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Manchester United | 2023/24 Season

Jadon Sancho: Manchester United winger might rejoin Borussia Dortmund on loan​

Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho might return to Borussia Dortmund on loan this month.

Sancho refused to apologise to Erik ten Hag for a social media post after the manager said his omission from September's defeat at Arsenal was related to his performance in training.

The England winger, 23, rejected this and said he was being made a scapegoat.

Since then he has been training away from the first team, with no end in sight to his exile.

United bought Sancho from Dortmund for £73m in July 2021.

It is understood the Bundesliga club are willing to offer Sancho a route back in the January transfer window, and are optimistic of reaching an agreement for the remainder of the season.

Any deal might require United to pay a significant portion of Sancho's wages, given the huge increase he received when he signed for the Red Devils.

Source: BBC
 
If he is departing then I assume that ten Hag is staying at the Club for the next few weeks at least.
 
Erik ten Hag says he has held "very positive" meetings with Manchester United's new investors Ineos.

Manager Ten Hag met Sir Jim Ratcliffe at United's training ground on Tuesday.

On his first visit since the agreement to buy 25% of the club was announced on Christmas Eve, Ten Hag said he spent "many hours" with Ratcliffe and Ineos representatives Sir Dave Brailsford and John-Claude Blanc.

The deal is set to be ratified by the Premier League in six to eight weeks.

"It was very positive," Ten Hag said. "We had a long meeting, for many hours we sit together, on many issues we were on the same page. It was a very constructive meeting and we're looking forward to working with each other."

It is expected Ineos will make significant changes to the structure of United, although stock market regulations prevent that from happening at the moment.

Ten Hag says it is too soon for anyone to make decisions of such significance given Ratcliffe and his associates only arrived in the north west on Tuesday, spending time at Old Trafford on Tuesday and again on Thursday to get to know staff members and understand how the club functions.

"We have to let it settle down," said Ten Hag. "They are just coming in and introducing themselves. They have good ideas, so we have to see what we can integrate. We will work together but you can't tell that after one day. We have had our debates about strategies and I think we will come together."


BBC
 
Jadon Sancho: Manchester United trying to finalise deal for winger's return to Borussia Dortmund

Manchester United are trying to finalise the terms of Jadon Sancho's loan move back to Borussia Dortmund.

BBC Sport understands an agreement has been reached between the two clubs that would allow Sancho to re-join his old club for the rest of the season.

However, there are contractual and financial issues around the deal that still require tidying up.

The 23-year-old winger completed a £73m move to Old Trafford from Dortmund in July 2021.

However, he has not played for United since 26 August after falling out with manager Erik ten Hag and has been training away from the first team since September.

The relationship between Sancho and Ten Hag hit the rocks after the England international was omitted from the squad for September's defeat at Arsenal, with the Dutchman stating it was due to his performance in training.

Sancho rejected those claims and said on social media that he was being made a "scapegoat" and later refused to apologise for his comments, leading to his exile.

Since joining United, Sancho has struggled for consistent form - he has scored nine league goals and provided just six assists in his 58 appearances.

Dortmund, who sit fifth in the Bundesliga, are keen for Sancho to join them on their current mid-season training camp in Marbella.

The club will play friendly fixtures against AZ Alkmaar on 6 January and Standard Liege on 9 January before returning to Germany and resuming their league campaign at Darmstadt on 13 January.


BBC
 
Manchester United are interested in Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise and would offer them Aaron Wan-Bissaka as part of any deal
 
Manchester United staring xi vs Wigan: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot, Mainoo, McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund
 
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be in attendance at Old Trafford for the first time since his Manchester United share purchase when they face Tottenham on Sunday.

Manchester United will have to pay up to £100,000 a week towards Jadon Sancho's wages in order to push through his return to Borussia Dortmund.

PSV Eindhoven have reportedly firmed up their interest in signing Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri on loan until the end of the season.

Source: Sky Sports
 
Anthony Martial wants to stay at Manchester United until the summer and is not interested in a move away from Old Trafford this month.
 
Manchester United are interested in France international centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, 24, but will have to pay Nice around £52m to sign him.
 
Manchester United’s pay structure needs reboot after wasted millions

Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Raphaël Varane would be the poster boys in any Sir Jim Ratcliffe white paper examining how Manchester United’s flatlining squad could be moved to a more modest or even performance-related pay structure.

In the elite football world of hyper-inflated salaries performance-related pay is a pipe-dream but imagine if the United footballer’s lucrative base rate salary was slashed and generous incentives predicated on, for instance, goal ratio and minutes played, were built in.

Why? Because an uneasy truth for the United executive is that no right-minded judge this season could make a credible case for Rashford, the top earner on about £435,000 a week, Casemiro (£430,000), Sancho (£350,000) and Varane (£340,000) giving the club a bang for its over-generous buck. It is a trend that can be traced across the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson led the club to its most recent league title.

The factors range from the misfortune of serial injury and illness through loss of form to Sancho’s standoff with Erik ten Hag, culminating in his return on loan to Borussia Dortmund. All point to the financial policy regarding recruitment, contract length and pay requiring a reboot for United’s long-term financial health.

In the frame for the above quartet and copious others are Ten Hag, who as the manager holds a recruitment veto; his predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjær; the football director, John Murtough, whose department has the other veto; Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold, the past two chief executives; and the owners, the Glazers, who until Ratcliffe’s Christmas Eve arrival signed off every deal.

As Ratcliffe, the incoming new 25% shareholder, and his chief lieutenants, Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, conduct a structural assessment of how best to fix United, this tale of bloated wages will surely leap out. Injuries and other absences plus the loss of form are part of the vagaries of any team yet the riches paid to United’s squad can make these eye-wateringly wasteful when compounded with questionable recruitment and deal offers.

In the five months since the start of September United have paid out a minimum of £500,000 in each of the 18 weeks (a total of at least £9m) to players not in match-day squads owing to injury, poor form, illness, private issues or, in Sancho’s case, for disciplinary reasons.

Sancho was, in effect, on strike after refusing Ten Hag’s demand for an apology for calling him a liar when claiming the forward was left out of the trip to Arsenal for not training to standard. Including the 3-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium on 3 September, the 23-year-old missed 26 matches while being paid £9.1m. Whoever is correct of Sancho and Ten Hag, there is scant doubt a breakdown has occurred in the base requirement of not doing anything more to complicate the difficult business of winning games.

From here we move to Rashford, Varane and Casemiro. Losing form is as undesirable (Rashford and Varane) as being injured (Varane, again, and Casemiro). Yet as with Sancho, Ratcliffe can hardly miss how expensive their prolonged absences have been. Should Varane and Casemiro be at the club or earning what they do? The Ineos owner asked this regarding the latter during his tour of United last March.

Ratcliffe may ask, too, whether it was prudent, in July, to make Rashford United’s highest-paid footballer on the back of last term’s 30-goal return. A scan of his CV would have shown an uneven record of five goals in 2021-22 and, in the preceding seasons, 21, 22, 14, 13, 11 and eight goals for a total of 126 in 384 appearances.

So far Rashford’s campaign has underwhelmed – he has three goals – and last month Ten Hag dropped him for four matches, from the 2-1 win over Chelsea on 6 December until his reinstatement for Boxing Day’s 3-2 victory over Aston Villa (he was ill for the 1-0 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich during this span).

For the five full months of the season Rashford has earned £21.75m and if goals are the metric a forward is judged on his three have cost the club £7.25m each. If the 26-year-old’s six assists are factored in, the price per Rashford’s nine “goal actions” is still an undervalue £2.41m.

Source: The Guardian

www.theguardian.com

Manchester United’s pay structure needs reboot after wasted millions

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his lieutenants must address the club’s tale of bloated wages that can be traced across the last decade
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Man Utd: Sir Jim Ratcliffe says proposed 25% deal is his most exciting

Sir Jim Ratcliffe says his proposed 25% purchase of Manchester United is the most exciting deal he has done.

Ratcliffe expects his deal to be ratified by the Premier League early next month.

However, he is at Old Trafford for United's encounter with Tottenham on Sunday and spoke briefly in the press conference room before the game.

Asked if the deal was the most exciting he had done, Ratcliffe replied: "Correct. Yes."

He said: "I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all. There's no question about that. I am very excited to be here."

Ratcliffe said the regulatory process meant he was unable to go into detail about his plans for the club and that included speaking at length to manager Erik ten Hag on Sunday.

He added: "I have met Erik but it would be inappropriate until it is all formalised. We hope they don't find anything dodgy in our CV."

Ratcliffe said he first attended a game at Old Trafford when he was "about 10" and said his most recent visit to the stadium to see his childhood team play was "two or three years ago".

Unlike the largely absent Glazer family, Ratcliffe said he would be at games "quite a lot", having fulfilled a long-held ambition to own his boyhood club.

"A few years," he said when asked how long he has harboured ownership ambitions.

"It's taken a few turns along the road, but it all turned out well in the end."



BBC
 
Hannibal Mejbri: Manchester United midfielder joins Sevilla on loan

Sevilla have signed Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on loan for the rest of the season.

Hannibal was expected to be in Tunisia's squad at the Africa Cup of Nations but opted out of the tournament to secure his club future.

Numerous clubs expressed an interest in the 20-year-old, including Everton.

However, he has opted to join Spanish top-flight club Sevilla in a deal with an option to buy, which is understood to be worth £17.2m.

Hannibal has made 10 appearances for United this season, the latest in the FA Cup third-round win at Wigan on 8 January.

He has started only one Premier League game and was not involved in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

"Best of luck to Hannibal," said Manchester United on the club website.

He joins former United midfielder Adnan Januzaj at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.


BBC
 
BREAKING NEWS: Anthony Martial's agent has denied reports the Manchester United striker has been told to train alone because he is not fit
 
Man Utd plotting shock £130m Vinicius Junior transfer swoop with Real Madrid ready to cash in on star winger to fund Kylian Mbappe deal

The Brazilian's scintillating first-half hat-trick against Barcelona in the Supercopa final took his tally to an impressive 136 goal involvements in 241 appearances for Real. The position of left wing has been his own for many seasons, but he could soon face competition from arguably the world's greatest player in Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Madrid and could sign on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer - although he would arrive on an eye-watering £600,000 ($760,000)-a-week wage.

That transfer, then, wouldn't quite amount to being "free", as the Frenchman's salary would amount to an annual cost of £30 million ($38m) and £150m ($190m) for the entirety of his Madrid contract. As a result, Sport reports that Los Blancos may consider the unthinkable and sell Vinicius, should an adequate offer arrive. That could come from United, who from the summer will be backed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group after his investment gets ratified by the Premier League. They are thought to be willing to fork out £130m ($165m) for the Brazilian.

Source : GOAL.com
 
The Bald Eagle said:
Man Utd plotting shock £130m Vinicius Junior transfer swoop with Real Madrid ready to cash in on star winger to fund Kylian Mbappe deal

The Brazilian's scintillating first-half hat-trick against Barcelona in the Supercopa final took his tally to an impressive 136 goal involvements in 241 appearances for Real. The position of left wing has been his own for many seasons, but he could soon face competition from arguably the world's greatest player in Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Madrid and could sign on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer - although he would arrive on an eye-watering £600,000 ($760,000)-a-week wage.

That transfer, then, wouldn't quite amount to being "free", as the Frenchman's salary would amount to an annual cost of £30 million ($38m) and £150m ($190m) for the entirety of his Madrid contract. As a result, Sport reports that Los Blancos may consider the unthinkable and sell Vinicius, should an adequate offer arrive. That could come from United, who from the summer will be backed by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group after his investment gets ratified by the Premier League. They are thought to be willing to fork out £130m ($165m) for the Brazilian.

Source : GOAL.com
Click to expand...
No way. This would be REAL dumb.
We need to move away from this
What we need is to just clear out Maguire, Varane, AWB, Sancho, Martial Greenwood, Casemiro, Alvaro Fernandez, Mjebri, Eriksen, VDB

This frees up a lot of wages and probably raises £175m in transfer sales.
Owners are allowed to put in 90m in 3 years ( and glazers have put in 0) so add that on to a £100m standard annual transfer budget, and we have £365m to spend.

We need a RB, RCB, 2 midfielders, ST. Most of these players need to be between the 23-25 bracket

Fernandes, Rashford, Anthony, Lindelof, Shaw, Onana, Malacia the ones to be moved on in 2025 unless they are pulling up trees.

(The only way we go for Vinicius is if we give up on Rashford and it's basically a swap out and saving on wages. Only way that happens is if PSG put silly money on the table for Rashford)

That gives us an outfield lineup next season of

FRIMPONG/Dalot
TODIBO/Lindelof
Martinez/ Shaw/ Evans
Shaw/Malacia
JOAO NEVES/Mainoo
BARELLA/Mainoo/Mctominay (sub when defending leagues)
Fernandes/Mount
Amad/Anthony/Garnacho
Garnacho/Rashford
Hojlund/ MARTINEZ

ETH needs to show us a style of play with the injured players all back, if he wants to avoid the boot in the summer, but I do think the player turnaround is doable.

TODIBO is at nice (Sir Jim)
FRIMPONG is Dutch (ETH)
NEVES is Portuguese ( Bruno)
BARELLA and MARTINEZ ( Onana and maybe Lukaku can help out with those!)

As Liverpool have shown, things can turn around quickly.
I still want to blame injuries and fatigue from last season (like Liverpool last season after their quadruple quest the season before) but what Ange is doing at spurs has made me open my eyes a bit more!
 
Manchester United: Sheikh Jassim seeks legal advice after claims he didn't provide proof of funds when he tried to buy club

Sheikh Jassim's £4.5bn debt-free bid to buy Manchester United included a bank guarantee signed by the chief executive of the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa; Jassim seeks legal advice after claims he didn't provide proof of funds when he tried to buy United

The Qataris insist their cash bid was fully funded. Their view is that a deal did not materialise because they refused to overpay more than they believed they were already overpaying for a club whose current makes cap is £2.6bn.

Jassim's bid team are bemused and amused that United told shareholders in the US on Wednesday that they have not provided proof of funds as they sought to buy 100 per cent of the club and pay off its debts.

They believe a misleading impression has been created which does not reflect the fact that they made a series of authentic, credible and fully funded bids to buy the club. Their bids included protections around financial surety and were fully and legally documented and submitted by letter.

They are taking legal advice about whether to ask the US Securities and Exchange Commission to issue what they consider would be a corrective statement to set the record straight.

The Qataris believe there is no way the Glazers would have negotiated personally with them for almost a year if there was ever any question about proof of funds.

Sheikh Jassim is understood to have incurred costs of many millions of dollars running his bid team of lawyers, bankers and advisers.

Ultimately, Sheikh Jassim was not prepared to be a minority shareholder which in his view would not materially change the future of the club.

Manchester United stand by the statements in the documents published on Wednesday and are not commenting any further.

SOURCE: SKY SPORTS​
 
Report:

Man Utd to name Man City’s Omar Berrada as new CEO. Led by INEOS with Glazer backing. Will take exec leadership of football + business, seat on board + report to owners.
 
Manchester United have offered England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, and Brazil winger Antony, 23, to clubs in the Saudi Pro League and want around £50m for each player.


BBC
 
BREAKING: Manchester United have announced that Anthony Martial has successfully completed surgery to address a groin injury and will be out for up to 10 weeks
 
Manchester United are NOT expecting to sign a replacement for Anthony Martial this month after French forward was ruled out for 10 weeks following groin surgery… despite Rasmus Hojlund being their only fit recognised striker.

Martial will be missing until the start of April means manager Erik ten Hag will be short of firepower during the second half of the season, with United unlikely to sign a replacement in the January transfer window.

It also places a question mark over whether Martial, 28, will play for the club again as he prepares to depart Old Trafford in the summer.



Daily Mail
 
Manchester United: Marcus Rashford's absence an 'internal matter', says boss Erik ten Hag


Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford's absence from their FA Cup fourth-round victory at Newport is an "internal matter".

The England forward missed training at United on Friday after reporting ill.

However, media reports then emerged the 26-year-old had been seen in nightspots in Northern Ireland on both Wednesday and Thursday evening.

"He reported ill. The rest is an internal matter and I will deal with that," said Ten Hag on Sunday.

When questioned why someone reporting ill should be an internal matter in his post-match news conference, United's Dutch boss simply replied: "It is an internal matter."

Asked whether that posed more questions than answers, Ten Hag added: "For you, not for me. It is an internal matter and I will deal with it. We will deal with it. I will deal with it."




 
Granada have agreed on terms for Facundo Pellistri to join on loan from Man United.

…but deal now depends on Erik ten Hag’s green light. 🇳🇱

All parties waiting for final approval by #MUFC manager, documents and also travel being prepared then… here we g
 
BREAKING: Manchester United statement on Marcus Rashford.

“Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions”.

“This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed”.
 
Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez potentially suffered a "very bad" injury during Manchester United's 3-0 victory over West Ham.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Erik ten Hag says Lisandro Martinez potentially suffered a "very bad" injury during Manchester United's 3-0 victory over West Ham.
Click to expand...

According to SKY, he has been ruled out for at least eight weeks with ligament damage in his right knee.
 
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has urged Erling Haaland to focus more on feeling relaxed than scoring goals.

City resume their Champions League defence on Tuesday at FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Haaland recently returned from two months out through injury and Guardiola feels the prolific Norwegian has been preoccupied by quickly getting among the goals again.

"He is defined on goals, but it is not just scoring a goal," Guardiola said.

"As much it's how he is clapping, encouraging his mates and the first intense press. This is what we need from Erling.

"But we cannot forget he has been two months out. Back to the dynamic is not easy.

"He's a huge competitor who wants to score goals. OK, we know that, so relax.

"If we don't score today, or if he doesn't score in 10 minutes, it's OK. In the process he has to try because the team always wins when they overcome bad moments."

Guardiola felt Saturday's Premier League win against Everton was a good example, with Haaland having a quiet first half before scoring twice in the second half to secure the 2-0 win.


BBC
 
Cristiano Ronaldo being proved right about Manchester United man as Ferdinand reveals conversation

Cristiano Ronaldo had a reassuring message for Rio Ferdinand when he expressed doubts about Diogo Dalot's abilities early in his Manchester United career. Dalot, who has been a key player for Erik ten Hag this season, has made 32 appearances and scored two goals. He also assisted Scott McTominay's winning goal against Aston Villa last weekend.

Dalot joined United from Porto in July 2018 for £19million and has since played 139 times for the club. Despite spending a season on loan with AC Milan, he is now enjoying a stable period at United.

Ferdinand admitted that he had questioned Dalot's place in the team, but Ronaldo had reassured him. "He is someone I doubted early on. I remember speaking to Cristiano Ronaldo and said, 'Is he really that good?' and Cristiano said he will work hard, make himself better and 100 per cent improve." Ferdinand shared on Vibe with Five.

Source: Manchester Evening News
 
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to buy a 25% stake in Manchester United has been approved by the Football Association and Premier League.

The British billionaire's purchase is worth about $1.3bn (£1.03bn).

Owners the Glazer family will retain a majority stake in the club but Ratcliffe's Ineos Group will take control of football operations.

The sale cannot be completed until after the share offer is closed, which is Friday night in the United States.

Premier League approval is contingent on the deal being completed.


BBC
 
Manchester United's squad last year were the "most expensive ever assembled" in football, says a Uefa report.

The European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report says United's players at the end of their 2023 financial year cost 1.42bn euros (£1.21bn) in combined transfer fees.

The 2020 Real Madrid squad were previously the most costly at £1.13bn.

United's squad included £82m Antony, £80m Harry Maguire, £73m Jadon Sancho and £70m Casemiro.

The total does not include £72m Rasmus Hojlund, £55m Mason Mount or £47m Andre Onana, all of whom joined in the 2023 summer transfer window.

United finished third in the Premier League last season, their first campaign under manager Erik ten Hag.

The reports says three other squads - Manchester City, Chelsea and Real - cost more than £1bn in transfer fees.

Chelsea's figures go up to June 2022, meaning the £850m they spent from the summer of that year to August 2023 is not counted.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to buy a 25% stake in United was approved by the Football Association on Wednesday.

The purchase is worth about £1.03bn and his Ineos Group will take control of football operations.

BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Man Utd squad last year 'most expensive in history'

Manchester United's squad last year cost £1.21bn in transfer fees, according to a Uefa report.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Manchester United have approached Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth about joining the club.

Ashworth has a long-standing relationship with Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford.

Talks over compensation are yet to take place between the two clubs.

If a deal is agreed, it would be another significant move by Ineos, whose 25% ownership of Manchester United is set to be confirmed early next week.


BBC
 
Ex-England star Lianne Sanderson has told Dan Ashworth to sell four Manchester United players if appointed as sporting director.

Following the approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover, Ashworth is on the Red Devils' radar to fill the position, however no formal club-to-club talks have yet taken place.

Ashworth is at the top of Man United's list to fill the sporting director role

Ashworth is at the top of Man United's list to fill the sporting director roleCredit: Getty
Should Newcastle's current sporting director take the role at Old Trafford, he would undoubtedly be tasked with a huge challenge in rebuilding the first team squad.

While incoming transfers will be a huge talking point, Erik ten Hag will need to offload high-earning players in order to fund those deals. So who would Manchester United fan Sanderson sell under the new regime?

Source: talkSPORT
 
Dan Ashworth has now told Newcastle he wants to leave the club - but he could be forced to wait close to two years before joining Manchester United if they do not pay significant compensation.

Mail Sport understands the period of gardening leave written into the sporting director’s current contract would take him into 2026.

That means Man United will have to negotiate an enhanced compensation fee to release him early or meet the terms of his contract and wait for his gardening leave to expire.

But Ashworth’s time at St James’ Park is now all but over and he has been placed on gardening leave after informing the club of his desire to quit. As Mail Sport reported last week, developments are expected to come to a head in the coming days.

It is thought Man United are willing to be patient and wait for Ashworth if a compromise cannot be reached, and that would mean Newcastle paying his wages for the duration of his gardening leave.


Daily Mail
 
Sir Jim Ratcliffe FINALLY completes 27.7 per cent Man Utd takeover

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE says his work to take Manchester United back to the top of English football starts now.

His £1.3billion takeover of 27.7 per cent of the club is now officially complete.

The deal was passed by the Premier League last week and ALSO GOT FA approval.

Sir Jim said: “To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility.

"This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”

And Executive Co-Chairman Joel Glazer said he was looking forward to a ‘bright future’ now with Ratcliffe on board.

Joel Glazer said: “I would like to welcome Sir Jim as co-owner and look forward to working closely with him and INEOS Sport to deliver a bright future for Manchester United.”

His ownership will rise to 27.7 per cent due to the initial capital investment of $200m with the issue of new shares and then to 28.9per cent by December 31st after a further investment of $100m.

Ratcliffe had already taken charge of football operations at the club.

He has not wasted time by making major appointments at the very top of Old Trafford as well.


www.thesun.co.uk

Sir Jim Ratcliffe FINALLY completes 27.7 per cent Man Utd takeover

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE says his work to take Manchester United back to the top of English football starts now. His £1.3billion takeover of 27.7 per cent of the club is now officially complete. The deal …
www.thesun.co.uk www.thesun.co.uk
 
A big blow for united
====
Manchester United fear Luke Shaw could miss the rest of the season after suffering a recurrence of a leg injury in last weekend’s win at Luton.

The bombshell news for United will raise more concerns over the decision to start Shaw at Kenilworth Road just a week after he came off against Aston Villa at half-time.

Shaw didn’t even make it to the interval at Luton as he was replaced towards the end of the first half and was then seen limping onto United’s team bus afterwards.
 
Rasmus Hojlund has suffered a muscle injury which is expected to rule him out for two to three weeks

Sky Sports
 
Ten Hag: “I'm 19 months in and I see we are going in the right direction”.

“You see the team coming, the squad developing”.

“We will be strong, and we will be even stronger when we add to this squad even more qualities”.
 
Erik ten Hag hits back at 'subjective' Jamie Carragher criticism

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hit back at Jamie Carragher's "subjective" criticism of his tactics in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham.

Carragher questioned the way United were set up on Saturday during Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

Ten Hag conceded the ex-Liverpool defender "had a point" but said he has been critical "from the first moment".

"Some analysts are very objective in their comments, very good advice, some are very subjective," said Ten Hag.

"Jamie Carragher, from the first moment on, has criticised and now he wants to make his point."

Carragher had pointed out how United "defends like a side I have never seen before" as they played a low defensive block and a high attacking press, which left huge gaps in the middle of the pitch that Fulham exploited on their way to only a second win at Old Trafford since 1963.

Ten Hag said: "Probably in the first half an hour, yeah, he had a point. Fulham in their midfield set up a little bit surprisingly and we had to find solutions. After half an hour we found the solutions.

"I was not pleased with the performance in defending, especially with the left side, how we did the pressing because they came out, especially in the first half an hour, several times on the left side and that can't happen. And that has everything to do with willingness, spirit and passion."

Harry Maguire looked to have rescued a point for United after cancelling out Calvin Bassey's 65th-minute opener, but Alex Iwobi struck the winner deep into injury time when Fulham counter-attacked from a throw-in close to their own corner flag.

Ten Hag accepted that "can't happen", adding: "How we managed it as a team is no good."

Speaking before Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest, he said: "I know footballers are not robots, sometimes they have bad days. But it can't be, it's unacceptable and we have to do better tomorrow."


BBC
 
Marcus Rashford says people questioning his commitment to Manchester United need to show "more humanity".

Rashford, 26, has scored five goals for United this season and faced criticism about perceived attitude issues.

He missed United's FA Cup win over Newport, days after he was reportedly seen in nightspots in Northern Ireland.

"If you ever question my commitment to United, that's when I have to speak up," the England forward said in a piece for The Players' Tribune.

"It's like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man.

"I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge."


BBC
 
Manchester United: Ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says no 'magic wand' to sort problems

Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is "no magic wand" to fix the problems at Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has bought a 27.7% stake in United, who lost 3-1 at Manchester City on Sunday.

It was their 11th defeat in the Premier League this season and left Erik ten Hag's side sixth in the table.

"With Erik, I hope he is going to be successful. I hope he is going to make it but you never know what the new owners are thinking," said Solskjaer.

"It's about results and consistency the rest of the season."

Ratcliffe will oversee the club's footballing operations, but the Glazer family remain as majority owners.

The British billionaire called for patience from fans and told the BBC: "People unfortunately need to give us time to get back. It will be two to three seasons."

Speaking to the Stick to Football podcast, 51-year-old Solskjaer, who managed United from 2018-21, added: "I don't think there is a magic wand, as in let's change the owners.

"Obviously they have their certain way of working, the Glazers have still got the commercial [operation] - who knows how it is going to be in football, that side of it."

United are 19 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and 11 behind Aston Villa in fourth.

The FA Cup appears to be their only chance of a trophy this season - they face Liverpool in the quarter-finals on Sunday, 17 March.

www.bbc.com

No 'magic wand' for Man Utd - ex-boss Solskjaer

Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is "no magic wand" to fix the problems at Manchester United.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Magic wand is getting players to put in 100 per cent effort not many players in premiership do that
 
Solskjær claims some Manchester United players said no to captaincy

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has said some Manchester United players did not want to be captain for certain matches while he was the manager.

Solskjær, who was in charge from December 2018 to November 2021, described that as “petty” and displaying “a lack of ambition” in critical comments about generation Z.

“No one said ‘no’ to being the club captain, it was just for certain games,” Solskjaer told the Stick to Football podcast. “Yes, but they didn’t want to say it themselves, they had other people come up to me and say it. It was disappointing. It’s a different generation, it’s Gen Z. It’s petty and shows a lack of ambition.”

Solskjær also said a lot of his squad did not want to do pre-match host broadcast interviews. “Many players said no to doing the pre-match interviews, the three questions,” he said. “You had the go-to’s: Bruno [Fernandes] always did it, Harry [Maguire] always did it, Victor [Lindelöf] did it, David [de Gea] did it, Luke Shaw did it.

“The others were worried about the questions, so preferred not to do it. You’re scared of the whole reaction maybe, but you also understand some of the players’ mental health.”

He felt his players were affected by criticism from pundits and the media. “Definitely, 100%. You criticise players or teams’ tactics, but when it goes above that because there are so many who watch and listen and go on social media [it does have an impact]. If they don’t read it, friends, agents, managers will. When it gets personal, about character, they listen and think about it more than you think.”

Solskjaer has focused on his and his family’s wellbeing since being sacked by United, turning down numerous opportunities to return to the game.

“I needed time out, and I have properly enjoyed it,” he said. “Just prioritised myself, family – and I have had a few offers with [other clubs] and it’s like: ‘Nah, I’m not ready.’ It’s one of them, it’s got to be somewhere where I can be myself, not like anyone dictating: ‘You need to do this, you need to do this.’ Because when you’ve been at United, you manage them, you learn a few things, and you want to do it your way next time.”


www.theguardian.com

Solskjær claims some Manchester United players said no to captaincy

Ole Gunnar Solskjær has said some Manchester United players did not want to be captain for certain matches while he was the manager
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to approve a bid of just over £100million for an exciting youngster this summer.

If the signing went ahead it would be a record-breaking deal for United and would eclipse the £89m they paid to re-sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016.

The report suggests that United are looking to sign Joao Neves from Benfica.



Daily Mail
 
Manchester United will be hit with a £10m penalty each season they fail to qualify for the Champions League under the terms of their new £90m-a-year kit deal with Adidas.
 
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes the epic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over arch-rivals Liverpool can be the turning point of their season.

Trailing deep in normal time and again in extra time, United eventually went through in thrilling style thanks to Amad Diallo's 121st-winner.

It keeps alive United's hopes of lifting silverware this season and, with their main rivals for a Champions League spot, Tottenham and Aston Villa, both dropping points, Ten Hag feels the win, which triggered euphoric seasons among the home supporters at the final whistle, could be significant.

"This could be that moment," said Ten Hag. "It can give the team the belief and energy to do amazing things. When you beat Liverpool you can beat any opponent."

Ten Hag said he believed his side's performance in the first half hour was their best of the season.

However, the situation appeared bleak when Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah both scored in the final stages of the opening period to give the visitors the advantage.

It took substitute Antony to rescue the situation three minutes from time then, after Harvey Elliott had put Liverpool ahead again, Marcus Rashford equalised eight minutes before the end of extra time before Diallo finished off a length of the field breakaway to book a Wembley semi-final showdown with Championship side Coventry, managed by old United FA Cup hero Mark Robins.

For Ten Hag, the ending proved questions about his side's character were wide of the mark.

"I don't understand why," he said. "They are great characters and we see the determination again.

"This season we have had so many setbacks and every time we have had to adapt. Yesterday, Jonny Evans dropped out at the last minute and then we have to bring in a player (Aaron Wan-Bissaka) who didn't play for four or five weeks and had only one or two training sessions.

"But we can deal better with such situations than we did in the autumn when it was difficult.

"I am very proud of the run we are in but we still have to catch up. I am happy Spurs lost and Villa dropped points. We are happy to be in the semi-final but we have to keep going."

For Diallo, it was his best day in a United shirt.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager when the club paid £19m for the Ivory Coast international in 2021.

He has since had loan spells at Rangers and with Sunderland, where he won last season's young player of the year award.

But injury has disrupted his progress this season and Sunday's substitute appearance was only his fourth of the entire campaign.

"I am so happy for him," said Ten Hag. "He is one of the players who had huge setbacks.

"He has returned knowing there is lot of competition in his position and he doesn't always get the time he deserves. But he shows his contribution by coming on and scoring a goal.

"We know he can do it. He is in a problematic situation but he is fighting."

Source: BBC
 

Manchester United transfer news live as Reds 'rival Chelsea' for Premier League defender​


Manchester United signed off for the international break last weekend with a historic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Amad, who was fresh off the substitutes bench, scored a dramatic winner right at the very end of extra-time to seal United's path to the last four, where they will face Coventry City at Wembley next month. As a result, their hopes of winning a trophy this season are still very much alive.

Despite being a few days into the international break, news and talking points have not been in short supply. Kobbie Mainoo was called up to the England squad for the very first time on Tuesday and could make his debut when the Three Lions face Brazil this weekend.

England boss Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, has been heavily linked with becoming United's next manager this week. Reports in the national media have suggested he is Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 'No.1 target' to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Man United transfer news live as Rodrygo linked with Old Trafford move

All the very latest Man United news, views and transfer updates from the Manchester Evening News.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
 
Manchester United relaxed over Kobbie Mainoo talks due to contract expiry date

Manchester United are in no rush to finalise a new contract for Kobbie Mainoo due to his maximum expiry date.

Mainoo signed a contract last February that was for four years, with the option of an additional year to tie him to the club until 2028.

United have already opened discussions with Mainoo's representatives over a renewal amid his supreme club form and breakthrough at international level.

The 18-year-old attained his first England cap as a substitute in the defeat to Brazil on Saturday and Mainoo was named the man of the match after his full debut in the draw with Belgium on Tuesday night.

Mainoo has played 23 times for United and firmly established himself as their midfield linchpin. He only made his first Premier League start on November 26 and Mainoo has started in 15 of United's past 16 matches.

Alejandro Garnacho, Mainoo's FA Youth Cup-winning teammate, received a new contract last April - less than two years after he inked his first professional deal with United in July 2021.

Garnacho's previous contract ran until 2024 and United had the option of an additional year, contrary to reports in Italy that he was still on a three-year arrangement.

Mainoo's confident cameo against Brazil and dynamic performance against Belgium have all but secured a place in the England squad for the European Championship finals in Germany.

"His attributes are there for everybody to see," England manager Gareth Southgate enthused after the Belgium draw. "The ability to receive under pressure, ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas.

"He gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we've got and we're really pleased with what he's done. He's adapted and adjusted brilliantly. You can't believe his age, that he's taken it all in his stride."

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Man United relaxed over Kobbie Mainoo talks due to contract expiry date

Kobbie Mainoo signed a new contract with Man United after only two appearances last season and discussions are underway over a renewal.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
 
Manchester United reportedly want to buy Juventus defender Gleison Bremer for £51million - and could hand over Mason Greenwood in a shock exchange.

United's interest in Bremer is already well-documented but now it has emerged that they are willing to stump up a fee in Juventus' desired ballpark.

Bremer won the Serie A Best Defender award in 2020/21 with Torino and is also on the radar of Real Madrid and Chelsea.



Daily Mail
 
Man Utd approach Southampton over hiring their director of football Jason Wilcox; United want to make the former Blackburn winger their technical director as part of new recruitment team; Saints annoyed at manner and timing of United's approach but United believe they have been respectful.

SKY
 
Manchester United defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof have both picked up muscle injuries and will be ruled out for at least a month.

Martinez has sustained a calf strain in training, having only returned from a seven-week absence with a knee injury in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brentford.

Lindelof suffered a hamstring injury in that game and was replaced by Martinez.

Source: BBC
 
Manchester United has lost Evans and Varane as well, due to injury!

The list of Man United’s injured defenders:

Lisandro Martínez
Jonny Evans
Raphaël Varane
Victor Lindelöf
Luke Shaw
Tyrell Malacia
 
Bruno Fernandes sends three-word Manchester United demand ahead of Liverpool clash

Bruno Fernandes has demanded a reaction from his Manchester United teammates ahead of their clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

United will host Jurgen Klopp's side at Old Trafford, on the back of a late disappointing defeat at Chelsea. They were seconds away from three points but ended up walking away empty handed from Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer's stoppage-time double saw the visitors slip to a 4-3 defeat. Having remained in sixth place, United must collect points against Liverpool in their bid to secure Champions League football next season.

As it stands, the Red Devils are nine points from fifth-placed Tottenham with eight games remaining. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be determined to remain top of the table but will know that only a win will matter.

Speaking after the game, Fernandes told TNT Sports: "We had the game in our hands in the last few minutes and we gave it away. Obviously, it’s frustrating, it’s difficult to take. I think we had good control of the game in the last few minutes, we could keep the ball higher up, got some fouls, some throw-ins.

"But they got two chances at the end and scored two goals. From the corner we have to be much quicker and much more aware. We talked about that before the game, that they take corners and throw-ins very quick. We should be aware of that and be much quicker."

Ahead of the match, Fernandes expects a different reaction from the team. He wrote on Instagram: "Frustrating night! Big reaction needed in the big game on Sunday."

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, added: "Very hurt. We deserved more, we gave everything and we got nothing from this game. New opportunity on Sunday to show what we can do. Thanks to traveling fans for always supporting us."

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Bruno Fernandes sends three-word Manchester United demand before Liverpool clash

Manchester United will look to bounce back from the late disappointing defeat at Chelsea when they host Liverpool at home in the Premier League
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
 
Good result today for Utd considering how many players they have missing.

I still feel they are too open in terms of defending and teams have got to fancy their chances scoring against them.

Not sure how long the owners will stick with this manager.
 
Manchester United could reach Champions League by finishing SIXTH due to UEFA rule change

A drastic rule change from UEFA could see Manchester United qualify for the Champions League - even by finishing sixth in the Premier League.

Finishing in the top four might be a bridge too far for United now, who sit 11 points off fourth-placed Tottenham with seven matches to go.

United might be celebrating finishing sixth this season as it could lands them Champions League footballCredit: Getty

But that might not even matter in their quest to qualify for the Champions League next season with UEFA set to expand the competition.

The Champions League is set to undergo some major changes next season with no more group stages, one big table and more teams included, which means that UEFA are prepared to hand out additional places to specific countries.

As England are one of two countries with the best UEFA co-efficient, as well as Italy, a position as low as fifth could see clubs qualify for Europe's elite competition.

However, are United struggling to finish even as high as fifth - with Tottenham or Aston Villa set to benefit there - they must further rely on another club to help them out.

If West Ham win the Europa League this season, United would qualify for the Champions League so if they didn't finish fifth in the Premier League, their league position would not matter.

It would mean that another spot in Europe's elite competition would be freed up, which would go to the next best-placed team in the domestic league.

And if United finish the season sixth, where they currently sit, that would see Erik ten Hag's men qualify for the Champions League - albeit in very specific conditions.

In theory, next season could see a club as low as seventh qualify for the competition but it would rely on both the Champions League and Europa League winners to be English clubs who finish fifth and sixth.

There is next to no chance of that happening this season with Manchester City and Arsenal the only clubs left in the competition while both are comfortably in the top-four.

However, West Ham boss David Moyes could indirectly hand his former side United a huge boost by winning the Europa League - but his side have a tough battle in Bayer Leverkusen to face in the quarter-finals.

Xabi Alonso's men are currently unbeaten this season and are on course to lift their first ever Bundesliga title ahead of Bayern Munich despite Harry Kane being in jaw-dropping form in his debut season at the Allianz Arena.

The conditions also rely on West Ham finishing fifth in the Premier League, which looks unlikely at best considering they are even further behind than United.

The Hammers are currently seventh in the table and 12 points off fifth-placed Aston Villa, as well as registering a negative goal difference this season (-4) whereas Unai Emery's men have a goal difference of plus-17.

United did play in the Champions League this season but produced one of their worst performances in the competition as they crashed out of the group stage.

The Red Devils won just once in six matches in the group stage, which included defeats to Bayern Munich, Galatasaray and Copenhagen.

SOURCE: https://talksport.com/football/1820422/man-utd-champions-league-qualification-uefa-rule-change/
 
TEN HAG REVEALS TEAM NEWS FOR SATURDAY

Erik ten Hag has supplied an update on his Manchester United squad plans for Saturday's Premier League game at Bournemouth.

Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane had already been ruled out of the 17:30 BST kick-off at the Vitality Stadium.

The experienced pair are joined by fellow defenders Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof on the sidelines. Striker Anthony Martial also remains out.

Scott McTominay missed the 2-2 draw with Liverpool and seems unlikely to be fit in time but fellow homegrown star Marcus Rashford has trained and may be available to feature.

"Scott? I don't think so," the manager said at his press conference, when asked about McTominay's involvement. "We have training, so we have a day and he will push.

"He is so keen to be part of it tomorrow, but I think it is very questioning. And then Rashford... Rashy trained yesterday and [we will] see how he recovered from it today.

"We will have training again today and then we will make a decision on it."

Andoni Iraola has added Antoine Semenyo to his list of absentees, as the Ghana winger has had a cold and is nursing a minor calf problem. The hosts are also without Marcus Tavernier, Ryan Fredericks and Luis Sinisterra.

Tavernier, who scored in the last game against Luton Town, faces a battle to feature again this term. "It is just one month until the end of the season," said Iraloa. "I hope he plays, but it is going to be the more difficult to play a lot of games."

Tyler Adams and Chris Mepham were rated as doubls but will not feature either.

"Tyler is improving but he is definitely out tomorrow," added Iraola on the club's official website. "It is a muscle thing. 'Meps' has a health issue."

The Cherries boss has just been awarded Manager of the Month for March.

www.manutd.com

Ten Hag's team news for Saturday

The boss provides an update on his squad in advance of the trip to Bournemouth.
www.manutd.com www.manutd.com
 
Why Man United have named an unchanged starting line-up vs Bournemouth

Man United manager Erik ten Hag has named an unchanged starting line-up for this teatime's tussle with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said he has named an unchanged starting line-up for this teatime's clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium because of last weekend's second-half showing against Liverpool.

United, following an uninspiring first half, recovered from a goal down to flip the game on its head through goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. The duo scored an excellent goal apiece to give the Reds an unexpected advantage.

However, Liverpool clawed themselves level late on via a Mohamed Salah penalty, after Aaron Wan-Bissaka was deemed to have tripped Harvey Elliott inside the box. Liverpool then squandered a great chance to win the game through Luis Diaz, who had earlier given them the lead.

Ten Hag, speaking to MUTV, said: "I think in the second half last week it was a good performance. It was a very good draw against Liverpool and we could have won as well.

"When, eight minutes before full-time, you are in the lead, you have to bring the winning position over the line."

Ten Hag was without the injured Antony for the Bournemouth clash. The Brazilian winger failed to travel with the squad to the Vitality Stadium, as the manager's selection choices diminished further amid a lengthening list of absentees.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag explains unchanged starting line-up vs Bournemouth

Man United manager Erik ten Hag has named an unchanged starting line-up for this teatime's tussle with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
 
ETH is on seriously thin ice.
I was a big fan, but some of this stuff is horrible watching

How has it got this bad?!

Is it just a case of getting Rashford Casemiro Varane out of the club, and replacing them with 3 first team players and we will be Ok? With Martinez and Shaw coming back into the team.

I'm not so sure anymore 😭
 
Wth was that yesterday. What is going on.
How can that happen.
We definitely need Martinez and Shaw back for the final otherwise it's going to be embarrassing.

Dalot Varane Martinez Shaw
Casemiro Mainoo
Bruno Mount Garnacho
Hojlund

Subs
Amarabat
Mctominay
Martial
Evans
AWB
Anthony
Maguire

No other players are usable right now

If that isn't the final squad we may as well not turn up
 

Man Utd winger Antony defends FA Cup celebration​

Manchester United winger Antony says he was acting in "defence of my club" when celebrating their FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City at Wembley.

Antony, 24, was seen cupping his ears in the direction of the Coventry players after Rasmus Hojlund scored the winner in the penalty shootout following the 3-3 draw.

Earlier on Tuesday, United manager Erik ten Hag defended Antony's actions.

The Brazilian said he reacted to being provoked by an unnamed Coventry player.

Antony's full statement on X said:, external "Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved.

"The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, I've reacted to the provocations in a natural defence of my club!"

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live on Sunday, ex-Coventry forward and pundit Clinton Morrison criticised Antony, saying: "He needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing in the Championship next season."

In contrast, defender Harry Maguire was praised for shaking the hands of the Coventry players straight after Hojlund scored.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brentford striker Neal Maupay offered his own tongue-in-cheek take on Antony's celebrations.

Maupay, who is somewhat of a cult figure in the game for winding up opposition players and fans, infamously mocked Tottenham midfielder James Maddison's goal celebration earlier this year. He posted "not even I would do this" in reply to a BBC Match of the Day post on Antony on X.

United's 4-2 win in the shootout set up a second successive FA Cup final with Manchester City.

Source: BBC
 
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are not in a position to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
 

Man Utd open to offers for nearly all of squad​

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for virtually all their first-team squad this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to turn the club back into challengers for major honours.

It is understood Marcus Rashford is on the list, although club sources are adamant their preference is to keep the England striker and work with him to restore the form that brought him 30 goals for the first time last season.

Paris St-Germain have previously been linked, external with Rashford and are set to lose star man Kylian Mbappe, although sources in the past have distanced the Champions League semi-finalists from a move for the 26-year-old.

Of manager Erik ten Hag’s regular starters, youngsters Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are thought to be exempt.

It would take a major offer before United would even consider selling skipper Bruno Fernandes, goalkeeper Andre Onana and full-back Diogo Dalot, who signed a new five-year deal less than 12 months ago.

The actual amount of business they eventually do is open to question. It is not clear what the interest will be like in any of United’s squad, nor the fees they might command. They have been poor at selling players in the past. Daniel James’ £25m move to Leeds in 2021 was the last time they raised £20m for a player.

However, in the week when Ten Hag is due to have substantive talks with new technical director Jason Wilcox about what he sees as the state of his squad and the problems he is facing, United’s position, as first reported in the Daily Telegraph,, external is instructive.

With current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in place for next season, the club are having to be careful about what they spend, especially as they are now virtually certain to miss out on a place in the Champions League.

It is likely they will have to either finish sixth in the Premier League or beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to qualify for the Europa League. They are currently sixth, one point ahead of Newcastle, who they play at Old Trafford on 15 May.

It means they will also look to maximise the fees they generate in the transfer market.

Some experienced players will leave as their contracts have expired. This includes striker Anthony Martial. Defender Raphael Varane is also likely to figure in that list as his contract expires in the summer. Sofyan Amrabat is expected to return to Fiorentina after the Morocco midfielder endured a difficult season on loan.

Midfield pair Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have one and two years left on their contracts respectively, but both have had disappointing campaigns. United were willing to sell Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay last summer, and though both have made significant contributions this season, the club are unlikely to stand in their way if the right deal could be done.

Meanwhile, midfielders Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri are currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt and Sevilla respectively.

It is expected Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho will also leave. Any fee generated for Greenwood would be regarded as profit under PSR as he is a homegrown player. Sancho has not apologised to Ten Hag for his social media outburst in September and is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Ten Hag’s future is also under huge scrutiny amid potential interest from Ajax about a return to the Dutch giants. If United were to decide to let Ten Hag carry on, they would have to decide whether to offer him a contract extension as his present deal expires in 2025.

Sources at United have suggested it could be the 2025-26 season before the club are really able to flex their muscles again.

www.bbc.com

Marcus Rashford: Man United will listen to offers for most of squad

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for virtually all their first-team squad this summer.
www.bbc.com
 
The club never recovered after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and it doesn't look likely that they will be title contenders in the next few seasons.
 
hassan918 said:

Man Utd open to offers for nearly all of squad​

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for virtually all their first-team squad this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to turn the club back into challengers for major honours.

It is understood Marcus Rashford is on the list, although club sources are adamant their preference is to keep the England striker and work with him to restore the form that brought him 30 goals for the first time last season.

Paris St-Germain have previously been linked, external with Rashford and are set to lose star man Kylian Mbappe, although sources in the past have distanced the Champions League semi-finalists from a move for the 26-year-old.

Of manager Erik ten Hag’s regular starters, youngsters Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are thought to be exempt.

It would take a major offer before United would even consider selling skipper Bruno Fernandes, goalkeeper Andre Onana and full-back Diogo Dalot, who signed a new five-year deal less than 12 months ago.

The actual amount of business they eventually do is open to question. It is not clear what the interest will be like in any of United’s squad, nor the fees they might command. They have been poor at selling players in the past. Daniel James’ £25m move to Leeds in 2021 was the last time they raised £20m for a player.

However, in the week when Ten Hag is due to have substantive talks with new technical director Jason Wilcox about what he sees as the state of his squad and the problems he is facing, United’s position, as first reported in the Daily Telegraph,, external is instructive.

With current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in place for next season, the club are having to be careful about what they spend, especially as they are now virtually certain to miss out on a place in the Champions League.

It is likely they will have to either finish sixth in the Premier League or beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to qualify for the Europa League. They are currently sixth, one point ahead of Newcastle, who they play at Old Trafford on 15 May.

It means they will also look to maximise the fees they generate in the transfer market.

Some experienced players will leave as their contracts have expired. This includes striker Anthony Martial. Defender Raphael Varane is also likely to figure in that list as his contract expires in the summer. Sofyan Amrabat is expected to return to Fiorentina after the Morocco midfielder endured a difficult season on loan.

Midfield pair Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have one and two years left on their contracts respectively, but both have had disappointing campaigns. United were willing to sell Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay last summer, and though both have made significant contributions this season, the club are unlikely to stand in their way if the right deal could be done.

Meanwhile, midfielders Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri are currently on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt and Sevilla respectively.

It is expected Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho will also leave. Any fee generated for Greenwood would be regarded as profit under PSR as he is a homegrown player. Sancho has not apologised to Ten Hag for his social media outburst in September and is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Ten Hag’s future is also under huge scrutiny amid potential interest from Ajax about a return to the Dutch giants. If United were to decide to let Ten Hag carry on, they would have to decide whether to offer him a contract extension as his present deal expires in 2025.

Sources at United have suggested it could be the 2025-26 season before the club are really able to flex their muscles again.

www.bbc.com

Marcus Rashford: Man United will listen to offers for most of squad

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for virtually all their first-team squad this summer.
www.bbc.com
Click to expand...

New partial owner is like the lot of you are bare bums in the shower 🤣

This is hilarious, selling the whole team 🤣
 
Most of Man Utd's players 'for sale' - including Rashford - as reports claim only three 'safe' from INEOS summer overhaul

Manchester United are open to selling most of their first-team squad this summer, according to reports.

The football club are said to be open to bids for most of their players, including England forward Marcus Rashford, who has struggled for form this season.

Only three players are reportedly "off limits" and definitely safe from the axe - youngsters Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire owner of the INEOS conglomerate, completed a deal to buy a 27.7% stake in the club in February. Part of the deal saw him take over control of football operations at Old Trafford from the American Glazer family.

Newspaper reports say United fan Sir Jim and INEOS want to build a new "winning team" around Mainoo, Garnacho and Hojlund, while looking to add a new central striker, midfielder and central defender in the summer transfer window.

But the team are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League - Europe's top club football competition - next season, which will limit the club's income, spending power and appeal to players.


news.sky.com

Most of Man Utd's players 'for sale' - including Rashford - as reports claim only three 'safe' from INEOS summer overhaul

Marcus Rashford could be among those allowed to leave, reports say, as Manchester United's new owners consider a dramatic overhaul - with only three players thought to be definitely safe from the axe.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
 
Bruno may hide it but he is more concerned about Euros as that would be Cr7's farewell European tournament but still FA cup glory counts a lot as Manchester United is yearning for silverware for too long now.

https://imgur.com/zDZOtp9
 
I believe Juventus would be the best place for Young Bruno as not many opportunities of growth for him at Madrid and Bayern
====
Here are a few clubs that could be potential suitors for Bruno Fernandes:

As of now, there are several clubs that could potentially be interested in signing Bruno Fernandes if he decides to leave Manchester United. Some of the top clubs in Europe might consider making a move for him. However, keep in mind that this is purely speculative, and official transfer decisions depend on various factors such as player preferences, club strategies, and financial considerations.

Real Madrid: The Spanish giants are always in the market for top talent. Fernandes’ creativity and goal-scoring ability could be an asset for them.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): PSG has a history of signing big-name players. With their ambition to win the UEFA Champions League, they might be interested in adding Fernandes to their squad.

Bayern Munich: The German champions are known for their shrewd transfer dealings. Fernandes’ versatility and work rate could fit well with their style of play.

Juventus: The Italian club has been rebuilding their squad, and Fernandes could provide the midfield spark they need.
Barcelona: Although they are currently facing financial constraints, Barcelona is always an attractive destination for players. If they manage to stabilize their finances, they might consider pursuing Fernandes.
 
The Bald Eagle said:
I believe Juventus would be the best place for Young Bruno as not many opportunities of growth for him at Madrid and Bayern
====
Here are a few clubs that could be potential suitors for Bruno Fernandes:

As of now, there are several clubs that could potentially be interested in signing Bruno Fernandes if he decides to leave Manchester United. Some of the top clubs in Europe might consider making a move for him. However, keep in mind that this is purely speculative, and official transfer decisions depend on various factors such as player preferences, club strategies, and financial considerations.

Real Madrid: The Spanish giants are always in the market for top talent. Fernandes’ creativity and goal-scoring ability could be an asset for them.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): PSG has a history of signing big-name players. With their ambition to win the UEFA Champions League, they might be interested in adding Fernandes to their squad.

Bayern Munich: The German champions are known for their shrewd transfer dealings. Fernandes’ versatility and work rate could fit well with their style of play.

Juventus: The Italian club has been rebuilding their squad, and Fernandes could provide the midfield spark they need.
Barcelona: Although they are currently facing financial constraints, Barcelona is always an attractive destination for players. If they manage to stabilize their finances, they might consider pursuing Fernandes.
Click to expand...

Bayern have a certain Jamal Musiala as the CAM. Immense talent.
 
Man Utd suffer Marcus Rashford blow – and Bruno Fernandes could miss Crystal Palace game

Marcus Rashford is out of Manchester United's trip to Crystal Palace – with skipper Bruno Fernandes a major doubt for Monday's encounter.

Rashford came off with an injury in United's FA Cup penalty shoot-out win over Coventry at Wembley nearly a fortnight ago and has not featured since. Fernandes was also injured in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Burnley at Old Trafford, with boss Erik ten Hag admitting the playmaker – who has not missed a game all season through injury – is doubtful.

“After the game against Burnley, we had an issue with Bruno,” said Ten Hag. “He is a doubt for Monday, but we all know Bruno - never rule him out for any game.

“He will do his best to be available. Jonny Evans returned today for team training. Tomorrow we are off and then two days until the game.

“With Marcus, I can't tell [when he will be back]. It was last week, after Coventry, and his issue hasn't healed so far. Anthony Martial was partly in team training. Jonny Evans returned to team training today.”

With United now unable to secure a Champions League place for next season, Ten Hag was asked how much work is needed this summer to make his squad competitive again.

“Always a lot of work, it sounds a little bit like, but it's normal,” said Ten Hag. “But the injuries had a big impact.

“We know also we are still below the levels of expectation Manchester United has, so we have to catch up and I'm now going into my fifth window.

“Two windows we did quite okay, two we missed [did no proper business], so we have to make new improvements to the squad. But there is a base of this squad that is very good.”

Asked about finishing in the top six, to secure a Europa League place for next season, Ten Hag said: “Of course it's important, but we still have two opportunities. One in the league and one in the FA Cup final.

"Definitely it will have an impact on the budget [not finishing in the top four] but I'm sure Manchester United is still a very attractive team to play for. Many players will be very happy to play for Manchester United, I'm sure.”

Asked about a proposed overhaul of the squad this summer, amid claims every player bar a handful is up for sale for the right price, Ten Hag said: “It's a joke. As long as I've worked, every summer, every window, 200 players are getting interest from Manchester United - we did some research

“Also, every summer, we sell all of the players in our squad.”

www.mirror.co.uk

Man Utd suffer Rashford blow as Ten Hag warns Fernandes could miss Palace game

Manchester United travel to Crystal Palace on Monday but the Red Devils will be without England forward Marcus Rashford for the Premier League fixture
www.mirror.co.uk www.mirror.co.uk
 
Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out for about three weeks

Sky News
 
Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United's players aren't showing that they want to play for Erik ten Hag, claiming that some of the squad are "just trying to get to the end of the season".

United suffered 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Super Sunday, which leaves them in eighth place, on course for their lowest-ever Premier League finish - and they also run the risk of missing out on European football altogether next season.

In order for United to qualify for Europe next season, they must finish in the top seven - and they lie three points behind Chelsea in that position with just two rounds of fixtures left - or beat Man City in this month's FA Cup final at Wembley.



SKY News
 
Saudi Pro League clubs are pushing to sign the Manchester United midfielder Casemiro when the transfer window opens next month.

There is also huge interest in the Brazilian’s United team-mate – and the captain – Bruno Fernandes. Although that deal is regarded as far less likely, it is being discussed within the Pro League.

Source: The Daily Telegraph
 
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane will leave the club when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old joined from Real Madrid in July 2021 for an initial fee of about £34m and has made 93 appearances.

The former France international helped United win the Carabao Cup in 2023 when manager Erik ten Hag's side beat Newcastle United in the final.

"Everybody at United thanks Rapha for his service and wishes him well for the future," said a United statement., external

Varane won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies in his time at Real Madrid before joining United under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He won the World Cup with France in 2018 before retiring from international football in February 2023.

The centre-back has been out injured since a 4-3 defeat by Chelsea on 4 April and it remains to be seen if he will be fit for United's final three games of the season.

They play Newcastle United at home on Wednesday before their final league game of the campaign away at Brighton on Sunday.

Ten Hag's side, who are eighth in the Premier League, will then face Manchester City in the the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, 25 May.

"Despite the fact we have had a difficult season, I am very positive for the future," said Varane.

"The new owners are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.

"I will see you at Old Trafford to say goodbye in the last home game this season. And it's going to be a very emotional day for me, for sure."

Source: BBC
 
Man U are in free fall and there is legitimate chance of no European football next season will hurt them badly in transfer mkt
 
Absolutely the club wants to keep Bruno - Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says the club want to keep skipper Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese midfielder stated his desire to remain at Old Trafford.

United are known to be willing to listen to offers for all their first-team stars, with the exception of youngsters Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund as they look to raise funds for a squad rebuilding exercise.

Fernandes is on that list and has been linked with moves to Inter Milan and Bayern Munich in recent days, although it is felt it would take a sizeable offer to persuade United to part with their talisman.

In an on-pitch interview on Sky Sports after he had played a starring role in the false nine position in his side’s 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle, Fernandes stated his commitment to the club.

“I will be here if the club wants me to be a part of the future,” he said. “If for some reason they don’t want me, I will go.”

Fernandes still has two years left on the extension he signed in 2022. That deal includes the potential to extend for a further season beyond that.

Told of his captain’s comments half an hour later, Ten Hag initially replied: “Absolutely the club wants to keep Bruno.”

Asked if the situation was so certain why Fernandes would cast doubt on his future, the Dutchman added: “I have to see the interview.”

Ten Hag continued: “Everything I know from him, he loves Manchester United, the fans of Manchester United and to play for Manchester United.”

Fernandes has scored 10 Premier League goals this season and claimed his eighth assist of the campaign when he set up Rasmus Hojlund for the home side’s third against Newcastle.

“He always gives his best and is an example to everyone, even with his injuries,” said Ten Hag.

“He loves football and he wants to win. That is how I would describe his character.

“It is not easy when so many players around him are injured and he has to carry the team. But he keeps to a good level and, especially in the spring, he grows to a brilliant level.”


BBC
 
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