NEW Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to land a double blow on his former club Ajax.
United have raised their offer for the Dutch club’s defender Lisandro Martinez to £42.5million and they are also looking to hijack Ajax’s move to bring RB Leipzig forward Brian Brobbey back to Amsterdam.
The United hierarchy were keen on bringing Villarreal's Pau Torres to Old Trafford as the club's left-footed centre-back.
However, after listening to Ten Hag's opinion they are said to have opted for Argentina international Martinez.
Meanwhile, United have agreed the majority of their deal for Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.
Chelsea were said to be keen on hijacking United's deal for De Jong, but the Dutchman is reported to have made clear he prefers a move to Old Trafford.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia
- 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)
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- Justin Lawrence
Man United glum pre-season pics
Man United stars looked grim-faced as they touched down in Thailand for their pre-season tour.
The Red Devils are due to play rivals Liverpool in a friendly on July 12 at the Rajamangala National Stadium.
But as the United stars arrived to cheering crowds, the mood among the squad looked glum.
Fringe ace Donny van de Beek mustered a wave at the United-mad crowd.
The squad then posed for photos before taking off.
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo has Champions League desire
Cristiano Ronaldo's desire to play in the Champions League next season is behind his decision to quit Man United.
That's according to football journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
He told Wettfreunde: "It’s hard to say what the right choice is for him because I thought Manchester United would have been the right choice for him. Because he came back home.
“He really wants to play in the Champions League. His aim is to continue with his Champions League records. His agent is trying to find the best solution for him for next season. That’s why he’s talking to some clubs."
- Justin Lawrence
Man United urged to sign Martinez
Manchester United great Jaap Stam has urged the Red Devils to sign Ajax defensive star Lisandro Martinez, WRITES STEVE GOODMAN.
He said: "It is difficult to say whether Martinez is worth £43m, but those sorts of fees have become normal – especially in England.
"I have become a big fan of his. I find him a great lad, with a good temperament and a winning mentality.
"Players like that are a dream for managers to work with.
"In the past, defenders in England could never be tall enough.
- Justin Lawrence
Get rid of Martial – Ferdinand
Man United need to get rid of Anthony Martial to create space on the left-wing, according to Rio Ferdinand.
Along with Martial, United have Jadon Sancho, Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashofrd who also prefers the left-side.
And United have to oust Martial in order to accommodate the quartet, Ferdinand thinks.
But although United are well stocked on the left wing, they could do with some reinforcements on the right, Ferdinand added on his FIVE podcast.
- Justin Lawrence
Tenn Hag on Malacia signing
Erik ten Hag has revealed why he signed Tyrell Malacia for Man United.
Malacia joined the Red Devils in a £13million deal from Feyenoord.
And Ten Hag explained what he reckons the left-back will add to the team.
He said to United's media: "I think he’s the modern left-back or full-back.
“He suits the profile [we were looking for] and most important from every full-back is that he closes the right area.”
“He can also take part in the offensive side of our game, and he can do that really well,” he said. “I think he will really contribute to the team.”
- Justin Lawrence
Pogba's pay scale revealed
Paul Pogba is set to become the Serie A's fourth top earner following his move to Juventus.
Pogba left Man United for free this summer following a turbulent spell at Old Trafford.
But the Frenchman's pockets will be well-lined during his tenure in Turin.
He'll receive £125,000 per week, which puts him behind new -team mates Matthijs de Ligt and Adrien Rabiot on the list.
Pogba also lags below Inter Milan duo Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku on the payscale.
Chelsea target De Ligt earns £200,000 weekly, while Sanchez pockets£175,000, Rabiot rakes in £150,000, and Lukaku also commands £125,000, according to football journalist Tancredi Palmeri.
- Justin Lawrence
De Jong gets glowing review
Frenkie de Jong would be a great signing for Man United, Rio Ferdinand reckons.
United have been heavily linked with the Barcelona midfielder this summer.
But they face an uphill battle trying to lure him to Old Trafford as he doesn't want to leave Barca, and they feel the same.
However, Ferdinand thinks he'll be a great addition to the United squad after watching the Dutch star in action for former club Barcelona.
Rio said on his FIVE podcast: "I think that [Frenkie] De Jong would be a great signing.
"I watched him closely especially the year with Ajax when they got to the semi-finals and they lost to Spurs, he was integral to everything they did and, arguably, their best player."
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo 'won't receive absence fine'
Cristiano Ronaldo will reportedly not receive any punishment for missing Manchester United’s pre-season tour.
New boss Erik ten Hag and his squad flew out to Thailand on Friday before then heading to Australia.
will reportedly not receive any punishment for missing Manchester United’s pre-season tour.
New boss Erik ten Hag and his squad flew out to Thailand on Friday before then heading to Australia.
However, “due to the sensitive reasons for him remaining in Lisbon” it has been decided by United CEO Richard Arnold not to sanction the superstar.
The report adds that Arnold is “relaxed about the fact Ronaldo might miss the entire tour”.
- Justin Lawrence
Ten Hag's double Ajax raid
Erik ten Hag wants to land a double blow on his former club Ajax, MARTIN BLACKBURN WRITES.
Manchester United have raised their offer for the Dutch club’s defender Lisandro Martinez to £42.5million.
And they are also looking to hijack Ajax’s move to bring RB Leipzig forward Brian Brobbey back to Amsterdam.
The club have stepped up their pursuit of Argentine centre-back Martinez, 24, who is also a target for Arsenal.
United’s new offer beats those put in by the Gunners and is close to the Dutch club’s £45m asking price.
Ajax are mulling over the bid but could try to start a bidding war between the Prem rivals in the hope of getting a bigger fee.
- Gary Stonehouse
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS
The Man Utd squad have boarded the flight to Bangkok where they will face Liverpool on Tuesday in the start of their pre-season tour.
Erik ten Hag’s boys sported fancy Paul Smith suits at the airport and spirits were high despite a missing Portuguese superstar.
Manchester United released their new 2022-2023 home kit yesterday.
The photo shoot included wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the models.
The Red Devils decided to use pictures of Ronaldo wearing the new shirt… despite the 37-year-old looking highly unlikely to ever wear it on the pitch.
Man Utd have stepped up their pursuit of Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, 24, who is also a target for Arsenal.
United’s new offer beats those put in by the Gunners and is close to the Dutch club’s £45m asking price.
Paul Pogba arrived in Turin to raptures from Juve fans.
Chanting, cheering supporters thronged as the outgoing Manchester United midfielder stepped out of a huge Jeep to greet them.
And United icon Wayne Rooney cheered on Brit Cam Norrie as he lost to Djokovic in the semi final at Wimbledon.
- Alex Cole
United continue chase for Martinez
Man Utd have stepped up their pursuit of Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, 24, who is also a target for Arsenal.
United’s new offer beats those put in by the Gunners and is close to the Dutch club’s £45m asking price.
Ajax are mulling over the bid but could try to start a bidding war between the Prem rivals in the hope of getting a bigger fee.
Martinez’s strong links with his old boss Ten Hag could give United the edge.
- Alex Cole
Ten Hag raiding Ajax
Erik Ten Hag wants to land a double blow on his former club Ajax.
Manchester United have raised their offer for the Dutch club’s defender Lisandro Martinez to £42.5million.
And they are also looking to hijack Ajax’s move to bring RB Leipzig forward Brian Brobbey back to Amsterdam.
- Alex Cole
At least the new shirt is nice
Manchester United released their new 2022-2023 home kit this morning.
The photo shoot included wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the models.
The Red Devils decided to use pictures of Ronaldo wearing the new shirt… despite the 37-year-old looking highly unlikely to ever wear it on the pitch.
- Alex Cole
De Ligt blow for Prem sides
Bayern Munich chief Hasan Salihamidzic reportedly flew to Italy this week to hold secret talks with Juventus over Matthijs de Ligt.
The news comes as a blow to Chelsea and Manchester United, with both clubs interested in the Dutch defender.
Salihamidzic jetted to Italy and met with Juve sporting director Federico Cherubini in Milan, according to German outlet Bild.
It’s claimed the pair spoke for three hours on the subject of a potential transfer for De Ligt.
The 22-year-old’s representatives are reported to have stopped discussions with other clubs with the defender set on a move to Bayern.
De Ligt is understood to be attracted to Bayern’s style of play and is “convinced” that he wants a switch to the Bundesliga.
- Alex Cole
Pogba happy to be back in Turin
Pogba's stints at Old Trafford either side of Turin were plagued by injuries and controversy.
And the relief of his Juve reunion appeared to be written all over his face in the bright Italian sun.
Having been driven out of the airport car park, excited fans shouted for him to get out and meet them.
He did just that, striding over and immediately shaking hands with young supporters.
Pogba himself had already trailed his incoming return a few hours earlier as he flew in on Friday.
He posted "see you soon" and "PogAlmostBack" on social media from the comfort of his private jet.
That promise could become reality by the start of next week.
- Alex Cole
Pogba greeted by Juve fans
Ex-Man Utd midfielder Paul Pogba told Juventus fans "it's amazing to see you again" as he was mobbed after arriving by private jet to seal a free transfer return.
Chanting, cheering supporters thronged as the outgoing Manchester United midfielder stepped out of a huge Jeep to greet them in Turin.
Dressed in a Juve-style white and black tracksuit, Pogba grinned and walked over to fans behind barriers to pose for photos and sign autographs.
The Serie A giants posted clips of the 29-year-old World Cup-winner alighting from his plane and giving a thumps-up from a jeep.
- Alex Cole
Rooney spotted at Wimbledon
No, he’s not got a job as Dons gaffer!
The Man Utd legend was at SW19 watching Brit Cam Norrie against Djokovic.
Djokovic lost the game 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 and set up a dramatic final vs Kyrgios.
Credit: Getty - Alex Cole
United squad for pre-season tour
40 Kovar
41 Laird
44 Chong
46 Hannibal
49 Garnacho
51 Savage
55 Iqbal
- Alex Cole
United squad for pre-season tour
28 Pellistri
29 Wan-Bissaka
30 Bishop
34 Van de Beek
36 Elanga
37 Garner
38 Tuanzebe
39 McTominay
- Alex Cole
United squad for pre-season tour
16 Amad
17 Fred
19 Varane
20 Dalot
22 Heaton
23 Shaw
25 Sancho
27 Telles
- Alex Cole
United squad for pre-season tour
1 De Gea
2 Lindelof
3 Bailly
5 Maguire
8 Bruno
9 Martial
10 Rashford
12 Malacia
- Alex Cole
Pre-season tour 2022
Man Utd have boarded the flight to Bangkok where they will face Liverpool on Tuesday.
Erik ten Hag’s boys then travel to Melbourne, where they play Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
Before taking on Aston Villa in Perth on July 23.
The Red Devils will then have additional friendlies against Atletico Madrid in Oslo on July 30.
And will face Real Vallecano at Old Trafford on July 31.
- Alex Cole
Players ready to depart
Cristiano Ronaldo may not be boarding the flight to Bangkok today but the rest of the squad are.
Looking sharp in Paul Smith suits.
- Alex Cole
Merse backs Lazio ace for Arsenal
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to sign long-term Man Utd target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
In his column for the Daily Star Merson wrote: “Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the player I would go for.
“I think Milinkovic-Savic is a lovely player. A really top-drawer player.
“The way he played for Lazio last season I personally think he is the best midfield player in Italy.
“I know Manchester United have been linked with him in the past, but why there isn’t a queue of clubs lining up to buy the Serbian, I do not know.
“I think a lot of clubs are missing a trick.”
- Alex Cole
Pogba on his way to Turin
As SunSport reported this week, ex-Man Utd star Pogba is on his way to Turin this weekend to undergo a medical with Juventus.
Pogba made the journey to Turin in a private jet and uploaded a video on Instagram showing his excitement.
The Frenchman rubs his hands in anticipation before laughing – with the suggestion that his transfer is not far away.
In the comments section Pogba’s France team-mate Kylian Mbappe said: “You’re really crazy 😂😂😂.”
Reports in Italy claim Pogba will earn a basic salary of around £150,000 a week, although that will be boosted by a sizeable signing-on fee.
Pogba’s return to Juventus always seemed to be on the cards following his successful first spell at the club, arriving in Turin after leaving United in 2012.
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