Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Shaw ‘out for TWO MONTHS’, United ‘second favourites’ for Mbappe, Amrabat and Todibo latest

Live Blog

• Napoli ‘join Prem giants in Amrabat battle’

  Napoli have reportedly joined Manchester United and Liverpool in hunting Sofyan Amrabat.

  But the Italian kings s are thought unwilling to match Fiorentina’s demands for at least £30million.

  Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag hopes to recruit one or more midfielder by September 1

  But United have failed to sell players to fund an Amrabat deal

  Napoli are interested as Celta’s star man Gabri Veiga is tipped for a huge Saudi Arabia move.

• ‘Onana better than both Arsenal keepers’

  Former England keeper David James rates Manchester United’s new keeper Andre Onana better than the two men battling to be Arsenal No1.

  Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta puzzled many by recruiting Brentford’s David Raya this month despite having Three Lions star Aaron Ramsdale.

  But James told GGRecon why he’s a “massive fan” of Onana.

  When Manchester United signed him, I was quietly buzzing and that’s not me saying that I want Manchester United to win anything. Having followed him closely last season in the Champions League, I believed this was a goalkeeper that should be playing for one of the top teams in the Premier League and with plenty of question marks over David de Gea last season, it just made perfect sense for Manchester United.

  We talk about the David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale situation at Arsenal and Onana is better than both of them. He should, and could be, Manchester United’s outlet with his distribution. It wouldn’t even surprise me if he gets an assist this season.

  I believe André Onana will arguably make Manchester United a better team. If they don’t improve, then it has never been the goalkeeper’s issue, it’s an issue with Manchester United’s outfield. Onana’s a great acquisition and I’m looking forward to seeing some great performances from him this season.

• ‘United must sort out defence and midfield’

  Ex-Manchester United striker Louis Saha reckons problems in defence and midfield rule his old club out of the title race.

  The Frenchman believes the Red Devils lacked pace in losing 2-0 at Spurs last Saturday.

  And he told Paddy Power why United will be outgunned by champions Man City and Liverpool.

  Spurs have brilliant players so it’s not a worry for United yet and it’s only the second game of the season. If it was 15 games, then the situation may be different.

  It’s not helpful that Manchester United’s owners haven’t decided what they’re doing with regards to selling the club or not. Maybe they haven’t provided guarantees that the manager could have used in negotiation with players. None of this has been seen in the media but maybe behind the scenes, Erik [Ten-Hag] has not been given many assurances.

  Manchester United definitely need to sort their midfield and defence. The new addition in Rasmus Højlund is good, but it’s clear that he’s not enough to challenge with the likes of Man City and Liverpool.

  Louis Saha

• ‘Not acceptable – but I’m responsible’

  Erik ten Hag blames himself as well as Manchester United’s players for their mediocre start to the season.

  Ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Nottingham Forest, the Old Trafford chief said: “Oh yeah. We are in the same boat. I’m responsible for it, me as well.

  “We have to do it with togetherness and to face that the first two games weren’t good enough.

  “If we do the right things, we have a very good team. If everyone  is doing their job we’ll win games.”

• Ten Hag explains players’ flaws

  Erik ten Hag has outlined just where his Manchester United players have gone wrong.

  After opening with a fortunate 1-0 win over Wolves, the Red Devils’ boss was more damning about last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.

  The Dutchman said: “They didn’t run. They ran in the wrong moments, too late — especially at the front. They didn’t recover. It’s a demand here if you want to win games.

  “For the first 35 minutes, we were so good. We dominated totally. We should’ve scored a minimum once, I think twice.

  “They were nowhere, nothing. And then things happened in the game and they got distracted — they were not doing their jobs anymore.”

  He added of his players: “Ten Hag said: “I told them, I gave them the feedback that it just isn’t acceptable.

  “We have to work as a team with togetherness and everybody individually really has to take some responsibility. We need accountable players.

  “I’m not used to it from this team because they always do it. It’s what the fans can expect and what we demand.”

• Erik has EXACT same complaint as year ago

  It had a familiar ring to it as Erik ten Hag ripped into Manchester United’s opening to the season.

  He raged at players for ‘not running enough’.

  Was that not the problem when they also lost their second game of last season at Brentford?

  

  On that occasion, it was a 4-0 thumping and the then-new boss responded by hauling the team in the following day for a punishing run in the heat.

  He joined in the 8.5-mile run — the extra distance covered by the Bees — to make his point.

  There has been no such reaction this time but he clearly is unhappy with an unconvincing opening to this campaign.

  Still frustrated by last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Tottenham, Ten Hag accused his side of a lack of effort and application.

  He was particularly angry at their failure to press better up front and felt the team turned off after a promising start.

• Utd second favourites to land Mbappe

  Unsettled PSG legend Kylian Mbappe is tipped to join Real Madrid by NEXT summer – with Manchester United second favourites and Arsenal not out of the running.

  That’s according to the odds from bettingsites.co.uk, who rate a switch to Saudi Arabia at 10/1.

  The France striker, 24, is also just 4/1 to stay at PSG.

  

  Neil Roarty, of bettingsites.co.uk, said: “The uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future has been raging on for some time and we’re still not much closer to knowing where his long-term future lies.

  “It now appears Manchester United could swoop in for the Frenchman if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s takeover of the club goes through, which is why we make them 3/1 to be the club that Mbappe will be representing come the end of next summer’s transfer window.

  “Real Madrid have long been linked with a move for Mbappe for years, which is why we make them the 2/1 favourites, while he could well stick around at PSG for the foreseeable future and they are 3/1 in the betting.”

  Mbappe’s club on September 1 2024 – odds:

  Real Madrid 2/1
  Man Utd 3/1
  PSG 4/1
  Chelsea 8/1
  Any Saudi club 10/1
  Arsenal 14/1
  Liverpool 20/1
  Barcelona 25/1
  Newcastle 25/1
  Any MLS club 33/1
  Man City 33/1
  Bayern Munich 50/1

• Utd second favourites to land Mbappe

  Unsettled PSG legend Kylian Mbappe is tipped to join Real Madrid by NEXT summer – with Manchester United second favourites and Arsenal not out of the running.

  That’s according to the odds from bettingsites.co.uk, who rate a switch to Saudi Arabia at 10/1.

  The France striker, 24, is also just 4/1 to stay at PSG.

  

  Neil Roarty, of bettingsites.co.uk, said: “The uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s future has been raging on for some time and we’re still not much closer to knowing where his long-term future lies.

  “It now appears Manchester United could swoop in for the Frenchman if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s takeover of the club goes through, which is why we make them 3/1 to be the club that Mbappe will be representing come the end of next summer’s transfer window.

  “Real Madrid have long been linked with a move for Mbappe for years, which is why we make them the 2/1 favourites, while he could well stick around at PSG for the foreseeable future and they are 3/1 in the betting.”

  Mbappe’s club on September 1 2024 – odds:

  Real Madrid 2/1
  Man Utd 3/1
  PSG 4/1
  Chelsea 8/1
  Any Saudi club 10/1
  Arsenal 14/1
  Liverpool 20/1
  Barcelona 25/1
  Newcastle 25/1
  Any MLS club 33/1
  Man City 33/1
  Bayern Munich 50/1

• Mason ‘fears for his top-level career

  Mason Greenwood’s career fears amid his upcoming exit from Manchester United have been revealed.

  The one-cap England striker, 21, worries he could fall down the footballing ladder.

  A source said: “Mason always wanted to re-start his career at the highest level possible.

  “He hoped and believed it would be with United.

  “The strength of feeling has now left him worried if he will ever play in the top leagues again.

  “Playing in somewhere like Albania was never part of his plans, ever.”

• Greenwood ‘devastated’ after United decision

  EXCLUSIVE: Mason Greenwood has been left “devastated” by Manchester United’s decision to dump him – which has left him mulling over an offer from a club in Albania.

  The forward, 21, and his family had expected to return to the Red Devils after club officials indicated they were willing to give him a second chance.

  

  But following a public backlash the club announced on Monday he would not play for United again.

  His hopes of re-starting his career at a high level club have also been dealt a blow after officials from Italian Serie A side Roma and the Saudi Premier League indicated they were no longer interested in signing the Prem star.

  Following his suspension by United after charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive controlling behaviour were dropped in February, at least two Premier League clubs made enquiries about signing him on loan.

  But those clubs are now re-thinking their plans as they consider whether any public backlash they are likely to receive if they sign him is worth it.

  Championship clubs are also believed to be monitoring the situation, but are worried they too would be unable to handle the PR situation.

  So at the moment, the only side who are reportedly interested is an unnamed team in Albania.

  The Sun understands the backlash has been so severe that Greenwood – who became a dad in July – has been left “devastated” and fearing for the future of his career.

• Napoli ‘join race for Amrabat‘

  Manchester United and Liverpool target Sofyan Amrabat is now fancied by Napoli, reports in Italy say.

  But the Serie A champs are understood to be baulking at Fiorentina’s asking price of £30million-plus.

  United boss Erik ten Hag is thought to want at least one more midfielder.

  But he’s struggled to offload any players to balance the books.

  Meanwhile, Napoli are now keen – amid claims their main target, Celta’s Gabri Veiga, could be heading for Saudi Arabia.

• Leonardo ‘still on Red Devils’ radar’

  Brazilian strike starlet Marcos Leonardo is reportedly still interesting Manchester United.

  Ex-Old Trafford chief Jose Mourinho has been the frontrunner for the Santos 20-year-old.

  But it’s claimed United are considering stepping in just as Mourinho’s Roma increase their own interest.

  The Italians are ready to bid around £17million plus more than £4m in add-ons.

  

• Red Devils would be lost without Ten Hag

  EXCLUSIVE: Without Pep Guardiola on the touchline for the next two games after back surgery, it will definitely be strange for the Manchester City players.

  I am sure with the technology of today, there will be a TV link to Pep over in Barcelona. He will be able to watch and get messages to his coaches. But for the players, it won’t really matter.

  For anybody else other than City and Arsenal with Mikel Arteta, it would be a huge factor. Those two sets of players would just be able to get on with it.

  

   It is very rarely about having big shouting matches with players or drastically changing the tactics. If Manchester United, currently in a transitional phase, lost Erik ten Hag from the sidelines, they would struggle.

  How they play right now is extremely orchestrated by Ten Hag during a game. Without him there, they would make so many mistakes.

  You can see it when you are watching games, the United players are constantly looking for reassurance they did what they were supposed to do.

  It is the same with Liverpool, who have a brand-new midfield. Chelsea have basically got a new squad, so need Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance.

  READ TROY DEENEY’S FULL VERDICT

• Dalot and Eriksen tipped to replace Utd crocks

  Diogo Dalot and Christian Eriksen will expect to come in for Manchester United’s crocks at home to Nottingham Forest tomorrow.

  Dalot is likely to switch from his usual right-side role to left-back following Luke Shaw’s injury.

  And playmaker Eriksen is the obvious replacement for summer signing Mason Mount, who faces up to six weeks out.

• Toney talk hots up as ‘United, Spurs and Arsenal hover’

  Claims that Prem giants are queuing up for Ivan Toney are intensifying tonight.

  Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are being linked with the banned Brentford striker, 27.

  

  It’s suggested the Bees WOULD consider cashing in on the one-cap Englishman this month – for around £80million.

  But it’s more likely he will stay put until at least January – when his suspension over gambling charges ends.

• Insiders reckon Mason will ‘not bounce back’

  Mason Greenwood will “not bounce back” after Manchester United dropped him and “was lost from the very start”, insiders have said.

  Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour in January 2022, but they were dropped when witnesses refused to testify.

  

  Reports that United were planning to retain him following an internal investigation were met with public outcry.

  The club announced on Monday that it had been mutually agreed for the 21-year-old to leave.

  Now several sources have said “immature” Greenwood may never play again when he leaves Old Trafford.

  “I don’t think he is equipped to come back from this,” a source told MailOnline.

  They continued: “There are players who would be able to think: ‘I have been cleared so stuff you’. They would just get on and score goals for someone.

  “Mason is not one of those. He’s immature. I really think he’s finished.”

• Greenwood ‘threatened to leave Utd for Man City’

  Mason Greenwood reportedly threatened to leave Manchester United for rivals Man City during a furious row in a training game.

  The Daily Mail claims the incident occurred when Greenwood, 21, was a “young player” at United.

  

  The Red Devils cut ties with the striker this week following a club investigation into his behaviour following his January 2022 arrest.

  Greenwood was suspended by United after being charged for attempted rape, assault and coercive control. The club then conducted their own investigation after the case was dropped.

  And it remains to be seen whether Greenwood is now sold or loaned, or has his £75,000-a-week contract completely terminated.

  The Mail allege that he made a threat to quit United for City. On another occasion, Greenwood is said to have not turned up to training for an entire week.

  In a statement after United’s conclusion of their investigation and decision not to reintegrate Greenwood into their squad, he said he “fully accepts” his mistakes while promising to continue playing elsewhere.

  Greenwood added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”

• Bailly linked with shock Marseille move

  Eric Bailly could land a shock permanent switch to Marseille.

  The centre-back has been linked with Saudi clubs as Manchester United appear keen to move the Ivorian on.

  And the 29-year-old could move on for a bargain fee.

  Bailly’s loan club from last season, Marseille, were thought to have ruled out a new deal.

  But Sky Sports now claim the French giants are back in for the 49-cap star.

• Kaoru ‘perfect’ fit for Red Devils

  Brighton wideman Kaoru Mitoma would be ideal for Manchester United, says pundit Garth Crooks.

  Japan hero Mitoma has began the campaign brilliantly – unlike the Red Devils’ own widemen.

  Now a strong of Prem giants and European sides are said to be monitoring him.

• Nice boss issues Todibo update

  Nice manager Francesco Farioli has issued an update on the future of Jean-Clair Todibo.

  The French centre-back has been linked with a move to Man Utd as they look to upgrade on Harry Maguire.

  And Farioli has said he hopes the rumours surrounding his defender stay as rumours and don’t materialise.

  He said: “These rumours have existed since the start, so we’ve developed antibodies against them – be it the team or myself. There are a few days left – we’ll see.

  “There is a chance that he stays, and I would be happy because he’s a quality player and he would be very hard to replace. I hope the rumours stay rumours.”

• United given goalkeeper boost

  Manchester United have been given a boost in their plans to sign Fenerbahce shot-stopper Altay Bayindir.

  The Turkish giants have today announced the signing of goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Dinamo Zagreb.

  And the signing seems to all but confirm that Bayindir is heading to Old Trafford with Livakovic stepping in to fill his empty spot in between the sticks.

  It has been reported that Bayindir is heading to Manchester today in order to sign his contract as a Red Devil and complete his final medicals.

  Man Utd have reportedly agreed a fee with Fenerbahce of around £6million for the 25-year-old,

  

• United ready despite injuries

  Erik ten Hag has said his team can deal with the injuries to Luke Shaw and Mason Mount without having to bring in new players.

  Shaw is set to have months on the sidelines after picking up a muscular injury, whist Mount is looking likely for a shorter stint away from the pitch.

  Ten Hag seems confident that despite his growing injury list, Man United are prepared to deal with the absentees in house.

  We have the solutions in our squad to cope with that. We thought before the season about this scenario, what could happen. You hope to avoid the scenario that’s also clear. But if it happens, you have to be ready for it and we are ready to deal with it.”

  Erik ten HagSpeaking ahead of Nottingham Forest

• Man United consider shock Shaw replacement

  Manchester United are reportedly considering Ryan Bertrand as a replacement for the injured Luke Shaw.

  Shaw has picked up a muscular injury that will likely see him on the sidelines for a matter of months.

  And according to The Express, Bertrand is on a list of potential replacements being considered by the Red Devils.

  The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after his contract with Leicester City expired this summer.

  But he has not played a professional game since December 2021.

• Ten Hag confirms Hojlund still out

  Erik ten Hag has confirmed that new signing Rasmus Hojlund is still out and will miss Man United’s clash against Nottingham Forest.

  When asked during his pre-match press conference if the £72million man would be available he said: “Not for tomorrow.”

  Hojlund has been unable to make his debut for the Red Devils just yet after arriving with a back injury that he sustained during pre-season with Atalanta.

  But the 20-year-old could be back soon with ten Hag confirming he has started training with the squad.

  He said: “Today for the first time he came into team training.

  So next week we expect him to do a full week with all the team trainings. So he’s very near to making the squad.”

  

• United fear Shaw injury ‘worse than first thought’

  Manchester United were handed ANOTHER injury blow with the news that Luke Shaw has picked up a muscular injury.

  And despite original reports suggesting Shaw would be out for “weeks” the Manchester Evening News say that the club fear it could be worse.

  The outlet have reported that Shaw’s knock is “worse than first thought”.

  It has also been said that United are now active in the market for a short-term replacement.