12pm Man Utd news LIVE: Pogba backed to stay, Jadon Sancho transfer LATEST, Haaland to Liverpool, West Brom friendly – The Sun

June 14, 2020

MAN UTD were beaten by West Brom in a friendly but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got to see Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in competitive action for the first time.

Pogba and Fernandes played in a 2-1 defeat against the Baggies, but United's second string, featuring Odion Ighalo then won 3-1 in their game.

Follow all the very latest news from Old Trafford below…

MULL IT OVER
Bayern Munich have rapped star Thomas Muller for urging them not to sign Manchester United target Kai Havertz.
The German ace told the club not to splash the cash on Havertz and branded a potential move as “paradoxical” after the squad took pay cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic put the experienced player in his place and told Sky Sports Germany that he “maybe chose the wrong path with his words”.
United and Chelsea are interested in Bayer Leverkusen's attacking midfielder Havertz, who is valued at around £80million and has impressed with his Bundesliga performances.
The Red Devils are also thought to be sounding out 30-year-old Muller himself after previously trying to sign him in 2014.
PAUL TOGETHER
Paul Pogba's former Manchester United team-mate Adam Januzaj reckons the midfielder will snub Real Madrid and Juventus to stay at Old Trafford.
There has been a mountain of speculation that the France World Cup winner will quit United this summer.
But having seen the progress the team have made this year under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Januzaj thinks he will now see out his contract.
United are likely to trigger an extension clause so Pogba will stay for at least two years.
But the club will hope they can convince him to sign an even longer contract to stop him leaving on a free transfer in 2022.
Januzaj, 25, still close pals with Pogba after coming through the Old Trafford youth ranks with him, now plays for Real Sociedad in Spain's LaLiga after a big move from United in 2017.
The winger, brought up in Belgium, told Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad and reported by Manchester Evening News that Pogba has told him he will remain at Old Trafford.
He said: “I think Paul is staying.
“I am still very, very close with Paul. We have known each other since we were kids, when we both played in the United youth teams.”
PREM RESTART LATEST
A Norwich player has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss their Project Restart opener against Southampton on Friday.
Last night’s news could also give Spurs a scare before their match with Manchester United on the same night — as they played Daniel Farke’s side in a friendly on Friday.
The unnamed player DID feature in the game at Tottenham, which the Canaries won 2-1.
A Spurs insider said: “The Norwich player has confirmed he had no ‘close contacts’ with our team and our squad verified this.”
Premier League chiefs believe there is a low risk of players catching the virus during a match as they do not spend long enough in close proximity to any possible carrier.
But the positive test will create more uncertainty and worry as football prepares to restart after a three-month shutdown.
MORNING, MAN UTD FANS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims the return of the Premier League feels like a World Cup – just as his new midfield partnership is being compared to the top-flight's greatest playmaking duo.
Old Trafford legend Gary Neville believes Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes could do for United what Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva did in winning titles with neighbours City.
Ex-England right-back Neville tweeted: “I don’t understand the sentiment of 'How do Pogba and Fernandes' fit together.
“They won’t be in a 2 sitting! “With more fluid systems today than 20 years ago it should be simple.
“We’ve just watched De Bruyne and David Silva play together for 3 years in a MDF 3.”
Solskjaer is just as “excited'' by the Prem comeback – starting at Spurs on Friday – as well as feeling “privileged” to boss such a fast-developing squad.
He said: “If we can finish with the same momentum we had before, we could end up with trophies.
“The start will be decisive, it’s almost like a European Championships or World Cup.”
But United and Chelsea have been told England winger Jadon Sancho is likely to stay at Borussia Dortmund – for now.
Sebastian Kehl, the Bundesliga side's head of club licensing, said: “We expect Jadon to play with us next year.”
United are, though, being linked with a summer bid for Lazio striker Ciro Immobile.
The Italy striker, 30, has bagged 27 goals in 26 Serie A games.
'EXCITED' OLE EYES TO FOUR
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has that old glint in his eye as he chases another three-pronged assault on glory.
And the 1999 Treble winner is growing increasingly bullish that Manchester United’s current crop of ever-improving stars can earn their own place in Old Trafford history.
Solskjaer said: “If we can finish with the same momentum we had before, we could end up with trophies.
“The start will be decisive, it’s almost like a European Championships or World Cup.
“You live together, you’re close together, you’re in the bubble. It’s exciting and I feel very privileged to coach these players.
“They’ve been great and we’ve proved with the signings we have made that we are thinking long-term as well.
“We had great momentum before this break and the pluses are we now have the whole squad fit.”
UTD FIND THEIR OWN 'KDB AND SILVA'
Gary Neville believes Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes could become United's version of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
Old Trafford legend Nev scoffs at doubts fit-again Pogba and January buy Fernandes can play together – as he expects an anchorman to join them in midfield.
Belgium star De Bruyne is commonly rated the best playmaker in the Premier League, now that his Manchester City team-mate Silva is on the way out.
And ex-England right-back Neville tweeted: “I don’t understand the sentiment of 'How do Pogba and Fernandes' fit together.
“They won’t be in a 2 sitting!
“With more fluid systems today than 20 years ago it should be simple.
“We’ve just watched De Bruyne and David Silva play together for 3 years in a MDF 3.”
CAVANI AND SILVA PINING
Prem giants will be on alert after PSG confirmed record scorer Edinson Cavani and Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva are on the way in August.
United were linked with Uruguay legend Cavani in January before signing Odion Ighalo on loan, whilst Chelsea have previously monitored the 33-year-old.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are thought to be keen on at least one major recruit in defence, although at 35 Silva is unlikely to be the answer for Mikel Arteta's squad.
PSG Director of football Leonardo said: “Cavani and Thiago Silva? Yes, we are coming to the end.
“It was a very difficult decision. These are players who have marked the history of the club.
“Their stories were so beautiful. But yes, we are coming to the end.
“We had to make a logical decision, economically speaking and with regard to the generation that is coming through.”
JADON DOR SHUTS ON SUMMER EXIT
United and Chelsea target Jadon Sancho will STAY at Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to an official from the German club.
Dortmund's head of club licensing, Sebastian Kehl, believes the Manchester City academy product will spend the next year in Germany.
Club legend Kehl, who won three titles and helped the club reach the Champions League final, told Sky Deutschland: “We expect Jadon to play with us next year.”
He was speaking ahead of Dortmund's game away at Dusseldorf on Saturday, which Sancho's side won 1-0 courtesy of a last-gasp Erling Haaland winner.
IMMOBILE COULD BE ON MOVE
Man Utd may have finally found a replacement for Romelu Lukaku in Lazio striker Ciro Immobile.
Lukaku left for Inter Milan in a £76.5million deal last summer and at the time boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided not to invest in a player to take his spot at Old Trafford.
But now the Norwegian is reportedly considering an approach for Italian forward Immobile, according to Calciomercato.
Reports in Italy suggest the player would be open to the move and is complimented by the interest from United.
Lazio are likely to be reluctant to let go of the prolific 30-year-old.
Immobile's stunning return of 27 goals in just 26 league games has helped the Italian side climb to second in the table, one point behind reigning champions Juventus.
RASH DECISION
Marcus Rashford has revealed his delight at fighting back from injury ahead of the Premier League's return.
The England striker has spent five months on the sidelines with a stress fracture in his back but has made a timely return to full fitness.
The Red Devils restart their league campaign with a trip to Spurs on June 19 after Covid-19 halted action back in March.
Rashford, speaking to cricketer Yuvraj Singh in a Sony Sports India live chat, said: “I have been training now for two or three weeks.
“It is important to get the fitness levels back up. You want to feel good again going into the game. I am definitely at that stage.
“I am just excited for the games to start again. It is a little disappointing that there will be no fans but they can watch it on TV and I hope they start enjoying the sport again.
“Football is a game that puts smiles on people’s faces. That’s what makes the game so great.”
HA HAA
Erling Haaland is not interested in a move to Manchester United but could be a “good fit” for Liverpool, according to his mentor Jan Age Fjortoft.
The Norwegian superstar left RB Salzburg for Borussia Dortmund in January despite being courted by the Red Devils.
Ex-Norwegian international Fjortoft, who played with Haaland's father Alf Inge, suggested the 19-year-old is not interested in joining Manchester United because he has his heart set on playing at Elland Road for rivals Leeds United.
Haaland was born in the city during his dad's Yorkshire stint and could have played for England before opting for Norway.
Fjortoft told the Blood Red Podcast: “He would be a good fit for any club and for Liverpool he is good – when he speaks about United, he speaks about Leeds United.
“I think he'll end up in England at some stage, but he is 19 and we should make space to have five games without scoring.
“We should just wait and see how he is doing – he is at the right place now.”
STICK YOUR BEEK OUT
Man Utd have been tipped to sign Donny van de Beek this summer if Real Madrid dither over a transfer.
That is according to Ajax coach Ronald de Boer, with the club's CEO and ex-Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar confirming interest from both clubs.
Solskjaer may have to up his offer if he hopes to land the midfielder.
The Spanish side are mulling over a £49million deal for the Dutchman, with Manchester United preparing to offer £36m.
De Boer told FOX Sports: “If Real Madrid again decide not to report themselves at Donny, then I can understand it if he decides to go to Manchester United instead.
“On the one hand, I understand that Real Madrid are hesitating a bit. Another club could think, “hey, an interesting player, maybe we can get him for a little less”. For example Manchester United.”
HEAVEN SENT
Man Utd are reportedly closing in on a contract extension for Angel Gomes.
The young winger has been edging towards the Old Trafford exit door for a number of months with the likes of Chelsea keen to snap him up.
However an agreement to stay is now in sight, according to The Athletic.
Playing time is described as a key issue in negotiations between club and player, and Gomes has only featured six times this campaign.
That tally could increase once the restart gets underway, aided by the new rule enabling teams to throw on five substitutes throughout the 90 minutes.
And Gomes is reportedly set to earn in the region of £25,000-a-week if he signs on the dotted line.
That will be a touch under fellow academy graduate Tahith Chong's reported £30,000 weekly pay packet after the Dutch winger renewed his deal in March.
SAN'S SCRIPT
Jadon Sancho has been tipped to stay at Borussia Dortmund.
The England star is Manchester United's No 1 transfer target.
But Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund's head of their licensing player department, believes the winger will stay put.
Kehl was quizzed on the England international’s future ahead of his latest outing against Fortuna Dusseldorf, and told Sky Deutschland : “We expect Jadon to play with us next year.”
Liverpool have also been strongly linked with the 20-year-old.
WHERE THE SAN DON'T SHINE
The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell has issued an update on Alexis Sanchez's future at Manchester United… and it's not positive.
And he went as far as to say that the Chilean could be made to train away from the first team.
In response to a question about Sanchez's future, which added that Ander Herrera was convinced he could rediscover his form, Whitwell said: “I’m afraid to say it is a pretty resounding negative on that.
“Sanchez will return to United when his loan spell at Inter ends but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was asked to train apart from Solskjaer’s senior squad.
“It is a sad situation for a player who once lit up the Premier League but his demeanour and performances have not been missed at Old Trafford.”
JU ARE OUT
Juventus are “open to selling” Aaron Ramsey after just 12 months at the club as they look to recoup funds amid the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Welshman arrived at the Italian champions last summer on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal, and managed 24 appearances this season despite missing seven games through injury.
But according to the Daily Mail, Juve bosses are said to be putting Ramsey up for sale as they desperately attempt to cut their wage bill.
Ramsey earns a staggering £400,000-a-week in Turin – something the club will struggle to maintain.
And his hefty wages could cause a stumbling bloke for any potential suitor, with Manchester United understood to be monitoring the midfielder's situation in Italy.
If the ex-Gunner was to move back to the Premier League, he would be expected to take a pay cut.
Or possibly Juve could look to loan the 29-year-old, while still paying a cut of his wages.
TOP PHWOAR
Solskjaer could land a seven-figure bonus by leading Manchester United to the Champions League in the next few weeks.
The Old Trafford chief’s contract has various incentives, including one for restoring the club into Uefa’s top competition.
Solskjaer is believed to earn less than half of the £15million a year that his predecessor Jose Mourinho raked in.
But the Norwegian can make up some of the difference by hitting targets.
And the 47-year-old still has a good chance of claiming the cash for reaching the Champions League going into Project Restart next week.
GET IMM IN
Man Utd may have finally found a replacement for Romelu Lukaku in Lazio striker Ciro Immobile.
Lukaku left for Inter Milan in a £76.5million deal last summer and at the time boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided not to invest in a player to take his spot at Old Trafford.
But now the Norwegian is reportedly considering an approach for Italian forward Immobile, according to Calciomercato.
Reports in Italy suggest the player would be open to the move and is complimented by the interest from United.
Lazio are likely to be reluctant to let go of the prolific 30-year-old.
Immobile's stunning return of 27 goals in just 26 league games has helped the Italian side climb to second in the table, one point behind reigning champions Juventus.
GREENWOOD TOP OF STATS
Utd striker Greenwood has hit the target with 57.1 per cent of shot this term – better than anyone else in the league.
That is based on those who meet the minimum requirement (an average of .395 shots per squad game).
This total does not include penalties.
Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmieri is in second spot, with Leicester City marksman Jamie Vardy managing an impressive third place, considering he has had 57 shots in total (compared to Mason's 21 and Emerson's 13).
Anthony Martial is the next-best Red, in 13th position overall, with a record of 47.5 per cent of his 59 shots finding the target.
SIMPLES
Gary Neville is certain it will be easy for Fernandes and Pogba to play together.
The Man Utd icon cited the example of De Bruyne and Silva doing so effortlessly at Man City.
Nev tweeted: “I don't understand the sentiment of 'how do Pogba and Fernandes' fit together.
“They won't be in a 2 sitting! With more fluid systems today than 20 years ago it should be simple.
“We've just watched De Bruyne and David Silva play together for 3 years in a MDF 3.”
REDDY FOR RETURN
How much are you looking forward to seeing these guys back in action, United fans?
CRIS CROSS?
Cristiano Ronaldo got into a bit of shoulder-to-shoulder with AC Milan star Luis Paqueta last night.
Ronaldo hit the post with a penalty and was fouled several times in Juventus' 0-0 draw with the Rossoneri, but the Old Lady went through to the Coppa Italia final.
BROGBA
Is Paul Pogba to Bruno Fernandes something Reds fans will be able to see on a regular basis till the end of the season?
We were given a glimpse of it last night.
FINALLY
Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes finally started together in United's friendly against West Brom yesterday ahead of Friday night's HUGE Prem return vs Spurs
MORNING UNITED FANS
It's finally started – the partnership that could become one of the greatest hits or misses in United's history.
Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba teamed up in midfield as United warmed up for Friday's Premier League comeback at Tottenham with two 60-minute practice games against West Brom at Old Trafford.
United lost 2-1, then won 3-1 – with Andreas Pereira responding to the challenge for his position with a delightful solo goal.
Fit-again French World Cup winner Pogba has again been linked with Juventus over the past 24 hours, albeit more speculatively this time, as the Serie A giants are reportedly hoping to offload Aaron Ramsey.
But United fans will be keen to see how he links up with Fernandes – the main man since his January arrival from Porto – once the real action restarts.
Meanwhile, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could land a seven-figure bonus by leading United to the Champions League in the next few weeks, thanks to the incentives in his contract.
The Red Devils are fifth, three points behind Chelsea in fourth.
Solskjaer is believed to earn less than half predecessor Jose Mourinho's annual £15million-a-year pay.
And in an exclusive SunSport interview Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand tipped United to make the top four.
He said: “With that squad they ought to…there is talk Pogba is looking really good in training.”

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