MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in battled for the signature of Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Serbian forward has been linked with the Red Devils for several months, but he has now popped up on the radar for Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
United are also aiming to strengthen their back-line as they have now begun talks with Ajax full-back, Jurrien Timber according to reports.
Another integral part of the Ajax team in Antony could also be on his way to Old Trafford and reports suggest that he prefers a move to either Man United or Liverpool this summer.
And both of those incomings would bode well as the man who managed them last season – Erik Ten Hag, has arrived in Manchester to start his new role.
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Garnacho tipped for super stardom
Parker also reckons can become a global star at Man United like Eric Cantona and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
He added to indiabetting.co.in: “(Alejandro) Garnacho will mostly get an opportunity to be training regularly and be filtered in. Maybe that will affect some of the egos of the players that are already there, but the right players.
“It’s Manchester United, maybe taking a step back, in the sense of not go be going out and buying players commercially, actually trying to make them commercially viable, which is the way it was before.
“I always look at Ruud van Nistelrooy coming from PSV, no one really knew him. When he left Manchester United everyone in the world knew him. And that’s how Sir Alex Ferguson did it.
“Eric Cantona became a big name when he came to Manchester United. Yes, he was known at Leeds cause he helped them win the last league championship. But when he came to Manchester United, Manchester United and Sir Alex made him global.
“And there’s been many a player like that, Andy Cole to a point. Became global when he came to Manchester United. And that’s what Sir Alex did and that’s what the club is about now.”
Ten Hag’s manager credentials examined
Erik ten Hag isn’t the right man for the Man United job if he doesn’t give Alejandro Garnacho a shot at first-team football.
That’s according to Paul Parker who told indiabetting.co.in: “There is an opportunity for him (Alejandro Garnacho) because of the new manager coming in.”
“The manager coming in will integrate him and other young players because that’s what he does.”
“It’s an easy thing for him, that’s what he does and if he doesn’t do that, then Manchester United have got the wrong kind of manager.”
Salford City job shock
Man United under-23 coach Neil Wood is the shock choice for the Salford City job, ALAN NIXON WRITES.
The League Two outfit’s Class of 92 owners see Wood as the solution to their problem after failing to land Michael Appleton.
Wood has been working at United for the last three years after spending most of his playing career there as a squad understudy.
The former midfielder has cut his teeth with the youngsters at Old Trafford and will now move up to senior level.
The links between Salford owners Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes and their old club is strong and this could help sign players from United.
Ten Hag plans Ajax raid
Lisandro Martinez is the latest Ajax star tipped to make the move to Manchester United along with Erik ten Hag.
The Argentina centre-half has been added to incoming Red Devils boss Ten Hag’s wish list, according to The Telegraph.
The 24-year-old moved from Argentina club football to join the Dutch giants in 2019 and has helped win two Eredivisie titles.
The Telegraph article points out Martinez is adept at playing out from the back and suited to Ten Hag’s ‘one-v-one defensive tactic’.
The six-cap star has three seasons left on his Ajax deal and is valued at about £25million.
De Jong given career advice
Frenkie de Jong has been urged to snub Man United and remain with Barcelona by Steve McManaman.
The ex-Liverpool star told HorseRacing.net: “For him to go to Manchester United then I think they’d have to pay him more than he’s earning at Barcelona.
“Which I think will be a really hard thing to do considering that he went to Barcelona for a huge amount of money.
“You’d rather stay at Barcelona in the Champions League with Xavi trying to change things around.
“Players like [Andreas] Christensen and [Robert] Lewandowski potentially coming in makes that a more exciting challenge in my opinion.”
Betting suspended on Wood appointment
Manchester United’s U23 coach Neil Wood is set to take his first steps into senior management by being appointed boss of League Two Salford City.
The 39-year-old was a 9/2 shot for the job overnight, but firm Paddy Power have suspended betting this afternoon after a string of wagers were placed on the former Blackpool and Oldham player.
The position is vacant after Salford parted company with Gary Bowyer at the end of the season after the club failed to make the play-offs.
The Ammies are owned by United’s ‘Class of 92’ that include the Neville brothers, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and David Beckham.
United in battle for Sergej
Manchester United are preparing for a three-way fight with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
The Lazio star has been linked with Old Trafford for several months, but The Mail are reporting that the Red Devils are now ready to make a move for the midfielder.
However, United’s hopes of landing the Serbian have been hampered by the calibre of the other clubs in for him – especially considering Milinkovic-Savic’s main reason for wanting to leave the Stadio Olimpico is Lazo’s failure to reach the Champions League.
The 27-year-old capped another impressive season in the Italian capital with an injury time equaliser at Juventus on Monday.
Credit: @WhoScored Twitter Kante would improve United midfield
N’Golo Kante is guaranteed to improve the Manchester United midfield if the Red Devils are able to tempt the 31-year-old to Old Trafford this summer.
United have been heavily linked with the Frenchman over the past few days, and Paul Parker believes the deal would be a no-brainer should it present itself.
The former England international believes that Kante could fulfil the role that current United midfielders struggle with.
In conversation with indiabetting.co.in, Parker said of Kante: “He will improve Manchester United’s midfield a hundred per cent because he can go and get the ball off of players without always fouling them.
“He doesn’t go around looking to hurt people and when he does get the ball, he keeps the ball.”
Timber transfer will cost £30m
Manchester United will have to pay £30million to bring Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford this summer.
That’s the understanding of transfers journalist Ekrem Konur, who understands that Ajax have set an asking price of €35m – approximately £30m – for the 20-year-old.
Incoming United boss Erik ten Hag has hinted that he would love to bring Timber with him from Amsterdam, but admitted that many of Europe’s top club will be monitoring the Dutch international’s movements.
Timber mainly operates as a centre-back, but has also filled in admirably at right-back when required this season.
Mourinho wants another Matic reunion
Jose Mourinho wants to link up with Nemanja Matic for a third time by bringing the midfielder to Roma, according to reports in Italy.
Mourinho, who previously managed the Serbian at both Chelsea and Manchester United, has made no secret of his admiration for Matic.
The 33-year-old is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer, and looks nailed on for a move to the Italian capital on a free.
Henderson relishing loan move away
Dean Henderson is nearing an Old Trafford exit – but only temporarily, according to The Telegraph.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper had been expected to leave Manchester United the summer after failing to wrestle the number one spot from David de Gea.
Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the stopper, but even the oil-rich Magpies have baulked at the Red Devils’ £40million asking price.
Henderson has three years remaining on his £110,000-per-week deal at Old Trafford, but is not keen on spending another season on the substitutes’ bench.
United could do the Botman
Manchester United are considering a summer swoop for centre-back Sven Botman, according to the Football Insider.
The Lille defender has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, but reports now suggest that the Red Devils could beat the Italian giants to the 22-year-old.
Erik ten Hag has already begun discussing transfer targets with United officials, and has reportedly made a left-sided centre-half a priority.
Botman has earned many plaudits during his two seasons at Stade Pierre Mauroy, and was heavily linked with both Newcastle and Tottenham during the January transfer window.
The Dutch U21 international has three years remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit.
Good morning Man Utd fans
Erik ten Hag will “work remotely” this week after moving to Manchester on Monday.
The Dutchman is already in town just days after leading Ajax to title glory.
But Ten Hag will stay away from Carrington and Old Trafford until Ralf Rangnick has taken charge of United’s final game against Crystal Palace.
The Manchester Evening News adds Ten Hag does not want to “distract” players as they look to secure a Europa League finish.
Meanwhile, Dutch legend Marco van Basten has urged Erik ten Hag to sign Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech for Man United.
Ziyech and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax, with the Moroccan a key player in his XI.
And with the playmaker struggling for minutes at Chelsea, Van Basten believes a reunion should be on the cards.
He said: “What comes to my mind now is that I think Ziyech who already plays in England could be a very good footballer at Manchester United for Erik.”
Elsewhere, Juventus deny they held talks with Man Utd star Paul Pogba over a free transfer.
Chief executive Maurizio Arrivabene said: “Pogba is a United player, respect first of all goes to him and his team.
“His agents are the same as [Moise] Kean and [Luca] Pellegrini, it is normal to meet them. The subject today was not Pogba.
“If we wanted to talk to Pogba we must talk to United first, it’s a gentleman’s agreement between the clubs.”
Finally, Man United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt.
United have been linked with a summer move for the Juventus defender.
But the centre-back has reportedly penned a new deal with the Serie A giants until 2026, according to Diario Sport.
Ronaldo joins Chesire gym
Cristiano Ronaldo has stunned local residents by reportedly joining a plush £255-a-week gym in Cheshire.
The Manchester United star has signed up for the exclusive Cpase health club in Knutsford.
He has been spotted there by surprised members a number of times over the last week alongside long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez, according to the Telegraph.
Ferdinand slams Man United
Rio Ferdinand has slammed Man United for how they say goodbye to long-serving players.
Ferdinand said on his podcast: “I think United are one of the worst at doing it.
“You see clubs abroad when players who have given big chunks of their career, been successful to the clubs, the send-offs they get are phenomenal and rightly so.
“United don’t really treat it with the kind of importance you see at other clubs. I’m not saying you deserve it but sometimes when you feel you’ve given a lot of yourself to a football club, it’s a nice way to go.”
Ferdinand’s views come after Jesse Lingard revealed his upset over not being given a proper send-off at Old Trafford.
Man United transfer boost
Man United transfer target Nikola Milenkovic isn’t good enough to play for Juventus who are also interested in the defender.
That’s the view of Italy defender Pietro Vierchowod who formed his verdict after watching Milenkovic’s performance for Fiorentina against Sampdoria.
“I have to say I was watching Sampdoria-Fiorentina yesterday and I don’t believe Milenkovic is good enough for Juventus.
“Obviously, this is just my personal opinion. He conceded four goals against a side that is already safe and with such basic errors, that’s just not possible.
“The Serbian has a good physique, but if I was the Bianconeri, I wouldn’t go for him.”
De Jong transfer possiblilty
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has refused to rule out a transfer exit for Frenkie De Jong.
The Barca chief will instead let club boss Xavi make the final decision on De Jong’s whereabouts next season.
He said: “We will do what is best for the club. If the economic levers that we want to activate come off, no player will leave for economic reasons.
“I insist. Let the sports management work. There are players who are quoted to have received offers.
In the sports area, Xavi and Mateu Alemany rule and he ends up deciding the club’s sports management.
“I will follow what the professionals of the club say.”
Pogba ‘agrees’ Juventus move
Paul Pogba has agreed to join Juventus – but only in principle.
That’s according to journalist Jacque Talbot who claims Pogba has a deal in principle with Juve.
Although the report claims PSG are hoping to impede on the deal by offering Pogba a more lucrative contract.
Player of the Year list thoughts
Rio Ferdinand thinks Cristiano Ronaldo should be on the Player of the Year list ahead of Bukayo Saka.
Speaking on the list. Ferdinand fumed: “Saka’s in the Player of the Year nominees?.
“I wouldn’t have had Saka in there yet, as well as he’s done.
“I wouldn’t have had him over Ronaldo, no, not this season. Ronaldo should be in ahead of three of four of those guys in there.
“‘He probably doesn’t win it but in terms of nominees, it’s laughable. He’ll take it as a disrespect but these are the things that fuel him, he’ll be thinking, ‘how dare you?’”
Anthony Martial’s Sevilla woes
Man United outcast Anthony Martial has not had the best of times during his loan spell in Sevilla, suffering a fresh injury blow ahead of the season finale next weekend.
Martial, who joined the Spaniards on loan from Manchester United in January, has struggled for form and playing time, even being the subject of jeers from his own fans.
Having made 12 appearances for the team this season, including nine in La Liga, many might have expected a fresh start to reignite the Frenchman’s stuttering career.
However, just one goal and assist has failed to showcase the type of form he would want to display to either convince Erik ten Hag to give him more minutes at Man United or for a transfer bid to come in.
A fresh injury blow he sustained during a 23 minute cameo against RCD Mallorca kept him out of action as Sevilla drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid and is set to also see the same occur for the season finale.
This inability to remain fit for games has been a big detriment to the Spanish side who have relinquished their spot of second in the La Liga table to drop down to fourth.
Ligts out for United
Man United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt.
United have been linked with a summer move for the Juventus defender.
But the centre-back has reportedly penned a new deal with the Serie A giants until 2026, according to Diario Sport.
Ferdinand on Steve McClaren
Steve McClaren’s management record is irrelevant to the coaching role he will take reportedly take on at Man United, according to Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand said on his podcast: “I don’t think that is relevant to what his role is going to be.
“He’s coming in as a coach, a shoulder to lean on, and somebody who can give advice at the right times.
“In terms of judging him from his management in previous years, I think it is probably irrelevant.
What you do get with Steve McClaren is somebody who is a football man who loves the game, who is so enthusiastic and meticulous.
“He also cares about the details, not just from a football point of view but also mentally, and he understands what it takes at Manchester United to win.”
Man United missed Cancelo opportunity
Gary Neville has revealed he urged Man United to sign Joao Cancelo before Man City snapped him up.
Neville made the claim when speaking to Jamie Carragher on Instagram live as the pair praised the full-back.
Neville, who gave United the heads up when he was managing Cancelo at Valencia, said: “He’s unbelievable, he’s brilliant.
“I think Cancelo is a brilliant full-back. I never had any doubts when I was at Valencia for those four months that he was going to be a top player.
“I literally told United about him. I said, ‘Honestly this boy is someone special you’ve got to look at getting him.'”
Argentine wonderkid sparks transfer war
Enzo Fernandez is set to become the subject of a three-way transfer tussle between three of European football’s elite clubs, according to reports.
The 21-year-old River Plate star is being targeted by Manchester City, Manchester United and Champions League finalists Real Madrid.
According to Clarin, the star is irreplaceable for Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plate side, but with a release clause of just £17million the situation could be taken out of their hands.
All three clubs have had success shopping in the South American markets, with Man City already securing the services of the 2021 Americas player of the year Julian Alvarez – also from River.
Liverpool linked with Kante
Liverpool have been urged to sign Chelsea ace N’Golo Kante by Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand said when speaking on Liverpool’s needs: “That’s where they need a Kante.
“A fit Kante and he’s given the license to get on and jump out of a defensive block, he’s the one player who could cause them problems.”
Man United have also been linked with Kante in recent weeks.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
