Harry Kane ‘to cost Man Utd over £120m’, De Gea may leave club on loan, Haaland transfer LATEST

LUKING GOOD

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer substituted Luke Shaw on Thursday’s Europa League win over Granada at half-time.

There were concerns that Shaw was dealing with an injury ahead of Sunday’s clash at Tottenham.

However, Solskjaer confirmed that it was just a precautionary measure.

He said: ““I had to protect Luke. But I think and hope he should be okay for the weekend”

NO CHANCE

Paul Merson was very critical of Manchester United’s opponents on Sunday as he claimed Tottenham have no chance of finishing in the Premier League top four.

Merson told Sky Sports: “I don’t give them a chance of reaching the top four. I just can’t see them putting five or six wins together.

“They go to Newcastle, who are struggling like mad, and all of a sudden it has opened up for them. Chelsea have been beaten, Leicester have been beaten and Spurs had a chance to stamp their authority on the race for the top four.

“But they go to St James’ Park and it was never comfortable for them. I never sat watching the game thinking Spurs have definitely won this. It just wasn’t like that.

“That’s why I can’t see them stringing enough wins together. They do tend to shoot themselves in the foot. They’ve got that inconsistency about them”

FRANK STATEMENT

Recently departed Chelsea manager Frank Lampard revealed that he tried to sign West Ham ace Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.

Rice was among Manchester United’s top targets in the summer but the talented midfielder ultimately stayed with the Hammers where he continues to impress.

Lampard said during Q&A for the Willow Foundation: “I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him, but I think it’s common knowledge that I was a big fan of his.

“It didn’t happen for various reasons, but we brought in a lot of players in the summer. But I was a big fan of him.

“For understandable reasons, West Ham know the player that they have on their hands”

NEVE-S SAY NO

Manchester United have added Wolves star Ruben Neves to their summer transfer list.

That is according to 90Min, who claim that the Wolverhampton outfit is prepared to sell their star midfielder.

Wolves are facing the prospect of having to let a handful of stars go because parent company Fosun are looking to restructure their commitment to the club.

That is why super agent Jorge Mendes has been instructed to find potential buyers that will meet Wolves’ asking prices for some of their top Portuguese players.

Neves appears to be one of them and although United are keeping an eye on potential midfield acquisitions they are still prioritising a centre-back and a winger

KYLING TIME

Paris Saint-Germain sensation Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a host of Europe’s top hitters ahead of the summer transfer window.

Reports suggest that Manchester United are among them, although the Red Devils appear to be prioritising a new centre-back and a winger.

Mbappe is reportedly stalling over a new contract with PSG as his current deal runs out in 2022.

According to Cuatro, however, the star striker wants to join Real Madrid

LEEDS UPSET

Leeds shocked high-fliers Manchester City at the Etihad with a surprise 2-1 win, despite playing with 10 men for 45 minutes.

Liam Cooper was dismissed following an ugly lunge on Gabriel Jesus, which was upgraded from a yellow card to a red after VAR intervened.

Cooper was sent off just four minutes after Stuart Dallas opened the scoring for the visitors.

City equalised with Ferran Torres after 76 minutes but Marcelo Bielsa’s men wouldn’t be denied as they got a late winner during stoppage time with Dallas.

That means second-placed Manchester United are now 14 points below their rivals ahead of Sunday’s clash with Tottenham

ED-ING OUT

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani appears to be ‘closer than ever’ to a move to Boca Juniors at the end of the season.

That is according to ESPN, who claim Cavani is set to cut his two-year deal with United in favour of a move back to South America.

A source told ESPN: “He has the option to continue in Manchester, where he feels very welcome, but the option to return to South America at this point is very real.

“Those close to him think that ‘he ultimately will be the one making the decision’ and that ‘it seems he has it [decision] all very clear”

TOTTENHAM WARNING

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged his players to maintain a cool head and not to get “conned” by Tottenham on Sunday.

United are looking to avenge October’s 6-1 thrashing at Old Trafford where Anthony Martial got sent off after retaliating to an elbow from Erik Lamela with a push in the Argentine’s face.

Solskjaer said: “We didn’t look anything like [them] and we got conned into a red card and that’s something we have to be aware of.

“We can’t react, because in games there’ll be situations you’ll be wound up; we’ve learnt from that.

“I think the players will remember that game with a lot of pain and their pride has been hurt.

“Pre-season was short … but we were so poor and I’m sure we’ll see some players wanting to prove we’re better than that”

BIDDING WAR

Manchester United have joined the race for Sheffield United prospect Kyron Gordon.

Gordon has impressed at centre-back with the Under-23s and while training with the first team.

And thus, the 18-year-old has turned many heads around the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, United, Leeds as well as Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on Gordon

HAALAND PRAISE

Bayern Munich star striker Robert Lewandowski praised Borussia Dortmund talisman Erling Haaland by saying he has what it takes to become the “best forward in the world”.

Haaland has been linked with a host of Europe’s top hitters, with Manchester United being among them.

Lewandowski told CBS: “He’s a great player. He has great potential, but he’s still very young.

“In the future, he has the chance to become the best forward in the world, for sure”

POTENTIAL KANE DEAL

Manchester United would be open to a part-exchange player-plus-cash deal for Tottenham star Harry Kane.

That is according to The Athletic, who claim that United can’t afford Spurs’ asking price, which is said to be in the region of £120million.

That is why the Red Devils would only be open to a move if Spurs would accept a part exchange.

Kane is reportedly likely to leave Tottenham if they fail to qualify for the Champions League

MAKE A DE-CISION

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes doesn’t agree with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s claim that both David de Gea and Dean Henderson are the club’s No1.

Scholes told BT Sport: “I think it’s always awkward when you’re trying to keep two goalkeepers happy.

“I was in a team that tried to replace Peter Schmeichel for years and it wasn’t until we got Edwin van der Sar, five or six years later, until it seemed to settle down again. Who’s number one here?

“Ole’s said both of them, he’s clearly wrong. I think he couldn’t wait to give Dean Henderson a chance and with David de Gea’s girlfriend or wife having a baby, it gave him the opportunity to play Dean Henderson, which he’s done.

“I think the number one is the one that plays in Premier League games. Has Dean Henderson totally convinced Ole? I think he’s got a big chance to do it, I don’t think he has over the past five or six games.

“You have to say, David is a quality keeper, the service he’s given to United. What he did for four or five years when United were really struggling.

“They could’ve been a mid-table team without him. He’s lost a bit of form and a bit of confidence, but I wouldn’t write him off”

ED’S UP

Manchester United ace Edinson Cavani remains unsure about his future at the club.

That is according to United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer amid speculation that Cavani may be on his way to Boca Juniors in the summer.

Solskjaer said: “I’ve kept in touch with Edi, of course, and we keep an open dialogue.

“He’s still unsure what he wants to do next season, which I find fine.

“It’s not been an easy year either for him or the rest of the world this season, so he still wants time to make his mind up”

MAJOR KANE UPDATE

Tottenham star Harry Kane is going to push for an exit from the club if Spurs fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

That is according to The Athletic, who claim Kane has grown increasinly frustrated with the north Londoners’ lack of silverware and general direction.

The England captain has said he will clarify his future after this summer’s delayed Euro 2020 competition.

However, Kane appears reluctant to spend another year outside of Europe’s elite tournament and may have to look for a different club if Tottenham fail to finish in the top four.

Manchester United have been previously linked with the 27-year-old but Tottenham are not keen on letting their star striker join a Premier League rival

SIR-TAINLY WRONG

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has hit back at Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his claim that trophies are for egos.

Mourinho takes on his former club tomorrow at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and believes Solskjaer’s legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson would disagree with the Norwegian coach, who said before United’s FA Cup quarter-final exit at Leicester that cups are an ‘ego thing’.

The former Chelsea manager said: “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”

COOLING OFF

Manchester United have cooled off their interest in Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

That is according to ESPN, who claim the “road show” Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola and his father Alf-Inge put together in Barcelona and Madrid reminded United why they pulled back last year.

The Red Devils were interested in the star striker while he played for Red Bull Salzburg.

But they ultimately decided to hold fire and thus the Norway international went to Dortmund

RASHFORD CLAIM

Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov believes Marcus Rashford will ‘dominate the future’ alongside Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain talisman Kylian Mbappe.

Berbatov 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’s 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.”

KANE THEY SIGN HARRY?

Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Tottenham superstar Harry Kane, according to reports.

However, signing Kane will be no easy feat for any Premier League side as Spurs are not willing to let their star striker join a domestic rival.

Plus, the England captain is rated at about £120million, which poses as a sky-high fee following the coronavirus pandemic’s financial impact.

The 27-year-old has stated that he will clarify his future after the summer’s delayed Euro 2020

TOTTENHAM VS MANCHESTER UNITED

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes to have Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw fit for Sunday’s clash at Tottenham.

Rashford was taken off from Thursday’s Europa League clash at Granada after his goal due to an ongoing ankle issue.

Shaw, on the other hand, came off due to an unspecified problem but there is yet no update ahead of the upcoming match with Spurs.

Solskjaer will be without Anthony Martial and Phil Jones, who are nursing a knee injury, as well as Eric Bailly who recently tested positive for coronavirus.

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho will take on his former club without Ben Davies and Matt Doherty who are sidelined with an ankle and muscle injury respectively

MAN UTD 1 LIVERPOOL 0

Sir Alex Ferguson can celebrate another win in Liverpool today – thanks to his Grand National runner.

The Manchester United legend’s horse Give Me A Copper will run in the world’s most famous race – after the ex-Man Utd boss already landed a 108-1 treble at the Liverpool course.

The horse, who Fergie co-owns with four others, has been targeted at the big one since 2019.

Give Me A Copper is currently a 50-1 shot for the 40-runner contest.

GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS

Manchester United visit Tottenham on Sunday and 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 United successor ahead of the Prem clash in London.

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.”

Elsewhere, Manchester United’s Under-23s threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at home to West Ham last night.

Former Red Devil Ademipo Odubeko scored a hat-trick for the Hammers as the Londoners took a win back down south.

And 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’s 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.”

In transfers, 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.

Spanish goalkeepers David De Gea and Kepa could be loaned out by 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 No1 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.

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.