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    Man Utd ‘add Wolves captain Max Kilman to transfer shortlist’ with £30m swoop eyed after defensive crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly added Max Kilman to their transfer shortlist.The club has struggled at centre-back this season, with injuries to Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof.Manchester United have reportedly shortlisted Max KilmanCredit: GettyKilman, 26, joined Wolves in 2018 after impressing as a youngster at Maidenhead United.He has gone on to make 119 appearances for the West Midlands club in the Premier League.The Times has claimed that Man United have been impressed with the Englishman.The report states that the Red Devils have scouted Kilman on more than one occasion this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThere has been no contact between the clubs thus far and Wolves are determined to keep hold of their captain.In 2023, Kilman attracted interest from Serie A giants Napoli, but the club saw a £30million offer rejected.Wolves, in turn, rewarded the defender with a new five-year contract that runs until 2028.West Ham have also been interested in Kilman should Nayef Aguerd leave the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMan United have conceded 40 goals so far in the Premier League this season which is more than rivals Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.Kilman is not the only name believed to be on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford since January.It is claimed that the Frenchman would cost up to £40m should he be on the move.However, a move to Man United could be off the cards should Kilman prove to be the preferred option.Brentford star Ivan Toney is also a reported target for the club as they look to add to their attacking options.The striker is also wanted by the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal.Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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    Man Utd launch INVESTIGATION into injury crisis after double blow – with star hurt in training days after return

    ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed Manchester United have launched an internal investigation into their ongoing injury crisis.That is after Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof became the latest casualties amid a turbulent campaign that has seen Ten Hag often unable to field a strong line-up.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed there is an internal investigation into their injury crisisCredit: ReutersLisandro Martinez returned to Man Utd’s injury listCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof got injured during Man Utd’s clash with BrentfordCredit: AlamyLindelof suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Brentford.That was where the Sweden international was replaced by Martinez, who made his first appearance since February as he overcame a knee injury.However, the Argentina international just returned to the sidelines after sustaining a calf strain during training.Lindelof and Martinez have joined fellow defenders Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the physio room and are expected to be out for at least a month.Read More on Man UtdAccording to The Mail, Ten Hag claims he and his coaching staff “have an idea” as to what led to such an injury-stricken campaign as the whole matter is being dealt “internally”.When asked about United’s injury crisis, the Dutchman said: “We have an idea but we will work on that internally and deal with it.”Lindelof and Martinez will miss Thursday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea as well as Sunday’s match against Liverpool.Fixtures against Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Burnley as well as a the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry will also come to soon for them.Most read in FootballTen Hag added: “You can’t prevent it, it’s not only us who’ve had this. “The standards of the Premier League from an intensity perspective are so high, the overload of the schedule, international football is so huge, and we have internationals in our squad.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?”Man City, Liverpool and Newcastle have problems, many other teams. “We don’t train because we recover then you go up to the next game.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTen Hag, though, will have Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane available at Chelsea.However, the 54-year-old tactician is unlikely to start Mason Mount on his Stamford Bridge return.That is despite Mount’s heroic comeback from a four-month injury lay off which led to his first ever goal for United against Brentford.Ten Hag said: “He’s a fantastic football player but it’s important first that he is getting and keeping fit because he has had three injuries.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You see it now with Licha [Martinez], another injury. So you want to avoid and we have to do this carefully.”This is the first objective: To keep him fit. We want to use him [so] that he can benefit and contribute to the team like he did on Saturday when he had a big impact.”Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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    Newcastle face uphill battle to keep hold of superstar Bruno Guimaraes as Arsenal, Man Utd and PSG circle amid FFP woes

    NEWCASTLE United face an “uphill” battle to keep hold of midfield superstar Bruno Guimaraes, Sun Online can reveal.Eddie Howe knows he will need to offload players to satisfy FFP rules.Newcastle face a challenge to keep hold of star midfielder Bruno GuimaraesCredit: RexAnd his Brazilian midfielder is not only a target for a string of clubs – but he also has ambitions to play in the Champions League.This has put PSG on red-alert for the player – who has a £100m release clause.A source said: “Newcastle face an uphill battle to retain Bruno over the Summer.“He’s one of the best midfielders in the world and has been on the radar of PSG for more than a year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They will have funds in the summer and wouldn’t blink at meeting the release clause.“Eddie Howe won’t want to lose the player, but the matter may end up being taken totally out of his hands due to FFP.”Reports claim that Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested in Guimaraes, but PSG are believed to be at the front of the queue.“They’ve been tracking Bruno for a long time, and it’s no secret that he’s top of their wish list.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“They face losing Mbappe in the Summer so the heat will be on the owners to bring in big names to appease the fans.”Bruno also has fond links to France so PSG are confident they can get the player out of the club and over to Paris.”What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowThe Tyneside outfit forked out £35 million for the Brazilian’s signature in January 2022, and he has since emerged as one of their key players – and also their highest-valued.In 98 games for the Magpies, he has scored 13 goals. Guimaraes, who pockets £160,000-per-week, is under contract until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this campaign.Howe has already expressed his concerns around FFP restrictions at St James’ Park and explained the club are in position that requires them to sell in order to buy.Speaking in January, he said: “In an ideal world, given the freedom to act we would have brought players in already.“But we’re not in that situation. Financial Fair Play is a problem and we’re having to navigate around that.Eddie Howe has admitted the club need to work within their means to surviveCredit: Reuters“We’re not shutting the door on everything but as I sit here now, no we’re not going to bring anyone in.“Sometimes you have to take your long-term vision away and just deal with the here and now.“I’d be quite prepared to do that if the situation arose where we could agree something that would help us now.“The owners are very ambitious and they would like to help and improve the squad in any way they can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But the rules and conditions we’re working under don’t allow that.”I will continue to push for signings but I have to respect and understand the football club’s health because we want Newcastle United here for the next 500 years.” More

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    Man Utd ‘in talks’ to sign France star from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club – with five stars available to fund transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks to sign Nice defender Melvin Bard.The Red Devils are expected to spend big this summer following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover.Man Utd are interested in signing Melvin BardCredit: GettyA new full-back is understood to be at the top of Erik ten Hag’s priority list.And, according to The Standard, Bard has emerged as a target.They say Man Utd are already in contact with the 23-year-old.He is being discussed among the club’s hierarchy ahead of the transfer window.Read More on Man UtdA move to Old Trafford will likely benefit both clubs as they are each affiliated with INEOS – Ratcliffe’s company.Man Utd have been plagued with defensive injury issues this season.Luke Shaw has missed 23 games since the start of the campaign due to a muscle injury.Tryell Malacia is yet to feature this season due to a knee issue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance.

    And Lisandro Martinez has been limited to just 11 appearances.United’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Raphael Varane and Casemiro could all be sold this summer.Meanwhile, the Red Devils have been linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. More

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    Man Utd ‘could take lead in Ivan Toney transfer race due to two concerns both Arsenal and Chelsea have’

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be in pole position to sign Ivan Toney this summer due to Arsenal and Chelsea cooling their interest in the forward.It’s understood that the London clubs are put off by concerns over Brentford’s asking price alongside concerns over his age profile.Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their interest in Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyBrentford will likely ask for the £80million price tag they set on Toney, 28, in January this summer according to Ben Jacobs.United have shown an interest in Toney since January and see him as a viable option to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund.Arsenal would prefer to bring in a younger profile of striker and may launch a bid for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres this summer.The Lisbon side would expect any interested party to trigger the forward’s £86million release clause.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOther options for Arsenal include RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.Brighton previously slapped a £100m price tag on Ferguson but his form has not justified that this season.The Irishman has six goals and one assist in his 27 Premier League appearances this season but at 19 has huge potential to improve.Should Arsenal, Chelsea or United opt not to pay the £80m for Toney this summer, he could wait until his contract expires in 2025 and move as a free agent.Most read in FootballToney has began to find form again following his banCredit: The SunTottenham have also shown an interest in Toney as a belated Harry Kane replacement, according to Fabrizio Romano.It’s understood that Toney, who scored his first goal for England last week, would like his future sorted before Euro 2024.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowToney has four goals and one assist in his 11 Premier League games for Brentford this season. More

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    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

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    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

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    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