MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for next season after ending the campaign with a Europa League final defeat.
One man who is being tipped for a switch is Villarreal's Pau Torres, who was so impressive for the Spaniards in the Gdansk final.
Meanwhile Declan Rice has been touted for a switch to United as well, with the England midfielder a target for one of the positions Solskjaer wants to improve.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog...
- Marc Mayo
GOOD MORNING UTD FANS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer.
And finally, Harry Maguire is reportedly confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia.
The Three Lions face their Group D rivals in just over two weeks’ time and are sweating on the fitness of their star centre-back.
The 28-year-old had been ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League until he suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa – ruling him out of the run-in.
The Red Devils’ form crumbled in his absence and he watched from the stands as his team lost Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Following the defeat in Gdansk, United have increased their communication with the England setup and national team staff checked in with Maguire on Friday.
According to the Mail, his progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit for June 13.
United are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
- Joe Brophy
HOMECOMING
Tottenham want to start official talks with Paris Saint-Germain on Monday about bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to North London.
PSG boss Poch is eyeing a return to Spurs after falling out with the French giants’ sporting director Leonardo.
And if Poch does make the move, he will ask Harry Kane to give him at least one more season at Tottenham.
The England captain, 27, made clear he wants to leave in his hunt for honours — but that was before Poch let on he was interested in going back.
Spurs chairman Levy hopes it will persuade the striker, who still has three years on his deal, to stay put.
But it is unlikely to stop Manchester giants City and United from trying to bag the Prem’s 23-goal Golden Boot winner.
- Joe Brophy
AL BE OFF
Former Manchester United target David Alaba has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
The Austrian turned down a new contract at Bayern Munich, bringing his 12-year association with the German giants to an end.
Alaba, 28, was determined to experience a new challenge, with a preference for playing in midfield.
And after months of speculation, Madrid have finally officially announced the deal.
The left-sided star has committed for five seasons, and will earn around £200,000-a-week.
Alaba will be officially presented to Real Madrid supporters following the conclusion of Euro 2020, at which he is representing his country.
- Joe Brophy
ICYMI
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
- Joe Brophy
TOP MARCS
Highest of praise for Marcus Rashford from former US President Barack Obama.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited)
- Joe Brophy
DOR OPEN
Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer.
- Joe Brophy
GUIRE AND HIGHER
Harry Maguire is reportedly confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia.
The Three Lions face their Group D rivals in just over two weeks’ time and are sweating on the fitness of their star centre-back.
The 28-year-old had been ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League until he suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa – ruling him out of the run-in.
The Red Devils’ form crumbled in his absence and he watched from the stands as his team lost Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Following the defeat in Gdansk, United have increased their communication with the England setup and national team staff checked in with Maguire on Friday.
According to the Mail, his progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit for June 13.
United are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
- Joe Brophy
FOX TROT
Gary Lineker has quit BT Sport to follow his beloved Leicester City in Europe next season with his sons.
The England football legend, 60, announced the move on Twitter this evening after joining the channel in 2015 to present their live Champions League coverage.
- Joe Brophy
CHEEKY DEVIL
A BBC reporter was left speechless as a Manchester United fan told him that he hopes Chelsea' 'leather' Manchester City in the Champions League final.
- Joe Brophy
BRU BEAUTY
Bruno Fernandes was Manchester United's marathon man this season.
- Joe Brophy
PAUL THE OTHER ONE
Harry Kane has admitted he would like to have Paul Pogba’s skills amid reports suggesting that Manchester United want to sign him.
Kane had a chat with TCL Europe where he discussed areas of others’ games he would like to include into his own.
The England captain said: “Pogba’s skills, [Marco] Reus’ amazing free-kicks, Saul [Niguez’s] perfect dribbling, [Krzysztof ]Piatek’s intuition and [Gianluigi] Donnarumma’s big arm span.
“I think having a strong mindset is a big part of that I think.
“I always say self-belief and hard work are the two most important things to go along with talent. Of course, you need talent to get you a certain way but the other two are very important”
- Joe Brophy
EUR KIDDING
Manchester United fans were forced to spend the night in Poland after being denied boarding to a flight home because of a Covid testing mixup.
Around 25 fans arrived at Warsaw’s Modlin airport on Thursday to fly home after their team's penalty shoot out defeat against Villarreal in the Europa League final.
Builder Michael Cooney, 38, was among the supporters forced to spend another night in Poland because of the mixup, which is believed to have occurred when the Polish authorities ruled the fans should have quarantined upon arrival in the country.
But Uefa rules stated that anyone with a match ticket would not need to quarantine.
Michael, of Salford, Gtr Manchester, said: “It’s been a bit of a joke. We have all followed the rules and regulations to the letter and had all the necessary tests.
“We turned up at the airport in plenty of time. United got beat, but we’ve had a good couple of days and just wanted to get home.
“Some of my mates who have done the exact same tests are me were allowed home and I was one of the ones who was denied boarding.
- Joe Brophy
HAA-RD TO SAY GOODBYE
Erling Haaland has sensationally suggested he might snub the advances of Manchester United to STAY at Borussia Dortmund.
Both Man City and United are interested in the £150million-rated striker, with Real Madrid and Barcelona keen, despite struggling financially.
But for now, Haaland has suggested he will be staying at Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland told NENT: "I have a contract for a couple of fine years, so I am respectful towards my contract."
- Joe Brophy
CHANGED HIS TUN
Manchester United prospect Hannibal Mejbri has been called up to Tunisia's national team after switching allegiances from France.
The midfielder was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France and represented them at youth level.
But his father, Lotfi, is Tunisian and played in his homeland and now his son is set to follow in his footsteps.
Current club United confirmed the 18-year-old has been called up to Tunisia's first-team.
Mejbri is in their squad for upcoming games against DR Congo, Algeria and Mali next month.
- Joe Brophy
GUNNER STAY
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
- Joe Brophy
RICE TO MEET YOU
Manchester United will look to pip rivals Chelsea to the signing of Declan Rice, according to reports.
The West Ham ace is hot property following yet another brilliant season in East London.
Chelsea were desperate to land him last summer under ex-boss Frank Lampard but refused to match his £70million asking price.
Despite replacing Lampard with Thomas Tuchel in January, the German boss is still open to the idea of bringing Rice back to his former club.
But the Standard write how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to swoop from under the noses of the Blues.
The Norwegian is ready to splash the cash this summer after Europa League final defeat to Villarreal meant it is now four years since their last silverware.
- Kostas Lianos
SANCHO UPDATE
Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho's representatives over a potential summer deal.
According to Sky Sports, "as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination" for Sancho.
United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer
- Kostas Lianos
HAALAND LATEST
Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has attracted immense interest from some of Europe's biggest hitters.
Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Haaland but are facing fierce competition.
According to Marca, Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on the star striker.
However, the Norway international has turned into a plan B as Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe remains a priority for Los Blancos
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
PAUL-ING TOGETHER
Manchester United star Paul Pogba has reacted to Wednesday's Europa League Final loss.
Pogba admitted he needed some time to reflect after the defeat to Villarreal but insists United will get back up on their feet soon.
The star midfielder posted on his Instagram: "I needed some days to reflect after the match.
"Of course, very upset not to win the final but we’re a team that will look forward with our heads held high.
"Thank you to all of the fans for the support. We will come back stronger"
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Paul Labile Pogba (@paulpogba)
- Kostas Lianos
ENGLAND FAVOURITES
England are 4/1 favourites to win Euro 2020 after Gareth Southgate picked his squad for the delayed tournament, according to Betfair.
Manchester United have six players (Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood) in Southgate's provisional 33-men shortlist.
Here’s how the Three Lions fare compare to the rest of the opposition:
England 4/1
France 5/1
Belgium 13/2
Spain 7/1
Italy, Germany 15/2
Portugal 9/1
Netherlands 11/1
Denmark 22/1
Croatia 25/1 - Kostas Lianos
UNITED TRANSFER LATEST
Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Raphael Varane and Pau Torres are considered as Manchester United's top targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to The Guardian, Sancho appears as the likeliest candidate to join United as Borussia Dortmund are more open on letting him go this year.
Kane, on the other hand, appears to be the unlikeliest signing as Manchester City pose as favourites to land the Tottenham superstar.
West Ham are not willing to sell Rice whereas Torres and Varane are going to cost £26million and £60m respectively
- Kostas Lianos
TOP POG
Tottenham superstar Harry Kane has admitted he would like to have Paul Pogba's skills amid reports suggesting that Manchester United want to sign him.
Kane had a chat with TCL Europe where he discussed areas of others' games he would like to include into his own.
The England captain said: "Pogba's skills, [Marco] Reus' amazing free-kicks, Saul [Niguez's] perfect dribbling, [Krzysztof ]Piatek's intuition and [Gianluigi] Donnarumma's big arm span.
"I think having a strong mindset is a big part of that I think.
"I always say self-belief and hard work are the two most important things to go along with talent. Of course, you need talent to get you a certain way but the other two are very important"
- Kostas Lianos
HURRI-KANE HARRY
Tottenham superstar Harry Kane is odds-on favourite to finish Euro 2020 as the tournament's top scorer, according to Betfair.
Kane has reportedly informed Spurs that he wishes to leave the club in the summer after another trophyless season, which saw them missing out on Champions League qualification again.
The star striker is now being monitored by Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Here's how the England international's chances look like ahead of the Euros:
- Harry Kane 5/1
- Romelu Lukaku 13/2
- Cristiano Ronaldo 9/1
- Kylian Mbappe 9/1
- Karim Benzema 11/1
- Memphis Depay 16/1
- Raheem Sterling 16/1
DE-CISION EXPLAINED
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to start David de Gea in goal ahead of Dean Henderson because he felt more confident about the Spain international.
Solskjaer said: “You go through every scenario, of course. And it had crossed my mind in the build-up to the game but we were confident in David and prepared.
Anything can happen in a penalty shootout. I stuck with the keeper who played all of the game.
“I’ve got to say the penalty shootout was high quality, but we didn’t do enough in the 120 minutes to score more goals and that’s the disappointing bit.
“We had pressure, we had moments where we felt if we can just kick on a little bit now we can get a goal. But we just couldn’t.”
TOP PICK
Everton star Jordan Pickford is going to be England’s No1 at Euro 2020 ahead of Manchester United ace Dean Henderson, according to former Three Lions goalkeeper Rob Green.
Green said: “It’s a case of one from one. Jordan will play. Gareth [Southgate] has been very persistent and very clear with that.
“He’s one that, the way that they play, he’s never made a mistake whilst playing for England that has cost a goal. I think what’s good is that Dean Henderson has already made his debut so he’s got that bit out of the way.
“He’s played 50 per cent of the games that David de Gea has played at United.
“But it’s not like he’s played a full season there. He’s had to bide his time at Manchester United so if he does get to play every week, then he’d have a louder case.
“But we’ll have to see where we are in 12 months’ time. At the moment it doesn’t seem to suggest that it should be pointing in any other direction really”
Source: Read Full Article
