MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has provided Erik Ten Hag with some words of wisdom ahead the Dutchman’s new managerial role at Old Trafford.
Scholes, 47, stated that a top four finish would be seen as a success for Ten Hag during his first season.
And someone who could help Ten Hag achieve that is Christopher Nkunku as the RB Leipzig ace is currently in talks with United according to reports.
Meanwhile, Pau Torres is eyeing up his dream number should his switch from Villarreal to Old Trafford be completed but the only problem is that Phil Jones occupies that shirt.
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United and Real ‘in for Merih’
Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, 24, is said to be on Manchester United’s radar.
The 33-cap Turk has also been linked with Real Madrid and Atalanta, where he shone on loan this season.
It’s thought he has a buy-out option, having arrived at Juve from Sassulo in 2019.
Credit: Getty Manchester United are interested in Juventus defender Merih Demiral according to Tutto Atalanta.
United, as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid, are interested in a summer move for the powerful defender.
The defender has a buy option that any of the interested parties could trigger this summer, including Atalanta where he spent the season on loan.
The 24-year-old defender made 42 appearances in all competitions this season including six games each in the Champions League and Europa League.
Demiral has 33 caps for Turkey at international level.
Red Devils ‘eye Rams ace Edbiowei’
Manchester United are interested in signing Derby County whizkid Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reports.
The winger, 18, has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs in his debut campaign for the Rams this season.
He has impressed United legend Wayne Rooney who promoted him to the first-team after watching him perform well in the youth sides.
Now United are looking to strike a deal for the youngster with his contract expiring in the summer, report the Daily Mail.
Newcastle have reportedly joined the Red Devils in the race to sign Ebiowei, who made 16 appearances this term, scoring once.
He also scored seven goals in seven games for the under-18 side, sparking attention from Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
Red Devils confirm Atletico friendly
United will face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on July 30 in their fifth pre-season game.
New boss Erik ten Hag announced training will start on June 27, with his first friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.
The Red Devils then head to Melbourne to play Melbourne Victory on July 15 and Crystal Palace four days later.
United take on Aston Villa in Perth’s Optus Stadium on July 23, before returning to Europe for a clash with Atletico a week later.
United tipped to step in front of Chelsea with Nkunku bid
Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
Nkunku, 24, was named as the Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week.
Sky Sports Germany claim Nkunku’s representatives are “in contact” with the Red Devils.
United are right at the front of the queue to sign the hot shot and an offer is “to be expected next week”.
They are hoping to beat Chelsea as the Blues also ready themselves to launch a bid.
Club consultant Ralf Rangnick – who once called Nkunku “the best young player in Germany” – has already “advocated the move” to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag consulted on Torres transfer
Manchester United officials have consulted new boss Erik ten Hag about the possibility of signing Villarreal’s Pau Torres, according to the MEN.
The Spanish international has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, and was first considered during Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s time in the hot seat.
The recruitment department at Old Trafford have continued to monitor Torres’ situation, and now seem set to make a move – but only if Ten Hag gives the deal the green light.
The Dutchman is keen for new defenders to arrive, but is known to favour Jurrien Timber, who he worked with at Ajax.
Red Devils to reshape defence
Manchester United are prepared to listen to offers for three defenders as Erik ten Hag begins work on his back line.
The MEN report that the Red Devils will part with Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Alex Tuanzebe if they receive suitable offers.
Ivory Coast international Bailly arrived in 2016 for £30m, but only made four appearances in the Premier League last season.
Jones, meanwhile, has been blighted by injuries in recent years, and only has a year remaining on his contract; Tuanzebe has spent much of the past two campaigns out on loan without success.
Darwin due to make decision
In-demand forward Darwin Nunez says he will make a decision on his future club after tomorrow’s Champions League final, according to Portuguese paper Record.
The Benfica hotshot is wanted by Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid among others.
Despite tomorrow’s final being contested by the two clubs rivalling the Red Devils for the Uruguayan, United insiders are confident of getting the deal done.
The 22-year-old Nunez struck 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica in all competitions this season.
Ten Hag begins backroom shake-up
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has started to shape his backroom team.
The Dutchman has already brought in Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag as his assistant coaches, and is now preparing to let four members of staff go.
The Manchester Evening News suggest those includes Mike Phelan, who has spent 25 years at Old Trafford off and on as player and coach, and who was assistant manager to both Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solkskjaer.
Also on their way out are the three coaching additions made during Ralf Rangnick’s time in charge last season.
Assistant Chris Armas, analyst Ewan Sharp and sports psychologist Sascha Lense will all leave the club after six months as part of the German’s team.
United considering back-up keepers
Manchester United have drawn up a shortlist of goalkeepers to potentially bring in as back-up for David de Gea.
The Red Devils require a new reserve stopper after Lee Grant announced his retirement from playing yesterday while current number two, Dean Henderson, is expected to move on.
Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News reports that both Newcastle’s Karl Darlow and Watford’s Daniel Bachmann are currently being considered.
A return to Old Trafford for Sam Johnstone had been on the agenda, but the England goalkeeper now looks destined to join Crystal Palace.
Relax! Frenkie won’t go to City
Manchester United have received another boost in their bid to land Frenkie de Jong – they won’t be challenged by neighbours Manchester City.
Reports coming out of the Etihad suggest that the Premier League champions have no interest in pursuing the Barcelona midfielder.
The Catalan giants had flagged the possibility of a swap deal for De Jong involving Bernardo Silva.
United set De Jong deadline
Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong remains one of Manchester United’s top targets this summer.
However, the new ruthless Red Devils will not let the move become a drawn-out transfer saga and have set a deadline in order to get the deal done.
Sport understand that United’s ultimatum will allow them to look elsewhere should the Dutchman decide to stay at the Nou Camp.
Barca are reluctantly ready to part with the 25-year-old given their financial issues, and Erik ten Hag is incredibly keen on capturing his compatriot.
Morning, United fans
United won’t let new boss Erik ten Hag splash huge sums this summer – but they are still favourites to land Christopher Nkunku.
Old Trafford chiefs reportedly want a cautious first transfer window for ex-Ajax chief Ten Hag.
Club revenue is rising again after the coronavirus pandemic but net debt has soared £52million since last year.But Ten Hag WILL at least be in charge of transfers.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong remains his priority.
And the latest suggestion is United have given the Holland midfielder an ultimatum to show he’s keen on joining.
Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez are top targets.
And the Red Devils are said to be stepping in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig anchorman Christopher Nkunku next week.
The twice-capped Frenchman, 24, is the Bundesliga Player of the Season.
United are also being linked with Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral, who’s also admired by Real Madrid and Atalanta.
Finally, the Red Devils, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid ‘stalled over tax issues’.
Red Devils ‘eye Rams ace Edbiowei’
Manchester United are interested in signing Derby County whizkid Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reports.
The winger, 18, has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs in his debut campaign for the Rams this season.
He has impressed United legend Wayne Rooney who promoted him to the first-team after watching him perform well in the youth sides.
Now United are looking to strike a deal for the youngster with his contract expiring in the summer, report the Daily Mail.
Newcastle have reportedly joined the Red Devils in the race to sign Ebiowei, who made 16 appearances this term, scoring once.
He also scored seven goals in seven games for the under-18 side, sparking attention from Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
Utd linked with Aarons ‘swap’
Manchester United’s interest in Norwich right-back Max Aarons could lead to a ‘swap’ deal.
Givemesport say the relegated Canaries are interesting in borrowing United defender Ethan Laird.
The Englishman, 20, shone on loan for promoted Bournemouth.
Red Devils confirm Atletico friendly
United will face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on July 30 in their fifth pre-season game.
New boss Erik ten Hag announced training will start on June 27, with his first friendly against Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12.
The Red Devils then head to Melbourne to play Melbourne Victory on July 15 and Crystal Palace four days later.
United take on Aston Villa in Perth’s Optus Stadium on July 23, before returning to Europe for a clash with Atletico a week later.
Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.
The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
United and Real ‘in for Merih’
Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral is said to be on Manchester United’s radar.
The 33-cap Turk, 24, has also been linked with Real Madrid and Atalanta, where he shone on loan this season.
It’s thought he has a buy-out option, having arrived at Juve from Sassulo in 2019.
Credit: Getty Manchester United are interested in Juventus defender Merih Demiral according to Tutto Atalanta.
Per the source, United as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in a summer move for the powerful defender.
READ: 2022-23 Super Lig title favourites – Can Trabzonspor remain champions?
Juventus could sacrifice Demiral to raise funds for the transfer window.
The defender has a buy option that any of the interested parties could trigger this summer, including Atalanta where he spent the season on loan.
The 24-year-old defender made 42 appearances in all competitions this season including six games each in the Champions League and Europa League.
Demiral has 33 caps for Turkey at international level.
The defender initially rose through the youth ranks of Fenerbahce before moving to Portugal where he was later snapped up by Sporting Lisbon.
From there he was signed by Alanyaspor in Turkey.
Martial flaw
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial is on his way back to Old Trafford after loan club Sevilla rejected the chance to sign him.
The 30-cap Frenchman, 26, missed six games in Spain through injury, netted only once and was even jeered by Sevilla fans.
Man Utd boost as Barca’s Aurelien deal stalls
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid reportedly stalled.
It’s claimed the France midfielder’s Bernabeu talks have been hit by ‘tax issues’.
Tchouameni’s transfer fee has also been a problem, according to 90min.
PSG, including Kylian Mbappe, are also said to be strong admirers of the eight-cap star.
But Real remain favourites to sign him.
Blues turn De Ligt back on
Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is rated as Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s ‘first choice’ target.
Tuchel reportedly tried to sign the Holland and former Ajax star, 22, who Manchester United are previously thought to have trailed.
Now Calciomercato say Chelsea are back in for De Ligt as they wait for their club takeover to be completed.
United and Real ‘in for Merih’
Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral is said to be on Manchester United’s radar.
The 33-cap Turk, 24, has also been linked with Real Madrid and Atalanta, where he shone on loan this season.
It’s thought he has a buy-out option, having arrived at Juve from Sassulo in 2019.
Credit: Getty Manchester United are interested in Juventus defender Merih Demiral according to Tutto Atalanta.
Per the source, United as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in a summer move for the powerful defender.
READ: 2022-23 Super Lig title favourites – Can Trabzonspor remain champions?
Juventus could sacrifice Demiral to raise funds for the transfer window.
The defender has a buy option that any of the interested parties could trigger this summer, including Atalanta where he spent the season on loan.
The 24-year-old defender made 42 appearances in all competitions this season including six games each in the Champions League and Europa League.
Demiral has 33 caps for Turkey at international level.
The defender initially rose through the youth ranks of Fenerbahce before moving to Portugal where he was later snapped up by Sporting Lisbon.
From there he was signed by Alanyaspor in Turkey.
United tipped to step in front of Chelsea with Nkunku bid
Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
Nkunku, 24, was named as the Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week.
Sky Sports Germany claim Nkunku’s representatives are “in contact” with the Red Devils.
United are right at the front of the queue to sign the hot shot and an offer is “to be expected next week”.
They are hoping to beat Chelsea as the Blues also ready themselves to launch a bid.
Club consultant Ralf Rangnick – who once called Nkunku “the best young player in Germany” – has already “advocated the move” to Old Trafford.
Red Devils ‘issue De Jong ultimatum’
Manchester United have reportedly issued Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong a transfer ultimatum warning they are prepared to move on.
The Red Devils are hoping Erik ten Hag can rebuild the club to its glory days.
One of the ways the Dutchman can do it is by getting his recruitment right.
Man Utd were linked with a move for Ten Hag’s former Ajax player De Jong, who could be available for a transfer away from Barca this summer.
But according to SPORT, United are seeking a final answer from De Jong on whether he wants to make the move, issuing an ultimatum.
United are keen for the transfer saga not to drag out and are prepared to move on from the midfielder to avoid panic buys, despite being confident in agreeing a £70million deal with Barca.
Retired Utd keeper Grant becomes Ipswich coach
Lee Grant has joined Ipswich Town’s coaching staff just hours after announcing his retirement.
The goalkeeper ended four years at Manchester United by calling time on his playing career aged 39.
He will now join up with former Red Devils first team coach Kieran McKenna at Portman Road, with the Northern Irishman having left United to take charge of Ipswich last year.
Grant has accepted a role as first team coach, with Rene Gilmartin staying in place as head of goalkeeping.
Upon joining Town, Grant told the club’s media channels: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to it.
“I know Kieran and Martyn (Pert) having worked with them at Manchester United and I loved the work we were being given from a playing perspective. Now I am excited about working with them again, albeit in a different role.
“I feel really blessed that I have been able to make the decision to retire and go straight into an exciting role with Ipswich Town.
“Over the last few years, I have been preparing for this moment by obtaining my coaching licences, expanding my network and working on a business degree.
“It has all been with the intention of being in a good place for a smooth transition at this point in my career.
“I could not be joining a club with a more exciting footing than Ipswich either. There is new ownership, new direction, a driven manager and a squad that is also hungry to go and achieve things.
‘Red Devils won’t let Ten Hag spend big’
United will not splash the cash on transfers during Erik ten Hag’s first year in charge.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that United will approach the summer transfer window in a conservative manner.
That is despite the fact the club’s hierarchy announced a total revenue increase of 29 per cent in the Red Devils’ third quarter financial results.
Business is returning to normal at Old Trafford after the coronavirus pandemic. But net debt has risen £52million since last year.
United will instead focus their investment on their recruitment system and that initiative will be led by football director John Murtough. They will be looking to replace senior scouting figures Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout as well as chief transfer negotiator Matt Judge.
Ten Hag will be in charge of transfers and will approach the summer market with discipline. The Dutchman is reportedly keen on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as well as Ajax duo Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez.
United chief executive Richard Arnold said: “It has clearly been a disappointing season for the men’s first team. Work is well underway to address this, led by our football director John Murtough and our new manager Erik ten Hag.
“Resilience and high standards are core values for Manchester United, and we are determined to achieve better results next season and beyond. Faith in youth is another key tenet of the club and the continued success of our academy gives us confidence in the future.
“Off the pitch, our revenues have continued to recover from the pandemic, reflecting the enduring strength of our commercial operations, which in turn support our ability to continue to invest in the club.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
