Shaun Connolly
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shaunconnolly85.bsky.social
Shaun Connolly
@shaunconnolly85.bsky.social
Editor-in-Chief for the Theatre of Red and the European Football Correspondent for Breaking the Lines.
Three points by way of four goals from 27 shots, while being denied a penalty along the way. Yes, the opposition was poor, but it’s a win that moves United level with Chelsea and within a point of the Champions League.

Not everything has to be a misery, folks. 👌🏻
December 9, 2025 at 12:04 AM
🚨 Barcelona are pleased with Marcus Rashford’s progress, but are encouraging him to express himself more in attack.

Barca would like a permanent deal for a lower price of €20/€ 25 million. Alternative options are being considered if #MUFC reject the fee.

With Albert Fernandez.
December 8, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Say what you will about Ruben Amorim, progress, and belief, but Manchester United are three points outside the Champions League places after 13 fixtures, and the only side they haven’t played in the top half is Aston Villa.
November 30, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Enjoy the relatively quiet period between here and kick-off against West Ham on Thursday, Reds.

Far too many make it their business to pick and choose when they share their opinions about Manchester United. An early three points is a delightful way to start your Sunday.
November 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
As things stand, Liverpool, the reigning champions of England and the side that spent close to £500 million during the summer, are seven points off the relegation zone. Keep in mind, Leeds also have a game in hand.
November 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
🗣️ Reports linking Conor Gallagher to Manchester United are inaccurate. Presently, Atleti are not pursuing a sale and have no desire for a loan. The player would also prefer to stay. However, if someone presents an offer of at least €40 million, they would be open to discussions.
November 17, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Manchester United are Unbeaten in four with 10 points from a possible 12, while sitting one point off second place.

Next up is a trip to a Spurs side with one point from their previous four home Premier League fixtures.
November 1, 2025 at 9:18 PM
• Passes into the penalty area | 98th
• Through balls | 97th
• Carries into the penalty area | 91st
• Progressive passes | 89th
• Key passes | 88th
• Carries into the final third | 88th
• Progressive carries | 84th

If these don't excite you, nothing will.

2/2
October 30, 2025 at 4:03 PM
For those wondering why Lisandro Martinez will be instrumental for Ruben Amorim, the figures 👇🏻 are his percentile against Premier League CBs up to his injury last season.

I can't stress this enough, the partnership with Matthijs de Ligt has the potential to be phenomenal.

1/2

#MUFC #Licha
October 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Manchester United are three points off second place and six off top after playing Arsenal, City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the opening eight fixtures.
October 19, 2025 at 6:43 PM
As highlighted on this week's @theatre-of-red.bsky.social podcast, there is a growing possibility of a January loan move for Joshua Zirkzee.

Playing time at #MUFC remains the Dutchman’s priority, and with only 82 minutes to his name, concern is building.

Several Serie A sides are Interested.
October 17, 2025 at 9:04 PM
From the above, this fundamental visual is the vast control of a large portion of his area (suggesting command of the area) and comfort in moving outside from every angle.

Look at the difference in Andre Onana’s performance against Grimsby below.
October 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Given what has been and gone in the goalkeeping department at Manchester United in recent years, this heatmap that supplied a clean sheet is a beautiful sight for any Red.

[via Sofascore]
October 5, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United are three points off Arsenal, one off Chelsea, and level with City. They faced three of last season's top four in the opening five (over £730 million spent this summer).

You won’t see that headline, but that’s the reality, folks.

#MUFC
September 21, 2025 at 5:33 PM
For those uncertain about what Lisandro Martinez will offer a Ruben Amorim team, this was his output at centre back up to that season-ending injury.

Manchester United will have a brilliant backline with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro on either side. 👇🏻

#MUFC
September 4, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Regarding Ruben Amorim’s post-match comments about #MUFC

Having spent ample time covering Sporting when the consensus lay with Ruben Amorim being the long-term successor to Pep Guardiola, I was fortunate to share conversations with club officials, supporter groups and fans. 👇🏻
August 28, 2025 at 12:13 AM
🗣️ As a lifelong supporter of Manchester United and our fanzines, it is with the greatest of honour that I can confirm my monthly column for Red News in moving forward.

Few are better than @rednews.bsky.social, and they deserves maximum support this season.👇🏻

rednews.bigcartel.com
August 26, 2025 at 5:44 PM
I applaud confidence, but there’s a fine line between that and arrogance. Garnacho has ample room for growth, but his attitude may never allow it.

His Premier League portfolio is telling👇🏻

24/25 | 84 shots, 6 goals
23/24 | 100 shots, 7 goals
22/23 | 24 shots, 3 goals

#MUFC
August 7, 2025 at 10:55 PM
As I stated in April, Rasmus Hojlund has blocked out external noise and continued to work on his development, despite troubles on and off the field.

He has always wanted to stay, and this has never changed. The player loves the football club.

#MUFC
July 31, 2025 at 12:03 PM
🗣️A four-year deal for Ollie Watkins at £45 million would allow for an annual payment of a little over £18 million (including salary) and take the player to 33.

Factoring his conditioning, #MUFC consider a deal for a PL-proven attacker complementary to attacking arrivals.
July 29, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Contrary to this ongoing false narrative, Ruben Amorim was aware of the club’s financial situation and the reality surrounding the ability to spend in the summer.

He does not feel ‘betrayed’; although he’d like several players sold, he is not unhappy at #MUFC
July 26, 2025 at 11:28 AM
🚨 After David Ornstein, Manchester United and Brentford have agreed on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo worth up to £71 million.

An initial £65m will be paid in four instalments, with a maximum of £6m in bonuses.

Welcome to Manchester!

#MUFC #Mbeumo
July 18, 2025 at 11:44 AM
🚨 Manchester United have sent their third and final bid for Bryan Mbeumo. The package tabled landed at £65m + £5m in performance-related add-ons.

As we’ve been saying all along, this deal is a priority for #MUFC

#Mbeumo #Amorim
July 17, 2025 at 1:16 PM
🗣️ #MUFC have considered approaching Dominic Calvert-Lewin since June 2024.

While injuries are a concern, his 58 PL appearances from the past two seasons is documented. He is viewed as an experienced player who can bolster attacking options and potentially aid Rasmus Hojlund.
July 6, 2025 at 2:54 PM
🗣️ “I’m a little bit of a dreamer, and I believe in myself. I also believe in the club. I think we have the same idea, the same mindset.

“But I truly believe in the players also. I know that you guys don’t believe a lot in these players, but I believe a lot.”

#MUFC
July 5, 2025 at 12:20 AM