FORMER Manchester United forward Diego Forlan has urged fellow compatriot Darwin Nunez to join the Red Devils this summer.
Nunez, 22, has been in red hot form for Benfica all season with a lot of the top European clubs chasing his signature.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly still interested in Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
And Cristiano Ronaldo has added to the speculation of his time at Old Trafford coming to an end.
The Portuguese icon appeared to mouth the words “I’m not finished yet” during a post-lap of honour on the weekend.
But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has claimed that this was not what he said.
Ronaldo signed for two years when he returned this season with the option of a further year.
Much will come down to what incoming boss Erik Ten Hag’s plans are but he has yet to communicate what he wants to do about the Portuguese ace.
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Rice faces three-match European ban
Declan Rice faces a three-match European ban after his X-rated tunnel rant at a referee.
And that spells bad news for Chelsea and Manchester United, who are both chasing the England midfielder this summer.
West Ham star Rice, 23, blasted Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzan after last night’s Europa League semi-final defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Sensational footage captured Rice losing his head in the tunnel after a game which saw Aaron Cresswell and David Moyes receive red cards.
Rice shouted at the official: “Ref! Ref! it is so poor. All night, it is so bad. How can you be that bad? Honestly.
“You’ve probably been f***ing paid. F***ing corruption.”
Ward-Prowse next club odds
Tottenham are currently the favourites to sign Southampton’s free-kick king James Ward-Prowse.
Sky Bet are currently offering 4/1 odds for the midfielder to sign for Antonio Conte’s men, with Manchester United and Newcastle among the other sides linked.
Ward-Prowse has spent his entire career playing for Southampton, having signed for them initially as an 8-year-old in 2003.
Since then he has amassed 360 appearances for the club and was made club captain in 2020.
The 27-year-old holds the record for the second most goals scored direct from free-kicks in the Premier League, behind only David Beckham.
United’s next fixture
Man Utd will be taking on Brighton next.
Man United make transfer enquiry
Man United have reportedly made an enquiry for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and have joined the long list of clubs fighting for his signature.
According to ESPN the Red Devil’s incoming manager Erik ten Hag wants to secure the 19 year-old-striker to bolster his side’s attack.
Ekitike has been compared to his fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe and is the highest scoring teen in Europe.
Declan Rice tipped for transfer
Declan Rice will leave West Ham for Chelsea or Man United this summer.
That’s the view of Stan Collymore who told CaughtOffside: “West Ham, unfortunately, crashed out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage on Thursday evening after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs.
“Should the club fail to qualify for either of Europe’s two biggest competitions next season, I wonder what this could mean for their best players. Could the Hammers lose significant first-team players this summer?
“Well, Declan Rice is the obvious one. Manchester United and Chelsea and I think even the Spanish giants have been talked about in the press, so the clear answer is yes.”
Maguire in line for selection
Harry Maguire is in line for a return against Brighton but Marcus Rashford will miss the Prem clash, Ralf Rangnick has revealed.
Rangnick said: “Harry is back in training, he trained the whole week since the second day after the Brentford game so he will be available for tomorrow and part of the group.
“Edinson is training, he came on as a substitute (against Brentford). Marcus Rashford will be missing, he’s got bronchitis with a high temperature so he won’t be able to be part of the group.
“We have a question mark over Eric Bailly, he called the doctor this morning and has some problems with his back.”
Man United transfer target
Manchester United are poised to battle Newcastle for Sporting Lisbon wonderkid Goncalo Inacio, according to reports.
The Portugal Under-21 defender helped his club win the Primeira Liga title last season.
Newcastle had a £25million bid for the centre-back rejected in January, but Toon scouts have continued to monitor his progress.
And Lisbon media have now claimed that incoming Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag has targeted the 20-year-old as part of his rebuilding plans.
Rangnick on Lingard
Ralf Rangnick has revealed why Jesse Lingard missed Man United’s last home game this season.
He said: “To start with, in the last couple of weeks under my tenure, Jesse has played far more games than he used to.
“Secondly, on game day against Chelsea, he asked me to release him from the game and training the following day for personal family reasons.
“With only three subs against Brentford, I had to make a decision between Edinson Cavani and Jesse, or the young Alejandro Garnacho, who I would have loved to have brought on and given a chance to play.
“I took the decision to bring on Edinson. Had I not brought on him, someone might have asked if it was classless not to bring on Cavani or Garnahco.
“After two subs, you have to make a decision, and this will not be to the liking of everybody, but this is part of the game.”
Declan Rice’s ref rant
Man United transfer target Declan Rice is facing a three-game Uefa ban after he explosively accused officials of taking bribes after West Ham’s defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Aaron Cresswell was sent off and boss David Moyes dismissed to the stands as their European dreams came to an end.
And afterwards their star midfielder exploded at the match official inside the tunnel and now looks set to face Uefa action.
Tunnel cam footage has now emerged from after the clash, and it shows the furious Rice confronting the Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzan outside the changing-rooms.
The England ace blasts: “Ref! Ref! it is so poor. All night, it is so bad. How can you be that bad? Honestly.
He then turned to walk away and added: “You’ve probably been f***ing paid. F***ing corruption.”
I don’t Wan-t to go
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has no intentions of leaving Man United this summer, according to reports.
The defender wants to sit down with new boss Erik ten Hag and see where he fits into the team.
That’s the claims made by football journalist Jonathan Shrager.
Evra shocking claims
Man United ace Patrice Evra has made shocking claims that he witnessed homophobia when at West Ham.
Evra alleged to Gabby Logan on the Mid Point podcast, reported by The Metro: It’s like you can’t be a gay football player, people will go mad
“I give the example, when I was playing for West Ham, someone from the English federation came and he said “we need to accept everyone” and the amount of players that were like “no, if some of my team mates are gay they have to leave now. I won’t do any shower [with them]”
“I stand up and I say “shut up, shut up everyone, can you hear yourselves?” We still don’t accept everyone. In the football world they are not open minded enough and it’s a shame.”
Made a Mej of things
Hannibal Mejbri was “reprimended” by interim boss Ralf Rangnick following his chaotic six-minute appearance against Liverpool.
Hannibal managed to pick up a booking in his short time on the field after a number of reckless challenges.
And while Manchester United legend Gary Neville admitted he was “proud” of the performance, one man who wasn’t was Rangnick.
The 19-year-old was demoted back to the U23s following the game on Rangnick’s orders.
That’s according to ESPN, who claim the interim gaffer had words with Hannibal following the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Being dropped back down to the youth side reportedly came as a punishment for his on-field antics.
Abramovich’s ‘anti-Glazer’ request
Roman Abramovich is demanding Chelsea’s new owners commit to not copying the Glazer Manchester United model, MARTIN LIPTON WRITES.
As part of the detailed discussions with the “preferred bidder” consortium headed by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly, Abramovich is insisting on stringent conditions.
The Russian’s appointed brokers, the US-based Raine Group, have told Boehly that he must promise not to pay out dividends or take any management fees for a decade after the completion of the deal.
That would prevent Boehly from echoing the approach of the Glazers since their 2005 United takeover – and which has sparked consistent and growing protests from fans.
Boehly, backed by US venture capital investors Clearlake, is closing in on his £4bn takeover despite the late bid by Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group.
But Boehly will have to agree to Abramovich’s conditions before final approval – including limits on future debt levels and a commitment to spending £1bn on Stamford Bridge, the academy and the club’s highly-successful women’s team.
Elanga’s wishes for next season
Anthony Elanga is keen to take his game to the next level in the forthcoming season.
He said to Sky Sports: “Despite what’s happened this season, I still feel I’ve learnt a lot and I’m ready to take my game to the next level next season.
“I feel like I’m ready to go to the next level. I aim to get better every single day because that’s my mindset.
“I know I can always get better and I’ve got wonderful players, good staff and good people around me to help me reach that next level.”
Eyes on the prize
Ex-Man United star Quinton Fortune claims he was watching Liverpool signing Luis Diaz’s progress for years.
He told The Athletic: “As much as we don’t want to say it, Liverpool – every time they sign a player, you are thinking.
“Wow, they look like they have done their homework.
“Take Luis Diaz. I had been watching him for the last few months and years, thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, this is the player United need to sign’.
“Then Liverpool sign him and you are just thinking, ‘Nooo! How are we missing these players? Come on! Help me out here!”
Declan Rice on future goals
Declan Rice has dropped a huge hint about his future after West Ham were dumped out of Europe.
Rice couldn’t help the Hammers get into the Europa League final.
But the England ace admitted that he still wants more in his career.
He said: “I am young, I want more. The lads want more. This club deserves more.
“We have shown as a club we can do these big European nights.”
Paying respects to Raiola
A host of star-studded names were in attendance to pay their respects at the funeral of super agent Mino Raiola in Monte Carlo.
Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, who is set to join Manchester City this summer, joined the likes of AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma at yesterday’s service for the man who represented them.
His passing shocked the football world, and many of the players that he represented throughout his career travelled to Monaco to honour him at a private ceremony held for family and close friends at the Saint-Charles church.
Ex-PSG, Manchester United and Sweden striker Ibrahimovic, 40, was one of Raiola’s longest and closest clients.
The agent, who represents Paul Pogba, was involved in some of the most historic transfers in history, known for his shrewd bargaining skills with the world’s biggest teams.
Rooney and Ronaldo get praised
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have been named as some of Anthony Elanga’s idols.
striker Anthony Elanga’s idols.
The United attacker told Sky Sports: “Thierry Henry is someone who I liked watching when I grew up as well.
“He could play left wing, right-wing, as a striker. He was strong, quick and could finish.
“I still look at his clips today and try to learn something from the way he used to play and try to add it to my game.
“I grew up watching United as well, so the likes of Wayne Rooney and obviously Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Cavani explains Ronaldo admission
Cavani went onto explain why he would’ve left Man United if he knew Ronaldo was going to re-join the club.
He added: “
“But not because I didn’t want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. No.
“Because I had the opportunity to meet him, and he’s a great professional, with his objectives, and that’s perfect for sportsmen.
“But as I know, after years in football, how things are these days… That’s why I was talking to my brother.
“It was more about understanding the situation. Not because I couldn’t play in my place at Manchester, but because there are a lot of things in football today that are different from how they were with other coaches, how it was before, years ago.
“But how it happened suddenly, at no time did I have any sensation. I thought: ‘Let’s play, do the best we can’.”
Edinson Cavani’s shock Ronaldo revelation
Edinson Cavani revealed he wouldn’t have agreed a contract extension with Man United had he known they would land Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cavani, 35, had his No7 shirt taken from him when the Portuguese captain joined last summer.
Cavani, who was speaking to ESPN Brazil said: “Speaking the truth, for I always tell the truth, as it should be.
“At the moment it happened, I thought it was good that Manchester signed Cristiano.
“Knowing a little about the world of football today, the first thing I did was call my brother and I said: ‘Fernando, if this had happened a week ago, I would have asked you to sign with another club’.”
Mour tears from Jose
Jose Mourinho shed tears after leading Roma to their first European final for 31 years and confessed: “This club has made me feel special again.”
The Portuguese legend created history by becoming the first boss to make it to five major European finals with four different clubs.
And after Tammy Abraham‘s header in the win over Leicester booked Roma‘s place in the Europa Conference League Final in Tirana, an emotional Mourinho confessed: “I shed a tear at the end, yes, because I feel what they all feel.
“My emotion was for everyone who loves this club. The fans, the players, the owners.
“This team spirit, we started building it in our summer camp in Portugal on the first day, and it’s built up since then, day after day – this game is icing on cake.
“This victory belongs to everyone – it’s a family win. Everyone played their part.”
Pot of luck
Graham Potter knows form goes out the window when you face Cristiano Ronaldo.
Brighton welcome Manchester United on Saturday on a run of three wins in five games — including beating Tottenham and Arsenal away and demolishing Wolves at Molineux last weekend.
“He is not getting any younger but you retain your brain and understanding and his finishing is as clinical as you will get.
“Whatever you say about United’s season, they have still got some fantastic players who can hurt you in a second.
“That is going be our challenge.
“We have to play well again, we have to do everything close to perfect, and then survive the moments that you need to survive against top teams.”
Good morning Man Utd fans
RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku wants to leave the Bundesliga giants this summer amid interest from the Premier League.
That is according to L’Equipe, who claim that Nkunku believes the time is now to quit Leipzig with Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle all keeping tabs.
But the Prem giants are not the only ones after the attacking midfielder as AC Milan, Bayern Munich and former club Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing him.
The France international has stood out this season with a staggering 32 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio recently stated a Premier League move is likelier for the 24-year-old ace.
However, Leipzig are not keen to sell Nkunku ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, United are facing a battle to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, reports SunSport’s Neil Custis.
Ronaldo is considering a move away after just a year back at the club with the Red Devils’ Champions League qualification hopes over.
Much will come down to what incoming manager Erik Ten Hag’s plans are, but he has yet to decide what he wants to do about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ten Hag does not want to discuss any player matters with the Manchester giants until he has concluded the Eredivisie title race with Ajax.
And Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has dealt United a huge blow by saying captain James Ward-Prowse is not for sale.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Ward-Prowse is Ten Hag’s top target to boss his midfield.
Hasenhuttl said: “He has another four years on his contract, he’s our captain and he’s happy here.
“Fans love him and we know how important he is to our team. The development of his game is why he’s a true winner.
“I think he’s very exceptional. I haven’t seen any players similar.”
Finally, Monaco star and United target Aurelien Tchouameni prefers a move to the Premier League.
According to Di Marzio, Tchouameni’s priority is to play in England.
He told wettfreunde: “A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name a few. He prefers to play in the Premier League.
“Nowadays the players want to play in the Premier League. He stayed another year in Monaco because he was waiting for the possibility of going to the Premier League.
“I think this could be the summer for him to go”
Good morning Man Utd fans
RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku wants to leave the Bundesliga giants this summer amid interest from the Premier League.
That is according to L’Equipe, who claim that Nkunku believes the time is now to quit Leipzig with Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle all keeping tabs.
But the Prem giants are not the only ones after the attacking midfielder as AC Milan, Bayern Munich and former club Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing him.
The France international has stood out this season with a staggering 32 goals and 20 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.
Transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio recently stated a Premier League move is likelier for the 24-year-old ace.
However, Leipzig are not keen to sell Nkunku ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, United are facing a battle to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, reports SunSport’s Neil Custis.
Ronaldo is considering a move away after just a year back at the club with the Red Devils’ Champions League qualification hopes over.
Much will come down to what incoming manager Erik Ten Hag’s plans are, but he has yet to decide what he wants to do about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Ten Hag does not want to discuss any player matters with the Manchester giants until he has concluded the Eredivisie title race with Ajax.
And Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has dealt United a huge blow by saying captain James Ward-Prowse is not for sale.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Ward-Prowse is Ten Hag’s top target to boss his midfield.
Hasenhuttl said: “He has another four years on his contract, he’s our captain and he’s happy here.
“Fans love him and we know how important he is to our team. The development of his game is why he’s a true winner.
“I think he’s very exceptional. I haven’t seen any players similar.”
Finally, Monaco star and United target Aurelien Tchouameni prefers a move to the Premier League.
According to Di Marzio, Tchouameni’s priority is to play in England.
He told wettfreunde: “A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name a few. He prefers to play in the Premier League.
“Nowadays the players want to play in the Premier League. He stayed another year in Monaco because he was waiting for the possibility of going to the Premier League.
“I think this could be the summer for him to go”
Tchou and go
Monaco star and Manchester United target Aurelien Tchouameni prefers a move to the Premier League.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Tchouameni’s priority is to play in England.
Di Marzio told wettfreunde: “A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name a few.
“He prefers to play in the Premier League.
“Nowadays the players want to play in the Premier League. He stayed another year in Monaco because he was waiting for the possibility of going to the Premier League.
“I think this could be the summer for him to go”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
