MANCHESTER UNITED will be delighted to keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo for another season but the Portuguese icon has declared that things must change at the club.
Ronaldo was United’s standout player by a mile last campaign and he believes that the Red Devils can win trophies under Erik Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a shocking return to Crystal Palace this summer.
And Manchester United have reportedly tabled a huge swap deal involving Benfica talisman Darwin Nunez and forgotten man Andreas Pereira.
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Luk-ing to the future
Former Man Utd striker Romelu Lukaku could be on the move to either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
Chelsea’s record £97.5million signing is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with Inter Milan desperate to bring him back to the San Siro.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca will look to sign the Belgian ace should they fail to land Robert Lewandowski.
And it has been said that Bayern will press ahead with a move for Lukaku if they cannot reach an agreement with Liverpool for Sadio Mane.
Are you Fer real?
Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson asked him “What the f*** are you wearing?” when he was unveiled at Old Trafford in a white suit.
The defender joined Manchester United from Leeds for around £30million in 2002.
As he was unveiled at the Theatre of Dreams, Ferdinand donned a daring white outfit as he posed for pictures alongside new boss Sir Alex.
Lifting the lid on his special day nearly 20 years on, the 43-year-old told 433: “The manager said to me on this day, he said ‘Rio, what the f*** are you wearing?’
“He said to my mum ‘what is he… what is this suit? Is he for real with this suit?’
“But I didn’t care. I always wear what I want, I don’t care anyway.”
Cav some of that
Serie A minnows Salernitana are reportedly interested in signing soon-to-be free agent Edinson Cavani.
The 35-year-old is out on contract at the end of June, ending his two-year stay at Manchester United.
Time isn’t on Cavani’s side but one last dance in the Italian top-flight could be on the cards.
Serie A minnows Salernitana, whose captain is Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery, would like to bring Cavani back to Italy.
Cavani made his name in Italy, starring for Palermo and Napoli before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain.
Salernitana president Danilo Iervolino told Corriere: “I’d love to sign Edinson Cavani as free agent.
“Cavani would be an incredible gift for the city, as Salernitana are staying in Serie A.”
Having Nun of it
Darwin Nunez has been told NOT to pursue a transfer to Manchester United and to instead join Liverpool by former Kop star Jose Enrique.
New United boss Erik ten Hag wants to bring the 22-year-old striker to Old Trafford to spearhead his rebuild of the United squad.
However, Enrique – who appeared in the Man Utd vs Liverpool legends game – declared Nunez should snub a move to Manchester in favour of joining up with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
Enrique took to his Instagram story to highlight an article which suggested Nunez was set to move to United, giving a passionate answer to the reports.
He said: “I hope this is not true and he comes to us instead.
“We should go for him, a top player who can become world class under Klopp if we sell Sadio Mane.”
Lazio ready to fight Utd for Loftus-Cheek
Lazio could duel Manchester United for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The ten-cap England star, 26, has revived his Blues’ career this season under Thomas Tuchel.
But new United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with a move.
And Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport says ex-Blues’ chief Maurizio Sarri is ready to rev up his interest in a reunion with Loftus-Cheek, who might cost at least £17million.
Duo to leave Man United
Manchester United defenders Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe will reportedly be sold this window.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Both Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are set to leave Manchester United this summer – decision made.
“Diogo Dalot’s expected to stay at Manchester United this summer.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka has chances to leave waiting for new proposals – as reported yesterday.”
Pereira to be given chance
Forgotten Man Utd midfielder Andreas Pereira will be given a chance under Erik ten Hag.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played for the Red Devils since June 2020 after enjoying loan spells at Lazio and most recently at Flamengo in his native Brazil.
But despite the player having a year left on his deal at Old Trafford, Yahoo Brasil has stated he still has a place in the United squad.
With Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata, United need more players in the middle of the pitch.
And the club’s United’s football director John Murtough is claimed to have told Pereira that Ten Hag believes he fits the desired squad profile for next season.
Diogo, no go
Manchester United will NOT allow Diogo Dalot to depart, but they are prepared to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
That is according to the Manchester Evening News.
They state that Dalot is a target for AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Roma.
But should a club fail to meet their £21million asking price, he will not be sold.
Though the news outlet declares that the Red Devils have offered Wan-Bissaka out to at least one club.
Lingard mobbed by Utd fans
Jesse Lingard was greeted by adoring fans while on holiday after it was confirmed he would be leaving boyhood club Manchester United this summer.
The 29-year-old is out of contract come the end of June, ending his 20-year stay at United.
As he enjoyed the sun ahead of his summer exit, Lingard was swarmed by adoring fans.
He was met with songs of “there’s only one Jesse Lingard”.
Read more HERE.
Inter in for Dybala
Arsenal, Man Utd and Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Juventus playmaker Paulo Dybala.
Inter Milan have reportedly been holding talks with the Argentine ace and are optimistic that a deal can be struck.
Dybala, 28, is set to leave Juve this summer when his contract expires.
As well as Premier League interest, Dybala has also been in direct talks with Inter Milan vice president Javier Zanetti, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Commenting on a potential transfer, Zanetti told ESPN: “I am quite calm, the people who work with are taking care.
“In Italy I am very comfortable. I would still like to know other leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga… but I’m happy in Italy.”
The Special Wan for Palace
Crystal Palace are reportedly looking to bring Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park.
That is according to London News Online, who state that Roma are also keen on the defender.
They declare that the former Eagles ace could be deemed as surplus to requirements by new boss Erik ten Hag.
Wan-Bissaka was sold to the Red Devils in 2019 for a whopping £50million.
Palace are in the market for a right-back with the club currently relying on Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward.
Ronaldo drops update on future
Cristiano Ronaldo has declared “things must change” at Manchester United, but believes the club can win trophies under Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old’s future had been uncertain until Ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo was part of his plans last month.
In an interview with United’s official website, Ronaldo said: “I know he did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he’s an experienced coach but we need to give him time.
“Things need to change the way he wants. I hope we have success, of course.
“Because if you have success all of Manchester is going to have success as well so I wish him the best.
“We are happy and excited, not only as players but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let’s believe that next year we are going to win trophies.”
Bent continued
“I don’t know if Chelsea fans will want him to join but I wonder if some of the players would. Footballers will think differently to fans.
“There will be a real admiration for Paul Pogba amongst other players in the Premier League, from the players who have played against him.
‘I think other players, players in the Chelsea squad, will think ‘I would love a player like that to come here’.
“Fans will see it differently and say ‘he doesn’t work hard enough, it didn’t work at United, why would we want him?’
“But players think differently. It will be the same with Liverpool. Fans might think he wouldn’t suit the system, but I bet there’s Liverpool players who would want him.”
Bent ponders England stay for Pogba
Darren Bent has declared that Chelsea and Liverpool’s players would love their respective clubs to snap up Paul Pogba on a free transfer.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “When you look at his stats for Manchester United, they’re not that bad. That’s not horrible stats, they’re okay.
“For someone with that much quality, the most frustrating thing is when you see him put on that France shirt, you just want that level of performance for United.
“He’s playing in a good team for France, a better team. I know he hasn’t been good enough [for United] but he is a good player. He hasn’t been a success but he has won two trophies there.
“It hasn’t worked and they’ve paid a lot of money for a footballer who’s now leaving for nothing.”
Utd eye up De Jong alternative
Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has reportedly been eyed up as a cheaper alternative to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
That is according to FootballTransfer, who state that the 27-year-old is available for £59m.
Commenting on the potential deal, transfer guru Pete O’Rourke told GiveMeSport: “I think he’s somebody who United will be pursuing to bring into that midfield.
“And he’s probably more attainable than a Frenkie de Jong right now.
“So, I think United will be trying to do something on this and trying to bring him to Old Trafford despite after all these years of speculation of him possibly moving there.”
Allegri aims dig at Dybala
Juventus manager Max Allegri has given a parting dig to Paulo Dybala amid Premier League transfer speculation.
The 28-year-old, linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Totteham, is currently a free agent after bringing an end to a seven year spell with the Old Lady.
However, the Argentina international drew criticism from former manager Allegri for attitude issues during his time at the club.
Speaking to DAZN, Allegri said: “Paulo needs to go back to being himself. There was a time where he got all carried out by those who labeled him as ‘the new Messi’ “
“A player can’t go around trying to play, to think or to be like someone else.”
Good morning Man Utd fans
Departing Manchester United star Paul Pogba is considering a lucrative bid to rejoin Juventus, reports suggest.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Juve are offering Pogba a salary of around €8million (£6.8m) per year plus add-ons.
The Bianconeri are now awaiting their former player’s “final answer” after United confirmed he will be leaving Old Trafford as a free agent once his contract runs out on June 30.
Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani is in talks with two Spanish clubs over a potential move, according to El Chiringuito TV.
The Uruguay legend’s deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the month and his representatives are said to be discussing terms with Atletico Madrid and Sevilla.
Juan Mata has sent a classy farewell message to Manchester United fans.
The former Chelsea midfielder, 34, will leave United as a free agent this month.
In a social media video message, he said: “I wanted to say thank you very much to all of you for your support over the years and especially during the difficult times that we lived together.
“I will never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye.”
Also, with several players on high salaries leaving Old Trafford this summer, including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic – United could free up around £50m in wages that will boost new manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer kitty.
Juve stars would welcome back Pogba
Wojciech Szczesny says Juventus’ stars would welcome Paul Pogba back with open arms.
The Frenchman is leaving Manchester United for a second time on a free transfer at the end of the month and is in talks with ex-club Juve and Paris Saint-Germain.
Pogba quit Old Trafford for the Serie A giants in 2012 and Juve keeper Szczesny believes his club team-mates will be over the moon to see the midfielder return to Turin.
Szczesny said: “I’d be delighted to see that happen. He did brilliantly in his previous time at Juventus so he would be a great addition to the squad.
“He is a player with good calibre and experience and he has good memories from Turin.”
When asked if Pogba is still a top level player, Szczesny added: “Oh yeah. Absolutely.
“Maybe over the last couple of years the consistency of his game and the injuries didn’t help at United.
“But when he is fit, he is still one of the best in the world.”
£50m added to war chest
Erik ten Hag has been boosted with an extra £50million with players leaving the club, according to reports.
Money will be freed up with the departures of the likes of Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard, and Juan Mata.
While the likes of Nemanja Matic and Lee Grant are already set to leave Old Trafford.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial have also been made available – as ten Hag plans on restructuring his squad.
As per figures from Spotrac, players leaving could save United up to £48.4million in basic wages.
De Gea’s pays tribute to Mata
David De Gea has paid an emotional tribute to fellow countryman Juan Mata on Instagram.
Mata is leaving United this summer, after 285 appearances for the club.
And the Spanish shotstopper penned a heartfelt message on social media to his pal.
“Thought this would be a very difficult one to express into words but when I thought about it more, the main feeling I am left with is happiness. This guy has been a teammate, a friend and is my family,” De Gea wrote.
“The ultimate professional, one of the best players and people you could have grace your life. I’m so thankful to have been on so many journeys with you, happy that our paths crossed, and we shared a dressing room together.
“I love you my brother, I wish you everything and absolutely nothing but joy and success in your next stage of an unbelievable career.”
Five targets
Erik ten Haag is planning a massive overhaul of his United squad – and is targeting up to five signings, according to reports.
The Dutch tactician is already said to be ready to bring Ajax star Jurrien Timber.
And the Daily Mail reports he is already eyeing up other areas in his squad that need rebooting.
A striker and a midfielder are the key priorities going into the next campaign.
Danjuma tracked
Man Utd target Arnaut Danjuma is desperate for a return to the Premier League, according to reports.
The Villarreal winger enjoyed two seasons at Bournemouth before moving to LaLiga, where he has excelled under boss Unai Emery.
Danjuma reportedly has a £35million release clause in his contract.
Liverpool are also said to be monitoring the situation.
Bent’s Pogba admission
Paul Pogba has been told he would be welcomed into the Chelsea dressing room by Darren Bent.
The talkSPORT host revealed: “There will be a real admiration for Paul Pogba amongst other players in the Premier League from the players who have played against him.
“Players and the players in that Chelsea squad will think; ‘I would love a player like that to come here'”.
The France World Cup winner will leave the club this summer, when his contract expires.
Pogba’s Juve deal
Departing Manchester United star Paul Pogba is considering a lucrative bid to rejoin Juventus, reports suggest.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Juve are offering Pogba a salary of around €8million (£6.8m) per year plus add-ons.
The Bianconeri are now awaiting their former player’s “final answer” after United confirmed he will be leaving Old Trafford as a free agent once his contract runs out on June 30.
Negotiations are ongoing with the star midfielder’s agent amid a busy transfer window for Juventus, who also tied Mattia de Sciglio up with a new deal until 2025.
Romano tweeted: “Juventus have offered Paul Pogba a salary around €8m net guaranteed per season plus add-ons, waiting for the final answer.
“Direct contacts ongoing for weeks with his agent – while Mattia de Sciglio signs new Juventus deal until June 2025.”
Contract extension for Levitt
Man Utd have reportedly triggered an extension in prospect Dylan Levitt’s contract, according to reports.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at Dundee United last season.
And United have moved to extend his deal to 2023 as they ponder what to do next.
The Manchester Evening News claims the club is yet to make a decision whether they will keep him for the duration of the deal or sell him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
