PAUL POGBA has made a stunning start to the season for Manchester United, and we've got the latest on his contract developments at the club.
Meanwhile, United are also interested in Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
United are not expected to move for PSG star Kylian Mbappe this summer but are said to be willing to meet his high wage demands to sign him for free next summer.
Erling Haaland, whose £64m release clause kicks in on September 1, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez are also being looked at.
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Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
- Kostas Lianos
MORE FROM SOLSKJAER
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits the draw with Southampton is not a satisfactory result.
Solskjaer said: "Overall, I think we created enough chances to win it and played some decent football at times; then again we could have lost it but for a very good save from David [De Gea].
"It's a point from a losing position but it's not what we wanted. We weathered the storm in the first two or three minutes after some set-plays, then we played some good football ourselves, created chances from set-plays and when they scored that was more or less out of nowhere.
"[It was a] Foul, 100 per cent. Football can go from one extreme to the other and he goes straight through Bruno's hip so that's a foul, but we should react better anyway, we should do better, just block the shot and make sure mistakes won't cost us"
- Kostas Lianos
INJURY BOOST
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has received a significant boost as Dean Henderson has started light training after recovering from Covid-19.
Henderson tested positive for coronavirus in his first week back in pre-season training in mid-July.
The 24-year-old is not expected to play again until next month as United have just two more Premier League matches before September's international break.
The England international missed the Red Devils' opening friendlies with Derby and Queens Park Rangers
- Kostas Lianos
SOLSKJAER COMPLAINT
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has joined Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in complaining about the way referees are interpreting new laws this season.
Solskjaer said: "If that is the way they want to go, we will get injuries. Hopefully we can find a middle way."
United felt they should have been awarded a free-kick for Jack Stephens' challenge on Bruno Fernandes in the build-up to Southampton's goal.
Solskjaer added: "It's a foul. He goes straight through Bruno, his hip and with his armpit and his arm across him.
"I'm not worried but we have to look at it because we can't go from one extreme of volleyball or basketball from last year and go into rugby now.
"I liked the more lenient way, it's more men's football but, still, that is a clear foul.
"You can see early on with the fans as well, it gets the crowd going when you fly into a few tackles and we did suffer a few tackles. That was part of their thinking early on if you like"
GETTY IMAGES
- Kostas Lianos
MORE FROM MEMPHIS
Barcelona star Memphis Depay added that his exit from Manchester United was the "the best decision".
Memphis told El Periodico: "I realised [at United] that I had to start over and show everyone that I could be one of the best.
"I had a long contract, of five years, and a good salary, but I did not feel comfortable.
"So I left and it was the best decision I could have made"
- Kostas Lianos
PAY-FUL TRUTH
Barcelona star Memphis Depay believes his Manchester United stint wasn't a success because he failed to adapt during his first year under Louis van Gaal and didn't get opportunities from Jose Mourinho.
Memphis told El Periodico: "I've thought a lot about why it went wrong. The first season I had to adapt and it didn't go well compared to my time at PSV [Eindhoven].
"I lost a bit of confidence and I lost the confidence of Van Gaal and his staff.
"It was hard for me. The following season I felt like I had more experience, but they changed the coach.
"Jose Mourinho came and I fought to get into the team but I think the idea of giving me a chance was never in his head. He never gave me an opportunity. Never.
"I went to his office but it changed nothing. It was a very difficult period, I felt that I was training well and the players themselves did not understand it.
"[Paul] Pogba and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] told me: "Why don't you ever play?" For me that was the confirmation that I had no chance. And I realised that I didn't want to be in a big club without playing"
- Kostas Lianos
PRAY TELL
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Alex Telles is healing well from injury.
United star Telles hurt his ankle and was thus forced to miss the start of the season.
Solskjaer said: "Alex has shown a tremendous attitude to the rehab.
“He is working really hard and is another one who gets a setback but you can sit down and sulk or you can go back into the gym, work hard and make sure that when you’ve come back you’ve worked on different things”
- Kostas Lianos
NEVES UPDATE
Wolves manager Bruno Lage has addressed the speculation linking Ruben Neves to Manchester United and stated that the player is happy and the club is not keen to offload him.
Lage said: "All the top players we have are linked with all the clubs in the world.
"Every player has a price but what I saw from Ruben is that he’s happy to be here.
"What he did last game was very good and we’re not looking to see anyone go"
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
KEANE CRITICISM
Manchester United legend Roy Keane criticised his former club's midfield after the 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary's.
Keane believes United lack creativity in the middle of the park but gave credit to Saints for picking up a point.
He told Sky Sports: "There is certainly one or two question marks with the lads in the middle of the park.
"There is not enough creativity, not enough quality and United will be disappointed with a draw, but let’s give credit to Southampton"
- Kostas Lianos
SANCH-OFF THE BENCH
Manchester United star signing Jadon Sancho got some minutes against Southampton at St Mary’s.
Sancho came off the bench on 59 minutes replacing Anthony Martial and playing a full half hour.
The winger also competed against Leeds in United’s Premier League opener as a substitute.
The England international is expected to get some more opportunities as a starter by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- Kostas Lianos
HAAL GOOD
Manchester United have received a major transfer boost in their bid to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
That is because Haaland's £64million release clause kicks in once the mid-season transfer window opens in January, according to Marca.
It had previously been thought that the star striker's cut-price clause would not kick in until the summer of 2022.
The Norway international was being valued by Dortmund at a fee in the region of £130m this summer but he could potentially be moving on for less than half that price
- Kostas Lianos
SOUTHAMPTON 1-1 MAN UTD
Manchester United picked up a draw against Southampton at St Mary's.
Saints opened the scoring in the half-hour mark following an own-goal by Fred.
But United equalised with Mason Greenwood after 55 minutes to salvage a point.
The Red Devils haveequalled the record for longest unbeaten Premier League away run
- Kostas Lianos
SOUTHAMPTON 1-1 MAN UTD
Manchester United have equalised against Southampton at St Mary's.
Mason Greenwood has put United back on track thanks to a clinical finish after 55 minutes.
Remember, if the Red Devils don't lose then they will equal the record for longest unbeaten Premier League away run.
But Saints have proven to be a dangerous Premier League opponent
- Kostas Lianos
POGBA REMINDER
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is "not worried" about Paul Pogba's contract situation.
Pogba's current deal expires in the summer of 2020 and has yet to extend but Solskjaer isn't concerned.
Solskjaer said: "Yes, I expect Paul to be here when the first of September comes.
"If you've got a five-year contract or a one-year contract, when you sign for Man Utd you have to rise to the challenge of performing on a consistent level.
"I'm not worried whatsoever that the length of any player's contract is changing the level of their motivation and inspiration.
"You want to play well for your team, your team-mates, yourself, your family, every time you play.
“What I expect is that the attitude and the approach to every game is the right one. That we have the same focus, the right focus, the right professionalism and, with that, I have no worries about Paul whatsoever”
GETTY IMAGES - Joshua Mbu
PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!
HT: SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 MAN UTD
Not the way United expected this to go.
The visitors made a bright start, hitting the bar and seeing a shot cleared off the line early on, but Saints grew into the game.
They went in front on the half-hour mark when Che Adams’ shot took a huge deflection off Fred to find the net. United felt there was a foul on Bruno Fernandes by Jack Stephens in the build-up but VAR had a look and decided nothing was doing.
With Jadon Sancho on the bench, United boss Ole Gunner Solskjaer has plenty to ponder.
- Joshua Mbu
SOUTHAMPTON 1-0 MAN UTD
30. What a hit from Che Adams!
He’s off the mark for the season with a fine strike from the edge of the box.
Fernandes felt there was a foul in the build-up but play was waved on.
- Joshua Mbu
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLL!!!
ADAMS PUTS THE SAINTS AHEAD!!!
WONDERFUL FINISH!!!
- Joshua Mbu
SOUTHAMPTON 0-0 MAN UTD
22. Southampton are giving it a good go in front of their home fans.
Armstrong has just had a go from distance, but he's unable to beat De Gea.
Still goalless halfway through the first half.
- Joshua Mbu
HERE COME THE TEAMS!
United are in their blue and yellow away kit (no grey on show), with Saints in their traditional red and white stripes.
We're moments away from kick-off!
Catch all action with our minute-by-minute dedicated LIVE match blog.
- Joshua Mbu
KEANE PREDICTS UNITED SUCCESS
Roy Keane is expecting Manchester United to win today.
The Reds got off to the perfect start with a 5-1 win at Leeds on the opening day and, having splashed the cash in the summer, will hope this is the season they end their Premier League title drought.
“I fully expect United to turn up today and keep that momentum going,” said former Old Trafford ace Keane. “They have to get close to Man City this year.”
His fellow pundit Graeme Souness added: “I think they’ll go close. They’ve got a great squad of players, lot of firepower.
"[Raphael] Varane will improve them, I’m not sure they need [Jadon] Sancho.
“I think United will come very close. Whether they’re good enough when push comes to shove, I’m not convinced.”
- Joshua Mbu
RASH ON THE MEND
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Marcus Rashford is ‘very happy’ with his shoulder surgery and is optimistic of being back in action by October.
The forward underwent the procedure after struggling with the issue during most of last season and the summer's European Championships.
Solskjaer said: “He seemed very happy with the surgery.
“He's working in the gym, we see him every day, so he'll be chomping at the bit when it gets nearer to the time when he can come back.
“Of course, any time you're off with an injury is a hard time but it's also time to reflect and find yourself again.
"That's what we hope is going to happen to Marcus."
- Joshua Mbu
SAINTS VS MAN UTD
Catch all the latest pre-match news with out dedicated LIVE match blog for Southampton vs Man Utd!
Man Utd XI (4-2-3-1): 1 De Gea; 29 Wan-Bissaka, 2 Lindelof, 5 Maguire (c), 23 Shaw; 31 Matic, 17 Fred; 18 Fernandes, 6 Pogba, 11 Greenwood; 9 Martial.
Bench: Heaton, Dalot, Varane, James, Lingard, Mata, McTominay, Van de Beek, Sancho.
Southampton XI (4-4-2): 1 McCarthy; 21 Livramento, 5 Stephens, 22 Salisu, 15 Perraud; 32 Walcott, 6 Romeu, 8 Ward-Prowse (c), 19 Djenepo; 10 Adams, 9 Armstrong.
Bench: Walker-Peters, Long, Redmond, Tella, Elyounoussi, Diallo, Bednarek, Valery, Forster.
- Joshua Mbu
SURPLESS TO REQUIREMENTS
Both Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek COULD be sold this summer, according to reports.
With the signing of Raphael Varane, Lindelof could find his game time limited.
And Scott Mctominay alongside Fred in midfield appears to be the preferred combination.
According to 90min, the Red Devils reportedly needing to sell before they can buy.
And the pair are two who could be shipped off to free up space and funds.
- Joshua Mbu
SOL SIGNINGS
Man Utd have spent big under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!
- Joshua Mbu
SOL SEARCHING
Manchester United are interested in signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, reports say, writes JACK FIGG.
They have already completed the £73million signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund and Raphael Varane, who cost £42m from Real Madrid.
But according to 90min, United are interested in bolstering their options in the middle of the park.
And it is claimed Wolves' Neves, 24, is a target for Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
His Portuguese team-mate Bruno Fernandes, 26, is said to be keen on the deal.
United have previously been linked with Eduardo Camavinga, 18, of Rennes and Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez, 26.
But Neves has been rumoured to be pushing to leave Wolves all summer, with Arsenal also believed to be admirers.
- Joshua Mbu
NEW DEAL + LOAN
Highly rated Man Utd midfielder James Garner has signed a new four-year deal at the club.
But he will spend the season out on loan at Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
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