HARRY MAGUIRE could be on his way out of Old Trafford, according to reports.
Man Utd are said to be interested in snapping up out-of-contract Barcelona star Ronald Araujo to replace the England ace.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville says he knows who is behind dressing room leaks at Old Trafford – and finds it "disgusting."
And Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to end his worst goal drought since 2009, and is said to be the first in and last out at training.
Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
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- Ian Tuckey
Rangnick: Utd players aren't robots
Ralf Rangnick admitted that Manchester United’s habit of throwing away leads has “affected the minds of the players”.
The German interim boss conceded that they now have no chance of catching Chelsea in third.
The Red Devils only came out with draws against Burnley and Southampton having bagged the opening goal.
And Rangnick, who brought in psychologist Sascha Lense in December, conceded they will only salvage something from their season if they improve their mental strength.
He said: ““They say we should have been 3-0 or 4-0 up and all of a sudden it’s 1-1 – it affects the mindset, it is obvious. They are human beings, not robots.
“The situation is clear, in 11 out of the 13 games we scored the first goal but only won half.
“We have to be more effective to score a second and a third goal and just kill the game off.
“But if that doesn’t happen stick to the game plan, stay solid and stay tactically disciplined. We’ve given away goals too easily and it was our own mistakes we made that allowed them to score."
- Ian Tuckey
How Utd could line up tomorrow night
United host Brighton looking to bounce back from consecutive 1-1 draws in the Premier League, writes GIACOMA PISA.
Ralf Rangick is likely to be without Edinson Cavani, with the striker in a race against the clock to recover from a groin injury in time to feature.
Victory would fire the Red Devils back into the top four following uninspiring draws against Burnley and Southampton.
Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo in particular struggled to make his mark against the Saints.
But despite currently being on the worst goalscoring drought of his career, Cavani's injury means Ronaldo is likely to keep his place up top.
Elsewhere midfielder Fred is expected to be reinstalled to Rangnick's starting side after missing the Southampton draw due to a positive Covid-19 test.
- Ian Tuckey
Morgan hits back
Piers Morgandoubled down on his criticism of David Beckham as his Twitter exchange wit Gary Lineker continued.
Morgan responded to Lineker:: "You might want to suck up to him, for whatever reason, but Beckham was the most overrated player in history. Wouldn't have got onto the Arsenal Invincibles bench."
But Lineker hit back by outlining Beckham's long list of achievements: "Six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, one Champions League, one La Liga, one Ligue Un. Balón d’Or runner up. 115 caps for England, 59 as captain.
"One of the best crossers of the ball the game has ever seen. Yeah, overrated."
Morgan hit back again, saying: "Take away the crossing & free-kicks, he was a fame-hungry snail with dumb haircuts who only won that much because of the truly great players around him."
- Ian Tuckey
Lineker slams Piers’ jibe at Beckham
Arsenal fan Piers Morgan launched a scathing attack on Manchester United legend David Beckham after watching Superbowl LVI.
The SunSport columnist enjoyed the event and marvelled at the performance of Odell Beckham Jr. as he helped the LA Rams to their win.
In typically provocative manner Morgan praised the wide receiver while putting down former England and Manchester United star David Beckham.
Morgan tweeted: “Great to watch a Beckham who can actually play football…#Superbowl.”
That led to a big backlash with many leaping to Beckham’s defence – suggesting Morgan had a bad memory.
Gary Lineker, who often clashes with Morgan on Twitter, said: “You might dislike him, for whatever reason, but David Beckham was a great footballer. One of our finest.”
- Ian Tuckey
Real confident of Haaland deal
Manchester United and City target Erling Haaland has been tipped for Real Madrid after claims of a 'secret meeting'.
City had been rated favourites to pay the Borussia Dortmund goal machine's £68million release clause.
Credit: Getty But it's claimed Real are more confident after reports ex-Bernabeu manager Zidane and Haaland's childhood idol Michu privately met with the Norwegian and his dad.
The aim of the encounter was reportedly to persuade the 21-year-old to opt for the Spanish giants.
Adidas have kit deals with United and Real and hope to attract Haaland after his Nike deal ended last month.
- Ian Tuckey
De Gea is fourth best keeper – statistically
Arsenal have been proven right in their decision to let Emiliano Martinez go and replace him with Aaron Ramsdale, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
Martinez left the Gunners in the summer transfer window after winning the Copa America with Argentina after being told that Bernd Leno would be No1 at the Emirates.
The goalkeeper joined Aston Villa for £20million and the north Londoners splashed £30m on Ramsdale following some stunning performances with Sheffield United last season.
Arsenal received a fair amount of criticism for spending all that money on the 23-year-old shot-stopper as they already had Martinez.
However, the England international quickly established himself as the team’s No1 after outshining Leno between the posts.
The stats also show that Ramsdale is proving to be a much more profitable investment.
The Arsenal star has prevented the highest amount of goals in the Premier League.
Ramsdale has denied 1.41 goals, which is the number of crackers a goalie is expected to concede as a proportion of a number of goals he actually lets in.
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf is Ron the edge
Cristiano Ronaldo's relationship with Ralf Rangnick is 'totally fractured', according to sensational reports in Spain, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The German, 63, was appointed as interim boss in November to try to clean up the mess the Red Devils found themselves in when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked.
But according to AS, Ronaldo believes that Rangnick is 'out of his depth' managing Man United and some of the squad's 'leading heavyweights'also have their doubts.
Ron, 37, is frustrated with the direction the Red Devils are moving in. And he is said to have been further annoyed by Rangnick's accusation last week that United's strikers aren't being clinical enough.
The former RB Leipzig chief said: "That we should score more goals, it’s obvious. "We created enough chances in the last couple of games but we just didn’t score enough goals.
"This is not only an issue with Cristiano – it’s an issue with other players, especially with the offensive players: we don’t score enough goals.
“If you bear in mind how many chances we create, it needs to get better in the coming weeks."
- Ian Tuckey
United and Arsenal in Youri hunt
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the club must be realistic about the future of wantaway midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian has just 16 months left to run on his current deal at the King Power, and has yet to show a willingness to sign a new deal with the Foxes.
The stalling of negotiations has put clubs on red alert – particularly Arsenal and Manchester United – and Rodgers realises that Leicester may have to cash in this summer rather than losing their asset for free a year later.
Following the home draw with West Ham, the Northern Irish coach told Sky Sports: “With his contract running down, I’m pretty sure there will be teams looking at him. The reality is that if a player does really well at Leicester, he may want to leave and move on to another club. For us, it’s just about being ready for that.”
- Sam Dymond
Sancho finally starting to shine
Ralf Rangnick has also spoken highly of Jadon Sancho in this afternoon's press conference.
The winger opened his Premier League account at Old Trafford with a goal against Southampton on Saturday, a strike just reward for an impressive first half showing.
The 21-year-old has begun to demonstrate his immense ability in flashes in recent weeks, and Rangnick is backing the player to continue improving.
"I have known Jadon since he was 17. I tried to convince him to join us at RB Leipzig, but in the end he went to Dortmund. He went on to become one of the best wingers in Germany, if not Europe.
"The step to a club like Manchester United was a big one for a 21-year-old. The style of football we want to play fits his assets perfectly. I will give him my support and tell him to have a go."
- Sam Dymond
Fred back for Brighton visit
Ralf Rangnick has just completed his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow evening's home game with Brighton, and has confirmed that midfielder is Fred is once again available for selection.
The Brazilian has missed the past two Premier League games after testing positive for Covid-19 while away on international duty.
Fred joins compatriot Alex Telles in the Red Devils' matchday squad after the left-back returned at the weekend following a similar period of isolation.
However, the United boss confirmed that Edinson Cavani is still out with groin trouble while Nemanja Matic is also an absentee.
- Sam Dymond
Ron and Ralf's failed relationship
The relationship between interim Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick and star striker Cristiano Ronaldo have completely broken down, according to reports in Spain.
The situation has blown up following a weekend of frustration in which United threw away another lead, this time against Southampton, and Ronaldo failed to score once again despite being presented with an early open goal.
The forward was apparently infuriated by comments Rangnick made on the eve of the game, stating that it was obvious that Ronaldo should be scoring more than he is currently is.
As a result, the 37-year-old is supposedly leading a revolt of the dressing room, convincing other senior players that the German coach is out of depth when it comes to managing this United team.
- Sam Dymond
Wing key to Seagulls fixture
Ralf Rangnick's team are back in action on Tuesday evening as they welcome Graham Potter's Brighton to Old Trafford.
The high-flying Seagulls have been impressive performers this campaign, and have been majorly boosted since October by the return of right wing-back Tariq Lamptey.
The 21-year-old missed nine months after surgery on a hamstring injury, but has begun to look as electric on the flank as he did last season.
Tomorrow night, Lamptey will come face-to-face with a player – Luke Shaw – who himself knows what it takes to hit previous heights after a long-term injury.
Whoever comes out on top in the fight on the flank between the pair could prove crucial to determining where the points end up.
Here's how Shaw and Lamptey compare:
- Sam Dymond
Pogba preference spells end for Donny
Manchester United's decision to favour Paul Pogba over Donny van de Beek will ultimately lead to the Dutchman's departure from Old Trafford believe the Manchester Evening News.
Pogba seems certain to exit United himself in the summer when his contract comes to an end, and, for that reason alone, Van de Beek should have been given the opportunity to prove himself in midfield if the club really considered him to have a future at the club.
Instead, Pogba continues to get the nod while the former Ajax man has been loaned out to Everton, for whom he impressed at the weekend.
Van de Beek had started just four of 59 Premier League games for Manchester United since joining the Red Devils for £35million in 2020.
- Sam Dymond
Shaw-ly not? United eye Bensebaini
Reports in Spain suggest Manchester United are preparing a bid for Borussia Monchengladbach's left-back Ramy Bensebaini, who they supposedly see as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.
While Shaw hasn't matched his high standards of last season, the defender remains one of United's more consistent performers in a position that isn't a priority for an overhaul.
Nevertheless, the potential capture of Bensebaini is an exciting one. The Algerian international has excelled in the Bundesliga over the past three seasons since arriving from Rennes, contributing 17 goals and seven assists in 73 games in all competitions.
- Sam Dymond
Martial still in the mix
Anthony Martial's Manchester United career could yet be revived if he continues to shine in Spain while on loan at Sevilla.
The Frenchman impressed in Friday night's 2-0 win over Elche as Julen Lopetegui's side turned up the heat on La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
And now the Manchester Evening News reckon supporters would welcome back the 26-year-old given their current predicament.
With Edinson Cavani set to leave, Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly unhappy and Mason Greenwood suspended indefinitely, the Red Devils are short of options in attack.
Martial's return would also provide cover on the wing given the forward's ability to play out wide, and that may be enough to tempt the incoming manager into inviting him back – whoever that proves to be.
- Sam Dymond
Realistic Rodgers opens Youri door
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the club must be realistic about the future of wantaway midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian has just 16 months left to run on his current deal at the King Power, and has yet to show a willingness to sign a new deal with the Foxes.
The stalling of negotiations has put clubs on red alert – particularly Manchester United and Arsenal – and Rodgers realises that Leicester may have to cash in this summer rather than losing their asset for free a year later.
Following the home draw with West Ham, the Northern Irish coach told Sky Sports: “With his contract running down, I’m pretty sure there will be teams looking at him. The reality is that if a player does really well at Leicester, he may want to leave and move on to another club. For us, it’s just about being ready for that.”
- Sam Dymond
Immediate opportunity to end unwanted runs
Manchester United suffered further frustration on Saturday when drawing with Southampton, but there is no time for stewing on the situation with the Red Devils back in action tomorrow evening.
United host Brighton at Old Trafford in what is the Premier League's only midweek game, and brings with it a chance to claim fourth spot should Ralf Rangnick's men end a run of three games without a win by taking all three points.
The fixtures also presents an opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo to get back on track. The Portuguese legend has currently gone six games without a goal, his worst scoring drought for 13 years.
The weekend stalemate with Saints was the first time since 1998 that United had failed to win successive games that they had led at the half-time break.
- Sam Dymond
Poch on his way from Paris
Mauricio Pochettino is moving closer to leaving Paris-Saint-Germain, report Goal.com, in a move that would free the Argentine up to become the next manager of Manchester United.
Pochettino is said to head the shortlist for the Old Trafford hot-seat along with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, but the Argentine's potential availability as a free agent may be what seals the deal in his favour.
The former Tottenham manager is supposedly unhappy at the Parc des Princes, and has fallen out with senior figures at the French club.
The 49-year-old is also having to deal with a fractured dressing room full of big egos, and has struggled to appease all his star names.
In the circumstances, Pochettino has supposedly admitted that he is open to calling time on his PSG adventure at the end of the season and instead returning to the Premier League.
- Sam Dymond
Cavani nearing Old Trafford exit
Edinson Cavani will leave Manchester United at the end of the season when his contract comes to an end.
The Uruguayan has endured a difficult second season at Old Trafford following his inspired introduction last term.
The 35-year-old hit 17 goals in all competitions during 2020-21 to prove the doubters wrong, but has found opportunities limited this time around following the arrival of another veteran forward in Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cavani has contributed just two goals this campaign, and missed Saturday's draw with Southampton due to another niggling injury.
Fitness and selection issues has meant the striker has been absent for 18 games this season, and with just four months remaining on his current deal, his exit looks all but a certainty.
- Joshua Jones
Good morning Red Devils fans
New Manchester United chief Richard Arnold is backing Ralf Rangnick’s pursuit of Erik ten Hag as the next permanent boss, SunSport can reveal.
Many of United’s players want former Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino to take charge once Rangnick’s stint as interim manager is over.
But Arnold, who has taken over from Ed Woodward as the senior executive at Old Trafford, has been won over by Rangnick’s championing of Ajax boss Ten Hag, 52.
Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani is eyeing a free transfer to LaLiga in the summer as he looks set to leave Manchester United.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, he is not expected to sign a renewal to stay on at Old Trafford.
Instead, the transfer guru states that Cavani would prefer a switch to Spain.
In other news, United recently sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s clash with Porto, hoping to find the next Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese ace was signed from Sporting and according to O Jogo, the Red Devils were monitoring an unnamed player during the match.
Midfielder Joao Palhinha has been linked with a move to the Premier League so it is possible he was the player of interest.
And finally, Utd have received a ‘transfer boost’ after Diego Simeone fired back at the curious comments of transfer target Joao Felix.
Felix told The Athletic: “I think we all know what the problem is [with the team], I don’t want to say though.”
Hitting back, Simeone remarked: “About what Joao said, you can ask him.
“I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know.”
- Jake Lambourne
Souness undecided over fourth spot
Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness is unsure over who takes the last top four spot behind Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Though he has stressed it will NOT be Tottenham following their 2-0 defeat against Wolves.
He said: "I think it will go all the way to the end. Arsenal do they have enough forwards?
"Spurs look to be in trouble. Right now I'd think you'd take them out of it. Wolves look a really good team.
"Man United, scoring goals in the hardest thing. They are really struggling for any sort of continuity.
"They seem to be lacking confidence, belief and a system that works for them."
- Jake Lambourne
Carragher backs Arsenal for fourth
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal are the favourites to claim the final top four spot.
The Gunners' closes rivals West Ham, Tottenham and Man Utd all dropped points this weekend, while Mikel Arteta's men had a weekend.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "I think it will be tough for West Ham to get in the top four.
"Arsenal, what a win that was for them away to Wolves. The games in hand, no European football."
Before adding: "You think about how long Manchester United will be in the Champions League, that could play a part. It feels like it will go to the wire."
- Jake Lambourne
Keown praises Broja for destroying Maguire
Arsenal legend Martin Keown waxed lyrical over Armando Broja for his starring display in Southampton's 1-1 draw away at Manchester United on Saturday.
The youngster proved to be a handful for Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire all afternoon.
And Keown drooled over Broja's pace and power while speaking on commentary for BT Sport.
He remarked: "You have to applaud him, the pace he has. He's really impressed for Southampton.
"He's a physical specimen as well, the ball has been going into him, and Maguire hasn't been able to win them.
"He's got everything to his game. His pace there, look at how he wins it – he bullies Maguire there.
"So quick, direct. Players around him. This man is so difficult to play against."
- Justin Lawrence
Varane's looking to the future
Raphael Varane is fully focused on Man United's next game against Brighton.
Speaking after the Red Devils 1-1 draw with Southampton, Varane said: ''I think in the last three or four games, we have played much better and the result is not enough for us.
''I think we have to fight to be focused on the next game and, hopefully, get the right result.''
- Justin Lawrence
No fear for the Seagulls
Brighton star Joel Veltman claims the Seagulls will have no fear when they face Man United on Tuesday.
He said: "We play all our games with no fear, and I think it’s important to do that whoever the opponent is.
“We know Manchester United have got some great players, but they are suffering a little bit at the moment and not where they want to be so hopefully we get a result there."
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