MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for next season after ending the campaign with a Europa League final defeat.
One man who is being tipped for a switch is Villarreal’s Pau Torres, who was so impressive for the Spaniards in the Gdansk final.
Meanwhile Declan Rice has been touted for a switch to United as well, with the England midfielder a target for one of the positions Solskjaer wants to improve.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog...
“LUCKY” OLE
Martin Keown thinks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is fortunate to still be in charge of Manchester United.
Solskjaer was denied his first trophy as Red Devils boss when they were beaten on penalties by Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
Keown suggested Solskjaer doesn’t deserve to be given a new deal and it highlights where United are at as a club now.
Appearing on talkSPORT, Keown said: “We’re used to seeing Manchester United win things. It’s almost a rebirth of Manchester United but how long have we got to wait?
“Yes, the consistency and finishing second in the Premier League is probably what’s going to get him a new deal but when it comes to it you’ve got to have that way to win.
“I do feel, when you look at it, he’s lucky to still be there really. He knows the standards that are being set and he can’t keep suffering disappointments, semi-final after semi-final, getting to finals.
“I do think he’s fortunate but this is the current day Manchester United.”
HAVE MERS-Y
Paul Merson believes Manchester United are going to need more than just three signings to challenge Manchester City for silverware next season.
Merson told Sky Sports: “Personally, I don’t think two to three players in this summer is enough for United.
“It’s going to take much more than that to get them winning silverware because I just don’t think they are as close as people say. I think they flatter to deceive.
“Bringing in Harry Kane would make a difference, of course it would. There’s no doubt about it but let’s be honest, Edinson Cavani doesn’t let anybody down.
“It’s not like we are sitting here and thinking Cavani’s not good enough. I just don’t think Cavani would be able to do it over 38 games at his age”
GREAL COMPETITION
Manchester United are facing competition from rivals Manchester City over Aston Villa star Jack Grealish’s signature.
According to the Daily Mail, City are prepared to make Grealish English football’s first £100m player.
In fact, the Citizens have made the England international their priority signing in midfield.
If such a move for the 25-year-old goes through, the Premier League champions would break the current British transfer record of £80m for Harry Maguire.
City manager Pep Guardiola is also said to be a big admirer of Grealish
VARANE REACTS
Real Madrid star Raphael Varane remains coy about his future and focuses on the upcoming Euros with France amid interest from Manchester United.
Varane said: “This is not the time to talk about my future, I am focused on the selection, on this Euro, it is normal and logical to ask the question and for my part it is normal and logical to focus on the upcoming deadlines.
“We are all human beings. We can think about it. As for my personal case, I am focused on the objectives that we have in the France team, it is not a subject that I will discuss every day in my room at Clairefontaine.
“I am focused on my goal, and now is not the time to discuss it. If I have to talk about it, it will be directly with the people concerned.”
PRESIDENT’S MAN
A little reminder that Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford had a “surreal” Zoom chat with President Barack Obama about the importance of giving back to your local community and the positive impact of reading.
Rashford initiated a spectacular campaign last year to tackle child food poverty in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
The England international’s incredible efforts led to 1.7 million vulnerable kids being supported by a £520 million government scheme and other projects have helped deliver 130 million meals.
That led to immense praise by Obama, who said: “A lot of the young people I meet — including Marcus — they’re ahead of where I was when I was 23. They’re already making changes and being positive forces in their communities.”
Rashford added: “It’s quite surreal isn’t it? I’m sitting in my kitchen in Manchester, speaking to President Obama. But, immediately, he made me feel at ease.
“It wasn’t long before I realised just how aligned our experiences as children were in shaping the men you see today – adversity, obstacles and all. I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. When President Obama speaks, all you want to do is listen”
TO BE THE MAN
Six Manchester United stars made it to the Europa League Squad of the Season.
United made it to the competition’s final where they lost to Villarreal after a thrilling penalty shootout.
Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani made the list.
They are joined by Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe
FINAL EURO SQUAD
England head coach Gareth Southgate is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.
Southgate named his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be excluded.
So far six Manchester United players have made the cut, that is Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
The England boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
“We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.
“Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”
ED-ING IN
Manchester United re-shared Edinson Cavani’s screamer against Fulham last week.
Cavani welcomed back the returning fans at Old Trafford in style with a long-range curve, which gave Cottagers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola no chance.
The Red Devils claimed the centre-forward’s fine finish deserves the Goal of the Month award.
United failed to beat Fulham that night as Joe Bryan equalised for the relegated side
RONALDO RETURN
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Manchester United in a sensational swap deal that would see Paul Pogba going back to Juventus.
That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that Juve are interested in reuniting with Pogba so much so that they would be willing to use wantaway star Ronaldo in order to sweeten the deal.
However, such a deal would mean the United and Real Madrid legend would have to accept a pay cut.
United, though, could also ask for a financial sum in order to let Pogba go
HAALAND DEMAND
Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has practically revealed what he needs in his career.
Haaland recently won the German Cup with Dortmund, who beat RB Leipzig 4-1 thanks to a brace from the star striker.
The Norway international has stated that he wants to win more trophies, something that should work as a takeaway for all his suitors; including Manchester United.
Haaland said: “I am a simple guy. When I like something I just want to have more.
“Like I have said before, when I score a goal, I always chase the next goal. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling, so I want to win trophies”
GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
Manchester United have celebrated their top scorers of the season.
Bruno Fernandes topped the charts with 28 goals across all competitions.
Marcus Rashford follows with seven less following an impressive campaign for the England international.
Edinson Cavani proves why United offered him a new deal as he completes the top three
OLE IN
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite the recent Europa League heartbreak.
United lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal, which means Solskjaer is still after his first piece of silverware as the Red Devils’ manager.
According to the Daily Telegraph, however, the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded the club’s hierarchy from offering the Norwegian coach a new contract.
The United legend will also be backed in the summer transfer window amid reports he is keeping tabs on players like Pau Torres, Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Raphael Varane and Declan Rice.
It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season
RICE WISH
West Ham star Declan Rice is keen to join Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Manchester Evening News, Rice would be interested to move to United after recent discussions with England team-mates who play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Euro 2020.
The Red Devils have reportedly grown concerned over the midfielder’s £100million asking price.
Hammers boss David Moyes recently said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
“Far, far more than £100m”
MAGUIRE UPDATE
Harry Maguire seems confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off match against Croatia on June 13.
Maguire suffered an ankle injury against Aston Villa and has since been in a race against time to be fit for the European championships.
According to the Daily Mail, however, the centre-back’s progress is improving and there is confidence that he will be fit in two weeks.
The Red Devils are reportedly set to meet the 28-year-old again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
RICE BLOW
Manchester United have been dealt with a significant blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice.
According to the Daily Mail, United have become increasingly concerned over Rice’s asking price, which is said to be in the region of 100million.
Hammer boss David Moyes previously said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
“Far, far more than £100m”
TO-TALLY FINE
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has given the green light for Manchester United to sign Pau Torres in the summer transfer window.
United have been keeping tabs on Torres in the last few months and were impressed by his display in the Europa League Final.
The Yellow Submarine’s bigwig has confirmed that a deal could be struck as long as the Red Devils meet the centre-back’s asking price, which is reportedly in the region of £55million.
Roig told El Transistor: “If they arrive with the money and the player wants to move but there must be an agreement between all three parties”
GETTY IMAGES KOUNDE BOOST
Sevilla ace Jules Kounde has confirmed that he “will perhaps have to change clubs this summer”.
Kounde has been linked with a move to Manchester United as well as Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
And the centre-back, who impressed this season in LaLiga, has said he wishes to play for a “big club”.
Kounde told reporters at France’s Clairefontaine training camp: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
“But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
“My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
“It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today”
HAALAND BLOW
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland has stated that he remains “respectful” towards his contract.
Haaland has been linked with a move to Manchester United, along with other clubs, ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, the star striker appears to be happy at Dortmund, especially after they sealed Champions League qualification.
Haaland told Viaplay: “Well, I have a contract for a couple of years so I am respectful towards my contract.
“Like I have said before, I’m a big fan of the Champions League and I think everybody knows that. It was a relief to secure that spot. It was really important.
“I am a simple guy. When I like something, I just want to have more. When I score a goal, I always chase the next goal.
“I have big dreams. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling. So I want to win trophies”
SANCHO UPDATE
Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
According to a report from Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
United won’t have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
Dortmund are currently listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last year
GOOD MORNING UTD FANS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer.
And finally, Harry Maguire is reportedly confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia.
The Three Lions face their Group D rivals in just over two weeks’ time and are sweating on the fitness of their star centre-back.
The 28-year-old had been ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League until he suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa – ruling him out of the run-in.
The Red Devils’ form crumbled in his absence and he watched from the stands as his team lost Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Following the defeat in Gdansk, United have increased their communication with the England setup and national team staff checked in with Maguire on Friday.
According to the Mail, his progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit for June 13.
United are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
HOMECOMING
Tottenham want to start official talks with Paris Saint-Germain on Monday about bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to North London.
PSG boss Poch is eyeing a return to Spurs after falling out with the French giants’ sporting director Leonardo.
And if Poch does make the move, he will ask Harry Kane to give him at least one more season at Tottenham.
The England captain, 27, made clear he wants to leave in his hunt for honours — but that was before Poch let on he was interested in going back.
Spurs chairman Levy hopes it will persuade the striker, who still has three years on his deal, to stay put.
But it is unlikely to stop Manchester giants City and United from trying to bag the Prem’s 23-goal Golden Boot winner.
AL BE OFF
Former Manchester United target David Alaba has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
The Austrian turned down a new contract at Bayern Munich, bringing his 12-year association with the German giants to an end.
Alaba, 28, was determined to experience a new challenge, with a preference for playing in midfield.
And after months of speculation, Madrid have finally officially announced the deal.
The left-sided star has committed for five seasons, and will earn around £200,000-a-week.
Alaba will be officially presented to Real Madrid supporters following the conclusion of Euro 2020, at which he is representing his country.
ICYMI
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
TOP MARCS
Highest of praise for Marcus Rashford from former US President Barack Obama.
DOR OPEN
Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
