The Peoples Person

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has delivered his assessment of Benjamin Sesko’s appearance against Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting the Slovenian was not ready for the game.

Sesko’s cameo vs. Spurs

Sesko was introduced into the action early in the second half as United played out a 2-2 draw vs. Spurs in North London on Saturday.

Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead, but this advantage was wiped out in the late stages of the game courtesy of two quick-fire strikes from Mathys Tel and Richarlison.

It appeared that United were set for a chastening defeat after a run of some positive results, but Matthijs de Ligt had the final say. The Dutch defender headed home a Bruno Fernandes cross with the clock at 90+6. De Ligt’s goal ensured the spoils were shared between the two sides.

Sesko replaced Noussair Mazraoui but his involvement was short-lived, as he sustained an injury that forced him to come off the pitch.

The summer signing had two very good chances to score but could not make the most of any of them. Speaking after the final whistle, Amorim called for patience with Sesko, insisting that he is not dealing with a confidence issue.

According to Berbatov, it’s likely that Sesko was not prepared for the game.

Berbatov offers Sesko theory

Berbatov said on Premier League Productions [via Metro], “I want to be supportive, I sympathise with his situation.”

“Yes, he needed to do better, maybe take the ball more to his left foot so this way it eliminates the defender, but we cannot take away the tackle from Mickey van de Ven as well, great, great tackle.”

“Maybe that lack of confidence, playing minutes, it affects a player.”

The former Bulgaria international added, “Then when you get injured out of it, it shows maybe you are not ready to step into the game at full speed.”

United are back in action on November 25, after the international break, when they welcome David Moyes’ Everton to Old Trafford.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro put in a sublime performance as his side played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

United earn draw vs. Tottenham

United took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark courtesy of Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian got on the end of a sublime delivery from Amad to head the ball into the back of the net.

The Red Devils looked set for all three points but substitute Mathys Tel drew Spurs level in the 84th minute.

United’s problems were compounded when they were reduced to 10 men after Benjamin Sesko, who had come on shortly before, was forced down the tunnel with an injury.

Richarlison made it 2-1 to Spurs in stoppage time and it looked like the hosts had sealed a dramatic comeback over Ruben Amorim’s men.

However, Matthijs de Ligt headed in a Bruno Fernandes corner in the 97th minute of proceedings to make sure the spoils were shared in North London. De Ligt’s late goal also means that United’s unbeaten run has now been extended to five games.

A number of United players did well, including Casemiro

Casemiro’s performance

During the time he was on the pitch before being replaced by Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro successfully connected with 100% of the long balls he pinged.

He also found a United teammate with 100% of his crosses.

The veteran midfielder completed 83% of his passes, delivering five of them into the final third of the pitch. He touched the ball 44 times.

Casemiro was superb defensively, winning four tackles and making as many clearances. He also came up with five ball recoveries.

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

In yet another match, Casemiro’s vital importance to United was crystal clear. With him in action, the team looked far more solid as he expertly anchored the midfield. The moment he was substituted for Manuel Ugarte, however, United completely fell apart and surrendered all the defensive solidity they had built.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

Manchester United received some bad news yesterday with Kobbie Mainoo being out of the Tottenham Hotspur match that will kick off this lunchtime.

Difficult season

The 2022 Youth Cup winner was one of the breakout stars of the 2023-2024 campaign.

Mainoo scored crucial goals and became a mainstay of the United midfield, scoring in and winning the 2024 FA Cup final.

Nonetheless, he has struggled for gametime under Ruben Amorim and the young star has been linked with a loan move away from the club in January.

The 20 year old has been involved in eight matches this season but often as a substitute. Therefore, he has only played a total of 228 minutes all season. He has provided one assist though.

Injury

The Athletic report that “Kobbie Mainoo will miss Manchester United’s match at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday with a minor injury.”

They also add that “while that in itself is disappointing for a player eager for more minutes, it does also raise the prospect of wider-reaching deflation.”

With the international break coming up, United won’t be in action again until they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Monday 24th November.

Record under threat

Since 1937 and a grand total of 4,332 successive games, United have included an academy graduate in their first-team squad.

Mainoo has been that connection with him being the only academy product in the entire matchday squad five times this season and in the last four games.

What’s more, “Tyler Fredricson and Tom Heaton have made matchday squads a handful of times too, but neither since the Brentford game, which heralded the arrival of Senne Lammens as the new No 1, shifting Altay Bayindir to back-up. United’s healthy squad has limited Fredricson’s chances.”

Jack Fletcher to the rescue

Ruben Amorim is seemingly aware of the situation and has called up Jack Fletcher to the squad to keep the run going.

Nonetheless, with the recent departures of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho, it seems the record has not been in greater threat in a very long time.

Amorim spoke on the issue in September and asserted, “we want to maintain that, I don’t want to be the guy to break that record, or that idea. If you see the past of Manchester United, it’s built on kids who grow up here for a long time. I think that should be our goal in the future, so I should try maintain that, that is for sure.”

With a glut of talent coming through the youth ranks with players such as Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites and Jacob Devaney on the cusp of a role in the senior squad, this could be the last time the record is threatened in a long time.

Kobbie Mainoo stats

NameAppearancesGoalsAssists Years active Kobbie Mainoo80732023-present

Source: transfermarkt.com

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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Ruben Amorim will be tempted to field a more conservative starting XI for Manchester United’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow.

After a run of three wins, Amorim played an adventurous side in the last game at Nottingham Forest, with Amad at right wing back and young striker Benjamin Sesko up front.

Had United won that match, the head coach may have been inclined to stay on the front foot, but a poor defensive performance means he is likely to set out a more defensive stall this time around.

Defence

Senne Lammens has done little wrong since breaking his way into the first team and is almost certain to continue in goal.

Amorim’s propensity to fiddle with his back three could mean that young Leny Yoro will step down and be replaced by Harry Maguire, with Matthijs de Ligt moving to the right side of the back line and Luke Shaw remaining on the left.

Lisandro Martinez is nearing fitness but will not be ready to start. Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui are other options.

Wing Backs and Midfield

Amorim could sacrifice Amad for Mazraoui at wing back with defence in mind. The Ivorian got outjumped and outmuscled for Forest’s first goal last time out. Diogo Dalot was the culprit for the second goal and had a bad game in general, but as one of Ruben’s trusted lieutenants, he is more likely to keep his place.

Either Mazraoui or Dalot could play on the right or the left. Patrick Dorgu is also a possibility in either role if the boss wants to be more attacking.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes seem to have nailed down the two midfield slots this season and that will surely continue, with Kobbie Mainoo and Manu Ugarte having to bide their time waiting for an opportunity.

Forwards

Another Amorim favourite is Mason Mount, who has not featured in the last two games. It seems likely he will be brought back in to the side, probably in the left inside forward position, with Matheus Cunha playing up top and Benjamin Sesko dropping to the bench. Bryan Mbeumo is a nailed-on certainty for the right sided attacking role.

Josh Zirkzee is another player struggling to get starts this season and that probably won’t change tomorrow.

With all that in mind, here is our starting XI for tomorrow’s 12.30pm kick off:

Check the confirmed line-up here in The Peoples Person when it is announced at 11.15am tomorrow.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Is Scott McTominay’s time at Napoli running out?

That is the question many have been left asking, especially given the reports currently circulating about the former Manchester United star.

Having been sold to Napoli in the summer of 2024 for around £25 million, the Scottish international quickly became a hit at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Indeed, he played a pivotal role in Naples, firing the Partenopei to the Scudetto with 12 goals and six assists in 34 league games.

Moreover, his high work rate, box-to-box energy, and sharp finishing did not just earn him the Serie A MVP award but also secured him a Ballon d’Or nomination, where he finished 18th in the final rankings.

Top clubs circling

With such form, it was surely only a matter of time before Europe’s top clubs began plotting to steal the high-flying United academy graduate away from Naples.

In fact, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person claimed that Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United are all keen to sign McTominay.

While the same report suggested the midfielder could be open to leaving, fresh hints and claims have since emerged about where his future may lie.

What McTominay thinks of a Napoli exit

In a revealing piece titled “Scott McTominay partying in Italy, throwing doubt over transfer rumours”, suggestions that he was unhappy in Naples were firmly dismissed.

Now, McTominay has directly addressed the speculation.

“I’m really happy in Naples,” he told Sky Sports Italy via Area Napoli; a statement widely interpreted as an attempt to put the rumours to bed.

Given he’s enjoying his football, thriving in a key role, and basking in the added fame, one would wonder why McTominay would want to walk away from it all.

His desire to stay is understandable, and from United’s perspective, it should be well-received.

After all, a Premier League return to join a direct rival would have been a bitter pill to swallow.

Napoli’s response to exit links

Nevertheless, reports suggest Napoli are now working to tie him down to a new deal.

Given his comments above, he will likely commit his future to the club.

If so, that will be enough to deter further interest, sparing United the headache of facing a revitalised McTominay, whose box-crashing runs continue to torment Italian defences and hand Napoli a decisive edge.

So far this season, he has netted four goals in eleven appearances. And with Kevin De Bruyne sidelined, the creative burden may now fall to him to sustain Napoli’s attacking spark.

Feature image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images

Manchester United u21s hosted Tottenham Hotspur in a Saturday lunch time kick off at Leigh Sports Village.

Heading into the match with a perfect record of six wins from six, United looked to extend their win streak and re-take the top spot in the league with Ipswich overtaking first place with an earlier kick off.

First half

The first chance of the match came the way of the visitors as the ball came to Oliver Irow at the edge of the box. He forced a good save from Dermot Mee, who was able to get down quickly to his left.

Shea Lacey began to pull the strings in the first half with two delightful reverse passes in quick succession to send Gabriele Biancheri and then Jayce Fitzgerald free down the right channel.

Biancheri looked for the cutback but with no options, the striker opted to test the keeper with a powerful shot from a wide angle which was parried away.

Fitzgerald subsequently looked to cutback into the box to find a teammate but could only find a Spurs white shirt.

Lacey then curled a cross into the box which was taken down incredibly by Biancheri under the pressure of two defenders before he fired into the bottom left corner to give United the lead.

Spurs were causing danger of their own at the other end though, two chances in the matter of minutes were both cleared off the line by United captain Jacob Devaney, who has been a key figure in United’s perfect start to the season.

Just before the half hour mark, Jack Fletcher had his effort cleared off the line after United forced a turnover high up the pitch.

Biancheri made it 2-0 in the 37th minute after a great bit of teamwork.

Diego Leon initially stepped up to win the ball before Jack Fletcher played a pass through the lines that was held up by Biancheri. He laid it off to Jayce Fitzgerald who made a reverse pass to James Scanlon on the left side of the box. Scanlon centred for Biancheri to slide in from five yards out.

Spurs pulled one back just before the break, the ball bounced around the United box but United failed to clear before Callum Olusesi bundled the ball into the net to make it 2-1 at half-time.

Second half

On the hour mark Diego Leon went on a sensational charging run, shrugging off two Spurs’ players before finishing with his weaker foot for his first goal in the red of Manchester.

An awkward fall saw Lacey stretch his shoulder, forcing him off minutes later. He could later be seen icing his shoulder on the bench.

A late Jack Fletcher free kick fizzed across the face of goal as Chido Obi swung his head and missed before Biancheri steered the ball wide at the back post.

Biancheri got his well deserved hat-trick in stoppage time though, after combining with Jack Fletcher to finish the match 4-1.

Match facts

United: Mee, Helafu (Ngwashi 76), Devaney (C), Armer, Leon (Mantato 67), T. Fletcher, Fitzgerald, Lacey (Obi 67), J. Fletcher, Scanlon, Biancheri

Unused subs: Murdock, McAllister

Goals: Biancheri 16, 37, 90+6. Leon 60 | Olusesi 41

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

Manchester United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur in a heated transfer race for Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo.

While Man United enjoyed a successful transfer window, with the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko all finding their form since arriving at Old Trafford, the team still needs to improve its form, with an erratic run of results leaving them in a frustrating 10th place in the league standings as a result of their inconsistency.

Perhaps bringing one of the most consistent Premier League performers to the club would help United improve their fortunes.

Target acquired

This past summer, The Peoples Person noted that United reportedly began monitoring Semenyo.

Ultimately, they decided against sealing a deal for the forward, given Bournemouth’s steep valuation of the player.

Yesterday, there appeared to be a sudden change of heart, with United seemingly convinced to spend big on the Ghana international despite previously not wanting to pay over £55m for the player. This, despite his valuation drifting north of £75m since then.

Still, even if they fork out the money, United could struggle to get a deal over the line, given that they may face some stiff competition for the player.

Transfer battle incoming

This morning, TEAMtalk reported that Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for Semenyo.

“Tottenham will try to properly assess the level of competition before committing to a bid for Antoine Semenyo in 2026, but still view the attacker as a target, TEAMtalk understands,” the report read.

“Sources believe they are currently the club most interested in signing him, but with an exit still some way off, there is expected to be a battle for his signature when the time comes.”

“Manchester United remain keen on Semenyo, but an offer will depend on the state of their squad build at the moment – as well as their league position,” the article concluded.

While Spurs may seem like the team most interested in Semenyo at present, United would do well to strongly consider a move for the Ghanaian given his scintillating form in the league.

With existing Premier League standout performers Cunha and Mbeumo already making their mark at Old Trafford, United could continue this successful blueprint by signing another proven talent from the world’s most competitive league.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba has taken another twist as the transfer battle for the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder heats up according to the latest report.

Spurs join the hunt

Sports Boom reveals Tottenham Hotspur have “joined the race” for Baleba alongside the Red Devils after making contact to strike a deal.

Thomas Frank, who took over from Ange Postecoglou in north London this summer, is said to be an “admirer” of the 21-year-old midfielder.

Liverpool have also been identified as a potential suitor with the Merseyside club closely monitoring the situation at the Amex Stadium ahead of a potential raid in January.

United’s bitter rivals in the north west have also been linked with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – two alternatives under consideration at Old Trafford.

But Baleba appears to remain the Red Devils’ first-choice target to upgrade Ruben Amorim’s engine room with the Cameroon international “highly-rated” by United’s head coach, according to Sports Boom.

In fact, Fabrizio Romano even contends United’s pursuit of Baleba will be influenced by Amorim’s position at Old Trafford, suggesting if the former Sporting manager is dismissed by INEOS the club may not follow up their interest next year.

Baleba has his heart set on Old Trafford

INEOS remain fully committed to Amorim, however, and are prepared to give him more time, and potential investment in January, to get things right at the Theatre of Dreams.

And if Baleba is revisited as a target, Sports Boom reveals United have an inside track on their Premier League rivals as the midfield starlet wants to join the Mancunian club as his priority.

“Our sources understand Manchester United is the 21-year-old Cameroon international preferred destination when the January transfer window opens,” the report states.

Brighton are very unlikely to be willing to entertain offers in the winter window, however. And even if they were, the possibility of United stumping up the £100 million plus fee it would take to get the Seagulls to do business is even more remote.

But this is equally true for Liverpool and Spurs with clubs reticent to spend huge sums in January, meaning any successful pursuit of Baleba will come next summer.

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Manchester United appear to have revealed what they hope to do with Kobbie Mainoo as the transfer race for the midfield prodigy heats up.

While a standout performer over the course of the past season, Mainoo has had limited minutes on the pitch this season, missing out on both of Man United’s first two Premier League games.

His first appearance came in the dismal EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town, where he struggled to find his groove.

Still, this performance has not dampened the rising interest that a multitude of clubs have expressed in him, with Tottenham Hotspur attempting an audacious swoop for the player before the transfer deadline arrives.

The race is on

Chelsea have been linked with the youngster, reportedly discussing a £70 million asking price back in January, which has allegedly fallen to £45 million.

Italian giants Napoli have also emerged as potential suitors, with the team also looking to sign Rasmus Hojlund in an audacious double swoop.

Then there’s Newcastle United, who reportedly also entered the fray – a move which could allow United to fetch more money from a potential deal.

Still, the player himself would also need to decide where he wants to play his football going forward.

Mainoo reveals his true desire

Earlier today, The Peoples Person relayed that Mainoo desires to remain at United, although he would like to leave the club on loan as a means of getting more minutes on the pitch.

Still, this hasn’t dissuaded Tottenham Hotspur from pursuing a sneaky late deal, with United responding in a way that voices their true feelings on the academy graduate.

United respond to Spurs

“Tottenham Hotspur have explored the possibility of signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, sources have told TEAMtalk, with initial contacts understood to have taken place on Thursday,” TEAMtalk reported this morning.

“Tottenham have moved quickly to open the door, believing he could flourish under manager Thomas Frank’s set-up,” the article continued, before revealing United’s stance.

“Sources have told TEAMtalk that Man Utd officials are reluctant to sanction any departure, instead wanting him to work his way into manager Ruben Amorim’s side to earn a new contract. That stance was reiterated on Thursday, even as Tottenham sensed an opportunity.”

It’s clear that United are acutely aware of Mainoo’s enormous potential, and should this latest report prove true, United fans would surely be relieved to see that United are attempting to avoid offloading a talent who could surely serve the club well for years to come.

Still, with the transfer window closing on September 1, it’s difficult to know what dramatic late moves could be made as United scramble to build their squad for the season.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Manchester United appear to be ramping up their efforts to sign young up-and-coming stars this summer as they seek to secure their long-term future.

With the new Premier League season underway, it has been a busy transfer window for the club, with no signs of Man United’s transfer ambitions slowing down.

Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko have all added significant firepower to United’s attack, but it has so far seemed that the club is largely satisfied with its current defensive lineup.

That is, until a fresh update.

A centre-back target emerges

Last week, The Peoples Person relayed that United have taken an interest in Fenerbahce’s Yusuf Akçicek.

Exhibiting his talent at the back in the U19 Süper Lig, Akçiçek has also seemingly attracted the interest of Aston Villa.

This comes as little surprise, with former United manager Jose Mourinho even comparing him to Raphael Varane.

Bayern Munich are also believed to be in the running for the Turkish youngster, with the Bundesliga champions reportedly sending representatives to watch him in action.

As such, it appears that United need to act fast in order to sign the teenager. Interestingly, it appears that they already have, if new reports are to be believed.

The race is on

Sabah [via Sport Witness] reported that Manchester United sent officials to Turkey to “take a closer look at the youngster.”

The report claimed that Tottenham Hotspur also happened to send their own officials to Turkey, presenting themselves as rivals to United in what could become a heated transfer race.

While United’s attack has been a clear area of focus this summer, signing a promising new defender such as Akçiçek could prove to be a prudent move, especially since Lisandro Martinez remains injured and Harry Maguire continues to age.

Featured image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images