Man Utd news - United move for wonderkid, Ashworth 'concerns', Ratcliffe latest

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U18s held to a draw by Forest

The best bits from today's #MUAcademy U18s draw with Nottingham Forest.#MUFC || #U18PL pic.twitter.com/GKSZDVLMaK

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 17, 2024

Failed takeover bidder still eyeing involvement

Failed United takeover bidder Thomas Zilliacus wants to talk with Sir Jim Ratcliffe about a "fan monetisation platform" idea he claims could earn the club an additional $20billion (£18.7million).

The former Nokia chief pulled out of the race to buy United last summer, claiming the Glazers' asking price meant the deal "no longer makes sense". Ratcliffe ultimately ended up agreeing a £1.3bn deal to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club that will also see him take full control of sporting operations.

Read more here.

Xavi addresses De Jong rumours

Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed a decision will be made about Frenkie de Jong's future at the end of the season, amid rumours he could be reunited with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag made De Jong his top target when he took over at Manchester United in 2022, having previously worked with the midfielder at Ajax. However, De Jong decided to stay at Barcelona.

Reports from Spain have claimed De Jong could be sold this summer, though, and Xavi has now responded to those rumours. He said: "He's a world-class player and it's not the right moment to talk about this. The club and the player will sit together and talk about his situation at the end of the season."

Frenkie de Jong (Eric Alonso)

Ten Hag's stance on Kane

Harry Kane was identified as Erik ten Hag's top summer transfer market before the Manchester United chief discovered that a deal for the England captain was unrealistic.

Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move

Acquiring a new No.9 was a priority for the Dutchman ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and Kane, a proven Premier League commodity, was a natural option for United. The player, meanwhile, was ready to move on from Tottenham in a bid to win major trophies.

But while Ten Hag was sold on the idea of bringing Kane to Old Trafford, the club hierarchy were forced to dash hopes of such a deal. Mirror Football has previously outlined that United were told extracting Kane from Spurs would cost in the region of £100million plus a further £400,000-a-week in wages - figures far beyond United's reach.

United moved on to a deal for Rasmus Hojlund, who has settled into his role as the club's new leading man after a chequered start to life in England. That left Bayern Munich free to wrap up a club-record deal for Kane.

While joining the German giants was seen as almost a guarantee for Kane being able to fulfil his thirst for trophies, Bayern have endured a challenging season and will need to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their Round of 16-second leg against Lazio to advance in the Champions League.

Read the full story here

(Getty Images)

Ratcliffe gets new offer from failed Man Utd bidder

Failed Manchester United takeover bidder Thomas Zilliacus wants to talk with Sir Jim Ratcliffe about a "fan monetisation platform" idea he claims could earn the club an additional $20billion (£18.7million).

The former Nokia chief pulled out of the race to buy United last summer, claiming the Glazers' asking price meant the deal "no longer makes sense". Ratcliffe ultimately ended up agreeing a £1.3bn deal to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club that will also see him take full control of sporting operations.

And Zillacus, who was previously the chairman of Finnish club HJK Helsinki, says he would "love" to meet with Ratcliffe and discuss an idea that he had planned to implement at United had his bid to buy them been successful.

"I welcome very much the fact that Jim Ratcliffe is running the footballing side because he's a passionate Manchester United fan and knows football," Zillacus told the Manchester Evening News. "So what I would love to do is to talk with him and his team about the fan monetisation platform that we would have deployed if we would have been able to take over the club."

(Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Ten Hag praised

Erik ten Hag acted like Sir Alex Ferguson in the way he handled Marcus Rashford's absence from training, says Gary Pallister.

Rashford was left out of Manchester United's squad for the FA Cup win over Newport County for what Ten Hag labelled an ' internal matter ' after the forward missed training. The 26-year-old called in sick on the Friday ahead of the game, after it emerged he had been at a nightclub in Belfast just hours earlier.

In the aftermath, Ten Hag acknowledged that 'when you want to play top football, it demands a certain way of life. Always'. However, after Rashford took responsibility for his actions, the Red Devils welcomed him back into the starting line-up and the striker returned to open the scoring in United's 4-3 win over Wolves.

Pallister believes Ten Hag dealt with things in the correct way in responding to Rashford's error. The 58-year-old also compared the action to how Ferguson dealt with David Beckham following an indiscretion.

(Manchester United via Getty Images)

Brailsford's telling Mbappe response

Sir Dave Brailsford has admitted that Kylian Mbappe appears to have "his heart set" on a move to Real Madrid, having been quizzed on Manchester United's chances of signing him by two fans.

French superstar Mbappe has decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with his lucrative contract coming to an end in June. Long-time admires Real Madrid are the clear frontrunners in the battle to secure his signature but alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, United have also been tipped to throw their hat in the ring.

After stopping to meet a pair young supporters while sitting in the passenger seat of a swanky red jeep on Friday morning, Brailsford was filmed being asked: "Can we buy Mbappe?" The director of sport for INEOS - whose boss, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is on the cusp of officially becoming a 25 per cent stakeholder in United - then gave a telling response.

Smiling at the two lads after a brief chuckle and pause, Brailsford replied: "I think he's got his heart set on going to Real Madrid, hasn't he?"

(jacobworthington)

Keane names biggest problem

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and whoever he appoints to run United need to address the shocking recruitment that has blighted progress over the past few years, according to Roy Keane.

UEFA’s European Club Finance and Investment Landscape shows United's players at the end of the 2023 financial year cost a combined €1.42billion (£1.21bn) in transfer fees, making them the most expensive squad of all time.

“The role of a scout has changed massively, compared to back in our day, where you’d have a scout in the North-West, one in Scotland etc., but the money available now, there’s no surprise that the scouting network has changed,” Keane said on the Stick to Football podcast.

Roy Keane discussed Manchester United's biggest issue on the Stick to Football podcast (youtube/The Overlap | Stick to Football)

Man Utd's squad the most expensive ever

The Premier League is currently the most lucrative league in world football - with some of England’s top spenders splashing around £6.5billion between them.

UEFA have recently compiled a list of some of the most expensive squads currently taking to the pitch across Europe. Unsurprisingly, the Premier League dominates the top 20 at the end of the 2023 financial year.

Manchester United sit at the top of the list after years of heavy spending. The Red Devils’ squad is currently worth around £1.21bn, although that has not done them many favours with Erik ten Hag’s side battling to secure a place in Europe come the end of the campaign.

(Manchester United via Getty Images)

Hannibal complaints

It is fair to say that Hannibal Mejbri’s loan spell at Sevilla is not going to plan so far. The 21-year-old midfielder left in January in search of more regular game time, but it has already turned into a bit of a nightmare.

He’s played just 36 minutes in all competitions for Sevilla and has fallen out with manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who blasted his attitude after his debut against Girona last month. “We are going to give him the necessary space to understand where he is, that he is at Sevilla and what it means,” he said pointedly. “He has to know where he is and we want to see him.”

Sevilla have reportedly received complaints about his behaviour and are not keen to trigger the clause in his loan deal to sign him permanently for £15million. Hannibal is under contract with United until June 2025, but his career is stalling.

Hannibal Mejbri was slammed by his manager after his Sevilla debut (David S. Bustamante/Getty Images)

Why Fergie snubbed Henderson

Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once considered signing Jordan Henderson but opted against doing so due to the midfielder's "gait".

Henderson was impressing at Sunderland at the time and attracting interest from top Premier League clubs, prompting Ferguson to send Red Devils scouts to watch him in action.

However, after scouting Henderson, Ferguson decided to snub the future Champions League and Premier League winner on account of the way he "runs from his knees".

In his autobiography, Ferguson said: "We looked at Jordan Henderson a lot and Steve Bruce was unfailingly enthusiastic about him. Against that we noticed that Henderson runs from his knees, with a straight back, while the modern footballer runs from his hips." He added: "We thought his gait might cause him problems later in his career."

(Getty Images)

Jadon Sancho's secret transfer hint revisited

Jadon Sancho's Manchester United move hasn't been a success - Erik ten Hag has been the first to admit that - but it's easy to forget how much excitement there was around his arrival.

United won the race for the Dortmund winger in 2021, but he wasn't the only man to arrive that summer.

During an Instagram Live video, some fans believed he dropped a hint about Raphael Varane's subsequent move to Old Trafford.

Sancho is currently back at Dortmund on loan, but it remains to be seen what awaits him next season.

Ten Hag explains Malacia setback

Manchester United should soon be able to welcome Tyrell Malacia back to action, but manager Erik ten Hag has lifted the lid on why the left-back has been missing for so long.

"He had setbacks during his rehab process," Ten Hag said on Friday. "It takes too long, it's bad for him. Bad for us.

"But now we've turned a point and it's positive – he will return soon on the pitch. I don't think then it will take long before he's returning in the team training."

Former Man Utd starlets available to face Erik ten Hag's team

Teden Mengi and Tahith Chong are both available for selection against Manchester United on Sunday, Luton boss Rob Edwards has confirmed.

“Teden’s fully fit and available,” Edwards told reporters on Friday. “He’s been brilliant for us this year. For a younger player to step up, come away from home, out of his comfort zone, and performed at the highest level as he has is astounding.

“T’s been really affective coming on, especially when there’s more space and we’re a transitional threat," he added, talking about Chong.

“He also gives us a bit of balance with a left-footer on that side and he’s certainly pushing for a start. He’s shown many strengths in many areas and he’s somebody who trains full throttle every single day.”

Zilliacus makes Jim Ratcliffe proposal

Thomas Zilliacus, one of the unsuccessful bidders in the Manchester United takeover battle, has said he wants to speak to Sir Jim Ratcliffe about fan monetisation proposals he'd planned to implement if he'd won the bidding war.

"I welcome very much the fact that Jim Ratcliffe is running the footballing side because he's a passionate Manchester United fan and knows football,” the Finn told the Manchester Evening News.

“So what I would love to do is to talk with him and his team about the fan monetisation platform that we would have deployed if we would have been able to take over the club. It is a platform that can generate very significant revenues for Manchester United.

“And I would be more than happy to discuss the possibility of working together in order to generate those funds. I know we could structure something very exciting for the global fan base that would generate very significant revenues for the club.”

Zirkzee says "god has a plan" amid United links

Joshua Zirkzee is among the attacking talents linked with Manchester United, though former club Bayern are also thought to be in the mix for the Bologna frontman.

Dutch youngster Zirkzee spoke to La Gazetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), and in an interview published this week he provided a cryptic answer amid questions over his future.

“I was given this gift from God that I can play football and I do not want to waste that talent," he said. "I am convinced God has a plan for me.”

Ex-United man Zaha linked with Premier League return

WIlfried Zaha could return to England over the summer after just a year with Galatasaray.

According to talkSPORT, the Ivorian - once of Manchester United - is ready to cut short his spell in Turkey.

Zaha joined Gala from Crystal Palace over the summer, and has reportedly been the subject of interest from the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa.

United and Barcelona at odds over De Jong

Manchester United's valuation of Frenkie de Jong is some way short of Barcelona's asking price, according to The Star.

United have reportedly been told it would take around £90m to land the Dutchman, eclipsing the £89.3m record they paid for Paul Pogba in 2016.

The Premier League club are said to not be prepared to be held to ransom after previous transfer sagas involving the Ajax man, and there's a sense things may be different to the 2022 long, dragged-out pursuit.

Mainoo set for England Under-21 chance

England are poised to give Kobbie Mainoo his first Under-21 international call-up amid efforts from Ghana to tempt the Manchester United midfielder to switch allegiances.

Mainoo, who has starred of late for United, has six appearances at Under-19 level for England already.

According to The Mail, the FA want the teenager to be part of Lee Carsley's squad for the Euro Under-21 qualifiers in March.

England, who won the last European Championships at Under-21 level, sit second in the qualifying group for the 2025 edition ahead of games against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

Berbatov hails McTominay

Manchester United cult hero Dimitar Berbatov has hailed Scott McTominay.

He told Betfair: "Scott McTominay scores important goals. Coming off the bench or starting games, he gives me that feeling of a player that is ready to sacrifice himself for the team, like a true soldier that's going to be there for you.

‌"He knows his role in the team, he knows his strong qualities and he sticks to that. On top of that, I don't see him getting angry when he's left on the bench and then not giving 100% when he gets subbed on. It's quite the opposite. Even when he comes off the bench, he's always f***ing there, pressing and tackling and in the face of the opposition."

Wilcox rules out Man Utd move

Southampton boss Russell Martin has insisted he has a personal assurance from Jason Wilcox that there is nothing in speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The former Manchester City academy director, who now serves as the Saints' director of football, has been targeted by the new regime at Old Trafford to be part of their recruitment team. But Martin said he has been told there has been no talks of a move.

“I spoke to Jason both yesterday and this morning (Friday) and I’ve been told there’s nothing in it. That’s all I’ve got to say on it. If anything else has happened in the meantime, I’ll have another opinion," Martin said.

“I’ve said how good he has been for me. The ownership group has, but Jason was a big driver in that. He’s either really brave - or really crazy - and we’ll see, but I’ve loved working with him and I’m enjoying working with him and hopefully that will be for some time yet.”

Good morning

Good morning and welcome to Mirror Football's live blog for all the latest Manchester United news.

Man Utd make Tel contact

Manchester United have 'made contact' to sign Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

The Red Devils are on the lookout to sign a new forward this summer and they have identified Tel as a potential transfer target. The 18-year-old has been a bit-part player since he joined Bayern for £25million from Rennes in July 2022, having started just seven matches during his time in Bavaria so far.

And according to Sky Germany, United have opened talks for the Frenchman and are 'very interested' in signing him at the end of the season. It's claimed that two more English clubs have also enquired about Tel in the last two weeks, although the identity of those teams haven't been revealed.

Despite struggling for regular game time at Bayern, Sky add that Tel doesn't want to give up as he has ambitions of becoming a legend at the Allianz Arena. But if he doesn't feel that Bayern believe in him for the future, then he will consider his options - though a loan move will not be one of them.

Manchester United have made contact to sign Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich (Getty Images)

Fernandes' special message

Manchester United and their captain Bruno Fernandes have been praised for the respect they showed during last month's FA Cup victory over Newport County.

Goals from Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund helped earn a 4-2 win and secured the Red Devils' place in the fifth round of the world's oldest cup competition for the ninth time in 10 years.

However, it wasn't simple for Erik ten Hag's side at Rodney Parade. After United raced into a two-goal lead, Newport pegged them back, with Bryn Morris and Will Evans scoring for the League Two side. And following Evans' strike, Fernandes sent a special message to the Welsh forward.

Speaking in a recent interview, Evans shared what Fernandes said to him as well as praising United for how they treated the Newport players. "Obviously we have got a few Liverpool fans in our team as well and we were saying we can't wait to get into Antony or Bruno [Fernandes]," Evans told GoalpostsTV.

"Everyone came off the pitch saying the same about all of them. Saying that they are the most genuine and they are just normal blokes, if you know what I mean. Like Bruno, after I scored my goal, I was running back and he's tapped me on the back and said 'good finish mate'."

Read more here.

Pallister on Ferguson

Former Manchester United star Gary Pallister has joked that Sir Alex Ferguson has become "a bit of a hypocrite" with his interest in horse racing.

Pallister told The Winners' Enclosure, who provide the latest Cheltenham tips: "We had days at Chester races, usually at the end of the season. The great thing about the gaffer was he didn’t like us playing golf during the week and he didn’t like us going horse racing during the week. So he didn’t like horse racing, and he didn't like golf but now he owns horses and has his own golf day! So he’s a bit of a hypocrite, bless him!

‌“His golf days are fantastic and his love of horses I think has given him a real interest since he’s retired from football. He’s got an investment in racing now in ownership and he’s had some great horses."

Read more here.

Ten Hag on 'important Man Utd mood'

Erik ten Hag has hinted that the mood off the pitch has a positive effect on his Manchester United players as the Red Devils prepare to face Luton this weekend.

"I think everything is always aligned with each other," the Dutchman said. "We are a club, we are not an isolated department, the first team. But I think for the mood of the club it's very important that the first team is performing, getting the right results."

Ten Hag's Man Utd warning

Erik ten Hag has warned his Manchester United players to be ready for Luton’s Kenilworth Road test – but doesn’t see why it should feel any different.

The Dutchman said: "The pitch, is it smaller or longer? 11 v 11? No referees are coming? Every ambience is different, of course, that is what I want to say.

"And we have to deal with the circumstances and it's about playing football, 11 v 11, on the pitch, with refs, and we have to make it our game. It doesn't matter who you face, if you play the best or the worst or in between, it doesn't matter.

"We respect every opponent and definitely we are not in a position to underestimate any opponent, so we will not do. We have to play our best because we have seen their performances across the season are very good, and especially in the last weeks, they are really improving. I have a lot of respect for this team, and we have to play our best."

Read more here.

Ten Hag handed Onana warning

Dwight Yorke is worried his former club Manchester United don't have the solution to their goalkeeping problems in the form of Andre Onana.

£47m man Onana has had ups and downs in his first United season, but Erik ten Hag has stuck by him.

Treble winner Yorke, however, explained he still has concerns.

"When I look at Onana, I often look at players who have been successful at Man United and they really embrace being at Manchester United when they arrive," Yorke told Gambling Zone.

"The ones who get off to really, really bad starts, you will always have that doubt in your mind from fans and players.

‌"For me now, we have to see how he progresses and for me, I just don't see how he’s the answer.

"I don’t think he’s done the job that we bought him for but the reality is that it’s so difficult for the whole team right now and playing brilliantly or not, the team is lacking that x factor right now."

Hannibal's permanent exit in doubt

Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has come under scrutiny during his loan spell at Sevilla, reportedly falling out with manager Quique Sanchez Flores.

Tunisia international Hannibal joined the Spanish club in January, with a chance to make the move permanent if things went well.

Now, though, Estadio Deportivo reports that his behaviour has got him in hot water with club staff.

Hannibal has played twice in La Liga, both times as a substitute, and didn't make it off the bench in the victory over Atletico Madrid last time out.