Man Utd news live - Ten Hag dodges contract question, De Jong transfer back on

Good night

Thanks for following. That's your lot for today.

Macheda urges Ratcliffe to keep Old Trafford

Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has begged Sir Jim Ratcliffe not to bulldoze Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe is pondering his options to expand United’s home, and the 32-year-old forward wants him to redevelop the existing structure where he scored that famous winner in a 3-2 victory against Aston Villa in April 2009.

“The first day I signed for Manchester United when I was a kid, walking inside the stadium gave me a special feeling. I’d never seen something like it. It’s magical,” he told the Daily Mail.

“It’s not only the place where I scored the goal, it’s home for everybody who supports United. When I went back, it was the same. Obviously, it needs to be upgraded but the history of this club is also this stadium, Old Trafford.”

Man Utd make recruitment appointment

Manchester United have hired Sam Williams from Ipswich Town to take over their recruitment of players between 17 and 21 years old.

Williams has been working as Ipswich's head of recruitment since April 2022 and has been part of the Tractor Boys' success under ex-United coach Kieran McKenna.

Solskjaer calls on Rashford to take responsibility

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested that Marcus Rashford needs to use his boozy trip to Belfast as motivation to improve his performances for Manchester United.

"Obviously I managed Marcus for three years and I know him,” Solskjaer told Reuters. “It's not my job to go out and discuss his performances, but last season he was fantastic and it's about consistency in football.

"Marcus and many others haven't hit the heights this season. I'm sure he had a wake-up call last week and hopefully that will spur him on. Is it the manager's job to get the best out of him, or is it mostly himself or any player's responsibility to get the best out of yourself? I think that's more it."

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

Southgate monitoring Mainoo

England manager Gareth Southgate has been impressed by Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo.

"He's doing brilliantly," he said. "I'm not certain he's necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He's quite a progressive player but he's had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward."

(Getty Images)

De Jong 'open' to Man Utd transfer

Here. We. Go. Again.

Manchester United and Frenkie de Jong, the ultimate love story, could be back on this summer. Erik ten Hag has been trying to sign the Dutch midfielder ever since arriving at the club. He's been unsuccessful, but could it finally happen this summer?

Well, Sport reckon so. United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are all keeping a close eye on De Jong because there has been no progressive in contract talks at Barcelona.

United are apparently 'very attentive' to De Jong. Let the flirting begin again.

Frenkie de Jong (Eric Alonso)

Blue cards delayed

IFAB have decided to postpone their announcement on blue cards after being shocked by the backlash.

Football's lawmakers were due to announce the move today, but will now discuss it further next month.

Napoli get head start in race for Zirkzee

Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee is attracting a lot of attention, with Manchester United, Milan and Juventus all chasing him.

But La Repubblica reports that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has already met with Bologna chiefs to lay down the groundwork for a potential swoop. Zirkzee is valued at €50million (£42m), partly because Bayern Munich have a buy-back clause worth €40m (£34m).

Napoli could be flush with cash this summer, with Victor Osimhen set to leave for a huge fee.

Man United and Arsenal have both been linked with Joshua Zirkzee (Getty Images)

United linked with £51m striker

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Lille striker Jonathan David.

David has been banging in the goals in Ligue 1 for some time and could be on the move in the summer. And Belgian outlet Voetbalkrant says his old club, Gent, are waiting for their payment.

Gent sold David to Lille in 2020 and stand to benefit when he moves again due to a clause in the deal. The report says the 24-year-old could command as much as €60million (£51m) this summer if United chase him.

Villa test

Manchester United have hit a bit of form, winning four and drawing one of their five games in 2024 so far. But Sunday's trip to Villa Park will represent a major test for Erik ten Hag's side.

Villa were exceptional at home in 2023 and thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 in their last Premier League game. But Unai Emery's side were turned over 3-1 by Chelsea in the FA Cup in mid-week and could be vulnerable.

If United beat Villa then their recovery under Ten Hag will suddenly look much more real. With Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund in brilliant form, they have a young core leading the way.

ICYMI - Turkish transfer window to close today

Clubs in the Premier League are still able to offload players to teams in the Turkish Super Lig today, though a late rush is not anticipated.

Galatasaray were linked with Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen, but a summer approach now looks more likely.

Former United winger Wilfried Zaha already plays for the reigning Turkish champions, who finished above Erik ten Hag's side in their Champions League group.

Sunday match huge for Villa's top four hopes

Aston Villa go into Sunday's game eight points clear of Manchester United Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes defeat for Unai Emery's team could be hugely damaging for their Champions League hopes.

"On December 22, Villa could have gone top of the league had they beaten Sheffield United at home. They drew 1-1.," Carragher wrote for The Telegraph.

"Since then, they have dropped a further eight points, including squandering a two-goal lead to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"Emery’s thrilled reaction to the goals in the emphatic 5-0 win over Sheffield United last weekend underlined he is trying to lead the team out of a rut.

"The manner of the Chelsea defeat [in the FA Cup] was a concern. If they fail against United, those chasing will sense they can be reeled in."

Barcelona could sell De Jong this summer

Stop us if you've heard this one before.

According to Relevo (via Football Espana), Barcelona are open on cashing in on long-term Manchester United target over the summer.

United failed to land the former Ajax man in the summer of 2022, but that hasn't stopped rumours resurfacing in every window since.

De Jong's future is said to be "more open than ever before". Hey, maybe it's different this time.

Could Bayern's Redondo interest revive Kimmich links?

Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich is among the players to have been linked on and off with Manchester United in recent windows.

The German international has remained in Bavaria, with Bayern seeing efforts to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha fall short over the summer.

Now, though, Thomas Tuchel's side are reported to be in the search for a new number six in the form of Federico Redondo, potentially clearing the way for a Kimmich exit.

According to Sport Bild (via Get German Football News), Argentinos Juniors star Redondo is one of a few names on Bayern's radar along with Palhinha and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

Redondo, 21, was a regular for Argentinos in the 2023 campaign as they qualified for the Copa Sudamericana.

Ten Hag says United yet to make decision on defensive pair

Erik ten Hag was asked about the future of Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans ahead of Sunday's game against Aston Villa.

Both centre-backs are out of contract in the summer, with United at risk of losing them for nothing if no agreement can be reached, but "We haven't made that decision yet," was Ten Hag's answer

United opted against triggering an option in Varane's deal around the turn of the year which would have given him a year's extension on the same terms, while Evans only signed a one-year deal after leaving Leicester at the end of last season.

United 'insist' on €70m defender deal

Manchester United are showing no signs of walking away from a deal for Gleison Bremer, despite Juventus sticking a price tag of €70m on the defender

According to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), the Premier League club 'insist' on a deal for the Brazilian, who joined Juve from Torino in 2022.

Centre-back Bremer only signed a contract extension in December, but reports in Italy indicate United see him as a player with the necessary characteristics to take them forward, amid continued questions over Raphael Varane's future at Old Trafford.

Former United man Blind to miss Real Madrid test

This weekend brings a top-of-the-table clash in Spain, with surprise package Girona taking on Real Madrid.

Former Manchester United defender Daley Blind has played his part for Girona, who are on a 15-game unbeaten run in the league.

However, the Dutch international will miss the game, as will manager Michel, after appeals against their suspensions proved unsuccessful.

Blind's ban comes after a yellow card in stoppage time during last weekend's goalless draw with Real Sociedad, with manager Michel shown a red card during the game.

Ratcliffe looking to avoid Champions League woe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is attempting to curry favour with UEFA chiefs to prevent a Champions League headache.

Ratcliffe's other club Nice are pushing for Champions League qualification via their Ligue 1 finish, presenting potential issues for United.

According to the Daily Mail, UEFA's general secretary Theodore Theodoridis took in United's victory over West Ham last weekend, with Ratcliffe's INEOS group also holding talks with UEFA figures in Switzerland.

United are said to be confident of things working out, in the light of multi-club ownership not preventing Brighton or Aston Villa featuring in Europe this season.

Get the lowdown on the complicated European situation

United keeping tabs on Dutch wonderkid

Dean Huijsen has been catching the eye in Italy, with Manchester United looking at the Dutch teenager.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United are monitoring the 18-year-old, who made his Serie A debut for Juventus in October.

Roma brought Huijsen to the Stadio Olimpico on loan in January, and United are reportedly one of three teams 'keeping an eye' on the centre-back along with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Kambwala opens up on 'dream' after United debut

Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala has opened up on his 'special' debut, having only ever had United in his sights.

The youngster was thrown into the starting line-up for the trip to West Ham in December, and has made three further appearances in the league and FA Cup.

"The dream was about Man United," the teenager told club media. "And that's it. No other club.

"Even England, I wasn't thinking about England. I was just thinking about Man United. I don't know why but, since as far back as I can remember, it was just Man United.

"I couldn't watch [that much] football but it was Man United, Man United all the time.

"That's the dream I had. So, to be here, was just so special to me because it was the thing I wanted."

Garnacho celebration theory comes to light

West Ham striker Michail Antonio has admitted he is jealous of Mohammed Kudus' celebration, which was mimicked by Alejandro Garnacho in last weekend's win for Manchester United against the Hammers.

“That is Kudus’ celebration, that’s Mo’s celebration," Antonio said on the Players Channel podcast (via United in Focus).

"They took it to heart that he done that, [but] thats his signature celebration, no one was doing that before. I’m not gonna lie, I’m jealous because that celebration is hard, I wish I thought of that myself.

"So it’s either they were doing it to rub it in his face, or they were doing it because how good the celebration is.”

Collymore 'worried' about United catching Villa

Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore is concerned another Manchester United win against his old club could blow the Champions League race wide open.

"It could be one of those game where Villa walk away winning 3-1 or we get done by four or five, which seems mad saying it out loud because of how good Aston Villa have been this season," Collymore told Genting Casino.

"I worry about the phycological damage that could happen to Aston Villa if Manchester United put a few away.

“With around a third of the season left to play, with Hojlund starting to find some momentum, it would be so typical of Manchester United securing that fourth spot after everyone has been talking about Tottenham or Aston Villa taking it this season. It’s a massive game.”

Turkish transfer window to close today

Clubs in the Premier League are still able to offload players to teams in the Turkish Super Lig today, though a late rush is not anticipated.

Galatasaray were linked with Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen, but a summer approach now looks more likely.

Former United winger Wilfried Zaha already plays for the reigning Turkish champions, who finished above Erik ten Hag's side in their Champions League group.

Malacia and Martial injury update

Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial remain sidelined ahead of Manchester United's weekend trip to Villa Park.

The pair are part of a growing injury list, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka suffering a setback and Mason Mount still some way from returning amid a difficult first season at Old Trafford.

Lisandro Martinez is also out, of course, after sustaining an injury last time out against West Ham.

Manager lays down gauntlet to United youngsters

Erik ten Hag has called on young talents Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to step things up and deliver in big games.

The trio have impressed in the recent back-to-back wins against Wolves and West Ham. Next up is a big game against Aston Villa, though, with matches against other high-flying teams to follow.

“They are young players and the future for Manchester United is quite bright with such talent on board, but you have to develop the talent," Ten Hag said. "There’s a lot of space for improvement and that’s necessary if you want to go to the top levels.

“This club wants to achieve a lot, to win trophies, is very ambitious, so they then have to step up and bring higher levels and consistency. Also against the best opposition, they have to express the same threat and it’s about end product.”

Read more about Ten Hag's demands

United preparing new Mainoo contract offer

Kobbie Mainoo is set to be offered a new deal at Manchester United after his impressive form this season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, discussions have already begun, with improved terms on the cards for the young midfielder.

Mainoo only signed his last extension in 2023, with that deal running until 2027, but an improved deal could be on the cards.

Ten Hag given boost in Dumfries chase

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will no longer face competition from Bayern Munich for long-time target Denzel Dumfries.

Dutch international defender Dumfries, who plays on the right-hand side for Inter Milan, is expected to leave this summer after a "standstill" on a new deal.

According to reports in Italy (via Football Italia), previous suitors Bayern Munich no longer need the ex-PSV man after landing Sacha Boey in January/

That means United and Premier League rivals Aston Villa are expected to do battle for Dumfries, who Inter value at around €40m.

Former United star Ronaldo earns eye-watering sum

Cristiano Ronaldo's pay-packet at Al-Nassr has been brought into sharp focus, with the former Manchester United forward named as the highest-paid athlete in the world.

Ronaldo joined Saudi side Al-Nassr midway through last season after his United contract ended by mutual agreement. A number of other big names have since followed him to the Saudi Pro League, including Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane.

In a new list, Ronaldo's salary and endorsements are reported to bring him an annual sum of £218 - more than £50m ahead of his nearest challenger.

Ronaldo is one of four footballers in the top 10, along with athletes from golf, basketball and American football.

Check out the list of highest paid athletes here

Agbonlahor sets challenge for Antony

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has promised to wear a Manchester United shirt with Antony's name and number on the back if the Brazilian scores at Villa Park on Sunday.

Antony opened his account for the season against Newport County, but hasn't netted in the league since back in April.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor was asked by a caller if he'd don the shirt in the event of the ex-Ajax man finding the net.

“I’ll do that. He won’t play!" he responded. "What do I get in return? What are you going to do in return mate? Get yourself to New Street!”

Read what Agbonlahor has had to say about Antony

Good morning!

Welcome back to Mirror Football's updates on all things Manchester United.

We'll be bringing you all the lead-up to Sunday's match against Aston Villa, as well as transfer updates and the latest on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plans for the club.

Stay with us throughout the day for all the updates you need ahead of a big weekend for Erik ten Hag's team.