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    Out-of-favour Man Utd midfielder ‘will be allowed to leave club this summer’ weeks after telling Ten Hag he is unhappy

    MANCHESTER UNITED will allow a key player to leave this summer after he told manager Erik ten Hag he’s “unhappy” at Old Trafford.United are looking to turn the page come June during new part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first summer transfer window in charge with a special emphasis on young talent.Eriksen has raised frustration with his lack of minutes to Man Utd boss Erik ten HagCredit: GettyManchester United will allow Christian Eriksen to leave this summerCredit: EPAEriksen told Ten Hag he is ‘unhappy’ with his role at Man UtdAnd the Red Devils seem set to build their midfield around rising star Kobbie Mainoo, who is in talks over a new long-term contract following a breakout season under Ten Hag.That could see some other notable figures making way for a new generation of talent.Christian Eriksen could be among them after falling down the pecking order.According to The Mirror, Eriksen, 32, will be allowed to leave the Manchester giants come June.Read More on Man UtdThe playmaker has previously raised frustrations over his lack of game time during private talks with Ten Hag.And United are open to selling the Denmark international as he approaches the final year of his deal.Galatasaray have already shown interest in the ex-Tottenham star, who won’t be short of suitors at the end of the season.The Dane also enjoyed a stunning six-month spell with Brentford two years ago after his stunning return to action following his shocking cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.Most read in FootballEriksen previously said: “I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night.”The team is performing, and I must respect the role I have alongside. For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer window”I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.”He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team.”Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. “Naturally, you don’t want to always sit on the bench. I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now. “Often when you change teams and win, you don’t change the winning team, and I respect that.” More

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    Man Utd ‘add Bayern star to three-man list as they hunt centre-back transfer’ with Maguire and Varane futures unknown

    MANCHESTER UNITED have drawn-up a three-man shortlist of centre-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.New partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to revolutionise the Red Devils’ squad ahead of next season.Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to significantly strengthen United’s squadCredit: PAImproving their defence is set to be on the agenda, with a trio of targets having emerged.According to transfer expert Rudy Galetti, United are interested in Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano.He adds that the Frenchman is open to a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga, having played in Germany since 2017.Upamecano has featured in just seven minutes of Bayern’s last four Bundesliga games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 25-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order of late, falling behind former Tottenham star Eric Dier.Come the summer, the 6ft 1in defender will have two years remaining on his Bayern contract.He initially joined the German giants from RB Leipzig in 2021, and has since played 107 times for them.Also on United’s list is Upamecano’s French compatriot Jean-Clair Todibo.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDayot Upamecano tussles with Marcus RashfordCredit: PAJean-C;air Todibo battles Kylian MbappeCredit: RexTodibo, 24, plays for Nice, owned by Ratcliffe’s Ineos.He has impressed in Ligue 1, and was strongly linked with Tottenham earlier this season, before the Lilywhites signed Radu Dragusin.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson The third defender on United’s radar is Benfica’s Antonio Silva.The 20-year-old has attracted plenty of interest with his performances in his native Portugal.In addition to United, he has also been linked with Chelsea this season.Galetti adds that there remains uncertainty around the futures of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.Maguire, 31, was strongly linked with West Ham last summer after being stripped of the United captaincy.But after snubbing the Hammers, he managed to fight his way back into the first team picture at Old Trafford.Varane, meanwhile, has had a topsy-turvy season.Earlier in the campaign he found himself sidelined by Erik ten Hag, withJonny Evans preferred.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe later fought his way back into the team, and has been a regular in recent weeks.The former Real Madrid star will have just a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season.Antonio Silva has impressed for Benfica this termCredit: Getty More

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    Getafe manager says Man Utd will decide Mason Greenwood’s future and club are ‘happy’ with on-loan striker

    GETAFE are “happy” with Mason Greenwood – but his future will be decided by Manchester United.The 22-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at the Spanish club from the Red Devils.Mason Greenwood’s future will be decided by Man UtdCredit: GettyGetafe boss Jose Bordalas says he is ‘happy’ with GreenwoodCredit: GettyGreenwood has impressed for Getafe, scoring eight goals in 27 games in all competitions.And the club appear open to keeping him but know the situation is out of their hands.Manager Jose Bordalas said: “In the end his club decides and also the boy’s intentions regarding his future count. “But I can say we are happy with his behaviour and his performance.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDReports have suggested that United could demand £40million for Greenwood.Getafe are unable to afford such a hefty fee and instead want to extent his loan stay beyond the summer.But SunSport understands that Man Utd are not willing to loan Greenwood out again and would prefer to cash-in or keep him.European giants like Barcelona and Juventus are potentially interested in signing him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, a controversial return to Man Utd remains on the table as some of his team-mates are open to his comeback.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently refused to close the door on Greenwood, saying: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he could still have a future.Star Mason Greenwood believes returning to Manchester United could solve his parents’ marriage problems“All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“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. READ MORE SUN STORIES“What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.“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. More

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    Chelsea hand trial to Nigerian wonderkid who scored TEN goals in six matches in Italian youth tournament

    CHELSEA have given a trial to 18-year-old Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim.The striker met up with Mauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea squad at Cobham earlier this week.Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim is currently on trial at ChelseaAfter undergoing strength and conditioning exercises in the gym, Ibrahim trained with the first team on Thursday.He is set to remain with the squad on trial over the next few weeks.Before being invited to London, Ibrahim was on the verge of joining Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.While he was waiting for his flight to Norway the teenager was notified that Chelsea had expressed an interest in him, but he initially didn’t believe it.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAs he boarded the plane he then received a video call from Joe Shields, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent, and Raheem Sterling.Ibrahim travelled to Bodo and trained with the squad, but quickly decided to take his chance in West London.Before flying to England, the striker scored 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup, a youth tournament that took place in Italy.Should he sign for Chelsea, Ibrahim is expected to join partner club Strasbourg on loan in France.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, if he isn’t handed a contract, clubs in Spain and Italy will be ready to swoop.The striker currently plays for Ojodu City in Nigeria.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino? More

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    How Man Utd could line up under Zinedine Zidane with Jude Bellingham making shock transfer from Real Madrid

    MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with one of the most exciting teams in Europe if Zinedine Zidane becomes their next manager.The Frenchman has been out of work since 2021 after a second spell with his beloved Real Madrid.Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to take charge at Man Utd this summerCredit: AFPZidane is a huge admirer of Jude Bellingham… and the feeling is mutualCredit: GettyBut he has now been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at United by former team-mate Julio Baptista.The Brazil icon and former Arsenal loanee told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think Zidane will be a Premier League manager someday.“He is an incredible coach with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening.“I can see him going to Manchester United.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDShould Zidane make the stunning switch to Old Trafford, he could target several players to reinvigorate United’s squad.Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham would likely be top of his list in one of the most incredible transfers in history.The midfielder only moved to Spain for an initial £88.5million from Borussia Dortmund last summer.Bellingham has been nothing short of superb with 20 goals and nine assists in 31 outings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut the Birmingham legend has made no secret of his admiration for Zidane.And the feeling is mutual, with Zizou saying this week: “Jude Bellingham is spectacular, we are lucky to have him in the Real Madrid. He is very good and I hope he brings many trophies.”Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowShould a mind-blowing deal ever go through, it would likely see Bellingham join new England team-mate Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes completing the triumvirate.Another Real player strongly linked with United is Rodrygo, who is more than capable of finally fixing the side’s problem area on the right wing.And alongside Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils would finally have an attack ready to challenge for the title.As for defence, Andre Onana is unlikely to be on the move any time soon.Indeed, he has the same profile as Zidane’s former Real goalie Keylor Navas, which bodes well for his ball-playing instincts.Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are unlikely to be muscled out of the backline anytime soon.But it could mean a reprieve for Raphael Varane, who is another player with strong links to Zidane.He still has a year left on his United contract and could fancy a last dance alongside his fellow Frenchman.Varane could be joined by a new centre-back though, with Juventus’ Gleison Bremer long linked with a switch.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis physicality and technical skills would make him an ideal presence in Zidane’s defence.But it would also leave the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans sweating over their futures.Zinedine Zidane’s managerial careerThose brilliant numbers in full…

    Real Madrid Castilla, 2014-2016: P57 W26 D17 L14 GD+30

    Real Madrid, 2016-2018: P149 W105 D28 L16 GD+235

    Real Madrid, 2019-2021: P114 W69 D25 L20 GD+103

    Trophies: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup x2, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup x2 (Real Madrid) More

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    Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle star on shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth as Toon’s next sporting director

    AC MILAN legend Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle ace Hugo Viana are among the candidates to replace outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth at St James’ Park.Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave as the Magpies and Manchester United continue to negotiate a complicated deal that could see him moving to Old Trafford this summer.Paolo Maldini is among Newcastle’s candidates to replace sporting director Dan AshworthCredit: GettyAshworth appears set to move to Manchester United this summerCredit: PAThe 53-year-old’s contract runs out in 2026 and United are trying to thrash out a compensation deal with the Toon who have demanded double the £10million offered.According to inews, however, the Tyneside giants are preparing for the ex-Brighton chief’s exit by drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates.Among them are Maldini, 55, and Viana, 41, who worked wonders at Milan and Sporting Lisbon respectively.The Rossoneri’s legendary captain, who amassed a staggering 901 appearances at the San Siro where he also won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies during his 25-year stint, worked as technical director for his beloved club after retiring in 2009.Read More on FootballThe Italian great was a major catalyst behind Milan’s young squad winning the Scudetto in 2022 and making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.The renowned defender has been out of work since June last year following reports of a falling out with club owners over the direction of the team.Viana has also experienced tremendous success at Sporting during his six-year stint as director of football.The former playmaker, who registered four goals and nine assists in 61 appearances during his four-year stint at Newcastle until his departure in 2006, was crucial in the Portuguese giants’ title triumph in 2021 – their first in 19 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Paul Mitchell, who earned plaudits for his marvellous work at Southampton and Tottenham, is the Premier League giants’ first choice.Benfica’s Rui Pedro and ex-Roma chief Tiago Pinto complete Newcastle’s shortlist.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry reveals the player who scared him – and he played against him just onceThe new sporting director is expected to work alongside manager Eddie Howe despite this season’s struggles as the 46-year-old tactician is still highly rated by the club’s hierarchy. More

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    Man Utd ‘want Jarrad Branthwaite transfer as Everton star targeted with Maguire and Varane futures up in the air’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly targeting a summer move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.The 21-year-old has been a key player for the Toffees this term, featuring 31 times under Sean Dyche.Man Utd are lining up a summer move for Everton ace Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexThe futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are in doubtCredit: APHis form resulted in a maiden England call-up for the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Branthwaite did not make his Three Lions debut after being left on the bench.But the centre-back is widely seen as the future of England’s defence.And the Telegraph claims United are now lining up a bid amid doubts over the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBoth players are out of contract in 2025, with Varane a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia.As for Maguire, there is an option to extend his deal until 2026.But West Ham are ready to lure him to London with the offer of first-team football.And with new United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to trim the fat, both players could be sold to make room for fresh faces.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBranthwaite would certainly fit the bill, having already impressed on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.It’s believed he is valued by Everton at over £50million.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The Toffees are hoping to beat relegation despite being docked six points for breaching financial rules.But their chances of keeping Branthwaite will be virtually zero if they drop down to the Championship.United are also in the market for a striker to play back-up to Rasmus Hojlund, while they are also keen on a right-back.A new central midfielder could also be on the agenda should Casemiro also depart.But it’s Branthwaite who is currently top of the list, with the youngster still dreaming of making England’s Euro squad.Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He’s played consistently well. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We watched him as a back-up centre-back at the Under-21 finals last year and if you would have said then he would play as consistently well at PL level as he has, I would have questioned that. “That is a credit to him. He’s good with the ball, shows good composure and mentality and we don’t have many left-footers.”Jarrad Branthwaite’s career statsThose numbers in full…

    Carlisle United, 2019-2020: 14 games 1 goal

    Blackburn Rovers, 2020-2021: 10 games 0 goals

    PSV Eindhoven, 2022-2023: 36 games 4 goals

    Everton, 2019-2024: 44 games, 3 goals

    England U21s, 2023-2024: 6 games, 0 goals

    Trophies: Dutch Cup (PSV); U21s Euros (England U21s) More

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    Man Utd ‘chasing £52m-rated Spain international but face competition from Real Madrid, Chelsea and City’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo, according to reports.The Red Devils are set to spend big this summer, with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to overhaul the first team squad.Man Utd are interested in signing Dani OlmoCredit: GettyClub chiefs have started to draw up a list of potential targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window.And the Dail Mail claim Olmo is currently one to watch.The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, has a £52million release clause that becomes active this summer.Some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are monitoring his progress ahead of a potential transfer battle at the end of the season.Read More on FootballOlmo has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 19 appearances for RB Leipzig this season.He started the campaign with a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup and has continued to impress.The 25-year-old starred for Spain against Brazil on Tuesday and scored an impressive solo goal.The match ended 3-3 following a late equaliser from Lucas Paqueta.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROlmo has impressed for RB Leipzig this seasonWhile Olmo is a key name on Man Utd’s transfer wishlist, manager Erik ten Hag also wants to sign a striker, centre-back and full-back this summer.However, the club’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof are among those expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.Meanwhile, the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Joao Gomes, Rodrygo and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to the club. More