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

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

Van Dijk's Man Utd jibe

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.”

Ten Hag points the finger for bad transfers

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.”

(Getty Images)

Chalobah edging towards Chelsea exit

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.

World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow

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.

Trevoh Chalobah is a target for Manchester United (Chris Lee/Getty Images)

Man Utd coach gives Ratcliffe insight

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."

(Getty Images)

Shaw still affected by leg break

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.”

Luke Shaw (Ash Donelon/Manchester United)

Littler fires back at Guardiola

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."

United to miss out on Tosin

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.

(Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock)

Fabregas says Man Utd 'ruined' three players

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.”

Cesc Fabregas (ITV Sport)

First summer signing

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.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to another day of Manchester United news.

Stay tuned to keep up to date with all the latest.

Until tomorrow

It's time to call it a night on the Manchester United news. If you're still in need of satiating a live blog itch, you can check out our Transfer Live Blog here.

Until then, we'll catch you all tomorrow.

Utd eye Premier League left-back

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.

Rashford urged to join Chelsea

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.

(The FA via Getty Images)

Savage backs Ten Hag

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.

Martial handed career lifeline

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.

Anthony Martial has left Manchester United (Getty Images)

Ex-Man Utd coach issues Ten Hag verdict

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.”

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

Man Utd to complete first 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.

(A-Leagues via Instagram)

Man Utd 'eye' Ousmane Diomande

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.

Mourinho off to Fenerbahce

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.

Jose Mourinho is taking charge of Fenerbahce (Jose Breton/Getty Images)

Martinez signs new deal

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.

Richards gives evidence in Keane headbutt case

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 ’s 3-1 victory over .

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.

Ratcliffe orders new approach to transfers

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.

Jim Ratcliffe is already making major changes at Man United (Getty Images)

Mainoo shelves contract talks

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.

Chalobah move considered

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.

United to poach Arsenal physio

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.

Five-man manager shortlist

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.

Ratcliffe taking time over Ten Hag call

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.

Coach opens up on Sancho-ETH feud

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.