MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag held a team meeting to explain why Mason Greenwood will not be returning to the club SunSport can EXCLUSIVELY reveal.
Ten Hag had been expecting to reintegrate the striker into the squad this week.
But on Monday, the club announced it was best for all parties that Greenwood continued his career away from Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, we have a major update on the date of United's takeover – and it is set to happen even sooner than expected.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- By Kealan Hughes
Youngster nearing summer transfer exit
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Ipswich Town for Brandon Williams to complete a move, according to Football Insider.
The Championship side are set to bring the 22-year-old left-back to Portman Road on an initial loan deal.
There have been discussions over an option to buy at the end of the season.
- By Kealan Hughes
'Mitoma is a United player'
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is better than Manchester United duo Jadon Sancho and Antony.
That is the verdict of Garth Crooks, with the pundit claiming that the Japan star is made to play for the Red Devils.
He said of Mitoma's performance against Wolves: "What a goal. The run, control and quality of finish against Wolves were world class. In fact Mitoma has been producing this type of form with such regularity that I can’t believe he’s still on the south coast.
"Manchester United have Jadon Sancho and Antony in their ranks and I haven’t seen anything like the quality or ability from either of those two players that I have seen from this lad. How do United get it so wrong?
"I accept that Old Trafford is a daunting stage and the stakes are much higher there, but Mitoma is a United player if ever I saw one."
- By Kealan Hughes
United target set transfer deadline
Fiorentina have set United target Sofyan Amrabat a deadline to decide his future.
The midfielder has until Friday to decide whether he wants to stay or switch to Old Trafford.
United have pursued the midfielder for much of the summer but have focused on securing other targets first.
They have also been keen to sell to raise funds, but after their struggles in midfield this season they could make a late move for Amrabat.
- By Kealan Hughes
Medical set for latest signing
Manchester United are currently conducting medical tests on Altay Bayindir ahead of a potential move to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.
According to The Athletic, Man United have been pursuing the Fenerbahce goalkeeper for a while now, but want some clarification on the 25-year-old’s back problems.
United boss Erik ten Hag is eager to sign a top-class back-up for Andre Onana before the transfer window closes, and Bayindir may well be the man for the job.
Date set for £6bn Qatari takeover
Sheikh Jassim is set to complete his full £6billion takeover of Manchester United by mid-October.
The Qatari royal has fought off rival bidder British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was willing to allow the Glazer family to retain a stake in the Red Devils.
A date is pencilled in and an announcement could come as early as next month.
Sheikh Jassim’s team are now completing their due diligence on the club before they end the 18-year reign of the loathed Glazers.
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RED-DY TO GO Date set for £6bn Qatari takeover of Man Utd with announcement coming soon
- By Sam Dymond
United can bounce back against Forest
Manchester United suffered disappointment at the weekend with that 2-0 defeat at Tottenham, but have the opportunity to immediately shake it off – and they couldn't wish for a better opponent.
Erik ten Hag's team take on Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, boasting quite the record when it comes to the recent head-to-head history between the clubs.
The Red Devils have won their last 10 meetings with Forest in all competitions by an aggregate scoreline of 36-3.
And that includes all four meetings last season when United prevailed in each without conceding a single goal.
- By Sam Dymond
No Saudi move for Varane
Manchester United's Raphael Varane will NOT be joining the Saudi Professional League this summer.
It had been reported in some quarters that the French centre-back would become the latest big name to make a mega money move from the Premier League to the Middle East.
However, Fabrizio Romano has tweeted that the 30-year-old has not had any contact with Saudi clubs, and he has no interest in making such a switch.
Furthermore, United still see Varane as pivotal to their plans with Erik ten Hag hoping to build his defence around the former Real Madrid star.
- By Sam Dymond
United youngsters pay late penalty…
…but then prevail on spotkicks themselves.
Travis Binnion's U21 side were in action at Stockport County this evening in the first Group E match of this season's EFL Trophy.
And in front of a packed away end, the young Red Devils broke the deadlock on the hour thanks to Joe Hugill's effort.
However, United were denied victory right at the death when County – down to ten men – won and converted a penalty 13 minutes into additional time.
In the subsequent shootout, Binnion's youngsters shook off that disappointment to win 5-3 and claim the bonus point that sees them top the group.
- By Sam Dymond
Grav to grab Premier League opportunity
Ryan Gravenberch has reportedly told Bayern Munich that he wants to leave the club and move to the Premier League.
The Dutch international moved to the Bundesliga champions from Ajax last summer for £19m, but struggled to make an impact during his first season in Germany.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool were interested in the 21-year-old prior to his move to Allianz Arena, and could be set to battle it out again according to TeamTalk.
Bayern would prefer to keep Gravenberch, at least until they have brought in a midfield replacement.
- By Sam Dymond
High-flying Ipswich want Williams
The season’s early Championship leaders Ipswich Town are in talks with Manchester United over the signing of Brandon Williams.
Kieran McKenna’s stylish, newly-promoted outfit want to bring the left-back to Portman Road on a season’s loan with an option to make the move permanent.
Highly-rated boss McKenna is hoping to make use of his links with to the Red Devils, having previously worked as a first team coach at Old Trafford.
Willams, meanwhile, previously had a loan spell at Ipswich’s East Anglian rivals Norwich in 2021-22.
- By Sam Dymond
Mount out of Forest clash
Manchester United's Mason Mount has been ruled out of Saturday's home game with Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder picked up a 'small issue' late on in the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham on Saturday, and will require some minor treatment.
While the injury is not signifcant, United sources have stated that the England star will be unavailable until after the international break in early September.
- By Sam Dymond
Gerrard: Greenwood link is ‘fake news’
Steven Gerrard says there is no truth to the reports that Al Ettifaq have made an offer to sign Mason Greenwood.
The Saudi Professional League club, now coached by the Liverpool legend, were said to be one of the many overseas clubs interested in the striker following his release by Manchester United.
Speaking to the Daily Record, the former Rangers boss simply responded to the rumours with “fake news.”
The Red Devils finally made the decision to axe Greenwood yesterday after an internal investigation into the incidents that led to him being charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October of last year.
These charges were dropped in February following the withdrawal of key witnesses and when new material that came to light.
- By Sam Dymond
Garnacho following in Giggs' footsteps
There has not been too much to excite the Manchester United faithful across the first two games of the season but, in Alejandro Garnacho, there is a reason for optimism.
The Argentine teenager burst on to the scene last season with a last gasp winner at Fulham after coming on as a late substitute.
And now the winger appears firmly in Erik ten Hag's first team plans, starting both the win against Wolves on the opening weekend and the defeat at Tottenham on Saturday.
At 19 years and 49 days, Garnacho is now the youngest player to start United's opening two Premier League fixtures of a season since Ryan Giggs in 1992-93 (18 years and 264 days).
- By Sam Dymond
Inter pay up for Pav
Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard is currently on his was to Italy to seal a £30m move to Inter Milan.
The versatile defender, now one of Europe's most impressive centre-backs, had previously been linked with a number of Premier League clubs.
Among those, Manchester United were understood to be the most keen on pursuing a deal for the French international.
However,any potential swoop for Pavard was only going to develop if Harry Maguire left Old Trafford.
And following the collapse of Maguire's transfer to West Ham, the path has now been paved for Pavard to join Internazionale.
- By Sam Dymond
United assessing Bayindir's bad back
Manchester United are in the process of conducting medical tests with Altay Bayindir, report The Athletic.
The Red Devils are keen to push on with purchasing the Fenerbahce goalkeeper in a £4.5m deal – but want clarification on the extent of the 25-year-old's back problem
The deal is also understood to hinge on Dean Henderson's future.
The Englishman has been told he can leave Old Trafford permanently before the transfer window closes.
Nottingham Forest, where Henderson was on loan last season, were interested but instead opted for Arsenal's Matt Turner; Crystal Palace are now understood to be in pole position.
- By Sam Dymond
Fiorentina await Amrabat offer
Fiorentina have told prospective suitors of Sofyan Amrabat to either make a serious offer or forget about a deal, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian club had appeared resigned to losing their star midfielder this summer, but interested clubs have yet to make a bid that meets with their approval.
Manchester United have been most strongly linked with the 27-year-old Moroccan as Erik ten Hag goes about exploring options to strengthen in the middle of the park.
United and their transfer rivals are said to have been told that they have until the end of this week to submit an offer otherwise Amrabat will be staying in Florence for another season.
- By Tony Robertson
When is Champions League draw
Man Utd have returned to the Champions League at the first time of asking under Erik ten Hag.
Their last foray in the tournament saw them eliminated in the Last 16 under Ralf Rangnick.
It also saw them struggle to progress out of their group.
But when will they find out who they are facing this time around?
- The Champions League group stage draw will take place on Thursday, August 31.
- The draw is set to begin at 5pm UK time.
- The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will host.
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When is the Champions League group stage draw?
Youngsters to prove worth his season
Mikael Silvestre reckons exciting youngsters Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo can prove to be huge assets for Man Utd this season.
Speaking to bettingexpert.com he said: "If you look at it, there are two players for each position except the centre-forward unless Anthony Martial continues to play for Manchester United.”
“Garnacho is clearly a very good option, and he started last night, but for Pellistri and Diallo, they have to step up and show their worth.”
“They will have the opportunities to do that and step up behind Antony, behind Rashford, and they need to take those chances.”
“Yeah, if Amad Diallo can bring his Championship form, it is great, but he also played in the Serie A for Atalanta before coming to United, so he knows what the level is.
"It is intense for sure, he has top defenders to go against in 1v1s, but he’s a good player.”
“Same as Garnacho; if Garnacho can do it, I think Diallo can also break through and add value to the front line."
However, Pellistri now looks set to join Sheffield United on loan, while Amad is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Rashford needs to be consistent, says Silvestre
Mikael Silvestre has backed Marcus Rashford to find consistency this season after his 30-goal campaign last time out.
Speaking to bettingexpert.com, he said: “For Marcus (the aim is), score more goals.”
“He had an excellent season, but yeah, consistency, that’s something that could come back.”
“But I believe he will be able to manage, and we won’t see a long goal drought this time out.
"I think he can manage the situation better, at least mentally, to go through it. I don’t think he’ll be doubting himself anymore.”
“So, the goals should be coming, but you know the No. 9s are also dependent on the balls they’re being fed and the form of the team.
"If United are dominating, he will continue to go on the same type of run of goals.”
United legend sets goal target for misfiring United wingers
Man Utd legend Mikael Silvestre has set misfiring United wingers Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho a goal target for the end of the season.
Speaking to bettingexpert.com, he said the trio should be looking to reach double figures to boost United's chances throughout the season.
He said: "They should be aiming between 10-15 goals each. That should be the aim for players like them.
“Antony started well last season, but 10-15 should be the target for offensive players in the midfield.
“You’re going to be playing a lot of games, and there will be a lot of opportunities to score this amount of goals."
None have scored so far this season, though Sancho has been limited to cameos off the bench.
Man Utd had £60m bid rejected for Kolo Muani
Man Utd saw a transfer offer of £60million rejected by Frankfurt for the transfer of Randal Kolo Muani.
The Red Devils have since brought in Rasmus Hojlund, but earlier in the window they saw a bid of £60m including bonuses turned down by Frankfurt for the French ace, as reported by L'Equipe.
- By Tony Robertson
Man Utd boost as Frankfurt identify Kolo Muani replacement
Man Utd have received a potential boost in the pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani after Eintracht Frankfurt identified a possible replacement.
According to Bild, the German side are looking at Niclas Füllkrug as a possible replacement.
Hugo Ekitike and Serhou Guirassy are also being considered – though the latter has decided to stay at Stuttgart.
This could mean Frankfurt are more likely to sanction a sale, although United's purchase of Rasmus Hojlund means they likely won't go for any deal this summer.
PSG are among the candidates who have approached Kolo Muani regarding a transfer.
- By Tony Robertson
Man Utd branded 'pathetic' after shocking stat revealed
A shocking stat has revealed Man Utd are the most dribbled past team in the Premier League so far.
United have been dribbled past 36 times in their opening two games,nine more than second-place Bournemouth.
And a discussion regarding the figure left Miach Richards slamming United as pathetic on The Rest is Football podcast.
He said: "Manchester United are so baffling in what they are trying to do.
"Just when you think they've cracked it and are going on an upward spiral they put out two pathetic performances.
"They need something in midfield because they're not controlling games at all."
- By Tony Robertson
Next five games
Here are United's next five games.
- By Tony Robertson
Man Utd transfer blow after target fee agreement
Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have reportedly reached an agreement on the fee for Benjamin Pavard.
Man Utd wanted to sign the Frenchman as Harry Maguire's defensive replacement.
But after his West Ham move collapsed, United were forced to postpone these plans.
And it may cause them to lose out altogether after Sport1 reported Inter and Bayern have agreed to a £28million fee, £2.5m of which are add-ons.
However, the deal is subject to the German outfit finding an "equivalent" replacement.
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