CRISTIANO RONALDO has had conversations with his agent about his future at Manchester United, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Jorge Mendes has flown to the UK for talks with the 36-year-old over status at Old Trafford following reports of a fall-out between Ralf Rangnick and the senior player, which the club deny.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has been forced to deny rumours of him joining Barcelona, with a withering takedown of a Portuguese TV station.
Paul Pogba is nearing a return to full fitness with United doctors giving him the green light to return to full training after picking up a thigh injury.
SunSport also revealed that United have offered Pogba a new deal before he walks out of the door for nothing.
The Frenchman would be become one of the best-paid players in the Premier League if he signed on the dotted line.
Napoli have signed Axel Tuanzebe on loan after the 24-year-old left Aston Villa following his loan spell there.
Meanwhile, West Ham have slapped a stunning £100m asking price on Declan Rice but the Red Devils are confident of tempting him up to the North West.
And United are determined to sign Wolves star Ruben Neves this month, SunSport can also exclusively reveal.
Get all the latest Man Utd transfer news, updates and gossip on our live blog…
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- Kealan Hughes
United enter Prem transfer battle
River Plate frontman Julian Alvarez is on Manchester United's radar, according to Calciomercato.
AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan are all said to be keen on Alvarez, but the report suggests that the Old Trafford outfit and Bayern Munich are leading the chase for the youngster as things stand.
The Argentinian’s agent is reported to have flown out to Italy to discuss a possible move in recent days, but that the proposals from England and Germany are more compelling at present.
West Ham and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.
- Kealan Hughes
U-turn on Diallo Birmingham move
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are yet to finalize an agreement with Birmingham City over a loan deal for Amad Diallo, and a move is now expected to collapse.
However, that has not ruled out a loan move for the 19-year-old. He is still expected to leave, with four clubs keen on the winger’s signature.
Feyenoord were close to sealing a move for him in the summer and are still interested. However, Diallo is prioritising a move to a British club.
- Kealan Hughes
Dalot aiming for Cup glory
In-form full-back Diogo Dalot has his eyes set on winning silverware at Manchester United and would love to achieve that in the “most special” competition, the FA Cup.
Dalot: “After playing a few cup games now in different leagues and in different countries, then I’d say the FA Cup is probably the most special one you can play in.
"Because of the history it has and the atmosphere you have in these kinds of games.
"We’re facing a good team and we need to be at our best level to go through to the next round.
“We want to start this competition well. We’re playing to win every single competition.
“I can’t lie – it would be a fantastic achievement for me if I could win an FA Cup for this club and hopefully we can lift the trophy at the end of the season.”
- Kealan Hughes
Keane makes cheeky Arsenal dig
Roy Keane came up with the perfect response to Ian Wright as the former Arsenal man talked up Aston Villa’s chances against Manchester United.
While on ITV punditry, Arsenal legend Wright was asked whether Villa will fancy their chances at Old Trafford and said: “Of course they will, I think anybody will.
“What Wolves did when they went there, they believed they could win and they did, why wouldn’t Villa think the same?”
Keane hit back saying: “You say that, but Arsenal got beat there didn’t they?”, referencing United’s 3-2 win back in December, leading to a chuckle from Wright.
- Kealan Hughes
United plot big midfield upgrade
Manchester United are reportedly in talks over the transfer of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.
Ralf Rangnick is said to be a big fan of the 25-year-old, who has been on United's radar for some time.
But they could be rivalled by Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund with both clubs reportedly considering a January move for the midfielder.
- Kealan Hughes
United predicted line-up vs Villa
Manchester United will look to return to winning ways on Monday evening when they take on Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup.
Victor Lindelof looks set to return for the first time since testing positive for Covid following Man Utd's 1-0 win over Norwich in mid-December.
But captain Harry Maguire is unlikely to feature as Rangnick confirmed on Friday that he has not been able to train yet.
Perhaps the most interesting factor coming into the game is whether or not the German coach opts to move away from his trusted 4-2-2-2 system.
It was reported earlier this week that Rangnick may choose to switch to a back three in an attempt to get the best out of his players.
This could see Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot operate as wingbacks either side of a midfield three.
- Kealan Hughes
Rangnick identifies key United solution
Ralf Rangnick has underlined what Manchester United need to do – and it involves more running around.
Rangnick has reportedly been left ‘stunned’ by the state of the club behind the scenes, but he feels that an increase in “energy” and sprinting on the pitch will help.
He said: “Whenever you watch games, even if it’s not the top teams, they play with intensity, they play with physicality, they play with energy and they sprint. This is what we have to do. We have to develop into this kind of team.
“As I said after the first game against Crystal Palace, we showed at least in the first half a lot of those things and it’s about implementing this into the team in a sustainable way. This is our job.
“We have to do it together with the players and we have, obviously, to develop the players, identify for each game the players who are willing and able to do that and to deliver exactly what we spoke about.
“I’ve only been here now for five weeks. Yes, the pressure is on at a club like Manchester United. I’m pretty sure that the players are aware of that."
- Kealan Hughes
United working to offload Martial
Manchester United tried to offload Anthony Martial during talks with Barcelona over a potential move for Edinson Cavani, according to reports in the Spanish media.
Barca have been linked with Red Devils forward Cavani but it appears that United would rather sell Martial.
Striker Cavani, who has featured prominently under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, has just six months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
Rumours of a potential departure for the Uruguayan have been frequent, especially following the summer arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, United are unlikely to want to sell and will instead focus on moving out fellow attacker Martial.
According to the print edition of Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), the La Liga giants made a proposal for Cavani but the Red Devils instead tried to convince them to sign Martial instead.
- Kealan Hughes
Tuanzebe 'a high-level footballer'
Axel Tuanzebe has been praised by his Napoli manager and a team-mate following his arrival and debut for the club.
Defender Faouzi Ghoulam told TMW: “We have already talked to him. Fortunately he also speaks French, so we can help him. He’s a good boy and he will give us a great hand.”
And manager Spalletti added: “Axel is a physical player, who can go and mark a player.
"He is a high-level footballer, then he will have to know things and our league which is not easy for anyone.
“However, he has some qualities and at this moment here he can be a very comfortable alternative, he plays often and every now and then must be replaced.”
- Kealan Hughes
Ibrahimovic matches superb Ronaldo record
Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalled a remarkable Cristiano Ronaldo record with a goal for AC Milan on Sunday.
The Serie A giants ensured rivals Inter would remain just one point ahead of them in the title race as Ibrahimovic's second minute strike helped them to a 3-0 win over Venezia.
And the Swede's early goal was a momentous one as it was the 80th team he has scored against in Europe's top five leagues.
The feat means he pulls level with Ronaldo – who netted against his 80th different side in Man Utd's 3-1 win over Burnley in December.
- Kealan Hughes
'Nothing has been ruled out'
Cristiano Ronaldo has held crisis talks with his agent Jorge Mendes about his future at Manchester United.
Mendes jetted into the UK to address Ronaldo’s fears his dream return to Old Trafford is in danger of ending in disaster.
A source close to Ronaldo revealed to SunSport: “Cristiano is very concerned about what is happening at United.
“The team is receiving a lot of criticism and he knows he is regarded as one of the leaders. There are quite a lot of problems and Cristiano is feeling the pressure and is very stressed by the situation.
“He desperately wants his United move to be a success, but he is starting to recognise that winning trophies with the current set up could be a real struggle.
“Jorge came to see him and they spent time chatting through how things are going, what they think are the problems, how they might be solved and what the solutions may be. Nothing has been ruled out.”
- Kealan Hughes
Diallo set for loan move
Birmingham City have agreed to sign Man United sensation Amad Diallo, according to Football Insider.
A recruitment source revealed that an agreement has been reached for Diallo to join Birmingham on loan for the rest of the season.
All parties are confident the deal will be completed over the next few days.
Diallo is set to become the third Man United youngster to take what is the increasingly well-trodden path to St Andrew’s.
Teden Mengi completed a loan move to Birmingham earlier this week, while Tahith Cong had made a fine impression at the club earlier in the season.
- Kealan Hughes
Tuanzebe starts with a bang
Axel Tuanzebe was thrust straight into the action for new club Napoli a day after completing his switch from Manchester United.
Following the win, the England U21 international posted on Instagram in Italian which translated to: "Happy for my first match with Napoli. #ForzaNapoliSempre"
His wait to feature again for the club won't be too long as Napoli prepare for Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Thursday.
- Kealan Hughes
'United are shopping at Poundland'
Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has urged the club to sign Brighton duo Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard.
He told bettors.ng: “If there is someone playing in England who I'd go and take to make Manchester United better at the moment and add something, I'd say (Yves) Bissouma from Brighton.
“He's a high energy player, in good shape, and a good athlete. He runs with the ball and drags people out. His decision making, his passing all are good.
“He's got everything that all the top sides in Europe have got. Everyone's got a player like that except Manchester United.
“Manchester United are shopping at Poundland at this moment. I don't know what they are thinking, he's (Bissouma) sitting right there!
“Bissouma and Leandro Trossard, another great signing for Brighton by Graham Potter. What a player."
- Kealan Hughes
Boubacar Kamara wage demands revealed
Manchester United may have been given a boost by Boubacar Kamara’s reported wage demands.
Kamara is running down his contract at Marseille and will become a free agent this summer.
The Athletic have reported United are keeping track of Kamara and like him as a potential signing, and he wants £150,000 a week.
Kamara could arrive as a replacement for Paul Pogba, whose Old Trafford future is still uncertain.
- Kealan Hughes
'I wouldn't listen to Maguire'
Roy Keane has blasted Harry Maguire after the Manchester United captain published yet another statement about the team's poor performances.
Maguire wrote: "We are letting the fans down and have to come out fighting. This team finished second last year. We've a bigger and better squad this year so we have to show the right attitude.
"We have big players in the team, leaders. I am sick of repeating myself, but it can't continue like this. We need to go on a proper run, starting Monday."
In response, Keane told ITV: "How many times has he said that? I wouldn't listen too much to what Harry has to say.
"I judge a player on what he does on a football pitch, not what rubbish he comes out with about 'we need to stick together'. Judge a player on what happens on a football pitch.
"United aren't doing enough, but Aston Villa at home, you'd expect them to turn up and put in a good performance. It's not been good enough recently."
- Kealan Hughes
Cavani to stay beyond January
Ralf Rangnick has said Edinson Cavani is set to stay at Manchester United after having a conversation with the star.
The United boss said: I spoke with Edinson Cavani almost half an hour. He told me he will definitely stay at Man United this January,
“I can rely on him to give his very best and to be role model for young players.”
- Kealan Hughes
'Looking forward to the game'
Steven Gerrard is expecting a hostile reception at Old Trafford today but he is relishing the chance to take on Manchester United in the FA Cup.
He is eager to test himself and his players against a top side and hopes his players are up to the task.
He said: "Anfield and Old Trafford, these are places that history tells you are really tough places to go, to win games of football against top teams and top players.
“But these are environments and teams you want to test yourself and compete against, I’m sure the players share those thoughts.
“I’m really looking forward to the game. Yes, I won’t get the welcome that I would like, but that’s not important.
“I’ve had it before and I’m still here, I still survived that welcome. It will be a really interesting and fascinating game from a personal point of view but for me it’s more important about how the team performs rather than myself.”
- Alex Terrell
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford in the third round of the FA Cup tonight.
United captain Harry Maguire is a doubt as he is still dealing with an injury and has yet to start training again.
Victor Lindelof, on the other hand, returned to practice on Thursday after testing positive for coronavirus, but Paul Pogba remains sidelined with a thigh injury.
Eric Bailly and Hannibal Mejbri are out on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Villa manager Steven Gerrard, on the other hand, said he will field a strong line-up against United.
Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins are likely to return after missing the defeat at Brentford last week.
However, Kortney Hause is facing a late fitness call after reporting some "tightness" at Brentford.
And ex-United captain Ashley Young will be checked after fracturing his toe.
Star signing Philippe Coutinho is unlikely to be involved after agreeing to join on loan from Barcelona.
Coutinho's debut is likely to take place against United in the Premier League on January 15.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has held crisis talks with his agent Jorge Mendes about his future at Old Trafford.
Sunsport understand Ronaldo is frustrated by how United are performing.
The Portugal captain is also disillusioned with Red Devils interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s tactics and style of football.
A source close to Ronaldo revealed: “Cristiano is very concerned about what is happening at United. The team is receiving a lot of criticism and he knows he is regarded as one of the leaders.
“There are quite a lot of problems and Cristiano is feeling the pressure and is very stressed by the situation.
“He desperately wants his United move to be a success, but he is starting to recognise that winning trophies with the current set up could be a real struggle.
“Jorge came to see him and they spent time chatting through how things are going, what they think are the problems, how they might be solved and what the solutions may be. Nothing has been ruled out.”
And United star Pogba will return to full training this coming week after getting the green light from the club's doctors.
The star midfielder has been sidelined for two months after sustaining a thigh injury while on international duty away with France.
SunSport understand the 28-year-old did some light running with his conditioners at Carrington last week.
Pogba has impressed Rangnick with his attitude and it is understood he has targeted a first-team return by the end of this month.
Finally, United star Bruno Fernandes slammed a rumour linking him with a move to Barcelona.
Fernandes became the latest Red Devils ace to squash gossip about unhappiness at Old Trafford.
Portuguese outlet SPORT TV claimed the playmaker had been offered to Barca.
But the Portugal international replied on Instagram: "And I thought the new year only started a few days ago, yet we’re already on April 1! Or is this once again just bad journalism?"
- Kostas Lianos
Diallo loan move off
Manchester United ace Amad Diallo's loan move to Birmingham is reportedly on the verge of collapsing but he is still expected to leave United this month.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a failure by the clubs to reach an agreement is set to lead to the collapse of the proposed move.
Romano tweeted: "Amad Diallo update. Manchester United have no full agreement with Birmingham City after further contacts – loan deal now expected to collapse."
The transfer guru claims the winger will leave the Theatre of Dream before the transfer window shuts on January 31.
He continued: "Amad will 100% leave on loan.
"Four proposals on the table, Feyenoord want him since August but player priority is for UK clubs"
- Kostas Lianos
Milinkovic-Savic link rekindled
Manchester United are targeting Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to Calciomercato, who claim that Milkinkovic-Savic is among United's targets to boost their midfield.
Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba are both expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on West Ham star Declan Rice as well as Wolves ace Ruben Neves
- Kostas Lianos
Fernandes rubbishes Barcelona links
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes slammed a rumour linking him with a move to Barcelona.
Fernandes became the latest United ace to squash gossip about unhappiness at Old Trafford.
Portuguese outlet SPORT TV claimed the playmaker had been offered to Barca.
But the Portugal international replied on Instagram: "And I thought the new year only started a few days ago, yet we’re already on April 1!
"Or is this once again just bad journalism?"
- Kostas Lianos
Rashford hits back
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford addressed reports of unrest at Old Trafford and shock claims that the players have lost faith in interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Rashford tweeted a long post that read: "I read something earlier that I’d been quiet on here but what can I say that will make this better other than showing you all on the pitch?
“We’ve all been disappointed with recent performances and we’ve been as disappointed with the news coverage questioning our commitment to not only the manager and the coaching staff but the club.
“I have endless respect for both and I’m looking forward to bettering my game under the staff at Manchester United.
“I’m not sulking, I’m not unhappy, am I disappointed in some of my recent performances? Of course I am. I’m my own biggest critic.
“It’s been a tough start but I’m determined to prove my worth. My dedication and my desire to be here should never be in question. I love this club”
- Kostas Lianos
‘Que pasa’
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland fumed at Eintracht Frankfurt star Rafael Santos Borre in the closing stages of yesterday’s 3-2 victory.
And eagle-eyed observers couldn’t help but notice that Haaland was yelling in Spanish.
The striker has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and Barcelona this summer.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also eyeing the Norway international.
So when an enraged Haaland started shouting ‘Que pasa?’, meaning ‘what’s going on?’ at Colombian Borre it got people talking.
The 21-year-old also appeared to grab his crotch as he had to be separated from Borre by the referee and opponent Timothy Chandler
- Kostas Lianos
On Baill
Manchester United ace Eric Bailly is reportedly targeted by AC Milan.
Milan are looking for a defender to fill in for Simon Kjaer, who has been ruled out until the end of the season after a serious knee injury.
According to Sky Italia, the Rossoneri have identified the Ivory Coast international as the perfect mid-season replacement.
The centre-back is away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations
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