More stories

  • in

    Jadon Sancho ‘could get second chance at Man Utd if club make key appointment’ after being frozen out by Ten Hag

    JADON SANCHO could reportedly be handed a second chance at Manchester United IF they complete a key appointment.Sancho was frozen out of manager Erik ten Hag’s plans after accusing the Dutchman of lying in public about his training performances ahead of the Arsenal clash in September. Jadon Sancho may be handed a second chance at Man Utd regardless of Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: GettyJason Wilcox’s potential appointment could force Ten Hag’s handCredit: GettyHaving joined the club for £72million in 2021, Sancho returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan until the end of the season in January after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag.The 24-year-old has been tipped to leave the club permanently in the summer if Ten Hag remained at Old Trafford.However, Man Utd’s pursuit of Southampton director Jason Wilcox may see Sancho change his tune and fight for a spot, regardless of Ten Hag’s future.The Manchester Evening News claim Wilcox is fan of Sancho having worked with him during their time together in Manchester City’s Academy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWilcox has enjoyed a fruitful year with the Saints since joining last summer.However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe views him as a key component to his behind the scenes rebuild of the Red Devils.Man Utd are understood to have offered Southampton a compensation package worth a year of Wilcox’s salary. But the “derisory” offer left the Saints offended before reports emerged suggesting Wilcox had sensationally resigned from his post over the clubs refusal to accept Man Utd’s terms. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSince going on loan Sancho has been hit or miss.He chipped in with two assists in two games to start with before going on a five game barren run.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Sancho then he grabbed his first goals since arriving back in Germany in a 2-1 win over Werder Bremen and a goal in the 2-0 second leg win over PSV in the Champions League last 16.Wilcox would come into Man Utd as their new technical director, working alongside director of football Dan Ashworth and new CEO Omar Berrada.However, Wilcox’s appointment may have to wait a full year due to him having a 12-month notice period.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

  • in

    Man Utd and Sir Jim Ratcliffe making ENEMIES across football with ‘arrogant’ attempts to poach key staff from rivals

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S new regime are making enemies across football with their ruthless recruitment drive.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos Sport team have angered Newcastle and Southampton over their approaches for football chiefs Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox after also poaching chief executive Omar Berrada from Manchester City.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been adding to Manchester United’s backroom staffCredit: GettySouthampton’s Jason Wilcox is expected to arrive at Old TraffordCredit: GettyDan Ashworth is also a target of the clubCredit: GettyAnd Sunsport understands other clubs are unhappy about how Old Trafford chiefs are behaving as they seek to make appointments to key roles, with manager Erik ten Hag’s future still uncertain.The perceived arrogance of United’s approach is the talk of boardrooms up and down the country.Ratcliffe completed the deal to buy 25 per cent of United and assume sporting control of the club only six weeks ago.But in February, furious Newcastle had placed sporting director Ashworth on gardening leave after he told them he wanted to move to Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIn recent days, Saints were left reeling by the resignation of director of football Jason Wilcox, who has also been offered a senior position at United.Wilcox previously worked under incoming United chief executive Berrada at the Etihad.Berrada himself is also on gardening leave from City until the summer after his appointment by their local rivals was announced in January.The approaches for Ashworth and Wilcox have left Newcastle and Southampton in a difficult position as they try to put together their own plans for the summer and beyond.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBoth Ashworth and Wilcox have long notice periods – there are claims that former FA technical director Ashworth could in theory be kept out of United’s clutches for TWO YEARS.United have also been told they must wait a YEAR to appoint Wilcox – unless they up their compensation offer.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleThe former Blackburn winger, 53, dramatically resigned from his role as director of football at Southampton on Monday in order to force through a move to Old Trafford.United had angered the Championship club by offering a year’s salary as compensation.Sources at Southampton claim the Red Devils were only given permission to speak to Wilcox on the condition their offer would be far more generous.Wilcox has a 12-month notice period which Southampton – like Newcastle – are determined to stick to unless Manchester United return with an improved compensation offer.United are adamant they have acted properly in relation to Ashworth and Wilcox. They believe they have made reasonable offers to buy both men out of their contracts and say they will not be held to ransom.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
    Prem rules says clubs need permission from rivals before approaching “any player, manager, assistant manager, head coach or other senior first team football coach”.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth Ashworth and Wilcox fall outside those categories and in any case it is very rare for complaints to be made about the “tapping-up” of non-playing staff.But Rule B15 states: “In all matters and transactions relating to the League each Club, Official and Director shall behave towards each other Club, Official, Director and the League with the utmost good faith.”Omar Berrada will be the Red Devils’ new chief executiveCredit: PA More

  • in

    Man Utd add two little known teenagers to centre-back search if they miss out on top transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite

    MANCHESTER UNITED have identified two potential alternatives to Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window.Branthwaite, 21, is among United’s top targets in their bid to strengthen at the back amid a turbulent campaign that has seen them plummet to sixth place with 11 points separating them fourth.Manchester United have scouted alternatives to Everton star Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyMan Utd have asked about figures for Boca Juniors ace Aaron AnselminoCredit: GettyBarcelona B star Mikayil Faye, who is already a Senegal international, is also target by Man UtdCredit: GettyAccording to The Mail, the Red Devils are waiting for the Toffees to set a price for the centre-back, who has been on the club’s radar for quite some time after amassing 32 impressive appearances this term.However, the Manchester giants are making contingency plans in case they miss out on the England Under-21 international.That is why United are also keeping tabs on two lesser-known young talents.The Premier League giants have asked about figures for Boca Juniors ace Aaron Anselmino, 18.Read More on Man UtdThe same request has also been made regarding Barcelona B prospect Mikayil Faye, 19.Anselmino signed his first professional contract with Boca in June but has only played seven times for the senior squad.Faye, on the other hand, also joined Barca in June and has since amassed four goals in 25 appearances for the developmental squad.The defender also registered a goal on his senior Senegal debut – his only cap to this day – despite his young age.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERUnited are definitely going to try and sign at least one centre-back this summer.The Red Devils are also expected to look for a centre-forward, central midfielder and right-back. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleHowever, the budget will be limited due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.But Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be hoping to raise up to £100million from player sales. More

  • in

    Meet Man Utd’s next big things, the Ibragimov brothers, as ALL THREE kids score for academy teams over Easter weekend

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S three Ibragimov brothers are 12, 14 and 15 – but off the scale for potential.All three scored at academy level over Easter – with the eldest, Amir, training with the first team and being likened to Wayne Rooney.Amir and Gazik have appeared together in Man Utd coloursCredit: Instagram @amir_ibra7Amir Ibragimov has met ex-United chief Alex FergusonCredit: Instagram @amir_ibra7Eldest brother Ibragim, 19, is an MMA starlet eyeing a UFC spotCredit: INSTAGRAM@IBRAGHIM.60And as they fight for a spectacular triple breakthrough in the long term, they have MMA-star bruv Ibragim looking over them aged 19!United are excited by the technical skills and potential of Amir, Gazik and youngest brother Muhammad.But so far it’s the first-of-the-three who at just 15 has had coaches raving the most – even meeting legendary ex-boss Alex Ferguson.The Russian-born midfielder captained United’s Under-14s and U-15s after switching from the Sheffield United academy.READ MORE TOP STORIESNow Amir has been capped by England youths and become a stand-out prospect for the Red Devils in the U-18s.But most impressive of all, he was called in to train with Erik ten Hag’s senior squad on Easter Friday.And in fact it that holiday weekend neatly sums up the rapid progress made by the three kids.Amir netted from close range for the U-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Monaco.Most read in FootballAmir Ibragimov has fired spectacular goals and won rave reviews this termCredit: GettyMiddle bruv Gazik thumped the winning penalty in a GA Cup match.And Muhammad threaded home a 20-yard free-kick for United’s Under-12s in the Mic Football Cup, which features many of the world’s leading academy teams.Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd performances described as ‘heartbreaking’ by Jamie Redknapp who ‘wants to see more’Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…

    Once the clip of all three goals was posted on social media, fans immediately noticed the brothers had exactly the same, three-part celebration.Each ran off while raising their hands in front of their chest, dropped to their knees and kissed the turf.And with Ten Hag’s men preparing to visit Chelsea, one viewer joked: “Start them all Thursday night.”Raducio King, the coach who brought Amir to United, has said: “I could see him playing as a No.10, like a Wayne Rooney role, driving forward, switching balls, tackling, attacking, you name it.”We don’t want Amir to lose his style or creativity and, as his coach, he has all the tools to succeed.”Some might think if just one Ibragimov brother becomes a Premier League star it would be a success, given how tough it is for young talent to go all the way.But United of course have history with brotherly brilliance.Bobby Charlton is an all-time great whose older sibling Jack never played for the Red Devils but played alongside him when England won the 1966 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Gary and Phil Neville became long-serving fixtures in United’s defence.So perhaps, with three brothers going for it instead of only two, the Ibragimovs might reckon the odds are in their favour! More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag to be STRIPPED of power this summer after spate of dodgy transfer dealings… if he avoids the sack

    ERIK TEN HAG will reportedly have less control over transfers this summer should he stay at Manchester United.The Red Devils boss has question marks over his future with the club’s inconsistent performances this season.Erik ten Hag is set to have less input into Manchester United’s transfer plans this summerCredit: AlamyThe Red Devils have reportedly made an approach for Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTen Hag, 54, has been in the Man United hot seat since 2022 but has had mixed success with his transfer business.The Dutchman has seen players such as Lisandro Martinez, Rasmus Hojlund, and Casemiro succeed following their arrivals.However, plenty more stars have arrived who have struggled to prove their worth at Old Trafford.Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount have been hampered by injuries, while Andre Onana, Antony, Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen have struggled to impress on a consistent basis.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Daily Mail have now reported that Man United are looking at bringing in Southampton’s former director of football Jason Wilcox.The report claims that the club have already made an approach for Wilcox.However, the South Coast side has rejected an offer that would have paid off the remaining year in his contract.He has since resigned from his role at the Saints, and United must now agree on a compensation deal to get him out of his 12-month notice period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilcox previously worked at Manchester City alongside Omar Berrada, who is on gardening leave ahead of joining Man United as chief executive.Man United and new heads of footballing operations Ineos are continuing to negotiate with Newcastle over a compensation package for Dan Ashworth.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowAshworth would become the club’s new director of football and would be heavily involved in the transfer plans.This would see Ten Hag have much less input into the business of adding to the squad this summer.It is claimed that he would be much more focused on solely coaching the team and players at his disposal. Man United are set for a busy summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans an overhaul of the squad.Premier League stars such as Michael Olise, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ivan Toney are among the names being linked with the club.Ten Hag will have to hope he is still in place come the summer, as there is continued speculation that he could be sacked.Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate as well as Gary O’Neil have all been tipped as potential replacementsOmar Berrada is set to become Man United’s chief executiveCredit: PAThe club also hope to appoint Dan Ashworth as director of footballCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd suffer defeat in behind-closed-doors friendly vs Nice as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes advantage of Ineos link

    MANCHESTER UNITED have taken advantage of their newfound link with French outfit Nice with a behind-closed doors friendly. The Ligue 1 side are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, who completed their 27.7 per cent purchase of the Red Devils in February.Man Utd have taken advantage of their Ineos group links with a trip to the south of FranceCredit: GettyErik ten Hag will use the games to further analyse players in the Man Utd academyCredit: AlamyAnd it has now been revealed by the Daily Mail that Man Utd’s Under-21 side headed across the English channel for a friendly with Nice’s own U21’s.The match was played out on Easter Monday, with the hosts running out 3-2 victors. Man Utd’s team featured promising stars such as Gabriele Biancheri and Bendito Mantato. It was the second game during the U21’s time in France.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheir first clash overseas came against Monaco, in which the Red Devils claimed victory.Senior team boss Erik ten Hag has dipped into the academy to bolster the first team a number times, which this season has included the likes of Willy Kambwala, Omari Forson and Kobbie Mainoo.Each team in Man Utd’s Professional Development Phase – U17s to U21s – took part in the trip and played equivalent fixtures.No games had been arranged in Premier League 2 or the U18 Premier League over the weekend.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, other ages groups took part in their own games and tournaments in countries such as Spain, Holland, Belgium and the USA. Man Utd also announced the U14 side would be going to Poland for a Holocaust Education trip later this month, while another age group compete in Czechia in the Karlovy Cup.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowAcademy director Nick Cox said of the trips: “This is always an exciting time of the year for our young players as they get the chance to experience travelling to tournaments and fixtures together.”Each trip has different aims depending on the age group involved. “Whether it is for cultural education, experiencing playing teams outside of our domestic games programme or learning how to represent the club abroad, our players enjoy a huge amount of personal and professional development from these opportunities.“Our Under-14s, for example, will be continuing their education on World War Two while our Professional Development Phase group are heading to the South of France for the chance to face elite European opposition.“At every age group, I know that each and every player will have experiences that will stand them in great stead for successful lives in football or outside of the game.”Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

  • in

    Forgotten Man Utd starlet ‘still hasn’t convinced’ new manager and has only played five times since making loan transfer

    ALVARO FERNANDEZ is unlikely to join Benfica permanently this summer, according to reports.The on-loan Manchester United full-back has made just five league appearances since joining the Portuguese side in January.Alvaro Fernandez has failed to convince Benfica to make his loan move permanentCredit: GettyThe youngster joined on loan in January after his spell with Granada was cut shortCredit: GettyHis future is now in doubt as a result, with his contract at Old Trafford also set to expire this summer.Fernandez moved to Benfica during the winter transfer window after his loan spell with Granada was cut short.However, he has played just 78 minutes across five substitute appearances in the league.Despite making 10 appearances across all competitions, just two of those have come from the start.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSJornal do Noticias now report that Carreras has not done enough to convince Benfica to make his loan move permanent.Instead, the club are said to be looking at other left-back targets ahead of the summer.The 21-year-old Spaniard joined United from Real Madrid in 2020 but has failed to make a senior appearance for the club.He has been included in several Premier League matchday squads in recent seasons, though.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPrior to his loan spells with Granada and Benfica, the under-21 international spent last season at Championship side Preston.However, he is now set to become a free agent once his Red Devils deals expires this summer.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The youngster was told by the club he was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford before joining Granada in September. More

  • in

    Man Utd told they must wait a YEAR to appoint Jason Wilcox after ‘derisory’ Saints offer in blow to Ratcliffe’s overhaul

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been told they must wait a year to appoint Jason Wilcox unless they up their compensation offer.The former Blackburn winger, 53, dramatically resigned from his role as director of football at Southampton on Monday in order to force through a move to Old Trafford.Jason Wilcox has resigned as director of football at SouthamptonCredit: GettyMan Utd had angered the Saints by offering a year’s salary as compensation to the Championship club.Sources at Southampton claim the Red Devils were only given permission to speak to Wilcox on the condition that their offer would be far more generous.Wilcox has a 12-month notice period which Southampton are determined to stick to unless Man Utd return with an improved compensation offer.The ex-academy director at Manchester City is viewed as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford rebuild alongside incoming director of football Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnited are also involved in a dispute over compensation with Newcastle to release Ashworth from his lengthy gardening leave at St. James Park.Southampton have not only been frustrated by the compensation offer for Wilcox, but also the timing of the approach.The Red Devils want Wilcox, who spent 11 years with rivals Man City, to start work immediately but the Saints are nearing the end of a promotion push with just eight games of their Championship season left.They sit fourth, 12 points adrift of second-place Leeds with two games in hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNews of Wilcox’s exit broke within an hour of their crucial game at Ipswich Town on Monday, which Kieran McKenna’s side won with a last minute goal to all but end Southampton’s hopes of automatic promotion.Owners Sport Republic, who have made significant changes to the footballing structure at St. Mary’s since last season, were reluctant to lose Wilcox just months before what will be a pivotal summer window.Watch as Roy Keane left devastated in rare footage after Man Utd’s 1999 Champions League semi-final against JuventusAfter United’s initial approach was rejected out of hand, Wilcox made the decision to resign. More