MANCHESTER UNITED are being forced to scrap thousands of tickets for their Carabao Cup clash to Burnley.
The Red Devils will only be able to welcome a maximum capacity of 62,000 for the match due to a lack of ambulance service availability following strike announcements.
Elsewhere, it has been reported that Erik ten Hag's side have joined the race for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Yossoufa Moukoko.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with the forward but it appears that there is now competition from United.
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- Kostas Lianos
PSG target Rashford
Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to make Manchester United star Marcus Rashford one of the highest-paid players in the world.
Rashford impressed at the 2022 World Cup with three goals in five games for England.
And PSG are eager to snap the forward up with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Naturally, the Red Devils want to keep the 25-year-old and could trigger a one-year extension clause in his contract.
But that has not deterred interest with the French champions ready to offer Rashford £850,000-a-week, according to Bild
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Go for it
Manchester United are ready to enquire about Benfica star Goncalo Ramos.
Ramos helped put his name on the map with a brilliant hat-trick for Portugal in the 2022 World Cup last-16 against Switzerland earlier this month.
According to ESPN, United are sniffing around the 21-year-old, who has registered a staggering 17 goals and seven assists in 25 appearances this season.
The Red Devils have also been linked to Cody Gakpo as they look to find a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo up front
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning United fans!
Manchester United have been forced to scrap thousands of tickets for their Carabao Cup tie with Burnley later this month.
The Red Devils‘ first game after the World Cup break comes on December 21 when they welcome the Championship leaders to Old Trafford.
But they will only be able to welcome a maximum capacity of 62,000 for the match due to a lack of ambulance service availability following strike announcements.
Man Utd have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reports.
The German side were raided for forward Erling Haaland in the summer, and Moukoko could be the next starlet to be prised away.
Chelsea were recently claimed to have opened the bidding at £8.6million but that fee could potentially rise with other Prem giants having entered the market.
According to The Times, United and Chelsea would both love to bolster their forward lines with Moukoko in January.
The Red Devils are in the market for a forward after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite having five Ballon d’Ors to his name there has been a distinct lack of Europe’s elite teams interested in signing the 37-year-old free agent.
Although there are still plenty of clubs that could benefit from having a player of his caliber join their ranks.
Saudi Prem side Al Nassr and Saudi-backed Newcastle are said to be interested alongside MLS champs LA Galaxy.
Former clubs Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon are both also keen.
- Alex Cole
ICYMI – United forced to reduce capacity for cup clash
Manchester United have been forced to scrap thousands of tickets for their Carabao Cup tie with Burnley later this month.
The Red Devils‘ first game after the World Cup break comes on December 21 when they welcome the Championship leaders to Old Trafford.
But they will only be able to welcome a maximum capacity of 62,000 for the match due to a lack of ambulance service availability following strike announcements.
- Alex Cole
United chasing Moukoko
Man Utd and Liverpool have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reports.
The German side were raided for forward Erling Haaland in the summer, and Moukoko could be the next starlet to be prised away.
Chelsea were recently claimed to have opened the bidding at £8.6million.
But that fee could potentially rise with other Prem giants having entered the market.
According to The Times, United and Chelsea would both love to bolster their forward lines with Moukoko in January.
The Red Devils are in the market for a forward after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Alex Cole
What did Becks say?
A spokesperson for Beckham: “David has been involved in a number of World Cups and other major international tournaments both as a player and an ambassador and he has always believed that sport has the power to be a force for good in the world.
“Football, the most popular sport globally, has a genuine ability to bring people together and make a real contribution to communities.
“We understand that there are different and strongly held views about engagement in the Middle East but see it as positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated directly by the first World Cup being held in the region.
“We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people and that progress will be achieved.”
- Alex Cole
Becks defends himself from Lycett jibe
Ex-Man Utd star David Beckham claims the Qatar World Cup “has the power to be a force for good” after defending his £150million deal to be the face of the finals.
The ex-England captain broke his silence on Thursday in response to being called out by comedian Joe Lycett.
Lycett protested against Beckham’s £15million-a-year agreement to be an ambassador for the emirate.
He went viral for his money-shredding stunt last month after he issued an ultimatum to Beckham for the Qatar deal, where homosexuality is illegal.
If Beckham did not pull out of the deal, Lycett said he would shred £10,000.
It was later revealed that Lycett had in fact donated it to an LGBTQ+ charity.
- Alex Cole
United statement on strike action
A club statement read: "Due to the unavailability of ambulance service personnel as a result of a day of industrial action affecting North West Ambulance Service taking place on Wednesday 21 December, the club has been advised by safety authorities to reduce the capacity of our Carabao Cup fixture against Burnley.
"The club has worked hard to develop a medical plan which will enable us to allow approximately 62,000 fans to be in attendance, but with West Stand tier 2 and North Stand tier 3 required to be closed.
"These areas were the only possible options for achieving the required reduction whilst meeting the robust medical plan requested by the authorities.
"It was not possible to move the match to another date due to the unavailability of other key public services and matchday staff over the Christmas period, the conclusion of stadium works during the World Cup break, as well as the existing fixture schedule of both teams.
"Everyone at Manchester United shares the inevitable disappointment caused by this news, particularly to those ticket holders who will be impacted. However, the safety of our fans is always our priority.
"As the match is currently sold out, we have written to fans tonight in the affected areas offering the option of a full refund.
"No action is required from fans with tickets in other areas of the ground at this time. We will provide a further update tomorrow detailing next steps.
"We will do our utmost to relocate anyone who is impacted and has not chosen to accept a refund, prioritising Full and Cup Season Ticket holders."
- Alex Cole
BREAKING: United forced to reduce capacity for cup clash
Manchester United have been forced to scrap thousands of tickets for their Carabao Cup tie with Burnley later this month.
The Red Devils' first game after the World Cup break comes on December 21 when they welcome the Championship leaders to Old Trafford.
But they will only be able to welcome a maximum capacity of 62,000 for the match due to a lack of ambulance service availability following strike announcements.
- Alex Cole
Ronaldo’s options
Cristiano Ronaldo is on the lookout for his next after leaving Manchester United.
The Portuguese star had his contract mutually terminated after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Despite having five Ballon d’Ors to his name there has been a distinct lack of Europe’s elite teams interested in signing the 37-year-old.
Although there are still plenty of clubs that could benefit from having a player of his caliber join their ranks.
Saudi Prem side Al Nassr and Saudi-backed Newcastle are said to be interested alongside MLS champs LA Galaxy.
Former clubs Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon are both also keen.
- Alex Cole
Maguire boost if Argies win World Cup
Harry Maguire could be handed a Manchester United lifeline if Argentina win the World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni and his side are expected to head back to Buenos Aires for a ticker-tape parade through the capital on Tuesday should they see off France to lift the trophy for the third time.
But that would almost certainly rule United defender Lisandro Martinez and four of his squad-mates out of the Premier League resumption from Boxing Day.
And in turn, an absence of the South American would open the door for Maguire, now back in the Old Trafford fold after his exertions in the desert, to be named in the side for the December 27 game against Nottingham Forest.
- Alex Cole
Rooney on Messi class
Back in November, Rooney told The Times: “Everyone has different views on [Lionel] Messi and Ronaldo but I have said many times that I think Messi is the best.
“I have watched lots of videos of Diego Maradona, who was a similar player, but Messi is better.
“He has everything — the way he controls games, his dribbling, his assists — whereas Ronaldo is more of a goalscorer.”
- Alex Cole
Rooney dig at old pal Ron
Wayne Rooney has fired a subtle dig at old teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in the midst of their ongoing feud.
The pair have been exchanging blows ever since Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Rooney that has now hit back after he took to social media to subtly taunt Ronaldo over his long-standing competition with Lionel Messi.
The D.C. United boss said on Twitter: “Nothing has changed”
The tweet was in reference to an old post of his back in 2012 in which he said: “Messi is a joke. For me the best ever.”
- Kiro Evans
Super League Struck a Blow
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has dealt a blow to the European Super League project.
A non-binding report released this afternoon appears to side with Uefa and Fifa and claimed their rules were compatible with EU competition law.
Super League ringleaders Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus believed that Uefa and Fifa were breaking competition law by threatening to sanction those who formed the breakaway league.
A final ruling will be made by a 15-member Grand Chamber next year.
The ESL caused outrage last year after Europe's major clubs plotted to form their own league without the consent of fans.
- Kiro Evans
Work to do
Manchester United's mid-season friendlies have not quite gone to plan with the Red Devils picking up two defeats to Spanish opposition.
A 4-2 defeat to Cadiz was followed by a 1-0 loss to Real Betis but United had fairly inexperienced teams out for both games.
Will the defeats worry Erik ten Hag? The Dutchman will likely be more concerned about his players' match sharpness with a Carabao Cup game against Burnley less than a week away.
- Kiro Evans
Defence on Top
Man United could have two of their centre-backs featuring in the World Cup final.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been fantastic in this tournament as France and Argentina respectively fought their way through in Qatar.
Martinez was replaced by Otamendi in the semi-final win over Croatia but he will hope to feature in Sunday's finale.
The Argentine defender described Tuesday's victory over Croatia as "a joy that cannot be explained".
- Kiro Evans
I Schwei With My Little Eye
Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has backed Anthony Martial to be a big success.
The pair were briefly at the club together and the German has backed the Frenchman to be a Red Devils icon.
Schweinsteiger told the club website: "His potential is immense. I remember very well when he arrived at United, and he scored the goal against Liverpool in a special way.
"With him, you need to give him confidence. But you also need to push him sometimes, you know, and then he can be one of the best players.
"But he has to understand that first, you know, and that’s the job of the coaches and also the team-mates. If you play with someone like him, you want to see the quality of this player all the time. You expect it because you know what this player is able to do."
- Kiro Evans
Gakpo v Goncalo
Manchester United have been linked to two of the most exciting young strikers in Europe.
Cody Gakpo and Goncalo Ramos are both enjoying brilliant seasons for club and country. Here's how they compare statistically since the beginning of the domestic season.
Gakpo for PSV: 14 league games, 9 goals, 12 assists
Gakpo for Holland: 5 World Cup games, 3 goals, 0 assistsRamos for Benfica: 11 league games, 9 goals, 1 assist
Ramos for Portugal: 4 World Cup games, 3 goals, 1 assist - Kiro Evans
Glaze Over
Avram Glazer has broken his silence regarding the Manchester United takeover – but warned fans the club may NOT be sold.
The American family owners of the Old Trafford side announced last month they are "exploring strategic alternatives for the club".
The 62-year-old briefly spoke to the Athletic yesterday and said: “It’s not necessarily a sale, it’s a process and we’re going forward with the process, so we’ll see what happens."
Pushed for more information, he added: “I’m here to really watch the World Cup but I appreciate your interest.
"That’s the update, it’s the process and the process is proceeding.
“Once again, I’m here to enjoy the World Cup but I appreciate your questions.”
- Kiro Evans
Ron at Real
Cristiano Ronaldo is training at Real Madrid, it has been reported.
Well-connected journalist Fabrizio Romano has seemingly confirmed reports that the free agent has returned to his former club to use their training facilities.
Romano reports that the 37-year-old's strong connects with the Real president Florentino Perez has helped broker the agreement.
Ronaldo is searching for a new club after agreeing with Man United to rip up his contact last month.
- Kiro Evans
Co Blow
Manchester United will have to pay “big money” for Cody Gakpo as PSV claim only around “ten clubs can afford” the superstar.
Erik Ten Hag wants to bring in a replacement for sacked striker Cristiano Ronaldo when the January transfer window opens.
PSV Eindhoven’s £60m-rated winger Cody Gakpo, 23, is one of his top transfer targets.
PSV's director of football Marcel Brands said: “Only 10/12 clubs can pay afford Cody Gakpo in January.
“Let’s see if it will happen — it has to be PSV record sale and also the right bid for Cody’s plans.”
- Kiro Evans
Go Get Griezmann
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker thinks the club should make a move for Antoine Griezmann.
The 31-year-old has had an outstanding World Cup and ran the show against England for France.
Parker told Mybettingsites: "Griezmann would definitely be an amazing addition for any top side in the Premier League and Man United would be lucky to have him in their squad.”
“He is really a tough cookie and Diego Simeone loves him. He really respects him because he is a good player but he also works very hard."
“Antoine Griezmann is a really good and a really experienced player. He is clever and he finds space in the middle.”
- Kiro Evans
Real Problems
Real Madrid look set to join Manchester United in the fight for Dutch star Cody Gakpo.
The 23-year-old had an outstanding World Cup and had been increasingly linked with an Old Trafford move.
But AS report Madrid see the striker as a long-term successor to Karim Benzema.
PSV's Cody Gakpo looks set to be a star and has done his reputation no harm in Qatar - Kiro Evans
All For Felix
Several Premier League clubs have got Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix in their sights.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa have all been linked to the star who reminded everyone of his ability at the World Cup.
AS report that Atletico are willing to listen to offers of around £85m for the 23-year-old.
The report adds that the Emirates and Old Trafford appear the most likely destinations for the attacking player.
- Kiro Evans
On the Ram-page
Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged the Red Devils to go all out to sign Goncalo Ramos.
The Portuguese forward struck a hat-trick in the World Cup last-16 against Switzerland and is now attracting interest from big clubs.
Parker told MyBettingSites: "I don’t want to judge him only based on the World Cup. Obviously he did well with scoring three goals for Portugal in one game but I would rather like to judge him on what he has done for Benfica.
"He has scored a lot of goals for Benfica and if Erik ten Hag has been looking at him prior to the World Cup I can fully understand why they want to sign him."
"He would be a good addition to the Man United squad because they really need a new centre forward. And when they get that I believe that they can be in the top four as well at the end of the season."
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