It’s sad how Player rejects Manchester United to join La Liga club
Manchester United have witnessed another young talent departing the club, with 19-year-old defender Willy Kambwala completing a transfer to La Liga side Villarreal. The promising defender, who had a breakthrough last season with eight appearances across all competitions, turned down a new contract offer from the Red Devils.
In a surprising move, Manchester United has opted to cash in on Kambwala instead of risking losing him for free next summer. The club will receive a significant £9.6 million transfer fee from Villarreal while retaining a buy-back option for three years.
Kambwala’s departure marks the third player to exit Old Trafford this summer, following Álvaro Carreras and Donny van de Beek. The sale of the 19-year-old defender showcases the club’s readiness to part ways with young talents who are unwilling to commit to long-term contracts.
On a more positive note, Manchester United have confirmed their first signing of the summer under new ownership. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has joined the club from Serie A side Bologna for a reported £36.5 million. The 23-year-old had an impressive season in Italy, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 37 appearances.
The acquisition of Zirkzee is a significant coup for manager Erik ten Hag, who had come under intense scrutiny since taking charge. With the Dutchman retaining his position, he will now face pressure to perform on the pitch this season. Zirkzee’s arrival enhances the Red Devils’ attacking options, adding depth and versatility, and fans will be eager to see how he integrates into the team’s strategies.
Manchester United faced a challenging start to their pre-season campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Rosenborg in Norway, where standout performances and sluggish displays marked the evaluation of players on the pitch.
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly the exceptional goalkeeping display by Radek Vitek, who earned a stellar rating of 9. Vitek showcased his agility and shot-stopping ability with several crucial saves, including a spectacular one-handed stop to deny Sunde’s powerful strike. His commanding presence and ability to play out from the back also drew commendation, cementing his role as a promising prospect for United.
In contrast, the defensive line struggled to contain Rosenborg’s attacks, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka receiving a modest rating of 5. Despite his defensive efforts, Wan-Bissaka found it challenging to contribute in the attacking phases, often resorting to backward or sideways passes. Alongside him, Casemiro also struggled, starting sluggishly with misplaced clearances and losing possession dangerously close to United’s penalty area, earning him a rating of 5 as well.
The midfield saw mixed performances, with Mason Mount impressing with a rating of 7. Mount displayed his sharp passing and defensive work rate, creating opportunities and tracking back diligently. In contrast, Hannibal’s rating of 6 reflected his ability to draw fouls with quick footwork but a lack of impact in possession, leaving him relatively quiet in his central playmaking role.
Ethan Wheatley and Ethan Ennis provided glimpses of attacking intent for United. Wheatley’s rating of 7 highlighted his intelligent movement and willingness to shoot, forcing Rosenborg’s goalkeeper into action. Ennis, also rated at 7, posed a threat with his attempts on goal, showcasing his ambition to cut inside and test the opposition’s defense.
United’s substitutions in the second half brought defensive stability, with Habeeb Ogunneye, Sonny Aljofree, and Rhys Bennett all earning ratings of 7 for their resolute defensive efforts against Rosenborg’s continued attacks. Toby Collyer stood out with an impressive rating of 8, captaining the side in the latter stages of the game and delivering a commanding performance in midfield.
Despite the defeat, United manager Erik ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort and the opportunity to assess various players ahead of their upcoming fixtures. The match served as a valuable learning experience, especially against a Rosenborg side in mid-season form, demonstrating the areas where improvement is needed before the competitive season begins.
Manchester United now returns to Carrington to regroup and prepare for their next challenge against Rangers at Murrayfield. The focus will be on refining their tactics and integrating new signings into the squad, with Vitek’s standout performance offering a positive takeaway amidst the early pre-season setbacks.
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