MAN UTD prepare to face West Ham in a crucial match for their Champions League ambitions tomorrow.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now ready to drop the Spaniard for Sergio Romero, while Dortmund may have given the biggest hint yet that Jadon Sancho will move to Old Trafford.
Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford here…
I DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME
West Ham United manager David Moyes said on Tuesday that his Manchester United counterpart Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is building an exciting team having been given time on the job – something the Scot felt he was not afforded at Old Trafford.
Moyes said: “Ole had a difficult start, but the difference between Ole and me is that he's being given time.
“He's bringing players in from the academy, which United have always stood for.
“They have got really exciting young players of their own now…
“It's a wonderful club and a brilliant place to be, and the biggest club in the world, for me.
“It's always a special place to go and I'm looking forward to going back.”
BOUNCE BACK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told his players to roll their socks up for the next two games which will define their season.
The Norwegian said: “When you lose a game, you’re hurt, you’re disappointed and you’ve got to focus on the next thing.
“A defeat isn’t the end of the world. Now it’s business as usual and on to the next one.
“We’ve had so many setbacks at Manchester United, we’ve lost games before and we move on.”
RIO LIKES RAUL
Rio Ferdinand has backed Europe’s top clubs, including Manchester United, to make a move for Raul Jimenez.
The former Old Trafford defender said: “I wouldn’t say no at all. I think he’s something different to what they’ve got.
“What I like about him is he scores all types of goals.
“He’s at the back post heading things and bullying defenders, and he can score tremendous goals out of nothing.
“I think he’s a player with immense talent and I think his goalscoring record over the last two years has been really good.
“Before that, his record was a bit shady, but he has come to the Premier League and hit the ground running. He’s been a breath of fresh air.”
RED FLAG
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has claimed Manchester United are a top transfer prospect even without Champions League football.
He said: “Always you want to be a part of the best tournaments and teams but then again Manchester United is attractive enough.
“I think everyone can see now we're on a journey towards something better – I think so, anyway.
“It's in our own hands. I don't want to talk about how much it will mean financially to attract people.
“We have just got to focus on these next two games and make sure we're there.”
SOLSKJAER ON DE GEA
The United manager has backed David De Gea after his torrid performance in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.
Ole said: “This is not going to become a David De Gea press conference, we’re just going to stick together and focus on that one.
“David is mentally strong enough to know his job is to perform in training and the next game as well.
“That’s your job to talk about and write about and my job is to prepare the team for West Ham, and that’s my job is to do that, not talk about individuals because nobody here is going to feel like we’re going to put more pressure on them.”
BAILLY OUT
After suggesting he may be OK, Solskjaer has dropped his biggest hint that Eric Bailly will miss the game against West Ham.
He said: “I don't think he'll be ready for this game, I haven't seen him yet [at the training ground].
“I think everyone is available, apart from that no injuries from last week.
“I've just got to stick together, stay strong, we've got two games to go and we've given ourselves a decent chance.”
SOLSKJAER ON MOYES
Here's Ole on former United boss David Moyes: “I've not read everything that's been said or written about David but he's done a fantastic job.
“After lockdown he's improved the team, he's a fantastic manager.
“It's going to be a very difficult game for us.
“They've had some big wins, Norwich, Chelsea as well.”
SQUAD UPDATE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Harry Maguire should be fine, but Eric Bailly is continuing to be monitored ahead of tomorrow's game against West Ham.
The United gaffer said: “[Harry Maguire] was in yesterday [Monday] and should be fine.
“Of course, [Eric Bailly] was shaken up a bit. He had a big blow to his head. We're still monitoring him.
“He stayed down in London after the game.
“I’ve not seen him this morning yet because these interviews are before the boys meet up.
“I'll see him soon and, hopefully, he'll be alright.”
TOP FOU-WHAA?
This seemingly never-ending Premier League season could produce one last unbelievable twist.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City have been slugging it out for a Champions League position since the campaign got underway, all the way back on August 9, 2019.
But now, with the season set to finally come to an end 352 days later – the latter pair could be in for yet another extension to their domestic campaigns.
For if the Red Devils and Foxes were to finish below Chelsea and on the same number of points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head – FA rules stipulate that the pair would need to meet in an unprecedented top-four play-off.
This would decide which team would snatch the final Champions League position.
INT-ROSPECTION
David Beckham has asked fans to be patient after Inter Miami became the first MLS expansion team to lose their opening five competitive fixtures.
A 1-0 defeat to New York City meant Beck's new franchise were also the first club eliminated from the MLS is Back tournament.
And after finishing bottom of Group A at the tournament in Orlando, Beckham reminded fans that “Manchester United wasn't built in a day”.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Sometimes the road is long and you need to take a breather.
“Manchester United, Real Madrid, La Liga and the Premier League wasn’t built in a day.
“Teams, players and clubs need time to flourish but when they do, all the hard times seem so distant.”
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Sometimes the road is long and u need to take a breather .. Manchester United , Real Madrid , La Liga and the premiership wasn’t built in a day… Teams , players and clubs need time to flourish but when they do , all the hard times seem so distant… It’s important to take time to reflect on what we have achieved so far… I’m proud of my team , our club and the amazing fans that we have… Patience is a virtue #familia @intermiamicf
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NOWHERE TO HIDE
Marcus Rashford held his hands up over a poor United performance against Chelsea on Sunday.
He said on his Instagram: “There’s no where to hide this morning, we just weren’t good enough yesterday. I’m gutted.
“But we have to brush that off and prepare for 2 huge games this week. Your support is everything and we never take that for granted.
“Thank you, we’re going to need every single one of you behind us this week. Let’s make it a good one.”
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There’s no where to hide this morning, we just weren’t good enough yesterday. I’m gutted. But we have to brush that off and prepare for 2 huge games this week. Your support is everything and we never take that for granted. Thank you, we’re going to need every single one of you behind us this week. Let’s make it a good one. MR
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BLUNDER CERTAINTY
One United source says he saw David De Gea’s mistakes against Chelsea coming “a mile off.”
The Spaniard’s two blunders in the FA Cup semi final gifted Chelsea a 3-1 win in what was an otherwise torrid performance from the 10 outfield players as well.
According to the Athletic, one Old Trafford source said before Sunday: “It’s going to cost United in a final, you can see it a mile off.”
The warnings were already there after Junior Stanislas slotted past De Gea’s near post, but he was saved by the Red Devils forwards in the 5-2 win over Bournemouth.
TRIPLE WHAMMY
Manchester United will reportedly announce the academy signings of Marc Jurado, Alvaro Fernandez and Isak Hansen-Aaroen once they receive international clearance.
Having already announced their intake in their academy for the 2020/21 season, United are still looking to add to their squad, and hope to confirm the trio of youngsters in the near future.
SunSport reported in May how the Red Devils had wrapped up a deal to land Jurado from Barcelona after he rejected a deal at the Nou Camp.
And last month the 16-year-old took to social to bid farewell to the Blaugrana, further fuelling his imminent switch to England.
United are also understood to have agreed a free transfer for left-back Fernandez after he failed to extend his stay at Real Madrid.
Spanish media have stated the 17-year-old will pen a four-year deal at Old Trafford after he we was “blown away” by their sports project.
SANCHO £80M QUICK DEAL
Manchester United will reportedly make a “take it or leave it” £80million offer to Dortmund for Jadon Sancho.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made the 20-year-old England international his top summer transfer target.
The Bundesliga outfit are believed to have told the Red Devils to put up or shut up as they demanded a £115m fee for the winger and are reluctant to sell him on the cheap.
However, United’s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has made it clear that asking price is unrealistic amid the financial climate of Covid-19.
And the Daily Star claims he believes he can get a deal done for much less and will offer just £80m to make it happen and do not want talks to drag on.
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HELPING HEND
Manchester United will hold showdown talks with Dean Henderson next week over the possibility of replacing David De Gea as the club's No1, according to reports.
The English stopper is set to return to Old Trafford after Sheffield United's last league game following a two-year loan stint at Bramall Lane.
Henderson, 23, has impressed under Chris Wilder with the boss keen on keeping him for an extra year.
But the Daily Mail report how United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to hold face-to-face talks with Henderson as the dilemma over the future No1 spot rumbles on.
Solskjaer is coming under serious pressure to drop £375,000-a-week David De Gea after yet another series of disastrous blunders.
The Spaniard made two howlers in United's 3-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea but they are just the latest in a number of mistakes made by De Gea over the last three seasons.
GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
Eric Bailly assured Manchester United fans the head injury he sustained against Chelsea was “just a scare”.
The 26-year-old was taken off on a stretcher just before half-time at Wembley after clashing heads with centre-back partner Harry Maguire.
After checks on Sunday night he left hospital but stayed in London and he will now miss Wednesday's game with West Ham
Bailly tweeted: “Thank you for all the messages of support. I am OK, it was just a scare.
“I feel the pain of yesterday’s defeat even more. But we have to get back up and refocus on the two big games we have this week.”
In other news, David De Gea could be dropped for the club's crucial Champions League bid this week.
United face West Ham at home tomorrow then Leicester away on Sunday, with a top-four place in their own hands.
But with keeper De Gea’s form and confidence shot after Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final horror show, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to turn to No 2 Sergio Romero.
Romero, 33, who had played in each previous round of the competition, was very upset at being left out of the semi.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in signing Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to reports.
The 27-year-old is one of EIGHT first-team stars that the LaLiga side could sell this summer in order to aid their precarious looking financial situation.
And according to FootMercato, the former France international “dreams” of a move to the Premier League.
They also claim that Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for the former Sevilla, AS Monaco and Inter Milan star.
WHEN IN ROME-RO
David De Gea could be axed for Manchester United’s crucial Champions League bid this week.
With keeper De Gea’s form and confidence shot after Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final horror show, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to turn to No 2 Sergio Romero.
Romero, 33, who had played in each previous round of the competition, was very upset at being left out of the semi.
And the Argentine then watched on as De Gea literally handed Chelsea a 3-1 victory.
GUNN-ING FOR HIM
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is running out of patience with David De Gea and could drop him for Man Utd's final two league games against West Ham and Leicester, writes SunSport's Neil Custis.
The Spaniard made another gaffe in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea after a series of high profile errors this season.
Understudy Sergio Romero was very disappointed to be left out of the match against the Blues, but does retain the trust of Solskjaer and could be called upon for a crucial final two games.
United will guarantee Champions League football if they avoid defeat in both these matches.
NEV-ER SAY NEVER
Phil Neville is the latest star to rip into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the disastrous defeat to Chelsea.
Solskjaer has now come under fire for making too many tweaks in such an important match.
Former United star Neville was first to call out his old teammate, saying on BBC One: “I don’t think United had a player on the pitch, maybe Bruno Fernandes, that played well.
“I think Ole picked the wrong team and the wrong system.”
HIGH FIVE
David De Gea is walking a tightrope at Manchester United.
The club's highest paid player – who signed a new £375,000-a-week deal last September – has made a series of shocking blunders.
With his future up in the air – despite the backing of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – here are five keepers who could replace De Gea.
HEAD AKE
Manchester City are close to completing a deal for Nathan Ake, according to reports.
Neighbours United and Chelsea are among the long-list of teams that have been linked to the Bournemouth skipper.
But according to the Guardian, City have all-but won the race for his signature.
Pep Guardiola is ready to part with £35million for Ake as he looks to bolster his defence this summer.
CHAMPIONS INTRIGUE
This seemingly never-ending Premier League season could theoretically produce one last unbelievable twist.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City have been slugging it out for a Champions League position since the campaign got underway, all the way back on August 9, 2019.
But now, with the season set to finally come to an end 352 days later – the latter pair could be in for yet another extension to their domestic campaigns.
For if the Red Devils and Foxes were to finish below Chelsea and on the same number of points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head – FA rules stipulate that the pair would need to meet in an unprecedented top-four play-off.
This would decide which team would snatch the final Champions League position.
AL BE BACK
Manchester City want to sign United flop Alexis Sanchez this summer, according to reports.
The ex-Arsenal star has scored just five times for the Red Devils in 45 appearances.
He has been shipped out on loan to Inter Milan this season, but they do not want to sign him permanently.
La Cuarta, via Sport Witness, claim Pep Guardiola's side are now interested.
SAN CITY
Alexis Sanchez could complete a bizarre move across town to Man City, according to reports in Chile.
La Stampa claim that Sanchez still appeals to Guardiola following City's failure to sign him in 2018 and, predictably points out the link between the player and manager from their Barcelona days.
Should City push ahead with this deal, United are said to be wanting a £17m transfer fee. But it would be a strange one.
IT'S HAMMERTIME
Manchester United have released some early team news ahead of Wednesday's game against West Ham.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be without FOUR defenders for the Premier League clash.
- Eric Bailly was taken off on a stretcher against Chelsea following a collision with team-mate Harry Maguire.
- Luke Shaw remains a doubt due to his ankle injury.
- Alex Tuanzebe and Phil remain out of action.
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