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    Man Utd Champions League winner names three strikers Ten Hag should sign if he misses out on Harry Kane transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED should try and sign Victor Osimhen if they miss out on Harry Kane, according to former striker Louis Saha.Erik ten Hag wants to sign a striker this summer and Tottenham star Kane is said to be his number one target.
    Harry Kane is Erik ten Hag’s number one targetCredit: AFP
    Louis Saha thinks Manchester United should target Victor Osimhen as a Kane alternativeCredit: Reuters
    Saha also likes the look of Randal Kolo MuaniCredit: Reuters
    But there is fear Daniel Levy could prove a tough negotiator and try to hang on to the England star, despite his contract expiring in 2024.
    If that happens United could switch attention to a different target, and Saha believes Osimhen should be top of the wishlist after firing Napoli to the Serie A title with 22 goals in 27 games.
    Saha told Daznbet: “There are not many alternatives to Kane for Man Utd. Victor Osimhen is an obvious one at the moment, though, he’s scoring a lot of goals for Napoli.
    “Very fit, very strong and agile. But it may take him more time to adapt.”
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    United have been linked to Osimhen but getting a deal oer the line could prove difficult with Napoli said to be demanding £133m.
    The Red Devils are also said to be interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani, who could also command a significant fee, as well as Atalanta hitman Rasmus Hojlund.
    Saha belives both should be on United’s shortlist, adding: “I think Randal Muani would be a very good signing for Man Utd.
    “Not only as a number 9, he can play either side of a three. He’s a very clever player, very quick, sharp with his feet and very intelligent.
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    “He’s already established a good link with Kylian Mbappe for France.
    “He’s aware of everything, he has the talent to go short or long, he’s very clever and he will be a real danger in the Premier League if he comes, especially with Rashford and Sancho.
    “That will be really hard for defences. It could be a very clever move, there is room for improvement. There are lots of names like that who can contribute.
    “But Muani is a very intelligent player, he has lots of stamina, he can run all day and will fit into the game plan that Ten Hag loves. He’s one for the future.
    “There is a young boy, Hojlund at Atalanta. But no one offers the guarantees like Kane does.” More

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    Man Utd fans go wild as club ‘enquire into Napoli sporting director’ in potential boost to Osimhen transfer chances

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have gone wild after being given a huge boost in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.That’s after the Red Devils reportedly made an enquiry to hire Napoli sporting director Christian Giuntoli.
    Man Utd have made an enquiry for Napoli transfer guru Christian GiuntoliCredit: Getty
    United are also hoping to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summerCredit: AFP
    United boss Erik ten Hag has made no secret of his desire to sign a world-class striker this summer.
    And 27-goal Osimhen fits the bill perfectly after firing Napoli to their first Serie A title in 30 years.
    It’s believed Napoli want an eye-watering £150million to sell their star player.
    But United could look to smooth the path by first landing Napoli’s highly-respected transfer guru Giuntoli.
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    The Italian has been hiring and firing in Naples since 2015, building exciting projects for managers including Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti.
    But Giuntoli’s work over the past few years finally paid dividends this term, with the likes of Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing key roles in Luciano Spalletti’s dominant title victory.
    United are said to be impressed by Giuntoli’s work, and they have now opened initial talks with Napoli over bringing him to England.
    The super scout is out of contract in 2024.
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    And Tuttomercatoweb claims United are eager to find out whether Giuntoli is interested in a new challenge abroad.
    Before Napoli, he enjoyed success as Director of Football with Italian minnows Carpi, helping them win several promotions while making huge profits on player sales.
    Giuntoli famously discovered striker Kevin Lasagna while he was playing in Serie D, signing the eventual seven-time Italy international for only £20,000.
    Just months later, Giuntoli sold Lasagna to Serie A side Udinese for £4million, sealing his reputation as a bargain hunter and master negotiator.
    And United fans were left excited by the claims, with one saying: “I am here for this.”
    Another declared: “If he found Kvaratskhelia then bring him in.”
    One added: “Please make this true.” More

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    Fans say ‘thanks but no thanks’ as Man Utd make permanent Wout Weghorst transfer decision after Burnley loan

    MANCHESTER UNITED supporters have provided their response after reports emerged that Wout Weghorst will not be offered a permanent deal.The 30-year-old Dutch forward shone for his country at the World Cup and that led to his surprise switch to Old Trafford in January.
    Man Utd have reportedly made a decision on Wout Weghorst’s futureCredit: Rex
    The star joined United on loan from Burnley and started the first 19 matches that he was available for under Erik ten Hag.
    He also became a favourite with fans due to his hard-working displays but he has only managed to score twice for the club – although none of which came from his 13 Premier League outings.
    Weghorst has found himself dropped to the bench over recent weeks but The Telegraph claim that he wants to stay at United this summer.
    However, they also add that no talks have even started over a permanent deal and another report from the Manchester Evening News claims that he will be set for disappointment.
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    They say that United have already decided that they will not make a move to sign him.
    And Ten Hag has allegedly instead drawn-up a four-man shortlist for a replacement striker.
    Now supporters have been reacting to that news and, despite their admiration for the efforts of the 6ft 6in target man, it was almost a universal “thanks but no thanks”.
    One tweeted: “Been a good loan he’s given his all but definitely doesn’t merit a permanent deal.”
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    Another wrote: “They should not continue with him. Just buy a quality striker and use [Anthony] Martial as your back-up.”
    A fellow fan commented: “This guy can’t score a goal. I like him but I only have an issue with him when it comes to scoring goals.”
    As another simply commented: “Thanks Wout… but NO THANKS!”
    Weghorst still has two years remaining on his contract at newly-promoted Burnley having joined the Clarets for £12.5million from Wolfsburg in January 2022 More

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    Victor Osimhen breaks silence on Man Utd transfer after helping Napoli end 33-year Serie A title drought

    NAPOLI superstar Victor Osimhen has broken his silence over a potential blockbuster transfer this summer.The Nigerian striker has fired the Italian club to their first Serie A title in 33 years in record-breaking fashion.
    Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is wanted by a host of clubs across EuropeCredit: AFP
    He has scored 27 goals in all competitions, and his strike to earn a draw at Udinese on Thursday to clinch the Scudetto made him the highest-scoring African player in a single season in Italian top-flight history.
    But the 24-year-old’s performances have caught the eye of a host of clubs across the continent.
    Chelsea are known to be interested as they hunt for a new striker under incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    Manchester United would also like to bring Osimhen to the Premier League.
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    The ace has other suitors in Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain but it was widely-believed that Osimhen would prefer a move to England’s top flight.
    However, when he was asked about his future during the celebrations on Thursday, the hotshot refused to give anything away.

    Osimhen said: “I’m thrilled with this victory.
    “I’m happy for me, for the team and for the fans.
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    “I can’t wait to come back in Naples to embrace our fans, even though tonight I already felt the warmth of the people. I’m happy for all the Neapolitans.”
    Osimhen then added: “I scored the Scudetto goal, it’s true, but anyone else could have scored it.
    “I feel like a leader and I never give up. Future? Now I want to enjoy this historic moment, this is not the time to think about my future.” More

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    Paul Merson slams Man Utd star and says he ‘shouldn’t be playing for the club’ as he urges Ten Hag to sign Harry Kane

    ARSENAL icon Paul Merson believes Anthony Martial “shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United” following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton.The Red Devils suffered their eighth defeat of the Premier League season on Thursday after Alexis Mac Allister’s 99th minute penalty saw Brighton snatch all three points on offer.
    Martial made his eighth Premier League start of the season for Man Utd on ThursdayCredit: Getty
    Merson has criticised the FrenchmanCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag made three changes to the line-up following last weekend’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Antony and Martial replacing Tyrell Malacia, Marcel Sabitzer, Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho respectively in the starting 11.
    United created a number of good chances throughout the match, but they lacked efficiency in front of goal.
    And Martial received criticism from many fans as a result.
    Merson, who played for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997, also took a swipe at the Frenchman by suggesting that he should be replaced this summer.
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    In his column for Sportskeeda, the 55-year-old wrote: “Manchester United’s current front three is Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Antony, but I think there will be changes this summer, one million per cent.
    “They are 16 points behind Manchester City at the moment and the same team next season will not get anywhere close to the Premier League title.

    “They need a Harry Kane up front. Anthony Martial – seriously? He shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United, sorry.”
    Martial is expected to leave Man Utd when the summer transfer window opens, with the club looking to offload several players.
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    Merson wants Man Utd to sign KaneCredit: PA
    The Frenchman has been limited to 16 Premier League appearances this season due to various injury issues, so Ten Hag is understood to be open to letting him move on.
    United are in the market for a new striker ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
    And Harry Kane is understood to be a top target.
    The England captain, who has scored 25 goals in 34 appearances for Tottenham so far this season, is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Lilywhites.
    And Man Utd are reportedly willing to offer him a lucrative deal in an attempt to lure him to Old Trafford.
    However, Tottenham chief Daniel Levy has set an asking price of £100million for the striker. More

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    Man United boss Erik ten Hag praised by his players for being ‘most fashionable’

    MANCHESTER United boss Erik ten Hag is a title winner in the fashion stakes, according to his players.The Dutchman, 53, has been praised for his tailored suits and waistcoats — and his fondness for flat caps has seen him likened to hit TV gangsters The Peaky Blinders.
    Trendy ten Hag will stroll on football’s top catwalk next month as he leads United out at Wembley for the FA Cup finalCredit: AFP
    His stylish look is a far cry from the “club shop chic” of rival Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, who prefers team-crested gear and a baseball cap.
    And ex-Leeds manager Jesse Marsch often wore jeans on the sideline.
    Some Man United staff were said to have been heard commenting on how “sharp” ten Hag looked as he left the hotel ahead of the club’s recent FA Cup semi-final win against Brighton.
    A club insider said: “The manager is always turned out so well, whether it’s his beard or his clothing. We joked he could be a Peaky Blinder with his flat cap.
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    “It’s a far cry from [ex-manager] Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his tracksuits. We’ve even seen the gaffer at the training ground wearing tweed — all he needed was the shotgun.”
    The former Ajax manager lifted silverware for the Red Devils earlier this year, dispatching Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United 2-0 in the final of the League Cup at Wembley.
    United lost away at Brighton on Thursday in the Premier League and face West Ham on Sunday.
    Trendy ten Hag will stroll on football’s top catwalk next month as he leads United out at Wembley again for the FA Cup final.
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    Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reveals transfer budget fears and fires stark warning to squad ahead of crucial West Ham clash

    ERIK TEN HAG warned his troops that  sealing a Champions League spot is VITAL for his summer transfer plans.Manchester United are still favourites to claim a top-four finish despite Thursday’s last-gasp defeat at the Amex.
    Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag ‘trusts’ his players and is ‘quite confident they will still finish in the Premier League top fourCredit: Reuters
    United stars reflect on Thursday’s agonising Prem loss at BrightonCredit: Rex
    Alexis Mac Allister’s ice-cool 99th-minute penalty sealed Brighton’s 1-0 win  but fourth-placed United  still have a four-point lead over Liverpool with a game in hand.
    But that gap could be trimmed on Saturday night to just a point if Jurgen Klopp’s side — on a five-match winning run  — beat Brentford at Anfield.
    Ten Hag knows United will be a less attractive option for transfer targets if they are not in Europe’s top competition.
    While the Dutchman does not know what his summer budget will be, amid ongoing  uncertainty over a potential takeover,  Champions League football will boost his  financial power in the market.
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    Asked how crucial that  top-four finish was to United in regards to investment, Ten Hag replied: “It is always vital to be in the Champions League.
    “It is a battle because many teams in the Premier League are competing for it.
    “We have the power and must fight for it as well. We’ll do everything to get there.
    “We want to be in there because we want to challenge  the best teams in the world. So, we do everything that’s in our power to get that done.”
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    United have the chance to bounce back  tomorrow night   at West Ham.
    Ten Hag is confident his men can recover from their Seagulls setback.
    The United chief said: “We had quite a good run before Brighton — four wins and a draw from the last five.
    “We have everything in our hands so have to focus on our performance. I trust my players. I am quite confident about that top four.”
    After the first two games of the season —   humbling defeats by Brighton and Brentford — Ten Hag’s side have followed each of their Premier League losses with a victory.
    And the former Ajax boss reckons the Red Devils can repeat the feat against David Moyes’ Hammers.
    He said: “Every time  we’ve had a defeat,  we bounced back. I count on my team, we have to do it again.
    “There is no time to stay in this. After one hour we move on to the game against West Ham and focus on that.
    “We will prepare them and make a good plan.
    “The players have to take responsibility and they will do — I count on them.
    “They have to do it and  can do it because we have the evidence this season.
    His passion is a strength. I just say, ‘Don’t go over the top, stay focused on your game’.Erik ten Hag on Antony
    “I am looking forward to it. We played them twice this season  because also we faced them in the FA Cup and it’s going to be another great game.
    “Every game is a battle, every game is a challenge. We have to get ready for that.”
    Ten Hag defended Antony after he took a wild swipe  at  Mac Allister in the 69th minute, which could have earned a red card, before squaring up to Lewis Dunk.
    Antony and Dunk were both yellow-carded by referee Andre Marriner  as Ten Hag quickly hooked the Brazilian.
    But backing his winger, Ten Hag added: “His passion is  a strength. You need passion and desire to win your games and win battles in the game.
    “It is very strong with him and he is very ambitious.
    “I just say, ‘Don’t go over the top, stay focused on your game and what the game needs’. If he does that, he is a great player.”
    United will make a late  call on whether Alejandro Garnacho returns from an ankle injury suffered in March.
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    Asked about his 18-year-old winger, Ten Hag said: “Maybe he can be involved but we’ll see how his progress  goes.”
      MAN UTD (likely): De Gea, Wan-Bissaka,  Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Casemiro, Eriksen,  Fernandes, Antony, Martial, Rashford. More

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    Arsenal learn Moises Caicedo price as fans complain transfer will cost ‘almost as much as Bellingham’

    ARSENAL have learned how much they will need to pay in order to land Moises Caicedo after Brighton reportedly named their asking price. Caicedo, who starred in Brighton’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, was the subject of a £70million bid from the Gunners in the January transfer window.
    Moises Caicedo’s asking price has been revealedCredit: Getty
    Caicedo put in a strong performance to help Brighton beat Manchester United
    However, the Seagulls rejected this offer and Caicedo has remained a key part of Roberto de Zerbi’s set-up on the south coast after signing a new long-term contract running to 2027.
    But now Brighton have named their asking price for any potential suitors for the midfielder.
    According to Sky Sports, they will expect offers “well in excess” of the £70m offer submitted by Arsenal in January.
    The report adds that Brighton will not stand in the 21-year-old’s way if a suitable bid is arrives this summer.
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    Arsenal have retained their interest in Caicedo, with the Ecuador international reportedly one of the top names on Mikel Arteta’s six-man summer shopping list.
    Caicedo’s strong form this season has also piqued the interest of clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
    Reacting to the news online, one Twitter user said: “Bellingham won’t go for much more than that.
    “Good player but I’d be disappointed if we paid that for him after saying Jude was too expensive.”
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    A second typed: “Caicedo is not worth £100m. Yes he’s good but that’s just a scam.”
    A third wrote: “If Brighton demand £100m+ for Caicedo we should walk. He’s not worth that and neither is Declan Rice.”
    The same policy goes for fellow Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister, who has reportedly held talks with Man Utd over a transfer. More