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INEOS tighten their wallet as Ruben Amorim forced to open his ahead of Europa League final – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United have a big clash against Chelsea in the Premier League, but as crucial as their trip to Stamford Bridge this Friday might be, most fans have their eyes firmly set on the UEFA Europa League final.

United’s league form has been worrying — they have struggled to maintain their competitive edge for most of the season. They are winless in their last seven league games, with five defeats and two draws, and there is very little excitement among fans surrounding their clash with Chelsea.

Interestingly, United’s struggles have not extended to their Europa League campaign. They have been relentless in Europe, going unbeaten in 14 matches this season, with nine wins and five draws.

That impressive run has secured them a showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on May 21 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

With United on the brink of European glory, one might expect the club to spare no expense for the occasion. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s budget cuts have affected the final preparations. Club staff will not receive complimentary tickets for the showdown in Bilbao next week.

Ruben Amorim appreciates staff amid INEOS Europa League final cost cuts

The co-owners have reportedly decided to ensure most of the club’s 15,000 allocation goes directly to fans.

While winning a major trophy like the Europa League is a prestigious achievement, many find it disappointing that the club has not tried to reward its staff, those who work behind the scenes to help the team reach such moments.

Paris Saint-Germain, for example, are sending 600 staff members to Munich for their Champions League final against Inter Milan on May 31.

With no club-funded tickets available, United staff have been left to cover their own costs should they wish to attend. However, according to ESPN, manager Ruben Amorim has stepped in with a classy gesture — personally sponsoring his backroom staff for the trip to Bilbao.

When he joined United, Amorim brought several of his trusted coaching staff from Sporting Lisbon, and he has now decided to fund the travel expenses for his support team, including lower-paid members, as a sign of appreciation for their commitment to his project.

“Ruben Amorim has paid for 30 of his Manchester United backroom staff to take their families to next week’s Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, after being told by the club that his coaches, physios and support team would have to pay for their own tickets, sources have told ESPN.”

Upon learning about the club’s decision not to provide staff tickets, the Portuguese coach reportedly informed United officials that he would cover costs for his team, ensuring each member could bring up two friends or family members to witness the final.

With Amorim’s gesture, one cannot help but think—not all heroes wear capes. Now, all that remains is for the team to rise to the occasion, dispatch Spurs, and bring European glory back to Old Trafford.

If they do, perhaps INEOS will regret not backing their staff for such a monumental night.

Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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14/05/2025
Not even Man United stars are spared as they feel squeeze of club’s Europa League final ticket clampdown – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United players will be limited to just two free tickets each for their upcoming Europa League final, a new report has revealed.

United booked their spot in the Europa League final after beating Athletic Club 7-1 on aggregate. Ruben Amorim’s men will take on Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on May 21 for a chance to get their hands on silverware and qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The game is certainly the most important one of United’s miserable campaign, which currently has them languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table.

Over the weekend, it was revealed that, unlike in previous years, United will not be providing free tickets to staff for the final.

Both United and Tottenham have been given an allocation of around 15,000 tickets. While Tottenham will offer their staff a complimentary ticket, the Red Devils are set to host a screening in Manchester with the invite open to plus-ones.

Now, the BBC report that the players are also set to be affected by the clampdown, with each only allowed two free tickets and same-day travel to Bilbao.

It’s understood that while the squad has been told they can purchase up to 10 additional tickets, they will be responsible for travel arrangements for their friends and family.

United are adamant that these moves are intended to ensure as many tickets as possible go to the fans.

Meanwhile, if you were curious about how United plan to celebrate winning the Europa League, should they defeat Tottenham in the final, then you’re in luck, as those plans have also now been revealed.

According to The Times, the Red Devils will mark any success at San Mames with “a celebratory barbecue” rather than an open-top bus parade.

This is mostly because of United’s busy schedule. Four days after the final, United have a Premier League meeting with Aston Villa to look forward to. United will then jet off to Malaysia to kickstart their post-season tour.

The Times add about the planned barbecue, “The party would be held at Carrington, which is undergoing major building works, for the players, staff and their families the day after if they win.”

The last time United rolled out an open-top bus parade was back in 2013, to celebrate their 20th Premier League title and the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary reign.

Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images

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13/05/2025
Matheus Cunha to “prioritise a move to” Manchester United despite Arsenal’s renewed interest – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United are reportedly confident of beating Arsenal to the signing of Matheus Cunha.

United’s attacking woes were on display once again, as the Red Devils suffered an embarrassing home defeat against West Ham United on Sunday. Against one of the league’s leakiest defences, United created very few chances and failed to rattle their net in a 2-0 loss.

Irrespective of what the outcome is in the Europa League final, INEOS are determined to add more firepower to Ruben Amorim’s side as soon as possible.

According to Givemesport, United intend to “hit the ground running” when the window opens in June.

Cunha is viewed as the club’s priority target, as the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star is capable of adding plenty of creativity and sharpness to United’s attack. The 25-year-old has notched 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this season.

The Brazilian has also attracted the attention of Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who has played a key role in the North Londoners’ renewed interest in the player.

However, it is claimed that United “remain calm and confident in their pursuit” of the Wolves talisman. United have already held talks with Cunha’s camp and their discussions have been described as “positive”.

If United fail to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, they will not be able to offer Cunha Champions League football. But it is understood that the Brazil international’s interest is not tied to the club’s European fate.

Cunha is keen to join United and has “seemed to prioritise a move to Manchester over other options.”

United will accelerate their plans to get the deal over the line after the Europa League final and if all goes to plan, there’s a feeling that Cunha “will be through the door before the end of June.”

The ex-Atletico Madrid man has a £62.5million release clause in his contract at Molineux so it should be fairly straightforward to strike an agreement with Wolves.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are also keen on signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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12/05/2025
Man United academy coach David Hughes set to become Newport County manager – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United academy coach David Hughes has become one of the main contenders to become the Newport County manager.

Hughes has an extensive background in youth football, having served as Shrewsbury Town and Watford’s academy manager.

He later took on roles such as Aston Villa’s U18 manager and Wales’ U17 head coach.

The 47-year-old joined up with United in 2022 when he became assistant manager of the U21 side.

The former Aston Villa footballer has been part of the youth set up at a very exciting time. Numerous starlets like Toby Collyer, Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson have all made the jump from U21 football to the senior squad this season.

According to the BBC, he could be about to get his first opportunity in senior football.

It is reported that he is in “line to leave Old Trafford to take his first senior managerial role at Newport.”

The Exiles have endured a very disappointing season this year, finishing 22nd in League Two, one spot above the relegation zone.

Their former boss, Nelson Jardim, departed by mutual consent last month.

The BBC state that “the likelihood is that Hughes will bring in some experienced backroom staff should his appointment be confirmed.”

United have used League Two clubs a lot recently for loans with Sonny Aljofree and Rhys Bennett playing extensively for Accrington Stanley and Fleetwood Town respectfully this season.

Should Hughes secure the job, he could certainly attempt to use his connections with the club to try and bring in some of United’s best young talents to Rodney Parade.

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11/05/2025
Manchester United prepared to accept bids in the region of £20m for Antony – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United are prepared to sell sought-after winger Antony for an incredibly low fee, as per reports.

Antony has turned into a different beast since moving to Real Betis on loan in the winter transfer window. Considered Erik ten Hag’s biggest transfer misjudgment, the Brazilian was shipped out to Seville to get more game time under his belt.

In what has been an incredible turnaround, Antony has established himself as Betis’ best attacker and a fan favourite at Benito Villamarín Stadium.

The 25-year-old has notched an incredible eight goals and five assists in just 21 appearances under Manuel Pellegrini. In comparison, he managed the same number of assists at United in 96 games.

Most recently, Antony helped Betis reach the Europa Conference League final with a stunning first-half free kick against Fiorentina.

Having said that, the Brazil international is not expected to be included in Ruben Amorim’s plans next season, and United are ready to part ways with him this summer.

According to Football Insider, Betis are “desperate” to retain Antony’s services. Their financial predicament, however, might force them to propose a possible extension of his loan deal instead of a permanent transfer.

La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are also reported to be “weighing up” a summer move for the right-winger.

Surprisingly, it is claimed that United are prepared to sell Antony for £20-30million.

The report suggests that the Premier League giants are “well aware they have no chance of recouping the full £86million fee they paid to Ajax” for him in 2022.

However, in recent weeks, it has been widely reported that United are looking for a fee in the region of £40m for their in-form player.

Considering how consistently Antony has delivered brilliant performances in Spain, it is difficult to see the Red Devils accept a £20m bid for him. As such, it is advised to take the claim with a pinch of salt.

Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images

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10/05/2025
Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

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Hoffenheim will host newly crowned Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich in this match-day 34 clash at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim.

As of the time of writing, Hoffenheim have 31 points from 32 games played and they are placed 15th on the log. Bayern Munich are top of the log with 76 points from 32 games and they have been crowned champions for the 2024-25 season.

Hoffenheim’s season started with a penalty shootout win over the Kickers in the DFB Pokal before they kicked things off in the Bundesliga with a 3-2 win over newly promoted Holstein Kiel at home. The next three games against Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, and Union Berlin ended in defeats. Following their exploits in the league last term, they sealed a ticket to play in the Europa League, and their season opener ended in a 1-1 draw with Midtjylland. Back in the Bundesliga, they suffered a fourth successive loss at the hands of Bremen, before beating Dynamo Kyiv in their second Europa League game. The win in Europe helped put a stop to the losing streak in the league, as Hoffenheim played out a 1-1 draw with Stuttgart before a second league win of the season against Bochum in mid-October.

Apart from progressing in the DFB Pokal, Hoffenheim failed to win a game for a month, and that led to the sacking of Pellegrino Matarazzo as their head coach. He was replaced by Christian Ilzer. The former SK Sturm Graz handler helped them beat RB Leipzig in late November to return to winning ways. However, the side failed to win in the rest of the year. In 2025 so far, Hoffenheim have won just four Bundesliga games.

Hoffenheim’s season have been a difficult one, truth be told. Die Kraichgauer finished seventh last term, but they have struggled to replicate that performance, and that has seen them fall into survival mode. As things stand, they need a point from their remaining two games of the season to guarantee safety or if Holstein Kiel and Heindenheim failed to win their remaining games.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s season was expected to be better than last term after they finished the season trophyless, and it has gone according to plan on the home front. The Bavarians lost the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen and the DFB Pokal, while eventual winners Real Madrid sent them out in the UEFA Champions League. Under Vincent Kompany, they have been consistent and finished 2024 on a strong note. However, they have suffered some disappointing results in the UCL and DFB Pokal. So they have to make do with just the league title this term.

The Bavarians started the season with a 4-0 win over Ulm in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Bavarians won their opening four games against Wolfsburg, Freiburg, Kiel, and Werder Bremen before a 1-1 draw with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen at home. Bayern Munich maintained their strong run in the competition and have so far racked up 23 wins, six draws, and just two defeats with three games to go. They have remained the team to beat, and they have been crowned champions. So, the remaining games do not affect the season anymore.

Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Bayern Munich thumped Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 before a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. A 4-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona then followed before a hard-fought 1-0 win over Benfica got them back on track. And they also defeated PSG by the same scoreline as some of the fine results in Europe under Kompany. Bayern took part in the knockout playoffs, where they struggled to beat Celtic on aggregate. In the following round, they faced Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, and they won the tie 5-0 on aggregate to set up a clash with Inter Milan in the Quarter-finals. However, they lost out narrowly 4-3 on aggregate. Another season on the continent did not go according to plan, but the board will most likely be pleased with their progress following the poor start in the early stages of the season.

Hoffenheim vs Bayern München’s head-to-head record shows that in the previous 34 meetings, Hoffenheim has won 5 times, Bayern München has won 22 times, and 7 ended in a draw.

Match Tickets

The epic match at PreZero Arena in Sinsheim will kick off at 14:30 GMT+1 on Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

The magnificent 30,150-capacity stadium will host this league clash between the home side and the champions.

Getting Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich tickets could take a lot of work, given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.

Team News

Line Up

Apart from Ozan Kabak, Grischa Prömel, and Valentin Gendrey, who are expected not to feature again this season, Hoffenheim do not have any fresh injury worries.

Hoffenheim XI: Philipp, Kadeřábek, Nsoki, Østigård, Arthur Chaves, Bischof, Stach, Hložek, Kramarić, Bülter, Touré.

The season is almost over, but Bayern Munich, who will be taking part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, have several first-team members nursing one injury or the other. Alphonso Davies is not expected back until December, Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, and Raphael Guerreiro are out until May. Meanwhile, Kim Min-Jae is out until mid-July. Manager Vincent Kompany is expected to make changes to his squad for this game and the subsequent ones due to the number of injuries.

Bayern Munich XI: Jonas Urbig; Konrad Laimer, Sacha Boey, Eric Dier, Josip Stanisic; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich; Michael Olise, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry; Harry Kane.

Prediction

Hoffenheim have a higher chance of sealing safety way before this game. It will take a miracle for them to go down from here. By the way, getting Hoffenheim tickets is quite important because the champions are coming to town.

On the other hand, Bayern Munich are already champions, so not much is expected from them. With the expanded FIFA Club World Cup coming in the summer, Vincent Kompany might be using a game like this to prepare his fringe squad members.

In the past four meetings between the clubs at Hoffenheim, the home side have won twice and lost just once. So, that stands in their favour, and one might be tempted to back them once again to avoid defeat to the champions.

Hoffenheim 2-2 Bayern Munich.

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09/05/2025
Amad put on a show during his second-half cameo, Ruben Amorim has to start him in the Europa League final – Man United News And Transfer News

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Old Trafford was witness to yet another magical European night as Manchester United came back from a goal down to thrash Athletic Club 4-1 in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday.

An aggregate win of 7-1 against La Liga’s meanest defence is no mean feat and sets it up brilliantly for the final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao in 13 days’ time.

Despite an aggregate 3-0 lead, it was a tough start for the hosts as the Basque side dominated the first 45 minutes, getting a goal in the 31st minute.

They put the home side under a lot of pressure at the start of the second half, which Leny Yoro helped weather on his own at times. That prompted Ruben Amorim to make a triple substitution, which changed the game completely.

Brilliant cameo

Mason Mount grabbed a brace, while Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act as well. And the head coach did not fail to mention Amad’s contribution as well.

In 27 minutes, he grabbed the assist for Hojlund’s goal, which he put on a plate for the Dane after fabulous work down the right.

His ability to maneuver in tight areas and dribble past players is magical to witness and on Thursday, he completed a 100% of his dribbles during his cameo.

He had one shot which was blocked while three of his touches were inside the penalty box while one of his passes was into the final third.

Selection dilemma for Amorim

Not only with the ball, the Ivorian was class off it as well, recovering the ball twice while winning all his ground duels as well as aerial duels (all stats via fotmob).

This display will certainly make Amorim think about who he is going to start either side of the attacker against Spurs at the San Mames on May 21.

While Alejandro Garnacho runs straight at defenders, and is very direct, the Ivory Coast international can do a lot of different things and it is good for the head coach to have multiple options ahead of the biggest game of the season.

Amad’s return from injury has been timed just right with the 22-year-old netting once and assisting one in his last two substitute appearances.

Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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09/05/2025
Ajax vs Twente preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

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Ajax and FC Twente will clash at Johan Cruijff ArenA for this match day 34 encounter in the 2024-25 Eredivisie League campaign. It is the final game of the season.

As of the time of writing, Ajax have garnered 74 points from 31 games and they sit top of the Eredivisie standings with four points ahead of second-placed PSV. Twente are 5th on the log with 51 points from 31 matches.

Ajax, who last won the league title in 2022, wanted a return to the top of Dutch football, and they went ahead to appoint one of the promising coaches in world football – Francesco Farioli. The Italian signed a three-year deal, and he was quite vocal about bringing the club back to where it belongs during his unveiling.

The Italian manager is on the verge of doing that with three games to go until the end of the season. Ajax are currently top with a four-point lead, and they could even wrap up the league title with more results or if other results go their way.

Based on where they finished last season, Ajax started their season early with the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, knocking out Vojvodina, Panathinaikos, and Jagiellonia to book their spot in the new group stage format of the second-tier European competition.

In the Eredivisie, Ajax beat Heerenveen 1-0 to get the season underway, but they lost 2-1 to NAC Breda in their second league game of the season. Farioli’s men then thumped Sittard 5-0 to return to winning ways. Taylor Kenneth, Bertrand Traore, Youri Baas, Devyne Rensch, and Chuba Akpom scored in the rout. On the road, De Godenzonen failed to win as they drew 1-1 with Go Ahead Eagles. Ajax went on to win nine of the next ten games in all competitions to continue their strong start to the season.

However, a run of mixed results at the end of 2024 set them back a bit, but they got back on track in the new year. In the Europa League, they were knocked out in the round of 16 stage by Frankfurt. Back in the league, Ajax have not lost at home. It goes to show how strong they have been there this campaign. Ajax should have wrapped up the league title weeks back, but they lost 4-0 to Utrecht and drew 1-1 with Sparta Rotterdam.

After that home draw, striker Wout Weghorst said it was an important point regardless. “We regained control in the second half,” Weghorst also told ESPN. “But the ball just wouldn’t go in. Two minutes before the end, it even went in at the other end. Fortunately, we managed to equalise just after. It’s an important point. We kept going after conceding. We showed we have the mentality to come back.”

As for Twente, they finished third in the league last season and got a play-off spot in the UEFA Champions League. They fell short against German side RB Leipzig to drop to the Europa League. De Tukkers started the domestic season with a 2-1 win over NEC on the road. Alec Van Hoorenbeeck and Sam Lammers scored in the win. That match day one result was followed by a stalemate with Sparta. Another draw against Zwolle on match day three, and a first loss of the league campaign at the hands of Utrecht, plus two consecutive wins over Heerenveen and Almere City, meant Twente continued their fine start to the domestic season. They defeated NAC Breda to finish the month of September on a high note.

In the Europa League, they held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Sam Lammers cancelled out Christian Eriksen’s opener for the Premier League side. On match day two, they also drew with Turkish side Fenerbahce before a home loss to Lazio. De Tukkers went ahead to draw their fourth European game against Nice.

Despite failing to win any of their first four games, Twente won the final two to book their spot in the knockout playoffs phase, where they were bundled out by semifinalists Bodo Glimt. At the moment, Twente have just one win in their past six games in the Eredivisie. Ajax have been the team to beat in the Dutch top flight this season, and with some wins or if other results go their way, the title will be theirs.

On the other hand, Twente are making a push for a place in Europe once again. The UEFA Champions spot looks done and dusted, so they will make do with either the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Conference League for next season. In terms of the head-to-head, from the past 47 games played between Ajax and Twente since 2004, Ajax have won 22 games, Twente have won 12 games, and the remaining 13 games have been stalemates.

Match Tickets

The epic match at Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam will kick off on Sunday, 18th May 2025, at 13:30 GMT. The 55,885-capacity stadium will host this Dutch League match between Ajax and Twente.

Getting Ajax v Twente tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.

Team News

Line Up

Manager Francesco Farioli is fond of rotating his squad, and some changes might be made to the last team that started against Sparta. Youri Baas and Branco van den Boomen are the only players currently injured, while Jordan Henderson should return from his suspension for this game.

Ajax possible XI: Matheus; Gaaei, Sutalo, Rugani, Hato; Berghuis, Klaassen, Taylor; Traore, Brobbey, Edvardsen.

For Twente, Ricky van Wolfswinkel has impressed since his return from an injury layoff and could be given a start in this final league game of the season. Twente could still be without the services of Sam Lammers (shoulder) and Taylor Booth (muscle), while Gerald Alders is listed as a minor doubt.

Twente possible XI: Unnerstall; Van Rooij, Van Hoorenbeeck, Lagerbielke, Kuipers; Vlap, Sadílek; Ltaief, Steijn, Unuvar, Van Wolfswinkel

Prediction

Ajax have been excellent in the Eredivisie this season, and they are going to be champions in a matter of days. They also have a solid form at home this season, and Twente might not be able to hinder them from picking up another win. By the way, get your Ajax tickets early enough to catch the game.

On the other hand, Twente have only won once against Ajax since 2009, and they have just a win in their past six games at the time of writing. In addition, they have just one win on the road in their last four.

Ajax 2-1 FC Twente

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08/05/2025
Everton slap £70 million price tag on Jarrad Branthwaite to end Manchester United’s chances of signing him – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United currently have three centre-backs out injured, while two are set to leave in the summer, and Ruben Amorim could do with help in the defensive department once the transfer window opens.

Lisandro Martinez is out till next year with an ACL injury. Even upon his return, the World Cup winner could be set for a position change.

Matthijs de Ligt suffered an injury against Brentford and will miss at least the next two games. Ayden Heaven is also sidelined.

Add Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof‘s impending departures, and all Amorim has are Leny Yoro, an ageing Harry Maguire and an unfit Luke Shaw. Young Tyler Fredricson has impressed but he needs to bulk up.

Defence needs help

Jarrad Branthwaite has been a long-term target for INEOS, who failed with two bids for the Englishman last summer.

Talks of a move have refused to die down amid the 22-year-old’s imperious form for the Toffees this season.

Amid another potential summer approach, Teamtalk have suggested that David Moyes’ return has changed the Merseyside outfit’s outlook with the owners set to back the former United boss in the market.

And Everton will not allow the England international to leave for anything less than £70 million and they will not change their valuation come what may.

Everton not budging

“Everton are point-blank refusing to part with Jarrad Branthwaite for anything less than their valuation this summer no matter which side wants to sign him, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk, leaving Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s big transfer dream facing capitulation.

“Sources have confirmed the Toffees have slapped a £70 million (€82.6m, $93.7m) minimum price tag on the defender – and they’re not budging.”

Lots of clubs were interested in Branthwaite with the centre-back helping the Toffees keep nine clean sheets. But it seems he could be staying put for now.

United have other positions in greater need of reinforcements and it is unlikely INEOS will sanction such an extensive outlay on a centre-back this summer.

Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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08/05/2025
Man United legend Wayne Rooney hits out at Ruben Amorim over Bruno Fernandes’ role – Man United News And Transfer News

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Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has questioned Ruben Amorim’s use of Bruno Fernandes.

Despite United’s struggles in the Premier League, Fernandes has been outstanding this season – arguably playing the best football of his career – and has clearly adapted well to life under Amorim.

Fernandes has notched an impressive 19 goals and 18 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.

Amorim has primarily utilised the skipper in a midfield pivot, but he has also impressed when deployed in one of the two No. 10 roles.

When operating in a deeper role, Fernandes has been instrumental in helping United break the lines and progress up the pitch, while in the No. 10 position, he’s consistently showcased his creativity and vision in the final third.

It remains to be seen in which position his long-term future lies but Rooney feels the Portugal international is less effective when playing deeper.

Speaking on The Overlap, Rooney explained that it isn’t right that defensive-minded players are sometimes allowed to be more involved in attacking play than Fernandes.

“The game now is very much positional. For instance, at United now, the creative players are coming back and the wingbacks are going higher.”

“The attacking players are lower than the defensive players. If you have good attacking players, you want them [higher up the pitch].”

“Like I think Bruno has done really well in midfield, but I want to see Bruno higher, in and around the penalty area where he can shoot and create.”

Rooney added, “You’re ending up with so many defenders up the pitch and your midfield players who are good attacking players filling in at fullback spots and stuff. In some ways it’s OK if you’ve got the personnel.”

“But every team is doing it now and I think it’s a little bit too much.”

United are back in action on Thursday when they host Athletic Club in the return leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.

Featured image Juan Manuel Serrano Arce via Getty Images

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07/05/2025