Latest Man Utd Transfer News and Gossip: Live Updates from Old Trafford
Gunners’ target Ivan would be great Red Devil
Manchester United strike legend Andy Cole claims Arsenal and Chelsea target Ivan Toney “absolutely” fits the Red Devils’ needs. Cole also reckons the Brentford forward, 27, could help develop United’s 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund. The former Newcastle hero told The Winners Enclosure: “I like Ivan and if he came to Manchester United, would he do a job? Absolutely he would. Rasmus Hojlund is still a young man, so it’s all down to whether the club is prepared to bring in an older striker that can help him out at this stage. Manchester United’s signings of experienced forwards in recent times hasn’t exactly worked out. “It all depends on what the transfer fee will be but for me personally, I believe Ivan would be a good signing for Manchester United if they make a move for him and he will definitely help Hojlund.”
Legend worried about Casemiro’s form
Andy Cole is worried about Casemiro’s form – despite the Brazilian’s late FA Cup winner for Manchester United at Nottingham Forest. Ex-United striker Cole told Betfred: “You have to be concerned because he was such a big influence last season. So if you’re such a big influence one season and then you’re struggling the next, then of course everybody’s going to ask questions. In his debut season for Manchester United, Casemiro was incredible and you would have expected the same level of performances from him this season. I don’t believe he’s the only Manchester United player whose performances have dipped, but people are questioning Casemiro’s performances because they expect so much more from him.”
Antony future in doubt
Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and manager Erik ten Hag could be split over Antony’s future. Ratcliffe reportedly considers the Brazilian winger as a strong option for the exit door in a possible summer shake-up. TalkSPORT say the Ineos chief’s new off-the-field team would be happy to cut the club’s losses on the £86million ex-Ajax flyer. In contrast, Ten Hag has openly backed the 24-year-old to regain both his starting spot and become “unstoppable”. Nonetheless, Antony has netted just once in 26 matches for the Red Devils this season. And he was taken off when recalled to the starting line-up in Wednesday’s 1-0 FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest.
Inter fear Prem queue for Barella
Inter Milan’s star man Nicolo Barella could be tempted by a prem giant like Manchester United or Arsenal this summer, reports in Italy say. The 51-cap Azzurri midfielder has been linked with both those English clubs clubs in the past 12 months – plus Newcastle last summer. Now Fichajes claim Inter’s battle to keep Barella, 27, will be severely tested by renewed interest from Prem teams. Liverpool are the latest club mentioned with the all-round star – famed for his workrate as much as his creativity. Inter hope to extend Barella’s contrast beyond its current end date of June 2028. But his brilliant season is double edged – as he has helped his club to the top of Serie A but also confirmed his status as one of the world’s best No8s.
Declan names goal vs Utd as best moment
Declan Rice has named his 96th-minute goal in a sensational 3-1 comeback win over Manchester United last September as the highlight so far of his first Arsenal season. Rice and then Gabriel Jesus struck at the death after Martin Odegaard cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s opener. And after being crowned London’s player of the year on Thursday night, the ex-West Ham midfielder singled out his role in one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the Prem season so far. He said: “There have been so many good moments so far, but I think due to the stature of the game I would have to say the goal against Manchester United was the best. ‘It was my first goal for Arsenal – Alejandro Garnacho had one ruled out for offside five minutes before and then I took one down off my chin and put it in the back of the net so I was happy with that one. That was the best moment so far.”
Red Devils tipped for Felix bid
Manchester United have been backed to bid for Barcelona loanee Joao Felix. The Spanish giants are reportedly struggling to afford a permanent deal for the Portugal attacker. Felix, 24, was on loan at Chelsea last season before his temporary switch to Barca this term. And he faces an uncertain future – with parent club Atletico Madrid reportedly valuing him at around £60million. It’s claimed in Spain that United could renew last year’s reported interest in Felix. But Barca are said to hope they can borrow him for another season.
Utd target would love Arsenal return
Borussia Dortmund frontman Donyell Malen explained his Premier League “beautiful dream” – with old club Arsenal top of his list. The reported Manchester United and Liverpool target, 25, says leaving Gunners’ Under-17s was right at the time. But he told Voetbal Zone: “I think because I played in England as a youth and then it is a dream to play in the Premier League, then I think that is a beautiful dream. “I went to Arsenal so yes, them. I want Arsenal, my favourite club. Yes [about returning there]. I played there in my youth, I really wanted to break through there so yes. “Every now and then in a football career there are points at which you just have to make a decision. “Yes, I was training with the first team, and I was 17, 18 at the time and I did make steps in the optics, but I thought yes, I have to just play professional football. “I also saw my teammates playing professional football while I was still playing youth football and I just knew (leaving) was the right thing to do.”
Why Casemiro’s goal stood
MARK HALSEY VERDICT: The ex-Prem ref explains why Casemiro’s controversial last-gasp FA Cup winner at Nottingham Forest last night was rightly allowed: “One thing is certain for this season, we’ve seen so many inconsistencies with VAR and it riles the fans, players, managers — and even us referees. “In Law 11, just being in an offside position is not an offence in itself. But does the forward become involved in active play? Interfere with the defender? Make a movement to play the ball? “For Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup final, Wataru Endo is in an offside position but makes no movement to play the ball. “So does he become involved in active play by blocking Levi Colwill? Can Colwill challenge Van Dijk? I don’t think so. “At Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, it was exactly the same as the Van Dijk one. Another defender is between Felipe and Casemiro as he scored. “People will say, in that position Rafael Varane was involved in active play because defenders knew he was there. “But I think both goals should have been given.”
Sir Jim’s vision of the future?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s dream for Manchester United to house “a national stadium in the north of England” has been visualised by AI. United’s new minority owner Ratcliffe wants a “catalyst for regeneration” of the south of Manchester, as well as facilities rivalling Wembley, in potential plans estimated at around £2 billion. Lord Ping and Midjourney Bot have put together images of how the possible new three-tier venue, holding 80-90,000 fans, could look. Just this week Trafford Council boosted the hopes of Ineos chief Ratcliffe by welcoming his plans. The council highlighted stadium developments at Tottenham, Everton and Man City as powerful examples of how to regenerate an area and keep fans there for longer on match days. And Sir Jim, 71, told the BBC that current ground Old Trafford, which can hold 74,310, was “tired and in need of refurbishment”.
Glazers blasted for ‘smelly facilities’ in NFL
Manchester United’s owners have been blasted for “smelly” facilities at their NFL franchise in a damning report. The Glazer Family own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside their majority stake in the Red Devils. Since the Glazers’ takeover in 1995, the Buccaneers have won two Super Bowls, the only NFL championship triumphs in their history. However, an NFL report has now laid bare their alleged failings in Florida. It comes after regular criticism in recent months for neglecting United’s facilities. A survey conducted by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) exposed the shortcomings within the Buccaneers’ facilities. Joel Glazer was given a rating of 6.1/10 for his willingness to invest in facilities, placing him 29th out of 32 franchise owners. Players claimed the locker room are left unclean, constantly smell and the showers have a persistent bug issue. Meanwhile, it was also revealed that the team’s saunas are mouldy. The survey highlighted the Buccaneers as one of 12 teams that do not provide a family room during games.
Utd & Arsenal ‘in the mix’ for Neto
At least six Prem giants are tipped to bid for Wolves winger Pedro Neto this summer. Manchester United and Arsenal are “in the mix” for the Portugal star. The Athletic’s David Ornstein also believes Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham will consider making offers. But the Gunners are expected to baulk at Wolves’ current £80 million valuation. Neto, 23, has grown in stature since moving to Molineux from home country club Braga in 2019.
Hojlund & Saka battle for Prem award
Manchester United’s record-breaking striker Rasmus Hojlund and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are on the six-man shortlist for February’s Prem player of the month. It’s ironic timing as Hojlund faces two to three weeks out injured – after eight goals in his last eight matches. The Dane scored five in February – meaning a goal or more in each of his last six matches. Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only player to have ever netted in more successive games for United – and no other Prem player has done it six games in a row. Only Saka outscored Hojlund this month, with Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins making it three England aces on the list. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross are the other contenders.
Martinez ‘out until April’
Erik ten Hag is confident that “fighter” Lisandro Martinez will return from serious injury this season. The centre-back, 26, is expected to miss at least two more months after damaging right-knee ligaments in United’s 3-0 home win over West Ham on February 4. Ten Hag said: “It is a big setback for Licha. He is very disappointed, but he is a fighter and he will back, he will be back stronger. We think he will still be back by the end of the season.”
‘Surely he understands…’
Jamie O’Hara wonders if Marcus Rashford’s recent form will have Manchester United fans doubting his love for the club. O’Hara told talkSPORT: “I have player cam on him now because I’m literally watching him going: ‘Do you really want to be at Man United? Do you really care? Do you understand?’ Surely he understands because he has been at that football club since he was a kid. He must know what it means to play for this football club. “But, when I watch him, I’m like ‘you are doing such a disservice to your fans’.”
‘Doing a disservice to United’
Marcus Rashford’s passionate defense of his commitment to Manchester United hasn’t saved him from more criticism. TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara claims the England forward’s “work rate off the ball is embarrassingly bad” and overall he is “doing a disservice to the fans”. Dissecting last night’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, ex-Tottenham midfielder O’Hara said: “Someone tell me what’s happened to Marcus Rashford. I’m watching a player who looks like he hates football and he doesn’t hate football because I’ve seen him play football where he looks like he’s enjoying it. “Now, I look at him and I’m like: ‘You’re playing for Man United, which is one of the biggest honors in football if not the biggest, and you’re strolling about like you don’t even want to be there’. When he gives the ball away, he doesn’t even try and win it back. There’s no urgency to his game. He does make runs but he only wants to make a run when he thinks he’s going to get in on goal or he’s going to get the ball. His work rate off the ball is embarrassingly bad. It’s so bad.”
Nuno denies going over the top on Bruno
Nuno Espirito Santo has rejected Erik ten Hag’s claims that Nottingham Forest unfairly targeted Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes last night. Red Devils’ boss Ten Hag was unhappy with the treatment Fernandes in United’s 1-0 FA Cup away win. But asked if Forest went too far, Nuno said: “I don’t think so, I didn’t see what Erik saw. ”He [Fernandes] is a very good player. He needs to be controlled. We did that in a fair way.”
Rashford hits back with lengthy ‘Who I am’ statement
Marcus Rashford has responded to criticism of his form, attitude, and off-the-field sagas with a lengthy and emotional statement entitled “Who I am” – where he pledges his commitment to Manchester United. The England striker says he is an “introvert” who generally “doesn’t like talking about myself” – but “sometimes lines get crossed”. In his message posted to The Players’ Tribune the 26-year-old suggested the spotlight on him can be harsher than on others. However, Rashford added: “Listen, I’m not a perfect person. When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better. But if you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up. It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man. “I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge.”
Erik cautious on Hojlund return
Erik ten Hag has told injured striker Rasmus Hojlund to be patient over his Manchester United return. Hojlund is expected to be out with a new muscle problem until mid-March, so it would be a major shock if he made the squad for Sunday’s Prem derby at Man City. Boss Ten Hag said: “It is a small injury, two to three weeks. That is what happens and the risk [when you are] playing at high intensity, training… he has to wait for one, two, three weeks.”
Disjointed Utd face torrid derby vs City
The Manchester derby has become one of the most important fixtures in the English football schedule, write LEE SCOTT and TONY ROBERTSON. After years of underachievement and time spent in the lower leagues, the takeover of Manchester City by Sheikh Mansour has seen City establish themselves as one of the top teams in the Premier League. Recent results picked up by Man Utd have papered over the cracks and we would expect to see City dominate the match both in terms of possession and chance creation. Indeed, the pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag as even when they do win a match the style of football is not up to the standards that are expected by Red Devils fans. Man Utd have had a glaring lack of set structure in recent games. And overall the Red Devils’ squad will be stretched to the limit to deal with the numerous threats from all angles posed by City.
Palace owner wants FFP ‘fraud’ ripped up
Crystal Palace owner John Textor has called for the “fraud” of Financial Fair Play to be ripped up by football chiefs. American media billionaire Textor took a 45 percent stake in the Selhurst Park outfit after a £50 million investment in 2021. And in the week that saw Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching Prem Profitability and Sustainability Rules reduced to six, the US sports chief, who also owns French side Lyon, is demanding that football’s financial regulations are thrown out. Textor said: “It’s clear that Financial Fair Play rules are built to make sure that clubs that do not drive significant revenues cannot catch up. “It doesn’t matter if you have a billion dollars of cash in a wheelbarrow, you’re not allowed to spend it. Does that make any sense? “Financial fair play is a fraud of a term to say it’s about sustainability. Sustainability should be about the quality of your balance sheet, not ratios against your Profit and Loss. There’s nobody that actually thinks that makes sense. “If a club has the smallest P&L with a billion pounds of cash and you’re sustainable – more sustainable than most clubs in the league – you’re not allowed to spend this.”
Potter favourite ahead of Zidane to be next Utd boss
Graham Potter, Zinedine Zidane, and Julen Lopetegui are well clear of the pack in the betting to succeed Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss. Ex-Chelsea and Brighton chief Potter is 4/1 favorite, ahead of Real Madrid playing and managing legend Zinedine Zidane at 5/1. Betfair has former Wolves and boss Lopetegui at 13/2. Then comes Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim on 10/1. The Portuguese has been linked with United in the past and reportedly put in a good word for Ten hag to get the job in April 2022.
Arteta vs Ten Hag on award shortlist
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Manchester United chief Erik ten Hag have been nominated alongside Man City’s Pep Guardiola for the Premier League’s February manager of the month award. Only the Gunners won all their three games this month. And Arsenal’s plus-16 goal difference for February eclipses plus-four for United and City’s plus-six. Meanwhile, Gunners’ winger Bukayo Saka has been shortlisted for the players’ award.
Red Devils run the Raoul on Italian ace
Manchester United is watching Torino’s Raoul Bellanova, reports in Italy claim. Aston Villa is also reportedly keen on the Italy Under-21 wing-back. Tuttosport says the Red Devils have been impressed by the verdicts from their scouts so far. And United is tipped to continue keeping an eye on him ahead of stepping up their interest in the summer. Many pundits reckon Bellanova is said to be enjoying his best season so far – with a Euro 2024 call-up possible. He’s notched one goal and five assists in 27 games so far this term.
Pogba’ ‘s wife urged banned star to ‘stay strong’
Paul Pogba’s wife has told the ex-Manchester United midfielder to “stay strong” after being handed a four-year ban from football for a doping offense. The Juventus star, 30, tested positive for the banned substance DHEA, which naturally boosts testosterone production, in August 2023 and was handed a provisional ban the following month. Pogba’s suspension runs from 11 September 2023 – the date he was provisionally banned pending investigation – to 10 September 2027, meaning he will not be allowed to return until he is 34 years old. However, in a statement published on Thursday afternoon, the midfielder revealed that he plans to appeal the decision. And Pogba’s wife Zulay has since shared her support on Instagram, writing: “The truth will always prevail my king, stay strong as you always have been.”
‘Rice ‘n Rasmus worth far less already’
Arsenal’s £105 million record signing Declan Rice and Manchester United’s £72m striker Rasmus Hojlund are already losing value fast. That’s the claim from West Ham striker Michail Antonio – despite Rice’s brilliant form since switching from West Ham last summer and Hojlund’s sudden scoring streak. Antonio believes big-money Prem recruits would all move on for far less if their clubs decide to sell – except for Manchester City’s bargain buy Erling Haaland. He told the Footballer’s Football Podcast: “What would Real Madrid pay for Haaland? That one was luck, they got him for £60m, and he’ll go for about £120m. “But let’s talk about someone like Dec. Dec is 25, let’s say he wanted to go to Real Madrid, Arsenal have already paid £105m. Hojlund, how much did United pay for him? £70m? The maximum they would get now is £80m, 90m, 100m. “I don’t understand top six clubs doing it, they are already paying premium prices, anyone selling to them wants the most and that’s what they’re going to do.”