More stories

  • in

    Van Nistelrooy slams Gakpo for ignoring advice on Liverpool transfer as he reveals Man Utd was his ‘dream move’

    RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has slammed Cody Gakpo for ignoring his advice about joining Liverpool.That’s by revealing the striker wanted a “dream move” to Manchester United instead, according to the Telegraph.
    Cody Gakpo was warned off a winter move to Liverpool by Ruud van NistelrooyCredit: Getty
    The PSV boss admits Man Utd was Gakpo’s ‘dream move’ ahead of LiverpoolCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Gakpo, 23, was strongly linked with an Old Trafford transfer and came close to a deal last summer.
    But the Dutch international was unable to resist when Jurgen Klopp came calling after the World Cup.
    And Gakpo ended up swapping PSV Eindhoven for Liverpool in a £35million transfer.
    However, the ace has not started well at Anfield, failing to find the target in six matches.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Gakpo, who scored 34 goals in his final 18 months in Eindhoven, has looked uncomfortable playing in a variety of roles for Liverpool.
    And PSV boss Van Nistelrooy has reportedly now hit out at Gakpo for ignoring his advice about waiting until the summer for a “dream” switch to United.

    The former Red Devil said: “Gakpo’s dream move was Man United. I advised him to wait until the summer.
    “Something happened and he refused my advice and listened to Virgil van Dijk who tempted him to join his team.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    New Holland boss Ronald Koeman also feels Gakpo has made a mistake joining Liverpool.
    He added: “Gakpo has ended up in a team that is not doing well. If you don’t score or you’re not important and you don’t win matches, it’s very difficult, especially for a young player.
    “If that someone aged 28 with experience it would be different. The level in England is higher than in the Netherlands.
    “But they are also young boys, aren’t they? Like Ryan Gravenberch going to Bayern Munich and not playing. Then that is difficult.” More

  • in

    Prem clubs circle as Juventus set to let FIVE stars leave on free transfers including World Cup winners & Man Utd target

    JUVENTUS could be forced to let FIVE players leave on free transfers at the end of the season.The Old Lady were hit with a 15-point deduction last month following a transfer scam with Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici.
    Juventus could be forced to lose five of their best playersCredit: Rex
    This came after their ENTIRE board of directors resigned from their positions, including president Andrea Agnelli and vice chairman Pavel Nedved.
    As a result, the Italian giants are trying to cut costs at every opportunity. 
    And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport it could lead to Juve losing some of their best players.
    The report claims that Juventus have ended all contract negotiations, which will save them £62m.
    read more on football
    The five players that could be offloaded are Alex Sandro, Adrien Rabiot, Leandro Paredes, Angel Di Maria and Juan Cuadrado.
    Three of those started Tuesday’s victory over Salernitana, while Cuadrado was a second half substitute, which highlights how much of a blow it would be for Juventus to lose them.
    Paredes wasn’t involved, but he’s only on loan with an option to buy from PSG.
    Juventus were hoping to keep Cuadrado and Rabiot on board, but their off the field problems are likely to force them to sell.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Rabiot came close to joining Manchester United last summer before his move to Old Trafford collapsed.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea are long-term admirers of Sandro, who’s currently in his eighth season with the Turin giants.
    Should Juventus lose a host of their key players, the report claims that Massimiliano Allegri could look towards giving a chance to youngsters. More

  • in

    Man Utd share price rockets with Qatar group poised to bid for the club in DAYS with Glazers listening to offers

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s share price rocketed amid news that a Qatar group is poised to bid for the club.The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
    The Glazer family are listening to offers for the clubCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    United’s share price has rocketed since new of a Qatar group bidCredit: Getty
    A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at close to, or above, £6billion.
    Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank, tasked with the sale.
    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen.
    But according to the Daily Mail, a Qatar-based investment group will make a “huge bid” for United.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And that sent United’s share price rocketing by the close of play on Tuesday.
    They went up 6.30 per cent in after-hours at $21.12 last night, according to Benzinga Pro.
    According to this latest update, an offer for United is expected to be made in the coming days ahead of the mid-February deadline set by the Glazers.
    The investment group are said to be confident that their bid will blow any competition out of the water.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The Qataris are also putting fan engagement at the heart of their takeover bid.
    They will seek the views of supporters on the future of Old Trafford.

    However, a stumbling block that could block a takeover is Qatar Sports Investments’ ownership of PSG.
    One entity cannot own two clubs in the same competition — and United and PSG could meet in Europe.
    The bid for United would come from separate, individual Qatari investors and there is ZERO interest in taking a partial stake – something the Glazers have been interested in.
    French giants Paris Saint-Germain are currently under Qatari ownership, but as we reported previously, they are unable to redevelop the club’s iconic Parc des Princes stadium.
    But the potential United makeover could see Old Trafford demolished and completely rebuilt. More

  • in

    Man Utd interested in shock swoop for ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham as striker alternative to Victor Osimhen

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly placed Tammy Abraham on their transfer wishlist.The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
    Tammy Abraham is among the names on Man Utd’s transfer wishlistCredit: Rex
    However, boss Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer and has identified Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as his No1 target.
    They have also been linked with a swoop for Harry Kane, who became Tottenham’s record-goalscorer last weekend.
    Now a report in the Telegraph have claimed that United have also drawn up a list of potential back-up options.
    And one of those is Roma’s former Chelsea star Abraham, who is under contract until 2026.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The England international, 25, has proven himself to be a more than capable goalscorer in Italy since he joined Jose Mourinho’s side in 2021.
    He grabbed 17 Serie A goals and 27 in all competitions last season to help the club claim the inaugural Europa Conference League.

    But this term he has not been quite as prolific with just seven from his 27 appearances.
    Arsenal and Aston Villa have both been linked with moves to bring back the star back to the Premier League previously.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The switch to Roma ended Abraham’s 17-year affiliation with Chelsea.
    He joined the academy at Under-8s level and became a first-team regular after loans with Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa. 
    In 82 first-team appearances for the Blues, he managed 30 goals – including 12 in the 2020/21 season to make him the joint-top scorer. 
    The London-born ace also has three goals in 11 caps for England but was not selected as part of Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad. More

  • in

    Man Utd fans fuming after realising Premier League clash against Leeds is NOT being shown on TV

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are raging their game against Leeds tonight is NOT live on TV.Erik ten Hag’s side meet their rivals at Old Trafford for the first time this season, looking to make it 14 home wins on the bounce.
    Manchester United fans are unhappy with the game not being on TVCredit: Reuters
    The game was meant to be played on 18 September but was postponed following the death of Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
    Bizarrely, this evening’s fixture comes just four days before the teams meet again at Elland Road on Sunday.
    Although it’s United’s only free week until the middle of March due to Europa League and FA Cup commitments, so there wasn’t much choice.
    The Red Devils face Barcelona in their two-legged play-off round later this month before hosting West Ham in the fifth round of the cup on 1 March.
    read more on football
    Despite it being the only Premier League fixture taking place, it’s not being shown live on either Sky Sports or BT Sport.
    Even though each of their four meetings since Leeds have been promoted back to the top-flight have been picked for TV.
    And United fans on social media are far from happy with the decision.
    One said: “What a joke.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    A second admitted: “The fact that all English premier League games are not televised is an actual embarrassment, you can watch them all in the US.”
    A third chimed in with: “Why would they not broadcast this game, it’s a rivalry?”
    Another said: “Ridiculous that a game of this magnitude isn’t on the TV.
    “People pay a ton of money yet don’t get access to all the games. Something must change.” More

  • in

    How Man Utd could line up next season under Qatari owners with billions invested on transfers and Harry Kane up front

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be set for a huge transfer spree next summer if Qataris complete a takeover of the club.The Glazers have placed the Red Devils up for sale and a Qatari group is reportedly about to make a bid.
    Manchester United could be set for a big spending spree
    Declan Rice and Harry Kane are two top targetsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Napoli are reluctant to let Victor Osimhen leaveCredit: AFP
    The investment group are said to be confident that their bid will blow any competition out of the water, and want to significantly boost manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer kitty.
    As well as coughing up more than £6billion for the club, the Qatari group could face a project of redeveloping, or knocking down Old Trafford and building a new state-of-the-art facility.
    And investment in the playing squad could see some big name arrivals next summer, such as England pair Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
    Both have been frequently linked with a move to United, though West Ham boss David Moyes has warned it will take a British record fee to land Rice.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Tottenham also do not want to sell their record goalscorer Kane to a Premier League rival in the summer, though United could make them an offer they cannot refuse if they are flush with cash.
    The Red Devils have targeted Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen as an alternative to Kane, though it is believed the Serie A side are demanding £133million to let him leave.

    Another major target is Jude Bellingham, who is also attracting interest from Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
    Ten Hag missed out on several targets in his first transfer window and it is possible United could move back in for those players once they have some extra financial firepower.
    Most read in Football
    United could have a very different look next season
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Two players the Dutchman has worked with before, Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong, were both on United’s shortlist but rejected moves to Old Trafford.
    Ten Hag is still said to be keen on the pair, though he could have more urgent priorities, including signing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries.
    A new goalkeeper could also be on the agenda with Jan Oblak and Diogo Costa both linked over the last few months.
    Other players of interest include Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati, who would provide competition for places on the wing.
    Former Celtic right-back Jeremie Frimpong could also arrive as an upgrade for Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. More

  • in

    Erik ten Hag has turned Old Trafford into fortress again as Man Utd boss aims to rekindle Sir Alex Ferguson’s 12th man

    ERIK TEN HAG has rebuilt Old Trafford into a fortress once again.During Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United glory days, it was often said opposition teams would be beaten in the tunnel before kick-off.
    Erik ten Hag has rebuilt Old Trafford into a fortress
    The Red Devils will contest a Carabao Cup final and are in the race for a top-four finish
    United are on a run of 13 wins at home
    Contrast that to last term, when the Red Devils failed to win 13 of their 26 matches on their own turf
    Ten Hag has led United to 13 wins in a row at home in all competitions in his first season in charge.
    Contrast that to last term, when the Red Devils failed to win 13 of their 26 matches on their own turf.
    A 14th Old Trafford victory tonight would put Ten Hag’s men joint-second in the table but the Dutchman has warned they face a real ‘Roses’ battle against old enemy Leeds.
    As things stand, United’s win rate at home in the Premier League under Ten Hag is an impressive 80 per cent.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    That is their best since Fergie’s final season in charge in 2012-13.
    United’s points-per-game return of 2.5 at Old Trafford this term is also on par with that title-winning campaign under the legendary Scot.
    Ahead of United’s clash with Leeds, a buoyed Ten Hag said: “That was one of our aims this season, to get that back.
    “It was one of our aims as a part of the process to restore Manchester United to the top.
    Most read in Football
    United’s home form
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    “Our home form is good. Away we have also good results — but we can still show even more personality and be more convincing.
    “That’s the next step we have to make, to have the same personality on the pitch away as we have at home.
    “But I’m really happy with the process at home, it’s great to have that connection at Old Trafford — but when we play away a lot of fans are following us.
    “Nothing changes really. So in that fact, we can grow.”
    It promises to be another cracking atmosphere at Old Trafford for the visit of Leeds, in the first part of a double header before the Red Devils head to Elland Road on Sunday.
    Ten Hag knows the historic rivalry.
    He said: “It’s the match of the Roses, it’s definitely a big game in this part of England.
    “We have Manchester City and Liverpool — but for our fans this means so much. Our players are aware of that and know what to do.”
    Man Utd’s team stats this season
    United face a club who have just ditched manager Jesse Marsch, with Chris Armas — the ex-Old Trafford coach under Ralf Rangnick — now in temporary charge.
    Ten Hag has warned that having prepared for a certain style of opponent under Marsch his side must be wary of a different approach.
    One of only two defeats for United since the Manchester derby loss to City on October 2 came when Aston Villa had just appointed a new boss in Spaniard Unai Emery.
    Dutchman Ten Hag said: “When Jesse Marsch was at Leeds it was clear how they played — now it’s possible they change.
    “We will only find out on the pitch but we need good anticipation for that. Better anticipation, for instance, than against Villa.
    “The difference when Emery came in was they had a week to prepare and now they don’t have so much time.
    “We will see — but we need to be proactive.”
    Ten Hag does not agree with the sacking of Marsch, insisting such changes rarely work out for the better in football.
    Marcus Rashford’s revival has been one of Ten Hag’s key successes
    He said: “It’s always sad if a manager, a colleague, gets sacked.
    “In general I don’t believe in it, that you sack a manager and get better results, most of the time it doesn’t work.
    “Let the manager finish their work and make a good evaluation.
    “But the pressure is high with decision-makers and they turn.
    “But if you see the facts, most of the time it doesn’t work out well.”
    There are certainly no question marks over Ten Hag’s position and he insists he is very much in it for the long term at Manchester United.
    He said: “I always think about the long term to build a culture, to build a way to play — to develop players and develop the team.
    “In the long term, also, in terms of contracts and transfer windows, because I think that is the way.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I am not here for one year, I am here longer.
    “I see it as a long-term project to build here and how long it is then I have to see. Today you can’t tell.” More

  • in

    Qatar group ‘to bid for Man Utd in DAYS with Ten Hag set for huge transfer kitty as investors confident of Glazers sale’

    QATARIS are in the running to buy Manchester United and are set to launch a takeover bid in DAYS.The Glazers revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
    A Qatar-based investment group will bid to buy Man Utd and want to boost manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer kittyCredit: Getty
    The Glazers revealed late last year that they were willing to listen to offers for the Old Trafford clubCredit: AFP
    A redevelopment, or complete rebuild, of Old Trafford wouldn’t bee an issue for the Qataris
    A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying United, which could be purchased for a world-record price for a sports franchise at close to, or above, £6billion.
    Interest comes from the Far East, Middle East and United States with Raines Group, the merchant bank tasked with the sale.
    British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who happens to be a Man Utd fan, is also keen.
    But according to the Daily Mail, a Qatar-based investment group will bid for Man Utd.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The report states that “a group of private, high-wealth individuals based in the oil-rich state, buoyed by Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup, have set their sights on” the Old Trafford club.
    An offer is expected to be made in the coming days ahead of the mid-February deadline set by the Glazers.
    The investment group are said to be confident that their bid blow any competition out of the water, and want to significantly boost manager Erik ten Hag’s transfer kitty.
    As well as coughing up more than £6bn for the club, the Qatari group could face a project of redeveloping, or knocking down Old Trafford and building a new state-of-the-art facility.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    That could cost north of £2bn – but that would not be a problem.
    The Qataris are also putting fan engagement at the heart of their takeover bid.
    They will seek the views of supporters on the future of Old Trafford.
    However, a stumbling block that could block a takeover is Qatar Sports Investments’ ownership of European juggernaut, Paris Saint-Germain.
    One entity cannot own two clubs in the same competition — and United and PSG could meet in Europe.
    The bid for United would come from separate, individual Qatari investors and there is ZERO interest in taking a partial stake – something the Glazers have been interested in.
    A source is quoted as saying: “There are significant funds available.
    “These people are serious. They want to make sure that United are where they should be and they are confident theirs will be the strongest bid.
    “They want to strengthen the squad to put them back at the top but they also want this to be for the good of the community.
    “They also want to build on the success of the World Cup.
    “They recognise that Manchester United is the biggest football club in the world, the crown jewels, and there is a steely-minded determination to buy it and get it to where it should be.”
    Read More on The Sun
    A successful bid would enhance United’s rivalry with Manchester City, who are under ownership based in fierce Gulf neighbours, Abu Dhabi.
    It would also see United go up against Saudi-owned Newcastle.
    Man Utd’s next five games More