More stories

  • in

    Seven Man Utd stars fighting for their future with a handful of games left this season including Antony and Mason Mount

    ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United side took a massive step in the right direction with last week’s 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over rivals Liverpool.It comes at a time when Erik ten Hag has pleaded for patience from fans and pundits alike with Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League.There’s likely to be a high turnover of players at United this seasonCredit: RexAs Sir Jim Ratcliffe gets his feet under the table at Old TraffordCredit: PAUnited started the game with an intensity rarely seen this season and Ten Hag said he hopes the result “could be that moment” that the club’s fortunes turn around.One notable thing about the performance was how previously criticised or so far unused stars stepped up to keep United in the cup – with goals from Antony and Amad.But no one’s future is guaranteed following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in Manchester United, and he will no doubt be keen to stamp his mark on the team.Here’s seven stars that could leave as he plots a huge overhaul at Old Trafford…READ MORE ON MAN UTDAntonyTo say the winger has struggled to justify his £85million price-tag since arriving from Ajax in 2022 is an understatement.He is the second most expensive Manchester United signing of all time, and flattered to deceive in his first season.But his campaign up until now has been a disaster, with the winger not registering a goal or an assist in 22 Premier League appearances.His crucial equaliser against Liverpool yesterday could prove to be an iconic moment – but he has much more to do if he’s to stay around next season.Most read in FootballAntony has struggled to justify his price tagCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAmadAnother hero from the brilliant 4-3 victory over Liverpool, he has rarely featured this season due to a mix of injuries and Ten Hag’s unwillingness to take a risk on him.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Scoring the winner to take your side to the FA Cup semi-final is the perfect way to fight for your place – but the second yellow he received for taking off his shirt off means he’ll be out the team again after the international break.The winger wanted to leave on loan in January to gain more first-team minutes and United may look to cash in if Ten Hag continues not to play the Ivorian.Amad’s red could stifle his momentumCredit: EPAHarry MaguireMaguire has done brilliantly this season after being humiliated over the summer.He was stripped of the captaincy, and dropped to fifth choice centre-back, but has fought his way back into the team with a combination of grit and grace.How much damage last summer has done in terms of his relations with the club remains to be seen, and he only has a year remaining on his contract come the summer.United have the option to extend by another year but his £190,000-a-week wages could see them sell, with West Ham being interested.Maguire’s wages could be an issueCredit: RexMason MountWith Mount being brought in under the previous ownership structure for £60million, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may take a look at whether that investment has been worth it.The midfielder has struggled with injury this season, playing just eight times in the Premier League – but he did return in the FA Cup last week.The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo as a viable midfield option will only add to the competition for a place for Mount – but in all likelihood he’ll at least be given another season.Mount is likely to stayCredit: AlamyRaphael VaraneVarane has been a brilliant servant for the club when fit since he was brought in by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.But injuries appear to have caught up with him this season and he has been a notably slower presence on the pitch.Ten Hag also dropped him to fifth choice centre-back at one point due to preferring Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire among others.His contract is up in the summer and it is unlikely United will take up the extension until 2025 due to the Frenchman earning £300k-a-week.Scott McTominayMcTominay is United’s second top scorer this season with nine goals in all competitions.But paradoxically, that is a problem for United.His fondness for attacking comes at the expense of United having control in the midfield – while he can play deeper and tackle, his passing lacks the consistency to allow United to control games.He’s had a good season and will no doubt attract interest, plus, the fact he came through the academy means a sale will be listed as pure profit on United’s books.McTominay’s academy status could cost himCredit: The TimesAaron Wan-BissakaUnited opted to renew Wan-Bissaka’s contract in January after an impressive run of form.But, as always, he has struggled for fitness at United this season.He’s featured in 12 Premier League games and generally been impressive in those.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut with Diogo Dalot deputising well in his absence, United may look to someone more reliable in the summer.With the buffer of January’s contract extension, he should fetch some decent value too. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans convinced Real Madrid star would be ‘best signing in years’ after shock transfer link for £85m ace

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced that Real Madrid star Rodrygo would be their “best signing in years” after being linked with the £85million forward.Rodrygo, 23, has been at Real Madrid since 2018 after a £38m move from Santos.Man Utd fans reckon signing from Rodygo from Real Madrid for £85m would be a great dealCredit: GettyHe has gone on to become a key player for Los Blancos, scoring 50 goals in 206 games.Rodrygo has switched from playing out wide to starring as Real’s No9 this term.And he’s picked up a host of trophies at the Bernabeu, including two LaLiga titles and a Champions League.However, the 20-time Brazil international’s future at Real has been thrown into doubt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spanish giants have reportedly agreed to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.It’s reckoned the French forward will pocket a huge salary in the capital.And Real are also set to welcome Brazilian prodigy Endrick, who also plays in Rodrygo’s two positions.It means that Carlo Ancelotti may need to sell one of his current players to accommodate the new arrivals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReal are believed to be looking for £85m to let Rodrygo leave.Arsenal have been linked with a move.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordBut it’s United who are leading the charge as they seek a statement signing under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.And the links have gone down well with fans, who believe Rodrygo has all the makings of an Old Trafford great.One said: “Rodrygo would be our best signing in years.”Another declared: “He should come to United without any doubt.”One noted: “Sign him, sign him, sign him.”Another added: “The ideal Marcus Rashford replacement.”Rodrygo at Real MadridAll his stats…
    Games: 206
    Goals: 50
    Trophies: LaLiga x2, Champions League, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, Spanish Super Cup x3 More

  • in

    Man Utd set to miss out on £5m windfall as struggling loan star slammed for ‘taking too long to convince’ new club

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to miss out on a £5million windfall over Alvaro Fernandez, according to reports.The defender joined Benfica on a loan deal until the end of the season in January.Alvaro Fernandez has failed to impress at BenficaCredit: GettyBut he has failed to mark his mark in Portugal with just ten appearances to his name – many of those as a substitute.As a result, Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã report Fernandez is taking “too long to convince” Benfica that he deserves to stay at the club long-term.And that means Benfica are unlikely to make his loan move permanent.Should he return to the Red Devils, United will miss out on a £5m agreement they made with Benfica to make the switch permanent.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat could be a blow for Fernandez too, as he also failed to impress during a loan spell at Granada in the first half of the season.The LaLiga side cut short his season-long loan deal after he played just 13 games for the club.Fernandez joined Benfica with the option to make his move permanent for £5m.That option also would have been triggered if he had featured in 50 per cent of his games as a starter.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhile a third clause entitles the Red Devils to a hefty sell-on fee while also giving them the right to match successful bids from other clubs.However it appears that clause will be null and void as Benfica are likely to send the left-back back to Old Trafford.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag? More

  • in

    Man Utd make Mason Greenwood decision in huge blow to Getafe after transfer talks with Spanish club

    GETAFE’S hopes of borrowing Mason Greenwood for another season are set to fail with Manchester United not interested in another loan.Greenwood, 22, has been rebuilding his career in Spain after being farmed out to the La Liga side for the campaign.Mason Greenwood is currently on loan in Spain with GetafeCredit: GettyThe switch came after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault against the striker were dropped in February last year.Getafe are keen on another loan for Greenwood, who has eight goals and five assists in 27 matches this term, and have held talks with United.But the Red Devils are only focused on selling the forward – if they are to let him go at all – and know there are other clubs interested in a permanent deal.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not shut the door on what would be a controversial return to United’s squad for Greenwood next term either.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking about Greenwood’s future last month, the billionaire said: “It’s quite clear we have to make a decision.“There is no decision that’s been made.”Bradford-born Greenwood scored 35 goals in 129 games for United between 2018 and 2022 before the police investigation brought his Old Trafford career to a standstill.He also won his one and only England cap back in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhere might Greenwood be next season?
    Manchester United
    Greenwood still has a year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and could return to the squad if the club decide he is allowed back.
    Getafe
    The Spanish side have made it clear they want to keep hold of Greenwood after his success on loan this season but would be priced out of a move if he is sold.
    Barcelona
    Barcelona have been strongly linked with a summer transfer for Greenwood but may also struggle to afford the winger.
    Atletico Madrid
    Greenwood has also attracted interest from Atletico Madrid this season, who could swoop if United decide to cash in this summer.

    Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate did not rule out a return for the striker after this summer’s Euros when asked about the prospect last week.Southgate said: “I don’t think it’s something for pre-Euros.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?“Allowing him to get his career going again abroad appears to have been a good move. But I have to say I have not tracked it closely.“At this moment in time it would be a big distraction for the team (to select him ahead of the Euros) and let’s see where that leads next season.” More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘line up £40million Premier League star’ to replace crocked Casemiro in summer transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a move for Wolves star Joao Gomes, according to reports.The 23-year-old has been identified as a replacement for Casemiro.Joao Gomes is wanted by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyCasemiro could be replaced by the Wolves star this summerCredit: GettyUnited look set to offload the experienced Brazilian this summer as new chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a younger squad.Casemiro, 32, has already missed 16 matches through injury this season and he will not play for his country this weekend against England as he has pulled out due to further fitness issues.Ironically, it could be Gomes who features for Brazil instead of Casemiro at Wembley with what would be his first international cap.And he may also be set to step into Casemiro’s shoes at Man Utd, according to The Mirror.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGomes is the type of player Ratcliffe would be keen on, having already warned supporters not to expect big-name signings.Wolves bought him a year ago from Flamengo for £12million and they are supposedly set to demand around £40m for the midfielder.Gomes has also caught the eye of Tottenham and Newcastle.Wolves are reportedly braced for bids and are already identifying possible replacements.Most read in FootballThe club could be forced into selling a key player at the end of the season amid pressure to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGomes has played 28 games this campaign, scoring two goals.He is nicknamed “The Pitbull” in his homeland.Scott McTominay reveals two strict rules implemented by Erik ten Hag at Man Utd More

  • in

    ‘It’s completely different’ – Former Man Utd star fears Gareth Southgate would be ‘gamble’ as next manager

    MANCHESTER UNITED should not “gamble” on bringing in Gareth Southgate – and instead stick with Erik ten Hag.That is the view of former Red Devils defender Mikael Silvestre as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe considers a radical switch at Old Trafford in the coming months.Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering replacing Erik ten Hag with Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettySouthgate could be tempted by a return to club management at Old TraffordCredit: AFPTen Hag, 54, is currently fighting to convince Ratcliffe – who became a minority shareholder in February – that he is the man to take United forward next season.The Dutch coach has led the club to the FA Cup semi-finals after their thrilling 4-3 quarter final victory over rivals Liverpool – having also won the Carabao Cup last campaign.However, United’s poor Premier League form sees them 17 points off leaders Arsenal and nine points off the top four with ten games remaining.Ratcliffe is making big changes at United in preparation for next season, including sorting a sporting director, with talks ongoing with Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.READ MORE ON MAN UNITEDA new manager is believed to also be high on his list. England boss Southgate is preparing for the Euros with the Three Lions this summer and is expected to lead them into the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Southgate, 53, however could still be persuaded by the United project, especially as he has already worked with Ashworth at the FA – but has not managed at club level since getting Middlesbrough relegated in 2009.And Silvestre – who won five Prem titles at United between 1999 and 2008 – said: “I don’t believe it would be a big step for Gareth moving from international back into club football, but it’s a completely different scenario.“You can’t rule out any potential candidate, but it would be a bit of a gamble because he doesn’t have much of a track record at club level.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTen Hag was hired in May 2022, finishing third in his first full season, while also winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final – where United lost to Manchester City.Silvestre believes Ten Hag should be given a chance to work with a fully-fit squad, with United ravaged by injuries this term, missing the likes of Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane and Mason Mount for large periods.Man Utd legend Roy Keane agrees with Gary Neville about how much he would be worth in today’s transfer marketGareth Southgate’s managerial careerHere is how Southgate’s managerial career has unfolded:

    June 2006: Joins Middlesbrough on a five-year deal after Steve McClaren left to become England manager
    May 2007: Guided Boro to a 12th place finish in his first season in Premier League management
    May 2008: Boro finish 13th and beat Man City 8-1 on the final day as Arsene Wenger labels Southgate “good enough” to coach England
    May 2009: Boro are relegated on the final day after defeat to West Ham but Southgate stayed on as boss
    October 2009: Southgate sacked by Boro despite the club sitting just one point adrift of top spot in the Championship
    August 2013: Succeeds Stuart Pearce as England U21s manager
    June 2015: England U21s finish bottom of their European Championship group with just one point from three games
    September 2016: Southgate takes temporary charge of England’s senior side following Sam Allardyce’s dismissal
    November 2016: Appointed England boss on a four-year contract
    July 2018: Guides England to the World Cup semi-finals – their first journey to the last four since Euro 96
    July 2021: England reach their first major final since 1966 but lose to Italy on penalties at Wembley
    November 2021: Signs a new contract to keep him as England boss until December 2024
    December 2022: Reaches the World Cup quarter-finals before England are beaten by France

    Speaking to gaming and Esports company GGRecon, the Frenchman added: “I would like Erik ten Hag to go into next season as Manchester United manager.“I would like him to have the opportunity to showcase his ideas with a full squad at his disposal because this season’s been challenging for him and the team has struggled to progress.“It’s been impossible to maintain the momentum they gained last season because a lot of key players haven’t been fit at various points of the season.“I would definitely give him a third season if the decision was mine.” More

  • in

    Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow as top target to begin new contract negotiations including bumper £102m release clause

    SPORTING LISBON are opening talks on a new mage transfer release clause for Viktor Gykores to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.Sporting’s hope to convince Viktor Gyokeres to sign a new deal with an improved release clauseCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.Now A Bola have claimed that the Portuguese league leaders want to secure him to a new agreement that would not only land Gyokeres a bumper pay rise but would also offer them “greater protection”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey are well aware of the growing interest in their star striker.As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Bayern Munich are also keen to bring him to the Bundesliga while French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the transfer chase.This update also adds that several Spanish teams are in the hunt – but a host of the interested clubs may soon be ruled out of signing him.Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gykores pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that would ensure that any sale of their prized-asset would turn out to be a record departure for the club.The agents of Gykores, who was snapped up by Coventry in 2021 after failing to make the grade at Brighton, are also allegedly making a trip to Portugal in April.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd Sporting will be looking to use that time to thrash out terms on the updated agreement.Meanwhile, the transfer speculation does not seem to be having any adverse effect on the player himself.He fired a hat-trick against Boavista on Sunday as the 6-1 victory ensured they remain a point ahead of rivals Benfica, who have played a game more, at the top of the table.The forward will now be hoping to take that form on to the international stage with Sweden, who he has scored five times in 19 caps for.They take on Portugal away tonight in a friendly before taking on Albania on home turf on Monday. More

  • in

    Man Utd will have staggering £400MILLION to spend in summer transfer window if they sell Rashford and Greenwood

    MANCHESTER UNITED would have an eye-watering £400 million to spend in transfers if they sell both Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood. New part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a mass exodus this summer to take advantage of the ‘pure profit’ loophole.If Marcus Rashford is sold for £100m, United would be able to spend £400mCredit: APThe sale of academy graduate Mason Greenwood would allow United to claim ‘pure profit’Credit: Getty’Pure profit’ allows clubs to bank all transfers made, incentivising the sale of academy products who were signed for nothing.Rashford joined United at seven years old, while Greenwood was accepted into the Halifax development team at the age of six.But both players have reportedly fallen out of favour with their boyhood club for a host of reasons.Rashford’s performances and off-field behaviour this season has exposed him to ridicule from fans and media.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd the United hierarchy are ready to sell Greenwood too – despite his impressive form on loan with Spanish side Getafe.The sale of either player would be accounted for as pure profit in United’s 2024/25 financial records.Even after this season’s issues, an auction for Rashford in the summer would have bidders, starting at £70m and probably prepared to go near to £100m.This would help them to stay on the right side of Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFees paid for players you buy are “amortised” over the length of the initial contract. So a £100m player signing a five year deal has an FFP “cost” of just £20m per season.Effectively, if Rashford is sold for £100m, United would be able to spend £400m – taking new players’ wages into account – and balance the books.Paris Saint-Germain are said to be interested in the winger as they prepare to say goodbye to Real Madrid bound Kylian Mbappe. Sir Alex Ferguson leaves Man Utd fans baffled as he becomes life member at European giantsAll profits from sales, even if the fee is actually paid in long-term instalments, is banked at the full value.While United aim to cash in on 22-year-old Greenwood, they would not get all of the funds due a bizarre sell-on clause in his loan contract.It means if Greenwood is NOT signed by Getafe they will claim 20 per cent of whatever fee is exchanged.The LaLiga side did not pay any money to bring him to the club on loan, meaning they are set to profit from the deal no matter the outcome.The unforeseen impact of homegrown player sales could prove to be United’s saving grace.Meanwhile it is not clear which manager will have the transfer budget next season.England manager Gareth Southgate has been tipped as the overwhelming favourite to replace Erik ten Hag should he be sacked.Ratcliffe, in charge of United’s football operations, said: “If we get the right people in the right boxes, the results will drop out the bottom.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile United weigh up whether to cash in on Rashford and Greenwood, the bleak futures of Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane look a lot more certain – with both players set to leave this summer.The pair are due to be out of contract in June and United have opted against offering extensions, meaning their colossal wages which, when combined, soak up more than £600,000 a week, will be shifted off the club’s books.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
    England manager Gareth Southgate has emerged as a favourite for the Manchester United jobCredit: PA More