MANCHESTER UNITED have officially CONFIRMED the departure of Paul Pogba.
The World Cup winner decided not to renew his contract at Old Trafford meaning that Pogba can talk to any club he chooses.
And Juventus are reportedly the frontrunners for his signature as well as being the preferred destination of the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, United transfer target Armaut Danjuma claims that he has been told Liverpool are after his signature.
Plus, Barcelona midfielder Frankie De Jong has revealed that he is well aware of United’s interest in him but refused to state whether he has had contact with Erik Ten Hag.
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Outgoing Pogba ‘feels privileged’
Paul Pogba says he ‘feels privileged’ to have played for Manchester United after they announced he’ll leave on a free transfer at the end of June..
The French World Cup winner, 29, has suffered erratic form and poor luck with injuries since returning to Old Trafford in 2016 for a club-record £89million.
In 233 appearances for Man Utd he recorded 39 goals and 51 assists.
He also helped the club to Europa League and EFL Cup success.
Now, in a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Pogba stated: “I feel privileged to have played for this club.
“Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you.”
There was no desire from Pogba or United to renew his current deal, which has less than a month remaining.
However, he is still expected to pick up over £1million in wages before he moves on.
Red Devils confirm Lingard’s leaving
Manchester United have confirmed that Jesse Lingard will leave the club this summer.
The attacking midfielder is out of contract at the end of June.
And Lingard will depart Old Trafford on a free transfer, having joined his boyhood team aged 7 in 2000.
But the ace’s time at United ended on a sour note after his brother branded the club “classless” for not giving Lingard a send-off in front of fans on the field.
The FA Cup and Europa League winner was left on the bench against Brentford as Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Phil Jones were greeted for the last time at the Theatre of Dreams.
But in a lengthy statement detailing his playing career and achievements, United thanked Lingard for all the “memories” while wishing him luck at his next club.
Man United still owe Pogba
Paul Pogba is set to be paid more than £1million by Manchester United even after his exit was confirmed.
United announced the midfielder will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.
But with four weeks left to go on his deal Pogba is set for one last bumper payday at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman reportedly earns £290,000 a week which means the Red Devils will have to fork out another £1.16m.
Pogba will not have to do anything to earn the money either and instead will be focused on picking his next club.
Man Utd boost in Neves chase
Wolves are closing in on signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.
The Portuguese international – who is a new client of super-agent Jorge Mendes – was originally holding out for a bid from Manchester United.
Palhinha was even considering waiting until after his country’s Nations League fixtures were over on June 12.
But with interest from Old Trafford failing to materialise, SunSport understands the 26-year-old has agreed to join Wolves with the move expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
The fee is believed be around £20m on a long-term deal, with Mendes leading the negotiations.
Wolves boss Bruno Lage has been a huge admirer of Palhinha for years and sees him as the perfect replacement should £50m-rated Ruben Neves leaves the club.
Ironically, it is United who are eyeing up Neves having sparked fresh interest in the player following failed attempts to nab him from the midlands in the last two transfer windows.
New boss Erik ten Hag is a big fan of Neves, 25, as he hopes to start his new dynasty in Manchester with a top signing to bolster his midfield.
Pogba United’s most creative player
Manchester United will miss Paul Pogba’s creativity, now that he is leaving Old Trafford.
According to Opta, the Frenchman created more chances, 231, and laid on more assists, 38, than any other Red Devils player during since stint at the club since joining in August 2016.
Pogba breaks silence
Paul Pogba has spoken for the first time since his Man United exit was announced.
Accompanying a compilation video, he wrote: “I feel privileged to have played for this club.
“Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you @ManUtd”
Ten Hag on Maguire
Erik ten Hag has waxed lyrical over Man United skipper Harry Maguire.
The Dutchman said: “I have to repeat that next season is a different season, but I think he did a great job,” the Dutchman explained to reporters.
“He’s a great player, he’s achieved already a lot really also [with his] contribution to Manchester United.
“So I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Harry Maguire on Ten Hag
United’s skipper believes that the new boss will bring a “positive energy” to Old Trafford.
He said: “It’s been a tough campaign, no hiding away from that. It was a disappointing season individually and as a group.
“Football’s my life. I care about the club so much. I care about winning matches and taking the club to where it should be, where the fans deserve it to be.
“I’m sure on the first day of pre-season, everybody will be buzzing around, doing their best to impress and coming back in shape. We have a big season ahead.
“We know we are going to improve because last season was nowhere near good enough. The new manager will bring positive energy and the lads will go with that.”
Man Utd Phillips blow
Leeds remain hopeful Kalvin Phillips will sign a new deal with them – despite interest from Manchester United.
Jesse Marsch’s side are still battling to persuade him to commit his long-term future to them after they avoided relegation on the final day of the season.
His current deal runs until summer 2024 and any move might be complicated by the fact he is due to change agents this summer.
Leeds were resigned to losing their homegrown star had they gone down to the Championship – particularly with the World Cup looming this autumn.
But there is a quiet optimism now they might be able to persuade Phillips, 26, to give them at least another 12 months.
Pogba next club odds
Juventus are favourites to secure Paul Pogba’s signature following his Man United departure.
The Old Lady are as short as 2/9 to re-sign the midfielder.
PSG are also in the running at 2/1, while Real Madrid are 20/1 and Chelsea are 22/1,
Man Utd thank Pogba
The Red Devils have paid tribute to their departing No6 on their official website.
They wrote: “It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill.
“But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated.
“Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.
“We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey.”
Paul Pogba leaves Man Utd
Manchester United have CONFIRMED Paul Pogba’s exit after six years with the club.
The Frenchman repeatedly turned down new contract offers and is now a free agent.
Juventus have been most strongly linked with the 29-year-old, while PSG and Real Madrid have also previously been keen.
Barnes on Rangnick debacle
Liverpool legend John Barnes has described Ralf Rangnick’s United appointment as ‘ridiculous’.
In the aftermath of the German’s Old Trafford departure, Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “Ralf Rangnick was never going to work out at Manchester United. The whole appointment was ridiculous from the start.
“Having a manager for the rest of the season, before moving into a consultancy role isn’t professional.
“It’s not the way to run a football club, having an ex-manager who would have been seen as a failure to then be above the new manager.
“The best thing for all parties was for Rangnick to leave, let the new manager come in and for it all to be about Erik ten Hag, and nobody else.
“It was a ridiculous scenario to begin with, regardless of how it transpired. It looks shoddy but it’s the right decision.”
Rashford and Sancho need ‘miracles’
It would take “miracles” for Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to earn back their England places, claims former Red Devil Paul Parker.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets, he said: “For those two to get back in, they’ve got to work miracles. Work miracles from August onwards, from the first game, that is if they get into the team.”
“They’ve got to work miracles to be honest, because Jarrod Bowen had a fantastic season and he would’ve been in England squad earlier if he didn’t get an injury.
“He would’ve been in the England squad for the previous window of games. But, he got an injury and not many deserve it (and England call-up) more than him. So, they’ve got to get past him. He is a new boy in, last in and first out, maybe.
“But you think of the work they’ve got to do to get past him, and the assists he makes and the opportunities he’s made and the goals he’s scored in the wide area. Those two will be nowhere near him.”
Man Utd should enter Raphinha race
The Red Devils have been told to target Leeds star Raphinha this summer.
Their former Paul Parker, speaking to BonusCodeBets, said: “So, yes I have to say that he (Raphinha) would be a very good signing and the fact that he’s playing in the Premier League is a fact that makes even more sense.
“They haven’t got to worry about integration. You know, into playing that football.
“So, common sense says, if he’s available, when you talk money I think he’s like £35million.
“I would say he would be a very, very good signing for Manchester United.”
Toon enter Calvert-Lewin race
Newcastle are set to make a bid for Manchester United and Arsenal transfer target Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to reports.
The striker, 25, had an injury-hit campaign and scored just five Premier League goals.
But he has proven himself a reliable goalscorer in the past and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is after a mobile target man – with Calvert-Lewin fitting the bill.
Toon have funds to spend thanks to their Saudi ownership and could be prepared to meet Everton’s large demands, report The Mirror.
Everton will reportedly only sell if they receive a bid that matches their valuation of the striker – one which takes into account his importance to the club and his status as an England international.
Chelsea legend on Man Utd
Blues icon Joe Cole has had his say on top four rivals Manchester United.
On Erik ten Hag’s task next season, the former attacking midfielder told Coral: “He’s got a huge job. Probably the biggest job in world football at the moment trying to revive Manchester United.
“It’s staggered me watching them from afar and watching the capitulation such a promising start.
“I was at Old Trafford the day Varane was presented first game of the season. Fernandes got a hat-trick. Pogba was outstanding. There was so much positivity and it’s just fallen to pieces.
“It’s a real head scratcher because there’s so many things wrong there. It doesn’t need just a little bit of keyhole surgery.
“It seems like it needs a complete rebuild. So hopefully they’re on that path and Ten Hag is going to be given the tools to do it.”
Man Utd star in play-off battle
Scott McTominay is set to be in action tonight as Scotland face Ukraine in an emotional World Cup play-off semi-final.
The Man United midfielder has been a regular for Steve Clarke’s men in their quest to make it to Qatar.
Should McTominay and Co beat Ukraine at Hampden this evening, they will travel to Wales for Sunday’s final.
Frenkie de Jong reveals intentions
Man United target Frenkie de Jong has admitted that he wants to stay at Barcelona this summer.
The Dutchman has been linked with a £65million transfer to Old Trafford.
But asked about his future, he said: “Well.. I prefer to stay at Barcelona.
“I said this before, Barcelona is the club of my dreams ever since I was little.”
Bayern star up for grabs
Man United and Arsenal transfer target Corentin Tolisso is set to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires this summer.
The Frenchman, 27, joined the German giants from Lyon in 2017.
During his five-year stint at the club he made 118 appearances across all competitions and scored 21 goals.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano announced the departure on Twitter, stating: “Official. Corentin Tolisso leaves FC Bayern on a free transfer, there’s no agreement to extend the contract and both parties decided to part ways immediately.
“Tolisso will be available as free agent this summer.”
The midfielder’s imminent departure offers a huge transfer boost to Arsenal and Man Utd, who are both in the race to sign him.
Liverpool enter Danjuma transfer race
Man United transfer target Armaut Danjuma claims he has been told that Liverpool also want to sign him.
The former Bournemouth winger, 25, has been linked with a return to the Premier League following a stunning campaign at Villarreal.
A number of clubs have been linked with a swoop after he helped the LaLiga club to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
And now, with Sadio Mane potentially set to depart Anfield for Bayern Munich, one of those is allegedly Liverpool.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, he said: “I was informed that Liverpool were following me closely.
“I have never had contacts with clubs or anything like that during the season – I always know about the situation after the season. I will never lie and I think it’s a bad quality if you are not ambitious.
“If a club came along that offered me a higher platform to play on sport-wise, I would always have to consider it.”
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United have appointed Andy O’Boyle as the new Deputy Director of Football.
O’Boyle has left his role as Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League to work with United’s Football Director John Murtough.
He will help with the Red Devils’ strategy across the first team, academy as well as youth team.
O’Boyle is well acquainted with Carrington having worked in the academy 16 years ago helping to develop stars, such as Marcus Rashford.
Meanwhile, United manager Erik ten Hag is watching Mason Mount’s contract situation at Chelsea as he considers a shock move.
Mount has seen contract talks at Stamford Bridge hit a snag after the protracted takeover of the club by new owner Todd Boehly.
Ten Hag is well aware of the 23-year-old’s predicament and the Red Devils’ interest has already been registered with the forward’s camp.
The Dutchman first became aware of Mount’s skills when he impressed on loan with Vitesse in the Netherlands.
The former Ajax manager has tracked the England international’s progress closely ever since, and given the chance, it is believed he would jump at the opportunity to try to tempt him to Old Trafford.
And Leeds star Raphinha wants to join arch-rivals United instead of Barcelona.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road after playing a key role in keeping the Whites up in the Premier League.
The winger chipped in with 11 goals and three assists from 35 Premier League matches to help Leeds beat the drop on the final game of the campaign.
Should the Yorkshire club have been relegated, the Brazil international would have been available for £21million due to a clause in his contract.
But it is argued that the forward will now cost in excess of £40m.
The figure hasn’t put off Barca, with the Blaugrana still prepared to bring the player over to the Nou Camp.
Finally, Ajax star and United target Jurrien Timber says he wants assurances over playing time before making a decision on any move this summer.
Timber said: “In the end, my gut feeling will be the deciding factor. The picture has to be right.
“You can go to a big club. But if you’re not going to play there it’s better to stay with Ajax. And Ajax is also a big club.
“We play football in the Champions League and I play there together with the best players in the Netherlands. That is not nothing.”
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United have appointed Andy O’Boyle as the new Deputy Director of Football.
O’Boyle has left his role as Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League to work with United’s Football Director John Murtough.
He will help with the Red Devils’ strategy across the first team, academy as well as youth team.
O’Boyle is well acquainted with Carrington having worked in the academy 16 years ago helping to develop stars, such as Marcus Rashford.
Meanwhile, United manager Erik ten Hag is watching Mason Mount’s contract situation at Chelsea as he considers a shock move, as per SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse.
Mount has seen contract talks at Stamford Bridge hit a snag after the protracted takeover of the club by new owner Todd Boehly.
Ten Hag is well aware of the 23-year-old’s predicament and the Red Devils’ interest has already been registered with the forward’s camp.
The Dutchman first became aware of Mount’s skills when he impressed on loan with Vitesse in the Netherlands.
The former Ajax manager has tracked the England international’s progress closely ever since, and given the chance, it is believed he would jump at the opportunity to try to tempt him to Old Trafford.
And Leeds star Raphinha wants to join arch-rivals United instead of Barcelona.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road after playing a key role in keeping the Whites up in the Premier League.
The winger chipped in with 11 goals and three assists from 35 Premier League matches to help Leeds beat the drop on the final game of the campaign.
Should the Yorkshire club have been relegated, the Brazil international would have been available for £21million due to a clause in his contract.
But it is argued that the forward will now cost in excess of £40m.
The figure hasn’t put off Barca, with the Blaugrana still prepared to bring the player over to the Nou Camp.
Finally, Ajax star and United target Jurrien Timber says he wants assurances over playing time before making a decision on any move this summer.
Timber said: “In the end, my gut feeling will be the deciding factor. The picture has to be right.
“You can go to a big club. But if you’re not going to play there it’s better to stay with Ajax. And Ajax is also a big club.
“We play football in the Champions League and I play there together with the best players in the Netherlands. That is not nothing”
Nkunku addresses future
RB Leipzig star and Manchester United target Christopher Nkunku has spoken about his future.
Nkunku said: “Paris [Paris Saint-Germain], I’ve always said it, it’s my home, my heart club. I don’t close any doors. Everything is possible in football.
“It’s flattering to have the biggest clubs in the world interested in me. But it’s also flattering that Leipzig is doing everything to keep me.
“We are in June, and I am focused on this gathering”
Timber addresses transfer speculation
Ajax star and Manchester United transfer target Jurrien Timber has stated he will decide on his future after his holiday.
Timber told De Telegraaf: “In the end, my gut feeling will be the deciding factor. The picture has to be right.
“You can go to a big club. But if you’re not going to play there it’s better to stay with Ajax. And Ajax is also a big club.
“We play football in the Champions League and I play there together with the best players in the Netherlands. That is not nothing.
“Of course, I can develop further [at Ajax]. I am 100 per cent sure of that. I don’t feel like I’m done at the club. But I can also develop at other clubs.”
“I am now focusing on the upcoming international matches and then go on holiday. Then I’ll have to think about it some more”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
