Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Matheus Cunha move AGREED, Rashford ‘wants Barcelona move’, Hojlund’s future ‘uncertain’
MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for a MASSIVE summer transfer window - and one huge deal has been done!
Matheus Cunha will join at the end of the season, with United triggering the Wolves star's £62m release clause.
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford is reportedly willing to lower his wage demands to secure a move to Barcelona this summer.
Meanwhile, Man Utd striker Rasmus Hojlund faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, according to reports.
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Jose Mourinho's ban
As ever, Jose Mourinho’s time in Turkey has been explosive since he took over Fenerbahce last summer.
He is currently serving a touchline ban for explosive post-match comments after last week’s draw with Galatasaray and has been on a crusade against Turkish officials.
But the icon will be in the dugout later pitting his wits against Gers interim boss Barry Ferguson as he hunts down a sixth European trophy.
I know Ferguson’s history as a football player for Scotland, for Rangers.
I don't know much about his career as a coach, but I respect a lot the connection, the emotional connection between him as a coach and his club now.
Jose MourinhoMourinho discusses Rangers managerial role
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is plotting Rangers’ downfall - but refuses to rule out managing them.
The 62-year-old’s Fenerbahce host the Gers in the first leg of the last-16 in the Europa League.
The Special One, who led Porto to Uefa Cup glory over Celtic in 2003, gained his coaching badges in Scotland.
At this moment, no, because I have a job that motivates me and a job that demands loyalty. But why not in the future?
People can say that the Scottish League is a league of two teams, but it's a league of passion. For me, passion in football is something that is everything.
For me, to play in empty stadiums, to play in competitions where there is not that fire of passion, for me it doesn't make any sense.
Celtic and Rangers, they are big clubs with big fan bases, with big emotions, big responsibilities, big expectations. Why not? But at this moment, I have a job. So full respect for them and I'm not searching for a new job.
Jose MourinhoEverton goal rightly scrapped
Referee Andy Madley was RIGHT to cancel Everton’s stoppage-time penalty in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United - according to the Prem’s panel of experts.
Madley initially awarded the spot-kick after Ashley Young went down under an apparent challenge from Harry Maguire.
Despite video evidence that showed Young’s shirt was twice tugged by Matthijs de Ligt, Madley was recommended to change his decision after visiting the touchline monitor.
To the disbelief of Young, Toffees boss David Moyes and the Goodison crowd, the penalty was cancelled with play restarting with a drop ball.
But now the Prem’s Key Match Incident Panel, made up of five former players, managers and refs has BACKED the decision,
One of the five unnamed panel members felt De Ligt’s shirt-pulls meant the penalty should have been awarded.
Madley was only shown that part of the incident from one angle, with other camera views suggesting the gravity of the offence.
The decision, though, was given for a foul by Maguire that it was agreed had not taken place with the other four panel members believing Young’s fall was “exaggerated”.
SunSport understands that is also the view of PGMOL bosses, who feel the VAR intervention was entirely correct and that Madley was right to accept the recommendation.
Viktor Gyokeres boost
Manchester United have received a major boost in their bid to sign Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.
That is after Paris Saint-Germain dropped out of the race to sign Gyokeres.
The centre-forward has been in superb form this season and United are keen on doing a deal after he worked successfully with manager Ruben Amorim at Sporting.
And reports claim the path is clear for the Red Devils to swoop after fellow suitors PSG decided to abandon their pursuit of the Sweden international.
Credit: Getty Waiting game
Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are still training away from the rest of the squad.
Both are continuing their work in rehab following muscles problems.
Shaw has played just three times this season and Mount last featured in mid-December.
Why Obi can't play in Europe
Man Utd wonderkid Chido Obi is not eligible to play in the Europa League.
When Ruben Amorim submitted his squad for the knockout phase, he selected senior players in an A List and youngsters are categorised in a B List.
Obi was not selected as an A Lister and Obi does not meet the criteria to be a B Lister.
B List players have to have played for the club two continuous years from a player's 15th birthday or for two out of three years if the player has spent time at another club on loan.
As Obi joined from Arsenal just a few months ago, he is banned from the B List.
United squad to face Real Sociedad
GK: Andre Onana, Dermot Mee, Elyh Harrison
Defenders: Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro
Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes
Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee
Taylor gets United vs Arsenal
Anthony Taylor has been selected to referee Man Utd vs Arsenal on Sunday.
Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn are the linesmen. Paul Tierney will be on VAR.
Taylor oversaw victories for Man Utd against City and Fulham, as well as Ruben Amorim’s first game at the helm in a draw to Ipswich.
With the Gunners, he has officiated their recent 1-1 draw to Brighton when William Saliba gave away a penalty and the 5-2 over West Ham when Arsenal got awarded two spot-kicks.
Credit: Rex Collyer returns
United starlet Toby Collyer has returned to training after a minor injury.
The midfielder's return is much-needed ahead of tomorrow's game with Real Sociedad with Manuel Ugarte not in training today.
Youngsters Jack Fletcher, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse, James Scanlon, Jaydan Kamason, Chido Obi and Jayce Fitzgerald are all said to be involved.
Lindelof eyes Benfica return
Victor Lindelof's eight-year stay at Manchester United looks over.
The 30-year-old, who missed in the shootout against Fulham on Sunday, sees his contract expire this summer.
There has been no talks over an extension and his former club Benfica are exploring a deal.
Shut down
Man Utd star Chido Obi has been the subject of fake accounts online.
There has been a recent serge in pages made pretending to be the player on social media.
The club have confirmed they are working hard to remove these accounts from places like Instagram and X.
Start the Carr
Benfica defender Alvaro Carreras insists he is not thinking about a return to Manchester United.
The Red Devils sold Carreras to the Portuguese side for just £6million.
He has since attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid after an impressive season.
United have a £16million buy-back clause - but Carreras claims he is "overlooking" the speculation.
He said: "The truth is that I'm overlooking it a bit.
"I'm concentrating on what I have to do because every three days I have a game."
Credit: EPA Amorim plays down EL showdown
United's clash with Real Sociedad is their final chance this season to win a trophy.
But Ruben Amorim has attempted to take the pressure off during his pre-match press conference - and insists "bigger things" are going on.
The Red Devils boss said: "People are looking at Europa League as the unique competition that we can win, also the connection with qualifying for the UCL.
"But to tell you the truth, I think we have bigger things to think about.
"I know it's strange to say that, but it's something that we are trying to build here, that is going to be more important than winning a Cup in this moment."
Credit: PA Ugarte be kidding
Man Utd have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their huge Europa League showdown with Real Sociedad.
Neither Harry Maguire or Manuel Ugarte are training today ahead of the trip to San Sebastián.
Both picked up knocks in United's FA Cup defeat to Fulham on Sunday.
According to the BBC, both are "unlikely to be involved" against Sociedad.
Credit: Getty Rash reaction
Villa captain John McGinn has defended his new team-mate Marcus Rashford from Ruben Amorim's criticism.
The on-loan United star was frozen out at Old Trafford under the Portuguese boss.
But McGinn has given an inside view on Rashford's resurgence after Villa's 3-1 win over Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Discussing Rashford and new arrival Asensio, McGinn said: "They've been a breath of fresh air.
"Really good guys, obviously come with big reputations but they haven't shown any ego.
"They're pretty low maintenance, they work hard to get their careers back on track."
Credit: Getty
Heaven sent
Ex-United star Phil Bardsley has urged Ruben Amorim to make use of exciting teenager Ayden Heaven.
The 18-year-old joined from Arsenal in January and made his United bow against Fulham in the FA Cup.
Bardsley told MUTV: "We was talking while he [Heaven] was playing, for a young player his positional sense was outstanding. He got some really good clearances.
“Listen, if you’re a young player at Man United now you’ve got to make sure you’re ready because there are chances and opportunities.
"The manager is not afraid to throw you in, they have to make sure they train well and make an impact."
Credit: Getty Sporting chance
Manchester United have reportedly "made contact" with Sporting Lisbon over wonderkid Geovany Quenda.
The 17-year-old full back made his breakthrough in Lisbon under United boss Rubem Amorim earlier this campaign.
According to Sky Sports CH, £25m-rated Quena is on United's shortlist ahead of a busy summer.
Ben and gone
Ex United coach Benni McCarthy has landed a huge new job after being let go by the Red Devils last summer.
McCarthy, 47, worked under Erik ten Hag for two years at Old Trafford before leaving the club during a coaching shakeup last summer.
Now the former Blackburn and Porto striker is taking his first steps into international management after being named as the new boss of Kenya.
McCarthy has penned a two-year deal with the Harambee Stars.
Credit: Getty Rooney - Amorim is 'naive'
Man Utd club legend Wayne Rooney has taken aim at Ruben Amorim - for suggesting United should be title contenders.
The Portuguese coach has lost nine out of 23 games since being appointed as Erik ten Hag's successor in November.
Amorim suggested his goal is to "win the Premier League" - but Rooney thinks he's looking too far ahead.
Roo told the BBC: "I think it's a little naive to say they're looking to win the Premier League.
"Because from where they are now, they're a long way off that.
"I think he'll get time but it's not a free hit because he'll expect more from Manchester United than what we're seeing since he's been in."
Credit: Getty Main man
Manchester United have re-opened talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new deal.
Reports suggest Mainoo wants a massive pay rise to £180,000-a-week to reflect his status as an England international.
United and Mainoo have held fresh discussions over a new contract but will need to find a compromise, according to The Mail.
The teenager's current deal is worth £20k-a-week and runs until 2027.
Credit: Alamy Making his Marc
Barcelona's Marc Casado is reportedly a summer target for United.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year at the Nou Camp under Hansi Flick.
According to Fichajes, United are willing to pay £66million to land the midfielder.
The report adds Casado would be a perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo and an alternative to Manuel Ugarte.
Credit: Alamy
Sesko eyed
Man Utd are ready to rival Arsenal in the race to sign Benjamin Sesko, according to reports in Germany.
The RB Leipzig forward is expected to be available for around £66.5million.
Sesko has scored 10 goals in 23 Bundesliga games this season, with Arsenal considered the frontrunners for his signature.
But Sky Germany report United are keeping tabs on the striker along with Tottenham.
Credit: Getty Fan protests
United's 1958 fan group are planning protests against Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ownership during Sunday's game with Arsenal.
Ineos chief Ratcliffe has laid off a large proportion of workers at Old Trafford, recently announcing 200 redundancies.
United may also be forced to sell several stars in the summer to stay within PSR rules.
The group said in a statement: "The club is slowly dying before our eyes, on and off the pitch and the blame lies squarely at the current ownership model.
"The club is facing financial armageddon. Debt is the road to ruin."
Credit: Getty Lindelof to Barcelona?
Victor Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica when his Manchester United contract expires this summer.
The Swedish defender spent five years on the books of the Portuguese club before earning a £31 million move to Old Trafford in summer 2017.
Lindelof is endured an injury ravaged season and has yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils.
And his campaign took a turn for the worse on Sunday when he missed his penalty as holders United crashed out of the FA Cup to Fulham in a shoot-out.
West Ham were one of the clubs who showed an interest in taking him on loan in January – but he looks likely to move as a free agent in the summer.
United have not held discussions with Lindelof - who has spent 79 days out injured this season - over an extension to his current deal.
Credit: Rex More from Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim insists what his club is trying to build right now is much more important than winning a trophy this season.
Last week we lost in the FA Cup, so people are looking at the Europa League as the unique competition that we can win.
Also, there's the connection of winning the Europa League and getting into the Champions League, but to tell you the truth, we have bigger things to think about.
I know it is strange to say that it is something we are trying to build here and that is going to be more important than winning a cup in this moment.
We know the responsibility that we have to fight for every trophy but in this moment we are trying to build something that is going to last more than any trophy this season.
Ruben Amorim
