Man Utd transfer news live - latest updates on Benzema move and Martial exit

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Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Lingard eyes MLS move

Former Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard could be set to rebuild his career in MLS after his new agents liaised with clubs in the United States over a potential move.

The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season after his lucrative one-year deal came to an end. He last played a competitive game back in April and has since trained with both West Ham and Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq - without earning himself a permanent deal.

However, it appears that the 32-time England international is now more determined than ever to end his exile from the game as he parted company with his former representatives recently. Now, his new agents have put the feelers out to teams in the US, with the Portland Timbers reportedly among the sides interested in his services.

According to the Daily Mail, the man who scored the winning goal in the 2016 FA Cup final is being 'monitored' by the MLS outfit currently. Previously, links with David Beckham's Inter Miami came to nothing, while Wayne Rooneyruled out signing his fellow former Old Trafford star during his tenure at D.C. United.

Read the full story here

(Getty Images)

Rashford's motive behind celebration

Marcus Rashford has revealed the motive behind his new goal celebration after facing criticism from Roy Keane.

Rashford scored five minutes before half-time to help United retake the lead against Tottenham on Sunday. Rasmus Hojlund had opened the scoring for the Red Devils three minutes into the Premier League clash, but Richarlison equalised to peg them back.

England international Rashford then performed a rapid one-two with Hojlund before firing the ball into the far corner. He celebrated by gesturing a mouth with his hand, appearing to hit out at the criticism directed at him and his team-mates during their struggles this season.

However, Rashford insists that his gesture was in response to those who called him out for being disloyal to United for commenting on Jadon Sancho's Instagram post confirming his move back to Borussia Dortmund.

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Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

(Paul Currie/REX/Shutterstock)

Ratcliffe's main targets

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has set his stall out at Man Utd and wants a forward who is on a similar level to Harry Kane.

The Evening Standard reports that they also want a No8, a centre-back and a right-back. Kane was linked with an Old Trafford move in the summer but the club opted to pursue Rasmus Hojlund.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe alongside Sir Alex Ferguson during Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham (Getty Images)

Sevilla sign Hannibal

Sevilla have confirmed the signing of Hannibal Mejbri, with the midfielder joining from Manchester United on loan with an option to buy.

It is understood Sevilla will pay United £14million next summer if they want to sign Hannibal permanently, plus an additional £3m in add-ons. The deal will also include a buy-back option which will be valid until June 2026, as well as a hefty sell-on fee.

Man Utd make Benzema decision

Manchester United have ruled out a move for Karim Benzema to help solve their goalscoring crisis, writes David McDonnell.

United have been linked with the former Real Madrid striker, 36, with Erik ten Hag's side struggling to find the net. But United have not approached Benzema's representatives about a move to Old Trafford, due to his age and wages estimated at £86million-a-season.

Benzema only joined Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ittihad six months ago, after bringing to an end his glittering 14-year spell at Real. But the former France striker has fallen out with manager Marcelo Gallardo, after he failed to report for the team's pre-season training camp.

Despite Benzema's potential availability, United do not see the veteran forward as a viable option, even on a short-term basis. Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the market for a striker, but it remains to be seen if either are willing to consider offering Benzema an escape route from Saudi.

Read the full story here

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Neville's "poor advice" on transfers

Gary Neville admits he's given "pretty poor advice" by suggesting to players they should make the move to Manchester United.

The Sky Sports pundit spent his entire career at Old Trafford and played during a trophy-laden era under one manager. He retired just two years before Sir Alex Ferguson did in 2013 with United enduring a major decline since. Huge sums have been spent in an effort to recreate the success of yesteryear.

Numerous players have failed to hit the heights expected after moving to Manchester with Neville conceding that Old Trafford has become a "graveyard" for players and admits he's wrongly urged individuals to make the move to the club.

Neville said on Sky Sports: "I have spoken to players before they come here saying, 'You'll never regret it, it's a magic football club'. Looking back that's pretty poor advice."

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Gary Neville has admitted he gave players "pretty poor advice" by telling them to join Manchester United (Sky Sports)

Varane open to Man Utd extension

Manchester United's Raphael Varane wasn't among the players to see a contract extension triggered earlier this season, but he could yet stick around.

According to Sky Sports, the centre-back is still in 'dialogue' with United over an extension, though this could end up being on reduced terms.

Varane returned to the starting line-up in December after Harry Maguire's injury, and has started each of United's last three matches in the Premier League.

(Nigel Keene/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)

Dortmund chief defends Sancho

Borussia Dortmund 's sporting director Sebastien Kehl claims Jadon Sancho is "more mature" and - despite criticism of his time keeping - has been deemed "over-punctual".

The winger finally managed to end his difficult period at Manchester United, which saw him frozen out of the first-team after publicly criticising manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman cited a need to raise standards in Manchester with Sancho becoming renowned for his lateness.

The England international failed to justify his £73million fee while at Old Trafford despite being a roaring success during his time playing in the Bundesliga. Sancho is now back at Dortmund and Kehl has heaped praise on their loan signing.

He told : "I experience Jadon as changed, I experience him as more mature in his personality. He knows that he is challenged and that he is coming to Borussia Dortmund in a different role. He's always on time - even over-punctual. He seems incredibly motivated and committed and to see such a player on the pitch is fantastic. I think we'll have fewer problems than in the past."

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DARMSTADT, GERMANY - JANUARY 13: Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between SV Darmstadt 98 and Borussia Dortmund at Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on January 13, 2024 in Darmstadt, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Onana misses AFCON opener

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has missed Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations opener after his travel plans were thrown into disarray.

Onana played for United in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Sunday, before boarding a private plane to travel to the Ivory Coast where AFCON is being staged. Cameroon's campaign was due to get underway at 5pm on Monday when they face Guinea at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

However, the Manchester Evening News reported that Onana's jet was left 'stranded around 150 miles away in Abidjan' as the airport in Yamoussoukro has been surrounded by fog, meaning planes were prevented from landing.

As a result, Sports Vibes said that Onana attempted to travel to the stadium by car, with the journey taking around three hours. However, he has not been named in the starting XI to face Guinea, with Nimes goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa playing instead.

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Olise reservations

Manchester United's interest in Michael Olise isn't fully approved by everyone behind the scenes at Old Trafford, it has been claimed.

Olise signed a new contract with Crystal Palace last summer, despite interest from Chelsea. The French under-21 international's new deal is understood to contain a release clause in the region of £60m, though this won't come into effect until the summer.

According to ESPN, a move for Olise would involve defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Palace. United exercised an automatic extension option on Wan-Bissaka's contract earlier this season to protect their investment, but the £50m man's current deal now expires in June 2025.

However, Wan-Bissaka's struggles at Old Trafford are said to be behind the reservations held by some at United over Olise. The defender hasn't hit the heights expected of him since joining from Palace in 2019, while another former Eagles star - forward Wilfried Zaha - swiftly returned to South London after struggling during a brief spell as a United player.

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(Nigel Keene/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)

Man Utd remain in pole for Scalvini

Manchester United remain in pole position for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports in France (via The Express).

Erik ten Hag's side have done business with Atalanta before, bringing in Rasmus Hojlund and Amad from the Italian side, but there is a fair amount of competition for youngster Scalvini.

Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned regularly in connection with the 20-year-old, who has shown his quality in Serie A, but United are said to still hold the upper hand.

Ratcliffe's Man Utd fate

Sir Jim Ratcliffe should have known not to tempt fate with this current Manchester United side.

"We normally do well against Spurs," said a smiling Ratcliffe before Sunday's 2-2 draw, echoing Sir Alex Ferguson's infamously dismissive "lads, it's Tottenham " pre-match team talk. Yet when a team has lost almost half of its matches, you cannot take anything for granted, as Ratcliffe discovered at his first match since making his £1.25billion investment in United.

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Onana boards private jet

Andre Onana has jumped on a private jet as he flies out to be part of Cameroon's Africa Cup of Nations ambitions.

The Manchester United goalkeeper delayed his departure to remain in between the sticks for his club for as long as possible. Dialogue had been going on between United and Onana's country to ensure he would still be available for Sunday's draw with Tottenham.

United were held 2-2 with Rodrigo Bentancur smashing home a second-half equaliser. Several other African stars, the likes of Mohamed Salah, jetted out several days ago. Onana flew out last night as he aims to be part of Cameroon's clash with Guinea at 5pm on Monday.

The United No.1 is set to be on the bench with his distant cousin Fabrice Ondoa, who plays in the French third division, expected to take the gloves for the match. Onana missed Cameroon's warm-up game against Zambia to play in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Wigan last week.

Onana wanted to remain at United as he feared losing his No.1 spot to his understudy Altay Bayindir, who arrived in the summer. Erik ten Hag spent £47million to land Onana from Inter Milan in the summer, but he's yet to convince at Old Trafford.

Read more here.

Mainoo patience

Paul Ince is pleading for Manchester United to be patient with Kobbie Mainoo but the former midfielder concedes their current engine room sorely lacks the tenacity the 18-year-old can provide.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, speaking on behalf of luckyblock.com, Ince said: "There’s a lot of technical ability but I don’t see the pace or the understanding of a defensive midfield player. [Ten Hag] has tweaked around it and Mainoo has come in looking a really good prospect but they have to be careful with him. They need to take him in and out.”

You can read the full interview right here.

Man Utd interest in Medina

Manchester United have 'concrete' interest in signing Lens defender Facundo Medina.

A report from Calcio Mercato, relayed by Sport Witness, states that both United and Brighton are keen on the 24-year-old, who has made 21 appearances so far this season.

Ince warning to INEOS

Paul Ince is calling on Sir Jim Ratcliffe to introduce a complete overhaul of Manchester United's recruitment strategy.

Former midfielder Ince believes too many flops have landed at Old Trafford in recent years and the club must change how it works in the transfer market if they are to become competitors at the top of the Premier League once again.

Read our exclusive interview with Ince, who was speaking on behalf of luckyblock.com, right here.

Rashford criticised by Keane and Redknapp

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has been criticised by both Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp following his pointed goal celebration against Tottenham.

Rashford, 26, scored a goal at Old Trafford for the first time in eight months to put United 2-1 up at home to Spurs on Sunday. The England international was straight-faced while running towards the delighted crowd, sliding on his knees and raising his right hand in a talking motion - seemingly a message to his critics.

Ex-United captain Keane, while impressed with the quality of Rashford's finish and the Red Devils' "sexy" build-up play, told Sky Sports after the game had ended 2-2: "We need to see more, he's showed it before, he's got the quality. Why does he seem to be upset with everybody? He's got to go and enjoy it he's playing for Man United."

Read more here.

Shaw suffers injury setback

Luke Shaw was due to feature for Manchester United in their clash with Tottenham - only to suffer another injury setback.

The 28-year-old was set to start at left-back but pulled out in the eleventh hour with a fitness concern, leaving Aaron Wan-Bissaka to fill in on the left side of defence for the first time in his career. Shaw missed 10 straight Premier League games earlier this season due to injury.

Erik ten Hag explained his thinking, with Diogo Dalot remaining on the right and Wan-Bissaka shifting out to an unknown position. He said: "On Monday against Wigan, he played for a part of it. We expected Luke Shaw, we trained with Luke Shaw in preparation for this game, but this morning he dropped out, not fit enough to start.

"So to change then back, what we trained, what was our gameplan would have been too much so we decided to put Azza on the left and keep Diogo on the right side."

Read more here.

Man Utd 'discuss' Olise move

Manchester United have discussed a summer move for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise - but any potential deal would see Aaron Wan-Bissaka returning to Selhurst Park.

That's according to ESPN, who report that United want to sign the Frenchman and are planning to wait until the summer, rather than complete a deal this month.

Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in Olise.

Hojlund's stern message

Rasmus Hojlund has hit back at criticism over his Premier League form after he scored his second goal in successive matches during Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

Speaking after the game, Hojlund reflected on his goal and the criticism faced at him after struggling to fire in the Premier League. He told Sky Sports: "There's been a lot of focus about me not scoring in the Premier League but I've always believed in myself.

"It's taken time but it's not like I've not been scoring goals. My team-mates help me everyday. You can always take the confidence with you from the earlier games. It's instinct."

Read more here.

Hannibal to leave Man Utd

Sevilla have agreed to sign Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 20-year-old midfielder will complete a loan move to Spain, with the option of a permanent transfer in the summer.

United will also insert a buy-back clause in the deal.

West Ham considering Martial move

West Ham are interested in signing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, according to CaughtOffside.

Martial, 28, is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave Old Trafford after nine years of service.

United would like to get Martial off their books sooner, but he wants to fight for his place under Erik ten Hag.

Yet an offer from West Ham could tempt the France international to leave in January.

It's believed Inter Milan and Fenerbahce are also keen on signing Martial.

But the player has little interest in moving to Saudi Arabia.

Anthony Martial's Manchester United contract is close to expiring (Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images)

Sensational Benzema transfer

Manchester United are considering a shock move for Karim Benzema, according to reports in South America.

Benzema, 36, left Real Madrid last summer after 14 years of service.

The former France international joined Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, but the move hasn't gone to plan.

Although he's scored 15 goals in 24 games in all competitions, Al-Ittihad are seventh in the Saudi Pro League and out of contention for the title.

It's claimed United are interested in offering Benzema the chance to return to Europe to solve their striker crisis.

Erik ten Hag's side have struggled in front of goal this season and could do with a striker of Benzema's calibre.

A loan deal until the summer is being rumoured, although United may decide against such a move after signing fellow veterans Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years.

Neither of those transfers really worked out.

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Neville pleased with Ratcliffe presence

Gary Neville was encouraged by Sir Jim Ratcliffe turning up to the game at Old Trafford - something which the Glazers have rarely done.

"You have to feel optimistic [about him]," Neville said during Sky Sports commentary duty. "He’s present, which is really important."

Sadly, United couldn't quite deliver the three points to improve Ratcliffe's day, but there were still positives to take from the performance.

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'Agreement reached' for Hannibal move

Hannibal is set to undergo a medical during the week ahead of completing a loan move to Sevilla, according to Fabrizio Romano.

A full agreement has reportedly been reached, with the Tunisian set to join the Spanish side on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

Sevilla will also have the option to make the move permanent if they like what they see.

Hannibal was one of several players due to be out of contract this summer, only for United to trigger an automatic extension before sending him out on loan.

Benzema questions amid United loan link

Karim Benzema has emerged as a surprise name in the Manchester United gossip column this month.

The French striker joined Al-Ittihad over the summer, but the Manchester Evening News suggests he has been left out of the Saudi side's squad for their Dubai training camp.

Benzema has had no trouble scoring goals since his Saudi switch, though reigning champions Ittihad have been off the pace, prompting them to dismiss manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Finances could yet stand in the way of any United pursuit, with Benzema on big money at his current club, even if former United star Louis Saha has called on the team to consider a swoop.

Former United star Bebe makes AFCON debut

Remember Bebe? The forward didn't achieve much in Manchester United colours, but his form in Spain has earned the former Portugal Under-21 international a place in Cape Verde's Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The Rayo Vallecano star missed out on the last edition of the continental tournament but has been thrown straight in this time around, starting against Ghana.

Underdogs Cape Verde took the lead inside 20 minutes, with Jamiro Monteiro putting away a rebound agaisnt Chris Hughton's Ghana, and the Black Stars saw an equaliser ruled out shortly before half-time following a VAR check.

Bebe playing for Cape Verde against Ghana (AFP via Getty Images)

Ten Hag happy players showed fight in front of Ratcliffe

Manchester United might not have been able to take all three points, but there were positive signs in front of the watching Jim Ratcliffe.

"I think we can bring more calmness and composure on the ball," manager Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports. "We gave so much space away so it is challenging to pass the ball in midfield."

"He (Ratcliffe) will have seen a team fighting for each other and trying to get a win. He will have seen two great goals."