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Manchester United were all over the place and Tottenham Hotspur took full advantage, inflicting a humiliating 0-3 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Premier League.
The 0-3 loss was United’s third of the league campaign and second successive home defeat by a similar margin, leaving the Red Devils just four points off the relegation zone.
Despite strengthening at the back during the summer, not much improvement has been seen, especially with regards to the results with the Red Devils’ current goal difference reading minus three after six games.
Injuries to both left-backs have forced Erik ten Hag to persist with Diogo Dalot on the left while new signing Noussair Mazraoui has played as the right-back.
LB issues
The Moroccan has impressed but the Portuguese’s form has been indifferent, probably as a result of playing in all games so far this season.
Even for the Carabao Cup game against Barnsley, the manager did not give him any rest and started him on the right this time while playing Toby Collyer on the opposite flank.
And against Spurs, the former Porto star struggled, with his lack of concentration while tracking back allowing Brennan Johnson to open the scoring from an easy tap-in in the third minute.
The club knew about Luke Shaw’s poor injury record and Tyrell Malacia’s struggles and should have prioritised strengthening on the left, especially after being forced to play Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof in that position for quite a few games.
But no additions were made, neither on loan or via the free agent market and that has taken a toll on Dalot’s effectiveness.
Antonee Robinson of Fulham was one of the supposed targets but both Liverpool and Chelsea are plotting a 2025 summer move for the US international.
INEOS are mulling over making an early approach to the Cottagers as per Givemesport, which could give them a headstart in the race for the 27-year-old.
This effectively indicates a January deal could be on the cards, which is in line with previous reports relayed by The Peoples Person.
“Manchester United are looking to thwart Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea in their attempts to win the race for the signing of Antonee Robinson as plans have been put in place at Old Trafford to accelerate their pursuit of the Fulham star, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
“Although GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United are unlikely to want to meet the Cottagers’ £40million demands, the fact he has vast amounts of Premier League experience is a major attraction, while Liverpool and Chelsea are also contemplating whether to up the ante in their pursuit.
Robinson approach on the cards
“But Manchester United have set their sights on hurrying their attempts to land Robinson due to an awareness that Liverpool and Chelsea are also among his suitors, GMS sources have learned, and they are seriously mulling over whether to test Fulham’s resolve by opening discussions over his availability.”
Robinson’s current deal is valid until 2028 and Fulham will be in no hurry to agree to his exit, thereby making a January deal unlikely or extremely costly.
Ten Hag will hope that Malacia can return quickly while Shaw can stay fit for the rest of the campaign once he does regain full fitness.
But whether the manager will remain to see that day is a huge doubt. Despite backing in the market, he simply has not managed to spark a turnaround in form and INEOS are under pressure to take a major call regarding the managerial situation.
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2024-09-30 22:15:40
