FORMER Manchester United forward Diego Forlan has urged fellow compatriot Darwin Nunez to join the Red Devils this summer.
Nunez, 22, has been in red hot form for Benfica all season with a lot of the top European clubs chasing his signature.
Meanwhile, United have reportedly submitted an offer for Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele.
And Cristiano Ronaldo has added to the speculation of his time at Old Trafford coming to an end.
The Portuguese icon appeared to mouth the words “I’m not finished yet” during a post-lap of honour on the weekend.
But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has claimed that this was not what he said.
Ronaldo signed for two years when he returned this season with the option of a further year.
Much will come down to what incoming boss Erik Ten Hag’s plans are but he has yet to communicate what he wants to do about the Portuguese ace.
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Big Leip
RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku wants to leave the Bundesliga club this summer amid interest from the Premier League.
That is according to L’Equipe, who report that Nkunku believes the time is now to quit Leipzig with Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle all keeping tabs.
But the Prem giants are not the only ones chasing the attacking midfielder as AC Milan, Bayern Munich and former club Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing him.
The France international has stood out this season with a staggering 31 goals and 20 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio recently stated a Premier League move is likelier for the 24-year-old ace.
However, Leipzig are not keen to sell Nkunku ahead of the summer transfer window
Credit: Getty Dybala mobbed by Juve pleas
Man United transfer target Paulo Dybala has been urged not to join Inter Milan by Juventus fans.
Dybala was signing autographs ahead of Juve training when fans bombarded him with pleas of: “Please don’t join Inter,” and, “Why are you going to Inter?,” Football Italia reported.
The hot-shot striker simply smiled but didn’t respond to the demands of the Juve supporters.
Darwin Nunez plea
Benfica ace Darwin Nunez has been urged to join Man United instead of Arsenal by Red Devils legend Diego Forlan.
Forlan told Breaking The Lines: “I think that he is a very good player, a good kid who is doing really well at Benfica and is enjoying a strong season.
“It is not just the Portuguese league where he is doing well but in the Champions League too, where he scored six goals this season and helped take Benfica to the quarter-finals.
“He is a player who has a lot of potential and he could fit in at Manchester United. But obviously, everyone needs to have patience, although he is getting better with more and more experience.
“He would not be a bad signing for Manchester United and it would be nice to see him there.
“It is a club that gives you time, that makes you feel comfortable and as if you are in a familiar place, very cosy and nice. It would be spectacular having him playing for Manchester United.”
Brazilian favourite David Beckham
David Beckham was at the centre of a tug of war between Spanish and Brazilian stars when he joined Real Madrid.
That’s according to Beckahm’s ex-Madrid pal and Brazil legend Robinho.
In April 2020, he spoke of the chemistry in the team and his ex team-mate Beckham, who owns MLS side Inter Miami, saying: ”When Madrid came, I saw that they had a large Brazilian presence in the team and they had Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their coach at the time.
”So, why go to Barcelona? There was a great harmony among the Brazilians in the squad. Beckham was always with the Brazilians. He was part of our group.
”The Spaniards were jealous because he spoke more Portuguese than Spanish, so he ended up spending more time with us.”
‘European qualification is important’
It’s imperative for Man United to be in the Champions League next season.
That’s the opinion of former Man United ace Jaap Stam.
He said to the club’s media: “I think it’s good to have European football,” Jaap told club media earlier this week, ahead of the 3-0 win over Brentford.
“I think it’s always good to show yourself on a European platform and show what you can do and how you’re performing and if you’re making progress or not.
“At the end of the day, it’s always nice to win trophies. Your colleagues and a lot of people are asking me how long it will take for United to win trophies.
“It doesn’t need to be long and if you can take part in one, like a European cup, and if you can win one, then I still think you’ve done a great job for next season, if you can do that.”
No thanks James Ward-Prowse
Paul Parker doubts James Ward-Prowse is the man to fix Man United’s midfield issues.
Parker told MyBettingSites: “I think he’s another name that’s been mentioned because he played well last weekend and made a difference for Southampton to come from behind.”
“Is he what the United fans are looking for? I personally don’t think so.”
“He’s not the kind of a midfield player that they are looking for or they would like to see.”
Ten Hag success predicted
Phil Neville reckons Erik ten Hag can bring success back to Man United in under two years.
Neville said: “There obviously needs to be big changes at the whole of the club.
“But what I would say is that it can change very quickly. I’ve heard people say five or six years…it can change within 12 to 18 months.
“If you pick the right manager, have the right players and get the structure around the club, that can change very quickly. All it can take is two or three new signings, gain some confidence, gain some momentum.
“You look how quickly it took Jurgen Klopp to turn it around at Liverpool – two, three seasons.
“United need to act fast now, they’ve got a brilliant young manager and now he needs backing and he needs time. And I think at this moment in time United will give him that.”
Maguire’s back in training
Hary Maguire is back in training for Man United.
Maguire, 29, has had a persistent knee issue that has kept him out of action recently.
But the defender was all smiles as he trained with his United pals.
Credit: Getty Antonio Valencia’s Man United return
Man United have confirmed Antonio Valencia will return to the club to compete against Liverpool in a legends match.
Speaking on his return in the Legends of the North match, Valencia told United’s media: “My time at Manchester United gave me some of the fondest memories of my career.
“I was involved in great teams that won many trophies and it will be fantastic to see some of my former team-mates again for this special match.
“It’ll also be a chance for me to thank the fans who always supported me through the good and bad times in my career. I’m so excited to come back.”
Rio trolls QPR
Rio Ferdinand trolled Queens Park Rangers after Real Madrid knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League semi-finals.
The Manchester United legend was on punditry duty for BT Sport at the Bernabeu.
He was part of the BT team chatting pitchside after the game as some of the Madrid squad’s children ran around on the pitch playing.
But Ferdinand admitted his kids have no recollection of his glory days at Old Trafford.
He revealed: “The unfortunate thing is my kids only remember when I was at QPR.”
Elanga’s tips for United youngsters
Anthony Elanga has revealed Man United’s youngsters can always come to him for advice although he’s only 20.
Elanga told United’s media: “I always like to speak and give advice to anyone, even though I’m still young myself.
“Even though I’m 20 now, I’m willing to ask for advice and I’m willing to give advice as well. That’s the sort of person I am.”
All El to break loose
Anthony Elanga has been tipped to have a great upcoming season under the tutelage of Cristiano Ronaldo.
That’s the opinion of former Man United star Quinton Fortune who made the prediction to Ladbrokes.
Fortune said: “I’m expecting Anthony Elanga to kick on next season. He’s got unbelievable pace; there aren’t many in the league who can keep up with him when he gets going.
“He’s a great kid, he’s so humble, and for a coach I’d say he’s a perfect student. I just think he’s going to get better and better because he’s got that mindset.
“He just wants to learn, and who better to learn from than the greatest ever: Cristiano Ronaldo?”
Ronaldo and Ten Hag discussed
The issues Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag may have been deetailed by Gabby Agbonlahor.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “I don’t think Ronaldo being there is going to be a problem.
‘What’s going to be a problem is Ten Hag is going to come in and say to Ronaldo.
“I want you to stay but I’m going to play you in the games I want you to play in, I’m going to bring you off when I want to bring you off.
“I want to choose a team to win a game and you might not be starting that game. If you show dissent walking off the pitch, I’m not going to play you.”
‘Lingard’s the architect of downfall’
Jesse Lingard has only got himself to blame for his career decline at Man United.
That’s the opinion of talkSPORT host Simon Jordan who compared Lingard’s demise to former Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who went on to shine at Barcelona.
Jordan said: “Jesse Lingard is the architect of his own downfall. He has reaped precisely what he has sown, and it’s not just with Ralf Rangnick, it was with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer too.
“We can all go somewhere for five minutes. [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang has been at Barcelona for five minutes, and he will revert to type.
“We all knew he would do that for five minutes and when he comes back down to reality and not proving the point, he’ll be back being late to training and doing precisely what he wants.
“Now, Jesse Lingard is in the situation where he could have left Manchester United whenever he wanted, it’s only his performances that have dictated him not being in the side.”
Agbonlahor’s Champions League support shock
Gabby Agbonlahor spoke of his shock after witnessing English fans celebrating Man City’s Champions League demise against Real Madrid.
And Man United supporters were among the culprits, Agbonlahor revealed.
The retired striker said on talkSPORT: “Whenever Real Madrid scored, 99 per cent of the bar, there could have been about 1000 people in the bar, jumping up and celebrating for Real Madrid which baffles me.
“I spoke to a couple of them around me who said to me ‘why are you not celebrating?’ and I said ‘I’m supporting the English team’.
“There were a few Man United fans, Chelsea, other teams, but it really disappointed me, strange because you want to support the English teams and get an all English final, it was strange for me to see that.”
Cavani set for Europe stay
Edinson Cavani is eager to stay in Europe when he leaves Man United this summer.
There had been reports that the Uruguayan might be returning to his native South America.
But that’s been ruled out by his brother and agent Walter Guglielmone.
He told El País: “At the moment that is not true… Everything is dynamic. The priority is to continue in Europe.”
Ronaldo’s shock omission from list
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Arsene Wenger’s list of best strikers over 30.
Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were all heralded as the game’s best forwards – but there was no sign of Ronaldo on Wenger’s list.
Wenger said to BeIN Sports: “Lewandowski, Benzema, Ibrahimovic, all these players score goals at 40 or 35.
“The best strikers in Europe are all over 30-years-old because they use every mistake of the opponent.
“I would say Benzema until 30, I think he had two or three kilos too many. Now he’s a real athlete, and that’s why today certainly he is one of the two or three best strikers in the world.”
Man United legend’s claims
Man United legend Peter Schmeichel claims Real Madrid have no right to be in the Champions League final.
The Denmark legend said on CBS Sport post-match: “The first chance was the first goal in the 90th minute, the second goal was the second chance and the third goal was the third time they hit the target.
“Real Madrid have got no right to be in that final. They were the poorest team by a mile over the two games.”
Man United sign eight-year-old
Man United have added an eight-year-old boy to the club’s ranks.
The latest addition to United’s academy programme is schoolboy Jack Maguire, the Yorkshire Post reported.
The report states the Red Devils scouted Jack when he was just five.
And after wowing scouts with his talents, the Halifax-born youngster started playing with United’s pre-academy.
Phil Nevilles slams Man United
Phil Neville has slammed Man United for not giving David Moyes more time as club boss after he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson.
He said to Sky Sports: “Ten months at Manchester United in a difficult period when the greatest manager of all time had just left wasn’t enough.
“Moyes had unbelievable plans to take the club forward in that summer. I’d say that was one of the biggest mistakes United made, not giving Moyes more time.
“If you look back now, it was totally wrong the lack of time he was given, totally wrong,’ the former Manchester United defender and current Inter Miami boss told Sky Sports.
“The lack of time, the lack of backing, the lack of investment that other managers have had…
“That’s the biggest thing. When we both left the club, we both needed another season, we both deserved another season.”
Man United’s elite defender
Paul Parker claims Man United have the best defender in the Premier League in the form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But Parker urged the Red Devils to snap up Nottingham Forest starlet Djed Spence if they’re looking for variety.
Parker said to BonusCodeBets: “Is Manchester United looking for a right-back? I think they are, maybe, looking for that, but I don’t really know enough about (Erik) ten Hag.
“But if you are looking for a defender, a hundred per cent defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the best in the league.
“But if you are looking for a mix, then you might not be getting what you want with him.
“So if you are looking for someone dynamic, he (Djed Spence) is the person to do it.”
Lingard linked with Serie A
Jesse Lingard is preparing to leave Manchester United amid “advanced” transfer talks with multiple clubs, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claim that there is “no chance” of new gaffer Erik ten Hag persuading the winger to stay.
Premier League rivals Newcastle are “in talks” with the England international, after failing to sign him in the January window.
Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan have also opened transfer discussions, as well as newly-crowned French champions PSG.
Negotiations with two of the clubs are in an “advanced stage” and it was reported earlier this week that the Italian clubs were “leading the chase” .
Moussa Diaby sparks Premier League interest
A trio of Premier League clubs are reportedly preparing a swoop for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
Sport Bild claims that Bayern Leverkusen want to keep their attacking star, but they will demand a fee of at least £63m should he depart.
And he could be on his way to England with several Premier League teams circling.
This latest report states that Arsenal have concrete interest in signing Diaby.
Manchester United are also keen on him as are Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.
However, that trio will face competition from Jose Mourinho’s Roma in Serie A.
Take a Bow
Man United aren’t in the race to sign Jarrod Bowen from West Ham.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who said to CaughtOffside: “For now my understanding is that Man United are not in the race, despite some speculation elsewhere.
“The Red Devils are not in the final player selection process until Erik ten Hag makes final decisions.”
Rashford’s Man United future discussed
Marcus Rashford is yet to decide his future with Man United and is waiting to speak to incoming boss Erik ten Hag before committing to the club.
That’s the view of Fabrizio Romano who claims Rashford would like to stay at Old Trafford.
He said to CaughtOffside: “Marcus Rashford has been considering his future since February, along with his agent. The player has not made a final decision and is waiting for a direct dialogue with Erik ten Hag before he can understand the next step.
“Rashford’s priority is to remain at Man United only if he will have guarantees of game time, Marcus wants to be important for the club and hopes for the World Cup with England. Ten Hag will decide together with the player.
“So far there have been no negotiations with any other clubs, but only an interest of Paris Saint-Germain for the last year. In the summer of 2021 he was on the list as a potential replacement in case of Kylian Mbappe leaving for a transfer to Real Madrid.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
