MANCHESTER UNITED CEO Richard Arnold has made some alarming admissions to some fans at a local pub in Cheshire.
Arnold surprisingly revealed that 'Last year was a f***ing nightmare' and that he 'hated every minute of it'.
Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag reportedly has Frenkie de Jong at the top of his priority list despite the club being heavily linked with players elsewhere.
Such as Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez who will cost north of £25 million but it is claimed that Arsenal are in pole position to land his signature.
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- Jon Boon
Latest on de Jong
Man Utd will go back in with another bid for Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
New manager Erik ten Hag has made the Barcelona midfielder a priority as he looks to strengthen his squad.
The Red Devils have already seen a £51million rejected for the Dutch ace, but according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano they up their bid in the coming days.
He wrote on Twitter: "Manchester United are discussing internally about submitting a new proposal for Frenkie de Jong in the next days. It’s a serious possibility, while talks with Barça are still on."
He added: "Deal will enter into key stages after €60m [& add-ons] verbal, opening bid turned down."
- Jon Boon
Stam backs ten Hag
Ex-Man Utd star Jaap Stam is confident new manager Erik ten Hag will succeed at the club providing he is backed in the transfer market.
Stam told The Guardian: "We all know what he can do and what he has done over in Holland with Ajax.
"Hopefully he can do the same now with United.
"Obviously, there are certain things that will need to be there for him to help him, maybe in terms of different players and personnel. But I think he's done a good job in Holland.
"In Holland, we always say that every player in every position needs to be able to play football.
"So a centre-back needs to be able to dribble forward, to be the extra man in midfield, to have that pass. We try to educate players to be able to do everything.
"At United, one of Fergie's qualities was bringing players in of a certain ability who could do things well in their position; then if they go well together, you've got a chance of doing very well.
"He got the right players for the right positions."
- Jon Boon
Bailly offered to Toon
Newcastle are interested in signing Manchester United star Eric Bailly, according to reports.
Eddie Howe is reportedly eyeing the centre-back as an alternative to his number one target Sven Botman.
The Lille defender is waiting to see if there will be an approach from Milan having already rejected Toon in March.
So Newcastle are preparing a move for Bailly who could be available on a cut-price deal, report The Mirror.
The Red Devils are looking for £20million for the Ivorian but are believed to be willing to accept a bid of just £8.5m.
- Kiro Evans
FOWL PLAY
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has slammed Manchester United's ability to do transfers, saying they could write a book on how not to do them.
United have been linked with a host of stars this window but have thus far failed to get any over the line.
Via The Mirror, he said: "United being there in the background – for me – highlights just why this could so easily be another masterstroke for Liverpool in the transfer market.
"I don’t want to be cruel, but United could have written a book on how not to do transfers in recent seasons. Signing players just because you don’t want them to go to a rival? Check and double check."
Read the full story here
- Kiro Evans
Time for Tammy
Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly keen on Tammy Abraham – but may be put off by his agent.
The former Chelsea striker has found a new lease of life in Italy and impressed at Jose Mourinho's Roma.
The 24-year-old netted 27 goals in 53 games as Roma won the first-ever Europa Conference League.
According to reports in Corriere Dello Sport, Abraham is not interested in leaving Italy.
They also reported his agent Neil Fewings receives £345,000 for every transfer window Abraham stays at the club, which could be an additional barrier if Arsenal or United pursue their interest.
- Kiro Evans
Louis van Gall
Manchester United fans have been left fuming with their former manager after reports that he talked Jurrien Timber out of an Old Trafford move.
Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan told Sky Sports this morning that the current Netherlands manager warned Timber about getting game time at United, wrecking the deal.
United fans on Twitter have been left far from happy.
- Kiro Evans
Happy Father's Day
A nice tribute to fathers out there from Manchester United's Twitter account, as they reflected on some of their most famous fathers in the form of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.
- Kiro Evans
The Superstar Exhibition
The departing Paul Pogba was among those present at Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos' star-studded exhibition in America yesterday.
The Brazilians hosted the friendly event and bought along some of the biggest footballing names in the world, including Champions League final scorer Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid.
Other famous names included the retired Cafu, Rivaldo and Carlos Valderrama.
The scoreline eventually read 12-10 after the extraordinary free-flowing match at the home of Inter Miami.
- Kiro Evans
Rashford's redemption
ERIK ten Hag will reportedly back Marcus Rashford to revive his Manchester United career.
Rashford, 24, is attempting to make a good early impression on his new boss by training hard while on holiday in America.
The Dutchman is prepared to give his forward a shot at redemption after an underwhelming end to the season with Ralf Rangnick at the helm.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano spoke to GiveMeSport about the relationship between the pair.
Romano said: "Speaking with some sources, Ten Hag is prepared to give him a chance to change the situation.
"He feels he could be an important player for Manchester United in the future."
- Kiro Evans
Fresh start
Erik ten Hag will want to get off to a strong start as he looks to recover Manchester United off the ground after years of underperforming.
A quick reminder that they start the season at home to Brighton, the same club who humiliated United with a 4-0 thrashing at the tail end of last season. They then have a trip to Thomas Frank's Brentford, with both clubs currently trying to secure the services of Christian Eriksen.
Then comes the big one as the Red Devils host Liverpool in their third game of the season. This is followed by trips to Southampton and Leicester before the end of August.
- Kiro Evans
Two main men
Erik ten Hag has his eyes on two players above else, according to one Dutch journalist.
Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen are the two main targets for the new United boss, so says reporter Marcel van der Kraan.
The Red Devils have been linked to both midfielders throughout the window and both are seen as perfect for ten Hag's style of football.
Eriksen arrived at Brentford in January and made an instant impact for the London club. He got one goal and four assists in his 11 games, and was widely praised for his contribution to Thomas Frank's side.
He is available for a free after his short-term contract expired but new reports have suggested the Dane wants to stay in London, and could possibly even return to Tottenham.
- Kiro Evans
Van Gaal's intervention
Any potential move for Jurrien Timber by Manchester United is off – thanks to former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.
The Netherlands boss talked the defender out of the move according to one Dutch journalist, as he feared he would not get enough game time.
Reporter Marcel van der Kraan told Sky Sports News this morning:
"Jurrien Timber is absolutely dead in the water. The player was ready to come. His agent went to Man United's offices in London two weeks ago for very good talks, and money was never a problem.
"But one man turned up – Louis van Gaal. He told the player in the Dutch camp: 'look if you go there, you game time could be limited for the World Cup in three months time'.
"For Timber, an Ajax style, Ten Hag player, he was told he wouldn't be playing in Van Gaal's Dutch team if he wasn't playing every week for United, who have Maguire and Varane. Ten Hag would want to slowly draft him into his team, but Timber believes his game time for Holland would be limited.
"Ajax have taken advantage of that, they've said if you don't go to United we'll open talks for a new contract. Since last night, his agents are in talks with Ajax."
- Kiro Evans
Fight over Phil
Phil Jones is catching the interest from a number of English clubs and Man United could have options if they wish to sell, according to reports.
The 30-year-old centre-back has only made six Premier League apperances over the last couple of seasons and only has one year left on his contract.
According to Marca, the Prem trio of Fulham, Southampton and Leeds could all be in for him this summer if new boss Erik ten Hag deems him excess to requirements.
- Nyle Smith
De Jong is de priority
Manchester United are in need of some reinforcements this summer following their bitterly disappointing campaign last season.
And new boss Erik Ten Hag is expected to construct a major overhaul within the squad.
But reports suggest that Barcelona's Frenkie De Jong is top of the United boss' list as he looks to replace the departed Paul Pogba.
Which is looking very likely to happen with the CEO Richard Arnold confirming that the Red Devils are doing all they can to lure De Jong to Old Trafford.
- Dylan Terry
Morning, Manchester United fans
Transfer talk over David Raum and Lisandro Martinez has been spectacularly overshadowed by an amazing admission from United
CEO Richard Arnold.Arnold reckons the Red Devils have 'burned through cash' in WASTING £1BILLION – and rated last season a 'f* nightmare'.
Meeting anti-Glazer protesters in a Cheshire pub, he savaged Ed Woodward’s reign, which ended in February.
Arnold said: “We’ve blown through an enormous amount of money.
“We spent a billion pounds on players, we spent more than anyone in Europe.
“You can’t go to our training ground and go ‘show me where that billion pounds is here’."
On the gossip front, the Red Devils are said to be rivalling Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle and West Ham for Hoffenheim's Germany left-back Raum.
And United are reportedly vying Arsenal in the race for Ajax centre-back Martinez.
It's claimed the Gunners have already had a £25million bid for the Argentine ace rejected.
Finally, United will offer clubs a 'try before you sign' policy before loaning out starlets.
It means those clubs AND the Old Trafford youngsters would have a few weeks to see if they think the temporary switch would be right for them.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Arsenal hunt for Tielemans boosted’
Arsenal’s chances of landing Youri Tielemans have reportedly been boosted by Tottenham signing fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Manchester United have also been linked with Leicester superstar Tielamans.
And Spurs securing Brighton’s Bissouma means the Gunners have a clearer path to the Belgian.
- Ian Tuckey
Dembele wants key role – IF he joins Chelsea
Despite telling a fan he's 'fine' at Barcelona, it appears Ousmane Dembele WOULD be interested in joining Chelsea – IF he'd get more game-time.
The France winger, 25, is wanted by Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for misfit Romelu Lukaku who is edging closer to a return to Inter Milan.
Dembele has serious ambitions to win the Premier League title and Champions League.
But he wants assurances from Tuchel that he will be a Chelsea starter and not subject to strict squad rotation.
Dembele only completed 90 minutes on nine occasions last season but still finished it with 13 assists.
- Ian Tuckey
'We've burned through cash and wasted £1BN'
Manchester United chief Richard Arnold has admitted the club have “burned through cash” and that last season was a “f* nightmare”, writes ALEC SHILTON.
In a sensational face-to-face meeting with anti-Glazer protesters in a Cheshire pub, the Old Trafford CEO gave a damning verdict on Ed Woodward’s reign.
He revealed the club wasted a £1BILLION and cannot upgrade their stadium or training ground without new investment.
Angry fans were gathered in a boozer and planning to protest at his house over a lack of signings.
Arnold, who replaced Woodward on February 1, got wind of it and bought them drinks in an attempt to placate them.
But in a brutal assessment of the state of the club, he was filmed saying: “We’ve f* burned through cash.
“We spent a billion pounds on players, we spent more than anyone in Europe.
“I am not thrilled with where we are, it doesn’t sit easy and we’ve got to get this sorted for the future.
“You can’t go to our training ground and go ‘show me where that billion pounds is here’.
“I don’t think we’ve done well with the money we’ve spent historically. We’ve blown through an enormous amount of money."
- Ian Tuckey
Utd to allow 'try before you sign' for their loan kids
Manchester United will adopt a "try before you sign" policy with their youngsters this summer.
United have decided to let some prospects go on trial for three weeks with any club who asks for them on loan.
This will let the player see if he likes his temporary home and also give the potential new club a chance to assess them close up.
Several Old Trafford fringe players will be offered this new arrangement in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, United veteran Mike Phelan is to get a bigger role in the backroom under new boss Erik ten Hag.
He was overlooked when Ralf Rangnick was in charge.
Elsewhere League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers are making a frantic late move to take United keeper Nathan Bishop on loan.
- Ian Tuckey
CEO Arnold's shock admission
Manchester CEO Richard Arnold has admitted to fans the club have wasted up to £1BILLION in recent years.
Arnold spoke to United supporters who, unhappy with how the club is being run, had planned a protest outside his house.
The 51-year-old is claimed to have headed down to his local pub in Cheshire, where protestors were gathering, to speak to fans after getting wind of the protest.
He spent time talking directly about the miserable current state of affairs at Old Trafford and answered questions from disgruntled supporters.
Arnold admitted much of the £1bn shelled out on players in recent years had been wasted by the club.
But he promised new boss Erik ten Hag would be backed financially in this summer's transfer market.
One fan managed to record part of the conversation with Arnold and post the discussion to Twitter.
Those who spoke to Arnold say he told them club officials are currently in Barcelona trying to wrap up a deal for midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag has identified De Jong as one the players he wants to help him return United to challenging for silverware.
- Ian Tuckey
Toon, Utd, West Ham eye Raum
Manchester United have joined the race to sign Hoffenheim defender David Raum, reports say.
The left-back, 24, broke into the Germany team last year.
Raum’s strong form has generated interest from a number of clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Premier League duo West Ham United and Newcastle United.
However, according to Sky in Germany, while Dortmund would like to make a transfer happen, they cannot move forward with a £26million deal until they sell with Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck already acquired in defence.
Raum stands at just below six feet tall but it is his offensive ability which make him out as a player of interest for the likes of Man United.
Raum contributed 13 assists in the Bundesliga from left-back last season, and completed the most crosses into the penalty box in Europe’s top five leagues.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils join Raum hunt
Manchester United have joined the race to sign Hoffenheim defender David Raum, reports say.
The left-back, 24, broke into the Germany team last year.
Raum's strong form has generated interest from a number of clubs including Borussia Dortmund and Premier League duo West Ham United and Newcastle United.
However, according to Sky in Germany, while Dortmund would like to make a transfer happen, they cannot move forward with a £26million deal until they sell with Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck already acquired in defence.
Raum stands at just below six feet tall but it is his offensive ability which make him out as a player of interest for the likes of Man United.
Raum contributed 13 assists in the Bundesliga from left-back last season, and completed the most crosses into the penalty box in Europe's top five leagues.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd keen on Martinez
Manchester United have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Gunners are rumoured to have had a £25million bid rejected for the Argentine ace.
And now the Red Devils have emerged as rivals to Arsenal for Martinez’s signature.
Boss Erik ten Hag has been asked to be kept in the loop with Martinez’s situation, according Sky Sports.
Martinez has spent the last three seasons at Ajax, winning two Dutch titles under Ten Hag.
And now it seems the United gaffer is keen on a reunion with the 24-year-old centre-back.
The Red Devils struggled at the back last season, with skipper Harry Maguire often coming under-fire for his performances.
Raphael Varane also struggled for consistency in an injury-hit first campaign at Old Trafford.
United are yet to make a transfer this summer, but Ten Hag appears open to linking up with Martinez once again.
However, the left-footed defender is also a target for Mikel Arteta, and understood to be interested by the idea of working under the Spaniard.
- Ian Tuckey
'Arsenal hunt for Tielemans boosted'
Arsenal's chances of landing Youri Tielemans have reportedly been boosted by Tottenham signing fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Manchester United have also been linked with Leicester superstar Tielamans.
And Spurs securing Brighton's Bissouma means the Gunners have a clearer path to the Belgian.
- Ian Tuckey
City favourites to land Chelsea target Cucurella
Manchester City are tipped to beat Chelsea and Tottenham to Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
The Prem champions will reportedly open talks with the Seagulls within days over signing the one-cap Spaniard.
The Athletic suggest the ex-Getage star, 23, is ‘intent on joining’ City and playing under Pep Guardiola to ‘elevate his game to the next level’.
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