Man Utd ‘accelerate’ Frenkie De Jong deal, Nunez transfer REJECTED, Ronaldo wins PFA award, Garner EXCLUSIVE – latest

Goal of the season

Cristiano Ronaldo has scooped up another two individual awards in his first season back at Manchester United.

The 37-year-old received the fan-voted player of the season as well as goal of the season awards.

And one of his finest individual performances in a 3-2 win against Spurs was the scene of the goal which won Ronaldo his second award.

Picking the ball up way outside the area, the striker unleashed an unstoppable strike past Hugo Lloris into the top corner to put the Red Devils ahead.

The strike was the first in a memorable hat-trick, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner helped keep United’s season alive.

Eriksen targeted

Christian Eriksen has emerged as a target for new United boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman saw the Denmark star’s skills first hand when he trained with the Eredivisie giants, as he fought back to fitness following a cardiac arrest during the Euros.

And he must have been further impressed by his spell at Brentford – with the playmaker excelling during his six-month deal.

According to the Mirror, United have now entered the race for his signature.

Van de Beek favoured by ten Hag

Donny van de Beek could be set for extended playing time under new manager Erik ten Hag.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano says Van de Beek has been told by ten Hag that he will be involved in his plans next term.

Van de Beek was frozen out by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick last campaign.

He then went on loan to Everton, but might get a second chance at Old Trafford now.

Wan-Bissaka too expensive

Ex-Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho has been priced out of a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to reports.

Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that the Special One enquired about the former Crystal Palace right-back.

However, he was put off by the price tag the Red Devils have placed on defender.

Instead, Mourinho will now turn his attentions to Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin, who is deemed a more affordable target.

Timber told to snub Utd

Daley Blind hopes ‘unbelievable’ Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber rejects Manchester United this summer.

Former Old Trafford midfielder Blind also urged the Dutch champions to fight to keep the centre-back.

Reports in Holland suggest Ajax are increasingly confident 20-year-old Timber will stay.

And having played alongside him for club and country since 2021, Blind rates the 20-year-old as one of the world’s most promising defenders.

The Dutch anchorman, 32, said: “He is wise enough to make his own choices.

“What he shows from the start though is unbelievable. 

“Of course, as a teammate, I hope he stays for another year. I cannot influence that.

‘”I can only say that Ajax must do its best to keep him.”

Gavi blow

Gavi is widely-regarded as one of Europe’s most talented youngsters having burst onto the scene during the 2021-22 season.

He chipped in with two goals and six assists in 47 games in all competitions, with his stunning form seeing him become Spain’s youngest ever international.

But with his contract at the Nou Camp to expire in 2023, the midfielder has been linked with a move away from Catalonia.

Manchester United are known to be admirers of the youngster as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield.

Chelsea want Phillips too

Chelsea’s hunt for a midfielder could switch to Manchester United ‘target’ Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds believe they are in a strong position to keep the 20-cap England ace, 26.

But after suggestions Newcastle would be prepared to offer £60million-plus, there are also reports tonight that Chelsea could also be pondering a bid.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with Phillips before the end of the season.

Prem fixture release date

The Premier League 2022/23 fixtures will be announced at 9am on Thursday 16 June.

The season has been adjusted to accommodate the World Cup in Qatar 2022.

There will be a six week break in the middle of the domestic calendar for the global showpiece.

Van the man for Ten Hag

Donny van de Beek will be in new Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s plans next season, writes Tony Robertson.

Van de Beek, 25, joined United from Ajax in the summer of 2020 but failed to settle and claim a position in the team.

The Dutchman was given only sparing minutes by former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who preferred to utilise Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 position.

He wasn’t afforded the opportunity to play in a deeper role by the former United striker either, with Scott McTominay and Fred being preferred in a double pivot.

The playmaker was also not seen as a part of Ralf Rangnick’s plans at Old Trafford when he took over on an interim basis – instead allowing him to go out on loan to Everton for the rest of the season.

COMMENT: Pogba should have been a Cantona or Henry

IF the average Manchester United fan had three words to sum up Paul Pogba’s second coming at Old Trafford, most would be unprintable, writes PHIL THOMAS.

“An absolute waste” or “what a disaster” would be among the milder responses. But in the main, you’d end up wearing out the asterisk key.

Yet the briefest, and most cuttingly pointed, of epitaphs to bid the Frenchman farewell is this… “on his day”.

Hardly the most insulting of phrases. Indeed, related to most footballers, usually it means the total opposite.

Only Pogba isn’t most footballers. Pogba is as talented a player as there is, in any position, on any continent, in any era. Yet only on his day.

We should be mentioning his name in similar terms to the likes of Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry, or Sergio Aguero and Didier Drogba.

Only we won’t. Pogba will say farewell to the Prem as a flop. As a failure. An ‘if only’ kind of guy.

READ PHIL THOMAS’ FULL SCATHING VERDICT HERE

“New Sheriff” in town

Erik ten Hag has reportedly been called the “New Sheriff” by members of staff at Old Trafford.

His new nickname comes after completing his first week of work at Man Utd.

Let’s hope he can enforce a bit more order around the place than the last boss…

De Ligt up the world

Manchester United and Chelsea have been dealt a potential blow with Matthijs de Ligt reportedly close to signing a new contract with Juventus.

The centre-back, 22, has a deal until 2024 with the Turin club.

De Ligt said: “There are talks ongoing between me and Juventus.

“Once the right moment arrives, I will decide to extend or to look further.”

Ronaldo claims Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year

Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, also won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

It is an award voted by United fans across the globe.

Most Sir Matt Busby awards in club history:

4 : Cristiano Ronaldo, David de Gea.

2 : Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Brian McClair, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane.

Ronaldo wins goal of the season

Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Goal of the Season award for his strike against Tottenham in March.

Ronaldo, 37, showed an NFL legend who was the “MVP” that day.

Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady came to Old Trafford, billing the match as a showdown between his pal and gridiron fan, Harry Kane, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rice ‘would cost £150m’

West Ham hope to scare off Manchester United and Chelsea by valuing Declan Rice at £150million, reports suggest.

The England midfielder is the world-class anchorman United lack.

But he has hinted in the past year he’s happy to stay in London.

And although Chelsea have bounced back into the transfer market with Todd Boehly’s takeover, the Hammers are confident they can keep the 23-year-old for at least another season.

Forest launch ANOTHER Garner bid

Nottingham Forest want Manchester United midfielder James Garner for a THIRD time, writes ALAN NIXON.

Promoted Forest Reds would be happy with another loan – or a permanent deal – after Garner’s key role this term.

For now, the 21-year-old is going back to United and will definitely be in Erik ten Hag’s squad when pre-season training and games begin.

But Forest are optimistic that they lead the queue for Garner but that will mean waiting for an answer and possibly starting the season without him.

Boss Steve Cooper will need to shelve moves for alternatives until that point but Forest may be willing to take that gamble.

De Gea tipped to skipper United

EXCLUSIVE: David de Gea is hot favourite to get the captain’s job at Manchester United ahead of Harry Maguire, writes PHIL THOMAS.

New boss Erik ten Hag told sources he would be happy for the dressing room to choose who wears the armband when they return to Carrington at the end of this month.

And insiders insist that goalkeeper De Gea will be the overwhelming choice among the first-team squad.

They claim that it is not so much a “rebellion” against the current skipper Maguire, as a show of faith in how much respect and belief they hold in the 31-year-old Spaniard.

Rice ‘would cost £150m’

West Ham hope to scare off Manchester United and Chelsea by valuing Declan Rice at £150million, reports suggest.

The England midfielder is the world-class anchorman United lack.

But he has hinted in the past year he’s happy to stay in London.

And although Chelsea have bounced back into the transfer market with Todd Boehly’s takeover, the Hammers are confident they can keep the 23-year-old for at least another season.

‘Huge Utd bid for Nunez rejected’

Manchester United have reportedly had an £81million bid for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez rebuffed.

It’s claimed the Portuguese giants have told the Red Devils to offer more for the Uruguay superstar, 22.

Correio de Manha say Benfica turned down a package of £64m up front plus £17m bonuses.

United’s Brazil midfielder Andreas Pereira, 26, who is currently on loan with home country club Flamengo, was said to have been part of the offer.

Morning, United fans

Declan Rice, Christopher Nkunku and Darwin Nunez are all in the Old Trafford transfer loop this morning.

But it could be tougher than ever to land any of them as new United boss Erik ten Hag prepares for his summer revamp.

West Ham are reportedly valuing England midfielder Rice at £150million to deter the Red Devils and Chelsea.

And it’s claimed Benfica have rejected an £81m bid from United for Uruguay striker Nunez, 22.

But the talk last night was that the Portuguese giants might consider an increased offer.

Correio de Manha say Benfica turned down a deal worth £64m up front plus £17m bonuses – with United midfielder Andreas Pereira thought to be part of that package.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig hero Nkunku revealed PSG is his ‘heart club’.

But the France midfielder won’t ‘close the door’ on other admirers like United and Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest want Red Devils’ midfielder James Garner for a THIRD time.

For now, though, the England Under-21 playmaker will be plunged into United’s first-team squad following his second brilliant loan spell.

Finally, keeper David de Gea is hot favourite to become United’s new skipper.

Pogba should have been a Cantona or Henry

COMMENT: IF the average Manchester United fan had three words to sum up Paul Pogba’s second coming at Old Trafford, most would be unprintable, writes PHIL THOMAS.

“An absolute waste” or “what a disaster” would be among the milder responses. But in the main, you’d end up wearing out the asterisk key.

Yet the briefest, and most cuttingly pointed, of epitaphs to bid the Frenchman farewell is this… “on his day”.

Hardly the most insulting of phrases. Indeed, related to most footballers, usually it means the total opposite.

Only Pogba isn’t most footballers. Pogba is as talented a player as there is, in any position, on any continent, in any era. Yet only on his day.

We should be mentioning his name in similar terms to the likes of Eric Cantona and Thierry Henry, or Sergio Aguero and Didier Drogba.

Only we won’t. Pogba will say farewell to the Prem as a flop. As a failure. An ‘if only’ kind of guy, 

If Kevin de Bruyne, Mo Salah, Harry Kane, Sadio Mane or Phil Foden have a shocker it stands out because it’s so rare.

But for Pogba it’s hard to come up with a single OUTSTANDING performance.

Even the most die-hard United fan would struggle to go beyond the second half of a Pogba-inspired Manchester derby comeback and a goal-scoring Europa League final against a still-developing Ajax side.

READ PHIL THOMAS’ FULL SCATHING VERDICT HERE

Tevez quits playing after dad’s death

Carlos Tevez has retired from playing because he could not cope with the loss of his No 1 fan — his dad.

The ex-United, Manchester City and West Ham striker, 38, quit boyhood club Boca Juniors last June after the death of his adopted father Segundo Raimundo, who contracted Covid.

The Argentine has not played since and revealed he turned down offers from the MLS.

Tevez said: “I stopped playing because I lost my No 1 fan. I’ve been offered many things — but that’s it, I have given everything.”

Forest launch ANOTHER Garner bid

Nottingham Forest want Manchester United midfielder James Garner for a THIRD time, writes ALAN NIXON.

Promoted Forest Reds would be happy with another loan – or a permanent deal – after Garner’s key role this term.

For now, the 21-year-old is going back to United and will definitely be in Erik ten Hag’s squad when pre-season training and games begin.

But Forest are optimistic that they lead the queue for Garner but that will mean waiting for an answer and possibly starting the season without him.

Boss Steve Cooper will need to shelve moves for alternatives until that point but Forest may be willing to take that gamble.

De Gea tipped to skipper Utd.

EXCLUSIVE: David de Gea is hot favourite to get the captain’s job at Manchester United ahead of Harry Maguire, writes PHIL THOMAS.

New boss Erik ten Hag told sources he would be happy for the dressing room to choose who wears the armband when they return to Carrington at the end of this month.

And insiders insist that goalkeeper De Gea will be the overwhelming choice among the first-team squad.

They claim that it is not so much a “rebellion” against the current skipper Maguire, as a show of faith in how much respect and belief they hold in the 31-year-old Spaniard.

Ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer surprised some when he named Maguire captain within six months of his arrival from Leicester after Ashley Young left for Inter Milan.

The England centre-back, 29, is hugely proud of having the job, but some inside the club feel it is an unfair burden and could even have impacted on his form.

Cristiano Ronaldo will also be in the running, yet Carrington sources insist De Gea is the one who can do most to heal a fractured dressing room.

The Spain keeper became increasingly outspoken towards the end of last season as results went from bad to worse under interim chief Ralf Rangnick.

De Gea also impressed both team-mates and coaches by returning to training early last summer to regain the job from Dean Henderson — favourite to be last year’s first choice.

He has a year left on his £375,000-a-week contract, with United also holding a further 12-month option.

Yet Old Trafford bosses believe he still has many more years at the peak of his powers and feel having the captain’s job could even sway him into finishing his career at the club.

Nkunku blow for Prem giants

Christopher Nkunku has disappointed Prem giants by suggesting PSG is his ‘heart club’.

RB Leipzig’s France midfielder has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.

And the 24-year-old insists he won’t ‘close any doors’ on his options.

But he said: “Paris [Paris Saint-Germain], I’ve always said it, it’s my home, my heart club.

“I don’t close any doors. Everything is possible in football.

“It’s flattering to have the biggest clubs in the world interested in me.

“But it’s also flattering that Leipzig is doing everything to keep me.

“We are in June, and I am focused on this gathering.”