Hello and welcome to the Manchester United transfer blog on Thursday morning ahead of what is an important night for Ruben Amorim and his players.
The Reds head to western France for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon. Preparation before this fixture has centred around a war of words between Nemanja Matic and current United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Matic was asked whether Onana's comments about the Reds being better than Lyon were a source of motivation, to which the ex-United midfielder replied by calling the Cameroonian one of the 'worst goalkeepers in the club's history'. United's current first-choice responded by stating that he didn't mean to be disrespectful but that at least he had won trophies with the Reds.
This verbal battle between the two players could spill over into tonight's fixture which could make for a fiesty occasion in the French city. Meanwhile, we will also be keeping on top of the latest news ahead of the summer transfer window.
United have a dilemma on their hands choosing which striker they want to sign in the summer. Ipswich Town's Liam Delap appears to be leading the way at the moment but Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli's Victor Osimhen are also considered to be options for the club.
Make sure you stay tuned throughout the day for all the latest news, views and United rumours below...
Thank you
Thank you for joining us tonight.
Tomorrow, we'll keep you updated with all the latest transfer news on Friday as well as the reaction to Thursday night's draw with Lyon!
Matheus Cunha competition
Earlier today, there were reports that United had held talks with Cunha's agaent over a potential move.
The Daily Mail now report that Newcastle are making the Brazilian their top target in the upcoming transfer window. The forward has a release clause of £62.5 million, with several clubs linked with an interest.
Newcastle are said to need to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season to make a deal realistic.
Rasmus Hojlund talks
Amid the claim that Italian clubs are showing an interest in Rasmus Hojlund ahead of the summer transfer window, it now seems that Juventus may be one of the sides.
Speaking on Fabrizio Romano's YouTube channel, Via Goal, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Juve have held preliminary talks over a possible move for Hojlund.
The Old Lady are said to be looking to sign a new striker in the summer with Dusan Vlahovic struggling for form.
Cristiano Ronaldo announces shock career move
Cristiano Ronaldo has dived into an exciting new venture by partnering with British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn to produce a trilogy of action films.
Vaughn, the acclaimed director, has praised the the former Manchester United superstar as "a real life superhero", while Ronaldo calls this move an "exciting new chapter".
A post from Ronaldo's social media outlined the collaboration: "Cristiano Ronaldo loves movies; Matthew Vaughn loves sport - and they both love a good story. Both have been disruptive champions at their game and will now combine the world of sport and storytelling through the launch of UR MARV, an independent joint venture film studio embracing innovative technology, with a nod to tradition.
Christian Eriksen door open
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has left the door open for Christian Eriksen to return to the club at the end of his Manchester United contract.
The 33-year-old spent six months at Brentford between January and July 2022, before signing for United on a free transfer.
He is now expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of his deal in the summer, and Frank has said that he'd be open to welcoming the player back at Brentford.
Speaking on Thursday, he said:
"A lot can get lost in translation. Of course the question came up about Christian Eriksen because he is a very important player for Denmark, and they know the connection between Christian and I.
"Christian is a very good player, and we are always open to very good players to join us.
"What he will do in the future, I don't know. What we will do in the future, I don't know. Let's see.
"I think it's fair to say he has had his years in the Premier League so maybe he would want to try another league. Or go back to where it started, in Ajax. Let's see."
Jadon Sancho update
Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho is looking 'likely' to return to the club in the summer, despite Chelsea having an obligation to buy the winger.
The England man is currently on loan at Stamford Bridge, and it is reported that Chelsea could pay a penalty fee to chelsea if they decide not to make the move permanent in the summer.
The Daily Mail are now reporting that Sancho 'looks likely' to return to United initially in the summer, with Chelsea on the lookout for other options.
Ipswich eye Liam Delap replacement
Ipswich have already been linked with a potential replacement for United-linked Liam Delap.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the Tractor Boys have been monitoring Sheffield United's Ryan One, with the striker on a shortlist of replacements for Delap.
The fact that they are preparing for the striker to leave is a good sign for United and the other clubs showing an interest.
Ruud van Nistelrooy opens up on sack pressure
There has been a lot of talk about the future of former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy over the last few days.
The Leicester City manager threw his future into doubt with his post-match comments following the 3-0 loss against Newcastle United.
He has however ramained in post and has today undertook his press conference ahead of the Premier League game against Brighton.
There's no surprise that he was asked about his future.
"I've learned so much in this four months," he said, Via BBC Radio Leicester. "I'm committed to the now, to breaking the cycle, I don't walk away from anything, and that's happening now.
"I do my job, I'm committed to working with the players, the club, to fight through this. To show what we want to and that we can break this cycle. I'm doing my job as long as I'm needed."
When he was asked what it's like to read speculation over his future, he said:
"I'm not new to this game, it's part of it. Even if you;re a player and you're the striker, then there's rumours about the new kid on the block. And now as a manager I just want to stay constant, stay stable and do my job."
Matheus Cunha 'talks'
Manchester United have reportedly held talks with the representative of Wolves' star Matheus Cunha, according to GIVEMESPORT.
United are one of the clubs to be linked with an interest in the Brazilian. GMS report that United have held a meeting with his agent, and the player's preference is to join one of the traditional 'big six' sides.
He is said to be open to a move to United, even if they are not playing European football next season.
Afternoon catch up
I think it's time we had a quick catch up on some of the things you may have missed from so far today.
Time to grab a beverage of your choice, an take some time to catch up:
Man United get dream Victor Osimhen transfer update as Liam Delap advice emerges
I've watched every Liam Delap game this season - here is what Manchester United would be getting
Manchester United set for £25m summer boost as post-season tour decision explained
Marcus Rashford handed brutal L'Equipe rating as Man United star sees team-mate slated
Liam Delap stumbling block
Liam Delap is a name who continues to be linked with a move to United in the summer transfer window.
BBC Sport have looked into the interest, but have said that the uncertainty over their transfer budget for the summer could be a 'problem' for the club.
The competition could also drive up both the price and the wages needed to sign the forward in the summer.
Hojlund agrees with Keane
Speaking to ESPN, Rasmus Hojlund agreed with Keane on Wednesday that winning the Europa League would not be considered as saving the club's season.
Yeah, I guess so in some ways, but then again, I don't like the, the word 'rescue'. It's more of a learning curve and trying to have a good fundamental to build on for next season. I guess we're still quite early in the phase, aren't we?
Merson responds to Matic and Onana war of words
Sky Sports' pundit Pau Merson has given his reponse to the war of words between Andre Onana anf Nemaja Matic ahead of tonight's Europa League clash.
The pundit has said that Matic's claim that Onana is one of the worst goalkeepers in United's history is harsh.
"I thought it was harsh, Onana has just given an opinion about that, then it gets personal," he told Sky Sports.
"He's definitely not the worst goalkeeper 100% not."
"It's one of them with Matic, when he cam out of there, he's probably sitting in bed that night and thought 'I shouldn't have said that'. I've had that on Sky.
"I've said something and I don't feel right with it and I've had to ring a player up and say 'I apologise, I shouldn't have said that.'
"Sometimes you say something you shouldn't have really said or didn't mean and I think Matic was a bit over the top there."
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite stance
Everton are reportedly expecting to lose Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, with the Toffees facing a huge overhaul under new manager David Moyes.
United failed with bids for the defender last summer, but the Sun reports that Everton have already accepted that Brnathwaite will leave before the start of next season.
He is valued at over £50 million, with United expected to have competition from the likes of Tottenham.
Full squad for Lyon clash
Manchester United have revealed their full squad for tonight's Europa League clash with Lyon.
A 23-man squad has been named with youngsters Jack Moorhouse, Jaden Kamason and Godwill Kukonki included.
The full squad is right here:
Clubs 'monitoring' Rasmus Hojlund
Manchester United have interest in striker Rasmus Hojlund in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
It is reported that clubs in Serie A are monitoring the situation and could make their moves if United decide to cash in and bring in a new striker.
United have been linked with Ipswich's Liam Delap, which could then free up Hojlund to make a move.
Winning the Europa League is not a success for United
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Roy Keane admitted that winning the Europa League should not be seen as a success for the Reds.
[Whether Manchester United winning the Europa League would result in a successful season] Not that trophy, no. Not for Manchester United, maybe for other teams winning that trophy. There is a plus to it because it’ll get them into the Champions League, but the trophy and that competition shouldn’t be enough for United, absolutely not.
Alejandro Garnacho decision
Reports in Italy claim that United have now lowered their asking price for Garnacho with Napoli retaining their interest in the player.
Calciomercato claim that United may now be willing to accept an offer of €50 million (£42.8m). It's a figure that is said to be 'in Napoli's reach'.
I've watched ever Delap game this season - this is what United will be getting
Speaking to MEN Sport this week, Ipswich Town reporter Alex Jones from the East Anglian Daily Times gave United the lowdown on Delap.
In somebody who's just turned 22, he ticks a lot of boxes. There are good finishers or players that are really fast and powerful who might not have all of those things combined, whereas Delap at 22 has all of those, which is a bit of a surprise considering his background and his previous loans, which haven't been amazing.
United 'make contact' for goalkeeper
Manchester United have 'made contact' with Brighton and Hove Albion regarding a potential move for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via SportWitness).
AC Milan are also said to be interested in the player as a potential replacement for Mike Maignan, whose contract expires in 2026.
It is reported that Brighton will be looking for a fee of around €40 million (£34.3m) if they are to sell.
Why United are focusing on Delap?
According to ESPN, Delap is at the top of United's list for striker recruitment.
This is believed to be down to three factors.
1) Due to the cost - he is only £40m compared to £60m+ for other targets. 2) His age - he is four years younger than Gyokeres and Osimhen. 3) His proven Premier League experience - he has 12 goals in the Premier League with a struggling side this season.
United hit new striker dilemma
According to talkSPORT, United's bid to sign Liam Delap in the summer has hit a stumbling block.
It is understood that Chelsea also hold an interest in the former Manchester City centre-forward after his impressive season at relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.
While £40m will be enough to seal the 22-year-old's services, it is understood that Delap has an objective to play in Europe next season.
With United unlikely to qualify for Europe through the Premier League, their hopes of signing Delap could rest solely on winning the Europa League considering Chelsea look certain to qualify for at least the Europa League.
Amorim's response to the war of words
In his pre-match press conference, United head coach Ruben Amorim tried to play down the severity of Matic and Onana's war of words ahead of the Europa League clash.
Tomorrow [Thursday] it will not matter. If you see the full quote of Andre Onana, it's quite different. The first sentence is Lyon is a very, very good team, so I think sometimes the players or coaches don't listen to the full quotes. Sometimes it's just a misunderstanding and I know Matic also. He's a great guy. It is going to be a normal game.
How did Onana respond to Matic's comments?
After a jaw-dropping response from Matic in his press conference, Onana was quick to social media on Wednesday and didn't look to defuse the situation.
He wrote on X:
I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.
What did Onana originally say and how did Matic respond?
This feud began with Onana's comments following the draw with Manchester City at the weekend.
He told reporters:
I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are.
Not taking those comments lying down, Matic replied in his pre-match press conference when it was brought up by a journalist:
I don't know, to say that, you need to have cover for something like that. Onana? Pfttt. You know, I respect everyone, but to say that, then you need to give an answer. If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care of what you're talking about. If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar say that, I would question myself, but if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United modern history, then he needs to show that before he says, so we will see.
Good morning
Hello and welcome back to the United transfer blog.
My name is Jack Flintham and I shall be keeping you posted on all the latest United news this morning ahead of the Europa League clash with Lyon this evening.
This game has extra spice considering the war of words between Matic and Onana. We will bring you up to speed on what has happened shortly.
Amorim's Mainoo promise
Ruben Amorim has promised he will help Kobbie Mainoo find a settled position in theManchester United team.
Mainoo is fit again following a two-month absence with a muscular injury and has travelled with the United squad to Lyon for their Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.
The 19-year-old was arguably United's biggest success story of last season, recovering from a four-month lay-off with an ankle injury to make his fullPremier League debut in November before scoring the winner in theFA Cup final againstManchester City.
Opinion: United transfer boost
Manchester United have been linked with a summer transfer window move for Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling.
The Saints have gone down with a whimper and most of their star players are expected to leave following Premier League relegation. A fire sale at St Mary's this summer is likely to play into the hands of any buying club and that should pique United's interest as they seek affordable options.
Recent reports from CaughtOffside have claimed that Dibling should be available for a fee in the region of €40million (£34m), even if Southampton would ideally like to keep the player. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are also said to be interested which could pose a problem to United if any of those clubs qualify for the Champions League and the Reds don't.
Stam on United
The Reds currently sit 13th in the Premier League table after 31 matches and are on course for their lowest finish in the top flight for more than three decades. United never recovered from a shaky start under Erik ten Hag and have shown little improvement since the former Ajax boss was sacked and replaced by ex-Sporting Lisbon head coach Amorim.
United's disappointing campaign can be somewhat rescued by winning the Europa League - a victory which will guarantee an unlikely place in next season's Champions League.
And Stam, who made 127 appearances for the Reds has offered his take on United's season in an exclusive interview with The Manchester Evening News.
Read what Stam had to say here
