MANCHESTER UNITED UPDATE
MANCHESTER UNITED find themselves without a match this weekend, having been eliminated from the FA Cup. As the Red Devils prepare for their return to action next Tuesday, stay informed with the latest happenings behind the scenes at Old Trafford through our Man Utd Files. It has been a while since Ruben Amorim’s side last played, with their last match dating back to March 16.
FRANC DISCUSSIONS
MANCHESTER United will need to open their wallets wide to secure Ruben Amorim’s top summer transfer target. Amorim is keen on bringing former Wolves winger Francisco Trincao into the fold as part of a revamped United attacking lineup for the upcoming season. However, Amorim’s previous club, Sporting Lisbon, is expected to play hardball, likely demanding a fee that exceeds Trincao’s £50 million release clause.
At just 25 years old, Trincao is under contract until 2027, having signed a four-year deal in 2023 after joining from Barcelona for £6 million. It’s important to note that Barcelona still hold 50% of his future transfer rights, complicating matters for United. Sporting, preparing for the anticipated departure of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, are even more determined to retain Trincao, to the extent of preparing a new contract offer for him.
If they are persuaded to sell, Sporting aims to recover at least £35 million. However, in order to achieve that, United—or any other interested party—would need to pay double that amount, allowing Barcelona to take a similar share of the profits. Amorim believes that Trincao, having experienced a season at Molineux in 2021-22, will quickly adapt to the Premier League. Nevertheless, with the risk of not having European competition revenue—unless United triumph in the Europa League—he may need to implement a more drastic summer sales strategy to generate the necessary funds for this acquisition.
TUCH AND GO
HARRY MAGUIRE might understandably feel confused by Thomas Tuchel’s remarks following his first international window as the England manager. Tuchel indicated that he chose not to include the United centre-back in favor of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi due to their “better rhythm and deserving of selection.” However, Maguire was in no position to be selected, having been sidelined for nearly a month due to a hamstring injury. His inability to train meant that even if he had been named in the squad, Maguire, at 32, was not fit to add to his 64 caps. Quite perplexing indeed.
BANK TRANSFER
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S ambitious vision for the proposed 100,000-capacity “New Trafford” to replace United’s historic home since 1910 has not been met with unanimous enthusiasm. While some fans have voiced criticism regarding the design, the projected £2 billion cost has left many supporters questioning the long-term financial implications for themselves. Ratcliffe and Ineos might argue that similar concerns were raised when United announced plans to relocate from their previous home at Bank Lane in Clayton, situated five miles across the city.
Letters in local newspapers lamented this decision, with one fan expressing dismay: “Bank Street was ours—cramped and muddy, but it felt like home. This new place is a stranger’s house.” Concerns about ticket pricing and the ability of United to fill their new stadium were also prevalent. However, unlike 115 years ago, there will be no open, uncovered terraces at Sir Jim’s entertainment palace. Nevertheless, the same demands remain—a team that wins and deserves a grand stadium.
WELL I NEV-ER
In what has been a tumultuous and unpredictable season at Old Trafford, one constant remains—Gary Neville will always be present in some capacity. Whether it’s critiquing performances as a pundit—discussing why Erik ten Hag should be sacked or retained, for instance—Neville is always on hand. An interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Gary is your go-to person. Forming a task force to explore regeneration around Old Trafford? He’s definitely on that list.
Now, Neville has been called upon to advocate for pensioners facing a staggering 57% increase in their season tickets. The slashing of 50% OAP concessions, coupled with a general price hike, means that some older fans will find themselves paying nearly £400 more—a rise that many insist is unaffordable. Forums, phone-ins, and message boards have been inundated with frustrated supporters who have been loyal to Old Trafford for over half a century.
One fan even urged Neville to champion the cause of United’s most devoted and long-standing followers, writing: “Please Mr. Ratcliffe, explain why you think it’s acceptable to exploit us. We haven’t made the mistakes you have since your investment, yet you want us to bear the cost. How about lowering the prices since your employees have not provided good value for money? This is Manchester United Football Club, not JRFC.” The fan emphasized that the additional revenue from pensioners won’t even cover a single player’s weekly wage—calling for an end to such exploitation. The ball is now in your court, Gary.
WARRIOR SPIRIT
It was a pre-season promotional visit that has unexpectedly fostered a remarkable friendship and provided insight into the true essence of camaraderie. In January, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, and Andre Onana visited the four-time trophy winners, Wigan Warriors, ahead of the new Super League season. They were treated to an immersive experience, observing everything from passing to tackling and kicking, with both Mount and Maguire even participating in drills. Their initial 45-minute stay extended to over two hours, showcasing their genuine admiration for the team’s spirit and togetherness.
Mount, having spent his entire career in the south before joining United last season, was not a lifelong Rugby League fan, but he has now developed a newfound appreciation and was spotted back at the Brick Stadium as the Super League season commenced. For Cameroon goalkeeper Onana, the sport was entirely foreign, but he formed a quick bond with young forward Junior Nsemba, whose parents hail from the same country. Maguire, a long-time admirer of Rugby League, humorously remarked to one Wigan player: “We could do with a spirit half as good as yours.” We hope it was meant as a jest!
