Ten Hag needs ‘football club not commercial club’, Cristiano Ronaldo labelled ‘f****** annoying’ – transfer news latest

Varane eases concerns over injury

Manchester United fans have breathed a collective sigh of relief after Raphael Varane confirmed he was fully fit despite an injury forcing him off in France’s game with Ivory Coast on Friday.

The centre-back was removed by Didier Deschamps as a precaution after 57 minutes, and the national coach afterwards confirmed the player had a ‘small problem in his foot.’

Immediately, watching Red Devils fearing a repeat of the injury that Varane picked up on international duty in October that kept him out for three games.

However, the 28-year-old has since eased those concerns and revealed he is contention for tonight’s game with South Africa.

Speaking to RMC Sport yesterday, Varane said: “I’m at 100% for tomorrow. It was a hit, but it was just painful.”

Leeds tracking United starlet Garner

Leeds United have been keeping a close eye on young Manchester United ace James Garner during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

The 21-year-old has impressed at the City Ground this season, and has been a key factor in their rise up the Championship table and their run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Set-piece expert Garner has struck three goals and provided six assist in 36 appearances for Forest, and has earned praise for his performances from the likes of Roy Keane and Jurgen Klopp.

The Elland Road club are unlikely to prise Garner away from Old Trafford permanently, but the Red Devils may consider another season out on loan in order to continue the player’s development.

Southgate defends Maguire call-up

Gareth Southgate has leapt to the defence of Harry Maguire after he was asked whether the centre-back is deserving of his place in the current England squad.

Maguire is expected to start against Ivory Coast at Wembley this evening, and Southgate has indicated he had no hesitation in selecting the 29-year-old despite his indifferent form for Manchester United.

The Three Lions boss said: “[Harry Maguire] has got us to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final so there’s no doubt he’s more than capable of playing at the highest level.

“He was very good for us in the autumn. [Manchester United] are in a difficult moment, and there could be any number of reasons for that.”

However, Southgate also suggested that players continually out-of-form for their clubs would be in danger of missing out so long as there are suitable replacements available.

“It doesn’t mean that players can be poor for a couple of years and then still find their way in. Sometimes it depends on competition for positions.

“We’ve obviously had some forward players out who haven’t been in good form, but there’s direct, experienced replacements for those players so it is a complicated decision.”

Ralf’s ref suggestion has backing

Referees could begin training with Premier League clubs from next season – thanks to a proposal put forward by Manchester United interim gaffer Ralf Rangnick.

The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan reports that the German coach raised the idea at a recent two-day summit between top-flight managers and referees’ boss Mike Riley.

The theory behind the suggestion is that the move would allow for a closer relationship between officials and players, and ‘break down negative preconceptions’ that may be in place.

Rangnick’s proposition is said to have been met by widespread backing, and will now be considered by PGMOL.

Antony to follow Erik’s footsteps

Erik ten Hag wants to make Antony his first signing in the summer – if he lands the Manchester United manager’s job.

The 22-year-old has been in sparkling form for Ajax this season, contributing with 12 goals and ten assists from wide on the right.

Indeed, the Brazilian has impressed so much that Ten Hag wants to take the youngster to Old Trafford with him to begin a major squad overhaul at the club.

It was reported yesterday that United hope to bring in a new right winger despite the big-money purchase of Jadon Sancho last year, and The Telegraph now believe that it’s £30m-rated Antony that fits the bill.

Red Devils want Porto’s Otavio

Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs closely monitoring Porto star Otavio.

The 27-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career, and has been a key factor in his side’s six-point lead at the top of Primeira Liga.

The attacking midfielder, who can operate on either flank, has scored five goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions this term.

His recent performances at club level earned him his first international caps with Portugal, for whom he has scored twice in three games.

According to A Bola, Otavio’s release fee is €60million although United will be hopeful of landing the player for considerably less than that.

Good morning Man Utd fans

Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are primed for England duty in tonight’s friendly against Ivory Coast.

Both defenders took part in training for the Three Lions yesterday and look ready for the friendly clash at Wembley.

Maguire was an unused sub in Saturday’s 2-1 clash with Switzerland but Shaw started and scored the equaliser as England came from behind to win 2-1.

They might return to Old Trafford to find their Red Devils team-mate Bruno Fernandez has agreed a new deal.

United news outlet @UtdPlug says “it will be announced in the coming days”.

Portugal playmaker Fernandez, 27, has been a key man for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.

Meanwhile, United’s understudy keeper Dean Henderson admits loan spells at lower league clubs have been vital to his development.

The 25-year-old star joined United’s Academy as a 14-year-old and has had temporary spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.

He told Manchester United’s website: “If I didn’t [go out on loan], I’d probably be in League One now, just going out on my first loan.

“I fought for it and I stand by it, the best decision of my life.”

And there is likely to have been some nostalgia stirred among the club’s fans after they saw a United game with Rooney and Ronaldo on the scoresheet on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Ronney both scored for their Under-12s against West Brom.

They are the sons of Red Devils legends and former United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Ferdinand hits back at Rooney

Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Wayne Rooney calling him ‘arrogant’.

The pair played together for an incredibly successful Manchester United side between 2004 and 2014.

At a speaking event this week, Wazza joked Ferdinand was a ‘top player’ but ‘arrogant’ and ‘sometimes did forget he was a defender.’

On his YouTube show Vibe with Five, Ferdinand explained he and Rooney had often bickered during matches as a way of getting the best out of each other.

He said: “If the ball came up and he weren’t holding it up I’d be screaming, ‘Wazza hurry up’.

“He would go, expletive, ‘you do your own job’, and we’d be back and forth constant – but we drove each other.”

United duo ready for England

Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire look ready for England duty in Tuesday’s friendly against Ivory Coast.

Both defenders took part in training for the Three Lions today and look ready for the friendly clash at Wembley.

Maguire was an unused sub in Saturday’s 2-1 clash with Switzerland but Shaw started and scored the equaliser as England came from behind to win 2-1.

Butt: Pochettino’s United’s best option

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt would like to see Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino come in as the Red Devils’ next permanent manager.

Butt told FourFourTwo: “I’d go all-out to get Mauricio Pochettino as manager.

“He’s proven in the Premier League, he’s young and enthusiastic, his style of play would suit United and his backroom staff seem switched on.

“I met him a couple of times at Spurs’ training ground and had lunch. You’d want to play for him.”

Fernandes ‘set for new deal’

Bruno Fernandez is about to agree a new contract extension with Manchester United, according to reports.

United news outlet @UtdPlug says ‘it will be announced in the coming days’.

Portugal playmaker Fernandez, 27, has been a key man for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.

Parker says United lack matchwinners

Manchester United legend Paul Parker believes the club only have two matchwinners in their current squad – and neither is Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to OddsNinja, he said: “United haven’t got the individuals like we talk about at the club many years ago. They definitely haven’t got it.”

He went on to name forward Anthony Elanga and keeper David de Gea as the only matchwinners in United’s squad.

He added: “Other than that really, there isn’t really anybody you’d name, who can go and grab hold of the game and get United over the line.”

United legends’ sons both score

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Ronney both scored for Manchester United Under-12s against West Brom on Sunday.

They are the sons of Red Devils legends and former United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

Our nice report points out: “Fans can be forgiven for getting a little nostalgic, after seeing a United game with Rooney and Ronaldo on the scoresheet.”

United fifth favourites for Raphinha

Manchester United are fifth favourites to sign Leeds superstar Raphinha, according to the bookies.

Sky Bet have the Red Devils priced at 7/4 to beat a host of other top European clubs to the signature of the Brazilian if he leaves Elland Road.

The frontrunners are Spanish giants Barcelona at 7/4, followed by German powerhouses Bayern Munich at 7/1.

Cascarino calls Rashford ‘not clinical’

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino says Marcus Rashford is ‘not clinical’ enough to lead the line for Arsenal.

United forward Rashford is reportedly a transfer target for Mikel Arteta’s Champions League-chasing Gunners.

Cascarino told talkSPORT: “I’m not sure if Marcus is a solution for Arsenal because Marcus is not clinical.

“He doesn’t particularly lead the line well and that’s one of the two traits you need if you’re going to play in an Arteta team.”

Henderson makes honest loan admission

Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson admits loan spells at lower league clubs have been vital to his development.

The 25-year-old star joined United’s Academy as a 14-year-old and has had temporary spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.

He told Manchester United’s website: “[There] are the things you learn and move on. It was great for me. It’s why I’m sitting here today.

“If I didn’t [go out on loan], I’d probably be in League One now, just going out on my first loan. I fought for it and I stand by it, the best decision of my life.”

Van Gaal issues Ten Hag warning

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has issued a public warning to Erik ten Hag – advising him against taking the Old Trafford job.

Ajax boss Ten Hag is the bookies favourite to fill the United hot seat after holding a promising first interview with the club last week.

However, Van Gaal, now manager of the Dutch national team, has offered his compatriot a word of caution by criticising United’s off-field hierarchy.

Dutch media outlet AD report Van Gaal as saying: “I think Erik ten Hag is a great coach, he has shown that several times – and a great coach is always good for Manchester United.”

“Manchester United is a commercial club and those are difficult choices for a coach. It is better to go to a football club.

“I’m not going to supervise his career and he will call me himself. But he should choose a football club, not a commercial club.”

No Real deal for Tchouameni – yet

Premier League pair Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost by the news that – contrary to reports – Aurelien Tchouameni has not agreed to sign for Real Madrid.

Spanish media had claimed a deal had been done, but Tchouameni’s agent insists that no such move has been confirmed.

The two English clubs have been monitoring the 22-year-old’s development at Monaco, and both see the player as the ideal midfielder to build their side around for years to come.

However, Madrid remain very interested despite the press jumping the gun, as do Ligue 1 big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain.

Tchouameni scored his first international goal for France on Friday, heading home a stoppage time winner against Ivory Coast.

United planning Shaw and Rashford talks

Manchester United are planning to enter discussions with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford over new contracts, according to ESPN’S Rob Dawson.

The future of the England pair had been considered uncertain with both underperforming this season, and seemingly unhappy with life at Old Trafford.

Yet the duo ‘are considered part of a key group of core players that United want to keep’ ahead of a significant squad overhaul in the summer.

The current deals of both players are due to expire in June 2023.

United capture teen ace Toby

Manchester United have completed the signing of England youth star Toby Collyer from Brighton.

The 18-year-old midfielder has penned a three-and-a-half year contract with the Red Devils.

Collyer impressed Old Trafford chiefs during a recent trial and shone for their U23s in a match against Huddersfield.

Now he has committed his long-term future to United after they beat a host of Premier League rivals – including Chelsea – to his signature.

The youngster, who can also play as a centre-back, played 25 matches for Brighton’s Under-18 and Under-23 sides last season.

Rooney’s strong words for Rashford

Wayne Rooney has offered some old school advice to Marcus Rashford as he urged the out-of-form star to break his Manchester United record.

Rooney made a whopping 559 appearances for United during his playing career, eventually overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s tally to become the club all-time top scorer with 253 goals.

Now he has backed his 24-year-old pal Rashford to ‘fing get his head out of his ae’ so that he will go on and surpass him.

The United ace burst onto the scene in 2016 towards the end of Rooney’s stay at Old Trafford and appeared to have the world at his feet.

However, this term the England international’s form and confidence appear to have dropped dramatically – and the player has since suggested that he’s frustrated with life at Old Trafford.

Speaking at a black tie event in Manchester, Rooney said: “I hope that Marcus Rashford fing gets his head out of his ae and goes and breaks that record. He’s a Manchester lad.”

Midfielders also on United agenda

Manchester United also want to sign two midfielders the summer – further fuelling the belief that Paul Pogba will depart Old Trafford.

The Athletic suggest that the Red Devils want to bring in a pair of central players – one offensive and one defensive – in order to strengthen that area of their squad.

Newcomers would present midfield competition for Fred and Scott McTominay, and will help to cover the gap left by Pogba’s expected exit.

The French international is out of contract in June, and has shown little interest in penning a new deal with United.

The Athletic also believe that right wing is another position being targeted by United chiefs, despite last summer’s signing of Jadon Sancho.

Rooney response once was blue

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he told Sir Alex Ferguson to ‘foff’ when he tried to sign him aged 14.

The Derby gaffer, now 36, has stated he only had eyes for Everton after being approached by the Red Devils’ legendary manager.

In an exclusive, Rooney told The Sun: “Sir Alex ­Ferguson tried to sign me when I was 14. He was on the phone to my mum and dad.

“They said, ‘Alex is on the phone, Manchester United want to sign you’.

“I said, ‘Tell him to foff. I want to play for Everton’.

“Then as time went on, I knew I had to play for Alex Ferguson. The reason I signed for United was Alex Ferguson.”

Rooney admits he couldn’t resist the lure of United a second time. He eventually joined them in 2004, and went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer.

United set sights on Kane

Manchester United want to bring a stellar striker to the club in the summer – and Harry Kane is at the top of their list.

The Athletic understand that Old Trafford officials are seriously considering an approach for Kane after holding initial talks with Tottenham back in July.

The Red Devils will require attacking reinforcements with Edinson Cavani destined to leave, Mason Greenwood unavailable indefinitely following his arrest, and question marks over the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

Spurs chief Daniel Levy refused to play ball with Manchester City last summer, but may now consider moving the 28-year-old forward on for big money with his contract ticking down.

Kane, who took his goal tally with England to 49 on Saturday, has only two more years to run on his current deal.

United still keen on Luis

Luis Enrique is still considered ‘a genuine contender’ for the Manchester United job despite Erik ten Hag emerging as the clear favourite.

The Express report that the Red Devils remain extremely interested in bringing the Spain coach to Old Trafford, whose role with the national team would not require a hefty compensation package.

However, the situation is made more complex by the timing of this year’s winter World Cup.

It is understood that Enrique wants to lead La Roja through the finals in Qatar, meaning he would not be available to start in the Premier League until January.

United, on the other hand, want their new manager named ahead of this summer, such is the overhaul expected at the club.