Manchester United
The £20m ‘slippery snake’ midfielder who could give Manchester United what they hoped Paul Pogba would
Man Utd are in desperate need of strengthening their midfield – this is why Ryan Gravenberch could be the perfect match
In the Chinese Zodiac, Ryan Gravenberch was a few months out from being born in the year of the snake but it doesn’t stop the midfielder describing himself as one.
The 21-year-old has been linked with Manchester United amid their early-season troubles. Early-season Old Trafford optimism has dissipated somewhat thanks to a pair of poor performances to kick off the new campaign.
The Reds got away with it on opening night, beating Wolves 1-0 despite being second best, but their away woes from last term continued into this with a 2-0 reverse at Tottenham on Saturday despite an encouraging first half. It’s raised more questions than answers for Erik ten Hag with perhaps the most pertinent being the midfield.
Mason Mount was the first summer signing, a player the United boss was determined to sign and delighted to capture. He has the attributes to fit into the Reds system but the early signs of the England international playing in an advanced midfield role alongside Bruno Fernandes with Casemiro sitting have been concerning. It’s no surprise to see United links with midfielders intensify.
And so Gravenberch’s name is back on United’s list, with the Bayern Munich midfielder having struggled for minutes in his first season in Bavaria. He was an unused sub in their season opener and has also been linked with Liverpool. The German giants value him at around £22million while a loan exit has also been mooted given the Netherlands international only arrived in the Bundesliga from Ajax 12 months ago.
And the 6ft, rangy midfielder has compared himself to former Red Paul Pogba, as well as offering his animal comparison. In an interview with Voetbal Primeur, he said: “I am a kind of snake. Long, quite narrow and I slip along everywhere. I can learn a lot from Paul Pogba, he is also a bit of a snake.”
Pogba showed in flashes his world-class ability at United and Gravenberch is of a similar build and can offer the same drive from the middle of the park as the Frenchman. He could provide United with the consistent all-round threat that Pogba failed to do should the youngster move to Old Trafford.
It’s easy to make the leap with United given Gravenberch worked with Ten Hag in the Dutch capital while his capabilities as a box-to-box player would offer the Reds something they currently lack. He offers a left-sided option and can screen a back four as well as retain possession and drive forward.
He is comfortable on the ball and positionally intelligent, vital skills to have in the Premier League. And while he might not provide the goal threat of some of his contemporaries, he could offer a combinational key to United, particularly if the Reds want to play on the counter away from home.
At 15, shortly before he became Ajax’s youngest debutant – no mean feat given the calibre of player produced by the Amsterdam outfit – he was wanted by PSG but opted to stay put, putting his football first.
“He could go anywhere,” his dad, Ryan senior, was quoted as saying at the time. “I saw all the clubs [linked]. Many millions of euros came by, but we discussed that quietly at home. Then we sat down as a family, I explained the situation and finally Ryan gave his opinion. He always said, ‘I’m good at Ajax’.”
The move to a European giant was inevitable and came 12 months ago, four years on from his senior bow. But it hasn’t been plain sailing at Bayern and regular starting opportunities look slim again this term under Thomas Tuchel.
“I just want to play more, preferably at Bayern Munich, otherwise at a club where I play 100 per cent,” he said earlier this year. “That’s where my preference lies, because I don’t want to have another year like the one I’ve had now. One such season is good. I learned a lot, but I want to play football.”
He added, speaking to Voetbal International: “Training and playing at the top level for a year is beautiful and instructive — although it’s mainly training. That has to change next season, I really want to play week in, week out… We just wait and see what happens. But it’s clear that this role does not match my expectations.”
His expectations are to play, United’s expectations are to compete at the top end domestically and abroad. Given the Reds’ early season problems, he could offer an intelligent solution.
Finishing where we started – with the Chinese calendar – Gravenberch’s style mirrors that of the characteristics of his sign (the horse) seen as active and energetic. United could do with exactly that.
Manchester City and Newcastle United would be forced to change ownership if a proposal to ban state-controlled clubs is approved.
The proposal, which has been put forward by Labour peer Lord Bassam of Brighton, has been submitted in an amendment to the Football Governance Bill that would introduce an independent regulator for the sport.
If the proposal is agreed by parliament, then Manchester City and Newcastle would be forced to change their ownership in order to be granted a licence by the regulator, as per a report from The Times.
Bassam’s amendment states: “No state-controlled club may be granted an operating licence, and any affected club must satisfy the IFR [independent football regulator] that they have divested themselves of their state-control before applying for an operating licence.”
It adds: “A state-controlled club is one which is wholly or majority-owned by individual(s), entities, or entities controlled by individual(s) who are deemed by the IFR or the secretary of state to be under the influence of any state actor, including but not limited to: members of any government or their immediate family, a head of state or their immediate family, diplomats, lobbyists, or other state representatives, or their immediate family, and sovereign wealth funds.”
So what are the chances of this happening? For it to become law, MPs in the House of Commons would have to back the amendment, which will only happen if the government agrees.
The likelihood of the amendment being agreed is ‘small’, according to the above report, but a number of Premier League clubs have previously urged the government to introduce such a ban.
As per the UK Parliament website, the Football Governance Bill would establish an independent football regulator and introduce a licensing system for football clubs, particularly the top five tiers (from the Premier League to the National League), as part of a new regulatory regime for men’s football in England.
The bill defines its key purpose as ‘protecting and promoting the sustainability of English football’.
Changes proposed in the bill include strengthened ownership and directors’ tests, with sanctions available to deal with individuals deemed unsuitable, and restrictions on clubs operating teams in prohibited competitions or changing aspects of the club’s heritage without fan approval.
The changes have been proposed following concerns over the financial sustainability of football, which has resulted in the collapse or near-collapse of some clubs, as well as ownership models and possible breakaway leagues
The English Football League and the Football Supporters’ Association have backed the proposals in the bill, while the Premier League expressed concerns about how it might impact investment and competitiveness.
Manchester United
How much Cristiano Ronaldo stands to make from YouTube after announcing new business venture
Cristiano Ronaldo has set out to conquer a new industry.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to add even more cash to his already enormous net worth, as the Al-Nassr striker officially launched his YouTube channel on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League has said he will use the channel – titled ‘UR’ – to ‘engage further with his global fanbase’.
The former Real Madrid man has promised to share a side of him that most fans will not have seen, with the channel delving into other subjects outside of his iconic football career.
As part of the channel, Ronaldo will interview a series of guests on a range of different topics, with the identity of those guests yet to be announced.
According to ESPN, Ronaldo has broken the all-time record for the fastest channel to reach one million subscribers as he racked up the impressive number in less than 90 minutes.
At the time of writing, the channel has already gained a staggering 3.6 million subscribers after less than four hours of it going live, reinforcing the narrative that Ronaldo is the most influential and famous man in sport.
YouTubers have long been known to bring in huge amounts of income, but with Ronaldo already the highest-paid footballer in the world, how much extra will his new channel be bringing in?
According to Thinkific Youtube creators can earn around $2 – $12 per 1,000 views or approximately $0.002 – $0.012 per view on YouTube.
Advertisers pay a set rate to YouTube for every 1,000 views their ads get on creators’ videos. YouTube keeps 45% of the ad revenue and creators get the remaining 55% from the platform.
At the time of writing, Ronaldo’s 11 videos have over 3 million views, meaning the Portugal captain will have already banked a pretty significant amount through YouTube advertisement.
Ronaldo will be joining stars such as MrBeast as YouTube’s big earners, who racks up over 400 million views on his videos and makes a shocking $3 to $5 million per month on YouTube adverts alone.
Featured Image Credit: UR
Fans have reacted to a video posted on social media showing Manchester United fans terrorising Jurgen Klopp in Magaluf.
The legendary former Liverpool manager left the Merseyside in club after the end of the 2023/24 season.
Klopp spent nearly nine years with Liverpool, where he won the Premier League, Champions League and several domestic cups.
Central to any manager or player’s time at Liverpool, is the club’s rivalry with fellow Premier League side Manchester United who have historically been ‘enemies’ with Liverpool.
And Klopp has learned that this will continue to follow him even after his time in England, as United fans have posted a video shouting abuse at the German manager.
But fans from both Manchester United and Liverpool have not responded well to the video, claiming that it is highly disrespectful and tasteless.
One fan wrote: “See I’m a united fan but this is so not needed. There’s got to b some respect.”
While another added: “Ye let’s abuse someone on holiday. Well harrrrd”
In the video, it appears that one of the United fans had asked Klopp to send a message to someone named Isabelle.
But, once the camera flipped to show Klopp about to deliver his message, the men start shouting “YANITED.”
Klopp’s demeanour quickly changes as he realises he has been lied to, and he covers the camera before the video abruptly ends.
The caption for the Instagram video reads: “Jurgen Klopp in Maga hahaha.”
It is clear that the manager was enjoying some down time on holiday in Spain after spending some time in Germany supporting his country in the 2024 European Championships.
In his 21 matches against Manchester United as a manager, Klopp was victorious in seven, drew nine and lost only five.
The most notable of these matches was Liverpool’s 7-0 thrashing of United at Anfield in March 2023.
The 57-year-olds final match against United came in April, when the two clubs fought to a 2-2 draw which dealt a crucial blow to Liverpool’s title hopes last season.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot will face Manchester United for the first time in a preseason friendly in the United States on the 3rd of August.
The two clubs first Premier League clash for the 2023/24 season will take place at Old Trafford on the 1st of September.
Featured Image Credit: Kywillis1 on Instagram/Getty/sportbible.
Manchester United have been dealt yet another injury blow as Raphael Varane was forced off against Chelsea before his replacement, Jonny Evans, was also taken off.
The former France international started the match at Stamford Bridge but was replaced by Jonny Evans at half-time.
However, just 15 minutes later Evans was also forced off, with Erik ten Hag being forced to turn to youngster Willy Kambwala.
During the match, Aaron Wan-Bissaka also fell to the ground and looked to be the one coming off for Kambwala before Evans was replaced.
The latest setbacks adds to United’s growing injury list after Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez were sidelined earlier in the week.
The pair will be unavailable for at least a month, with Martinez being dealt a particular bitter blow after only just making his comeback from an eight-week lay-off.
Speaking after the injury setbacks to Lindelof and Martinez, Ten Hag suggested that Premier League stars were being ‘overloaded’ by the footballing schedule.
‘Absolutely, anywhere the players get overloaded and can’t bring the performances anymore,’ said the United boss.
‘We are already over the point where we demand what we want from our top players.
‘You see last weekend, City were playing without (Kyle) Walker and (John) Stones. The levels were dropping without them. There was a different team to what we faced.’
It remains to be seen as to the extent of Varane and Evans’ injury concerns, with United in the hunt for European football next season.
Manchester United take on Liverpool tomorrow and it looks like Erik ten Hag’s side are already being written off.
Liverpool are the form team going into the game, while United are once again in turmoil as rumours about another new manager coming in continue to build.
And it seems like the pundits and fans don’t seem to give United much of a chance against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Chris Sutton has predicted that Liverpool will simply hammer United when the two giants meet tomorrow.
And speaking on BEIN Sports last night, Nicky Summerbee said that the Red Devils simply don’t have a chance either.
“They have not a chance at all against Liverpool. Nobody gives them a chance is what I’m trying to say. Well, let’s have a look at what characters you have in the dressing room. Let’s see what you can get out of this. The bigger picture? What is the style of play? You look at everything it’s just not right. The energy on the pitch. Do you go into bringing another manager in? I get the argument for that. But the next manager has to be right, it has to be right for the project and go in the direction of Manchester United,” Summerbee said.
Manchester United have to dig deep against Liverpool
If there is one game that players can get up for and form can go out the window, then it’s a big derby game like this.
United v Liverpool is still one of the biggest fixtures in the calendar around the world and it’s a chance for United’s players to show they do have something about them.
As Summerbee says, it’s a chance to look around the dressing room and decide if this squad does have anything about them.
If not, then Liverpool will simply hammer them.
But if the United players can find some fight and put in a performance, even if they lose, then the fans will not turn on them as they have in recent weeks.
If not, and they wilt and crumble to another massive loss against their biggest rivals, then Erik ten Hag might well be a dead man walking.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has come under the microscope after a poor run of form at the start of the season
- Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has come under further pressure after a Champions League group stage defeat to Galatasaray earlier this week.
- The Dutch tactician has led the Red Devils to their worst start to a domestic season since 1989.
- Ten Hag has also been forced to deal with several off-the-pitch issues during the early stages of the campaign.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has come under serious pressure after a poor start to the season, and Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided GIVEMESPORT with an update over his future.
The Red Devils’ woeful start to the campaign continued when they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Turkish side Galatasaray earlier this week, meaning they are still searching for their first points of the Champions League group stage.
Man United latest news – Manager situation
It appears that ten Hag’s job is safe for now as, according to The Guardian, the Manchester United hierarchy are still in full support of the Dutch tactician.
The report suggests the 53-year-old, who has led his side to 46 wins since taking charge last year, is still being viewed as the right manager for the foreseeable future and a string of injuries have been seen as a mitigating factor for the Red Devils’ dismal spell.
Following the defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday, ten Hag insisted that he still has the backing of the Manchester United board and called for everyone within the club to stick together as they look to recover from a poor run of form which has seen them go into the history books.
The latest setback came after the ex-Ajax chief admitted he could not blame the Red Devils’ supporters for booing his side off the pitch, as a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend resulted in them being beaten in four of their opening seven matches of a domestic campaign for the first time since 1989.
Ten Hag was also jeered by the Manchester United faithful when he made the decision to substitute Rasmus Hojlund despite his side chasing an equaliser against Roy Hodgson’s south Londoners, leading to further doubts over whether he has the full backing of the fanbase.
The Red Devils have been consigned to six defeats over the course of their opening 10 matches of the season, leaving them playing catch-up ahead of Brentford visiting Old Trafford on Saturday.
Ten Hag still seen as right man for Man United job – Dharmesh Sheth
Sheth understands that ten Hag will not be facing the axe if Manchester United succumb to another disappointing result in their final fixture before the international break.
The Sky Sports reporter feels the three-time Eredivisie title-winner has been forced to manage the Red Devils in unprecedented circumstances due to multiple off-the-pitch issues.
When asked whether ten Hag could be sacked if Manchester United suffer another defeat at the hands of Brentford this weekend, Sheth told GIVEMESPORT on Thursday:
“That’s not the information we’re getting. I think the hierarchy at Manchester United decided that ten Hag is the guy for them for the longer-term future. But, of course, results are going to dictate the future of any managers, and he will be feeling some sort of pressure simply because of their form.
“But I think there are quite a few mitigating factors that haven’t helped Erik ten Hag. He couldn’t have predicted at the start of the season the whole Mason Greenwood saga going on like it did, the Antony saga and, more bizarrely, the Jadon Sancho issue, where he is constantly being asked questions every single press conference that effectively don’t really relate to Manchester United and what he’s trying to do with the club. It’s all of these issues that are in the background or foreground.”
Who has been linked with the Man United job?
Respected journalist Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to be appointed as Manchester United’s next boss if ten Hag is shown the door, while Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann and former Chelsea chief Graham Potter are also in the running.
Zidane has a hugely attractive CV, having won the Champions League on three occasions during his time in the Real Madrid hot-seat and lifted 11 trophies in total.
The 51-year-old is currently out of work, having ended his second spell in the Bernabeu dugout in May 2021 by resigning due to feeling the board had lost faith in him, and his statistics show he would be an exciting replacement for ten Hag if an alteration is made at Manchester United.
Mohamed Salah was mocked on his own turf.
Hannibal Mejbri came off the bench to help Tunisia secure a memorable 3-1 win against Egypt in an international friendly on Tuesday. And the Manchester United midfielder ruffled Liverpool feathers by leading a mockery of Mohamed Salah after the visitors netted their third.
Tunisia travelled to Egypt days after booking their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ticket with a 3-0 victory over Botswana, topping Group J ahead of Equatorial Guinea.
Salah’s Egypt were the favourites but were left stunned by Jalel Kadri’s side, who burst out of the gates and led by two goals after just seven minutes.
Aissa Laidouni opened the scoring just three minutes into the clash before a Hamdi Fathi own goal doubled the advantage.
Omar Kamal’s 34th-minute strike fired Egypt back into the game as Hannibal watched from the bench amid a restricted role for United so far this season.
But the 20-year-old took to the pitch with just over 10 minutes to play and led the celebrations when Hamza Rafia confirmed the triumph with a third in the 95th minute.
Cameras spotted Salah watching on while wearing an acceptant smirk as Hannibal and his Tunisia team-mates replicated the Anfield icon’s yoga celebration.
Salah came out on top on that day, scoring twice to follow up Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition at Old Trafford earlier in the campaign.
But it was Hannibal who was laughing after Tunisia’s win over Egypt, who have also qualified for AFCON by finishing top of Group D ahead of Guinea.
Manchester United have snapped up Altay Bayindir with Fenerbahce now being warned that they may live to regret selling him.
United made a big goalkeeping change this summer with David De Gea released at the end of his contract.
Andre Onana came in from Inter Milan, reuniting with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in the process.
That move certainly made sense and United then had to dip into the market for another goalkeeper before the deadline.
Dean Henderson secured a permanent move to Crystal Palace and United moved to bring in Altay Bayindir as his replacement…
Fenerbahce may ‘regret’ Altay Bayindir sale
Bayindir arrives as second-choice to Onana but will of course have dreams of becoming United’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He arrives at a good age at 25 whilst also being experienced with nearly 150 appearances to his name for Fenerbahce.
A giant stopper at 6ft 6in tall, Bayindir will hope to impress Ten Hag and will be in line to potentially fill in for Onana during the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
One man who knows Bayindir well is Giresunspor technical director Mustafa Kaplan, having previously worked together with Ankaragucu.
Kaplan has now told Hurriyet that he has been ‘very happy’ with Bayindir’s progress having excelled for a big club like Fenerbahce.
Kaplan adds that he thinks Fenerbahce will now regret selling Bayindir despite fans sometimes having mixed opinions on him, believing that the goalkeeper deserves his move and will play well for United when given the chance.
“He went to Fenerbahçe and played in front of 50 thousand people,” said Kaplan. “He joined a big community and wore the captain’s armband at Fenerbahçe. It made us very happy too. At that time, there were occasional resentments with Fenerbahçe fans. I always told Altay: “You will close your ears and mind your business.”
“When we talked to Altay, they also wanted him in Spain and the Netherlands. Now he went to a big community like Manchester United. So, Altay did the right thing. Fenerbahçe may regret selling Altay in the future. It was very good for Altay, but it is a difficult situation for Fenerbahçe. In my opinion, Altay went to the place he deserved. I believe he will be successful there too. When he gets the jersey there, he will provide good service to Manchester United and our country’s football,” he added.
Bayindir may play over the international break
We have already reached the first international break of the new season, so United players are travelling all across the world.
Bayindir is one of them having been called up by Turkey.
Boss Stefan Kuntz has called up Bayindir alongside Mert Gunok and Ugurcan Cakir – two goalkeepers with more caps than Bayindir.
Turkey will take on Armenia and Japan in the coming days with Bayindir no doubt hoping to add to his five caps with an appearance for his country after securing his big move to United.
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