MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to move for Harry Kane, according to reports.
Kane is out of contract with Tottenham from the summer of 2024 and with his price-tag set to dwindle, United are said to be keen on making a move as soon as possible.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes was spotted ordering his Manchester United team-mates to clap the travelling fans after their 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils were beaten comfortably at St. James’ Park as the Magpies leapfrogged them into third.
Elsewhere, manager Erik ten Hag is set to be offered a new contract by United regardless of whether a takeover is completed, according to reports.
And we’ve got the very latest on United’s takeover talks.
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Fergie time
Sir Alex Ferguson will win ANOTHER medal to add to his giant collection – despite being retired for almost ten years.
The 81-year-old Manchester United legend is the most decorated manager of all time, winning an incredible 49 trophies in his time in management.
And now, FORTY YEARS on, he will secure a medal for a success not won with the Red Devils, but with Aberdeen.
The Dons won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 with a stunning 2-1 win against Real Madrid in Gothenburg.
But only the players who started that game and the five substitutes won medals for the triumph.
However, thanks to a campaign led by Chris Gavin on behalf of the AFC Heritage Trust Fergie, his No2 Archie Knox and midfielder Dougie Bell, who missed the final because of injury, will also be rewarded.
Credit: Action Images – Reuters Eriksen recovering well
Man Utd star Christian Eriksen’s recovery is going well.
Erik ten Hag said: “Eriksen is back on the pitch, not yet in the team training but I expect him in the coming week, [or] weeks, back in team training so will be available for games again.”
There were concerns he was going to miss the rest of the season but it seems he will feature again at some point this term.
Eriksen sustained an ankle injury in January’s FA Cup win over Reading.
Neville slams Ten Hag
Man Utd legend Gary Neville has slammed Erik ten Hag’s tactics during the Newcastle game that resulted in a shattering 2-0 defeat.
But Neville has laid the blame squarely at the manager’s door for Newcastle’s killer second goal that killed the game.
And the error? Taking off BOTH starting centre-halves at 1-0 down.
That saw United go to a back three, with Lindelof partnered by regular full-back Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot.
Neville explained: “Once those changes were made this was the most predictable outcome. Manchester United just had no height in there.
“You are better off having two with them both being centre-backs rather than three with two full-backs, you end up being really exposed.
“Since the two centre backs went off it has been a mess, I didn’t like it.
“I thought it might be like this. I never see one centre back working, it very rarely does.
“Shaw is playing as a second centre-back anyway, you might as well have a proper one in there.”
Sancho future unclear
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag is growing increasingly impatient with Jadon Sancho, according to reports.
According to Manchester Evening News, the Dutchman is losing patience with Sancho – so much so that he could decide to let the winger leave at the end of the season.
Sancho, who has made just five appearances in the last five months, could be sold as part of Ten Hag’s proposed clearout and rebuild.
No CL, no problem
Man Utd potential next owners Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe will both not be put off buying the club if Champions League football is again not secured.
Man Utd dropped to fourth behind Newcastle after yesterday’s defeat.
But the BBC claim that an on-field performance dip would lead to one of the parties pulling the plug.
Shocking Stat
Man Utd’s current goal difference of of +4 is the worst it has been after 27 games since 1989-90.
They were on -3 after the same number of matches that season.
Man Utd’s goal difference has been hit by shipping six to Man City, seven to Liverpool and four to Brentford amongst big defeats.
Right-back update
Plenty of news coming out of Man Utd around the right-back position… firstly, Diogo Dalot is close to agreeing a new contract at the club.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag wants a new right-back if Aaron Wan-Bissaka is sold.
Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard has been linked with “exploratory talks” held.
United begin Kane move
Man Utd are ready to start their journey to sign Harry Kane, according to reports.
The club do not want to involve themselves in a saga like with Frenkie de Jong last summer so are keen to find out whether the transfer is feasible from the player and Tottenham’s perspective.
Kane is Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice.
Credit: Reuters Players hold own inquest
Man Utd players held their own dressing room inquest after their comprehensive 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils managed just one shot on target as the Magpies easily earned revenge for their Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley.
And the Daily Mail claims the players resolved to work out among themselves how they had allowed themselves to be outworked by the Toon.
McTominay’s future unclear
Scott McTominay’s future at Man Utd is uncertain and he could leave this summer.
The Scot’s contract does not expire until 2025, but he is concerned over his playing time.
McTominay has attracted interest from Newcastle and West Ham in the past.
However, Man Utd are supposedly proud of the progress the player has made since joining the club when he was just five-years-old and there is sensitivity towards getting rid of him.
United chase three midfielders
Man Utd are keen on the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to reports.
Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield options and is weighing up potential signings as well as exits.
Jude Bellingham is wanted by United, but Borussia Dortmund could demand well over £100million.
West Ham captain Declan Rice is also an option, with Arsenal joining them in the race to sign him.
Man Utd are also expected to reignite their interest in Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong after their failed attempts to land him last year.
The LaLiga side may be forced into selling the Dutchman due to a desperate need to balance the books amid financial troubles.
Newcastle mocked for celebration
Footie fans mocked Newcastle’s wild celebrations after being Manchester United – reminding them they lost the League Cup final against the Red Devils.
There were joyous scenes in the Magpies’ changing room after the monumental result – which the club shared on its official Twitter account.
Manager Eddie Howe was mobbed by his troops after congratulating them on their performance and they posed for photos inside the dressing room shortly after.
But they were promptly trolled for excessively celebrating the win, with one person tweeting: “Congratulations on winning the World Cup.”
Another said: “Enjoy the 3 pts, Newcastle. We’ll enjoy the trophy!”
Greenwood to be given chance?
Mason Greenwood could be handed a chance by Man Utd as he aims to rejuvenate his career after charges against him were dropped.
Reports from journalist Graeme Bailey say that some of the 21-year-old’s team-mates are open to having him back.
The club’s hierarchy are also not ruling out his return. But he is not expected back in training anytime soon.
His potential comeback could lead to much criticism and some sponsors could question their deals with United.
Rooney’s top four predictions
Newcastle may have just moved above Man Utd in the table after their 2-0 win yesterday, but Wayne Rooney thinks the Toon won’t finish in the top four.
The DC United boss thinks the Red Devils will come third and Liverpool will come fourth.
Rooney said: “The top four? A few weeks ago, there looked a possibility Manchester United could challenge for the Premier League title.
“Erik ten Hag’s team fell short, but they could still end up with three trophies, and I’m sure will finish in the top four, then kick on after he buys a few players to strengthen in the summer.
“So Manchester United will be there but I have a suspicion that Liverpool might sneak into it, thanks to the quality of their squad and their experience.
“They’re capable of going on a run. I see Newcastle, despite the great job Eddie has done, falling just a little short.”
Credit: Reuters Rooney makes title predictions
Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney has insisted that Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League this season.
The Gunners restored their eight-point lead over Manchester City on Saturday following a 4-1 win over Leeds.
In his column for The Times, Rooney wrote: “The title race? Nothing would surprise me from Manchester City.
“They could put together an incredible run and still win it but you have to say Arsenal are favourites.
“Everyone has been waiting for them to drop off but they’ve been top of the league for so many weeks and dealing with the pressure all season. I don’t see a collapse from them.”
Fernandes orders players to fans
Bruno Fernandes was spotted ordering his Manchester United team-mates to clap the travelling fans after defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 at St. James’ Park as the Magpies leapfrogged them into third.
After the final whistle, a host of dejected United players started to trudge straight off towards the tunnel.
But the raging Fernandes was spotted blasting his team-mates.
And he ordered them to follow him and go and acknowledge the away end.
Credit: Rex Neville on Weghorst
Pundit Gary Neville believes that Wout Weghorst is not good enough to start for Man Utd but does not deserve to be slammed.
Neville said: “He doesn’t deserve to be criticised, I think he is doing his very best.
“He works as hard as he possibly can but he just lacks the quality that a player in that position should have at Manchester United.
“He’s filling in obviously with Martial being injured. [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s left. [Edinson] Cavani left at the start of the season.
“Manchester United don’t have a centre-forward, really. In order to play football really well, you have to have a good centre-forward. It’s a rule.”
Good morning United fans
Bruno Fernandes was spotted ordering his Manchester United team-mates to clap the travelling fans after their defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 at St. James’ Park as the Magpies leapfrogged them into third.
Lisandro Martinez fumed after being subbed in Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle – but Red Devils fans directed their fury at manager Erik ten Hag instead.
The Argentine centre-back was hooked for Facundo Pellistri in the 83rd minute of their defeat at St James’ Park.
Martinez reacted angrily, slapping a chair as he went to take his seat.
Ten Hag has torn into his Man Utd players, after their disappointing performance against Newcastle.Speaking after the game, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “I hate to say it but they were better today – especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won.
“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game.
“Our attacking game wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to focus on one person. It was a team performance.”
Luke Shaw was convinced where the buck stopped after Man Utd were beaten easily 2-0 at Newcastle.
“Not good enough,” Shaw told Sky Sports when asked about the team’s performance.
“I feel like every time I speak after games I’m always honest. As a team we have to be honest.
“I don’t think Newcastle won on quality today, they won on desire, passion, hunger, attitude. They had a higher motivation than we did.
“That can’t be possible. I feel I say the same every time we lose. They wanted it more. At Man Utd that shouldn’t be possible.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s not what we want to set out to be. In big games you need that hunger. We didn’t create too much.
“Maybe you can say it’s been coming. Our levels dropped before the international break. We have three days to pick it back up.
“The players had a chat in the changing room after with no staff round. It’s down to us. It was nowhere near good enough. We had to speak out in front of each other.
“It’s important. We’re a team. When we go out onto the pitch, we have to fight for each other. Sometimes it hasn’t looked like that.
“I’m sure we’ll speak again. We need to realise the problems quickly and change it round. We still can have a very good season but with results and performances like this we can’t.”
Man Utd have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae with Liverpool reportedly keen on the Napoli star.
He has attracted interest from a host of European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain.
Napoli are believed to be keen to tie him down to a new contract as a result, which could include increasing his buyout clause to £79million.
United have been linked to the South Korea international throughout the season.But it seems rivals Liverpool have overtaken them in the race to sign the 26-year-old, according to Foot Mercato.
Dalot echoes Shaw’s feelings
Diogo Dalot has echoed Luke Shaw’s sentiments that Newcastle United’s stars wanted the win more than the Red Devils.
“Disappointment I think is the word, we wanted to come here and do what we planned,” Dalot told MUTV.
“We tried to find spaces and we knew they wanted to press high, even after that, we tried to play, but we could have been more patient.
“Especially in the last third, we could have been a little bit more patient with the ball to find the spaces, to create more chances. We have to show desire, beat them in desire and beat them in every challenge we have.
“I think they wanted that a little bit more than us today and that can not happen. If we want to fight for more, want to compete for the Premier League, we have to be more consistent, come here and dominate the game.
“We knew they were going to be intense and press high, but we have to beat it and be more consistent.”
Weghorst future
Erik ten Hag has spoken about the possibility of Wout Weghorst staying at Man Utd.
The Dutch striker is currently on loan with the Red Devils until the end of the season.
“Of course [he could stay permanently] and I think he is doing a lot of elements of football [I like] – doing them really well. And he’s doing a really good job for us,” he said.
“Pressing: he is the leader of the process in pressing, starts the press, very good in backward pressing. He is taking up positions, his link-up play he’s doing really well. He is making good movements, making space for others, so he’s also good in set-plays, so he is really contributing to this team.
“I think after Christmas we play 25 games and we lost two and he played almost all of the games so he is really part of the success.”
Shaw slams team mates
Luke Shaw was convinced where the buck stopped after Man Utd were beaten easily 2-0 at Newcastle.
“Not good enough,” Shaw told Sky Sports when asked about the team’s performance.
“I feel like every time I speak after games I’m always honest. As a team we have to be honest.
“I don’t think Newcastle won on quality today, they won on desire, passion, hunger, attitude. They had a higher motivation than we did.
“That can’t be possible. I feel I say the same every time we lose. They wanted it more. At Man Utd that shouldn’t be possible.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s not what we want to set out to be. In big games you need that hunger. We didn’t create too much.
“Maybe you can say it’s been coming. Our levels dropped before the international break. We have three days to pick it back up.
“The players had a chat in the changing room after with no staff round. It’s down to us. It was nowhere near good enough. We had to speak out in front of each other.
“It’s important. We’re a team. When we go out onto the pitch, we have to fight for each other. Sometimes it hasn’t looked like that.
“I’m sure we’ll speak again. We need to realise the problems quickly and change it round. We still can have a very good season but with results and performances like this we can’t.”
Ten Hag tears into his flops
Erik ten Hag has torn into his Man Utd players, after their disappointing performance against Newcastle.
Speaking after the game, ten Hag told Sky Sports: “I hate to say it but they were better today – especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won.
“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game.
“Our attacking game wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to focus on one person. It was a team performance.”
Slap in the face
Lisandro Martinez fumed after being subbed in Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle – but Red Devils fans directed their fury at manager Erik ten Hag instead.
The Argentine centre-back was hooked for Facundo Pellistri in the 83rd minute of their defeat at St James’ Park.
Martinez reacted angrily, slapping a chair as he went to take his seat.
Fans were quick to comment on Martinez’s tantrum, with one saying: “Who saw Martinez on the bench? GRRRRRR.”
Another said: “Martinez slapping the bench chair!”
The Old Trafford faithful, however, directed their anger at Ten Hag as he also subbed Rafael Varane for fellow defender Victor Lindelof as they were chasing an equaliser.
Fernandes wants fans respect
Bruno Fernandes was spotted ordering his Manchester United team-mates to clap the travelling fans after defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 at St. James’ Park as the Magpies leapfrogged them into third.
Second half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson condemned United to their latest disappointment in the Premier League.
A 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool, a goalless draw at home to Southampton, and then this mauling which left Erik Ten Hag shellshocked.
It was a miserable afternoon all-round for United, with many fans questioning Ten Hag’s decision to leave out Fred.
Defender blow
Man Utd have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae with Liverpool reportedly keen on the Napoli star.
He has attracted interest from a host of European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain.
Napoli are believed to be keen to tie him down to a new contract as a result, which could include increasing his buyout clause to £79million.
United have been linked to the South Korea international throughout the season.
But it seems rivals Liverpool have overtaken them in the race to sign the 26-year-old, according to Foot Mercato.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
