Bruno Fernandes stepped up in the nick of time for Manchester United as the captain’s last-minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Fulham that will ease the pressure on under-fire manager Erik ten Hag somewhat.
Manchester United
Manchester United and other Premier Clubs shows interest as Barcelona set asking price of their star player…
Manchester United and other Premier Clubs shows interest as Barcelona set asking price of their star player…
Barcelona have set their asking price for Raphinha as they look to move the Brazilian on, FootballTransfers has been told.
The Blaugrana remain keen on cashing in on the 26-year-old, who has failed to have the desired impact since his €58 million move from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.
Already in previous transfer windows, the cash-strapped Catalans had been willing to listen to offers in a bid to use any potential transfer fee to balance the books, though nothing ultimately materialised. In January 2023, the Blaugrana reportedly put a €100m price tag on his head, which put off Arsenal and Newcastle.
Now, however, we can reveal that the LaLiga giants have revised their asking price and are instead demanding €70m. Barcelona would prefer to strike a deal in the January window, though they realise that a summer move is much more likely.
What could complicate the matter is that Raphinha has no desire to leave at this moment in time.
Recent reports in Spain have indicated that Newcastle, Saudi clubs and Chelsea could be in the mix for the Brazilian. The Blues had agreed a deal for Raphinha in 2022, but he opted to join Barcelona instead.
Manchester United are in the market for a winger, but we hear that a move to Old Trafford is highly unlikely at this stage. Players like Antony or Jadon Sancho would first have to be sold in order to fund a deal, while Raphinha’s interest in moving to Manchester is doubtful given the current state of the club.
Arsenal, finally, are a potential destination that would make sense. Like Chelsea, the Gunners were interested in signing him during his Leeds days and Arsenal sporting director Edu is close friends with his new Barcelona counterpart Deco.
The north London giants are actively looking for a right winger and already boast several of Raphinha’s international teammates in Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes on their squad.
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Man Utd player ratings vs Fulham: Bruno Fernandes finds a vital late winner – but concerns around Antony and Christian Eriksen remain
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United would have felt aggrieved had they not won after Scott McTominay had an early goal controversially ruled out after Harry Maguire was adjudged to be offside and interfering with play despite failing to make contact with Christian Eriksen’s free-kick in the build-up.
From there, the Red Devils created little of note, and were indebted to goalkeeper Andre Onana, who made two quickfire saves to deny Harry Wilson and Joao Palhinha just after the hour mark as Marco Silva’s side looked to take the initiative.
That was as close as the home side came, however, and it was left to Fernandes to produce the decisive moment, as his low shot from the edge of the penalty area made its way into the bottom corner as Bernd Leno tried in vain to keep it out.
GOAL rates United’s players from Craven Cottage…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (7/10):
Barely called upon until the middle of the second half, but made strong saves from both Wilson and Palhinha. Distribution continues to improve.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):
Looked half-a-yard off it at times in his first start since recovering from injury. Made a couple of vital interventions, though.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Questions will be asked of whether he should have stayed on amid concern for a head injury, but put a solid shift in defensively while trying to spark attacks while in possession.
Jonny Evans (6/10):
Fulham didn’t offer much of a threat but the veteran stood up well to what was thrown at him.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Bounced back from his dreadful showing in midweek and combined well with Garnacho down the left. Excellent clearance denied Wilson a clear shot on goal in the first half.
- Getty Images
Midfield
Christian Eriksen (3/10):
A real concern. Constantly gave the ball away in midfield and then didn’t have the pace to get back and stop Fulham counter-attacks. Set-piece delivery just about the only plus point.
Scott McTominay (7/10):
Unfortunate to have his early goal ruled out for offside, but didn’t let it affect him. Energetic presence caused problems in attack and worked hard defensively.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Not able to have the influence on the game that United needed for much of the afternoon, but popped up with the last-minute winner to send the away fans into raptures.
- Getty Images
Attack
Antony (3/10):
Continues to offer next to nothing. Wasteful when in good attacking positions while he might as well not have bothered when it came to his defensive responsibilities. Surely must be running out of chances.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Received next to no service, and thus his reaction to being substituted can be understood. Tried to hold the ball up when asked to, but needs more help from those around him.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Bright on his return to the ground where he truly announced himself last season and unfortunate his controlled assist for McTominay’s disallowed goal was ruled out. Probably deserves more starting opportunities going forward.
- Getty Images
Subs & Manager
Facundo Pellistri (7/10):
Replaced Antony and produced some nice touches and got a shot in on goal. Determination to win the ball deep in the Fulham half eventually led to United’s winner.
Mason Mount (5/10):
First touch was a misplaced through-ball for Garnacho, which just about sums up his United career so far.
Anthony Martial (6/10):
Saw an acrobatic volley drop just wide shortly after replacing Hojlund for the final 10 minutes.
Raphael Varane (N/A):
On in injury-time to help shore up the defence.
Erik ten Hag (4/10):
The win was there for the taking but Ten Hag’s inability to set up a functional midfield and insistence on picking Antony left United short of cutting edge. Got out of jail by his captain Fernandes.
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