Transfer News

BORUSSIA DORTMUND are looking to sign Manchester United’s wantaway star Marcus Rashford.Rashford, 27, has fallen out of favour under new United manager Ruben Amorim and hinted at an imminent exit during the January transfer window as he is “ready for a new challenge”.Borussia Dortmund are trying to sign Manchester United star Marcus RashfordCredit: GettyDortmund are holding talks for Man Utd star Rashford behind the scenesCredit: ReutersAccording to Bild, Dortmund are keeping close tabs on the forward as they are in urgent need of reinforcement this month after losing Donyell Malen to Aston Villa.BVB’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl and managing director Lars Ricken have been holding discussions with the England international and the Red Devils behind the scenes.In fact, the Bundesliga giants’ tactics are quite similar to those they adopted to land Jadon Sancho from Chelsea on loan last season.Dortmund are “hotting up” their pursuit of Rashford, who is seen as a “serious option” despite financial hurdles regarding his release clause and contract, which is reportedly worth £325,000 per week.Read More on Man UtdTalks behind the scenes, are said to be focused on something more than just a simple loan deal.Rashford has also been linked with Barcelona despite their financial woes.According to Marca, Barca can only sign a new player as long as another makes way first.Ansu Fati, who spent last season on loan at Brighton, poses as a potential option to leave the Blaugrana.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesFati has struggled for minutes under new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia could also make way for the Catalan giants to sign the Man Utd star.Manchester United squad transfer verdict: stay or go? articleNevertheless, Flick’s side are likelier to consider a loan for the versatile forward. More

RUBEN AMORIM has told Alejandro Garnacho he will have to learn a new way of playing if he wants a future with Manchester United.The Portuguese boss admits the 20-year-old winger is not a natural fit for his system so he is having to adapt to a new way of playing.Ruben Amorim has warned Alejandro Garnacho he needs to ‘learn’Credit: AlamyGarnacho started versus Arsenal for the first time since he was axed from the squad by the managerCredit: GettyHis lack of action has alerted sides in Europe with Napoli among the clubs monitoring his situation as they look to potentially replace PSG bound Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.Reports have emerged claiming United want a fee of around £70m for Garnacho.Sunday’s FA Cup triumph at Arsenal was the Argentinian’s first start since he was axed from the squad for the Manchester derby last month.And Amorim wants to give him more opportunities – providing he is willing to change.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “That is clear – he has talent. He needs to learn to play in a different position. He needs to play better inside.“He’s improved a lot in the recovering position when he doesn’t have the ball. “But doing that, sometimes he is not in the right place to make transitions like he was in the past.“I prefer to defend and then build up with all the team to reach the final third. He’s finding the best way to play in this system.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“He’s improving during training. He started the last game. Let’s see on Thursday now.“I think he changed the way he sees himself.”Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Amorim also added that he will learn more from the clash with Southampton tomorrow than he did against Liverpool and Arsenal.The manager said: “This next game will teach me more about my players than the last two.”So I’m focused to see what kind of game we will play.”There was no expectation for us in the last two games, nobody expected us to win but now they are expecting us to win and play well.”So we will learn more.”Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More

HARRY MAGUIRE’S return to top form looks set to save Manchester United £70million.The 31-year-old has impressed since the arrival of Ruben Amorim and the club have triggered a one-year extension in his contract.Harry Maguire is set to stay at Man Utd beyond the end of the seasonCredit: PAUnited will no longer pursue a move for Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexMaguire’s £190,000-a-week deal was going to expire at the end of this season, with him expected to leave Old Trafford alongside fellow centre-backs Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.But United’s U-turn on his future means they no longer need to spend big on a replacement.The Mail report that the Red Devils were targeting a “ready-made” defender in the summer.Everton’s £70m rated Jarrad Branthwaite was high up their shortlist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut instead United are more likely to go for a younger and cheaper centre-back to add depth to their squad.The funds set aside for Maguire’s replacement can now be re-directed to improve other areas of the squad.Amorim is happy with the England star, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro as his centre-back options.The boss can also put Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw into his back three in makeshift roles.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMaguire’s improvement in form comes after he fell down the pecking order and was stripped of the captaincy under Erik ten Hag.But Amorim highlighted his importance to the squad, saying: “When you look at our team we are starving for leaders. He is a leader.”MOTD2 presenters in hysterics after spotting Man Utd stars’ response to Harry Maguire miss “I think Maguire coped very well with his struggles while when you loo at our team we are starving for leaders.”He has to improve that part and he has to improve our game and we are happy to continue with him.”United are also looking to trigger an extension in Amad Diallo’s contract.Man Utd squad transfer verdictSunSport gives its verdict on what Man Utd stars should stay or go in the first phase of Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild:Andre Onana – StayDespite being guilty of some erratic performances, Andre Onana remains a world-class goalkeeper and United would struggle to find better in the market.The defence has begun to look more solid in recent weeks now Amorim has had time to coach the structure into the team, and hopefully, that will be converted into clean sheets going forward.Noussair Mazraoui – StayThe best signing from the summer window so far, Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be everything Man Utd needed and more.Versatile, reliable and passionate no matter whether he plays at wing-back or centre-back, it is a no-brainer to keep the Moroccan.Leny Yoro – StayAfter a pre-season injury, Leny Yoro has taken some time to bed in but he has shown some superb moments in a Man Utd shirt already like his lung-busting run to block a Liverpool shot in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier this month.At the age of 19 he will only get better and while too much expectation should not be thrust on him just yet, the early signs suggest he could be a mainstay in defence for years to come.Harry Maguire – GoThe last time we did this list Harry Maguire was one of our main defensive options to be sold, but since Amorim has come with the back three the England international has barely put a foot wrong.The issue with Maguire is that while he is perfectly suited to a back three, he will be 32 in the summer and has just one year left on his contract, so if a serious offer comes in he should regrettably be sold.Matthijs de Ligt – StayMatthijs de Ligt has been very hit or miss since arriving in the summer. Capable of heroic last-ditch tackles like he did at Arsenal and also capable of some very silly passages of play like his handball against Liverpool.In many ways, the Dutchman seems like a younger version of Maguire and given some more time to bed in he should improve even more.Lisandro Martinez – StayHas really started to grow into the Amorim system in recent games after a very sticky patch of form.He is one of the team’s best progressive passers in the build-up phase and has the dogged mentality this team will need to improve and claw its way up the table.Luke Shaw – GoIt’s been said that one of the best abilities is availability, and that rings incredibly true for Luke Shaw.World class on his day and is clearly still capable of finding those levels, as seen at less than full fitness with England at the Euros. But he is simply not available often enough to warrant keeping.Tyrell Malacia – GoTyrell Malacia is still recovering his match sharpness from his two-year injury layoff, so it is a bit harsh to make a verdict on him so soon.The current concern is that United will need to aggressively recruit specialist left wing-backs in the summer, and Malacia so far has not looked totally comfortable playing there.Manuel Ugarte – StayQuestion marks were being raised about him after his first few games. But under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte has once again become the lynchpin of his midfield.He knows the system inside out and is one of the Premier League’s most proficient ball winners. It would be madness to consider his sale next summer.Kobbie Mainoo – StayDespite reports that Chelsea and Bayern Munich want to sign the 19-year-old, Kobbie Mainoo should be one of the few genuinely untouchable stars at the club and his contract situation needs sorting ASAP.He has quality and aspects to his game not possessed by many other midfielders, and with improvements to the stars around him, he and Ugarte should be able to form an effective partnership for many years to come.Casemiro – GoCasemiro unfortunately seemed to lose his legs going into his second season at Man Utd. And with the 3-4-3 system demanding even more running from him, it is clear he simply does not fit the bill for what the club need going forward.It would also help the club’s financial goals to see him sold due to his massive £375,000-a-week wages being taken off the books.Bruno Fernandes – StayThe club captain, Bruno Fernandes has faced a lot of criticism since taking the armband for his erratic decisions and losing his temper.Yet he remains the best player in the squad by some distance and shows the mentality the squad needs to improve. Besides it’s not like United’s most famous captain of the Premier League era, Roy Keane, was exactly cool-headed.Antony – GoThere’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history, with games too often passing him by and lacking quality when he is involved.That being said, he has improved in a number of brief cameos when featuring as a wing-back under Amorim. But unless there is a plan for him to learn the position and become a specialist he should be moved on.Marcus Rashford – GoIt was not supposed to end like this. Once the darling of Old Trafford and Carrington, Marcus Rashford’s comments admitting he wanted a new challenge were probably the final nail in the coffin for his Man Utd future.There is a classy player in there if he can find the motivation to love his football again. A sale to a rival should be ruled out for fear of exactly that, while a sale overseas should be targeted and pushed by the club.Amad Diallo – StayHas taken a real liking to his role as either the right No.10 in the 3-4-3 or as the right wing-back.Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season and was rewarded with a new deal as a result.Alejandro Garnacho – GoArguably the trickiest star on the list, Alejandro Garnacho has bags of raw talent to elevate him to being world-class. But recent off-field issues and poor form have doubt cast on his future.If, as reports suggest, a major bid of £60m from the likes of Napoli comes in there will be a tough decision to make. Though it may be the financial situation of the club which ultimately tips the scale.Joshua Zirkzee – GoJoshua Zirkzee has certainly been hit-and-miss at United so far. He has had some games and moments where he has looked very impressive, and others where he is simply not good enough.He has a very unique profile which makes him top drawer in the right system, it is just United will probably never play the right way for him to truly excel.Read our verdict on the full Man Utd squad here. More