MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to make more additions with Sergio Reguillon a reported target.
Meanwhile, United wonderkid Mason Greenwood earned his first England cap in their win over Iceland – but broke coronavirus rules by 'inviting girls' back to his hotel room with Man City's Phil Foden.
The 18-year-old has now been dropped from the Three Lions squad along with Foden.
Sign up to play Dream Team 2020/21 now
- It's completely free to play
- Play the tradtional Season game as well as Draft
- There's a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
- SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE
Get all the latest Manchester United news and transfer gossip here…
NOT FAN-TASTIC
Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow in their hope of allowing 12,000 fans into Old Trafford for their league game against Crystal Palace.
According to The Athletic, United were due to meet authorities on Thursday to discuss the possibility of the trial run for the match on September 19.
If the test run was successful and did not pose any security risks, United were going to aim to increase the capacity in the following matches.
Clubs were due to let in a quarter of their stadium’s capacity from October 1 under plans to socially distance fans.
But Downing Street has put the plans on hold after government scientists deemed the prevalence of the virus was too high to let fans back so soon.
Some of the current sporting events that are carrying out pilots for the return of fans will still go ahead – such as horse racing, cricket and some football games.
However crowds for the pilot games will be capped at 1,000, Boris Johnson announced today.
The move delivers a major blow for millions of fans ahead of the start of the 2020/21 football season, which starts this weekend.
GAME OVER
Football fans’ hopes of returning to stadiums next month have been dashed due to the spike in Covid cases.
Clubs were due to let in a quarter of their stadium’s capacity from October 1 under plans to socially distance fans.
But Downing Street has put the plans on hold after government scientists deemed the prevalence of the virus was too high to let fans back so soon.
Some of the current sporting events that are carrying out pilots for the return of fans will still go ahead – such as horse racing, cricket and some football games.
However crowds for the pilot games will be capped at 1,000, Boris Johnson announced today.
The move delivers a major blow for millions of fans ahead of the start of the 2020/21 football season, which starts this weekend.
Mr Johnson said the Government will “revise plans to pilot larger audiences later this month” and they will review intention to allow audiences back to stadiums.
ARRIVING IN STYLE
The Manchester United twitter account is definitely enjoying the presence of Donny van de Beek.
MARC US PROUD
Marcus Rashford continues to vocally campaign against childhood poverty.
The Manchester United forward praised online supermarket Ocado for joining his mission to make sure that no kids go to bed hungry in Britain.
SNEAK BEEK
Donny van de Beek is settling in just fine at Carrington.
United's new man has been pictured in training and looking at home already.
LONGER WAIT
Another reminder that Man U's season gets going a bit later than most after their extended Europa League run in August.
Instead of playing Burnley during the opening weekend, they will have to wait till the following week to kick off against Crystal Palace.
The Eagles won at Old Trafford early last season so the Red Devils will be hunting for revenge.
IGHAL-NO
Napoli's expensive summer signing Victor Osimhen turned down a move to Manchester United – because he did not want to compete with fellow Nigerian Odion Ighalo.
That is the claim of Oshimhen's brother who insisted the 21-year-old did not want to battle for a starting spot with countryman Ighalo out of respect.
Osimhen moved to Italian club Napoli from Lille in a big money deal in July and his brother claims he did not even contemplate a move to Manchester despite reported interest.
Bro Andrew told Complete Sports: “It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague.
“My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn't see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.”
IT'S A BOY
Manchester United have led the congratulations to their legend Rio Ferdinand as he reveals the sex of his and Kate Wright's new child.
HERE'S DONNY
Donny van de Beek touched down at Carrington for his first Manchester United training session on Wednesday.
The Dutchman was driven into the club's base for a workout under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his £39million move from Ajax last week.
Fresh from his hero's send-off by the Amsterdam club's fans, van de Beek can look forward to an extended period of training before United's season begins.
With the Red Devils' Premier League opener against Burnley postponed, the squad can utilise the extra week's preparation before hosting Crystal Palace on September 19.
United fans are keenly watching Solskjaer for indications on how he will fit van de Beek into his system.
CLICK HERE TO SEE DONNY VAN DE BEEK'S UNITED INTRO
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW MOVED
UEFA have been forced to switch venues for the main club draw next month – because of the Covid resurgence.
European chiefs announced in June that the draw for the group stages of the Champions League and Uefa League – normally held in Monaco in late August – would be staged in Athens on October 1.
Uefa planned it to be the first major off-field event since March to take place in person, with the clubs present.
But with Greece gripped by an upsurge of virus cases and “following a series of talks with the Greek authorities”, Uefa announced the event will now take place behind closed doors at its Nyon headquarters.
The Champions League draw and announcement of Uefa’s player and coaches awards for 2019-20 will take place on October 1 with the Europa League draw the following day.
Uefa said: “All parties agreed that the top priority must remain public health.
“It currently would not be possible to organise an event of such size with guests in Athens, as it would violate public health restrictions and constraints regarding indoor events.”
PHELAN GOOD
Some Manchester United fans are getting their hopes up about Jadon Sancho again – after No2 Mike Phelan began following the Dortmund ace on Instagram.
It's not the silver bullet some may have hoped for, but other United supporters are celebrating anyway.
One optimistic follower commented: “Micky Phelan following Sancho on Insta is better than an announcement video for me. Welcome to the theatre Jadon.”
If that seems hopeful, there is still some activity going on behind the scenes to get Sancho to Old Trafford and end the long-running saga on a happy note.
That's according to Sky Sports News' transfer expert Dharmesh Sheth.
He said: “I don't think Man United feel that it is final. They are still negotiating with Sancho's representatives about personal terms and agent fees.”
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY
UNITED'S PLAN TO GET FANS BACK IN
Manchester United are hopeful of getting 12,000 supporters back into Old Trafford for their opening Premier League match, new reports suggest.
Club chiefs will meet with local authorities on Thursday to discuss the chances of getting fans back in time for the visit of Crystal Palace.
Depending on the success of that trial, United would be open to getting even more fans if health and safety permits, reports the Athletic's Andy Mitten.
United supporters will have to cross their fingers and hope for the best as more news emerges.
REIN IT IN
The BBC have banned sports commentators from using “racist” phrases including cakewalk, sold down the river and nitty gritty.
In an 'avoiding racial bias' training session, commentators and co-commentators were given a list of terms that must be avoided.
The Daily Mail reports that in the online training session staff were instructed to stop using “pace” and/or “power” to describe black players.
This can be deemed as racial stereotyping,
A guide was sent out to attendees which read: “Is there a danger of spreading a perception that black players' success is purely based on their athleticism and doesn't require hard work and intelligence?
“Do you need to spend more time thinking about how to explain the variety of reasons for a black player's success?”
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY
SWANSEA'S BIG PAY DAY
Daniel James' next appearance for Manchester United could see them sending £1 million off to Championship Swansea, new reports suggest.
A clause in the Welshman's contract which sees United have to pay an add-on of £1 million after 40 appearances is approaching fast.
In fact, if James appears for 20 minutes or more in the club's first game of the new season on September 19, the Welsh club are in for a decent pay day.
The add-on clause was part of Man Utd's transfer agreement with Swansea when they signed James in June 2019, report the Athletic.
He has appeared in 46 games for United so far but seven of his substitute appearances were for less than 20 minutes.
NEVILLE'S 'ISSUE' WITH POGBA
Red Devils' legend and TV pundit Gary Neville has admits he still has one “issue” with midfielder Paul Pogba – but praised his other capabilities.
The retired right-back said the player's commitment to the Man United cause remained a sticking point despite the fact he was able to be “one of the best players in the world.”
He told the Webby and O'Neill Youtube channel: “For me Paul Pogba has the capability of being the best player at the club and one of the best players in the Premier League and the world.
“My only issue ever with Pogba – I’ve never really been overly critical of his performances – is the noise around him wanting to leave the club and his agent pushing him elsewhere.
“It’s that lack of commitment which for me does distract. It happened when I was at the club as well so it’s not unique.
“But it does need to be dealt with because when your most famous player looks like he wants to leave, it unsettles everybody.”
BENCH WARMER WEALTH
United's back-up keeper Sergio Romero tops the list for the most well-off Premier League bench-warmers.
The Argentine has been revealed to be the player who earned the most without playing a single top-flight minute last season.
Third choice keeper Lee Grant – who has slipped further down the pecking order now Dean Henderson has returned – also made the top 10.
Other notable names include new Spurs man Joe Hart and Bournemouth's Artur Boruc in a list which is dominated with goalkeepers.
NEW SEASON, NEW HOPES
DEPAY GOODBYE?
Ex-United flop Memphis Depay has confirmed Barcelona's transfer interest in him – but current club Lyon have poured cold water on any suggestion the Catalan giants have been in touch.
The talented Dutchman never quite found his footing in Manchester after being signed by Louis Van Gaal.
But he is now being linked with a move to Spain to help Barcelona in their rebuild.
“I know about the interest from Barcelona, but I can't say any more right now,” he told Dutch channel NOS.
“I'll speak with Lyon soon and we'll see.
“I haven't even spoken much about this with my agent.”
However, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said there had been “no exchanges with Barca.”
COMPARE THE MARKET MAN
Ex-Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo is set to link-up with Britain's most popular meerkats as he fronts the newest Compare the Market ad.
The Sun exclusively revealed that CR7 will be set to pocket over £1million pounds as he forms a three-man strike force with Aleksandr and Sergei.
The father-of-four is due to fly to the UK in the next fortnight to shoot the scenes in what should be advert to remember.
EXCLUSIVE: SKY SHAKE-UP
Micah Richards and Alex Scott are not expected to be part of the new revolving Soccer Saturday panel on Sky this season, reports MARTIN LIPTON.
Sky’s decision to axe long-time studio guests Charlie Nicholas, Matt Le Tissier and Phil Thompson brought suggestions that Richards and Scott would be parachuted in.
But the pair have been lined up for match punditry duties rather than sitting in front of TV screens on a Saturday afternoon.
Sky chiefs have decided not to have a permanent panel alongside host Jeff Stelling, with the likes of Matt Murray and Clinton Morrison likely to appear as well as retained veteran Paul Merson.
Fans were devastated when the trio of Nicholas, Le Tissier and Thompson, who had worked for the broadcaster for almost 50 years combined, were let go.
Scott Minto was then added to the cull after 13 years with the broadcaster.
BIG SPENDERS?
The signing of Donny van de Beek was Manchester United first major foray into the transfer window – but most Red Devil fans will be hoping for more.
They can look to recent history for hope as the club have rarely been shy about splashing the cash.
REGS BLOW
Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Sergio Reguilon with Real Madrid reportedly demanding a buy-back clause.
El Partidazo de COPE claims United are interested in striking a £27million deal for the left-back, 23.
But Real have apparently made it clear they want an option to bring Reguilon back to the Bernabeu for the same price.
And that demand looks set to end United’s move for the Spain international.
Reguilon was one of Europe’s top defenders last season, starring in Sevilla’s Europa League win which saw them knock United out in the semis.
However, Real have no room in their squad for Reguilon thanks to Ferland Mendy and Marcelo.
ICYMI – MASON APOLOGY
Manchester United striker Greenwood put out a statement to say: “Having now had the chance to reflect on what’s happened, I can only apologise to everyone for the embarrassment I have caused.
“In particular, I want to apologise to Gareth Southgate, for letting him down, when he had shown great trust in me.
“It was irresponsible of me to break the Covid-19 protocols which are in place to protect players, staff and the public.
“Playing for England was one of the proudest moments in my life and I only have myself to blame for this huge mistake.
“I promise my family, fans, Manchester United and England that this is a lesson I will learn from.”
SUBBED OFF
The Premier League is set to be left as the only major competition in Europe not to allow five substitutes, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Clubs in Spain’s La Liga are poised to U-turn and revert to bigger benches and up to five changes.
They will join France and Germany in allowing five substitutes, with Italy’s Serie A now expected to follow suit.
That will leave the Prem as the stand-out exception among the Big Five, after clubs voted 11-9 last week in the second vote on the issue.
The vote was a rejection of the arguments of the Big Six Prem clubs, who were left angry and frustrated that their arguments carried no weight with their rivals.
SETTING THE TONE
Anthony Martial was on fire for France last night.
The United forward picked up a goal of his own and an assist for Antoine Griezmann in a 4-2 win, a replica performance from Les Blues' World Cup final victory two years ago.
Martial also got some game time in ahead of United's season which starts in 10 days' time at home to Crystal Palace.
Didier Deschamps' side face Portugal to decide who will be top dog in League A Group 3 of the Nations League, with the two sides yet to face each other.
Source: Read Full Article