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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Amorim makes special request to Man Utd board in bid to avoid second nightmare
Manchester United endured a woeful first season under the tutelage of Rubem Amorim and it appears that the Portuguese is keen on some more changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has requested his former trusted ally Acacio Valentim be added to his staff as part of another coaching restructure. The Portuguese head coach is determined to avoid another woeful campaign after a tricky first season at the helm. After replacing Erik ten Hag following a move from Sporting Lisbon, he led United to 14th in the Premier League, while they were defeated in the Europa League final by Spurs. And ahead of his second season with the club, Amorim has asked for some help behind the scenes. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Amorim has made a personal request to United chiefs to make a move for Acacio Valentim. The 49-year-old previously worked alongside his countryman as a coach at former club Braga, with Amorim keen to be reunited at Old Trafford. Talks are reportedly underway over a move to the UK, with Valentim a free agent having exited the Portuguese club this summer. His move would become the latest reshuffle behind the scenes since Amorim's arrival. Erik ten Hag 's former staff members including Ruud van Nistelrooy all left - the Dutchman has now been sacked by Leicester. Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel all also left following Amorim's arrival. Set piece coach Andreas Georgson was initially retained but appeared to take on a new role in December after Amorim confirmed that his assistant Carlos Fernandes was instead at the forefront of set piece planning. Explaining the change after a clash with Arsenal, he said: "The thinking is Carlos is responsible for set pieces, different stuff. Andreas is also there to help. That's it. That's the reason. "I think if you follow Premier League for a long time you can see that they (Arsenal) are also big players for that. And you can see it in every occasion that (Bukayo) Saka and (Gabriel) Martinelli has one against one, a lot of times they go outside and cross. They already know if the cross is going well, they can score. If it's a corner, they can score. "So we have to be better on that situation but like in every area of our game we need time to improve also. But you can see in all Arsenal games every team has a problem with that." Georgson eventually left his role in May of this year, while a number of prominent backroom figures have also departed Old Trafford over recent weeks.
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Can Paul Pogba revive his career after doping ban?
It might be the norm these days, but at the time I couldn't recall any other deal provoking quite such depth of coverage online. A then world record fee, the 'will he, won't he?' tension, the player's willingness to play up to it on his own social channels, the emergence of dubious 'ITK' [in-the-know] Twitter accounts all claiming to reveal the inner workings. It was everywhere. The first time a transfer of such magnitude played out almost entirely online. Pogba's agent at the time, the late Mino Raiola, casually tweeted updates - or rather, disdainfully shot down various rumours - from his personal account. Adidas, who sponsored both Pogba and Manchester United, constructed an entire digital marketing campaign around it, running cryptic posts and clips before the deal was confirmed. They even brought in rapper Stormzy for a music video that accompanied the announcement. You could argue there's still never been anything else quite like it. This week, it's been reported that Pogba, now 32, will sign for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 at the conclusion of a two-year doping ban that was reduced to 18 months on appeal. I daresay not everyone reading this column will have known that. The development has been little more than a sidebar on some of the biggest football news websites. Perhaps, though, low-key is what the Frenchman needs to get his career back on track. From the moment he set foot back in Old Trafford in 2016, it felt as though there was always a story following Pogba around. Manchester United are one of the world's most scrutinised clubs, and they'd just shattered the world transfer record to sign a player they'd lost from their own academy four years earlier. Pogba was no shrinking violet, either, an extroverted character who some perceived to care as much about his off-field image as his exploits on it. It was the perfect storm for incessant attention falling on a young man who was still only 23 when he became the most expensive footballer on the planet. The hype and expectation around him spiralled to levels he would never have been able to satisfy. He was billed as the silver bullet to United's neglected midfield; a player who was going to do it all, all the time. And yet, anyone who had watched him in Serie A — YouTube compilations notwithstanding — would have pointed out that Pogba's rise was catalysed by a stylishly blended midfield unit that, at various points, included the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira. He was always a player who needed the right system. He was never a Superman figure, and yet the £90m that United paid for him dictated he would always be judged to that standard. Pogba quickly became a magnet for criticism, an easy headline grabber. There were times were it all became a little bit uncomfortable, a little too personal on some fronts. Of course, I'm not saying criticism of his performances were unwarranted. There were deficiencies in his game, particularly defensively, but which of the world's great midfielders didn't have some kind of shortcoming? And which were scrutinised to the exhausting extent Pogba was? Ironically, peak Pogba was as close as any to being the full package. We just didn't see it often enough. And so his career at a dysfunctional United seemed to drift. He became increasingly injury-prone, increasingly criticised by fans and pundits, an emblem of the Old Trafford decline. By the time he departed in the summer of 2022, it was widely agreed as being for the best, which seems an absurd thing to say about a player of his talent. Pogba returned to Juventus shortly after his release, but fitness issues persisted, and he missed the 2022 World Cup after undergoing knee surgery. In September 2023, he tested positive for a prohibited substance, was banned for two years, and Juventus terminated his contract shortly after. Now 32, he is set to return to top-flight football, and to the public eye. There's unlikely to be so much of a circus around him this time, but it's still a fascinating story. With the seemingly ever-increasing longevity in elite players, he's not necessarily back just for a final hurrah. The extended time away from the game may also have presented an opportunity to finally get to the bottom of his persistent injury troubles. But what's most interesting, perhaps, is seeing what Pogba can become without the hype and the noise. He is, to be blunt about it, yesterday's man — but that need not be a bad thing. There are new superstars, new icons, younger men to be built up and torn down. The world is unlikely to be obsessed with Paul Pogba as it once so feverishly was. Clearly, he has made mistakes for which he has paid a heavy price. In reducing his ban to 18 months, the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted that Pogba's crime was one of carelessness, and that he did not knowingly accept a nutritional supplement from a doctor that elevated testosterone levels in his system. With that saga behind him, it stands to reason there will be a burning desire within him to remind people just how talented he is. Monaco, after finishing third in Ligue 1, will play in next season's Champions League, a chance for Pogba to re-announce himself to the world on the biggest stage in European club football. Perform in that arena, and it won't be long before there's debate over a recall to international duty. Pogba is already a World Cup winner with France; a return to Les Bleus isn't necessarily beyond him. For now, though, there'll be palpable relief at simply being able to set foot on a football pitch once more. I don't want to stray too far from the fact that Pogba's downfall was, at the very least, partly of his own making, but he is certainly not beyond redemption. He will surely wish to take control of the narrative throughout however many years he has left at the top level, as his career has featured so many contradictions. Supreme ability yet perceived as having unfulfilled potential. Derided as an underachiever despite being a world champion and quadruple Serie A winner. Maybe all those things can be true at the same time, and maybe that's in some way fitting for such an enigmatic individual.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Bryan Mbeumo tells Tottenham he only wants Man Utd move with Brentford star set to complete transfer next week
Meanwhile a forgotten Man Utd star has signed a new one-year deal BRY-GHT MOVE Bryan Mbeumo tells Tottenham he only wants Man Utd move with Brentford star set to complete transfer next week Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRYAN MBEUMO should be a Manchester United player by the end of next week. Despite Brentford rejecting a second bid of £62.5million on Friday, the transfer is still expected be approved after Tuesday as United enter a new financial year when PSR resets on June 30. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Bryan Mbeumo is set to join Man Utd at the end of next season Credit: Getty 4 Mbeumo has reportedly told Tottenham that he has his heart set on joining Man Utd Credit: PA That allows the Cameroon international's fee to be included in the club's accounts at the end of next season. Mbeumo, 25, will sign a five-year contract worth around £180,000 a week. But, contrary to reports, the Red Devils have not set a date for his medical just yet. Mbeumo has informed Brentford and Tottenham of his decision to join United, according to The Athletic. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS KAREL RINGER Ex-Man Utd ace, 53, looks unrecognisable as he reunites with Treble stars The winger enjoyed a standout season, scoring a career-best 20 Premier League goals and providing seven assists to help Brentford secure a top-half finish - only Mo Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland notched more. To compare, United's highest goalscorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo scored just eight goals in the league last season. Additionally, only two Prem players covered more distance or attempted more sprints last term, making Mbeumo one of the hardest grafters in the league. Boss Ruben Amorim wants him signed in time for the start of pre-season training on July 7. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Mbeumo is under contract at Brentford until June 2026 and they have an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months, with likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs previously linked. An opening low-ball offer from United worth £45million plus £10m in add-ons fell some way short of Brentford's valuation. Man Utd vs Man City fan battle - 'Cristiano Ronaldo is worse than De Bruyne' | Stoppage Time A second proposal at £55m and £7.5m of bonuses was also rejected — but talks continue as the 20-time English champions attempt to find a compromise. Admiration for Mbeumo at Spurs increased after Thomas Frank moved from Brentford to replaced sacked Ange Postecoglou. But the talented winger notified Frank and Brentford that should he depart the Gtech Community Stadium now, it will be for Old Trafford. Reports of Spurs submitting a bid have been denied in North London and they are no longer pursuing the situation SunSport has reached out to Tottenham for comment. This comes weeks after reports claimed Mbeumo chose United over title challengers and Champions League qualifiers Arsenal. 4 The Brentford ace returned from a lengthy injury he sustained in the 2023-24 and proved his fitness, featuring in all 38 league games. An international colleague of United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Mbeumo is likely to miss four weeks of the 2025-26 campaign because of Cameroon's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019, when the Bees were still in the Championship. He has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances in all competitions, helping the West London club earn promotion to the top flight in 2021. Funds are said to be available for United to secure the Mbeumo without requiring sales in advance. Nonetheless, United hope to sell Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 39, has signed a new one-year deal at United, taking him into his 20th pro season. Amorim's side have already announced the £62.5million signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. 4 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM THE SUMMER WINDOW
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Bryan Mbeumo tells Tottenham he only wants Man Utd move with Brentford star set to complete transfer next week
BRYAN MBEUMO should be a Manchester United player by the end of next week. Despite Advertisement 4 Bryan Mbeumo is set to join Man Utd at the end of next season Credit: Getty 4 Mbeumo has reportedly told Tottenham that he has his heart set on joining Man Utd Credit: PA That allows the next season. Mbeumo, 25, will sign a five-year contract worth around £180,000 a week. But, contrary to reports, the Red Devils have not set a date for his medical just yet. Mbeumo has informed Advertisement READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS The winger enjoyed a standout season, scoring a career-best 20 Premier League goals and providing seven assists to help Brentford secure a top-half finish - only Mo Salah, Alexander Isak and To compare, United's highest goalscorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo scored just eight goals in the league last season. Additionally, only two Prem players covered more distance or attempted more sprints last term, making Mbeumo one of the hardest grafters in the league. Boss pre-season training on July 7. Advertisement Most read in Football Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Mbeumo is under contract at An opening low-ball offer from United Man Utd vs Man City fan battle - 'Cristiano Ronaldo is worse than De Bruyne' | Stoppage Time A second proposal at £55m and £7.5m of bonuses was also rejected — but talks continue as the 20-time English champions attempt to find a compromise. Advertisement Admiration for Mbeumo at Spurs increased after Brentford to replaced sacked Ange Postecoglou. But the talented winger notified Frank and Brentford that should he depart the Gtech Community Stadium now, it will be for Old Trafford. Reports of Spurs submitting a bid have been denied in North London and they are no longer pursuing the situation SunSport has reached out to Tottenham for comment. Advertisement This comes weeks after reports claimed Mbeumo chose United over 4 The Brentford ace returned from a lengthy injury he sustained in the 2023-24 and proved his fitness, featuring in all 38 league games. An international colleague of United goalkeeper Advertisement Mbeumo joined Brentford from French club Troyes in 2019, when the Bees were still in the Championship. He has scored 70 goals in 242 appearances in all competitions, helping the West London club earn promotion to the top flight in 2021. Funds are said to be available for United to secure the Mbeumo without requiring sales in advance. Nonetheless, United hope to Antony over the coming weeks. Advertisement Meanwhile, goalkeeper 's side have already announced the from Wolves. 4 SUMMER WINDOW Advertisement
Irish Independent
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Familiar Shelbourne failings allow Bobby Burns to rescue point for Galway
But Joey O'Brien and his players will travel home from Galway wondering how they failed to emerge from Eamonn Deacy Park with a victory that would put a badly-needed smile on faces. Damien Duff's stand-in will take comfort from aspects of their display considering what's coming around the corner in European competition. He is set to be given the opportunity to lead the Reds into that campaign once he gets the relevant sign-off from authorities and he does appear to be getting a response from the group. The reality, though, is that they have drawn 11 of their 24 matches this season because of an inability to be clinical in both boxes. In a game where their goalscorer Mipo Odubeko could easily have bagged a hat-trick, a late fumble from Conor Kearns allowed Galway United substitute Bobby Burns to rescue a point that looked unlikely for reasonable spells of this encounter. John Caulfield will be satisfied with that after a tricky week highlighted by the loss of top scorer Moses Dyer to a big-money deal in Cambodia. Mind you, that drama pales in comparison to what the visitors have been going through. At least Dyer's release clause had given United some preparation for what might be around the corner. Shelbourne had finished on a high in Waterford on Monday, with the opposing boss John Coleman admitting his players were blessed to survive a late rally. They brought the momentum into the opening quarter here, although O'Brien did opt to conserve the energy levels of several key players with Mark Coyle, Paddy Barrett and Evan Caffrey amongst those to drop to the bench. Linfield are around the corner, with the Irish League champions represented by a delegation that included manager David Healy. They might face different personnel in their eagerly-anticipated Champions League tie, but they did see a side that looks to have responded quite well to the drama of the last week. Healy will certainly have noted that they had a few difficult moments from crosses and defensive set pieces, an area where Galway are potent at asking questions. But there was a spark in attacking areas, the best example being the danger presented by Odubeko, the winter arrival who has failed to live up to expectations. His contribution here showed why he can both excite and frustrate. Odubeko broke the deadlock with a precise first half header from a JJ Lunney cross, a moment that the front man would have enjoyed as it allowed him to forget the anguish of a brilliant Garry Buckley goalline clearance that had denied him just beforehand. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more But from there, his contribution was a highlight reel of thrills and spills. He was a constant threat on the counter, with Shels going more direct on occasion to bring out the best in the ex-Man City and Manchester United attacker. He kept finding time and space but, when it came to the crunch, his finishing consistently let him down. O'Brien's exasperation on the sideline was evident, especially when the theme continued into the second half. Odubeko was Shelbourne's best route to putting the outcome beyond doubt, but also the reason they were unable to do so. United were off colour for the opening half hour, with the unavailability of Patrick Hickey adding to the natural loss of Dyer. Galway tried new arrival Malcolm Shaw in place of Dyer and he was busy while showing signs of lacking match sharpness. The natives did have a decent spell before the interval but Caulfield changed to a back four in the second half, a recognition of the need to be more compact in midfield where Harry Wood was enjoying a lot of freedom. However, Shels continued to create the better chances, with Odubeko's evening taking a tragicomic turn with the 22-year-old botching a gilt-edged opportunity from a clever free before looping a header wide under no pressure. It left Shels with no margin for error and that point was proven when Kearns lost control and O'Brien saw two points slip away. Boyd was inches away from a stoppage-time winner but the draw specialists were condemned to a familiar fate. Shelbourne: Kearns, Gannon, Temple, Ledwidge; Kelly (Caffrey 63), Wood (McInroy 63) , Lunney (Coyle 75), Chapman (Coote 89), Norris (Wilson 63); Boyd, Odubeko (Martin 90).
