United Tracking Athletic Bilbao Starlet
Manchester United are reportedly in the market for a right-winger, as doubts loom over the futures of both Jadon Sancho and Antony. Sancho recently made headlines by publicly questioning Erik ten Hag’s comments regarding his omission from the squad that faced Arsenal. Meanwhile, Antony is dealing with accusations of domestic abuse, casting further uncertainty over his position at the club.
According to Fichajes (cited by the Manchester Evening News), United are one of three clubs monitoring Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The 21-year-old Spain international has attracted attention ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window, with Barcelona and Liverpool also reportedly in the race for his signature. Williams’ contract with Bilbao is set to expire next year, and with a reported release clause of €50 million, a move could be on the cards as early as January, should he not agree to an extension with the Basque club.
For Liverpool, Williams could serve as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, while Barcelona’s interest would provide a return to Spain’s biggest stage. Although the reliability of the report is uncertain, Williams fits the profile of a player United could target, especially if Ten Hag finds himself in need of reinforcements on the right flank.
Sancho Set for Showdown Talks With Ten Hag
Jadon Sancho faces a crucial week at Manchester United following his public response to manager Erik ten Hag’s explanation for his absence from the squad against Arsenal. The Telegraph reports that Sancho is due for showdown talks with Ten Hag, as the club deliberates over how to handle the situation.
Sancho’s decision to go public has caused additional tension at a time when United are already facing a series of challenges on and off the pitch. His reaction has not only disrespected Ten Hag but also brought further negativity to the club. It remains to be seen whether the winger will face disciplinary action, but many believe that failure to address the issue would set a dangerous precedent for future interactions between manager and player. The social media post in question, where Sancho claimed he was being made a scapegoat, remains pinned on his official Twitter account, suggesting he stands by his remarks. The situation now poses yet another issue for Ten Hag to resolve during a turbulent period for the club.
Pogba Allegedly Tests Positive for Doping
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has reportedly tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone, a prohibited substance in professional football. According to multiple reports from Italy, the Juventus player allegedly failed a doping test following his club’s Serie A opener against Udinese on August 20. Pogba did not feature in that match, but he was tested as part of a random check.
Italian news agency ANSA and Sportsmediaset, both cited by the Manchester Evening News, have suggested that Pogba could face a two-year ban from football if found guilty, with the possibility of an extended four-year suspension if it is proven that he knowingly consumed the banned substance. The story remains unconfirmed, with neither Pogba, Juventus, nor the Italian Football Federation making any official statements on the matter.
Pogba’s return to Juventus has been plagued by injuries, and this latest development is the last thing the Italian giants would have wanted. Should the midfielder be found guilty, it could mark the end of his time at the club. For Manchester United fans, Pogba’s inconsistent form and off-field issues made his departure from Old Trafford in 2022 a relief for many, as he left the club on a free transfer for the second time in his career.
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