With just over a week to go until the summer transfer window officially opens, Manchester United are still yet to announce a decision on Erik ten Hag's future.
Following the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 25, Ineos opened their end-of-season review, with the outcome of that poised to decide Ten Hag's fate. However, it is believed that review is still ongoing.
Ten Hag, despite leading United to a second trophy in as many seasons at Old Trafford, is under pressure as a result of the club finishing eighth in the Premier League table. It marked their lowest finish in the Premier League era.
Ongoing uncertainty about the Dutchman's future risks impacting United's transfer plans. The summer transfer window will open on June 14 and big changes are expected to take place ahead of next season.
United have drawn up a plan of action and want to sign a centre-back, a midfielder and a forward as their three leading priorities. They are being linked with a plethora of names to fill those respective roles.
Look back on Tuesday's very latest United news and views below:
Key Events
Today's main Man United stories
- Bruno Fernandes 'seek clarity' over club plans amid contract rumour
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes new boardroom addition
- Man City launch legal action against the Premier League
- Dan Ashworth compensation deal 'could be delayed'
- Omari Forson set to leave for free
Read all about these updates by scrolling down.
United 'hit hurdle' in Neves chase
A report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo says that United have hit a snag in their chase of Benfica ace Joao Neves.
The publicaiton says the Premier Legaue club actually lead the race for the 19-year-old but the player's £102m valuation is set to blow United out of the water. Arsenal, Liveprool and Bayern Munich have also been linked.
United, it says, see defensive midfielder Neves as a talent that can be part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's long-term project, although Benfica are playing hardball over his price tag.
Chelsea 'open talks' with two United-linked stars
Chelsea have contacted the representatives of Benjamin Sesko and Michael Olise - both of whom have been linked with United - so say FootMercato.
United are looking for two new centre-backs this summer as well as a midfielder and an attacker. Sesko had been linked with a switch to Old Trafford last year before his move to RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile, United face a challenge in landing £60m-rated Crystal Palace winger Olise with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to manage funds carefully in light of Premier League spending rules.
Ratcliffe makes new boardroom addition
United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are set to welcome in former Chelsea hierarchy member Toby Craig as the club's new chief communications officer.
Ellie Norman, currently in the position, is set to leave her role as a result. Craig officialy starts his employment tomorrow, having had previous experience at City Football Group as director of corporate affairs.
Craig will be tasked with focusing on the football side of the business. Norman will meanwhile take up a new external role, after spending 20 months as communications chief.
Ashworth resolution 'delayed'
United are still trying to prise Dan Ashworth out of his gardening leave from Newcastle United and could face a long wait to get their target.
The Magpies are demanding £20m in compensation for their sporting director, a figure Sir Ratcliffe is unwilling to pay. Ashworth does not see his contract at St James' Park expire until June 2026.
Ratcliffe has called the whole situaiton "a bit silly" but a report from Give Me Sport reckons the issue could drag on until after the summer transfer window.
More on Amrabat
A report from The National News says Sofyan Amrabat wishes to stay at Old Trafford with his loan spell from Fiorentina about to end.
Despite enjoying an uptick in form towards the end of the season, United are not expected to make his move permanent. The club paid an initial £8m for his loan and has a £21m option-to-buy clause.
Amrabat was brought in on deadline day after a long chase with United first equiring about him in January 2023. The 27-year-old played 30 games across all competitions this season.
Why Forson is set to leave United
Manchester United youngster Omari Forson is set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer after turning down new contract proposals.
Sources indicated in the winter that Forson was expected to sign a new deal, but talks hit a snag and proposals from United were rejected by the player's representatives.
The Manchester Evening News understands United will continue to offer Forson competitive contracts in the hope he will sign a new deal before his expiry but he's expected to leave.
Fernandes 'pushing' for new contract
Bruno Fernandes is reportedly pushing for a renewal and a lucrative wage increase at United that would see him become one of the highest-paid players at the club.
That's according to the Guardian, which says the captain wishes to clarify his role in United's long-term future to determine whether to consider an exit.
United are not looking to sell Fernandes, who arrived in January 2020, despite attention from Bayern Munich, with Barcelona thought to be too cash-tight to sustain a deal.
However, there is a need to reduce the wage bill, the report says. The 29-year-old penned a new deal in April 2022 that runs out in 2026. MEN Sport has revealed Fernandes does not feature on the sale exemption list this summer.
Cunha addresses United transfer rumours
Wolves star Matheus Cunha has played down suggestions that a move to United could be in the offing in this summer's transfer window.
The Brazilian was linked with a move to M16 over the weekend in a report by the Mirror. United have plans to beef up their attacking options this summer.
Cunha told Globo Esporte:
Then we see that talk (United). But I'm very happy at Wolves. My focus is on resting and making the most of my time with my family. I’m very happy at Wolves. The focus now is on having better seasons and helping the club."
Chelsea 'preparing massive offer' for Olise amid United links
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Chelsea are going to make a 'push' to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.
The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to United in recent months, but it is Chelsea who are now reportedly stepping up their pursuit.
It is claimed they are preparing a 'massive offer' to fend off interest from elsewhere. It is reported that they also believe he would prefer a move to Chelsea for geopgraphical reasons.
Dortmund 'can't fund' permanent Sancho deal
According to a report by talkSPORT, Jadon Sancho is likely to only return to Borussia Dortmund if United are 'prepared' to sanction another loan deal.
Sancho returned to the German club for a second spell in January, signing on loan for the remainder of the season.
Dortmund want to keep Sancho but reportedly do not have the funds available to them to sign him on a permanent deal.
Neves has told United what they want to hear amid transfer links
Benfica ace Joao Neves has already refused to close the door on a potential move to United amid ongoing speculation.
Reports coming out of Portugal have claimed that United have tabled an offer for the highly-rated 19-year-old. United want to strengthen their midfield options this summer and he has been regularly linked with a move to M16.
Earlier this year, the youngster addressed his future, refusing to rule out the prospect of leaving the Portuguese club.
City 'launch legal action against the Premier League'
According to a report by The Times, United's cross-city rivals, Manchester City, have 'launched an unprecedented legal action against the Premier League'.
It is reported that it has 'sparked a civil war in English football's top flight'.
It adds 'the outcome could dramatically alter the landscape of the professional game and have a significant impact on a separate hearing set for November into City’s 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s regulations and financial rules'.
The dispute 'will be settled after a two-week private arbitration hearing starting on Monday'.
Fiorentina share Amrabat update
Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade has confirmed that Sofyan Amrabat wants to stay in the Premier League amid ongoing uncertainty about his future.
Amrabat joined United on a season-long loan deal last September and the Reds have the option to land him on a permanent basis. Amrabat recently admitted that staying at Old Trafford is an "option".
Prade said:
"I would keep him in Florence but it doesn't seem like what he has in mind. I think he wants to stay in the Premier League but we haven't heard from anyone yet since."
Mainoo reports for England duty
United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has linked up with the England squad ahead of Friday's friendly against Iceland at Wembley.
Mainoo was given a small break before teaming up with the squad after featuring in the FA Cup final for United just over a week ago. He will be hoping to feature against Iceland in what will be England's final warm-up match ahead of Euro 2024.
Mainoo has two caps for England thus far.
Welcome back, Kobbie! pic.twitter.com/xQIdpvQJZB
— England (@England) June 4, 2024
Fernandes 'pushing' for new United contract
Accoridng to a report by The Guardian, United captain Bruno Fernandes is 'pushing' for a new contract at United.
It is rpeorted that he wants a new deal that would take him into the 'top pay bracket with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro'.
The Portuguese international is currently being heavily linked with an exit from M16, being linked with the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr.
Casemiro becomes Marbella shareholder
Marbella FC have announced that United midfielder Casemiro has become a new shareholder at the club.
The Brazilian, who could leave Old Trafford this summer, has ties to Spanish football after spending several years at Real Madrid.
A statement issued by Marbella FC said:
"Marbella Football Club is pleased to announce that Carlos Henrique Casemiro, star of Manchester United, of the Brazilian national team and five-time winner of the Champions League, becomes a new shareholder of our entity from today. The enthusiasm and commitment that Casemiro shows with the Marbella FC project is evident with his incorporation into the club's shareholding structure. Not only Marbella, but also the whole city, are proud that an athlete of his global dimension wants to belong to our family. The confirmation of Casemiro as a new member of the board of directors is a historic opportunity for the club to continue projecting its institutional and sporting strategy in elite football."
— Marbella FC (@marbella_fc) June 4, 2024
https://t.co/R2wcq89k31 pic.twitter.com/zseedZH81R
OPINION: Dithering Ineos need to take United action before it's too late
"Clarity really should be essential at this stage of the summer. The transfer window officially opens in 10 days but discussions over deals will already be in full flow and it's a big window at Old Trafford. The final act of the season was a vital one financially. Europa League qualification might not bring in the same revenues as the Champions League, but it will be a vital source of income at a time when United are battling with the Premier League's PSR regulations. The guaranteed extra four games at Old Trafford also boost the coffers. It remains the case that United must sell to buy, however. Almost everyone in the squad has a price on their head and there are some big decisions to be made. While some of them will be taken out of the manager's hands, the identity of that manager is a key factor in the decision-making of players."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.
United reveal £2bn Old Trafford decision timeline after stunning Neville comments
United have earmarked the end of 2024 for the Old Trafford task force to conclude their findings.
It was announced in March that a task force to regenerate Old Trafford and the land around it had been created, and that it would be chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe. Gary Neville was also included within the group.
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Fernandes 'not a hot topic' for Bayern
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Bruno Fernandes is 'not a hot topic of interest' for Bayern Munich at this moment in time amid ongoing links.
Fernandes is being heavily linked with the prospect of an exit from Old Trafford this summer despite confirming he wants to stay.
However, reports linking him with Bayern have been played down. Barcelona and Al Nassr have also been credited with interest in his signature.
#Fernandes and FC Bayern:
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 4, 2024
Currently, the 29 y/o from ManUtd is not a hot topic of interest at Bayern, and there's no need for a player in that position right now as Jamal Musiala and Thomas Müller are under contract …
… and Xavi Simons is on the list… pic.twitter.com/ctwBG99gJq
United to make Inacio bid in the 'coming days'
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, United could submit a bid for Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio 'in the coming days'.
United have been linked with Inacio at various stages in recent months, but speculation is now increasing ahead of the transfer window opening next week. United want to strengthen their centre-back options this summer and could sign two players to bolster that area of the team.
Inacio, 22, is a graduate of Sporting's academy and is not light on interest from elsewhere. Liverpool have often been linked with him and continuing to be.
Chelsea 'enter' Sesko race amid United links
According to The Standard, Chelsea have 'joined the hunt' to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko, who is poised to feature for Slovenia at Euro 2024, has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and United in recent weeks. His agent attended last month's Premier League meeting between the two clubs and held talks with the Reds in 2022.
However, it is now reported that Chelsea have entered the running and are 'confident' they can rival Arsenal for his signature. It is widely reported that he has a releasen clause within his contract that is worth £56million.
OPINION: The eight United wonderkids who could save the club millions in the next few seasons
"United have an unrivalled track record of nurturing talent from the academy and Erik ten Hag deserves praise for giving opportunities to young players who have potential. Since the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo has been the most recent academy success story and Willy Kambwala has also contributed to the senior squad. Ethan Wheatley was the latest academy talent to be given his senior debut and became the 250th player in the club's history to do so, which represented a significant milestone."
Click here to read more from United writer Steven Railston.
Neville drops hint about new stadium
Former United captain Gary Neville has hinted that he would favour the idea of United moving into a brand-new stadium.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made no secret of the fact he would prefer to build a new stadium, opposed to modernising Old Trafford. Neville is part of the Old Trafford task force that was founded earlier this year.
Neville told the United Podcast:
"You know, if you think of the development, that is not the stadium that's been there 110 years. You know, the Stretford End is not the Stretford End that I saw growing up. The stands all around the ground have been redeveloped in the last 30-40 years. I’m not one of those people who says we can't develop behind while we still play here and then move into a new stadium. On the other hand, if the best solution is to refurbish the current stadium and do what Real Madrid and Barcelona have done, which is essentially wrap their stadium and sort of if you like, fit it from the inside out, then if that is the best solution then I'm not against it."
Click here to read the full story.
What Neves has said about his future amid United links
Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has already admitted he cannot guarantee that he will stay at the Portuguese club beyond the end of this summer's transfer window.
United are being heavily linked with swooping for the 19-year-old midfielder and it is reported they have tabled a £51million offer.
Speaking in February, Neves, addressing his future, said:
"Staying at Benfica next year? I can't promise anything for next season. My wish at the moment is to stay at Benfica and then we will see, you never know."
Pochettino issues Chelsea statement amid United links
Former Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has issued a statement following his recent exit from Stamford Bridge.
The Argentine left the club last month and has since been replaced by Enzo Maresca. Pochettino, unsurprisingly, has since been linked with the prospect of replacing Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
For the first time since his exit, Pochettino has taken to social media to reflect on his time at Chelsea, but has provided no hints on his future.
He said on Instagram:
"To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club, Chelsea, and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans - thank you. We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of. I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards, they deserve great credit and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch. We know there have been ups and downs but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level. I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future. It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together. I want to wish all of you the best for next season and beyond. It is great that we have the chance to return to Stamford Bridge so soon with Soccer Aid this weekend and I hope that we get to see some of you there too. I hope you all get to have a great summer."
OPINION: United could make millions by copying City and Chelsea transfer trick this summer
"Last summer, the Saudi Pro League spent £784million on new arrivals, signing the likes of Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City, Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane from Bayern Munich. The only time they made contact with United, however, was when they paid £4m to sign Alex Telles. Ahead of this summer's transfer window, which opens next week, there has been an increase in the number of United players being linked with a Saudi switch. Reports on Monday linked midfield duo Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro with Al Nassr, while Raphael Varane has also been linked with a move to the Middle East for some time."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.
United 'planning talks' with Sancho
According to a report by ESPN, United are 'planning to hold talks' with Jadon Sancho before making a decision on his future.
Sancho played the final game of his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, starting their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
Sancho returned to Dortmund in January, signing on loan for the remainder of the season. It is now being reported that United want to 'speak to Sancho' before making a final call.
It is, however, understood that he is expected to be offloaded on a permanent basis.
United to 'appoint' new communications chief
According to a report by the Mail, Toby Craig is set to 'become' United's new chief communications officer.
Craig, formerly of Manchester City and Chelsea, is poised to replace Ellie Norman. Craig worked with new United chief executive Omar Berrada at City.
It is reported that Craig's role is 'likely to surround communications and public affairs'.
