by Emmanuel Atanga | Jul 3, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
According to Sky Sport Italia via Football Italia, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has personally reached out to Dutch-Nigerian striker Joshua Zirkzee to pitch the idea of joining the Red Devils during the summer transfer window.
Manchester United has identified the Bologna forward as one of their primary targets, with ten Hag eager to secure his signature. Despite acquiring Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta last summer, the club is seeking another central forward following last season’s struggles in the final third and Anthony Martial’s departure.
Zirkzee, who was awarded Serie A’s Best Young Player last term, has caught the attention of Manchester United. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the club is aware of the 23-year-old’s €40m release clause, which expires in August.
Internal discussions at Manchester United are ongoing regarding the deal’s cost, including the reported €15m commission demanded by Zirkzee’s agent. AC Milan remains in the race for the Bayern Munich Academy product and has agreed on contractual terms with the forward but is hesitant to pay the agent’s commission, potentially giving Manchester United an advantage.
4o
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 21, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Manchester United is optimistic about signing Super Eagles-eligible striker Joshua Zirkzee, currently with Bologna and also linked with Arsenal, according to Sportblog247.com. The Premier League giants are in talks with Zirkzee’s camp and are considering whether to trigger his £33.8 million release clause.
After struggling for goals last season and with the departure of Anthony Martial, Manchester United is eager to strengthen their attacking options. Zirkzee, 23, is a prime target for the Red Devils. If negotiations for Zirkzee fall through, they may turn their attention to Lille’s Jonathan David.
The main obstacle in signing Zirkzee could be his agent, Kia Joorabchian, whose €15 million commission demand has previously hindered a move to AC Milan. The Rossoneri also admire the Dutch-Nigerian striker but have been unable to secure his signature due to this commission issue.
Zirkzee is currently representing the Netherlands at the 2024 European Championship, and it remains uncertain whether a transfer will be finalized before the tournament concludes.
4o
by Silas Boahene | Jun 13, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
English-born Ghanaian attacking midfielder Omari Forson has officially transferred to AC Monza, a team in the Italian Serie A league, according to GHANAsoccernet.com.
After his contract with Manchester United ended, Forson joined Monza as a free agent. He recently signed a contract that will keep him with the club until 2028 and is expected to play a significant role for them.
As part of this transfer, Manchester United will receive a compensation fee for losing the Ghanaian midfielder to Monza for the upcoming season.
Despite being offered a new contract by the English giants, Forson turned it down in search of more playing time. He was dissatisfied with his limited role last season and wanted reassurance from the club.
While Forson may have only made seven senior appearances for Manchester United last season, he has been in exceptional form for the youth team. He scored 15 goals and provided eight assists for the U23s, and netted nine goals with nine assists during his time with the U18s.
4o
by Silas Boahene | Jun 5, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
English-born Ghanaian forward Omari Forson has been offered a new contract by FA Cup winners Manchester United as the summer transfer window approaches. Forson’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the month, and there is speculation in England that he is considering leaving the club.
Forson has yet to decide whether to sign the new contract, as he seeks assurances over game time following a limited role last season. “Discussions remain open with Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton over potential new contracts while Omari Forson has formally been offered a new deal,” stated Manchester United on their official website.
Despite making only seven senior appearances for the club last season, Forson has been in impressive form for the youth team, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists for the U23s. He also netted nine goals and delivered nine assists during his time with the U18s.
4o
by Silas Boahene | May 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney shared his perspective on an incident involving Thomas Partey, suggesting the midfielder was fortunate to escape penalty claims.
Rooney addressed Man United’s appeal for a penalty in the 37th minute, as Amad Diallo went down in the box following a challenge from Partey. While acknowledging the contact, Rooney expressed his view that Partey was fortunate in the situation.
“I don’t think this warrants a penalty, but Partey is very fortunate,” Rooney stated during his commentary on Sky Sports. He elaborated, “He commits early, and luckily manages to make contact with the ball. In my opinion, it doesn’t merit a penalty, but Partey certainly had a stroke of luck.”
Rooney’s assessment highlights the subjective nature of such incidents in football, where split-second decisions and interpretations can influence the outcome of matches.