MANCHESTER UNITED started off the New Year in style with victory over Aston Villa.
The Red Devils meanwhile have reportedly turned their attention to Erling Haaland after they ‘dodged a bullet’ by missing out on Jadon Sancho.
Follow all the latest with our blog below…
- Josh Graham
OLE BE BACK
Darren Fletcher has returned to Manchester United as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching team.
The Scottish midfielder – who has not played since 2019 – spent 20 years at United after coming through the academy.
Darren Fletcher is back working at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty He made over 340 first team appearances between 2003 and 2015, winning five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Despite not officially retiring, the 36-year-old had planned to go into coaching and had been working with the Under-16s since October.
Now, he will link up with his former team-mate as a member of the first-team staff.
Fletcher said: “I am delighted to be returning to the club as a first -team coach.
“It’s a very exciting time for this young team and I am looking forward to taking the next steps in my coaching career by working with Ole and his staff.”
- Josh Graham
NOT TIM TO GO
Timothy Fosu-Mensah reportedly wants to remain at Manchester United despite rejecting a new deal.
The Red Devils fear he could leave on a free transfer but the defender still sees his future at Old Trafford.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah wants to stay at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty According to the Manchester Evening News, Fosu-Mensah is keen to remain with United despite rejecting a new contract.
The Dutch defender's current deal runs out at the end of the season and could leave on a free transfer in the summer.
But the 22-year-old's preference is to remain with the club and he is hoping to agree a better deal on a new contract.
Fosu-Mensah is one of the lowest earners at United and reportedly feels he is undervalued.
- Josh Graham
WHAM BAM BUSY JAN
A bumper January period ahead for Manchester United as they look to continue their Premier League surge alongside cup exploits.
- Josh Graham
ERLING BIRD CATCHES THE WORM
Borussia Dortmund have urged star striker Erling Haaland to stay put amid interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are believed to have lined up the Norwegian hot shot as a priority signing after easing off on their pursuit of team-mate Jadon Sancho.
The 20-year-old has bagged ten goals and two assists in just nine Bundesliga appearances this season.
BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke reckons it's too soon for Haaland to jump ship.
When pushed on a potential summer move, he told Kicker: "I don't think that will happen. Erling and his advisor Mino Raiola know what they have in us.
"I can only advise him to do things like Robert Lewandowski."
Lewandowski spent four years with Dortmund before joining Bayern Munich in 2014, whereas Haaland has only been at the club for one year since arriving from RB Salzburg last January.
- Josh Graham
RED ARMY
Gary Neville has praised Manchester United's 'game-changers' for propelling Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side up the Premier League table after the 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Friday left them level with leaders Liverpool.
Neville told Sky Sports on The Gary Neville Podcast: "It was a big, big win for United. I'm so looking forward to that [Liverpool game]. Not because I'm here thinking United can go to Anfield and win, but because United have become competitive out of nowhere.
"If you'd have said at the start of the season, or even five weeks ago, that United would be level with Liverpool, I'd have said no chance, that can't happen.
"That shows how unusual this season is. What Manchester United have is a lot of match-winners – Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial, Daniel James, Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford… Game-changers.
"They do it in moments, and they don't always have to be playing well when you have those players on the pitch.
"The performances are getting better, it's a work in progress, it's not by any stretch the finished article. At times in games they mesmerise you for ten minutes, and then can turn into a nightmare for ten minutes.
"But there's confidence building, something is growing, there's a spirit at the end of the game with the players celebrating was nice to see."
- Josh Graham
POG TRADE
Reports in Italy claim Manchester United are willing to let Paul Pogba leave in a player-swap deal with Juventus – but not for Aaron Ramsey or Douglas Costa.
The Frenchman returned to Old Trafford in 2016 from the Italian side but has been linked numerous times with a move back.
Pogba has just 18 months remaining on his current contract and his second spell at the Theatre of Dreams looks to be coming to a certain end.
His agent Mino Raiola declared last month that the midfielder, 27, wants to leave Old Trafford for pastures new.
The Serie A outfit are believed to be Pogba’s No1 choice of destination, but their signing of Federico Chiesa means they must look for alternatives rather than a straight-up money offer.
Reports have emerged of a player-plus-cash deal being offered by them to United with Calciomercato claiming both Ramsey and Costa, currently on-loan at Bayern Munich, were being mentioned as possible names involved.
However, they state neither player ‘is a priority for United in the Pogba affair’.
- Jack Figg
GOOD MORNING MANCHESTER UNITED FANS
Amad Diallo’s long-awaited move to Old Trafford is gathering pace with the teenage winger posting an Instagram photo of a private jet reportedly taking him to Rome.
The youngster is expected to finalise his move from Atalanta this month after being granted an Italian passport and a work permit.
Meanwhile Erling Haaland as a top transfer target for Man United with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to reunite with the Bundesliga goal machine he nurtured during their time together at Molde.
The Mirror claims United would be willing to activate the forward’s £70million release clause in the summer.
However, the club’s interest in Jadon Sancho is thought to have cooled.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is due to hold crunch talks with a number of fringe Man United stars this week in regard to his January transfer plans.
SunSport exclusively revealed the Old Trafford boss is looking to move on around six of his first team in a bid to trim his squad.
Phil Jones, Sergio Romero, Jesse Lingard and Dan James are among the United stars who have been linked with moves away from the club.
And Roy Keane believes United’s recent results could give them the belief and confidence to challenge Liverpool for the title.
The former Old Trafford skipper was scathing about United’s chances at the beginning of the season.
However, the Sky Sports pundit reckons his old club “can challenge Liverpool” following their recent results against Wolves, Leeds and Aston Villa.
- Sandra Brobbey
DIALLO'S DREAM MOVE
Amad Diallo appears to be set to complete his move to Manchester United with the Atalanta teenager sharing a photo from a private jet prior to his £36million move.
The 18-year-old agreed to an Old Trafford switch in the summer but has stayed in Italy until he was allowed a work permit.
Diallo has now been provided with an Italian passport with United planning to integrate the youngster into the first-team fairly swiftly.
Amad Diallo is reportedly on his way to Rome to finalise his Man United move - Sandra Brobbey
GET ERLING EARLY
Man United have reportedly made signing Erling Haaland their top transfer priority for this year.
The Mirror claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a massive fan of the Borussia Dortmund forward, who he helped to nurture when the pair were both at Molde.
And Haaland excelled for Dortmund last term scoring 16 goals in 18 games across all competitions.
It is reported United would be willing to activate Haaland's £70million release clause in the summer.
And it is thought the Red Devil's interest in Jadon Sancho has cooled following his recent Bundesliga performances.
Erling Haaland has emerged as a fresh transfer target for Man United
- Sandra Brobbey
AMAD ON BOARD
Amad Diallo is reportedly on his way to Rome to finalise his transfer from Atalanta to Manchester United.
Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano shared a tweet with a screengrab from the player's Instagram account claiming the teenage winger was on a flight to the city.
In his tweet Romano wrote: "He’ll (Diallo) complete paperworks and documents to join #mufc, then when everything will be completed [in the next few days] he’ll fly to Manchester."
- Sandra Brobbey
AMAD PLAN
Atalanta gaffer Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed Man United want Amad Diallo to join them this month, according to reports.
The Red Devils are set to sign Serie A starlet before the transfer window slams shut with the clubs agreeing to a fee rising to £37million.
United officials are thought to be finalising a work permit for the Ivory Coast-born 18-year-old.
Atalanta are reported to want to keep the youngster on loan until the summer, according to Manchester Evening News.
However it is rumoured United are unlikely to give this the go ahead.
Amad Diallo is due to become a Man United player this month - Sandra Brobbey
JOY OF SIX
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hold crunch talks with a number of his fringe Man United stars this week in regard to his January transfer plans.
SunSport has exclusively revealed the Old Trafford boss is looking to move on around six of his first team in a bid to trim his squad.
Phil Jones, Sergio Romero, Jesse Lingard and Dan James are among the United stars who have been linked with moves away from the club.
And Brandon Williams is set to be sent out on loan with Southampton and Bayer Leverkusen leading the race.
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is set for showdown talks with six of his United stars - Sandra Brobbey
KEANE'S CONFIDENCE
Roy Keane reckons Man United's recent results could give them the confidence and belief to challenge Liverpool.
The Red Devils are level on points with the Prem champs who are currently top of the table.
And Liverpool have dropped points over the last two months after racking up five draws in the league.
Keane told Sky Sports: “I think I was really critical at the start of the season because their (United's) home form was so bad. It was shocking, some of their performances and results but away from home they’ve been fantastic.
“It’s been a bizarre season, so – despite their bad home form – they’ve never been that far adrift.
“With their last few home victories – a bit of luck against Villa for the penalty, a late one against Wolves, brilliant against Leeds – United will get confidence and belief that they can challenge Liverpool.”
- Sandra Brobbey
DIOGO'S EXIT SORROW
DIOGO DALOThas opened up about his departure on loan from the Red Devils describing his exit as "bittersweet", according to reports.
The Portugal Under-21 starlet arrived at Milan on loan from Old Trafford in October last year after falling down United's pecking order.
And the full-back, who has made 10 appearances across all competitions for the Italian giants this, says injury halted his progress in Manchester.
Dalot told Record:“Of course, the feeling is a little deeper, more because I didn’t have the time I liked physically.
“I spent great moments at United. I played very important games for me and the team.
“I left with a bit of a bittersweet feeling for not being physically available for all those games I lost due to injury.
- William Pugh
…
Newcastle target Marcos Rojo is surplus to requirements and has not made a single appearance for the club yet this season.
Jesse Lingard and Dan James have been on the fringes of Solskjaer’s first-team, and their futures remain up in-the-air.
Meanwhile, Brandon Williams is set to be sent out on loan with Southampton and Bayer Leverkusen leading the race.
Solskjaer is now expected to sit down with these players in the coming days at their Carrington training complex for face-to-face talks.
United are only planning on bringing in players who can improve their 20-man-plus first-team squad and help their Premier League title charge.
Funds are available at Old Trafford, but there is a reluctance to spend across England’s top-flight due to the coronavirus crisis.
- William Pugh
GUNNAR GO? – EXCLUSIVE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will hold showdown talks with a number of his fringe Manchester United stars over his January transfer plans this coming week.
The Red Devils boss is looking to offload around six first-team players this month, with his inflated squad needing a trim.
United are planning to go into the transfer market this month if one of their targets becomes available for the right price.
But it is understood they are looking to ship a number out of the exit door, in a mixture of loan and permanent deals.
Sergio Romero is all-but certain to leave after a failed deadline day move last summer which left the Argentine goalkeeper and his wife fuming.
Phil Jones – who is wanted by West Brom – has struggled with injuries this campaign, and could be on his way out to get his £75,000-a-week wages off the books…
- William Pugh
PREM UPDATE
The Premier League table is finely poised as we approach the half-way point of the season.
Liverpool and Manchester United lead the way on 33 points each with Jurgen Klopp's men having a far better goal difference.
Just ten points separates third and 15th spot with every team in those places with a shout at a European spot come the end of the season.
Sheffield United look doomed already at the bottom while Sam Allardyce's West Brom also have a mountain to climb.
Although the conditions aren't ideal, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting of all time.
- William Pugh
PAUL IT DOWN
Man Utd took to Twitter to praise Paul Pogba after his fantastic display against Aston Villa.
And the Red Devils' admin team were particularly impressed with his ball control.
- William Pugh
…
The ban left Atletico Madrid chiefs enraged, stating it’s unfair they are being punished when they played no part in the alleged offences.
With Trippier’s ban now on ice, he could miss England’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
Those three games could be the Three Lions final games before June, when they take on Croatia, Scotland and Czech Republic in the group stages of this summer’s delayed Euros.
The right-back spot is easily England’s deepest too.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are already pushing for the starting spot, with Tariq Lamptey, Kyle Walker and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also in the mix.
Missing crucial games in March could see Trippier forced out of the squad and replaced for the Euros.
- William Pugh
TRIPP CANCELLED
Kieran Trippier could miss this summer’s European Championship due to his ten-week betting ban.
Last week, the former Tottenham right-back, 30, was found guilty of four of seven alleged betting offences relating to his move to Spain in 2019.
But Atletico Madrid say his ban has now been put on hold after they appealed the ‘totally unjust’ decision. And it could now affect England‘s Euros campaign this summer.
As well as his ten-match ban, Trippier was fined £70,000, with Fifa confirming the ban was effective worldwide and would start immediately.
That meant Trippier would miss Atletico Madrid‘s next 13 matches, including the Champions League last-16 clash with Chelsea.
Trippier appealed the decision, claiming he did not place any bets or profit from bets placed by others…
- William Pugh
CITY ARE SLICKER
Michael Owen has poured cold water on the Red Devils’ title chances claiming City are the bigger threat to Liverpool.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are currently level on points with the Prem champs after beating Aston Villa 2-0 on Friday evening.
And if Jurgen Klopp’s men beat Southampton in their next game, United could go level with them again should they beat Burnley.
But former Liverpool striker Owen has doubts as to whether United can breakdown low-blocking opponents and believes the side are too dependent on Bruno Fernandes.
Owen said: “I’m not sure they can win the title with (just) him (Bruno Fernandes) to be honest. I think they’re a brilliant counter-attacking team, against the bigger and better teams they are exceptional and can give anyone a problem.
“They’re second on goal difference, but are they as rounded a team as Liverpool or Man City? I still think they’re a step behind and I still think it will be a struggle for them to win the title. But the way they’re playing, anything is possible.”
- William Pugh
CAST YOUR VOTES
Manchester United have opened their December Goal of the Month competition.
Red Devils fans have plenty to choose from including this classy effort from Scott McTominay against Leeds.
- William Pugh
LINE IN THE SAN
Manchester United have turned their attention to Erling Haaland after they ‘dodged a bullet’ by missing out on Jadon Sancho last summer, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made England winger Sancho, 20, his No1 target during last summer’s window. But United failed to land their man, with Borussia Dortmund holding out for £108million.
And now, the Mirror claim United officials believed they ‘dodged a bullet’ in missing out on Sancho.
But after Sancho suddenly went cold, United are believed to be considering using the money to sign club team-mate Haaland.
Last January, Solskjaer made his move to sign compatriot Haaland – with whom he worked with as a youngster at Molde. Then at RB Salzburg, Haaland eventually moved to Borussia Dortmund.
It’s also widely claimed Real Madrid have a ‘verbal pact’ with Dortmund they can sign the Norway star in the summer of 2022, with Barcelona also keen.
Credit: Reuters - William Pugh
…
“His physical presence is important for us because we knew that Aston Villa are one of the strongest sides in the Premier League.
“We needed to match them.
"And he won a lot of headers, I was delighted with his performance.”
- William Pugh
GUNNAR GET BETTER
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Paul Pogba again despite Mino Raiola seemingly keen to move him on.
There are yet more doubts about the World Cup winner’s future at the club.
But Solskjaer felt the 27-year-old showed what he can give to the team during United's 2-1 win against Aston Villa.
He said: “Paul is getting fitter and stronger — and then you get performances like this.
“He took 25 minutes to get going but when he did get going, he made a difference for us. I think it’s important we get Paul on the ball, whether it’s low in the pitch or a bit higher between the lines.
“I think that he made the difference higher up. I know he started off defending. But we wanted him to make runs in behind them, to get on the ball…
Source: Read Full Article