Manchester United

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  1. Ten Hag unhappy with Man Utd performancepublished at 19:49 15 July

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Erik ten Hag stands on the touchlineImage source, Manchester United via Getty Images

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refused to use it being the opening game of pre-season as an excuse for his side's defeat by Norwegian side Rosenborg.

    United's starting line-up contained Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans - but it was 20-year-old goalkeeper Radek Vitek who emerged with credit from the 1-0 loss.

    The Czech keeper made five excellent saves, only to get beaten by Noah Holm in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

    And, in the first game since United triggered his one-year contract extension, Ten Hag was not happy.

    "The result is not secondary," he told MUTV. "It's pre-season, but the norm at Manchester United is to win matches. If you can't win, you shouldn't lose.

    "This is not the standard for top football. Our performance today is by far not good enough. We are Manchester United and should perform better."

  2. Vitek stars but Man Utd lose pre-season openerpublished at 19:19 15 July

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Radek Vitek in goal for Manchester UnitedImage source, Manchester United via Getty Images

    Young goalkeeper Radek Vitek made good use of his extended game-time with a man-of-the-match performance, but Manchester United still lost their opening pre-season game against Rosenborg in Norway.

    With Andre Onana remaining in Manchester and Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton ruled out by their respective Euro 2024 commitments, 20-year-old Vitek was the senior keeper in Erik ten Hag's squad.

    The Czech produced five superb saves but Noah Holm wrecked their hopes of a draw when he lashed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

    United staff have spent the past few days emphasising how Kobbie Mainoo came to prominence in pre-season last year.

    It is debatable whether Vitek will make the same rapid progress but in front of new goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, he caught the eye.

    With Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans part of an outfield starting line-up that was completely changed at half-time, United found it difficult at times to repel a Rosenborg side that is halfway through its domestic season.

    Rashford did provide a moment to remember when he nutmegged Leo Cornig, which would have been appreciated by another new United coach, former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

    And Darren Fletcher, who has also joined the coaching ranks following Jason Wilcox's arrival as technical director, would have been proud that his 17-year-old son Jack was given his opportunity in the second half.

  3. Full-time: Rosenborg 1-0 Man Utdpublished at 19:00 15 July

    Have your say banner

    Manchester United have been beaten 1-0 by Rosenborg in a pre-season friendly in Norway.

    A starting XI containing Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Jonny Evans and Aaron Wan Bissaka played out a goalless first half, before a youthful second-half line-up conceded the only goal of the game late on.

    What did you learn from this game, United fans?

    Let us know your thoughts on the match here, external

  4. 🎧 The New Erapublished at 17:09 15 July

    The Devils' Advocate podcast graphic

    A new signing and the potential revival of Jason Sancho.

    England may have fallen at the final hurdle but there's plenty to be positive about at Manchester United is there not?

    The team on The Devils' Advocate podcast seem to think so.

    Listen to the latest full episode on BBC Sounds

    Listen on BBC Sounds banner
  5. Mainoo's slice of tournament historypublished at 16:39 15 July

    Kobbie Mainoo walks past the Euro 2024 trophyImage source, PA Media

    It was not to be for Kobbie Mainoo nor England in Sunday's Euro 2024 final against Spain, but the Manchester United midfielder was part of a major tournament first in Berlin.

    With Mainoo starting for England and Lamine Yamal in Spain's line-up, it was the first time that two teenagers featured in the final of a World Cup or European Championship.

    A day after his 17th birthday, Barcelona winger Yamal became the youngest ever player to appear in a major international tournament final, beating Pele's record set at the 1958 World Cup.

    Mainoo, aged 19 years and 86 days, is the fifth youngest to play in a major final, behind Yamal, Pele, Italy's Giuseppe Bergomi (1982 World Cup) and Renato Sanches of Portugal (Euro 2016).

  6. Is Zirkzee the forward Man Utd have been looking for?published at 12:24 15 July

    Your views banner
    Joshua ZirkzeeImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on Manchester United signing 23-year-old striker Joshua Zirkzee on a five-year contract.

    How do you think he will fit in?

    Here are some of your thoughts:

    Maximillian: Zirkzee is a young striker who has a different profile to Rasmus Hojlund and will give the coach different options and approaches to games. He is also versatile, which is a bonus. It is a good signing which confirms Ineos' intent of building for the future.

    Haddock: Another unproven goalscorer. Why can't United invest in a proven goalscorer? It's not a difficult decision when you have wasted money on Martial, Antony, Sancho and possibly Hojlund. Why not buy Harry Kane? This guy scored 12 goals last season. How come when Manchester City and Liverpool buy players they get value for their investments and we get zero return?

    Edward: It is hard to say what Zirkzee will bring to United, as yet. If he can hold the ball with his back to the goal - something that Hojlund can't do - he will be a great improvement. He has the physical stature to put up with robust defenders and, if he has the ball skills that Hojlund lacks, he will be fine.

    Matthew: I'm pleased that United have secured him. Usually we leave it to the last minute! AC Milan were also interested so credit to Ineos, who look a lot more confident in pursuing what the club needs. My only fear is that United only play with one striker, so Hojlund and Zirkzee may not be happy sitting on the bench more than usual.

    Steve: It's interesting that for the Netherlands he only came on twice and Wout Weghorst was the preferred option for Ronald Koeman when bringing on a substitute. He is not the proven article but hopefully he won't turn out to be another Manchester United buy that fails to materialise.

    Al: Zirkzee is an OK signing. He is not a striker who is going to come in and score 30 goals per season, but he might take some of the pressure away from Hojlund. I would like to see us sign an experienced centre-forward, like Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins, but it is a step forward after Martial's injury problems last season limited him to 13 Premier League appearances and one goal.

  7. 'I hope Man Utd have learned'published at 12:24 15 July

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    Joshua Zirkzee in action for the NetherlandsImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United must learn from their recent experiences with Dutch signings following the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee, BBC Sport has been told.

    The 23-year-old striker joined the club from Italian side Bologna on Sunday in a deal worth £36.54m.

    Zirkzee's arrival comes after the exit of compatriot Donny van de Beek, who was bought by Girona for an initial £420,600 last week after struggling to establish himself at Old Trafford since a £35m move in September 2020.

    Netherlands forward Memphis Depay was another who struggled, leaving in 2017 after scoring just seven goals in two seasons.

    "I hope Manchester United, as a club, have learned from what happened with Memphis Depay," said Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan.

    "He came in at a very young age - big expectations, big transfer fee. He was a player who had established himself in the Dutch league, but that is not comparable to the Premier League or the size of a club like Manchester United.

    "United still have the same expectations as one of the top five clubs in the world - and this is huge. That is why [Erik] Ten Hag will bring Zirkzee in gradually and let him get to know English football. Dutch players need time.

    "We've seen many failures – Donny van de Beek, Davy Klaassen and Daley Blind did not have an absolute blast. It needs time but the potential is there."

    Zirkzee can play as a number nine or a 10, but may have to compete with striker Rasmus Hojlund for a starting spot at Old Trafford.

    Van der Kraan believes Zirkzee will benefit from playing under Ten Hag, but added: "The Dutch tag has to come off Ten Hag and Dutch players, because being Dutch is no guarantee for success.

    "You need to understand the culture of the Premier League and the huge expectations of the Premier League - and you have to really adapt and become a bit British in your style as a footballer.

    "Big tempo and huge pace - physically it is tough and the amount of games is massive. I hope Ten Hag can guide him a little bit with his experience from his first two seasons."

  8. 'I am absolutely devastated' - Shawpublished at 12:21 15 July

    Luke Shaw of England passing dejected the European Championship Trophy during the EURO match between Spain v England at the Olympiastadium on July 14, 2024Image source, Getty Images

    Manchester United and England defender Luke Shaw says he shares the supporters' disappointment at losing to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

    The 29-year-old made his first start in four months in Sunday's final after recovering from a long-term hamstring injury.

    "I am absolutely devastated," said Shaw, who also made appearances as a substitute in the quarter-final win over Switzerland and the semi-final victory against the Netherlands.

    "We really believed we could do it, but it wasn't meant to be."

    On what England manager Gareth Southgate said to his players after the defeat, Shaw added: "He is extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved as a group but, of course, there isn't much else he could say.

    "Everyone is truly gutted.

    "I think we had massive belief and the fans deserved it. I just want to thank them for their support and I can only apologise to them."

  9. Kambwala leaves Man Utd for Villarrealpublished at 11:14 15 July

    Willy Kambwala holds the FA CupImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United have confirmed the exit of defender Willy Kambwala to Spanish side Villarreal.

    The France youth international, 19, had a year left on his contract and rejected United's most recent contract offer.

    Kambwala made 10 appearances for the Red Devils, all of them coming last season and eight of them in the Premier League.

  10. Premier League stars take Copa America glorypublished at 10:35 15 July

    Argentina players celebrateImage source, Reuters

    While many in England are lamenting the loss to Spain at Euro 2024, there are a number of players returning to their Premier League clubs draped in silverware.

    Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani lo Celso, Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez all played their part as Argentina edged Colombia in the Copa America final.

    Indeed, it was Lo Celso’s clever through ball that finally unlocked their opponents’ defence in the second half of extra time to set up Inter’s Lautaro Martinez for the winner.

    United's Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute as Argentina backed up their 2022 World Cup win with a second consecutive Copa America title.

    Some consolation for sad England fans of these clubs this morning.

  11. Zirkzee 'has had big expectations around him'published at 16:19 14 July

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    Joshua Zirkzee in action for BolognaImage source, Getty Images

    New Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is a "gem that needs to be polished" but "nobody knows" yet what his best position is.

    The 23-year-old completed his move from Bologna on Sunday.

    Zirkzee began his career in the youth academies of a number of Dutch football clubs before moving to Bayern Munich in 2017 and then to Serie A side Bologna in 2022, where he made 58 appearances and scored 14 goals.

    "Zirkzee is still a young gem that needs to be polished," Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan told BBC Sport.

    "I know his transfer fee of about 40m euros is already a big figure, yet on the big international scene he hasn't fully arrived yet. But, from a very young age, he has had big expectations around him.

    "When he went to Bayern Munich people thought that was a very early step to the big scene. He wasn't fully grown, wasn't physically strong enough.

    "He made his name with one sensational goal which helped Bayern in one big game, but it is difficult to follow up and establish yourself among bigger players. This is why it was wise to go to Bologna. He has had two great seasons at Bologna and really developed well."

    Although most of his time in Italy has been spent as centre-forward, the Netherlands international also played as a number 10 during his early career.

    Van der Kraan added: "It's interesting with Zirkzee because nobody knows what his style is – is he a nine or is he a 10?

    "During this European Championship, Ronald Koeman emphasised that and said he is actually a nine and a half. You can't be that in football but it more or less means he can be used as a nine or a 10 behind the striker.

    "I don't think he [Zirkzee] has quite figured out himself yet what he is. Maybe that is why Erik ten Hag has said: 'Look, I need a different kind of striker to what I've got.'. You can't just take one striker into a big season with three different competitions.

    "Ten Hag is definitely getting a different one. The fact he can play in various roles is maybe an advantage."

  12. 'I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning'published at 16:10 14 July

    Joshua ZirkzeeImage source, Getty Images

    New Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee says he is "ready to make an impact straight away" at Old Trafford.

    Zirkzee completed his transfer from Bologna on a five-year contract on Sunday.

    "I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part," said the 23-year-old Netherlands international.

    "I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning. I'm ready for this next challenge - to go to another level in my career and win more trophies."

    United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth said adding a forward to the squad was a "key aim for this summer".

    "We are delighted that we've managed to sign a player of Joshua's calibre this early in the transfer window.

    "His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition."

    Have your say on Zirkzee's signing, external

  13. Zirkzee confirmed - what do you think?published at 16:01 14 July

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    So, Joshua Zirkzee is Manchester United's first recruit of the summer, arriving from Bologna in a deal worth £36.54m .

    Are you happy with the signing, United fans? How will he fit into the team? And who should be targeted next?

    Have your say here, external

  14. New United chief wants 'titles and trophies'published at 15:13 14 July

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    The Manchester United sign on the outside of Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    New Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has promised fans he will do everything possible to deliver silverware back to Old Trafford.

    After an extended period of gardening leave, Berrada officially took on his new role on Saturday.

    One of his first tasks was to send a letter to various United supporter groups to highlight his short-term priorities.

    "Taking the role of CEO at Manchester United is a huge responsibility," he said.

    "I can promise you we will do everything we can to deliver the titles, trophies and culture expected of this club across our men's, women's and academy teams.

    "I also want you to know how seriously I take fan engagement.

    "I will be focusing on the summer transfer windows alongside joining our men's team's tour to the US. I will also be spending time with our women's team when they are back for pre-season."

  15. The hard work behind Mainoo's fast track to stardompublished at 09:18 14 July

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Manchester United's Kobbie MainooImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox has admitted Kobbie Mainoo's progress this season has caught everyone at Old Trafford by surprise.

    It was 26 November when he started a Premier League game for the first time after recovering from an ankle injury, and the 19-year-old did not make his England debut until March.

    But for Cox, the rapid progress should not obscure the hard work that has taken Mainoo to the brink of becoming the youngest player to win a major tournament for the Three Lions.

    "He's moved much faster than we thought," said Cox.

    "This season he's made a Premier League debut, scored a first Premier League goal, first England call-up, England debut, first England competitive game, first England tournament match, man of the match appearances, Champions League appearances.

    "It hasn't been an easy journey, though. They never are. Everyone who watches him play on Sunday might think it must have been plain sailing, but there have been injuries, dips in form, times when he's had to spend time away from his family, or change schools.

    "He had to move away from his mates, which is a brave thing to do. When he was 14 or 15, he was not sure what his best position was.

    "Sometimes there's this false perception superstars get there easily. They don't."

    Even though immortality awaits if England are successful against Spain, Cox accepts that Mainoo still has some progression ahead of him.

    "He's not played 50 games for the first team yet," he added.

    "It won't always be smooth though and he'll have times ahead of him where it's difficult or he doesn't move at the pace he is now.

    "It's important people remain balanced and know he's got loads to go."

  16. Gossip: Toney open to United movepublished at 08:43 14 July

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester United are interested in Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney and the 28-year-old is open to a move to Old Trafford. (Christian Falk, via Mail), external

    United will have to offload winger Jadon Sancho before they pursue a move for Fenerbahce's 24-year-old versatile Turkey midfielder Ferdi Kadioglu, who is also a target for Arsenal. (Teamtalk), external

    Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa are in the running for Girona and Ukraine winger Viktor Tsygankov, 26. (AS - in Spanish), external

    Meanwhile, United are keen to sell defender Victor Lindelof this summer and will also listen to offers for midfielder Christian Eriksen. (Manchester Evening News), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Sunday's full gossip column

  17. How Mainoo chooses the right momentpublished at 16:24 13 July

    Kobbie Mainoo in action for EnglandImage source, Getty Images
    Rio Ferdinand, BBC Sport columnist byline banner

    When you're a young kid, playing at the level Kobbie Mainoo is, you sometimes try to prove why you are there.

    I know from my own experience that you feel you always have to show what you can do, and you can end up trying too hard.

    Kobbie's not like that, though. He won't try to push it and over-play.

    I've watched him closely and the first 30% of passes of the ball he gets in a game, in those opening minutes, he is happy just playing the ball short, five or 10 yards, waiting for the right moment for his natural raw ability to come out.

    Then, when the moment comes - and he knows exactly when - he can give you that little bit of 'wow' factor where he draws someone out, breaks the press or when the opposition think they are going to nick the ball off him.

    There are those times when they have got him down a blind alley but he somehow just comes out the end anyway and you are left going: 'oh my god.'

    What he is doing is a part of the game - and I heard Gareth Southgate say this too, by the way - that he makes look very easy, but is actually one of the most difficult things.

    Ask any midfielder what it is like to receive the ball from your defence with your back to play, not knowing what is behind you and with people pressing you from behind from different angles, but being able to feel where they are and still get out.

    Read more from Ferdinand on Mainoo

  18. How 'laid-back' Mainoo can cope with the big momentspublished at 10:18 13 July

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Manchester United's Kobbie MainooImage source, Getty Images

    England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo's mindset could turn out to be one of his major assets on the path to stardom, according to Manchester United's head of academy.

    Nick Cox has seen Mainoo's progression from schoolboy ranks to the brink of becoming the Three Lions' youngest major tournament winner.

    And he marvels at how unaffected the 19-year-old is by the attention being heaped on him.

    "Kobbie has many qualities but I would suggest his character is one of his super-strengths," said Cox.

    "In my time working with footballers, character is the non-negotiable ingredient that ties together all the top players.

    "Nothing tends to faze him too much. But alongside being laid back and low maintenance, and definitely humble and really grounded, he also has a real self-belief. It is not an arrogance but a real determination to be the best.

    "That is not to say he doesn't feel nerves or these occasions don't impact upon him, but he has the ability to cope with big moments that come his way.

    "This season alone he has ticked off landmarks that usually take young players five or six seasons."

  19. Man Utd pride at youth connection before 'two more significant moments'published at 10:15 13 July

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter

    Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sitting on the advertising boards at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    There is a fabulous picture of Manchester United trio Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, taken as they sat on an advertising hoarding in front of the Stretford End after Garnacho had scored the second in his side's 3-0 win over West Ham in February.

    Hojlund was 21 that day. At the time, Garnacho was 19 and Mainoo 18.

    The image encapsulated United's commitment to youth, which has seen a player from the club's academy be part of their first-team squad for every game the club has played since October 1937.

    Remarkably, Mainoo and Garnacho could both be celebrating this weekend as England try to win Euro 2024 and Argentina look to overcome Colombia at Copa America.

    "This club is about winning and about courageous young people," said United's head of academy Nick Cox.

    "Our fans take great pride in seeing young players being part of a successful team.

    "There's a legacy to protect. It's a privilege but something that runs deep and I will hand it on to the next person at some point.

    "Youth influences how this club behaves more than any other in the country and now we're talking about two more significant moments."