Man Utd news - Ten Hag speaks out as Chalobah transfer edges closer (2024)

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Erik ten Hag remains Manchester United manager for now. A decision will have to come soon.

Virgil van Dijk has claimed he will “never” play for Manchester United after being spurned by the Red Devils in the past.

The Dutchman has been a key player for Liverpool ever since joining the Reds for £75m from Southampton in 2018. He has won several trophies during his spell at Anfield - including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Now Liverpool’s captain, he was asked whether he would prefer to play for fierce rivals Man United or Everton - and had a predictably forthright response. Speaking to Pro:Direct, he replied: “Haha, I’m not even going to answer that question because it would never happen.”

Erik ten Hag has insisted he is not to blame for Manchester United’s missteps in the transfer market. The Dutchman has insisted he did not sanction moves for players like Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Andre Onana and has suggested that former chief executive Richard Arnold and ex-football director John Murtough were to blame.

“The prices paid for players are indeed very high, but I am not responsible for that,” he said. “The club did all the negotiations, including with very good potential players who didn't come in the end.

“So it is all a bit more nuanced than the picture that is being painted that the purchase policy is disastrous. It's all negative, but despite all the problems, the foundation at the club has grown stronger. That may not all be visible to the outside world now, but everyone internally will make that analysis. With talents like (Kobbie) Mainoo, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Hojlund and also someone like Amad Diallo, who has developed very strongly, the future looks bright.”

Tosin Adarabioyo is close to becoming Chelsea’s first signing of the summer in a move that could open the door for homegrown star Trevoh Chalobah to join Manchester United.

Centre-back Tosin turned down the offer of a new deal at Fulham because he was keen on a new challenge. And despite firm interest from Newcastle, the 26-year-old is now set to choose Chelsea following productive talks.

The Blues are set to confirm the appointment of Enzo Maresca as their new head coach in the coming days, with a five-year deal offered, and despite being wary of profit and sustainability rules they are pushing ahead with strengthening a squad that finished sixth in the Premier League under Mauricio Pochettino.

Tosin will bolster their defensive options after veteran Thiago Silva departed the club but it casts further doubt over Chalobah’s future at Stamford Bridge. The academy graduate has been linked with United and would be seen as representing pure profit to Chelsea as they attempt to bolster their funds for further spending during the summer.

Benni McCarthy has given an insight into how Sir Jim Ratcliffe likes to work at Manchester United.

Speaking to 947 Joburg, the former Blackburn star said: "I met him [Ratcliffe] a few times because he's very often at the training ground at Carrington, making waves, getting to know the people that work for the club, trying to help rebuild the club back to where it's supposed to be at the top.

"They are at the club quite a lot. He's a very nice man, he seems to know people by name and that's the very surprising part, you know? You have a conversation and he calls you by your name. I think that's impressive.

"For a billionaire, he doesn't have to bother getting to know my name or any of the staff if you're not the manager but he does know our names and it's quite refreshing. They show that much respect to the staff that work for them and I thought it was a really nice touch. 'Benni, everything okay? How do you find this?' It's just nice."

Erik ten Hag fears that the broken leg suffered by Luke Shaw nine years ago is preventing the Manchester United defender from proving himself to be the best left-back in the world.

Shaw, 28, faces a race against time to be fit for the Euros after missing the final three months of the season through injury and featured in just 12 Premier League games as United limped to an eighth-placed finish.

And Ten Hag has admitted that the former Southampton favourite is still paying the price for the horrific double leg break he suffered in a Champions League game at PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Ten Hag said: “Shaw is the best left-back in the world, he is so good. But he had a very serious injury at the beginning of his career. As a result, he will never be able to play 60 games in a year.”

Darts sensation Luke Littler has told Pep Guardiola that his Manchester City team were outplayed in the FA Cup final by Manchester United, despite the Spaniard claiming his side were the better team on the day.

United put in a strong performance to win the FA Cup final over their biggest rivals to mark their disastrous season with a positive ending, beating the reigning champions 2-1 at Wembley Stadium. United weren't given much of a chance before kick off, but found themselves 2-0 up by half-time thanks to goals from teenage stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Littler constantly posts about United on social media and his love for the team has even been shown at the darts, as he trolled local fans when the Premier League Darts was hosted in Liverpool. Now, Littler has turned his attention to City, slamming Guardiola for his comments after losing the final to United.

"When Pep Guardiola said after the final that City played the better football, no chance," Littler told MirrorFootball in New York ahead of the U.S. Darts Masters. "We deserved it, and they shouldn't have scored as well. I was just confident anyway."

Manchester United and Newcastle had been in the running to sign Tosin Adarabioyo when he left Fulham as a free agent at the end of June, but they have now missed out.

That is because Chelsea have prevailed and he will become the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era.

Cesc Fabregas has pinpointed the fall from grace of Jadon Sancho, Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat as proof that all is not well at Manchester United.

"Manchester United will come back because they are a big team but look at Jadon Sancho. He’s not doing well at United, he goes to Dortmund and he looks again like the player we all thought he was going to be," Fabregas told the BBC ’s Planet Premier League podcast.

"Look at the midfielder that impressed for Morocco at the World Cup [Amrabat], he was fantastic. And then he goes to Man United and he’s not been the same player. Casemiro won Champions League after Champions League at Real Madrid.”

Manchester United are reportedly on the brink of securing a deal for young talent James Overy, who has been playing non-league football in Devon.

The 16-year-old, who is eligible to play for both Australia and England, left Australian team Perth Glory last year when his family moved to England.

Since then, he's been playing for Newton Abbot Spurs' first team, but he has attracted Premier League attention after impressing in a pre-season friendly for Perth Glory against West Ham when he was just 15. According to the Manchester Evening News, United have proposed a scholarship deal to Overy and are 'hopeful' that he will choose to join their academy.

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Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has caught the eye of Manchester United, according to TalkSPORT.

The report states that United have identified the 20-year-old as an option to provide competition and cover for Luke Shaw. The England international has had an injury-riddled season, reducing him to just 12 Premier League appearances.

Bournemouth are said to be demanding a high fee for the defender, who joined from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. Last season, Kerkez made 33 appearances in all competitions as Bournemouth secured a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.

A swap to the Blues could be in store for Marcus Rashford after a miserable season with the Red Devils.

The England forward managed a paltry eight-goal return this campaign, with his form seeing him dropped by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate ahead of the summer's European Championships.

And the attacker has been urged to consider a move to Chelsea for a fresh start by former Chelsea star William Gallas.

You can read the full story here.

Former United midfielder Robbie Savage has thrown his support behind under-pressure Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

The future of the Dutchman remains uncertain as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has stressed a need not to rush into any reckless decisions.

But Savage believes that Ten Hag has "earned the right to remain at the club - at least until Christmas."

He added: "You could even argue Ten Hag's season was on a par with Jurgen Klopp’s farewell campaign at Liverpool. After all, they finished with one cup each."

You can read Savage's full column below.

Ligue 1 sides Lyon and Marseille are reportedly showing an interest in signing Anthony Martial on a free transfer this summer.

The Frenchman recently announced his departure from United upon the expiry of his contract next month, drawing an end to a near decade at Old Trafford.

And according to Sky Sports, the French duo are both interested in procuring Martial's services, with a potential reunion with Lyon, where Martial began his career at the age of 14, on the cards.

Erik ten Hag doesn't have enough credit in the bank for a third season at the helm of Manchester United, according former United boss Mike Phelan.

While the FA Cup title triumph was remarkable, whether it atones for an historically poor finish in the Premier League has become the crux of the discussion around Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford.

And according to Phelan, who coached under both Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ten Hag should be relieved of his duties before the next season.

Speaking to TalkSport, he said: “No, I don’t. That is just the way I see it. We are talking about Manchester United here. It’s a big decision. An important decision.

"He won the FA Cup out of the blue I think nobody expecting it, playing in a style he should have thought about a little bit earlier in the season.

“This season you can’t say anything other than it’s been very disappointing. Not just the performances look at the stats, the stats tell you everything, goals conceded, goals scored even, it’s been unusual.”

• Man Utd swoop to raid Arsenal again as Mikel Arteta loses another key ally
  

• Jose Mourinho to be reunited with ex-Man Utd star he 'never wanted' at new club

• Why Benjamin Sesko rejected Man Utd as Arsenal close in on summer transfer

United are set to secure a transfer move for Australian teenager James Overy, beating Everton, West Ham and Leicester to sign the full-back.

The 16-year-old, who is eligible to play for both Australia and England, left Australian team Perth Glory last year when his family moved to England and has been playing for Newton Abbot Spurs' first team.

Yet, during a pre-season friendly for Perth Glory, Overy caught the eye, and according to the Manchester Evening News, United have proposed a scholarship deal to Overy. The club are 'hopeful' that he will choose to join their academy, from which the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Willy Kambwala have been developed of late.

You can read the full story here.

United are reportedly eyeing a move for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande - with Liverpool and Newcastle United also linked with a move.

According to the Express, the 20-year-old could be available for a cut-price of just £35m and United are "considering whether to test Sporting's resolve".

The Ivory Coast international made 38 appearances for Sporting this season and is viewed as a viable replacement for Raphael Varane.

Jose Mourinho has signed a two-year contract to become Fenerbahce manager.

The former Manchester United manager held talks with Besiktas, but has chosen Fenerbahce instead. However, he has reportedly insisted on a release clause in case Portugal come calling to replace Roberto Martinez.

Lautaro Martinez is set to sign a new five-year deal with Inter Milan, ending his long-running contract saga.

Martinez, 26, had maintained that he wanted to stay with Inter, despite their financial woes, and according to Sky Italia, his future has been decided. United had been among the clubs previously linked with the Argentina star.

Micah Richards has told the Roy Keane assault trial that he was not his Sky Sports colleague's "puppy" and "did what any friend would" by reacting to an Arsenal fan who allegedly headbutted the former Manchester United star.

Ex-Manchester City defender turned pundit Richards was giving evidence at the trial of Scott Law, 44, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault against Keane following an alleged incident on September 3 last year following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over United.

It is alleged that former Ireland international Keane, who was working as a pundit for Sky Sports, was headbutted through doors at the Emirates Stadium by Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Manchester United to go about things differently in the summer transfer window.

The INEOS billionaire is bringing in Southampton’s Jason Wilcox as technical director and wants Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth to become sporting director. The duo, along with INEOS chiefs Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, will oversee a change in direction, away from big-money signings to cheaper, young players with more potential.

They will pursue targets under the age of 25 who have potential to get better and will fit a pressing style of play.

Kobbie Mainoo is poised to pen a lucrative new deal atOld Trafford - but wants to put talks on hold until after the Euros.

The midfielder has enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Red Devils, making his first start in October and going on to establish himself and score in the FA Cup final en route to picking up the trophy at Wembley.

His efforts on the pitch mean the Manchester outfit want to secure Mainoo's long-term future with a new deal that will see him quadruple his wages to around £80,000-a-week. The player himself has agreed to the deal in principle, but wants to put negotiations on hold until July, reports the Daily Star.

The teenager is poised to be part of England's squad at the major tournament having already made his debut. He will return to discussions once his international commitments have ended.

United are weighing up a move for Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah as they consider centre-half options for next season, reports the Independent.

Chelsea are willing to see at least one of Chalobah or Connor Gallagher move on in order to meet profit and sustainability rules by 30 June. They would want a transfer fee of around £25m if they let the defender go.

Arsenal physio Jordan Reece is set to join Manchester United.

United have made an offer to poach highly-respected Reece from their Premier League rivals and final negotiations are taking place about his departure date. The Old Trafford club are in the middle of a medical review after being hit with a catalogue of injury problems which blighted their whole season.

It is being undertaken by United Dr Gary O’Driscoll who used to work at Arsenal and clearly knows Reece from his time at the club. United will be delighted with the appointment which will be seen as a huge positive for the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Reece has gained a reputation for working well with players, was credited for helping players like Gabriel Jesus through long term issues and is regarded as one of the best in the game. Arsenal are reluctant to lose him, having fought to keep O’Driscoll before he left for Old Trafford last season.

United have held talks with representatives of six potential managers - but have been left with five options after Kieran McKenna committed to Ipswich.

The former Old Trafford assistant was on a shortlist having just led the Tractor Boys to successive promotion as they ended a 22-year absence from the Premier League. His decision to pen a new deal with Ipswich has left Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co with five potential successors, should they opt to sack Erik ten Hag.

The Telegraph reports the Thomas Tuchel, who recently left Bayern Munich, and England boss Gareth Southgate are options for United. Thomas Frank, Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi have also seen their reps have discussions with United bosses.

Erik ten Hag has been given a stay of execution by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is still pondering whether or not to sack the manager.

Ten Hag is currently away on holiday and may have been expecting the worst, knowing that Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, which includes Sir Dave Brailsford and United’s interim chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc, were conducting an end-of-season review.

However, The Telegraph reports that they are taking their time over the decision and are loath to rush into making a snap judgement they might regret.

Jadon Sancho was reluctant to apologise to Erik ten Hag as it would have seemed like he was admitting to not working hard enough, according to Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy.

After taking aim at Ten Hag for those comments on social media, Sancho refused to apologise to his manager and was exiled from first-team facilities at the training ground.

Ahead of his exit, the former South Africa international told 947: “I spoke to the manager and I said to him that you know the delicacy. I told him I think Jadon feels that if he apologises then he’s going to be classed as someone who doesn’t train hard, that doesn’t work hard and that everything that was said against him was true."

Read more here.

Former United boss Jose Mourinho is set to get back into management by penning a two-year deal at Fenerbahce.

The Special One, who was sacked by Roma earlier this season, will head to Turkey for the first time in his career and take charge of the Istanbul-based outfit. Fenerbahce have just narrowly missed out in an epic title race and Ismail Kartal is set to pay the price.

Mourinho will be tasked with ending a decade-long wait for a Super Lig title as he takes charge of his 11th different team and looks to land success in another European league having lifted trophies in Portugal, England, Spain and Italy.

The Portuguese boss will be reunited with Fred, whom he signed in his final summer at the Red Devils. The Brazilian midfielder has just finished his first year in Turkey but was reportedly never wanted by Mourinho, who ended up sanctioning his arrival.

Wayne Rooney says he would absolutely pick Kobbie Mainoo over Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's midfield for the Euros.

The two talented stars are midfield options for Gareth Southgate at the tournament in Germany this summer but the Manchester United teenager has enjoyed a breakout campaign. Alexander-Arnold has been on the scene for years, but has begun transitioning into a midfield role.

Rooney said: "It’s not that Trent can’t play there, we saw him do it recently against Everton and some of the passes he was hitting were unbelievable. It’s probably only Becks [ David Beckham ] who beats him in that area. But I think to play in midfield, you need that discipline, especially when you come up against the bigger teams, and he might get found out a little bit."

Read more here.

United could be without Alejandro Garnacho for the opening weeks of the Premier League season due to the Olympics.

The Argentine, who has become an increasingly influential figure for the Red Devils, is also beginning to earn international recognition. Garnacho has just scored in the FA Cup final and produced the Goal of the Season in a win at Everton back in November.

Garnacho is in contention to make both squads with TNT Argentina reporting Javier Mascherano, the man in charge of the Olympic team, has decided to pick the United star in his squad.

Wayne Rooney has once again called into question the strength of the Manchester United dressing room.

He said on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet: "Firstly, I would say you need around five players in a dressing room that can lead a team. One thing I would say with Manchester United now is, I look at the team and you’re still asking questions about who the leader is. I know Bruno is the captain, but who are the leaders there?

"I said this a few weeks ago, when Marcus Rashford was getting stuck for his body language. I think he’s always been like that.

"I don’t think he has ever been a big talker on the pitch. When he is going through a tough moment, or you want him to work a little bit harder, that is where the senior players have got to demand that from him."

Man United will wonder what could have been as Jude Bellingham prepares to star for Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Bellingham, who has already claimed the La Liga title with Real Madrid, has improved beyond recognition since his breakthrough campaign at St Andrew’s, aged 16. The midfielder notably rejected a high-profile move to United back in 2020, with part of the club’s sales pitch reportedly angering Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Athletic reported that Solskjaer brought Ferguson in to speak to Bellingham and his family during their trip to Carrington. However, it is claimed that football director John Murtough cut short their interaction to show Bellingham around the training facilities, leaving Ferguson ‘incandescent’, though Murtough has denied interrupting their conversation.

Read more here.

United are among the clubs "interested" in signing RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo this summer.

That is according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, who claimed United are one of five teams keen on signing the Spain international following another impressive campaign. The other interested parties include Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Manchester City.

There is an apparent €60million release clause in Olmo's contract, albeit that expires on July 15.

United are mulling over a contract extension for Mason Greenwood - but he will not return to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ academy graduate spent the last season on loan with Spanish side Getafe after it was decided that he did not have a future at the club. He was initially suspended following charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all of those charges. But Greenwood is yet to return to the first-team fold at Old Trafford. Now, according to The I, he could be offered an extended deal by the Red Devils. The 25-year-old’s current contract expires in 2025 with an option for a further year.

Everton have told Manchester United to forget about trying to sign Jarrad Branthwaite on the cheap.

United think they can take advantage of Everton’s money troubles to land Branthwaite for just £40million. It is understood the Blues value Branthwaite at around twice that amount and the 21-year-old defender is expected to go to Euro 2024 with England.

The Cumbrian is a rare breed being a young, left-footed, English centre-half and is tipped to go to the very top. He made 35 appearances last season for the Toffees, scoring four goals.

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Simon Jordan has claimed that the FA Cup win should NOT save Erik ten Hag if Jim Ratcliffe has already decided to jettison him.

“Manchester United papered over the cracks with their FA Cup win against Manchester City,” Jordan wrote in his Daily Mail column.

“The players were possibly primarily motivated by potentially playing for their futures rather than for Erik ten Hag.

“One swallow does not make a summer and, if Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers had made their mind up over sacking the Dutchman before Wembley, they cannot be swayed by a piece of silverware.”

Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has spoken out ahead his appearance in the Champions League final for Borussia Dortmund.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, he said: “I don’t think anyone would have expected this. Me being in a Champions League Final. I’m so happy. I’m blessed.

“Game by game I’ve just been working on myself, trying to be a better player. Doing extras behind closed doors. Everything I do is for the team and I’m thankful to them - and the staff - for welcoming me back.

“I can’t thank my mum and dad enough. Also my siblings. I know what my mum will say. She’ll be like: ‘Win or lose, I still love you son!’ My dad will probably be messaging my phone now saying: ‘Are you training??’ But regardless, my whole family will be proud of me.”

Ex-Man United boss Jose Mourinho is set for his new job.

The Portuguese in talks with Amazon regarding a punditry role for their coverage of the Champions League. He is open to the job but it is conditional, provided he does not return to the dugout before the 2024/25 campaign.

Manchester United are reportedly exploring alternatives to signing Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Red Devils are interested in the defender but a £75m asking fee is putting them off. According to ESPN, they have now looked at Tosin Adarabioyo who is available for nothing after failing to agree a new deal with Fulham.

They could face competition for his services with Chelsea and Newcastle having already been linked.

Man Utd coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why Jadon Sancho never apologised to Erik ten HAg.

He said: "The manager has a strong character and just said that all he wants is an apology. Jadon thought that he had done nothing wrong. He didn't see why he had to apologise. Sometimes you have to apologise, because a player will never win against a manager.

"I spoke to Jadon as a coach, as a mentor, as a friend, and as someone who grew up on the streets and knows the code.

"But Jadon just wasn’t seeing it. He said, 'I ain’t apologizing because if I do, I’m apologising for being lazy, always being late, not giving my best – that’s what I’m apologizing for'. Those were his reasons"

Former Man United striker Edinson Cavani has announced his retirement from international football.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "My dear celeste, I just want to thank you for every lesson you made me experience in your process. I don't want to extend. Today there are few words but deep feelings. Thanks to each of the people who were part of this path for so many years."

"I was and will always be blessed to have worn this shirt to represent what I love most in El Murido, my country. They were undoubtedly many precious years, I would have a thousand things to say, tell and remember, but today I want to dedicate myself to this new stage of my career and give everything where I have to be."

"Today I decide to take a step aside, but I will always follow them with a beating heart, like when it was my turn to go out on the field. With this beautiful t-shirt."

Former Premier League striker Robert Earnshaw has announced that his son has signed for Man United.

Taking to Twitter of the pair posing with a Red Devils' shirt, he said: "This is really really special. My incredible son Silva Mexes Tyler-Earnshaw who is known as Silva Mexes has signed for Manchester United academy.

"I am so so proud. He has worked hard & it’s such a blessing to see him find his passion and make this journey. I love you son, I am your number one fan, I will support you in any way possible and I know you have the qualities. Go be GREAT."

Former Real Madrid star Thomas Gravesen has slammed Christian Eriksen for his fitness - and believes he should not have a spot in the Denmark squad for the upcoming Euros.

Speaking to Tipsbladet, he said: "A dominator, I am of course talking about Matt O’Riley. Why isn't he there? He deserved a chance.

"Many of the players who are are sitting on the bench. They don't play football. They are not in shape. Is Christian Eriksen at 80 percent? Or is he at 70 percent? Or 50? Or 20?

"We have no idea, because he doesn't play, and that's a problem. Christian Eriksen at top level is an exceptional player, but who is he at the moment?"

Man United icon Edwin van der Sar is eyeing a swift return to football.

After taking a year out of the game following a brain haemorage, he posted on Instagram: "Today, it’s exactly one year since I announced to step down as CEO of Ajax.

"I’m grateful for the warm farewell from all my colleagues. Serving this club, first as a player and later as CEO, has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

"This period is filled with special moments, though there were also challenging times, which are part of every journey. I look back on the unforgettable memories and the incredible people within it. All beautifully captured in one photo.

"In the last period, I had the time to recover and reflect with my family and friends. It’s time for new adventures and experiences in the near future. Thank you all."

Manchester United are reportedly set to offer a new deal to Mason Greenwood - but that does not mean he will return to Old Trafford.

According to The I, the Red Devils are considering offering him an extended deal to ensure a permanent sale goes through.

Greenwood spent last season on loan with Spanish side Getafe.