Manchester United brought their pre-season tour of the United States to a close with a 3-0 defeat to Premier League rivals Liverpool overnight.
Despite creating plenty of chances at the Williams-Brice Stadium in South Carolina, United failed to find the back of the net, whereas Liverpool were clinical when opportunities came their way. They got the job done via goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Konstantinos Tsimikas.
United, certainly in the first half, carried the greater threat, going close to scoring through both Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford. Scott McTominay also spurned a great chance after the break.
The defeat meant United ended their pre-season campaign with three defeats from five games. In truth, it was a campaign that highlighted the need for fresh legs ahead of the transfer window closing.
Ahead of the window slamming shut on August 30, United are continuing to work hard on various transfer fronts. They remain keen on both Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte and a number of outgoings are still possible.
Bayern boss speak about Matthijs de Ligt
Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has discussed the current situation regarding De Ligt, he said: “It is not the time yet. Matthijs has played very well here for two years, and that’s why many fans like him. Nevertheless, you have to think about how you make decisions and also how the boy feels. He is still a player of FC Bayern. And as long as he is, he will get all our support.“
Negotiations ongoing between the clubs. Bayern still demand €50m plus bonuses added Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany.
West Ham ‘not giving up’ on Aaron Wan Bissaka
West Ham United have been heavily linked with Manchester United right-back Wan Bissaka and may move ramp up pace of the deal now their pursuit of Crysencio Summervile concluded.
According to Fabrizio Romano an exit for Wan Bissaka would give the greenlight for a potential arrival in the full-back department – Noussair Mazraoui looks most likely to fill the spot if the Englishman were to move on.
Mazraoui medical date set
Manchester United are close to signing Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui as Erik ten Hag aims to bolster his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United are ‘ready to sign’ the player but could be waiting to offload current right-back Aaron Wan Bissaka – who is linked with a potential move to West Ham United. Reports from French outlet Foot Mercato suggest a medical is booked for Tuesday.
Fernandes sends Man United’s Branthwaite transfer ‘alternative’ one-word message
Bruno Fernandes made an eye-catching social media post on Saturday night while watching his former club, Sporting, play in the Portuguese Super Cup.
Four-and-a-half years have passed since Manchester United signed the midfielder, but the Lisbon-based club is seemingly still close to his heart. That is why Fernandes spent the evening watching his country’s equivalent of the Community Shield on television.
Sporting was participating after winning the Primera Liga last season. But despite finishing ten points clear of city rivals Benfica and another eight ahead of Porto, like Manchester City, they did not do the double, losing the Portuguese Cup final 2-1 to the latter.
Read more here.
Ten Hag explains two United substitutions
Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof were taken off at half-time against Liverpool and Erik en Hag revealed the changes were necessary.
“We had to sub at half-time Jonny Evans because he was ill, Victor Lindelof precaution. There are some injuries but we have to see how bad they will be,” he said.
Will Fish was taken off on a stretcher in the second half, yet Ten Hag was unable to provide any detail on the injury, saying: “We have to see what’s going on. The assessment, it was an impact injury.”
Sancho speaks
Jadon Sancho says he is happy to be back on the pitch after returning to the Manchester United first-team squad this summer.
Asked if he is glad to be back on the grass, he told MUTV: “Definitely, 100 per cent. 100 per cent, yes.”
When asked how he has found the pre-season tour, he continued: “It’s been nice, enjoying the weather, back with the lads, it’s been good. I love the facilities in America.
“Obviously when I have time off, I usually come to America. This is actually one of the places I do train before pre-season so it’s nice to be back. I wouldn’t say it’s home but yes, it’s a nice facility.”
Ten Hag makes Amass admission
Erik ten Hag says there is still ‘a long way to go’ for Harry Amass following a breakthrough pre-season campaign for the Manchester United youngster.
After another accomplished performance against Liverpool, Ten Hag was asked whether he had been impressed by Amass’ displays.
“I said already there is potential, he has to improve,” he told MUTV. “The last 12 days on the tour he made big steps, he was really tested in defending, he made a step forward but there is still a long way to go.”
United ‘take step’ to secure £18m windfall for next transfer after seeing bid rejected
United reportedly want around £18million to sanction the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The 26-year-old is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after falling down the pecking order with West Ham and Inter Milan among the teams interested in securing his services. In fact, the Daily Mail reports that West Ham are ready to step up talks for Wan-Bissaka as Julen Lopetegui tries to fine-tune his squad before the start of the new Premier League season.
The right-back has one year left on his contract, and United are prepared to cash in before the end of the window.
Ten Hag makes major Sancho admission
Jadon Sancho could start the season up front for Manchester United in an extraordinary turn of events for the one-time exile.
Sancho has not scored for United since the final day of the Premier League season against Fulham in May 2023 but he could occupy the centre forward role against former club Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday.
“Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t play with him there,” Ten Hag said when asked if Sancho was an option as a striker. “That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus.”
United sent big Chiesa transfer hint after brutal Juventus decision
Federico Chiesa’s omission from the Juventus squad that took on Brest in Saturday’s friendly has fanned speculation that the winger is set to exit the club amid tentative links with United.
The Italian, who was spotted training individually this week, has been tipped to leave Turin this summer with just a year left on his contract and a renewal yet to be agreed. A number of Premier League clubs have been touted as potential suitors including United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
A winger is not on the list of transfer priorities at United this summer with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho seen as sufficient cover on the left. Chiesa can play on either flank, albeit has traditionally been played more on the left.
McTominay deal ‘impossible’
Galatasaray have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Scott McTominay.
Despite popping up with key contributions for United last season, the Scotland international has faced speculation over his future at Old Trafford. In recent weeks, it has been reported that fellow Premier League side Fulham have seen a £20million bid rejected.
There is a suggestion that Erik ten Hag and transfer chiefs at the Theatre of Dreams are looking for around £25m-£30m. The Guardian reported interest from Turkey emerged with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, however TEAMtalk have reported that a possible move to Okan Buruk’s side is ‘impossible’.
The report claims that the Turkish side would struggle to meet the financial demands of the 27-year-old. Rudy Galetti reported that Galatasaray believe a deal is impossible. It has been suggested that they’re only able to pay £12.8million for the midfielder, who has one year left on his current deal with an option of a further year.
Mazraoui medical date ‘revealed’
United have reportedly booked a medical for Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui. According to the French outlet Foot Mercato, a medical has been booked on Tuesday with Ten Hag, who was looking to acquire the Moroccan before the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Unlike De Ligt, Mazraoui travelled with Vincent Kompany’s side to Korea for the stretch of their pre-season preparations. It has been widely reported that the 26-year-old will sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford.
Bayern boss on De Ligt
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has spoken about the Matthijs de Ligt situation.
I will comment when the time comes. It is not the time yet. Matthijs has played very well here for two years, and that’s why many fans like him. Nevertheless, you have to think about how you make decisions and also how the boy feels. He is still a player of FC Bayern. And as long as he is, he will get all our support.
Sky Germany describes the transfer as imminent and reports that negotiations continue between the club because Bayern still want €50m (£42.62m) plus add-ons for De Ligt.
United in race to sign ‘next Sergio Ramos’
According to reports in Spain, United are among the clubs interested in Real Madrid defender Joan Martinez. The 16-year-old has been dubbed the ‘next Sergio Ramos’ and had already attracted suitors such as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Valencia and Sevilla by the age of 15 – AS has reported.
United and Chelsea are said to have an interest in the talented youngster but there is a calm surrounding his future. Martinez has featured for Carlo Ancelotti’s side during pre-season as Real Madrid look to defender their Premier League and Champions League crowns.
United told three reasons to complete De Ligt transfer
United are interested in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt and Ten Hag knows the defender well from their time at Ajax. While discussions are ongoing to find a breakthrough with the German side, United continue their push for defensive reinforcements.
De Ligt’s time has been frustrating as he failed to cement a starting berth at the Allianz Arena. Despite that, he has left a lasting impression on his teammates, none other than goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
He said: “I’ve always been very happy with him at my side. He’s a real defender who likes to fight; he throws himself into the fight, even in aerial duels, and he’s always there. I get on very well with him on the pitch, but in the end it’s the club that makes the decision.”
Ugarte ‘waiting’ for United
Manuel Ugarte is reportedly waiting for a move to United as talks between the club and Paris Saint-Germain continue.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the midfielder agreed personal terms with United a fortnight ago and wants to sign for the Reds. It is said the contact is continuing between the two clubs, with discussions including a loan deal that features an obligation to buy Ugarte.
United still see the Uruguay international as their top target, but re-signing Sofyan Amrabat remains an option. Moving players on first continues to be a priority for the club before signing off on incomings this summer.
