Manchester United wonder kid with 94% passing accuracy and 48 touches: set for breakthrough this season
Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo produced another impressive performance in Wednesday’s 1-0 pre-season friendly win over Lyon.
The 18-year-old started in defensive midfield against Leeds United last week and returned to the same position against Les Gones in Edinburgh.
Mainoo showed a lot of maturity in his 45-minute performance. He hit 48 touches and completed 33 of 35 passes – an accuracy rate of 94%.
The teenager also blocked two shots and made two interceptions, only losing the ball three times. Mainoo has a big season ahead of him with Man Utd
Mainoo made his Carabao Cup quarter-final debut against Charlton Athletic last season. He started in the role of number 10 after Bruno Fernandes was suspended.
The youngster was only able to play two more games before getting injured. We should see him more in the coming season as he should stay in the team.
Reports say United manager Erik ten Hag is ‘confident in his abilities’ and Mainoo could get some useful minutes on the bench given he can play anywhere in midfield. Mainoo has mostly played the number eight role in the youth teams, but Ten Hag has played him in defensive and attacking midfield positions so far.
The teenager didn’t seem intimidated by the challenge he was facing. He looks mature beyond his years and fans should be thrilled to see his breakthrough.
Hannibal Mejbri and Amad Diallo are other youngsters who hope to work their way into the manager’s plans by impressing him in pre-season.
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Man United: Imagine Mount & Rashford
The Chelsea midfielder is set to move to Old Taffo this summer.
Manchester United have been one of Mason Mount’s hottest opponents in recent weeks and now a new update for the player’s suit this summer has surfaced.
What’s the news on Man United’s move to Mason Mount?
According to the Times, the Chelsea midfielder has agreed personal terms to become a Man United player this summer.
As things stand, it’s claimed the Red Devils are set to make Mount their first signing of the summer, with Egik ten Hag keen to bring more creativity to his midfield build this summer. and Chelsea looking to concede to ensure they don’t lose a huge fortune on a fee next summer. Would Mason Mount fit for Man United?
While the most promising concern for Elyk ten Hag will be cente-foгwaгd гole this summerг, an opportunity to increase the quality and attacking aspects at heart center is an opportunity they cannot afford to continue.
While Man United can boast some highly regarded midfield talent, they are certainly part of the squad looking to age with Chгіstіan Eгіksen, Casemігo and Fгed all in their thirties at this point and plus Bгuno Feгnandes, three of the more experienced first team players.
Consequently, Mount’s performance offers the Dutch manager the opportunity to continue his career at Old Taffo by not only injecting a number of youngsters into midfield but also playing an important role. a high level of quality and a quirky mentality that suits those decorated games that make it feel.
The 24-year-old Champions League winner – who is “incredible” in Joe Cole’s words – offers flexibility in working with him having experience in a variety of roles. It’s about his illustrious caгeeг so faг, but he could be the fantastic outlet Ten Hag is looking for who can combine with one of his England teammates to make Unіted an unstoppable fighting force. Maccus Rashford has been one of the standout performers for the Manchester side this season – scoring 30 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and scoring every 104 minutes, an impressive feat unmatched by any other player in the team but Feñandes added the second goal less than half (14).
Now Mount could give the fast wing even more chances to create chances, bringing constant creativity to midfield and crossing the attacking lines to form a dangerous attacking threat.
Chelsea academy among Europe’s top five leagues in the top 15% of their midfield players on shot attempts, shots on goal, aggressive cages, ball touches and rough passes thought he could be a key asset when playing the last ball in the penalty area or even using scoring chances with confidence.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how Ten Hag Mount uses when he joins the Red Devils this summer and whether he can live up to the high expectations for next season that come with his prestigious £70m price tag.
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Transfer news LIVE: Neymar talks on PSG exit, Mbappe move detailed and Man Utd’s Kane stance clear
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Harry Kane are dwindling, unlike Arsenal’s pursuit of Declan Rice, with the West Ham captain confirmed to be on the move once the summer transfer window opens
The summer transfer window doesn’t open for a few days’ time, but that isn’t stopping clubs from making huge moves
Ahead of Wednesday’s opening, Liverpool have already confirmed the signing of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, while Arsenal are poised to make their first bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice, who’s played his final game for the club. Also in the Premier League, Manchester United are expected to kick into gear – despite their long-running takeover saga still not being resolved – with Erik ten Hag hoping to capture Harry Kane as well as Mason Mount, who the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with.
On the continent, Jude Bellingham is on the verge of completing a dream move by signing for Real Madrid. And Lionel Messi is on the move, too, after announcing that he’ll be playing in the United States next season, making the decision to join Inter Miami, the MLS club which David Beckham co-founded
West Ham line-up Rice replacement
West Ham are preparing to sell captain Declan Rice this summer and have earmarked Ajax holding midfielder Edson Alvarez as a replacement, say The Guardian.
The Mexican international could be available for a fee in the region of £45million, which is around half the price that the Hammers could attain for Rice.
Maddison tops Newcastle shortlist
Newcastle are keen on another summer of strong recruitment with Leicester City playmaker James Maddison top of their wanted list.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who mention that Premier League trio of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher are also on the club’s targets.
Pulisic on Milan radar
Christian Pulisic is likely to be among the exodus from Chelsea this summer with Milan monitoring a move.
That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that the 24-year-old winger would be willing to lower his annual salary to complete a move to the Rossoneri.
Blues knocked back over Onana
Chelsea want to sign Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana but their approach of €40million has been rejected, say Calciomercato.
The Cameroonian starred in the Champions League final for the Italian giants, and Mauricio Pochettino wants him to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
Chukwueze on the move
Milan want to sign Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze this summer, according to Sky Sports Italia.
Chukwueze has frequently been linked with a move to the Premier League while Real Madrid are said to be monitoring his situation this summer.
Chelsea must change Havertz price
Chelsea will have to lower their £70million asking price for Kai Havertz if they are to move on the German international this summer, say the Telegraph.
Havertz is on Real Madrid’s attacking shortlist this summer but the Spanish giants are not willing to go above £50million – with the player keen for a move.
Real Madrid’s Kane stance
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is continuing to push the club to land Harry Kane this summer but the club are prioritising a long-term approach for Kylian Mbappe.
Kane, 29, is out of contract at Tottenham next summer and this summer is likely to be the last opportunity Spurs have to cash in on the striker before risking him leaving as a free agent. Their preference is to sell him to a club outside of England and not to a direct rival.
The England international is on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s target list this summer as he is on red alert to sign a central striker at Old Trafford. United are desperate to sign an elite central striker and Ten Hag believed Kane’s contractual situation will mean that a deal is possible.
Bayern want Lucas decision
The France international may well be on the move this summer.
Spurs want Sancho
Tottenham are weighing up a £50million move for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, say the Daily Star.
Sancho has failed to reproduce the form he showed at Borussia Dortmund across his two seasons at United, despite showing semi-frequent glimpses of his quality.
16:24Colin Millar
United lose hope on Kane
Manchester United are increasingly resigned to the fact they will not sign Harry Kane this summer, The Times reports.
The England captain is Erik ten Hag’s main striking target but United are said to believe that Spurs will not countenance a sale this summer to a Premier League rival.
Real Madrid are also interested in the striker, but United may have to wait a year for Kane’s contract to expire.
16:00Colin Millar
Silva’s Man City future
Manchester City are basking in the glory of their treble success but risk losing several key players this summer with Bernardo Silva wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Portugal international has been on Barcelona ’s wanted list for over a year with boss Xavi Hernandez confirming they wanted a deal last summer, which did not come to fruition. Silva is now a key transfer target for PSG, who are looking to replace Lionel Messi.
City boss Pep Guardiola has repeatedly refused to sanction Silva’s exit despite the player’s keenness for pastures new. The playmaker played a pivotal role in the club’s successes this campaign but he has made no secret internally that he was open to a move away from the Etihad.
Gundogan’s Saudi offer
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has received an offer to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, say Foot Mercato.
Gundogan remains a key member of City’s starting line-up and netted twice in their FA Cup final success this summer but may leave this summer.
The club want him to stay but his latest offers comes amid strong interest from Barcelona in the midfielder, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also lingering for his signature.
Nacho confirms Real Madrid decision
Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has confirmed he is staying on at the club next season.
“I’ve decided to stay at Real Madrid. There are offers as always but I want to stay one more year, I’m so happy about it.”
Neymar on Saudi list
Al-Hilal missed out on a transfer for Lionel Messi, but they are now turning to signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.
That is according to CBS Sports, who claim that PSG would be delighted to offload the Brazilian’s wages as they restructure their squad.
Mirror Football understands that PSG are keen to sell Neymar this summer, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Roma confirm Aouar signing
Roma have confirmed the signing of Houssem Aouar following the expiration of his contract at Lyon.
Back in 2023, the midfielder was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
Gunners go for Castagne
Leicester City may undergo somewhat of a mass exodus this summer following their relegation.
Belgian international Timothy Castagne is now emerging as a target for Arsenal, who want more depth in the right-back position.
West Ham are hoping to sign Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe as part of a player-plus-cash swap deal for Declan Rice.
The Sun claim that Rice is close to joining the Gunners but West Ham want something in return for their captain as well as cash.
A lack of fitness and increased competition forced Smith Rowe out of Mikel Arteta’s side for much last season.
His future is now uncertain, despite signing a new long-term deal in 2021 and also being given the No.10 shirt.
:10John Cross
Inter president wants Lukaku stay
Inter Milan president Steven Zhang is determined to find a way to broker a new deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Zhang described the on-loan Chelsea striker as “amazing” even after Lukaku’s incredible miss in the Champions League final Lukaku, 30, wants to stay at Inter for another season rather than return to Stamford Bridge this summer to try and resurrect his Chelsea career under Mauricio Pochettino.
Belgium striker Lukaku was only a substitute in the final but his performance will always be remembered for the jaw-dropping miss in the dying stages against Manchester City. Lukaku had the whole goal to aim at from point blank range but headed straight at City keeper Ederson who kept the ball out.
That miss will arguably be remembered even more than City midfielder Rodri’s winner in the final. It also highlighted all of Lukaku’s problems as he is no longer a starter at Inter, is wasteful in front of goal and his huge contract is a massive problem for Chelsea.
Lukaku was signed two years ago for £97.5m, has three years left on his £325,000-a-week deal and Inter cannot realistically afford to buy him so only want another loan deal which does not really help Chelsea as they look to balance the books.
But Zhang said: “He showed great attachment to Inter. He loves Inter, that’s very clear. He’s an amazing guy. But the guy has a contract with Chelsea, so we have to wait to talk to them to understand.”
Guardiola’s future in discussion
Pep Guardiola admitted that chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak had already spoken to him about his future at Manchester City.
“Please don’t talk to me about going again,” he joked. “My chairman told me the Champions League final is in London next year – and I can’t tell you what I said to him! I am a good manager – thank you Pep – but I can’t win a treble every single year.”
“Maybe people will now give us credit for winning five Premier Leagues. Maybe we can now build a museum to show off all of our trophies.”