MANCHESTER UNITED top target Antony is reportedly refusing to play for Ajax amid his wanted switch to Old Trafford.
The Dutch side's decision to reject a whopping £76 million bid is said to have left Antony "upset" as he has made it clear he wants out of Ajax.
Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal that Anthony Martial is set for new contract talks just months after the Frenchman looked set for a transfer exit.
And Cristiano Ronaldo made his second successive appearance of the bench in United's 1-0 win over Southampton.
Which has led many to believe that an exit from the English giants is very much imminent.
Get all the latest transfer news from around the world.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro
- OUT: Paul Pogba (released), Juan Mata (released), Jesse Lingard (released), Nemanja Matic (Roma), Edinson Cavani (released), Lee Grant (released), D'Mani Mellor (released), Reece Devine (released), Paul McShane (released), Connor Stanley (released), Paul Woolston (released)
- EVERY Premier League done deal this summer
- Kieran Davies
Slovak wants Old Trafford move
With news of the interest of Man Utd in adding some depth to the goalkeeping position, Martin Dubravka has reported begged Newcastle to allow him to make the move.
Talk is that United would be looking to loan the player with an option to buy at the end of the loan period.
Dubravka, 33, joined Newcastle from Sparta Prague back in 2018 and has gone on to make 130 appearances for the north-east outfit.
However, with arrival of Nick Pope to St James' Park, Dubravka's options with Eddie Howe's side seem limited.
With United looking upon this as a stopgap signing purely as cover for David De Gea we could see this transfer pushed through by the player in the early part of this week.
- Etienne Fermie
Good morning Man Utd fans
The Red Devils followed up their win over Liverpool with a 1-0 victory at Southampton yesterday.
Bruno Fernandes scored the only goal of the game as United dug deep for victory.
There was even a debut for new £60million midfielder Casemiro from the bench.
And Erik ten Hag was delighted at picking up his second successive league win.
Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka has reportedly begged Newcastle to let him join Man Utd.
The Red Devils have made a £5million bid for the veteran goalie.
And Dubravka is keen for Newcastle to accept the bid, says the Mail.
But Eddie Howe wants to keep his No2 and will look to resist United's offer before Thursday's deadline.
Elsewhere, United are still in talks with Ajax over the transfer of Brazilian starlet Antony, as reported by Sky Sports News.
United had their latest bid of £76million rejected, with Ajax reportedly after £84million, which is equivalent to 100 million Euros.
It remains to be seen whether United will cough up the cash, but Ajax remain with the stance that they are under no pressure to sell, and still have time to bring in a replacement.
That replacement is rumoured to be Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea.
Finally, Paul Scholes has aimed a dig at Ajax by claiming unhappy Antony wants to play for “proper club” United.
He said: “You expect him to want to leave Ajax to come to Manchester United, of course you would.
“I feel a bit for the lad because he obviously wants to come for Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“He’s at a good club in Ajax don’t get me wrong but this is where, this a real club, this is a proper football club where he’ll be seen around the world.”
- Anthony Chapman
Ten Hag unsure on Ronnie
Erik ten Hag refused to guarantee Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Manchester United this week.
He said: "I can’t say that.
"We plan with him. We stick to the plan. We want him to stay. That is what I want."
Pressed on whether Ronaldo will still be a United player come Friday morning, Ten Hag could only add: "I hope so."
- Anthony Chapman
Exclusive by SunSport's Alan Nixon
Man Utd will send Czech keeper Matej Kovar out on loan when they get a new No2.
Sunderland might be tempted to move for the 22-year-old.
Kovar is desperate to play regular first team football this season – something boss Erik ten Hag cannot guarantee him.
The youngster is highly-rated at the Theatre of Dreams with the club keen for him to continue his development elsewhere for the campaign.
- Anthony Chapman
Rangnick warned Tuchel off Ronaldo
Thomas Tuchel was reportedly told NOT to sign Cristiano Ronaldo by former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.
The Times claims the now-Austria boss advised Tuchel against moving for Ronnie this summer.
Rangnick endured a rocky relationship with Ronaldo during his time as interim United manager last season.
And such is his influence on Tuchel that the German told new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly not to follow through his initial interest.
- Anthony Chapman
Donny has Ronnie in stitches
Donny van de Beek made Cristiano Ronaldo laugh as he jokingly tried to impress him with underwhelming dribbling skills.
Ronaldo is known for his trickery and step-overs.
But Van de Beek’s skills left a lot to be desired.
And he might be finding himself sidelined by Erik ten Hag for a while longer.
Watch Cristiano Ronaldo laugh as Donny van de Beek ‘tries to impress’ Man Utd star with bizarre dribbling in warm-up
- Anthony Chapman
Dubravka eager for United switch
Martin Dubravka has reportedly begged Newcastle to let him join Man Utd.
The Red Devils have made a £5million bid for the veteran goalie.
And Dubravka is keen for Newcastle to accept the bid, says the Mail.
But Eddie Howe wants to keep his No2 and will look to resist United's offer before Thursday's deadline.
- Anthony Chapman
Martinez king of aerial duels
Lisandro Martinez might just be 5ft 9in tall.
But the tiny Man Utd centre-back has the best heading stats of any Premier League player this season.
Martinez picked up his second consecutive man-of-the-match award in Saturday's 1-0 win at Southampton.
And early concerns over his height have been dismissed thanks to the latest stats…
- Anthony Chapman
Scholes backs Antony over Ajax
Paul Scholes has aimed a dig at Ajax by claiming unhappy Antony wants to play for “proper club” Manchester United.
He said: “You expect him to want to leave Ajax to come to Manchester United, of course you would.
“I feel a bit for the lad because he obviously wants to come for Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“He’s at a good club in Ajax don’t get me wrong but this is where, this a real club, this is a proper football club where he’ll be seen around the world.”
- Anthony Chapman
Bruno leads way for United
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to the plate as his goal gave Man Utd a 1-0 win at Southampton.
The Red Devils' on-field captain led from the front as Erik ten Hag made it back-to-back wins at his new club.
Did you miss the action? Catch up with SunSport's match report!
READ THE REPORT HERE
- Lloyd Canfield
United need Antony?
Manchester United's attack looked relatively blunt today, and the potential arrival of Antony could be just what they need to shake things up…
SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this week that United are closing in on an £84million deal for the winger.
His 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax will excite United supporters if he does finally come to Old Trafford.
United looked short of creative spark against Southampton, despite winning.Credit: Getty - Lloyd Canfield
At last!
It means United have now won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since February following their victory over Liverpool on Monday.
However, it was by no means a vintage performance from Erik ten Hag's men – typified by the lacklustre displays from their front three.
The Dutch manager named an unchanged side from the Liverpool game, so Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga kept their spots on the flanks either side of Marcus Rashford.
But it was an uninspiring showing from the front line.
- Lloyd Canfield
Gary Neville reacts:
Gary Neville has had plenty to say in recent weeks about Manchester United, the club he loves.
He was pleased with the result today, but still had his piece to say on the Glazer family on Twitter…
- Lloyd Canfield
Short king Lisandro
Lisandro Martinez has won a higher % of his aerials duels in the Premier League this season than:
- LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 83%
- Kalidou Koulibaly – 75%
- William Saliba – 57%
- Joe Gomez – 56%
- Ruben Dias – 36%
He is undoubtedly proving to the world that you do not need to be tall to play centre-half, and despite a shaky start, looks to be coming into his own this season.
Manchester United player ratings…
United came out on top today with a 1-0 win against Southampton, but how were their players rated?
David De Gea – 7/10
Diego Dalot – 6/10
Raphael Varane – 8/10
Lisandro Martinez – 5/10
Tyrell Malacia – 6/10
Scott McTominay – 4/10
Christian Eriksen – 7/10
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
Anthony Elanga – 5/10
Marcus Rashford – 5/10
Jadon Sancho – 5/10
- Lloyd Canfield
Martinez not tall enough?
Lisandro Martinez looks like a man who is out to prove all the haters wrong, after he has put in back-to-back man of the match performances in his last two games.
The ex-Ajax player of the year was brilliant today, and where there have been criticisms around his height, he won five ariel duels today, more than any other player.
The Argentine might only be slight in stature, but he more than made up for it with his timing, ability and tenacity in today's game.
Lisandro Martinez is proving the haters wrong this season.Credit: Getty - Lloyd Canfield
Full time – Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
It's all over! Manchester United bring their losing away streak to an end with a win at Southampton.
The only goal of the game was scored in the second half by United's captain for the day, Bruno Fernandes, and momentarily moves the Red Devils up to sixth place.
It's also United's first clean sheet on the road in the Premier League since December.
- Lloyd Canfield
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
78. We're finally back underway after a good three or four minutes of inaction.
However, it looks as though there will be another stoppage shortly in order to allow for the introduction of Casemiro to English football.
- Lloyd Canfield
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd – Man Utd substitution
68. Here comes Cristiano Ronaldo – potentially for the last time in a Manchester United shirt.
The transfer window shuts on Thursday, and both the player and his agent Jorge Mendes are looking for a way out of Old Trafford.
On the pitch here, he replaces Jadon Sancho.
- Lloyd Canfield
Southampton 0-1 Man Utd
55. A captain's goal from Bruno Fernandes!
Glorious football from Manchester United cuts Southampton open down the right where Diogo Dalot is able to get forward.
The right-back curls a low cross over into the middle for Fernandes, who meets it first time with a beautifully cushioned side-footed volley into the bottom corner.
Gavin Bazunu had no chance in the Southampton goal, and United have a vital lead.
- Lloyd Canfield
Kick-off – Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
46. The action is back underway at St Mary's, and there have been no changes at half-time.
Manchester United have not had the same energy about them as they surprised Liverpool with on Monday. How long will it be before Ten Hag turns to his bench?
- Lloyd Canfield
Half-time – Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
A relatively quiet first half, there was a bit of chaos as United came close to scoring through a flurry of chances that were all blocked by Southampton defenders.
It is all square at the break, and we have seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro warming up, so be prepared for their introductions at some point in the second half.
- Lloyd Canfield
20. Southampton 0-0 Man Utd
How has that stayed out?!
United pass up four opportunities to score from point-blank range in the blink of an eye.
Bruno Fernandes is weak when well placed to head in from close in, Elanga's follow-up is saved superbly by Bazunu, Fernandes' volley is crowded out by Walker-Peters, and then Bella-Kotchap throws himself in front of Eriksen's shot.
An incredible sequence of play!
- Lloyd Canfield
Kick-off – Southampton v Man Utd
1. In glorious sunshine, it's the home side that get us up and running on Andy Madley's first whistle.
The Saints are in their traditional red and white, United take another chance on their fluorescent lime Mountain Dew away strip.
- Lloyd Canfield
Casemiro on the bench
After much speculation about whether or not he would be starting today, Manchester United new boy Casemiro is beginning on the bench for his new club.
The Brazilian is expected to bring some much needed steel, experience and world-class quality to this Manchester United side, that have had a poor start to the season, despite a recent victory over Liverpool.
He will more than likely make his United debut today regardless, as he will probably be a second half substitute for Erik Ten Hag.
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