JADON SANCHO remains Manchester United's top summer transfer target, according to Gary Neville.
The England winger was pursued all last summer but some reports had suggested United had moved on.
However, former skipper Neville says Sancho still remains the top priority over the likes of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
Meanwhile Harry Maguire faces a race against time to be fit for the Europa League final.
Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
- Kostas Lianos
HAA-RDLY LIKELY
Manchester United are going to focus on Jadon Sancho and ditch plans to sign Erling Haaland as well as Harry Kane.
That is according to United legend Gary Neville, who doesn't expect the Red Devills to go after another striker with Edinson Cavani signing a new one-year deal.
Neville told Sky Sports: "I don't think they will sign another striker.
"I haven't got the contacts on the inside that I used to have so it's my assumption.
"They've been desperate for Sancho. You look at Manchester United's recruitment last summer and they didn't get Sancho and they were criticised for that. I criticised them for that.
"But they could look incredibly smart this year if they get him nearer half the price and they've waited 12 months"
GETTY IMAGES - William Pugh
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS
Edinson Cavani has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Manchester United.
The striker has been in blistering form in recent weeks and ended speculation of a move to Boca Juniors with the confirmation on Monday.
He said: “I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.”
On a sour note for the club, SunSport expect Harry Maguire to miss the rest of the Premier League season.
The race is on for the United captain to reach the Europa League final while the Red Devils await the results of an ankle scan.
He will definitely miss tonight’s clash with Leicester, kicking off at 6pm on BT Sport.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unhappy that his side faces three games in five days after Thursday’s Liverpool game was rescheduled following fan protests.
Ahead of rotating his team, the Norwegian complained: "Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don't blame me when I have to make changes because I have to.
"It's not safe for them to play all four so I have to prioritise. I wish I could have said 'let's go full out in all the games' but it's impossible.
"That's the hard bit for me, knowing if I do play this 11 on Tuesday and then again on Thursday it's impossible. I run too much of a risk in injuring them."
- Marc Mayo
NEXT UP
Tuesday, May 11, 6pm.
Mark it in your diary for Manchester United’s next match action as the Red Devils host Leicester.
Avoiding defeat will be enough to keep their technically-feasible title hopes alive while the Foxes are in need of a good result in their top-four bid.
The game is live on BT Sport.
Credit: AP
- Marc Mayo
DON’T ROO WORRY
Marcus Rashford’s No 1 target is bringing silverware back to Manchester United — not breaking Wayne Rooney’s goals records.
The England forward admits United’s four-year trophy drought has been frustrating, with the Red Devils painfully losing a string of semi-finals.
Rashford said: “It’s about silverware.
“Nobody has been as happy as we were since we won the Europa League in 2017. We’ve got to semi-finals and finals and keep getting beaten.
“It’s frustrating. Your personal things get put to one side as you want to achieve the team things so bad.
“So I just think about scoring and assists for the team.”
- Marc Mayo
OPEN THE FLOOD-GATE
Gareth Southgate has been told that ‘special’ Mason Greenwood can turn a game around for him in a split second at the Euros.
England boss Southgate was at Villa Park on Sunday to see Greenwood crack home a second-half goal to put Manchester United ahead in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.
And Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I’m sure Gareth knows.
“He knows Mason well enough. He knows Mason can turn a game around in one split second.
“He’s working, learning on the job, getting more robust and he’s played more than 100 games for us and is our top goal scorer as a teenager, he’s been incredible.
“He’ll have a long, long future with England and I’m sure Gareth will think long and hard about which 26 he’s going to pick. I like him, I like the boy which says itself what I would do.”
- Marc Mayo
AJ ON THE PRIZE
Marco van Basten has warned Ajax’s stars to use Donny van de Beek as a cautionary tale when thinking of leaving the club.
The Dutchman has failed to star for Manchester United since his move from Amsterdam last year.
And club legend van Basten told Ziggo Sport: “It just shows what a great life they have when they play at Ajax.
“They all think very quickly that they are a big boy here and can make it in other countries, but in the Netherlands, there is a nice competition.
“In a team like Ajax you are really helped, especially in the No.10 position. Then you often see that they go abroad and it is a different story.”
Credit: EPA - Marc Mayo
GAR-UANTEE
Gary Neville has revealed his delight after ‘absolutely sensational’ Edinson Cavani penned a new Manchester United deal.
The Uruguay striker, 34, has been a smash hit during his sole season at Old Trafford.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Neville said: “It’s massive news. I think I was one of the sceptics when United signed Cavani.
“Thinking about transfer windows in previous years where they’ve signed players late on, they didn’t look to be part of the plan.
“They chased Sancho, didn’t get him, instead got someone who was touted to go to the MLS.
“I think he’s been absolutely sensational, in every single way. His attitude, forget the goals, his commitment, his impact upon the other players."
- Marc Mayo
TOP DRAWER
Marcus Rashford is having an almighty season, on and off the pitch…
- Marc Mayo
JACK IT IN
Jack Grealish’s agent Jonathan Barnett has insisted Manchester United are not at the front of the queue to sign the Aston Villa star.
The injured playmaker was previously strongly linked with Old Trafford and could be a target once again this summer.
But Barnett told SNTV: “The truth is we don't know [what will happen].
“There are many [interested] clubs and I wouldn't put Manchester United at the top of that.
"But he could stay. He could stay as well so it's a conversation the club, Aston Villa, will have with Jack and ourselves then we'll see where we go."
Credit: Getty
- Marc Mayo
SHAW ENOUGH
Luke Shaw has revealed his helping hand in ensuring Bruno Fernandes’ penalty routine remains unstoppable.
After another spot-kick goal for the Portuguese playmaker on the weekend, team-mate Shaw said: “I knew Bruno was going to score the pen, me and him practised for about 20 minutes after training yesterday so if he didn’t score I’d get onto him.
“He’s always very confident there. I’m there just to push Bruno along, make sure he’s not being sloppy."
- Marc Mayo
EXCLUSIVE
Harry Maguire looks set to miss Manchester United’s final four Premier League games in his race against time to be fit for the Europa League final, writes Charlie Wyett.
The United skipper, although hopeful of being fit for the Villarreal clash, is awaiting the results of an ankle scan after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will do everything possible to get Maguire ready for the May 26 final against the Spanish side in Poland.
And this means Maguire will miss tonight’s home game with former club Leicester and Thursday’s clash with Liverpool.
He is also unlikely to feature against Fulham next Tuesday or Wolves on the final day of the season on May 23.
Maguire is determined to win his fitness race but if the scan results show a problem, he will have to ensure he is ready for Euro 2020.
Credit: EPA - Marc Mayo
OL NO
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists he will not be blamed if he fields a weakened team against Leicester on Tuesday.
Manchester United's clash with the Foxes comes in the middle of three matches inside five days.
He said: "Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don't blame me when I have to make changes because I have to.
"It's not safe for them to play all four so I have to prioritise. I wish I could have said 'let's go full out in all the games' but it's impossible.
"That's the hard bit for me, knowing if I do play this XI on Tuesday and then again on Thursday it's impossible. I run too much of a risk in injuring them."
- Marc Mayo
CAM ON NOW
Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich target has insisted he is not yet decided on his plans for next season.
The Rennes star, 18, is out of contract in 2022 and hotly-tipped to make a big move this summer.
He told Telefoot: "It makes you feel flattered and it is nice that teams like Real Madrid or Bayern are interested in your situation, I'm not going to lie.
"But I have not yet decided with my family what I will do."
Credit: AFP - Marc Mayo
YOU CAN CAV IT ALL
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has paid tribute to Edinson Cavani’s work ethic upon the striker committing to the club for another year.
He told the club website: “Edinson is one of the last to leave the training ground and sets the tone for the upcoming youngsters with his approach to his profession every single day.
“I have always wanted him to stay and experience the way our fans will respond to him as a player, and this means he will hopefully get that opportunity.”
- Marc Mayo
ED’S UP
Edinson Cavani has thanked Manchester United’s fans for encouraging him to sign a new one-year deal with the club.
He said: “From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager.
“As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.
“I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.
“I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd and that is something that I cannot wait to do.”
- Marc Mayo
SIGNED DA TING
As reported earlier, Edinson Cavani has officially signed on for another year at Manchester United.
- Marc Mayo
BREAKING
Premier League games will welcome up to 10,000 supporters inside stadiums for the final two fixtures.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the news as lockdown restrictions continue to ease from May 17.
In a press conference, he said: “From Monday 17 May indoor hospitality can reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums, and children’s play areas.
“All remaining outdoor entertainment can reopen, such as outdoor cinemas and performances.
“Some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances, and sports events. Restrictions on the number of attendees will remain as set out in the Roadmap.”
- Marc Mayo
BIG BUCKS
Manchester United are the fourth most-valuable football team in the world – and the 11th in sports overall.
That is according to the 2021 Forbes countdown of the globe’s sporting institutions.
Valued at a tick under £3billion, the club come in behind Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but have increased their value some 27 per cent in the past five years.
A sigh of relief for those hard-up Glazers…
Credit: EPA - Marc Mayo
TIP OF THE ICE-BERB
Manchester United cannot enjoy reaching the Europa League final as losing it will be a failure, Dimitar Berbatov has claimed.
The Bulgarian won two Premier League titles with the Red Devils and knows only a winners' medal is enough for the players.
He told BetFair: "It is only half the job done. Villareal are a team who pass the ball well with a manager who has pedigree in this competition and it will be tough for United in the final.
"Some of these players were in Jose Mourinho's team when they won the same trophy so they know what it takes to do it.
"For the new players in their first final and Ole it is a big achievement and is good for them and the club with the club going through a tough time with demonstrations over the European Super League and more.
"A trophy will take a bit of pressure off the team, if not the owners. The title looks gone, but if United can win the Europa League and finish second, it's a successful season."
- Marc Mayo
THAT OL TRICK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he could turn to the reserves against Leicester in a bid to cope with Manchester United's chaotic fixture list.
United must next take on the Foxes on Tuesday before Thursday's clash against Liverpool with their Premier League title hopes still just about alive following Manchester City's home loss against Chelsea.
And Solskjaer has admitted he could turn to youth in a bid to keep his squad healthy.
Here, SunSport's Old Trafford ombudsman Dave Fraser delivers his verdict on the likely line-up tomorrow night.
- Thomas Blow
RASH OF BLOOD
Ex-United skipper Wayne Rooney guided Derby to Championship safety on the final day of the season – and he used Marcus Rashford's success story to help him do that.
The 35-year-old explained: "Marcus' story from getting in the first team I actually used it a couple of weeks ago.
"We've had injuries at Derby, and I put a few of the young lads on the bench who hadn't even trained with us so I used Marcus' story from that.
"Marcus came in from nowhere, didn't really train with us, come in, and impact and look where's he's gone on from that.
"So for those players to try and follow in those footsteps when you get that chance, it's up to you then to take it, and he's certainly done that."
- Thomas Blow
UNITED'S PREM STATS
Let's take a look at United's Premier League stats after the weekend's action.
Bruno Fernandes remains their top scorer in the league with 17 – a tally bettered by only Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah.
Skipper Harry Maguire has made the most passes – more than 2,000 – and United fans will be hoping he isn't injured for too long as they chase Europa League glory.
Here's all the data you need…
- Thomas Blow
REDS DON'T QUIT
United have won 10 Premier League games from losing positions this season.
That means they've picked up at least 30 points from losing positions – more points than Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United have.
Outstanding effort from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
- Thomas Blow
ANOTHER SOURCE CONFIRMS CAVANI DEAL
The BBC's Simon Stone has also confirmed Edinson Cavani's one-year contract extension at Old Trafford.
- Thomas Blow
BREAKING NEWS – CAVANI SIGNS NEW DEAL
Edinson Cavani has signed a new deal at Manchester United, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The contract, which runs until June 2022, is expected to be announced in the next few days.
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