MAN UTD are preparing for tonight's clash with Burnley as Ralf Rangnick looks to get back to winning ways.
The Red Devils were held by Newcastle last time out, with Edinson Cavani rescuing a point off the bench.
And reports suggest that the new interim boss has blocked Dean Henderson's potential loan move away from Old Trafford in January.
Henderson had been keen on a loan transfer in the New Year having made just two appearances so far this season.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are rated realistic contenders to sign Barcelona's star defender Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguay hero reportedly has a £168million release clause.
Get all the latest Man Utd transfer news, updates and gossip on our live blog…
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- Jon Boon
Next five games
Starting from tonight, Manchester United have a number of winnable games that could help them mount a serious challenge to the top four.
Three of the next four league games are at home.
Make it fortress Old Trafford, and they'll be climbing up the table in no time.
- Jon Boon
Martial blow
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has reportedly received a blow in his quest to depart in January as Sevilla are struggling to afford the Frenchman.
The 26-year-old has let it be known to interim boss Ralf Rangnick that he wishes to leave Old Trafford next month in search of regular first team football.
His agent has already made it clear his client wishes to move on having featured just seven times in the Premier League this term.
Former Monaco ace Martial has been the subject of a loan bid from Spanish side Sevilla, which is believed to have been turned down.
The LaLiga outfit were only prepared to pay half of his weekly wages, while they were also unwilling to fork out a loan fee.
- Jon Boon
Cicinho's Fergie apology
Former Manchester United target Cicinho has said sorry to Sir Alex Ferguson on social media for once turning down a move to Old Trafford.
The now retired Brazilian right-back revealed he was close to signing for Manchester United in 2005 before Roberto Carlos' intervention.
Recalling the saga on Instagram, Cicinho, 41, jokingly apologised to Ferguson, but admitted he couldn't turn down the chance to be a part of Madrid's star-studded line-up.
- Jon Boon
Rangnick blocks Henderson move
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has reportedly informed Dean Henderson that he will not be allowed to leave on loan in January.
Henderson had been keen on a loan transfer in the New Year having made just two appearances so far for Manchester United this season.
But the 24-year-old will be blocked from an exit as Rangnick wants three first-team ready goalkeepers in his squad, according to MEN.
- Joshua Jones
MORNING UNITED FANS
Edinson Cavani is pressing for a start as United aim to go sixth with victory at home to Burnley tonight.
Sub Cavani bagged United's point-saver in Monday's 1-1 draw at Newcastle – after persuading Ralf Rangnick NOT to start him.
Interim boss Rangnick said: "He didn’t feel comfortable to play from the beginning. He didn’t know how fit he really was."
But the striker's successful 45-minute return from injury means Mason Greenwood's spot is under threat this evening.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are rated realistic contenders to sign Barcelona's star defender Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguay hero reportedly has a £168million release clause.
But it's thought Barca are struggling to persuade him to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2023.
Erling Haaland, long regarded as United's main target next summer, could be offered a double-your-pay offer by Borussia Dortmund to stay
Real Madrid and Man City are also keen on the goal machine.
France winger Ousmane Dembele, long linked with Old Trafford, has rejected a new Barca contract.
The Red Devils seemed determined to keep keeper Dean Henderson next month.
Tottenham are among the clubs linked with David de Gea's frustrated understudy.
Finally, Napoli want Axel Tuanzebe, despite the Manchester United defender being on loan at Aston Villa for the season.
- Ian Tuckey
Rangnick backs Maguire and Varane
Ralf Rangnick will stick by his struggling centre backs Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane despite their horror show against Newcastle.
But the Manchester United interim coach has called on his star-studded squad to stand up and be counted – admitting they have not made as much progress as he would have liked.
The Red Devils put on a woeful display at St James’ Park as they scraped a 1-1 draw after Edinson Cavani cancelled out Allan Saint-Maximin’s stunning opener.
Varane made his comeback from a hamstring injury picked up on October 30 – but alongside Maguire was tormented by a struggling Toon attacking outfit.
The French World Cup winner was at fault in the build-up for Saint-Maximin’s goal, while Maguire looked a bag of nerves.
But with fellow defender Victor Lindelof a doubt after testing positive for Covid, German boss Rangnick is ready to give the pair another chance against Burnley tonight.
Rangnick said: “In three months Raphael has not played that much. Yes he made a mistake before the first goal but apart from that I think he was okay.
“He was not outstanding, and the same goes to Harry. They did okay.
“Our problem was that we allowed too many transitional moments – this is not the problem of just the centre backs but the whole team. It starts up front.
“You can speak of the role of the No10s in that kind of formation, so I don’t think it makes sense to speak about the individual performances of players. We need to get better as a team.”
- Ian Tuckey
Dembele boost for Red Devils
Ousmane Dembele has rejected a new contract at Barcelona following a furious meeting with club bosses – as TWO Premier League clubs contacted the winger over a free transfer.
The French winger, 24, is believed to have agreed to personal terms last week and told Xavi and Co he wanted to stay.
But after a nervy, hours-long meeting, Dembele's agent left WITHOUT his client putting pen to paper, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Dembele has long been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp as injuries continue to hamper his progress following his £138million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
But new boss Xavi has piled praise on the forward time and time again and is said to be fighting tooth and nail to keep him.
Last week, reports suggested Dembele had greed a new five-year deal at Barcelona on a LOWER weekly wage.
The cash-strapped club are desperate to trim back their sky-high wage bill, despite splashing £55m on Manchester City forward Ferran Torres.
Barca and Dembele were both confident the deal would be sealed by the end of the year.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils' Araujo boost
Manchester United could move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo after a contract-stand-off.
The Uruguay superstar has a £168million release clause as one of Barca’s rare bright lights this season.
Credit: Getty But reports today suggest United believe they have a chance of landing the 22-year-old.
Barcelona are thought to have made little progress in persuading Araujo to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2023.
And El Nacional say Old Trafford interim boss Ralf Rangnick is a big admirer.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd would rebuff Spurs over Utd
Tottenham face failure if they pursue Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson next month.
United interim boss Ralf Rangnick is understood to have rebuffed Henderson over his exit hopes.
The Manchester Evening News even suggest the keeper is willing to leave permanently as his frustration grows at playing second fiddle to David de Gea.
Credit: Getty
- Ian Tuckey
Lindelof thanks fans
Victor Lindeloff has shared a positive update to Manchester United fans after his horrendous December.
The Sweden captain, 27, was fitted with a heart monitor after clutching his chest and complaining of discomfort during the win over Norwich.
Lindelof returned to United training but was then quickly struck down by coronavirus.
Prior to his Covid isolation, the defender and wife Maja spent time in hospital after youngest son Francis contracted viral meningitis.
And with Lindelof now stuck at home recovering from his bout of Covid, he has checked in with supporters to reveal he hopes to be 'back soon'.
In a short video message on Instagram, Lindelof said: "I just want to check in real quick and say thank you for all your messages in the past couple of weeks.
"I really appreciate it, so thank you so much for that.
"At the moment, I'm just home, I feel fine and hopefully I can be back with the guys soon.
"Thank you so much once again I hope you had a great Christmas, I hope you have a great New Year as well and stay safe."
Lindelof will miss United's game against Burnley on Thursday evening.
Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire will likely start, with Eric Bailly in the squad ahead of his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo gets statue in India
Cristiano Ronaldo has been honoured with a new gold statue… 5,700 miles away from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese star, 36, has been sculpted into a £12,000, 65 stone monument in the Indian town of Calangute, Goa.
It’s been erected to inspire the next generation of footballers, according to the Times of India.
Goa’s minister Michael Lobo shared snaps of the statue on his Twitter account.
He also wrote: “For the love of football and at the request of our youth we put up Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue in the park to inspire our youngsters to take football to greater heights.
“It was an honour to inaugurate the beautification of open space, landscaping, garden with foundation and walkway.”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd target Erling set for pay hike
Erling Haaland’s future is expected to finally be decided in February, according to reports.
Borussia Dortmund are preparing a mind-boggling package to offer Haaland in a bid to fend off interest from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.
German outlet Bild report that discussions between the club and Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, as well as father Alf-Inge Haaland, will kick off in the New Year.
Credit: AFP And Dortmund are readying a club-record offer, worth £260,000-a-week, DOUBLE Haaland’s current weekly wage.
That equates to £13.4million-a-year, with a further £6.7m up for grabs through Dortmund’s kit manufacturer Puma.
It’s also claimed Puma want to increase Haaland’s earnings from previous manufacturer Nike.
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf: Cavani persuaded me not to start him
Ralf Rangnick has revealed hero sub Edinson Cavani talked him out of STARTING him in Manchester United's 1-1 draw at Newcastle.
Striker Cavani stroked the equaliser as he returned from injury on Monday as Mason Greenwood's half-time replacement following eight weeks out.
Credit: Getty Interim United boss Rangnick said: "Actually in the last two days I was also considering to play him from the start
"I spoke to him… and he didn’t feel comfortable to play from the beginning.
"He didn’t know how fit he really was but today after being 1-0 down at half-time it was clear to me that we had to take more risks.
"We needed to change something and that’s why we decided to bring on him and Jadon [Sancho] at half-time."
- Ian Tuckey
Tuan his way to Italy?
Napoli want Axel Tuanzebe – despite the Manchester United defender being on loan at Aston Villa.
The Red Devils academy graduate headed out after Raphael Varane’s arrival from Real Madrid forced him down the pecking order.
Tuanzebe, 24, is due to remain at Steven Gerrard’s side until the end of the season.
But having played just nine times in the Premier League in 2021-22, Napoli are hoping to pinch the centre-back for themselves.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Serie A giants are in the market for a new centre-back.
And Napoli are hoping Villa will allow them to take over his loan deal until the end of the current campaign.
But the Italian side are also willing to add an option to buy into the paperwork, with Tuanzebe’s days at Old Trafford looking numbered.
Romano tweeted: “Napoli are looking for a new centre back.
“Axel Tuanzebe is considered as candidate only if Man Utd will consider a loan with buy option – and if Aston Villa will let him leave.”
Romano confirmed Napoli would turn to Fenerbahce centre-back Kim Min-jae as backup – as first revealed by Gianluca DiMarzio – should they fail in their pursuit of Tuanzebe.
- Ian Tuckey
Pogba wants answers not questions
Paul Pogba has left Manchester United fans scratching their heads with a cryptic post on Instagram.
The French midfielder, 28, has been out of action since November, having picked up a nasty thigh injury while on international duty.
Pogba, who cost United £89million in 2016, is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
For now, it's unclear if the 2018 World Cup winner will be leave on a free or sign a new contract under new boss Ralf Rangnick.
But with January 1 rapidly approaching, United and Pogba will have to make a decision – with foreign clubs able to kickstart pre-contract terms.
Ahead of a potentially career-defining month, Pogba has shared a philosophical tip on his Instagram.
The France ace captioned a snap of him in what looks to be the back of a limousine, wearing a silver adidas tracksuit.
Pogba wrote: "Don't look at the problem, look at the solution."
Supporters have been left curious, with one simply replying: "Interesting…"
But many believed it to be speculation surrounding his future, with some begging him to stay, while others tipping him to rejoin Juventus or even move to long-term admirers Real Madrid.
For now, Rangnick is hoping to catch a glimpse of Pogba in action for the first time.
But he admitted the midfield star is still some way off returning to match fitness.
- Ian Tuckey
UTD RON TO A WINNER
Manchester United could move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo after a contract-stand-off.
The Uruguay superstar has a £168million release clause as one of Barca's rare bright lights this season.
But reports today suggest United believe they have a chance of landing the 22-year-old.
Barcelona are thought to have made little progress in persuading Araujo to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2023.
And El Nacional say Old Trafford interim boss Ralf Rangnick is a big admirer.
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Lew: I'm better than Ronaldo and Messi
Robert Lewandowski chose himself when asked to pick whose better out of Messi and Ronaldo.
He also questioned the Ballon d’Or’s decision to award Messi the coveted prize this year after the awards were cancelled last year due to Covid.
Speaking at Dubai Expo, when asked about for his opinion on the Messi and Ronaldo debate, he said: “I choose Lewandowski.”
And he went on to say about the Ballon d’Or: “I’ve had so many questions about the Ballon d’Or.
"Last year they cancelled it, I couldn’t go, I won everything I could win.
“This year I scored 69 goals in one season so you know
“I did everything that I could do, because in the Champions League against PSG I was injured, I couldn’t play.”
- Ian Tuckey
No Hend in sight
Ralf Rangnick has reportedly told Dean Henderson he won’t be able to leave in January.
Henderson isn’t happy about his limited first-team opportunities this season and has demanded talks with Rangnick to discuss his options.
However, Henderson won’t be able to leave United as Rangnick wants three keepers in his squad, the Mail report.
The Mail also claim that Rangnick’s reluctance to let Henderson seek regular playing time elsewhere may cause a rift between the pair.
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo gets statue in India
Cristiano Ronaldo has been honoured with a new gold statue… 5,700 miles away from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese star, 36, has been sculpted into a £12,000, 65 stone monument in the Indian town of Calangute, Goa.
It's been erected to inspire the next generation of footballers, according to the Times of India.
Goa's minister Michael Lobo shared snaps of the statue on his Twitter account.
He also wrote: "For the love of football and at the request of our youth we put up Cristiano Ronaldo's statue in the park to inspire our youngsters to take football to greater heights.
"It was an honour to inaugurate the beautification of open space, landscaping, garden with foundation and walkway."
- Justin Lawrence
Newcastle result not Varane's fault
Ralf Rangnick has refused to blame Raphael Varane for Man United's 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Varane was at fault for Newcastle's goal but Rangnick puts it down to the defender's lack of game time in the last few months due to injury.
Instead, Rangnick feels the whole United team is to blame for the poor result against the Magpies.
He said at a press conference: “Raphael has not played for the last five or six weeks.
“Even before the Tottenham game he was injured, so in the last three months he hasn’t played that many games.
“Yes, he made a mistake before the first goal we conceded but apart from that I think he was okay.
"I wouldn’t say he was outstanding, the same with Harry [Maguire], but he did okay.
“Our problem was that we allowed too many transitional moments. This is not only a problem of the centre-backs, it is a problem of the whole team. It starts up front, the role of the number 10s in that kind of formation."
- Justin Lawrence
Player's egos is United's problem
Nigel De Jong thinks the problem at Man United is to do with the player's egos.
United's tumultuous start this season under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to be going the same way with new boss Ralf Rangnick.
And De Jong thinks the German has got a huge task on his hands to keep all his superstars happy at Old Trafford.
De Jong exclusively told Ladbrokes: "Man United have a bigger issue, for me. I think there’s a big problem surrounding the egos there, and how Ralf Rangnick can keep everything together.
"The majority of those players are aged 28 and over, so he’s got a big problem on his hands to keep everybody under control."
- Justin Lawrence
Dortmund 'to double' Haaland's wages
Erling Haaland's future is expected to finally be decided in February, according to reports.
Borussia Dortmund are preparing a mind-boggling package to offer Haaland in a bid to fend off interest from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.
German outlet Bild report that discussions between the club and Haaland's agent, Mino Raiola, as well as father Alf-Inge Haaland, will kick off in the New Year.
And Dortmund are readying a club-record offer, worth £260,000-a-week, DOUBLE Haaland's current weekly wage.
That equates to £13.4million-a-year, with a further £6.7m up for grabs through Dortmund's kit manufacturer Puma.
It's also claimed Puma want to increase Haaland's earnings from previous manufacturer Nike.
- Justin Lawrence
United won't make top four
Man United won't make it into the Prem top four this season, according to Nigel De Jong.
The Red Devils have been in turmoil for most the season and De Jong can't see them turning things around to clinch Champions League qualification.
Instead, the ex-Man City star reckons Arsenal and West Ham will be the ones battling it out for the fourth spot.
He exclusively told Ladbrokes: “I don’t see Man United finishing in fourth this season, even if they’re currently favourites behind Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea to do so.
“I really don’t. I think it’ll be a battle between Arsenal and West Ham.”
- Justin Lawrence
Neville calls for United squad meeting
Gary Neville has called for the players to hold emergency discussions… without interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
Neville has called for the squad to 'sort it out' amid reports of friction within the Manchester United dressing room.
Neville reckons there could be 'dissatisfaction' among the players, with Ronaldo in particular looking unhappy.
Writing on Twitter, Neville said: "On United I’m seeing reports of dressing room dissatisfaction this morning. Something wasn’t right v Norwich and certainly not v Newcastle .
"Still 4 pts from those games is not a disaster considering the performance levels. Have a meeting (without staff) and sort it out!"
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's not getting enough assists
Jamie Carragher thinks Man United aren't creating enough chances for Cristiano Ronaldo to score.
United scraped a 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Monday and Carragher believes Ralf Rangnick's tactics are not getting the most out of the frustrated Portuguese forward.
He said on Sky Sports: “The thing that would worry me as a Manchester United fan is the lack of chances they’re creating in games.
“This is a depleted Newcastle team who have conceded 11 in the last three games.
“You think of the role of Cristiano Ronaldo this season, the amount of times he’s saved Manchester United with big goals.
“He got the penalty at Norwich but he hasn’t really had many chances.
“If you’re not creating much for him… he’s a killer, deadly in the box, but if you’re not creating too much he’s not that involved in the game.”
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