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    Man Utd target Kevin Trapp opens up about ‘nice’ transfer rumours with keeper ‘given assurances over playing time’

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Kevin Trapp has opened up on the rumours linking him with Old Trafford.The Red Devils’ interest in Trapp emerged yesterday as Erik ten Hag seeks to recruit competition for David de Gea.
    Kevin Trapp, left, appeared at the SportBild Awards alongside manager Oliver GlasnerCredit: Getty
    Asked about United’s interest at the SportBild Awards show last night, the Eintracht Frankfurt keeper remained coy – refusing to rule anything out.
    Trapp, who originally left the Bundesliga side for PSG in 2015 before later returning, said: “As I said during my first spell at Frankfurt, it’s always nice when rumours like this come out.
    “It’s a nice acknowledgement. But I can’t say anything about it.”
    Doubts have been raised whether Trapp, a six-cap German international, would risk leaving Frankfurt to play second fiddle at United in the months leading up to the World Cup.
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    But German outlet Kicker claim that the 32-year-old has been guaranteed game time and a four-year contract should he move to Old Trafford.
    They add that Trapp would be guaranteed to start Europa League and Carabao Cup matches – and would be given a genuine chance to claim De Gea’s No1 spot.
    Some figures within Old Trafford see De Gea as a weak link, particularly after his blunders during the 4-0 defeat at Brentford.
    It has also been questioned whether the Spaniard has the passing ability required to play in Erik ten Hag’s preferred system.
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    Dean Henderson briefly grabbed De Gea’s spot as United’s No1 during the 2020-21 season, starting ten of his side’s last 12 Prem matches.
    But after suffering from Covid during the following pre-season, Henderson lost his place and was handed just three appearances in all competitions last term.
    The one-cap England international grew desperate to leave United, hopping at the chance to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
    Tom Heaton has been the Red Devils’ sub keeper for their opening three matches of the season, although would drop back down to third choice should Trapp arrive.
    Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner revealed that he is desperate to keep his goalkeeper beyond the transfer deadline… but admitted it’s not up to him.
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    He said: “From a sporting point of view, I would of course like to keep such a great goalkeeper and person.
    “He is a great role model and always one of the first to arrive at training. But I’m not the final decision-maker.”
    David de Gea’s place could come under threatCredit: Rex More

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    Nine Man Utd stars whose futures are in doubt including Cristiano Ronaldo, Maguire and Shaw after Ten Hag rings changes

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag could be set to wield the axe on up to NINE players before the summer transfer window slams shut.Ten Hag made some bold choices in the crunch derby against Liverpool on Monday as he dropped wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo and under-fire captain Harry Maguire to the bench.
    Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way outCredit: Reuters
    The Dutchman’s decision paid off as he managed to change the mood at Old Trafford with an impressive 2-1 win over the Reds.
    That could be an indication that the 52-year-old tactician is planning some major changes in his squad for the season ahead.
    And that could spell the end for some members of the team.
    Here, SunSport take you through NINE players that could be on their way out of United before the transfer window closes on September 1…
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    Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to leave Manchester United this summer as he wishes to play in the Champions League.
    United, though, are not keen to let Ronaldo go and there doesn’t seem to be many suitors willing to sign him.
    The next weeks will be crucial but it doesn’t seem like manager Erik ten Hag is planning to build the team around the five-time Ballon d’Or winner this season after benching him against Liverpool.
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    Harry Maguire
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made it clear he supports Harry Maguire by retaining him as captain.
    Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was benched against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    However, Maguire has suffered a series of below-par performances recently and was dropped to the bench against Liverpool, while recent rumours suggest Chelsea enquired about bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
    Much will depend on the centre-back duo Erik Ten Hag chooses for the season, which could well be Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane who helped the Red Devils beat Jurgen Klopp’s side.
    Luke Shaw
    Just like Maguire, Luke Shaw has also struggled to impress in the last few years.

    Erik ten Hag signed fellow Dutchman Tyrell Malacia in the summer and he could well establish him as his starting left-back – particularly after his impressive display against Liverpool.
    If Shaw gets dropped to the bench he may look for a move away.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka appears to have fallen out of favour as Erik ten Hag prefers to start Diogo Dalot at right-back.
    Wan-Bissaka has been linked with a move to Barcelona as well as a return to Crystal Palace.
    Manchester United are reportedly looking to add at right-back as Dalot has also not been able to fully convince.
    Victor Lindelof
    As mentioned, Ten Hag is looking for the perfect centre-back pairing.
    And so far, Martinez, Varane and Maguire all appear to be ahead of Victor Lindelof.
    Lindelof has previously been linked with a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho at Roma.
    Donny van de Beek
    Donny van de Beek has failed to replicate the success he had at Ajax ever since he joined Manchester United in 2020.
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is not giving up on Donny van de BeekCredit: Getty
    Van de Beek couldn’t gel with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was sent out on loan to Everton for the second half of last season once Ralf Rangnick took over as interim boss.
    The playmaker was linked with a return to Ajax on loan, but Ten Hag – the man under which the Netherlands international flourished in Holland – is not giving up on him.
    Eric Bailly
    Eric Bailly looks set to leave Manchester United after six years at Old Trafford.
    Eric Bailly looks set to leave Manchester United and join MarseilleCredit: Getty
    Bailly seems close to joining Marseille after a loan deal was agreed with United.
    Ten Hag has sanctioned an exit so the centre-back can get the minutes he craves.
    James Garner
    James Garner stood out last season in the Championship while on loan at Nottingham Forest as he helped them gain Premier League promotion.
    But United appear to have decided to sell Garner, who has attracted interest from five Premier League teams.
    Tottenham, Everton, Southampton and Leeds are all said to be keen on the midfielder, with Forest uncertain of a reunion after recruiting heavily.
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    Brandon Williams
    Brandon Williams also shone while on loan last season at Norwich, who were relegated back to the Championship.
    Williams has been linked with a £15million move to Brighton during the summer transfer window.
    As it stands, the full-back would struggle to break into Ten Hag’s line-up. More

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    Man Utd’s stunning win over Liverpool simply papers over deep cracks… next owners have six key problems they MUST fix

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s monumental victory over Liverpool on Monday night only papers over the deep cracks.Erik ten Hag got the best out of the Red Devils as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford struck to complete the first win of the season and heap more misery on Jurgen Klopp’s team.
    Monday night’s win over Liverpool doesn’t hide the issues at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    The new owners must appease the fans in six key areasCredit: PA
    But the club remains in the pits – it is still for sale and whoever the new owners are, when they eventually arrive, there are six key areas they must address immediately.
    In order to take the club back to the top, here’s what they must do. 
    Fill the club with the best in class 
    Gary Neville was right when he said Manchester United should have “best in class” in every department. On the football and non-footballing side.  
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    For a club with the prestige and history of Manchester United, it’s important that football is put at the heart of everything they do.
    Yes, there’s a need for astute business and marketing, but if the football side of things is being run to the best of its ability, then the rest will take care of itself – and the money will pour in. 
    Refurbish Old Trafford  
    The Theatre of Dreams is rusting to say the least. The existing stadium needs a polish and then extended in the right areas, starting with the Sir Bobby Charlton stand.
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    The ideal would be to rebuild the stadium next to the existing plot, whilst playing in the current Old Trafford. You could then have two stadiums side-by-side – one for the men and women’s team. 
    Perception, look, and feel is everything. You only need to see the Old Trafford tunnel area and compare it to some of the more modern stadiums, to realise how amateurish it looks. 
    Improve the training ground 
    Manchester United’s training ground is the fourth or fifth best in the Premier League, never mind Europe.  
    It goes back to the earlier “best in class” comment. The very best football and business people need to be appointed, but they should be supported with the best facilities too. At the moment, this isn’t the case.  
    The players need to feel energised and excited about where they train. 
    Build academy  
    Once an identity and direction has been decided by a competent Director of Football, manager and coaching team, then it should be implemented and nurtured from the ground up.
    United need to be more competitive in their local area. Man City have more scouts, and youngsters of today would rather go to the blue half of Manchester than red.  
    The academy building at Carrington is like the rest of the training facility – just, ok. It needs a facelift and investment as well.    
    Recruitment  
    United have spent money since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, but it’s been spent poorly.
    Have a strategy and secure the best local talent.
    Spend money on the finest emerging talent in Europe, and be at the table for discussions with the best players who play for other teams in the Premier League and Europe.  
    United currently fail in each area. 
    Support Erik ten Hag  
    The new manager might make one or two more signings between now and the end of the window, but he hasn’t secured Frenkie de Jong, the one he really wanted.
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    This season isn’t a write-off, but it does feel like Ten Hag is working with one arm tied behind his back. It means that this campaign, expectation is at an all-time low, or was until Monday night.  
    Depending on when the takeover is complete, Ten Hag must be given all the help and support possible. Only then can we judge him.  More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea joined in Frenkie de Jong transfer chase by Bayern Munich as Germans consider Coutinho-style move

    BAYERN MUNICH have joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports. The Barcelona star has been pursued by the Red Devils all summer before Chelsea joined them in the race.
    Bayern Munich have reportedly joined Man Utd and Chelsea in the race for Frenkie de JongCredit: Getty
    Philippe Coutinho signed for Bayern Munich from Barcelona on loan with an option to buy but the Germans didn’t take up the offerCredit: AFP or licensors
    But Spanish press now claim Bayern are ready to swoop in with a late bid.
    The Bundesliga champions are said to be weighing up offering Barca a similar deal to the one that saw Philippe Coutinho join the club for one season from the Nou Camp three years ago.
    Catalan outlet Sport report Bayern would table a loan move with the option to buy.
    However, it is proving a difficult challenge to lure the Dutch midfielder away from Barcelona.
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    He is only willing to leave if he is paid the £14million he is owed in deferred wages.
    The 25-year-old has been at the Catalan giants since 2019 playing 142 times.
    Man Utd have just signed another midfielder in Casemiro but Erik ten Hag is not giving up on the chance to work with De Jong again.
    They are launching one final attempt to get a deal over the line with United chiefs flying to Spain to help seal the transfer.
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    On the contrary, reports from Sky Germany suggest Bayern Munich will not sign De Jong this summer.
    They are happy with new signing Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, who is also a product of the Ajax academy like De Jong.
    As for United, they have a number of transfers they are trying to complete before next week’s deadline.
    They want to bring in Ajax winger Antony with the transfer nearing completion, according to reports. More

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    Erik ten Hag rules out Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire transfer exits after Man Utd pair are axed for Liverpool win

    ERIK TEN HAG has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire won’t be leaving Manchester United – despite dropping the pair for Monday’s win against Liverpool.The duo fell victim to Ten Hag’s squad reshuffle after United’s consecutive losses to Brighton and Brentford.
    Erik ten Hag has revealed Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Man United this seasonCredit: Alamy
    The pair were axed for United’s win over Liverpool but Ten Hag is adamant they have a future at the clubCredit: Rex
    But the United boss’ shock decision to bench the high-ranking players paid dividends as the Red Devils appeased fan fury with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
    Ronaldo and Maguire’s omission from the starting line-up fuelled claims that they could be set for the United exit.
    CR7 was also perplexed by the decision to leave him out and expressed his confusion to Roy Keane when gatecrashing the pundit’s pre-match chat with Jamie Carragher.
    However, Ten Hag insists both players will remain at Old Trafford, as they’ve got important roles in the squad.
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    He said post-match: “I have decisions to make. Once I will say I have a squad and we have to use the squad.
    “We play 50 or 60 games, so game to game we will see what team we have to pick.
    “I don’t have to mention Harry Maguire and Ronaldo – amazing players and they will play role in the future, as well, and in the short future as well.”
    Ten Hag’s declaration will do little to ease fears of Ronaldo’s exit this summer.
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    The Portuguese ace begrudgingly returned to the United squad during pre-season training after making it known he wants to leave.
    And it seems like the only reason Ronaldo’s still at United is because he’s finding it hard to find new employers – with Borussia Dortmund being the latest club to rule out a move for the attacker.
    Chelsea could be one of the last clubs who may offer Ronaldo a new home as they pursue a new attacker in the wake of Timo Werner’s exit.
    The Blues have also been linked with a shock swoop for Maguire, although United plan to thwart any advances from their Premier League rivals. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘left mum in tears’ during ‘phone call after ace smashed her autistic son’s phone on the ground

    A MUM says she wept after allegedly clashing with “arrogant” Cristiano Ronaldo in a phone call when the ace smashed her teen son’s phone on the ground.Sarah Kelly, 37, spoke out after the Manchester United striker accepted a caution for an incident at Goodison Park last season.
    Mum Sarah Kelly says she was left in tears after Cristiano Ronaldo called her days after smashing her son’s phone to the groundCredit: Sarah Kelly
    The ace has apologised after he was caught on camera appearing to knock 14-year-old Jacob’s phone out of his hand
    The champ appeared to slap Jacob Harding’s hand as he left the pitch after his side were beaten by Everton.
    He later apologised to the 14-year-old, who has autism.
    Earlier this month, the Portuguese star was interviewed by police under caution in relation to an alleged assault and criminal damage.
    Merseyside Police later confirmed: “The matter has been dealt with by way of conditional caution. The matter has now concluded.”
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    But Sarah says she feels cheated – and claims Ronaldo has not even offered to replace the smashed phone, the Mirror reports.
    She was allegedly contacted by the player by telephone in the days after the incident but claims she was left “shaking and crying” because of his attitude.
    Ronaldo allegedly told her he hadn’t “kicked or punched anybody” during the chat.
    “I was raging and my heart was pumping,” she said.
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    Both Sarah and Everton fan Jacob have also been targeted by trolls.
    “It was disgusting. My boy has a heart of gold,” she said.
    “I’m scared to leave the house, always looking over my shoulder.”
    Sarah says she now plans to take legal action.
    “I want to see justice because there hasn’t been any,” she said.
    Jacob told the paper: “I looked up to him but he didn’t set an example that day.”
    It is understood that Ronaldo has agreed to compensate the Jacob and his mum.
    Man Utd bosses confirmed they won’t be taking action back in April.
    ACE’S APOLOGY
    Chiefs are believed to be happy with the ace’s apology.
    In a post online, Ronaldo said: “It’s never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing. 
    “Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game. 
    “I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship.”
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    He had been visibly angry as he made his way off the turf following the Red Devils’ dismal loss at the hands of struggling Everton.
    The United superstar appeared to lash out as he headed back to the away team dressing room.
    Everton fan Jacob had been recording the striker’s exit when the incident happened
    Ronaldo later posted an apology on social media. He has also accepted a cautionCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd transfer target Antony watches win over Liverpool from home with Ajax star closing in on £80m move

    MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Antony kept a close eye on the Red Devils as they defeated Liverpool 2-1 on Monday.Antony, 22, was pictured watching the Premier League clash alongside his brother Emerson Santos.
    Antony and his brother were watching Man Utd on MondayCredit: Instagram / @emersusantos
    Antony has been linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: Instagram / @emersusantos
    The duo posed for a selfie shortly before Santos posted an Instagram snap of the game on TV.
    Many United fans believe it was a deliberate transfer hint, with one person tweeting: “He’s coming to the theatre.”
    Another added: “Is this a sign?”
    A third said: “Safe to say Anthony definitely wants us.”
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    Man Utd went on to win 2-1 against bitter rivals Liverpool.
    Jadon Sancho opened the scoring just 16 minutes into the game with a superb strike.
    Marcus Rashford then doubled the advantage when he out-ran the Reds’ defence before slotting past a helpless Alisson.
    Mohamed Salah got one back for Jurgen Klopp’s side with ten minutes to go, but it was too little too late.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag hinted that a few more players could be on their way to Manchester before the transfer window shuts next month.
    He said: “You can never tell. We said from the beginning that we want to bring the right players in and not just any players in.
    “Now, again, we have the right player (Casemiro), I’m convinced of that. The window is not closed and you need numbers. But not only numbers, you need quality.”
    Antony has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
    Man Utd launched a £68million bid for the Brazil international last week, but it was knocked back by Ajax as club chiefs claimed that he was not for sale.
    However, Antony has since become unsettled at the club and has refused to train with the first team.
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    Ajax are now expected to allow him to leave if United make a suitable offer.
    The Red Devils have reportedly agreed personal terms with the winger, who is edging closer to a five-year deal. More

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    Man Utd ‘AGREE personal terms with Antony’ and expect to pull off transfer this week as they prepare £80m bid

    MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed personal terms with Ajax winger Antony and are preparing a new £80million bid this week, according to reports.The Red Devils are scrambling to bolster new boss Erik ten Hag’s squad, especially after their poor start to the season.
    United have agreed personal terms with AntonyCredit: Getty
    United lost their opening game to the Premier League season 2-1 to Brighton.
    They then followed it up with a humiliating 4-0 loss away at Brentford.
    Antony is in favour of a move to United, and didn’t train on Saturday – missing Sunday’s 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam as a result.
    And according to Nicolo Schira, United have already reached an agreement with Antony over personal terms.
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    The Brazil star, 22, has agreed to a five-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2027.
    United are also preparing a fresh £80m bid to try and tempt Ajax into selling and expect to seal a transfer this week.
    Ex-Tottenham ace Steven Bergwijn, who scored the winner in Sunday’s game, has wished Antony all the best and says “everyone has dreams”.
    The Dutchman said: “Antony? Everyone has dreams.
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    “If it happens, then I wish him all the best. I would find it sad if he leaves, but like I said, everyone has dreams.”
    Bolstering the midfield is also another area United are looking to improve on before the transfer window closes.

    And a £70m deal for Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro worth £350,000-a-week has been agreed.
    The Brazil star, 30, is in the country to complete a medical and sign off on the final details.
    However, he hasn’t been signed in time to play Monday’s game against rivals Liverpool. More