Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard has been encouraged by the club’s transfer dealings (Picture: Getty)
Tim Howard says he is excited about the ‘great additions’ made at Old Trafford this summer and believes Matheus Cunha has the ‘bravado’ to be a ‘proper Manchester United player’.
The Red Devils set out their stall early on in the transfer window by triggering Cunha’s £62.5million release clause at Wolves, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.
Cunha enjoyed an excellent season at Molineux last season, racking up 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League, and there are hopes the Brazilian can help transform Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack.
United followed this up by landing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford in a deal worth around £71m and both players have joined up with their new team-mates on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
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In their absence, Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams all got on the scoresheet as United ran out comprehensive 4-1 victors over Bournemouth at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s one-sided friendly, former United and USA goalkeeper Howard said he had been ‘encouraged’ by what he had seen after watching Amorim’s men training in the Windy City.
Cunha joined United for a fee of £62.5m last month (Picture: Getty)
The Brazilian is ‘a bit of a maverick’, says Howard (Picture: Getty)
‘I don’t know if it’s the newness of a new season or additions and subtractions, but this team, this squad, looks energised, they look lively and they look committed,’ Howard told United’s official website.
‘It’s a small sample size, but I’m encouraged for what I think United can do this season.’
Howard has been impressed by the signings made at the Theatre of Dreams this summer and is especially looking forward to seeing how ‘maverick’ Cunha performs in United colours.
‘Great additions,’ the 2004 FA Cup winner said of United’s transfer business.
Mbeumo is yet to make his debut for the Red Devils having joined from Brentford (Picture: Getty)
‘I think about Cunha, as an example. I was at United for three years, I was a youngster, and what I learned there is that you can only play for United if you have pizzazz and personality.
‘There is a bravado that comes along with Cunha and I just think he’s a proper United player.
‘He’s a bit of a maverick and I think you need that to succeed at United so I am excited for him.
Amorim’s side ran out 4-1 winners over Bournemouth on Thursday (Picture: Getty)
‘It used to be that every team had one [a maverick], but they are few and far between now which I think makes him stand out and gets me excited about him.’
Having successfully captured Cunha and Mbeumo, United’s hierarchy have turned their attentions to signing an out-and-out centre-forward capable of scoring the goals Amorim’s side so badly lacked last term.
Viktor Gyokeres had been identified as United’s primary target on the back of another exceptional season with Sporting, in which he scored 54 goals in 52 games to help steer his side win a domestic double.
RB Leipzig are said to be demanding a fee of around £70m for Sesko, while Watkins, the far cheaper option, is valued at between £40m-£45m at Villa Park.
The United boss was in a buoyant mood as he addressed the media having justwatched his new-look side canter to an impressive 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago.
After the embarrassment of his maiden campaign at the helm, it is imperative the Red Devils get off to a good start this time around and an uplifting pre-season would certainly lift the mood inside Old Trafford.
To that end, the convincing win over Bournemouth represented a step in the right direction, particularly for Hojlund who got on the scoresheet once and may well have had a claim for a second which was credited to Amad Diallo.
The Slovenia international was heavily linked to Arsenal earlier this summer, but the Gunners turned their attention to signing Viktor Gyokeres instead after growing frustrated with RB Leipzig.
Rasmus Hojlund was on the scoresheet in Man Utd’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)
United, however, appear to be in pole position to sign the 22-year-old with Newcastle now apparently out of the running and Sesko harbouring little desire to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Leipzig are understood to want €75m guaranteed plus add-ons and percentage of a future sale. Talks are expected to continue in the coming days but for now Amorim insists he is happy with what he has at his disposal following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
‘No,’ said Amorim bluntly when asked for an update on Sesko’s potential transfer. ‘The important thing is Rasmus is scoring goals and connecting really well with the team.’
‘He’s improving. So again, I don’t know what is going to happen until the market is closed.
‘I’m really happy with what is happening with the players we had last season, they are improving.
Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko
Sesko has scored 13 league goals this season (Picture: Getty)
It was quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They’ve been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he was still one of their best and most consistent players.
Sesko’s strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he’s great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he’s also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he’s a willing runner off the ball as well.
His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It’s not that he’s bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Kai Havertz, he’s not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better.
But during his young career, he’s shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he’s a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner.
Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews
‘We look like a different team today let’s continue with that. I’m really happy with Bryan and Matheus.
‘Even Diego you can see he’s a smart guy for a guy who came from Paraguay to the Premier League it’s a really powerful player I’m really happy with these three guys.’
On Hojlund’s future should Sesko join before the deadline, he added: ‘I’m really happy with Rasmus, I don’t know what is going to happen until the end of the market.
‘The important thing is the strikers who are here are working hard they are improving and helping the team. That is the most important thing.
‘The important thing is people focus on the goals, we suffered from a lack of goals but I think not just the goals but the way he connects the play.
‘Every time we kick the ball when we are pressed, the ability of him to hold the ball and connect the support is helping us a lot to play better. And we are playing better because he is playing better.’
Speaking for the first time after the move, Diaz said: ‘I’m very happy, it means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern – they’re one of the biggest clubs in the world.
‘I want to help my new team with my way of playing football and my character. My goal is to win every possible title, and that’s what we’ll work for every day as a team.’
In an emotional post uploaded to Instagram, Diaz added: ‘Three years and a half that I’ll treasure forever. I arrived with all the dreams in the world, and I am leaving proud of everything we achieved together.
‘I have met incredible people, fabulous colleagues, coaches who helped me a lot, and extraordinary fans. Liverpool is, indeed, a special team, and I will keep everyone in my heart.
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‘The cycle ends here, and it is so gratifying to look back and realise how happy we were. Not only because of the trophies we won, but for the union and friendship that made it all possible.
‘There were ups and downs, as there always are, but there was always truth. As it should be in a family.
‘It’s good to be leaving with the feeling of a duty fulfilled, and, most of all, to be leaving a champion. It would have been the perfect goodbye if we hadn’t lost one of ours in such a tragic way.
‘As I said, and I repeat, I carry everyone with me in my heart, but one of them in particular: Diogo. I will never forget him. We will never forget him. Thank you for everything. YNWA.’
Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, meanwhile, said: ‘In Luis Diaz, we have succeeded in bringing in one of the best left wingers in the Premier League.
‘He brings real player character from Liverpool to FC Bayern – he’s won silverware with every one of his clubs to date.
‘As a team, we were able to work together to realise this transfer in a targeted manner and are delighted to have a top international who will give our team important impetus and also enrich the Bundesliga.
‘We would like to thank Liverpool for what were fair and serious negotiations at all times.’
The German club’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, added: ‘Luis creates a real goal threat and is a scorer, who at the same time works incredibly hard for his team.
‘He’s quick, a versatile footballer and brings an intense style of play to the game. He’s also gained a lot of experience at the top level with Liverpool and the Colombian national team.
‘Luis Diaz represents a complete package that will thrill our fans.’
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A search for a new centre forward remains a priority, but arguably Amorim’s most important decisions this summer have already been made in ridding the group players Shaw described as ‘stragglers’.
Marcus Rashford: The 27-year-old would look to relaunch his career at Barcelona next season having secured a dream loan move last week. The Spanish champions have the option to make the deal permanent for €30m, but Rashford will have to go some to make an impression given Barca’s already star studded forward line.
Jadon Sancho: After Chelsea opted against making the winger’s move permanent following a mixed loan spell last season, it’s been a case of back to the drawing board for a player who cost United £73m four years ago. Club’s in Italy, including Juventus, have been heavily linked, but personal terms remain an issue.
Alejandro Garnacho: Arguably the poster boy of the bomb squad, the Argentine’s regular disciplinary breaches made Amorim’s decision to freeze him out a relatively simple one. Despite his obvious flaws, the 21-year-old retains a string of admirers in the Premier League with Aston Villa and Chelsea showing clear interest.
Antony: Having lost the support of Erik ten Hag, the manager who brought him to Old Trafford, it always seemed unlikely that the £82m signing would be given much of a chance by Amorim. The Brazil international did, however, enjoy a stunning renaissance at Real Betis following a January loan move and although he would dearly love a return to Spain, the La Liga club are struggling to finance a deal which has left the 25-year-old in a state of limbo.
Tyrell Malacia: It is, perhaps, harsh to label the Dutchman a ‘bomb squad’ member given his injury nightmare, but it’s clear he has no future at United. Malacia was loaned out to PSV in January but didn’t do enough to persuade Amorim he deserved a second chance at Old Trafford and wasn’t included in the pre-season tour squad.
None of that quartet have been permitted to train with the first team during the summer and, regardless of any more incomings, Shaw insists there is a new dynamic within the current group as a result of Amorim’s no nonsense approach.
He said: ‘His mentality, his demands, he’s tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned. I think there’s no stragglers in this group any more.
‘Everyone has to put the team first. He’s made that very clear. He’s picking the team on how he feels will be best for the team and that’s his choice.
‘Us as players are fully behind him and what he wants to implement. We feel like a real team, the group is so together that’s something we need to keep us more as a family and make sure we’re driving in the same direction.’
Marcus Rasfhord is looking to relaunch his career at Barcelona (Picture: Getty)
Jadon Sancho wasn’t wanted permanently by Chelsea and has been frozen out by Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Given their obvious recent struggles, Shaw accepted he would be inviting ridicule by harbouring such lofty ambitions but the long-serving left-back sees no issue in aiming high.
He added: ‘The aim has to be winning the Premier League. I know people will be questioning me for saying it after last season but it has to be that and it’s not just me that thinks that.
‘The manager probably wouldn’t see it in the press but we all have to have the same beliefs and ambitions and that family feeling together and we’ll strive for the same thing.’
Alejandro Garnacho’s days were numbered after he slated Ruben Amorim following the Europa League final defeat (Picture: Getty)
Antony enjoyed a superb loan spell at Real Betis and would like to return to Spain (Picture: Getty)
Shaw’s own future has been the subject of speculation over the course of the last week with reports claiming he was on the verge of quitting amid renewed competition for his place following the signing of teenager Diego Leon.
‘Last year was awful, I wouldn’t wish it ony anyone,’ said Shaw, who is currently United’s longest-serving player.
‘I’ve got to put it behind me now and focus on what’s coming up, what’s in the future. My expectations are that I can stay fit and give the manager an option for whatever he may need.’
Arsenal transfer target Eberechi Eze has a £68m release clause at Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal have set their sights on landing Eberechi Eze to cap off a busy summer of transfer business – but there is one potential snag in the club’s pursuit of the Crystal Palace star.
The prolific Swede has now joined up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of Asia and could even be in line to make his debut on Thursday when Mikel Arteta’s men take on bitter rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong.
He became Arsenal’s sixth signing of the window, following Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi through the doors at the Emirates.
But attentions have quickly turned to a possible seventh first-team addition, namely Palace and England attacking midfielder Eze, who racked up eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
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According to The Athletic, Arsenal bosses retain a strong interest in Eze and the player himself would be ‘keen’ to push through a switch north of the river this summer.
However, there are some doubts and reservations over paying Eze’s hefty £68million release clause at Selhurst Park and Arsenal may only be prepared to proceed if Palace slash their price for the 27-year-old.
The England international is currently away with Palace’s squad in Austria (Picture: Getty)
Gyokeres became Arsenal’s sixth signing of the window last weekend (Picture: Getty)
The report adds that any potential sales at the Emirates could, naturally, aid Arsenal’s move for Eze, with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, and Karl Hein all deemed surplus to requirements.
It’s claimed one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli could also be offloaded should Arsenal be bring in another high-quality winger to fill the void.
Eze’s current contract with Palace runs through to June 2027.
Eze scored the decisive goal in last season’s FA Cup final (Picture: Getty)
The England international has been with the Eagles for six seasons having joined the club from QPR for a fee in the region of £17m in 2020.
Eze had been in Arsenal’s academy ranks as a youngster, but was released at the age of 13, going on to join Fulham, Reading and Millwall before winding up at Loftus Road.
Arteta’s squad are preparing for a pre-season friendly with Spurs on Thursday (Picture: Getty)
Once the transfer window closed last summer, Palace chairman Steve Parish said he was ‘astounded’ that there wasn’t more interest in ‘outstanding footballer’ Eze.
‘I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs in the same window and we didn’t have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have,’ Paris told Sky Sports.
‘I was astounded, genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy’s just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person.’
Parish was gobsmacked by the lack of interest in Eze last summer (Picture: Getty)
After wrapping up the signing of Gyokeres, Arteta refused to rule out the possibility that Arsenal could further strengthen before the transfer deadline.
‘Let’s see. The market is still going on and we’ll have to balance out the squad as well,’ the Arsenal head coach told reporters.
‘I think we’ll be open to see what happens.’
Berta has been ‘absolutely fantastic’, says Arteta (Picture: Getty)
Arteta is more than satisfied with the business that Arsenal have managed to complete thus far and believes sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been ‘absolutely fantastic’ in the market.
The Spaniard added: ‘We can’t talk about how the processes work, but it’s a decision that we take between all of us, especially with ownership, then the board, then Andrea and the scouting department, and also myself and we were very clear on the talent that we identified in the window.
‘But actually to deliver it is something very, very different and I think the club has done incredibly well, Andrea and his team, they’ve been absolutely fantastic.
‘So I mean so early in the window, we already have the reinforcements that we wanted.’