FRENKIE DE JONG is reportedly at war with his agent, as the pair differ on whether the Barcelona star should find a new club.
The Red Devils have been chasing the Dutch midfielder since May, with new boss Erik ten Hag eager to link up with his former Ajax starlet again
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo could start against Brighton, just days after Erik ten Hag slammed his behaviour.
The Portugal captain's conduct was labelled "unacceptable" after he left Old Trafford before the end of Sunday’s friendly against Rayo Vallecano.
However, an injury to Anthony Martial has given the five-time Ballon d'Or winner hope of picking up exactly where he left off last season and starting the opening match.
But in an injury boost, it appears that Jadon Sancho will be able to start this season's opening game against Brighton.
Get all the latest transfer news from around the world…
- IN: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez,
- 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)
PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW FOR FREE WITH £100k IN PRIZE MONEY
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag gets praised
Man United boss Erik ten Hag has been given a glowing assessment by Brighton counterpart Graham Potter ahead of their team's clash this weekend.
Potter said: "I think he's a fantastic coach with a great experience during his time at Ajax.
"He did a really good job and I really enjoyed his team.
"I am sure he's ready for the next step and will be looking forward to the game and there will be a positive atmosphere at Old Trafford so we'll have to deal with that, and have to be ready to face that challenge."
- Justin Lawrence
United's Ronaldo reliance revealed
Cristiano Ronaldo's impact on the pitch for Man United has been revealed.
Stats shared by Britishgambler.co.uk show that Ronaldo was responsible or 31.58 percent of the Red Devils' goals last season.
And his strikes put United third on the list of teams who were dependent on one player for goals.
Above United on the list were Tottenham who relied on Sin Heung-Min for the bulk of their goals, and Norwich, whose strikes were provided by Teemu Pukki mostly.
- Justin Lawrence
Keep Ron at all costs
Man United need to pull out all the stops to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at the club, according to Graeme Souness.
Souness told talkSPORT in the midst of Ronaldo's transfer saga: "From Man United’s point of view, you try to keep him.
"There’s an argument to say that he’s the greatest player ever to kick a football – his stats and his longevity would suggest that.
“I would keep him. He doesn’t get goals against the big teams, the game passes him by a bit and he plays the width of the box, but he does get goals.
"We all know how important goals are to the cause as you can be not playing very well but if you’ve got a goal-getter then it makes you look like a very different team.
“Goals are everything and it’s the hardest job on football. I’d go out of my way to keep him.”
- Justin Lawrence
All eyes on Rashford
Marcus Rashford has alot to prove this season after misfiring in the previous campaign.
That's the view of Alan Shearer who tips the England forward to rediscover his scoring touch during the present term.
However, Shearer doubts Rashford's attacking prowess will be enough to fire United to the title.
Shearer said: "It's also a big season for Marcus Rashford at United after what happened to him last year – he has a point to prove and, from an England perspective, I hope he can rediscover his best form.
"But I just don't see United challenging for the title – their aim is just to try to get somewhere near the Champions League places."
- Justin Lawrence
Still got work to do
Man United have to complete a slew of transfers before they can challenge for title once again, according to Alan Shearer.
He said on the BBC: "Manchester United have also got a lot of work to do in the transfer market before they can be classed as contenders again, and they are coming from even further back than Chelsea after finishing sixth last season.
"United have got a new manager with new ideas but the squad needs strengthening and, unless that happens, Erik ten Hag might have to use players like Anthony Martial who, last season, were regarded as not being good enough for them."
- Justin Lawrence
Neville backs Man United
Gary Neville has backed former club Man United to keep Arsenal out of the top four next season.
He reckons the Red Devils and fellow Prem side Chelsea will be too strong for Arsenal to overcome in the present campaign.
Neville said on Sky Sports: "I know Chelsea and Manchester United are struggling a bit in terms of where they are and they might both blow up.
"But I think both will have to happen in order for Arsenal to land in the top four."
- Sam Dymond
Erik light-hearted on Frenkie
Erik ten Hag cut a serious figure during his press conference this afternoon, but was still able to crack a joke when Frenkie de Jong's name was brought up.
The Manchester United boss feigned ignorance regarding the club's long-term interest in the Barcelona midfielder despite the very-public transfer saga having rumbled on for three months.
The Dutch coach quickly regained his composure though to clarify that he wouldn't speak about another club's player while they were under contract.
"We want Frenkie? I didn't know! It's about the right players but I can't speak about players under contract at another club. When there is news, you will know.
Erik ten Hag
- Sam Dymond
Will we see Cristiano Ronaldo?
Erik ten Hag has just begun his press conference ahead of his first Premier League match in charge of Manchester United this weekend…
…and, unsurprisingly, one of the first questions was focused on Cristiano Ronaldo, and whether he'll make an appearance against Brighton on Sunday.
I am really happy he is here, he is a top striker. We will see on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag
- Sam Dymond
Fantastic Eriksen not a warrior
Christian Eriksen may end up being a brilliant signing for Manchester United, but he's not the one they needed to make.
That's the view of former United star Paul Parker, who feels his old club desperately need a combative player in the centre of the park.
The ex-England international told MyBettingSites: “Manchester United have not signed enough, but Christian Eriksen is their best signing so far.
"He helped Brentford stay in the Premier League. They were in a terrible period before he arrived, and he did it incredibly.
"He will bring creativity and really showed that he is still amazing both with and without the ball.
“But I would still say that he doesn’t solve the problem in defensive midfield, he isn’t the warrior they need."
- Sam Dymond
Creators key to tight affair
Both Manchester United and Brighton's pre-season preparations havebeen disrupted by transfer speculation.
But now it's time for the two clubs to concentrate on matters on the pitch, and a potentially tight contest on Sunday could be settled by a moment of magic.
Here's how the two creators on show – Bruno Fernandes and Leandro Trossard – matched up last year.
- Sam Dymond
United baffled by 'messy' reputation
Manchester United are growing increasingly frustrated by the Frenkie de Jong transfer saga, and are confused by the manner in which they have been labeled during negotiations.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Old Trafford sources do not understand why they have been 'portrayed as the dysfunctional club' when the deal has been held up by issues between De Jong and Barcelona.
United are understood to have agreed a transfer fee with Barca of around £70m, but progress has been hampered by the £17m that the Catalans owe the midfielder in deferred wages.
The Red Devils are reluctant to walk away from the deal following more than three months of discussions, but their patience is wearing thin.
- Sam Dymond
How United could line up
Manchester United's Premier League campaign begins on Sunday with a home game against Brighton and Hove Albion.
And following the news yesterday that Anthony Martial is set to miss the encounter with a hamstring problem, there has been much speculation as to how Erik ten Hag will set his team up in his first competitive match in charge.
One option is to field Bruno Fernandes as a false nine between Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, allowing Christian Eriksen to roam in midfield.
Elsewhere, United's new Dutch boss has decisions to make whether to throw new signings Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia straight into his starting XI.
- Sam Dymond
Vieira tight-lipped on Aaron return
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira refused to be drawn on whether a bid is being prepared to bring Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park.
However, the Eagles boss did admit that he hoped for new arrivals when quizzed about transfer talk on the eve of the Premier League season.
"As a manager I think you always want more. So far, I’m really happy with the players we’ve managed to bring in but, obviously, we’re still pretty short on numbers," Vieira told the press pack.
The Frenchman declined to comment on the potential return of right-back Wan-Bissaka though, instead highlighting the competition he currently has in that position.
"When names are going about it’s always difficult to talk about. We already have a couple of players on the right-hand-side that have done well since I’ve been at the club."
- Sam Dymond
Silvestre: Ronaldo situation is disturbing
The Cristiano Ronaldo saga has become a 'disturbing' distraction at Manchester United, according to one of the club's former stars.
However, Mikael Silvestre believes the club should be patient rather than acting rashly.
In conversation with bettingexpert, the former defender said: "It’s disturbing, that’s for sure. You can’t deny it.
"The question is: how is the team dealing with it, and how are the staff are dealing with it? The answer to these questions will come soon.
"It’s important to keep calm. In football more than any other business, we should use the phrase, ‘wait and see’. That’s it, sit tight and see what happens."
And in Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, Silvestre believes the club have enough attacking talent to thrive without Ronaldo.
"Individually they need to reach their full potential and then as a trio, their connection, their understanding, their movements, and the link-up play takes a bit of time. That comes with confidence as well.
"Hopefully, they have a run of games together and I think they can challenge with what they can add and they can bring that stability going forward for Manchester United."
- Sam Dymond
Sesko will soon make decision
Red Bull Salzburg hot-shot Benjamin Sesko will make a decision on his future 'next week', according to reports in Slovenia.
The 19-year-old striker has been at the centre of another transfer battle between Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Red Devils are understood to be leading the race for Sesko, but may have to pay as much as £50m for the highly-rated teenager.
Both Erik ten Hag and Thomas Tuchel are keen to bolster their options in attack.
- Sam Dymond
Carra: United must boot out Ron
Manchester United should axe Cristiano Ronaldo and let him leave, according to former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher.
Writing in his column in the Telegraph, the Sky Sports pundit stated that Erik ten Hag should send a message by releasing the forward – just as his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson would have done.
And Carragher even cited a line from Fergie's autobiography in which the Old Trafford legend admitted that 'the minute a Manchester United player thought he was bigger than the manager, he had to go.'
Ronaldo's second spell with the Red Devils is described as 'damaging and undermining' with the ex-England defender suggesting that the club should cut him loose for the greater good.
Carragher wrote: "Since his return, Ronaldo has been treated and acted as if he is more important than the coach, and even bigger than Manchester United.
"It is casting a shadow over the early months of Ten Hag’s reign. Here we are heading into a new season and still all roads lead to Ronaldo.
"The obsession with Ronaldo and his future is eclipsing any positive momentum that usually follows a managerial appointment."
- Sam Dymond
United suffer shirt sponsor blow
Manchester United’s main shirt sponsor, TeamViewer, will not renew its deal with the club, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The German software company share price has plummeted more than 70% since striking a deal with the Red Devils in March 2021.
However, the current agreement worth worth £235m still has another four years to run.
Company sources highlighted the pandemic and the war in Ukraine as reasons for new financial caution.
A TeamViewer statement said: "The partnership (with United ) has clearly boosted the international recognition of the brand over the past year.
"Nevertheless, the company has decided to re-evaluate its long-term marketing strategy."
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning Man Utd fans
Erik ten Hag may be forced to play an unhappy Cristiano Ronaldo in their Premier League opener this weekend after Anthony Martial was ruled out through injury.
The Red Devils kick off their campaign at home to Brighton on Sunday.
And it appeared unlikely that Ronaldo would feature as his future remains up in the air following a summer of speculation which has seen him play very little part in pre-season.
But now Ten Hag could be left with no choice but to play the Portuguese superstar up front as Martial is not available.
In transfer news, there have been lots of conflicting reports in the past 24 hours regarding Red Bull Salzburg hot-shot Benjamin Sesko.
Fabrizio Romano believes Manchester United have been leading discussions ahead of Chelsea for weeks, while Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam reckons that the forward favours a move to a lesser European club in order to continue his development.
Also, United youngster Charlie Savage looks set for a season away from Old Trafford on loan.
The 19-year-midfielder is attracting interest from a number of Championship and League One clubs regarding a temporary transfer.
Savage, the son of former Wales nuisance Robbie, made his United debut last season against Young Boys in the Champions League.
The teenager is highly regarded by the Red Devils and impressed in pre-season, but it’s understood that regular first team football is seen as vital to his development.
- Jack Figg
Martial to miss Brighton opener
Anthony Martial has been ruled out of Manchester United’s opening game of the season against Brighton after suffering a hamstring injury.
It’s a blow to the French forward, who has been in excellent form during pre-season, after his time at Old Trafford had previously look numbered.
However, according to The Athletic, the complaint is a minor one, and Martial could be back in contention as early as next weekend when United travel to Brentford.
- Jack Figg
'ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE'
England’s sold out Wembley in less than 24 hours for their clash with world champions the USA as the "incredible" aftermath of Euro 2022 glory gathers pace.
The FA website crashed several times and fans reported spending up to EIGHT hours online battling for tickets for the friendly on October 7.
Sunday's 2-1 final victory over Germany was watched by 87,192 at Wembley, with a peak audience of 17.4million TV viewers.
And the glorious glow of success has sparked record interest in the Women's Super League, with Chelsea selling all their season tickets.
Excited fans are hungry to see Sarina Wiegman’s England heroines take on the US after landing their first major silverware.
The Lionesses announced every ticket had been sold by 2pm on Wednesday, except for hospitality spaces.
The team's own Twitter account posted "ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!"
- Jack Figg
Transfer watch: Sesko to United?
There have been lots of conflicting reports in the past 24 hours regarding Red Bull Salzburg hot-shot Benjamin Sesko.
Fabrizio Romano believes Manchester United have been leading discussions ahead of Chelsea for weeks, while Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam reckons that the forward favours a move to a lesser European club in order to continue his development.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Jack Figg
Ronaldo to start against Brighton?
Man Utd may be forced to play an unhappy Cristiano Ronaldo in their Premier League opener this weekend after Anthony Martial was ruled out through injury.
The Red Devils kick off their campaign at home to Brighton on Sunday.
And it appeared unlikely that Ronaldo would feature as his future remains up in the air following a summer of speculation which has seen him play very little part in pre-season.
But now Erik ten Hag could be left with no choice but to play the Portuguese superstar up front as Martial is not available.
According to The Athletic, the Frenchman has suffered a minor hamstring issue which means he will not be ready for the weekend.
He trudged off the pitch holding his leg following their defeat to Atletico Madrid in Norway last Saturday.
Credit: Getty - Jack Figg
Loan move for game-time Charlie
Manchester United youngster Charlie Savage looks set for a season away from Old Trafford on loan.
The 19-year-midfielder is attracting interest from a number of Championship and League One clubs regarding a temporary transfer.
Savage, the son of former Wales nuisance Robbie, made his United debut last season against Young Boys in the Champions League.
The teenager is highly regarded by the Red Devils and impressed in pre-season, but it’s understood that regular first team football is seen as vital to his development.
- Jack Figg
Best Free transfer available revealed
There are some big names still available on free transfers this summer including THREE former Manchester United stars and a Real Madrid legend.
Ex-Reds winger Adnan Januzaj, 27, spent the last six years playing for Real Sociedad where he scored 23 goals in 166 appearances.
But he is yet to find a club this summer despite links to Everton and West Ham, where he could reunite with former boss David Moyes.
Another former Red Devil Sergio Romero, 35, can also be snapped up on a free transfer with the Argentine keen on a shock return to Old Trafford.
Juan Mata, who was released by United this summer, is another player currently unattached.
here Sunsport has compiled a starting XI of the best players available on a free transfer.
- Jack Figg
Silvestre advises Utd against Tielemans
Former Arsenal and Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre has advised the Red Devils to not make a move for Gunners target Youri Tielemans.
Instead, the Frenchman believes Erik ten Hag should still go all out for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
He told bettingexpert:”If de Jong is still available, the club should pursue him, even if it means it will only be possible later in the window.”
“When you invest that much on a player and you sign a lengthy contract it’s important to have what you believe is the right fit.”
“Fabian Ruiz and Youri Tielemans are good players but I think Frenkie de Jong really fits the club and the philosophy that Erik ten Hag has.
That’s why he remains, and should remain, on the top of the transfer list.”
Source: Read Full Article