MAN UTD stars Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire are reportedly annoyed at Cristiano Ronaldo's attempts to 'lead' the club.
Bild journalist Christian Falk claims the England duo are resentful of Ronaldo and a group alleged to include Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot.
However, Rashford took to Twitter to deny the claims, which Falk then doubled down on.
But they may have to prepare or another Portuguese-speaking star to join United, as the club reportedly step up their efforts to sign Ajax's Antony.
Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
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- Ian Tuckey
Utd board ‘might block Nkunku move’
Ralf Rangnick could struggle to persuade the Manchester United board to pursue RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku in the summer, reports say.
Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with the Frenchman, 24.
The Express say Old Trafford chiefs blocked Rangnick from bidding for the former PSG winger in January.
- Ian Tuckey
Real ‘believe they have deal’ for Utd target Haaland
Real Madrid believe they have an agreement in place with Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland, according to reports.
The LaLiga leaders are putting plans in place in case Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe snubs a summer free transfer.
According to Fichajes, there are doubts whether Mbappe will join Real so they have turned their attention towards Haaland.
And in order to get a head start on their rivals for Haaland’s signature, an offer has already been put before the player’s camp and Real are confident they can sign the 21-year-old striker.
Rivals Barcelona are also believed to be interested in signing Haaland as they eye a rebuild post-Lionel Messi.
However, the Catalan giants are on a tight budget due to their financial disarray.
Premier League duo Manchester City and Manchester United continue to keep tabs on the forward.
But it is believed Haaland would prioritise a move to Spain over the Premier League.
- Ian Tuckey
Real linked with Poch
Manchester United have been dealt a blow with Real Madrid reportedly targeting Mauricio Pochettino to replace Carlo Ancelotti, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
The Independent claims Bernabeu chiefs are ‘furious’ after Real’s meek 1-0 Champions League defeat to Poch’s Paris Saint-Germain last night.
Kylian Mbappe punished the Spaniards’ defensive tactics with a winner in the 94th minute.
And Ancelotti, 62, has it all to do in the second leg of the last 16 tie.
It’s now said that Real will SACK the Italian if he fails to deliver Champions League glory this season.
Ancelotti was famously axed by the Spaniards in 2015, just one year after winning Europe’s top prize.
And Champions League failure could bring the curtain down on Ancelotti’s Bernabeu reign for a second time if he fails to overturn last night’s defeat.
Ironically, it will be the man potentially responsible for his sacking, Pochettino, who Real will attempt to replace Ancelotti with.
- sstreet
Falk-ing hell
Marcus Rashford fumed at Bild journalist Christian Falk for claiming he and Harry Maguire were resentful of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Head of Football at the German paper claimed United's English stars were irritated that Ronaldo 'wants to lead the dressing room with his own clique'.
However, Rashford tweeted at Falk saying: "Are we just making it up as we go along now then? Please stop looking for divides."
But Falk did not back down as he responded: "Not True ❌ and you know it @MarcusRashford."
- Ian Tuckey
Utd board 'might block Nkunku move'
Ralf Rangnick could struggle to persuade the Manchester United board to pursue RB Leipzig's attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku in the summer, reports say.
Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked with the Frenchman, 24.
The Express say Old Trafford chiefs blocked Rangnick from bidding for the former PSG winger in January.
- Ian Tuckey
Real 'believe they have deal' for Utd target Haaland
Real Madrid believe they have an agreement in place with Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland, according to reports.
The LaLiga leaders are putting plans in place in case Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe snubs a summer free transfer.
According to Fichajes, there are doubts whether Mbappe will join Real so they have turned their attention towards Haaland.
And in order to get a head start on their rivals for Haaland's signature, an offer has already been put before the player's camp and Real are confident they can sign the 21-year-old striker.
Rivals Barcelona are also believed to be interested in signing Haaland as they eye a rebuild post-Lionel Messi.
However, the Catalan giants are on a tight budget due to their financial disarray.
Premier League duo Manchester City and Manchester United continue to keep tabs on the forward.
But it is believed Haaland would prioritise a move to Spain over the Premier League.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd duel PSG for Nkunku
Manchester United are battling Paris Saint-Germain to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.
The midfielder, 24, has caught the eye with impressive performances in Europe and in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 19 goals in 31 games.
But he could come at a high price due to the fact there is not a release clause in his contract, which expires in 2024.
As a result, Leipzig will demand a fee of £46m for their star man, reports German outlet Bild.
And with PSG ready to battle United for his signature the German club could answer to the highest bidder.
Arsenal are also thought to be monitoring the Frenchman.
But the Red Devils are desperate to land a midfielder this summer due to the worrying form of Scott McTominay and the uncertain future of Paul Pogba.
However, Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has claimed Nkunku will remain at the club for at least another year.
- Ian Tuckey
Toon tipped to win Prem before Man Utd
Newcastle will win a Premier League title BEFORE Manchester United because they will pay whatever it takes to win, claims Jason Cundy.
The pundit accused the United board of being tight in the transfer market, suggesting that has held them back in recent years.
And former Chelsea and Tottenham winger Cundy expects Newcastle to follow the pattern of spending of Chelsea and Manchester City following their takeovers.
He also praised Toon's recruitment in January, with Eddie Howe's side already having an immediate impact by helping the team escape the relegation zone.
Cundy told talkSPORT: "I’d probably go Newcastle. I think I would.
“Look at what Man City have done with their millions, look at what Chelsea have done with their millions.
“Neither of those clubs are in it to make money. Chelsea and Man City's models are about glory, not pound notes. Manchester United, right now, their priority isn't necessarily [glory], it’s about pound notes.
“Newcastle will spend whatever they like. Manchester United, under the Glazers, have been known to watch their pennies.
“It’s all about recruitment and Newcastle’s, in this situation, has been superb.”
- Ian Tuckey
Real linked with Poch
Manchester United have been dealt a blow with Real Madrid reportedly targeting Mauricio Pochettino to replace Carlo Ancelotti, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
The Independent claims Bernabeu chiefs are ‘furious’ after Real’s meek 1-0 Champions League defeat to Poch’s Paris Saint-Germain last night.
Kylian Mbappe punished the Spaniards’ defensive tactics with a winner in the 94th minute.
And Ancelotti, 62, has it all to do in the second leg of the last 16 tie.
It’s now said that Real will SACK the Italian if he fails to deliver Champions League glory this season.
Ancelotti was famously axed by the Spaniards in 2015, just one year after winning Europe’s top prize.
And Champions League failure could bring the curtain down on Ancelotti’s Bernabeu reign for a second time if he fails to overturn last night’s defeat.
Ironically, it will be the man potentially responsible for his sacking, Pochettino, who Real will attempt to replace Ancelotti with.
- Ian Tuckey
Brand image suits Ralf
Ralf Rangnick has made his first Manchester United 'signing' – by telling Brandon Williams he will definitely return to Old Trafford at the end of his loan to Norwich.
The 21-year-old defender has done well this season at Carrow Road, winning the club’s player of the month award in January.
The left back has been a regular starter since Dean Smith replaced Daniel Farke as manager in November.
But the England Under-21 international is set to head back north in the summer after Rangnick made clear to the United academy product he was part of the plan going forward.
A source said: "Brandon couldn’t play when United took on Norwich in December because of the loan deal agreement.
"He watched the game and was saying hello to some of the United players he is mates with when Rangnick made a beeline for him.
"He said he was aware of him, that he rated him and that he definitely wanted him back at United when the loan deal ends.
"So the message was ‘keep working hard and enjoying playing and you have a big future ahead of you at United’. "
- Ian Tuckey
Utd fight PSG for Nkunku
Manchester United are battling Paris Saint-Germain to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.
The midfielder, 24, has caught the eye with impressive performances in Europe and in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 19 goals in 31 games.
But he could come at a high price due to the fact there is not a release clause in his contract, which expires in 2024.
As a result, Leipzig will demand a fee of £46m for their star man, reports German outlet Bild.
And with PSG ready to battle United for his signature the German club could answer to the highest bidder.
Arsenal are also thought to be monitoring the Frenchman.
But the Red Devils are desperate to land a midfielder this summer due to the worrying form of Scott McTominay and the uncertain future of Paul Pogba.
However, Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has claimed Nkunku will remain at the club for at least another year.
- Ian Tuckey
FA charge Utd over Brighton flare-up
The FA have charged Manchester United for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion against Brighton.
A strike from Cristiano Ronaldo, who ended his six-match goal drought, and Bruno Fernandes sealed a 2-0 victory for the Red Devils over the Seagulls.
However, several United stars surrounded referee Peter Bankes after Brighton captain Lewis Dunk fouled Anthony Elanga early in the second half.
The official initially showed Dunk a yellow card, but that was upgraded to a red after consultation with VAR.
The initial decision to only caution the defender was protested vociferously by a number of United players.
Fernandes was also booked for his over-the-top reaction during the protest.
- Ian Tuckey
Rio: Everton stunned by VDB brilliance
Rio Ferdinand claims Everton insiders are stunned at Donny Van de Beek's instant impact on loan from Manchester United.
The Toffees beat Leeds 3-0 in VDB's first start since his deadline-day switch – new boss Frank Lampard's first win.
United legend Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE: "I’ve been speaking to a few people at the club and they’ve said that he’s gone in there and lifted the levels, training-wise.
"He's a great lad, first and foremost, but you can see. A lot of them are going, ‘Wow, he’s this good, they must be unbelievable at Manchester United if he can’t get in’."
Ex-Ajax midfielder Van de Beek, 24, has struggled for game-time since joining United for £35million in August 2020.
NINTCHDBPICT000712443911Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Sorting out midfield is Wright way forward
Man United aren’t going to win anything until they sort out their midfield.
That’s the view of ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Credit: AFP The pundit reckons United need an upgrade on the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay, who all featured to some extent against Brighton last night.
He said: “I will always say until Man United get the midfield sorted where they can control the game when it’s going against them they are going to have problems.
“Brighton even with ten men, they were still causing Man United problems.
“That should not be happening, not at Old Trafford against eleven men.
“How many transfer windows everybody knows they need for that particular midfield for them to control games.
“If Man United can control games, they will take chances, they will make even more chances and they will win more comfortably.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf hails Utd's monster improvement
Man United boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed the secret that transformed his side at half-time in their crucial 2-0 win over Brighton last night.
The Red Devils again looked lacklustre at Old Trafford and went into the break with the score at 0-0.
But during the break the German tactician called on wingers Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga to change their approach.
He said: “We told our two wingers to attack the centre-backs so our full-backs could jump to their full-backs.
“That paid off with Elanga and the red card. We should have killed off the game much earlier. We were not lethal enough.
“First half was Mr Hyde, second half Dr Jekyll and for a change it (the result) was different. In the end it was important to get the three points against an in-form team.”
- Ian Tuckey
'Rashford and Maguire irked by Ronaldo clique'
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire are allegedly irritated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s clique, according to sensational reports in Germany.
And Bild journalist Christian Falk says the England internationals have been left ‘annoyed’ by the 37-year-old’s behaviour.
The Portuguese superstar, who finally ended his goal drought with a strike in last night’s win over Brighton, is reportedly ‘annoying’ the Red Devils squad as he wants to ‘lead’ the club.
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford last summer and is currently their top goalscorer with 15.
But he has suffered a dramatic dip in form since Ralf Rangnick’s arrival and had gone six matches without finding the net until his superb effort against the Seagulls.
However, United are enduring a difficult campaign and face a huge fight to secure their top four status.
That has led to speculation that Ronaldo could leave at the end of the season with some reports stating he wants a crisis meeting with his agent Jorge Mendes over the coming weeks.
There have also been rumours of dressing-room unrest and a number of cliques within the United squad.
- Ian Tuckey
Spurs target Lingard fancies overseas move
Jesse Lingard is reportedly set to snub a move to Tottenham because he wants to head abroad this summer.
The United midfielder is soon to be out of contract at Old Trafford and appears certain to head for the exit.
He has notched 226 appearances for the Red Devils but this season has found game time hard to come by.
Spurs were mooted as a potential escape route in January but the indications coming out of the Lingard camp now suggest he wants to play overseas next term.
- Tristan Barclay
War of the roses
Man United fans might be celebrating a much-needed 2-0 win over Brighton last night.
But if they turn their attention to the weekend’s fixtures they’ll see a looming clash with Leeds on the horizon.
And Red Devils legend Andy Cole has warned just how tough it can be to play the Lillywhites in their own backyard.
He said: “It’s going to be a real tough game come Sunday against Leeds.
“Massive game.
“I have had the opportunity to play in that game and it’s going to be lively.
“And the way Leeds play as well, Manchester United have got to be up for that game.”
- Tristan Barclay
Dumb luck
Luke Shaw has admitted people will think he is ‘stupid’ for his bold Champions League prediction.
The United left-back has insisted the Red Devils still have a chance of winning the European title this season.
Winning the Champions League may be United’s best hope of qualifying for next season’s edition of the tournament – although yesterday’s victory over Brighton sees them move up to fourth for the time being.
And Shaw said: “This is the crunch time of the season and it is very important in the league to get some momentum. As a team we believe we can win the Champions League.
“Not many people on the outside will think it and some will think I’m stupid for saying that but we have that belief and confidence that we can win it.
“I’m sure everyone in this dressing room – the players, the staff and the management – all have that belief that we can. Now we need to pick some momentum up, get results and keep playing well.”
- Tristan Barclay
Left out in the cold
United legend Andy Cole isn’t impressed with the treatment of one Red Devil under Ralf Rangnick.
The former striker has given his backing to centre-back Victor Lindelof, who is currently rooted to the bench with skipper Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane ahead of him.
Victor Lindelof featured against Brighton last nightCredit: AFP The Sweden international found himself out-of-favour when previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in Varane last summer.
Now Cole has said: “For me personally, I would like to see him given a run in the team.
“I think when he plays well and he has got confidence, he is as good as any of them.
“I don’t think he has been given the run that he deserves.
“When Ole was the manager and he brought in Varane, he left Victor out straightaway.
“You just can’t just make your mind up like I bought Maguire for £80million, so regardless of how he plays he is going to play.
“And then Varane, I bought him for £40m, you can’t do that.
“Sometimes, you have got to look at it and say right, if these are the best combination I am going to go with it.”
- Tristan Barclay
Domestic rivalry
United face a transfer shock this summer in the shape of out-of-contract star Paul Pogba.
The France international will become a free agent in July and is yet to sign a new deal to stay at Old Trafford.
Until now a move abroad had seemed the most likely outcome to Pogba’s contract situation, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all vying for his signature.
But now reports are emerging the 28-year-old could sensationally consider offers from rival Premier League clubs.
The Express suggests unnamed English heavyweights are eyeing the midfielder’s services this summer.
That would come as quite a blow to the Red Devils faithful, who have had a fractious relationship with their academy graduate over the years.
- Tristan Barclay
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Man United boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed the secret that transformed his side at half-time in their crucial 2-0 win over Brighton last night.
The Red Devils again looked lacklustre at Old Trafford and went into the break with the score at 0-0.
But during the break the German tactician called on wingers Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga to change their approach.
He said: “We told our two wingers to attack the centre-backs so our full-backs could jump to their full-backs.
“That paid off with Elanga and the red card. We should have killed off the game much earlier. We were not lethal enough.
“First half was Mr Hyde, second half Dr Jekyll and for a change it (the result) was different. In the end it was important to get the three points against an in-form team.”
- Tristan Barclay
Out of control
Man United aren’t going to win anything until they sort out their midfield.
That’s the view of ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Fred started in the Man United midfield last nightCredit: AFP The pundit reckons United need an upgrade on the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay, who all featured to some extent against Brighton last night.
He said: “I will always say until Man United get the midfield sorted where they can control the game when it’s going against them they are going to have problems.
“Brighton even with ten men, they were still causing Man United problems.
“That should not be happening, not at Old Trafford against eleven men.
“How many transfer windows everybody knows they need for that particular midfield for them to control games.
“If Man United can control games, they will take chances, they will make even more chances and they will win more comfortably.”
- Tristan Barclay
Change of schedule
United have reportedly axed plans to play a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer due to Covid-19 restrictions still in place.
The Red Devils had been considering a stop in the city as part of their first 'proper' pre-season tour in two years.
But Hong Kong's strict pandemic protocols don't look like being relaxed any time soon and United aren't prepared to gamble with booking in a stay this year.
- Tristan Barclay
Brotherly love
Bruno Fernandes has signalled his approval of Paul Pogba's return to the Man United line-up.
The France superstar is back in action for the Red Devils having recovered from a long-term hamstring problem.
And he lined up alongside Fernandes in the United midfield for last night's much-needed 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Now Fernandes has taken to Twitter to hail a duo he has labelled 'Brogba'…
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