Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Ed Woodward STANDS DOWN, Haaland LATEST, Ruben Neves EXCLUSIVE, Red Devils urged to buy Rice
MANCHESTER UNITED executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has finally stepped aside following the Super League debacle.
Woodward's exit will now take effect from February 1 when Richard Arnold will take over as Chief Executive.
Meanwhile, West Ham have slapped a stunning £100m asking price on Declan Rice but the Red Devils are confident of tempting him up to the North West.
And United are determined to sign Wolves star Ruben Neves this month, SunSport can also exclusively reveal.
The Portugal ace, 24, has two years left on his current deal at Molineux – but has spoken of his desire to play in the Champions League.
We've also the very latest on Erling Haaland as Premier League clubs continue to eye a swoop for the Dortmund superstar.
Get all the latest Man Utd transfer news, updates and gossip on our live blog…
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
- Kostas Lianos
Ed's gone
Ed Woodward has stepped down as Manchester United's executive vice-chairman.
Woodward's exit will take effect from February 1 and Richard Arnold will replace him.
The 50-year-old executive announced last April he would leave his role in the wake of United’s failed bid to join the controversial European Super League.
Today ends nearly nine turbulent years as the Red Devils' most powerful executive had a fractured relationship with a large chunk of the fans
- Kostas Lianos
Zagadou contact
Manchester United have contacted Borussia Dortmund ace Dan-Axel Zagadou's agent.
That is according to Fussball Transfers, who claim that United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is a big admirer Zagadou, having tried to sign him back in 2017 for RB Leipzig.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs on the centre-back, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Rangnick wants to add reinforcement in defence following a string of injuries suffered by Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof
- Kostas Lianos
Dan the man
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a loan move for Borussia Dortmund ace Dan-Axel Zagadou.
Zagadou would be available for free in the summer when his contract with the Dortmund expires.
According to FootMercato, United are looking to bring the centre-back on a temporary basis this month ahead of a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick is assessing his options in defence after a string of injuries.
Red Devils captain Harry Maguire missed the 1-0 loss by Wolves after picking up a knock.
Eric Bailly tweaked his hamstring playing against Burnley last week and Victor Lindelof is trying to shake off the effects of Covid-19
GETTY IMAGES
- Kostas Lianos
Captain's orders
Manchester United should sell Cristiano Ronaldo next summer, according to Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider: ‘You’ve seen the difference in [Bruno] Fernandes since Ronaldo has come in.
“Before Ronaldo came in, Fernandes was the main man. Now Ronaldo’s the main man.
“Ronaldo was captain against Wolves. Before Ronaldo came it was Fernandes who was captain when Harry Maguire was out and now he’s on the bench.
“There’s going to be tension there. If you look at the whole situation, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will know he made a mistake by bringing Ronaldo in, simple as that.
“Yes, Ronaldo has scored but he’s scored goals that [Mason] Greenwood would have scored, [Marcus] Rashford would have scored in that position.
“For me, I would let Ronaldo go in the summer. Let Greenwood, [Jadon] Sancho and Rashford play together”
- Kostas Lianos
More from Shaw
Shaw added: "We're at home with our crowd behind us, we have to put more pressure on them, we have to bring the intensity.
"Us players, we have been here a long time, maybe tonight we struggled, I didn't think we were all there together.
"We felt like we were struggling, it was tough. We know we need to be better. You look our squad, at the players we have, we have unbelievable quality but sometimes quality isn't enough.
"We need to bring the intensity, be more aggressive, more motivation. Inside the dressing room, we know what we want but out on the pitch we need to give 100 per cent.
"To win these types of games we all need to be 100 per cent committed. It is tough and disappointing.
"We have time now to refocus back, we've got a long training week and maybe the manager can bring some more ideas to what he wants on the pitch"
- Kostas Lianos
'Disappointing'
Reports suggest Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is dealing with division in the dressing room.
This comes after Luke Shaw blasted his United team-mates' lack of commitment following their shock defeat at home to Wolves.
Shaw told Sky Sports: "Obviously not good enough. We really struggled, we couldn't get hold of the ball.
"When we didn't have the ball we weren't aggressive enough. We weren't on the front foot. We didn't put them under any pressure.
"It maybe looked like an easy game for them. A very disappointing performance and result.
"At times it was clear to see. We didn't have many options on the ball and we weren't on the front foot"
- Kostas Lianos
Rangnick reminder
As previously reported, SunSport understand Manchester United's caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick is battling a dressing-room rift which threatens to completely derail the season.
A number of stars feel certain senior team-mates have too much sway with Rangnick on big decisions.
One well-placed United source branded the club’s set-up a ‘shambles’.
A source claimed: “The players have their own cliques, one of which is making the others feel like they need to step up a level when it is the whole team that’s struggling.
“The players are demoralised. There is a belief within one section of the squad that some players get selected, regardless of their displays.
"So everything is a complete shambles”
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Mike drop
Sir Alex Ferguson's former No2 at Manchester United Mike Phelan has reportedly been asked to help unify the dressing room and avoid any further turmoil this season.
Phelan first returned to the club in 2019 under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and remains the assistant manager.
According to The Telegraph, he is seen as the ideal person to 'build bridges in a dressing room' which is said to be divided into cliques.
It is claimed Phelan recently held a two-hour chat with interim manager Ralf Rangnick and will now help him bring the squad together.
SunSport revealed Rangnick is battling a dressing-room rift which threatens to completely derail their season.
A number of stars feel certain senior team-mates have too much sway with the German head coach on big decisions.
One well-placed United source branded the club’s set-up a ‘shambles’
- Kostas Lianos
Rice touch
Manchester United have been urged to splash the cash for West Ham star midfielder Declan Rice this summer by former player Paul Parker.
Parker told bettors.ng: “If you wanted to spend a fortune on a midfield player, go and get Declan Rice.
“Declan is the best central midfielder in the country.
“If City wants to pay £100million for Jack Grealish, if someone wants you to pay £160million [for Rice] then you gotta pay it because Jack Grealish wasn’t worth £100million. They’ve set a mark now”
- Kostas Lianos
Neves land
Manchester United are determined to land Wolves star Ruben Neves this month, reports SunSport's Jordan Davies.
Neves has two years left on his current contract at Molineux but has previously spoken of his desire to play in the Champions League.
United have been mulling over a potential bid for the midfielder since the summer as they are looking to improve in the middle of the park.
SunSport understands the Red Devils could make an offer of around £35million to lure the Portugal international to Old Trafford.
Wolves, however, are believed to only be listening to offers upwards of £40m for their star man – who has also previously drawn interest from Arsena.
The 24-year-old is happy at Wolves, but is unlikely to sign an extension on his deal
- Kostas Lianos
Erl's court
Borussia Dortmund will make one last-ditch effort to persuade Erling Haaland to extend his stay with them beyond the summer.
Dortmund say they want D-day over Haaland's future to come in the next few weeks rather than dragging on indefinitely.
Director Sebastian Kehl said: “We will sit down with Erling and his team over the next few weeks and discuss the situation.
“It would be good if the situation does not drag on forever
“He is in very good hands at Dortmund and we as a club can continue to be a good option for him.”
Haaland has been linked with Manchester United ever since 2019 when he played for Red Bull Salzburg
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
On the Lewk out
Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski has his heart set on a summer transfer to England or Spain and has put Premier League clubs on alert.
That is according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Marc Behrenbeck, who claims that Lewandowski, who was previously linked with Manchester United, and his agent Pini Zahavi will push for a move in the summer.
Behrenbeck said: “What we know about Lewandowski and his agent Pini Zahavi…
“Lewandowski really wants to have this one big move, to Spain or the Premier League. Really great markets for players.
“So Lewandowski and his agent will try to get this move in the summer.
“But until this time Bayern want to extend his contract. So what is happening at Bayern at the moment?
“The first point of contact is Lewandowski to extend his contract and if this doesn’t work they will be back in the game around Erling Haaland.
“But at the moment, they want to extend his contract. But Lewandowski is dreaming of Spain and the Premier League”
- Joshua Mbu
Good morning Man Utd fans
Borussia Dortmund will make one last bid to persuade Erling Haaland to extend his stay with them beyond the summer.
And the German club say they want D-day over Haaland's future to come in the next few weeks rather than dragging on indefinitely.
Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea are ready to pounce for the Norwegian hitman who has a £64 million release clause this summer.
There is also likely be interest from Real Madrid while Barcelona say they could move despite their recent cash woes.
But Dortmund say they will sit down for talks with Haaland his agent Mino Raiola to try to convince him to stick around.
Ralf Rangnick will lean heavily on club sports psychologist Sascha Lense when Manchester United return to training today to get some much-needed confidence back in the team.As soon as the new Red Devils boss was appointed he brought the highly rated Lense onto his staff to get into the players’ ‘hearts, brains and blood’.
Lense is the first person to have such a role at the club in 20 years.
Now Rangnick will be hoping his work can pay off in the days before United take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
- Dylan Terry
Sutton on Man Utd problems
Chris Sutton has given his take on Manchester United's issues following their 1-0 defeat to Wolves on Monday night.
He said: “There are big problems at Manchester United.
“We knew the problems under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] and they are trying to change the way they play but there are issues.
“Some players run, some don’t run and when you strip it all back that is a massive, massive problem for Manchester United.
“Watching the game tonight and looking at Chelsea-Liverpool it was night and day the difference in quality”
- Dylan Terry
Birmingham loan United defender Mengi
Birmingham have confirmed the capture of highly rated Manchester United defender Teden Mengi on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Red Devils academy product will link up with friend Tahith Chong, who has played 13 times for the Championship outfit.
Mengi – who has experience playing European football – can help shore up Birmingham's leaky defence.
The Blues are currently sat 18th in the second tier and lost their last outing 2-1 to QPR.
And they have conceded 11 goals in their last five games.
- Dylan Terry
Van de Beek considers leaving
Donny van de Beek is considering QUITTING Manchester United this month, according to reports.
That is despite assurances over playing time by new manager Ralf Rangnick.
According to ESPN, the midfielder is weighing up his options as he looks for a route out of Old Trafford.
Van de Beek, 24, has not started a single Premier League game this season – and only begun four last term following his £40million transfer from Ajax.
Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has made it clear he will only pick players regularly playing for their clubs for the World Cup.
And Van de Beek – already axed from the national team – knows he needs to be playing to earn a spot on the plane to Qatar.
- Dylan Terry
Tuanzebe set for Napoli loan
Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is set to sign for Napoli on loan until the end of the season.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has said: "Deal signed and sealed right now for Axel Tuanzebe.
"Paperworks signed between Manchester United and Napoli. Straight loan until June for €600k loan fee plus €600k bonuses.
"Medical expected to take place on Friday in Italy. Here we go confirmed."
- Dylan Terry
Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
Kai Havertz gave Chelsea the lead over Tottenham with a deflected effort off of Davinson Sanchez.
And now a defensive calamity has led to Ben Davies inadvertently turning home an own goal.
Nightmare for Spurs.
Remember, Liverpool or Arsenal will meet the winner of this two-legged tie in the final.
- Dylan Terry
Smalling agrees to be vaccinated
Chris Smalling finally agreed to get a Covid-19 jab after the Italian government clamped down on Serie A anti-vaxxers.
A new rule making it mandatory for all footballers in the top-flight to have at least one coronavirus vaccination comes into force on Thursday.
Around ten players across the league, including Roma defender Smalling, had previously refused any dose of the vaccine.
But the former Manchester United ace, 32, agreed to get jabbed before Jose Mourinho’s side travelled to AC Milan so he can continue to play.
According to Football Italia, Smalling was just one of around ten players in Serie A not to have had the jab.
- Dylan Terry
Bailly goes to AFCON
Manchester United have confirmed defender Eric Bailly is going to join up with Ivory Coast for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
A club statement read: "Manchester United's Eric Bailly is set to link up with the Ivory Coast squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off this weekend.
"We can confirm the defender is looking to be involved in the tournament, which is being held in Cameroon, despite missing Monday's Premier League game against Wolves due to injury.
"Eric was forced off during the second half of the 3-1 win over Burnley, his fourth outing in the league this term. Raphael Varane and Phil Jones formed the centre-half pairing last time out, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof also absentees.
"Bailly is a key figure for his country and scored when the Elephants reached the quarter-finals at the Olympics last year, losing to Spain at that stage.
"Fellow countryman Amad is not in the Africa Cup of Nations squad but Hannibal will represent Tunisia this month, following his fine recent showing in the Arab Cup."
- Dylan Terry
Next player to leave odds
Here are the odds for the next player to leave Manchester United:
- Anthony Martial – 1/1
- Jesse Lingard – 11/8
- Juan Mata – 6/4
- Phil Jones – 2/1
- Dean Henderson – 3/1
- Donny van de Beek – 4/1
- Dylan Terry
Rangnick turns to psychologist Lense
Ralf Rangnick will lean heavily on club sports psychologist Sascha Lense when Manchester United return to training today to get some much-needed confidence back in the team.
As soon as the new Red Devils boss was appointed he brought the highly rated Lense onto his staff to get into the players’ ‘hearts, brains and blood’.
Lense is the first person to have such a role at the club in 20 years.
Now Rangnick will be hoping his work can pay off in the days before United take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
- Dylan Terry
De Gea tops keeper charts
Manchester United star David De Gea is the best performing goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season – in one department at least.
De Gea, 31, has outperformed his Premier League rivals in terms of saving expected goals this season. Incredibly, he has saved 7.5 shots that were expected to hit the back of the net.
That has won United countless points – his five saves against Norwich a prime example of how crucial he is to the Red Devils.
Wolves keeper Jose Sa is next on the list with 6.6 expected goals saved, and Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris closes out the top three with 1.6.
By comparison, other top keepers in the Premier League fall some way short of De Gea.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has won several plaudits for his displays this season but he has stopped just 0.4 expected goals this term, which suggests he has not overperformed like De Gea.
- Dylan Terry
Dortmund give deadline to Haaland
Borussia Dortmund will make one last bid to persuade Erling Haaland to extend his stay with them beyond the summer.
And the German club say they want D-day over Haaland’s future to come in the next few weeks rather than dragging on indefinitely.
Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea are ready to pounce for the Norwegian hitman who has a £64 million release clause this summer. There is also likely be interest from Real Madrid while Barcelona say they could move despite their recent cash woes.
But Dortmund say they will sit down for talks with Haaland his agent Mino Raiola to try to convince him to stick around.
Director Sebastian Kehl said: “We will sit down with Erling and his team over the next few weeks and discuss the situation. It would be good if the situation does not drag on forever.
“He is in very good hands at Dortmund and we as a club can continue to be a good option for him.”
- Dylan Terry
More from Ince – talks Rangnick
Paul Ince has questioned Ralf Rangnick's preparations ahead of Manchester United's defeat to Wolves on Monday night.
The 54-year-old said: “I think he’s [Rangnick] had enough time [to prepare the team] – they’ve not played for three weeks.
“I know Carrington’s been shut for six days, but he’s had 12 days of training, he must know what personnel he’s gonna play, and how they’re gonna play – he must do.
“As Jamie [Redknapp] says, Pep [Guardiola] does, [Jurgen] Klopp does – we just look like we’re at sixes and sevens at Man Utd.
“Everybody looks lost! Everyone’s turning round to say ‘what’re we doing? we’re unsure about this. Is this the right way to go?’"
Source: Read Full Article
