ERIK TEN HAG wants James Ward-Prowse to boss Manchester United’s midfield next season, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
But that could spark a £75million summer tug-of-war, as City chief Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Southampton captain.
Erik ten Hag is also set to give Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard a second chance to prove themselves at old Trafford.
Meanwhile United are targeting a deal for Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, according to reports.
That comes after transfer chief Matt Judge, who has been in charge of negotiating contracts, has resigned from the club.
The head of corporate development spent ten years at Old Trafford but he has decided to step down from handling United’s transfer negotiations.
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Cristiano in Real return link
Real Madrid are reportedly keen on making a sensational swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
And with a place in the top four looking unlikely, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could leave sooner rather than later.
According to the Mirror, influential figures at Real Madrid are eager for him to return to the Bernabeu.
If Ronaldo does make the move he would fit back into the squad alongside some former teammates including Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Elanga hails ‘special’ influence Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is a “special player to work with” according to Manchester United teammate Anthony Elanga.
20-year-old Elanga has experienced a breakthrough this year.
So far this season he has made 24 first team appearances, scoring three goals and assisting two.
Now he has revealed that Ronaldo helped him settle into Premier League life.
In an interview for the official Man Utd website, Elanga said: “You can see his record and the amount of goals he’s scored.
“He know what it takes to get to the top so it’s more than right to just speak to someone like that.
“And yeah, we have a chat the day before or even during a game. You might see us in the warm-up “He’ll speak to me and Sancho together about what we can do in the game, to affect the games – and it’s important to have someone like that in the team.
“He is someone I look up to and speak to and ask for advice and stuff. He is a special player to work with.”
I couldn’t take the heat of the Red Devils
Former Man United ace Ben Foster has revealed he wasn’t ready for the pressure of joining the Red Devils.
He told The Mirror: “For me, it was bewildering. Honestly, I came from nowhere and then all of a sudden I signed for Man Utd and it was like ‘Wow!’ It was crazy.
“Definitely for me personally, it was wrong place, wrong time.
“I wasn’t ready for that. I just couldn’t deal with the pressure and the stresses and the expectation of playing for a team like Man Utd.”
Norwich spell ‘stunted’ players’ growth
Tony Cascarino reckons loanees from Chelsea and Man United have gone backwards at Norwich.
Cascarino told TalkSPORT: “The lad Gilmour that came to Norwich, didn’t do particularly well at the club, and the fans turned on him at the start season.
“He’s a terrific young footballer but, somehow, he’s not grown.
“We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving – the lad Williams as well from Man United – but they’ve gone backwards this year.
“Two players have gone there from big clubs and have gone backwards at Norwich.”
It’s Your call
Youri Tielemans is set to decide on his next club as speculation grows he could be set for a move to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.
It is reported Tielemans has told people close to him he is prepared to make a move, with his preference being Real Madrid.
But Premier League clubs will be keen to try and hijack a deal for the 24-year-old.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri tweeted: “Youri Tielemans would have told those around him his preference for a departure to Spain.
“Real Madrid, interested, could position themselves concretely in the coming weeks… To be continued.”
Darren Fletcher’s new role
Darren Fletcher will take up a more prominent role at Manchester United next season, according to reports.
The former United defender was promoted to the role of technical director in March 2021.
But following the departure of chief transfer negotiator Matt Judge, he will now be handed more responsibilities at the club.
According to the Daily Mail, Fletcher will take over some of Judge’s responsibilities such as arranging meetings with potential transfer targets and dealing with player agents.
End of Martial’s United career
Anthony Martial will never play again if Man United have things their way.
That’s according to The Mirror who claim the Red Devils are considering paying the winger off to get rid of him for good.
The report states that United are mulling over giving Martial £12.5m to pay the remainder of his two-year contract.
Neves alert for Man United
Man United are on high alert after reports that Wolves are willing to hear offers for Ruben Neves.
He has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Molineux, with Man United among those keeping an eye on him.
The Times reports that Wolves are open to selling Neves, with there being an acceptance around the club he is a “Champions League-level player”.
With two years left on the Portuguese star’s deal, the Times claim the club would not stand in his way.
Ronaldo to return to Madrid?
Real Madrid are reportedly keen on making a sensational swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
And with a place in the top four looking unlikely, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could leave sooner rather than later.
According to the Mirror, influential figures at Real Madrid are eager for him to return to the Bernabeu.
If Ronaldo does make the move he would fit back into the squad alongside some former teammates including Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Declan Rice on transfer links
Declan Rice has revealed that he has no control over his transfer value amid links with Man United and Chelsea.
He also stated that his West Ham team-mates make jokes about his market price.
Rice said: “I can’t help speculation, even with the numbers that get talked about.
“I get battered for it all the time on social media, but I can’t help that. I can help by going on the pitch and performing as best as I can.
“They [West Ham team-mates] wind me up all the time. It’s crazy to speak about to be honest, so I just kind of block it out and do what I do best and that’s play football.”
Pressures of joining Man United
Former Man United ace Ben Foster has revealed he wasn’t ready for the pressure of joining the Red Devils.
He told The Mirror: “For me, it was bewildering. Honestly, I came from nowhere and then all of a sudden I signed for Man Utd and it was like ‘Wow!’ It was crazy.
“Definitely for me personally, it was wrong place, wrong time.
“I wasn’t ready for that. I just couldn’t deal with the pressure and the stresses and the expectation of playing for a team like Man Utd.”
Wes Brown slams Man United
Man United legend Wes Brown has slammed the club’s trajectory over recent years.
He said: “It’s not been good for a few seasons now. The team isn’t a team – everyone can see there’s something wrong.
“You’ve got to be strong mentally and know how to win games of football – perhaps when you don’t deserve to – Manchester United’s players haven’t been able to do that.”
Irwin’s a sure thing
Denis Irwin would be a sure-starter in Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-time XI.
Fergie revealed: “Honestly, I would say Denis Irwin would be the one certainty to get in the team. I called him an eight out of ten.
“At Highbury in one game, he had a bad pass back in the last minute and [Dennis] Bergkamp came in and scored.
“After the game the press said: ‘You must be disappointed in that pass back.’ I said: ‘Well, one mistake in 10 years isn’t bad.’ He was an unbelievable player.”
Wan-Bissaka doubt
Aaron Wan-Bissaka doesn’t fit into Man United’s squad.
That’s the opinion of football legend Kevin Phillips who said: “It’s a shame because I like him.
“However, he hasn’t really progressed at Man United – although the club have been in a massive decline themselves.
“Some players just don’t suit football clubs. That seems to be the case for Wan-Bissaka – he just doesn’t suit Man United. It happens.”
Ten Hag’s transfer request
James Ward-Prowse is the man Erik ten Hag wants to boss Manchester United’s new midfield.
And that could spark a £75million summer tug-of-war, as City chief Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Southampton skipper.
Ten Hag faces a huge rebuilding job at Old Trafford and has already started drawing up a hit-list.
And he has got the OK to go for Ward-Prowse, 27, with West Ham intent on keeping Declan Rice for one more season.
The Hammers want £150million for Rice, too much for the Red Devils, who will almost certainly miss out on the Champions League next term.
Yet JWP, who would cost half the price of Rice, is rated highly by Ten Hag.
No Rash decisions
Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard have been given lifelines by new Manchester United chief Erik ten Hag.
Struggling Rashford, 24, is being assured he will get a chance to perform under Ten Hag next season — and that will boost his England World Cup hopes.
While United team-mate Lingard could perform a U-turn and stay at the club if the new Old Trafford boss convinces him he is part of his plans under the Dutchman’s fresh regime.
Phil Jones’ team selection reasons
On his decisions, 30-year-old Jones told Goal in 2019: “I’ll go David [De Gea] No brainer.
“Five-a-side so, do you know what? I’m going to be stupid here. I’m going to put Berba there. Berbatov.
“Berba used to annoy me in training, every single training session. He used to play at centre-half and when I said to him ‘no, the manager asked me to play there’, he was like ‘no, go somewhere else’.
“He was unbelievable. I’ll put Berba there.
“And I’ll put… I’ll put Vida [Vidic] in there as well just because he throws himself at everything.
“Then I’m going to go with Scholesy. And I’ve got to go Wazza [Rooney].”
Phil Jones’ surprise team selection
Phil Jones has named his dream Manchester United five-a-side team – and there is one major surprise.
Few would argue that cool-as-you-like Dimitar Berbatov would be the perfect man for a smaller pitch.
But not many would stick him at the back alongside Nemanja Vidic, especially when the Serb formed a rock-solid combo with Rio Ferdinand.
David De Gea is, of course, picked in goal after years of being United’s last line of defence.
Paul Scholes ties everything together as the creative spark in the middle, while Wayne Rooney stars up front.
Morning Man Utd fans
Man Utd bigwigs will discuss a £12MILLION pay-off with Anthony Martial to help grease the wheels of a summer move.
The French forward has been on loan at Sevilla in LaLiga since January.
Despite a dip in form and currently being injured, the Spanish side have not ruled out a permanent deal for the 26-year-old.
Martial’s £240,000-a-week wages are beyond them and other interested clubs and United know they must reach a compromise if they want him off the books.
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has already identified his first summer transfer target.
Ten Hag plans on going after a player he was banned from signing at Ajax, left-back Tyrell Malacia.
According to reports Ten Hag wants to sign Malacia for United after not being allowed to pursue him while at Ajax due to the rivalry between Ajax and Malacia’s current club Feyenoord.
Man Utd interim manager Ralf Rangnick has ruled Edinson Cavani out of Monday’s clash with Brentford.
Rangnick confirmed Cavani was “supposed” to return to training but that didn’t happen and he won’t be part of the upcoming Premier League match at Old Trafford.
Rashford and Lingard lifeline
Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard have been given lifelines by new Manchester United chief Erik ten Hag.
Struggling Rashford, 24, is being assured he will get a chance to perform under Ten Hag next season — and that will boost his England World Cup hopes.
While United team-mate Lingard could perform a U-turn and stay at the club if the new Old Trafford boss convinces him he is part of his plans under the Dutchman’s fresh regime.
Rashford lost his Three Lions place this season, having endured a difficult campaign — so far scoring just five goals in 32 appearances.
And with interim manager Ralf Rangnick favouring Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga, Rashford became concerned his hopes of playing at the 2022 Qatar World Cup were fading.
But it has been made clear to Rashford that he will be given every chance to show off his skills once Ten Hag takes up the reigns following his arrival from Ajax this summer.
Ward-Prowse wanted
James Ward-Prowse is the man Erik ten Hag wants to boss Manchester United’s new midfield.
And that could spark a £75million summer tug-of-war, as City chief Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Southampton skipper.
Old Trafford sources reckon he can play in the midfield holding role.
Ward-Prowse earns around £100,000-a-week with Saints, meaning his salary — even with a hefty hike — is no stumbling block either.
His five-year contract runs until June 2026, and he is not pressing for a move although the lure of joining one of football’s big guns would be hard to resist.
Martial potential pay off
Man Utd bigwigs will discuss a £12MILLION pay-off with Anthony Martial to help grease the wheels of a summer move.
The French forward has been on loan at Sevilla in LaLiga since January.
Despite a dip in form and currently being injured, the Spanish side have not ruled out a permanent deal for the 26-year-old.
Martial’s £240,000-a-week wages are beyond them and other interested clubs and United know they must reach a compromise if they want him off the books.
The Red Devils have been paying 60 per cent of his wages during his stay in southern Spain and the remaining two years on his contract would cost them the thick end of £25m.
Martial is as keen to leave Old Trafford as they are to get him off the wage bill and knows he holds all the aces.
Pogba’s Elland Road admission
Paul Pogba was apparently bowled over by Elland when he visited with Man Utd last season, according Jack Harrison.
“Against Man United at home this year, Paul Pogba looked at me,” the Leeds midfielder told The Times.
“He was looking around, going, ‘wow, this is incredible! Is it like this for every game?!’ I said, ‘No, it’s a special occasion, just for you!’
“Every week they are amazing. They’re super loud at home and travelling as well, we always have so many fans travelling, it’s incredible to have that fanbase.”
Agbonlahor’s sympathy for Maguire
Gabriel Agbonlahor has revealed he has sympathy for Harry Maguire, who appears to be having a crisis of confidence at Old Trafford.
“I do feel sorry for Harry Maguire,” he revealed to Football Insider.
“I’ve been there as a player where you’re going through a rough spell and everyone’s on your back. You don’t know where to turn. For him, I bet he can’t wait for the season to finish. Get on a nice break with his family, forget about football.
“Come back in pre-season, put in the hard yards and start off a new season under a new manager. He’ll be looking forward to getting away in the summer, getting away from football. You can go through that. Everyone’s got mental health and you can’t look at footballers as robots.
“People like to jump on the bandwagon with Maguire. I feel sorry for him because there’s been so many poor performers for Man United. But he gets singled out all the time. He didn’t play against Arsenal and look how poor they were defensively. Raphael Varane wasn’t any better and neither was Victor Lindelof.”
Ten Hag’s first transfer target
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has already identified his first summer transfer target.
Ten Hag plans on going after a player he was banned from signing at Ajax, left-back Tyrell Malacia.
According to the Mirror, Ten Hag wants to sign Malacia for United after not being allowed to pursue him while at Ajax due to the rivalry between Ajax and Malacia’s current club Feyenoord.
Scouts from both United and Lyon watched his performance against Marseille in the Europa Conference League semi-final.
The report indicates a bid of just £20m would be enough to convince the Dutch side to sell up.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
