Man United transfer news live Fernandes demand and Ten Hag latest

If Ten Hag is to remain at United following Ratcliffe’s review, it is difficult to see how Eriksen will get the regular playing time he would hope for at this stage of his career.

Mainoo is the future of this United squad and his performances this campaign have exemplified why he has been entrusted ahead of Eriksen.

The Dane could certainly be one of the players the club looks to sell this summer and if it comes to that, then it would be hard to argue that is not in the best interest of all involved.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United are guaranteed to bring in a new left-back during the summer transfer window.

One of the players believed to be of interest is Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

The 20-year-old made 33 appearances for the Cherries this season but they would require an ‘important fee’ to allow him to leave. Left-back has been a position of concern this season with both Shaw and Malacia suffering serious injuries.

Speaking to TV2, Eriksen reflected on what has been a difficult campaign for him at Old Trafford.

For me, the season has been a little different to other seasons. It has been a slightly different role. It’s new to me, but it’s also new to the outside world. It is clear – in relation to how people talk [about me]. I was also a bit lucky that I didn’t sit on the bench so much when I was younger. But I did it once in a while. It’s never fun, that’s for sure. Personally, you always want to be the one who is chosen first in the team. Sometimes the coach looks the other way. But then, I play for United. There is just a battle for places because there are a lot of good players.

United youngster Dan Gore has undergone surgery on his shoulder after dislocating it on loan at Port Vale in January.

Gore featured prominently during United’s pre-season tour but was loaned out to the then-League One club to gain experience.

However, this was cut short due to the injury.

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Ten Hag has not got everything right with United but on player treatment, he appears to have hit the nail on the head more often than not.

The decision to award Fernandes the captaincy has not only been beneficial for the Portuguese but also for Harry Maguire. Freed from the weight of responsibility the armband holds, Maguire has rediscovered his form and it is unlikely he would have been heading to the Euros without that decision being made.

It was a strong call for Ten Hag to make and it will be used as evidence by the Dutchman as to why he should be given another year at Old Trafford.

Away from the Fernandes and Ten Hag chat, Christian Eriksen has got himself on the scoresheet as Denmark beat Sweden 2-1 in their EURO 2024 warm-up match.

The United midfielder scored with four minutes of normal time remaining to seal a confidence-boosting win for the Danes. Rasmus Hojlund played 79 minutes for Denmark accompanying Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind up top.

Fernandes is one of the few players in this United squad who Ten Hag can depend upon time and time again to put in at least a 7/10 performance.

The added responsibility of the captain’s armband appears to have been a positive influence on the midfielder and has raised his standards.

The only issue with the new contract is that Ratcliffe is currently on a mission to cut the wage bill at Old Trafford. Varane has already exited and Casemiro’s future appears to be in doubt.

Now is perhaps not the right moment for Fernandes to push for a wage rise.

According to The Guardian, United captain Fernandes is pushing for a new contract at Old Trafford.

Towards the end of this season, the Portuguese attacking midfielder made it clear how much United meant to him and his performances on the pitch have shown how integral he is to the squad.

It is understood he wishes to receive a pay increase that would push him into the top pay bracket alongside the likes of Rashford, Casemiro and Sancho.

As key United figures put the finishing touches to their end-of-season review this week, the conclusion isn’t going to be as simple as deciding whether to keep Ten Hag or not.

The 11-day delay in deciding whether to stick with the Dutchman isn’t a good look for INEOS but this process is about more than just the manager. It will seek to establish what has gone wrong and why it has gone wrong this season, from that dreadful injury record to training methods and tactical plans.

Plenty of that invites scrutiny on Ten Hag but other departments will be in the spotlight as the football structure is redrawn.

READ MORE HERE

With just over a week to go until the summer transfer window opens for business, make sure you join the Manchester Evening News’ United WhatsApp community for all the very latest news and analysis.

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Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ‘closing in’ on a return to management with Turkish club Bestikas, according to ESPN.

It is reported that talks have taken place between the two parties and Besiktas are ‘hopeful’ that an agreement will be reached.

Solskjaer, 51, has been been out of management since leaving United in November 2021. If appointed, he will follow in Jose Mourinho’s foosteps by moving to Turkey. Mourinho was named Fenerbahce boss at the weekend.

United youngster Dan Gore has revealed that he has undergone surgery on a dislocated shoulder.

The youngster, who made his United debut in September last year, was sent out on loan in Janaury, joining Port Vale for the remainder of the season. However, he played just once because of injury.

According to German publication Bild, United winger Jadon Sancho is ‘not a priority target’ for Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Sancho spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign at the German club and his loan deal concluded following Saturday’s Champions League final.

It is reported that Dortmund, despite having money to spend this summer, are going to focus their energy on signing a replacement for Mats Hummels and a new striker.

They do, however, remain keen on Sancho, and would like to re-sign him again. Another loan deal is more likely.

According to a report by ESPN, Galatasaray are ‘interested’ in signing soon-to-be free agent Anthony Martial.

United, last month, confirmed that Martial will be leaving the club when his contract expires on June 30. He spent nine years at Old Trafford.

Galatasaray have reportedly developed an interest in the Frenchman but his wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block in their hopes of getting a deal done. It is claimed he will have to ‘drop his demands’ if he is to seal a move to the Turkish outfit.

“The most pressing issue is the 54-year-old’s contract, which has just a year left to run. Can Ineos really come to the conclusion that Erik ten Hag should stay without delivering a new contract? It would mean he is still at the club on a trial basis rather than having the complete backing of those in power. Within those discussions would be his job title. Ten Hag was appointed United’s ‘manager’ in 2022 but this is a role now being phased out across the Premier League. Liverpool and West Ham have replaced managers with head coaches already this summer and it is a model Ineos are keen to replicate. Would Ten Hag accept being a head coach?”

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Miguel Pinho – the agent of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio – has been ‘authorised’ by the Portuguese club to ‘speak’ to clubs interested in his client.

Over the last couple of days, reports linking Inacio with a move to United have gathered pace. United want to sign two centre-backs this summer and Inacio, 22, is being touted as a potential target.

Reports elsewhere have claimed that United are ‘readying an offer’ for his services, but that they ‘won’t pay’ his reported £51million release clause.

United skipper Bruno Fernandes scored twice for Portugal last night, helping them beat Finland 4-2 in a warm-up match ahead of Euro 2024.

The midfielder stepped off the bench at half-time to add to the goals that had been plundered by Ruben Dias and Diogo Jota. Fellow United star Diogo Dalot also came on at half-time.

Taking to Instagram post-match, Fernandes said:

“Good first test. Prep for what’s coming.”

Click here to read more.

United are less than six weeks away from getting their pre-season preparations for 2024/25 up and running and the club is still yet to communicate a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future as manager.

Nevertheless, their first pre-season friendly, regardless of who the manager is, will be here before we know it.

With that in mind, here is a quick reminder of United’s pre-season schedule in full:

• vs Rosenborg (A) – July 15, 5pm
• vs Rangers (A) – July 20, 4pm
• vs Arsenal (US tour) – July 28, 1am
• vs Real Betis (US tour) – August 1, 3am
• vs Liverpool (US tour) – August 4, 12:30am

*All kick-off times stated are BST.

Former United defender Steve Bruce has suggested United would regret it if they were to end up selling Bruno Fernandes this summer.

Fernandes has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford over the last few days, with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Al Nassr all being credited with interest. The midfielder, however, has already confirmed he has no plans to leave the club.

Bruce told talkSPORT:

“He cannot leave. Look, for me, the one shining light in the last few years at United has been Bruno. I mean, he plays with huge intensity. Yes, he gets a bit frustrated at times and can be a bit petulant at times, but in terms of a footballer, just look at the statistics. He plays 50 games a season and he scores 15 to 20 goals a season and is at the top of the assists too. He is a top, top player… you don’t want to be losing him.”

According to a report by The Athletic, former United defender Teden Mengi has ’emerged’ as a target for Fulham ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Mengi left Old Trafford last summer and joined Luton Town, who had just been promoted to the Premier League from the Championship. Despite being unable to avoid an immediate return to the second tier, Mengi impressed for the Hatters, benefiting from regular game time.

According to a report by Spanish publication Marca, United have ‘made a proposal’ to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro.

It is reported that United have tabled an offer above his market value, reportedly worth €60million. The 18-year-old has a year left on his Lille contract and is attracting a wealth of interest ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

United have set the target of signing two centre-backs this summer and are exploring various avenues. Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is understood to be a leading target.

Former United striker Louis Saha has said he will be “buzzing” if the club manages to lure Michael Olise to Old Trafford this summer.

United have been heavily linked with the attacker in recent months as they draw up plans to beef up their forward line this summer. Chelsea have also been credited with strong interest in his signature.

Saha told BettingOdds.com:

“He’s someone I have watched over the years and his progression is quite good and consistent, even with injuries. So imagine the potential. I would love to see how he can step up again next year. He’s a very, very slick player, sometimes a bit nonchalant because he has that confidence, but also the calmness to create. I love his rhythm and vision, what he’s been able to go with Crystal Palace is great, with (Jean-Philippe) Mateta up front, they have a connection and I can see that he can create with any player, because he’s a type of player that can impose some kind of tempo and, when he wants to, just accelerate. I think he’s going to be a very exciting prospect, especially if he comes to United. I will be really buzzing.”

According to a report by This Is Anfield, Liverpool are ‘not interested’ in signing United-linked defender Goncalo Inacio this summer.

Reports over the last few days have heavily linked with the Sporting Lisbon defender with a move to both Liverpool and United. However, contrary to those claims, this latest report states the Anfield out are ‘not considering’ a swoop for the Portuguese international this summer.

Reports coming out of Portugal have stated that United are going to attempt to lure the 22-year-old to M16 for £51million.

“Attempting 36 passes, Adam Wharton completed the lot. He progressed the ball and kept everything neat and tidy. It was an accomplished showing that strengthens his chances of making the plane. It was also a performance that brought Manchester United’s failure to lure him to Old Trafford into question. Wharton was regularly linked with United and other members of the Premier League’s elite, including Liverpool, before moving to Selhurst Park in January. He was one of the hottest properties in the Championship and was regularly tipped to smash his way through the Premier League barrier. Signed by Palace earlier this year, the youngster played a starring role in the Londoners’ excellent finish to the season.”

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.

According to ESPN, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo’s hopes of joining United from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 broke down due to ‘Financial Fair Play [FFP] rules’.

United wanted to sign a forward ahead of the winter window in 2022/23 and Gakpo was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford. However, Liverpool won the battle for his signature.

It is now being reported that FFP rules were to blame for United being unable to lure him to Old Trafford.

According to the print edition of Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, as cited by The Faithful MUFC, United are ‘preparing’ a double raid on Sporting Lisbon ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

In addition to being reportedly ‘interested’ in defender Goncalo Inacio, they are also ‘keen’ on signing midfielder Morten Hjulmand. It is reported that the latter, who is contracted to Sporting until 2028, has a release clause worth £68million.

United, according to reports, are looking to try and sign Inacio for £51m, meaning to sign the pair United could be looking at an overall price of £119m.

United have confirmed that talks remain ongoing with Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans over new contracts at Old Trafford.

United released their retained list this morning, confirming discussions are taking place with the aforementioned duo.

Brandon Williams, however, has joined Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial in being released.

Click here to read more.

According to FootballTransfers, Casemiro said his ‘goodbyes’ to his United teammates following the FA Cup final at Wembley.

The Brazilian was not included in the matchday squad for the Wembley showdown with Manchester City after he aggravated an injury during his warm-up in the dressing room. He was originally named among the substitutes.

The Brazilian international is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and he has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. According to this latest report, he is ‘likely to move to one of the top PIF clubs’ this summer.

According to the print edition of Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias, as cited by ManUtdNews, United are ‘very interested’ in signing Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

Inacio, who has been at Sporting since joining their academy in 2012, is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League ahead of the transfer window opening next week. United want to sign two central defenders this summer and are exploring several options to achieve that particular objective.

However, it is reported that United ‘won’t pay’ Inacio’s £51million release clause. Instead, it is claimed they want to ‘negotiate on the price by including add-ons’.

According to a report by The Standard, Chelsea are ‘prepared’ to trigger the release clause for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian is being linked with several Premier League clubs ahead of the transfer window opening next week, including United. The Reds are keen to strengthen their attack this summer and were keen on Sesko two years ago.

A report last week in the national media claimed that Arsenal were Sesko’s ‘preferred’ club. However, it is now reported that Chelsea are willing to barge their way to the front of the queue by matching his release clause, which is reportedly worth £56million.

“United’s PSR position received a boost with their qualification for the Europa League and although this remains a window in which sales will be required to supplement the budget, there are players within the squad who will leave and funds should be easy enough to raise. It might be that United want to wait until after June 30 to make signings, with the substantial £150million loss from 2020/21 set to fall off the PSR monitoring period from next month, but at the same time, they hold a stronger hand when it comes to negotiations with Everton if they need to sell this month. They have already been hit with two points deductions for breaching PSR and with the takeover by 777 Partners continuing to hit stumbling blocks, they might have to raise further funds to avoid the possibility of further sanctions. Jarrad Branthwaite is probably the most sellable asset in Sean Dyche’s squad.”

Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.

According to a report by ESPN, United are ‘planning’ to hold talks with Jadon Sancho before making a decision on his future.

Sancho’s loan spell at Borussia Dortmund reached its conclusion last weekend following their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final. He had rejoined the club on loan in the January transfer window.

His future is set to be a big talking point this summer and it could all rest on Erik ten Hag’s future at the club. Sancho was frozen out by Ten Hag last September after accusing him of lying in a social media post.

A report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo says that United have hit a snag in their chase of Benfica ace Joao Neves.

The publicaiton says the Premier Legaue club actually lead the race for the 19-year-old but the player’s £102m valuation is set to blow United out of the water. Arsenal, Liveprool and Bayern Munich have also been linked.

United, it says, see defensive midfielder Neves as a talent that can be part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-term project, although Benfica are playing hardball over his price tag.

Bruno Fernandes has been the subject of much speculation the last few days. Concerns over his future have swirled around the United captain, with reports in Portugal that his agent has held talks with Bayern Munich over a possible move this summer.

The 29-year-old has two years left on his contract and is also keen to extend it with a salary hike that would make him among United’s top earners. But while the club is in a state of flux, with no manager decision and transfer chiefs willing to listen to offers for all players bar four, Fernandes’ future remains uncertain.

However, he put the speculation behind him last night as he stepped off the bench in the second half to fire a brace in Portugal’s 4-2 win over Finald. The game was part of their warm-up campaign ahead of Euro 2024. with Bruno’s two goals adding to a strike by Man City defender Ruben Dias and one from Diogo Jota, of Liverpool. Teemu Pukki scored both of Finland’s goals.

United look set to lose two talented youngsters from their set-up this summer – but won’t lose sleep over either of them.

There have been 250 players to make a senior debut from the academy, which is a remarkable record, but the reality is the majority of hopefuls pursue careers elsewhere. And a pair of United starlets who have appeared for the first team, and set records in the process, will move on when their contracts expire.

Steven Railston has the full story here.

United could see three new faces in their line-up next season if the summer goes to plan, making for an exciting starting XI.

It promises to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with incomings and outgoings. Only four players are safe from being sold – Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

We’ve taken a look at what the dream starting XI could look like.

Highly-rated striker Benjamin Sesko appears to be on the verge of moving to Arsenal – but journalist Fabrizio Romano claims it’s not a done deal and that United are still in the hunt.

Sesko has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for the last couple of seasons. The 21-year-old RB Leipzig star would be a great addition to a United squad that only has Rasmus Hojlund as a recognised central striker.

Romano said in a video on his YouTube channel:

“Now, Sesko has to decide whether he wants to stay at Leipizg and extend his contract or leave and probably go to the Premier League. So, first step has to be this one. Then, which clubs? They all remian in the race, nothing has been decided yet, I can guarantee about that. Sesko is still taking his time to decide between Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. These three clubs are in the race, everything is still open, Sesko has not accepted anything yet. He has all the projects in front of him, so it’s up to Benjamin Sesko basically to decide what he wants to do.”

Will there be a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future today? It’s been 10 days since the FA Cup final and the club is still in limbo.

One potential issue that could cause a delay is Ten Hag’s contract situation. If they decide to stick with him then they really need to offer him a new contract. Going into the final year of his three-year deal would essentially leave him on trial, which has been the case since Ineos came in.

There is also the complication that Ineos’ chosen sporting director, Dan Ashworth, remains on gardening leave. He will have his views on Ten Hag’s future. Chief executive Omar Berrada doesn’t start until July 13.

Full story here.

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