FORMER Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal has advised Erik Ten Hag to consider his options carefully.
The Netherlands head coach suggested that the Red Devils is a “commercial club” and Ten Hag should rule out a move in becoming their new manager.
It is also reported that United were initially keen on Mauricio Pochettino, but have turned to the Dutchman after being unimpressed by PSG’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, ex-United superstar and Premier League Hall of Fame inductee, Wayne Rooney has opened up on his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo.
And the Manchester giants are reportedly ready to make a summer move for English talisman Harry Kane, costing at least £100m.
It is claimed that the Red Devils have a long standing interest, but informed Spurs they were delaying any approach last summer in order to sign Jadon Sancho.
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Pat-trick for Cristiano
PORTUGAL’S World Cup play-off final clash against North Macedonia has been AXED by a French TV channel… and replaced by Patrick Swayze’s classic film Ghost, writes DYLAN TERRY.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co will book their place in Qatar if they can beat their minnow opponents in Porto on Tuesday night.
But broadcaster, W9, have made the decision to drop the match to their streaming platform following Italy’s shock defeat to North Macedonia.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been in the media this week stressing the significance of their match against North Macedonia on Tuesday evening.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Manchester United star said: “For us, this game is a matter of life and death.
“There is a responsibility to win this game. For us, also a game of our lives.
“They have surprised opponents in many games but I believe they will not surprise us.
“There is no World Cup without Portugal. There are no individualities here.”
Portugal have qualified for each of the last five World Cups – a run which stretches back to 1998 when they failed to reach the finals for a third successive tournament.
Next five
United face Leicester next.
‘No position excites me more’
Luis Enrique appeared to rule himself out of the running for Manchester United’s manager’s role.
The Spain chief, 51, who led his side to the Euros semi-finals last July, told Marca: “In Qatar I will be with Spain and what may come we will see.
“Is there any more doubt? Do I have to repeat it more times?
“There is no position that excites me more than representing my country in Qatar.”
Shaw ‘smug and wrong’
Luke Shaw was “smug and wrong” for his “dig” at Manchester United, claims Paul Parker.
And the Red Devils legend thinks the left-back is lucky to even be in the England squad.
Shaw scored in the Three Lions’ 2-1 comeback win against Switzerland.
He then revealed how he felt “wanted” when on international duty and is able to “play with a smile on my face”.
But Parker – who spent five years at Old Trafford and earned 19 England caps – hit out at the defender, who is always willing to speak honestly to the media.
The outspoken ex-defender said: “Shaw’s comments were wrong if I’m being honest.
“Everyone would have seen that as smug and a dig about what’s going on at Manchester United.
“When you look at his situation then you can come out and say that he’s not playing for United as he hasn’t been consistently good enough.
“It’s as simple as that. You’ve not been doing what you’re supposed to be doing.”
Declan Rice tipped for England captaincy
West Ham legend Julian Dicks says he would be “very surprised” if Man Utd target Declan Rice doesn’t captain England in the future.
Dicks was a Hammers coach under Slaven Bilic when a then 18-year-old Rice was handed his Premier League debut in the 2-1 win over Burnley in 2017.
Rice’s exemplary leadership both on and off the pitch has stretched further than just Rush Green and the London Stadium.
Hammers icon Dicks too believes that Rice’s day of leading the Three Lions will come.
Speaking to SunSport on whether he thinks Rice will be a future England captain ahead of a Masters Football event in association with Bookmakers.com, Dicks said: “Absolutely. I was a coach at West Ham when Slav gave him his debut.
“The easiest thing I can say about Declan is he just keeps everything simple.
“He wins the ball and gives it simple.
“I did the Man Utd vs West Ham game at Old Trafford (this season).
“And even though West Ham got beat, Declan was immense, and I mean head and shoulders above everybody else on that pitch, in my opinion.
“He won every ball. Where the ball was he won it and he’d just give it.
“So yeah, I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t an England captain in the future.”
Lopetegui out of United running
Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has ruled himself out of contention for the Manchester United job after declaring his commitment to the LaLiga club.
The Spanish coach has been on United’s shortlist in their search for a new manager, although has rarely been considered a favourite in the same manner as Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino.
And any chance of a shock Old Trafford appointment have surely ended today after the 55-year-old confirmed that his desire is to remain at Sevilla.
He told ABC de Sevilla: “My decision is clear. I want to stay here at Sevilla. I’ve no doubt.”
Varane eases concerns over injury
Manchester United fans have breathed a collective sigh of relief after Raphael Varane confirmed he was fully fit despite an injury forcing him off in France’s game with Ivory Coast on Friday.
The centre-back was removed by Didier Deschamps as a precaution after 57 minutes, and the national coach afterwards confirmed the player had a ‘small problem in his foot.’
Immediately, watching Red Devils fearing a repeat of the injury that Varane picked up on international duty in October that kept him out for three games.
However, the 28-year-old has since eased those concerns and revealed he is contention for tonight’s game with South Africa.
Speaking to RMC Sport yesterday, Varane said: “I’m at 100% for tomorrow. It was a hit, but it was just painful.”
Leeds tracking United starlet Garner
Leeds United have been keeping a close eye on young Manchester United ace James Garner during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old has impressed at the City Ground this season, and has been a key factor in their rise up the Championship table and their run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Set-piece expert Garner has struck three goals and provided six assist in 36 appearances for Forest, and has earned praise for his performances from the likes of Roy Keane and Jurgen Klopp.
The Elland Road club are unlikely to prise Garner away from Old Trafford permanently, but the Red Devils may consider another season out on loan in order to continue the player’s development.
Southgate defends Maguire call-up
Gareth Southgate has leapt to the defence of Harry Maguire after he was asked whether the centre-back is deserving of his place in the current England squad.
Maguire is expected to start against Ivory Coast at Wembley this evening, and Southgate has indicated he had no hesitation in selecting the 29-year-old despite his indifferent form for Manchester United.
The Three Lions boss said: “[Harry Maguire] has got us to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final so there’s no doubt he’s more than capable of playing at the highest level.
“He was very good for us in the autumn. [Manchester United] are in a difficult moment, and there could be any number of reasons for that.”
However, Southgate also suggested that players continually out-of-form for their clubs would be in danger of missing out so long as there are suitable replacements available.
“It doesn’t mean that players can be poor for a couple of years and then still find their way in. Sometimes it depends on competition for positions.
“We’ve obviously had some forward players out who haven’t been in good form, but there’s direct, experienced replacements for those players so it is a complicated decision.”
Ralf’s ref suggestion has backing
Referees could begin training with Premier League clubs from next season – thanks to a proposal put forward by Manchester United interim gaffer Ralf Rangnick.
The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan reports that the German coach raised the idea at a recent two-day summit between top-flight managers and referees’ boss Mike Riley.
The theory behind the suggestion is that the move would allow for a closer relationship between officials and players, and ‘break down negative preconceptions’ that may be in place.
Rangnick’s proposition is said to have been met by widespread backing, and will now be considered by PGMOL.
Antony to follow Erik’s footsteps
Erik ten Hag wants to make Antony his first signing in the summer – if he lands the Manchester United manager’s job.
The 22-year-old has been in sparkling form for Ajax this season, contributing with 12 goals and ten assists from wide on the right.
Indeed, the Brazilian has impressed so much that Ten Hag wants to take the youngster to Old Trafford with him to begin a major squad overhaul at the club.
It was reported yesterday that United hope to bring in a new right winger despite the big-money purchase of Jadon Sancho last year, and The Telegraph now believe that it’s £30m-rated Antony that fits the bill.
Red Devils want Porto’s Otavio
Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs closely monitoring Porto star Otavio.
The 27-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career, and has been a key factor in his side’s six-point lead at the top of Primeira Liga.
The attacking midfielder, who can operate on either flank, has scored five goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions this term.
His recent performances at club level earned him his first international caps with Portugal, for whom he has scored twice in three games.
According to A Bola, Otavio’s release fee is €60million although United will be hopeful of landing the player for considerably less than that.
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are primed for England duty in tonight’s friendly against Ivory Coast.
Both defenders took part in training for the Three Lions yesterday and look ready for the friendly clash at Wembley.
Maguire was an unused sub in Saturday’s 2-1 clash with Switzerland but Shaw started and scored the equaliser as England came from behind to win 2-1.
They might return to Old Trafford to find their Red Devils team-mate Bruno Fernandez has agreed a new deal.
United news outlet @UtdPlug says “it will be announced in the coming days”.
Portugal playmaker Fernandez, 27, has been a key man for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
Meanwhile, United’s understudy keeper Dean Henderson admits loan spells at lower league clubs have been vital to his development.
The 25-year-old star joined United’s Academy as a 14-year-old and has had temporary spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.
He told Manchester United’s website: “If I didn’t [go out on loan], I’d probably be in League One now, just going out on my first loan.
“I fought for it and I stand by it, the best decision of my life.”
And there is likely to have been some nostalgia stirred among the club’s fans after they saw a United game with Rooney and Ronaldo on the scoresheet on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Ronney both scored for their Under-12s against West Brom.
They are the sons of Red Devils legends and former United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Ferdinand hits back at Rooney
Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Wayne Rooney calling him ‘arrogant’.
The pair played together for an incredibly successful Manchester United side between 2004 and 2014.
At a speaking event this week, Wazza joked Ferdinand was a ‘top player’ but ‘arrogant’ and ‘sometimes did forget he was a defender.’
On his YouTube show Vibe with Five, Ferdinand explained he and Rooney had often bickered during matches as a way of getting the best out of each other.
He said: “If the ball came up and he weren’t holding it up I’d be screaming, ‘Wazza hurry up’.
“He would go, expletive, ‘you do your own job’, and we’d be back and forth constant – but we drove each other.”
United duo ready for England
Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire look ready for England duty in Tuesday’s friendly against Ivory Coast.
Both defenders took part in training for the Three Lions today and look ready for the friendly clash at Wembley.
Maguire was an unused sub in Saturday’s 2-1 clash with Switzerland but Shaw started and scored the equaliser as England came from behind to win 2-1.
Butt: Pochettino’s United’s best option
Manchester United legend Nicky Butt would like to see Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino come in as the Red Devils’ next permanent manager.
Butt told FourFourTwo: “I’d go all-out to get Mauricio Pochettino as manager.
“He’s proven in the Premier League, he’s young and enthusiastic, his style of play would suit United and his backroom staff seem switched on.
“I met him a couple of times at Spurs’ training ground and had lunch. You’d want to play for him.”
Fernandes ‘set for new deal’
Bruno Fernandez is about to agree a new contract extension with Manchester United, according to reports.
United news outlet @UtdPlug says ‘it will be announced in the coming days’.
Portugal playmaker Fernandez, 27, has been a key man for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is said to be closing in on a new dealCredit: Getty Parker says United lack matchwinners
Manchester United legend Paul Parker believes the club only have two matchwinners in their current squad – and neither is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking to OddsNinja, he said: “United haven’t got the individuals like we talk about at the club many years ago. They definitely haven’t got it.”
He went on to name forward Anthony Elanga and keeper David de Gea as the only matchwinners in United’s squad.
He added: “Other than that really, there isn’t really anybody you’d name, who can go and grab hold of the game and get United over the line.”
United legends’ sons both score
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Ronney both scored for Manchester United Under-12s against West Brom on Sunday.
They are the sons of Red Devils legends and former United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Our nice report points out: “Fans can be forgiven for getting a little nostalgic, after seeing a United game with Rooney and Ronaldo on the scoresheet.”
United fifth favourites for Raphinha
Manchester United are fifth favourites to sign Leeds superstar Raphinha, according to the bookies.
Sky Bet have the Red Devils priced at 7/4 to beat a host of other top European clubs to the signature of the Brazilian if he leaves Elland Road.
The frontrunners are Spanish giants Barcelona at 7/4, followed by German powerhouses Bayern Munich at 7/1.
Cascarino calls Rashford ‘not clinical’
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino says Marcus Rashford is ‘not clinical’ enough to lead the line for Arsenal.
United forward Rashford is reportedly a transfer target for Mikel Arteta’s Champions League-chasing Gunners.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: “I’m not sure if Marcus is a solution for Arsenal because Marcus is not clinical.
“He doesn’t particularly lead the line well and that’s one of the two traits you need if you’re going to play in an Arteta team.”
Henderson makes honest loan admission
Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson admits loan spells at lower league clubs have been vital to his development.
The 25-year-old star joined United’s Academy as a 14-year-old and has had temporary spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.
He told Manchester United’s website: “[There] are the things you learn and move on. It was great for me. It’s why I’m sitting here today.
“If I didn’t [go out on loan], I’d probably be in League One now, just going out on my first loan. I fought for it and I stand by it, the best decision of my life.”
Van Gaal issues Ten Hag warning
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has issued a public warning to Erik ten Hag – advising him against taking the Old Trafford job.
Ajax boss Ten Hag is the bookies favourite to fill the United hot seat after holding a promising first interview with the club last week.
However, Van Gaal, now manager of the Dutch national team, has offered his compatriot a word of caution by criticising United’s off-field hierarchy.
Dutch media outlet AD report Van Gaal as saying: “I think Erik ten Hag is a great coach, he has shown that several times – and a great coach is always good for Manchester United.”
“Manchester United is a commercial club and those are difficult choices for a coach. It is better to go to a football club.
“I’m not going to supervise his career and he will call me himself. But he should choose a football club, not a commercial club.”
No Real deal for Tchouameni – yet
Premier League pair Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost by the news that – contrary to reports – Aurelien Tchouameni has not agreed to sign for Real Madrid.
Spanish media had claimed a deal had been done, but Tchouameni’s agent insists that no such move has been confirmed.
The two English clubs have been monitoring the 22-year-old’s development at Monaco, and both see the player as the ideal midfielder to build their side around for years to come.
However, Madrid remain very interested despite the press jumping the gun, as do Ligue 1 big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain.
Tchouameni scored his first international goal for France on Friday, heading home a stoppage time winner against Ivory Coast.
Credit: @WhoScored Twitter United planning Shaw and Rashford talks
Manchester United are planning to enter discussions with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford over new contracts, according to ESPN’S Rob Dawson.
The future of the England pair had been considered uncertain with both underperforming this season, and seemingly unhappy with life at Old Trafford.
Yet the duo ‘are considered part of a key group of core players that United want to keep’ ahead of a significant squad overhaul in the summer.
The current deals of both players are due to expire in June 2023.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
