MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to make a summer move for Harry Kane.
It is claimed that the Red Devils have a long standing interest, but informed Spurs they were delaying any approach last summer in order to sign Jadon Sancho.
Any deal for the 28-year-old England captain will reportedly cost upwards of £100m.
Meanwhile, ex-United man Nicky Butt has backed Mauricio Pochettino to be the new manager come next season.
But reports suggest that Italian giants Juventus are keen on signing the centre-back once the window opens.
And Wayne Rooney has opened up on his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.
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Ferdinand hits back at Rooney
Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Wayne Rooney calling him ‘arrogant’.
The pair played together for an incredibly successful Manchester United side between 2004 and 2014.
At a speaking event this week, Wazza joked Ferdinand was a ‘top player’ but ‘arrogant’ and ‘sometimes did forget he was a defender.’
On his YouTube show Vibe with Five, Ferdinand explained he and Rooney had often bickered during matches as a way of getting the best out of each other.
He said: “If the ball came up and he weren’t holding it up I’d be screaming, ‘Wazza hurry up’.
“He would go, expletive, ‘you do your own job’, and we’d be back and forth constant – but we drove each other.”
United duo ready for England
Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire look ready for England duty in Tuesday’s friendly against Ivory Coast.
Both defenders took part in training for the Three Lions today and look ready for the friendly clash at Wembley.
Maguire was an unused sub in Saturday’s 2-1 clash with Switzerland but Shaw started and scored the equaliser as England came from behind to win 2-1.
Butt: Pochettino’s United’s best option
Manchester United legend Nicky Butt would like to see Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino come in as the Red Devils’ next permanent manager.
Butt told FourFourTwo: “I’d go all-out to get Mauricio Pochettino as manager.
“He’s proven in the Premier League, he’s young and enthusiastic, his style of play would suit United and his backroom staff seem switched on.
“I met him a couple of times at Spurs’ training ground and had lunch. You’d want to play for him.”
Fernandes ‘set for new deal’
Bruno Fernandez is about to agree a new contract extension with Manchester United, according to reports.
United news outlet @UtdPlug says ‘it will be announced in the coming days’.
Portugal playmaker Fernandez, 27, has been a key man for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is said to be closing in on a new dealCredit: Getty Parker says United lack matchwinners
Manchester United legend Paul Parker believes the club only have two matchwinners in their current squad – and neither is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking to OddsNinja, he said: “United haven’t got the individuals like we talk about at the club many years ago. They definitely haven’t got it.”
He went on to name forward Anthony Elanga and keeper David de Gea as the only matchwinners in United’s squad.
He added: “Other than that really, there isn’t really anybody you’d name, who can go and grab hold of the game and get United over the line.”
United legends’ sons both score
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Ronney both scored for Manchester United Under-12s against West Brom on Sunday.
They are the sons of Red Devils legends and former United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Our nice report points out: “Fans can be forgiven for getting a little nostalgic, after seeing a United game with Rooney and Ronaldo on the scoresheet.”
United fifth favourites for Raphinha
Manchester United are fifth favourites to sign Leeds superstar Raphinha, according to the bookies.
Sky Bet have the Red Devils priced at 7/4 to beat a host of other top European clubs to the signature of the Brazilian if he leaves Elland Road.
The frontrunners are Spanish giants Barcelona at 7/4, followed by German powerhouses Bayern Munich at 7/1.
Cascarino calls Rashford ‘not clinical’
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino says Marcus Rashford is ‘not clinical’ enough to lead the line for Arsenal.
United forward Rashford is reportedly a transfer target for Mikel Arteta’s Champions League-chasing Gunners.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: “I’m not sure if Marcus is a solution for Arsenal because Marcus is not clinical.
“He doesn’t particularly lead the line well and that’s one of the two traits you need if you’re going to play in an Arteta team.”
Henderson makes honest loan admission
Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson admits loan spells at lower league clubs have been vital to his development.
The 25-year-old star joined United’s Academy as a 14-year-old and has had temporary spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.
He told Manchester United’s website: “[There] are the things you learn and move on. It was great for me. It’s why I’m sitting here today.
“If I didn’t [go out on loan], I’d probably be in League One now, just going out on my first loan. I fought for it and I stand by it, the best decision of my life.”
Van Gaal issues Ten Hag warning
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has issued a public warning to Erik ten Hag – advising him against taking the Old Trafford job.
Ajax boss Ten Hag is the bookies favourite to fill the United hot seat after holding a promising first interview with the club last week.
However, Van Gaal, now manager of the Dutch national team, has offered his compatriot a word of caution by criticising United’s off-field hierarchy.
Dutch media outlet AD report Van Gaal as saying: “I think Erik ten Hag is a great coach, he has shown that several times – and a great coach is always good for Manchester United.”
“Manchester United is a commercial club and those are difficult choices for a coach. It is better to go to a football club.
“I’m not going to supervise his career and he will call me himself. But he should choose a football club, not a commercial club.”
No Real deal for Tchouameni – yet
Premier League pair Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost by the news that – contrary to reports – Aurelien Tchouameni has not agreed to sign for Real Madrid.
Spanish media had claimed a deal had been done, but Tchouameni’s agent insists that no such move has been confirmed.
The two English clubs have been monitoring the 22-year-old’s development at Monaco, and both see the player as the ideal midfielder to build their side around for years to come.
However, Madrid remain very interested despite the press jumping the gun, as do Ligue 1 big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain.
Tchouameni scored his first international goal for France on Friday, heading home a stoppage time winner against Ivory Coast.
Credit: @WhoScored Twitter United planning Shaw and Rashford talks
Manchester United are planning to enter discussions with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford over new contracts, according to ESPN’S Rob Dawson.
The future of the England pair had been considered uncertain with both underperforming this season, and seemingly unhappy with life at Old Trafford.
Yet the duo ‘are considered part of a key group of core players that United want to keep’ ahead of a significant squad overhaul in the summer.
The current deals of both players are due to expire in June 2023.
United capture teen ace Toby
Manchester United have completed the signing of England youth star Toby Collyer from Brighton.
The 18-year-old midfielder has penned a three-and-a-half year contract with the Red Devils.
Collyer impressed Old Trafford chiefs during a recent trial and shone for their U23s in a match against Huddersfield.
Now he has committed his long-term future to United after they beat a host of Premier League rivals – including Chelsea – to his signature.
The youngster, who can also play as a centre-back, played 25 matches for Brighton’s Under-18 and Under-23 sides last season.
Rooney’s strong words for Rashford
Wayne Rooney has offered some old school advice to Marcus Rashford as he urged the out-of-form star to break his Manchester United record.
Rooney made a whopping 559 appearances for United during his playing career, eventually overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s tally to become the club all-time top scorer with 253 goals.
Now he has backed his 24-year-old pal Rashford to ‘f***ing get his head out of his a**e’ so that he will go on and surpass him.
The United ace burst onto the scene in 2016 towards the end of Rooney’s stay at Old Trafford and appeared to have the world at his feet.
However, this term the England international’s form and confidence appear to have dropped dramatically – and the player has since suggested that he’s frustrated with life at Old Trafford.
Speaking at a black tie event in Manchester, Rooney said: “I hope that Marcus Rashford f***ing gets his head out of his a**e and goes and breaks that record. He’s a Manchester lad.”
Midfielders also on United agenda
Manchester United also want to sign two midfielders the summer – further fuelling the belief that Paul Pogba will depart Old Trafford.
The Athletic suggest that the Red Devils want to bring in a pair of central players – one offensive and one defensive – in order to strengthen that area of their squad.
Newcomers would present midfield competition for Fred and Scott McTominay, and will help to cover the gap left by Pogba’s expected exit.
The French international is out of contract in June, and has shown little interest in penning a new deal with United.
The Athletic also believe that right wing is another position being targeted by United chiefs, despite last summer’s signing of Jadon Sancho.
Rooney response once was blue
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he told Sir Alex Ferguson to ‘f*** off’ when he tried to sign him aged 14.
The Derby gaffer, now 36, has stated he only had eyes for Everton after being approached by the Red Devils’ legendary manager.
In an exclusive, Rooney told The Sun: “Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign me when I was 14. He was on the phone to my mum and dad.
“They said, ‘Alex is on the phone, Manchester United want to sign you’.
“I said, ‘Tell him to f*** off. I want to play for Everton’.
“Then as time went on, I knew I had to play for Alex Ferguson. The reason I signed for United was Alex Ferguson.”
Rooney admits he couldn’t resist the lure of United a second time. He eventually joined them in 2004, and went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer.
United set sights on Kane
Manchester United want to bring a stellar striker to the club in the summer – and Harry Kane is at the top of their list.
The Athletic understand that Old Trafford officials are seriously considering an approach for Kane after holding initial talks with Tottenham back in July.
The Red Devils will require attacking reinforcements with Edinson Cavani destined to leave, Mason Greenwood unavailable indefinitely following his arrest, and question marks over the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Spurs chief Daniel Levy refused to play ball with Manchester City last summer, but may now consider moving the 28-year-old forward on for big money with his contract ticking down.
Kane, who took his goal tally with England to 49 on Saturday, has only two more years to run on his current deal.
United still keen on Luis
Luis Enrique is still considered ‘a genuine contender’ for the Manchester United job despite Erik ten Hag emerging as the clear favourite.
The Express report that the Red Devils remain extremely interested in bringing the Spain coach to Old Trafford, whose role with the national team would not require a hefty compensation package.
However, the situation is made more complex by the timing of this year’s winter World Cup.
It is understood that Enrique wants to lead La Roja through the finals in Qatar, meaning he would not be available to start in the Premier League until January.
United, on the other hand, want their new manager named ahead of this summer, such is the overhaul expected at the club.
Good Morning Man Utd fans
Erik ten Hag is claimed to be “surprised” that he has not been formally offered a contract by Manchester United yet.
The Mirror report Ten Hag is “stunned” that terms haven’t been proposed to him following his interview last week.
Ajax chief Ten Hag is not thought to be concerned about money – and had been expecting to be offered a deal soon after talks concluded.
United are said to have interviewed two other candidates, as well as Ten Hag, for the position.
Speaking on the United We Stand podcast, Andy Mitten confirmed discussions have been held with three bosses.
Elsewhere Paul Pogba has admitted he is “sad” that Manchester United have failed to win a trophy for five years.
He told Telefoot: “I want to win titles, to play for something and this year and the last few years we haven’t won a title. It’s sad.
“The season is not over yet, but almost because we don’t have any more titles to play for.”
And interim boss Ralf Rangnick could be without Pogba for Leicester’s visit this Saturday.
RTL France claim the midfielder missed national team training on Sunday with a “foot contusion.”
But in a double injury blow Raphael Varane could also be unavailable.
The centre-back was forced to come off in France’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Friday with a foot injury, and although Varane did train on Sunday, it was only a “special session.”
Neither of the injuries are thought to be serious, but it’s still sure to give Rangnick an unwanted headache.
Connolly – Too many statements from Utd stars
Former Premier League player David Connolly has claimed Manchester United’s stars should not be “making that many statements on social media” after defeats.
A number of United’s squad have posted lengthy messages across the course of the season, vowing to improve matters at Old Trafford.
But Speaking to Off The Ball, Connolly said: “I took a lot of criticism when I was playing and I think at times it’s unfortunate but it’s par for the course, whether it’s from the media, newspapers or journalists, shows like this, tons of fans.
“You accept it and you accept it because you’re playing football, you know you have done so well to be able to play football, you accept that it’s part and parcel of it.
“In there somewhere I guess is a middle ground that you have to find and I don’t think Marcus or too many other players should be making that many statements on social media.
“Certainly you can’t apologise incessantly for all your failings in every regard.”
United manager interviews continue
Manchester United have reportedly interviewed THREE candidates for the managerial role.
Erik ten Hag held discussions last week over the role.
But speaking on the United We Stand podcast, Andy Mitten confirmed that United have now spoken to three candidates over the position.
And while one of those is Ten Hag, although the identity of the other two remains unknown.
As well as Ten Hag, Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique are all thought to be candidates for the role.
Rooney on telling Fergie to “f*** off”
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he told Sir Alex Ferguson to “f*** off” when he tried to sign him aged 14.
The Derby gaffer, 36, has stated he only had eyes for Everton after being approached by the Red Devils’ legendary manager.
Rooney told The Sun: “Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign me when I was 14. He was on the phone to my mum and dad.
“They said, ‘Alex is on the phone, Manchester United want to sign you’.
“I said, ‘Tell him to f*** off. I want to play for Everton’.
“Then as time went on, I knew I had to play for Alex Ferguson. The reason I signed for United was Alex Ferguson.”
Arsenal keen on Rashford transfer
Manchester United academy product Marcus Rashford could be set for a shock move to Arsenal this summer.
Reports suggest the Gunners are plotting a swoop for the 24-year-old come the end of the campaign.
The Manchester United forward is enduring a rough time at Old Trafford this season.
However, according to the Mirror, Rashford could be offered an escape route out of Old Trafford by Arsenal, as the Gunners look to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals.
Exclusive – Rooney reveals Keane bust-up
Wayne Rooney recalled a hilarious bust-up he had with Roy Keane over turning off rugby league to watch X-FACTOR.
Following an away game, former United captain Keane was left fuming after Rooney turned over the rugby to watch the singing show.
Rooney, 36, revealed: “We played Newcastle away and afterwards Roy was watching the rugby league. When he went out of the room I put X Factor on and hid the remote. He came back in and asked who turned it over.
“I said, ‘I don’t know.’ He went up to the plug, pulled it out and said no one could watch anything.
“At midnight I was asleep and there was a bang on the door. It was security and he said, ‘Roy said, Where’s the remote?’
“The next morning we go downstairs to get our pre-match meal and I’m stood next to Roy.
“I said, ‘Roy, you OK mate? Did you find that remote?’ He said, ‘What the f**k has it got to do with you?’
“Roy is not everyone’s cup of tea but I really like him.”
Rooney – Ferdinand is “arrogant”
Rio Ferdinand also copped from stick from former Wayne Rooney.
Rooney told fans, some of whom had paid up to £300 a ticket to hear him speak at the Mercure Hotel: “Rio is a top player, but he is just arrogant.
“You get paid a lot of money at Man United to kick the ball into the net, so just do it.
“I said: ‘Do your job, and give me the ball, give Ronaldo the ball. Stop standing there messing about.’ Rio is a top lad but he sometimes did forget he was a defender.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
