Tag: Manchester United

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SUPER LEAGUE: UNITED FANS IN ANTI-GLAZERS PROTEST AT OLD TRAFFORD

Hundreds of Manchester United fans protested the Glazer ownership outside Old Trafford on Saturday, following the club’s intent to join the breakaway European Super League.

Protests have been a familiar sight across the Premier League this week after United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City announced their intentions to join six other clubs in a European Super League.

The decision was met with widespread anger from fans who forced the clubs into a U-turn on their decision to join the league.

A large group of Chelsea fans gathered outside Stamford Bridge on Monday and delayed the kick-off of their game against Brighton. During the protests, reports came through that Chelsea would not be joining the breakaway league which prompted the other clubs to follow suit.

Despite the fact plans for the league are now in ruins, the fallout has continued to run throughout the week as fans protest their club’s ownerships.

United fans have been particularly vocal with a group of supporters breaking into the club’s training ground in protest of the Glazer’s ownership.

On Tuesday, the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward also announced that he would resign from his position at the end of the year.

Several hundred Arsenal fans also protested outside the Emirates Stadium before the team’s match against Everton on Friday to call for owner Stan Kroenke to sell the club.

United do not have a game on Saturday but travel to face Leeds United on Sunday.

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ED WOODWARD RESIGNS AS MAN UNITED’S EXECUTIVE VICE-CHAIRMAN

Ed Woodward has resigned as Manchester United executive vice-chairman and will leave at the end of the year.

The 49-year-old joined the club in 2005 and becomes the first high-profile departure since plans for the now stuttering Super League were unveiled on Sunday evening.

Woodward’s exit is understood to be amicable with the owners, the Glazer family, and he will continue in his role until the end of 2021.

“I am extremely proud to have served United and it has been an honour to work for the world’s greatest football club for the past 16 years,” the outgoing executive vice-chairman said.

“The club is well positioned for the future and it will be difficult to walk away at the end of the year.

“I will treasure the memories from my time at Old Trafford, during a period when we won the Europa League, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.

“I am proud of the regeneration of the club’s culture and our return to the Manchester United way of playing.

“We have invested more than £1billion in the squad during my time here and I am particularly delighted with the progress the players have made under the astute leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching team in the last two years.

“I am sure that with the changes we have made on-field and to the coaching and football staff in recent years this great club will soon be lifting silverware again. It deserves to.

“I desperately wanted the club to win the Premier League during my tenure and I am certain that the foundations are in place for us to win it back for our passionate fans.”

Concluding a lengthy statement, Woodward said: “I would like to thank United’s passionate fans for their support during the good and bad times.

“I know this has been a challenging period in our history, but your support for the team has never, ever been in doubt.

“Finally, it has been a pleasure to work with so many magnificent, talented and hard-working people.”

Woodward made no mention of the Super League in his comments and it is reported that his exit his unrelated to the controversial plans.

The 49-year-old played a key role in the newfangled competition and was singled out for criticism by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

News of the breakaway league has been met by intense and relentless criticism, with the Old Trafford giants among six Premier League clubs to join the 12-strong breakaway European competition.

United co-chairman Joel Glazer was named as vice-chairman of the Super League, hailing it as a “new chapter” amid a storm of condemnation.

In a statement confirming Woodward’s departure, Glazer said: “Ed Woodward has served the club with great distinction. On behalf of everyone at United I would like to place on record our sincere thanks for his tireless work and dedication.

“His contribution to the club has been massive, and he will always be welcome at Old Trafford as a part of the Manchester United family.”

A significant figure in the Glazers’ controversial takeover in 2005, he took responsibility of United’s commercial and media operations two years later.

Promoted to executive vice-chairman in 2012, he took over the responsibilities of departing chief executive David Gill on July 1, 2013 and proved an unpopular figure with fans.

Big-money signings brought precious little success during his time calling the shots.

Woodward wielded the axe on Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor David Moyes towards the end of a poor first season.

Louis Van Gaal came in and had a topsy-turvy time in charge, with the Dutchman sacked just days after winning the FA Cup in 2016 – the club’s first major trophy since Ferguson retired.

Jose Mourinho arrived, winning the EFL Cup and Europa League in his first term as United boss and leading them to the second in the Premier League in 2017/18.

But things unravelled and he was dismissed in December 2018, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in on an interim basis and impressing enough to get the job permanently.

The Norwegian has led United through to this season’s Europa League semi-finals and second in the Premier League, putting them on course for back-to-back top-four finishes for the first time since Ferguson stepped down.

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MASON GREENWOOD NETS BRACE AS MANCHESTER UNITED BEAT BURNLEY 3-1

Mason Greenwood’s second-half double and a stoppage-time goal from Edinson Cavani helped Manchester United close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to eight points after a hard-fought 3-1 win over Burnley.

It looked set to be a frustrating outing for the Red Devils as Greenwood’s 48th-minute opener was almost instantly cancelled out by James Tarkowski for Burnley, who had not lost on their previous four visits to Old Trafford.

But Greenwood’s deflected strike in the 84th minute put his side ahead again before substitute Cavani added gloss to the scoreline as United kept their remote hopes of reeling in their crosstown rivals alive.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were far from fluent – and had some luck in the opening seconds as Chris Wood saw his header ruled out for a marginal offside call – but this was their fifth successive league victory.

Marcus Rashford, doubtful beforehand because of a foot complaint he has been managing for the last few weeks, was influential for United but he was withdrawn before Greenwood and then Cavani made sure of a win for the hosts.

A third successive defeat was cruel on 17th-placed Burnley, who find themselves six points above the drop zone after Fulham’s draw at Arsenal earlier on Sunday.

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MAN UNITED DISPLACE GRANADA TO SET UP EUROPA LEAGUE SEMIS AGAINST ROMA

Edinson Cavani set Manchester United on course for a comfortable victory against Granada as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side reached the Europa League semi-finals for the second successive season.

Marcus Rashford’s fine goal and a late Bruno Fernandes penalty in Spain last week put the Red Devils in control of the quarter-final tie heading into Thursday’s reverse fixture at an empty Old Trafford.

United extinguished any hope of a remarkable Granada turnaround when veteran Cavani volleyed home in the sixth minute, with Jesus Vallejo’s late own goal wrapping up a 2-0 win on the night, 4-0 on aggregate.

The reward is a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Roma and a reunion with Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – starters when United won the Europa League in 2017.

That was the Old Trafford giants’ last trophy and they never looked in danger of being denied a fifth semi-final in two seasons after Cavani volleyed home a smart flick on by Paul Pogba.

The France midfielder captained the side in the absence of Harry Maguire – one of three suspended players – and was withdrawn at the end of a first half in which Granada called for him to receive a second booking.

United continued in the ascendancy after the break and ex-Wolves defender Vallejo turned into his own goal under pressure from substitute Juan Mata at the death as Granada’s remarkable first continental campaign came to an end.

Coach Diego Martinez had spoken on the eve of the game about his belief that the Andalusians could seal a historic Old Trafford triumph, but the “perfect game” required was soon beyond them.

Alex Telles, in for the suspended Luke Shaw, sent over a cross from the left that Pogba smartly headed back towards the penalty spot area, where Cavani expertly steered a left-footed volley into the far corner.

The classy sixth-minute strike all but ended Granada’s faint hopes of progress, yet it did not dent their competitive endeavour.

Yangel Herrera, on loan from Manchester City, headed wide as the LaLiga side looked to hit back immediately, before turning their attention to getting Pogba sent off.

The stand-in skipper showed impressive skill and strength to hold off the visitors when driving forwards, only to inadvertently catch German in the face and earn a 17th-minute booking.

Within minutes former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado joined him in referee Istvan Kovacs’ notebook as he screamed for Pogba to be handed a second yellow card for a challenge on Herrera.

Pogba got away with that clumsy tackle, both in terms of staying on the field and seeing Herrera head the resulting free-kick wide, but still spoke to the referee during a break in play about the initial yellow card decision.

Fernandes flashed a stunning volley just over from a delightful clipped Nemanja Matic pass as half-time approached.

The Portuguese mishit his next attempt well wide and other half-chances came to nothing before the break, with Donny Van De Beek replacing the booked Pogba when the teams returned.

Mason Greenwood headed straight at Rui Silva after Jorge Molina was denied by David De Gea at the other end, with United still on top as Cavani glanced a header wide before Van De Beek struck just off target.

Cavani was withdrawn in the 60th minute with half an eye on Sunday’s clash with Burnley – perhaps adding to a sense of complacency that De Gea snapped his team-mates out of after German was allowed to fire wide.

United’s changes took the sting out of the game as Solskjaer’s side trundled along in second gear, with De Gea stopping Victor Diaz’s stinging effort and a close-range Herrera attempt.

But this was as comfortable as a European quarter-final could be and Vallejo turned Telles’ cross into his own net as Mata challenged in the 90th minute.

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CAVANI INSPIRES UNITED COME BACK WIN AGAINST SPURS

Late goals by Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood earned Manchester United a 3-1 comeback win at Tottenham Hotspur that reduces the gap to leaders Manchester City.

Cavani thought he had given the visitors a first-half lead but the goal was overturned by referee Chris Kavanagh, following a Video Assistant Referee review, for a Scott McTominay foul on Son Heung-min in the build-up.

Son opened the scoring after 40 minutes, converting Lucas Moura’s squared pass for his 14th league goal of the season.

Fred then reacted quickest to a Hugo Lloris parry to fire in a 57th-minute equaliser from close range.

Spurs went close to retaking the lead as Son and Harry Kane forced saves from the legs of Dean Henderson but Cavani headed in a superb Greenwood cross with 11 minutes to go to give United the lead.

Greenwood wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time, leaving second-placed Man Utd on 63 points, 11 behind Man City with a match in hand.

Spurs stay seventh with 49 points from 31 matches.

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MAN UTD 2-1 BRIGHTON: LATE GREENWOOD GOAL DOWN STUBBORN SEAGULS

Second-half goals from Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford maintained Manchester United’s second spot with a 2-1 win against battling Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes fired over and Greenwood hit the post in a lively opening by the home side.

But it was Brighton who took the lead on 13 minutes when Danny Welbeck fired home against his former club after his initial header had been parried by goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Brighton had opportunities to add a second but Harry Maguire’s last-ditch tackle denied Neal Maupay moments before Jakub Moder’s deflected shot rolled inches wide before the break.

Man Utd levelled on 62 minutes, Fernandes driving forward and playing in Rashford, who guided the ball into the far corner.

United pushed for a winner and with seven minutes remaining, Greenwood secured victory with a close-range header to divert Paul Pogba’s scuffed shot beyond Robert Sanchez’s reach.

Man Utd remain second, 14 points off leaders Manchester City with a match in hand. Brighton stay in 16th, six points clear of the relegation zone.

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Manchester United Women win on their Old Trafford debut

Manchester United Women normally play their Women’s Super League home matches at Leigh Sports Village but switched to Old Trafford during the international break in the men’s game.

The Manchester United women’s team made its Old Trafford debut on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over West Ham.

The team normally plays its Women’s Super League home matches at Leigh Sports Village but switched to Old Trafford during the international break in the men’s game.

Teenage forward Lauren James headed the ball into the net from close range four minutes after the break, and American international Christen Press doubled the lead six minutes later with a left-footed strike from 12 yards out.

The last time a women’s soccer game was played at Old Trafford was during the 2012 London Olympics.

United is in third place, holding the last Women’s Champions League spot.

Fans are not allowed in stadiums due to coronavirus restrictions.

The women’s north London derby later Saturday is being played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the second time. In 2019, the Tottenham-Arsenal match set a WSL attendance record with 38,262 fans.

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NICKY BUTT TO LEAVE MANCHESTER UNITED ROLE

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt is to step down as the club’s head of first-team development to pursue “a new professional challenge”.

Butt has spent nine years in coaching and player development positions at the club’s academy, playing a key role in overseeing the progress of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood into the first team.

“Having come through the academy myself to play almost 400 games for Manchester United, it has been an absolute privilege to come back and work with a new generation of talent making that same journey,” Butt told manutd.com.

“I’m proud of the role everyone on the staff plays in giving our young footballers the best possible chance of fulfilling their potential, and the results are clear to see in the increased number of homegrown players reaching the first team.

“I already know from my playing days how difficult it is to leave Manchester United, but it feels like the right moment for a new professional challenge and I look forward to exploring opportunities that build on the great experiences I’ve had here over the past nine years.”

Butt’s former United team-mate and current first-team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer paid tribute to the work of the 46-year-old.

“Nicky will always be a legend of Manchester United as a six-time Premier League winner and, of course, an integral part of our treble-winning team,” he said.

“That pedigree has made him a great source of guidance and inspiration to our academy players since he returned to the club.

“We are all going to miss him around the Aon Training Complex but Nicky knows he will always be welcome back.”

Earlier this month United revamped their backroom set-up with John Murtough appointed to a new role of football director with former midfielder Darren Fletcher promoted to technical director.

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IHEANACHO STARS AS LEICESTER OUTCLASS MANCHESTER UNITED TO REACH FA CUP SEMI FINAL

Kelechi Iheanacho’s double fired Leicester to a 3-1 win over Manchester United and a first FA Cup semi-final in 39 years.

The in-form striker now has nine goals in his last nine games and booked a last four showdown with Southampton at Wembley next month.

Youri Tielemans also netted to put the Foxes – four-time runners-up – a game away from their first FA Cup final since 1969.

Mason Greenwood did haul United level in the first half – after Fred’s mistake presented Iheanacho with the opener.

It was just Leicester’s second win over United in 23 years but a deserved one as they outplayed and outfought the visitors.

The Europa League is now United’s only realistic chance of a trophy this season with Manchester City unlikely to be caught in the Premier League.

Fred set the tone for his own erratic display early when he lost the ball to allow Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez to break, Jamie Vardy’s initial cross was blocked but returned to the striker and Dean Henderson parried his low effort.

Vardy wasted a fine opening soon after when his shot was blocked by Harry Maguire with Iheanacho free but Leicester were sharper than United.

They were more controlled and composed and were gifted the lead by Fred after 24 minutes.

United tried to pass their way out from the back and, when Maguire played Fred into trouble, the midfielder sold Henderson woefully short.

It allowed Iheanacho to nip in, round the goalkeeper and tap into an empty net for his 12th goal in 18 FA Cup appearances.

The Foxes continued to press but were pegged back when United burst into life seven minutes before the break.

Paul Pogba found space on the left and his cross was dummied by Donny Van de Beek for Greenwood to sweep in from eight yards.

Perez came close to restoring Leicester’s lead ahead of half-time only for his 18-yard effort to go wide and the Foxes were missing the creativity of injured duo James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.

Yet, six minutes after the break, Tielemans – who is the Foxes’ chief creator without the pair – restored their lead.

The midfielder swapped passes with Iheanacho to drive towards goal and, as Fred struggled to keep up, United’s defence parted to allow the Belgium international to find the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Alex Telles drilled wide as United looked for an instant response before Vardy should have ended the tie after 58 minutes.

Again Iheanacho was involved as he found the striker who skipped past a static Maguire but, with just Henderson to beat, dragged wide of the near post.

It prompted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer into a quadruple change with Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Edinson Cavani brought on, which did little to change United’s fortunes.

And former Manchester City striker Iheanacho – who scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United last week – sealed Leicester’s progress with 12 minutes left when he was left unmarked to head in Marc Albrighton’s free kick from two yards.

Kasper Schmeichel turned Fernandes’ late free-kick over but there was no way back for United.

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EUROPA LEAGUE QUARTER FINAL DRAW: AJAX FACE ROMA, MANCHESTER UTD. GETS GRANADA

Manchester United will face Granada and Arsenal will take on Slavia Prague in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

United narrowly saw off Italian giants AC Milan in the last-16 with a 2-1 aggregate win and were rewarded with a kind-looking draw against the Spanish side.

Arsenal, meanwhile, survived a scare to beat Olympiacos 3-2 on aggregate to book their place in the final eight, and their reward is a game against Leicester and Rangers conquerers Slavia.

The other two games are Ajax vs Roma and Dinamo Zagreb vs Villarreal.

Both English sides should feel relatively pleased with the draws they received.

And if they make it that far United and Arsenal could meet in the final after they were kept apart for the potential semi-finals, which were drawn at the same time

The winner of Granada vs United will take on the winner of Ajax against Roma.

And whoever comes out on top between Dinamo Zagreb and Villarreal will face the winner of Arsenal and Slavia Prague.

The quarter-final first legs will take place on April 8, with the return games a week later on April 15.

And the first leg of the semis are scheduled for April 29, with the return on May 6.

And the showpiece final to put in the diary will go ahead on May 26 at Poland’s Gdansk Stadium.