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    I coached ‘baby giraffe’ future Premier League and England star – I’m not surprised Man Utd are interested in a transfer

    STEVEN PRESSLEY was barely a month into life as Carlisle boss when he took on definitely one of the less glamorous sides of the job.An unofficial reserve game at Oldham’s training ground on a typically cold North West winter’s day — and the new gaffer was on a fact-finding mission.Jarrad Branthwaite (centre) training with England ahead of his expected international debut against BelgiumCredit: AFPBranthwaite cut his teeth at Carlisle in the EFLCredit: RexSteven Pressley gave Branthwaite his big break when he was Carlisle managerCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt was February 2019 and as well as checking on the progress of those returning from injury, Pressley  wanted to see  if any uncut diamonds lay beneath the senior ranks.Two hours later he was back in the car, phoning director of football David Holdsworth.As a former centre-back whose own CV included both Old Firm clubs, a place in Hearts’ Hall of Fame and 32 Scotland caps, Pressley knows a good defender when he sees one.And in Jarrad Branthwaite, the raw-boned rookie who had blown him away, Carlisle had exactly that. He had to find out more . . . and  tie him down.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBranthwaite was only 16, still to sign a professional contract, and — as his new boss said — “a bit like a baby giraffe”.But he  stood out a mile and within a week the 6ft 5in local boy penned a two-year deal.Pressley revealed: “No one had spoken to me about Jarrad, but when I went to watch that reserve game he caught my eye.“It was one of those moments when you’re really excited about seeing such a good young player for the first time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Straight after the game I rang my director of football and said,  ‘Listen, we have to get this young man tied up’.“Obviously there was a lot of developing to be done and he was a  bit like a baby giraffe.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?“Even though he was so big, he still had to grow into his body.“But  he was two-footed and — for such a young player — already had the basics, which was obviously very encouraging.“So was the fact that when I told his parents of my plans for Jarrad, it was clear what a supportive and sensible family he had.“There were no ridiculous expectations, they just wanted  to see their son progress, which allows the proper process to take place.”As it happens, that process went like lightning. A month later, Branthwaite was on the first-team bench. Two months into the following season he was a regular starter.Pressley, now head of player development at Brentford, added: “To play 16 or 17 on the spin at centre-back in League Two, against seasoned pros, says everything about him.“He had to understand things like protecting the space going for headers and develop the finer arts, but the foundations were all in place.“People don’t realise how tough the mental side is for young players either,  but Jarrad handled it just as impressively.“That temperament came from his stable background.”I said very early Carlisle had a future international – I’ll be very proud when it happens.Steven Pressley on Jarrad BranthwaitePressley was not the only one impressed. In 2020, after only nine league games, Everton snapped him up, sending him on loan to Blackburn and then to a year with PSV Eindhoven.After returning with a  Dutch Cup winners’ medal, Branthwaite, now 21, started the season in the Toffees’ first team — and is now on Manchester United and Real Madrid’s radar.He has also forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s Euro plans and is likely to make his Three Lions bow in Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium.On his rise, Pressley added: “I said very early Carlisle had a future international.“I’ll be very proud when it happens.“It’s no surprise to see him linked with such big names. If he’s good enough to play for England, he’s good enough for United or whoever.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s not an abundance of high-level centre-backs and he’s still three or four years off his prime.“A player of that ilk, at his age, could be at the top for the next 15 years.” More

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    Ten Hag ‘planning Man Utd’s pre-season tour’ as it’s revealed ‘kingmaker’ will have ultimate say on manager’s future

    MANCHESTER UNITED CEO Omar Berrada is poised to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future this summer.Berrada was poached from United’s neighbours Manchester City earlier this year following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover.Omar Berrada will be key in deciding Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: PAErik ten Hag could be forced to leave Old Trafford if he does not meet expectations at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHaving spent 13 successful years with the Cityzens, he was appointed to replace interim CEO Patrick Stewart – who had stepped into the position after Richard Arnold’s departure.Berrada is set to officially take over this summer and the Manchester Evening News claim he will be the de facto kingmaker on any decision regarding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.United are operating under the assumption that Ten Hag will remain in charge next season.The Dutchman has been involved in planning for this summer’s pre-season tour of the USA.Read More on FootballHowever, Ten Hag’s future at the club is currently uncertain amid inconsistent form and fractured relationships behind the scenes.Gareth Southgate is understood to be the favourite to replace him.Ratcliffe and Sir David Brailsford have allegedly spoken to a string of United legends about who should take over Ten Hag and the “overwhelming choice” was the England boss.United officials also want to overhaul the first team squad this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRaphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho are among several players that could leave the club at the end of the season.The Red Devils need to offload several players in order to remain in line with Financial Fair Play regulations – especially if they want to make some additions.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleUnited have been linked with Jarrad Branthwaite, Joao Gomes, Rodrygo and Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer window.Man Utd return to Premier League action this weekend when they face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes Man Utd star off transfer list after being ‘impressed by attitude’ and will give him a pay-rise

    SCOTT MCTOMINAY has convinced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group to try and keep him at Manchester United – and double his wages.The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder, who scored in United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool before the international break, still has just over a year left on his current package.Scott McTominay is set to double his money at Manchester UnitedCredit: EPAThe academy graduate pockets £60,000-a-week, with the club also having an option to extend that by another year.He was one of several players that were reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by United chiefs as they looked to raise cash by offloading unwanted men.However, the Daily Star says that his impressive form has “ensured he is firmly back in favour”.It has “also convinced the club’s new football hierarchy he is a vital part of the future” at Old Trafford.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThey state that McTominay’s “performances on the pitch – and exemplary attitude off it – are exactly what is required moving forward” to get the team back competing at the top.And that he “can expect to double his money to £120,000-a-week” with the new offer.McTominay is United’s second top scorer this term with nine goals in all competitions, which is double his previous career best for a single season.And his displays and availability had alerted a host of other clubs that have continued to circle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe was believed to be a £45m target for both Newcastle and West Ham last summer.McTominay has also been in top form for his country.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchAhead of his 48th cap in the 4-0 defeat to Holland on Friday, he had been named as Scotland’s Player of the Year for 2023.That was down to his sensational form in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign that saw him produce seven goals in eight games for Steve Clarke’s men. More

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    Man Utd could miss out on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite transfer with Premier League rivals ready to gazump them

    MANCHESTER CITY are keeping tabs on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.Branthwaite, 21, has been heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park in recent months.Man City are interested in signing Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamySince breaking into the first team at the start of the campaign, the centre-back has made 31 appearances across all competitions.And his impressive form has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid.According to the Daily Mail, Man City are also considering a swoop.City officials like the fact Branthwaite is young, homegrown, and showing tactical traits similar to John Stones.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Everton want at least £60million for him this summer.That could put the defender out of Man Utd’s price range.Branthwaite earned his first senior England call-up earlier this month.He was an unused substitute during the team’s 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Friday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBranthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonHowever, the Everton star could be in line to make his debut against Belgium on Tuesday.Speaking after his Three Lions call-up, Branthwaite told Everton TV: “It’s a dream come true.Gareth Southgate admits ‘we don’t like losing’ but takes positives from Brazil loss”To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.”I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.”You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch.”That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now – it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.”I messaged my dad and he said he’s very proud of me. He said: ‘All of the family is proud’, so it’s a lovely feeling. I just can’t wait to join up with the team.”They’re obviously really tough fixtures, but I’m really happy to just be in the squad, take every moment in and see where it takes me.” More

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    Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Barcelona wonderkid, 19, score screamer on international duty’ to bolster shaky defence

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye score a stunner on his Senegal debut on Friday night as they line up a potential summer transfer.The centre-back, 19, is yet to feature for Barcelona’s first-team but his performances for their B side have already earned him a national team call-up.Mikayil Faye is being linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe lined up in a back three as Senegal claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory in the friendly.And Faye, who has three goals for Barcelona B, produced a remarkable moment of magic on the stroke of half-time.The ball came out to him 30 yards from goal and his wonderful left-footed strike flew into the top corner to double Senegal’s lead.According to The Mail, Man Utd have been following his progress for three months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe youngster, who can play as a left-back or centre-half, joined Barcelona from NK Kustosija in Croatia one year ago.But Man Utd face an uphill task if they are to tempt Barcelona to sell Faye.The LaLiga champions rejected £13million offers from Nice and Lens in January – with their asking price believed to be in the region of £25m.However, that has not deterred interest from some top clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are two sides understood to be keen on the defender.Leverkusen could prove to be the biggest challengers to Erik ten Hag’s men as they are keen to bolster their squad in the summer to help keep manager Xabi Alonso and give him a real chance of competing in the Champions League.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchBut Man Utd could yet land the Senegal international – who would provide much-needed defensive cover.Ten Hag has been hampered by injuries at left-back and centre-back this season – most notably Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez. More

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    Donny van de Beek’s future up in the air as German giants make shock decision on Man Utd star

    DONNY VAN DE BEEK is set to return to Manchester United this summer with Eintracht Frankfurt unlikely to make his loan permanent.The Dutchman, 26, joined the Bundesliga side on loan in January having hardly featured for the Red Devils this term.Donny van de Beek has played six times for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: GettyVan de Beek, 26, struggled for game time at Man UtdCredit: RexVan de Beek viewed the loan switch as a chance to revive his career away from Old Trafford.Things have not gone to plan, however, with the midfielder having only managed six appearances for his loan side, failing to register a goal or assist.He has lost his starting place in recent weeks, with Eintracht disappointed in his output.According to German outlet Bild, the Bundesliga side do not want to active their £8.5million option to buy Van de Beek.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Ajax ace will have a year remaining on his United contract come the summer.Van de Beek was managed by Erik ten Hag during his successful stint in Amsterdam.But Ten Hag’s arrival in Manchester failed to kickstart Van de Beek’s United career.He made just two brief substitute appearances for the Red Devils during the first half of this season, prior to moving on loan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERVan de Beek joined Man Utd in a £39m deal in 2020.He has played 62 times for the Red Devils, scoring two goals and laying on a pair of assists.Gabby Agbonlahor says that Donny Van de Beek should be given a chance in the Man Utd midfield The playmaker spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan at Everton.He played seven times for the Toffees, netting once. More

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    Man Utd make Brazil defender their ‘No1 summer transfer target’ as star has £43m release clause in his contract

    MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in signing Juventus star Gleison Bremer, according to reports.The Red Devils have been heavily tipped to sign a defender since last summer with a number of targets linked.Manchester United could try and sign Gleison Bremer this summerCredit: AlamySpeculation has ramped up following the appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director, with the former Newcastle chief identifying potential upgrades.One player of interest is centre-back Bremer, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.The Brazilian only signed a new contract in December, tying him down to Juventus until 2028.However it is claimed Bremer has a release clause in his deal worth £43million.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited could make a move for the 27-year-old this summer, although new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to snap up young talent as opposed to ageing stars like Casemiro or Raphael Varane.That means the Red Devils could pursue a transfer for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who earned his first call up to the England squad this week.Everton have priced the youngster at an eye-watering £75m however, with United hoping to negotiate the price down to £50m.United have previously been linked with Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, but former player Rio Ferdinand has identified two other targets.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFerdinand likes the look of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Lens ace Kevin Danso.He said of the pair: “The boy at Lens, there’s one there, he’s good.’You’re insulting me’ – Roy Keane fumes at Gary Neville leaving former Man Utd team-mate stunned during disagreement”The Uruguayan boy at Barcelona – Araujo. Whether he’s gettable or not, I think he’s brilliant. He’s an unreal centre-half.”He has every attribute to be perfect for the Premier League. I’d probably say he’s the standout, but whether he’s gettable or not, I don’t know.” More

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    Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City out to beat Man Utd to £86m transfer for Real Madrid star who could lose spot to Mbappe

    FOUR Premier League giants are ready for a huge tug-of-war transfer fight over Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all monitoring the 23-year-old Brazilian.Rodrygo has attracted interest from four Prem giantsCredit: GettyWith Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe set to join, Spanish outlet SPORT report the LaLiga giants would be willing to open negotiations on Rodrygo if they receive offers above £86million.Treble-winners City have kept tabs on Rodrygo since his two stoppage-time goals helped to knock out the Prem champions in their dramatic 2022 Champions League semi-final.The winger, whose £205,000-a-week Bernabeu contract runs until 2028, has bagged 13 goals and provided nine assists in 41 Real games this term.United fans are keen on signing Rodrygo, who starred in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England on Saturday.But they could face a challenge for his signature from Arsenal or Liverpool, particularly if Mo Salah leaves Anfield amid links to Saudi Arabia.Interest could ramp up in the summer and Real Madrid already have a ready-made replacement for the forward in 17-year-old Endrick, who agreed a transfer to the Bernabeu in December 2022.However Rodrygo’s future will most likely be determined by what happens with Mbappe.The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer and has been tipped to swap PSG for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballRodrygo has played as a no9 at times this seasonBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut he was expected to do the same two years ago before a dramatic U-turn led him to pen a new contract.Reports claim Mbappe has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid which includes an £85million signing-on fee.Football stars’ weird phobias More