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Manchester United faces a crucial test on Boxing Day as they take on Wolves, seeking to bounce back from recent setbacks.
The Red Devils’ attack has been misfiring, evident in their 4-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur and 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth.
To reignite their offense, Ruben Amorim may need to make some tough decisions. Here are three attackers who could be dropped against Wolves
1. Bruno Fernandes
The Portuguese midfielder has been a creative force for Manchester United, but his recent performances have been underwhelming. Fernandes is no longer dictating the pace of the game with his passing, and his usual creativity has been lacking. Against Wolves, Amorim may consider giving another player a chance to spark the attack.
2. Rasmus Højlund
The Danish striker burst onto the scene with promising performances, but he has lost his scoring potency in recent games. Højlund’s inability to find the back of the net has hindered Manchester United’s attack, and Amorim may need to explore alternative options ahead of the match.
3. Zirkzee
The young striker’s tendency to become isolated during games has been a concern. As the team prepares to face Wolves, Manchester United will need players who can create opportunities and link up with their teammates effectively.
According to football London, Manchester United is reportedly making a serious effort to sign AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez during the January transfer window. Currently struggling in 13th place in the Premier League, United’s inconsistent performances under new head coach Ruben Amorim have increased the need for reinforcements.
Following back-to-back losses, including a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, the team hopes for support from INEOS to secure players suited to Amorim’s style.
Left-back is a priority area for improvement, with Tyrell Malacia currently occupying the position. According to MilanLive, United is prepared to aggressively pursue France international Hernandez, who has recently fallen out of favor at Milan. The 27-year-old has been benched in favor of Alex Jimenez, whom Milan boss Paulo Fonseca praised for his high-energy performances. With no progress on Hernandez’s contract renewal, Milan may sell him in January, fearing a loss of one of their key players.
Meanwhile, Amad Diallo has been a bright spot for United, excelling in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. Reports from Football Insider suggest Diallo is close to signing a new deal, with the club optimistic about finalizing terms soon. Former United scout Mick Brown praised Diallo’s recent performances and expects the contract to be completed before the transfer window opens, solidifying the winger’s future at Old Trafford.
United contact Napoli to sign Osimhen in January
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Premier League giants Manchester United have contacted Napoli over a potential January move for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri on Sky Sports Switzerland, the Red Devils have already reached out to the striker’s representatives, with personal terms reportedly not expected to be an issue.
The 25-year-old, who has been in scintillating form with 12 goals and five assists in 15 appearances for Galatasaray this season, could cost United around €75m, although they may need to pay an additional fee to the Turkish club for terminating his loan deal early.
Despite interest from several European giants, Osimhen recently expressed his commitment to Galatasaray.
“I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season. I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much,” the striker said after his brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.
Meanwhile, former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu claims that the Turkish giants cannot afford to sign the striker on a permanent deal.
Hamzaoğlu suggested that the Istanbul-based team would face significant financial hurdles in their bid to keep the Nigerian.
“It is difficult for Galatasaray to buy Victor Osimhen. In fact, I can say that they cannot,” Hamzaoğlu was quoted as saying by habersarikirmizi.com.
NIM elects new president
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The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has elected Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (retd.) as its 25th President and Chairman of the Council.
According to a statement, Ayuba was previously the deputy president and succeeded Dr. Christiana Atako, whose tenure recently expired.
Ayuba’s leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Institute, with the Chief Executive Officer of Mentholatum Nigeria Limited, Dr. Umar Mustapha, elected Deputy President, and a former Abia State Permanent Secretary, named National Treasurer, Mrs. Ijeoma Okere.
A retired Commodore of the Nigerian Navy, Ayuba has a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in military service and peacekeeping.
He holds postgraduate qualifications in management and strategic studies from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and the University of Ibadan, among other notable certifications from institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria.
He has extensive experience in international peace support operations, conflict management, and capacity building, serving under the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
“His contributions have earned him commendations, including a UN Medal of Honour for service in DR Congo and a Chief of Army Staff Commendation,” it noted.
A Fellow of the Institute and recipient of its highest individual honour, the Chris Abebe Award for Management Excellence, Ayuba has served in various roles, including Chairman of the Board of Fellows and National Treasurer.
He is also a fellow of several professional bodies, including the National Defence College and the Certified Institute of Shipping. As President of the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (Nigeria Alumni Chapter) and Chief Executive Officer of Kongolo Consult and Outsourcing Ltd.,
Ayuba remains actively engaged in international risk and security management consultancy.
Bayelsa, Enugu govs sign 2025 appropriation bills
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Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday, signed the 2025 appropriation bill into law, amounting to N699,573,167,592.
Similarly, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, signed the N971bn budget into law, pledging that his administration would diligently implement it to foster exponential economic growth and inclusive prosperity for the state.
A statement by the Bayelsa governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, revealed that Diri signed the budget at the Government House in Yenagoa.
He directed all heads of ministries, departments, and agencies to align their actions with the budget’s stipulations.
The state House of Assembly had approved a N10,132,818,675 increase to the initial budget presented by Diri on October 31, raising the total to N699,573,167,592.
Diri expressed optimism that the budget would positively impact the people of the state, focusing on critical sectors.
In Enugu, Mbah signed the budget in a brief ceremony attended by members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Uchenna Ugwu and Deputy Speaker Ezenta Ezeani.
NELFUND gets 1,500 daily loan applications, targets 1.8m students
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The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has disclosed that the fund is receiving 1,500 applications daily and targets supporting approximately 1.8 million students in public tertiary institutions.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, revealed that over 330,000 students are already benefiting from the fund, out of more than 420,000 registered applicants.
The initiative, launched 200 days ago, aims to bridge the financial gap for students pursuing higher education.
“We estimate there are around 1.8 million students in publicly owned tertiary institutions. Of this figure, we believe 70 to 80 per cent may require financial support,” Sawyerr stated. “Our goal is to reach every single student who needs this loan. Currently, our penetration stands at over 330,000 beneficiaries, and the number is growing daily.”
Sawyerr emphasised that there is no cap on the number of students the fund aims to support, stressing that the mission is to assist every eligible student facing financial challenges.
“We don’t have a limit. If the total number needing loans is 1.8 million, we will reach them. If it’s 1.6 million, we will reach them. We are actively seeking students who need this financial support,” he added
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