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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd Premier League fixtures: Ruben Amorim handed nightmare start as Arsenal kick off horror run of top six clashes
Date with the Devils Man Utd Premier League fixtures: Ruben Amorim handed nightmare start as Arsenal kick off horror run of top six clashes MANCHESTER UNITED have discovered who they will face at the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Ruben Amorim will lead the Red Devils into the clash after a first full transfer window and pre-season under his belt. 4 Man Utd have discovered their Premier League fixture list after Ruben Amorim's first summer in charge Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Matheus Cunha is the first signing of many expected through the door before the opening game Credit: Getty The Old Trafford outfit crashed to a worst-ever Premier League finish of 15th last season and will be hoping the lack of European football elsewhere can see them climb up the table this time around. And Man Utd now know they will face Arsenal as they kick-start the Amorim era after the former Sporting Lisbon boss promised: "The good days are coming." It will be a real litmus test for Amorim's squad against the expected title challengers in the Sunday, August 17 4:30pm clash to see how pre-season and new signings have prepared them for the upcoming season. Their second game sees them take a trip down to London to take on Fulham before facing newly-promoted Burnley. READ MORE ON MAN UTD SHIRT CHANGED Man Utd choose NOT to sell two players' 2025/26 shirts as Rashford call made However, a horror double bill of Manchester City away, Chelsea at home and Brentford away make up September. October sees Man Utd take on bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield with the reverse fixture pencilled in for May 2, 2026. The festive period starts out quite kindly on paper, with West Ham, Wolves and Bournemouth all coming before they take on Aston Villa and Newcastle before and after Christmas. Man Utd fans will need to wait until the new year for their first clash against newly-promoted rivals Leeds, with the reverse fixture then taking place in April. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford The second Manchester derby commences on January 17 and is immediately followed by Arsenal away a week later. After the second clash with the Gunners, Man Utd have three more games against sides from London, with Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham all on the agenda going into February. Ruben Amorim vows 'good days are coming' after 'disaster season' as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology Spring is greeted with a trip to Newcastle on March 4 followed by Aston Villa at home, while April sees them face Leeds and Brentford at Old Trafford with Chelsea away in the middle. The final three games of the season will see Man Utd face Sunderland away, Nottingham Forest at home and end the season with a trip down the seaside with Brighton away. 4 4 THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side
One target is very similar to Alexander Isak DEVIL IN THE DETAIL Which striker suits Man Utd best? One star stands out as the best transfer option for Ruben Amorim's struggling side Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANCHESTER UNITED are weak in almost every area but replacing their dismal front-line must be the biggest priority before next season. The fallen giants have the most to do this summer given the club's worst Premier League campaign on record and the humiliating defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Ruben Amorim is eyeing an attacking overhaul this summer Credit: Getty 12 United have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves Indeed, if it gets any worsethen England's longest footballing powerhouse will be RELEGATED in a year's time. A dismal 44 goals ensured United finished 15th in the Prem, with Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton to thank for being so poor that they occupied the bottom three spots. Unlike United of old, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. moved uncharacteristically quickly to secure Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million within days of the window opening. But, while Cunha will automatically walk into the XI, the Brazilian does not meet their greatest need in terms of adding a recognised and dangerous centre forward to the squad. READ MORE ON MAN UTD TIME TO UNITE Man Utd chief Berrada sets 2028 Prem title target and says 'worst behind us' United desperately need attacking reinforcements, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee having endured a poor campaign at Old Trafford. So, Amorim's side still are being heavily linked to four forwards this summer, with the list including Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. Here SunSport breaks down the strengths of each of these four strikers before then giving a recommendation for which player would suit United. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Bryan Mbeumo Days after confirming Cunha, United became favourites to land Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo. But Tottenham threw a spanner in the works when Daniel Levy sacked Ange Postecoglou and replaced him with Bees boss Thomas Frank. SunSport exclusively revealed on Sunday that Tottenham are ready to hijack Man Utd's £60m Mbeumo transfer once Frank's appointment was confirmed. From a profile perspective though you can clearly see why he is of interest to United. 12 The 25-year-old is capable of playing as one of the two No 10s behind the striker under Amorim's system, or as the main striker. But Mbeumo would most likely play as the striker for Amorim. From this position his movement and pace offers consistent threat to stretch the pitch and attack space behind the defensive line. Mbeumo forces the opposition to defend deeper because he himself drops deep to win the ball, before making aggressive runs forward. The Cameroon international's movement and willingness to work to break the last line creates threat and results in chances. 12 Mbeumo often drops deep to win the ball before driving forward United need to find a striker who can provide more threat in the final third. It is fair to say that neither of their current options Hojlund or Zirkzee have proven themselves to be the answer in the position. Mbuemo also finds space between centre-backs and his deep runs allow Brentford midfielders to get on the ball in dangerous positions. 12 Mbuemo has a clear tendency to find space between the opposition central defenders. Mbuemo is similar to Cunha in that he is proven in the Premier League, after ending last season with 20 goals and eight assists in 38 games for Brentford. There is little doubt that he would come in immediately and make a significant impact for United. Hugo Ekitike The Red Devils were a surprise entry in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman, who joined the Bundesliga side from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 33 league matches this term. Ekitike in terms of his profile is the closest thing in European football at the moment to Alexander Isak of Newcastle. With Eddie Howe making it clear that the Toon aren't open to selling Isak, there is a sense that Ekitike would represent a younger player with a similar style of play and perhaps even more upside. He is similar to Mbeumo in that he will make aggressive and intelligent runs but arguably his link play in the midfield is better. 12 Ekitike is less reliant on long straight runs than Mbuemo Ekitike is less reliant on long straight runs than Mbuemo as he makes intelligent movements off the ball to arrive with good timing around the area. While Ekitike does have the pace and power to stretch the pitch, he likes to come in to combine deeper before attacking space around the edges of the opposition area. When compared to Mbeumo he is more technical if slightly less explosive but at just 22 years old he has levels still to improve. 12 Ekitike makes supporting runs to take advantage of space behind the defensive line Of the four strikers that United are being linked to at the moment there is a real argument that Ekitike has the highest ceiling and the most potential to kick on and reach greater heights. He could well score 25 goals a season consistently from this point on. Viktor Gyokeres It's largely forgotten for the most part now but Viktor Gyokeres boasts the most experience in English football, having played for both Brighton and Coventry City. But it's fair to say though that the Swede's move to Portugal with Sporting CP has really seen his career take off. The Arsenal target also enjoyed a close relationship to United boss Amorim, with 40-year-old helping him turn into one of the most prolific No.9's in Europe. Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, is a striker with a different profile to both Mbuemo and Ekitike. He is most effective when playing high and positioned around the edges of the opposition area or even slightly deeper. While the two strikers that we have covered above rely more on movement to create separation and chances for themselves, the Sweden international has more power and athleticism to his game. 12 While Mbuemo and Ekitike create space for teammates through their movement to break the last line we typically see Gyokeres positioned high early using his power to play back to goal While Mbuemo and Ekitike create space for team-mates through their movement to break the last line, Gyokeres is usually positioned high early and uses his power to force the opposition to inside the box. Gyokeres has dominated the Portuguese league, and while defenders in the Prem are more physical, he still would offer United the ability to create chances for himself in isolated 1v1 situations. 12 Gyokeres often positions himself high to get into dangerous areas and attack the ball in the box Gyokeres is a different profile to both Mbuemo and Ekitike but he would provide United with an effective target man type that they could play into early as they move into the attacking phase. Despite United's interest, Arsenal remain favourites to nab him, with new director of football Andrea Berta a big fan from his days at Atletico Madrid. 12 Victor Osimhen The final striker on our list is Victor Osimhen who has just returned to Napoli having spent last season in the Turkish top-flight with Galatasaray. Osimhen has been heavily linked to a move to several teams in the Saudi Pro League, but he is thought to be giving priority to a move to stay in Europe. The 26-year-old has the physical and technical level to continue to play at a high level and to be an effective striker in the Prem. He is similar to Gyokeres in that he wants to position himself on the highest line and give his team a focal point to their attack. He can finish with real power and his aerial threat would be effective for a team like United who work the ball into crossing situations. 12 Osimhen is extremely hard working in counter pressing situations and likes to work with team-mates to press and win the ball high Osimhen is far more than just a goalscorer although he finished last season with 26 goals and 5 assists in 30 league games. He works hard for his team out of possession and he will play and link in with team-mates around the final third before looking to create shooting opportunities for himself. 12 Osimhen also provides strength to play when he is isolated against more than one defender on the highest line Osimhen also provides strength to play when he is isolated against more than one defender on the highest line with no direct support He has the power, energy and technical level to play in a team where he is isolated as the highest striker with movement and support coming from deeper. Conclusion Of the four strikers discussed we believe that there are two who should be clear as top options for United. Mbuemo has the vital experience in the Prem and the capacity to provide the consistent vertical movements that United are currently missing. While, Osimhen represents the best true forward on the market with an opportunity to sign him as he enters his peak years. If we were forced to pick one of the two then we would prioritise the move to sign Osimhen this summer. MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd scout £20m star from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice as Ruben Amorim demands more physical players in transfer window
MANCHESTER UNITED have been scouting a holding midfielder from fellow Ineos-owned club Nice as they consider cut-price options. United sent a scout to Sweden's international friendly against Algeria last week to check on the player, who has been tipped to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer . 4 Manchester Utited are scouting Hicham Boudaou from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice Credit: Getty 4 Ratcliffe's company, Ineos, own 100 per cent of Ligue 1 side Nice Credit: AFP The Red Devils' official went to Friends Arena in Solna to monitor Hicham Boudaoui, according to reports in Algeria. Despite coming off after an hour, with his team trailing 4-0, Boudaoui demonstrated why many in The 25-year-old won all of his ground duels and looked unruffled when put under pressure inside Algeria's half. He also showed a great range of passing with one excellent switch of play out to the right flank. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS And he even came close to grabbing a goal with a drilled effort from the corner of the penalty area that flew only a yard or so wide of the far post. Boudaoui is coming off an excellent season in France in which he emerged as one of the best in Ligue 1 in his position. In figures published in April by Old Trafford and Boudaoui certainly fits the bill . Most read in Football 4 Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford The Red Devils were unable to sign players from Nice last summer because both clubs were set to feature in the Europa League. Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed not to move any players between the clubs until September 2025 to satisfy Uefa's concerns over multi-club ownership. Man Utd stars 'intimidated' by weight of shirt but can still thrive after leaving like McTominay, says Angel Gomes That means any deal for Boudaoui cannot take place until the final day of the summer transfer window with the deadline for Premier League clubs set for 7pm on September 1. Other Premier League clubs have been sniffing around while reports in Spain and Germany . Nice could demand £20m for the midfielder but transfer funds are likely to be tight at Old Trafford. United have already splurged £62.5m on 4 Boudaoui represents Algeria with new Manchester City signing Rayan Ait Nouri
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd line up England star as one of two transfer alternatives to Bryan Mbeumo as they refuse to overpay
MANCHESTER UNITED have identified two alternatives in case they miss out on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo. And one of them is an England international, who has already attracted interest from the Premier League. 6 Manchester United have identified two alternatives in case they miss out on Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo 6 One of them is Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze 6 And the other is Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo United are prioritising Mbeumo, 25, after signing Matheus Cunha for a staggering £62.5million from Wolves. However, SunSport understand Tottenham have swooped in for the versatile forward after landing his manager from Brentford Thomas Frank and are planning a £70m raid. And the Manchester giants are refusing to overpay for the Cameroon international, with the the Bees said to have slapped a fee in the region of £60m. According to ESPN, that is why Man Utd are considering Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze as plan Bs. Eze, 26, has also attracted interest from Aston Villa after leading Palace to their first ever FA Cup. However, SunSport understand the Eagles have slapped a whopping £65m release clause on their star player. The playmaker has a complicated valuation based on several factors at Selhurst Park. The Red Devils are also understood to be leading the race to sign Semenyo, 25. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford The winger is believed to have attracted attention from every Big Six club, with the exception of Arsenal. And the Cherries won't let the Ghana international, who has a valuation worth £70m, go easily. Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans say 'absolute stinker in hindsight' United have been prioritising Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres for his former manager in Portugal Ruben Amorim. However, reports are now suggesting Gyokeres has turned down a move to Old Trafford, which paves the way for Arsenal to capitalise on. 6 6
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Must be shaking in his pants' – Man Utd flop Rasmus Hojlund's season goes from bad to worse as star ‘overtakes' him
Hojlund has dropped a hint over his future MUS DO BETTER 'Must be shaking in his pants' – Man Utd flop Rasmus Hojlund's season goes from bad to worse as star 'overtakes' him RASMUS HOJLUND'S season went from bad to worse on international duty with Denmark. The Manchester United striker has endured a nightmare campaign, scoring just four goals in 32 Premier League games. Advertisement 3 Rasmus Hojlund may have fallen down the pecking order for Denmark Credit: Getty 3 Mika Biereth took his chance and scored against Lithuania Credit: Reuters Hojlund was dropped to the bench as Denmark beat Lithuania 5-0 in a friendly yesterday. Mika Biereth replaced him up front and put in a fantastic performance, scoring the opener and then drawing a red card after being fouled by Edgaras Utkus. Danish media outlet Bold claim the Monaco star was "venomous" when it mattered and he has now jumped above Hojlund in the pecking order. They wrote: "Hojlund must be shaking his pants by now. He has been overtaken." Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL LONE STRIKER Man Utd target Gyokeres 'ready to go on strike' to force move from Sporting Biereth's strike partner last night was Kasper Dolberg, who also got his name on the scoresheet. Hojlund came on as a 72nd minute substitute but did not make an impact. It comes after he also struggled in the previous game, playing 66 minutes before being hooked off for Biereth in the 2-1 win over Northern Ireland on Saturday. Biereth, who was born in London and was on Arsenal's books until last year, has also proven to be more clinical than Hojliund at club level. Advertisement BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 3 He managed 13 goals in 19 matches, including three hat-tricks, after joining Monaco from Austrian outfit Sturm Graz. Hojlund has been linked with a shock move to Inter Milan this summer. Advertisement Though he hinted at staying at Old Trafford last week, saying: "I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. "I'm looking forward to going on a summer holiday and then I'm fully dedicated to the project that's underway. "I know I can't get much out of reading things. I know what the facts are." But he may have to contend with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon. Advertisement Reports in Portugal claim he has threatenned to on strike to force an exit. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford
