MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ‘favourites’ to sign Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio this summer.
Meanwhile, the club have received a boost in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.
It is claimed that the Dutchman has given the club “private assurances” he is keen to join.
The main stumbling block to a move is said to be Barcelona demanding a £68m fee.
And De Jong may not be the only midfielder incoming, with United reportedly ready to pursue their “long held” interest in Christian Eriksen now he is available on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham is said to be top of the Red Devils’ wish list, but a deal with Dortmund is more likely to happen next summer.
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
Garnacho shines on international duty
Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho scored a goal and provided an assist for Argentina U20s tonight.
The 17-year-old started the 3-2 win over Japan, helping his country to victory.
He opened the scoring in the game at the Toulon Tournament in an impressive 75 minute runout.
Garnacho switched international allegiances from Spain, who he represented at U18 level, earlier this year.
The United youngster qualifies to play for the South American country through his mother.
De Jong urged to join Red Devils
Former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart has urged Frenkie de Jong to sign for Manchester United.
The ex-Tottenham man has suggested a switch to Old Trafford would mean De Jong play in a similar role to how he does with the national team.
De Jong himself admitted recently that he prefers his position at international level to the role he plays at Barca.
And Van der Vaart told ZiggoSport: “If I were Frenkie I would go to Manchester United.
“It would be ideal. You have a manager who knows exactly what you can and cannot do. United still need a bit of quality.
“There are players at Barca who do the same, and maybe be better than him, or have performed more.
“As long as those players are also at Barca, he is out of place there. At United he could play more like with the Dutch team.”
Bruno posts emotional Mata farewell
Bruno Fernandes has thanked his “mentor” Juan Mata with the Spaniard confirmed to be departing Manchester United this summer.
United playmaker Bruno posted an emotional farewell to Mata on his Twitter account this evening.
He wrote: “One legend, magician, mentor and a true friend!
“I couldn’t be more lucky to find someone to look for and learn in this beginning at @ManUtd and the @premierleague.
“Was a pleasure to play alongside with you, but more than that was amazing after this time having you as a friend.
Rashford needs to go “back to basics”
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has told Marcus Rashford he needs to go “back to basics”.
The 24-year-old has endured a nightmare season at Old Trafford, and has even been linked with a move away from his boyhood club.
And Saha told PA: “I think he’s [Rashford] a terrific player, I love him.
“I don’t really understand why this happened because this guy has got it all. He’s got all the quality, he’s got speed, he’s got arrogance, dribbling and can score goals.
“He needs to come back to basics and, it is strange what I’m going to say, but maybe not copy Cristiano Ronaldo, copy some of the other team-mates who are young.
“You need get back to the young Rashford, having that simplicity in his game and running players, not thinking about whatever the status that he had or he has been given by the press or his entourage. He has suffered a lot from that.”
Pogba could make Juventus U-turn
Paul Pogba had been expected to join Juventus this summer after leaving Manchester United.
The Frenchman officially becomes a free agent at the end of the month and had been tipped to return to Juventus.
Now though the 29-year-old could change his mind an opt for a move to Paris Saint-Germain instead.
According to French outlet RMC, Pogba is waiting to see whether Zinedine Zidane is appointed as boss in Paris.
Zidane has been strongly linked with the managerial role at the Parc des Princes, and joining PSG could trigger a change of heart from Pogba.
It’s claimed Zidane “loves” fellow Frenchman Pogba, and could sanction a move were he to take up the reigns with the Ligue 1 giants.
Man Utd record transfers
Frenkie de Jong could end up being Manchester United’s second-most expensive signing of all time, if he does join the Red Devils of course.
ESPN claim Barcelona want up to £85m for the Dutch midfielder.
Reports elsewhere claim the Red Devils have had a bid worth up to £60m rejected already.
But where on this list will De Jong end up if the two clubs do manage to strike a deal?
Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo De Gea vows to help United youngsters
Red Devils keeper David De Gea has promised to lead by example to help the club’s young talents reach their potential.
De Gea is one of the club’s most experienced players, having now been at Old Trafford for 11 years.
And he said: “As an experienced player in the squad, [I try] to give advice to the younger players.
“I give 100 per cent every day in training [and] in games, to try to be an example for everyone.”
He added: “[I] think it is not just about talking and giving advice to the boys.
“It’s the way you work, the way you treat people in the club, the way you train, the way you play. I think this is even more important than words.”
Exclusive – United hunting for new chef
Manchester United are recruiting a new first-team head chef as they continue their rebuild under Erik ten Hag.
United are advertising for a new head chef to cater for players and get them firing on all cylinders.
They want their preferred candidate to: “Prepare, produce and deliver a high-quality consistent catering offer in various venues (predominately based at the training ground) as and when required.”
The successful applicant will work closely with United’s nutritionist to create menus suitable for players to eat at work and take home.
They will also be required to be available to travel to all matches including overseas, as they feed Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
Pallister: Liverpool bigger draw than United
Former Manchester United man Gary Pallister has admitted Liverpool are a more attractive destination than the Red Devils.
Both clubs are keen on Benfica star Darwin Nunez, but the striker is set to snub United in favour of joining the Reds.
Speaking to Lord Ping, Pallister said: “Man United are one of the two top biggest clubs in the world, if you get a chance to sign for Manchester United, you’d snap their hands off, usually.
“Obviously players are going to look at United and the troubles they’ve had, a new manager going in, where they finished last year, not playing Champions League football, they have got European football which can be a bonus but it’s not the top tier of European football.
“I think if you’re in a hurry, you’re going to sign for Liverpool at the minute.”
Barca want £85m for De Jong
Barcelona are reportedly asking for up to £85million for Frenkie de Jong.
Sources have told ESPN the LaLiga giants want the total package, including add-ons, to be worth up to that figure.
Barca are willing to let the Dutchman leave this summer in order to bring in some much needed funds, but they will not sell on the cheap.
ESPN claim the Red Devils and Barca have held “formal talks” regarding a potential move.
Barcelona reject De Jong bid
The Red Devils have seen their opening bid for Frenkie de Jong rejected, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Italian journalist Romano claims United tabled a proposal worth £51million, with another £9m in add-ons.
But the LaLiga giants rebuffed the offer.
It’s reported the two clubs have been in talks since the start of the month regarding a deal for the Dutchman.
And the clubs are said to still be in contact after United’s opening bid was turned down.
United academy coach departs
Manchester United’s head of academy goalkeeping has left the club, according to The Athletic.
Alan Fettis has quit Old Trafford to become a first-team goalkeeper coach at Middlesbrough.
Fettis has spent the last 11 years with United after initially being brought in by former goalkeeping coach Eric Steele and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Garnacho contract talks progressing
Manchester United are reportedly hopeful of tying wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho down to a new deal.
The Red Devils are confident the 17-year-old will agree to fresh terms, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Negotiations between the two parties are understood to be progressing well.
Serie A giants Juventus are thought to be keen on the young winger.
MEN claim the Red Devils are willing to reward Garnacho with a bigger deal after he helped fire the club to FA Youth Cup glory.
Credit: Getty De Gea praises Ronaldo
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has lauded Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players “in history”.
The Spaniard praised CR7’s dedication to training while talking to the club’s website.
De Gea said: “He’s great. The way he works speaks for himself. The way he treats himself, his body. He is focused in every training session and every game.
“This is why he is one of the best in history. He’s mentally very strong and that’s an example for everyone [to follow].”
De Jong greenlights United switch
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has reportedly given the green light for a move to Manchester United.
According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old has agreed to join Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford revolution.
All that’s thought to be left now is for the two clubs to agree on a transfer fee.
Barca are understood to want to recoup as much of the £65million they paid to sign De Jong from Ajax in 2019.
United are said to be currently proposing an offer of £50million for his services.
Man Utd release 11 players
The Red Devils have this afternoon confirmed their retained list for next season.
As many people already knew, Edinson Cavani, Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba are leaving.
Meanwhile in the Academy Paul McShane has retired after spending a year with the U23s, at 36-years-old.
Elsewhere D’Mani Mellor, Reece Devine and Connor Stanley will all depart, and goalkeeper Paul Woolston has been forced to retire through injury.
Mata bids farewell to United
Juan Mata has said an emotional goodbye to Manchester United with a heartfelt post posted on social media.
During a four-minute video, the Spanish star thanked the entirety of the club from the fans, the staff and his teammates.
He said: “All good things come to an end, and my time as a Manchester United player has just finished.
“I am the proudest man in the world for having represented this unique club for the last eight and a half seasons.
“It is something I would never have dreamt of when I was little as it felt too distant for a kid in Spain to one day play for one of the best clubs in the history of football.
“But sometimes reality exceeds dreams.”
De Jong nearly done deal
Manchester United are on the verge of confirming the signing of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
TalkSPORT sources understand that a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder will be completed swiftly, and he could be unveiled as a Red Devil over the weekend.
New United boss Erik ten Hag has been keen to bring in the Dutch international, who he first worked with at Ajax.
De Jong left Amsterdam for the Nou Camp in 2019 for €75m, and he has gone on to score 13 times in 139 appearances for the Catalans.
Kante available for reduced fee
Manchester United are hoping to land Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante at a knocked-down price this summer.
The Red Devils have been tracking the status of the French international, and plan to take advantage of the fact that only one year remains on his current deal at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel hopes to keep hold of his midfielder, but there are concerns within the club over his injury record.
The Blues boss had previously said: “I think he is our key, key, key player; but key, key, key players need to be on the pitch.
“He plays only 40% of the games. So it’s maybe a miracle that we arrived in third place.”
Phelan to leave coaching staff
Mike Phelan’s 21-year association with Manchester United may be about to end.
The Athletic have confirmed that the former player, coach and assistant manager will not stay on his current role following the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
However, Old Trafford officials are sensitive to the 59-year-old’s service, and are currently exploring the possibility of other non-coaching jobs at the club.
United favourites to land Asensio
Manchester United are among the favourites to land Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish international is eyeing a move away from the Bernabeu in order to guarantee regular first team football ahead of November’s World Cup.
Juventus are also keen on the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who is said to have had a number of offers from abroad.
Asensio scored ten goals in 31 LaLiga appearances for Real last term.
Ten Hag wants to keep coach
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants to keep Eric Ramsay at Old Trafford – despite the highly-rated coach being linked with the vacant Barnsley manager’s job,
The 30-year-old is on the shortlist for the Oakwell hot-seat after earning rave reviews during his first season with the Red Devils.
However, the Manchester Evening News report that Ten Hag is keen to keep Ramsay, who has been working on set-pieces and technical skills since his appointment.
Ten Hag has been busy reshaping his backroom team, but Ramsay is understood to be one of the current members of staff that he hopes to work with following his appointment at the Premier League club.
United to meet with Mendes
Darwin Nunez’s big-money move to Liverpool appeared a done deal…
…but Manchester United are preparing a last-minute bid to hijack the move.
As first reported by The Express yesterday, Old Trafford officials will meet with Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes to discuss the possibility of a late switch to the Red Devils.
Benfica hot-shot Nunez had looked set for an £86m move to Liverpool after bagging 34 goals for the Portuguese giants last season.
Mendes is also agent to Wolves’ Ruben Neves, who has also been linked with a summer transfer to United,
Morning Man Utd fans
Man Utd are reportedly in talks over a £51million transfer for Ajax winger Antony.
The 22-year-old Brazilian enjoyed a productive year under Erik ten Hag at Ajax last season, bagging 12 goals and 10 assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.
According to GOAL, Antony’s agents have flown to Europe for talks with United over a £51mi transfer.
The report indicates a deal could be struck in the coming days between the two parties.
Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong’s agent is set to hold talks with Barcelona over his client’s future amid United’s reported interest.
Mundo Deportivo states that De Jong’s representative Ali Dursun is scheduled to fly to the Catalan capital within the next few days.
The Spanish outlet adds that manager Xavi would only agree to the midfielder’s departure if the club signed a worthy replacement.
The Barcelona boss’ preferred choice in that case would be Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.
In other news, Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Benfica star Darwin Nunez… but Manchester United want to hijack their deal.
Jurgen Klopp is keen to get the £86million deal done as he searches for a replacement for Bayern Munich bound Sadio Mane.
But according to Portuguese reporter Pedro Sepulveda, United aren’t ready to give up on signing the Uruguayan.
He told Sky Sports on Thursday that Red Devils chiefs are set to meet with Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes.
And finally, United are keen on Leicester’s Wesley Fofana, according to RMC Sport.
The 21-year-old centre-back missed much of the season that just finished due to injury.
It is rumoured that the Foxes will demand a fee of £68m with Chelsea also keeping their eyes on the Frenchman.
In the Hag
Erik ten Hag will improve the fortunes of struggling Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford.
That is the view of Netherlands and Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who played under his fellow Dutchman at Ajax.
The defender, 22, said: “Erik is someone who loves his job and he loves to work.
“He definitely does improve players. He’s really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer.
“He wants to do everything to make his team play better.”
Can Ten Hag succeed at United? De Ligt, who reached the Champions League semis with the Dutch coach in 2019, replied: “Of course. He has a lot of qualities. We will have to see how he goes.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
