MANCHESTER UNITED have released a EIGHT stars, including Sergio Romero.
Juan Mata has also been released – but a one-year contract is being negotiated with the veteran Spaniard.
Also on the transfer front, we’ve the very latest on Jules Kounde as well as updates on Jadon Sancho and Pau Torres.
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EXCLUSIVE BY PHIL THOMAS
David De Gea has been let down by a poor coaching team and powder-puff backline.
His old Spanish coach Gabino Rodriguez insisted: “I always believe the team is a true reflection of the character of its coach.
“Look at the one led by Sir Alex Ferguson and that would show no mercy.
“But Ole’s team is softer than a muffin and David is suffering the consequences of the defensive frailties.
“You need to protect your best asset in the team, but there is just an uncontrolled mess between midfield and defence with gaps.
“Basically Ole’s team has a brutal defensive weakness. The two centre-backs are too slow, they are not commanding and other teams are well aware of it.
“The big problem is Solskjaer’s tactical organisation. United’s defensive deficiencies are undervaluing De Gea and Ole just doesn’t convince me.
“In the old days Roy Keane and Paul Scholes not only dictated games, but did the dirty work and were the defensive backbone. In Ole’s team Edinson Cavani is the best defender!”
EXCLUSIVE BY ALAN NIXON
Man United are thinking of playing Aaron Wan-Bissaka at centre-half in a defensive reshuffle.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to see the right-back in a more central role in pre-season matches to find out if he could handle the position.
Wan-Bissaka, 23, is their quickest and best tackler and could be ideal in the middle of a back four – or even right side in a three.
It would make United’s backline more flexible if he could copy Kyle Walker at Manchester City and play both slots.
United are keen on Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier, 30, to provide competition at the back.
EXCLUSIVE BY WILLIAM PUGH
Nigel Winterburn says Ben Chilwell should start ahead of Luke Shaw at the Euros for England.
But Bukayo Saka could also fill in at left-back for the Three Lions.
He said: “I wouldn’t mind if either of them played, but if I’m to pick one I’d go Chilwell just based on the feel-good factor.
“He’s been in great form and Chelsea had an unbelievable finish to the season, so I’d go that way.
“The question is whether Southgate goes with four or five at the back and if he prefers one or the other based on the system.
“[Bukayo] Saka is another player who could equally play in that position, so England have some good options there.”
IT’S RON
Cristiano Ronaldo is in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a summer move.
That is according to AS, who report that Ronaldo has “welcomed” the approach.
The star forward’s future at Juventus has cast major doubt following a hapless season that saw the Bianconeri giving away their Serie A crown to Inter Milan.
The 36-year-old has also been linked with a Manchester United comeback.
FEELING THE BRUN
Bruno Fernandes finished the season ‘on his knees’, according to Arsene Wenger.
Fernandes, 26, was an absolutely pivotal figure for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, scoring 28 goals and assisting 17 during the 2020-21 season.
But Wenger reckons that his 58 appearances in all competitions across the campaign may have caught up with him.
The Frenchman told beINSports: “I personally feel that he finished the season on his knees, and he missed the spark.
“Sometimes you can see as well, I found him much more nervous in the game. So that, as well, is a sign of fatigue. Your top level is calm, concentration, control.
“And in the last four or five games, I found him a bit weak on that front.”
DREAM COME BRU
Man Utd talisman Bruno Fernandes could fulfil his dream of wearing the number eight shirt next season if Juan Mata leaves the club.
The Portuguese sensation was given the No18 jersey when he arrived in January 2020.
Mata has worn the No8 shirt during Fernandes’ time at Old Trafford, but that will change if the Spaniard departs this summer.
After being handed the No18 shirt when he arrived, Fernandes told the Man Utd club website: “There are a lot of reasons for the no.18.
“It’s a number I like. The last three years I have played as No.8 because it’s the number my father had as a player and my birthday and it’s the number I like.
“Number 18 is also the birthday of my wife and another reason is, when I grew up, I saw Paul Scholes playing in it and for me having this shirt and this number of an amazing player is something I will enjoy.
“I know I have a lot of responsibility.”
JES THE MAN
Man Utd ace Jesus Lingard is one of the favourites to replace crocked Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020, but Arsenal icon Nigel Winterburn is not surprised he missed the cut first time around.
Lingard’s £100,000-a-week United contract still has a year to run and he is said to want a four-year deal on the same wages if he is to walk away from his boyhood club this summer.
After joining West Ham on loan in January, he scored nine goals and provided five assists in 16 games for the Irons .
Lingard’s form saw him force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England squad with many tipping him to be a surprise inclusion in the final 26-man group once it was whittled down from 33.
But he narrowly missed out with Bukayo Saka and the fourth right-back – one of Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James – generally considered to have taken his spot.
Despite his sparkling form, Lingard’s exclusion came as no shock to two-cap ex-Three Lions left-back Winterburn, 57, who said: “I didn’t think Lingard would make the cut with the type of players England have in their squad and I’m not surprised he missed out.”
CASH BACK
Man Utd are in line for tasty transfer windfall should Wilfried Zaha leave Crystal Palace this summer.
Zaha hopes to find himself at a new club before pre-season training begins next month.
Should the ace indeed be sold by Palace, former club United will reportedly cash in too.
Zaha left Selhurst Park for a short spell at Old Trafford before returning in 2015.
And the Manchester Evening News claims part of that second deal saw Palace include a 25 per cent sell-on clause in their offer to United.
Zaha is widely expected to fetch at least £40million, with suitors including Tottenham and Everton.
And that would see United automatically bank a minimum of £10m for this summer’s transfer kitty.
JOEL GOAL
Man Utd owner Joel Glazer has insisted he is committed to the growth and development of the club’s women team.
The 50-year-old businessman addressed the concerns of United Women fan group Barmy Army.
The Army had voiced their worries to United’s board following reports that poor conditions at Leigh Sports Village was the reason behind ex-boss Casey Stoney’s exit last season.
They wanted reassurances that things will be done to help United Women reach their goals and said they were open to working with the board.
And Glazer, to their surprise, met with them to do just that.
He said: “As you all know, we have also been focused on growing and developing our women’s team in line with the traditions and values of the club, and we are committed to continuing that process.”
JACK IT IN
Jack Grealish will not move to Manchester City or Manchester United this summer, according to former Aston Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor.
He told talkSPORT: “Jack Grealish will stay, is what I’m hearing, and Villa will invest as well.
“Who can afford him? If Aston Villa were going to sell him they’d want over £100m.
“And do Man City need him? They’ve already got the likes of [Phil] Foden, [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Ilkay] Gundogan. They’re looking for a striker as well, so are they going to spend £100m [on Grealish]?
“Man City and Man United are the only ones that would go for him in the Premier League, but with COVID are these teams going to want to pay £100m or £130m?
“I’m not too sure.”
THE MISSING WINK
Man Utd are lining up a shock move for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks, according to reports.
The Spurs outcast started just nine Premier League games for the Lilywhites last season as he found himself out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
And now Man Utd are said to be considering a surprising move for the former England international.
Stretty News are claiming that Tottenham are open to a £25million offer for Winks and that the Red Devils are assessing the option.
However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously tough to strike a deal with in the transfer market so the North London club may well hold out for a bigger offer.
Winks came through the youth set-up at Spurs having signed for them as a young boy.
FIT FOR A KING
Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Kingsley Coman after reports his contract talks with Bayern Munich have stalled.
The 24-year-old has two years left on his current deal, with the German giants trying to tie him down to a new contract.
But Sport1 are now reporting that those contract discussions between Bayern and Coman’s father have hit a roadblock.
Meanwhile, Man Utd are reportedly willing to offer Coman £200,000 per week AFTER tax.
The Red Devils have apparently ‘indicated’ to the Frenchman they are willing to meet his demands – and make him their joint fifth top earner.
But there is no guarantee of a quick transfer as Bayern are in no rush to make a decision on his future.
And the Bundesliga champions will be able to demand a hefty fee with Transfermarkt valuing him at £58.5million.
Kingsley Coman could be set for a move to England if he cannot agree a new contract with Bayern MAGUIRE UPDATE
Manchester United ace Harry Maguire has been training on his own ahead of tomorrow’s friendly match with Romania.
England have stated that the reason behind it is to “manage load”.
But Maguire has also been training alone due to his recent ankle injury.
Tottenham superstar Harry Kane and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka have also been doing the same by undergoing a different fitness routine indoors
MANCHESTER TRIP
Atletico Madrid ace Kieran Trippier is looking at houses in the north-west of England.
Trippier has been linked with a £10million move to Manchester United this summer transfer window.
According to The Athletic, the right-back has been seen trying to find a new house near Old Trafford.
However, the England international may simply be looking to buy a property in the area because he’s originally from Bury, a town in Greater Manchester.
SANCHO SITUATION
Manchester United are becoming increasingly confident of landing Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho in the summer.
According to The Athletic, United continue their pursuit to sign Sancho and negotiations have begun with the star winger.
The England international has a “gentlemen’s agreement” to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer if their terms are met.
The 21-year-old is currently focused on Euro 2020 with his England team-mates
VARANE UPDATE
Manchester United are facing a significant hurdle in their bid to sign Real Madrid star Raphael Varane in the summer transfer window.
According to The Athletic, Real want significantly more than their reported £35million release clause for Varane.
That is despite the fact the star centre-back only has one year left on his current contract.
United are looking for a new defender to partner up with Harry Maguire at the back
GETTY IMAGES KEEP OLE OF THEM
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has warned the club’s hierarchy that they will need to hold on to their best players if they want to win trophies.
Solskjaer told TV2: “We want the best players here, and the club knows what I want.
“I do not know how the dialogue goes, but if we are to fight for the best trophies, we must have the best players.”
Solskjaer has thus hinted that players like Paul Pogba need to stay
ZEK IT OUT
Lille ace Zeki Celik has been linked with a move to Manchester United after a title-winning campaign in France.
Celik played quite a role in his team’s shock Ligue 1 triumph as he registered 29 appearances in the league.
However, the right-back has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
The £13million-rated defender is set to compete in Euro 2020 for Turkey
CAVANI FAMILY GROWS
Manchester United star Edinson Cavani has become a father once more.
Cavani shared a picture of his newborn child on social media and United congratulated their striker.
This comes at a special time for the Uruguay international as he was just awarded with a new contract at Old Trafford.
Check it out:
WILD WES
Manchester United hero Wes Brown welcomes the initiative of getting the fans involved with the club.
United executive co-chairman Joel Glazier revealed plans to get the fans more involved with the club.
This comes after the recent European Super League fiasco, which led to fan protests.
Here’s what Brown had to say:
PFA TOTY
Let’s have another look at the PFA Premier League Team of the Year:
As you can see, two Manchester United players, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes, made the cut.
Six Manchester City players are included after a stunning title-winning campaign.
The line-up is completed with two representatives from Tottenham and one from Liverpool
RELEASED
Manchester United have released eight players from their contracts ahead of the new season.
Those are Sergio Romero, Joel Pereira, Jacob Carney, Mark Helm, Iestyn Hughes, Arnau Puigmal, Max Taylor and Aliou Traore.
United are now in talks with Lee Grant and Juan Mata over new contracts.
The Red Devils are also trying to seal the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho and are on the lookout for a new centre-back
MORE FROM GLAZER
Manchester United’s executive co-chairman Joel Glazer has outlined his plans to better the board’s relationship with the fans after the European Super League fiasco.
Glazer said: “Fans are the lifeblood of Manchester United.
“I am committed to ensuring they are given an enhanced voice, through the creation of a Fan Advisory Board and Fan Share Scheme.
“The club has been in discussions with the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a number of months and has sought legal advice on options”
GETTY IMAGES SPLASH THE CASH
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may splash £140million on new players, such as Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho, this summer.
United’s executive co-chairman Joel Glazer said: “We will invest in our academy and the transfer market to support the manager in an effort to meet the club’s goals.”
Glazer also opened up on his plans to upgrade Old Trafford, as well as their training ground.
And after angering fans with the European Super League fiasco, he insisted: “Fans are the lifeblood of Manchester United”
SANCHO BOOST
Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Jadon Sancho are “cautiously optimistic” a deal can be done.
That is according to Sky Sports, who claim that discussions over Sancho’s transfer are focused around Dortmund’s asking price.
But the Bundesliga giants are expected to ask for a fee significantly lower than the England international’s previous £108million release clause.
Dortmund’s conditions haven’t been made public but if any club meets them then they won’t stand in the 21-year-old’s way
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
