MANCHESTER UNITED have approached Thomas Tuchel over the vacant manager’s job, according to reports from Germany.
The Red Devils were said to be edging closer to hiring Eric ten Hag, but it appears they are not yet ready to abandon the idea of the Chelsea boss taking over instead.
Amid a mixed season for Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, Man City legend Shaun Goater has suggested United were tricked by Pep Guardiola’s club into signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He said: “It could be a really smart chess move from City, who have already thought a few steps ahead, maybe with one eye on the next summer transfer window.
“And by forcing United’s hand into signing Ronaldo, it’s likely to be one less team who are going to go after a striker this summer.”
Mike Dean’s Wenger fear
Mike Dean insists Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is NOT the ‘scariest Premier League manager ever’.
Instead, the iconic referee insists that award should go to Arsenal favourite Arsene Wenger.
Dean told BBC Sport: “[Scariest manager?] It has to be Arsene when he was at Arsenal.
“I always found it tough, not refereeing Arsenal in general but refereeing Arsenal when he was the manager.
“It was just his presence, he wanted the best for Arsenal all the time, and if he could find any way of getting one over you, he would do.
“Since he has finished football, I have seen him and he has been great. Cross the white line and everyone is different, like referees. We are normal people.”
Trevor Sinclair on Man United
Man United have to undergo a complete squad overhaul before bringing in a new manager.
That’s the opinion of Trevor Sinclair who reckons Jadon Sancho, Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo all need to go in order for United’s next manager to be successful.
Sinclair told talkSPORT: “It doesn’t matter what manager comes in to Manchester United next if they don’t get their eggs in a row properly and put the people in place that they need to.
“Director of football, philosophy, recruitment, manager, and in that order. [Otherwise] they’re just going to end up with a mismatch of players.
“You look through the side – you’ve got [Paul] Pogba who’s ready to go. Sancho’s come in as a winger – can’t beat a player, not quick enough.
“You’ve got Varane, for me the jury’s still out on him. You’ve got Ronaldo, can’t press, so why are you bringing him into the football club in the first place?”
Mbappe to Man United?
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has urged Man United to enter the race to sign Kylian Mbappe.
Petit said: “Maybe there is a club in England. People are talking about Manchester City and Liverpool, but why not Manchester United.
“I know Kylian is very linked to his town, the fans, family and friends – so it’s a huge decision for him.”
A Klaass act
Daavy Klaassen has aimed an incredible insult at Manchester United by questioning why Erik ten Hag would join a club that’s ‘been doing badly for years’.
Klaassen told Voetball Primeur: “He [Ten Hag] has been doing well with us for years.
“Manchester United has been doing badly for years.
“He can also stay. I hope so.”
Chelsea lead Tchouameni transfer hunt
Chelsea are currently leading the transfer race to sign Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports.
The 22-year-old joined Monaco in 2020 and has since been deemed as one of the most promising stars in French football.
He has made 43 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring three goals and assisting two.
And now he is wanted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid have all been linked with the star, but according to Spanish outlet Sport as per SportWitness, Chelsea are currently leading the race for his signature.
The Blues have reportedly been tracking the Frenchman for months and are eager to try and put a deal in place.
Tuch and go
Man Utd have reportedly approached Thomas Tuchel to become their new manager, according to reports in Germany.
The Blues future remains uncertain post Roman Abramovich as the potential takeover of the club rumbles on.
Now Bild claims that has led to United making contact with the former Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund coach to enquire about his availability.
However, the report also states that Tuchel has informed them that he wants to stay at Chelsea as long as he can continue to work in the same vein.
Ronaldo and Beckham link up?
Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to quit Manchester United and create a “formidable partnership” with David Beckham at Inter Miami.
He still has another year left to run on his initial two-year deal – but Garth Crooks reckons he should leave this summer and link up with fellow United legend and global superstar Becks.
Crooks told BBC Sport: “His professionalism is beyond reproach and he has more than fulfilled the expectations required of a 37-year-old player in the toughest league in the world.
“However, he is still a young man who needs a purpose in life.
“The United States might be the place to establish that purpose.
“David Beckham and Ronaldo would make a formidable partnership in Miami.”
Fletcher’s ‘F-Bomb’
Man United technical director and former midfielder Darren Fletcher was involved in an X-rated spat with a fan on Saturday.
The shock incident occurred as the Red Devils suffered another poor result at Old Trafford as they were held to a draw by Leicester City.
The 25-year-old supporter, Jamie Caplan, has given his account of the incident to Manchester Evening News.
He claims he screamed at the United bench in fury after Kelechi Iheanacho scored for the Foxes.
The fan states he was fuming over the lack of effort on display from the players but insisted his words were not aimed specifically at Fletcher.
However, he claims the ex-Scotland international replied: “Who the f*** are you?”
Ronald Araujo blow
Manchester United are highly likely to miss out on Barcelona star Ronald Araujo ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is because Araujo appears close to signing a new contract with Barca, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The defender’s agent said: “The agreement to extend the contract is now really close.
“We’ve very good feelings – just final details are missing, it could be matter of days”
Ten Hag first target
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag will make Wolves star Ruben Neves one of his No1 transfer targets if he is appointed Manchester United boss, according to SunSport’s Jordan Davies.
SunSport understands Ten Hag has been a huge fan of Neves for years and would push to bring him to Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has been in advanced talks to take over at United for the past few weeks as the club prepares to name Ralf Rangnick’s permanent replacement.
It has also been reported that discussions over potential transfers have taken place – and the 52-year-old is believed to be pushing for the capture of the midfielder.
Ten Hag has followed the Portugal international’s progress since he watched him play for Porto as a teenager, and thinks he would be a vital addition to bolster the Red Devils’ current midfield issues.
‘Time & Place’
Manchester United ace Phil Jones has opened up about some of the horrific abuse he receives from fans.
When speaking to The Guardian, Jones said: “That’s happened a few times and it’s hard when you’re going through a really s*** time and you’re with your kids.
“There’s a time and place for everything – but not when you’re walking with your little girl and she’s asking what they were saying.
“But I’m over that. I’m in a more positive space than I was back then”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Mata addresses future
Manchester United ace Juan Mata insists he remains “100 per cent” committed to playing football as he pours cold water on retirement rumours even though his contract runs out in the summer.
Mata said: “Of course I will be involved with Common Goal because that’s something that goes beyond football.
“It’s something that will last for much longer and it will stay there after I stop and many members stop, but my mind is 100 per cent committed to playing”
Wrapping it up
Paris Saint-Germain technical director Leonardo has made signing Manchester United star Paul Pogba in the summer a priority.
According to the Manchester Evening News, PSG have made an offer to Pogba as he prepares to leave Old Trafford for a second time as a free agent at then end of the season.
And according to Foot Mercato, the Brazilian insisted to the French club’s hierarchy to wrap up the midfielder’s transfer.
Leonardo feels the France international is the “major signing” they need to make
Austria’s Rangnick clarification
The Austrian FA denied reports suggesting they approached Ralf Rangnick over the manager’s job.
Rangnick is United’s interim manager and is expected to move upstairs as a consultant at the end of the season.
A statement posted on Twitter said: “Clarification: There was no meeting between OFB sports director Peter Schottel and Ralf Rangnick, coach of @ManUtd”
Nick and choose
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick will reportedly work just six days per month when he takes up his role as a consultant at the end of the season.
According to The Mail, Rangnick’s promotion will consist of just 144 days work over the course of his contract.
That works out as less than one week per month.
It is thought the German tactician has not been involved in the search for United’s next permanent manager
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Gnab him in the summer
Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry is contemplating leaving this summer with numerous Premier League clubs chasing his signature.
Gnabry’s contract with Bayern is up next summer and negotiations between the two parties have stalled due to his wage demands.
According to Goal, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United top the list of interested parties.
Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp is said to view the winger as the ideal replacement for Mohamed Salah if he decides to leave Anfield.
United have been tracking the Germany international for some time.
The Blues have also been monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation with Bayern but the West Londoner’s transfer moratorium could put them out of the race.
Gnabry’s old team Arsenal likely have an edge in the transfer pursuit as he’s still got an affinity to his boyhood club
Mac coming back?
Steve McLaren could be set for a sensational return to Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s assistant.
United are on the lookout for a new manager with Ajax boss Ten Hag the favourite and Paris Saint-Germain head copach Mauricio Pochettino also linked.
The Dutchman is one of the favourites to succeed interim boss Ralf Rangick and McLaren is being eyed as a possible assistant, according to The Guardian.
The former England manager would make up for Ten Hag’s lack of Premier League experience and previously acted as No2 to Sir Alex Ferguson at United.
There is also the added bonus of McLaren having worked with Ten Hag previously at Twente
Pay the price
Barcelona star and Manchester United flop Memphis Depay could make a sensational return to England after being ‘seduced’ by several Premier League clubs.
According to Superdeporte, Memphis is being courted by no less than three major sides.
Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton have all made contact with Barca over a summer move for the winger.
And the Netherlands international could be keen for a second shot in England after failing miserably at Old Trafford
Kane transfer interest
Tottenham star Harry Kane is “curious” to listen to any Manchester United offer before deciding on his future.
Kane was close to leaving Spurs last summer but a deal with Manchester City couldn’t be agreed.
United could look to capitalise on City’s shortcomings and try to sign long-term target Kane in the upcoming transfer window.
And according to The Athletic, the England captain would be “curious to hear” the Red Devils out before deciding where he will play his football next season
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Gakpo’s Ruud Awakening
PSV Eindhoven star and Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo revealed how Ruud van Nistelrooy mentored him in the academy.
Gakpo told SunSport: “Van Nistelrooy was my striker trainer in the academy.
“I have learned a lot from him and I look up to him. He’s spoken to me about how to finish in certain situations and it helped me a lot.
“He told me some tricks on shooting and keeping my options open. Shoot low and hard, not beautiful and high. A goal is a goal, you know. I am grateful he did”
Back Ron top
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to drive his team into the Champions League after scooping his third Red Devils Player of the Month award this campaign.
Ronaldo said: “I feel so happy and motivated for the rest of the season.
“I will do my best, like I do all the time. See you soon in Old Trafford.
“Lovely. Thank you very much for these votes”
United’ Rad move
Manchester United are interested in signing RB Leipzig star Konrad Laimer in the summer transfer window.
United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is said to be an admirer of Laimer and could recommend his signing once he moves into a consultancy role, according to Bild.
The Red Devils are said to be keen on signing a midfielder this summer with Fred and Scott McTominay’s form inconsistent and Nemanja Matic entering the latter stages of his career, while Paul Pogba is set to leave as a free agent.
But Leipzig are keen to keep the Austria international and will reportedly open talks with him about a new contract
Mar Misery for Anthony
Manchester United star Anthony Martial is set to return in the summer following an unsuccessful spell at Sevilla.
Martial has failed to score in six La Liga appearances since his January loan move and provided just one assist.
The Andalusians were delighted to welcome the forward to the club earlier this year and his arrival was greeted with huge fanfare.
But the France international is now expected to return to Old Trafford when his loan deal ends in the summer, reports Marca.
Sevilla were previously keen to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent move for a club-record fee.
Martial’s time in Seville has reportedly gone from “bad to worse” and now he is struggling to make the starting line-up
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Mata of fact
Manchester United ace Juan Mata will NOT retire or join the team’s coaching staff this summer.
Mata’s contract expires at the end of the season leading to suggestions he could hang up his boots.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, the winger has no interest in retirement and has ruled out becoming a coach at United.
With a contract extension yet to be offered, the Spain international could end his eight-year stint at Old Trafford by walking out on a free transfer.
There has been interest from Spanish and Italian clubs but that would almost certainly mean taking a huge hit on his near £170,000-a-week wages
It’s Paul over
Paris Saint-Germain have offered Paul Pogba a contract as he looks set to quit Manchester United this summer.
Pogba’s deal with United ends at the end of the season, and it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll sign an extension.
The midfielder has had a turbulent spell with the Red Devils and recently expressed his frustration over winning just two trophies in five years.
And according to Manchester Evening News, PSG have approached Pogba with a deal to lure him back to his homeland.
The report also states that the Parisians have offered Pogba a lower contract offer than the £500,000-a-week United presented him with in January, as SunSport exclusively revealed
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
