Sport

Man Utd agree £73m fee for ex-Man City forward Jadon Sancho

The former Blue is set to join the Red side of Manchester - becoming the second-most expensive English player of all time.

The Manc The Manc - 1st July 2021

Jadon Sancho is expected to complete his move to Manchester United over the next few days – with Borussia Dortmund accepting a fee worth 85m Euros (£73m).

The London-born winger – who was selected for Gareth Southgate’s England Euros 2020 squad – originally moved to the blue side of Manchester aged 14 and was at one time touted as Man City’s next big star.

But the youngster pushed for a move away from the Etihad in 2017, joining Dortmund in the German Bundesliga.

The 21-year-old has been linked with City’s arch-rivals United on multiple occasions since – with a move to Old Trafford falling through in 2020.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has relentlessly pursued Sancho and appears to have finally got his man.

All that’s left to settle in the long-running transfer saga are the personal terms and medical.

“Neither are expected to present a problem” according to the BBC.

United have, however, been forced to pay a huge fee to get the deal over the line.

The only English player to cost more is Reds’ centre-back Harry Maguire – who moved to Manchester for a record £80m in 2019 from Leicester.

Sancho scored 50 goals and bagged 57 assists in 137 appearances for Dortmund – winning two domestic cups between 2017 and 2021.

He was also named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season in two consecutive seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons

Sport

Salford Red Devils have assured that their next game will ‘go ahead as scheduled’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Salford Red Devil vs Leigh Leopards going ahead as planned

Salford Red Devils have assured their supporters that their next game is set to go ahead as planned following the cancellation of their previous match over the weekend.

The local rugby league club is set to take on fellow Greater Manchester outfit Leigh Leopards this Friday, but there remain lingering doubts as to whether or not this latest fixture will be played either.

Nevertheless, Salford Red Devils have now issued a statement assuring those watching Super League round 23 at home and, more importantly, those travelling to nearby Wigan for the clash that “will go ahead as scheduled.”

Then again, the meeting against Wakefield Trinity RLFC was only called off two days prior, so many are still opting for a ‘touch wood’ mentality.

Sharing a statement on social media at the start of the week, the Red Devils said: “We can confirm this Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 23 clash between Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils will go ahead as scheduled.

“The Club, in consultation with the Rugby Football League (RFL), RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares, reluctantly decided to cancel last Sunday’s scheduled fixture versus Wakefield Trinity due to significant concerns regarding player welfare.

“However, with first-grade players back from injury this week, and others with Super League experience set to join on loan, this Friday’s fixture will proceed as planned.

“Your support this season has been incredible, both at home and on the road – thank you for backing the boys in such a tough period.”

While there were no issues on Wakefield’s end last Sunday, 17 August, it was made apparent that the home tie simply had to be cancelled, as the Salford side were effectively unable to raise a team.

Only two players were said to be actually available for the match, with the Devils having to depend on loanees for others in the division to stay afloat following several individuals departing this year.

Against the backdrop of yet more woe for the 125-year-old organisation, more than 500 fans decided to march outside the ground – led by passionate supporters group, The 1873 – with a clear message regarding problematic ownership and their equally ever-troublesome finances: “enough is enough.”

The board insist that the recent and increasingly decisive decision-making hasn’t been “taken lightly”, but the climate around the Salford Community Stadium is nevertheless turbulent, with some deeply distressing claims being made behind the scenes.

Perhaps one of the most alarming allegations came on Thursday, 14 August, when now former COO (chief operating officer) Claire Bradbury resigned within less than a year with the Devils after an ownership figure suggested she “sleep with someone at the RFL” to help their struggles.

She shared details of incidents in a lengthy open letter via LinkedIn; we sincerely hope the toxicity and lingering air of uncertainty abate soon, not just for the fans’ sake, but for the evidently long-suffering staff and everyone who has kept the club going this long.

The latest on Salford Red Devils’ financial situation as ‘winding-up’ petition is adjourned

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Featured Images — Hullian111/Salford Red Devils (via X)

Sport

Manchester chosen for first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer ‘FC’ concept store

Danny Jones Danny Jones Pro:Direct Sport opening FC soccer store in Manchester Arndale

Manchester city centre has been chosen for the first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer concept store, which is set to be unveiled very soon.

While a specific opening date is yet to be announced, we now have a confirmed venue, which will be none other than the Arndale.

The world-famous online retailer first began experimenting with brick-and-mortar stores over a decade ago, with their LDN19 shop in the capital opening back in 2014, but now they’ve signed a new 10-year lease in the busy Manc shopping centre.

Set to open early in 2026, the flagship ‘PD:FC’ site promises to be “more than a store” and is purpose-built to celebrate all things football culture.

The hoardings are already up. (Credit: Supplied)

Due to take over a 9,180 sq ft unit spanning two floors, the new ‘Football Performance and Culture store’ is tipped as the first of its kind anywhere in the world. 

Choosing Manchester due to its rich music, fashion, sporting and football heritage, most specifically, our home was seen as a natural destination for the new concept.

The debut PD:FC store is not only looking to offer a unique retail experience to our footy-obsessed city, but also deliver a site for innovation and cultural crossover.

As per an official press release, the brand says PD:FC “ensures every player finds the right fit, feel, and edge to allow them to ‘Play Better’”, adding that it will “curates the evolving world of football culture, harnessing the energy of the streets, the glory of stadiums, and the influences within game and beyond.”

‘PRO:DIRECT Sport PD:FC’ will be come just the latest in a recent trend of high-profile openings in the Arndale and neighbouring New Cathedral Street, with the likes of Sephora and Represent attracting huge opening day queues, not to mention fellow sport and activity brands, Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga and Trailberg.

Outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx opens first northern brand store in Manchester

Speaking on the announcement, PRO:DIRECT Sport‘s Chief of Brand, Sam Baldock, said: “Manchester is the beating heart of football culture – a city where the game’s history, passion, and future collide.

“Launching our new PD:FC concept here is about more than opening a store; it’s about creating a space that lives and breathes football and its culture.

“A place where players and fans can connect with the very best the sport has to offer. This is our home for the football-inspired community in the Manchester area – from the streets to the stadiums – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.”

Let’s just say we can’t wait for kick-off.

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Featured Images — Pro:Direct (supplied)/The Manc Group

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