ERIK TEN HAG has lined up N’Golo Kante as a top transfer target, according to reports.
United are said to believe the 31-year-old France World Cup winner to be attainable, given he has a year left on his contract at Chelsea.
Meanwhile, 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.
And photos of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Manchester United kit for the 2022/23 have been leaked, implying he could be set to stay at the club next season.
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Sancho’s hope
Man Utd winger Jadon Sancho is hopeful for a fresh under a new boss.
Next season Erik ten Hag comes in at Old Trafford, and Sancho is hoping to pick up his form after a difficult first season at the club.
“To start again fresh, with a new manager coming in, we’re looking forward to seeing what his ideas and plans for the team are. You only have to think positively,” he said.
“My career is only getting started and, hopefully, it will take off soon. This has been a difficult season, especially being a Manchester United player, with what the club has achieved over the years.
“United is known for winning trophies and being up there with the best. This season has been a difficult one for all of us, but I think we still have to show belief again.”
Eriksen wants Champions League football
Christian Eriksen has revealed that he would like to play in the Champions League again amid transfer interest from Man United and Tottenham.
Speaking to Viaplay, Eriksen said: “I do not think that there are some football players who can just pick and choose between clubs, because there are many criteria that come into play. There are also many clubs that need to see one’s path before that happens.
“I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision.
“I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s golf session
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a break from football to play golf.
Man United play their next game against Crystal Palace next week.
And the United forward has started preparation for the game by indulging in a spot of golf in Chesire.
Vidic names toughest opponents
Man United legend Nemanja Vidic has named the four toughest opponents he faced in the Premier League.
Peter Crouch was the first Liverpool striker Vidic bemoaned facing.
Vidic also mentioned Chelsea great Didier Drogba and his lethal combination of strength and intelligence.
Vidic’s watchlist finished with Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero and former Reds star Luis Suarez.
Vidic made the admissions to The Athletic.
Ten Hag wants Kante
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been linked with a sensational swoop for N’Golo Kante this summer in a bid to bolster his midfield options next season.
According to The Mirror, chiefs at Manchester United, including Ten Hag, believe a swoop for Kante is a realistic proposition.
The news comes after SunSport exclusively revealed that the Blues were fearing Kante would be one of a number of players on their way out of the club.
Juventus’ Poga contract offer revealed
Juventus have reportedly prepared an offer to try and recruit Paul Pogba.
Juve won’t be able to match the wages Pogba currently receives at Man United.
The Serie A giants hope Juventus have prepared a contract worth £6.3m-a-season will be enough to convince Pogba to make the switch, according to Football Italia.
And the offer will also include various add-ons that could see the midfielder’s wages rise to double figures, the report adds.
Dwight Yorke gets manager role
Dwight Yorke has been named manager of A-League side Macarthur FC.
It is the Manchester United legend’s first managerial job after signing a two-year deal with the Australian side.
The 50-year-old said: “I am extremely excited in what is my first-ever senior full-time Head Coaching role, to take the reins at Macarthur FC.
“Having played in the inaugural A-League men’s season, I have continually followed the competition, and am aware of both the footballing and fan demands in Australia.
“I look forward to adding a positive contribution and improve the game at all levels, however of course my primary focus will be with the Bulls, to deliver them success and a style of football that defined me as a player.”
Keane’s disdain for Fabregas
Roy Keane once threatened to ‘smash Cesc Fabregas in’ when the midfielder clattered into him.
Fabregas risked Keane’s wrath after tackling the Irishman really hard when Arsenal played Man United in the FA Cup final.
Keane let Gerard Pique know just how close Fabregas was to a beating a few years later.
Fabregas recalled to The Times: “I tackled Roy Keane really hard and I felt really good about it because he was always giving me a tough time.
“A few years later, Gerard Pique [his friend from Barcelona’s La Masia academy] said to me that at half-time Keane said, ‘That Spanish friend of yours, I will smash him, he killed me.’”
Juventus close in on Pogba
Paul Pogba is set to hold talks with Juventus this week over a summer move.
However, Juve aren’t willing to pay Pogba the rumoured £9.3m he receives annually at Man United.
But the Serie A giants hope to haggle him down when his representatives meet with the club in the coming days, according to Goal, via the Daily Mail.
Arsenal agree Hickey transfer deal
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £21 million transfer fee with Bologna to sign Aaron Hickey.
Hickey operates mainly for Bologna at left full-back and has attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Napoli in the past.
And now it seems that it is the Gunners that have won the race for the Scotland international’s signature.
That’s according to CalcioNapoli24.it, who state that a transfer fee of £21m has been agreed between the two clubs.
They claim that Bologna’s sporting director Riccardo Bigon allegedly flew to London recently for talks with the Gunners.
And those discussions led to an agreement being made for the player.
Man United’s part-exchange plan
Man United are reportedly hoping to use Anthony Martial in a part-exchange deal with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Napoli have already rejected an offer from the Red Devils for Osimhen.
But United want to entice Napoli to the negotiation table by adding Martial into the mix as a makeweight, according to CaughtOffside.
But United also have to fend off interest from Arsenal who are tracking the striker too.
Former United star’s challenges
Luke Chadwick has opened up on the challenges he faced while at Man United.
Chadwick said: “Injuries throughout my younger years took a little bit of pace away and without that, I wasn’t at the level to go on to be a great United player.
“Playing for Cambridge against United was mad really – it was a great way to end my career.
“It was amazing going back there. I remember walking off the pitch at Old Trafford to a standing ovation and it meant so much. I didn’t even know that the fans would remember who I was. It was an amazing end to my career.”
Sancho’s optimistic about Ten Hag
Jadon Sancho is looking forward to Erik ten Hag’s imminent arrival at Man United.
He told Premier League Productions, via United’s website: “To start again fresh, with a new manager coming in, we’re looking forward to seeing what his ideas and plans for the team are.
“You only have to think positively. My career is only getting started and, hopefully, it will take off soon. This has been a difficult season, especially being a Manchester United player, with what the club has achieved over the years.
“United is known for winning trophies and being up there with the best. This season has been a difficult one for all of us, but I think we still have to show belief again.”
Ten Hag’s huge mistake
Erik ten Hag has already made a huge mistake before taking the Man United job by letting Edinson Cavani leave.
That’s according to West Ham legend Frank McAvennie.
He told Football Insider: “Well it looks like Cavani is going which is a ludicrous decision.
“He is an unbelievable striker and he is streets ahead of some of the other attackers there, let me tell you.
“When he plays, he scores, It’s as simple as that. But for whatever reason, he hasn’t played this season.
“I know Ten Hag hasn’t even come through the door yet but this looks like mistake number one to me.”
Ten Hag’s youth plan
Erik ten Hag reckons he can develop four of Man United’s youngsters when he takes over at the club.
United’s squad is set for a massive overhaul when Ten Hag takes over this summer.
But the Dutchman is reportedly intent on keeping hold of Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay.
That’s according to The Mirror who imply Ten Hag plans to rebuild his squad around the young quartet.
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.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
