Patrice Evra announced this week he will be hanging up his boots. The former Manchester United star and France international was one of the best left backs in the world during his prime, and his trophy laden career can back that up. Evra’s technical ability, intelligence and athleticism allowed him a long career, spanning until the age of 38, which is old for a footballer.
Tuesday it was reported that Ed Woodward, Manchester United’s Chief Executive, will not be traveling to meet the squad while on preseason tour. This usually means Woodward will be dealing with important transfer business ahead of the upcoming Premier League season. Woodward is not Manchester United’s director of football, however he was brought in by the Glazer family to help the club increase its commercial outreach and revenue; a way of achieving that is through high-profile transfers.
If the big-wigs of soccer are looking at the Forbes World’s 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams 2019, you can bet your bottom dollar they’re thinking “European Super League.” Back in 2012, only one team across all sports was worth at least $2 billion, that being Manchester United. Now, 52 teams meet that criteria, including almost every NFL team.
David de Gea is one of the few reasons Manchester United got anywhere after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. A brick wall between the sticks, De Gea’s heroics allowed United to win an FA Cup, a Europa League title and the League Cup in post-Ferguson years.
David De Gea is ours and he’s not going anywhere! pic.twitter.com/n2QlCj7I6N
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) July 15, 2019
We all know that money is changing things in the world of soccer, and it will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It has changed the transfer fees for players and also the contracts those players are awarded. This can lead to some issues for clubs around the world. Here are some prime examples of contract mismanagement.
Alexis Sanchez | Manchester United
Paul Pogba may not be with Manchester United when the 2019-20 season eventually starts, having been linked to a move away from Old Trafford if anyone is willing to meet a $225 million transfer fee. But that hasn’t stopped the French midfielder from taking part in the Red Devils’ preseason tour.
While soccer is a fun sport in and of itself, it's that much more fun when you get to play with your best friend. Here is a list of the best soccer bromances (and womances).
Tottenham Hotspur is already trying to put it’s Champions League failure in the past. It’s been over a full calendar year since Tottenham has signed a player, and the fact that Mauricio Pochettino was able to take his squad this far without any help from new players is commendable. Though, the only thing Spurs have to show for it is a Champions League berth via a third-place finish in the Premier League and a loss in the previous season’s Champions League final.
With contracts ending on June 30, there's a slew of footballers who'll be free to sign with the club of their choosing in a few days. This is a list of who I believe to be the most valuable free agents on the market. The players range from established veterans to promising youngsters, and while they vary in terms of talent and experience, I feel that evey one of them is capable of making an important contribution to the club they eventually sign for.
Here are my top 10 free agents heading into July.
Manchester United looks to be wrapping up it’s second signing of the summer transfer window. After a poor season with an obvious lack of quality in an aging squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjær has identified younger targets with potential for long-term improvement. Recently signing 21-year-old Daniel James from Swansea City, United turned its attention to its defensive targets. While it seems pretty clear that Matthijs de Ligt will not be moving to Old Trafford any time soon, Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks primed and ready to sign a contract with the northern giants.