Number 33 Arsenal – My Man United

editorial

It’s great to be gutted

We were all gutted to drop two points against Crystal Palace in midweek, but as one of our selected Tweets says in this issue, the fact that it was so upsetting is a remarkable sign of just how far we’ve come. Let’s face it, we’d have probably been close to celebrating a point at Selhurst last season.

Whether or not we are title contenders was not decided by those two points. There is a long way to go this season. If we really are in the running, Sunday’s game is a 6-pointer. If we beat Arsenal, will we really start believing? Derick Kinoti offers his opinion on this in one of our main feature articles this week.

The task will certainly be made harder by the fact that United will be missing Casemiro due to suspension, having picked up his fifth yellow against Palace. It felt like a disaster and that has led Red Moon and Red Billy to debate in Devils’ Advocate whether the Brazilian has already become United’s most important player. Somebody who obviously thinks so is the nutcase fan who invaded the pitch to take a selfie with him at Selhurst. There was no harm done, but it does raise some important questions about safety, something that is also fast becoming an issue for the women’s team as well. Zoe Hodges tackles this subject, and does so a lot more efficiently than the Palace stewards tackled the pitch invader.

The main thing that Ten Hag was annoyed about after Wednesday was that his side had not gone for the kill when 1-0 up and allowed palace back into the game. Tiredness may be a factor but especially given how well United’s forward players are finishing at the moment, a bit more work to create chances will be rewarded. That improvement in clinical finishing is in no doubt partly due to the arrival of shooting coach, former Blackburn Rovers man Benni McCarthy. Darragh Fox looks at the man behind the resurgence of Rashford and co., and the effect that he has had on the team.

Wout Weghorst’s debut was solid on Wednesday up front, too, and he’ll be hoping to convince United between now and the end of the season to make the deal permanent. But whether or not he stays, there is by most reports a pretty short shortlist of candidates to strengthen up front come June. In his column, Red Billy looks at the four main contenders and draws some conclusions about who Ten Hag is most likely going to prioritise.

In the meantime, United have business to do at the Emirates and getting the double over the Gunners would really go a long way to securing a Champions League place this season, whether indeed we are title contenders or not. Ayantan Chowdhury looks at how Ten Hag might line up without Casemiro in the team and there are some fascinating options available that can surely achieve the primary objective: taking the wind out of Arteta’s sails.

Latest united news

The top news stories about United this week, handpicked for you. Clicking on any headline will open the full story from The Peoples Person in a new window. See the dedicated transfers page for more transfer news.

Gary Neville backs Manchester United to sign David Raya from Brentford

Manchester United keen on signing SL Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos

Manchester United in the running for Fulham’s out-of-favour attacking full-back

Dusan Vlahovic’s winter move to Manchester United was stopped by agent

Bundesliga superstar Marco Reus’ agent spotted at Old Trafford

Manchester United among Premier League heavyweights in the chase to sign Ivan Fresneda

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says he has high hopes from Alejandro Garnacho

Benni McCarthy: shooting for the stars

The South African was brought in to help United score goals and it seems to be working

For many Manchester United fans their distinctive memory of Benedict Saul McCarthy will be two well-executed goals in a frustrating 2-1 Champions League loss away to Porto in 2004. This defeat, of course, set up a return leg which needs no further explanation beyond being a missed opportunity at European glory, as well as the primary reason behind the rise of The Special One. Thanks Benni.

Yet this season has offered a positive update to the memory. McCarthy joined Manchester United last summer as a first-team coach, given specific responsibilities relating to ‘attacking plays and positioning’ – essentially, the team’s new attacking coach. The result has seen a rather special coaching effect of his own on United’s forwards; players who had almost seemed closer to seeing the exit door at Old Trafford rather than the pitch. For a self-proclaimed Red Devil, it must have represented a special moment with McCarthy describing the ‘excitement’ he felt at learning of his appointment.

The South African coach proved an immediately popular addition with the squad; even the exasperated Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly a fan of the new approach. Ten Hag expounded upon McCarthy’s appointment in an interview to MUTV in the summer:

‘There was still one place in our coaching staff that I wanted to fill. Someone with a different voice and Benni is that one. He has experience as a manager. He was a coach in the professional level and he was a former striker, a really successful striker as well.’

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial represent the only ‘forwards’ at the club who can currently occupy the number nine role. Both have seen dramatic improvements in their all-round play; particularly in comparison to last season.

Martial began the year in fantastic form, demonstrating the complete arsenal of attributes a centre-forward would aspire to have; at one point in the season he even had a better contribution per minute rate than the attacking Berserker, Erling Haaland. It was a far cry from the despondent and lackadaisical figure Martial became under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The French forward confirmed he speaks with McCarthy ‘a lot…both on and off the training ground. On every occasion he gives me a lot of good advice.’ And while Martial’s performance level has dipped in recent weeks, the attacking thrust of the team remained potent thanks to the resurgent and red-hot Rashford – a player who has not only regained his previously lost level, but improved beyond it.

16 goals and 6 assists in all competitions, at the halfway point of the season, puts Rashford on course for his most productive year. Such is the consistent nature of the forward’s performances that he matched a sixty-four year old record by scoring in nine consecutive home matches; Dennis Violet the last man to do so in 1959. The goal Rashford achieved this with? The winner in a Manchester Derby – a clinical finish from the centre of the six-yard box. After the match McCarthy assured fans on Instagram there would be ‘plenty more to come’ from the electric Mancunian.

Such is the effect of McCarthy’s influence on his protégé, eagle-eyed fans noticed a moment following another Rashford winner, against West Ham in late October. Ten Hag, prompted by assistant Mitchel van der Gaag, gesticulated directly towards McCarthy while celebrating the goal, in what was evidently a symbol of positive acknowledgement. Rashford’s opener was an uncharacteristically emphatic header, rising powerfully above the fullback with perfect timing to leave Fabianski helpless – the archetype of a centre-forward’s goal and an area Rashford has been historically weak in. The reaction on the bench indicates McCarthy was as deserving of recognition for the goal as his player. For one of United’s forwards to have demonstrated a dramatically increased attacking threat this season could be a coincidence, independent of coaching. For Rashford and Martial to have both done it leaves no doubt in the positive influence of their new attacking coach.

Old Trafford has recently welcomed a new forward to their midst – Wout Weghorst. The Dutch behemoth represents a disparate style of striker to Martial and Rashford, with a unique combination of size, athleticism and work-rate. His first start against Crystal Palace was a quiet one. United players appeared to be attempting more crosses but it will take time to build chemistry and understanding with a different profile of striker. McCarthy will, however, be licking his lips at the potential attacking dynamics that can be established with such a player. If the improved form of United’s pre-existing forwards are anything to go by, Weghorst may find a level of performance previously unseen. And the careful stewardship of Benni McCarthy will undoubtedly play an integral role if he does.

Weghorst expressed his delight with his relocation to Manchester on MUTV: ‘I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United…it’s a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt.’ Their words which echo the positive sentiment of his new attacking coach when asked about his move to Old Trafford. McCarthy stressed the requisite feeling of excitement when joining a club such as United, asking ‘How can you not be when you’re standing at the Theatre of Dreams?’

For many fans Old Trafford constituted more of a cauldron of nightmares last season. Erik Ten Hag, aided by an attacking coach as positive and effective as Benedict Saul McCarthy, has seen the stadium return to its former glory. Thanks Benni, it almost makes up for José Mourinho.

Darragh Fox

Meet the opposition: arsenal

The Gunners are on their way to end their 19-year wait for the Premier League trophy

Manager: mike arteta

The former Arsenal midfielder was one of the favourites to get sacked last season. But the board kept their belief and it has paid off spectacularly. The Spaniard has got his team playing like champions, and are currently eight points ahead of both Manchester clubs who are second. Arteta looks on course to end Arsenal's Premier League trophy drought. He has used his time spent under Pep Guardiola to transform the way the Gunners operate as well as their entire transfer focus. The majority of his squad are under 25 and full of academy graduates. Arteta's style of play resembles that of Pep but is not as rigid and he prefers a bit more versatility from his players.

One to watch: bukayo saka

If Mikel Arteta’s side are to clinch the Premier League title, Bukayo Saka has proved he will be key to their chances. The England international is on-course to having his most prolific season, both in terms of goals as well as assists. Saka has already assisted seven times in 18 Premier League games this season, equalling his joint-best tally in a single season, set last campaign (seven in 38 games). His goal tally currently stands at seven with 12 the total to beat, a mark he had set last season under Arteta. Saka’s pace, energy and trickery have proved to be too much to deal with for opposition defences. No player has created more than Saka’s 28 chances in open play this season, and few opponents have worked out how to defend against him.

club and fans

Arsenal fans have been used to despair for over 15 years now and are fearful of beginning to dream big. But Sunday could mark the beginning of fans starting to dream once again. A win against arch-rivals United would mean a lot to the fans and could stretch their lead beyond United's grasp. Fans have been crying out for attacking reinforcements due to the injury-enforced absence of star striker Gabriel Jesus but a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk failed to come alive after Chelsea blew the Gunners out of the water with a massive bid. The club, under Edu, have tended to not get involved in bidding wars and are said to be close to sealing a deal for wantaway Brighton and Hove Albion star Leandro Trossard.

top scorer: Martin Ødegaard

Martin Odegaard was handed the armband by Mikel Arteta at the start of the season following Alexandre Lacazette's exit from the club and he has led by example. The former Real Madrid playmaker has produced eight goals and provided five assists and is currently the top-scoring midfielder in the Premier League. And statistics back up the cmaim that he might be one of the best players in the league this season. Odegaard has produced 2.2 key passes every game with 82% passing accuracy. The Norway international has also produced 2.5 shots per game in the Premier League while averaging 1.2 dribbles. The midfielder has also caught the eye with his impressive pressing ability and has made 0.9 tackle every game.

interesting stats

Arsenal are looking in ominous form while United will enter the contest on the back of a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace. Not only that but United will be without arguably their best player in Casemiro. And recent stats show why the Gunners are the overwhelming favourites for the contest. In the previous seven home games versus the Red Devils at the Emirates, Arsenal have won five times while losing only once. United have the chance to do the double in the league for only the second time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Interestingly, Arsenal also hold the edge whenever both teams have met on Sundays with the team from North London emerging victorious on 11 occasions out of 17 games.

FORM AND INJURIES

Arsenal look to be in ominous form and will want to avoid losing twice in a season against United. This will be the third time the Gunners will meet the Red Devils while leading the league table, with both previous meetings ending in draws. The North London team look unstoppable currently and will be favourites for Sunday's game. Their only major injury miss will be Gabriel Jesus - who was initially expected to return from knee surgery in March - may be out for longer than anticipated. But Eddie Nketiah has done wonderfully well while leading the line in the Brazilian's absence, scoring twice and generally impressing with his hold-up play.

Squad page - opponents' official site (opens in new tab)

Head-to-head record with United (opens in new tab)

match preview

All the latest information about the upcoming game.

Team News and Predicted XI

An uncharacteristically undisciplined foul by Casemiro against Crystal Palace on Wednesday was rightly yellow carded, bringing his total for the season to five. This has ruled him out of the vital clash against Arsenal at Highbury on Sunday and leaves manager Erik ten Hag with a headache in terms of team selection in midfield. With Scott McTominay looking off the pace in his recent appearances from the bench, the boss could choose to play Lisandro Martinez in Casemiro’s place alongside Christian Eriksen.

Luke Shaw could move back to partner Raphael Varane at centre back, with Tyrell Malacia once again coming in at left back. Assuming Diogo Dalot is still out, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will almost certainly continue at right back. The Englishman has been playing so well that even if Dalot was fit, it is uncertain he would be brought in at this stage.

Further up the pitch, another decision to be made is whether Anthony Martial, if fit, should replace Wout Weghorst at centre forward. Weghorst put in a competent debut against Palace, but of firing on all cylinders, Martial represents the most versatile option. We think the Frenchman will be restored if fit, with the Dutchman being relegated to the bench.

Antony’s position on the right wing must also be seriously in doubt after another lacklustre performance at Selhurst Park. Jadon Sancho is back in full training and could make a surprise appearance, but this is more likely to be from the bench. Marcus Rashford could switch to the right with Alejandro coming in on the left, but we think Ten Hag is more likely to restore Fred to the side, with Bruno taking up the right wing role again. This would be very similar to the victorious line-up against Man City last weekend, but with Fred and Eriksen’s positions reversed, Fred playing further up the pitch and Eriksen the deep playmaker.

David de Gea, as always, is expected to play in goal although Jack Butland could deputise for the first time, having been ineligible against parent club Palace in the week.

Video: Manager's Press conference (when available) (opens MANUTD.COM in new tab)

Report: MANAGER'S PRESS CONFERENCE (when available) (opens THEPEOPLESPERSON.COM in new tab)

Match officials

Referee: Anthony Taylor.

Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn.

Fourth official: Andre Marriner.

VAR: Michael Salisbury. Assistant VAR: Dan Robathan.

ten hag's mission impossible

With no Casemiro, the United manager needs to find the right contingency plan with three options on the table

The murmurs of a title charge were dealt a potentially fatal blow on Wednesday with Manchester United being held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. But it was not just the result that hampered the Red Devils on the night. It was the fact that they lost arguably their most influential player for their potential six-pointer against Arsenal on Sunday.

Casemiro saw a yellow card, his fifth of the campaign, for a foul on Wilfried Zaha and he will have to sit out the tie to be played at the Emirates Stadium. Erik ten Hag’s face said it all as the cameras showed the Dutchman shaking his head in disappointment while assistant coach Steve McClaren sulked back into his chair.

The statistics back up the claim that the Brazilian is indeed one of the main reasons behind United’s dramatic rise up the table. United’s win percentage drops to 33% without the midfield general while United concede 2.3 goals without him as opposed to 0.7 with him. But the Dutch manager kept a brave face post match and fired a warning shot at the league leaders claiming that the last time United won against the Gunners, it was without Casemiro in their ranks.

“Casemiro is obviously a really important player for us and he is one of the reasons that we are in the position that we are now.

“We have a squad and we have to fill that gap and make a proper plan and the squad has to fill it. As a team, we already showed how to beat Arsenal.”

The Dutchman is known for his tactical awareness and ability to come up with solutions and he will be required to rack his brains to come up with a solution for this major headache.

Scott McTominay is one player who has shown he can handle the pressure when thrown into the deep end. He lacks Casemiro’s presence but when the Brazilian first arrived at Old Trafford, the academy graduate managed to keep him out of the team for a fair few games. He has the physical presence to deal with threats and is quite mobile. He does lack the passing range but in a game where United are expected to have little of the ball, McTominay could do the job if the manager calls upon him. He was paired up with Christian Eriksen during the Old Trafford game where United ended up triumphant.

The other tactical tweak Ten Hag could employ is playing Lisandro Martinez as the defensive pivot. He is defensively much more adept and has the passing ability to break the lines. In fact, he was used by the former Ajax manager in the same capacity during his first season at the Dutch champions. But the manager opted against using him there just like he did with former United star Daley Blind.

“Daley Blind does not have the running capacity to play in midfield. And neither does Martinez,” Ten Hag had discovered in January 2021, which means the likelihood of the Argentine coping in that position in the Premier League is even less.

The most likely solution could be the adoption of the same kind of tactics that the Dutch boss used to great effect against Manchester City in the Manchester derby. He played a midfield three while pushing Bruno Fernandes to the right flank to provide additional security when required.

Which means McTominay could be paired with Eriksen and the relentless Fred and that would certainly provide more legs to the United midfield and avoid getting overrun.

It will be quite the uphill task for United to get something out of the game against the side from North London. But United’s history of overcoming odds means one cannot write them off. And under Ten Hag, United have shown time and again that mountains are there to be climbed.

Ayantan Chowdhury

transfer rumours

What’s hot, what’s real and what’s not

In this section we look at some of the most active transfer stories of the week about United, both comings and goings. We give each story a fire rating (how hot the story is, out of five) and a star rating (how reliable the story is, out of five).

our top transfer tip

🔥🔥🔥🔥

Rated 3 out of 5

Anthony Elanga (to Borussia Dortmund)

Everton are very keen on a loan for Elanga and there has even been talk of a permanent deal, but Ten Hah has reportedly refused the move because of the unstable environment at Goodison Park. But there are other options, especially Dortmund, who the player is said to be keen to join.

🔥🔥

Rated 1.5 out of 5

Facundo Pellistri (to Bologna)

Showdown talks are taking place with Pellistri’s agent about the next six months as clubs such as Bologna and Botafogo line up to avail themselves of his services. The latest reports claim United want to keep him at Old Trafford. It could come down to a simple choice between him and Elanga: one stays, one goes.

Rated 1.5 out of 5

marcus thuram (b. mönchengladbach)

Chelsea, Newcastle, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa are all keen on the 23 year old, with the Blues reportedly in the driving seat.

Inter were leading the chase for him but a €15m fee and €5m salary is deemed out of their reach. La Repubbica claimed in December that the Red Devils had already made a contract offer. But either that was rejected or untrue as Weghorst wouldn’t have been signed if it was still a possibility for this month. June, still possible.

🔥

Rated 2 out of 5

Memphis depay (Barcelona)

This is another one that looks far less likely now United have signed Wout Weghorst, but Ten Hag could surprise us and has confirmed that he is still looking for signings this month.

Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that Memphis is almost certain to leave Barça this month, but the odds of that being to United are much longer than they were.

🔥

Rated 1 out of 5

Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)

The 18-year-old’s contract at Dortmund expires in June and his agent has said they are not close to agreeing a new deal, although news has started to break via SportBild that a solution has been miraculously found.

If that is false and he does become a free agent in the summer, Barca are favourites, especially if Chelsea sign Thuram. But Dortmund might be persuaded to cash out now if United can raise a few bob. There are also reports that the new deal could offer a cheap buyout option for Barcelona.

🔥🔥🔥

Rated 1.5 out of 5

Scott McTominay (to Newcastle)

After a good start to the season, McTominay has found himself well down the pecking order at Old Trafford, alerting a number of Premier League clubs, including Southampton, Leeds, Everton, West Ham, Leicester and Newcastle, who have all reportedly made enquiries.

They have been told hands off for January, which is almost a given due to United’s depleted squad, but a summer move could be on the cards.

Photo of the week: self-destruction

Getty Images

season-defining moment

Are Manchester United in the title race if they beat Arsenal?

As Manchester United came from behind to beat their city rivals slightly less than a week ago, the brilliant fightback ignited a fierce debate that raged on for days – Are the Red Devils legitimate candidates for the Premier League title? Can they compete with Arsenal and Manchester City for England’s top honour? United legend Rio Ferdinand in delirious celebration after Marcus Rashford completed the turnaround against City at Old Trafford, wildly claimed that his former club is well within the mix for the title. In the following days, many other TV pundits and professionals shared the same sentiment as the six-time Premier League winner and insisted that Erik ten Hag’s men are not a ridiculous shout to stage something special and be crowned Champions of England come the end of the season.

A section of the fanbase seemed to be on board with Ferdinand’s assessment and started dreaming about the prospect of a return to the big time by doing the unexpected. However, the momentum had barely gathered pace before United stumbled at Selhurst Park on Wednesday. The team dropped points for the first time since the resumption of club football after the World Cup when they drew to Crystal Palace. United led for large segments of the game after a Bruno Fernandes goal in the first half put the 20-time English champions firmly in the driving seat. A venturing Crystal Palace side kicked up a few gears and saw their labour rewarded in the dying minutes of the game through a superb free-kick effort from Michael Olise, which David de Gea had no chance of keeping out.

A visibly frustrated Ten Hag was seen shaking his head in disappointment after the final whistle and he made no secret of his unhappiness in his post-match comments. For many, the Crystal Palace stalemate was a reality check and a rude reminder that talk of challenging for the Premier League is premature and a hoax. Ten Hag himself has repeatedly played down title-charge tips and instead emphasized the importance of taking things game by game. The United boss is in fact on the record irrefutably stating that United are currently not in a position to mount a challenge against the far superior Arsenal and City. The Dutchman said that while fans are free to dream, as is their prerogative, he and his players are under no illusion of the magnitude of work ahead of them. Ten Hag’s indication was supported by Raphael Varane, a serial winner by all accounts. The Frenchman remarked that United’s progress is steady and apparent for all to see but urged caution with regard to winning the title.

Even beyond the protestations of people like Ten Hag and Varane, logic dictates that United are unlikely to go far in their ambitions if they harbour any. The team is extremely light, especially in forward positions. That United are the only English team still competing on all four fronts means that a delicate balance may need to be struck to ensure fatigue does not creep in. At the moment, United are unable to boast the deep squads that Arsenal and City command and which is likely to take them all the way to the finish line. The two clubs are also in a stable state, which is lacking at United amidst takeover claims and a full sale of the club. All these factors do not bode well for a side looking to face off against the two best teams in the land.

United have an uphill battle against Arsenal at the Emirates. The Gunners are in red-hot form and enjoy an eight-point gap between themselves and City (at the time of writing). United’s task becomes even harder considering they will not be able to count on the services of Casemiro. The Brazilian will be serving a one-match ban after being booked in the Palace draw. Should United surmount this obstacle and somehow still manage to beat Arsenal, the victory will not make the likelihood of a title charge any more concrete. United are well on course to achieve the primary objectives that were set at the start of the season – a top-four finish and a trophy. Title talks should not derail this by adding unnecessary pressure. Time for that is sure to come.

Derick Kinoti

The devil's advocate

“Casemiro is United’s most important player right now”

The case for ...

We will see if Casemiro is United’s most important player on Sunday, as he’s suspended for the game, but regardless of that result, for me, he is. The collective disappointment when he picked up the booking against Palace was reminiscent of Roy Keane’s in the 1999 Champions League semi-final. It was a blow for the player but also for the club. That didn’t matter then, ultimately, so hopefully, Casemiro’s won’t matter this time and United can pick up 3 points in London without him.

The fact that we are all so disappointed tells us just how vital he has already become. Ten Hag said “we have beaten Arsenal without Casemiro before”, but that he has to say it means it’s on his mind. The cameo from Scott McTominay from the bench at Selhurst served to remind us the different level we get between a good Premier League standard defensive midfielder and the Brazilian. They are worlds apart.

Look at the stats. United have conceded 8 goals in the 12 Premier League games in which Casemiro has started versus 15 in the 8 games when he didn’t start this season. OK, that’s not just about Casemiro, it’s about overall improvement of the team. But I’d argue he’s worth close to 1 goal less conceded per game. And given that he’s also scored two goals and got 3 assists in the league as well, in combination it makes him as important to the team as a player averaging more than a goal scored a game. If we had one of those, we wouldn’t even be having a debate about whether he’s the most important player in the team.

Casemiro is telepathic. I have never seen positioning like his in any player and it’s something I hadn’t really noticed at Real. When the opposition break on a counter-attack, it’s invariably him who is there to cover. When the ball is switched from right to left or left to right, he’s there already to cover. He always seems to be available for the pass, always in space.

Fans have been crying out for years for a world class DM. We knew this would be “the cement between the stones” as Ten hag calls him. A wall will still stand if there is a brick missing, but it will collapse if there is no cement holding them together.

Casemiro’s psychological contribution shouldn’t be underestimated, either. Ten Hag has already heralded him as one of the captains of the team and we have seen viral clips of his goal celebrations, desire to get back on the pitch after receiving treatment, etc. The very fact he is suspended for the Arsenal game is because he doesn’t know how to compromise, he doesn’t pull out or play safe (a bit like Keane in 1999), he has total focus and determination whenever he plays. That is the mark of a winner, it’s inspirational and it’s another thing that makes him United’s most important player.

Red Billy

The case against...

Casemiro is not United’s most important player right now.

There’s no doubting Casemiro’s importance to Manchester United. He’s clearly taken the team up a level. But the debate isn’t about whether or not he’s played well or been a successful signing, rather it’s more about if he’s the top, most important player at the club right now. I don’t think so.

The Brazilian has been absolutely superb and has played in a way that leaves us thinking why on earth Real Madrid ever let him go. However, I feel there are other players who have been more important, more directly responsible for United’s turnaround and recent good form.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes both spring to mind. The former is in the form of his career and has scored incredibly important goals to help his team climb up the table. While Bruno’s form has slipped under the radar, he’s been crucial and is my selected talisman of the season. There’s a reason why he’s been captaining the team and has had plenty of praise from Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman sees the value of the Portuguese and what he brings to the team, even if he isn’t getting a goal or assist every game. For some reason, he’s not been acknowledged as much by fans. When the Red Devils first bought him, it could’ve been argued he’d have bad days and still pop up with a goal or assist. And that was what rival fans used as a stick to beat him with. Now however, it could be argued he’s playing remarkably well even if he doesn’t get a goal or assist.

There’s a noticeable difference when Bruno is or isn’t on the field. While the same can be said for Casemiro, it’s just not quite the same. There’s often a change in United’s game plan or approach when the former isn’t on the field. When the latter isn’t available, it just means a poorer profile of a player plays in his role instead. A Fred, or a McTominay so to speak. But who replaces Bruno? Who’s capable of doing for the team what he can do? I’d argue no one. There’s a reason Donny van de Beek has struggled even when playing as a 10 at United. It’s too large a role, too important, too specific.

It’s almost like how United have to have a certain type of striker play for them or it doesn’t work. Anthony Martial could’ve been that player but he’s never fit. Bruno is forever available, never injured, and for this season and this moment has not put a foot wrong.

United’s defence still has impressive numbers when Casemiro isn’t playing. United’s attack and midfield falls apart when Bruno isn’t.

It is Bruno Fernandes that deserves to be talked about as the most important player.

Red Moon

newton heath

Classic United matches from yesteryear

28th August 2011: Manchester United 8 Arsenal 2

Premier League champions in 2010/11 once more, Manchester United got their title defence off to a flying start with back to back wins, first away at West Brom, before sweeping Spurs aside with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford. It was back to the Theatre of Dreams a week later, for the arrival of their North London rivals. Although still scraping into the Champions League each season, Arsenal had finished 12 points behind the champions, and had never been such underdogs in the 15 years of Ferguson/Wenger rivalry, and the Frenchman’s side were in turmoil from the moment the season had begun.

With key players deserting the club in order to secure success elsewhere and numerous suspensions and injuries already picked up, the Gunners had secured only one point while scoring no goals in their opening matches before their visit to Manchester. It was a typically chilly Sunday in the city, blustery conditions making it difficult at pitch level, and the home side had every intention of giving the Arsenal players a torrid time from the very first whistle.

Within seconds of kick off, Danny Welbeck showed his intent by hurriedly closing down the Arsenal keeper, Szczesny, who looked at his back line with perplexity as he narrowly escaped giving away an early corner. With early shots from both Welbeck and Tom Cleverley asking further questions of the rather makeshift Arsenal defence, it was no surprise when the deadlock was broken on 22 minutes. A scooped Anderson pass over the heads of everyone caused panic, and Welbeck was there to head the ball home in front of the Stretford End.

Arsenal did find themselves with chances of their own however, and after a soft penalty decision, were excellently denied an equaliser by David de Gea, the Spanish keeper guessing the right way from the Van Persie spot-kick. United celebrated, and went straight up the other end and doubled their lead. Ashley Young cutting in from the left, teasing the Arsenal players before curling a sublime right foot shot into the top corner. With goal-machine Wayne Rooney adding a third from a beautifully executed free kick, United were coasting at 3-0 up before sloppily conceding to a Walcott strike deep into first half injury time.

United continued to dictate the play and tempo of the game in the second half, and Rooney made it a free-kick double with his second of the game, curling the ball over the wall and sending the keeper the wrong way with an almost identical set piece finish. The England striker then found himself totally free on the edge of the box, unselfishly playing in Nani who cheekily dinked the ball over the keeper to make it 5-1. The Portuguese was immediately replaced by Ji-Sung Park, who got himself in on the scoring just 2 minutes after coming on the pitch, the industrious South Korean sweeping a left footed shot home after some neat wide play by United.

Future United favourite Robin Van Persie did get his goal in the end, an unmarked half volley saw him make the score 6-2, but soon after, Arsenal had a player sent off. Carl Jenkinson, having been run ragged all afternoon by the leaders, receiving his marching orders for a professional foul on Javier Hernandez. Rooney completed his hat-trick soon after, converting a penalty after captain Patrice Evra was tripped. Having already scored in both of United’s opening games, Rooney would go on to fire another hat-trick the following week, scoring goals for fun for the rest of season. And with Ashley Young whipping in his second expertly curled shot of the match, the 8-2 rout of the dejected Gunners was complete, all out of ammo and spayed by the Red Devils.

United would go on to narrowly miss out on retaining their Premier League crown, but finished an astonishing 15 points ahead of Arsenal, and as the fierce rivalry rumbles on to this day, another enticing fixture looms large.

United Line up: David de Gea, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Luis Nani (Ji-Sung Park), Tom Cleverley, Anderson (Ryan Giggs), Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck (Javier Hernandez), Wayne Rooney.

Paul Speller

RED billy

Kane, Ramos, Osimhen or Sesko: who will United buy this summer?

United are already being linked with a select group of strikers for a summer purchase, although the huge question mark over who will be the club’s owners at that stage makes it difficult to predict what sort of ball park they will be in at that time.

If a new owner is not found, nor good partial investment, then given the Glazers’ financial predicament the club will probably be shopping in the bargain basement for free agents – potentially including the likes of Memphis Depay or Youssafa Moukoko.

With partial investment, with the Glazers still holding the reins, or if a “stingy” owner takes over, then up-and-coming young strikers, such as Marcus Thuram, could be the order of the day.

With the debt written off and a healthy bank balance, however, the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Gonçalo Ramos have been mooted as United’s favoured targets. With most of these likely to cost in excess of €100 million, which would represent the best choice?

Benjamin Sesko

Sesko represents the longest term and potentially cheapest option with the greatest potential, but also is the biggest risk. He has not even played for RB Leipzig yet since signing from Red Bull Salzburg. He’s not exactly advanced as much as expected this season, scoring just seven goals in 25 games for Salzburg in the Austrian League and none in six in Europe. Compare this with Erling Haaland’s same season at the same club at the same age, and the difference is stark; in 2019/20 he scored 28 goals in 22 games at Salzburg, including 8 in 6 in the Champions League. Sesko is not the same type of player and all footballers develop at different rates, but he is definitely not the finished product yet.

Harry Kane

As Scott Eckersley recently wrote in United Matchday magazine, Harry Kane is probably a very “gettable” option this time around. Spurs are almost resigned to losing him as his contract expires in 2024 and they will not want to lose him for nothing. He is obviously a proven Premier League goalscorer – there aren’t many in history who have proven that more – and he is hungry for honours. United might also get a relatively free run at him, at least in England, with City having Haaland, Chelsea looking to add Thuram and Nkunku and Liverpool having signed Darwin Nunez last summer. However, he will be turning 30 and can be injury prone, and is he the kind of player that would fit into Ten Hag’s system or would some adaptation be necessary? The Telegraph‘s Matt Law says “Manchester United have long held an interest in Kane, but there are theories that the 29-year-old does not quite fit the ideal profile of target recommended by Erik ten Hag, who is said to favour a faster forward such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

“That will not necessarily stop United making a move for Kane, but it is not considered a forgone conclusion at this stage and he will be wary of once again courting a transfer that does not happen.”

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen looks the real deal and at 24 is arguably the right age for a top striker signing, coming into his best years. Strong, direct and agile, the Nigerian has scored 12 in 14 in Serie A this season in a flying Napoli side. However, we have seen from the likes of Romelu Lukaku that great scorers in the Italian League can’t necessarily replicate that in the Premier League. The other issue is that Osimhen is likely to be the most expensive of the bunch, with Napoli already speaking about a €140 million price tag and president Dino De Laurentiis being infamously difficult to negotiate with.

Gonçalo Ramos

Benfica’s Gonçalo Ramos is the fourth option. He has been profilic in the Liga Portuguesa this season, scoring 17 in 26, and announced himself on the international stage with a brilliant World Cup hat-trick. He’ll turn 22 in the summer and although Benfica will try for the €120 million buyout fee, there would likely be the chance to negotiate that down, especially if there are few competitors for his signature. He is an intelligent runner and hard worker and arguably the most suited to the type of football that Ten Hag likes to play.

So given all of the above, who should be United’s top target if money is no object? If Ten Hag believes Kane can fit in with his system, he should probably be first choice as a proven world class Premier League striker with potentially another four or five years in him. If Ramos is better suited to Ten Hag ball, he should arguably be the favourite. Osimhen and Sesko could be incredible and in some ways more exciting options, but are probably more of a gamble.

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