Man utd transfer news

Neymar has hinted at dream Man Utd partner in crime with PSG transfer exit on cards

May 27, 2023 by www.express.co.uk Leave a Comment

Ten Hag coy on Man Utd’s links with Neymar

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag had the chance to shut down interest in Neymar before his side’s thumping 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday night. However, the Dutchman only added to the intrigue surrounding the 31-year-old by refusing to rule out a summer deal. And, should the Brazil international move to Old Trafford, he’d play alongside Jadon Sancho – a player he’s already spoken fondly of in the past.

Neymar has often produced the goods for PSG ever since his move from Barcelona back in the summer transfer window of 2017.

But, with injuries hampering the Brazil international in recent years, there’s talk of the forward leaving the Parc des Princes for the Premier League.

United have, as a result, emerged as potential suitors for a forward who has long been considered as one of the best in the whole of world football.

And should Neymar join the Red Devils, then he’d be able to play alongside Sancho.

Neymar has already praised the United star in the past. Speaking before in 2020, he hailed the 23-year-old – who was strutting his stuff for Borussia Dortmund in Germany at the time – by saying: “Jadon is a player that I really like to watch play and he is a great player with plenty of quality.

“Borussia Dortmund is a team with plenty of quality players. They have a special player, who is new but who is very good whose name is Sancho.

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Man Utd transfer news: Neymar is being linked amid PSG uncertainty (Image: GETTY)

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“He is a good player.”

And then, just last year, Neymar hailed Sancho when discussing England’s chances of World Cup glory in Qatar.

“I really forgot about England but obviously they have a chance!” Neymar said.

“I really like (Harry) Kane and (Jadon) Sancho.

“They’re two incredible players and I have a special love for them because I like players that have their qualities.”

Sancho, in the end, didn’t make England’s squad for the tournament having struggled for consistency at United.

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Man Utd transfer news: Neymar won’t be cheap to sign from PSG (Image: GETTY)

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But he’s been significantly improved ever since taking a four-month break earlier in the campaign.

Ten Hag allowed the former Manchester City academy graduate some time off to work on his fitness in order to rediscover his mojo.

And Sancho, particularly in recent weeks, appears to have turned a corner.

Ten Hag is happy with the United star and, speaking after his side’s 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday night, hailed Sancho for his performance after moving to the right wing following an injury to Antony.

“He did very well on the right side, and I think he played a very good game,” he said.

“I think Jadon Sancho was one of the players who [has made good] progress in this season.

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Man Utd transfer news: Neymar has previously lavished praise on Jadon Sancho (Image: GETTY)

“And there were many players in our squad who made good progress.

“I think it’s a good base to build further on.”

When asked for Sancho’s preferred position, he added: “He can do both [wings], but I think he prefers to play on the left.

“But we have seen [that] he is very good on the right as well.”

As for Neymar, it’ll be curious to see what happens with the PSG star.

Cristiano Ronaldo set to stop Man Utd from making blockbuster signing this summer

May 27, 2023 by www.express.co.uk Leave a Comment

Rashford pays tribute to Ronaldo after Man Utd exit

Manchester United are unlikely to sign Neymar this summer because of Cristiano Ronaldo , reports say. The Paris Saint-Germain star has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent times, with Erik ten Hag refusing to rule out a transfer. However, with the Red Devils wary of going after another big name, the Brazil international may end up leaving Ligue 1 for another team instead.

Manchester United expected Ronaldo to be the ticket to Premier League and Champions League glory when they re-signed the veteran back in 2021.

But while he netted a fine 27 goals during his second spell at Old Trafford, the 38-year-old still failed to live up to expectations.

Fast-forward to now and United are being linked with Neymar amid uncertainty over the attacker’s future at PSG.

Yet ESPN Deportes say the chances of Neymar moving to the club are ‘slim’, with Ronaldo cited as a reason why.

The report says Ronaldo ‘generated a major crisis within the squad at the beginning of the season’, with the club ‘traumatised’.

And United ‘do not want another superstar who could cause problems in the dressing room’.

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Man Utd transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo is being factored into the club’s plans (Image: GETTY)

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So, with the club keen to move on from a Galactico policy, it appears Ten Hag is set to look at other reinforcements instead.

Chelsea now appear to be in the driving seat when it comes to signing Neymar at the end of the campaign.

Todd Boehly, back in February, held talks with PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi to probe a potential deal after the duo met in Paris.

PSG had hoped to jettison Neymar last summer but, in the end, had no choice but to keep their No 10 due to a lack of interest.

It’s said the 31-year-old offered himself to Chelsea in January but, while Boehly was tempted, he ultimately decided to hold fire.

All signs point to Neymar leaving PSG at the end of the campaign after six inconsistent years in France.

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Man Utd transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo returned from Juventus back in 2021 (Image: GETTY)

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And though United don’t seem to be interested, a switch to the Premier League can’t be ruled out.

Ronaldo isn’t the only big name to have disappointed for the Red Devils over the past 10 years.

They expected big things from Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao when the duo moved from Real Madrid and Monaco respectively in 2014.

Yet the pair would last just one year at the club, toiling under Louis van Gaal in the process.

The Dutchman had hoped Bastian Schweinsteiger would be a hit upon raiding Bayern Munich for the veteran 12 months later.

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Man Utd transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo apparently caused issues in the club’s dressing room (Image: GETTY)

But injuries prevented the Red Devils from seeing the best of the Germany international, who would spend 18 months in Manchester before being cut loose by Jose Mourinho.

Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku were A-list signings made by Mourinho.

Yet neither can be classified as an undisputed hit, even if they did have some positive moments in a red shirt.

Regarding Neymar, Stan Collymore recently advised United against a move for the Samba star – labelling the 31-year-old as a ‘circus act’ in the process.

“There comes a point when a player can become a bit of a circus act, and I think that’s the point Neymar is at now,” he told CaughtOffside.

“He’s a luxury player but he has another side to his life which doesn’t do his career any favours – being pictured late at night in McDonald’s after his team just lost a Champions League game for example.

Man Utd will have three Erik ten Hag players impacted if next ‘George Best’ arrives

May 27, 2023 by www.express.co.uk Leave a Comment

Ten Hag coy on Man Utd’s links with Neymar

Last week, it was claimed that Manchester United are interested in Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. It’s easy to see why, with the forward likened to George Best amid his fine performances at the Diego Maradona Stadium this season. However, with the club well-stocked for left wingers, any potential transfer could impact three players at the club.

Christian Vieri said earlier in the year that Kvaratskhelia was comparable to Best, having watched the Georgian take Napoli by storm.

“If he goes to Manchester United, the days of George Best will return,” he said in March. “Kvaratskhelia is the same.”

Others, such as Rino Gattuso and Paolo Di Canio, have also made the comparison over the course of the season.

And El Pais said last weekend that United were keen on landing Kvaratskhelia, with Sheikh Jassim willing to let the Glazers crack on with planning for the summer.

Express Sport now takes a look at three players who may be impacted by a potential deal.

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Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag wants his own ‘George Best’ in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Image: GETTY)

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Marcus Rashford

If United did sign Kvaratskhelia, what could happen to Marcus Rashford?

Though the England international enjoys playing on the left, he’d potentially be moved to the middle next season.

Yet that would be a risk. With Rashford now operating at the peak of his powers, with 30 goals across all competitions, switching his position would represent a gamble.

Rashford has to play every game for United given his immense quality.

And, such is his selflessness, he’d likely be accepting of any decision Erik ten Hag would possibly make.

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Man Utd would have to pay a big fee to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Image: GETTY)

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Alejandro Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho is arguably the most-exciting United player to watch right now.

Young and raw, but blessed with pace, trickery and directness, the Argentine hasn’t looked back since making his debut last year.

Garnacho would, however, struggle for game time in his preferred position if Kvaratskhelia moved to the club.

He would be behind both players in the pecking order due to his young age.

And that would likely displease the youngster, particularly given he signed a new contract at the end of last month.

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Man Utd transfer target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been likened to George Best (Image: GETTY)

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho is a curious case.

On his day the United star can be unstoppable. But inconsistency has plagued him ever since his move from Borussia Dortmund back in the summer transfer window of 2021.

Sancho is set to stay at the club, despite claims Ten Hag is starting to lose patience with the 23-year-old.

But though he can play on the right, he prefers the opposite flank instead.

Sancho may need to accept more minutes in an alternative role, having also been used as a No 10 this season.

Who else could United sign?

Kvaratskhelia isn’t the only player being linked with a move to United ahead of the summer.

Up top, Harry Kane, Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen are all targets amid their fine form for Tottenham, Juventus and Napoli respectively.

In midfield, United have set their sights on Adrien Rabiot, Frenkie de Jong and Alexis Mac Allister.

Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman is an alternative to Kvaratskhelia if the Napoli forward doesn’t join.

And Ronald Araujo and Kim Min-jae are targets for the centre-back position.

Arsenal may haunt Man City with Declan Rice alternative if Man Utd pip them to England ace

May 27, 2023 by www.express.co.uk Leave a Comment

Arteta says summer transfer window will be ‘crucial’ for Arsenal

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has already lost out on the title to Manchester City and the Spaniard would loathe to let top target Declan Rice slip from his grasp too, as Manchester United reportedly prepare their approach for the West Ham captain. In the worst-case scenario, however, Arteta has a backup option which would not only prove to be cheaper than Rice but also allow him to gain some revenge on his former club.

With Southampton relegated to the Championship, it is expected that Romeo Lavia could be the first of several key players sold at St Mary’s this summer. The highly-rated teenager has sparkled in the midfield for the Saints with 33 appearances, despite their first relegation to the second tier in 14 years, and has been heavily linked with Chelsea.

Lavia signed for just £12m from Man City last summer with the promise of a sell-on clause and buy-back option should City be interested in bringing him back to the Etihad Stadium. While that looks unlikely at this point, it remains an option for Pep Guardiola’s side.

But Arsenal can strike first and beat Chelsea to the punch as Lavia is one of three players being considered , particularly if they miss out on Rice, with conflicting reports about the Hammers captain’s future causing a stir in the transfer market.

Declan Rice: The West Ham captain has been strongly linked with Arsenal. (Image: Getty)

The 24-year-old is expected to depart this summer having so far refused to sign a new contract with West Ham, and as his current deal expires in 2024, they will not stand in his way. Of course, he is still rated as indispensable by David Moyes and will therefore attract a large fee, with Rice likely to fetch upwards of £70m this summer.

According to The Mirror , Rice prefers a move to Arsenal over United, and with Champions League football guaranteed at both clubs next season, it could be a question of money in deciding his fate. The Gunners believe they are in ‘pole position’ to land Rice if they can agree a deal with West Ham, although that could prove to be a tough negotiation given their £100m asking price.

There are no such worries about Rice struggling at Arsenal, given he recently surpassed 200 appearances in the Premier League, and the risk of such a transfer is low. But having spent £300million on transfers over the past two summers, Arsenal must raise cash by offloading some of their fringe players.

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Romeo Lavia: The 19-year-old has shone for Southampton. (Image: Getty)

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Valued at around £40m, Lavia would no doubt be a cheaper alternative if the bidding war spirals out of Arsenal’s control.

It is something that occurred when they were beaten to the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk by Chelsea. And so far, withdrawing from the running has proved to be a blessing in disguise. But with Rice, there is a firm belief he is exactly what is needed to improve Arsenal’s midfield.

There is a risk that they could be priced out if United formally enter the running, as they are set to receive a huge injection of funds from their prospective new owners if a takeover goes through this summer.

Arteta has rarely failed to get his man when the going gets tough, securing Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard after Edu Gaspar haggled on the transfer fees. Arsenal will need to pull out all of the stops to prevent Rice from heading to Old Trafford.

But if he does, Lavia would be superb alternative – and a perfect addition to plot their revenge on champions City next year.

Man Utd star Casemiro gets brushed off as Alejandro Garnacho mocked before Fulham clash

May 27, 2023 by www.express.co.uk Leave a Comment

Ten Hag coy on Man Utd’s links with Neymar

Manchester United players have been training ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham . And Casemiro and Alejandro Garnacho were among those involved in the session, with the pair both appearing to be in high spirits. It’s clear to see why, with the Red Devils guaranteed to be playing in the Champions League next season following their emphatic 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday night.

Footage uploaded on United’s official website shows Erik ten Hag’s players working hard in the sunshine at their Carrington training complex.

Casemiro appeared to be jokingly brushed off by Wout Weghorst, with the Netherlands international seemingly saying ‘no, no’ as he talked with his team-mate.

Fred and Diogo Dalot were seen working on their fitness, with both players hoping to start having recently fallen down the pecking order.

Luke Shaw took part in the session, giving Erik ten Hag a fitness boost in the process.

And Zidane Iqbal made a shushing gesture towards Garnacho after the Argentine appealed against a decision.

United squad members looked relaxed as they geared up for their final league game of the season against Fulham.

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Man Utd star Casemiro was jokingly brushed off by Wout Weghorst ahead of Fulham clash (Image: GETTY)

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And the Red Devils will be hoping to beat Marco Silva’s side for the third time this season, too.

United travelled to Craven Cottage in November in their final match before the season was halted for the World Cup in Qatar.

And they won 2-1, with Christian Eriksen and Garnacho on target.

Later that night, it emerged Cristiano Ronaldo had given a bombshell interview to Piers Morgan airing his grievances about life at the club.

But that didn’t detract from the win, with Garnacho scoring at the death to secure all three points for his side.

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Man Utd will be finishing in the top four regardless of Fulham result (Image: GETTY)

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Then, in March, United and Fulham locked horns in the FA Cup.

Aleksander Mitrovic put the Cottagers ahead in the 50th minute but, 22 minutes later, would received a red card.

Willian and Marco Silva were also dismissed as tempers boiled over.

And United then capitalised, with a double from Bruno Fernandes and goal from Marcel Sabitzer sending them through to the next round.

Speaking ahead of the game with Fulham, meanwhile, Ten Hag has called on his side to use the match as preparation for their upcoming FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.

“Of course, we prepare for that [the cup final] very well,” said the 53-year-old.

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Man Utd star Alejandro Garnacho was shushed by Zidane Iqbal ahead of Fulham clash (Image: GETTY)

“First, we have to use the game on Sunday as part of our preparation.

“We want to be third in the league. I think we can achieve a home record, which is another thing to play for.

“Also, to stay in the rhythm, stay in the focus.

“We have, in one week, a very big game against a very big team but you always have a chance in football. We proved that in January, when we beat them [City].”

As for Silva, the Fulham boss feels Mitrovic has nothing to prove following his red card earlier in the season.

“I think he showed in 25 minutes against Southampton that it doesn’t matter the club that he is going to play against, (and) last week against Palace,” he said.