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, photo’s of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester United kit for the 2022/23 have been leaked.
Which would imply that the Portuguese icon is set to stay at Old Trafford for another season.
And the Red Devils have reportedly set their sights on Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike.
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De Jong fancies City over Utd
EXCLUSIVE: Frenkie de Jong is willing to kiss goodbye to nearly £6million in unpaid wages to clinch a move to Manchester City, writes PHIL THOMAS.
As SunSport revealed, Erik ten Hag wants the Barcelona star at rivals United but City chief Pep Guardiola is also a big fan – missing out three years ago when Barca’s £400,000-a-week after tax was too good for the Dutch star to turn down.
And while the Etihad money men are not keen on paying out the £65million it cost to take him to the Nou Camp from Ajax in 2019, De Jong’s stance on money he is owed may prove decisive.
Barca are still fighting their way out of a financial crisis, which saw players defer 40 per cent of wages for a year.
And midfielder De Jong is still owed a bumper figure, which he could waive to make a move happen. Guardiola is in the market for a midfielder to replace the departing Fernandinho.
But Barca may request Bernardo Silva or Raheem Sterling as part of any deal. Boss Xavi revealed this week that De Jong remains a key part of his plans.
But he conceded that the club could still sell the 25-year-old this summer. He said: “For me, he is a very important player.
Shaw waiting on bumper new £180k-a-week deal
EXCLUSIVE: Luke Shaw will be kept waiting on a fresh £180,000-a-week Old Trafford contract until his new manager has given the thumbs up, writes JOSHUA MBU.
Shaw, 26, has just one more season left on his current deal and so far Manchester United bosses have been in no rush to come up with an extension.
Instead United insiders insist the club will trigger their 12-month option to keep the left back until 2024.
And that will give ten Hag the time to make an informed decision on whether the defender can be a part of his longer term plans.
Shaw has had a stop-start Old Trafford career ever since his £32million signing from Southampton in 2014.
Sparkling spells have been offset by serious injuries and a battle to win over former boss Jose Mourinho.
And although he was back to his best last season, Ten Hag wants to assess him properly before committing to a long-term decision.
United hold a similar view on Brazil midfielder Fred, 29, although they would be more willing to listen to offers this summer at the right price.
Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s 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.”
Signing Frenkie could be a De-saster
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.”
‘Utd in Kalidou talks’
Manchester United have taken a huge step closer to recruiting Kalidou Koulibaly, reports tonight claim.
Napoli’s Senegal star is expected to be one of this summer’s most wanted centre-back.
And the latest suggestion is that the Red Devils have made contact with his Serie A club.
Yet it’s also thought United preferred Raphael Varane at the start of the season, leading to his arrival.
Credit: AFP Muller was close to Utd 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.”
Dwight set to boss A-League club
United icon Dwight Yorke could begin his managerial career with A-League side Macarthur FC.
The former Manchester United striker, 50, enjoyed a one-year spell in Australia when he signed for Sydney FC in 2005.
He is now set to return, but this time his role will be off the pitch.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Yorke is in advanced talks with Macarthur, and a two-year deal is on the cards.
The Man Utd icon gained his coaching badges with the Red Devils who have helped kickstart his new career by recommending him to the Bulls.
Yorke will have a preview into life as a manager when he takes charge of the A-League Allstars for their upcoming game against Barcelona.
When speaking to ESPN ahead of the event, he said: “I’m announcing to the world – with the [APL] and Danny [Townsend, the APL’s managing director] giving me that opportunity – that I’m finally qualified and ready for a leading role.
“I think that will make some headlines. And then if there is an opportunity that does present itself then I have to look at it.”
Rangnick idea to ‘elect a Utd skipper’ blasted
United legend Andy Cole has blasted Ralf Rangnick’s idea that the captain should be “elected” by the players amid Harry Maguire’s poor form this season.
The Red Devils have endured a turbulent campaign.
From the sacking of legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, extending their trophy drought to over five years and missing out on a top-four finish. And things could yet get worse as United could find themselves playing Europa Conference League football next term.
David Moyes’ West Ham could do the unlikely and beat Premier League table toppers Manchester City on Sunday to draw level on points with United and edge them out to sixth-place on goal difference.
But one of the main talking points this season has been club captain Maguire’s leadership and form. The England international has become a lightning rod for criticism and has faced calls for him to be stripped of the captaincy and dropped from the starting eleven.
And interim manager Rangnick expressed last month that he “strongly” believes the captain should be elected by the team and not installed by the manager.
Leaked photos of ‘Ronaldo in United 2022-23 kit’
Leaked photos allegedly show Cristiano Ronaldo posing in Manchester United’s new kit for next season – boosting hopes he’s staying.
United cannot wait for the current campaign to end as they struggle to finish in the top six and reports of two players being pulled apart for fighting this week in training.
The club are about to enter a new era with Erik ten Hag due to take charge after agreeing a deal to join them from Ajax.
And now the shirts that the Dutchman’s stars will be wearing under him have been revealed by the United Stand.
Snaps have gone viral showing the new red Adidas jersey, which appears to have taken inspiration from their 1998/99 treble winning season.
Sporting a white collar, it includes the famous Adidas three stripes down the arms with the manufacturing company’s logo on the right breast, and United’s badge on the opposite side.
Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s 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.”
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
