MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a HUGE transfer blow in their pursuit for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Juventus are said to have turned their attentions to the midfielder, who has been a long-term target for the Red Devils.
The Lazio man had appeared to be a target for Erik ten Hag this summer but a move failed to materialise, and now it looks like they may have missed their chance as Juventus target the midfielder.
The Old Lady could give United another headache as they are keeping tabs on Diogo Dalot, who has been in good form this season, becoming Ten Hag's first choice right-back.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 700th club goal in Manchester United's crucial 2-1 win at Everton and has been praised the Toffees' boss Frank Lampard.
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- Kiro Evans
Go Time
Juventus are keeping tabs on Manchester United ace Diogo Dalot ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.
Dalot, 23, has landed a starting role at right-back under United manager Erik ten Hag and that has earned him interest from Juve.
According to Calciomercato, the Bianconeri are following the Portugal international's progress at Old Trafford with "great attention" as Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro's deals run out in June.
The 23-year-old's contract with the Red Devils also expires in June but he has an option to renew until 2024.
However, talks between the two parties are not reported to be at an advanced stage in this moment in time.
And Dalot appears keen to leave Manchester as he and his agent are "looking around" for a new challenge.
- Kiro Evans
Juve in for Milinkovic-Savic
Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as Italian giants reportedly turn their attentions to him.
The Lazio man has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
And it appeared United's interest had been renewed in the summer under Erik ten Hag, before a move failed to materialise.
But the Red Devils may have missed their chance with reports from Italy suggesting Juventus are now preparing for a January move.
Following the injury to Paul Pogba, the Old Lady could be in need of more dynamism in midfield to help turn their campaign around.
An already poor start to the season for the Italian club became worse last night when they lost to Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League.
- Kostas Lianos
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.
The 28-year-old Serbian, whose contract runs until 2024, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for a number of years.
But a transfer away from Lazio has never materialised and he has racked up 306 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 62 goals.
In the summer, he was once again thought to be the subject of interest from United.
However, now Erik ten Hag’s men have serious competition when it comes to his signature.
According to reports, Juventus will make an offer for the player in the January window.
United are one of the European giants reportedly set to earn millions from the Qatar World Cup.
Fifa will pay clubs £9,000 per player for each day they spend in the Middle East – including preparation time.
United and Chelsea are set to profit massively from Fifa’s Club Benefits Programme.
The Red Devils could have around 18 players at the tournament.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s new head of professional development Graeme Murty has been forced to explain why on-loan United youngster Amad Diallo turned out for the U21s on Monday night.
The Ivorian international moved to the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan back in August, but has only made six appearances in the Championship – five of those from the bench.
The former Atalanta ace has struggled to make an impact, and yesterday was part of the U21 side that lost 1-0 to Leeds
- Alex Cole
World Cup injury blow for James
Reece James went off injured during Chelsea's clash with AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Blues defender was forced to make way just after the hour mark when he jarred his knee at the San Siro.
England right-back James was then replaced by Cesar Azpilicueta.
There has not yet been any confirmation of the severity of the Chelsea man's injury.
The 22-year-old's problem will be of major concern to national team boss Gareth Southgate with one month to go until the World Cup.
England suffered a blow last week when it was revealed that Kyle Walker is a doubt for the tournament after undergoing groin surgery.
Now there are fears James has his own fitness concerns following the knee issue he picked up in Italy.
Southgate does still have alternative options at right-back – a position England are blessed in.
Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both vying for a place in the squad that will go to Qatar.
- Alex Cole
Champions League results
Here is a list of the final scores from tonight's slate of Champions League games:
Copenhagen 0-0 Manchester City (FT)
Maccabi Haifa 2-0 Juventus (FT)
PSG 1-1 Benfica (FT)
Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 RB Salzburg (FT)
Dortmund 1-1 Sevilla (FT)
AC Milan 0-2 Chelsea (FT)
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Real Madrid (FT)
Celtic 0-2 RB Leipzig (FT)
- Alex Cole
Juve to jump in for Milinkovic-Savic
Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.
The 28-year-old Serbian, whose contract runs until 2024, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for a number of years.
But a transfer away from Lazio has never materialised and he has racked up 306 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 62 goals.
In the summer, he was once again thought to be the subject of interest from Man Utd.
However, now Erik ten Hag's men have serious competition when it comes to his signature.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus will make an offer for the player in the January window.
- Alex Cole
Champions League latest scores
There’s some live Champions League action tonight.
Here are the scores for you:
Copenhagen 0-0 Manchester City (FT)
Maccabi Haifa 2-0 Juventus (FT)
PSG 1-0 Benfica (50')
Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 RB Salzburg (52')
Dortmund 1-1 Sevilla (53')
AC Milan 0-2 Chelsea (48')
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 Real Madrid (53')
Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig (51')
- Alex Cole
Rooney makes Keane's top three
Keane's trio of picks for best-ever Premier League stars was less controversial.
He chose former Old Trafford team-mates Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, plus Arsenal's record scorer Thierry Henry.
Asked for his top three, he told Sky Sports: "Maradona would have to be up there, Ronaldo and I'd probably say Zidane for me.
"He has to be up there. I thought he was amazing. I was lucky enough to play against him – brilliant player, nasty, scored a goal, won the big prizes. It's hard to beat that."
Keane left out Ryan Giggs and Alan Shearer from his list of finest English top-flight aces.
He said: "Looking at players in the Premier League – Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry.
"They're the three I thought were excellent."
- Alex Cole
No Messi in Keane's top three of all-time
Roy Keane has landed a blow on Lionel Messi that's as fierce as one of his crunching tackles.
The Manchester United legend omitted seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi from his top three of all-time greats.
Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane made Keane's list.
- Alex Cole
ICYMI – United squad make Dream Day for young supporters
Manchester United players made precious memories for excited fans at the club foundation’s ‘Dream Day’.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, and England star Harry Maguire were among the stars helping out at the event.
Marcus Rashford, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, David De Gea, and Lisandro Martinez all made appearances among the first team squad.
The heart-warming session was for fans who suffer from serious and life-limiting illnesses.
The supporters traveled from across the country to meet the Old Trafford icons and watch them train at the Carrington HQ.
It gave the children a chance to meet their heroes and have photos taken and autographs signed.
It was the first Dream Day to take place since 2019 due to Covid.
Club captain Maguire was chuffed to have been part of the festivities and explained why it is so crucial.
The centre-back said: “We know how much these days mean to our club; ever since I joined the club, it’s been clear to me how much we do in the community and how important that is.
“Putting smiles on fans’ faces and making them happy is what it’s all about. We’ve really missed days like this, so it’s great to have fans back.”
- Alex Cole
Champions League latest
There’s some live Champions League action tonight in the early kick-offs.
Here are the scores for you:
Copenhagen 0-0 Manchester City
Maccabi Haifa 2-0 Juventus
- Alex Cole
Sunderland forced to explain Diallo U21s appearance
Sunderland’s new head of professional development Graeme Murty has been forced to explain why on-loan Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo turned out for the U21s on Monday night.
The Ivorian international moved to the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan back in August, but has only made six appearances in the Championship – five of those from the bench.
The former Atalanta ace has struggled to make an impact, and yesterday was part of the U21 side that lost 1-0 to Leeds.
Murty told the Sunderland Echo: "The game was moved to the Stadium [of Light] and we’ve had numerous first-team players dropped into it against the side who are top of the table and playing really, really well.
“As long as they could get through it, the lads need minutes. We had the 21s ready to go on if there was anything needed or there were any issues.
“The idea is when senior players drop in to give them as many minutes as they can handle and I thought they went about it properly and it was a really good game of football.”
- Alex Cole
'Where it started' vs 'How it's STILL going'
David Beckham shared a tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo by showing a very young Lisbon starlet!
The former England star posted a throwback snap of a curly-haired kid whose own career has surpassed expectations.
He's also one of the few players that 115-cap midfielder Beckham looked up to on the pitch.
The Portugal hero, 37, came off the bench on Sunday to hit his 700th club goal.
That helped the Red Devils sink Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park and go fifth.
- Alex Cole
United to earn a boatload from Qatar World Cup
Manchester United are one of the European giants reportedly set to earn millions from the Qatar World Cup.
Fifa will pay clubs £9,000 per player for each day they spend in the Middle East – including preparation time.
The World Cup will not last as long as usual, running for just 29 days, but Fifa is set to splash out a record amount.
A total of £157million was paid out to clubs in 2018 but that was at a rate of £6,440 per player per day.
Now Fifa has increased the amount to £9,012 according to the Daily Mail.
Manchester United and Chelsea are set to profit massively from Fifa's Club Benefits Programme.
United could have around 18 players at the World Cup.
- Alex Cole
United watch Rangers youngster King
Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Rangers wonderkid Leon King, reports suggest.
King, 18, has been turning heads with some impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership and Champions League.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United are among many clubs keeping tabs on the centre-back ahead of the January transfer window.
The Red Devils are facing competition from Newcastle as well as Leeds for the Scotland Under-17 international.
King has already amassed 10 appearances across all competitions this season with the Gers.
The 18-year-old made a good impression last week when he started against Liverpool at Anfield.
King's contract runs out in 2024 and his suitors are looking to take advantage of that major opportunity.
The defender joined Rangers' academy as a child where he developed into a highly-rated centre-back.
- Alex Cole
Ron and Messi to join forces?
Fans are dreaming of Cristiano Ronaldo finally teaming up with Lionel Messi as Kylian Mbappe eyes a PSG exit.
Manchester United's unsettled icon Ronaldo, 37, and PSG attacker Messi, 35, have been the duelling GOATS of football for two decades.
And social media ignited with talk of a link-up of legends after claims the French champions are willing to sell "fed-up" strike star Mbappe.
Many fans believe Ronaldo replacing him at PSG in January would be the perfect solution.
It's claimed the big-spending Parisiens won't let Mbappe go to Real Madrid and would prefer he went to Liverpool.
The speculation left supporters posting comments like: "Ronaldo to link up with Messi at PSG in January. Let's go."
- Alex Cole
United want to set the Tone
Brentford are set to offer Ivan Toney a new contract to ward off interest from Manchester United.
The Bees striker is enjoying a fine season, having hit six goals in nine Premier League games.
And the penalty expert even earned a call-up to the England squad – although he failed to feature for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
Toney’s form has again caught the attention of those at Old Trafford, who are toying with making a January bid.
But Brentford won’t give up their star without a fight, and are now willing to extend the forward’s deal beyond 2025 with bumper new terms.
Toney has not previously been offered a new deal since joining the Middlesex club in 2020.
- Alex Cole
Gakpo transfer boost
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo is reportedly ‘no longer keen on a move’ to Leeds.
PSV Eindhoven’s Holland winger, 23, was said to have agreed personal terms with Jesse Marsch’s men.
But it now appears United are well placed to sign Gakpo – if they match PSV’s £30million valuation.
The Athletic say Leeds have been told Gakpo has now ruled out a move to the mid-table side.
- Sam Dymond
Ronaldo's 700th goal celeb explained
Cristiano Ronaldo's well-struck winner at Everton will enter the history books for being the 700th club goal of the Portuguese legend's career.
But the celebrations that immediately followed left some fans scratching their heads.
Having wheeled away, rather than his trademark 'siu!' celebration, the 37-year-old forward suddenly stood still, closed his eyes and folded his hands across his chest.
He was quickly joined by Antony, who perfected the same pose.
Manchester United's media team have subsequently explained that the stance was a self-deprecating act, mocking the position that Ronaldo takes when he fall asleep while travelling with the squad.
It's understood to be a pose that has caused much amusement among the rest of the United players.
- Sam Dymond
United at home with Toon
Manchester United welcome a rejuvenated Newcastle to Old Trafford on Sunday.
However, it remains to be seen whether the new-look Toon can stop the rot in a fixture that the Red Devils have dominated for decades.
The Magpies have won just one of their last 37 league visits to Old Trafford (D9 L27), a victory that came courtesy of Yohan Cabaye's winner back in 2013.
And United have triumphed in their last five home league games against the Magpies, scoring at least three goals in each contest.
Only once before have they enjoyed a longer run of consecutive home wins against an opponent while netting three plus goals, doing so six times in a row against Luton between 1899 and 1957.
Remarkably, Newcastle have taken the lead in three of their last five trips – and equalised in the other two!
- Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle (Sept 2021)
- Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle (Feb 2021)
- Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle (Dec 2019)
- Man Utd 3-2 Newcastle (Oct 2018)
- Man Utd 4-1 Newcastle (Nov 2017)
Contract for one of their own
Manchester United have handed a first professional contract to a youngster that had a season ticket at Old Trafford at the age of five.
Louis Jackson has penned a deal with the Red Devils following an impressive year under the watchful eye of Darren Fletche
According to the Manchester Evening News, Fletcher has acted as a mentor for the 17-year-old defender and fellow Scot.
Jackson had previously said: "Darren Fletcher has been a big help for me. He's a really nice guy and he makes a point of always talking to me," he said.
"He had an amazing career with Manchester United and with Scotland. Any advice he can give me is a big help. He's a man I look up to and he's a great role model for the younger players like me."
- Sam Dymond
Amad one! €25m star plays for Sunderland U21s
Sunderland’s new head of professional development Graeme Murty has been forced to explain why on-loan Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo turned out for the U21s on Monday night.
The Ivorian international moved to the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan back in August, but has only made six appearances in the Championship – five of those from the bench.
The former Atalanta ace has struggled to make an impact, and yesterday was part of the U21 side that lost 1-0 to Leeds.
“The game was moved to the Stadium [of Light] and we’ve had numerous first-team players dropped into it against the side who are top of the table and playing really, really well,” Murty told the Sunderland Echo.
“As long as they could get through it, the lads need minutes. We had the 21s ready to go on if there was anything needed or there were any issues.
“The idea is when senior players drop in to give them as many minutes as they can handle and I thought they went about it properly and it was a really good game of football.”
- Sam Dymond
New deal for United target Toney
Brentford are set to offer Ivan Toney a new contract to ward off interest from Manchester United.
The Bees striker is enjoying a fine season, having hit six goals in nine Premier League games.
And the penalty expert even earned a call-up to the England squad – although he failed to feature for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions.
Toney's form has again caught the attention of those at Old Trafford, who are toying with making a January bid.
But Brentford won't give up their star without a fight, and are now willing to extend the forward's deal beyond 2025 with bumper new terms.
Toney has not previously been offered a new deal since joining the Middlesex club in 2020.
- Sam Dymond
De Gea's desire to stay
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has expressed a desire to remain at the club beyond this season.
The Spaniard's contract is up at the end of the campaign, and the club are yet to enter negotiations with the long-serving stopper.
The Red Devils do hold the option of automatically triggering a 12-month extension to the 31-year-old's deal.
However, manager Erik ten Hag has told the Old Trafford board not to hand out any new contracts until he has finished assessing his squad.
And De Gea has been linked with a move away including a return to Atletico Madrid, the club he left 11 years ago to join United.
When asked about the possibility of staying with the Premier League giants, he replied: “New contract? Of course, I would like to be here for more years so we'll see what happens in the future. I'm really, really happy here at Man United."
De Gea could reach the milestone of 500 games for United this week if he features against both Omonia Nicosia and Newcastle.
- Sam Dymond
Carrick in line for Boro job
Michael Carrick is said to have his pick of two Championship jobs as he prepares to take his first steps into full time management.
The former Manchester United player and coach is understood to be wanted by both Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion.
Indeed, the Football Insider believe that Carrick is in advanced talks with Boro, and could agree to become their new boss this week.
However, Albion will provide competition, having placed the ex-midfield ace at the top of their managerial shortlist.
The second tier clubs have recently parted with bosses Chris Wilder and Steve Bruce respectively.
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