MANCHESTER UNITED are going ‘all out’ for £55m-rated Pau Torres, according to reports.
And his potential centre-back partner Harry Maguire has returned to fitness with England at the perfect time in their 1-0 win over Czech Republic.
Meanwhile, the club are ramping up their chase for Jadon Sancho with an improved bid submitted to Borussia Dortmund.
But he is not set to wear the famous number 7 shirt if he signs, as it is already held by Edinson Cavani.
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STEAK THEIR CLAIM
Former Manchester United teammates Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Ashley Young reunited for a well-deserved summer break.
The three Premier League stars were snapped by the world-famous steak chef Nusret Gökçe – AKA ‘Salt Bae’ – at his restaurant in Mykonos.
The trio were all filmed sharing their admiration for the food directly into the camera as Young stated that he “loved this place”.
Lingard then whipped out his trademark ‘J-Lingz’ celebration while Martial gave a swift smile before throwing up a cheeky thumbs up.
England international Lingard later uploaded a picture of the three posing with ‘Salt Bae’ with the caption: “My brothers”.
Declan Rice commented: “Enjoy bro”, while one fan replied: “The Squad!!”
A third added: “Looking sleek”.
Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, and Ashley Young went to Salt Bae’s Mykonos restaurant UNITED FRONT
Jadon Sancho is set to become one of Man Utd’s most expensive signings should he finally complete his move from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
RED-EMPTION
Playing for Manchester United can be a heavy burden for some players, even the very best.
And many find their way again after moving away from Old Trafford to the frustration of supporters.
These seven did especially well after leaving the Premier League giants behind.
From a Uruguayan legend to a Dutch star who’s just earned a transfer to Barcelona, here’s the flops for whom life got much better after leaving United.
Click HERE to read more.
GUNNING RON
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to ‘insults and beatings’ from Arsenal when the former Manchester United star tried tricks.
That is the revelation by ex-Arsenal attacker Robert Pires on a harsh start to life in England for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo’s introduction to English football was greeted with plenty of harsh challenges and Pires admitted opposing players did not appreciate the star’s showboating.
Pires told Record: “Cristiano made feints and the English didn’t like it. It was just a beating.
“You can’t play like that against the English and you couldn’t do that at Highbury, Arsenal’s home. It was just insults and beatings.
“At first he didn’t stand it very well, it was complicated for him. Football in England is completely different.”
Cristiano Ronaldo receives rough treatment against Arsenal PARK THE BUS
South Korean star Park Ji-sung signed for Man Utd on this day.
The 40-year-old scored 27 goals in 205 games for the Red Devils between 2005-2012.
CASE FOR DEFENCE
Man Utd captain Harry Maguire has defended England’s defensive march to the Euro 2020 knockout stage – claiming they are playing the football needed to win tournaments.
Maguire said: “I know everyone wants to play well and create numerous chances but teams are well drilled and organised.
“It’s not all perfect, we can improve but you can’t argue with seven points from three games.
“Can we play better? Of course we can. Will we improve? We will do everything we can to improve.
“The fundamentals are there and now we’ve got to tidy up in every part of our game when we’re on the ball and there is a little bit more we can get out of each other and push each other.
“If we are going to progress in this tournament we’re going to have to do that.”
TAKING THE MIK
Mikael Silvestre has explained why he joined Arsenal over Manchester City in 2008 when he left Manchester United.
Speaking to Ladbrokes, he said: “At the time, Arsenal were in a different dimension to Manchester City.
“So when it came to leaving Manchester United, although I was sad to leave, it was always going to be Arsenal I chose.
“Even Mark Hughes, manager of City at the time, understood when I spoke with him about my decision. He said he’d have done the same himself if he was me.
“Some players stay at the same club for their whole career, but I’ve played in a few different countries now and I’m always following how my former teams have got on.
“I was at Arsenal for two seasons and I enjoyed my time there.”
SAN STORM
Man Utd have reportedly told Borussia Dortmund they are willing to pay £73m for Jadon Sancho plus add-ons.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made signing the England international his priority after failing to secure his services last summer.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Manchester United officially told BVB they’re prepared to pay €85m for Sancho.
“Add-ons included as part of the negotiation ‘to reach an agreement soon’. BVB still asking for €95m guaranteed.
“Clubs in talks about add-ons structure. Jadon made it clear: he wants Man Utd.”
ROY OF THE ROVERS
Man United legend Roy Keane revealed he drank ‘six or seven’ pints the night before his Nottingham Forest debut almost thirty years ago.
Keane said: “I went over pre-season and was obviously doing a lot of training with the reserves.
“Forest had played their first league game at home on the Saturday against QPR and I went to watch it, and I was on the bench for the reserves on the Monday night.
“I got on for the last ten minutes and the first-team were playing Liverpool on the Tuesday night.
“Went out that night with the players, as you do after a reserve match, I didn’t drink too much – maybe six, seven pints after the game. Came in on the Tuesday and was told ‘get dressed up’.”
PAUL OF DUTY
Former Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre has spoke of his frustration at Paul Pogba’s lack of consistency.
Speaking to Ladbrokes, the 43-year-old said: “The problem with Paul Pogba is the consistency – or lack of.
“When he’s at the top of this game, his level is something else, but he finds it difficult to repeat that game after game. I look at it this way; he’s a world-class player, he’s got world-class attributes for sure.
“The question is, can he repeat it every three days? I’m not sure he can. He hasn’t done it for Man United, I’m not sure he can do it for France either.
“I’m always happy to see him on the pitch for club or country, because he’s been unlucky with injuries. The frustrating part is that we haven’t seen him reach his levels week-in, week-out.
“I don’t know whether it’s a psychological thing or a physical thing. I’m a Man United supporter and a France supporter, so I’m always hoping that whoever he represents, we see the best of him, because we saw against Germany just how much he can give to the team.”
BODES WELL
Danny Welbeck has signed on for another year at Brighton.
The ex-Arsenal and Manchester United ace, 30, was a hit at the Amex last term after joining as a free agent on a one-year deal from relegated Watford.
He played a key role in the Seagulls beating the drop, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists in 24 league appearances.
Welbeck said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far – happiness is key. Being at a club where I am really enjoying playing my football, playing under the manager, his style of play and the good people around the club, it just feels right.
“I’ve got the foundation now, that understanding of the group. You come to a new club and you’re learning about how things work, where you can fit in and what you need do to impact games.
“We developed that towards the back end of the season and I want to be pushing on and giving much, much more.
“It’s important to feel appreciated and feel settled. Once you’re happy you can focus on doing your work, making sure you’re ready for training and games. Everything builds from there and it’s a good platform to start.”
SACRE BLEU
Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo may have equalled Ali Daei’s international record… but French publication L’Equipe were still far from impressed.
The Portugal superstar scored twice from the spot in a hugely entertaining 2-2 draw with rivals France.
It took his international tally to 109 – meaning he is just one goal away from beating Iranian legend Daei’s all-time feat.
Ronaldo is also now surging ahead in the race for the Euro 2020 Golden Boot with five from his opening three matches.
Despite his achievements, L’Equipe still handed Ronaldo a measly six in their notoriously tough player ratings.
The publication are renowned for their brutal rating system with a perfect 10 rating being dished out just 12 times.
L’Equipe gave Cristiano Ronaldo a six rating for his performance against France TU STEP
Aex Tuanzebe is reportedly set for another loan move away from Manchester United.
The centre-back fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford last season, in which he made 18 appearances for the Red Devils.
And according to the Manchester Evening News, a number of teams have expressed an interest in signing the 23-year-old.
Premier League and foreign clubs are said to be keen on snapping up the former England Under-21 international.
Tuanzebe is said to have grown frustrated with his lack of first-team football and believes he deserves more ‘recognition’ for his efforts.
The former Aston Villa loanee spent the majority of the 2020/21 season playing second fiddle to Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
NIK OF TIME
Man Utd face a challenge from West Ham to sign Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic.
The Serbian defender has been on the radar of Old Trafford scouts for a number of seasons now.
The 23-year-old is out of contract in 2022 and it is understood he will not sign a new deal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a new United centre-back this summer, in search of a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
A number of top sides are showing interest in Milenkovic, with Chelsea believed to be keen.
Now Sky Italia are claiming West Ham are also interested in the centre-half, and they are ‘ready to step up’ their pursuit to sign Milenkovic.
Man Utd face competition from West Ham for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
SunSport understands Man United are closing in on an £80million deal to buy Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
The Old Trafford club made a £72m bid yesterday but they are prepared to go to £80m to get their man.
Personal terms based on a five-year deal worth £350,000-a-week have already been agreed.
United also spoke to Erling Haaland before the Euros, but the Dortmund striker has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell Raphael Varane after the Man United target asked for a new challenge.
A summer transfer is said to be the 28-year-old’s desire following a decade at the Bernabeu.
Varane is out of contract in a year’s time and Los Blancos do not want to lose him on a free while battling the pandemic financial crisis.
According to The Athletic, a bid as little as £40million could persuade Real to sell up after talks with the player’s representatives.
Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to ‘insults and beatings’ from Arsenal when the former Man United star tried tricks.
Former Gunner Robert Pires told Record: “Cristiano made feints and the English didn’t like it. It was just a beating.
“You can’t play like that against the English and you couldn’t do that at Highbury, Arsenal’s home. It was just insults and beatings.
“At first he didn’t stand it very well, it was complicated for him. Football in England is completely different.”
FROM SUNSPORT’S NEIL CUSTIS
Man United are closing in on an £80million deal to buy Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
The Old Trafford club made a £72m bid yesterday but they are prepared to go to £80m to get their man.
Personal terms based on a five-year deal worth £350,000-a-week have already been agreed.
United also spoke to Erling Haaland before the Euros, but the Dortmund striker has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
RON RETURN
Man Utd are the bookies’ favourite to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Betfair also have Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid high in the running for the Juventus star.
Cristiano Ronaldo next club odds – Betfair
- Manchester United – 7/4
- Paris Saint-Germain – 5/2
- Real Madrid – 5/1
- Sporting Lisbon – 6/1
- Bayern Munich – 17/2
- Inter Miami – 10/1
- LA Galaxy – 10/1
- Any Chinese Club – 14/1
- Manchester City – 14/1
- Barcelona – 22/1
MAX POWER
Man United are battling Spurs and Everton for Norwich right-back Max Aarons.
Sky Sports claims there’s three-way battle for the talented young defender this summer.
Norwich have already sold Emi Buendia to Aston Villa after winning the Championship title.
And they are prepared to sell Aarons for £30million.
WEL I NEVER
Ex-Man United and Arsenal ace Danny Welbeck has signed on for another year at Brighton.
The striker, 30, was a hit at the Amex last term after joining as a free agent on a one-year deal from relegated Watford.
He played a key role in the Seagulls beating the drop, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists in 24 league appearances.
LUK’S OUT
Ex-Man United star Romelu Lukaku batted away the question of joining Manchester City when ex-Etihad ace Trevor Sinclair asked him outright in a Twitter Q&A.
Sinclair wrote: “Fancy the blue half of Manchester Rom?”
But Inter Milan star Lukaku, strongly linked with a return to Chelsea, simply replied: “I am happy at inter” – along with a smiling emoji.
GOR BLIMEY
Leon Goretzka has emerged as a target for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a host of Premier League clubs.
Bayern Munich are in talks over extending the midfielder’s contract, which runs out in 2022.
According to German outlet Sport1, a deal is very much in sight with Bayern determined not to lose the player.
But interest is high with Premier League clubs as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona reportedly contacting his new representatives.
SAN-GO
Man Utd have reportedly finally agreed to meet Borussia Dortmund’s £77m valuation of Jadon Sancho.
United have already had bids in excess of £67m turned down for Sancho with Dortmund demanding a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer of £77m.
German outlet BILD claim the Red Devils have now gone back to the Bundesliga side with a new offer that has met their valuation.
The report added that the deal could be concluded in the coming days with the 21-year-old set to finally become a United player.
VAR OUT
Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell Raphael Varane after the Manchester United target asked for a new challenge.
A summer transfer is said to be the 28-year-old’s desire following a decade at the Bernabeu.
Varane is out of contract in a year’s time and Los Blancos do not want to lose him on a free while battling the pandemic financial crisis.
According to The Athletic, a bid as little as £40million could persuade Real to sell up after talks with the player’s representatives.
RAM RAID
Chelsea have joined Man Utd in the transfer race to land Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos, according to reports.
AS claims Thomas Tuchel wants Ramos to add depth to his centre-back options.
But the Spaniard would prefer a move to Paris Saint-Germain as he wants to play alongside Neymar.
OPENING DAY MADNESS
Man Utd kick-off the 2021-22 Premier League season against fierce rivals Leeds!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
