Pogba ‘REJECTS’ City whilst PSG are labelled ‘frontrunners to sign Frenchman, Neville’s HARSH Lingard comments – updates

Rangnick on Brighton loss

Ralf Rangnick has opened up on the difficulties Man United had during their 4-0 loss to Brighton.

He said: “For us, it was whenever they played the diagonal ball we struggled with those balls although we told our full-backs that they should get out earlier.

“It was very, very difficult to stop them in the first half at all and in the second half we took the risk to bring Edi [Cavani] on as a second striker and Fred and went to a 4-4-2.

“In hindsight it was maybe a little bit of a risk to play a 4-4-2 against them, but we had to try and change the energy. Today we were second best in all relevant areas.”

Ten Hag’s first signing

Erik ten Hag has reportedly made his first Manchester United signing in the form of Stevenage wonderkid Elyh Harrison.

The 16-year-old keeper has made a name for himself in the League Two side’s U18s team.

And at just 15 years of age, he joined up with the senior squad for training earlier this season as his rapid progression continued.

Now UtdDistrict are reporting that he has agreed a deal to join Man Utd.

He will certainly be looked at as one for the future, with David de Gea the club’s regular No1 and England hopeful Dean Henderson on the bench.

Fortune gives Ronaldo insight

Quinton Fortune says Cristiano Ronaldo knew he was destined for footballing greatness when he was a teenager.

Retired Red Devils defender Fortune was at the club when a raw 17-year-old Ronaldo was signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

The South African told Ladbrokes: “He just brings that confidence and belief, whether he’s 17 or 37.

“I remember when he arrived at the club in 2003, he told us that he was going to be the best.

“That mindset, and the way he’s trained since then – putting weights around his ankles and doing stepovers, going to the gym every day, fine-tuning every single part of his game – it’s absolutely unbelievable.”

Neville tips Spurs derby win

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has tipped Tottenham to beat Arsenal in Thursday’s crunch derby.

The fourth-placed Gunners go to their big rivals looking to extend their four-point lead over fifth-placed Spurs.

The final three games will decide which of the two clubs will claim the final Champions League qualification spot.

Neville said on his podcast: “Look, it’s Arsenal’s to lose but Tottenham on Thursday night, that will be hard for Arsenal.

“If they come out of there with a draw or a victory they’ll have done very well with the feeling that will be in that stadium against them.

“It’s a big game, I’m looking forward to it. I fancy Tottenham on Thursday night.”

United loanee Williams under investigation

Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams is being investigated by Norwich for a post he made on Instagram.

The versatile defender, 21, who has been on loan with the Canaries this season, uploaded a picture of himself putting up his middle finger, with the caption: “What a beautiful day. Easy up Norwich City”.

It came after he played in relegated Norwich’s 4-0 thrashing by West Ham on Sunday and has prompted a probe by the Norfolk club.

Is Pogba off to PSG?

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to sign Paul Pogba, according to Betfair.

The bookies have Mauricio Pochettino’s Ligue 1 champions best priced at 4/5 to secure the services of Manchester United’s unsettled France superstar.

Pogba, 29, has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester City but looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer at the end of his contract.

Ronaldo’s United role going forward

Paul Parker says Cristiano Ronaldo can still be a key man for Manchester United next season – if he changes his attitude a bit.

Club legend Ronaldo has bagged 18 goals in a struggling Red Devils side after his heralded return from Juventus last summer.

But is has been far from plain sailing with reports of dressing room unrest amid poor results and managerial uncertainty.

But retired United hero Parker, 58, says the Portugal star can still be a big asset for incoming manager Erik ten Hag.

Parker told MyBettingSites: “If he’s willing to give a bit back, there is a great chance it could be a better unity in that Manchester United dressing room when someone like Ronaldo is giving a bit back.”

He added: “If they are going to keep him, he’s got to understand that he might not be playing regular football and when he does play, he’s got to be nurturing people.”

Ronaldo’s greatest achievement yet?

Apparently Manchester United fans think Cristiano Ronaldo’s 18-goal return in their underwhelming team this season might just be his greatest-ever achievement!

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has claimed just about every personal and club honour going during his 20-year professional career.

His 115 goals for Portugal also make his the highest international goal-scorer of all time and he led his country to an historic Euro 2016 win.

But such is the malaise of a Red Devils side struggling to hang on to the Prem’s sixth place this season that supporters have hailed Ronaldo’s impressive goal-return as an extra-special feat.

The Portuguese has scored SEVEN match-winning goals, the most in the Prem, so far in the current campaign.

Fans have praised his impact on Twitter, with one tweeting: “Scoring 18 Premier League goals with this Manchester United side is Ronaldo’s greatest achievement in his entire career.”

Pogba ‘rejects City approach’

Paul Pogba has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester City.

The Manchester United midfielder, 29, is said to have given serious consideration to an offer from their bitter derby rivals.

The France star looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer at the end of his contract.

But according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Pogba’s representatives have informed City he will be heading elsewhere.

Unpleasant note for United fan

A Manchester United fan was unhappy to find a sarcastic note outside her home which was covered in dog poo.

The message was left on a path often used by Manchester City fans visiting the Etihad, and read: “If found, return to Old Trafford.”

Red Devils fan and recipient Natalie, 25, said: “I didn’t even think, ‘Oh, that’s funny’. That’s gross. Why would you do that?”

United blow in Laimer chase

Manchester Unite face competition from Bayern Munich in their pursuit of Konrad Laimer, according to reports.

The Red Devils have been tracking the RB Leipzig midfielder, 24, who could fill the void if Paul Pogba leaves Old Trafford as expected.

But Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Bayern are lining up a £15million bid that could extend to £17m, and their boss Julian Nagelsmann is “pushing” for his side to sign Laimer from his old team.

Ron tells Utd team-mates he’s staying

EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo has told team-mates he intends to stay at Manchester United — but only if Erik ten Hag wants him, writes RICHARD MORIARTY.

The Portuguese superstar, 37, wants to see out the final year of his Old Trafford contract despite the Red Devils failing to nab a place in next year’s Champions League.

It was feared without a place in Europe’s biggest competition, Ronaldo would agitate for a move.

But ahead of new boss Ten Hag’s arrival a United insider revealed: “Ronaldo told the players he’s not going anywhere unless the club say they don’t want him.

“No one is more disappointed than him about how the season has panned out.

“But he doesn’t want to leave on a low and wants to help get the club back into the Champions League and try and win a trophy next year.

“However, he has told them if the new boss wants to go in a different direction, then he will have no hard feelings and has no regrets about coming back to Old Trafford.”

It could be the Hend for Bourne

EXCLUSIVE: Bournemouth will step up their bid to take Manchester United’s Dean Henderson on loan after confirming their return to the Premier League, writes DAN KING.

Sunsport revealed that United are willing to pay half or more of Henderson’s £120,000-per-week wages in order to set up a temporary move for next season.

And the Cherries are ready to take the initiative ahead of the England goalkeeper’s other suitors.

But they will face a fight with fellow promoted side Fulham who are also keen.

Henderson, 25, briefly took over as United’s first-choice keeper last season.

But he has been limited to just three first-team appearances this season after David de Gea’s brilliant return to form.

His limited opportunities have resulted in him dropping out of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad and he is keen to secure more first-team football from the start of next season, ahead of the winter World Cup in Qatar.

United are considering whether to bring in new No 2 and No 3 ‘keepers behind De Gea but are not ready to sell Academy product Henderson outright.

Ferdinand blasts Utd’s lack of character

Rio Ferdinand has slammed the current Manchester United side after another embarrassing defeat in the Premier League.

Ralf Rangnick’s men were humbled against Brighton on Saturday, losing 4-0 at the Amex Stadium.

And now former centre-back Ferdinand has torn into the club again, as they were officially confirmed to be out of the race for Champions League football next season.

On the latest episode of his FIVES podcast, Ferdinand said: “It has got to the stage where you can’t even put up a fight as a Man United fan. 

“We are getting mocked every week.”

The season has gone from bad to worse for United this season, who have lost 11 of their 37 league games this season.

However conceding four goals to Brighton, who have averaged just over a goal a game this season, takes their troubles to whole new levels.

Ferdinand said: “We have gone down to Brighton to the seaside for a day out. We got pumped and sent back home.

“There is no fight, there is no character and it seems there is no desire. People have downed tools it seems.”

Becks urges Ronaldo to stay

United legend David Beckham urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay after a disastrous season, which he’s thankful is over.

Beckham, who was attending the Miami Grand Prix, admitted it has been a “tough” campaign for United and is sure fans are pleased that it’s coming to an end.

The Inter Miami owner also praised the supporters for not giving up on the Red Devils, despite a raft of poor performances, by filling Old Trafford every week.

The former England captain expects changes to be made under incoming manager Erik ten Hag but hopes fellow club legend Ronaldo will stay on for next season.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has another year left on his Old Trafford deal but his future is now uncertain, even though he has been United’s shining light during a disastrous campaign.

Beckham told Sky Sports: “There’s changes to be made and changes that are happening and we’ve seen that. It’s a tough end to the season but it is the end of the season.

“I’m sure a lot of the fans are thankful of that because it’s been a tough one.

“Obviously Cristiano is one of the best players over the last 15 years with Lio [Lionel Messi]. To see him stay on, hopefully staying on at United, is important for the fans.

“I think it’s important to him, we all know how much Man Utd means to him and he’s still doing what he does best – scoring goals and creating.”

Red Devils drop out of Johnstone race

Manchester United have given up their pursuit of West Brom’s England keeper Sam Johnstone.

That leaves Tottenham in prime position to snap him up.

Man Utd already have David de Gea and Dean Henderson vying for the No1 spot in between the sticks.

And Johnstone, who was on United’s books until 2018, is searching for more regular first team football, so Old Trafford would not appear to be the right fit for him.

According to The Mirror, Spurs is the likely destination for the 29-year-old as they are in search of a back-up keeper to Hugo Lloris.

The report states the Lilywhites believe he can provide genuine competition for the Frenchman and also act as an accomplished understudy.

Johnstone is out of contract this summer, so Tottenham will be available to claim him on a free transfer.

Despite coming through the youth set-up at Man Utd, Johnstone never secured a first team appearance for the club.

Stat’s gotta hurt: Utd’s worst Prem season

This season’s Manchester United is statistically the WORST ever Premier League team in the club’s illustrious history.

United have found themselves on quite a decline since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, which marked their last title success.

The Red Devils have struggled since Ferguson’s departure, but never as much as this term as they are currently sixth in the Premier League table with a mere 58 points from 37 matches.

Ralf Rangnick’s flops have one more Prem game left to mercifully end a miserable campaign, which started with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm, against Crystal Palace on May 22 at Selhurst Park.

That means United could complete the season with a maximum of 61 points, which is their lowest ever tally in the English top flight since the Premier League’s inception in 1992.

After Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing at Brighton they have also officially conceded 56 league goals, their most in a single campaign in the competition.

The Manchester giants have endured an ever poorer campaign than the 2013/2014 term when David Moyes replaced Sir Alex and failed to complete the season.

United finished with Ryan Giggs as interim manager in seventh place with 64 points.

Victory at the Amex Stadium would have allowed Rangnick’s men to hope to equal Moyes’ points tally but ultimately remained on 58 points with one more game to go.

The Red Devils splashed the cash last summer for some top-shelf signings as Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane joined up and were followed by club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rio claims woeful Utd have ‘downed tools’

Rio Ferdinand has slammed the current Manchester United side after another embarrassing defeat in the Premier League.

Ralf Rangnick’s men were humbled against Brighton on Saturday, losing 4-0 at the Amex Stadium.

And now former centre-back Ferdinand has torn into the club again, as they were officially confirmed to be out of the race for Champions League football next season.

On the latest episode of his FIVES podcast, Ferdinand said: “It has got to the stage where you can’t even put up a fight as a Man United fan. 

“We are getting mocked every week.”

The season has gone from bad to worse for United this season, who have lost 11 of their 37 league games this season.

However conceding four goals to Brighton, who have averaged just over a goal a game this season, takes their troubles to whole new levels.

Ferdinand said: “We have gone down to Brighton to the seaside for a day out. We got pumped and sent back home.

“There is no fight, there is no character and it seems there is no desire. People have downed tools it seems.”

Leipzig fight to keep Utd target Nkunku

RB Leipzig will fight to keep Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal target Christopher Nkunku.

That’s the claim this evening as AC Milan, Bayern Munich and former club Paris Saint-Germain also eye the France midfielder, 24.

Despite  L’Equipe suggesting last week that Nkunku has privately revealed he is interested in moving on this summer, reports today insist Leipzig believe they can keep him.

Publicly at least, the twice-capped star says he is happy in Germany and could stay for the final two years of his contract.

Nev defends claim Conte shouldn’t boss Utd

Gary Neville has ferociously defended his claim that ex-Chelsea chief Antonio Conte is not right for Manchester United amid criticism from Jamie Carragher.

It comes after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed he doesn’t like the kind of football Conte’s Tottenham team play following their 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday.

The Reds boss said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that, I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.

“I think they’re world class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against Liverpool they had 36, 38 per cent possession. But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it.

“So yes, world class players block all the balls, really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it. Fine, they won whatever.

“Fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t. I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.”

Conte was touted for the Manchester United job last year but the Red Devils opted to stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a few more matches. The Italian then chose to join Tottenham instead, while Man Utd sacked Solskjaer and appointed Ralf Rangnick as interim boss.

Old Trafford legend Neville quote retweeted the comments from Klopp and added: “I respect Conte and his football enormously but this Klopp interview gives the clear reason why he wasn’t the right fit for United.”

Neville’s Sky Sports colleague Carragher then responded with a screenshot of a headline which read: “Gary Neville calls for brutal Diego Simeone to be considered for next Manchester United manager”.

To which Neville replied: “Simone 4-4-2 aggressive style. Proper United that. Conte wing backs ?? No..”

Ron’s regular chats with Fergie over Utd future

Cristiano Ronaldo regularly shares a cuppa with Alex Ferguson to talk over his Manchester United future, it’s claimed today.

The Mirror says the ‘private meetings’ at each other’s homes have been a feature of Ron’s second spell at Old Trafford.

Legendary ex-United boss Ferguson not only signed the Portugal superstar back in 2003, he also aided the 37-year-old’s return last summer.

It’s suggested Fergie believes Ronaldo should stay with the Red Defvils next season – under incoming manager Erik ten Hag.

Fernandes’ honest assessment

Bruno Fernandes has admitted that Manchester United players are not fit to wear the shirt.

Red Devils fans turned on their own players as they were humiliated 4-0 by Brighton on the South Coast yesterday.

Livid supporters, having made the long journey, chanted “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” as their side were battered by the superior Seagulls.

When asked about the fans’ brutal assessment by Sky Sports after the game, Fernandes couldn’t disagree.

He said: “I include myself in that.

“What we did today, what I did today, was not enough to be in a Man United shirt and I accept it.”

Old Trafford shortlist

United have plenty of stars on their transfer wishlist including Declan Rice, Christopher Nkunku, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Frenkie de Jong.

Ten Hag will likely want to raid Ajax too, with Sebastien Haller and £50million-rated Antony.

Rangnick’s side were thumped 4-0 at Brighton yesterday to condemn United to their worst points tally in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

It was another horror performance from the Red Devils who are now clinging on to qualify for the Europa League.

The German boss said: “It’s important that we apologise to our supporters who came all the way from Manchester to Brighton.

“We were just not good enough from start to finish. The performance was not only poor, it was extremely poor.”

Eight out of Ten Hag

Ralf Rangnick revealed his successor Erik ten Hag will make up to eight transfers this summer after their south-coast “humiliation”, writes JOSHUA JONES.

The outgoing Manchester United manager has just one game left as interim boss, taking on Crystal Palace away on the final day of the season.

And then he will hand over the reins to Ten Hag, who has a mammoth task of rebuilding the underperforming squad of flops.

As well as shipping out plenty of deadwood, the Dutchman will be busy sorting out plenty of new arrivals.

Rangnick said: “In the end football is pretty easy, you just need to win games.

“In order to do that it’s obvious with quite a few players whose contracts are expiring we need a number of new players.

“There is already at least something like a number of players that are really top players for this club but as I said we need all the other areas.

“I suppose there will be six or eight new players.

“They should be top players to strengthen the quality of the squad.”