MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly so keen to get David de Gea off their wage bill that they could let him leave on loan.
And the Red Devils are also said to have become less keen on Erling Haaland following Mino Raiola’s visit to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
IT’S THE KNEE FOR DEENEY – EXCLUSIVE
Troy Deeney says footballers should continue taking the knee next season.
Watford captain and SunSport columnist Deeney is part of a Premier League advisory group discussing the issue. Players have taken the knee to highlight the need for racial equality since football came out of lockdown last June.
And, as black players continue to be targeted on social media, Deeney urged his fellow pros to continue the practice. He said: “It’s my personal belief that taking a knee has made a real difference — that it has highlighted the issue and provoked conversation.
“I think taking the knee in front of full houses will have even more of an impact. There need to be further talks about what happens if some supporters boo or show dissent in other ways.
“But in my view that would only add to the difficult and necessary conversations on racism continuing. A lot more discussions are needed between players, clubs and the leagues.
“I would like unity on this and I’d like us to continue reinforcing the key message of civil rights and equality. People of colour simply want the same rights as everyone else. We’re not asking for reparation for what has happened in the past — just equality going forward.”
MOUR JIBE
Jose Mourinho told Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that Sir Alex Ferguson would never have stood for his claim that trophies are for egos.
Tottenham boss Mourinho took a dig at his Manchester United successor ahead of their Prem clash this weekend.
Solskjaer — potless since he took over from the Portuguese in December 2018 — said before United’s FA Cup quarter-final exit at Leicester that cups are an “ego thing”.
He also argued how a league finish is the true barometer of progress. But Mourinho hit back: “It’s his opinion. But I’m pretty sure his big boss Sir Alex had a different opinion about it.
“But I respect what Solskjaer thinks. I think different. It’s not a problem, he’s not being disrespectful.
“But, I repeat, I believe that his big boss, and the biggest in Premier League history, has a different view in relation to that.”
KARREN BRADY COLUMN
The negotiations around Erling Braut Haaland resemble those before the marriage of a prince in years gone by.
Monarchs depended on the knowledge of ambassadors and the bargaining power of favourite relations for securing a bride with a huge dowry, lands, a title of her own and, with luck, beauty. These negotiators travelled far and wide and were often well rewarded.
Should this remind readers of agent Mino Raiola and Alf-Inge Haaland, it is no coincidence — the couple have been on a tour of Europe inspecting possible match-ups for young Erling.
The fee for the 20-year-old blond giant and serial goalscorer is said to be £100-£150million — a sum only affordable to the wealthier aristocracy among clubs. The two envoys have so far talked to hard-up Barcelona and Real Madrid and include the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea among their targets.
Erling may have liked to join Leeds, where he was born and where his father played for three years, but I don’t think they are in the running.
And, make no mistake about it, money is the critical factor.Daddy Haaland and his Italian mate are looking for, it is reported, £25m each in agent fees. Should this or the transfer fee prove beyond the reach of clubs, then Erling will remain at Borussia Dortmund for a season more.
DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM – EXCLUSIVE COLUMN
When I look at West Ham I see a team who collectively feel they have a point to prove.
In previous seasons, it seemed some players felt the club should be privileged that they were there.
But now they have a squad and a manager who feel proud to be at a club instead of using it as a stepping stone.
You have got Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma trying to prove their worth in the Premier League, as well as Craig Dawson trying to show he can still cut it. Then Jesse Lingard who is showing his class after being given the opportunity after joining from Manchester United on loan.
On top of all that you have former Red Devils manager David Moyes managing them. Who after a great career at Everton, was suffering from his experience of trying to succeed Alex Ferguson at United.
There is a mentality at the club which is shining through every game.
And Moyes has got them playing to their strengths.ROUGH RIDE FOR REDS
Manchester United’s Under-23s threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to West Ham tonight.
Former Red Devils Ademipo Odubeko scored a hat-trick for the Hammers as the Londoners took a win back down south.
KANE YOU BELIEVE IT
It would cost between £120million and £150m to prise Manchester United target Harry Kane away from Tottenham, according to ESPN.
The England striker has three years left on his contract and has been heavily linked with a move away from Tottenham as their season threatens to collapse into mediocrity once again.
And ESPN report: “Tottenham are adamant Kane is going nowhere and although they occupy a strong negotiating position, the situation is more complicated.
“Kane has a genuine affection for Tottenham and ideally wants to win silverware with them. But if they end up trophy-less again, how much longer can he wait?
“The forward cannot instigate a move – he also isn’t the type of character to rock the boat – but he is also fiercely ambitious and has previously hinted at his frustration that there hasn’t been more of a tangible return for the progress Spurs have made.
“A concrete, competitive bid of between £120m-£150m would have to be taken seriously by a team that invested £1bn in a stadium to maximise income from live events just before crowds were banned for a year.”
EFL ON PRINCE PHILIP’S DEATH
There will be a two-minute silence before every EFL game this weekend after the death of Prince Philip.
An EFL statement read: “Following the sad passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the EFL can confirm that there will be a two-minute silence ahead of all EFL fixtures taking place tonight and across the weekend (9-10 April).
“Players, coaches, and match officials will also be wearing armbands as a mark of respect to the late Duke.”
Rick Parry, EFL Chair said: “The EFL is truly saddened to learn of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99.
“As a patron of over 800 organisations, his high regard for the encouragement of sport and welfare of young people was unequivocal, and his loss will undoubtedly be felt not only here in the UK but across the world.
“Our collective thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
TOP MARCS
Marcus Rashford will ‘dominate the future’ alongside Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
That is the view from former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov, who hailed the England international as the main man at Old Trafford.
He told Betfair: “I hope he can continue improving because his pace, his agility and technique is all there, when he is on form United are dangerous.
“Rashford is still a very young player and he is a superstar in world football, he been leading United’s attack for a while now too, I think he is getting the credit he deserves and hopefully he is only just getting started.
“Mbappe, Haaland and Rashford are the players I am looking at to dominate the future.
“Although he’s only 23, he’s already got lots of experience, he’s going into his fifth year of being a senior player and a big part of the team.”
EDS TURNED
Manchester United star Edinson Cavani is said to be closer than ever to sealing a move to Boca Juniors.
The Uruguayan, 34, appears to be heading for the Old Trafford exit door in the summer with his contract coming to an end.
ESPN claim Boca’s vice president, Juan Roman Riquelme, is personally handling the negotiations to ensure the striker’s arrival.
Cavani is believed to be unsettled in England but United big wigs are said to have met with him in a bid to convince him to stay for another season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has even publicly admitted plans to keep the veteran forward but declared the decision was down to the player.
Yet SunSport previously reported how Boca chief Riquelme has been in ‘direct contact’ with the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star.
LEAVE US A LOAN
Spanish goalkeepers David De Gea and Kepa could be loaned out by Manchester United and Chelsea, according to reports.
Both stoppers have fallen out of favour at their clubs with Dean Henderson edging his way towards being permanent No 1 ahead of De Gea at Old Trafford.
And Kepa has been well and truly ousted by Edouard Mendy at the Blues.
As a result, ESPN report the pair could be farmed out on loan this summer as both clubs look to free up some wages.
Their report states: “Two goalkeepers — United’s David de Gea and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga — are prime candidates to be loaned out because they’ve both lost their first-team place, are tied to long contracts and earn big wages.
“Potential buyers for either player are likely to be thin on the ground, but if United and Chelsea can find a team willing to share some of the wage outlay and give two high-profile international keepers some much-needed game-time, everyone benefits.”
LIONEL JESSE
Jesse Lingard said ‘practice makes perfect’ when asked about his vast improvement since moving from Man Utd to West Ham on loan.
The midfielder scored a ‘goal of the season’ contender for the Hammers against Wolves last time out and the England star revealed he has been practicing such goals in training.
GRAVE RAIDERS
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race for Ajax’s Ryan Gravenberch – who has been dubbed a ‘better Paul Pogba’.
Dutch outlet SoccerNews reports the Red Devils are after the talented 18-year-old following his rapid development.
The report states the Eredivisie giants could receive up to £26million for their prized asset. United face plenty of competition with Prem rivals Chelsea and Liverpool also linked.
Runaway league leaders Manchester City have also been mentioned as well as LaLiga giants Barcelona. Both United and the Blues did business with Ajax last summer which could help them negotiate a deal this time around.
Donny van de Beek arrived at Old Trafford from the club for £40m but has struggled for Premier League minutes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Chelsea hammered out a deal for playmaker Hakim Ziyech, with the transfer agreement announced in February 2020 before the player arrived ahead of this season.
DEJA VIEWS
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a move for Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski.
Italian journalist Daniele Longo claims the Red Devils have renewed their interest in the Swede after attempting to sign him from Atalanta. Yet the report adds that United face a battle to sign Kulusevski with Serie A giants Juventus reluctant to sell.
Andrea Pirlo is set to remain in charge next season despite a poor season and wants to continue the club’s rebuild around the 20-year-old. SunSport revealed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keeping tabs on Kulusevski before he completed a £31.5million move to Turin in January 2020.
United sent scouts to watch him in action during his loan stint at Parma before Juve moved to sign him from parent club Atalanta. But Kulusevski has struggled to make an impact in his first season with the Bianconeri, leading to speculation surrounding his future this summer.
He has operated as a second striker and winger this term but has scored just three goals in 26 Serie A appearances.
Juve however remain convinced he is destined to become a superstar and Kulusevski is learning under United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
FANNING THE FLAMES
Uefa has revealed that FOUR planned host cities have not been able to give the fan commitments required to host Euro 2020 games.
And the news increases the prospect of more matches being shifted to English soil. As expected, Euro chiefs are set to dump Dublin – due to host a potential England last 16 game – and the other planned Group E venue of Bilbao.
But Rome, due to host the opening game and also Wales’ final Group A game with Italy, and Munich, also failed to meet Uefa’s deadline for guaranteeing fans will be allowed.
Like Dublin and Bilbao, they have until Uefa’s ruling executive committee meets on April 19 “to provide additional information on their plans” but the clock is ticking.
Uefa is aware that England is keen to take on extra games in addition to the seven scheduled for Wembley if needed, with the Dublin matches the most likely to be moved at this stage.
Of the eight venues who have said turnstiles will be opened, Uefa confirmed the FA will allow “a minimum” 25 per cent of Wembley’s capacity – 22,500 fans – to attend the three England group games and the last 16 match in the stadium, with the hope to add numbers for the two semi-finals and Final in July.
MARK OF RESPECT
British sport will stand in silence for the Duke of Edinburgh tomorrow but all fixtures and events will go on as planned.
Prem clubs joined the League and FA in paying their condolences after Prince Philip’s death was announced at the age of 99. The League said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news.
All Prem players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off of all 10 fixtures this weekend, starting with Fulham’s clash with Wolves last night “as a mark of respect”.
The EFL swiftly followed suit by implementing the same policy across the 72 clubs. And while the Prince Philip’s grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, is FA President, Wembley chiefs said that, after ‘seeking guidance from the Royal Household and the Government’, it was approving matches.
The FA, which is ‘recommending’ 60-second silences and black armbands, said: “We can confirm all football fixtures this weekend can continue at the discretion of the competition organisers.
“As a mark of respect, all flags at Wembley Stadium and St. George’s Park will fly at half-mast and the Wembley arch will also be lit.”
‘SHE’S OVER THE MOON’
Jesse Lingard has revealed his mum is loving his stunning performances for West Ham.
The Man Utd loanee has been in scintillating form since his January switch to the East Londoners and he is widely believed to want to make the move permanent in the summer.
And the England star has also revealed his outstanding form has been wonderful for his mum to see.
Lingard has spoken in the past of her struggles with depression and is delighted his mum is now getting the help she needs.
RASH DECISION
Manchester United have been handed a boost with Marcus Rashford set to be fit to start this weekend’s clash against Tottenham.
The England star was on target in the 2-0 Europa League win over Granada but was withdrawn during the game due to a lingering ankle issue. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted pre-match that Rashford was not 100 per cent fit after he was also forced off in the win over Brighton.
But the Norwegian played down any fears that the 23-year-old’s injury problems had worsened meaning he is likely to start on Sunday.
He said: “I don’t think you need to be concerned about his fitness, no, of course barring any injury. His fitness is really good, he’s an athletic boy, he’s a fit boy, a strong boy. You see tonight when he goes into headers and challenges, he can look after himself.
“At one point of course you hope to get to a postion where he doesn’t have to play every game, every minute and at the moment we have to take him off because his foot’s a little bit sore.
“Hopefully that’ll improve as the season goes on because I think he was better tonight than he was on Sunday.”
NUDE AWAKENING
When Olmo Garcia revealed himself to the world during Manchester United’s Europa League game on Thursday, the people of Granada could be forgiven for having seen it all before.
A famous night for the LaLiga club had only reached the sixth minute when the game was interrupted by a streaker. The man raced across the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes pitch before taking a tumble and being arrested by police.
But it would not have taken long for the authorities to identify the perpetrator, who has reportedly been arrested 15 TIMES in the last few months alone.
Garcia, 37, is something of a local celebrity in Granada and is often seen baring all on his walks around the city. In the summer of 2016, he was inspired to live life in the buff during a trip across the Americas.
And this way of life culminated in Thursday’s demonstration that took some time to prepare.
According to Granada newspaper Ideal, he snuck into the ground at 9am on the day of the game and hid under a tarpaulin for 14 HOURS before emerging once the game had kicked off.
MOURINHO ON SPURS V MAN UTD
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has reflected upon his side’s 6-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford earlier this season, insisting it has no bearing on the reverse fixture this weekend.
He said: “I believe that 6-1 doesn’t reflect the reality. It can happen. Of course it can happen, between two great, the results they can happen in an isolated way.
“I go much more in the direction of the other two previous matches between us and United.
“We lost 2-1 at Old Trafford, with the penalty, and we draw 1-1 at home last season, also with a penalty. I think this is more the reality. We are not far from each other so I think it is going to be a difficult match for both.
“If Solksjaer is going to use that result I don’t know. If it was the opposite. If it was my team losing 6-1 to them I would just say to my guys that it happened once and it’s not going to happen twice. This doesn’t reflect the reality.
“The game is going to be tight and we can win, but I don’t know, maybe Solksjaer has different things.”
HAALAND OR KANE?
Among this debate around Harry Kane and a possible move to Manchester United, there is also the question as to whether they would consider moving for Erling Haaland this summer.
Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves had that conversation last night…
SOLSKJAER ON KANE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken about Spurs star Harry Kane as Man Utd prepare to come up against him this weekend.
Kane, 27, is being linked with a move away from north London at the end of the season.
And Solskjaer could not be more complementary about the brilliance he possesses.
He said: “When you’re playing against one of the best centre forwards in European football, of course it’s something that we prepare for.
“I think every team when they play Tottenham or England, you know Harry Kane’s qualities.
“But we prepare the defenders for every single opponent.
“The season that Son and Kane have had, their relationship is one of Tottenham’s strengths and they have other quality players we have to be aware of.”
Credit: PA
MAN UTD BACK CORONAVIRUS PASSPORT
Manchester United have officially declared their support for the Premier League’s decision to write to Boris Johnson in a bid to back vaccine passports to pack out stadiums this summer.
The footy body and other major sports groups including the England and Wales Cricket Board, Wimbledon and the RFU told the PM and other party leaders ‘Covid certificates’ are needed to ditch social distancing in stadiums.
And the Red Devils have now released their own statement on the matter.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer, said: “Manchester United fully endorses the open letter signed by a range of sports governing bodies, including the Premier League.
“We support the ongoing work of the Premier League and DCMS to deliver a timetable and a framework for the safe return of our fans.
“We have worked closely with the Premier League as they negotiate the challenges, consult with medical experts and review the different options open to them.”
Credit: Getty – Contributor DEATH OF PRINCE PHILIP
Manchester United’s official Twitter account have just sent out their condolences following the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh.
READY TO JO
So, earlier today defender Joachim Andersen – on loan at Fulham from Lyon – was linked with a permanent move to Manchester United at the end of the season.
What do we think of that Red Devils fans? Has he impressed you enough in the Premier League so far in the 2020-21 campaign?
Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun LEVEL HEADED
Paul Pogba remained level headed this morning despite Man Utd’s positive result last night.
Here’s what he said:
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
