12pm Man Utd news LIVE: Cavani LATEST, Maguire free to play despite red, Kounde transfer update, Romero exit tilt – The Sun
MANCHESTER UNITED face Newcastle this weekend – but Edinson Cavani will not be able to make his big debut yet with the Uruguay striker in quarantine.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and United are eyeing a swoop for defender Jules Kounde.
Follow all the latest from Old Trafford below…
- Jake Lambourne
DON'T BURY MAGUIRE
Glum Harry Maguire looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders as he arrived at Manchester United training today.
The Old Trafford captain was sent off just 31 minutes into England's shock 1-0 defeat by Denmark at Wembley last night.
And the ramifications of that, plus a drop in form and the stress of his Greek arrest all looked to be playing on him during his drive into Carrington.
Ex-England star and Liverpool hero Jamie Redknapp has come to the defence of under-fire Maguire.
He said: “It's easy for us to sit here and rip him apart [saying] 'he's having a nightmare, he's conceding goals'. He is having a moment. He's having a really a bad moment in his career.
“He's going to have to somehow pull himself together, he's got to get back. It's a big weekend for him coming up for Manchester United.
“He's got to get his confidence back because he's a player really lacking confidence. There is a lot going on in his life and I think we sometimes forget that.
“When you go out on the football field you think everything is going to be right, but you can genuinely see he's really struggling with his game at the moment.”
- Jake Lambourne
ERLI START
Chelsea are reportedly planning a stunning summer swoop for Man Utd target Erling Haaland.
The Blues have made the Borussia Dortmund striker a key target ahead of next season, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The West Londoners are set to splash more cash on the 20-year-old after splurging over £230million in the latest window.
Haaland is believed to have a £63m release clause in his Dortmund contract which would facilitate a deal.
Boss Frank Lampard poached £70m Kai Havertz and £48m Timo Werner from the Bundesliga.
And the former England midfielder is set to look abroad once again, as he builds his dream forward line.
- Jake Lambourne
NO-MAN
Bayern Munich have insisted Manchester United never approached them about Kingsley Coman despite him being linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer
Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic was quick to dispel any rumours of United's interest in Coman.
He also said the German side wouldn't have considered an offer even if United did make one as Coman still has three years on his contract.
In an interview with Sport Bild he said: “There was nothing, and we wouldn't have looked into it either.
“His goal in the Champions League final should explain enough why we are relying on him wholeheartedly.”
- Jake Lambourne
GOAL OF THE DAY
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Today's #GoalOfTheDay goes out to the goal king himself! ? ? #MUTV ?? ??? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??? ??? ???????? ???'? ?????! #MUFC #AndyCole
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- Jake Lambourne
SPORTING CHANCE
The mouth-watering Champions League clash between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain WILL go ahead — despite a French coronavirus curfew.
France president Emmanuel Macron last night declared a four-week state of emergency — with a 9pm-6am curfew in nine cities, including Paris — starting on Sunday.
United begin their European campaign at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday and there were initial fears the game may have to be moved to POLAND.
But after contacting the French Football Federation, a Uefa spokesman said: “We have been told the curfew doesn’t apply to professional sporting events.”
The strict State of Emergency measure was applied to Paris, Lille, Rouen, Saint-Etienne, Toulouse, Lyon, Grenoble, Aix-en-Provence and Montpellier.
And the move will affect around 18million people.
All bars, restaurants, theatres and similar businesses will be forced to shut at 9pm sharp from Saturday – but a full national lockdown is not expected.
“We're in a second wave,” Macron said in an interview on national television. We have to react.”
- Jake Lambourne
LIV WITH REGRETS
Liverpool were on the verge of signing Cristiano Ronaldo for just £4million in 2003… before Manchester United swooped.
The Reds had watched Ronaldo shine for Sporting against Porto and assistant manager Phil Thompson went for dinner in Portugal with agent Tony Henry to discuss signing Ronaldo.
Thompson told The Athletic: “I can still remember Tony's exact words. It was all very nice and relaxed. 'It's £4m and it can be paid over the four years of his contract, so £1m a year.'
Personal terms had not been finalised but the Anfield side believed they had a deal in place – with boss Gerard Houllier going to watch Ronaldo at the Toulon tournament for Portugal Under-20s – until suddenly he had signed for arch-rivals United.
Thompson added: “On the Tuesday morning, we were having lunch at the training ground and it came up on the yellow strap on Sky Sports, 'Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2m'.
“Gerard and myself almost choked on our food. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying, 'What the hell has gone on there?'”
- Jake Lambourne
LUK-ING UP
Luke Shaw hopes Manchester United's deadline-day signings can have the same impact as Bruno Fernandes and 'boost morale' at the club.
They brought in Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri on the final day of the transfer window – while Amad Diallo will join in January.
Shaw told the club website: “We’ve got a few new arrivals in and that can maybe boost the morale of the squad and bring something different.
“Fresh faces are sometimes a good thing. Like we saw with Bruno, it can change completely the mood of a squad.
“Competition for any team is a must.
“There is competition for every single spot and you’ve got to be ready for it, work hard and give the manager a decision harder than what he’s had to make before.
“Competition is very healthy for the squad, it’ll push everyone even more because everyone wants to play.”
- Jake Lambourne
PAR FOR THE COURSE
Arsenal fans enjoyed another promising sign for new signing Thomas Partey – after discovering his FIFA 21 stats topped Harry Maguire's.
Not only does the Ghanaian beat Maguire in defensive rating, 82 to 81, he also wins out in physicality, 85 to 84.
That is despite Partey being a midfielder, a factor which helps him secure better stats in dribbling, shooting, passing and pace.
However, United fans largely backed their defender in this latest battleground of The Banter Wars.
One fan pointed out: “Maguire has higher DEF than ALL Arsenal defenders…”
Another sighed: “Having better defending than Maguire isn't really an achievement lol.”
But Twitter user Kenneth admitted: “I am a Utd fan but this is so true that I can't argue.”
- Joshua Jones
MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Yesterday, Premier League chiefs declared Project Big Picture “dead” after the club meeting.
The two-hour summit ended with the Prem clubs agreeing to make a £50m bailout offer to keep League One and Two clubs alive.
But there will be NO money available for Championship clubs.
And despite the determination of Liverpool and Manchester United to keep their grand proposals alive, League bosses agreed to make a formal denunciation which ALL clubs have agreed to sign up to.
A Prem statement read: “All 20 Premier League clubs today unanimously agreed that Project Big Picture will not be endorsed or pursued by the Premier League, or The FA.
“Further, Premier League Shareholders agreed to work together as a 20-club collective on a strategic plan for the future structures and financing of English football, consulting with all stakeholders to ensure a vibrant, competitive and sustainable football pyramid.
“Clubs will work collaboratively, in an open and transparent process, focusing on competition structure, calendar, governance and financial sustainability.
“This project has the full support of The FA and will include engagement with all relevant stakeholders including fans, Government and, of course, the EFL.
“Also at today’s meeting it was agreed to make available a rescue package which aims to ensure that League One and League Two clubs will not go out of business as a result of the financial impact of COVID-19 and be able to complete the 2020/21 season.”
On the pitch England lost 1-0 to Denmark in the Nations League at Wembley.
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Chelsea’s Reece James were both sent off on a grim night for Gareth Southgate.
And after the game Three Lions fans were calling for Southgate to be sacked and replaced by ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
At United, Borussia Dortmund will NOT entertain any mid-season offers for Jadon Sancho, according to Sport Bild.
And the Red Devils’ opening Champions league game with PSG is set to be moved to POLAND after the French government announced an overnight curfew in major cities.
Diogo Dalot is wanted by AC Milan for the long-term with the Italian club prepared to make his loan move permanent, according to reports.
And finally United plan to beef up new boy Donny van de Beek with a strength programme.
The Red Devils have been impressed by the former Ajax midfielder’s core fitness since he arrived in the summer.
However they would like to add a bit of muscle over the next few months so he is more prepared for the extra physicality of the Premier League.
- William Pugh
FRENCH REVOLUTION
England fans are calling for the FA to axe Gareth Southgate… and bring in Arsene Wenger after the Three Lions' dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Denmark.
Harry Maguire was put out of his misery when he was sent off after 30 minutes following two clumsy challenges.
Christian Eriksen then scored from the spot – after a mix-up between Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker – to fire the Danes ahead at Wembley after a penalty was awarded.
England barely looked like getting back into the contest as they struggled with ten men. And fans are losing patience with Southgate following a string on uninspiring team selections and performances.
In particular, Southgate's decision to start SEVEN defensive players in his last three competitive fixtures is proving unpopular.
Especially with England's strength in depth in attack. And fans want former Arsenal boss Wenger to lead the national side into the Euros.
- William Pugh
WAYNE TO GO
Wayne Rooney is in line to become Derby boss — and may even be in charge by the start of next week.
The Rams face Watford on Friday night and another defeat could spell the end for under-fire Phillip Cocu.
Ironically, sources insist boss Cocu was only saved from the chop before the international break by Rooney’s late winner at Norwich a fortnight ago.
Yet he is still on the brink, and owner Mel Morris plans to turn to skipper Rooney, 34, if they lose against theHornets.
With England’s all-time leading scorer still to get all his FA badges, it means he will need an experienced, fully-qualified coach alongside him — and him — and former Rams manager John Gregory is the man they want.
Rooney joined Derbyas player-coach on an 18-month contract — with a further one-year option — when he returned from playing for DC United America in August 2019.
- William Pugh
FT: ENGLAND 0-1 DENMARK
England's joy on Sunday evaporates just three days later, Harry Maguire's moment of madness undoubtedly cost England tonight.
Christian Eriksen returned to Wembley to help his side grab a vital three points as well as getting amongst the goals.
England had no response to the red card or the goal, they looked completely out of ideas and the fight you'd expect from England simply was not there.
You have to wonder what Southgate said to his team at half time.
- William Pugh
GIVE EM PELL
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned Manchester United fans that new signing Facundo Pellistri will need time to adapt to English football.
Solskjaer said: “Our scouts have followed Facundo for a long time and we believe that he will be a real talent for the long term.
“Whilst we understand it will take time for him to adapt to the English game, he is capable of having an impact with his pace and ability to beat his opponent.
“Facundo has the perfect platform at Man United to develop and he has all of the technical qualities and the right mentality required to become a top player here.
“We are all looking forward to working with him to fulfill his potential over the coming years.”
- William Pugh
HT: ENGLAND 0-1 DENMARK
Maguire's double yellow card hangs England's Nations League future in doubt.
England's heads have completely gone in this game, moments after Maguire was given his marching orders, a Pickford and Walker mix up at the back handed Denmark a penalty.
Eriksen did what Eriksen does and he slotted the penalty straight down the middle to hand his side an unexpected lead.
Denmark are no push overs and England face an uphill battle to even get an equaliser in the second half.
Gareth Southgate needs to give the best team talk of his life………. because as it stands, Belgium are top of the group followed by Denmark in second.
- William Pugh
ENGLAND 0-0 DENMARK
RED CARD!
30. MAGUIRE IS SENT OFF!
His first touch was absolutely shocking and he takes out Dolberg who beat him to the loose ball.
What an awful six weeks it's been for Maguire……. that red card was coming.
How does Southgate approach the game now, does he make a substitution?
- William Pugh
ENGLAND 0-0 DENMARK
4. Maguire is booked early on for a foul on Poulsen, it was a sloppy challenge from the Manchester United captain.
Denmark have a free-kick just inside the England half with Eriksen standing over it.
- William Pugh
DE FALLOUT
Spain boss Luis Enrique has defended Manchester United star David De Gea following his latest mistake and claimed blaming him has become an “obsession” and a “turn on”.
The under-fire goalkeeper was criticised for his role in Spain's shock 1-0 loss to Ukraine last night.
He found himself bizarrely out of position as Viktor Tsygankov struck what proved to be the winner 14 minutes from time.
While critics rounded on De Gea, his boss Enrique came out fighting and defended his keeper from people who, he believed, had become fixated on him.
He told El Chiringuito TV: “Blaming De Gea is an obsession and has become a turn on. The responsibility for each goal belongs to the whole team.
“We need to improve and create more scoring chances. I am happy with what I have seen today, within the squad that opinion has not changed.”
- William Pugh
VAN DE BEEF
Manchester United plan to beef up new boy Donny van de Beek with a strength programme.
The Red Devils have been impressed by the former Ajax midfielder’s core fitness since he arrived in the summer.
However they would like to add a bit of muscle over the next few months so he is more prepared for the extra physicality of the Premier League.
This will mean putting on muscle in the right areas – so he can look forward to doing some heavy weights and resistance work such as pull-ups and chest presses..
The club have done similar with other new faces in recent years – including Bruno Fernandes earlier this year and, most famously, Cristiano Ronaldo early in his United career.
- William Pugh
…
Pressed on his response to Project Big Picture by members of the DCMS Select Committee, Dowden said: “I've made clear my deep scepticism and concern about this.
“This would tend towards a closed shop for effectively the six most powerful clubs in the Premier League.
“More importantly there is a problem which football is perfectly capable of resolving itself, whereby the Premier League and the EFL just need to get together and do this deal.
“From the conversations I've had we know the EFL clubs will not be allowed to go bust – and there are resources there – but we need a comprehensive deal.
“This is a distraction at best from that and demonstrates we were wise to put in our manifesto the provisions for a fan-led review because it genuinely brings into question the ability of football to govern itself properly.
“Football can show it can govern itself well is to get this deal over the line, where the Premier League uses its wealth to support the wider football family and the EFL comes properly to the negotiating table.”
- William Pugh
FAN BAN STANDS
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden ordered football’s warring factions to come together and save the EFL.
In a clear statement of intent, Dowden told MPs the Government is prepared to intervene and force wholesale change on the game if it cannot sort out its most pressing issues.
Dowden agreed that Gareth Bale’s Tottenham weekly salary was “perverse” when the sum could have kept Macclesfield alive.
He attacked the weekend launch of pay-per-view Prem games and called on BT to make this weekend’s Merseyside derby free to air rather than being screened behind a paywall.
But he revealed he had been “promised” that action would be taken to ensure “no EFL club goes bust” as a result of the Covid crisis.
And Dowden admitted there were “inconsistencies” in the Government policy that has allowed some indoor venues to open to the public while fans are locked out of football stadiums…
- William Pugh
…
League One and League Two clubs rely more heavily on matchday revenue and have fewer resources at their disposal than Championship or Premier League clubs and are therefore more at risk, especially at a time when fans are excluded from attending matches.
This offer will consist of grants and interest-free loans totalling a further £50million on top of the £27.2m solidarity payments already advanced to League One and League Two this year, making a total of £77.2m.
Discussions will also continue with the EFL regarding Championship clubs’ financial needs.
This addresses Government concerns about lower league clubs’ financial fragility.
Football is not the same without attending fans and the football economy is unsustainable without them.
The Premier League and all our clubs remain committed to the safe return of fans as soon as possible.
- William Pugh
PREMIER LEAGUE STATEMENT
All 20 Premier League clubs today unanimously agreed that Project Big Picture will not be endorsed or pursued by the Premier League, or The FA.
Further, Premier League Shareholders agreed to work together as a 20-club collective on a strategic plan for the future structures and financing of English football, consulting with all stakeholders to ensure a vibrant, competitive and sustainable football pyramid.
Clubs will work collaboratively, in an open and transparent process, focusing on competition structure, calendar, governance and financial sustainability.
This project has the full support of The FA and will include engagement with all relevant stakeholders including fans, Government and, of course, the EFL.
Also at today’s meeting it was agreed to make available a rescue package which aims to ensure that League One and League Two clubs will not go out of business as a result of the financial impact of COVID-19 and be able to complete the 2020/21 season…
- William Pugh
…
That move comes after the clubs agreed on their bail out package for the lower two divisions, even though Championship sides could use their own veto power to block the funds being accepted.
The Prem sides recognised the expectation from the fans and pressure from the Government on them to help keep the lower league clubs alive.
That saw what is effectively a “take it or leave it” offer to Leagues One and Two.
The danger, though, is that Championship clubs are able to block any deal with the lower tier clubs.
Under EFL rules, the Championship must be in favour for any policy to be agreed by the entire League and the 24 clubs would be certain to vote unanimously against a deal that cuts them out.
- William Pugh
PROJECT X
Premier League chiefs will declare Project Big Picture “dead” after today’s club meeting.
The two-hour summit ended with the Prem clubs agreeing to make a £50m bailout offer to keep League One and Two clubs alive.
But there will be NO money available for Championship clubs.
And despite the determination of Liverpool and Manchester United to keep their grand proposals alive, League bosses have agreed to make a formal denunciation which ALL clubs have been agreed to sign up to.
League chiefs were this afternoon drafting an emergency release that will be signed off by the clubs before it is published.
But SunSport has been told the statement WILL contain the stark message that Project Big Picture is dead…
- Joe Miles
DOR IS CLOSED
Borussia Dortmund will NOT entertain any mid-season offers for Jadon Sancho, according to Sport Bild.
The England star, 20, emerged as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's top target during the summer transfer window.
But United were unable to reach an agreement with Dortmund because of the player's £108million price-tag.
Reports claimed the Red Devils were set to revive their interest in Sancho in January.
But Sport Bild insist Dortmund will not consider Sancho leaving until next summer at the earliest.
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