Manchester United
Man Utd attempting a £70m raid to land this 20-year-old midfield talent would be a terrific move by Solskjaer
Why Man United should go all out for Declan Rice in January
According to the Daily Mail, Man United are plotting an audacious £70 million raid on West Ham for starlet Declan Rice in the January transfer window, with the Red Devils keen to bring in more reinforcements following a poor start to the campaign.
United were heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old defensive midfielder throughout the summer but the Red Devils never made an official bid to try and tempt West Ham into selling one of their prized assets. (h/t Daily Mail)
United went on to spend a fortune to bring in top homegrown prospects like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James in the summer as a part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s youthful squad overhaul, while Harry Maguire also came through the door at Old Trafford for £80 million, a world-record fee for a centre-back.
However, despite the new recruits making a positive impression early in the campaign, United currently find themselves marooned 12th in the Premier League standings after winning only two of their first eight league fixtures.
Having spent big in the summer, such contrasting returns on the pitch have given rise to swatches of unrest among the Old Trafford faithful but the Red Devils probably know that they still have plenty of gaps to plug in their squad if they are to give themselves a realistic chance of competing on equal terms with the other heavyweights in the Premier League.
Keeping in mind United’s ongoing crisis in the final third, a new out-and-out centre-forward and a top-quality creative midfielder are expected to be high on the club’s wishlist moving forward but, with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Fred looking way off the pace in the early stages of the season, the Red Devils have also identified Declan Rice as a top priority in January.
With their defensive issues now sorted out to a considerable extent, it is imperative to say that United cannot look forward to bringing in quality reinforcements in all departments in January but Rice has been on their radar for a long time and move to Old Trafford does look like a possibility for the 20-year-old.
To put things into perspective, a deal for Declan Rice, who has one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League over the past twelve months, could be a massive coup for Man United during the mid-season transfer window
West Ham, though, would be well within their rights to demand a higher fee for a player who has serious potential and recently put pen to paper on fresh terms last season, meaning that he is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024.
Hence, the Red Devils might have to pay multiple times over the odds to secure his services and, with West Ham also competing for a European spot under Manuel Pellegrini, it remains to be seen whether they would be keen to part ways with Rice, who is regarded as a player with serious potential.
However, it would be a massive statement of intent from the Red Devils if they do manage to get a deal over the line for the talented holding midfielder.
The towering 6ft. 1-inch London-born starlet has impressed with his energetic tough-tackling displays in the middle of the park and he would definitely be a massive upgrade on the likes of Matic and Fred, who have struggled to make much of an impression in recent times.
Already capped on 5 occasions by England at the senior international level, Rice would be the ideal commanding presence in midfield that United have been crying out for a long time
Additionally, his ability to shield the backline, break up the play, retain possession effectively and put the team on the front foot should make him an excellent fit for Solskajer’s counter-attacking system which necessitates quick transitions in play.
The 20-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and he could evolve into a wonderful long-term servant at Old Trafford if he goes on to fulfil his promise.
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With United currently on the lookout for bright up and coming players in the market, it doesn’t require a rocket scientist to figure out that Rice would be an ideal long-term investment for the Red Devils for a number of reasons.
All in all, Man United completing a raid for Declan Rice would be a yet another step that underpins their ambitions under the stewardship of Solskjaer and one that could go on to pay rich dividends in the future.
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Manchester United
Manchester United Women Recall Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn From Sunderland Loan After Six Month Championship Spell
Manchester United Women have recalled Keira Barry and Evie Rabjohn from their loan spells at Sunderland after just over six months in the Championship.
The duo return to Old Trafford to reinforce Marc Skinner’s squad as United compete across four competitions in the second half of the season.
Barry proved more influential during her time with the Black Cats, scoring three goals in 11 appearances. Rabjohn featured just six times in the Championship as the 20-year-old continues her gradual return from an ACL injury sustained last season.
Limited Funds for January Business
Skinner made it clear before the winter break that United could be busy in the January transfer window. The Red Devils have already recruited Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich in a statement signing, but much like the men’s team, United Women don’t have significant funds to work with this month.
It remains unknown whether Skinner will dip back into the market before the window closes. With United still competing in four competitions, reinforcements may be needed given the amount of football remaining before the end of the season.
Other Loanees Remain at Clubs
Barry and Rabjohn weren’t the only Manchester United players sent on loan this season. Lucy Newell has been playing for Birmingham City while Jess Simpson took her talents to Southampton for the campaign.
Emma Watson completes the list of loanees, currently playing for Everton where she has struggled for game time. There is no indication United will recall any other players from their loans as they would have already made that decision early in the window.
The returns provide Skinner with additional depth as United look to maintain their top four position in the WSL.
Manchester United
Manchester United Women Star Ella Toone Awarded MBE in New Year Honours List After Euro 2025 Triumph
Ella Toone has been awarded an MBE as part of the New Year Honours List 2026 following England’s victory at Euro 2025. The Manchester United midfielder is among several Lionesses recognized for their role in securing back to back European Championship titles, with captain Leah Williamson receiving a CBE.
Former United defender Alex Greenwood, along with Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, also received MBEs. Toone played a key role in England’s success in Switzerland after helping Manchester United secure Champions League football for the first time this season.
Dedication to Late Father
The 26 year old dedicated the honour to her father, who died from prostate cancer in 2024. “To be awarded an MBE is an incredible honour and something I’m deeply proud of. Representing England and being part of a team that has won the Euros twice has helped change the landscape of women’s football, these memories will stay with me forever.”
Toone added: “This recognition is also incredibly personal because I want to dedicate it to my dad, who I lost to prostate cancer last year. He was my biggest supporter, from the very first kick of a ball, and I know he’d be so proud.”
The midfielder also stated she wants to use her increased profile to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection.
Key Player for Club and Country
Toone overcame serious personal issues following her father’s death to fight back admirably for United. She was instrumental in helping Marc Skinner’s side qualify for the Champions League and remains a key player in the squad.
The attacking midfielder has made nine appearances in the WSL this season with three goals and two assists, totaling 1,135 minutes across all competitions. She will play a crucial role as United look to maintain their European spot in 2026.
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