Man Utd news - Ten Hag sent sack warning, Hojlund's exit stance, transfer latest

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PSG eye Man United target Osimhen

French giants PSG might be about to hand Manchester United a major blow in their hopes of signing Victor Osimhen.

According to The Athletic, the French side have the Napoli striker at the top of their shortlist as they attempt to find a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

The striker has confirmed his intention to leave the club at the end of his contract.

Martinelli reveals Man Utd anxiety

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he was left 'anxious' during a failed trial at Man United.

Speaking to ESPN Brazil, he said: “I was hoping… when you get a trial you think it’s going to work out. And at a club the size of Manchester United, it makes you anxious.

“But things happen for a reason. It wasn’t where I was supposed to be, it was at Arsenal. And everything worked out for me to go to Arsenal.”

Ratcliffe given Kane signal?

Could Manchester United finally be about to sign Harry Kane?

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

The arrival of Dan Ashworth could finally be set to get a deal over the line.

Read the full column from our very own Andy Dunn

Agbonlahor tears into Neville

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has torn into Red Devils icon Gary Neville by claiming it was 'easy' to play against him.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “It might have upset Gary Neville but I did get the winner at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win,” Agbonlahor added.

“He can say 21 games and won once but it’s more about your personal experience like playing against Gary Neville – I didn’t think he was very good.

“But that was the latter part of his career. Maybe when he was younger he was better but the Gary Neville I played against, it was easy. We targeted his side because he was slow on the ball and slow getting back in.

“Look at the game when he retired against West Brom where he had a shocker. It was because he was older so it was easier to play against him but during his younger years, of course, he was a top player even though [David] Beckham carried him on that right-hand side."

Ten Hag gives Shaw update

Erik ten Hag has revealed that Luke Shaw remains a doubt ahead of the weekend's clash with Luton.

Speaking in a press conference, he said: "Yes, so he is doubtful for the weekend but we are positive he can make it. So, he fell out [of the game], it was a precaution [to substitute him] and I think it was the right decision, especially when you, afterwards, win the game. But we are working to Sunday."

Luke Shaw is back training with Manchester United (Ash Donelon/Getty Images)

Mourinho reveals favourite Man Utd star

Former Man United boss Jose Mourinho has said Scott McTominay reveals 'his boy' at Old Trafford.

He said: “The players that I most enjoyed [coaching] were the ones that gave me everything. Everything. And there are dozens and dozens and dozens, and maybe they aren’t the most talented ones, just the ones that gave everything.

“The ones that I felt they couldn’t give anything more than what they gave, these are my players. Then if you want to, kind of, preferred… I don’t want to be unfair to people and I will be unfair but when you play a kid, the kid becomes your kid for life. That is always my feeling.

“So I look to Raphael Varane [at Real Madrid] now at the end of his career, he is my kid. When I look to Scott McTominay, [Paul] Pogba on the bench, play Scott McTominay in Champions League against Sevilla, he is my boy. When I go club to club, I find my boys and they are always going to be my boys.”

Sutton predicts Man United draw

Chris Sutton has predicted that Man United will be held to a draw by Luton this weekend.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "This is big for Luton because I don't think anyone saw their defeat to bottom side Sheffield United coming. With Everton losing to Manchester City earlier on Saturday, it was a big chance for them to open up a gap on the bottom three, but they couldn't take it.

"I just wonder if that will trigger a little bit of doubt, but their performances at home have been been very good against the bigger teams and I have a feeling we will see more of the same on Sunday.

"Manchester United only beat Luton narrowly at Old Trafford in November, and this time I expect it to be even closer."

Mbappe to depart PSG

Some bombshell news from elsewhere in Europe now with Kylian Mbappe finally announcing that he will leave PSG.

He hasn't quite gone public with his decision yet but he has informed Nasser Al Khelaifi.

Step forwards, Man United....

Kylian Mbappe (Aurelien Meunier/PSG)

Ten Hag gives Ashworth verdict

Erik ten Hag has revealed that he is open to a new sporting director arriving at Man United but they MUST have their ideas aligned with the Red Devils.

Speaking in a press conference, the Dutchman said:“I think it is very important you are on one page about football philosophy, about football tactics, about the profiles of the players you need in the team so it is very important to have very good communication so you get the right players.

“It is one of the most important factors to develop a good team, that you have the right players but also the right characters. That means you have to do the right work and be aligned and it’s a long process to get the right players in.”

Ashworth to battle Chelsea for target

Dan Ashworth would want to bring Brighton's Sam Jewell to Manchester United with him, but he faces competition from Chelsea.

Jewell, the son of ex-Premier League manager Paul Jewell, is Ashworth's choice to head up a new scouting department at United. Ashworth knows him well from working with him at Brighton.

The 32-year-old was hired by Ashworth back in 2016 as the club's head of under-21 recruitment. He has since been promoted to his current role, where he heads up Brighton's transfer regime.

However, Chelsea have made an approach to the Seagulls to hire Jewell.

Mourinho's verdict on Ratcliffe

The 'next Mainoo' identified

Willy Kambwala has the potential to follow in Kobbie Mainoo's footsteps and break into the Manchester United first team.

The 19-year-old defender has made four appearances for United this season and is tipped for big things, having cost £3.5million from French side Sochaux back in 2020 when he was only 16.

Already standing at 6ft4in, Kambwala could get chances next season, with doubts over the futures of Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

United 'in talks' over £34m signing

Manchester United have approached Atalanta to discuss signing defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports in Italy.

Calciomercato says United and Borussia Dortmund have both been in contact over signing Scalvini and that Atalanta have set an asking price of £34million. The 20-year-old centre-back is under contract with Atalanta until June 2028 and has already made 82 appearances for the club.

Southampton boss responds to Wilcox interest

Southampton manager Russell Martin has just been asked about Manchester United's interest in director of football Jason Wilcox.

“I hope it’s people putting two and two together and coming up with five. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jason and it’s no surprise someone would be interested in working with him," Martin told reporters in his press conference ahead of a trip to West Brom.

“He’s so open and honest. I hope he would have a chat with us first. I have nothing but good things to say about him. He is brave - he appointed a young coach who hasn’t won anything but saw beyond that. I hope it blows over quickly.”

Man Utd want Southampton chief

Manchester United want to hire Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox, according to The Athletic.

United are currently chasing Newcastle's Dan Ashworth to become their new director of football and want to get Wilcox in a role underneath him. The 52-year-old spent nine years with Manchester City before joining Saints in January 2023 to work on the revival under Russell Martin.

He previously worked with Omar Berrada at City. Berrada has left the club to join United as their new chief executive in the INEOS era.

Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox with January signing Joe Rothwell (Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)

Hojlund finally works out problem after being told to confront Man Utd team-mate

At long last, Rasmus Hojlund is now finding the back of the net at a regular rate for Manchester United - though he is still having to rely on his own instincts.

In an ideal world for the Old Trafford faithful, Hojlund would be reaping the benefits of being flanked by the likes of Antony,Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Much has been made of how United's attack link-up with their Danish striker, given his £72million fee this summer has placed plenty of pressure on the ex-Atalanta man.

Currently, Hojlund has managed five goals in his last five league games. Not one of them has been assisted by the aforementioned trio of fellow forwards, which suggests that concerns first raised by pundits before the turn of the year are still lingering.

Read more here.

Man Utd fans left baffled by strange "more life" Christian Eriksen Instagram post

Manchester United have faced a backlash from fans on social media after sharing a birthday post to Christian Eriksen on Instagram with the caption "More life".

The post, to mark Eriksen's 32nd birthday, was met with bemusement from most fans on social media given the cardiac arrest Eriksen suffered back in 2021. The Denmark international collapsed during a match at Euro 2020 against Finland and had to be resuscitated on the pitch.

Fans wasted little time in making their feelings clear, with some voicing anger. One social media user reacted to the post by saying: "What the hell is that caption?", while another said: "Worst caption ever". Eriksen, though, clearly didn't take offence to the birthday post, with the Denmark international both liking and sharing it.

Read the full story here.

ICYMI - Man Utd apologise to club legend

The club have apologised to club legend Norman Whiteside after he was among a number of United season ticket holders who have been forced out of their regular seat at Old Trafford.

Whiteside spent 11 years at the club as a player and has held a platinum season ticket for more than 25 years. However, the club relocated him for the West Ham game which prompted Whiteside's wife to hit out on social media.

In response, a spokesperson said : "We have the greatest respect for Norman as a legend of the club, and understand the disappointment caused to him and other season ticket-holders by seat relocations. We are committed to working with all season ticket-holders affected by relocations, including Norman, to find them the best possible alternative seats elsewhere in the ground."

Lineker explains the reason he snubbed Man Utd to support Leicester instead

Gary Lineker has revealed that a legendary Peter Shilton performance is the reason he chose to support Leicester City over Manchester United.

"I'll never forget it's probably my earliest memory now, not just of football but of anything I think, I was seven years old and went to Filbert Street with my dad and my grandad and saw my first ever live game - Leicester City vs Manchester United with the holy trinity of Law, Charlton and Best," he said on the Rest is Football podcast.

"Leicester lost 2-1 but I was absolutely mesmerised by the performance of the Leicester City goalkeeper who made about six saves and stopped Leicester being battered.

"I think he's the reason that I stuck with Leicester because I could have easily gone with Man United that day because they won and I was seeing some of the great players in the world. But a certain Peter Shilton in goal won me over that day and I'll never forget it."

ICYMI - Elanga disputes Ten Hag claim

Anthony Elanga has confirmed that Erik ten Hag was not a reason why he left Man United for Nottingham Forest.

Speaking to SoccerNews.nl, he said: "Was Ten Hag the reason I left United? No, I wouldn't say that. I just wanted to play, that was especially important to me.

"I'm young and I don't want to sit on the bench all season, you know? When you're young you want to play, you want to make mistakes, you want to take risks. But he wasn't the reason for my leaving. There I mainly focused on myself, not on others.”

Man Utd youngster 'surprises' new manager after brutal Ten Hag snub

Granada boss Alexander Medina has admitted he has been "surprised" by Facundo Pellistri since his loan move from Manchester United.

Pellistri joined the La Liga side on February 1 until the end of the season. The 22-year-old made his Granada debut from the start against Las Palmas earlier this month, before grabbing a goal and an assist in their thrilling 3-3 draw at Barcelona on Sunday evening.

"Facu Pellistri surprised me in the first talk we had, in these two weeks of work he has given us a lot at stake and in defensive solidarity," Medina said to Sport890. "I looked for Pellistri because he knew what he could give us. He meets all the conditions on the wing, he had his personal ambition for growth and that leaves me happy."

Maguire tips Hojlund for big things...

Harry Maguire has predicted Rasmus Hojlund to go on to become a key player for the Red Devils.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "We've seen the talent he has and now it is really clicking for him in front of goal. We always knew that was going to come because he's an exceptional talent.

"He's going to be a big player for this club. I'm sure he'll keep scoring goals and there are many more to come."

Lindelof swap deal proposed

According to reports from Italy, United are set to revisit their interest in Benjamin Pavard next summer and could use Victor Lindelof as a bargaining chip.

Pavard was linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer, but ultimately ended up joining Inter Milan instead. However, it is claimed that United remain interested in signing the versatile defender and would be willing to offer Lindelof to Inter in an attempt to sweeten the deal.

United have triggered an option to extend Lindelof's contract until 2025, but that was only to protect his value in the transfer market. The report adds that he is likely to be sold in the summer whether the deal for Pavard goes through or not, with several Saudi Pro League clubs interested in his services.

What Champions League failure would mean for Man Utd's summer transfer business

Manchester United don't need to qualify for the Champions League in order to spend big this summer.

But football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley has told Mirror Football that failing to qualify for European football's premier club competition will no doubt impact on next season's budgets - despite a £1.3bn investment from Sir Jim Ratclffe being announced in late December.

"I think if we look at the regulations, they're okay against those regulations, it then becomes a conversation of where's the budget at in real time?" Dr Plumley told Mirror Football courtesy of Grosvenor Sport.

"What difference does Champions League or not Champions League make to the budget moving forward? And what about some of the potential outgoings? What happens with players like Jadon Sancho and one or two others? And then that will dictate the strategy for potentially what comes in.

"Champions League, you're absolutely right, will be a big factor in that. But I think even then it won't stop them from spending if they don't get there, but obviously you can look to stretch yourself a little bit more with Champions League football."

Maguire reveals Man Utd dressing room thoughts on Ratcliffe after private meeting

Manchester United stars were left “really impressed” with Jim Ratcliffe after a private meeting with the squad, Harry Maguire has revealed.

Speaking with Sky Sports, former United captain Maguire said: “I think the lads came out of the meeting [with Ratcliffe] really impressed with how he spoke. [He] gave us great motivation, everyone in the room, to fight for the club and fight for this badge and to stay on this journey.

“It's exciting times for the club because you can see he's brought that fresh energy. We feel now he will take the club in the right direction.”

Casemiro joins Man Utd team-mate by leaving Nike for rival amid £1.5bn problem

Casemiro has joined Manchester United team-mate Lisandro Martinez in leaving Nike after ending his career-long partnership with the American corporation.

The midfielder had been wearing Nike boots since starting his career with Sao Paolo through to his time at Real Madrid and during the first 18 months at United. Casemiro moved to the Red Devils for £60million in August 2022 and he helped them win the Carabao Cup in his maiden campaign.

According to the Daily Mail, Casemiro is now an ambassador for adidas and was spotted wearing Predator boots in United's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. The Brazil international is the latest high-profile footballer to leave Nike after Martinez, Harry Kane, Manuel Akanji and Jack Grealish all departed.

The exodus comes after Nike pledged to cut their budget by £1.58billion over the next years, which has led them to cut ties with some of the best players on the planet. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, Alexandre Lacazette and Dani Carvajal were amongst those who swapped Nike for Puma in 2023.

Ashworth's compensation

It will cost Manchester United a seven-figure sum to bring over Dan Ashworth from Newcastle. According to the Newcastle Chronicle, the million-plus sum wouldn't even bring an immediate appointment, as the 52-year-old would need to go on gardening leave.

Ashworth has been Newcastle's sporting director since 2022, having previously held similar roles with Brighton and West Brom. During his time at St James' Park, he has overseen the arrival of signings such as club-record recruit Alexander Isak.

Back in November, he indicated he had no plans to leave the north-east. "I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project. I'm thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge," he said.

Hojlund's transfer stance

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has reportedly begun to attract interest from Real Madrid after finding form in front of goal, but has described his current club as the perfect match. Hojlund's goal at Aston Villa on Sunday was his fifth in as many games, bringing his tally for the season up to 11 in all competitions.

“It's about dreaming big and daring to dream big," Hojlund told TV reporters in his native Denmark over the summer. "Otherwise, you will not reach your goals. It's rare you get everything in one package, but I'd say everything has just come together with me and Manchester United. It's a perfect match.

“Right now the club is going through a process, and I would very much like to be a part of it. This is also why I have chosen to come here now, because I feel I can grow with the club, and hopefully we can win a lot of trophies together.”

Ten Hag sent sack warning

Alan Brazil hasn't been won over by Manchester United's recent turnaround in form, saying he believes Erik ten Hag will be out of a job by the end of the season. The former Ajax boss has been able to ride out speculation over his future, but his man-management skills have been questioned.

"Unless Manchester United go on a remarkable run, I still think Erik ten Hag will be gone by the end of the season," Brazil told talkSPORT BET. "I honestly don't think that the players are having him. There's always a chance that winning silverware, maybe the FA Cup could be enough to keep him in the job though.‌

"If they start scoring more goals and getting the fans behind them then things might change, but they've just had so many performances this season where you think, 'Oh my God, come on, you're better than this!'

"But the last few games, including that win over Aston Villa, have been a bit better so we'll see. The whispers I'm hearing are the players are not having him. They say he has no man management skills whatsoever."