Senior Football Writer for the Manchester Evening News, covering Man United. Co-host
@Champchatpod24
. Will often post about the Championship. Views are my own.
As full Premier League debuts go, Tyrell Malacia nailed his for Manchester United last night. He justified his inclusion in the starting line-up and left his calling card. The left-back spot is now his to lose.
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Erik ten Hag on if it's his biggest win at
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yet: "Yes, I think so. We had some good wins against L'pool and Arsenal at home. But I think this, over two legs against Barcelona, who are the leaders of La Liga, eight points ahead of RM... if you can beat them it is a big win."
Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek does not believe his career will automatically be resurrected just because he has been reunited with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Honest stuff from the Dutchman.
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🇸🇰 Martin Dubravka - ✍️
🇦🇷 Lisandro Martinez - ✍️
🇳🇱 Tyrell Malacia - ✍️
🇧🇷 Casemiro - ✍️
🇩🇰 Christian Eriksen - ✍️
🇧🇷 Antony - ✍️
The transfer window has closed for business! Manchester United fans, how would you rank your summer out of ten? 🤔
Let me know! 👇
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Former Manchester United director Michael Knighton, who came close to buying the club back in 1989, has confirmed that he wants to purchase the Reds from the Glazer family.
He has described United as being a "club in crisis."
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🗣 Erik ten Hag's introduction
⚽️ Steve McClaren gets stuck in
😁 Lots of happy faces
👶 Several youngsters included
👀 New shirt number hint
🕵️♀️ Five things spotted from Erik ten Hag's first training session as Manchester United manager:
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Reflecting on Diogo Dalot's performance today, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said: "I'm really happy with the development of Diogo. I think his defensive positions are growing from game-to-game."
He was exceptional today, particularly defensively.
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Marcus Rashford for club and country in all competitions this season:
👕 Appearances: 4️⃣0️⃣
⚽️ Goals: 2️⃣5️⃣
🅰️ Assists: 8️⃣
There can't be many who have performed better this term. Outstanding numbers. 👏
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For all of the abuse and criticism this man has taken over, let's be fair, a large portion of his Sheffield Wednesday career, he has hit back in the best possible way over the last few games. Nothing short of outstanding in the last three matches. So pleased for him.
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As expected, Antony has been left out of the Ajax squad this lunchtime for their clash with Sparta Rotterdam amid ongoing reports that he has gone on strike in an attempt to force through a move to Manchester United.
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Towards the end of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure, certain players, regardless of how they performed, were guaranteed a starting berth every week. There is no chance of that happening under Erik ten Hag. You have to earn your place.
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When Man United signed Raphael Varane last summer, everyone waxed lyrical about how good a signing it was. However, injury woes disrupted his first season in England. But after his first two performances this term, he's showing how good he can be.
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How big a goal and victory could that be in Manchester United's season? Alejandro Garnacho, the tender 18-year-old, delivered the goods again when tasked with coming off the bench.
United have a future star on their hands! 👏
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I absolutely love this photograph from
@harriet_massey1
. The passion on Julian Börner’s face when he made the goal-line clearance to deny Mamadou Thiam yesterday was fantastic. Looks to be another great signing so far.
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A total of 17 players are confirmed to have returned to Carrington today for the first day of pre-season training. Alejandro Garnacho's attendance was probably the biggest surprise.
England duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were also present.
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Following Rotherham United’s defeat to Accrington Stanley this afternoon, Sheffield Wednesday are now on the longest unbeaten league run (12 games) in England’s top four tiers.
You’re not been able to say that all that often!
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George Byers is now making grown men salute when celebrating a goal - and I love it! 🫡
I am struggling to remember such a strong connection between players and fans. 🦉
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When Christian Eriksen was at Inter Milan, Antonio Conte trialed him in a deep-lying midfield role, opposed to operating in his natural No.10 position. He thought he could hack it in that position. Based on what we saw against Liverpool, he can.
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Gary Hooper leaves Hillsborough after three-and-a-half years at the club. He made 89 appearances during that time, scoring 31.
I wish him all the very best for the future.
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🗣 Marcus Rashford: "I think the first two, two-and-a-half weeks of training have been good; we have improved a lot and we are a lot fitter than we were last season."
A big statement from the Manchester United forward.
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At this very moment (10.53pm) - exactly 12 months ago - Jack Hunt stepped up and Hillsborough exploded.
As you may be able to tell from my commentary, my head was completely gone! 🤪
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The way Gareth Southgate just spoke to ITV’s Gabriel Clarke, addressing the personal issue Raheem Sterling is having to face, was testament to the man he is. Spoke with compassion and such respect for the situation. The man is a class act - and it’s why I like him so much.
🚨 A full transcript of Gary Neville's post-Brentford rant on the Glazer family and their ownership of Manchester United. I have not seen him get quite so animated for a while. He refused to hold back after this evening's result.
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Interesting stuff from Erik ten Hag on Donny van de Beek. He has admitted that he considers him at his best when playing as an attacking-midfielder. He said he has a "good smell" for being in the right attacking positions.
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I've said it before and I will say it again: Wilfred Ndidi would seriously strengthen
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's midfield. He is just the sort of player they are crying out for. With the Frenkie de Jong saga dragging on, the Reds may be better investing their money in him.
Manchester United's second goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday was a thing of pure beauty, featuring 14 passes and nine players in the space of just 32 seconds.
This was 'Ten Hag ball' at its finest.
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For the first time in the Erik ten Hag era, Bruno Fernandes' name will be missing from the teamsheet tomorrow; he's out through suspension. On the face of it, Christian Eriksen is the most logical replacement for him in the No.10 role.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's interest in buying Manchester Utd has offered supporters a ray of hope. Should a takeover happen one day, Ratcliffe has already highlighted the importance of a good relationship between owner and fans. United need that most.
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🗣 Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on adding Christian Eriksen to his squad: "I think he is a magnificent football player and I think the fans will enjoy watching him, because he's creative, he has ideas."
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As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United tenure drew to a close, certain players, seemingly, could do no wrong, keeping their places regardless of poor performances. That appears to be changing under Ralf Rangnick.
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One for the stats fans, here. Sheffield Wednesday have now lost just eight of their last 38 league games, amassing 64 points in the process, since Jos Luhukay was sacked on December 21 last year. Prior to that, the Owls had lost seven in 10 games.
Progress.
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Daniel Pudil has confirmed he is to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer on his Facebook page. The defender said: "I was honest to wear this beautiful shirt every time I stepped on football pitch and I'm really glad I'm part of this family. I'll never forget it."
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Yesterday's 1-0 win over Wolves marked Manchester United's seventh Premier League clean sheet of the season; they only kept eight in the whole of last term. Their improvements defensively have been key to their revival under Erik ten Hag.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals against Tottenham Hotspur (14) than he has against any other English club during his career. How he and Manchester United would love that trend to continue this evening.
(📸: Getty Images).
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Decided to pop down to the ground and see what was happening. A splattering of Wednesdayites have gathered to welcome back the members of the squad.
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With Tyrell Malacia ruled out of the pre-season tour of the US, more opportunities potentially beckon for Alvaro Fernandez. He has featured in Manchester United's first two friendlies this summer.
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A quick word on George Byers before I retire for the day and put my feet up.
Since becoming a regular starter in February, he has now scored six goals in his last 17 appearances. Never renowned as a goal-scoring midfielder, that's a solid return. He's been terrific.
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Marcus Rashford reported to Carrington this morning, easing fears that he has picked up an injury after not being pictured in training yesterday. Donny van de Beek also reported, as did Lisandro Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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The only two goalkeepers to have played 500 games or more for Manchester United in the club's entire history:
David de Gea 🤝 Alex Stepney.
(📸: Getty Images).
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Bruno Fernandes: "It's an amazing feeling, honestly. We've been searching for this moment, us, the fans, the club, we are together and finally we get our trophy and I think deservedly."
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Top of the league. ✅
Twenty-two games unbeaten in all competitions. ✅
Sixteen games unbeaten in League One, winning 11. ✅
Six league wins in a row for the first time in nearly six years. ✅
Equalled the club-record of 17 league clean sheets by February. ✅
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Six years ago today Barry Bannan walked into our lives, and the rest is history. As signings go, Sheffield Wednesday have made few, if any, better than him in recent years.
It is 264 appearances and counting for our captain. 💙
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🗣 Tyrell Malacia on joining Manchester United: "It's an incredible feeling to have joined Manchester United. This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new team-mates and a tremendous manager [Erik ten Hag] leading us."
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Really pleased to see former Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal back in football. The former Owls chief appears to have been named the new boss of Portuguese club Rio Ave. I wish him every success.
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While England chased a World Cup dream, Jadon Sancho, thousands of miles away, was working on an individual training programme in the Netherlands, trying to get his career back on track. We'll soon see if Erik ten Hag's recommendation worked.
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Huddersfield Town fully deserve to find themselves just one game away from the Premier League. They have been excellent since November, losing just three of their last 31 games in all competitions. That is an outstanding record. 👏
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It is six years ago today since Marco Matias unleashed this beauty for Sheffield Wednesday against Leeds United at Elland Road.
It will never get old. 💥
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🗣️ Bruno Fernandes: "As I said before the game to the team: 'We look like a team now'."
The Manchester United midfielder has detailed exactly what he said to the squad ahead of kick-off:
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Whilst all of Wednesday's players deserve praise for their excellent performances last night, Liam Palmer stood out for me once again. He has looked like a rejuvenated player in recent months. Been consistent and is getting better and better. Delighted for him.
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I asked Glenn Loovens if he will continue to to keep an eye on Wednesday's results on the future. This was his response: "I have become a fan of this club and as a fan you always follow your club and I will follow this club until I die."
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Big praise for Fernando Forestieri following his performance last night. Very, very impressed by his effort, character and application. All that lacked from his performance was a goal. That was more like the Forestieri of old. Long may it continue.
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Just left Elland Road. A fantastic result for Sheffield Wednesday and a very professional performance, too.
Also, here’s how the travelling contingent reacted to Atdhe Nuhiu’s goal that sealed the win. The bonus of working on a gantry!
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It's brilliant to see Christian Eriksen back on the grass at Carrington. Erik ten Hag, speaking on Tuesday, confirmed he was ready to return to team training. It remains to be seen if he will be fit enough to make the matchday squad on Saturday.
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Yesterday's win over Leicester City marked
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's tenth Premier League clean sheet of the season. It also marked a ninth home win in 12 this term. Together, their home form and defensive solidity are proving key to their revival under Erik ten Hag.
Lee Bullen: “I went around to Cameron Dawson’s house last night to tell him face-to-face. The boy was very, very disappointed. But ultimately, Cammy and Joe Wildsmith will be at this club for years to come and play hundreds of games.”
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Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder on why Antony has not been included in his plans this afternoon: "Antony is not in the squad. I spoke with Antony and he told me that he didn't feel 100 per cent ready to play."
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🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Manchester United will start their 2023/24 Premier League campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday, August 14, kick-off 8pm.
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I’ve had about three hours sleep, I’ve got no voice, I’ve actually cried watching highlights and interviews and I start work in half an hour. Would not change it for the world.
Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. 💙
🚨 Kobbie Mainoo is with the Manchester United squad that has travelled to London this afternoon for tomorrow's clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Full story:
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For Jack Hunt to have returned to Hillsborough when Championship offers were on the table speaks volumes about his character. Hats off to everyone who has made this possible. Great signing for League One. Things looking up for
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.
Rasmus Hojlund on his celebration to Sky Sports: "It is always good to play on your birthday. I have spoken about doing celebrations with my friends and they told me to do a guitar in the summer. I hadn't done it yet, but today was the day."
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When Manchester United last faced Wolves back in January they were outclassed and destroyed, particularly in midfield. Almost 12 months to the day, they have the chance to prove how much progress they have made against the same opponent tomorrow.
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🗣 Paul Scholes on Erik ten Hag's decision to hand Cristiano Ronaldo a start this evening: "I think it is almost more disrespectful playing him on a Thursday night in the Europa League. This man is a world superstar."
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I really feel for this guy. He has been our talisman for several years and has always given it everything. I sincerely hope he stays, which I, honestly, believe he will want to.
(📸: Getty).
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Scott McTominay was booked during Scotland's 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland y'day. It means he will miss Tuesday's crunch clash with Ukraine through suspension. Although that will disappoint him and them, it could help United's derby prep.
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Two years to the day since Sheffield Wednesday defeated Brighton 2-0 in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi final. The best football atmosphere I have ever experienced.
What a night that was!
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I don't think anyone could have predicted that Sheffield Wednesday's summer recruitment drive would be as successful as this. Darren Moore has worked wonders in bringing some of these players to Hillsborough. Credit has to go to the chairman as well. Things looking up.
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Last word on Lucas João. Seen a lot saying that it could be a mistake letting him go because of his potential. Fair enough. Everyone can have an opinion. But João turns 26 next month. How long do
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wait for his potential to be reached? Good deal for all at the right time.
🚨 FULL STORY: James Garner has completed his deadline day move to Everton from Manchester United. The deal, eventually, could be worth up to £15million.
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Following this afternoon’s 4-1 win over Cheltenham Town, Sheffield Wednesday have now won more points at home than ANY OTHER club in England’s top four tiers this season.
It’s 44 points and counting at Hillsborough this season! 👏
(📸:
@swfc
).
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For a long time I had been raving about just how good this man - Matt Penney - was. He has worked hard at Under-23’s level, been patient and now been given a chance.
I am so, so happy for him. He is a star in the making.
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