ANTONIO RUDIGER would be a "perfect signing" for Manchester United.
The Chelsea defender is out of contract in the summer and former Red Devil Paul Parker says the club should move for the Germany international.
Parker said: "If you had him next to [Raphael] Varane, what a difference you’re talking about. Good pace and you’re talking about someone who’s won a World Cup, Champions League and then you’ve got a centre-half, who in the old-school way of talking is actually a leader.”
Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga has signed a new contract with the club.
The Swedish striker, 19, has impressed during his piecemeal opportunities at United and will stay with the club until 2026.
Elsewhere, United are keeping close tabs on Erling Haaland, with the club looking to pounce on a move for the striker should he become available.
Boss Ralf Rangnick is said to have spoken to Haaland's dad as United look to snap up the Dortmund star, who previously stated Cristiano Ronaldo is the reason he started playing football.
And we've the very latest on Edinson Cavani, who is being eyed by Juventus.
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Get all the latest Man Utd transfer news, gossip and updates here.
- James Orr
Roy’s relegation picks
United legend Roy Keane has given his relegation picks for this season.
The Irishman told Micah Richards in their latest Driving Home for Christmas episode: “I’ll tell you, I’m going to go Norwich, and I’m going to say Newcastle.”
Keane then brought three other sides into the mix as he predicted the trio would be battling to avoid the final spot.
Discussing Southampton, he said: “They are a moody team, they can win two or three at home then lose six or seven.
“I’m going to say it’s between Southampton and Watford.
“But even Burnley. Burnley’s points total… But you know, Burnley could be one of them teams where because they have got out of it before, you automatically think ‘oh they will get out it’ and they don’t.”
- Ian Tuckey
Buffon: Juve ‘lost their DNA’ with Ronaldo
Gianluigi Buffon blames Cristiano Ronaldo for Juventus ‘losing their DNA’ and team ethic.
Legendary keep Buffon claims the Italian champs were no longer a squad pulling tougher and fighting for their places during Ron’s 2018-21 stint.
Ronaldo is now back at Manchester United, still firing in the goals at 36 but sparking questions over his suitability to team tactics.
And the Azzurri’s 176-cap icon Buffon, 43, now with Parma, told TUDN: “Juventus had the chance to win the Champions League the first year he arrived, which was the year I was at Paris Saint-Germain, and I couldn’t figure out what happened.
“When I returned, I worked with Ronaldo for two years and we did well together, but I think Juventus lost that DNA of being a team.
“We reached the Champions League final in 2017 because we were a side full of experience.
“But above all we were a single unit and there was this competition for places within the group that was very strong. We lost that with Ronaldo.”
- Ian Tuckey
Elanga signs on until 2026
Upon the news that Anthony Elanga has penned a new deal, here’s a reminder of what the young winger can do.
He’s yours until 2026, United fans!
- Ian Tuckey
Toon linked to ex-Utd loanee Ighalo
Newcastle are interested in signing former Manchester United star Odion Ighalo, according to reports.
The striker, 32, currently plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab and has top scored in the league this season with nine goals.
He moved to the Middle East after his loan spell at United came to an end – he scored five goals in 23 games for the Red Devils.
And he would be open to a move to St. James’ Park, report Sky Sports.
Al Shabab have reportedly spoken to Ighalo about a potential move with Eddie Howe’s 19th-placed side in desperate need of new signings.
The January transfer window is fast approaching and Newcastle continue to be linked with a host of names.
The latest is Tottenham defender Joe Rodon who could be allowed to leave on loan.
Lille centre-back Sven Botman is also rumoured to be a top target, with the Magpies also keen to sign a right-back, potentially Kieran Trippier.
United could rival Newcastle for Trippier however, with both clubs also targeting Barcelona ace Moussa Dembele.
And his team-mate Philippe Coutinho is another player the Toon have their eye on as they look to avoid the drop.
- Ian Tuckey
Karim ‘as good as Ronaldo and Haaland’
Karim Benzema is playing at the ‘same level as Manchester United hero Cristiano Ronaldo and Red Devils’ target Erling Haaland’, according to his Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
France striker Benzema still appears in his prime at 34.
And amid a sensational season, boss Ancelotti reckons Benzema is currently the world’s top frontman.
Benzema netted twice as Wedensday’s 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao left Real eight points clear in LaLiga,
Asked after the game if he believed Benzema was the best, Ancelotti told AS: “I think so.
“He has added a massive, regular ability to put the ball in the back of the net to his game.
“He’s at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo or Haaland.
“Benzema is a player who makes a difference.
“We saw it once again in the game against Athletic, with two goals in quick succession. “He’s in amazing form.”
Benzema has scored a staggering 20 goals in just 23 games for Real Madrid this season.
- Ian Tuckey
Martial ‘agrees Sevilla switch’
Unsettled Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has agreed a January switch to Sevilla, reports say.
Barcelona and especially Juventus have been linked with the France striker in recent weeks.
But the 26-year-old is thought to prefer Sevilla as he wants regular football, rather than risking a fringe role as with United this season.
And the claim today is that the second-placed LaLiga side have all but sealed a deal for next month.
- Ian Tuckey
Alex’s brutal Roy KO
Rio Ferdinand revealed the BRUTAL way Sir Alex Ferguson axed Roy Keane.
The pair had an infamous falling out at Old Trafford following the Irishman’s rant about young players not performing in 2005.
During a never-aired MUTV interview, Keane is alleged to have laid into several players individually.
It put him on the warpath with Ferguson though, who had a heated exchange with Keane, whose contract was running down anyway.
The midfield commander was then told he had to leave United and Ferguson was left to inform the players of his departure.
Ferdinand recalled: “The club didn’t want [it] to go out, the manager thought it was disrespectful to the team.
“The next day, he told the players that Roy Keane will never come back to Man Utd again.”
Keane claims in his book, The Second Half, that he also fell out with Carlos Queiroz, Ferguson’s trusted lieutenant at the time.
Ferdinand continued: “He was captain of Man Utd. The best player United had for a long period of time.
“That was a message to the next generation: don’t ever think you’re bigger than this club.
“Because you’re not, you will go. I just told the captain he is never coming back again.
“What are you going to do now?”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd almost set up Ron ‘n Messi show
Manchester United almost managed to get Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to link-up… for Barcelona.
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo shattered football’s transfer record in 2009 when he left Old Trafford to join Real Madrid for £80million.
Los Blancos had already splashed out on Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Ballon d’Or winner Kaka in response to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering debut season as Nou Camp chief the year before.
But they were almost denied the jewel in returning president’s Florentino Perez’s masterplan if Sir Alex Ferguson had got his way.
The legendary Scot was desperate to avoid losing Ronaldo to Real once he’d accepted that the former Sporting Lisbon winger was set to leave.
Fergie had even said back in 2008 that he wouldn’t sell Madrid a ‘virus’ let alone his best player.
And according to Spanish newspaper AS, the United boss realised at the time that Barcelona were the only other club who could afford Ronaldo.
The 79-year-old apparently contacted the Catalans to encourage a bid but the Portugal captain had already set his mind on a move to the Bernabeu.
- Ian Tuckey
Jesper’s still rocking
Manchester United’s famous Treble-winning triumph from the 1998-99 season will go down as one of the club’s greatest ever achievements.
Sir Alex Ferguson led his Red Devils to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in a remarkable fortnight 22 years ago.
But one man who many may have forgotten is Swedish midfielder Jesper Blomqvist.
He made 25 Premier League appearances in that momentous season and also collected an FA Cup winners medal despite being an unused substitute in the final.
Blomqvist then started the Champions League final against Bayern Munich before being taken off for Teddy Sheringham – who would go on to score the equalising goal.
And Man Utd fans may find it incredibly difficult to recognise him these days as he looks completely different to when he was gracing the Old Trafford pitch more than two decades ago.
Blomqvist is rocking a ponytail, beard, and does not possess the vibrant blonde hair he once had as a player.
- Ian Tuckey
Rudiger ‘perfect’ for Red Devils
Ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker believes Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger would be the ‘perfect signing’ for his old club.
The German centre-back, 28, is out of contract in June and is attracting plenty of interest from around Europe.
Despite numerous talks, the star is yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea.
Speculation has been mounting that Real Madrid are ‘pushing’ to seal a free transfer move for Rudiger with Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
But Parker, who spent five years at right-back for United, has urged his old employers to launch a move of their own for him.
And he explained that he believes a partnership between Rudiger and Raphael Varane at the back could help get the Red Devils back challenging for the title.
The ex-England ace told bettingexpert: “If he was to stay at Chelsea. He’s very influential and the fans idolise him.
“To come to Manchester United, I would say that is ambitious. I would understand why he would want to and I think he would make a difference.
“If you had him next to Varane, what a difference you’re talking about. Good pace and you’re talking about someone who’s won a World Cup, Champions League and then you’ve got a centre-half, who in the old-school way of talking is actually a leader.”
Parker added: “He actually shouts and screams, bosses people about, dictates the people.
“When people aren’t doing it, he tells them because he doesn’t make that many mistakes himself. He keeps things simple. He’d be absolutely perfect.
“It all depends on him being ambitious. Does he want to go to Manchester United and be the difference-maker at the back?
- Ian Tuckey
Brits abroad thriving
Gareth Southgate has quite a task keeping tabs on all the English talent outside of the Premier League.
That’s because there are a gang of Three Lions making an impression on foreign soil.
SunSport has selected a best XI made up of English players currently playing abroad.
And it includes former Man United star Chris Smalling, as well as rumoured target Jude Bellingham.
- Etienne Fermie
‘Passing range, intensity and a great attitude’
Manchester United should make a move for Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong if Paul Pogba leaves, according to John Barnes.
Speaking to BonusCodeBets, the 58-year-old said: “Frenkie de Jong would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United.
“It looks like Paul Pogba is on his way out of the club so bringing in a replacement for him is very important.
“Especially if that person is a young and talented player who will get the opportunity to be one of the main players at the club.
“He has everything in terms of passing range, intensity and a great attitude. It’s exactly what Manchester United need in midfield.
“That was their plan with Donny Van de Beek, but of course he’s been stifled by other players in his position playing better than him.
“However, bringing de Jong in and putting him straight into the side and being trusted would be good for both Manchester United and him.”
- Etienne Fermie
Anthony Elanga signs new deal
Upon the news that Anthony Elanga has penned a new deal, here’s a reminder of what the young winger can do.
He’s yours until 2026, United fans!
- Etienne Fermie
New contract for United starlet
Anthony Elanga has signed a new deal with Manchester United to keep him at the club until 2026.
The 19-year-old winger, who has made three appearances so far this season, also has the option of an extra year.
Elanga joined Man Utd in 2014 as a young teenager and went on to make his competitive debut for the senior side in May of this year.
He then went on to score his first goal for the Red Devils in their final Premier League game of last season against Wolves.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick has been impressed by the 19-year-old since arriving at the club earlier this month.
- Etienne Fermie
Man United star heading to Afcon
Eric Bailly has been called up to the Ivory Coast’s 28-man squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Red Devils defender will link up with his country next week.
Should his side reach the final, he will not return to action for Man United until after February 6.
While Bailly is involved, there was no place in the squad for his Red Devils team-mate Amad Diallo.
- Etienne Fermie
Merry Christmas from Golden Balls
Manchester United legend David Beckham shared a chilly-looking snap of himself clutching a mug of something warm while wearing a Santa hat.
The ex-England captain also shared a picture posing in a Christmas jumper, snazzy glasses alongside a glass of red wine.
Beckham captioned his post: “Very Christmasy over here – coffee & wine ( I promise the wine was yesterday).
“Happy Christmas Eve. Who’s more excited me or the kiddies?”
- Etienne Fermie
United expecting a ‘quiet’ month
Manchester United fans can expect a ‘quiet’ January transfer window, reports claim.
Red Devils fans are dreaming of new signings, after the arrival of Ralf Rangnick.
But according to ESPN, club chiefs aren’t expecting a huge amount of business.
They remain interested in long-term targets Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, however.
While Amadou Haidara has emerged as an option.
Although fans may have to wait until the summer to see these reinforcements.
- Etienne Fermie
Unrecognisable Man United treble winning star
Manchester United’s famous Treble-winning triumph from the 1998-99 season will go down as one of the club’s greatest ever achievements.
Sir Alex Ferguson led his Red Devils to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in a remarkable fortnight 22 years ago.
But one man who many may have forgotten is Swedish midfielder Jesper Blomqvist.
He made 25 Premier League appearances in that momentous season and also collected an FA Cup winners medal despite being an unused substitute in the final.
Blomqvist then started the Champions League final against Bayern Munich before being taken off for Teddy Sheringham – who would go on to score the equalising goal.
And Man Utd fans may find it incredibly difficult to recognise him these days as he looks completely different to when he was gracing the Old Trafford pitch more than two decades ago.
Blomqvist is rocking a ponytail, beard, and does not possess the vibrant blonde hair he once had as a player.
- Etienne Fermie
Roy Keane on relegation scrap
Roy Keane believes that there are five teams battling it out this term for Premier League survival.
The former Manchester United captain, 50, is adamant both Newcastle and Norwich City will be relegated come the end of the season.
When asked for his relegation picks by Micah Richards during their latest Driving Home for Christmas episode, the Irishman said: “I’ll tell you, I’m going to go Norwich, and I’m going to say Newcastle.”
Keane then brought three other sides into the mix as he predicted the trio would be battling to avoid the final spot.
Discussing Southampton, he said: “They are a moody team, they can win two or three at home then lose six or seven.
“I’m going to say It’s between Southampton and Watford.
“But even Burnley. Burnley’s points total… But you know, Burnley could be one of them teams where because they have got out of it before, you automatically think ‘oh they will get out it’ and they don’t.”
- Etienne Fermie
The Brits are thriving abroad
Gareth Southgate has quite a task keeping tabs on all the English talent outside of the Premier League.
That’s because there are a gang of Three Lions making an impression on foreign soil.
SunSport has selected a best XI made up of English players currently playing abroad.
And it includes former Man United star Chris Smalling, as well as rumoured target Jude Bellingham.
- Etienne Fermie
Ralf Rangnick’s team news update
Man United are nearly back up to a full compliment of players after two games off due to Covid.
Injured stars Raphael Varane, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all back in contention to play when the Red Devils travel to Newcastle on Monday.
Rangnick said: “Well as far as I could see in training today, they are all in good shape.
“They did their homework, they all have their schedules to train at home and they stuck to that schedule and programme.
“From what I saw, I can say most of them, if not all of them, might be available, and of course I would have to take some difficult decisions as to who will be in the squad, who will be in the starting XI.”
- Etienne Fermie
Last time out against Newcastle
Manchester United travel to Newcastle next up, getting back to action after two games postponed.
Last time the Red Devils faced the Geordies earlier this season, it was all about one man.
The game marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, and of course he got on the scoresheet.
Let’s remind ourselves what happened as the Red Devils romped to victory back in September.
- Etienne Fermie
Hannibal to be part of squad
Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that Hannibal Mejbri will be part of his first-team group.
The Tunisian, 18, has recently impressed for his country at the Fifa Arab Cup, and will play the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
On his development, Rangnick said: “We had 25 players in on Thursday and the only one missing was Paul Pogba.
“Hannibal was here training for the first time since I arrived having just come back from the Arab Cup.
“Unfortunately for us and for him he will be missing out [with us] again in January because of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I watched the final before his substitution and I’m fully aware that we have another good, highly-talented player coming from our youth ranks and hopefully after the Africa Cup of Nations he can regularly train and be part of our group.”
- Etienne Fermie
Best XI of contract rebels
Would you fancy any of these players, Man United fans?
Every single one of them will be available to sign on a pre-contract from January 1…
- Etienne Fermie
Eduardo Camavinga on the move?
Liverpool are reportedly plotting a shock swoop for former Manchester United target Eduardo Camavinga.
The 19-year-old midfielder snubbed interest from Old Trafford and completed what appeared to be a dream move to Real Madrid from Stade Rennes last summer.
But the French international’s £34million switch is fast turning into a nightmare despite initially making a promising start.
Camavinga has been frozen out under Carlo Ancelotti over recent weeks and now speculation is claiming the ‘unhappy’ ace could be looking for a fresh start.
That is according to Spanish news outlet El Nacional.
They state Camavinga has been left ‘very disappointed’ at only being able to complete 90 minutes on two occasions in LaLiga so far.
However, Jurgen Klopp could allegedly ‘go to the rescue’ of the star by attempting to get him to Liverpool on loan.
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