MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a huge blow in their Antonio Rudiger transfer quest.
The Blues defender is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, but has reached a 'verbal agreement' with Real Madrid according to reports.
Meanwhile, it has been speculated that the Red Devils are prepared to include out-of-form Marcus Rashford in a swap deal for Barcelona's Frankie De Jong.
And Bayern Munich have insisted that legendary goal-machine, Robert Lewandowski will remain at the club until his contract expires in 2023.
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford in our live blog…
- Sam Dymond
Rangnick reports five under fire
Ralf Rangnick will hand incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag a dossier in which he labels five players as not being up to the required level expected at the club.
The Mirror report that the German will 'not hold back' in his findings, having previously labelled elements of the Old Trafford dressing room as 'selfish, over-inflated, lacking quality and too powerful.'
The players supposedly in the firing line include four defenders, but not Harry Maguire, who Rangnick believes has been made a scapegoat for some shoddy United displays.
However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof – a quartet that cost the club in excess of £125million – are all named and shamed.
Another name on the list is Anthony Martial, who was shipped out to Sevilla on loan in January, having managed just one goal for United in the last year.
- Sam Dymond
Rashford involved in Frenkie swap
Manchester United are prepared to offer Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles to Barcelona as part of a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong.
That's according to Fichajes, who this morning report that the Red Devils are again seriously keen on the Dutchman.
The LaLiga giants are supposedly ready to do business, but only at a deal in excess of the €86million they paid for him three years ago.
However, United are considering including Rashford and Telles as part of their offer, knowing that cash-strapped Barca are in the market for a forward and a left-back.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
Antonio Rudiger tops the Old Trafford transfer speculation ahead of Robert Lewandowski, Victor Osimhen and Frenkie de Jong.
That's certainly fitting after the Red Devils' latest defensive horror show ensured Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed centre-back Rudiger will leave on a free transfer this summer.
And United are frontrunners for the Germany star despite interest from Juventus and Newcastle.
But Bayern Munich insist legendary goal-getter Robert Lewandowski will stay until his contract expires in 2023 – if not longer.
United and Barcelona were tipped to test Bayern's resolve at the end of the season.
Lewandowski's probable no-go strengthens Harry Kane's likely position as the Red Devils' major strike target this summer.
Meanwhile, Napoli are said to want £67million for Arsenal and United target Osimhen.
And Barcelona midfielder De Jong is rated a ‘priority target’ for incoming United boss Erik ten Hag.
But Barca boss Xavi insists Ten Hag's former Ajax lynchpin has an 'important' future at the Nou Camp.
Old Trafford interim chief Ralf Rangnick reckons a top-four finish is virtually impossible after Saturday's Prem loss at the Emirates.
Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th Premier League goal was undermined by another farcical display at the back, despite Rangnick dropping under-fire Harry Maguire.
- Ian Tuckey
Government back plan to block rogue owners
Powers to stop rogue owners buying clubs at all levels will be formally backed by the Government today, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston will announce the 10 main recommendations of November's "fan-led review" are to be introduced in a Parliamentary Bill.
That will see the legal establishment of an "independent regulator" with powers to oversee the game at all levels.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and her team urged the adoption of a new "integrity test" for owners.
That is aimed at ensuring no repeat of the chaos that saw Bury go bust after more than a century of football at Gigg Lane.
Huddleston wants to "protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners" amid concetat the number of clubs throughout the pyramid living beyond their means.
Huddleston said: "Radical change is needed to protect the future of our national game.
"We will establish a strong, independent regulator but the football authorities can take action now to tackle issues currently facing the game."
- Ian Tuckey
Shearer baffled by Utd display in Arsenal defeat
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they’ve been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I’m thinking there’s going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn’t at all.
“Within three minutes you’ve had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you’ve also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don’t know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don’t know how or when to do it… what they’re doing on the training ground, I don’t know, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much in terms of the pressing.”
- Ian Tuckey
Bayern vow to keep 'Utd target' Lewandowski
Robert Lewandoswki will NOT leave Bayern Munich this summer, the club’s sporting director confirmed.
The Polish striker, 33, has been linked with a stunning transfer exit away from the Allianz Arena.
His current contract expires in 2023, meaning he will be going into the final 12 months next season.
Manchester United and Barcelona would likely be among the frontrunners for Lewandowski’s signature, especially if Bayern landed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
However, when asked about the possibility of his No9 leaving in a cut-price transfer to the Nou Camp this summer, Bayern chief Hasan Salihamidzic ruled it out.
The ex-Bosnia and Herzegovina full-back told Sky90: “Selling Lewandowski if Barcelona offers €40-50m [£33m to £42m]? No.”
Then quizzed on whether that means Lewandowski is definitely staying, Salihamidzic added: “Yes, he has a contract until 2023.”
Lewandowski has scored a remarkable 342 goals in just 372 appearances for Bayern – including 48 in 43 this term.
And the sporting director then confirmed the club plan to open contract negotiations over an extension soon now the Bundesliga title is wrapped up because the Bavarians desperately want to keep him if it makes financial sense.
- Ian Tuckey
Frenkie rated 'priority target'
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is rated a 'priority target' for Manchester United.
But the claim just comes as Nou Camp boss Xavi insists the Holland star has an 'important' future with the Spanish giants.
Catalunya Radio suggest incoming United boss Erik ten Hag is keen to reunited with his former Ajax lynchpin De Jong.
The outlet even says Barca will be content to let the Red Devils have the 24-year-old – if they bid 70million Euros (about £59m).
But Xavi is quoted in the wider Spanish media as saying: "Frenkie [de Jong] is very important for me, for the club and for the team.
"He is a footballer who has to mark an era with his quality and personality."
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal & Utd target Osimhen valued at £67m
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker target Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked to Man Utd.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
Napoli are sat third, five points behind table toppers Inter Milan with four matches to go.
But with Osimhen’s fine form comes interest in acquiring his services.
And according to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months.
But any move would cost the Gunners an eye-watering £67m to land Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have “already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries” to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football.
- Ian Tuckey
Hopes of seeing Rud Devil soar
Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger has told Chelsea he WILL leave the club at the end of the season, Thomas Tuchel confirmed.
The German defender’s contract expires at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
And manager Tuchel revealed the pair had a “private talk” where it was decided his future would be away from the club.
The Blues boss said: “Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club.
“He informed me of this in a private talk.
“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.
“Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied.
“We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lew won't join Red Devils or Barca
Robert Lewandoswki will NOT leave Bayern Munich this summer, the club's sporting director confirmed.
The Polish striker, 33, has been linked with a stunning transfer exit away from the Allianz Arena.
His current contract expires in 2023, meaning he will be going into the final 12 months next season.
Manchester United and Barcelona would likely be among the frontrunners for Lewandowski's signature, especially if Bayern landed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
However, when asked about the possibility of his No9 leaving in a cut-price transfer to the Nou Camp this summer, Bayern chief Hasan Salihamidzic ruled it out.
The ex-Bosnia and Herzegovina full-back told Sky90: "Selling Lewandowski if Barcelona offers €40-50m [£33m to £42m]? No."
Then quizzed on whether that means Lewandowski is definitely staying, Salihamidzic added: "Yes, he has a contract until 2023."
Lewandowski has scored a remarkable 342 goals in just 372 appearances for Bayern – including 48 in 43 this term.
And the sporting director then confirmed the club plan to open contract negotiations over an extension soon now the Bundesliga title is wrapped up because the Bavarians desperately want to keep him if it makes financial sense.
- Ian Tuckey
Woeful Utd hit train barrier
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they've been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I'm thinking there's going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn't at all.
“Within three minutes you've had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you've also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don't know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don't know how or when to do it… what they're doing on the training ground, I don't know, because it doesn't look like they're doing much in terms of the pressing.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf rules out Champions League spot
Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick has admitted that the top four is now out of reach.
The Red Devils final hopes were shattered when they lost 3-1 to Arsenal in a heated clash at the Emirates Stadium.
And German manager Rangnick has given up on securing a Champions League spot for his successor.
The despondent gaffer spoke to BT Sport following the disappointing defeat.
The 63-year-old said: “Yeah, pretty sure for me even before that game it was not very likely, but after this result top four is gone.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Roy keen on Hibs'
Manchester United legend Roy Keane is reportedly keen on taking the Hibernian job after missing out on the Sunderland gig earlier this year.
Keane has been out of management since 2011 when he was dismissed at Ipswich Town.
The seven-time Premier League winner has since been involved in coaching roles.
Keane worked with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
And according to The Times, Keane has discussed replacing Shaun Maloney at Hibernian, who was sacked after just four months in charge.
Maloney was dismissed last week following the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Edinburgh rivals Hearts.
However, the report also states that Keane will be wary of what happened to Shaun Maloney and fellow former boss Jack Ross after both were brutally sacked by owner Ron Gordon.
Keane was linked with a sensational return to League One Sunderland earlier this year, where he started his career in management in 2006.
The deal was looking likely at one point but the two parties couldn't agree on the length of the contract.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd boost as Rudiger tells Chelsea he'll leave
Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger has told Chelsea he WILL leave the club at the end of the season, Thomas Tuchel confirmed.
The German defender's contract expires at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
And manager Tuchel revealed the pair had a "private talk" where it was decided his future would be away from the club.
The Blues boss said: "Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club.
"He informed me of this in a private talk.
"We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.
"Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied.
"We don't take it personally. It is his decision."
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal & Utd target Osimhen valued at £67m
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker target Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked to Man Utd.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
Napoli are sat third, five points behind table toppers Inter Milan with four matches to go.
But with Osimhen's fine form comes interest in acquiring his services.
And according to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months.
But any move would cost the Gunners an eye-watering £67m to land Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have "already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries" to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football.
- Ian Tuckey
Rash judgement?
Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard bizarrely gave their Manchester United shirts to Arsenal fans following their side’s 3-1 defeat, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
Both men came on as second half substitutes at the Emirates as the Gunners beat the Red Devils to leapfrog Tottenham into fourth.
Rashford is one of 12 players that could be heading out the door at the Theatre of Dreams when Erik ten Hag takes charge.
He has even been linked with a shock move to link up with the Gunners.
Rashford and Lingard have endured a strained relationship with United’s supporters recently due to poor form and questions over their work rate.
And the club’s faithful haven’t reacted kindly following their antics after the full-time whistle at Arsenal.
One fan remarked: “Get out of our club Marcus Rashford.”
Another quipped: “They gave them the points so why not throw in a couple of shirts too…”
A third added: “Marcus Rashford unfortunately has become a complete embarrassment to Manchester United this season.”
- Alex Cole
Mata on Mourinho
Mourinho came in as the Dutchman's replacement and led the Red Devils to League Cup and Europa League glory in 2017, writes JOSHUA JONES.
Despite reports of a rift and leaving Chelsea just six months after Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, Mata insists there was never any personal problems between the pair.
Speaking about their reunion, he said: “I wasn't nervous. I was feeling like those six months at Chelsea where I stayed, I was feeling 'Let's go for it, you know?'
"I didn't play as much as I would have liked to with him in Chelsea, but you know football changes, and Chelsea's squad is different to United's squad.
“So many people were asking me, 'What did you say in the beginning?' I was like, 'I'll tell you – we spoke about Manchester, and a game that Barcelona had played a few days ago, and football’. It was completely normal and good relationship between us.
“The respect is mutual, and we never had any personal problem. The situation was a football situation. He played in a certain way that maybe didn't suit perfectly my qualities as a player, and that's it. Sometimes it happens in football.
“But my mentality was: okay, I'm going to try. My family was a bit scared. The fans were telling me, 'What are you going to do?' But I had it clear in my mind that I'm going to stay and prove that I can play much more than people think, and I did.
"And it's one of the things that I feel very proud [of] in my career: having made that decision, testing myself and keeping going and playing, at the end, the Carabao Cup final, the Europa League final, and feeling an important player in the squad. That's how I felt before, and how I felt with him.”
- Alex Cole
Van Gall 'more than a football manager', says Mata
Mata added: “I remember Van Gall had paper, where he had set up the tactics for the team and that year, and he was like 'Where do you think you will fit best here?' I was like 'here' and he said 'No'. 'Here?' 'No.'
“So we had trained that pre-season with five in the back, two [in midfield], one No10, and he put me in that No10 and he said 'You're going to play here' and I was like 'Great'. I didn't want to put it myself!
"And from that moment, you realised: he can look scary in the face-to-face, because also he goes too close to you. But after that, he's a very warm and genuine man. Ryan Giggs was there trying to hold his laugh!
“He used to tell us after games: ‘Try to go and sign for the fans. Don't get in your cars and leave. I received this morning a letter from a mother that thanks me personally because you, you and you the other day went to see her kids somewhere.’
“So he was more than a football manager with his tactics; he was a great human being and I learned a lot from him in that sense. We had some good moments also: qualifying for the Champions League and winning the FA Cup, which I felt was very important for us and for him.
“He had a speech in which he thanked us for winning the trophy and how happy he was. I don't think he knew if he was going to continue or not, so it wasn't a proper farewell.
"But it was an emotional speech, and after that of course we exchanged messages and things, but it was sad to see him go. Especially because of how he was as a man.”
- Alex Cole
Mata on Van Gaal
After Moyes' miserable year at the helm, United turned to the eccentric figure of Van Gaal, who had just guided Holland to the World Cup semi-finals.
The Dutchman was keen to get the best out of his playmaker and revolve the team around him so the ex-Valencia man was disappointed when Van Gaal was sent packing just days after Wembley glory.
Mata added: “He was scary! He was scary, I tell you! He was a very nice man, very genuine. Very sensible. You wouldn't expect that, but he was very sensible. He could even get emotional and cry sometimes when he was speaking about important matters that he found with the right values, or the right football… he got emotional.
“But I remember the first meeting we all had with him. It was in LA. We were doing a pre-season tour. So the manager said: 'I want to meet you one by one in this room after dinner'. I was like 'okay'.
“Everyone went, whatever. My turn. So I arrive to the room and it was him, Ryan Giggs, a bottle of Rioja, red wine, and three glasses.
"He said: 'Do you want to have the drink?' And I said, 'No, no, it's fine'. He said, 'Okay, I'll have it'. So he had the drink, and he said, 'Tell me who you are?'
“I mean, 'My name is Juan, I'm 26, I play football'. 'No, no, no. Tell me who you are as a man. Do you have family? What do you find important in life?'
- Alex Cole
Playing for the shirt
Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard bizarrely gave their Manchester United shirts to Arsenal fans following their side's 3-1 defeat, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
Both men came on as second half substitutes at the Emirates as the Gunners beat the Red Devils to leapfrog Tottenham into fourth.
Rashford is one of 12 players that could be heading out the door at the Theatre of Dreams when Erik ten Hag takes charge.
He has even been linked with a shock move to link up with the Gunners.
Rashford and Lingard have endured a strained relationship with United's supporters recently due to poor form and questions over their work rate.
And the club's faithful haven't reacted kindly following their antics after the full-time whistle at Arsenal.
One fan remarked: "Get out of our club Marcus Rashford."
Another quipped: "They gave them the points so why not throw in a couple of shirts too…"
A third added: "Marcus Rashford unfortunately has become a complete embarrassment to Manchester United this season."
- Alex Cole
Mata on Moyes
Juan Mata has revealed all about the four managers he has worked under during his time at Old Trafford, writes JOSHUA JONES.
The Spaniard was brought to Manchester United by David Moyes in January 2014, but three months later the Scot was sacked.
However, he admits David Moyes needed to be dismissed because results simply were not good enough.
Mata said: “I always feel bad when a manager has to go, because it means that you are not doing right, or you are not getting results. So it's not a nice feeling. So unfortunately he had to go. But of course, I'm very thankful to him.
“What I remember the most about that season was in the last game. Ryan Giggs was our caretaker manager at that time, and we always do the ‘lap of honour’. You say 'thank you', 'goodbye' and 'see you next season'.
“I was very afraid of that, because we were seventh in the league, a position Manchester United should never be, so I was like: we're going to wave and they're going to boo us back, they're going to insult and they're going to be like they should feel, because I understand that.
"I came from Spain and I know how things can turn difficult when the team is not performing.
“I didn't want to look to the people just in case, and I was embarrassed. But half-way, I realised that they were clapping, they were singing, they were encouraging us, saying it doesn't matter, next season, next season. I was just like: 'this is incredible'.
“Honestly, it was unbelievable to have such fans behind you. You're seventh in the league with Manchester United, having been winners the year before with Sir Alex Ferguson.
"And they don't lose their patience and they say, 'Keep going, it doesn't matter'. It got me a bit emotional, because I didn't expect it.”
- Etienne Fermie
Good morning, Man Utd fans
Erik ten Hag could be Pep Guardiola’s noisy neighbour in more ways than one when he arrives at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s new manager has already given a list of requirements to the club’s liaison team.
And one of his key demands is to find a base as close to the centre of Manchester as possible – and not a hotel.Club “fixers” have been drawing up a list of possibilities for their new manager.
And it includes the block where City chief Guardiola has a £2million apartment.
The luxury flats are on the Deansgate-Salford border, minutes from the city centre.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes was given the responsibility from the spot against Arsenal, instead of Cristiano Ronaldo to get Man Utd back level at the Emirates.
But Fernandes sensationally missed his spot-kick, asking fans to quiz why usual taker Ronaldo didn’t take the penalty.
“I spoke with him after the game and asked him,” Rangnick revealed after having a conversation with Ronaldo once the whistle had blown.
“He said he just didn’t feel he should take it and that’s why he said it would be better if Bruno took it.”
Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick has admitted that the top four is now out of reach.
The Red Devils final hopes were shattered when they lost 3-1 to Arsenal in a heated clash at the Emirates Stadium.
- Jon Boon
Ten Hag salary
Erik ten Hag is the fifth highest paid manager in the Premier League, but trails crosstown rival Pep Guardiola.
The Dutchman will earn £9million a year at Old Trafford, some £10million less than the Spanish tactician.
However, he will earn a million more than Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who delivered a Champions League for the Blues last season.
- Jon Boon
Gamer ten Hag
Erik ten Hag has revealed he took the Ajax squad out GAMING ahead of their crucial clash away at NEC Nijmegen on Saturday.
And the team bonding session worked perfectly as the Dutch giants extended their lead over PSV at the top of the Eredivisie table to seven points.
Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, on loan from RB Leipzig, scored in the 88th minute to leave the Amsterdam outfit on the brink of the league title.
It's been a busy week for Ten Hag after he was confirmed a Man Utd's next permanent manager.
- Jon Boon
Ten Hag's Manchester home plans
Erik ten Hag could be Pep Guardiola’s noisy neighbour in more ways than one when he arrives at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s new manager has already given a list of requirements to the club’s liaison team.
And one of his key demands is to find a base as close to the centre of Manchester as possible – and not a hotel.
Ten Hag, who will take command at the end of the season, does not want to follow the lead of previous United gaffers and has told club bosses he wants his own place.
He is determined to live in the city itself and to embrace as much of the local culture as possible.
And the new Man Utd boss is also keen on keeping his ear to the ground with supporters.
Club “fixers” have been drawing up a list of possibilities for their new manager.
And it includes the block where City chief Guardiola has a £2million apartment.
The luxury flats are on the Deansgate-Salford border, minutes from the city centre.
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