5pm Man Utd news LIVE: Bruno Fernandes shows off Mini at training, Sancho transfer UPDATE, Sanchez on Mourinho – The Sun
MAN UTD chiefs are preparing for the return of the Premier League, with the full squad now back in training.
And Raul Jimenez's dad has commented on interest from the club, while Jadon Sancho reportedly expects his move to Old Trafford to be completed in the summer in line with an "agreement" he has with Dortmund.
Follow live Man Utd updates and transfer gossip below…
IN THE RED
Manchester United's debt has risen by a massive £127.4million to £429.1m.
The huge 42 per cent increase in the year to March 31st comes in the wake of the club failing to reach the Champions League and the more recent implications due to the Coronavirus lockdown.
United also cite the full payment upfront of £80million to Leicester City last summer for club captain Harry Maguire that hit cash reserves and had a spin off effect on the debt.
Movements in the pound to dollar exchange rates have affected the club finances as well.
RVP WAS INCREDIBLE
Cleverley has revealed he is thanking Robin van Persie for his Premier League winner's medal.
The ex-Old Trafford midfielder said: “For longevity, I have to say that Scholesy and Wazza are the best two players I’ve played with in my career so far, but if that Premier League winner’s medal in my trophy cabinet was owed to someone, it would have to be Robin van Persie. He was unbelievable.
“As an individual season, you’ll struggle to find many better than him in 2012/13.
“Games where we didn’t even play well, that were such stalemates, you could just give him the ball and he would make a goal out of nothing. Just an unbelievable finisher.
“For me, I couldn’t have imagined his move going as well as it did.
“Everything he struck that season seemed to find the back of the net.”
'BE MORE RUTHLESS'
Tom Cleverley has revealed that the last day of the Premier League season at Sunderland in 2012 was “a terrible, terrible day” in his career.
The Watford midfielder told ManUtd.com: “I still can’t listen to Martin Tyler’s commentary when the clip comes on Sky Sports.
“I cannot listen to it. I have to turn over.
“Losing to your city rivals on goal difference with the last kick of the season, it doesn’t get much worse.
“I’ll never forget in the dressing room after that game.
“The manager said to us all: ‘I told you. That’s why I wanted you to be more ruthless and really kill teams, because you can lose leagues on goal difference.’”
COULDN'T GET A LUK IN
Former United striker Romelu Lukaku has lifted the lid on his time under Andre-Villas Boas, revealing he has not forgiven the Portuguese for several snubs while at Chelsea.
The Inter Milan forward said: “Once I had to play in the front left, another time in the front right. You don’t develop that way.
“Then at some point you have to think about yourself. So I told the club what I thought of it.
“I know, Villas-Boas was also under pressure. But that’s why he didn’t have to treat me like that.
“Di Matteo approached me completely differently, he immediately involved me in everything. That should have been much earlier.
“Really, I never forgave the previous coach.”
FIGHTING FIT
Harry Kane has revealed he is “feeling fitter every day” as he reaches the final phase of his rehab from hamstring surgery.
The striker could be fit to face Manchester United when the season finally resumes with Spurs hosting the Red Devils.
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Feeling fitter every day. Hope everyone’s keeping well ⚽️☀️
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CROWD PROUD
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin expects fans to be back at matches soon.
He told El Mundo: “I don't like apocalyptic visions that say we should expect a second wave, a third or a fifth.
“People we know will die one day, but do we need to be worried now? Should we be fearful now? I don't think so.
“We are ready (to hold the Euros) and we're going to follow the recommendations of the health authorities.
“I’m absolutely sure that the good and old football with supporters will be back soon.”
'YOU DON'T HAVE THE MONEY'
Rival fans lined up to mock United's dwindling hopes of signing Jadon Sancho after the club's troubling financial picture was revealed.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and a lack of Champions League football, debts soared to £429million – a rise of £127.4m.
Ed Woodward has previously insisted big-money acquisitions are off the table in the coming summer.
Twitter user Vince wrote: “Man United fans will hide their faces now their club's little secret has been revealed. It's official, you don't have the money for Sancho.”
Another added: “Ooooff. Think United need to go on furlough. There fans wanting the season void too and still think they can get Sancho. Eye watering debts.”
One Chelsea fan laughed: “'But but Sancho is coming to united! !1!1!' I told all of you weeks ago that Chelsea were always well in the race and with the pandemic nothing is certain but Chelsea are leading the race.”
BRUNO'S BACK
United star Bruno Fernandes rocked up in a Mini as he and his team-mates arrived at Carrington for training this morning.
The Red Devils squad and staff took part in their first session for two months earlier this week.
And they are continuing their preparations for football finally returning today – with the big-money Portuguese January signing showing off his white and black motor for the first time.
Paul Pogba, who Fernandes has already admitted his excitement at linking up with on the pitch, was also spotted reporting for duty.
READ MORE ABOUT UNITED'S TRAINING SESSION IN THE SUNSHINE HERE
NEIL CUSTIS ON QUARTERLY RESULTS
Here is United correspondent take on the club's financial figures.
United have suffered a £30million hit due to the Coronavirus and not being in the Champions League.
The club today released their quarterly figures up to March 31 which is nearly three weeks after football was suspended.
While the full impact will not be felt until the next set of figures their failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League and a rebate to broadcasters has cost the club.
Despite this United remain in a healthy financial state announcing that they have plenty of money in the bank to help them through this difficult period for football.
The club has £90.3m of cash balances plus access to an additional £150m available under what they refer to as a revolving credit facility.
Despite this United remain in a healthy financial state announcing that they have plenty of money in the bank to help them through this difficult period for football.
The club has £90.3m of cash balances plus access to an additional £150m available under what they refer to as a revolving credit facility.
WILL IT ADD UP?
United have felt the financial pinch amid the coronavirus crisis, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward vowing to “weather these challenges” as a return to action edges closer.
Debt is understood to have RISEN by £127million to £429m – a level the club have repeatedly claimed is sustainable.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men last played 10 weeks ago, when they thrashed LASK in a Europa League last-16 clash forced behind closed doors due to Covid-19 measures in Austria.
The Premier League was suspended the following day and that has taken its toll on the balance sheet, with United no longer predicting the revenues of up to £580million forecast in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.
Instead, United said in their third quarter result that they were withdrawing their previous guidance “given ongoing uncertainty due to COVID-19 and the evolving related economic and financial consequences”.
HOW ABOUT THEM APPLES?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come up with one of the best quotes of his United tenure so far.
The Norwegian told the United We Stand fanzine: “I'd rather have a hole in the squad than an a**hole.
“There were other things I didn't like last year, some personal agendas which couldn't be sorted out until the summer.
“I feel in this group we don't have one bad apple.”
YES WE CARN
Teenage keeper Jacob Carney has revealed his delight at signing his first pro contract with United.
The 19-year-old is one of a raft of young keepers on the club's books, including Matej Kovar, Paul Woolston and Radek Vitek.
And Dean Henderson’s loan spell at Sheffield United is sending the young Englishman on a collision course with David De Gea if he does not go out on loan again.
POG PRIORITY
Real Madrid will prioritise signing Paul Pogba ahead of Erling Haaland, according to AS.
The Spanish publication warns the club are looking at the Frenchman ahead of Rennes' Eduardo Camavinga, but are worried about his wages.
Dortmund sensation Haaland remains an option in the future, however, and the speculate the Norwegian will become a priority in the summer of 2022.
AS also suggest that United will go in for Jadon Sancho with the money in their pocket from the sale of Pogba, who has also been linked with a return to Juventus.
JUAN'S MY MAN
Odion Ighalo chilled in his car listening to some tunes before training.
Every United fan's favourite loanee gave pal Juan Mata a wave as the Spaniard walked into work at Carrington.
GIVE THEM COLD SHOULDER
Jadon Sancho has been urged to snub a summer transfer to Manchester United by team-mate Emre Can.
And the former Liverpool midfielder is hoping he can “play forever” alongside the wonderkid at Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the 26-year-old said: “I see no reason to put Manchester United above Borussia Dortmund.
“Not from a sporting side and not because of the appeal.
“I’d tell him to stay put and let’s play together forever.
“Jadon has class that not a lot of players possess. I noticed that fairly quickly. He’s enormously important for us.”
WORTH THE PUNT?
United and Arsenal’s eyebrows will surely be raised by the fact that Samuel Umtiti is available for as little as £27million.
But there are catches: the Frenchman has big wage demands and has had a nightmare with knee problems.
Umtiti has missed 16 of 27 league games, played three of Barca’s seven Champions League.
Last season the World Cup winner only played 15 games in all competitions due to complications over a knee injury.
Umtiti had been in favour before the coronavirus lockdown but there still remain doubts over his long-term fitness.
Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique have been the largely-preferred centre-back pairing.
JIM'LL FIX IT
Raul Jimenez is flattered by rumours linking him with some of the world's biggest teams – but is not planning on leaving Wolves yet, says his father.
Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid are all linked with the Mexican who has spearheaded the Molineux side's rapid rise from Premier League newcomers to regular European challengers since arriving in 2018.
Jimenez's father is quoted by Mexican outlet Medio Tiempo as saying: “Raul has always said so, that [the interest] is something very cool.
“He is very happy in his current team, hopefully getting into the Champions League positions and playing in the Europa League for now.
“Always for him, all of it is very gratifying. It is very cool to hear those comments.”
ALL GONE SOUR
Alexis Sanchez has blamed Jose Mourinho for creating a mood that “wasn't healthy” at Manchester United.
The Old Trafford flop told the BBC: “Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world in the way that he coaches, how he studies videos, the way he goes about things.
“But then, within the group there was that feeling that you were in the team then out.
“Sometimes I didn’t play, then I did, then I didn’t and as a player you lose confidence, each player lost their confidence, do you understand?
“And then an atmosphere was created that wasn’t healthy.
“Sometimes I’m playing well and I score a goal and he took me off. And I’d say: ‘I love football, I love football.’”
BALLS UP
The Premier League’s big return to training has been hampered — by sticky balls!
And some players have angrily slammed the Phase One Covid-19 training programmes as “pointless” and “ludicrous”.
All 20 top flight clubs have now resumed work in strictly controlled sessions as part of Project Restart, which aims to finish the season.
But the disinfectant that is being sprayed onto balls has reacted in the hot weather, causing the surface to become tacky and affecting movement.
Some players also claim sessions are not fit for purpose as they build up fitness ahead of a planned match return next month.
Motivation is already rapidly vanishing because the carefully regulated training sessions are nothing like what they should be doing as professionals.
UM AND AHH
Barcelona are hoping to use one-time United target Samuel Umtiti as makeweight in a deal for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
Nou Camp chiefs are all-too aware that Diego Godin is 34 years old and, according to Sport, are keen to get the Frenchman’s high wages off the books.
Both Arsenal and United have been previously linked with Umtiti, 26, who wants to stay in Catalonia.
Contact between the two clubs has been “non-existent” but there could be an opening for middle men to get a deal done.
Barcelona are desperate to get hotshot forward Martinez, 22, as their marquee signing this summer, despite various financial problems.
OH TEDDY, TEDDY
Teden Mengi could become the latest United youth star promoted to the first-team following his outstanding displays in training.
At just 18, the centre-back is yet to make his senior debut with the attention on breakthrough stars such as Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood.
However the coming months may provide the ideal opportunity for Mengi to make the step up.
Having sat on the bench for the Red Devils' Europa League trip to Astana earlier in the year, the local lad is faring up well against first-team regulars in training.
Specifically, in measurements taken of the squad's individual workouts during football's shutdown, Mengi is said to have clocked the fourth-fastest running speed of the entire club.
Only Jesse Lingard, Axel Tuanzebe and first-placed Daniel James clocked a quicker pace than the teenager in this top-speed test.
'THEY ARE SAID TO BE VERY HONOURABLE'
There is a “very high chance” Jadon Sancho will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to David Ornstein.
He told The Athletic's Ornstein and Chapman podcast: “Sancho was expecting to move this summer and there's still a very high chance that will happen.
“There's an understanding between Sancho and Borussia Dortmund that if the right price arrives that he can go and there's no expectation that Dortmund wouldn't honour that.
“They are said to be very honourable in these sort of situations.
“They're looking for no less than €120million [£107m], some say to me no less than €130m [£116m] and that certainly the figure that they want is around what they received or agreed for Ousmane Dembele.”
MORNING, RED DEVILS FANS
Paulo Dybala is reportedly set to extend his stay at Juventus until 2025 to deal Manchester United a major blow.
The 26-year-old was close to joining the Red Devils last summer, only for the Old Lady to pull the plug, with the ex-Palermo ace since becoming a key player under Maurizio Sarri.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic bringing a halt to the football calendar, Dybala had chipped in with 13 goals and 12 assists in 34 games in all competitions
Such has been his impressive form, Juve's sporting director Fabio Paratici told Sky Sport Italia of the club's intentions to keep hold of the forward.
He said: “We're working to extend Paulo Dybala's contract. We want him as part of Juventus for many years.”
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes stunned Manchester United staff with his new-found pace while Jesse Lingard and Dan James record the quickest sprint speeds during lockdown.
The Old Trafford new-boy, 25, is not known for his lightning speed, using his skill and guile over raw pace on the pitch.
But Fernandes left staff gobsmacked as he ranked amongst the top sprinters during lockdown.
United's players were tracked using GPS devices during the enforced break, with Fernandes up there with the quickest.
During home training sessions, Man Utd stars were monitored on such things as distance covered and top speed.
And Fernandes clocked an impressive 21.3mph in his best effort not far off eventual winner James on 22.9mph.
Axel Tuanzebe, Lingard and Under-18s captain Teden Mengi finished just behind James.
Finally, Man Utd players arrived for training for the first time in over two months after getting the all-clear from their coronavirus tests.
Red Devils stars last worked out at their Carrington complex on March 13 but are now back to business following a vote from Premier League clubs to approve a formal return to the training ground.
The agreement to move to “Stage One” of the training protocols will see all 20 top-flight squads beginning basic work from today.
United captain Harry Maguire was among the first arrivals at Carrington on Wednesday morning alongside Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.
Academy prospects Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong were also pictured after the club ordered the players to arrive at staggered times throughout the day to undergo sessions in small groups.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Fernandes and Odion Ighalo then arrived in the afternoon alongside a masked Sergio Romero.
OLE IN ONE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he would rather have “a hole in his squad than an a**ehole”.
Solskjaer said: “I’d rather have a hole in the squad than an a**ehole. Personality is so important. We’re a team in a team environment.
“You want players to have a bit of ego and edge but they have to be able to adapt.
“In March 2019, players were physically tired, mentally tired and we had injuries. The players started with negative thinking, whereas now it’s positive thinking.
“There were other things I didn’t like last year, some personal agendas which couldn’t be sorted out until the summer.
“There will always be players who want to play more in football, but if a team is to be successful then players have to be available at different times.
“I feel in this group we don’t have one bad apple.”
EXCLUSIVE BY DUNCAN WRIGHT
Real Madrid and neighbours Atletico are the latest big Spanish club to make it known they are willing to sell some of their stars.
That is sure to put Premier League giants including Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal on red alert.
SunSport revealed this week how Barcelona have effectively invited offers for all but three of their players as they desperately look to plug a hole in their finances.
Now it has emerged that LaLiga rivals Real and Atleti are also in the market to offload players as the cost of the Covid-19 crisis begins to bite.
The top clubs in the Premier League have all been made aware that the two clubs in the Spanish capital are open to do business for the majority of their players.
Real are still trying to pursue a plan to find the resources to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, but to do that they would need to bring in a huge amount of funds.
Gareth Bale is one of those they would be happy to move on to get his £650,000-a-week wages off their books, but others are also available.
But the problem for the Spanish giants is the value of players is likely to drop markedly when football resumes, and they may not get the kind of fees they would hope.
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