BRUNO FERNANDES has been handed a new Manchester United contract worth £240,000 a week, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The United midfielder, 27, has been convinced to sign till 2027 at United after discussions with Old Trafford chiefs over the future of the club.
This is despite him not knowing the identity of the club’s next manager yet.
But Erik Ten Hag has come through his Man Utd interview “with flying colours”, according to reports.
The Ajax boss is the favourite to take over at Old Trafford just ahead of Mauricio Pochettino.
Ten Hag is also said to enjoy the support of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
On the transfer front, Man Utd are said to lead the race for Declan Rice. But West Ham reportedly want them to stump up a whopping £150m.
Part of that fee could be covered by the removal of Paul Pogba’s wages from the books.
The France star has admitted he hasn’t been satisfied at all during his five years at Old Trafford.
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Ronaldo issues warning
Cristiano Ronaldo has warned Portugal to respect North Macedonia in their World Cup play-off final.
Ronaldo and Co will meet Italy’s conquerors in the World Cup play-off final in Porto on Tuesday.
Manchester United star Ronaldo, 37, tweeted: “The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup.
“Nothing is won, nothing is achieved.
“We have to continue to work in a serious and focused way, respecting the opponent but always believing in our abilities. Power Portugal! Go to Qatar!”
Ten Hag’s a wanted man
A Dutch journalist claims that Erik Ten Hag is wanted by two other clubs aside from Man United.
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan told Sky Sports:“There are three major opportunities for Erik ten Hag. Manchester United is only one of them.
“I don’t want to dampen the excitement in England but maybe United have not done all the work yet.”
Sancho thanks fans
Jadon Sancho has thanked fans for wishing him a happy birthday.
He said on Twitter: “Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes, I appreciate everyone sending love.
“It’s hard for me to respond to everyone but it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
David James on Kalvin Philips
Ex-England goalkeeper David James has urged Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips to snub other clubs in favour of a move to Aston Villa
He said to GG recon: “Kalvin could become a member of Stevie’s group at Villa and then if he does well then he can go with Stevie to the next club he moves onto.
“Once Stevie likes a player then he sticks with them, which is something you can sense from his relationships.
“I can see Stevie bringing success to Villa and that would be one exciting bus for Kalvin Phillips to be on.”
Man United need to flog troublemakers
Man United will need to flog troublemakers Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire if Erik Ten Hag as the Ajax boss isn’t Zinedine Zidane,
That’s the view of ex-Holland international Rene van der Gijp has given the Red Devils an astonishing tip.
Van der Gijp told Vendaag Inside: “He is not a Zidane, for example, would be.
“He just needs to get rid of those troublemakers. Ronaldo, Pogba, Maguire. Ronaldo would get along fine with Zidane.
“They are on the same level.”
Wolves hope to keep Neves
Wolves have opened contract talks with Ruben Neves in a bid to keep him out of Arsenal’s clutches this summer.
The Arsenal boss sees the £50million-rated Molineux midfielder as key to his rebuilding plans with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring Neves, who will have two years left of his current contract this summer.
However Wolves know they must move now to convince Neves to extend his current deal – or cash in this summer while his value remains high, to fund new signings for Bruno Lage.
“We’re obviously talking to him and we all know how much he loves playing for the club. We know how much he has settled here, but he is also an ambitious young man,” said Wolves Technical Director Scott Sellars.
“As with all players, you try and have an open dialogue with them and their representatives to come to the best scenario for the club and the player.
“Rightly so, elite clubs all over Europe will have Ruben on their radar, but we have an excellent relationship with him and will do things properly, and collaboratively, when the time is right.
“Ruben is having a fantastic season and everybody should take a pat on the back in terms of how well he is playing.”
McCoist on Man United job
Ally McCoist reckons Man United messed up by not recruiting Antonio Conte as new boss when they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Conte subsequently joined Tottenham but McCoist thinks United can prise the Italian away from White Hart Lane if they fail to bring in Mauricio Pochettino whose reportedly keen on a return to Spurs.
McCoist told FourFourTwo: “I think United missed the boat by not appointing Conte at the end of last year, and in normal circumstances you would think that ship had sailed, however, nothing surprises you in football.
“You hear the rumours that Mauricio Pochettino wants to go back to Spurs, and doesn’t fancy United, so I wouldn’t rule out Conte going to United.”
Pogba on France duty
Paul Pogba has admitted that being called up for international duty with France is a welcome break away from Man United.
He told Telefoot: “Absolutely. You have to speak the truth.
“Yes, it’s true that there have been moments, especially in Manchester, when there was a need for this break to regain this energy, this confidence.”
Merson on Sancho for England
Paul Merson reckons Gareth Southgate should’ve picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling for the England squad.
Merson said in his Daily Star column: “Gareth Southgate should have picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling in his England squad.
“Surely you’re better off having Sancho in the squad than Sterling? We know what Sterling can do.
“We know he’s going to the World Cup. Sterling always performs for England. Leave him out, he’s got big games coming up for Manchester City. And put Sancho in.”
Rivaldo backs Ten Hag appointment
Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed Erik Ten Hag to become Man United’s new boss.
He said to Betfair: “According to reports this week, Manchester United have spoken to Erik ten Hag about becoming their next manager and he is now the odds-on favourite in the betting.
“Looking at what the Dutchman has been doing with Ajax, I’m sure he could be a great option to become United’s next manager. He is an excellent coach.”
Elanga on Fernandes
Anthony Elanga has revealed that Bruno Fernandes helps to keep him calm and relaxed on the pitch.
He said to United’s media: “That’s why I feel comfortable [on the pitch] because I get the likes of Bruno [Fernandes] speaking to me every day.
“And on the pitch as well, which helps calm me down and stay relaxed when I have the ball.”
Elanga praises Ronaldo
Anthony Elanga has praised Man United mentor Cristiano Ronaldo.
“It’s really good [to have Ronaldo as a mentor] because I go to training quite early and see him there.
“If we have had a game the day before, we’ll speak about the game or training. He’s a really good person to have around the building, not just because of what he does on the pitch, but what he does off the pitch as well.
“If we (younger players) need any help we can speak to him, so he’s a really good person to be around.”
Lindelof congratulates Elanga on achievement
Victor Lindelof played his part in helping Sweden to a World Cup play-off semi-final win, and then afterwards congratulated his Manchester United teammate Anthony Elanga on making his international debut.
Lindelof played all 120 minutes as the Swedes defeated Czech Republic 1-0 after extra-time, a tie decided by Robin Quaison’s winner.
Nineteen-year-old Elanga came on for this Sweden bow with five minutes of extra-time remaining, and afterwards was pictured on social media celebrating with Lindelof.
And the centre-back went a step further, adding the image to his Instagram story and paying tribute to the teenager with the words: ‘Congratulations on the debut brother. So happy for you.’
Credit: @ManUtd Twitter United must move quickly for Erik
Manchester United will need to move quickly to secure Erik ten Hag as their new manager – because he is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs.
Earlier this week, SunSport exclusively revealed that the Ajax head coach was at the top of the pile to be offered the position at Old Trafford, and it has since been confirmed that he has interviewed for the role.
But according to The Mail, Man Utd will need to be swift in their dealings with Ten Hag as two other European clubs have also spoken to the 52-year-old.
The other two unnamed sides are said to be Champions League regulars – with one having already tabled an offer to the Dutchman.
There are also reports in Holland that Ten Hag could stay at Ajax after he signed a new deal only last year following an unsuccessful interview with Tottenham.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is the other candidate at the forefront of United’s consideration.
Parker: Maguire must perform well
Former Manchester United and England defender Paul Parker believes it is essential that Harry Maguire puts in a good performance when representing his country this weekend.
International friendlies are often a chance to experiment with tactics and selection, but Parker feels the spotlight will be firmly on the Red Devils captain.
Maguire has endured a difficult domestic season with many critics calling for him to be dropped from the United first team.
In an interview with OddsNinja, Parker said: “For certain players, these games are important.
“They’ve got to treat them as games to get themselves back into the system again, and Harry Maguire needs a good performance for his country because he’s going to be scrutinised by every single football supporter – and maybe even non-football supporters because even they’re gonna want an opinion about his performance for the country.
“It is really important, and Harry Maguire cannot afford to take his foot off the gas. He has to step forward and show it there.”
Poch waiting on United call
Mauricio Pochettino is ‘waiting to hear back’ from John Murtough after holding initial talks with Manchester United’s director of football several weeks ago.
According to reports in The Express, the PSG boss spoke to Murtough about the upcoming position, but is yet to receive confirmation of an official interview for the role.
The Argentine coach was a long time favourite for the job, but has now slipped behind Ajax manager Erik ten Hag in the betting.
And Ten Hag now appears in pole position after he was said to impress United officials at his interview earlier this week.
Whether Murtogh actually gets round to contacting Pochettino remains to be seen.
United and PSG in Poch stand-off
The Glazer family’s unwillingness to pay substantial compensation to land Mauricio Pochettino is another reason why Erik ten Hag is now the preferred candidate to take over at Old Trafford.
In an intriguing stand off, Paris Saint-Germain officials are considering sacking Pochettino, but don’t want to hand him to United for nothing.
ESPN report that PSG would rather force the Red Devils into paying a sizeable fee for the Argentine’s services – which United officials are refusing to do.
The compensation package necessary to bring Ten Hag to the Premier League is understood to be both less costly and less complicated.
United’s Elanga makes Sweden debut
Anthony Elanga’s dream season took another turn last night as the teenager made his international debut.
The 19-year-old came on for the last five minutes of extra-time in Sweden’s World Cup play-off semi-final win over the Czech Republic.
The United starlet replaced Emil Forsberg at a crucial point in proceedings, but Janne Andersson’s men held on to their 1-0 lead and will now face Poland in Tuesday’s final.
The late cameo ensures Elanga’s international allegiance for Sweden. The forward was also eligible for England and Cameroon.
Fernandes to pen new deal
Bruno Fernandes is close to agreeing a new five-year deal at Manchester United, reports Neil Custis.
The Portuguese star will more than double his salary to £240,000-per-week after the club hierarchy convinced him of their plans for the future.
Fernandes, 27, was uncertain about staying at the club during this season following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Their exit from the Champions League means United are heading for a fifth successive season without a trophy under the interim management of Ralf Rangnick.
But United have moved to get Ajax coach Eric Ten Hag and start a rebuild towards challenging for the title again, convincing Fernandes to commit himself to the club.
In demand Diaby considering options
Bayer Leverkusen’s hottest property Moussa Diaby is already thinking about his future move – and it could depend on who clinches fourth spot in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old winger, wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester United, has revealed his desire to play in the Champions League.
In a conversation with Le Parisien (via Football.London), the French international admitted: “Obviously, I’m thinking about [my future], but not too much yet. I remain focused on the end of the season. For the moment it is my only concern.
“I want to play all the high level matches. The objective is to qualify with Bayer for the Champions League. I love participating in games with pressure.”
Diaby has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 35 games for Leverkusen this season, and is expected to cost in the region of £50m.
Good morning Man Utd fans
Ex-liverpool star David James reckons Man United striker Marcus Rashford would do well at Liverpool.
He told GGRecon: “I just think he’s got all the attributes to be a false-nine, through-the-middle player, rather than being stuck out wide.
“I think he could be a valuable asset to Liverpool.”
Meanwhile, Ally McCoist is baffled as to why Man United aren’t pursuing Zinedine Zidane to become their new manager.
He said on talkSPORT: “The one name I haven’t heard anything from is Zidane.”
“Clearly, the one thing he can do and do on a regular basis is win the Champions League. He’s proved that. He did it three times with Real Madrid.
“He can handle big players and big pressure and a big situation at a massive club so I’m not sure why he isn’t in the running at all. Unless he’s ruled himself out?”
Elsewhere, Erik ten Hag will bring a former Manchester United star with him to Old Trafford if he lands the manager’s job.
The Daily Mail believe that the Ajax boss wants a Dutch coach with ‘strong connections to the club’ to join him at United.
The revelation has excited United fans, who are now dreaming of a return to club for either Robin van Persie, Jaap Stam or Ruud van Nistelrooy.
All three candidates went into coaching following their playing careers with Van Persie currently assistant to Arne Slot at Feyenoord.
Van Nistelrooy, meanwhile, has been in charge of PSV Eindhoven’s reserve team, and has recently been linked with the top job at the Philips Stadion.
Finally, Rio Ferdinand has shut down talks of him joining the Manchester United backroom staff by labelling the reports “mad lies”.
Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, he said: “I’ve been online and I’m meant to be – I’ve put myself forward – for the assistant manager’s job at Man Utd. I don’t know who gets this mad news.
“When have you pressed the send button and thought that you’re not going to get me to come back and go ‘actually, no I ain’t, what are you chatting about?’
“So whoever has told you that you need to go back to your source and say ‘listen man’.
“But if I did go in there – woo – the whip would be getting cracked! Crack that whip.
“But no, no I’m not, man. I’m not going in there.”
Rudiger’s transfer plans revealed
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger would only consider a move to Manchester United if he spoke to the new permanent manager first, reports suggest.
According to Bild’s Christian Falk, the centre-back won’t make any decisions regarding his future before the Champions League quarter-final matches against Real Madrid.
Falk tweeted: “[Rudiger] will make no decision before the Matches against [Real Madrid] about his future.
“He hopes on the one hand that the difficult situation at [Chelsea] will be cleared up. On the other hand: Real is also still interested.”
He added: “A decision about a future of [Rudiger] at [United] is difficult. Rudiger would like to Talk with the new Coach before…”
Akanji rejects Dortmund extension
Man United target Manuel Akanji has rejected a contract extension offer from Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund’s efforts to convince him to sign a new contract have failed to succeed due to his wage demands.
That’s according to Bild who claim Akanji and his representatives were after more cash from Dortmund.
Ibrahimovic on Elanga
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has revealed that he’s proud that Man United ace Anthony Elanga is playing for Sweden.
Ibrahimovic said ahead of Sweden’s play-off tie against Czech Republic: “He is a great talent – we are proud and happy that he comes from Sweden.
“He has all the future ahead of him, and if he continues just as he has done, it looks positive.”
Ten Hag may stay at Ajax
Erik Ten Hag could remain with Ajax despite interest from Man United.
That’s according to Dutch publication Voetbal’s reporter, Freek Jansen.
He said on the Pak Schaal Podcast: “United have wanted him for a long time, they have been interested for a long time.
“That’s where conversations take place. But he’s not into that. That is mainly the management.
“He is working on this season and how he can turn it around again so that Ajax will again book convincing victories.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
