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    Gareth Southgate overtakes Graham Potter as overwhelming favourite for Man Utd job with England contract talks on hold

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has overtaken Graham Potter as the bookies’ new 2-1 favourite for the Manchester United job.Ex-Chelsea boss Potter had been lined up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe if Erik ten Hag is sacked.England boss Gareth Southgate has emerged as a favourite for the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: EPASouthgate has overtaken Graham Potter as Ten Hag’s likeliest successorCredit: PABut England manager Southgate last week revealed he will shelve Three Lions contract talks until after Euro 2024.And 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.”Potter worked closely with United’s incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth at Brighton, while Southgate has worked with him at the FA.Reports suggest Sir Jim has made the 53-year-old his No1 choice to replace under-fire boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdThis comes amid a turbulent campaign for the Red Devils under the Dutchman.The Manchester giants were eliminated from the Champions League’s group stage before plunging to sixth place in the Premier League.Southgate’s contract runs out in December.And Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again following his three-year spell at Middlesbrough, which ended in 2009.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to hold onto the Watford tactician.But as things stand, Ratcliffe would have to fork out around £800,000 in compensation for the Three Lions boss’ services.Gareth Southgate drops Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 hint as England boss names four players on cusp of breaking into squad The Ineos chief will also need to splash £10million just to sack Ten Hag and his coaching staff.Potter has been without a job since his dismissal as Chelsea boss last April.Southgate could bring some of his England stars if he took over at Man UtdInside 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 line up transfers for two wonderkids including Championship 14-year-old and Premier League youngster

    MANCHESTER UNITED seem to be looking to youth to turn the tide on their turbulent form.The Red Devils have already put faith in the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo and now they are reportedly looking at two more teens.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag are reportedly lining up two youngsters to join Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are said to be keen on Wolves teenager Wesley OkoduwaCredit: GettyErik ten Hag’s side have struggled this season despite booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Liverpool at the weekend.And new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be keen on shifting the club’s recruitment towards younger talent in a bid to shake things up.The new transfer plan may be making some early steps too with the Mail Online reporting United are close to agreeing deals for two rising stars.Championship wonderkid Silva Mexes, 14, is said to be close to agreeing a switch from Ipswich to Man Utd.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Wolves right-back Wesley Okoduwa, 15, is rumoured to be another target for the Manchester giants.Okoduwa made the bench for Wolves’ Premier League clash against Newcastle.He has also represented England at U16 level.The younger profile fits the suggested strategy that is being adopted by Ratcliffe and his Ineos team with regard to transfers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd the billionaire Brit may be hoping he will uncover a hidden gem with his youthful acquisitions after claiming he is searching for “the next Kylian Mbappe” in a recent interview.Speaking to GT Cycling Club, he said: “I would rather try and sign the next Kylian Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success.Sir Jim Ratcliffe warns Man Utd fans not to expect superstar signings as he lays out transfer plan”It’s not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone can figure that one out.”What’s much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe or the next Bellingham or the next Roy Keane.” More

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    How Man Utd could line up under Gareth Southgate with England manager pulling strings to finally land Harry Kane

    MANCHESTER UNITED could find themselves filled with England stars if Gareth Southgate takes over as manager.United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly made Southgate his No1 choice to replace under-fire boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.Manchester United have reportedly made Gareth Southgate their top pickCredit: GettyEngland boss Southgate could attract Harry Kane to Man UtdCredit: AlamyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: EPAMan Utd could fill up with England stars under SouthgateThis comes amid a turbulent campaign under Ten Hag, which has seen the Red Devils getting eliminated from the Champions League’s group stage and plunging to sixth place in the Premier League.Southgate’s contract runs out in December and Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again following his three-year spell at Middlesbrough which ended in 2009.That is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to hold onto the 53-year-old, who has refused to even discuss his future until after Euro 2024.But as things stand, Sir Jim would have to fork out around £800,000 in compensation for the Three Lions boss’ services while needing to splash £10million just to sack Ten Hag and his coaching staff.Read More on Man UtdIf Southgate took over at United then it is fair to assume he would try to attract some of England’s best players while showing faith in the club’s English talent.Andre Onana’s inconsistent performance could convince the Watford tactician to call on his England No1 Jordan Pickford, who sat between the sticks during the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.Pickford was linked with the Manchester giants last summer and Ineos would find it much easier to attract him this time around if Everton don’t survive their relegation scrap.Diogo Dalot recently signed a new deal so he could maintain his position at right-back while Luke Shaw has earned Southgate’s trust at left-back while on international duty.Most read in FootballBut no one has received more confidence from the England boss than Harry Maguire who continued to play for his country despite his biggest struggles at United, while getting booed by home fans.Therefore, it is fair to assume Maguire would be an established part in the line-up next to another recent transfer target in Jarrad Branthwaite.Kobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s campBranthwaite, who earned his first England call up this week, has impressed United chiefs who could make a move in the summer transfer window.Kobbie Mainoo also made the cut for the friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium and could continue his development in midfield alongside the experienced Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMarcus Rashford could finally regain his spark on the left wing under a manager who always rates top English talent with Alejandro Garnacho continuing his evolution on the other side.And Southgate’s line-up could be completed with one of the Red Devils’ longest-running targets in Harry Kane.United tried to sign Kane last summer but Tottenham were not keen to sell to a Prem rival and demanded a large transfer fee.And so the star striker ended up at Bayern Munich following a £104m deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Southgate has had a brilliant relationship with the 30-year-old, who became captain as well as England’s all-time top scorer under his current manager.And this time around Southgate could convince Kane to return to the Premier League and help United return to the top. More

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    ‘Agent Bruno, do something for us,’ beg Man Utd fans as Fernandes says Portugal team-mate is ‘ready’ for big transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are desperate for “Agent Bruno” to work some magic after their captain declared that transfer target Joao Neves is “ready” for a big move.Fernandes, 29, and Neves, 19, will link up in midfield for Portugal during the international break.Fans hope Bruno Fernandes can convince Joao Neves to join Man Utd while on Portugal dutyCredit: EPAThe Red Devils are reportedly leading the race for Benfica’s star midfielderCredit: GettyThe latter exploded into Benfica’s team last season and hasn’t looked back since, clocking up 57 appearances in all competitions.Neves is now hoping to add to his three international caps when Portugal take on Sweden and Slovenia in the next seven days.But his club future has been the talk of the town following interest from some of Europe’s elite sides.And it’s United who are believed to be leading the race as they look to rebuild their midfield.READ MORE ON MAN UTDChristian Eriksen and Casemiro are on the wrong side of 30, while Sofyan Amrabat will return to Fiorentina once his loan ends.And United fans are now hoping Fernandes can convince Neves to join him at Old Trafford.One said: “Agent Bruno, do something for us.”Another declared: “If United rumours are true, he is ready.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne noted: “Truly one of the best.”Another added: “Yes, bring him in.”Watch wholesome moment Bruno Fernandes gets emotional in live TV interview after praising Man Utd team-matesFernandes is certainly adamant Neves can make the leap to an elite side.He said: “I don’t know if the United rumours are true, but I know he (Neves) is ready for that big jump.“He’s an excellent player, he’s with the national team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him.”Meanwhile, Fernandes believes rules should be changed after Amad Diallo was sent off following his FA Cup winner against Liverpool.The ace took his shirt off while celebrating the dramatic late strike, leading to a second yellow card and dismissal.But Fernandes reckons that lawmakers should end the bizarre penalty.He said: “Amad got his reward because he’s doing the right things. When you do the right things, you get a chance, and what is yours comes to you.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He deserves it, unfortunately, he got sent off, but it’s part of the moment and part of being young.”This moment has to be enjoyed and I think it’s one of the rules football has to change. Because you should be able to celebrate the goal, obviously with respect to other clubs, to enjoy your moment.” More

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    Rashford’s mum reveals Man Utd star has been struggling after two bereavements and warns of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S mum has revealed the Manchester United star has been struggling after two bereavements in his life. Rashford has had inconsistent form this season with eight goals in his 35 appearances. Marcus Rashford with his mum Melanie MaynardAnd the England international has found himself in hot water with disciplinary problems off the field. His mum Melanie Maynard opened up on his son’s season in a column in The Times. And Melanie – who worked three jobs to support Rashford and his four other siblings – revealed her son’s secret heartbreak. She wrote: “Marcus lost a second very important person in his life: his cousin Nathan in November, after a very good family friend, Garf, had died a year earlier, which set him back a lot. READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was a lot for someone so young to deal with. Marcus is United through and through from when he was younger. “He always wanted to play football professionally at his boyhood club. He worked so hard. “He always believed in ‘if you believe, you will achieve’. He’s had to sacrifice a lot to get to where he is today.” Rashford, 26, in January was disciplined by United after phoning in sick for training despite going on a boozy night out in Belfast. Most read in FootballBut he hit back in perfect style by scoring in his very next game, helping his side to a dramatic 4-3 win at Wolves. Rashford’s performances has since improved also with two in his last two league matches and an all-important goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Antony rages after he is told to play left-back against Liverpool before Rashford tells Man Utd star to get on with itMelanie says her boy is on the up again but warned to beware of the “wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”. She said: “Marcus is human, so he will have ups and downs in his life like everyone else. “Marcus is in a very good place, he will never let anyone down. “But you always need to be wary of people’s intentions around you — sometimes people around you can be wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing”After a good win against Liverpool on Sunday and Marcus’s England call-up, things are looking bright again.” Rashford has seven Premier League goals so far this seasonRashford has hit a run of form againCredit: EPA More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe warns Man Utd fans not to expect superstar signings as he lays out transfer plan

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has told fans not to expect the world’s best players to sign for Manchester United.The British billionaire has purchased 27.7 per cent of the club and is in charge of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruled out buying superstar players and would rather find the up and coming world-class talentCredit: PARatcliffe is first focusing on getting in the correct people behind-the-scenesCredit: GT Cycling ClubThere has been speculation about Man Utd splashing the cash in upcoming transfer windows after Ratcliffe previously told supporters he wants to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.But he has admitted his approach in the market is not to buy big-name superstars.Ratcliffe told the GT Cycling Club when they asked about Jude Bellingham: “He’s a great footballer. But It’s not where our focus is. “The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They’ve done that if you look at the last ten years.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe later added: “I would rather try and sign the next Kylian Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune trying to buy success. “It’s not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone can figure that one out.”Ratcliffe says his first job is to get the correct people making decisions at the club.He revealed that it is the job of right-hand man and cycling chief Sir Dave Brailsford’s to find new chiefs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThey have already secured the services of ex-Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada and they’re also closing in on a deal for Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth.Ineos are convinced having good people in these positions is the key to success.Sir Jim Ratcliffe discusses Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe transfer in quickfire Q&ARatcliffe said: “You have to believe with Man Utd, if we get all the details right, all the right people in the right boxes, doing the right things in the right environment, that sporting elite environment. The results will drop out the bottom. “Those things are not right at Manchester United today as we’ve said very clearly.”It’s not a light switch, it’s a much longer road to travel because there’s so many aspects to it.”On the addition of Brailsford at the club, Ratcliffe said: “Dave would never say buy that player because I think he is a very good player, he would never do that. “That’s not his skillset – but we need that skillset at Man Utd.”Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundInside 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 ‘decide to sell Mason Greenwood but get hit with immediate blow as Barcelona opt out of transfer race’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to sell Mason Greenwood – but Barcelona are not interested in a deal, transfer reports say. Greenwood has spent the season on loan with Getafe, hitting a run of good form with eight goals in 27 matches. Mason Greenwood remains linked with a Man Utd exitCredit: GettyHis performances attracted interest from the likes of Barca, who have been linked with a summer swoop for the ex-England international. According to Fabrizio Romano for CaughtOffside, United directors and Barca chief Deco did meet for talks. But it is claimed the Spanish giants are not plotting a move for Greenwood right now. It is said, though, that United are willing to let Greenwood go for good if the right proposal is tabled. READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOODAnd the club are actively looking at ways of offloading the forward. A police investigation into Greenwood, 22, was launched in January 2022.But charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were later dropped.United still made the decision to send the striker out on loan to Spain though new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe controversially left the door open to a return. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said in February: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he (Greenwood) could still have a future.“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.Fans spot Roy Keane’s ‘cold’ interaction with Man Utd mascot during FA Cup clash against Liverpool“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“He (Greenwood) is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. “So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision. “There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. “We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on – so we will do that. “The process will be – understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values – which is basically whether he is a good guy or not. “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and the fans be comfortable with it?“I can talk about the principle. The principle is the important one because we will have other issues going forwards. “You are dealing with young people who have not always been brought up in the best circumstances, who have a lot of money and don’t always have the guidance they should have. “What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Then we need to make a fair decision in the light of the club’s values. That’s what we need to do and that’s how we will deal with it.”New Man Utd owner Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PA More

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    Man Utd ‘want to swap Jadon Sancho for Dortmund team-mate but face transfer competition from Arsenal and Liverpool’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to give Jadon Sancho the boot this summer in a sensational swap deal.The England international was frozen out by Erik ten Hag last September for hitting back at the public blasting he received from the Dutchman following United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.Jadon Sancho has been frozen out by Manchester United boss Erik ten HagCredit: PASancho has been loaned out to former club Borussia Dortmund until the end of the seasonCredit: RexUnited are reportedly interested in using Sancho in a swap deal for Dortmund’s Donyell MalenCredit: REXUnited shipped Sancho out on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund in January to allow him to get some playing time.Ten Hag has yet to re-open the door for an Old Trafford return for the £73million man, who he’s reportedly willing to use as a makeweight to sign Dortmund ace Donyell Malen.That’s according to Bild, who claim United are interested in a potential “swap deal” between the pair.The German newspaper, however, claim Arsenal and Liverpool are also sniffing around the Netherlands international.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMalen, 25, has been in great form for Dortmund this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.Sancho, 23, has scored once and notched one assist in his nine Bundesliga games so far in his second stint with the black and yellows.Sancho’s contract with Manchester United expires in the summer of 2026, although the Red Devils have the option to extend it for a further year.But, judging from Ten Hag’s recent claim that the club had issues with the winger before the boss’ arrival, it’s likely that his future lies away from Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSErik ten Hag has yet to re-open to the door for Red Devils outcast Jadon SanchoCredit: GETTYTen Hag said: “He’s now at Dortmund. So after he was signed, one year before [I was here], and there were issues.”We have had issues all the way through, and so you can make out his stay at Manchester United so far is not a success.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through'”So now he is going back to Borussia Dortmund, so I wish him the best of luck.”I hope, we all hope he is doing well there, he will be successful. Again, we will see what is going to happen.”[Would things be different if he had apologised?] ‘We have said that before.”And I don’t want every time to return to the point. He knows what he should do and we have made that clear.”It was also so clear and obvious about his performance so let’s stop this discussion. “He is to Dortmund and we wish him the best of luck.” More