3 reasons why Manchester United will secure Champions League football for next season

Solskjaer will be desperate to finish in the top 4 by the end of this season (Image - Sky Sports)

With Premier League football all set to return by the middle of this month, football fans are eagerly waiting in anticipation, ready to get drenched in the agonies and ecstasies of the beautiful game once again. The Coronavirus pandemic has brought the entire world to its knees, while also bringing to a sudden stop a Premier League season which was riddled with talking points. For Manchester United, the stop in play arrived at the worst possible time; they were on a fantastic winning run, they were scoring goals for fun and the team was finally looking like a well-drilled unit. Once the season resumes, United fans will be hoping that their march on the coveted 4th place can resume as well.

With Liverpool all but confirmed as the league leaders, all eyes have turned towards the race for the Champions League places, which have quite a few contenders with still 9 games to play. Chelsea remain at the 4th position, for now, but in reality, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur, and even Arsenal have realistic chances of finishing among the top 4.

However, the Red Devils could leapfrog the competition and finish in the top 4. Manchester United might have struggled for consistency for the majority this season, but the sky finally looks clearer for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian will be desperate to lead his team out in the premier European football competition next term. In truth, Manchester United are best poised to secure Champions League football for next season, and here are 3 reasons why.

Manchester United target Saul Niguez to reveal new club soon

Saul Niguez (Photo - Getty Images)

Manchester United target Saul Niguez has announced that he will reveal his future destination in 3 days, the Evening Standard reports. The Atletico Madrid midfielder has been a target of the Red Devils in recent times and has long been touted as the future replacement of Paul Pogba. While the coronavirus pandemic has thrown Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer plans out of the window, it is unclear how the summer would pan out. There is no clarity either about the future of Manchester United’s controversial French midfielder.

In such circumstances, a cryptic tweet from Niguez has sent the rumor mill rolling and filled the hearts of every Manchester United fan with hope. On Sunday, the Spaniard shared a mysterious message in his official twitter handle that caught the imagination of fans instantly. The Spaniard announced that he had information to share, revealing that he had something to communicate with his followers, many of whom are Manchester United faithful.

Communication. I wanted to communicate something important to you.

His message also contained an image with the announcement written in both English and Spanish – NEW CLUB. I’ll announce it 3 days…

Manchester United's interest in Niguez might depend on Pogba's future

The Spaniard is one of Diego Simeone’s most important players and was long considered indispensable at the Wanda Metropolitano. However, he has attracted interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal also rumored to be among his suitors and ready to compete with Manchester United for his signature. He has a £135m release clause, but it is believed that he could be available for a price of around £70m. The Atletico manager would loath to lose one the pillars of his team, but it seems like Niguez is destined to leave the club this summer.

Manchester United continue to be the frontrunners for his signature though, however, a lot of that will depend on how the transfer window works out amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Paul Pogba’s next move will also determine the plausibility of the transfer. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes and the temptation of playing alongside the brilliant Portuguese might tempt the former Juventus midfielder to reconsider his stance and stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer. If he decides to stay, Manchester United might no longer have space to fit Niguez into the team.

All of that will be clear in 3 days when the Spaniard makes the big reveal. Until then, fans worldwide will be waiting in anticipation.

Follow Football Mad Daily for more updates on Manchester United.

Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United agree €55m deal to sign the Portuguese from Sporting Lisbon

Bruno Fernandes is coming to Old Trafford

Manchester United have agreed to a deal to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon, Sky Sports reports. The Red Devils were locked in negotiations with the Portuguese side for quite some time, but both clubs had struggled to reach a conclusive point. However, there was a breakthrough in talks on Monday, after the Premier League giants increased their bid.

The player is expected to complete his medical by Thursday and could also be on the stands when Manchester United take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday night.

Barcelona interest proved to be the last straw on the camel’s back

 

Barcelona launched a late bid for the player

The last few days have been a frustrating time for United fans, as it became increasingly likely that the Red Devils would end the transfer window without any reinforcements. To make matters worse, it came to the fore that Barcelona were interested in procuring Fernandes, in order to use the Portuguese to sweeten a bid for Valencia striker Rodrigo. 

And that news might have played a part in United’s increased urgency later in the day. The Premier League giants reportedly increased their offer twice in a space of 24 hours, which tilted the tide in their favor.

The Red Devils will initially pay €55m and quite a few add-ons have also been included in the deal. At least €10m of those add-ons will be relatively easy to achieve and could involve a target number of appearances or goals. However, there are also relatively harder add-ons added in the deal, which includes the probability of Fernandes winning the Ballon d’Or and Manchester United winning the Premier League.

The whole deal would see United pay as much as €80m in case all the criteria are met. However, price should be the least of United’s concerns right now. A player like Fernandes will instantly improve the Red Devils, who could do with his goalscoring and goal creating abilities in the team right now. 

The only regret is that had United been a bit more prudent in their business, maybe Bruno Fernandes would have been fit and ready for the Manchester Derby, instead of watching it from the stands.

Also Read: 3 Reasons why Bruno Fernandes is perfect for ManchesterUnited

Manchester United still unable to agree deal with Sporting Lisbon for Bruno Fernandes | Premier League Transfer News

 

The future of Bruno Fernandes remains uncertain

The Bruno Fernandes saga has started to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of United fans right now. Manchester United had been negotiating with Sporting Lisbon for quite some time regarding a deal to bring the player to Old Trafford, but a breakthrough has not occurred yet, Sky Sports reports. The two clubs, however, are still engaged in conversation as both parties remain eager to conclude a deal before the end of the month.

The Red Devils had initially agreed to a £55m deal, but Sporting had changed their stance two days into negotiations, which had complicated matters. United’s offer included cash plus add-ons and bonuses, plus an option to include a player. 

Also Read: 3 Reasonswhy Bruno Fernandes is perfect for Manchester United

 

However, Sporting wanted more money upfront and had even increased their valuation of the player from the summer. United are still willing to pay £42m, but it is less than what Sporting want for Fernandes.

Super agent Jorge Mendes has recently indicated that United could miss out on the player this month if they delay further, but also revealed that Fernandes will leave Sporting either in January or in the summer.

Sporting need the cash, United need the player

 

Bruno Fernandes has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford

The situation surrounding a potential deal does have a few complications, but the completion of the transfer would suit all parties. Sporting are currently under financial constraints, which means that they are desperate to do business. Selling Fernandes would help them address their monetary issues, but they are holding out for more money in order to deal with agent fees involved.

Manchester United 6-0 Tranmere Rovers: 5 Men who were brilliant for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer | F. A. Cup 2019/20 |

Martial and Shaw were impressive for United

Manchester United were looking to bounce back from two back to back defeats when they visited Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup 4^th round tie. If United’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool last weekend had dampened the mood at the club, their midweek debacle against Burnley at home threatened to destroy their hopes of a top 4 finish in the Premier League.

Also Read: Marcus Rashford facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been extremely unlucky with injuries this season, however, that still did not justify United’s performance in midweek. As such, the Norwegian was looking for a response from his team against Tranmere, hoping to regain some confidence before two tough games against Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the next couple of games.

A frantic month of January, sans any reinforcements, had left the United squad tired and stretched, and Solskjaer made 6 changes to the first team ahead of the game.

Manchester United Starting XI: Sergio Romero; Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira; Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood

The home team started the game well, but it was United who took the lead through Maguire in the 10^th minute. Dalot made it 2-0 3 minutes later and in the 16^th minute, Lingard scored the third goal of the game. Jones scored United’s 4^th of the night in the 41^st minute before Martial scored just before the break to give United a 5-0 advantage.

In the second half, Tahith Chong, coming on for Martial, won a penalty, which was converted by Greenwood. United ultimately went on to win the game 6-0 and

Solskjaer will be delighted with the response from his entire team and here are the 5 players who were brilliant for the Red Devils.

Manchester United's loan offer for midfielder Matias Vecino rejected by Inter Milan | Premier League Transfer News:

Matias Vecino

Inter Milan have rejected Manchester United’s loan offer for Matias Vecino, Sky Sports reports. The Red Devils were negotiating with the Nerazzurri and were interested in taking the Uruguayan midfielder on loan. However, the two clubs have failed to agree to the conditions of the loan deal and as such United’s offer was rejected by the Serie A side.

Also Read: 5 players United could sign in January and their chances of joining the Red Devils

The Red Devils are looking to speed up their transfer business as the month draws to an end. United have already allowed Young to leave for Inter without adding any replacements to the squad. The Red Devils are yet to complete a signing this winter, despite being linked with a host of footballers once again. 

A midfielder remains a priority and United are still locked in negotiations with Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes. Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay have increased the need for reinforcements in the middle of the park. In such a scenario, Inter Milan’s reluctance to agree to a loan deal for Vecino will be a big setback for the Red Devils.

Vecino could have been a temporary replacement for McTominay and Pogba

 

McTominay and Paul Pogba are still out injured

Vecino joined Inter Milan from Fiorentina in August 2017 and has been an important member of the Nerazzurri squad so far. The Uruguayan could have been a temporary replacement for McTominay and Pogba until the rest of the season. This season, Vecino has appeared 17 times for Antonio Conte’s side and has registered 2 goals and 1 assist as well. 

The Uruguayan’s arrival would have certainly helped Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s cause, who is struggling to put up teams due to the lack of fit central midfielders at his disposal. Unfortunately, it now looks like their pursuit of Vecino has reached a dead-end for now. 

To make matters worse, the Nerazzurri are apparently attempting to complete a swap deal with Napoli involving the Uruguayan and Allan, Napoli’s Brazilian midfielder.

Also Read: Manchester United cannot recall Alexis Sanchez from Inter loan

Top 5 Players linked with Manchester United in January and assessing the chances of their transfer to Old Trafford this month

Bruno Fernandes

With the January transfer window moving swiftly to the final few days, Manchester United are yet to make a signing, despite being linked to a host of players so far. The Red Devils have already allowed Ashley Young to move to Inter Milan, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not managed to make squad additions so far, which has put the club in a spot of bother.

Traditionally, United have refrained from spending lavishly in the month of January. However, the Red Devils have signed some big names in January in recent times. Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez arrived in the winter transfer window in recent years, but the recruitment of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic in 2006 continues to be the best bit of business done in January.

Also Read: Manchester United trigger 2-year extension clause in Eric Bailly’s contract

It is clear that transfer deals completed in January have an inherent risk associated with them. However, United’s current scenario demands at least a couple of high profile arrivals this month. A midfielder has been missing since the summer, while Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay’s injury has only worsened the situation. Marcus Rashford’s injury probably was the last straw to break the camel’s back at Old Trafford.

Despite United’s surprisingly poor performance in the transfer window so far, there are still quite a few names who have been strongly linked with the Red Devils so far. Today, we take a look at the top 5 players Manchester United are currently linked with and also assess their chances of arriving at Old Trafford before the closure of the winter transfer window.

Manchester United Transfer News: The Red Devils cannot recall Alexis Sanchez from loan to replace Marcus Rashford

Alexis Sanchez will not be recalled to replace Marcus Rashford

There is no chance of Alexis Sanchez returning from his loan spell with Inter Milan this month to replace Marcus Rashford, the Telegraph confirms. This is because Manchester United did not include a recall clause in the deal with the Serie A side.

The Chilean has only just returned to action after missing 3 months due to an ankle injury and has made just 4 appearances so far. He is yet to reach full fitness, but regardless of whether the club would have considered him, United do not have the option to get him back to Old Trafford to cover for Rashford, whose recent injury has put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a spot of bother.

Also Read: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United – 3 Men who were poor for the Red Devils

 

The Englishman injured his back against Wolverhampton Wanderers and it is now reported that he has picked up a double stress fracture in his back. Subsequently, Rashford could be out for around 3 months and that is a big setback for the Red Devils. 

Solskjaer has only 2 recognized strikers in his team at the moment

 

Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are the only 2 recognized strikers at United right now

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left with just Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as the two recognized strikers in the team. As such, Manchester United might have to indulge in the transfer market to reinforce the striking department.

The Red Devils are already without Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay and Rashford’s injury seriously jeopardizes United’s quest for a top 4 finish. Solskjaer hinted in his post-match interview after the Liverpool game that the Red Devils are considering a short-term fix in order to maintain their march towards the Champions League places.

In such a scenario, the option to recall Sanchez from his loan spell perhaps would have come in handy. However, the Red Devils were adamant that they wanted to get rid of the Chilean in the summer. In fact, United are currently paying a part of his salary, which comes to around £175000 per week and that highlights how eager the club was to offload him in the summer.

As of now, Sanchez continues to be a part of the Inter Milan setup and United will be hoping that the Serie A side will consider converting the loan into a permanent deal. For Solskjaer, though, the search for Rashford’s replacement will have to continue elsewhere.

Also Read: Marcus Rashford out of the Liverpool game due to recurring back problems

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester United: 3 Men who were poor for the Red Devils | Premier League 2019/20

Andreas Pereira

Manchester United traveled to Anfield on Sunday knowing that a win could bring them within 2 points of Chelsea in the 4^th place. With the Blues losing to Newcastle United on Saturday and almost all other contenders for the coveted 4^th spot, except for Wolverhampton Wanderers, stuttering, it was a chance for the Red Devils to steal a march on their rivals.

However, it was going to be easier said than done, because their opponents on Sunday had not lost a game in the Premier League all season. Liverpool were running away with the Premier League title and had registered 20 wins in their 21 games so far, with the one solitary draw coming against Manchester United in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

Also Read: Marcus Rashford out of the Liverpool game due to recurring back problems

To make matters worse for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Marcus Rashford was ruled out for the match after picking up an injury in the midweek FA Cup replay against Wolverhampton Wanderers. With Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay already ruled out, Manchester United were missing at least 3 first team members ahead of the game. This meant that the Norwegian had to shuffle his tactics to stop Liverpool.

Solskjaer attempted to made do with the best at his disposal, and named his first eleven accordingly.

Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw,  Brandon Williams; Fred, Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira; Daniel James, Anthony Martial

The visitors started the game well but were undone by some slack defending as Virgil van Dijk scored the opening goal of the game in the 14^th minute. Manchester United had a strong end to the first half but went into the break with a goal behind. 

At the start of the second half, Liverpool threw the kitchen sink at the away side, but United held on and even started gaining control of the game. However, the equalizer eluded them and then Mohamed Salah scored with virtually the last kick of the game to give Liverpool a memorable 2-0 win.

Solskjaer will be disappointed with the defeat against Liverpool, and he would also be unimpressed by the performance of these 3 men, who were poor for the Red Devils.

3. Daniel James

 

Daniel James

The Welshman had drifted away from the limelight after breaking into the scene at the start of the season. However, James has been a fantastic addition to this Manchester United team this season and while his goalscoring boots have gone missing of late, his work ethics and tenacity has been noteworthy. With Marcus Rashford out of the game, Solskjaer had hoped his Welsh speed merchant would rise to the occasion. However, it was not to be.

James looked lively from the start of the game but suffered from indecision in the final third. His combination with Anthony Martial failed to strike gold and some of the Welshman’s final passes were not impressive. He did continue to work hard for the team, but did not have the effect that Solskjaer would have liked while going forward.

2. Brandon Williams

Brandon Williams

The youngster had shown a lot of fire in his belly of late and would have been one of the first names on the team list against Liverpool. There were talks of Williams overtaking Luke Shaw as United’s first-choice left-back at the moment, but both players made it to the team sheet as Solskjaer opted for a change in formation.

However, while Luke Shaw put in a rock-solid shift for the team as a part of a make-shift back 3, Williams failed to cut a mark in the match. The youngster struggled to deal with Trent Alexander-Arnold and had to count on Luke Shaw to bail him out on a couple of occasions.

Going forward too, Williams was a shadow of his former self, with perhaps the weight of the occasion getting to him. The youngster did not carry his usual threat going forward and did not put the Liverpool right-back under any pressure at all. Williams was subsequently replaced by Juan Mata, as Solskjaer opted for a change in shape.

1. Andreas Pereira

Andreas Pereira

The Brazilian was drafted back into the first team against Liverpool, as Solskjaer hoped to make good use of his intensity and tenacity in the final third. Pereira was utilized in the No. 10 position, as the Norwegian opted to keep Juan Mata on the bench despite his stellar record against Liverpool.

Pereira did show glimpses of his tenacious side and led the charge with his aggression, however, he lacked the intensity that was required against a well-drilled Liverpool side. The Brazilian failed to put the Liverpool backline under any sort of pressure and looked a tad off the pace for the majority of the game.

The Brazilian’s final pass also left a lot to be wanted. United had a couple of good chances on the break and Pereira failed to complete easy passes to his front men. He even had a great opportunity to score after he was teed up by Wan-Bissaka, but Pereira was unable to convert a chance that could have turned the tide of the game.

Also Read: Bruno Fernandes deal hangs in the balance over Sporting demands