RUBEN AMORIM ANTICIPATES MAN UTD PLAYERS SUBMITTING TRANSFER REQUESTS SOON
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim anticipates January transfer requests from fringe players like Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, who risk missing the World Cup due to a lack of playing time at Old Trafford.
Amorim predicts Man Utd players like Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo may seek transfers - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Before the World Cup in January, Ruben Amorim stated that he anticipates players who are not playing for Manchester United will request to leave the team.
Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo have both had few chances at Old Trafford this season.
Both players risk missing out on a spot at the World Cup next summer with England and the Netherlands, respectively, if they do not play frequently.
At the end of the summer window, Mainoo asked to leave United, but United refused.
Additionally, Amorim is getting ready for the possibility that both players could want moves in January.
Amorim responded, "A lot of things can happen," in response to a question concerning the January timeframe.
"I have to handle everything because even with our club, you know, we have the World Cup, some players are not playing and will ask to leave."
Since Amorim took over a year ago, United has spent around £250 million ($328 million) on players.
Instead of January, the club typically completes the majority of its transfer activity in the summer.
Amorim stated that United is concentrating on long-term hiring choices, although he did not rule out bolstering the team during the winter transfer window.
He declared, "We want to attract guys, everyone here, we want to bring players to Manchester United that we see having a tremendous future."
"We feel that we need this type of player for the time being in December; therefore, we are not simply purchasing one guy. No, it will be.... We want to purchase players that we know we will not be changing frequently. That is what we have in mind.
"I do not know what will happen, but we naturally consider how we can strengthen the team, and because January is an open window, we can take action."
BAYERN SPORTING CHIEF MAX EBERL BRUSHES OFF ONGOING CONCERNS OVER SQUAD SIZE
Bayern Munich's Max Eberl defends his squad strategy, dismissing burnout fears. He emphasises a smaller, injury-resilient roster and creating a pathway for youth talent as key to the club's philosophy.
Eberl stands firm on Bayern squad strength - Photo: Getty Images
Max Eberl, the sports board member for Bayern Munich, has had his work somewhat called into question following a somewhat rocky transfer window last summer. There have been rumours that his position has been in jeopardy because of the challenging task of putting together a competitive squad while also lowering the team's overall wage bills. The size of the roster has drawn criticism from both fans and critics due to the high expectations of a top-tier team like Bayern, particularly in the Champions League, and concerns about a potential burnout in the final weeks of the season.
Max Eberl, however, rejected this idea.
"I do not understand this argument. When long-term injured players Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, and Hiroki Itō return, our group will be slightly smaller at 25, but it will still be highly capable, Eberl told 11FREUNDE. We began the season with 22 players.
Eberl also talked about how the squad preparation process entailed looking at the players' injury histories, since the team's efforts had frequently been hindered by injuries in previous seasons: We also carefully considered our new players' injury histories during scouting. If some members of a large squad are continuously in rehab, what good is it?
Eberl concluded by underscoring Bayern's intention to allow young players to establish themselves in the starting lineup. Additionally, we wanted to create room for younger players. "Our club's philosophy is to succeed while incorporating young players," he said in closing.
BARCELONA COULD DEPLOY STAR IN SURPRISING NEW ROLE
With Pedri injured and Gavi out long-term, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick may deploy defender Eric García in a defensive midfield role. The Spaniard has played in midfield before, offering a creative solution.
Barcelona star eyed in new position after Pedri sidelined - Photo Credit: EFE
After Blaugrana teammate Pedri's injury, Barcelona star Eric García might be moved back into the middle of the park.
Naturally, Spanish international Pedri just received a sentence that will keep him out of action for a while.
Earlier this week, following a series of standard medical examinations, a severe hamstring injury was found.
As a result, Pedri can be on the treatment table for up to two months.
After Gavi's most recent long-term setback, Hansi Flick may already be lacking choices in the midfield and will need to find innovative ways to bolster his engine room in the coming months.
A change of role for Eric García is one such proposal that has been suggested again in recent days.
Eric, a defender, has previously made several appearances on the field in a defensive midfield position.
It is hardly impossible that the former Manchester City player may soon be put to the test further forward after having such a strong start to the season, starting at both right-back and centre-back.