MANCHESTER UNITED have announced that Ralf Rangnick will not stay on as a consultant next season.
“We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months,” a statement read.
“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”
Meanwhile, United are on the verge of making a new bid for Ruben Neves, SunSport can reveal.
The Wolves man is set to choose between United and Barcelona this summer with the West Midlands club already having a replacement lined up.
And United are also looking to pursue Barcelona man Frenkie de Jong’s signature.
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De Jong deal
Man Utd are prepared to make Frenkie De Jong their highest paid player in order to tempt him away from Barcelona, according to reports.
New United boss Erik ten Hag is desperate to bring the Dutch midfielder to Old Trafford to bolster the squad.
De Jong, is well known to want to play Champions League football, but United are prepared to offer an eye-watering £395,000 a week in order to tempt him into a move, according to the Daily Star.
This would immediately elevate him above the likes of David de Gea (£375,000), Jadon Sancho (£350,000) Raphael Varane (£340,000), and above Cristiano Ronaldo (£300,000) in United’s books.
Ten Hag’s double raid
New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly plotting a double transfer raid of Darwin Nunez and Jurrien Timber.
The new Old Trafford chief has already set his sights on fresh talent as he looks to rebuild the team.
Ten Hag is now wasting no time in recruiting talent, with the Mirror reporting that the club has identified two priorities.
Benfica striker Nunez caught the eyes of fans this season as he hit 26 goals in 28 league games for Benfica, and has been heavily linked with the Manchester side.
While ten Hag wants Ajax defender Timber to join him from his former club, with the 20-year-old valued at £35 million.
Ronaldo forces training changes
Cristiano Ronaldo has forced changes at Manchester United’s training ground after complaining about the state of its swimming pool, reports claim.
The Portuguese returned to the Red Devils last summer, only to be left shocked by the state of Carrington.
It’s claimed that the 37-year-old couldn’t believe the condition that United’s HQ had been allowed to fall into.
And he reportedly returned feeling that no upgrades had been made since his initially left for Real Madrid in 2009.
According to the Mirror, Ronaldo’s main gripe was with the state of the swimming pools at Carrington.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner complained that “loose, chipped and missing tiles” within the pools were a safety hazard – and refused to use them.
Ronaldo even made sure to have an indoor pool at home in order to still be able to perform water-based drills.
United have taken their No7’s criticisms onboard, and have ordered work to be completed on the pools in order to get them ready for pre-season.
Southgate on Man United pair
Man United duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho must win over new manager Erik ten Hag quickly in order to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
That is the message from Gareth Southgate, who has left the pair out of his England squad again.
Asked if the forwards still had a chance of forcing their way back in, Southgate said: “They do because I think there’s enough of a block of games at the beginning of next season that people can still play their way in.
“Of course it’s more difficult — you know, the closer we get, the more difficult it is.
“But they’ve got to start playing well with their club. Neither of them have really played at the end of the season.
England is a consequence of what you’re doing at your club and you’ve got to get your club bit right.
“Compared to others in those positions that we’ve picked, their level hasn’t been at the level of the others.”
Man United release Rangnick statement
Man United have also confirmed Rangnick’s departure from the club.
A club statement read: “We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.
“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.
“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”
Rangnick CONFIRMS Man United exit
Ralf Rangnick has revealed he will not be staying with Man United as a consultant.
Rangnick was expected to go upstairs after his stint as United’s interim boss last season and assist new head coach Erik ten Hag.
But Rangnick revealed that he will be leaving the club to focus on his role as Austria’s new manager.
Benji Siegrist in Preston talks
Preston boss Ryan Lowe is in talks with Dundee United’s Swiss keeper Benji Siegrist in a bid to sign him on a free transfer, ALAN NIXON WRITES.
Lowe wants THREE new shot stoppers and the highly rated Siegrist who started his career in England with Aston Villa.
Siegrist is out of contract and has also been watched by Celtic and Manchester United as cover but North End would give him the chance to be first choice.
The Swiss has impressed since joining the Tangerines from Vaduz in 2018.
He helped them to the Scottish Championship title in 2019-20, before easily taking to top flight football.
Siegrist, 30, played his part last term as Dundee United qualified for next season’s Europa Conference League by coming fourth in the Premiership.
Merson on The Glazers
Man United’s American owners care about their investments back home over the Prem giants.
That’s the opinion of Paul Merson who compared the Glazer’s success with their NFL team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to that of United;s in recent years.
And Merson warned Chelsea it could be the same for them under new American owner Todd Boehly.
Merson told the Daily Star: “Look at Manchester United. The Glazers have won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But how long is it now since United challenged for the title?”
Ronnie Edwards transfer frenzy
Aston Villa and Southampton have joined the host of Premier League clubs eyeing a £10million summer swoop for Peterborough teenager Ronnie Edwards.
The centre back has been linked with Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester United after being a shining light in a season that ended in Posh being relegated to League One.
Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has insisted that it would take a record offer for one of the club’s players to persuade him to let Edwards go this year.
And the ever-increasing interest in the 19-year-old makes it certain Fry will be able to generate more than the £6.2m received for Britt Assombalonga in 2014.
If Edwards performs well for England at next month’s European Under-19 Championship, his stock will rise further.
Peterborough may seek a deal that would see Edwards return to the club on loan for next season, but any buyer could prefer him to play at a higher level than League One.
Evra gives transfer tips
Patrice Evra has told Man United boss Erik ten Hag what to look for when signing players.
He said: “It’s a tough job, but he will have to make [hard] decisions.
“When he brings one player to the club, [he must make sure] they’re not coming for the money, they’re not coming to become famous, but they are coming here to fight for the badge.
“That, for me, will be one of his most important things.”
Fabregas makes Frenk assessment
Man United have been warned that transfer target Frenkie de Jong isn’t the complete package.
That’s the view of ex-Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas who claims De Jong’s passing isn’t up to scratch.
He said when assessing De Jong: “He just lacks the final pass.”
Bale matches Ronaldo record
Gareth Bale matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record FIFTH Champions League trophy… despite playing just seven minutes in the competition this season.
The winger, 32, was an unused substitute in the final as Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0.
Despite that several fans on social media were quick to applaud Bale and congratulate him on his fifth Champions League title – the same number as Ronaldo and one more than Lionel Messi.
One fan said: “Can we all just appreciate the #GarethBale is dancing on the pitch laughing his arse off at the fans that hate him – what a fella!”
Arsenal enter Raphinha race
Arsenal have entered the transfer race for Leeds ace Raphinha.
But the Gunners face stiff competition from Barcelona and Man United for the Brazilian, according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari.
Barca view Raphinha as the ideal replacement for Man United target Ousmane Dembele, the report adds.
Man United face Liverpool transfer battle
Man United are set to be joined by Liverpool in the race to sign Ousmane Dembele.
That’s according to Sport, who claim the Reds are plotting a swoop for the Barca star this summer.
And Jurgen Klopp’s side have already been in contact with the winger over a possible transfer.
Dembele is set to be a free agent in the summer months as his contract expiry date looms.
Garner wanted by Leicester
Man Utd youth star James Garner is wanted by Leicester City, after a successful spell at Nottingham Forest this campaign.
The 21-year-old’s future hangs in the balance with new manager Erik ten Hag undecided about the talent.
According to reports, he will assess the player in preseason to decide if he wants to keep him.
That has alerted Brendan Rodgers, who is keen to bolster his midfield ahead of next season.
Southampton are also said to be waiting in the wings.
Focus on youth
Erik ten Hag has been lauded by Head of Academy by Nick Cox, after his appointment.
Speaking on the Man Utd website, Cox revealed: “It’s great that we’ve recruited a manager who has a proven commitment to developing young players, and comes from a club which has a very similar emphasis on youth.”
According to reports, ten Hag will be given a £120million war chest to improve his squad.
He will also be looking to promote from within, especially given the FA Youth Cup final win this season.
De Jong boost
Man Utd could have the opportunity to sign Frenkie de Jong with Barcelona targeting Carlos Soler, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag is plotting a squad rebuild this summer and De Jong is said to be one of his transfer targets.
Barcelona could sell the Dutchman due to a need to raise money, with Soler a potential replacement according to Sport.
Barca reportedly believe Soler could be a top player in the future and he could be available for a cut-price as he is entering the final year of his contract.
Barnes disses Ronaldo
Liverpool legend John Barnes has pointed the finger at Cristiano Ronaldo for the “disharmony” in the Man Utd dressing room.
“He causes disunity and disharmony,” he said at a William Hill event via the Daily Mirror.
When the ball does not come to him, he throws his hands up in the air, that’s a great example, isn’t it? The harmony at Manchester United is a problem and who causes that disharmony?
“He walks around as though ‘it’s the rest of them, I’m doing my job’. That’s not what a leader does – that’s what someone who does it for himself does.”
Utd miss out on Johnstone
Crystal Palace are reportedly set to beat Manchester United and Tottenham in the race to sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
The Evening Standard claim that the West Brom stopper, who’s contract expires this summer, is in advanced talks with the Eagles.
Johnstone, 29, has been capped by England three times and was keen on a move back to the Premier League after spending last year in the Championship.
Man Utd were considering a move for Johnstone to play second fiddle to David De Gea due to Dean Henderson supposedly heading to Newcastle.
Neville speaks on McClaren
Gary Neville has backed Steve McClaren to be successful as a coach at Man United.
Neville told the club’s website: “I think Ten Hag comes as a successful coach, a coach that’s won, a coach that’s got belief and knows how to build an idea.
“I think he does need someone alongside him on the side of the pitch that can tell him about different stadiums, referees, different things that happen culturally in England around matches.
“Steve McClaren’s got vast experience, not just at Manchester United but obviously in English football.”
Just give us a Koul
Barcelona have reportedly put Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly at the top of their defensive wishlist.
Koulibaly is yet to sign a new contract with Napoli despite the club’s best efforts.
And the Serie A side are willing to sell the centre-back to avoid letting him go for free next summer, according to Sport.
Napoli will take £25m for Koulibaly, a price that could prompt Barca to make a swoop for him, the report added.
Man United are also keeping tabs on Koulibaly.
Diallo set for United return
Man United ace Amad Diallo is set to return to Old Trafford this summer.
He has been on loan with Rangers since January, but his time at the Ibrox won’t extend beyond the summer.
Diallo wished the club farewell on social media, and said: “Thanks guys it was a pleasure to be part of your beautiful trip…wish you all the best.
Lingard gets fit before exit
Jesse Lingard is hard at work in the gym ahead of his Manchester United exit this summer.
The 29-year-old worked up a sweat as he pumped weights in anticipation of his next move.
There is interest in his services both from the Premier League and abroad.
In the meantime Lingard is making sure he keeps himself in tip-top shape ahead of his next move.
He promised fans he is “overly focused” as he ponders his next destination.
Christian Eriksen snubbed Man United
Christian Eriksen snubbed Manchester United over a promise made to Tottenham owner Daniel Levy in 2017, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claimed the Dane’s agent Martin Schoots passed on the vow that he would not join another London club out of respect to Spurs.
And Eriksen, now 30, apparently extended his promise to all English clubs when United’s interest came out.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hoping to secure an £80million deal for the playmaker but failed to land his man.
Kante set to leave for cut-price
Chelsea are set to let N’Golo Kante leave for a cut-price fee this summer amid interest from Man United, reports claim.
His contract is up at the end of next season, and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants to switch up his midfield, The Athletic reported.
And he’s willing to let Kante go for a reduced fee to do so, the report added.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
