Manchester United
Why Man United completing a cut-price move for this 400-game veteran could make them rock solid at the back
Man United going for Toby Alderweireld makes perfect sense
According to the Daily Mail, Man United are plotting yet another swoop for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld, with Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskajer ready to go back in the market for the 30-year-old in January.
Man United spent a combined £130million on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire to shore up their backline in the summer window but the Red Devils are apparently keen to add more depth to their options at the back with a move for Alderweireld.
The Belgian international was a top target for former United manager Jose Mourinho last summer but a potential move was vetoed by Ed Woodward (h/t Guardian), while the Red Devils also had the chance to trigger a £25million release clause in his contract this summer. (h/t Standard)
However, with the 30-year-old’s contract at Tottenham set to expire next summer at the end of the 2019-20 season, Man United are preparing to pounce on the opportunity to nab him away from their Premier League rivals on a cut-price deal.
Alderweireld will be free to discuss his future with other clubs when the transfer window reopens in January should he opt to take the route of a pre-contract agreement but United will probably be looking to buy him outright given that they still do not look solid at the back even after forking out millions to strengthen their defence.
Indeed, Maguire and Wan-Bissaka have adapted seamlessly at their new club, with the duo producing some impressive performances early in the season despite the team’s lacklustre run of form.
Axel Tuanzebe has also looked more than capable of challenging for a role in the Premier League but Victor Lindelof, who showed signs of resurgence under Solskjaer in the second half of the previous campaign, has once again threatened to get back to his old ways this term, with the Swedish international often letting the team down with his mediocre reading of the game and lapses of concentration.
Chris Smalling is currently out on loan at Roma. Eric Bailly has been out with a long-term injury that he suffered in pre-season, and with Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones also failing to convince Solskjaer of their credentials, a move for Toby Alderweireld would certainly make a lot of sense as far as the Red Devils are concerned.
A new playmaker and an out-and-out centre-forward should be high on the manager’s wishlist in January but it would be hard to overrule the utility of another defensive recruit, particularly when the player mentioned is Toby Alderweireld, a veteran of over 400 career appearances for clubs like Tottenham, Ajax and Atletico Madrid.
The Belgian is still going strong at the age of 30 and if his recent performances are anything to go by, the centre-back certainly has a lot to offer at the highest level.
It is a no-brainer that a top-quality and hugely-experienced defender like him would be an instant upgrade on Lindelof, whilst his availability on a cut-price deal means that he age shouldn’t be an issue as far as resale value is concerned.
A potential pairing of Alderweireld and Maguire at the heart of the defence with Lindelof and Tuanzebe as able back-ups would transform United’s backline into a solid block of iron and an absolute nightmare for even the more feared strike forces in the Premier League.
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Verdict
With that in mind, Man United should go all out in their pursuit of the Belgian international in January, as it might go a long way towards helping them resurrect their campaign after a poor start.
Manchester United Women travel to the Spanish capital for Thursday’s Women’s Champions League knockout phase playoff clash against Atletico Madrid Women. Both teams will be desperate to claim a first leg advantage ahead of next week’s return leg, with Bayern Munich waiting in the quarter finals for the winner of this tie.
Atletico were unconvincing in the league phase, but they ultimately did enough to secure an 11th place finish. The Spanish side won two of their opening four matches before losing back to back games against Man United and Juventus. They claimed a crucial 4-0 victory against Twente but mustered just one point from their final two matches.
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT, Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Venue: Centro Deportivo Wanda, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
TV: Disney+
New Manager Jose Herrera Seeks Turnaround
Atleti will enter the knockout rounds with a new manager after Jose Herrera was appointed head coach following the dismissal of Victor Martin, who failed to win any of his final 10 matches in regulation time. Herrera has overseen an upturn in fortunes with a 4-1 Copa de la Reina quarter final victory and a 1-0 away win over Levante at the weekend.
The Atleti boss faces a much tougher task on Thursday, especially as the hosts are yet to win a home game in the UWCL main draw this season. This is frankly concerning for a club of Atletico’s stature heading into such a crucial tie.
United Riding Nine Game Unbeaten Run
Marc Skinner’s side should carry significant momentum into Thursday’s first leg, having put together a nine game unbeaten run since losing 3-0 at home to Lyon in December. Man United have won each of their last five competitive matches, including a 2-0 win over Leicester at the weekend.
Ella Toone and Leah Galton remain unavailable due to hip and back injuries, respectively.
Predicted Lineups
Atlético Madrid (4-3-3): Gallardo; Alexia, Lloris, Lauren, Menayo; Fiamma, Boe Risa, Bartel; Sarriegi, Jensen, Medina
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Zigiotti Olme, Miyazawa; Malard, Park, Rolfo; Terland
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Marc Skinner’s side continued their unbeaten start to 2026 in the Women’s Super League with a deserved 2-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Swedish star Julia Zigiotti Olme was key to United’s win with a goal and an assist, while super sub Elisabeth Terland made the game safe late on.
United started brightly and were ahead after 13 minutes when Zigiotti Olme’s cross beat Olivia Clark and crept in at the far post. Melvine Malard was twice denied by Clark before halftime as United dominated but couldn’t extend their lead.
The pressure eventually told late on when Terland made the game safe. Zigiotti Olme won the ball back high up the pitch and fed Terland, who showed great footwork to fire a low shot across the goal to seal a deserved victory.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10): Called into action on several occasions but looked confident with no real scares.
Hanna Lundkvist (6/10): Did a good job filling in. Had a chance from a corner but couldn’t keep her header down.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10): Commanding performance from the captain who dealt comfortably with Leicester’s threat.
Dominique Janssen (7/10): Good shift alongside Le Tissier as Leicester struggled to cause problems.
Anna Sandberg (8/10): Strong showing from left back, always getting forward with good deliveries. Lucky to escape a penalty shout.
Midfield & Attack
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10): Great partnership with Zigiotti Olme on show again. Sent in an excellent ball for Schuller.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10): United’s best player by a distance. Broke deadlock with cross that crept in before teeing up Terland. Absolutely outstanding.
Lisa Naalsund (6/10): Really quiet showing after starring against Liverpool. Hooked just after the hour.
Jess Park (6/10): Not at her best as Leicester kept her quiet. Engineered a chance, but the ball got stuck under her feet.
Lea Schuller (7/10): Her presence might have distracted the goalkeeper for the opener. Worked hard up front.
Melvine Malard (8/10): A real nuisance, making great runs. Had sights on the goal but couldn’t beat Clark.
Subs & Manager
Jayde Riviere (7/10): Solid showing off the bench. Good block on Alisha Lehmann late on.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10): Had some good moments but couldn’t conjure up the second goal.
Elisabeth Terland (8/10): Loves scoring against Leicester. Five goals in five outings against the Foxes. Incredible record.
Simi Awujo (7/10): Forced Clark into a good save. Looked lively.
Marc Skinner (7/10): Happy with the win but disappointed by the margin. United dominated but needs more ruthlessness in front of the goal.
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Manchester United Women host bottom placed Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday as Marc Skinner’s side look to extend their impressive seven game unbeaten run in all competitions. The Red Devils sit fourth in the WSL table, just one point behind third placed Arsenal, while the visitors are desperately fighting to avoid the relegation playoff.
United head into this derby clash in excellent form following their 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa last weekend. Goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme, Elisabeth Terland, Jess Park and Hanna Lundkvist secured a dominant away victory that continued their momentum after beating Arsenal in the League Cup semi finals.
Kick-off: 11:55 GMT, Sunday, February 2, 2026
Venue: Leigh Sports Village, Manchester
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
United Chasing Champions League Qualification
This is a must win game for Manchester United if they want to maintain their push for UWCL qualification. Just four points separate Tottenham in fifth from Chelsea in second, making every match crucial in this tight battle for European places.
Skinner remains without Leah Galton and Ella Toone due to back and hip injuries respectively, though Gabby George and Fridolina Rolfo have returned to training. Elisabeth Terland and Hanna Lundkvist are pushing for starts after impressive substitute appearances against Villa.
Liverpool Boosted by First Win
Liverpool finally recorded their first WSL victory of the season last weekend, beating Tottenham with two stoppage time goals. Gareth Taylor has strengthened considerably in January, and several new arrivals featured in that crucial home win.
The Reds remain without Sam Kerr, Martha Thomas, Marie Hobinger and Zara Shaw, while January signing Anna Josendal is not ready to debut. Beata Olsson is back in full training and could feature.
Predicted Lineups:
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti Olme; Wangerheim, Park, Malard; Terland
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Falk; Shimizu, Clark, Fisk, Woodham; Nagano, O’Sullivan; Bergstrom, Kapocs, Holland; Enderby
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