Due to claims involving a young woman after pictures and videos were shared online, the 21-year-old has been suspended by his club for the past 18 months.
Prior to the Crown Prosecution Service’s announcement six months ago that the case had been dropped, Greenwood was facing accusations that included attempted rape and violence.
During this time, United has kept the forward on suspension while conducting an internal investigation.
The Premier League powerhouses were reportedly ready to reintegrate the 21-year-old earlier this week, but the club has said that is not the case.
After all charges against Mason Greenwood were dropped in February 2023, according to a statement, “Manchester United has thoroughly investigated the allegations made against him.”
We heard from many persons who had a direct role in the case or knowledge of it, and we drew on a wealth of evidence and background information that was not in the public realm.
The club’s enquiries have focused heavily on the welfare and viewpoint of the alleged victim throughout this process, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
We also owe Mason a duty of care because he works for the club, is a young person who has been a member since he was seven, and is a new father with a partner.
We have finished gathering information for our inquiry, and are currently deciding what will happen to Mason.
Contrary to what has been reported in the media, that decision has not yet been reached and is currently the focus of extensive internal discussion. The Chief Executive Officer is ultimately accountable.
Once decided, the internal and external stakeholders of the club will be informed and given an explanation.
“This has been a challenging case for everyone connected to Manchester United, and we appreciate the strong reactions it has sparked based on the limited information that is publicly available.” We kindly ask for your understanding as we complete the last steps of this methodical procedure.
Making his debut against Wolves on Monday, August 14, 2023, the Cameroonian shot-stopper now stands as the fifth African goalkeeper to have played in the Premier League.
The quartet of goalkeepers preceding him includes Richard Kingson, the former Black Stars goalkeeper (associated with Blackpool, Wigan, and Birmingham), Bruce Grobbelaar, the former Zimbabwean goalkeeper (associated with Liverpool and Southampton), Carl Ikeme, the former Nigerian goalkeeper (linked to Wolves), and Édouard Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper (representing Chelsea).
André Onana’s inaugural Premier League appearance proved commendable. He showcased a strong performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory, making essential saves and securing a clean sheet.
Playing the entire match, Onana managed 51 touches, executed eight recoveries, and completed six saves, earning a FotMob rating of 8.1.
Having made a transfer from Ajax and Inter Milan to Manchester United during the summer for 51 million euros,André Onana committed to a five-year contract that includes an option to extend for an additional year.
Everton is keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding Harry Maguire, followingWest Ham’s unsuccessful attempt to secure the services of the center-back, which was turned down by Manchester United.
United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is striving to make two additional signings to strengthen the team before the summer transfer window concludes.
However, the club’s ability to finalise new acquisitions is contingent upon making sales.
West Ham recently presented a dual offer of £60 million ($77 million) for Maguire and Scott McTominay, but this bid was rebuffed.
According to reports from the Independent, Everton has now entered the scene, closely observing Maguire’s situation following West Ham’s failed bid.
Maguire himself is eager to depart the club in pursuit of more playing time, a crucial factor leading up to Euro 2024.
While the Red Devils have a keen interest in adding midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Nice center-back Jean-Clair Todibo to their roster, the feasibility of these signings hinges on the revenue generated from their sales.
Manchester United will kick off their 2023–24 Premier League season against Wolves on August 14.
Manchester United have welcomed Rasmus Højlund to their ranks with a contract that extends until June 2028, while also offering the possibility of an additional year, pending international clearance.
Despite being a mere 20 years old, Højlund has exhibited his prowess as a striker by netting 27 goals in a total of 87 club matches. Notably, his contributions encompassed a stint in Italy with Atalanta, where he secured 10 goals during the previous season.
Højlund has already made his mark on the international stage, boasting six goals across six appearances for Denmark.
Rasmus Højlund said: “It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.
“I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players.
“Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new teammates at this special club.”
John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, said: “Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent. He possesses technical and physical attributes which rank him amongst the best players in the world for his age group. Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform. Everyone across the club will ensure that he is given the time and all the support required to reach his immense potential.
“Throughout the summer we have acted quickly and decisively to secure our primary targets early in the transfer window. This will ensure that Erik and his coaches have the best opportunity to prepare the squad to push for further success in the exciting campaign ahead.”
Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop has departed from Manchester United to join Sunderland, a Championship side.
This move comes shortly after an unfortunate collision with Wrexham’s Paul Mullin.
Following his challenge on Mullin, which resulted in the Wrexham striker sustaining a punctured lung, Bishop, the young goalkeeper fromManchester United, has officially left the club.
He signed a three-year contract with Sunderland, the details of which have not been disclosed. This confirmation came from the club’s announcement on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during a pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Wrexham in the United States.
In the 12th minute of the game, Bishop and Mullin had an accidental collision that led to Mullin needing medical attention, including the use of an oxygen mask. Mullin was subsequently substituted and taken to a hospital for further treatment.
As of now, Mullin is in the process of recovery at the residence of Rob McElhenney, one of the club’s co-owners, in Los Angeles.
Erik ten Hag’s team will be back in action for a pre-season friendly against Lens on August 5th, which will take place at Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot is determined to play a crucial role in helping Manchester United achieve success as they bear the responsibility of being a successful club.
It has been a decade since the Red Devils won their 20th league title, and the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has been marked by ups and downs with limited silverware.
Since joining United from Porto in 2018, Dalot has experienced five different managers, either on a permanent or interim basis.
However, under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, the club’s recent performances show promise, suggesting they are moving in the right direction.
The meticulous Dutchman has implemented a change in style and mindset, and United, eager to build on their third-placed Premier League finish and Carabao Cup triumph, are now focused on moving forward with renewed determination.
“(Last season) brings us momentum, energy as well, to look back on what we did last year,” Dalot told the PA news agency.
“It has to bring us energy to build even more, to raise the bar a little bit higher.
“I think we have all the conditions to give a little bit more and plus, so we can even get better from what we did last year.
“It doesn’t fully (reflect) on the entire success that this football club works for and deserves.
“Like our manager said, we see it as progress, a little step forward.
“Obviously playing two finals, winning a trophy, being up there competing for the Premier League, that’s where we want to aim.
“We know that it’s difficult, we have a lot of teams to compete (against), but we are Man United, so we have to look (at) that not as a motivation but as a responsibility to fulfil the objectives of this club.”
Improving on last season will be a challenge given treble-winning rivals Manchester City’s quality and the improvements made by the Premier League’s other top clubs.
But Dalot is in no doubt that United are back on the up and that he is in the right place to succeed, having recently signed a new deal until 2028 with an option for a further season.
“I think it’s a combination of me and the club, the connection that we have,” the Portugal international said of that deal. “The project that the club believe that I can be a part of.
“Obviously the manager, the important role that he had since he came here to help me to develop even more, so I think this is the perfect combination for me.
“I didn’t have any doubts on keeping here at this club and fighting for even more.”
Dalot made a mightily impressive start to last season, with rejuvenated Aaron Wan-Bissaka flourishing towards the end of the campaign.
The United right-backs offer different attributes and their performances have meant that, unlike recent years, there has been little to no talk of the need to improve the position this summer.
“If you want to play for this club, you have to be able to compete – not just as a team, but as individual as well,” Dalot said.
“Every position we have at least now two players that can play and they can start a game for this club, so this is something that I’ve always said, and I’ve always kept on my mind that I like it.
“I like to have this type of competition and I think I have a good team-mate to do that, which makes me even more motivated to raise the level and fight for the position.”
Not only do United have depth in different positions but an improved number of leaders.
Harry Maguire has worn the captain’s armband in recent seasons and Ten Hag recently named Bruno Fernandes skipper.
“To be honest, knowing him as I know him, he’s not going to change the behaviour that he had since he came here,” Dalot said of his compatriot.
“When he arrived, he always tried to get this natural leadership that he has inside of him.
“He is always a player that you can rely on. Obviously, being there every single game brings you even more confidence to have a team-mate like him, who gives you everything for the team.
“And then obviously, the personality that (he) has, that capacity to be a leader and we are happy that he’s one of the leaders of this team.”
Dalot hopes to help Fernandes drive standards at United having learned from arguably Portugal’s greatest ever player.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit fromOld Trafford last November was acrimonious but his impact over two spells at the club left an indelible mark on his United team-mates during those times.
Dalot remains close with the 38-year-old world star and said: “I mean, he helped me a lot outside of the pitch.
“Whether it’s the way he conducts himself every single day, I think the discipline that he has and he had through all his career brought me a lot.
“It was a joy for me to play with him and to be his team-mate. He helped me a lot.
“I will keep some things to myself but the general (thing) is that his discipline is what impressed me the most.
“Because you can be consistent, but you can be consistent in a bad way, and he was disciplined and consistent in a good way. That’s what I’ve learned the most from him.”
Erik ten Hag has acknowledged that Manchester United is making progress in their search for a new striker. However, he refrained from commenting on any potential move for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe is reportedly available for transfer after expressing his decision not to renew his contract at Parc des Princes, making a move away from PSG likely before his anticipated free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024. Al Hilal is said to have linked to a potential £259 million deal for the player.
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United at the end of 2022 and Wout Weghorst’s failure to meet expectations, the club is in need of a striker.
Although they have successfully recruited Mason Mount from Chelsea and Andre Onana from Inter Milan, the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford has not materialized yet, with rumored rival interest from PSG.
“We make progress, yeah,” Ten Hag said when asked about United’s attempt to land a forward. “But you know how it works – when we have him, we will tell you directly.
“The only thing I can say is we do everything that’s in our power to get that done. If it was up to me, yeah, as soon as possible. The earlier the better because we have to integrate him in the team, the way of play.
“In an ideal situation, he was already here but you do not always get ideal situations as a manager and you have to deal with the situation.”
When asked if he could be interested in Mbappe, he answered: “We never speak about players who are under contract in other clubs.”
Manchester United is currently prioritizing the signing of Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, even though they have the opportunity to pursue top talents like Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain and Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.
United has been actively pursuing Hojlund’s services for several weeks, as they are determined to address their long-standing issues in the forward position.
The Danish star has become their main target for bolstering their attacking options.
Negotiations over the transfer fee for Hojlund have been prolonged, causing some delay in finalizing the deal.
Despite the availability of high-profile players like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, United’s focus remains firmly on securing Hojlund’s signature from Atalanta.
This information comes from reliable sources, such as Fabrizio Romano.
While Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo-Muani was initially considered as an alternative target, United is now expected to resume their efforts in securing the deal for Hojlund in the upcoming week, clearly demonstrating their commitment to bring the Atalanta forward to Old Trafford.
United are expected to submit an official bid for Hojlund soon, aiming to finalise the deal and bolster their attack ahead of the new season.
The club will continue to closely monitor the situation and work towards resolving the negotiations to secure the talented striker’s signature.
Andre Onana has taken to Instagram to bid a heartfelt farewell to Inter fans as he approaches a potential €55 million (£48m/$61m) transfer to Manchester United.
The goalkeeper’s move to United is being facilitated by Erik ten Hag’s desire to reunite with his former Ajax player at Old Trafford.
In his touching message, Onana expresses gratitude and fondness for his time with the Serie A club as he prepares for the new chapter in his career.
Onana wrote: “I never imagined that a farewell would be so hard. A year ago I became a Nerazzurro, many people told me that this club and this city had something special. Now I can confirm it.
“In my first days as a Nerazzurro I realised that this is a family, that being Interisti is a way of understanding life.
“I fell in love with San Siro, la Curva and the city. Now the circumstances are right for me to start a new journey in Manchester. I do it with great enthusiasm, but knowing that I will miss you. Eternal gratitude to all the Interisti. You make this club great.
“Maybe one day our paths will cross again, but now it’s time to face new challenges and cheer you on from afar. Players come and go, but the club always remains, and Inter is above everything and everyone.”
Onana has already undergone a medical at Carrington and is poised to link up with the squad on their tour of the United States once the formalities are completed.
Donny van de Beek experienced a joyous “big moment” as the Manchester United midfielder made a successful comeback from a lengthy knee injury, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 pre-season triumph against Lyon at Murrayfield.
Van de Beek had been sidelined since January 3 when he sustained a knee problem during Manchester United’s victory against Bournemouth.
Since joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2020, where he worked under United boss Erik ten Hag, the Netherlands international has faced challenges in establishing himself at the club.
Consequently, there have been speculations linking him with a potential departure from the Red Devils during the current summer transfer window.
“It was great. My first game after six months. I don’t have to tell you after such an injury, such a mentally difficult period for me and my family, to be back on the pitch was great and it is nice if you score a goal,” Van de Beek told MUTV.
“It is amazing because I have been looking forward to this moment for months. I know it is just a friendly game but for me it is a big moment.”
Manchester United had a strong start in the match, creating three significant chances within the opening five minutes. Antony’s attempt was denied by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, followed by Amad Diallo dragging a shot wide and having another saved by Lopes.
During the second half, Donny van de Beek was one of the 11 changes made by the team at halftime. Just four minutes into the half, he scored a splendid goal, connecting with a chipped cross from the right by youngster Dan Gore and volleying the ball into the top corner with precision.
Notably, Jonny Evans, a 35-year-old academy graduate who previously enjoyed success at Manchester United with three Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph before departing in 2015, played in the second half.
He has returned to the club on a short-term deal and will join the squad on their pre-season tour of the USA.
“He came to train with us, to work on his fitness and not all the players are in — internationals are out, still having their break — so I thought it was a good idea to help each other out,” Ten Hag said. “Jonny can work on his fitness and he can help us out.
“The level, we know he is a really experienced player but also a very good person, a big personality and I think he has big authority as well. He will help the young players especially. It is a benefit for both sides.”
After the match, Ten Hag added: “You can see he is a fine character, he is a leader. He understands football. He really contributed to the good performance of the team in the second half.”
Former Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has provided a positive update on his health, stating that he has been moved out of the intensive care unit after experiencing a brain bleed.
The 52-year-old, renowned for his successful career with Manchester United and Ajax, was initially hospitalized while vacationing in Croatia before being transferred to a Dutch hospital.
In his statement on Twitter, Van der Sar expressed relief at no longer being in the ICU.
However, he remains hospitalized for further treatment and recovery, with hopes of being discharged soon to continue rehabilitation at home in the following week.
After news of his condition emerged on July 7, fans and well-wishers showed overwhelming support, to which he expresses gratitude in his latest update.
Despite facing a challenging season in 2022-23,Paul Pogba may still have a future at Juventus as the club considers him “fundamental” to their plans.
The French World Cup-winning midfielder returned to Juventus for a second stint in 2022, joining the Bianconeri as a free agent after his contract with Manchester United expired.
However, Pogba’s reunion with the Italian club turned into a nightmare when he suffered a pre-season injury that ultimately required surgery.
Due to the injury, Pogba’s playing time was severely limited, and he only managed to make 10 appearances throughout the disrupted campaign. As a result, there have been rumors of Juventus considering selling him, with links to teams in Saudi Arabia being mentioned.
Nevertheless, despite the challenges, Juventus still values Pogba’s contributions and considers him a key part of their future plans. They recognize his importance to the team and are not ruling out his continued involvement at the club.
Juve’s sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, has now addressed that speculation, telling reporters at his first press conference in a new job when asked for an update on Pogba: “His situation is clear, the guy is returning from a difficult season and we are waiting for him. He is fundamental for us, he has experience and quality and we rely on him to mentor the many lads we have.”
USMNT star Weston McKennie is another of those to have seen an imminent transfer speculated on, but no deal has been done and Giuntoli added on the American midfielder: “We’ve never said McKennie is out of the project, right now there are players on the market. We are in talks with a couple of clubs for [Denis] Zakaria, same as Arthur and Leonardo but we haven’t found anything that suits him [Bonucci] yet.”
A costly points deduction meant that Juve could only muster a seventh-place finish in 2022-23, with the lack ofChampions League football on their schedule also set to make life difficult when it comes to retaining the services of top talent and bringing more on board.
Bruno Fernandes has reportedly rejected several offers from the Saudi Pro League in order to remain at Manchester United, where he is likely to be named the club captain.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Portuguese international has made it clear that he has no intentions of leaving Old Trafford this summer, despite receiving multiple approaches from the Gulf state in June.
While the specific clubs making the proposals remain undisclosed, it would require a substantial financial offer to entice a player of Fernandes’ caliber.
Rather than joining the trend of high-profile players moving to the Middle East, Fernandes has expressed his desire to continue his career at Manchester United.
Furthermore, it is expected that he will take over the captaincy from Harry Maguire, who was recently relieved of his duties as captain.
Fernandes has returned to United for pre-season training after an extended break, and he will doubtless continue to be a key cog for the club as they continue their progress under Erik ten Hag.
The squad, consisting of 27 players, is set to participate in three upcoming friendly matches.
According to The Mirror, the Arsenal team departed from London Stansted Airport on Sunday afternoon, July 16, for their pre-season engagements.
Notable fixtures include a match against the MLS All-Stars, led by Wayne Rooney, scheduled for Thursday.
Subsequently, Arsenal will face off against rivals Manchester United and Spanish giants Barcelona.
Who is not in Arsenal’s squad?
Thomas Partey was the conspicuous miss in Arsenal’s travelling party.
The Ghanaian midfielder’s absence comes at a time he has been linked with a possible Emirates exit this summer.
Nicolas Pepe, Cedric, and Albert Sambi Lokonga have not been named in the squad, with Pepe also believed to be on his way out.
Reiss Nelson and Nuno Tavares will also not travel, with the latter understood to be still on holiday, per Football London.
Arthur Owonkwo, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Arsenal, was also not included.
Who is in the Arsenal squad?
The team is headlined by several senior players, including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and defenders William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Ben White, and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Bukayo Saka, Jorginho, and Gabriel Martinelli are some of the other familiar names in the travelling contingent.
Manager Erik ten Hag has decided to remove Harry Maguire from his role as captain of Manchester United.
Maguire, who had held the captaincy since January 2020, found himself on the sidelines for a significant portion of Ten Hag’s debut season in charge.
Harry Maguire has said it was a privilege to captain Manchester United, after confirming that he is no longer the club skipper.
In a statement, the United and England centre-back thanked the fans for all their support during his captaincy.
He said: “After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
After discussions with the manager today he has informed me he is changing captain. He outlined his reasons to me and whilst I’m personally extremely disappointed, I will continue to give my all every time I wear the shirt.
“So I wanted to say a massive thank you to the Manchester United fans for all their brilliant support whilst I’ve been wearing the armband.
“Since the day I took on the role, three-and-a-half years ago, it’s been a huge privilege to lead Manchester United and one of the proudest moments of my career to date. It’s one of the greatest honours in club football. I’ve done everything I possibly could to help United be successful – on and off the field.
“I will always be grateful to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for first giving me the responsibility and I wish whoever now takes it on every success and they will have my full support.”
Everyone at Manchester United thanked Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three-and-a-half years.
The manager will announce the new captain in due course, after he has informed the players.
An agreement was made with Inter on Sunday, according to reports in Italy, and Andre Onana will have a physical with Manchester United within the following 48 hours.
After opting not to extend David de Gea’s contract, United has been looking for a new starting custodian this summer. In recent weeks, United has conducted extensive negotiations with Inter about a trade for Onana.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, United have now agreed a deal worth in excess of €50 million (£42.8m), including bonuses, while personal terms have also been finalised with Onana.
The 27-year-old will now complete his medical with United within the next two days with the aim to join up with Erik ten Hag’s squad on Wednesday where they will travel to the United States for their pre-season tour.
Onana was at Inter’s training ground on Sunday to take part in his final session with the club and say goodbye to his teammates.
Onana, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, will become United’s second summer signing following their £60m deal for Mason Mount earlier this month.
It’s understood that Ten Hag has already spoken with Onana ahead of his move to Old Trafford.
Once their deal for Onana is complete, United will then focus on bringing in a new striker before the end of the summer window.
Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund is United’s top target but the Serie A club have so far rejected all offers and are demanding an £86m fee.
Declan Rice, who just joined Arsenal, would have been an ‘interesting’ addition to Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich team, according to the coach.
On Saturday, Rice signed a record-breaking £105 million transfer agreement with the Gunners.
It ends one of the most drawn-out transfer sagas in recent memory, one in which the top clubs in Europe competed to capture the former West Ham captain.
Bayern, Chelsea and Manchester United, were among those to miss out on his signature, with the Bundesliga champions entering the race for the defensive midfielder late on.
But they were eventually priced out of the move, which will have no doubt disappointed Tuchel who was said to be a huge fan of the 24-year-old having witnessed his impressive performances first-hand while he was Chelsea boss.
Asked about Bayern’s failed pursuit of Rice, the German manager said: ‘It could have been an interesting addition to have a player with his character in the squad.
‘He’s a good player and he went to a good club. He has a profile that I don’t think we have in the squad. It could be interesting to have it.’
Rice is not the only English star that Tuchel has been pursuing however, with Manchester City defender Kyle Walker also on his shortlist.
More notably, Bayern are the favourites to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane, though striking a deal for the Three Lions captain is proving hard with Spurs rejecting the Germans’ second offer of £70m.
Asked about the links to Kane, Tuchel said: ‘I have a very boring answer: I do not comment on players who are not with us.
‘It’s well known that we are looking for a Number 9. If we find someone that fits in, then we’ll go all in. If we don’t find anyone, we’re happy with our squad. But we need more patience.’
Manchester United have expressed interest in Atalanta’s star forward, Rasmus Hojlund in their pursuit of a new striker.
However, their attempt to secure the player through a combination of cash and player exchange has been swiftly dismissed by the Serie A side.
Due to financial fair play (FFP) restrictions, Manchester United proposed an offer involving both monetary compensation and the inclusion of players, specifically Fred and Donny van de Beek.
Nevertheless, Atalanta has firmly rejected this proposal.
Atalanta’s stance is that they will only consider a cash deal for the 20-year-old Danish striker. According to The Athletic, the Italian club values Hojlund at €100 million (£85 million/$111 million).
Manchester United will need to reconsider their approach and meet Atalanta’s cash-only requirement to potentially secure the highly-rated forward.
FFP restrictions mean that United won’t meet Atalanta’s demands, and the idea of throwing players into the deal is to bring the cash payment down. United could move on to other targets should Atalanta refuse to budge.
United will try to find a way to break the stalemate with Atalanta, but with Hojlund only one year in to a four-year contract, the Italian side hold all the cards in negotiations.
David de Gea is searching for his next team after leaving Manchester United after 12 years,
The Spanish custodian left Old Trafford after his deal with the Red Devils expired, and Inter Milan custodian Andre Onana was ready to assume the No. 1 jersey.
Let’s take a guess at the players possible destinations.
Saudi Pro League
High-profile stars continue to flock to the Saudi Pro League and it would be no surprise to see De Gea become the latest to join the revolution.
The likes of Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr — all of whom are part-owned bySaudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — are able to blow European sides out of the water in terms of wages.
The ex-United custodian may feel a switch to the Gulf State is his final chance for a big payday.
David de Gea could move to Inter Milan to replace Andre Onana, who is poised to join Manchester United
Should he opt to stay in European football, a spot as Inter’s new No1 is poised to open up thanks to Onana — the man who is set to replace him at the Theatre of Dreams.
For all of the unconvincing moments with his feet in the final years at United, De Gea still boasteda reputation as one of England’s finest shot-stoppers and Serie A football may suit his style better.
Given the Nerazzurri are set to bank a hefty fee from the Onana sale, landing the former Premier League winner for free could prove a shrewd bit of business.
Return to Spain
An emotional return to Spain would undoubtedly appeal, though a move back to Atletico Madrid seems off the cards with Jan Oblak still their undisputed first choice between the sticks.
Villarreal might prove an attractive alternative in LaLiga, with veteran stopper Pepe Reina, 40, close to retirement.
Valencia and Sevilla could also be in the lookout for a new keeper should respective No1s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Yassine Bounou get snapped up this summer.
Asiwaju Lerry who is a close friend of Nigerianand Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has slammed Premier League giants Manchester United for allowing Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea to leave Old Trafford.
De Gea’s contract expired at the end of the 2023/23 Premier League season and the experienced goalkeeper walked away afterward with the Red Devils now in the market looking for a new goalkeeper.
During his 12-year stay at Manchester United, De Gea won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield, and Europa League titles according to the reports on Marca and BBC.
Sports Brief spoke exclusively with Asiwaju Lerry on De Gea’s departure from Manchester United, and the Social Media Influencer stated that the Red Devils would regret allowing him to leave.
Asiwaju Lerry slams Man United
”Man United could have just made him as a backup. Onana is not Premier League proven and he might struggle if they sign him.
”It is embarrassing how Man United treat their club legends. You will regret letting De Gea leave.”
Lerry who has been hanging out with Osimhen in Lagos also disclosed that he wants his friend to play in the Premier League but not for Man United.”
Lerry wants Osimhen in England
”I want Osimhen to play in the Premier League but not for Man United, he can join any other club which was what I told him.”
PSG wants Victor Osimhen
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Paris Saint-Germain chiefs have reportedly identified Super Eagles striker,Victor Osimhen as the replacement for France international, Kylian Mbappe, who is currently in Cameroon for his holidays.
Mbappe’s contract at PSG will expire in June 2024 and the club’s executives fear losing the former Monaco star for free if he should refuse to sign a new deal.
There have been reports that Real Madrid are ready to sign Mbappe this summer as a replacement for Karim Benzema, who has moved to the Saudi Arabian League.
Bruno Fernandes has expressed admiration for his Manchester United teammate David De Gea, stating that the goalkeeper deserved a more fitting farewell.
De Gea recently announced his departure from the club after his contract expired at the end of June.
Fernandes believes that a farewell in front of the fans at Old Trafford would have been a more suitable tribute for De Gea, considering his contributions to the team.
As the club’s third-highest appearance-maker in the Premier League, De Gea’s departure is seen as a significant loss for Manchester United.
Fernandes’ comments highlight the respect and appreciation the players have for De Gea and acknowledge the impact he has had during his time at the club.
The Portuguese international posted on Instagram: “You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you bro.
“You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories.
“You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten. All the best for what’s coming for you and your family.”
De Gea leaves the club on a high, having won the Premier League Golden Glove last season.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been hospitalised after suffering a brain haemorrhage while on vacation in Croatia.
The 52-year-old Dutchman was airlifted to a hospital on Friday afternoon and is currently in intensive care.
Van der Sar, who recently stepped down as the chief executive at Ajax, encountered bleeding around his brain while enjoying his holiday on a Croatian island.
Ajax has issued a statement acknowledging the situation and offering their full support to the former goalkeeper during this difficult time.
The statement said: “On Friday, Edwin van der Sar had bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in the hospital’s intensive care unit and is in a stable condition.
“Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you.” Van der Sar enjoyed a successful career as a goalkeeper, notably representing Manchester United and Ajax.
After retiring from playing, he transitioned into a management role, contributing to Ajax’s operations as chief executive.
Manchester United’s slim chances of signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe this summer may be dashed by a ruling from UEFA, the governing body of European football.
Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly threatened to offload the 24-year-old superstar if he does not agree to a contract extension.
Manchester United, along with Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Liverpool, have all been linked with an interest in signing the forward.
However, The People’s Person reports that a peculiar UEFA ruling could potentially prevent Manchester United from pursuing a deal for Mbappe, should Sheikh Jassim’s bid to purchase the Premier League club be successful.
If the bid from Qatar fails to establish itself as a separate entity from PSG’s owners, UEFA will veto any potential transfer between the two clubs, thereby impeding Manchester United’s chances of making an offer for Mbappe.
The reasoning behind this ruling stems from a recent UEFA regulation that prohibits two clubs with the same ownership from acting independently.
There are speculations suggesting that Sheikh Jassim has a stake in PSG, hence the potential obstacle in Manchester United’s pursuit of Mbappe.
Mbappe hands Madrid transfer boost Meanwhile, Real Madrid are open to the idea of making a move for Kylian Mbappe this summer if that is what it takes to bring the Frenchman to the Spanish capital, Fansided reports.
Los Blancos are without a first-choice centre-forward heading into the 2023/24 season, and Mbappe has been identified as the ideal candidate to fill the role left vacant by the departure of Karim Benzema.
Mbappe has informed PSG that he is not interested in extending his deal with the Ligue 1 champions, forcing the club to listen to offers for him this summer.
Renowned English Premier League club, Manchester United, is reportedly in advanced talks to secure the services of Zion Suzuki, a talented Japanese goalkeeper with Ghanaian heritage from his mother’s side.
Born in 2003 in Arkansas, USA, Suzuki is the son of a Japanese father and a Ghanaian Ewe mother, which adds a unique cultural aspect to his background.
Under the guidance of manager Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has been closely monitoring Suzuki’s progress for the past six years, specifically during his tenure with Urawa Red Diamonds.
The club has now taken a significant step by making a formal bid of £5 million to acquire the young goalkeeper.
Reports of Manchester United’s interest in Suzuki first surfaced through Japanese news portal Sponichi Annex, and since 2017, the club has been carefully observing his development.
If the deal materializes, it would mark an exciting move for both Suzuki and Manchester United.
If the deal goes through, it would become a record transfer fee for a J League club, surpassing the £4.5 million Celtic paid for Kyogo Furuhashi in 2021.
While Suzuki has represented Japan at various youth levels, he is yet to make his senior international debut.
He turned professional with Urawa in 2018 at the age of 16 but has made only eight appearances in the J League, mainly serving as the backup to first-choice goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.
Manchester United’s pursuit ofInter Milan’s Andre Onana has been well-documented, but financial constraints have made negotiations difficult.
With a reported summer budget of £100 million, the Red Devils are seeking a bargain, and Suzuki, available for £5 million, fits that criteria.
With the departure of David De Gea and uncertainty surrounding Dean Henderson’s future, Manchester United is in need of goalkeeping reinforcements.
While Suzuki may be viewed as one for the future, his potential arrival could provide long-term stability in the club’s goalkeeping department.
Manchester United is reportedly on the brink of securing the signature of Zion Suzuki, a Ghanaian-Japanese goalkeeper currently playing for Urawa Red Diamonds in Japan.
According to reports from Japanese outlet Sponichi, Manchester United has submitted a £5 million offer to acquire Suzuki’s services.
If the deal goes through, Suzuki would become the most expensive signing in the history of the Japanese top-flight league.
Manchester United has been monitoring Suzuki since 2017 and has closely followed his development from his early days in youth football.
The news of the potential transfer has generated surprise and intrigue, as Suzuki is relatively unknown in European football circles.
Birthplace: Zion Suzuki was born on August 19, 2002, in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. His father is Ghanaian Ewe, and his mother is Japanese.
Youth Career: Suzuki began his goalkeeping journey in 2013 with Urawa Red Diamonds, a Japanese club.
He progressed through the ranks and earned a spot in the club’s first team in 2021, featuring in six matches in the Japanese J1 league.
Professional Career at Urawa Reds: After his promotion to the Urawa first team, Suzuki made his debut in May, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory against Vegalta Sendai.
He has since maintained an impressive record, recording ten more clean sheets in 28 matches.
Japanese National Team: As a dual-national, Suzuki is eligible to represent Japan, Ghana, or the USA.
He has represented Japan in various youth categories, starting with the U15 team in 2016.
Suzuki has progressed through the U16, U17, U18, and currently the U21 level. He notably participated in the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup, where Japan’s U21 team finished third. Suzuki played six matches in the tournament, keeping four clean sheets.
Mason Mount, the newly signed Manchester United player, has revealed that he departed Chelsea as it became evident “several months ago” that he did not feature in the club’s long-term plans.
Mount told MUTV: “Several months ago I think it became clear that I wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans moving forward and once I knew that United were involved, my decision was made.
“It’s a massive club, huge, iconic players have played here, and I wanted to be a part of that from the beginning. Getting in early, ready for pre-season to start, was a main objective of mine as well.”
The English midfielder finalized his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United this week, securing a contract until 2028, with a potential extension of one more year. The initial transfer fee is believed to be £55 million.
At 24 years of age, Mason Mount, who had been associated with Chelsea for 18 years, accumulated 195 appearances for the club, scoring 33 goals. His contributions played a crucial role in Chelsea’s triumph in the 2021 Champions League.
Reflecting on his playing style, Mount expressed his self-perception as a midfielder, specifically as a dynamic number eight. He emphasized his ability to contribute offensively by scoring and creating goals while also highlighting his commitment to defensive duties and supporting the team during challenging moments.
This balanced approach is a significant aspect of his focus as a player.
Mount, set to wear the number seven shirt in Erik ten Hag’s United team, cut short a family holiday in Disneyland to finalise the deal.
He said: “We had a little trip to Disneyland, for the niece mainly – I enjoyed it as well, of course!
“We came back a bit early just to make our way up here, drive up here, see what the trip’s like and everything. But it was well worth it, and it’s great to be up here now.
“It’s been an amazing couple of days, coming here, seeing everyone, meeting everyone at the training ground, such a warm welcome. I feel very much at home already.”
Shortly after Manchester United officially announced the transfer of midfielder Mason Mount, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand made a bold statement.
Ferdinand expressed his belief that Mount will thrive at Old Trafford, while also suggesting that Chelsea will come to regret their decision to sell the talented midfielder.
On Wednesday, July 5, Manchester United introduced Mount as their newest signing, completing a deal reportedly valued at £60 million.
The transfer saga surrounding Mount finally concluded, with Manchester United successfully securing the services of the English international, who had only one year left on his contract with Chelsea.
In his first sentiments as a Red, Mount revealed his delight at joining the club, adding that United would provide “an exciting new challenge”.
“Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies. The 24-year old said as quoted on the Man United website.
After confirmation of the first summer signing, Rio Ferdinand took to his social media to react to United acquiring a new Number 7 following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Really pleased with Mount coming in. Young, talented & hungry. He has the experience of big games with pressure which comes when playing for Utd,” Ferdinand started before taunting Chelsea fans with a ‘regret’ claim.
“As a player, he will bring us goals, creativity, a work ethic & a willing runner into the opposition box.
“He definitely adds to what we have in the squad and is different from the others in midfield. I actually think in timeChelsea will regret selling Mount. Now for a No.9.”
As reported on BBC, Mount met up with Erik Ten Hag and was impressed with the gaffer’s plans for the club.
He was offered the Number 7 shirt during discussions as a show of how much they wanted him to become the club’s first summer signing. The shirt number was previously worn by Ronaldo and before that, David Beckham.
Chelsea departures
The England international is the latest Chelsea player to leave Stamford Bridge, as he follows a string of superstars to the exit door.
Ruben Loftus Cheek (AC Milan), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kovacic (Man City), N’golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy (Al Hilal) are some of the big names that have left Chelsea ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign at the club.
Mount’s cute video copying CR7
There were also reports ofMason Mount’s video as a child where he was mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is arguably football’s biggest influencer with his lifestyle, fashion and goal celebration, a global phenomenon copied by colleagues and football lovers worldwide.
Mount is not left out of being a Ronaldo fanboy and spoke about how he modelled his freekick technique after the Portuguese, from his days at Cobham Academy.
Mount, 24, completed a move to United today, signing a five-year contract with the possibility of extending it for an additional 12 months.
This marked the end of Mount’s 18-year tenure with Chelsea, a decision that was undoubtedly difficult for him.
James, who shared a journey with Mount from their youth days at Chelsea to representing their country together, openly conveyed his anguish at seeing his childhood teammate leave their beloved club.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Ma brother man. Where do I start?
“I’ve known you since six, we grew together and took similar paths in breaking into the first team.
“Something that seemed virtually impossible. I’m proud to say I done it alongside you.
“I’ve seen you as a little boy and watched you grow into the man and player you are today — you’ve done yourself and your family proud.
“We’ve had some of the best days of our career together that’ll stick with me forever.
“It’s sad to say goodbye. I wish you nothing but happiness, good health and the best of luck on your new adventure!
“You’ll always be blue at heart!”
Within minutes of James posting his heartfelt farewell, Mount thanked his former team-mate.
He replied: “My brother from day one, so many memories shared together. Thank you RJ.”
After completing his switch to Old Trafford, Mount said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up but United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
“Having competed against them, I know how strong a squad it is that I’m joining and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.
It is expected thatGhanaian football star Mohammed Kudus would command a significant transfer fee if he were to move during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij.
Verweij mentioned during the Kick Off podcast that while Kudus’s price tag would be substantial, it wouldn’t reach the same magnitude as the fee Ajax received for selling Antony to Manchester United last summer.
“Brighton are the most serious. But if Manchester United become serious about Kudus, then Erik ten Hag can do great things for his former club again just like when he bought Antony for €100m (£86.5m).
Kudus won’t go for the same price but his price would surely go up,” Mike Vermeij said.
During the 2022/23 football season, Mohammed Kudus starred for Ajax although he had issues with injuries.
He finished the season with 18 goals after making 42 appearances in all competitions.
He also provided seven assists.
This summer,Mohammed Kudus is wanted by several clubs including Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The former England and Liverpool midfielder, Steven Gerrard,has accepted the position of manager at Saudi Arabian side, Al-Ettifaq, despite declining the offer in June.
“Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Khalid Al-Dabal, the club’s chairman.
Steven Gerrard has officially signed a two-year contract with Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi club. After being dismissed as Aston Villa manager last year, Gerrard had been without a job until now.
Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League last season, trailing the champions by 35 points.
Gerrard’s move to Saudi Arabia aligns with a trend of Pro League clubs making significant investments and attracting top European players, including Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.
During the media conference following Manchester United‘s loss in the FA Cup final on June 3rd, manager Erik ten Hag was posed with a question regarding his plans for the summer.
Specifically, he was asked if he had prepared two different strategies: one assuming the long-awaited takeover had occurred and another in the event that it had not.
Ten Hag’s response was decisive.
“I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and improve this team, and that I will fight for,” he said. “I have my ideas but also I have to work with my staff and my players to do better.”
It feels like the only clear vision to come out of United in what has turned into a tortuous summer.
The modifications made to a squad that was widely perceived as ill-prepared for the challenges it faced have been minimal.
Mason Mount is finally set to sign after Chelsea rejected three previous bids, while Zidane Iqbal has been sold to Dutch side Utrecht, despite limited first-team experience.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have departed due to expired contracts.
However, the ownership situation and David de Gea’s contract situation remain unresolved, and there has been no new signing for the number nine position.
As pre-season training approaches, Ten Hag will encounter a familiar squad but faces challenges due to the active transfer activities of rival clubs.
Petr Cech’s transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal was hailed by his former captain John Terry, who believed that the 33-year-old goalkeeper would add as many as 15 points per season to his new club.
In May, Cech received the prestigious recognition of being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, cementing his status as the most accomplished goalkeeper in the league’s history.
With an impressive tally of 202 clean sheets in the competition, including a remarkable 163 for Chelsea, Cech’s record is expected to endure for generations to come.
But, still a year younger than when Cech made that switch, where would David de Gea rank on the list of goalkeepers to have graced the English game?
In reference to Terry’s quote, some Manchester United fans may cruelly argue the Spaniard has similarly contributed to 15 points – but at his side’s expense.
In a career so far spanning 540 appearances in English football since arriving in 2011, De Gea has made 17 errors leading to goals in the Premier League – the most by any Spanish goalkeeper in the competition’s history.
But given the sheer volume of games, is that a particularly high number?
If this is to prove his final week in English football, his 12-yearstay at Old Trafford will be rather hard to define.
Last season brought the Golden Glove as well as breaking Peter Schmeichel’s clean-sheet record.
When De Gea received the award, Roy Keane – at the forefront of his detractors – told Sky Sports: “United had to improve from last year, they were so bad defensively.
“They’re all patting him on the back. I’d move him on quickly, De Gea. He’s not going to get United back lifting trophies, absolutely not.
United were bound to improve from last year so everyone patting him on the head is ridiculous. It’s his job.”
That much is true, but it is not as if those in front of him have exactly excelled on a consistent basis during a decade-long search for another Premier League title.
Manchester United is reportedly interested in securing the services of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer once his contract expires, the Athletic has reported.
The 28-year-old French international has been engaged in negotiations for several weeks regarding a new deal, as his current terms are set to end at the conclusion of the month.
Rabiot featured in 32 Serie A matches last season, netting eight goals, and has previously expressed his ambition to play in the Premier League.
United have been chasing a £55 million deal for Chelsea’s Mason Mount, but sources have told ESPN the club are considering other options including Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and Taylor Booth at FC Utrecht.
Meanwhile, United will reportedly listen to offers for up to 13 players as they hope to bring in £100m, according to The Daily Mail.
The Red Devils will readily let go of Donny van de Beek, Fred, Anthony Elanga, Hannibal Mejbri, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly, Brandon Williams and Zidane Iqbal.
They will also listen to offers to signHarry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, with the latter reportedly available for £45m.
That is in addition to players who will leave as free agents, which could still include goalkeeper David de Gea.
This is the second time Erik ten Hag’s team has had a bid rejected by Chelsea. Mount is unlikely to agree to new terms.
Manchester United’s second offer for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has been rejected.
The second offer is believed to be worth £50 million, including £5 million in performance-related add-ons and £45 million in guaranteed money.
United clearly want to sign the England international but have a valuation in mind, which they are unlikely to go beyond.
Negotiations are expected to continue for Mount, who has one year left on his Chelsea contract.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this month United had made an opening offer worth £40m for Mount, which Chelsea also immediately knocked back.
Erik ten Hag first bumped into Mount when he was Ajax head coach. On loan at Vitesse Arnhem, the 18-year-old’s free-kick led to his side’s third goal as they beat Ajax 3-2 in March 2018.
Ten Hag, then in charge of just his eighth game at Ajax, reportedly tried to sign Mount for the Dutch club on loan from Chelsea the following season.
Fourteen goals and 10 assists in his first full campaign of senior football, largely from central midfield, had caught Ten Hag’s attention.
The likelihood of Mount staying at Stamford Bridge is remote with the midfielder unwilling to sign a new deal.
Chelsea know this is the time to cash in on a player who has just one year left on his contract.
Manchester United is feeling confident about reaching an agreement for a new long-term contract with forward Marcus Rashford sources have informed ESPN.
The England striker’s current deal is set to enter its final year this summer, but talks have intensified towards the end of the previous season, leading to positive progress in extending his stay at Old Trafford.
According to the same sources, Rashford is expected to be rewarded for his impressive performances last season with a lucrative financial package that would position him among the highest earners at the club.
The 25-year-old excelled in his first season under Erik ten Hag, scoring 30 goals in all competitions and 17 in the Premier League.
Sources have told ESPN that progress made under Ten Hag has been a key factor in Rashford’s decision to stay.
Paris Saint-Germain have expressed an interest in the past while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino are both admirers but Rashford, according to sources, was always keen to remain at United as long as he felt the club could match his ambition.
Ten Hag is hoping to revamp his forward line during the summer transfer window with the addition of another striker.
There is interest in Harry Kane,Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Hojlund, Randal Kolo Muani and Lautaro Martinez but so far United have been hampered by their budget restrictions and what they believe to be unrealistic valuations.
Sources have told ESPN that the club have between £100 million ($127m) and £150m ($192m) to spend on new players this summer, although the figure will be bolstered by funds raised from outgoings.
United are open to offers for a number of first-team players including Harry Maguire, Fred, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams and Dean Henderson.
Managers at United had hoped to extend the goalkeeper’s contract, but negotiations have dragged on, raising concerns that he may now leave this summer.
According to sources who spoke to ESPN, the club decided against enacting De Gea’s one-year contract extension, which would have kept him with them until 2024. In May, the option became void.
Instead, negotiations have taken place about a longer deal on a lower basic wage but including significant performance-related bonuses.
Sources have told ESPN that talks with De Gea are ongoing but that United are not as optimistic about reaching a compromise as they were a month ago.
De Gea, 32, has spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford and made more than 500 appearances.
Sources have told ESPN that earlier this season he was exploring the possibility of returning to Spain while there has also been tentative interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
United, meanwhile, are set to make a second bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
A first offer of another £40 million ($51m) was immediately rejected by Chelsea, who want closer to £70m. United won’t stretch that far but, according to sources, are hoping to agree a fee of around £50m.
The market for the Mount, which at one stage included Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, has cooled significantly over the second half of the season and United are seen as the clear frontrunners for his signature.
United are hopeful that Chelsea’s need to sell a number of players this summer will help negotiations move quickly to allow the possibility that Mount could be part of the squad ahead of the preseason tour of the United States, which starts in New York on July 20.
Jamie Arnold, aged 32, faced accusations of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand during a match between Manchester United and Wolves at Molineux in May 2021.
However, the jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court has been discharged after informing the judge that they were unable to reach a majority verdict.
As a result, the man accused of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand now faces the possibility of a retrial.
The jury has now been discharged and the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed it will seek a retrial, possibly in November.
Mr Arnold denies causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
Ferdinand gave evidence at the trial and it is thought likely he will again be called as a witness for the retrial.
Arnold, 32, was accused of racially abusing Ferdinand during Wolves’ game against Manchester United at Molineux in May 2021, at which the former England international was working as a pundit for BT Sport.
Reports suggest that there is a disagreement betweenErik ten Hag and Manchester United officials regarding the club’s search for a striker in the summer transfer window.
Ten Hag, the Dutch manager, is eager to acquire a dedicated striker for his squad in preparation for the upcoming season.
He has shown a particular interest in signing Tottenham’s star player, Harry Kane, during this transfer window.
However, according to The Athletic, not all members of the Manchester United board share the same enthusiasm for pursuing Kane as a potential signing.
Spurs will demand huge money for Kane, despite his contract expiring at the end of next season.
The England skipper also turns 30 next month, with some at Old Trafford wanting a younger signing.
And there was talk earlier this week that the Red Devils have given up on signing Kane.
Despite Ten Hag’s wishes, they now seem set to pursue a trio of younger targets.
Atalanta ace Rasmus Hojlund is on United’s wishlist, after scoring nine goals in Serie A last term.
But the Dane won’t come cheap either, with Atalanta reportedly after £86m for their 20-year-old starlet.
Eintracht Frankfurt ace Randal Kolo Muani is another name on the shortlist.
The 24-year-old is coming off the back of an impressive first season in the Bundesliga, bagging 15 goals and laying on 14 assists.
Kolo Muani also played in the World Cup for France, providing an assist for Kylian Mbappe in the final and seeing a last-gasp chance for a winner blocked by Argentina keeper Emi Martinez.
Gordon McQueen, a former centre-back for Manchester United, Leeds United, and the Scotland national team, has sadly passed away at the age of 70.
McQueen was a key figure in Leeds United’s triumph in winning the English First Division in 1974, and he also played a significant role in Manchester United’s FA Cup victory in 1983.
In January 2021, McQueen was diagnosed with vascular dementia, a condition that his family believed might have been linked to the repeated heading of the ball during his playing career.
Hayley McQueen, his daughter and a sports broadcaster, shared the news of his passing on Instagram, expressing her family’s grief in a brief statement.
She wrote: “Beyond heartbroken to announce we have lost our wonderful dad.
“I thought when the day came I’d be prepared and feel a sense of relief that he is no longer trying to battle this awful disease, but I just feel numb.
“I’m hoping we can now remember him for the man he was and not the man he became this last few years.”
He joined the Reds from Leeds United and was part of our 1983 FA Cup-winning team, when Brighton & Hove Albion were defeated in a replay at Wembley.
When leaving in 1985, the ex-Scotland international had amassed 229 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals from centre-half.
Everyone at Manchester United is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved former defender, Gordon McQueen.
Our love and condolences are with his family at this terribly sad time.
His coaching spell took him to Middlesbrough, where he worked under close pal and former Old Trafford team-mate Bryan Robson.
Flags are flying at half-mast at Old Trafford as a mark of respect to Gordon and in tribute to his service, on and off the field.
A statement issued by the McQueen family reads: “It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Gordon McQueen, 70, who died at home in the early morning today, leaving behind his wife Yvonne, daughters Hayley and Anna, son Eddie and his beloved grandchildren Rudi, Etta and Ayla.
“We hope that, as well as creating many great football memories, he’ll be remembered most for his character. Our house was always full of friends, family and football, just as it was in his last few months as he fought so bravely in what became a very cruel battle against dementia.
“The disease may have taken him too soon but he definitely lived life to the full, the ultimate entertainer, the absolute heart and soul of every occasion, the most fun dad anyone could wish for.
“Huge thanks go to the wonderful staff at Herriot Hospice Homecare for their outstanding care, the utterly incredible Marie Curie team, who were there at the end with Gordon’s wife and daughters, and Head for Change, for the emotional support and respite care.
“Also to our wonderful friends and family, who rallied around at the worst of times, going above and beyond. For that, we are so very grateful.”
The couple had known each other for years and their bond grew stronger as Rashford’s football career progressed from his teenage years.
Last summer, Rashford proposed to Loi in a lavish manner in Los Angeles, indicating a significant milestone in their relationship.
Unfortunately, as reported by The Sun, the couple has now chosen to go their separate ways and are no longer together.
The power couple appeared to have taken their relationship to the next level last summer after Rashford popped the big question in a lavish proposal in Los Angeles.
However, the two are said to have split up, with The Sun reporting the two are no longer an item.
How Rashford and Lucia split
According to the publication, all was seemingly going well this year, with the couple going all out with candles and flowers at their Manchester home during Valentine’s Day.
In April, Rashford is also said to have chartered a plane to whisk Lucia to New York for a holiday.
However, it now seems that was the last good time the couple shared together.
“It’s nothing complicated. The relationship ran its course and they remain very close friends,” a source privy to the development was quoted saying.
Rashford spotted partying
The fresh details come just days after Rashford was spotted hanging out with a gang of giggling girls while on holiday in Miami.
Goal reports theManchester United forward flew to Florida to coach young children after an incredible season with the Red Devils that saw him bag 30 goals in 56 appearances.
It was during this period that he took some time off his busy schedule to party in Miami at a nightclub.
It has been reported that the Englishman splashed on champagne and food at an exclusive cabana.
The Manchester United forward, who had an impressive record of scoring 30 goals across all competitions in the 2022-23 season, had to withdraw from international matches against Italy and Ukraine in March due to an injury.
During England’s 2-1 victory over Italy, Rashford made a poorly timed trip to New York with his then-fiancée Lucia Loi, with whom he has reportedly since ended his relationship.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding these events, Rashford remains committed to representing England on the international stage.
This drew criticism from some sections of supporters and the media, but the 25-year-old has come out to reiterate that he is fully committed to Gareth Southgate’s project.
Asked about the effects of such comments, Rashford told reporters on Wednesday: “Honestly it doesn’t [hurt]. I know I am committed 100 per cent so people are going to say what they want to say. I didn’t see it [the criticism] to be honest until I got home.
But I need time to switch off and recover so I took a short trip – four days – and then went back to do rehab and try to get ready as soon as possible.
With these injuries, you can’t predict when they are going to happen. Thankfully I have very few muscle strains but occasionally you do get impact injuries.”
The United man posted a career-best tally at club level last term, racking up a total of41 goal contributions in 56 appearances across all competitions.
Given the World Cup mid-season, the forward totalled a mammoth 61 appearances for club and country.
Reiterating the thoughts of many past and present professionals, Rashford feels this number needs to be curbed.
He added: “It is mad that at club level we are playing against clubs playing one game a week and we are playing three a week from November until we get knocked out of the Europa League.
In the earlier stages of my career I couldn’t make sense of it. I know some managers have spoken out against it.
I don’t think it is correct. I think we need to be given more time to recover from different games and at different times of the season. I don’t think it is down to the players, we shouldn’t have to speak out.”
Rashford has been backed by Southgate to prove his commitment, as he features in the Three Lions squad to take on Malta and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday and Monday, respectively.
Marcus Rashford said it was “not nice” to see the Manchester City celebration in his hometown, but he will still applaud the City players who are also playing for England this week.
Less than 24 hours after the historic open-top bus tour to celebrate winning the treble, City’s five players chosen by England are anticipated to join the rest of the national team at St. George’s Park on Tuesday evening.
As preparations advance for Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta, Gareth Southgate has informed Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish that he wants them to join the rest of their England team-mates as soon as possible.
Rashford, whose Manchester United side were beaten 2-1 in the FA Cup final by City, said of the celebration: “It’s not nice. But it’s football.
They best team who consistently play the best football are going to win the most trophies. They’ve won three so well done to them. We just move on and it’s up to them to keep it up. It’s up to us to catch them up.
“I’ll say congratulations. It’s football. It’s nothing new. Just look at Barcelona, Real Madrid a few years ago – they were consistently the best team so will win trophies.”
Asked whether watching the celebrations provided him with extra motivation to close the gap, Rashford said: “Yeah, 100 per cent.”
Rashford on player burnout: Schedule is mad
This international break comes less than three weeks before most clubs return for pre-season training meaning players joining up with their nations have limited time for a prolonged rest.
Pep Guardiola said in the wake of City’s win in Istanbul that football’s governing bodies need to put the welfare of players more at thecentre of their thinking and Rashford also thinks there is a problem.
He said: “It’s evident. It’s mad that we’re playing teams that play once a week and we’re playing three a week from November until we got knocked out of the Europa League. It’s difficult but we’re used to doing it. That said I don’t think it’s right.
“In the early stages of my career I couldn’t make sense of it. Some managers have spoken out about it.
If one team is playing 60 games a year and another is playing 38 then there needs to be some time for the team playing those 20 extras games to recover and prepare.”
A man has surfaced on the internet, making a claim to be the father of Marcus Rashford, the renowned player for Manchester United.
In a video that has gained widespread attention online, the individual reveals his identity and explains that he has chosen to share his story in order to ensure that Rashford and his generation are not overlooked or forgotten.
While expressing his respect for Melanie, the footballer’s mother, the man firmly asserts that it is crucial to reveal the truth.
The man also said that he’s not going public with the claim because he wants money, but because he wants his son.
The man further stated that there’s no need for DNA as he alreadyknows the footballer’s mother.
Manchester United is said to be the top candidate for Mount’s services, and he has been linked to a potential exit this summer.
The Blues midfielder is destined to quit his childhood club after failing to reach a new contract agreement, according to The Guardian, who claims that United have already started negotiations with Chelsea regarding a deal for Mount.
The publication claimed the Red Devils have already agreed on personal terms with the Englishman ahead of a possible Old Trafford switch.
Be that as it may, the Manchester club will have to contend with competition from Arsenal and Liverpool in their pursuit of the Chelsea academy graduate.
Chilwell sends message to Mount
Chilwell, who is understood to be close pals with Mount, has now urged the midfielder to reject a move to Manchester United and stay at Chelsea.
The former Leicester City ace made the plea when he was asked about his friend’s future while at the Spanish Grand Prix.
“It’s none of my business personally, but he is my best mate so I would love him to stay,” Chilwell told Sky Sports, via The Mirror.
“If he goes, everyone will be sad to see him go,” the left-back added.
Mount has just a year left on his Chelsea contract, with the Blues keen to cash in on him rather than lose him on a free transfer after next season.
Chelsea fans taunt Mount
Sports Brief also reported that Mason Mount was targeted by fans for his dip in form this season amid rumours he is leaving the club.
In a video uploaded on Tiktok by journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg, he was spotted dancing with fans taunting him via social media.
ThatGuyLeee uploaded the video on Twitter and captioned it as the midfielder’s ‘highlights of the season’, sparking many reactions.
A disturbing video capturing an altercation between Manchester United and City fans at Wembley Stadium during the FA Cup final has emerged.
The two Manchester teams locked horns in what was the first FA Cup final in history on Saturday, June 3.
However, the match was riddled with unpleasant scenes, with a section of fans from both teams filmed fighting in the stands.
According to talkSPORT, fans with opposing red and blue shirts appeared to throw punches on the concourse at the stadium in London.
Whereas stakes were high ahead of the match, it still remains unclear what sparked the ugly confrontation between the fans.
Man City stun Man United
Meanwhile, it was City who emerged as the eventual winner of the tie to keep their treble dreams alive.
Sky Sports reports that Ilkay Gundogan was City’s match hero, with the German star bagging a brace to earn his side a much-needed win.
Gundogan needed just 12 seconds to score the opener, with his goal now the fastest-ever in the history of the competition.
Bruno Fernandes went on to restore parity for the Red Devils from the penalty spot, only for Gundogan to strike again in the second half for City’s winner.
The Citizens will now be shifting their attention to the upcoming Champions League final, where they will be facing Italian giants Inter Milan.
The tie represents a realistic opportunity for City to win their first European trophy in history.
This summer, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly vying to acquire the services of Dusan Vlahovic, the talented forward from Juventus.
Despite joining Juventus two seasons ago, the Serbian player’s time at the club has not yielded the desired success, with no major trophies won.
Nicolo Schira, an Italian transfer reporter, suggests that Vlahovic might intensify the competition for his signature by expressing his desire to leave if Max Allegri remains as the manager of Juventus.
Juve’s manager and top striker reportedly share a rocky relationship and the tactician’s future is up in the air with Marseille boss and former Old Lady star Igor Tudor linked with the job.
Vlahovic, 23, was one of the world’s most wanted talents after scoring 17 times in 21 Serie A games in a prolific first half of the 2020-21 season for Fiorentina.
Juve won the race and the 21-cap Serbian international has 23 strikes in 63 outings since his arrival in Turin last January.
United and Bayern are in the market for more firepower, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen among the superstar names being linked with both clubs, although Chelsea could rival the duo in any bidding war.
Erik ten Hag has been forced to rely on loanee Wout Weghorst and injury-prone Anthony Martial to lead the line, while Sadio Mane has not settled in Germany after replacing Robert Lewandowski.
Erik ten Hag has cautioned the prospective owners of Manchester United about the potential pitfalls of repeating the mistakes made by Chelsea during their ownership transition last summer.
At present, Manchester United is engaged in discussions regarding a possible takeover with their current owners, the Glazer family, who are considering options to either sell the entire club or share control.
Erik Ten hag
The Americans have been under immense pressure from the fans to cede ownership of the club.
Anti-Glazer protests have been a common sight in recent seasons, with many feeling United has stalled in terms of development, as reported by ESPN.
But with new owners comes the risk of clubs losing sight of the bigger picture – if what has happened at Chelsea this season is anything to go by.
Chelsea’s lacklustre season
Chelsea’s long-time owner, Roman Abramovich was forced to sell the club after Russia invaded Ukraine early last year.Todd Boehly’s Clearlake consortium won the bid to buy the club.
The American arrived with much promise, picking up from where the oligarch had left off and immediately pumping money into new signings.
However, the club overspent on some players, leaving them exposed in some areas, with the lack of strategy becoming clear as the season progressed.
The Blues are set to record their worst-ever finish in 29 years. Ten Hag is aware and concerned about such a scenario repeating itself in the Northwest.
“You have to do the right things. You can have money but have to spend it in a smart way, and you need to have a strategy behind it – otherwise, the money doesn’t work.
We are now in a good direction – but we can also learn from this season,” the Dutch manager said, as quoted by the Sun.
Ten Hag was speaking ahead of his side’s game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
The Red Devils would go on to secure a point against Frank Lampard’s beleaguered Blues and secure their spot in Champions League football next season.
Antony goes off injured
In that game,United raced to a 2-0 lead before the break, but winger, Antony was stretched off with a serious-looking injury.
Sports Brief reported the Brazilian came into contact with defender, Trevoh Chalobah and was left screaming in utter agony.
The incident that triggered this decision occurred during the match against Bournemouth on May 20, when ten Hag substituted Martial in the 57th minute.
The player was visibly upset and walked off the pitch towards the tunnel, a reaction that did not sit well with his manager.
The Mirror has now revealed that the Manchester United manager is prepared to end Martial’s tenure at the club and put him up for sale.
Despite the striker’s persistent fitness issues throughout the season, ten Hag had previously expressed his support for Martial.
However, it seems that the recent events have prompted a change in his stance.
The 27-year-old has only scored eight goals in 27 appearances in a team where he is supposed to be the lead striker.
United haven’t fared well in the striking department, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in January leaving Martial as the sole striker.
The club brought in Wout Weghorst on a short-term deal, but he too, has failed to impress. The Sun reports that Martial’s body language and movement has also been an issue amongst Manchester United fans.
Ronaldo reaction
You will remember that ten Hag boldly did away with Ronaldo after the Portuguese icon refused to come on as a substitute againstTottenham last year. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner instead walked down the tunnel.
He was suspended for one game, but he escalated the issue after conducting an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Strikers Manchester United can buy
Ten Hag will be hoping to sign a proven striker in the summer. Martial’s and Weghorst’s struggles in front of goal have made it more imperative that they are not strikers ten Hag can rely on long-term as part of the project he is building at Old Trafford.
Manchester United might be in take-over talks at the moment, but the necessity of having a proven number 9 keeps growing day by day.
Sports Brief took a look at who the club can approach to alleviate their striking concerns. Marcus Rashford has done well so far, but he will need help.
With just one year remaining on his current deal, Rashford, who has been with the club since he was seven years old, is facing an uncertain future.
Although earlier reports claiming he demanded a weekly wage of £500,000 were dismissed by the 25-year-old himself, the negotiations have been protracted and ongoing.
Ten Hag is publicly calm, saying: “I know (it is taking time), but I don’t talk about the process.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
“This is not important at the moment for me or Rashy. For him, it is to get more goals this season and he is playing a wonderful season and the team is playing a wonderful season.
“We have to get into the Champions League and focus on that. Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other.”
The uncertainty over United’s takeover process will inevitably lead to concern about their prospects for the summer transfer window.
Ten Hag said: “We do our job in the background and we are working hard but, for now, it is about games, getting into the Champions League and the FA Cup.
“For me, it is about finance and that there is the money available to do the right things.”
United have a big fortnight ahead, with their final three Premier League matches determining whether they will qualify for the Champions League before a first FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.
Up first is a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, where United, who could be without the unwell Rashford, will look to put their away struggles behind them.
Eight of the Red Devils’ nine league defeats this season have come on the road, with their last three trips away from Old Trafford yielding just one point between them.
Ten Hag said: “I think there are some reasons. For instance, one thing is clear and that is from the back we have to be better on the ball.
“But we have one opportunity tomorrow to show that we can improve and we definitely have to improve for next season.”
Marcus Rashford
Manchester City are moving ever close to matching United’s achievement of winning the treble, adding an extra edge to the FA Cup final on June 3.
Asked if he is relishing the opportunity to stop City, Ten Hag said: “When we have three games and (the Premier League) is gone, yes, I will enjoy it. Before that, it is not important at all.
“I think we have to keep doing what we have all season, improve every day and improve every game and not look too far ahead. Focusing on the next game is the most important.”
Reports have it that Sheikh Jassim has submitted an improved bid in his pursuit to acquire Manchester United from the Glazer family.
This comes after both Sheikh Jassim and his rival, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had previously submitted what was expected to be their final bids for the club last month.
In an effort to strengthen his position amidst growing confidence in the Ratcliffe camp, Sheikh Jassim has raised the value of his offer. The offer, which remains for the complete ownership of the club, includes provisions to clear all existing debts and also features a separate fund dedicated to the club and its community.
The ongoing takeover situation has left officials and staff at Old Trafford seeking clarity. The process began in November when Manchester United announced their exploration of “strategic alternatives” to enhance the club’s growth, including the possibility of a full sale.
Sheikh Jassim was the first potential buyer to publicly confirm his bid during the initial round in February, followed shortly by Ratcliffe, the owner of INEOS and a Manchester native.
The first quarter of this year was initially regarded as a crucial period in a prolonged process that has threatened to overshadow Manchester United’s pursuit of a Champions League qualification spot.
February’s soft deadline was followed by a second deadline in March for those that progressed, with Raine Group, brought in to oversee the sale, then asking interested parties for their third and final bid on April 28.
United fans have made clear their desire for a full buy-out from the Glazers, who have been unpopular since their leveraged takeover of the club in 2005.
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