MANCHESTER UNITED’S shambolic season has reached new levels of farce, SunSport can reveal.
At the Red Devils’ Carrington training ground, boss Ralf Rangnick was forced to pull apart two senior players who became embroiled in a scrap.
But in more positive news, United have reportedly been given the all clear to sign Frenkie de Jong by Barcelona boss Xavi.
Erik Ten Hag is a long-time admirer of his fellow compatriot and is said to be eager to bring de Jong to Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, English star Jude Bellingham has turned his nose up at the chance to sign for United in the summer.
And Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that everybody in the squad is ‘excited’ to work with the new boss according to the official club website.
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Toon head Utd and Chelsea in Ekitike race
Newcastle are closing in on Chelsea and Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike.
90min say the Toon believe they can soon complete a deal for the Reims striker, 19.
It’s claimed Newcastle wee hovering for Ekitike in January and that negotiations have continued.
The teenager is enjoying a breakthrough season, with Reims 12th in Ligue 1.
Red Devils look stern in training
United’s under-fire players are putting in the extra hours in the training pitch today due to their extra-long break.
Ralf Rangnick’s men are without a game until ending the season at Crystal Palace on Sunday, March 22.
And judging on the snaps below, the Red Devils didn’t seem too happy.
Portugal superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, in particular, looked deep in thought.
Maybe they are thinking about the fact Erik Ten Hag is tipped to be at Selhurst Park to watch them for the first time as incoming permanent boss.
Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
Lewandowski’s deal has one year left to run.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
According to The Times, Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
Fren’s an enemy of Utd style
Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
“So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
Kane tipped for United transfer
Harry Kane has been tipped to join Man United if Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham.
That’s the view of Italian super agent Roberto De Fanti.
He told CaughtOffside: “If Conte does walk away from Tottenham Hotspur, I think Kane will go too.
“And if that does happen, the only club the Englishman would want to go to now is Manchester United.”
Man United’s most-important duo
Man United skipper Harry Maguire has often come under fire this season, but his stats since the summer prove he is actually one of the club’s two MOST-IMPORTANT players.
Fred too has been subject to criticism at times, despite enjoying something of a revival before his recent injury setback.
But the pair actually boast the highest Premier League win percentage out of anyone who has played 10 or more games for United this season.
Brazilian midfielder Fred has helped United pick up three points in 14 of his 27 Prem clashes, a win percentage of 51.9 percent.
Maguire’s win percentage meanwhile is the second best at the club.
The newly-married England defender has won 15 of his 29 Prem games, a win percentage of 51.7 percent.
Roo must be joking
Man United and England legend Wayne Rooney looked unrecognisable as his court sketch left fans in stitches.
The Derby County boss, 36, was at London’s High Court for his wife Coleen’s legal battle with Rebekah Vardy.
After the opening day of court, a sketch of ex-Everton, United and Three Lions star Rooney sat alongside Coleen in the courtroom emerged online.
And it had fans in stitches as they quickly began taking the mick on Twitter.
Ten Hag set for visit
Erik ten Hag could be in attendance for Man United’s last game of the season.
Ten Hag will take the reins at Old Trafford this summer.
But The Athletic have reported that the Dutchman may be in the stands to get a preview of his new club in action.
However, the report states that Ten Hag’s presence is yet to be confirmend.
Why Man United aren’t playing
The FA Cup final has impacted Man United’s Premier League schedule.
Man Utd were supposed to play Chelsea at home this weekend, but the Blues made it to the FA Cup final against Liverpool.
Therefore, the match was rescheduled.
Ferdinand’s De Jong hopes
Rio Ferdinand insists Frenkie De Jong will be a great signing for Man United.
He said: “He doesn’t get too many goals or assists but he gives you many more elements of the game that, I think United need as a team; especially in that position.
“United are definitely losing Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, and Juan Mata, they are all leaving in that position, so it does need reinforcement.
“And I think he would be a fantastic signing, if this deal goes ahead.”
United face De Jong fight
Man United face a fight prising Frenkie De Jong away from Barcelona.
That’s because Barca boss Xavi has revealed that De Jong is still very much part of his plans going forward – despite United’s interest.
Xavi declared: “I have said many times that Frenkie is very important. He’s a key player.
“Then there is also the financial situation of the club and it has to be decided. I’m not talking about Frenkie, in general.”
Gary Neville’s Prem predictions resurface
Gary Neville has been left red-faced after his pre-season Premier League predictions resurfaced on social media.
The Manchester United legend reckoned the Red Devils were going to finish THIRD in the table.
But in actual fact United have already guaranteed a worst-ever Premier League points total, and the best Ralf Rangnick’s flops can end up is sixth.
But despite Neville getting that particular prediction horribly wrong, it’s arguably not even his worst guess on the list.
Neville did have Manchester City down to be champions and Chelsea and Liverpool to finish in the top four, but that’s about as far as he got in terms of success.
Stay away from De Jong
Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
“So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
Mulling over Man United move
Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller has revealed he was close to joining Man United when Louis Van Gaal was boss.
Muller told Merkur: “Bayern clearly rejected the whole thing – despite this insane offer from United.
“[But it was a] huge vote of confidence from Bayern.”
Man United stars coach choice fury
Man United stars are reportedly not happy with the coaching levels at the club.
The United squad don’t think American coaches Rangnick’s coaches Chris Armas and Ewan Sharp are up to the standard set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s personnel unit, according to The Athletic.
Armas and Sharp’s predecessors Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna were more suited to the task, the report states.
Three youth players receive promotion
Man United have reportedly promoted three youth stars to their first team.
But Youth FA Cup hero Alejandro Garnacho surprisingly didn’t make the cut, the Mirror reported.
The 17-year-old’s team-mates Alvaro Fernandez, Shola Shoretire and Teden Mengi received the call-up instead.
And the trio could feature in United’s match against Crystal Palace, the report also stated.
Ronaldo’ makes trophy declaration
Cristiano Ronaldo claims Man United will win trophies next season under Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo told United’s media: “I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well. I wish him the best.
“We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well.
“I wish him the best and let’s believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies.”
Prem giants in Ndicka battle
Man United have reportedly joined the race for Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan Ndicka.
The 22-year-old has impressed this season, helping the German outfit to reach the Europa League final.
And his form has caught the attention of Manchester United, according to Sport Bild.
It’s claimed the Red Devils are ready to rival Newcastle to the signing of the highly rated Frenchman.
Dybala transfer scramble
Paulo Dybala’s agent is reportedly in London to hold transfer talks with Premier League clubs.
The 28-year-old forward is set to leave Juventus in the summer upon the expiry of his contract.
And there’s no shortage of interest in the Argentina international from the Prem.
Dybala’s agent, Jorge Antun, is currently in the capital to listen to offers from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, according to Calciomercato.
Good morning Red Devils fans
Man Utd target Arnaut Danjuma is available for £45million this summer.
Marca claims the bargain release clause kicks in following his stunning season in Spain.
Danjuma fired Villarreal to the Champions League semis straight after joining from Championship side Bournemouth.
But he could now be set for an immediate Premier League return, with Liverpool also interested.
Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal Man Utd’s shambolic end to the season reached a new low when two senior players had a full-on scrap at Carrington.
The shocking incident came towards the end of a training session at their base on Thursday.
The duo went at it and had to be pulled apart.
It brought the session to a premature end as all the team’s stars were ordered back to the changing rooms.
Even players used to bust-ups between team-mates were stunned.
Finally, Man Utd will oversee a transfer “revolution” under Erik ten Hag this summer.
Fabrizio Romano said: “It’s gonna be a revolution, I’m sure about that. I see a United revolution in the summer.
“Many players leaving on a free, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic.
“Also players that are still in the club with a contract, who want to discuss directly with Ten Hag about their future.
“Marcus Rashford, this is going to be a really interesting one because he’s out of contract in one year, with an option to extend for future seasons.”
Ronaldo hints at United stay
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will remain at Man Utd under Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo said: “I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach. But we have to give him time.
“Things must change the way he wants. If he does well, all of Manchester United will be successful, so I wish him well.
“We are all happy and excited, not only as players, but as fans as well. We have to believe that next year we can win titles.”
Exclusive by SunSport’s Neil Custis
Man Utd’s shambolic end to the season reached a new low when two senior players had a full-on scrap at Carrington.
The shocking incident came towards the end of a training session at their base on Thursday.
The duo went at it and had to be pulled apart.
It brought the session to a premature end as all the team’s stars were ordered back to the changing rooms.
Even players used to bust-ups between team-mates were stunned.
Man Utd get Danjuma boost
Man Utd target Arnaut Danjuma is available for £45million this summer.
Marca claims the bargain release clause kicks in following his stunning season in Spain.
Danjuma fired Villarreal to the Champions League semis straight after joining from Championship side Bournemouth.
But Danjuma could now be set for an immediate Premier League return, with Liverpool also interested.
Red Devils arrive for training
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co rocked up to Carrington for training this morning.
There was a subdued atmosphere with United’s season virtually over already.
But some plucky fans were on hand to ask their heroes for autographs.
SEE THE PICTURES HERE
Bellingham snubs summer United switch
Jude Bellingham has shut the door on a summer move to Man Utd by pledging his loyalty to Borussia Dortmund.
The England midfielder said: “The only future I think about is the next game for Dortmund.
“I look forward to next season. I look forward to it finally starting.
“But yes, I will be here next season and I will be ready.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
