A decision on Mason Greenwood's future at Manchester United is expected in days.
Meanwhile, United's latest signing Rasmus Hojlund is injured and will miss the first two games of the season.
It has emerged Hojlund sustained an injury in pre-season training with his now former club Atalanta.
On the takeover front, a £6billion sale is now finally close with Sheikh Jassim set to win, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- By Dylan Terry
England 0-0 Nigeria (England win 4-2 on penalties)
Away from men's football for a moment…
England booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals with a nail-biting shootout victory over Nigeria.
The Lionesses survived a tough and gruelling extra time period with 10 women after Lauren James' red card for stamping on Michelle Alozie.
But two missed spot kicks from Nigeria meant Georgia Stanway's miss did not matter as Sarina Wiegman's side progress through to the last eight.
Manchester United keeper Mary Earps watched two penalties fly over her crossbar as she wasn't even forced into a save before Chloe Kelly struck the winning spot kick.
- By Dylan Terry
Man Utd set to release third kit
Manchester United have revealed they will release their third kit tomorrow.
Club legend Roy Keane was front and centre in the announcement video which you can see below…
- By Dylan Terry
Meulensteen reveals Ferguson's speech after 2012 title loss
Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary stirring speech to his shattered Manchester United players after Sergio Aguero’s 2012 title-winning strike has been revealed.
Rene Meulensteen was Fergie’s assistant manager at the time, and he revealed all about the post-match address in his new autobiography ‘Rene Meulensteen: United, Sir Alex And Me’.
The 59-year-old Dutchman wrote: “End-of-season disappointments can really fester into your system and the 2012 defeat was one that was felt by the whole staff.
“In the moments before the players came back into the dressing room at the Stadium of Light, I can remember thinking that it was our shared responsibility to hide our own disappointment to ensure the players did not feel quite so fatalistic.
“In his post-match address, the boss had transformed our entire mentality as a group, and we were immediately focused on regaining the title. It was something that even our most experienced and successful players hadn’t been through. That was their motivation to go again.”
He added: “It’s in moments like this, looking back and putting things into context, when I marvel even more at what the boss was able to achieve over a prolonged period.
“We discussed what he did and how he did it, but the truth is that it’s not easily replicated. The most stunning thing is that we were in such a pressurised situation, coming out of what could be described as a mentally draining way to lose the league, and at a club where you had to win with style in every game, I never felt any pressure.
“The defeats were turned into challenges. It’s an extraordinary thing, and it is all thanks to the work of Sir Alex.”
- By Dylan Terry
Herrera gives Man Utd verdict
Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has had his say on the Red Devils' Premier League title hopes this season.
Herrera, 33, featured for Athletic Bilbao against Man Utd in Dublin on Sunday.
Speaking after the match, he said: "I want to be optimistic, I watched the game yesterday [against Lens] and the second half was fantastic at Old Trafford. I think today we [Bilbao] also played a good game.
"It is true after the red card we were tired and we just couldn’t defend enough and United scored a goal. Of course I am optimistic, I try to always be like this at the beginning of the season.
"Last year United improved a lot and I think they are close to reaching Manchester City and I am going to support from Bilbao and hopefully we can both have a fantastic season."
- By Dylan Terry
Varane slams new added time rules
Raphael Varane has slammed the FA over new rule changes that will see the Premier League add on more minutes to games.
The new set of rule changes seek to curb the amount of time wasting by following the 2022 World Cup's lead which saw long periods of added time become common place.
He wrote on Twitter: "We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.
"From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
"Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
"As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
"I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best."
- By Dylan Terry
Hojlund reveals first impression of Man Utd team-mates
Rasmus Hojlund has described meeting his Manchester United team-mates for the first time as "surreal".
The Dane, 20, was unveiled by the Red Devils on Saturday following his £72million arrival from Atalanta.
Speaking about joining up with the rest of the squad, he said: "A little bit surreal.
"There is a lot of stars, but I am part of the team now. I am looking forward to be playing on the pitch with the other guys.
"It is a big pleasure to be here, and I am very happy to be a Manchester United player."
- By Dylan Terry
Ten Hag's message to Man Utd youngsters
Erik ten Hag has sent a message to Manchester United's young players following their 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
He said: "They deserve it; otherwise, we don’t line them up.
"When you start pre-season, we have to give them opportunities, but they have to take it.
"They are brave, and that is what I like. Be brave, play football, and show yourself.
"If you want to play in the first team, you have to take responsibility in and out of possession, and those young guys are doing it."
- By Dylan Terry
Hojlund to miss opening two Premier League games
Manchester United new boy Rasmus Hojlund is injured and will miss the first two games of the season.
The Dane, 20, sustained an injury in pre-season training with his former side Atalanta.
That rules the striker out of the season opener against Wolves.
And he is also a major doubt for the trip to Tottenham the following Saturday.
- By Kostas Lianos
Lack of Kovar
Manchester United will let goalkeeper Matej Kovar leave with Hull and Red Star Belgrade keen, reports SunSport's Alan Nixon.
The Tigers are looking to take Kovar, 23, who was at Sparta Prague on loan last season but may now go out permanently.
Sparta were looking to buy but the price is now higher than they want to pay.
Now Hull and Red Star are looking into making more serious offers to United.
However, the Tigers would also sign the Czech Under-21 international on loan.
- By Kostas Lianos
Takeover edging close
Manchester United are convinced they will get a deal finalised by November to sell the club to Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, reports SunSport's Neil Custis.
There have been accusations that the Glazers have been dragging negotiations but those talks are understood to have taken a big leap forward recently, with a £6billion sale now close.
Sheikh Jassim’s team have been doing due diligence ahead of a final formal offer for full control.
They are ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the race as fans fear his Ineos group would still allow the Glazers a minority holding.
- By Kostas Lianos
Hojlund blow already
Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund is injured and will miss the first two games of the season.
Now it has emerged Hojlund sustained an injury during pre-season training with former club Atalanta.
That definitely rules the centre-forward out of the season opener a week on Monday against Wolves.
The Denmark international is also a doubt for the trip to Tottenham the following Saturday.
Credit: Getty - By Kostas Lianos
Man Utd 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United netted a late equaliser against Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season friendly.
Bilbao opened the scoring after 29 minutes with Nico Williams and remained on the lead until stoppage time.
That was while they were playing with 10 men after Aitor Paredes' dismissal.
Facundo Pellistri then levelled things up in the third minute of stoppage time.
- By James Orr
Mason Greenwood latest
Mason Greenwood’s teammates would support his return to Old Trafford, it was claimed.
Sources say senior players at Manchester United believe the suspended 21-year-old striker has been left in “limbo” after charges including attempted rape were withdrawn.
Talks over the player’s future continue following the conclusion of a five-month club probe into his arrest.
But a source said: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
"He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
“They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him."
- By Kostas Lianos
Ten Hag warns youngsters
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his young players for their performances over pre-season but warned them they must be "brave" to remain in his squad.
They deserve it; otherwise, we don’t line them up. When you start pre-season, we have to give them opportunities, but they have to take it.
They are brave, and that is what I like. Be brave, play football, and show yourself.
If you want to play in the first team, you have to take responsibility in and out of possession, and those young guys are doing it.
I am happy with their development. Such games like this one also last week against [Borussia] Dortmund, we had the game against Wrexham.
That is so valuable for the young players, from those games. They learn and they improve a lot.
Erik ten HagMUTV
- By Kostas Lianos
Harry Maguire's new woe
Manchester United fans reckon Harry Maguire has hit a new low after teenage team-mate Dan Gore joined his critics during a hapless display against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin.
Academy product Gore, 18, appeared to have a word with Maguire for failing to react properly to a pass in a first half where the 30-year-old also gifted the only goal away.
The deposed centre-back surrendered possession, which ultimately led to Nico Williams sweeping Bilbao in front.
The England international was booed as the warm-up game in Dublin continued – at the end of a week where the Red Devils rejected a £20million bid for the defender from West Ham.
- By Kostas Lianos
Lack of Kovar
Manchester United will let goalkeeper Matej Kovar leave — with Hull and Red Star Belgrade interested, reports SunSport's Alan Nixon.
The Tigers are keen to take Kovar, 23, who was at Sparta Prague on loan last season but may now go out permanently.
Sparta were looking to buy but the price is higher than they want to pay.
Now Hull and Red Star are looking into making more serious offers.
However, the Tigers would also take the Czech Under-21 international on loan.
Credit: Rex - By Kostas Lianos
Takeover edging close
Manchester United are convinced they will get a deal done by November to sell the club to Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, reports SunSport's Neil Custis.
There have been accusations that the Glazers have been dragging their heels in negotiations but those talks are understood to have taken a big leap forward recently, with a £6billion sale now close.
Sheikh Jassim’s team have been doing due diligence ahead of a final formal offer.
They are ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the race with fans fearing that his Ineos group would still allow the Glazers a minority holding.
- By Kostas Lianos
Hojlund blow already
Manchester United's latest signing Rasmus Hojlund is injured and will miss the first two games of the season.
Now it has emerged Hojlund sustained an injury in pre-season training with his now former club Atalanta.
That definitely rules the striker out of the season opener a week on Monday against Wolves.
But the Denmark international is also a doubt for the trip to Tottenham the following Saturday.
- By Kostas Lianos
FT: Man Utd 1-1 Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United scored a late equaliser against Athletic Bilbao in their final pre-season friendly.
Bilbao opened the scoring after 29 minutes with Nico Williams and remained on the lead until stoppage time as they played with 10 men after Aitor Paredes' dismissal.
That is when Facundo Pellistri levelled things up in the third minute of stoppage time.
Follow all the reaction on SunSport's live blog coverage HERE
- By Kostas Lianos
Man Utd 0-1 Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United are trailing to Athletic Bilbao in their pre-season friendly at the Aviva Stadium.
Bilbao have been ahead since the 29th minute when Nico Williams opened the scoring.
United boss Erik ten Hag continues to use a rather rotated side in Dublin.
Follow all the action in SunSport's live blog coverage HERE
Credit: Getty - By Kostas Lianos
Greenwood team-mates react
Mason Greenwood’s Manchester United teammates would support his return to Old Trafford, report SunSport's Paul Sims and Richard Moriarty.
Sources claim senior players at United believe the suspended 21-year-old striker has been left in “limbo” after charges including attempted rape were withdrawn.
Talks over Greenwood's future continue following the conclusion of a five-month club probe into his arrest.
All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.
They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.
Source
- By Dylan Terry
Maguire snubbed for Man Utd captaincy
Harry Maguire has once again been snubbed for Manchester United's captaincy armband for their friendly against Athletic Club.
It comes despite newly-crowned club captain Bruno Fernandes not featuring.
United's clash with the La Liga outfit is their last before their Premier League season opener against Wolves on Monday, 14 August.
Earlier this summer Maguire was stripped of the armband by Erik ten Hag, with SunSport revealing the England international was left "angry, shocked and upset" over the move.
And it seems he is no longer part of the squad's leadership group, after back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton was named as United's captain for the clash this afternoon.
Maguire had been named skipper under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
- By Dylan Terry
Man Utd team to face Athletic Bilbao
Man Utd XI vs Bilbao: Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Fernandez; Eriksen, Gore, Van de Beek; Pellistri, Sancho, Forson.
Substitutes: Kovar, Wooster, Evans, Jurado, Collyer, Hannibal, Emeran, Hugill.
- By Dylan Terry
Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao
All you need to know ahead of Manchester United's final pre-season friendly this afternoon.
Can Erik ten Hag's men head into their Premier League opener against Wolves with a positive performance?
- By Dylan Terry
Michael Owen predicts Premier League table
What do we make of Michael Owen's Premier League predictions?
The former England striker has Manchester United – one of his old sides – to finish in fourth place.
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