they just don’t score.
“I think they need to work on that and be a bit more selfish as opposed to team-oriented, then they’ll get the goals.”
Hojlund, who has started United’s last four games, will hope to avoid extending his goal drought to a 20th game on Sunday as Amorim’s side host second-placed Arsenal.
Should United taste defeat for a 13th time in the league this term, they could find themselves as low as 16th on Monday evening should other results go against them.
Kobbie Mainoo is at a standstill with Manchester United over a new contract, talkSPORT understands.
Mainoo is keen to stay at Old Trafford, but wants a salary that recognises his value to the team.
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Mainoo’s future with United is more uncertain than everCredit: Getty
It’s understood that he’s demanding a salary in the region of £150,000-a-week.
He is, however, wanting to extend his stay with his boyhood club.
Chelsea have been monitoring his situation with a view to a potential move.
For the Red Devils, the midfielder’s future represents a potential opportunity to cash in.
United know if they sell Mainoo this summer it would help with PSR concerns.
The Red Devils are willing to reluctantly sell homegrown players in order to comply with financial rules.
Man United ended last season with losses of £113.2million but are understood to be confident they remain compliant with the regulations.
This is due to being an academy graduate which mans that any fee received would represent 100 per cent profit.
Products of the club’s youth system would be sold for pure profit having been developed internally rather than bought from elsewhere.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho also falls into the same group.
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Mainoo is an academy graduate so could be sold in a boost to Man United’s PSR situationCredit: Getty
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Amorim is likely to oversee a squad overhaul in the summer
Mainoo emerged as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars last season, establishing himself at the heart of the Red Devils‘ midfield and earning a spot in England‘s Euro 2024 squad.
Mainoo‘s rapid rise from promising young talent to international starter saw him nominated for the 2024 Golden Boy award, with the youngster tipped to continue his strong form this term.
However, the Englishman has struggled for consistency, with injuries and positional changes limiting his impact.
This term Mainoo has been limited to just 15 Premier League starts, while making 25 appearances in total for the Red Devils.
Having picked up an injury in training last month, Mainoo is expected to be ruled out until April.
Manchester United face a massive tie with Real Sociedad in a competition which could have huge meaning for the next few years of the football club.
Win the Europa League and reach next year’s Champions League against all odds, and any hopes of being title challengers within five years will be given a huge boost.
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A Europa League win means Champions League football next season and a completely different summerCredit: Getty
To get there, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell – who joined in a permanent capacity last week – will need to be near-perfect. His predecessor Dan Ashworth lasted five months in the job and in my opinion, bought terribly, something Sir Jim Ratcliffe clearly agreed with.
At the heart of United’s recruitment this summer are five key areas. Lower wages, lower fees, lower age, stronger character and for me, English talent.
English players still look up to the behemoth that is United in ways that some players from abroad may not.
It’s been the basis of their greatest teams and I don’t want to come across too patriotic but given the club’s famous academy and incredible contribution to the game here, it is only right that United should want to be seen as the Pride of England.
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So, here are 14 players I believe United should be looking at in their squad overhaul – although some are clearly more likely to happen than others…
Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton will almost certainly be relegated and it’s likely Ramsdale will be available at a very cut price. For me the jury is very much still out on United’s keeper Andre Onana but if he is to stay, Ramsdale has shown he is a superb teammate, with the public show of support he gave David Raya while his then manager Mikel Arteta pretended there was ‘no real number one’.
The question for Ramsdale would be, ‘Can I go to United and start immediately?’ I would give him that opportunity, if he’s to cost around £15million. If he shows the form he did at Arsenal, it could make a lot of financial sense.
Fikayo Tomori
Having gone to Italy and won a Serie A title with AC Milan in 2022, the former Chelsea man found himself close to a reported £25m move to Tottenham in January.
If he’s still available at a similar price, he could provide some good value and experience, while hopefully providing a springboard for the centre-back to add to his five England caps. He can play in a back three, which is integral for Amorim going forward.
Keane Lewis-Potter
Brentford‘s Lewis-Potter is beginning to look like the second coming of another former Hull City man; Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. There’s a fantastic energy and tenacity to his game, he has quality on the ball and a fast-paced attacking flair going forward.
As a winger at heart, he could be ideal for Amorim’s wing-back system. At 24 years old, he would come into his peak over the space of a five-year deal and provide much needed balance down the left hand side.
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Lewis-Potter has gone under the radar as one of England’s top young talents
Tariq Lamptey
Many may argue that United need higher quality players than Lamptey but the club has too often shied away from making free transfer deals for players like this to bolster the depth of their squad.
The Brighton full-back has the right attitude on and off the field and knows the Premier League – that can’t be bad for a squad player for their current state.
Yes, there is clear room for improvement to be a starter at a top club but Amorim could help him make a step forward. In United’s current financial position, he could make a lot of sense for two to three years.
Chris Rigg
The Sunderland midfielder has a huge future ahead of him. United can’t delay on making a deal with the Black Cats, he may cost in excess of £20m but I believe he’s a future England starting midfielder.
He has a quality left foot to go with a real maturity in his game, despite still being just 17-years-old. He’s already played over 50 league games in the Championship and could yet be promoted with an impressive young Sunderland team under Regis Le Bris.
Either way, he could well move on this summer and would be worth every penny, if United can help him deliver on his promise.
Jobe Bellingham
The man with the heaviest surname in football right now. All eyes on him whenever he takes to the field, with many wondering if he can deliver the same remarkable trajectory of his older brother, Jude.
It is an unfair expectation, but the man who goes by just ‘Jobe’ on the back of his shirt, is beginning to really mature and deliver performances that mean he will be a Premier League player within two years.
Can United get in early or like his brother, will he take the continental route? The pressure at United is immense and although Jobe has done fantastically well to keep a mature head on his shoulders, it may be a little too hot to jump into the frying pan at Old Trafford.
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Bellingham has four goals and three assists in 31 Championship matches this season
Adam Wharton
It’s almost impossible to see Crystal Palace selling a player they brought from Blackburn for an initial £18m a little over a year ago, who hasn’t yet fully delivered due to struggles with injury.
When he has played, he’s shown enough control, energy and intelligence in the middle of the park to earn his first England cap last year and will certainly be hoping to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans for next summer’s World Cup.
It’s fair to say Crystal Palace gives him a better opportunity to do that and so he will likely stay put, but United have to keep very close tabs on his progress moving forward, especially with Real Madrid reportedly lurking.
Carney Chukwuemeka
The Chelsea man finds himself on loan at Borussia Dortmund for the second half of this season, having failed to force his way into Enzo Maresca’s plans after struggling to return from knee injuries he picked up last season.
If he can get himself back to his dynamic best, and still just 21 years old, he could be worth taking a punt on, to see if he can be a big part of a British core at Old Trafford. The talent is there, and could well be unleashed under Amorim’s tactics.
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Jacob Ramsey
Again, another player that his club would be desperate to avoid selling. However, with Aston Villa looking to take big strides forward, as demonstrated by the eye-catching loan moves for Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, it could be time to cash in on a player who finds himself regularly a substitute.
As an academy graduate, his sale would also help Villa manage the Premier League’s PSR rules, representing ‘pure profit’ on their balance sheet.
A player with the right attitude on the pitch, still 23 years old and given his injury record there might be business to be done at around the £30m mark.
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Ramsey burst onto the scene for Villa but hasn’t has the guaranteed starts he was hoping for
Harvey Elliott
Liverpool to Manchester United?! Sounds like blasphemy and I agree, it’s just about as unlikely to happen as any move in football.
Liverpool wouldn’t want to strengthen United in any way, however, over the last decade the Reds have sold very well and there is no doubt in my mind that Elliott will have many suitors this summer.
I’m a huge fan of his game. He’s versatile, creative and has an eye for a goal, but would he want to be the first player to move between the two clubs since Phil Chisnall in 1964?
Tyler Dibling
The 19-year-old has burst onto the scene at Southampton this season and has been one of the few success stories from their rather miserable campaign.
High energy, quick and incredibly direct, he’s already given plenty of Premier League full-backs a torrid afternoon.
He would certainly add some of the dynamism missing on the pitch for United of late.
As expected for someone so young, there is still plenty to improve on in his game, but he will be moving on after the Saints go down and could well be available for a low price, with a very affordable salary.
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Elliott scored a heroic goal for Liverpool in their win over Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
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Dibling is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
Tammy Abraham
By sending the England man on loan to AC Milan, Roma have sent a strong message about where he lies in their pecking order, but with the club currently sitting just outside the Europa League spots in Serie A, it may have been prudent to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.
One thing is for sure, he hasn’t delivered goals of late having struggled to find a consistent starting spot since returning from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in June 2023.
I wouldn’t sign him permanently but a reasonably priced one-year loan deal would help provide an option if Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee depart or are loaned out.
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United need goals and Abraham could be a be an ideal short-term solution
Liam Delap
Who doesn’t want to sign Ipswich’s Liam Delap? It looks likely he’ll be on the move this summer after a breakout season for the former Manchester City academy star.
His barn-storming style and aggressive energy are a draw, coupled with touches of real quality in front of goal.
Reports suggest City have a buy-back clause and Chelsea are big admirers, but could the size of Manchester United sway his decision?
He might not be a true cut-price deal but if United believe he could be their no.9 for many years to come, it might represent long-term value and a very reasonable salary to boot.
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Delap has ten Premier League goals this season with chances at a premium for relegation-threatened IpswichCredit: Getty
Ollie Watkins
When Arsenal bid £60m for Watkins at the end of January, it was felt Aston Villa’s rejection was more to do with timing than anything else.
Turning 30 in December, it’s felt it may soon be time for Unai Emery to cash in on the front man and use the money to invest in the future.
I still feel Watkins has lots to offer, with plenty of goals in him and teams at Champions League level may well feel the same.
He’s a great professional that keeps himself in good shape and importantly has good experience and a strong character – exactly what United need in their transition period.
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Watkins has played at the highest level having starred in this season’s Champions League and Euro 2024 last summerCredit: Getty
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both played with and managed Cristiano Ronaldo – but his Manchester United exit isn’t the one that saddens him the most.
Instead it’s Red Devils academy graduate Scott McTominay, who has been smashing it at Napoli since his move to Italy last summer.
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Solskjaer has conceded he is ‘upset’ over McTominay’s departureCredit: AFP
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The former Red Devils boss played alongside and managed RonaldoCredit: Getty
Solskjaer returned to Old Trafford in December 2018 following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
After three months as caretaker manager, he became the club’s permanent boss in March 2019.
He would go on to spend two full seasons in charge before leaving United in November 2021 – with Ronaldo following him out the door the following year.
His tenure included a second place finish behind Manchester City during his final full campaign in the dugout.
Over three years on from his exit, Solskjaer has revealed he still watches United ‘when I can’.
However, he admits he wishes McTominay had not been sold in the summer.
When asked if he still watches his old club’s matches, Solskjaer told The Athletic: “When I can.
“It’s still good to see Bruno Fernandes and Harry (Maguire) doing well. And Scotty is doing well at Napoli.
“I’m upset that we let him go because he was important last season when he kept popping up with goals. His heart and his knowledge of the culture were important.”
McTominay left the club for Napoli in the summer after 22 years with the Red Devils.
The midfielder made a total of 255 first-team appearances, scoring 29 goals for his boyhood club.
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McTominay left United for Napoli in the summer after 22 years with the clubCredit: Getty
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The midfielder made 255 appearances for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
Of those matches, 115 were with Solskjaer as manager, with McTominay finding the net 14 times during his tenure.
The Scotland international also won the FA Cup and was United’s third top scorer behind Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes last term.
Since moving to Italy, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 25 appearances for Antonio Conte’s Napoli.
Cash-strapped Manchester United could be set for a much-needed multi-million pound windfall – thanks to former striker Mason Greenwood.
Greenwood has been banging in goals for fun since leaving Man United to join Roberto de Zerbi’s Marseille last summer.
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Greenwood has enjoyed a bright start to his Marseille career and could land Man United a financial boostCredit: Getty
The ex-England international’s hot streak of 14 goals in 22 games for the French outfit has alerted some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including the likes of PSG and Barcelona.
When United traded Greenwood with Marseille for £26.6miliion they insisted on an unusually high 50 per cent sell-on clause.
With the 23-year-old now valued at around £60m, that means United would bank in the region of £16.5m from any sale.
Bournemouth are braced for a summer battle to keep several of their star men, and manager Andoni Iraola!
The Cherries are enjoying the season of their lifetime and currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, likely to be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League.
Their incredible rise up the table has not gone unnoticed with centre-back Dean Huijsen, who is believed to have a £50m release clause in his contract, attracting attention from Liverpool and Chelsea.
Left-back Milos Kerkez is another Cherries star on the radar of a number of top clubs, including Manchester United, along with fleet-footed forward Antoine Semenyo, who has admirers at Newcastle.
Then there is miracle-working gaffer Iraola, who talkSPORT understands would be at the top of Tottenham’s list if they parted company with Ange Postecoglou, who is under pressure with Spurs down in 12th.
With Iraola preferring to sign short-term deals and only contracted until the end of next season that could leave Bournemouth vulnerable, although sources close to the Spaniard say he is happy on the Dorset coast.
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Iraola has earned praise for his work at Bournemouth, as well as attracting the eyes of the Premier League’s big boysCredit: Getty
Why Mitoma rejected Saudi revealed
Kaoru Mitoma is a rare breed in modern football, a player who puts ambition before money.
But even if the Seagulls were tempted to cash in on their Japanese international, which they were reluctant to do, talkSPORT has been told he immediately rebuffed the notion of moving to the Middle East.
That’s because the humble 27-year-old, who could have set himself up financially for life by linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo, has his sights set on one day playing in the Champions League.
What the Saudi interest has achieved is to strengthen Brighton’s bargaining position when an elite Premier League or European club do come calling by driving up his asking price.
After being compared to Arsenal’s Dutch maestro Dennis Bergkamp following his stunning goal of the season contender against Chelsea, there is every chance the big boys could come calling.
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Mitoma turned down a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia – because he dreams of Champions League footballCredit: Getty
Spurs coach wanted by Championship club
Swansea could turn to Ryan Mason in their hunt for a new manager.
Tottenham assistant coach Mason was high on the Swans’ wanted list before they appointed Luke Williams in January last year.
And after deciding to give Williams the boot after a run of eight defeats from their last ten games, the ex-England midfielder still has admirers among the Welsh club’s hierarchy.
Mason also held talks with Anderlecht in October before deciding to stay at Spurs, so it remains to be seen if he is willing to leave now.
As talkSPORT reported on Monday, former Oxford boss Des Buckingham is also among the front-runners to replace the sacked Williams.
However, this notebook understands Russell Martin has no interest in a return to South Wales.
Martin Keown believes Ruben Amorim has LOST the Manchester United dressing room
Antony’s future at Manchester United remains shrouded in mystery – despite his electric start to life at Real Betis.
That’s the view of the 24-year-old‘s agent Junior Pedroso, who believes the Brazilian is back to his best in Spain following his Old Trafford struggles.
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Antony has enjoyed a new lease of life since joining Betis on loan in JanuaryCredit: Getty
The winger linked up with the Red Devils from Ajax in an eye-watering £86million deal in 2022, but has so far failed to live up to his price tag.
After being deemed as surplus to requirements by United boss Ruben Amorim, he joined Betis on loan last month having scored just five Premier League goals in 62 outings.
And while he has flattered to deceive in England, he has starred at Betis with the forward scoring in each of his last two games.
He now boasts double the amount of goals in three games for the Los Mejores than what he managed in 14 United appearances in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign.
His return to form has led to question marks as to whether United could look to reintegrate him back into their first team for next season.
“There are no long-term plans to be made. There may still be a few more chapters in his story with Manchester United, or there may not be.
“This will depend on many factors involving decisions by the club and him in the near future.”
Pedroso, who has stated that Antony is ‘back to his real level’, has insisted that the player is ‘really happy’ at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.
Though it remains to be seen whether Antony will remain at Betis beyond his loan stay with their being no option to buy clause in his contract.
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Antony has scored in back-to-back games for Betis to show his classCredit: Getty
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The Brazilian was the source of ridicule from fans and pundits after joining United in 2022Credit: Getty
Pedroso remarked: “Yes, I can confirm there’s no buy option clause in the contract.
” So Antony will be a Manchester United player from July.”
And Pedroso was then quick to dispel rumours that Antony and Amorim enjoy a strained relationship after the player fell out of favour at United.
He stated: “Antony respects Amorim a lot, for sure, but we understood in January that his moment at the club was not good.
“So Manchester United also understood that leaving on loan was the best way for Antony to recover his best form.”
While his future at Betis is a mystery, the Manchester Evening News have claimed it remains unclear whether he could even last the rest of the season in Spain.
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Antony has looked a different player in Spain to how he fared in the first half of the season
They state that it is unknown whether United have included a recall clause in Antony’s Betis contract.
Should they have an agreement though, rules state that the Red Devils must wait the minimum days required of a short term loan before they can bring him back.
That stands at 28 days, meaning United would have to wait until February 22 if they wish to recall him.
With United currently in the midst of an injury crisis, Amorim may be having second thoughts at allowing Antony to leave.
Star winger Amad Diallo is the latest player to be ruled out of action, with an ankle knock ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.
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Ruben Amorim has revealed Manchester United will have to sell players before they can make signings of their own in the summer.
The Red Devils made two signings in January in what was Amorim’s first transfer window – signing Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu from Arsenal and Leece respectively.
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United fans have been told what to expect in the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty
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Amorim has made a worrying admission about the club’s potential businessCredit: Getty
However, it proved to be a largely frustrating month for the United boss, with no attacking players brought in.
That was despite Marcus Rashford and Antony both being allowed to leave Old Trafford on loan.
Meanwhile, the news that Profit and Sustainability Rules will remain in place until the end of next season is another blow for the club.
United, who are preparing to face Tottenham on Sunday, are expected to be hit the hardest by the extension, having already blamed the rules for their recent mass redundancies in a bid to cut costs.
Amorim has now told supporters to expect a similarly slow summer window at the end of the current campaign.
Speaking in his press conference on Friday, he explained: “Our biggest problem now is Tottenham.
“We know with the moment of the club, I have to understand these problems, but that problem is not new.
“You know the rules of (financial) fair play, we have a problem at the moment, but my focus is on that and not the other things.
“Here is simple, to do something we need to sell players. My focus is to prepare the game.
“The window is closed and we have to focus on the next game then in the summer we will see.”
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Amorim says United ‘need to sell players’ before they can bring anymore inCredit: Getty
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Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo’s futures could again come into doubtCredit: Getty
Marcus Rashford was told he wouldn’t get game time if he remained at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, talkSPORT understands.
Rashford has completed a loan move to Aston Villa until the end of the season after the England international totally fell out of favour under the new Red Devils boss.
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Seeing Rashford in an any other shirt other than Man United’s is going to be very strangeCredit: Getty
talkSPORT understands that United will get a minimum of 75 per cent of the 27-year-old’s salary, which is in excess of £350,000-a-week.
This could rise up to 90 per cent, depending on performance-based bonuses.
Villa also will have an option to make the move permanent in the summer and would cost them around £40million.
Rashford was exiled by United manager Ruben Amorim this season, not featuring in any of the last 12 games, making the bench once and being excluded from the matchday squad every other time.
It’s been a brutal situation for the forward, who will hope to get some game time at Villa Park.
The England international was one of a number of options under consideration by Villa to replace Jhon Duran, who joined Al Nassr in a whopping £65million deal on Friday.
Rashford has attracted interest from all over Europe in the January window after his struggles in Manchester this campaign.
AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund were said to be interested, but Rashford’s wages presented a key stumbling block.
Clubs had been told they will either have to cover the majority of his salary, in excess of £350,000-a-week, or come up with a compromise deal with United.
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Rashford’s time at Old Trafford could be over for goodCredit: Getty
United were reluctant to make too big a contribution after Rashford publicly stated his desire to leave by admitting he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’
After receiving a huge fee for Duran, Villa have offered to pay a huge chunk of his wages, making the deal possible.
Chelsea’s Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio were also being monitored by Villa, with sporting director Monchi confirming the club held interest in both.
However, Monchi conceded a deal for either of those targets could be difficult to pull off due to the hefty finances involved.
Rashford’s last appearance for the Red Devils was a Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
The 60-cap England international was frozen out by Red Devils boss Amorim following his admission in December he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’
Amorim was especially critical of what he believed to be a lack of effort from Rashford on the training ground.
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Rashford has struggled for consistency when called upon this season
The United boss even claimed he would rather have Jorge Vital, his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach, on the bench over Rashford, who he said ‘doesn’t give the maximum every day’.
“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” Amorim said.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.
“You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.
“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”
Rashford’s fall from grace under Amorim represents a major contrast from how he performed early into his tenure as he scored three goals in the United boss’ first two league games in charge.
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Now that he has completed his loan deal to Villa, Rashford has reiterated his desire to play football.
Writing on Instagram after the deal was confirmed, he said: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.
“I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision – I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager’s ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started.
“I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”
Marcus Rashford is close joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
There is optimism on all sides of the negotiations that a deal can be done before Monday night’s deadline.
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Rashford could be on the move to a fellow Premier League sideCredit: Getty
Villa will make a large contribution to Rashford‘s wages while performance-based bonuses can move that higher.
Discussions over a buy option – which would see Rashford leave Old Trafford permanently – are also ongoing.
The 27-year-old forward has been exiled by United manager Ruben Amorim this season, not featuring in any of the last 12 games.
Now, it looks increasingly likely Villa will provide him with a way out to play regular football again.
The England international was one of a number of options under consideration by Villa to replace Jhon Duran, who joined Al Nassr in a whopping £65million deal on Friday.
Rashford has attracted interest from all over Europe in the January window after his struggles in Manchester this campaign.
AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund were said to be interested, but Rashford’s wages presented a key stumbling block.
Clubs have been told they will either have to cover the majority of his salary, in excess of £350,000-a-week, or come up with a compromise deal with United.
United are reluctant to make too big a contribution after Rashford publicly stated his desire to leave by admitting he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’
After receiving a huge fee for Duran, Villa now believe they can afford to cover a significant chunk of his wages.
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Rashford looks to be heading to Aston VillaCredit: Getty
Chelsea’s Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio were also being monitored by Villa, with sporting director Monchi confirming the club held interest in both.
However, Monchi conceded a deal for either of those targets could be difficult to pull off due to the hefty finances involved.
Rashford’s last appearance for the Red Devils was a Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
The 60-cap England international has been frozen out by Red Devils boss Amorim following his admission in December he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’
Amorim has been especially critical of what he believed to be a lack of effort from Rashford on the training ground.
The United boss even claimed he would rather have Jorge Vital, his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach, on the bench over Rashford, who he said ‘doesn’t give the maximum every day’.
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Rashford has struggled for consistency when called upon this season
“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” Amorim said.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.
“You [the media] want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.
“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”
Rashford’s fall from grace under Amorim represents a major contrast from how he performed early into his tenure as he scored three goals in the United boss’ first two league games in charge.
But with Rashford’s future at Old Trafford now looking rather bleak, Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney believes the forward desperately needs a fresh start.
Rio Ferdinand: Marcus Rashford has no way back at Manchester United
“I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same,” Rooney said on the Stick To Football podcast.
“For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club. The fact that your manager is coming out and saying that you’re not training right is crazy.”
Villa have until 11pm on Monday to complete the move for Rashford as that is when the Premier League’s January window slams shut.
They face a trip to Wolves on Saturday at 5:30pm, meaning all of Emery’s focus will be on that game for now.
However, after that, the Spaniard can spend two days going all out to try and get Rashford’s loan over the line.
Manchester United have had a second offer worth £27million for Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu rejected, talkSPORT understands.
The clubs will continue talks this weekend with the aim of reaching a compromise deal.
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Dorgu has been eyed by Tottenham and ChelseaCredit: Getty
This comes after an opening bid of £23m was rejected, with the Italian club holding out for a transfer fee of around £35m.
Dorgu joined Leece in 2022 from Danish FC Nordsjælland, to the tune of just £168,000 [€200,000].
Initially joining the Serie A side’s Under-19s squad, he spent just one season with the youth team before being promoted to the senior squad and made his first-team Lecce debut in August 2023.
In the one-and-a-half years since his senior debut, the 20-year-old has made 56 appearances, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
His performances have also seen him rewarded with four caps for the senior Denmark national team.
And Lecce are now looking to make huge profit off the starlet, as they play hardball over a £35m valuation of a player they bought for less than £200,000 three years ago.
United head coach Ruben Amorim is aiming to land his first transfer since his appointment in November 2024.
As Man United sit 13th in the Premier League, it is clear the squad needs new additions to revive their season.
Following an expensive summer window bringing in Leny Yoro [£58.9m] and Matthijs de Ligt [£42.9m], owners Ineos are much more reserved this time around and are looking to offload the likes of Antony and Marcus Rashford, who are on big wages, before splashing the cash.
But to secure Dorgu’s signature, Man United must do so this window otherwise other interested parties may return.
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Dorgu will join a host of full-backs at Man UnitedCredit: Getty
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Amorim clearly sees Dorgu as the man to fit his specialist systemCredit: Getty
Chelsea have registered their interest previously and the Dane is a self proclaimed fan of the Blues who would consider it ‘a dream’ to play at Stamford Bridge.
At Sporting Lisbon Amorim often played a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 where the wing-backs are arguably the most crucial players.
Tasked with stretching the pitch by being high and wide, it allows for space to be created inside.
Not only that, they need to function as an attacking weapon able to deliver crosses and directly contribute to goals.
Dorgu as someone who has played multiple games as a left-sided wing-back and in theory fills Amorim’s desire.
Diogo Dalot has often played in that position despite not being either a natural attacker or left footed player.
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Dorgu only cost Lecce £168,000 when they signed him in 2022 – now they want £35m for himCredit: Getty
Tyrell Malacia since his return from injury has featured there occasionally while Luke Shaw continues to be sidelined with a muscular issue.
Fans will grow impatient if results do not turn around but Dorgu could be the start of a new chapter of Amorim ball.
It was a system that took Manchester City by storm when they lost 4-1 to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League earlier this season with Amorim at the helm.
