Rebuilding a Giant | Manchester United | EASFC 25

Post by **Xixak** » 17 Jan 2026, 18:51

United Bring Back Rasmus Hojlund for £250M

Hojlund returns to United for a mega-fee after not enjoying his season long stint at West Ham.

Manchester United have completed a sensational move to bring Rasmus Højlund back to Old Trafford for a club-record £250 million, reaffirming Ruben Amorim’s belief that the Danish striker is indispensable to the club’s long-term vision. Højlund’s original departure was driven by the now-abandoned academy-only policy pushed by Dan Wilcox, a decision many inside the club viewed as short-sighted even at the time.

Since leaving, Højlund has only strengthened his case as one of world football’s elite forwards, winning the Ballon d’Or and multiple Golden Boots while establishing himself as a complete modern striker. Amorim never lost faith and has made it clear that Højlund is the focal point around which his attacking structure is built.

The club hierarchy see this return not as a correction, but as a statement. United are prepared to invest heavily in proven excellence, and Højlund’s homecoming symbolizes a renewed ambition to compete at the very top of European football and a perfect fit as a leader of the front footed press in the 4-2-2-2.

Post by **Xixak** » 17 Jan 2026, 18:56

United Sign Jarrad Branthwaite for £50M from Everton

Branthwaite adds a massive English talent to United's backline.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Jarrad Branthwaite from Barcelona for £50 million, securing a key piece in their defensive rebuild ahead of the new tactical shift. The 26-year-old England international arrives to take up the left centre back role, a position the club identified as critical in balancing a back four while maintaining defensive aggression.

Branthwaite brings a rare blend of Premier League physicality and continental experience after his time in Spain. Standing out for his aerial dominance, composure in possession, and ability to defend large spaces, he profiles as an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s evolving system. His left-footed distribution allows United to progress play cleanly from the back, while his athleticism supports a higher defensive line.

The move also reinforces the club’s renewed emphasis on recruiting established, prime-age players rather than purely developmental projects. As an English international entering his peak years, Branthwaite adds leadership and reliability to the back line, and is expected to form a strong partnership with Gonçalo Inácio as United look to compete on all fronts in the 2028-29 season.

Post by **Xixak** » 17 Jan 2026, 19:02

Diogo Dalot Returns to Manchester United from Spurs for £80M

Dalot and Amorim have a close relationship and his leadership will be vital in the new system.

Manchester United have completed the return of Diogo Dalot in an £80 million deal, bringing the experienced fullback back to Old Trafford to anchor the right side of the defense. Now 29, Dalot is expected to step straight into the starting right back role, providing reliability, athleticism and leadership as the squad continues its evolution.

Beyond his on-pitch contribution, Dalot’s return is viewed as a major boost for the club’s long-term planning. He will serve as a mentor to academy starlet Reece Ward, who is widely regarded as one of United’s brightest young prospects and a future first-team regular. The club believe Dalot’s professionalism and understanding of what it means to play for United will be invaluable in Ward’s development.

Dalot will wear the number 2 shirt, symbolizing both his role as the club’s first-choice right back and his responsibility in helping guide the next generation as United push forward into the 2028–29 season.

Post by **Xixak** » 17 Jan 2026, 19:13

United Buy Carlos Baleba from Spurs for £60M

Baleba played for Man United briefly before but was a casualty of Wilcox's foolish academy only policy.

Manchester United have confirmed the return of Carlos Baleba from Tottenham for £60M, with the midfielder set to take up a key role at left central midfield as the club transitions into its new 4-1-2-1-2 setup. After time away, United believe Baleba now returns as a more complete player, better equipped to handle the physical and tactical demands of a title-chasing side.

Baleba’s profile makes him an ideal fit for the system, offering ball-carrying power, defensive bite, and the ability to drive forward from midfield. Lining up to the left of the holding midfielder, he is expected to provide balance alongside Kobbie Mainoo, allowing United to control games centrally while still supporting the attack.

The club view Baleba as a long-term piece of the midfield core as they reshape the squad around this new tactical identity.

Post by **Xixak** » 18 Jan 2026, 10:54

United Destroy Man City in Community Shield with New 4-2-2-2

Saturday, August 8th, 2028
FA Community Shield
Wembley Stadium
Manchester United vs. Manchester City

5 - 1

The players celebrate with the trophy.

Lineup (4-2-2-2)
Hojlund --- Rashford (C)
Garnacho --- Quenda
Baleba --- Mainoo
Carreras --- Inacio --- Bombito --- Dalot
Henderson

Match Facts
55% - Possession - 45%
12 - Shots - 6
156 - Passes Attempted - 162
89% - Pass Accuracy - 90%
9 - Tackles - 5

Match Events
11'

D. Dalot (MUN)
23'

A. Garnacho (MUN)
38'

R. Hojlund (MUN)
45'

M. Rashford (MUN)
56'

A. Carreras (MUN)
62'

E. Haaland (MCI)

Man of the Match
Diogo Dalot (MUN): 9.1 rating, 1 goal, 3 assists

Post by **Xixak** » 18 Jan 2026, 11:25

United Beat City Again to Open the Premier League Campaign

Sunday, August 13th, 2028
Premier League | Matchday #1
Etihad Stadium
Manchester City (13th) vs. Manchester United (14th)

1 - 4

Brereton Diaz came off the bench and scored twice to seal the victory.

Lineup (4-2-2-2)
Hojlund --- Rashford (C)
Garnacho --- Quenda
Baleba --- Mainoo
Carreras --- Branthwaite --- Bombito --- Dalot
Henderson

Match Facts
54% - Possession - 46%
5 - Shots - 14
222 - Passes Attempted - 127
91% - Pass Accuracy - 89%
5 - Tackles - 10

Match Events
21'

M. Rashford (MUN)
54'

P. Foden (MCI)
78'

R. Hojlund (MUN)
83'

B. Brereton Diaz (MUN)
90'

B. Brereton Diaz (MUN)

Man of the Match
Ben Brereton Diaz (MUN): 8.0 rating, 2 goals

Post by **Xixak** » 19 Jan 2026, 00:26

United Batter Crystal Palace to Make it Two for Two

Friday, August 18th, 2028
Premier League | Matchday #2
Old Trafford
Manchester United (2nd) vs. Crystal Palace (5th)

4 - 0

The boys celebrate with Rashford after the first of his two goals.

Lineup (4-4-2)
Hojlund --- Rashford (C)
Quenda --- Baleba --- Mainoo --- Garnacho
Carreras --- Branthwaite --- Bombito --- Dalot
Henderson

Match Facts
58% - Possession - 42%
16 - Shots - 4
187 - Passes Attempted - 127
83% - Pass Accuracy - 80%
19 - Tackles - 3

Match Events
17'

K. Mainoo (MUN)
40'

R. Hojlund (MUN)
71'

M. Rashford (MUN)
82'

M. Rashford (MUN)

Man of the Match
Kobbie Mainoo (MUN): 9.5 rating, 1 goal
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Post by **Xixak** » 19 Jan 2026, 00:28

United Chop Down Forest as Early Season Dominance Continues

Saturday, August 26th, 2028
Premier League | Matchday #3
City Ground
Nottingham Forest (8th) vs. Manchester United (1st)

0 - 5

Mainoo continues to shine in the free 8 role in the 4-4-2.

Lineup (4-4-2)
Hojlund --- Rashford (C)
Quenda --- Baleba --- Mainoo --- Garnacho
Carreras --- Branthwaite --- Bombito --- Dalot
Henderson

Match Facts
40% - Possession - 60%
4 - Shots - 12
126 - Passes Attempted - 151
83% - Pass Accuracy - 88%
5 - Tackles - 12

Match Events
15' :goal; K. Mainoo (MUN)
35'

R. Hojlund (MUN)
45'

K. Mainoo (MUN)
74'

A. Garnacho (MUN)
87'

R. Ward (MUN)

Man of the Match
Kobbie Mainoo (MUN): 9.0 rating, 2 goals

Post by **ShireNiner** » 19 Jan 2026, 09:06

Such a United move to spend 200+ just to bring players back to the club they never should have sold in the first place.

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