MANCHESTER UNITED are confident they will land England captain Harry Kane this summer – if Tottenham fail to qualify for the Champions League.
United have made contact with the Tottenham star's camp through a third party and have been encouraged by the response, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Elsewhere, Red Devils' left-back Luke Shaw has issued an apology following United's humiliating 7-0 loss at Anfield.
He told MUTV post-match: “Out there on the pitch, I felt embarrassed for us players, for the fans who were supporting us and who were watching at home."
Meanwhile, Brazilian Midfielder Casemiro faces a race to get fit for the club's Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday.
In other news, the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is hotting up with interest from Premier League giants Man United and Arsenal.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- Dylan Terry
Man Utd smashing Dream Team
AT this stage of the season, the Dream Team 100 Club™ is a sociable place to hang out.
And yet it's still relatively exclusive club as just 30 players have registered 100+ points at the time of writing.
Here we've broken down 2022/23's centurions by club for your perusal.
But it is Man Utd who have more than any other side at the moment with SEVEN players hitting the 100-point mark.
They are:
- Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) – 240 points
- Bruno Fernandes (£6m) – 162 points
- Luke Shaw (£4.1m) – 111 points
- Diogo Dalot (£3.9m) – 106 points
- Lisandro Martinez (£4.4m) – 104 points
- David de Gea (£3.9m) – 103 points
- Casemiro (£3.3m) – 103 points
Irvine shocked as Casemiro recognises him
Australian football star Jackson Irvine was left stunned when he was recognised by Man Utd midfielder Casemiro.
The 30-year-old, who appeared in all four of Australia's World Cup games last year, arrived suited and booted at the ceremony as a member of FIFPRO's Global Player Council.
Irvine and Casemiro can be seen posing for a photo together.
As the Australian international thanks the former Real Madrid midfielder for his time, Casemiro stops him and points.
The 31-year-old said: "You play for Australia, no?"
A stunned Irvine replied: "Australia, yeah mate. Wow!"
Before leaving the room, Casemiro nods and says: "I see you. I see you."
Premier League top scorers
It is every Premier League striker's dream to add a Golden Boot to their cabinet – but a certain Norwegian forward seems to have written his name all of the award already!
Last season, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Tottenham's Son Heung-min were forced to share the prize after bagging 23 goals each.
But Manchester City machine Erling Haaland has already smashed that tally with so much of the campaign left to play.
- Erling Haaland – Man City – 27
- Harry Kane – Tottenham – 18
- Ivan Toney – Brentford – 14
- Marcus Rashford – Man Utd – 14
- Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal – 11
- Mohamed Salah – Liverpool – 11
- Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham – 11
- Rodrigo Moreno – Leeds – 10
- Miguel Almiron – Newcastle – 10
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal – 10
- Dylan Terry
Shaw apologises for Liverpool defeat
Luke Shaw issued a grovelling apology to Manchester United fans following the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool.
He told MUTV post-match: “Out there on the pitch, I felt embarrassed for us players, for the fans who were supporting us and who were watching at home.
“To watch that second half… I can only apologise for that, us, as players, have to own it, we have to stand up and accept that it was nowhere near good enough.
“It was completely unacceptable. Our standards have clearly dropped since we won that trophy [Carabao Cup] and, in the last couple of games, we haven’t been our normal selves.
"We need to find the good things we were doing before and bring them back, because this hurts a lot and it’s really unacceptable what we did in that second half.
“The performance was a disgrace, I was on the pitch and I felt that, I felt embarrassed for the fans that were in the stands to be witnessing that.
“We showed no personality and no mentality. For a big team to come here, we need to do better.”
- Dylan Terry
Weghorst bizarrely touches Liverpool badge
Wout Weghorst has sparked fury amongst Manchester United fans after touching the Liverpool badge ahead of kick-off.
It is tradition for Liverpool players to touch the 'This is Anfield' sign above the tunnel exit ahead of kick-off.
Most Liverpool players perform the ritual before every game but it is unusual for away players to do the same.
It is particularly strange for a player from a rival club to pay tribute in such a manner, which is why United fans are raging with Weghorst.
- Dylan Terry
Fernandes faces Man Utd captaincy snub
Bruno Fernandes faces missing out on becoming Manchester United's permanent captain following his behaviour at Anfield on Sunday.
The Portuguese playmaker, 28, has deputised for club skipper Harry Maguire due to the England international spending most of the season on the bench.
And with Maguire, 30, expected to leave in the summer, a new Man Utd captain is set to be appointed.
However, The Mail are reporting that Fernandes' antics during their 7-0 loss to Liverpool have left many unsure about the merit in giving him the armband.
These acts are said to have left his team-mates "irritated" by his behaviour.
And it is being considered that an alternative captain to Fernandes could be better for long-term team spirit.
- Dylan Terry
Man Utd's man-marking issue
Jamie Carragher ripped apart Manchester United's man-marking system on Monday Night Football.
The Red Devils were stunned on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool thrashed them 7-0 at Anfield.
And Carragher identified Cody Gakpo's position as a major thorn in the side of Erik ten Hag's man-to-man approach.
- Dylan Terry
Ten Hag shows players clips of Liverpool hammering
Erik ten Hag reportedly showed his squad clips of the 7-0 defeat to Liverpool to make them angry.
The downbeat United stars were called into Carrington on Monday for a recovery session.
But rather than punish his players with physical work as he did after the 4-0 loss to Brentford in August, Ten Hag focused on strengthening their mindset.
According to the Daily Mail, the United boss spoke about the importance of not losing confidence – after all his side have won nine of their last 12 games.
He did not show a replay of the Liverpool embarrassment but did show selected clips designed to rile up his players.
Ten Hag did likewise at Anfield, telling his squad to be silent in the changing rooms at full-time so they could listen to the Liverpool celebrations.
- Dylan Terry
Casemiro faces fitness race for Real Betis clash
Casemiro is a doubt for Manchester United's Europa League clash with Real Betis on Thursday.
The Brazilian has been an integral player for the Red Devils since his £70million summer switch from Real Madrid.
But even he was powerless to prevent United's 7-0 mauling at Liverpool on Sunday.
According to ESPN, Casemiro sustained an injury against the Reds.
He was substituted on 77 minutes, replaced by Marcel Sabitzer.
Casemiro will be assessed by medical staff before United's Europa League round of 16 first leg against Betis at Old Trafford.
- Dylan Terry
Arsenal lead Osimhen race ahead of Man Utd
Arsenal are leading Manchester United in the chase for Victor Osimhen, according to reports.
The red-hot Napoli striker is high in-demand having enjoyed a stunning campaign in Serie A.
Osimhen, 24, has turned heads by scoring 21 goals in all competitions – with his side top of the table and still going strong in the Champions League.
Man United are on a striker hunt this summer and the Nigerian is high on their wishlist.
But according to Italian outlet Rai, Arsenal have overtaken them in the race.
Victor Osimhen has attracted interest from both Arsenal and Man Utd - Etienne Fermie
Good morning Man United fans
Man United are reportedly set to offer a huge amount in order to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
But according to Football Insider, the Red Devils are ready to match his demands when his contract in Turin expires at the end of the season.
Three other Man United players have reportedly been identified as captain material over Bruno Fernandes.
According to The Daily Mail, Casemiro, Raphael Varane and David de Gea are seen as potential options to take up the role.
Erik ten Hag forced his Man United players to sit and listen to Liverpool celebrate their humiliating victory.
After the full-time whistle and with the players downbeat, the Dutch manager made the clubs stars sit in silence and endure the noise coming from the rowdy Liverpool dressing room, according to The Mirror.
Victor Osimhen has put Manchester United and Chelsea on red alert with his latest transfer comments.
Osimhen has opened the door to a Premier League switch by declaring he “dreams” of testing himself in England’s top flight.
- Henry Tomlinson
How United could line up
If United are successful in signing the England international this is how they could line up next season.
- Henry Tomlinson
HARRY RED NAB
Man United believe they will land Harry Kane this summer — if Tottenham finish outside the top four.
Old Trafford chiefs reckon Spurs missing out on a Champions League place will see them lower their £100million asking price.
United have made contact with Kane’s camp through a third party and have been encouraged by the response.
The England captain’s £200,000-a-week deal is up at the end of next season and failing to make the Champions League puts suitors in a better position to negotiate a lower fee.
- Henry Tomlinson
'THERE'S MORE'
Gary Neville was quick to point out four of Jamie Carragher’s statements that have not aged well as Twitter fun continued between the pair.
Former Red Devils right-back Neville, 48, was torn to shreds live on air in the fallout from the 7-0 embarrassment at Liverpool.
Neville hit back and pointed out four of Carragher’s own statements that have not aged well.
He wrote: “2 of those are right… you will see.. Here’s you….
“Martinez can’t play in the PL. United should have Conte. Rashford should leave United. Liverpool won’t get anywhere near top 4.”
Read full story here
- Henry Tomlinson
TOR BLIMEY
Victor Osimhen has put Manchester United and Chelsea on red alert with his latest transfer comments.
Osimhen has opened the door to a Premier League switch by declaring he “dreams” of testing himself in England’s top flight.
Osimhen said: “I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world (Serie A) is an amazing feeling for me.
“A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I’m in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
“I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League some day but like I said, it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well.”
Read full story here
- Henry Tomlinson
Casemiro injury concern
Man United star Casemiro reportedly picked up an injury during the heavy defeat to Liverpool.
ESPN have said that the midfielder will be "assessed by medical staff" ahead of the game against Real Betis on Thursday.
It would be a big blow for the Red Devils as Casemiro has become one of the key players in Erik ten Hag's side.
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Goals costing United
Karen Carney believes that Man United's defensive issues have cost them a chance of winning the Premier League after their defeat to Liverpool.
She told Sky Sports: “I think with the form they have previously been on winning the trophy as well you could say it is a blip.
“But there are bigger concerns in terms of conceding 16 goals against Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City. Clean sheets win you championships and goals win you games.
“Man United and fans of the club will want to win the league. They are conceding far too many for me. You are defined by the teams that are up there with you. If you want to win, you have to be flawless.
“We have seen the levels you have to be at to win the Premier League, the goals they are conceding are coming from little errors and it is costing them massively.”
- Henry Tomlinson
De Gea's message to fans
The Man United goalkeeper has admitted that the loss to Liverpool was "disastrous".
After the game, he wrote: "I know these messages don't sit well on such a day. This was a disastrous moment for us and these results shouldn't happen, especially with the journey we are all on.
"We have a duty to this club, a responsibility to represent the badge, but we have many opportunities to look ahead, many games coming fast and we have to lock our focus on these."
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
BOUNCE BACK
Man United will be looking for a big response as they take on Real Betis in the Europa League.
United will be aiming to bounce back as they take on La Liga side Betis in the last-16 of Europe's secondary competition.
When is the game?
- United's home clash with Betis will take place on Thursday, March 9.
- The game will be held at Old Trafford.
United prepare 'huge offer' for Rabiot
Man United are reportedly set to offer a huge amount in order to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
The midfielder was wanted by the club last summer but a move broke down.
But according to Football Insider, the Red Devils are ready to match his demands when his contract in Turin expires at the end of the season.
NOT THE ONE
Three other Man United players have reportedly been identified as captain material over Bruno Fernandes.
Concerns are believed to have arisen over Fernandes' ability to lead the team following his actions in the defeat to Liverpool.
According to The Daily Mail, Casemiro, Raphael Varane and David de Gea are seen as potential options to take up the role.
- Henry Tomlinson
SKY SCRAPPER
Gary Neville confirmed he will NOT be on Monday Night Football – but insists that was the plan even before Sunday's Manchester United humiliation.
And Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher taunted his rival earlier on Monday by suggesting Neville had "cried off" tonight's show as Brentford host Fulham.
But Neville replied to set the record straight, an hour before the programme started.
He wrote: "Behave yourself! Never meant to be on as you well know you clown!
"I will be relaxing looking forward to watching you eulogise over a team you’ve killed for two months…"
- Henry Tomlinson
HACKED OFF
Erik ten Hag forced his Man United players to sit and listen to Liverpool celebrate their humiliating victory.
After the full-time whistle and with the players downbeat, the Dutch manager made the clubs stars sit in silence and endure the noise coming from the rowdy Liverpool dressing room, according to The Mirror.
The report says that the former Ajax manager told his players to use the Liverpool celebrations to motivate them to never let it happen again.
Credit: AFP - Henry Tomlinson
IRON BRU
Paul Scholes has DEFENDED Bruno Fernandes in the wake of Manchester United’s disastrous defeat at Liverpool.
That’s after the midfielder was singled out for embarrassing shift in the 7-0 loss at Anfield.
Scholes said: “I actually feel sorry for Fernandes when he’s played. He’s been pushed out to many positions to do a job for the team, he was on the left today, he’s been on the right, he’s played through the middle, he has been a little bit all over the place.
“You can’t say any of the players performed the way they should have done but I thought he was especially poor today, it wasn’t his greatest afternoon. But I think there are a couple of players in that team that when it comes to big games like this, I don’t think they’re quite at the level.
“[With Weghorst] you’re talking about a United No10 or centre-forward, he’s in the team to be defensive. He’s the one that runs about and everybody likes playing with him.
“But quality-wise as well you’ve got to have a certain level of quality to play for United… it’s not there. I don’t want to be too disrespectful to the team because they’ve been great, they’ve just won a trophy.
“That is a really freakish day. I think they’ve got the experience, the character, the quality in the team to recover from that.”
- Henry Tomlinson
FER REAL
Bruno Fernandes has denied claims that he asked to be substituted towards the end of Manchester United’s 7-0 trouncing at Anfield.
The captain was seen gesticulating at the United bench as Anthony Elanga was brought on for Marcus Rashford with five minutes of the game remaining.
Fernandes has since made it clear to club staff that he was asking for clarification as to whether he should play centrally or wide now Elanga was on.
Read full story here
Credit: EPA
Source: Read Full Article
