Man Utd news LIVE: Ten Hag's 'De Gea concerns' revealed, Paul Pogba 'leaves club WhatsApp group' – transfer latest
DAVID DE GEA could have work to do to prove he is the right man between the sticks for incoming Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman reportedly has concerns about the Spaniard's ability to fit into his system.
However, De Gea is set to receive a stay of execution as Ten Hag is said to accept that there are more immediate issues to solve within the United squad.
One of those issues will be replacing the unpopular Paul Pogba, who is almost certain to leave on a free transfer in the summer and is said to have left the club WhatsApp group.
The French World Cup winner has refused to sign a new deal at Old Trafford and the Red Devils are said to be hoping Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will step in Pogba's place.
Two men Ten Hag is said to be most keen on are Villarreal defender Pau Torres and Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
And Bayern Munich have insisted that legendary goal-machine, Robert Lewandowski will remain at the club until his contract expires in 2023.
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford in our live blog…
- James Colasanti
Pogba needs to lift game
Steve McManaman says Paul Pogba will not have clubs tripping over themselves to sign him – because he has not been playing well enough.
Manchester United midfielder Pog has had an inconsistent season and looks set to move on when his contract expires this summer.
Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked, but Liverpool legend McManaman says the French World Cup winner will have to lift his game to impress his suitors.
He told horseracing.net: “Paul Pogba probably did expect more clubs to be in for him, but his form hasnot been good enough really, has it? But someone will take him.
"I have no idea if clubs have spoken to him and opted out due to financial reasons, I don’t know, but on a free contract and being the player he is and the player he is for France, then there will be suitors."
- Gary Stonehouse
Good morning Man Utd fans
Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Man Utd chiefs he needs almost an entirely new starting XI this summer.
The Independent claims the Ajax boss pulled no punches while assessing United's rag-tag squad.
Reports claim Ten Hag could bring in as many as TEN new players, with a similar number leaving Old Trafford.
And if the Dutchman gets his way, United's starting XI could look UNRECOGNISABLE next term.
ESPN claims the likes of Benfica's Darwin Nunez and Villarreal's Pau Torres are high on Ten Hag's wish list.
He will also be able to get more funds by selling current flops, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka now expected to leave as well.
And Ten Hag will receive an initial transfer kitty worth £150million.
Elsewhere, Piers Morgan has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to swap Man Utd for Arsenal this summer.
He told TalkSport: "Do you know what I'd do if I was Arsenal manager? I'd go in, get Cristiano Ronaldo and put him up front.
"I've had this conversation with him last week, I said 'come to Arsenal'.
"I'm not even joking. I'd love to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Arsenal. If he's not going to stay at United, I'd take him in a heartbeat.
"I watched that game at the weekend and he was the best player on the pitch."
- Anthony Chapman
United ready bid for midfielder
Man Utd are reportedly ready to move for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Il Messaggero claims the midfielder is keen on quitting Rome this summer.
And United are ready to pay £55million to sign him as a replacement for Paul Pogba.
However, the Red Devils face interest from PSG, who are also in need of a midfield powerhouse.
- Anthony Chapman
Pogba quits United… on Whatsapp
Paul Pogba has already taken his first steps to leaving Man United.
That’s by quitting the club’s Whatsapp group.
The Mirror claims Pogba is no longer part of the chat with Red Devils teammates.
And it is an even clearer indication that he will indeed leave United on a free transfer this summer.
- Anthony Chapman
Man Utd signings under Solskjaer
Erik ten Hag is looking to revamp Man Utd's squad this summer.
The Dutch maestro could let as many as ten players leaving, while also bringing in a similar number.
How many of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's signings will make the cut?
- Anthony Chapman
From SunSport reporter Martin Blackburn
Man City have ruled out a summer move for West Ham’s England midfielder Declan Rice.
That’s because Pep Guardiola is focused on signing Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.
City are big fans of Rice, but they already have Rodri in his position while West Ham want upwards of £150million.
That means Chelsea and Man United are set to battle it out for the anchorman alone.
- Anthony Chapman
RB Leipzig firm on Nkunku
RB Leipzig have again warned Man Utd and Arsenal that Christopher Nkunku is not for sale this summer.
The midfielder is a target for the Premier League duo after netting 30 goals this season.
But CEO Oliver Mintzlaff said: “I have said it before, and I will say it again here: Nkunku will be our player again next season.
“Our goal is to keep the team together for next season."
- Anthony Chapman
Erik targets five new signings
Erik ten Hag will target five new signings after being given a £150million kitty this summer.
ESPN claims the likes of Benfica's Darwin Nunez and Villarreal's Pau Torres are high on Ten Hag's wish list.
The Dutchman will also be able to get more funds by selling current flops, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka now expected to leave as well.
- Anthony Chapman
Biggest manager pay-offs in history
Man Utd’s sacking of Jose Mourinho is the second most-expensive in history.
The Red Devils forked out nearly £20million to axe to Special One in 2018.
Check out the full list below!
- Anthony Chapman
Piers wants Ronnie at Arsenal
Piers Morgan has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to swap Man Utd for Arsenal this summer.
He told TalkSport: "Do you know what I'd do if I was Arsenal manager? I'd go in, get Cristiano Ronaldo and put him up front.
"I've had this conversation with him last week, I said 'come to Arsenal'.
"I'm not even joking. I'd love to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Arsenal. If he's not going to stay at United, I'd take him in a heartbeat.
"I watched that game at the weekend and he was the best player on the pitch."
- Anthony Chapman
Ten Hag eyes Latin flair
Erik ten Hag is a huge fan of South American talent, having filled his Ajax team with some of the continent’s best.
And he could yet continue the trend when he takes charge at Man Utd.
Indeed, there are five players who may be set for a dream move to Old Trafford under the Dutchman.
READ MORE HERE
- Anthony Chapman
Ten Hag ready for revolution
Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Man Utd chiefs he needs almost an entirely new starting XI this summer.
The Independent claims the Ajax boss pulled no punches while assessing United's rag-tag squad.
Reports claim Ten Hag could bring in as many as TEN new players, with a similar number leaving Old Trafford.
And if the Dutchman gets his way, United's starting XI could look UNRECOGNISABLE next term.
- Anthony Chapman
Bruno Fernandes in the Red
Bruno Fernandes is the latest Man Utd star to pen a lucrative new contract.
But he is still outside the top six-highest earners at Old Trafford…
- Sam Dymond
United move for Pogba replacement
With Paul Pogba halfway out of the Old Trafford exit door, Manchester United have already made a move to bring in his replacement.
The Red Devils are supposedly one of two clubs that have made an initial offer of €65million for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The midfielder is set to leave Rome this summer after seven years at the Stadio Olimpico, and United have long been admirers.
Citta Celeste report that Milinkovic-Savic's agent, the former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman, was at Lazio's home defeat to AC Milan on Sunday in order to discuss the two bids with his client.
The other interested party is said to be Paris Saint-Germain – although Fulham were also linked with a shock move for the midfielder, who is a close friend of their striker Aleksander Mitrovic.
- Sam Dymond
Erik handed £150m war chest
Erik ten Hag will be handed between £100 – £150million to overhaul Manchester United's flailing squad – and that's before any player sales bring in extra revenue.
ESPN's Old Trafford correspondent Rob Dawson reports that any cash made from transfers out of the club will be added to the new manager's budget such is the need for new faces and attitude.
Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are all set to depart for free at the end of their contracts, but getting some of the biggest earners off the wage bill was also increase United's financial flexibility.
And following initial discussions between the board, Ralf Rangnick and Ten Hag, it appears as though the club are willing to entertain offers Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Anthony Martial, Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The big question is are the Red Devils prepared to blow most of their budget on a Harry Kane or Declan Rice?
- Sam Dymond
Bruno fortunate to avoid red
Bruno Fernandes was incredibly lucky to escape a red card for his late challenge on Nuno Tavares during Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.
That's the opinion of former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who was analysing the controversial incidents from the weekend in Sky Sports News' 'Ref Watch'.
Fernandes was booked for a studs-up tackle on his compatriot with 14 minutes remaining of the the fixture, and VAR upheld the decision of the on-field official Craig Pawson.
However, Gallagher was vehemently disagreed with the caution, and insisted the Portuguese player should have been shown red for an inexplicable challenge.
"Why would you do this? VAR looked at it and backed the referee, but I think it's a red card," retorted Gallagher.
"It's so late, the ball's not even in the picture. He's really, really lucky."
- Sam Dymond
Timber plays down United link
Ajax wonderkid Jurrien Timber has dismissed reports suggesting that he will follow Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford this summer.
The Dutch international has played a key part in the Amsterdam club's title win, and has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Yet the 20-year-old insists he's happy in the Netherlands, where he is still able progress his game.
The Manchester Evening News quote him as saying: "I'm good at Ajax. I can still learn a lot, especially if we continue to play in the Champions League."
However, Timber did have plenty of positives to share regarding his gratitude to Ten Hag, suggesting that a future reunion could yet be on the cards.
Discussing his United appointment, Timber said: "He deserves it. Ten Hag has been very important to me personally.
"Under him I became the footballer, the man I am today. The coach talked to me a lot. He's been very critical, in a good, constructive way. I won't forget it any time soon."
- Sam Dymond
Fury almost made Old Trafford debut
Old Trafford was close to hosting Tyson Fury's blockbuster bout with Dillian Whyte, it has emerged.
Unfortunately, the dates did not work with the domestic football season heading towards it conclusion, and an alternative location was sought.
In the end, Wembley was selected as the venue for Fury's successful defence of his heavyweight title that took place on Saturday evening.
However, Manchester United fan Fury is keen to explore the possibility of performing at the Theatre of Dreams in the future – if he returns to the ring.
- Sam Dymond
Red Devils considered Ashworth approach
Manchester United discussed the possibility of bringing in highly-rated technical director Dan Ashworth at the start of this year.
That's according to David Ornstein at The Athletic, who reports that the Old Trafford club sounded out Brighton regarding a move for Ashworth – although held off from ever making a formal approach.
Ultimately, Ashworth agreed a deal to join the Newcastle revolution, and is currently on gardening leave before he begins his new role.
United, meanwhile, felt their best options lay elsewhere and instead promoted head of football development John Murtough to football director, and then installed former star Darren Fletcher as technical director.
- Sam Dymond
Rangnick reports five under fire
Ralf Rangnick will hand incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag a dossier in which he labels five players as not being up to the required level expected at the club.
The Mirror report that the German will 'not hold back' in his findings, having previously labelled elements of the Old Trafford dressing room as 'selfish, over-inflated, lacking quality and too powerful.'
The players supposedly in the firing line include four defenders, but not Harry Maguire, who Rangnick believes has been made a scapegoat for some shoddy United displays.
However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof – a quartet that cost the club in excess of £125million – are all named and shamed.
Another name on the list is Anthony Martial, who was shipped out to Sevilla on loan in January, having managed just one goal for United in the last year.
- Sam Dymond
Rashford involved in Frenkie swap
Manchester United are prepared to offer Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles to Barcelona as part of a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong.
That's according to Fichajes, who this morning report that the Red Devils are again seriously keen on the Dutchman.
The LaLiga giants are supposedly ready to do business, but only at a deal in excess of the €86million they paid for him three years ago.
However, United are considering including Rashford and Telles as part of their offer, knowing that cash-strapped Barca are in the market for a forward and a left-back.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
Antonio Rudiger tops the Old Trafford transfer speculation ahead of Robert Lewandowski, Victor Osimhen and Frenkie de Jong.
That's certainly fitting after the Red Devils' latest defensive horror show ensured Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed centre-back Rudiger will leave on a free transfer this summer.
And United are frontrunners for the Germany star despite interest from Juventus and Newcastle.
But Bayern Munich insist legendary goal-getter Robert Lewandowski will stay until his contract expires in 2023 – if not longer.
United and Barcelona were tipped to test Bayern's resolve at the end of the season.
Lewandowski's probable no-go strengthens Harry Kane's likely position as the Red Devils' major strike target this summer.
Meanwhile, Napoli are said to want £67million for Arsenal and United target Osimhen.
And Barcelona midfielder De Jong is rated a ‘priority target’ for incoming United boss Erik ten Hag.
But Barca boss Xavi insists Ten Hag's former Ajax lynchpin has an 'important' future at the Nou Camp.
Old Trafford interim chief Ralf Rangnick reckons a top-four finish is virtually impossible after Saturday's Prem loss at the Emirates.
Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th Premier League goal was undermined by another farcical display at the back, despite Rangnick dropping under-fire Harry Maguire.
- Ian Tuckey
Government back plan to block rogue owners
Powers to stop rogue owners buying clubs at all levels will be formally backed by the Government today, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston will announce the 10 main recommendations of November's "fan-led review" are to be introduced in a Parliamentary Bill.
That will see the legal establishment of an "independent regulator" with powers to oversee the game at all levels.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and her team urged the adoption of a new "integrity test" for owners.
That is aimed at ensuring no repeat of the chaos that saw Bury go bust after more than a century of football at Gigg Lane.
Huddleston wants to "protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners" amid concetat the number of clubs throughout the pyramid living beyond their means.
Huddleston said: "Radical change is needed to protect the future of our national game.
"We will establish a strong, independent regulator but the football authorities can take action now to tackle issues currently facing the game."
- Ian Tuckey
Shearer baffled by Utd display in Arsenal defeat
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they’ve been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I’m thinking there’s going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn’t at all.
“Within three minutes you’ve had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you’ve also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don’t know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don’t know how or when to do it… what they’re doing on the training ground, I don’t know, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much in terms of the pressing.”
- Ian Tuckey
Bayern vow to keep 'Utd target' Lewandowski
Robert Lewandoswki will NOT leave Bayern Munich this summer, the club’s sporting director confirmed.
The Polish striker, 33, has been linked with a stunning transfer exit away from the Allianz Arena.
His current contract expires in 2023, meaning he will be going into the final 12 months next season.
Manchester United and Barcelona would likely be among the frontrunners for Lewandowski’s signature, especially if Bayern landed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
However, when asked about the possibility of his No9 leaving in a cut-price transfer to the Nou Camp this summer, Bayern chief Hasan Salihamidzic ruled it out.
The ex-Bosnia and Herzegovina full-back told Sky90: “Selling Lewandowski if Barcelona offers €40-50m [£33m to £42m]? No.”
Then quizzed on whether that means Lewandowski is definitely staying, Salihamidzic added: “Yes, he has a contract until 2023.”
Lewandowski has scored a remarkable 342 goals in just 372 appearances for Bayern – including 48 in 43 this term.
And the sporting director then confirmed the club plan to open contract negotiations over an extension soon now the Bundesliga title is wrapped up because the Bavarians desperately want to keep him if it makes financial sense.
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