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    Man Utd transfer chief John Murtough reveals club ‘WON’T be busy in January’ leaving fans shocked amid striker shortage

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer chief has revealed the club “WON’T be busy in January” – leaving fans stunned.The Red Devils are in need of a new striker following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit.
    John Murtough revealed there will not be lots of activity in the January market for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    But director of football John Murtough put the brakes on supporters’ expectations.
    Murtough said at a fans’ forum in December: “While we will be exploring options, I don’t expect it to be a busy January window.
    “January is a difficult time to find players that teams are willing to let go.
    “It’s no secret that we’re looking for a new centre-forward.
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    “We’ll see what’s possible in January but we only want to bring in players who are good enough, and who will make the squad stronger.
    “We’re not going to sign players for the sake of making signings.
    “You also need to remember that we invested over £200million in the squad last summer and, as a club, we need to remain financially disciplined and compliant with FFP rules.
    “As always, the main focus remains on the summer window, and we’re already well under way with our planning for next summer.”
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    Some fans were furious with the comments, though.
    One replied: “Total rubbish they are basically writing off another season when United are in the top four and in all their cup competitions.
    “Last year it was waiting for our new manager in the summer, do these people think our fanbase is believing their spin.”
    Another said: “Load of nonsense. Simply passing the buck and saving more pennies for the [Glazers].
    And a third added: “Can’t wait for this man to be sacked – couldn’t learn from the troubles of last season.”
    New manager Erik ten Hag oversaw huge spending in the summer to bring in Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Lisandro Martinez for more than £200m.
    But the Dutchman has made it clear he still wants to bring in further recruits, especially after slamming the club’s recent record in the window.
    Ten Hag said: “The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.
    “Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough.
    “United’s shirt weighs heavily. Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.”
    The club were interested in landing Holland World cup star Cody Gakpo but he joined Liverpool for £37m instead.
    Joao Felix continues to be linked with a loan move while an Old Trafford return for Memphis Depay’s remains on the cards.
    Read More on The Sun
    But in terms of genuine No9s, the latest player targeted by United is Burnley’s Wout Weghorst.
    The 30-year-old is currently on loan at Besiktas in Turkey but the deal could be terminated to allow a temporary move to the Theatre of Dreams. More

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    ‘Do you have pennies?’ – Erik ten Hag’s hilarious response when kids ask if he will sign Mbappe & Bellingham for Man Utd

    ERIK TEN HAG was quick on his toes when he was asked by kids if he would sign Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham for Manchester United.The Red Devils are among the clubs interested in signing Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund after his impressive performances for the club and for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
    Erik ten Hag was asked by kids if he would sign Kylian Mbappe and Jude BellinghamCredit: TikTok / @astarfootballmemorabilia
    In response, the Manchester United manager asked the crowd if they ‘have any pennies’Credit: TikTok / @astarfootballmemorabilia
    The two players are among the best in Europe at the momentCredit: Getty
    Whereas Mbappe is already considered one of the best attackers in the world following his consistent goalscoring exploits with PSG and France.
    The duo are probably among the most wanted players in Europe due to their ability and young age.

    While Ten Hag was driving out of Manchester United’s training ground in Carrington, he stopped to sign some autographs and posing for pictures.
    During his encounter, he was filmed as one fan asked “Do you think you’re going to sign Jude Bellingham?”
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    Ten Hag responded saying, “I want to but”, and before he finished his sentence, the fan also asked, “or Mbappe”.
    And while he was about to answer, another fan suggested, “can you get both?”
    To which he replied: “Ah, do you have some pennies for me?”
    The reply went down as well as people started laughing and the fan replied: “We will find the pennies for you.
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    “You just keep doing what you are doing, we will find the pennies.”
    The 52-year-old has confirmed that he would like to bring in a forward this month following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    He said: “Two things. Impulse can come out of our own club. See Garnacho, see Elanga, see Pellistri, who made a good impression at the World Cup and also in training. That is first.
    “Second, yes, we are aware we lost a striker, so I think we have to get a striker in, but it has to be the right one.
    “The right one is a player that brings quality to the team, not just adding to the squad because that only gives you problems.
    “And, you know the criteria is high here at Manchester United.” More

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    Man Utd worst transfers XI since Sir Alex Ferguson as Ten Hag blasts ‘average’ signings with Di Maria and Van de Beek

    MANCHESTER UNITED have made some horrendous signings in the last decade.The club has spent absurd amounts of money in recent years to try to return to the glory days experienced under the great Sir Alex Ferguson.
    Erik ten Hag has slammed Manchester United’s transfer dealings in recent yearsCredit: AFP
    The club has spent obscene amounts of money following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departureCredit: GETTY
    But their scattergun strategy in the transfer market has yielded poor results and impressed very few, including manager Erik ten Hag.
    The Dutchman recently said: “The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.
    “Most purchases have been average – and at United average is not good enough.
    “United’s shirt weighs heavily.
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    “Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.”
    Ten Hag’s fresh criticism of his predecessors’ transfer dealings got SunSport thinking of United’s worst XI of transfers since Fergie’s departure ten years ago.
    See our selection below…
    Manchester United’s worst XI since Fergie’s departure

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    Victor Valdes
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    The former Barcelona stopper’s arrival at Old Trafford in January 2015 wasn’t surprising given he’d been rehabbing a knee injury there a few months prior.
    But what was surprising was the fact he only made TWO appearances for the Red Devils before being farmed off to Standard Liege on loan and eventually permanently to Middlesbrough.
    Alex Telles
    Alex Telles was expected to give Luke Shaw a run for his money following an impressive debut after his £15million move in October 2020.
    But the vulnerabilities he showed last year did little to impress Ten Hag, who opted to loan him out to Spanish big boys Sevilla for the 2022-23 campaign.
    Harry Maguire
    England international Harry Maguire’s world-record move to the Theatre of Dreams from Leicester came with huge expectations.
    But despite his valiant efforts, the centre-back has yet to prove he’s worth the £80million the club splashed out to acquire his services – with lapses of concentration, poor positioning and reading of the game repeatedly being his downfall.
    This season, he’s found himself out of favour with even left-back Luke Shaw being preferred in the middle by Ten Hag.
    Harry Maguire has yet to justify his £80million feeCredit: GETTY
    Matteo Darmian
    Italy international Darmian showed promise during his early United career under Louis van Gaal but ultimately found himself cast to the fringes following the Dutchman’s sacking.
    Donny Van de Beek
    Netherlands international Donny Van de Beek was one of the most sought-after midfielders when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him to Old Trafford for £35million.
    But the former Ajax man has yet to establish himself in the starting XI, making a paltry 60 appearances – a lot of which have come from the bench – in three seasons.
    Donny van de Beek has found himself on the fringes at Old TraffordCredit: REX
    Dan James
    Big things were expected of former wonderkid Dan James – especially when he scored on his debut in a 4-0 rout of Chelsea in August 2019.
    But his shortcomings – namely his lack of end product – soon became evident and prompted the club to sell him to Leeds in the summer of 2021.
    Paul Pogba
    United’s record signing returned to Old Trafford in 2016 as one of the biggest and most-pursued players on the planet.
    But sadly – and annoyingly – for Red Devils fans, the France star’s moments of brilliance were too far and few between.
    Paul Pogba’s return to Old Trafford proved to be a failed experimentCredit: REUTERS
    Angel Di Maria
    Two years before Pogba, World Cup winner Angel di Maria arrived from Real Madrid as one of the biggest names in world football.
    The signing of the Argentine was seen as a major coup at the time and a statement of intent from the club.
    But he failed to settle in Manchester in part due to a burglary at his home and only scored four goals in 32 appearances – which ultimately paved the way for a swift move to Paris Saint-Germain after just one season.

    Jadon Sancho
    After tearing it up in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, England international Jadon Sancho arrived at Old Trafford with the expectation of being an instant hit.
    That hasn’t proven to be the case just yet, despite his best efforts.
    There is still time, however, for the winger to turn things around, although his lack of end product as of late could soon test the patience of Ten Hag.
    Jadon Sancho has yet to hit the heights he reached at Borussia DortmundCredit: GETTY
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    The global icon made a triumphant return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 – 12 years after his move to Real Madrid.
    Ronaldo was the club’s top goalscorer last season but his second stint at the Theatre of Dreams ended controversially thanks to a rift with Ten Hag and a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan.
    It led the club to terminating his contract last December and left many United fans scratching their heads.
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s second Old Trafford stint proved to be disappointingCredit: AP
    Alexis Sanchez
    Although United didn’t dip too deep into their pockets to prise Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal five years ago, his signing couldn’t have been any more of a disaster.
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    The Chile international failed to hit the heights he reached at the Emirates – scoring a mere five goals and racking up nine assists in 45 appearances.
    And his dismal displays for the Red Devils came while he was pocketing an outrageous £505,000 a week. More

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    Man Utd given Joao Felix transfer deadline as Atletico demand £9.5m loan fee AND commitment to buy at £70.5m

    MANCHESTER UNITED have until the middle of next week to secure a loan deal for Joao Felix, according to reports.The Atletico Madrid forward, 23, joined the Spanish giants for £113million back in 2019.
    Joao Felix is being heavily linked with a move away from Atletico MadridCredit: EPA
    But he has failed to live up to that price tag, contributing just 38 goals and 14 assists in 130 games.
    An alleged falling out with Diego Simeone means Atletico are now willing to offload him.
    However, they are refusing to let Man Utd seal the Portuguese international for a cut-price.
    Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes met with the LaLiga side’s CEO Miguel Angel Gil on Thursday to put forward the Red Devils’ loan offer of £3m.
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    United also said they would be willing to pay the player’s wages.
    But according to The Mirror, Atletico rejected that bid and are thought to be holding out for a loan fee of £9.5m AND an obligation to buy for £70.5m.
    They are now giving United until the middle of next week to complete a deal.
    Erik ten Hag’s men are understood to have first option on Felix and will have 48 hours to match any other offers.
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    Arsenal are also renewing their interest following a failed pursuit in the summer, with Mendes set to meet Gunners chiefs to discuss the move.
    Felix scored for Atletico against Elche on December 29 but was then left out of Simeone’s squad for their Copa del Rey win over Oviedo on Wednesday.
    Meanwhile, United are lining up Burnley striker Wout Weghorst as an alternative should they miss out on Felix.
    The 30-year-old Dutchman is currently on loan at Besiktas, but he appeared to say goodbye to the fans after scoring for the Turkish side on Saturday.
    Man Utd are in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Their only options to lead the line currently are Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – who is proving effective on the left-hand side. More

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    David De Gea facing HUGE pay-cut to stay at Man Utd as club look to implement ‘Ronaldo rule’ on wages

    MANCHESTER UNITED star David De Gea will reportedly have to accept a significant pay-cut to stay at Old Trafford.De Gea’s £375,000-a-week contract runs out in June and United are said to have offered the goalkeeper a far lower “take it or leave it” deal.
    Manchester United star David De Gea will have to accept a major pay cut to stayCredit: PA
    Manchester United have introduce a “Ronaldo rule on wages”Credit: Getty
    According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils have introduced a “Ronaldo rule” to ensure nobody is paid significantly more than their team-mates.
    Salaries will be capped at £200,000-per-week with the Spain international the first to be impacted.

    The 32-year-old will be offered a new deal in the region of £180,000-£200,000-a-week.
    Before Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from Manchester and subsequent move to Al-Nassr, he was earning a staggering £480,000-a-week.
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    But chief executive Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag will now employ a squad-wide pay cap in order to avoid a culture of jealousy.
    Bruno Fernandes signed a new five-year deal in 2022 and is believed to be earning within the pay bracket.
    The same goes for Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Casemiro’s salaries.
    And United have also imposed wage sanctions in players’ contracts for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
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    Recent reports suggest De Gea is willing to accept a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
    The Spaniard said last week he is confident talks to stay at the club will end “in a good way”.
    However, United are preparing for contingency plans in case De Gea doesn’t put pen to paper.
    That is why they are also keeping tabs on Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer and Porto’s Diogo Costa among others. More

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    Wout Weghorst waved ‘goodbye’ to fans before talking to his club about Man Utd transfer claims Besiktas coach

    BESIKTAS manager Senol Gunes has claimed Wout Weghorst said “goodbye” to the fans on Saturday amid speculation over a move to Manchester United.The Dutchman, 30, is currently on loan at the Turkish outfit from Burnley.
    Wout Weghorst headed to the Besiktas fans after scoring on SaturdayCredit: Getty

    But there are strong rumours he could end his spell there prematurely if Erik ten Hag’s side are able to strike a deal.
    Weghorst scored the winner in Besiktas’ 2-1 victory over Kasimpasa on Saturday.
    It takes his tally to nine goals in 18 appearances for the club this season.
    After netting his side’s second goal, he walked towards the adoring fans, kissed the badge and appeared to thank them for their support before waving to the crowd.
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    Boss Gunes took this as the Netherlands international bidding farewell, but insists Weghorst must speak to the club about his situation.
    Following the win at the weekend, the Besiktas head coach said: “Weghorst is an important player for us.
    “It is not enough to say goodbye to the audience. He also needs to talk to the club. I have heard of such a development, but it is not clear.
    “I’ll consider [him] leaving after I talk to both him and the club.”
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    Man Utd are in need of a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Their only options to lead the line currently are Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford – who is proving effective on the left-hand side.

    A loan move for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix has been considered but Man Utd are refusing to meet the Spanish side’s asking price. 
    Atletico want a £13.5million loan fee, with Felix’s £6m wages also needing to be covered.
    And Weghorst, who scored a stunning brace against Argentina at the World Cup, has emerged as an alternative.
    However, he did struggle in England with Burnley during the second half of last season.
    The Clarets were relegated as the ex-Wolfsburg man mustered just two goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances. More

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    Man Utd planning to introduce ‘Ronaldo rule’ which will limit player salaries to £200k a week to avoid jealousy

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly preparing to introduce a “Cristiano Ronaldo rule” which will see salaries limited to £200,000-a-week.The Red Devils’ most recent annual wage bill was around £228m – the biggest in the Premier League.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was earning nearly £500,000-a-week at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    David de Gea will see his wages slashed dramatically if he signs a new dealCredit: Getty
    Before Ronaldo’s departure to Al-Nassr, he was earning a staggering £480,000-a-week, while keeper David de Gea is still raking in £375k every seven days.
    However, according to The Mail, chief executive Richard Arnold, director of football John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag are set to employ a squad-wide pay cap in order to avoid a culture of jealousy in the dressing room.
    And that means De Gea, who is out of contract this summer, will be offered a new deal in the region of £180,000-£200,000-a-week.
    The Spanish keeper, who has been at Old Trafford since 2011, revealed last week his belief that talks with the club will end in a “good way”, but this new wage reduction could dampen that optimism.
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    Bruno Fernandes signed a new five-year deal back in April and is believed to be earning within the pay bracket.
    Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Casemiro are said to be on similar salaries.
    And the Man Utd players have wage sanctions written into their contracts for failing to qualify for the Champions League.
    Luke Shaw, whose deal expires in 2024, will reportedly be offered a wage packet in the same range.
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    However, this self-imposed cap will make it difficult to tie down Marcus Rashford.
    It was reported in the summer that Paris Saint-Germain were willing to pay the England international a staggering £850,000-a-week to bring him to the club.
    That would more than quadruple his current weekly wage which stands at £200k.
    United did trigger an extension in his deal earlier this season to keep him until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
    But they will still be eager to secure a long-term contract given his recent form.
    Rashford already has 13 goals and six assists in 24 appearances for Ten Hag’s side this season. More

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    Man Utd transfer blow as Borussia Monchengladbach chief says Yann Sommer will NOT be allowed to leave in January

    MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a transfer blow in their bid to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.United are keeping tabs on Sommer during the January transfer window amid doubts over David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
    Manchester United are keeping tabs on Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann SommerCredit: Getty
    Gladbach insist Manchester United target Yann Sommer won’t leaveCredit: Getty
    The Red Devils, though, are facing intense competition from Bayern Munich who are looking for someone to fill in for Manuel Neuer, who broke his leg in a skiing accident.
    But Gladbach director Roland Virkus insists the Switzerland international, who is also targeted by Inter Milan, won’t be allowed to leave the Borussia-Park mid-season..
    Virkus told the Rheinische Post: “We will not let Yann Sommer go in January. We have also informed Bayern.”
    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Bayern have taken the message and will consider recalling Alexander Nubel from his loan stint at Monaco.
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    Romano tweeted: “Sommer remains a target for Inter as a free agent for June.
    “FC Bayern will now focus on Alex Nubel deal with Monaco.”
    United are preparing a contingency plan in case De Gea doesn’t sign a new contract in June when his current deal runs out.
    However, recent reports suggest the Spain international is willing to accept a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
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    The Red Devils have the option to extend De Gea’s 12-year stay but are having doubts due to his huge salary.
    The Manchester giants will instead enter into discussions with the Spaniard and his representatives “in an attempt to persuade him to pen fresh terms on reduced wages”.
    But the shot-stopper is prepared to accept the salary cut in order to stay.
    That would save United the trouble of signing a new goalkeeper especially after landing Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace. More