Man Utd takeover news LIVE: Jim Ratcliffe wants Dan Ashworth for football director job, Sancho EXIT, Van de Beek medical | The Sun
December 20, 2023
DAN ASHWORTH is likely to replace John Murtough as Manchester United's football director, according to reports.
The British billionaire will reportedly complete his 25 per cent purchase of the Red Devils 'before Christmas'.
Meanwhile, Sancho has been offered a lifeline by RB Leipzig, but his wages are said to be a stumbling block.
Elsewhere, Donny van de Beek could finally make his way out of the club, with a medical at Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly in the offing.
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By Joshua Hall
Murtough offers Man Utd transfer update
Manchester United football director John Murtough has warned that the club are unlikely to do any business in the January transfer window.
Speaking at a Man Utd fans' forum he explained that the club don't see the winter window as good time to be recruiting players.
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy.
There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.
However, we’ve always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows.
John MurtoughMan Utd Fans' Forum
By Joshua Hall
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By Joshua Hall
Dan Ashworth moving closer to Man Utd role
Manchester United are said to be edging closer to bringing in Newcastle's Dan Ashworth as football director at the club.
The Daily Mail have reported that it is “increasingly likely” that Ashworth will replace John Murtough in the position at Old Trafford.
Ashworth, 52, has links to Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford and is said to be highly rated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team ahead of his £1.25billion buy-in.
By Joshua Hall
Sagna pleads for patience with Onana
Former Arsenal and Man City defender Bacary Sagna has asked Manchester United to give Andre Onana time.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper arrived at Old Trafford this summer for a whopping £47m from Inter, but has failed to impress so far.
However Sagna reckons he is still a top talent and he just needs to settle in and get used to the pressure on his shoulders.
Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: "When you play for United, the pressure is different. Playing for one of the biggest teams in the world puts them under pressure directly.
"For example, André Onana is probably one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but at the minute he is not having the best time of his life, but to me he’s a world-class goalkeeper.
"Of course, he makes mistakes sometimes, but he is human, and when you come and you have to play for the biggest club, it’s intense – United need to be patient."
By Joshua Hall
Agbonlahor slams Antony form
Aston Villa cult hero Gabriel Agbonlahor has laid in to Manchester United winger Antony for his form this season.
The retired pro has claimed that even he would be able to get the better of the Brazilian if he came up against him today.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, he said: "You have got Antony, who, honestly mate, he wouldn’t get past me. I cannot run, he wouldn’t get past me.
“Every time he tries to run past someone, he gets outpaced, out-muscled. He is getting away with murder. Zero goals, zero assists this season.”
Antony has made 18 appearances for the Red Devils this season and is yet to make any direct goal contributions for Erik ten Hag's side.
The former Ajax man arrived at Old Trafford last summer for an eye-watering £85.5million.
By Joshua Hall
Barcelona could swap Raphinha for Sancho
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are ready to enter the race for Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho.
Sancho has been banished by manager Erik ten Hag following the pair's public war-of-words earlier in the season.
And with the 23-year-old destined for the exit doors at Old Trafford, Man Utd could try and get themselves a replacement in the process.
It is said that Barcelona are willing to offload former Leeds star Raphinha with the Red Devils keen on a cash plus player deal including Sancho.
However it is reported that the Brazilian winger is unwilling to leave the Nou Camp and is happy where he is.
Man Utd 'want swap transfer for ex-Leeds star' in bid to offload Jadon Sancho
By Joshua Hall
Varane eyed for Madrid return
Raphael Varane could be on his way back to Real Madrid in the January transfer window.
The Los Blancos were hit with an injury blow at the weekend when David Alaba was on the receiving end of a horror tackle on Sunday.
And according to Fichajes, Madrid could be interested in bringing Varane back to the Spanish capital as a replacement for the injured Swiss international.
Varane has been struggling for form and game time under Erik ten Hag this season and some reports have suggested he may be available in the winter window.
By Joshua Hall
Mary Earps wins SPOTY
England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has won this year's Sports Personality of the Year.
The 30-year-old shot stopper helped lead the Lionesses to the World Cup final with her heroics in between the sticks.
Earps pipped Stuart Broad and Katarina Johnson-Thompson to the 70th edition of the prestigious annual award at MediaCity in Salford.
By Joshua Hall
United's next five
Manchester United are still battling their way through an up and down season.
And it's not going to get any easier with fixtures against the likes of Aston Villa and Tottenham coming up in their next five games.
By Joshua Hall
Murtough concerned about FFP
Manchester United football director John Murtough has admitted he is concerned about falling on the wrong side of the Premier League's Financial Fair Play rules.
Discussing the club's potential January transfer business at a fans' forum, he said: "We have seen this season that FFP rules have real teeth,
"So we have to be very careful to ensure that we remain compliant, and we will.
“We don't expect it to be particularly busy [In January]. There will always be opportunities”
By Joshua Hall
Frankfurt boss gives van de Beek update
Manchester United wantaway Donny van de Beek looks like he is edging closer to an exit from Old Trafford.
And with a move to Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly close, the German outfit's manager has given an update on the deal.
He [Van de Beek] is not our player yet.
I think everyone who knows a little bit about football knows that he is an outstanding footballer. If he signs, we would be looking forward to it.
Dino ToppmollerFrankfurter Allgemeine
By Joshua Hall
Aguero thinks United could challenge City for title
Sergio Aguero has revealed he thinks that Manchester United are a threat to Man City's title hopes this year.
Despite sitting 11 points behind leaders Arsenal and six points behind City themselves, Aguero believes you can never write the Red Devils off.
Speaking to Stake, he said: "You can never sleep on Man United at this stage of the season. They are one of the biggest threats to Man City’s Premier League title.
"I also think Tottenham are title contenders, who have improved a lot under Ange Postecoglou.
"Even despite their ups and downs, Newcastle are also in with a chance of the title as they always put up a fight.”
By Joshua Hall
Martial schedules meeting with Fenerbahce
Anthony Martial looks likely to be heading for the exit doors at Old Trafford this January.
And with Turkish giants Fenerbahce interested it seems as though a deal could be agreed soon.
According to Dirilis Postasi, the Frenchman has scheduled a meeting with Fenerbahce board member Selehattin Baki to discuss a potential move.
It is said that any deal would depend on the financial demands of Martial given his large wage packet at Man Utd.
By Joshua Hall
Onana must make decision about Afcon future
Former Manchester United and Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba has urged Andre Onana to make a decision on whether he will play in the African Cup of Nations.
Onana has come out of retirement to return to his international duties with Cameroon and is likely to be called up to the squad for the fast approaching Afcon tournament.
But his compatriot Djemba-Djemba is concerned that the possibility of missing over a month of football for the Red Devils could cost him his place at the Old Trafford outfit when he returns.
Speaking to the BBC he urged Onana to make a decision soon, saying: "One of the problems for him is even if he plays well over the next month, he then goes away for a month to Afcon,
"He knows if he goes, maybe he will lose his place at Manchester United.
"He has to decide what is best for him. He just needs to do what is best for his career."
By Joshua Hall
Liverpool legend tells Keane to get a life
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has told Roy Keane to "get a life" after the ex-Manchester United midfielder called Virgil van Dijk arrogant.
Keane claimed that van Dijk had acted with arrogance when the Dutch defender said his Liverpool side were the only team that wanted to win during their 0-0 draw with the Red Devils.
But now Thompson has weighed in on the debate and called out Keane for his comments.
Speaking to TalkSPORT he said: "For Roy Keane to be talking about arrogance in people – come on, do me a favour.
"I love Roy but I played that back and he just kept repeating the word. Roy, just get a life."
ROY'S WRONG
Liverpool legend tells Keane 'get a life' after Man Utd icon blasts Van Dijk
By Joshua Hall
Dortmund could snatch away United full-back
Borussia Dortmund could snatch Sergio Reguilon away from Manchester United in the January transfer window.
Reguilon is on loan at Old Trafford from Tottenham, but the London club are said to have a break clause inserted into his contract.
And it is now being reported by Sky Sports Germany's Patrick Berger, that Borussia Dortmund have made the 27-year-old their number one target during the winter window.
Reguilon could be swayed to make the move to the German giants now that Luke Shaw has returned to the team at Man Utd.
By Joshua Hall
Four United stars available to Saudi
Four Manchester United stars have reportedly been made available for a transfer away from the club in January.
According to the Mail Online, Red Devils football director John Murtough has been in Saudi Arabia to discuss the potential departure of four huge stars.
Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane are all said to have been up for discussion during the talks.
It is reported that no agreements were reached during the meetings, but that further talks have been scheduled for the future.
SAUD AND CLEAR
Man Utd chief 'holds talks in Saudi Arabia' with four players up for sale
By Joshua Hall
Murtough offers Man Utd transfer update
Manchester United football director John Murtough has warned that the club are unlikely to do any business in the January transfer window.
Speaking at a Man Utd fans' forum he explained that the club don't see the winter window as good time to be recruiting players.
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy.
There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.
However, we’ve always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows.
John MurtoughMan Utd Fans' Forum
By Joshua Hall
United in talks over Boey bid
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey.
The 23-year-old full-back has been linked with a move to the Premier League after impressing in Turkey.
And now Fotomac have reported that the German press are expecting Man Utd to launch a bid for Boey.
It's said that the bid would be in the region of £22million pounds to try and force a deal this January.
By Tony Robertson
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By Tony Robertson
Dan Ashworth moving closer to Man Utd role
Newcastle's Dan Ashworth is said to be edging closer to becoming the football director of Man Utd.
The Daily Mail report that it is "increasingly likely" that Ashworth will replace John Murtough in the position at Man Utd, though he will remain in post during the January window.
Ashworth, 52, has links to INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford and is said to be highly rated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team ahead of his £1.25billion buy-in.
By Tony Robertson
Man Utd loanee wanted by German giants
Man Utd loanee Sergio Reguilon is wanted by German giants Borussia Dortmund next month.
According to Patrick Berger, Dortmund have made their own enquiry over a six-month loan deal.
There is a clause allowing the loan deal to Man Utd to be terminated, though with Tyrell Malacia still not fit and Luke Shaw's own fitness proving inconsistent this season it may come as a blow not having the option there.
By Tony Robertson
Man Utd not expecting to do business in January
Man Utd have said they do not expect to do transfer business in January.
As reported by BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone, club CEO Collette Roche said: "We have been consistent in saying we do not see Jan as the optimal time to do business."
By Tony Robertson
Next five games
Here are Man Utd's next five games
By Tony Robertson
Rashford must be happy to succeed, says Yorke
Dwight Yorke has revealed that happiness is the secret ingredient behind Marcus Rashford turning around his blip in form.
Rashford has been far from his best this season, with fans and pundits alike critical of his form.
However, Yorke has now revealed how Rashford can get back to his best.
He told MegaDice.com: "We've seen people discuss Harry Magiure's improved form, but that will flip upside down again eventually and people will discuss that once it happens.
"Maguire went through a sustained period of poor form, and Rashford is now going through the same thing and he has to flip that around.
"Marcus can get inspiration from other players who have been in his position, but we can all talk as much as we like – it's the players' responsibility and the coaches can only take you so far.
"You need to be in a happy place to achieve your best. You'll never get there if you're unhappy with the coaches, club, or your personal life.
"The most important thing for players is to enjoy what they're doing every day. If Rashford is not enjoying life at Man United, whether it's listening to Ten Hag and his coaches, then he'll never succeed.
"Marcus must get back to enjoying what he's doing. He'll be in trouble if that doesn't happen."
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