Manchester United are now just one day away from the start of their 2023/2024 Premier League campaign.
Erik ten Hag's side host Wolves at Old Trafford tomorrow evening and the Dutchman will hope for a far better start than last season when the Reds were bottom of the table after two matches. The Reds have added Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund during the summer and the former two are hoped to make their competitive debuts for the Reds.
With all three major gaps in the squad filled, United are focusing their efforts on departures and Fred's €15m move to Fenerbahce was confirmed earlier today. Harry Maguire could also be on the way out after a £30m bid from West Ham was accepted.
Maguire's exit would open up a gap in the defence, and United have reportedly made contact with Bayern Munich for Benjamin Pavard. The French international is said to be 'fighting' for the move but there remains a gap in valuations.
Elsewhere, Anthony Martial is set for talks over his future and is reportedly likely to leave, with Inter Milan and Fenerbahce interested.
Stay up to date with all the day's United news in our LIVE blog.
One of the stand-out kits of the new season, the base colour of the adidas shirt is green with white stripes and maroon lines ensuring United will boast one of the most eye-catching shirts in the game for the 2023/2024 campaign.
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Manchester UnitedKey Events
Ten Hag drops hint on Henderson's future
Erik ten Hag has indicated Dean Henderson will now stay at the club after Tom Heaton sustained a calf injury.
Heaton, 37, is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the month and Henderson is United's only other senior goalkeeper after new signing Andre Onana.
United have held discussions about selling Henderson to Nottingham Forest, who have been tentative about an immediate permanent move as the 'keeper is recovering from thigh surgery.
"He [Henderson] was always in my mind. So I think we have a strong keeper group with Onana, Henderson, Heaton."
Ten Hag's blunt message for Maguire
Erik ten Hag has bluntly told Harry Maguire if he lacks the confidence to regain his place then he should leave.
Unitedaccepted a £30m offer for Maguire from West Ham last week but the England international is set to be available for selection in their opening Premier League fixture against Wolves on Monday night.
Maguire was stripped of the captaincy last month, having been dropped from the first XI last August, and the 30-year-old was loudly booed by fans after his error led to Athletic Bilbao's goal in United's final pre-season friendly in Dublin a week ago.
"For Harry, he has to fight for his place. He has the ability to be a top-class centre-back, he is the best for England so why shouldn't he be the best for us?
"But he has to prove it. When he is not confident enough to go with that fight then he has to go, he has to make the decision. But I am happy with him. "
Reds eyeing England duo
United have England duo Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi on their shortlist of potential replacements for Harry Maguire, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti (viaCaughtOffside).
West Ham have had a £30m bid accepted for Maguire and Erik ten Hag is identifying replacements, should the former Reds captain decide to leave.
Guehi has consistently impressed at Crystal Palace since joining them in 2021, while fellowChelsea academy graduate Tomori has been in Italy with AC Milan for the same amount of time.
Keane predicts United top-four finish
Roy Keane believes United can retain their top-four finish this season but warned against hope of a Premier League title challenge.
Asked if his former side could be the ones to challenge City for top spot, Keane told Sky Sports:
“No, I don’t think so. I just think it’s so hard to see beyond Man City. Again, I’ve said before, unless they really drop off and get really bad injuries and lose that hunger, then I think the other teams have a chance.
“United will be top four, Arsenal have improved, look at Newcastle. Aston Villa will respond well to it (losing to Newcastle), obviously Liverpool and Chelsea, for a lot of them team it’s about being top four and that’s the same for United.”
Fenerbahce move unlikely for Martial
Anthony Martial now seems unlikely to join Fenerbahce this summer after the Turkish side signed Cengiz Under.
Reports of the Turkish side's interest over the weekend suggested they were prioritising the former Leicester striker, eyeing Martial as an alternative option.
However a €15m deal has been secured to bring Under across from Marseille, meaning they will likely avoid Martial.
Official, confirmed. Cengiz Ünder joins Fenerbahçe on €15m package deal from Olympique Marseille. pic.twitter.com/YHFp2U0EPw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2023
Fiorentina eyeing Amrabat replacements
Fiorentina are exploring several avenues as they work towards replacing Sofyan Amrabat, whose exit seems almost inevitable according to Italian outlet La Nazione.
Two options have surfaced for the Serie A side, who look set to lose their defensive midfielder at some point in the next fortnight.
United have been heavily linked with a move for the Moroccan all summer, with Erik ten Hag open to a second arrival in that area - although that is dependent on player sales.
Mark Lawrenson backs a home win and clean sheet vs Wolves
Here's what he told Paddy Power:
"Manchester United to win. We know that Wolves have lost lots of good players but I still think they’ll be competitive and Gary O’Neil, the new manager, knows the league. I thought he was as little bit unfortunate to lose his job at Bournemouth but it will be a question with Wolves as to where the goals are going to come from."
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves
Let us know YOUR team vs Wolves
United kick off their 23/24 Premier League campaign at home to Wolves tomorrow evening.
Erik ten Hag will welcome Gary O'Neil to Old Trafford for his first game in charge of the midlands club, following the departure of Julen Lopetegui.
The Dutchman has close to a full strength squad to pick from, with only Rasmus Hojlund unavailable after a back issue was detected during his medical.
Let us know how you would line up below!
Reds urged to keep Maguire
Former United player Alan Smith believes selling Harry Maguire would be a mistake.
United have accepted a £30m offer from West Ham United for the defender, with Erik ten Hag already reportedly eyeing replacements.
However Smith believes Maguire still has an important role to play in the squad, as he told Gambling Zone:
"I suspect Ten Hag doesn’t want him to go because to go close you want those types of people at your club. He could play 20 games and be really consistent.
"When he first came there was a lot of pressure after that price tag to give him the armband anyway, and both pressures must have been difficult for him. It might help him to release some pressure if he stays.
"You look at other clubs, and to compete you need four class centre-backs to compete or at least three. He’s probably got a bigger part to play than people think.
"If they want to win the league and be successful in Europe they will need strength in depth. It will be up to Maguire if he needs first-team football every week."
Reds 'scouting' Khéphren Thuram
United scouts were at Nice's Friday night draw against Lille to watch Khéphren Thuram, according to Get French Football News.
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this weekend that scouts were in attendance to watch Jean-Clair Todibo, with a new centre-back potentially coming in.
However, midfield is another point of interest and Thuram is now on the club's radar.
Sociedad's Van de Beek talks stall
Real Sociedad are threatening to walk away from a deal for Donny van de Beek after talks stalled, according to 90min.
The Spanish side have been in discussions with United over a move for a few weeks, with Van De Beek almost certain to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Sociedad had originally proposed a loan with an option to buy, although there is yet to be an agreement over the exact terms, with talks now stalling.
Other teams are still interested in the Dutchman, namely Ajax, AC Milan and Roma.
Paul Merson predicts goals tomorrow
Here's what the former midfielder told Sportskeeda:
"Manchester United have an impressive midfield, but I am slightly worried about their defence. Lisandro Martinez is their rock, and they will have problems if picks up an injury.
"They might have problems with scoring goals, and they've paid a lot of money for Rasmus Hojlund, who didn't score too many goals at Atalanta. He'll have to settle in quickly because the Premier League is very different from the Serie A. Lukaku scored bundles of goals in Italy and no one wants him now.
"Jadon Sancho has looked sharp in pre-season, and Rashford and Garnacho have been impressive as well. Antony is getting better with every passing week. If Hojlund is as good as his price tag suggests, Man United will have a great season.
"If I was a Manchester United fan, however, I'd be much happier if they'd brought in Harry Kane. Why they haven't gone the full distance to sign Harry Kane is beyond me. He could play till he's 36, and with Eriksen, Fernandes, and Mount behind him, he'd be excellent. I hope Manchester United's decision doesn't come back to bite them.
"Wolves are in disarray at the moment - they've sacked their manager three days before a trip to Old Trafford. Manchester United won't believe their luck, and I'm backing them to win this game."
Prediction: Manchester United 4-0 Wolves
Nearly there Reds!
There's only one more sleet to go until United's 2023/2024 campaign gets underway!
Erik ten Hag's side kick things off against a Wolves outfit who are seemingly in crisis already.
He will be hoping for a far better start than this time last year, however. What's your score prediction for tomorrow?
One. More. Sleep.#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/6gWJV9D6Dq
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2023
Chris Sutton backing a comfortable home win tomorrow
Here's what he told BBC Sport:
"What has happened at Wolves for Julen Lopetegui to leave when he did? I don't get it.
"He was unhappy - I understand that - but it was rumbling on for weeks so how did we get to this point, with him going only three days before the Premier League season begins?
"If club and manager are not on the same page, why can't they come to an agreement earlier to part ways, and give his replacement a chance? What a mess, basically.
"Gary O'Neil did an unbelievable salvage job at Bournemouth last season, and they played some good football at the end of the campaign , but this is another tough task for him.
"Wolves still have some good players, but they won't be good enough to get anything at Old Trafford, and their issue is still going to be scoring goals.
"I'm really interested to see what Manchester United do this season, after what they've done in the transfer market over the summer.
"I asked ex-United keeper Peter Schmeichel what counts as a successful campaign when I was on BBC 5 Live with him this week, because I don't think they can catch City and challenge for the title.
"Schmeichel is impressed with their new striker, Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund. He's had an astonishing rise so it is a shame that he will miss the start of the season through injury and not get the chance to hit the ground running."
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Wolves
'Improved' Amrabat bid next week
Fiorentina are expecting an 'improved' offer for Sofyan Amrabat at some point after Tuesday August 14, according to TuttoMercato - although it does not suggest who from.
The report does go on to say the midfielder has been 'courted' by United but as yet, there have been no strong efforts to push the signing forward.
Reds send messages to Fred
A number of United players have sent their best wishes to Fred, following his €15m move to Fenerbahce.
The Brazilian midfielder called time on a five-year spell at Old Trafford, posting an emotional statement on his social media over the weekend.
And the much-loved figure has received plenty of messages.
One of the nicest guys in football
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2023
Take good care, @Fred08Oficial #MUFC pic.twitter.com/9a2yZZiW79
Hammers to 'push' for McTominay
West Ham will 'push' for Scott McTominay if they lose Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City, according to Football Insider.
City have tabled an initial offer for Paqueta and look to have set their sights on him, with the Brazilian keen on a move.
Funds from a potential sale will be reinvested, with the report suggesting a large chunk will be offered to United for McTominay.
United have already rejected a £30m bid for their Scotland international.
Keano clowning around
Roy Keane already looks to be regretting his latest role in the Sky Sport's promotional 'Greatest Show' advert.
The no-nonsense former midfielder's cameo comes towards the end of the circus-themed ad as he turns around donning clown make-up.
Fellow Super Sunday pundits Daniel Sturridge and Micah Richards clearly enjoyed it!
Those reaction from Micah and Daniel on Roy's cameo pic.twitter.com/ykkjDUqf2m
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 13, 2023
Villa make Maguire enquiry
Aston Villa have made initial enquiries regarding a deal for Harry Maguire amid fears that Tyrone Mings could be out for the long-term, according to Football Transfers.
Mings was stretchered off during Villa's 5-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday and looks to have suffered a serious knee injury, with Unai Emery admitting it 'doesn't look good'.
As such, the Midlands side have opened talks regarding a potential move for Maguire, with a bid not expected to come until they learn of Mings' prognosis.
Postecoglou on Romero
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has appeared to confirm Cristian Romero suffered a concussion against Brentford.
The Argentinian came off after scoring the opening goal of the game with his head, and Postecoglou admitted they filed the wrong form by accident so couldn't make a concussion sub.
Should Romero have suffered a concussion, then protocol dictates he will be out for at least seven days, including Saturday's game against United:
"He got a head knock and it was pretty clear. The medical team were monitoring him as he progressed from there and then he scored with his head. They were pretty sure we needed for his own benefit to get him off and obviously what we know about head injuries, for me it is not even an issue.
"We will always err on the side of caution. Cristian, the player is not the one you listen to in those situation because he doesn't know what is going either, so I thought it was pretty clear what we had to do. Disappointed that we apparently filled out the wrong slip and it was not a concussion sub.
"In this day and age where what we know about head injuries, if we are going to worry about what form we fill out, I thought it was pretty clear what happened but hopefully he'll be okay. "
Pavard fighting for United move
Benjamin Pavard will 'fight as hard as possible' to join United this summer, according to Sky Sports.
Bayern are aware the French international wants to leave but will not sell for a cut-price, with the German side said to want between £30-35m.
United are in talks with the German side but remain short of that valuation. The report adds that a deal can only go ahead if Harry Maguire's £30m move to West Ham goes ahead.
Martial move 'likely'
Anthony Martial is set for talks over his future with a departure 'likely', according to The Sun.
Martial became second choice last weekend once Rasmus Hojlund's £72m arrival from Atalanta was confirmed.
The French striker has attracted interest from several clubs, with Inter Milan and Fenerbahce named in this report.
Ajax eyeing Van de Beek
Ajax are 'weighing up' a move for United midfielder Donny van de Beek, according to The Sun.
Van de Beek looks set to leave United after another season of injury woes. Erik ten Hag is keen to offload his compatriot and several other fringe players, having seen Fred leave for Fenerbahce this weekend.
The Dutch side are short on cash after missing out on Champions League qualification, however, with a loan offer their most likely avenue.
Romero a doubt for next weekend?
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero could miss next week's game against United after seeming to come off with a concussion against Brentford earlier today.
Romero headed home James Maddison's cross for the opening goal but suffered a blow as a result and was quickly brought off by manager Ange Postecoglou.
If the Argentinian has suffered concussion, he will not be able to play again for a minimum of seven days, which would rule him out for Saturday's game.
United foundation message for Fred
The Manchester United Foundation has wished Fred all the best after his €15m move to Fenerbahce was confirmed.
Fred all but confirmed his exit from Old Trafford via an emotional social media post yesterday afternoon, calling time on a five-year spell with the Reds.
And the club made it official earlier this afternoon.
We’ll always be grateful for the impact you had on our young people, @Fred08oficial
— Manchester United Foundation (@MU_Foundation) August 13, 2023
All the best in your next chapter pic.twitter.com/R4x5JdZ4f3
Fred deal confirmed
Fred has officially joined Fenerbahce, Manchester United have confirmed. The Brazilian midfielder has sealed a £13m move to the Turkish side.
The midfielder said goodbye to supports with an emotional post on Instagram on Saturday. United are interested in bringing in another midfielder but further exits are anticipated before they press ahead.
Fred exit
Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has sent a heartfelt message to Fred after he said goodbye to the club.
The Brazilian has agreed to join Turkish side Fenerbache after five years at Old Trafford. Únited have accepted an offer of €15million (£12.93m) from Fenerbahce, with an initial €10m fee agreed plus a further €5m in add-ons.
Fred posted a heartfelt message on Saturday where he thanked fans for helping him 'live the dream' by playing for United. Among those to respond to his comments was attacking coach McCarthy.
Onana alternative
Amadou Onana is a midfield alternative for Manchester United, according to The Mail. Fred is set to leave the club whilst Scott McTominay has also been linked with an exit.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player of interest but isn't likely to join United unless there are further outgoings. According to this latest report, Onana is another possible target on the United list.
New signings praised
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have praised Manchester United's summer arrivals and believe they will be great additions.
United get their new campaign underway with a home match against Wolves on Monday and there is a sense of optimism around Old Trafford, even if the ownership situation remains in flux. Erik ten Hag improved the side significantly last season and he has added to his squad with strong signings.
Mason Mount was the first new face through the door after United spent an initial £60million to steal him away from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The departure of David de Gea upon the expiration of his contract then called for the signing of a new goalkeeper and Ten Hag moved to sign his old Ajax colleague Andre Onana from Inter.
Dalot and Shaw want away improvements
Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot both believe Manchester United must improve their away form in the forthcoming season.
United will get their Premier League campaign underway on Monday as they take on Wolves. Despite the continued uncertainty surrounding the ownership situation, there is an air of optimism around Old Trafford after a promising first year under Erik ten Hag and a strong summer.
The Dutchman renewed confidence at the club last season as he brought an end to the six-year trophy drought and guided United back to the Champions League. But Ten Hag remains unsatisfied and wants his team to improve even further so they can compete with Manchester City for the title.
