MANCHESTER UNITED’s England stars are planning to launch a Harry Kane charm offensive at the Euros, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw will use their friendship with Tottenham’s £150million-rated striker, 27, to make him choose United over rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, United have “stepped up” their bid for Bayern Munich’s France ace Kingsley Coman this summer.
On the injury front, Anthony Martial has been ruled out of the Europa League final through injury and Harry Maguire is unlikely to recover in time for the Villarreal clash.
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IT S-AINT A NO
Danny Ings has refused to rule out a shock transfer to Manchester United or City.
The Southampton striker is a target for both clubs after impressing with 12 Premier League goals in an injury-hit season.
He told talkSPORT: “I’ve got a contract until the summer of 2022.
“I haven’t really acknowledged them [transfer rumours].
“I’ve just been focused on each game. Ultimately, I’ve still got a contract here.
“My main focus is to finish the season strong.”
PIRL OF WISDOM
Andrea Pirlo has fuelled Cristiano Ronaldo exit rumours after dropping him for Juventus’ clash with Bologna.
The Old Lady headed into the away fixture needing to win to stand a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
In what is undoubtedly one of the biggest games in Pirlo’s reign, he sensationally left Ronaldo on the substitute bench.
The Portuguese ace is the league’s top scorer with 29 goals.
But his exclusion, just four days after winning the Coppa Italia, will raise huge doubts over his future.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Ronaldo is not injured and it is a ‘technical decision’ made by Pirlo.
It is only the fifth time in three seasons as a Juventus player that Ronaldo has been benched.
‘NEED EDUCATING’
Rio Ferdinand has revealed he was subjected to a vile monkey chant while working at Wolves’ clash with Manchester United.
West Midlands Police later confirmed that a man had been arrested in connection with the abuse at Molineux.
The Red Devils legend, 42, was in attendance on Sunday for the final day of the Premier League.
Despite old club United securing a 2-1 away win, his day was ruined by one scumbag, with the culprit now in police custody.
Ferdinand shared the shock racist abuse he had received via his Twitter account.
The former centre-half wrote: “The last couple weeks, it’s been unreal to see fans back.
“However to the Wolves fan who has just been thrown out for doing a monkey chant at me.
“You need to be dismissed from football & educated. Come meet me & I will help you understand what it feels like to be racially abused!”
OLE OUT
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to have taken a swipe at the Premier League after the Red Devils beat Wolves at Molineux.
United will compete in the Europa League Final on Wednesday against Villarreal, who wrapped up their domestic campaign yesterday.
This gives Unai Emery’s men an extra day to prepare for the Red Devils and Solsljaer suggested that the Premier League should have followed LaLiga’s example.
The United boss said: “Yeah of course we’ve got Wednesday in mind.
“I thought it was quite poignant [sic] that LaLiga move all their games to the day before so Villarreal can play their full strength team just to prepare for the final.
“I think we could look after ourselves more as well, could get some help. So I had to make these changes”
IMPORTANT MATA
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes there’s value in keeping Juan Mata at Old Trafford due to his influence backstage.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: “I think he’s earned the right to have a choice if he wants to go somewhere he can relax and enjoy his football.
“You never know, they could extend his contract here.
“He’s got a great calming influence within that dressing room and there will be young players looking at him who watch him on a day-to-day basis”
GETTY IMAGES SANCHO STEAL
Chelsea are planning a steal for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho ahead of the summer transfer window.
Sancho has been linked with a move to Manchester United ever since last year and came close to moving to Old Trafford in the summer.
So far, no official bid has been made for the England international.
According to the Daily Mirror, however, the Blues are looking to test the waters with a bid in the region of £80million.
The star winger made a “gentlemen’s agreement” with Dortmund that he will be allowed to leave in the summer if an interested party meets certain demands
MATA OF TIME
Manchester United star Juan Mata wouldn’t be drawn in any discussions about his future and remains focused on Wednesday’s Europa League Final against Villarreal.
Mata told Sky Sports: “In three days we have an important game which is where my mind is. I still feel I can play good football.
“I know what I want. I’m still hungry to play football.
“I thought it was a good performance. We made a lot of changes with some young players who showed they could play at this level.
“We have a very important game on Wednesday. This is good preparation, both physically and mentally.
“He [Anthony Elanga] is a very good player. He has a good attitude and he works hard in training. I’m very happy for him”
SOLSKJAER REACTS
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “very happy” with second place and the fact his team remained unbeaten away from home in the Premier League.
Solskjaer said: “I’m very happy. We created chances and got the win we deserved.
“Elanga could have had two before. But he was confident enough to get in there again. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.
“Our home form hasn’t been the greatest but to go a season undefeated [away from home] is something to be proud of.
“We’re talking to Juan Mata [about a new contract]. I don’t give him enough game time but he’s a top professional”
HURRI-KANE HARRY
Manchester United transfer target Harry Kane has left his mark in the Premier League once more.
Tottenham superstar Kane finishes the season as the top flight’s leading goalscorer and best playmaker.
The star striker scored 23 goals in 35 league matches and produced 14 assists.
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson stands out as the Prem’s best shot-stopper
FINAL DRAMA
The Premier League season has been finalised following a dramatic last round of fixtures.
Chelsea made it to the top four even though they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Leicester dropped to fifth after losing 4-2 to Tottenham, who are set to compete at the Europa Conference League play-offs.
Liverpool took the Foxes’ place in the top four as they finished third after overcoming Crystal Palace with a score of 2-0.
West Ham have joined Brendan Rodgers’ men in the Europa League after beating Southampton 3-0.
Arsenal failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in 25 years despite beating Brighton 2-0 at the Emirates.
Premier League champions Manchester City destroyed Everton with a score of 5-0, in a match that saw Sergio Aguero scoring a brace in his last ever Premier League game for the club, whereas runners-up Manchester United won 2-1 at Wolves.
Newcastle beat Fulham 2-0, Leeds defeated West Brom 3-1 and Sheffield United bid farewell to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Burnley
WOLVES 1-2 MAN UTD
Manchester United are still leading at Molineux as we approach full-time.
To recap, United opened the scoring with Anthony Elanga’s debut goal before Nelson Semedo equalised and Juan Mata put the Red Devils back in front from the penalty spot.
The Red Devils are going to finish second in the Premier League table and return to the Champions League next season.
The Manchester giants are also set to take on Villarreal in the Europa League Final on Wednesday
KING’S MEN
Manchester United have rekindled their interest for Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman.
According to Bild, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wishes to sign a right-footed winger in the summer.
The Red Devils have identified Coman as the perfect candidate and are willing to offer him a £200,000-a-week contract in the summer.
But the Manchester giants are also still in the running for Borussia Dortmund star winger Jadon Sancho
WOLVES 1-2 MAN UTD
It’s half-time at Molineux and a young Manchester United side lead 2-1 against Wolves.
United opened the scoring with Anthony Elanga, who headed the ball past Rui Patricio after 13 minutes following a beautiful cross by Daniel James.
The hosts equalised with Nelson Semedo, just six minutes before half-time.
But the Red Devils hit back in the fourth minute of stoppage time as Juan Mata beat Patricio from the penalty spot
KANE UPDATE
Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.
United have joined Manchester City and Chelsea in the bidding war for Kane, who has reportedly informed Spurs of his intention to leave in the summer.
SunSport can exclusively reveal that the Red Devils’ England aces are planning to charm the star striker to move to Old Trafford during the summer’s Euros.
Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford are close with the Three Lions captain and want him to join them in Manchester
WOLVES 0-1 MAN UTD
Manchester United have opened the scoring at Molineux with Anthony Elanga.
Daniel James put the ball in from the left and Elanga headed it past Rui Patricio after 13 minutes.
This marks the 19-year-old’s first ever senior goal for United.
So far, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s young side have exposed various weaknesses in Wolves’ defence
SOLSKJAER’S PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been explaining the reasons behind his starting XI.
The United boss told Sky Sports: “We’ve got Wednesday in mind. I had to make these changes.
“Harry Maguire is still walking very gingerly. He’s travelling. I’ll give him until Wednesday afternoon, but I don’t hold my hopes high.
“Dean Henderson is ready for a game again. He’s had a good season and I want him to show his personality behind a team that hasn’t really played together. It will be a test for him.”
TEAM NEWS
Juan Mata handed a rare Manchester United start today on what could be his last in a red shirt.
TOP MARKS
Marcus Rashford may have been the hero in the reverse fixture but leaked team news suggest he won’t be starting today.
NIK HIM
Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic will be available for just £21million this summer, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and a host of other top European sides.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina are willing to sell Milenkovic to the highest bidder this summer.
Previous reports suggested Fiorentina would not sell the centre back for less than £38m.
AHEAD OF THE PACK
Manchester City have reportedly already made an enquiry for Harry Kane – way back in January.
The 27-year-old striker wants to leave Tottenham this summer after another disappointing campaign for the North London side.
City are leading the race to sign the striker, and the Etihad is believed to be Kane’s preferred destination.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also in the chase for the England superstar.
However, the Daily Star has now claimed Pep Guardiola’s side contacted Spurs back in the winter transfer window over a potential move.
They were told to forget about it – but it looks as if that enquiry set the wheels in motion for him to go public with his desire to depart.
MARKED MAN
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has refused to rule out a move abroad in the future.
He told The Guardian:”I would never say no.
“Other than United? I’m a big fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona, because they’ve always had great players and played attractive football.
“Everybody watches Real Madrid and Barcelona.”
EU BEAUTY
Exclusive by Gary Stonehouse: Manchester United will pick up an average of £75,000 a man if they win the Europa League final on Wednesday.
It is understood Old Trafford chiefs have set aside a pool of around £4million.
And that will be handed to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team and his backroom staff if they beat Villarreal.
Some players, like midfielder Paul Pogba, will get closer to six figures for European glory against the Spanish side.
Once TV money comes in, United could bank £90m from their run.
They have landed £12m just for reaching the final.
ICYMI
Manchester United target Ben White is in contention for a shock England call-up for Euro 2020.
Harry Maguire’s ankle injury plus form concerns about Eric Dier have led to Gareth Southgate suddenly looking at other options.
And White, 23, is the player who has caught his eye the most.
Southgate even made a trip down to the south coast to watch him in action earlier this month.
SunSport understands the ball-playing defender has been told to not to fly off on holiday this week after completing his Premier League season at Arsenal.
Instead he will now wait anxiously to discover if he has got the nod for a potential England debut in next month’s tournament.
IT S-AINT A NO
Danny Ings has refused to rule out a shock transfer to Manchester United or City.
He told talkSPORT: “I’ve got a contract until the summer of 2022.
“I haven’t really acknowledged them [transfer rumours].
“I’ve just been focused on each game. Ultimately, I’ve still got a contract here.
“My main focus is to finish the season strong.”
FINAL DAY
Manchester United’s leading goalscorer Bruno Fernandes has the chance to finish the season as Fantasy Premier League’s top asset today!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
