The Peoples Person

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly held a meeting with a Premier League manager in his garage least year.

State of flux

Since Ineos took control of football operations at the club, there have been sweeping changes made to almost every department.

This also involves the manager as Erik ten Hag was finally sacked in October 2024 and replaced by Ruben Amorim.

Ten Hag made it to October but he was almost sacked in the early part of the summer after poor league performances.

Nonetheless, he ultimately survived owing to the fact he won the FA Cup against Manchester City.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi was high up on United’s list of potential Ten Hag replacements but he rejected the club as he wanted more control over transfers.

Thomas Frank

The former Brentford manager who joined Tottenham Hotspur this summer was reportedly another target for Ineos to replace Ten Hag in the summer of 2024.

TV2 (via The Manchester Evening News) report, “Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly held talks with Thomas Frank in the summer of 2024 about the prospect of becoming Manchester United boss.”

It is stated that, “United held talks with Frank about the prospect of becoming the club’s new manager. This, the report claims, took place on May 24 last year, the day before United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.”

The reports claim that Frank was interviewed in Ratcliffe’s garage in his home in London. Moreover, “Frank had another interview on the same day, where he tried to get the Chelsea manager’s job.”

Commenting on the experience in an interview with TV2 Frank claimed, “I know I didn’t get either job, but it was still huge. I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking: ‘Thomas Frank from f****** Frederiksværk – am I really experiencing this?'”

United would finally persevere with Ten Hag until sacking the Dutchman on the 29th October after a 1-2 defeat to West Ham United.

Featured images Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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Manchester United secured a last-gasp 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur away from home last weekend despite playing the last 10 minutes with a man disadvantage.

It was the visitors who had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo but Spurs scored twice within quick succession, with Richarlison’s strike coming in added time.

With Benjamin Sesko forced off injured, and no subs left for the Red Devils, up stepped Matthijs de Ligt in the last minute of added time to secure an important point.

The Slovenian, who started on the bench, came on in the 58th minute and had two glorious chances to score United’s second. But he fluffed his lines on both occasions.

Poor cameo from Benjamin Sesko

It was a poor cameo and his day was made worse when he pulled up due to a knee injury. United’s medical team came onto the pitch and signalled the coaching staff that the 22-year-old was in no position to continue.

Fans feared the worst, but it came as a pleasant surprise to hear Amorim say during the post-match press conference that the ex-RB Leipzig ace’s injury was not too serious.

Then why could he not have soldiered on for another 10 minutes? It was because United were down to 10 men that the home side managed to find the back of the net a second time.

The Slovenian national team manager’s reaction during the international break also raised further questions regarding United’s call to take him off.

Centredevils have now claimed that the medical staff took the call to sub him off as a precautionary measure as if he would have played on, the chances of the United No.30 getting seriously injured would have drastically increased.

Substitution call

“There was also a huge amount of outrage from supporters, with some believing that the Slovenian came off the pitch due to embarrassment of his missed chance.

“Benjamin Sesko was made to come off by the medical staff and coaches during the Tottenham Hotspur clash, with the attacker deemed physically unfit to continue at that time.

“The club are insistent that this was the right decision for the Slovenian to leave the pitch, as if he carried on, he could’ve risked a further serious injury. Sesko has been assessed and monitored all week in Carrington, with the injury not being deemed as major.”

Hopefully, Benjamin Sesko is back fit for the games against Everton and Crystal Palace later this month. Or else, INEOS might need to dip into the January market for solutions.

Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

Although attention remains firmly on Manchester United’s stars away on international duty, the Red Devils have now received a significant injury update ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Everton.

Looking at United’s matchday squad for their recent encounter with Tottenham Hotspur, one notable absentee stood out: Kobbie Mainoo.

The young midfielder missed the trip to the capital after picking up a knock in training.

In Mainoo’s absence, United boss Ruben Amorim turned to academy prospect Jack Fletcher, calling him up as a midfield bench option.

While Mainoo’s omission may not have raised major alarm bells, given his limited minutes this season, for a player of his quality, the injury would still have left some United fans concerned.

When Mainoo is expected back

Fortunately, those concerns appear short-lived. According to the latest update on United’s number #37:

“Manchester United also expect Mainoo to be fit for the Everton game after missing Spurs. Knock not thought to be serious,” reported Samuel Luckhurst via The Sun on X.

Mainoo’s availability for the Everton fixture at Old Trafford on 24 November will come as a welcome boost for Amorim.

United’s midfield depth under strain

With Christian Eriksen leaving last summer and Toby Collyer sent out on loan, and the club replacing neither, United’s midfield options are worryingly thin. The Red Devils need every available body in the middle of the park.

World Cup hopes

Mainoo, returning to the matchday squad, will be hoping to turn the tide on his fortunes at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old has struggled for game time this season, with Amorim favouring the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

This lack of regular minutes is threatening Mainoo’s hopes of representing England at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

He faces the difficult task of convincing Thomas Tuchel that he deserves a recall to the national team setup.

As such, Mainoo is reportedly eyeing a loan move in the winter window, hoping to join a club where he is guaranteed consistent game time, allowing him to impress and stake his claim for a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

Manchester United’s lack of midfield depth yet again cost them crucial points last weekend.

Against Tottenham Hotspur, United appeared to be in total control for 70 minutes, with a goal advantage, courtesy of Bryan Mbeumo’s well-placed header.

Casemiro was at his usual industrious best, but Amorim decided to replace him with Manuel Ugarte, given the veteran midfielder’s ageing legs. Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, was left out of the matchday squad due to a minor injury.

Man United’s current midfield options are far from ideal

Ugarte’s introduction in north London proved to be disastrous, to say the least. The Uruguayan seemed lost in the middle of the park, and was at fault for both of Spurs goals.

United tried to sign a new midfielder during the summer transfer window, but the club’s hierarchy refused to meet Brighton & Hove Albion’s outrageous demands for Carlos Baleba.

Now, the Red Devils are looking to strengthen their midfield in January, having set their sights on Valencia star Javi Guerra.

Man United could make January bid for Javi Guerra

According to Fichajes, United are considering making an offer of around €50m to sign Guerra in January.

Guerra was on United’s radar over the summer as well. Eventually, the Spain U21 international decided to sign a new contract at Mestalla.

The new terms, valid until 2029, include a release clause worth €100m.

However, Valencia are thought to be open to parting ways with their gifted academy product at a significantly reduced price, as the 22-year-old has struggled for consistency under head coach Carlos Corberan.

Standing at 6ft 2in tall , Guerra is a box-to-box midfielder, who tends to make use of his pace, close control and massive frame to progress the ball higher up the field. Further, his defensive work-rate is commendable.

The Spaniard has drawn comparisons to former Real Madrid midfielder Kaka due to his tireless running and technical prowess.

Featured image Christian Hofer via Getty Images

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has insisted that his former side hold a key advantage that could aid their chances of finishing above rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

United maintain unbeaten streak

United are currently on an unbeaten run of games, following their late goal during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Spurs.

Ruben Amorim’s men took the lead in North London but two goals in the 84th and 90+1 minutes by Mathys Tel and Richarlison respectively, saw the hosts flip the game on its head and threaten to hand United a fourth Premier League defeat of the campaign.

United, reduced to 10 men courtesy of Benjamin Sesko’s injury, were staring down the barrel of a gun, but Matthijs de Ligt had the final say.

The Dutch defender headed home a Bruno Fernandes cross from the corner kick to make it 2-2 and ensure the points were shared.

The result left United in seventh place in the table, just one point off Sunderland in fourth.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville insisted that the Red Devils are capable of finishing above Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs. The former England international opined that the absence of European football at Old Trafford could give United the upper hand.

Neville makes United claim

Neville said [via The Standard], “At the end of the game for United, it’s a good point, and Tottenham will be disappointed that they’ve given away that last-minute goal.”

“It’s been a good month for United, they started this month by beating Liverpool and got eight points out of their last four Premier League games – Liverpool away, Nottingham Forest away, Brighton at home and Tottenham away. It’s a great result.”

“But because they got six points in the first two games, there’s an element of thinking: ‘well, if they just got another two or three points, they’d be right up there in second’. United should really be thinking that if they can get it right – Tottenham as well but it’s tougher for tham with European games – they should be thinking around top four. They really should, because there’s no one grabbing it at this moment.”

“You look at Chelsea, Tottenham, who don’t look sure, Liverpool don’t look sure… it’s there for it’s there for the taking. It’s about consistency.”

“After this international break you’ve got two or three months of lots of games, the winter slog. It’ll sort the teams out and you come out of January and see where really everybody is.”

“But there’s a good opportunity for United.”

“Bournemouth have lost this weekend, Forest have picked up a win, it’s starting to equalize itself out. It’s starting to work itself out.”

United are back in action on November 25 when they welcome Everton to the Theatre of Dreams.

Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo made a promise to the club’s supporters following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Mbeumo shines against Spurs

Fresh off winning the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October, Mbeumo came up with the goods for United yet again, this time scoring the winner against Spurs.

He has been excellent since joining United in the summer transfer window and he was superb again in North London.

Mbeumo positioned himself well at the back post, at the right time, to head home a fantastic cross from Amad. United held on to their slender lead for a huge chunk of the game before Mathys Tel drew Spurs level in the 84th minute.

Richarlison thought he had won it for the visitors soon after as he flicked a Wilson Odobert attempt into the back of Senne Lammens’ net. However, Matthijs de Ligt had the final say, towering over everyone to finish a brilliant Bruno Fernandes ball from the corner kick.

Mbeumo and De Ligt’s strikes ensured the spoils were shared between the two sides.

Mbeumo was surprisingly deployed on the left side of the attack and the Cameroonian didn’t miss a beat in a largely unfamiliar position.

His goal against Spurs means he is now up to five goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season.

After the final whistle, Mbeumo spoke to TNT Sports and chose to focus on the positives. He also promised fans that he and his teammates will do everything in their power to continue their unbeaten run.

Mbeumo’s promise

Mbeumo said [as quoted by Footie Central], “That was a big drama, but at the end we managed to come back into the game.”

“That was a big drama, but at the end we managed to come back into the game.”

The forward added, “It’s always easier on the pitch and training ground, so everyone is enjoying a lot. It’s always easier on the pitch and training ground, so everyone is enjoying a lot.”

United are next in action on November 25 when they welcome David Moyes’ Everton to Old Trafford.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

Matthijs de Ligt’s last gasp leveler at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ensured Manchester United left North London with a share of the spoils, stretching their unbeaten run to five games in the process.

It appeared United were destined for all three points but a manic last 10 minutes saw Spurs turn the game on its head before conceding to De Ligt deep into stoppage time.

United did have opportunities to add to their one goal lead before the chaos but the final 2-2 score line was probably a fair reflection of the two sides respective showings on the day.

Benjamin Sesko was guilty of missing a couple of presentable chances in the later stages after coming on as a second half substitute with United a goal to the good.

As reported by The Mirror, Sesko has since been criticised by Alan Shearer for his performance, which lasted just over 25 minutes due to a knee injury which forced him off with five left on the clock.

Early struggles for summer signing

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer believes Sesko should have grabbed a goal on Sunday and feels the Slovenian is struggling to adapt to life as United’s centre-forward.

“Sesko struggled again. He’s only scored twice in his 12 appearances and he came on today with just over half an hour to go. He had two really, really good chances and should have scored, to be honest,” he said.

Two chances came the big striker’s way with the second a lot more gilt-edged than the first which was carved out by Mason Mount with the score at 1-0.

Sesko still had a lot to do from Mount’s through ball but failed to get a shot away and was then caught by Micky Van de Ven despite being clean through on goal after Spurs equaliser, which would have restored United’s lead with just minutes to play.

Shearer claims the United man should have done better with both chances and broke down the opportunities in his post match analysis.

“They worked it really well for him to get in the first time. He’s either got to get his shot away early or he’s got to push that ball forward quicker. He’s not going to get that amount of time in the Premier League to work it back on his right foot.

“This one [the 85th-minute chance] is the bigger puzzle for me. I know he’s struggling for confidence, but any centre-forward knows you cannot allow the centre-half to come back at you.

“You’ve got to get across Van de Ven. By that time he should have a picture in his head of where the keeper is and what he wants to do. I don’t think he has a clue what he wants to do,” said Shearer.

Positives and negatives

Whilst it’s undeniable Sesko should have done better with at least one of the two moments, United did carve out more opportunities with the 22-year-old on the pitch.

The big man does give United a focal point and allows runs beyond the last line whilst he occupies defenders both in the air and on the ground.

He was unlucky not to set Bryan Mbeumo away from a neat aerial flick that underlined his ability to make chances for his teammates, who are more comfortable in front of goal at present.

Despite his slow start in terms of numbers, there is no doubt Amorim sees the worth in his new man and will be determined to get the best out of him when he returns from injury.

The United head coach admitted he had no idea how much damage Sesko has done to his knee and would be awaiting the results of medical reports.

However today’s reports on the injury are encouraging and the good news for Sesko is the international break will allow him a decent amount of time to recover before United return to action on November 24th, at home to Everton.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Manchester United narrowly avoided a frustrating defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils started in assured fashion in north London, taking a first-half lead through Bryan Mbeumo’s header. For the final 20 minutes, Ruben Amorim substituted Casemiro for Manuel Ugarte. The decision changed the game, effectively costing United two points.

Ugarte covered plenty of ground but he was at fault for both of Spurs goal. He allowed his man to run past him for their first goal and played Richarlison on for the second. Matthijs de Ligt’s 96th-minute equaliser cancelled out the Brazilian’s goal.

Casemiro stats vs. Tottenham Hotspur

MetricValue Long Pass Accuracy100% Cross Accuracy100% Pass Accuracy83% Ground Duels Won56% Touches44 Passes into Final Third5 Ball Recoveries5 Tackles4 Clearances4

Source: Statman Dave

This has been the story of United’s midfield for much of the season. With both Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo yet to convince Amorim, Casemiro remains the side’s only reliable defensive midfielder despite his physical decline.

Man United failed to sign Guerra in summer

Over the summer, United showed interest in Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, who eventually renewed his contract until 2029.

Guerra is viewed as one of Spain’s most exciting young midfielders, having impressed with his powerful running capacity and ball control. Out of possession, the 6ft 2in midfielder uses his massive frame to dominate duels and recover the ball.

However, the 22-year-old has had a difficult start to the campaign under Carlos Corberan, leading to suggestions of a surprise departure from La Liga.

Valencia open to Guerra’s sale at a reduced fee

According to Fichajes, United have renewed their interest in Guerra, as he “fits into their plans” for the future.

Figures at Old Trafford admire the Spaniard’s physicality and athleticism and believe he could adapt to the Premier League quickly.

Further, there is a feeling that they might be able to secure his services at a reduced fee.

The Spain U21 international’s contract includes a €100 million release clause, but the Spanish outlet claim Valencia could allow Guerra to leave for a fee in the region of €25m.

As such, Guerra has once again become a sought-after name in the market. Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are also thought to be monitoring his situation at Mestalla.

Featured image Christian Hofer via Getty Images

A hugely encouraging injury update on Benjamin Sesko has been issued, after the striker sustained an issue during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Sesko injured

Sesko was named on the bench for United’s meeting with Spurs and was only thrust into action in the 58th minute of proceedings.

However, his involvement was short-lived as he sustained an injury that forced him to withdraw from the game. Since Ruben Amorim had already made all five of his allowed substitutions, United saw out the rest of the game with 10 men on the pitch.

After the final whistle, Amorim revealed that Sesko’s injury didn’t look too good, although he insisted a more comprehensive verdict would be given upon further examination.

In his post-match presser, Amorim noted that Sesko’s setback was a knee injury. The United head coach also suggested that the club may dip into the market for striker reinforcements if Sesko’s injury is a serious one.

However, it has now come out that the injury is not as bad as initially feared and consequently, Sesko may not be ruled out of action for too long.

Positive Sesko injury update

GIVEMSPORT’s Sam Cohen said on Saturday evening, “Sources have told GIVEMESPORT that Šeško felt pain in his knee following the incident, but early signs suggest that it may not be anything serious.”

“The Slovenian striker is due to undergo a scan tomorrow, with the results set to confirm the extent of the issue. Until then, Manchester United are remaining cautious.”

“Sources have indicated to GMS that the first impressions within the camp are positive, with initial checks suggesting no major damage.”

Cohen notes that Sesko remains upbeat and fully focused on recovering.

It’s almost certain that the £74m summer signing will not be linking up with Slovenia for the upcoming two-week international break.

United are back in action on November 25 when they welcome David Moyes’ Everton to Old Trafford.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank was full of praise for Manchester United’s attack following Saturday’s dramatic 2-2 draw in North London.

United play out draw with Spurs

Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead shortly after the half-hour mark, heading home a brilliant cross from Amad.

Despite some pressure from Spurs, United held firm for large parts of the game. However, their resolve was broken in the final 10 minutes of normal time when substitute Mathys Tel produced a swivel and blast to draw the hosts level.

Richarlison thought he had won it for Spurs when he flicked in an attempt from Wilson Odobert.

It seemed that United, who were reduced to 10 men after Benjamin Sesko was forced off the pitch with an injury, were headed for defeat. But Matthijs de Ligt had the final say. The Dutch defender rose highest to head a Bruno Fernandes cross into the back of the net, with the clock at 90+6.

De Ligt’s late strike ensured the spoils were shared between the two sides and after the final whistle, Frank admitted that he was satisfied with the result considering United’s fine form in recent weeks.

Frank also acknowledged that United are on an upward trajectory, noting that things seem to be finally clicking for Ruben Amorim.

Frank hails United

The Spurs boss told GOAL, “I think I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim of the game. I spoke before the game about it’s clear they have improved this season.”

“They look, how can you say, more in sync together. But I think especially going forward they look like a big threat. That’s why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game concede five shots in the game, I would take that. So we’re all happy.”

Frank also opened up on his former player Mbeumo, explaining that it wasn’t a surprise to see Amorim deploy the forward on the left side.

“I think it’s not the first time Ruben has, how can you say, played around with the front three. I think no matter where Bryan plays he’s a threat, which he showed again today.”

Frank continued, “Of course, the emotions inside me are high but I take the positives out of this game. That’s what I believe and how I believe in building a good team and keep adding layers to it.”

“Overall, a fine/good performance against a good Man United team which is definitely in flow. We are talking a bit about our, how can you say, level of defensive/attacking threats and to play against a Man Utd side that play with confidence with [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad and Sesko coming on and we kept them to five shots.”

“It’s just another example on the other way around that it’s not that easy to create in the Premier League even though they had all their big boys out there.”

United currently lie in seventh place in the Premier League table, having amassed 18 points after 11 games played.