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Manchester United have joined Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.

The Red Devils could enter the transfer market for a new central defender this summer, with Matthijs de Ligt having recently undergone surgery for a back problem.

The Netherlands international was carrying the concern since November last year. He has finally undergone a procedure that will rule him out for several months.

United have confirmed that he won’t return until the early stages of the 2026/27 season.

A cost-effective replacement could be sought this summer, and Merlo claims that United are one of the clubs ‘vying’ to sign Senesi on a free transfer alongside Liverpool and Tottenham.

United could beat Spurs to Senesi’s signature

The Argentina international has already agreed personal terms with Spurs over a free transfer when his Bournemouth contract expires this summer. A move is still dependent on them avoiding Premier League relegation this term.

Hence, nothing has been finalised on paper. The Red Devils still have the opportunity to prise away the 29-year-old, who could be lured with Champions League football.

Senesi is not a strong ball-playing centre-back. He has a passing accuracy of only 78 percent this season, but has excelled with his defensive attributes at the Cherries.

The former Feyenoord man has won five duels per game alongside two tackles, four recoveries and almost seven clearances. He has been pivotal to Bournemouth’s rise in recent years.

Senesi has his sights on a major contract in the prime of his career. He is on £50,000 per week, and could be convinced with the opportunity to double his current wages.

United have an edge over Spurs with Champions League football, but the big question remains whether Senesi would accept a reduced rotational role to join the club.

If Spurs beat the drop, the left-footed star could become a regular starter at left centre-back with Micky van de Ven tipped to leave during the next transfer window.

Senesi may have to compete with Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven for the left central defensive position if he were to join United on a Bosman deal this summer.

This could be a potential roadblock for United in the pursuit of his signature. Senesi would be a huge bargain signing, considering his vast Premier League experience.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick could make one big change to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils secured a third-straight league win after a solid performance against Fulham at home last weekend. Striker Benjamin Sesko grabbed the headlines with a stoppage-time winner (3-2).

United’s focus will now turn to Saturday’s early kick-off against Spurs. The north London outfit have been a bogey club for the Red Devils, who are winless in the last eight meetings.

There have been three draws and five defeats in that run, including last season’s Europa League final loss. United have the perfect chance to make amends with Spurs in a poor run of league form.

Spurs have picked up just three points from their last five matches and are 18th in the form table.

Ahead of the weekend encounter, Carrick could make a solitary change to the starting XI.

The 44-year-old opted to start Matheus Cunha on the left wing against Fulham last weekend after Patrick Dorgu picked up a hamstring injury. The Dane has been ruled out for a couple of months.

The decision proved worthwhile with Cunha finding the net. Sesko was brought on as a substitute. The Slovenian missed a big chance early on, but redeemed himself with a 94th-minute winner.

Carrick could now be tempted to start Sesko upfront when the Red Devils host Spurs this weekend.

Sesko is a confidence player, as seen from his RB Leipzig days. The £66.3 million signing needs regular playing time going forward to find consistency and become a regular outlet for goals.

Amad Diallo has shown an excellent work rate from the right wing in the last three matches, but has not made a direct goal contribution. The Ivorian ace could be the one to make way for Sesko.

The 22-year-old could play a big part with his aerial presence from set-pieces as well as quick runs behind Spurs’ backline. We saw the best of him against Burnley away before he was dropped to the bench.

Sesko’s return to the starting XI would mean Bryan Mbeumo vacating the striker’s position to move to the right wing. Cunha should start on the left wing, with Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of the winter transfer window, according to Turkish outlet Sabah.

The Red Devils are short in the midfield department at the moment after untimely injuries to Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. There are no return dates for the pair.

This could prompt United to enter the transfer market for a solution. Sabah today claim that Premier League clubs, and ‘most notably Manchester United’ are showing interest in Neves.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also ‘preparing offers’ for the 28-year-old. This is expected to be a major hurdle for Galatasaray in the pursuit of the midfielder.

United should move early to secure Neves’ signature

The Portugal international was regularly linked with United during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he ended up making a surprise move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal in 2023.

Neves’ current deal with Al-Hilal expires at the end of the campaign, and his reluctance to extend his contract is likely to pave the way for a mid-season transfer.

The Saudi Pro League outfit are eyeing £18 million to part ways with their £47m signing, but the package could be lower, given his contract concludes in six months’ time.

Neves is presently on a basic weekly salary of £294,000 at Al-Hilal, which is tax-free. He would have to accept a big pay-cut, and may still seek at least £200,000 per week.

Newcastle are unlikely to break their wage structure for the Portuguese. It could be a battle between United and Spurs to sign the Porto graduate, who wants a Premier League return.

Spurs were prepared to offer significant weekly wages to Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, but he has his sights on winning trophies with Manchester City in the prime of his career.

Thomas Frank’s side could seek to persuade Neves with a big salary offer too, and the onus is on United to make an early approach to try and convince the experienced midfielder.

Neves, described as ‘fantastic‘ by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, would be a good upgrade on Casemiro in the number six role. He has a tireless work rate and impressed with his ball recoveries and tackling during his time at Wolves.

The Portuguese can likewise provide an attacking solution too. He has the knack for making late runs into the box and made seven goal contributions in his final year at Wolves.

At £18m or less, he would be a bargain midfield signing in January, thereby allowing United to save additional funds for the purchase of a marquee number six next summer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com

Manchester United registered a 4-1 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road.

Bruno Fernandes set the tone with the opener, only for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to drag Wolves level right on the cusp of half-time.

United came out firing after the break, with Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount striking to put the visitors 3-1 ahead by the hour mark.

Fernandes later buried a coolly taken penalty to seal his brace and wrap up a dominant three points for Ruben Amorim’s side.

The performance even caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison, who could not hide his admiration for the United skipper.

He said on Sky Sports: “Bruno Fernandes is underrated for the consistency he shows regularly.

“Every time he is on the ball, he can just see it all.”

Fernandes put on a sensational show against Wolves.

He finished the night with two goals and one assist, earning a well-deserved 9/10 in our post-match ratings.

The Portuguese maestro dictated the tempo from midfield, threading incisive passes and unlocking Wolves’ defence almost at will.

He created four big chances and completed 83% of his passes, further underlining his influence.

He also completed seven recoveries and made one tackle.

Fernandes has shown yet again why he is a world-class player.

Critics continually doubt him and blame him for his lack of defensive work.

Those tactical decisions fall on the head coach, not the player.

Fernandes knows that unfair scrutiny comes with the territory when you are the heartbeat of one of the biggest clubs in world football.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Manchester United played out a frustrating 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the road on Saturday.

The Red Devils looked on course for a 1-0 victory after Bryan Mbeumo scored with a precise header in the 32nd minute.

United held onto their lead until the 83rd minute before Spurs made a late comeback.

Mathys Tel and Richarlison scored in the space of just seven minutes, but Matthijs de Ligt salvaged a point with a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser.

United were not helped by frustrating injuries. Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko were all substituted with setbacks in the second half.

Sesko’s departure at 1-1 left the club with 10 men on the field after manager Ruben Amorim had already made his five substitutions.

Substitute Manuel Ugarte was largely at fault for both goals conceded by Spurs, and in our view, United must address their midfield concern soon.

Casemiro has had a good start to the campaign in the number six role, but the Brazil international is no longer in the prime phase of his career.

The 33-year-old does not possess the work rate to sustain the same intensity over 90 minutes.

Casemiro picked up an injury on Saturday, which played a big part in Spurs’ comeback. Ugarte failed to track his runner for the first goal conceded.

The Uruguayan played Richarlison onside for the second goal after another positional blunder. We won’t be surprised if he is sold by next summer.

United need to pursue a young marquee number six, who can establish himself as an undisputed starter.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson would be an ideal solution. The 23-year-old has been one of the best performers at Forest this term despite their league struggles.

Yesterday, he delivered another top-class showing in the league. The Englishman had 70 touches against Leeds United, completing 38 out of 43 passes attempted.

Anderson made seven passes into the final third alongside seven recoveries and five duels won. He capped his display with an exquisite penalty. He received a 7.9/10 rating by Fotmob.

The former Newcastle United man would be a perfect acquisition for the Red Devils. He would cement his spot in the heart of the midfield under Amorim.

He has a Transfermarkt value of £40 million as things stand, but it would surely take double that price to persuade Forest into parting ways with his services.

United should consider a mid-season move for Anderson, but it is more likely that Forest won’t negotiate and may wait until next summer to contemplate his sale.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com

Manchester United shared the spoils against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Red Devils went into the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a four-match unbeaten run and extended the streak with a 2-2 draw.

United were 1-0 ahead through Bryan Mbeumo and held onto their lead until the 83rd minute.

Spurs fought back with two quick-fire goals through Mathys Tel and Richarlison, but Matthijs de Ligt salvaged a point late into stoppage time.

There were some good performers for the Red Devils. De Ligt was the man of the match, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens was excellent once more.

The Belgian made his Red Devils debut in the 2-0 league win over Sunderland, and has since made four more appearances in the English top-flight.

Lammens had another top outing against Spurs, and without him, United could have easily lost.

The 23-year-old made two crucial saves at the start of the second half. He showed terrific reflexes with a right-footed block to deny Cristian Romero from close range.

Just minutes later, Lammens denied Joao Palhinha on the half-volley. Aside from his exceptional shot-stopping, he delivered 10 successful long balls with five ball recoveries.

Lammens has been terrific between the sticks without any notable errors leading to a shot or goal. He has been a good upgrade on Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana (out on loan).

Within a short space of time, Lammens has become undroppable under manager Ruben Amorim, and the onus is now on him to sustain this form and cement his spot for the long run.

United have 10 league games in the space of just over six weeks after the international break. Hopefully, Lammens can keep some clean sheets with better defending in front of him.

Stats from Sofascore.com

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur played out a 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Saturday.

Bryan Mbeumo stunned the London crowd just after the half-hour mark, glancing home a precise header to hand United the lead.

However, the home team mounted a spirited comeback with goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison.

Just when it looked like Spurs would snatch all three points, Matthijs de Ligt rose like a warrior at the far post to head home a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser.

The hosts netted twice in quick succession late in the game, with one United player culpable on both occasions.

Manuel Ugarte replaced Casemiro in the 72nd minute, with manager Ruben Amorim forced to substitute the Brazilian due to an injury.

This unplanned substitution cost the Red Devils two points, with Ugarte putting on a forgettable cameo.

The 24-year-old was brutally exposed by Wilson Odobert in the build-up to the first equaliser, being beaten far too easily before the ball was worked wide to Destiny Udogie.

Odobert ran away from Ugarte with absolute ease before putting it wide for Dentiny Udogie.

The left-back played a cross for Tel, whose deflected strike went past Lammens to bring life to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ugarte had time to make a challenge but hesitated, falling victim to a simple body feint that left him flat-footed.

His lack of aggression and game awareness is concerning.

He compounded his misery by playing Richarlison onside for Spurs’ second goal in a truly baffling lapse of concentration.

The Red Devils paid £42 million to sign the midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

INEOS have already shown their ruthless streak with last summer’s exits, and Ugarte could soon find himself next in line if this trend continues.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim lavished praise on one player following the 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the road on Saturday.

The Red Devils shared the spoils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the result could have been much different. United held onto a 1-0 lead until the 83rd minute of the contest.

Mathys Tel levelled the scores for Spurs before Richarlison put them ahead. However, Matthijs de Ligt had the final say in the game with a towering header to secure a point for United.

De Ligt was the match of the match with a superb all-round showing, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens had an equally good game with a couple of crucial saves at 1-0.

The Belgian ace made two sublime saves at the start of the second half. One of those was David de Gea like as he blocked Cristian Romero’s effort with his right foot from almost point-blank range.

Speaking after the game, Amorim was obviously impressed by the shot-stopper. He said that the 23-year-old is doing really well at United, and he is so mature for his age.

He told Manutd.com: “He’s doing really well.

“He’s very adult and he understands that in the game a lot of things can happen, but especially for a goalkeeper you need to move on for anything that can happen until the last minute.

“So it’s like a new game every time the ball is on the pitch. I think he at 23 years old. He understands that quite well.”

Lammens has been phenomenal since making his United debut against Sunderland. He has just one clean sheet to show for his efforts, but has made some exceptional saves.

The former Royal Antwerp man has exhibited confidence between the sticks compared to Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana. He has certainly become undroppable from the starting XI.

Lammens managed 10 successful long balls against Spurs yesterday. It is a strategy which United have adopted in recent games and has been quite effective for the club.

United will return to action after the international break against Everton at Old Trafford on November 24.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed a triple injury concern following the 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the road.

The Red Devils went into the game on a four-match unbeaten run and looked on course for a victory, having held a 1-0 advantage until the 83rd minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring with a fine header in the opening half, but there was a late twist.

Mathys Tel equalised in the 84th minute before United were forced to play with 10 men. The club had already made five substitutions, and Benjamin Sesko was unable to continue after sustaining a knee injury.

The Slovenian ace was brilliantly put through on goal by Mason Mount, but was challenged just in time by Micky van de Ven. The striker picked up an injury in between those moments.

Spurs capitalised to take the lead through Richarlison in stoppage time, but Matthijs de Ligt salvaged a point for United. The Dutchman scored with a towering header in the dying seconds.

Speaking after the game, Amorim confirmed a triple injury blow. The Portuguese said that he is concerned about Sesko and admitted that the Red Devils need him to be a better team.

He told Manutd.com: “That [his recent form] is not the biggest concern now, I’m concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don’t know. We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let’s see.”

Harry Maguire suffered an apparent hamstring injury and was substituted in the 72nd minute. However, it appears Casemiro also sustained an injury, which forced him off the pitch yesterday.

Amorim added: “When we have to take out Maguire and Casemiro at the same time, then suffer two goals, then losing Ben, you have to overcome everything.”

United head into the international break with 18 points from 11 league games. Maguire, Casemiro and Sesko have the opportunity to recover from their respective injuries.

The exact timescale will be determined in the next few days. Hopefully, there are no long-term absentees. The Red Devils host Everton in their next league game on November 24.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Manchester United take on Tottenham Hotspur on the road in today’s early Premier League kick-off.

The Red Devils are unbeaten in the last four league games with three wins and one draw.

However, they are winless in the previous seven meetings against Spurs, including last season’s Europa League final.

United will aim to avenge that result with a victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today.

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Predicted Line-up:

Senne Lammens has become United’s regular choice in goal ahead of Altay Bayindir in the last four games. He has kept only one clean sheet, but has looked assured without any major flaws.

The Belgian has been impressive with his overall distribution and shot-stopping. He is guaranteed to continue between the sticks against Thomas Frank’s side on the road this afternoon.

There could be one change in central defence. Harry Maguire is fully fit after a minor injury and could be reinstated in the middle of the back three with Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw on either side of him.

Manager Ruben Amorim could rely on the Englishman’s big-game experience to nullify Micky van de Ven’s aerial threat in the box as well as provide a scoring solution on the opposite end.

Leny Yoro looks likely to drop to the bench if Maguire starts.

Amad Diallo had a mixed performance at Forest but eventually redeemed himself with a stunning long-range goal. He was unlucky not to score the winner as Murillo made a goal-line clearance.

Amad is poised to continue at right wing-back, but there could be a change at left wing-back after Diogo Dalot’s woeful display. Patrick Dorgu is a natural replacement for the Portuguese in the role.

No changes are on the cards in midfield. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are undisputed choices. The former has been exceptional, making notable contributions both defensively and offensively.

The Brazilian has two goals and an assist in his last two outings for the Red Devils.

Further forward, Bryan Mbeumo is a nailed-on starter in the right number 10 role.

The 26-year-old has five goals and an assist from 11 games since his summer move from Brentford, and recently bagged the Premier League Player of the Month accolade.

Matheus Cunha has just one goal involvement for the Red Devils since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but his tireless work rate makes him an assured starter.

The Brazilian could feature as a number nine against Spurs with Mason Mount partnering Mbeumo.

Benjamin Sesko was largely ineffective against the aerial presence of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo. He faces a similar challenge against Cristian Romero and Van de Ven.

It won’t be a surprise if the Slovenian is restricted to a substitute role.

How Man Utd could line up vs Tottenham