ERIK TEN HAG is reportedly eyeing up a move for English duo Harry Kane and Declan Rice once he steps through the Old Trafford doors.
The Dutchman is on the verge of putting pen to paper with Manchester United and he is hoping to completely transform the squad.
But the Red Devils squad could have looked very different this season, as reports suggest United had a contract offer prepared for Kylian Mbappe before he declared his intention to join Real Madrid.
It is also claimed that PSG had agreed a deal to sign Marcus Rashford in the event that Mbappe agreed a switch to Spain last summer.
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United’s Kane pain
Manchester United’s decision to appoint Ajax manager Erik ten Hag over Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino looks to have cost them the chance to sign Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.
Kane blossomed at Spurs under Pochettino and it was thought that the PSG tactician would tempt the star striker to join him at Old Trafford.
But United’s hopes of recruiting the England captain have been dashed after they opted to appoint Ten Hag over the Argentine head coach, according to The Mirror.
It’s been made clear that the 28-year-old won’t be joining the Dutchman’s revolution at Old Trafford.
Instead, Kane now seems set to stay in North London where he’s been revitalised under Antonio Conte
Pain in Spain
Manchester United ace Anthony Martial admits he is expecting to return to Old Trafford after struggling during his loan spell at Sevilla.
Martial took a pay-cut from his reported £130,000-a-week deal to secure a move away from United in January, but has scored just once since.
Martial told ABC Sevilla: “I see it very complicated to be able to continue at Sevilla.”
The Red Devils, though, look set to offload at least 10 players this summer, including the forward
Fer the win
Manchester United have joined local rivals Manchester City as well as Real Madrid in the race to sign River Plate starlet Enzo Fernandez.
City are reportedly plotting a second transfer from River after securing the signature of Julian Alvarez.
But according to Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, United and Real have joined the bidding war for the exciting prospect.
The Red Devils and Los Blancos have already began talks but formal offers are yet to be submitted
Shaw injury reminder
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw is set to miss the remainder of the season after having the metal screws in his leg removed.
Shaw was only expected to miss three weeks after hobbling off in the home draw with Leicester on April 2nd.
However, the left-back’s injury has been complicated by a historic knee problem.
According to the the Daily Telegraph, the England international requires further recuperation after the metal screws – inserted in 2015 to aid his recovery from a fractured tibia-fibula – were taken out
Credit: GETTY IMAGES United’s Fernandez interest
Manchester United are preparing to trigger River Plate starlet Enzo Fernandez’s release clause.
Fernandez has an asking price of approximately £17million, and is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old has made himself an integral part of Marcelo Gallardo’s side since forcing his way into the first team last season.
According to TyC Sports, United see the young Argentine as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic should he join the Erik ten Hag revolution
Ten Hag transfer targets reminder
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is the favourite to take over at Manchester United and is already preparing for his new job, reports suggest.
According to the Mail, United are planning on spending big once more this summer and Ten Hag wants most of the budget to be blown on West Ham ace Declan Rice and Tottenham starHarry Kane.
It’s likely that a huge squad overhaul is needed in the summer transfer window with up to 10 players expected to leave.
Hammers boss David Moyes has previously said that West Ham wouldn’t consider a bid for Rice under £100million, while Kane still has two years to run on his current Spurs contract
Ferdinand fears for new boss
Rio Ferdinand fears that Erik ten Hag could be ‘chewed up’ by Manchester United unless he managers to change the club’s culture.
The Ajax boss is on the brink of being installed at Old Trafford, and former Red Devil Ferdinand knows the Dutchman won’t have an easy job in turning his old team around.
Discussing the appointment on his Vibe with Five show, he said: “I’ve got to take my hat off to him because this is a risk.
“Many managers have been spat out here and he has good stock in the game at the moment.
“He’s valued and is looked at as a very good coach. He’s coming in and he’s risking that.
“We’ve seen many managers now with far more experience, who have won much more than Ten Hag, bigger reputations, who have come in and been chewed up by this football club and spat out.”
United confirm Old Trafford redevelopment
Manchester United have this afternoon announced plans for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
The club revealed on their official website that ‘leading consultants’ had been brought in ‘to begin work on creating a masterplan’ for the iconic stadium.
The Red Devils admit to keeping their options open on improvements, but insist a main aim will be ‘significantly enhancing the fan experience’.
While the focus is on modernisation and potential expansion, United are committed to ‘preserv[ing] the identity and heritage of Old Trafford.’
Credit: @ManUtd Twitter United in ‘frame’ for Phillips
Manchester United are plotting a move to steal the favourite son from one of their biggest rivals.
Kalvin Phillips is Leeds United born and bred, but it is now being suggested that the England international is willing to cross the Pennines to join the Red Devils – if Erik ten Hag wants him.
The Manchester Evening News believe that officials at Old Trafford are ‘setting up a framework’ in order to bring Phillips to the club this summer.
The 26-year-old has previously indicated that he would never leave Leeds for Manchester United – in a similar vein to Alan Smith two decades ago – and had been expected to pen a new long-term deal at Elland Road.
Red Devils to trigger Enzo clause
Manchester United are preparing to trigger Enzo Fernandez’s release clause in order to bring the young South American star to the Premier League.
The River Plate midfielder has a release fee of approximately £17million, and is reportedly open to a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old Argentine has made himself an integral part of Marcelo Gallardo’s side since forcing his way into the first team last season.
TyC Sports are close to the story, and understand that United see the youngster as a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic should he join the Erik ten Hag revolution.
Ten Hag needs time in charge
Manchester United fans should not expect the club to immediately begin challenging for the title under Erik ten Hag.
That’s the view of a former Red Devil in Kleberson, who believes that the Dutchman will require time to make his mark at Old Trafford.
“Erik ten Hag would represent a change in style as his teams like to have the ball and have more possession,” noted the Brazilian in conversation with Paddy Power.
“That could help the quality players at United like Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Marcus Rashford – they like to have the ball at their feet.
“It’s hard to say if Ten Hag is the best option for Manchester United. He’ll need to take a lot of big decisions regarding the full squad ahead of next season in terms of who is going to leave.
“Appointing Erik ten Hag would be long term project because it will take some time to get the players used to his style of play.”
United hold fire on signings
Manchester United will not progress with any future signings until Erik ten Hag has been officially confirmed as the club’s new manager.
The Manchester Evening News understand that the Red Devils are prepared to wait for the Dutch coach to be announced in order for him to oversee the recruitment process.
A busy summer of incomings and outgoings is expected at Old Trafford, and club officials are eager to ensure mistakes of previous seasons are not repeated.
Reports last week indicated that Ten Hag’s appointment would not be announced until Ajax had participated in this weekend’s KNVB Cup Final against PSV Eindhoven.
Shaw to miss remaining games
Luke Shaw is set to miss the remainder of the season after having the metal screws in his leg removed.
The Manchester United left-back was only expected to miss three weeks after hobbling off in the home draw with Leicester on April 2nd.
However, the England international’s injury has been complicated by a historic knee problem.
The Telegraph report Shaw requires further recuperation after the metal screws – inserted in 2015 to aid his recover from a fractured tibia-fibula – were taken out.
Alex Telles has deputised at left-back in Shaw’s absence.
United already making defensive moves
Manchester United have already begun negotiating deals to sign defensive duo Antonio Rudiger and Jurrien Timber, according to the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler.
The Red Devils have been tracking Chelsea’s Rudiger, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, for several months.
And United are happy to use the funds saved by the free transfer to present a bumper contract to the centre-back.
However, the Old Trafford club face fierce competition from the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Bayern are also set to challenge United for Timber, Ajax’s highly-rated defender.
The 20-year-old is expected to follow Erik ten Hag from Amsterdam to Old Trafford in the summer, and could cost as much as £45million.
Ten Hag wants Rice and Kane
Erik ten Hag has already begun drawing up a shortlist of players he wants to help kickstart his revolution at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman is on the brink of being appointed as the new Manchester United manager, and is fully aware of the task ahead of him.
It’s likely that a huge squad overhaul is needed this summer with up to ten players expected to leave the club.
The Red Devils are expected to spend big, and – according to The Mail – Ten Hag wants most of the budget to be blown on England pair Declan Rice and Harry Kane.
David Moyes has previously said that West Ham wouldn’t consider a bid for Rice under £100million, while England captain Kane still has two years to run on his current Spurs contract after a move to Manchester City failed to materialise last summer.
McClaren compares Erik to Fergie
Former England manager Steve McClaren has compared incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ten Hag is on the brink of being officially confirmed in the United hot seat, and his former colleague believes the Red Devils have landed themselves a star.
The Dutchman first impressed McClaren when working as his assistant at FC Twente – and it earned comparisons with one of the greats of the game.
“He could see things that nobody else could see, myself included,” McClaren told The Athletic.
“I have to sit up in the stands to see the patterns of a game, but he could stand on the touchline [and see them]. He always knew the answer to everything, how to change shape, change positions.
“His adjustments in the games — obviously I had worked with Sir Alex, and I used to think that some of his subs and changes were strange, but they always worked. Erik is the same in that respect.”
Spurs ‘crazy’ about United target
Manchester United are desperate to be bring Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Old Trafford – but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Serbian midfielder for several months, and had made him one of their priority targets ahead of a huge squad overhaul.
However, Calciomercato (via The Express) now report that Spurs manager Antonio Conte and his sporting director Fabio Paratici are ‘crazy’ about the 27-year-old.
It’s caused concern within the United boardroom that Conte’s reputation in Italy and the North London club’s geographical setting may put them in a favourable position to land the player.
Morning, United fans
United’s interest in Antonio Rudiger and Darwin Nunez could be revving up – but easing down on Kalvin Phillips.
And Erik ten Hag’s appointment as permanent boss appears ready for rubber-stamping next week.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s home game with bottom side Norwich is far more important than United would have hoped or expected.
That’s because surely only victory will keep alive their top-four hopes.
But of course interim chief Ralf Rangnick’s preparations have been overshadowed by talk of Ten Hag’s arrival, as well as transfer speculation.
Chelsea centre-back Rudiger looms larger than ever on the radar after his outstanding display against Real Madrid.
But United would reportedly face stiff opposition for the German from other interested giants, like PSG, Barcelona and Juventus.
The Blues hope to keep the 29-year-old but he’s out of contract this summer.
It’s claimed Old Trafford striker Edinson Cavani has pushed the case of Uruguay strike-partner Darwin Nunez joining the Red Devils.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the £68million-rated Benfica superstar.
But it looks increasingly likely that England midfielder Phillips will sign a new long deal with Leeds.
Utd’s Dutch connection tipped to brief Ten Hag
Rio Ferdinand reckons Erik ten Hag will be getting the lay of the land at Man United from the club’s former personnel before taking the job.
Ferdinand said on his podcast: “He’ll be having conversations. He’ll be speaking to people like Rene (Meulenstein), Robin van Persie, Jaap Stam and Edwin van der Sar about what it is like at Manchester United.
“I know the people who are there right now are working diligently to get a structure in place for the new manager and have a real good go at getting the right talent.
“It’s about that conversation with ten Hag and the people that run the club on how the recruitment is done.
“The key conversation is who is that driven by? Is it the manager who’s incoming or the recruitment staff, saying ‘this is the player, this is the DNA’. These are the conversations I’m sure are happening.”
‘Cris cross with Conte being on Utd boss list’
Cristiano Ronaldo opposed Manchester United appointing Antonio Conte as manager, according to reports.
Conte, 52, was being considered as a possible successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the Norwegian was sacked in November.
The board decided the Italian would not be suited to taking over at Old Trafford but only after hearing input from Ronaldo.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Ronaldo’s reservations about appointing Conte were fed back to the board.
As well as Conte being touted as a possible replacement for Solskjaer, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was also said to be in the mix.
But it is now claimed his name was only mentioned to appease Ronaldo.
CR7 enjoyed great success playing under Zidane, winning La Liga and the Champions League on three occasions.
Erik should ‘go with that banana’
Rafael van der Vaart has told Erik ten Hag to hurry up and take the Manchester United job, writes JOSHUA JONES.
And the 109-cap Netherlands international called on his compatriot to “throw out” any uncooperative stars at Old Trafford.
The current Ajax boss has already had an interview to succeed Ralf Rangnick in the summer.
And reports this week suggest a “verbal agreement” has been reached between Ten Hag and United.
All that remains is for the Red Devils need to negotiate a compensation package with Ajax.
And Van der Vaart urged the incoming boss to waste no time in signing the contract.
The former playmaker, who came through the youth ranks at Ajax, told Ziggo Sport: “If Ten Hag receives such an offer, he should not even think about it and go with that banana.
“That’s an impression. You have to stay a little humble. He is a great trainer, he did a great job at Ajax. But Manchester United or the big clubs, don’t let them wait.”
Edinson ‘hopes Utd win Nunez race’
With Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea all linked with Darwin Nunez, it’s claimed Edinson Cavani has been pressing for the Red Devils to recruit his Uruguay team-mate since 2021.
Cavani, 35, could well depart Old Trafford in the summer, whilst 22-year-old fellow striker Nunez appears sure to quit Benfica.
And 90Min claim the PSG legend reckons that £68million-rated Nunez would be the perfect young goal-getter that many think United need.
Morocco want Blanc for World Cup
Former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc is wanted by Morocco to lead their World Cup campaign, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
Vahid Halilhodzic is currently the boss of the Atlas Lions but Morocco are said to be considering getting rid of the Bosnian despite him leading them to Qatar qualification.
And they have eyed former Paris Saint-Germain boss Blanc as his replacement, according to French Football News.
It appears Blanc is a man in high demand as Nigeria are also considering appointing the Frenchman.
The Super Eagles are still on the hunt for a permanent manager after sacking Gernot Rohr before the Africa Cup of Nations.
Temporary boss Augustine Eguavoen failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup so will not take the team forward.
Rud Devil?
Transfer interest in Antonio Rudiger is set to ramp up this week after Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League.
Rudiger, 29, scored in the second leg against Real Madrid but Chelsea let their 3-0 lead slip and exited the competition.
Now the Spanish giants could rub salt in the wounds by making an approach for Rudiger in the coming days.
The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and there has been a lot of talk about his future with Chelsea desperate to keep hold of him.
Several foreign clubs are keen on Rudiger and are ready to make a move now Chelsea are out of Europe. According to reports, Rudiger was not prepared to decide his future while the Blues remained in the Champions League.
Barcelona have previously held talks with the German’s representatives about a possible move.
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also said to be interested in Rudiger and might believe now is the right time to make a move.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been monitoring Rudiger’s situation but first the club will likely need to sort out their managerial situation.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly verbally agreed to join the Red Devils on a four-year deal.
Win the pink
United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s pregnant partner Georgina Rodriguez has left fans in awe after posing in a pink dress in an old school yellow Corvette, writes JOSHUA MBU.
The 28-year-old soon-to-be mother of THREE looked sensational in a large pink tulle dress.
Buenos Aires-born Rodriguez managed to fit the dress and her big belly into the sports car for a snap.
She is due to give birth to the twins later this year. They will join Rodriguez and Ronaldo’s already large family.
The couple already have Alana together.
But the twins will also join Cristiano Jr, 11, as well as twins Eva and Mateo, 4, who have a different mother.
Ronaldo landed himself in hot water at the weekend after slapping a mobile phone out of a teenage Everton supporter’s hand after United’s defeat at Goodison Park.
Ronaldo later apologised on social media, offering to arrange tickets to a game at Old Trafford for teenager Jake.
But mum Sarah Kelly claims that her autistic son doesn’t want to attend a Man United game or meet Ronaldo after his ordeal that allegedly left him with bruising on his hand.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
