MAN UNITED 'WANT TO SELL' TOP STAR 'TO COVER COST' OF ONE 'BLOCKBUSTER SIGNING' IN THE SUMMER

Alejandro Balde could replace Alejandro Garnacho in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd will look to sell Alejandro Garnacho in the summer transfer window in order to fund a move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, according to reports.

The Red Devils are currently 13th in the Premier League table as they continue their terrible form this season with a crucial clash against 14th-placed Tottenham coming up on Sunday.

Man Utd have failed to improve under new boss Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese coach replaced Erik ten Hag in November with the Red Devils winning just four of their 14 Premier League matches during his tenure.

The Red Devils, who had Erik ten Hag in charge at the time, spent around £180m on new signings in the summer transfer window with Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte arriving.

However, that recruitment drive negatively impacted the January transfer window with new manager Amorim afforded one new player in Patrick Dorgu from Lens.

Man Utd are reportedly close to their Premier League profit and sustainability (PSR) limit with the Red Devils even considering sales of young players like Kobbie Mainoo and Garnacho to balance the books.

And now Spanish publication Fichajes claims that Man Utd ‘have a plan to sign a Barcelona star’ in the summer transfer window as they look to give Amorim more balance to his squad.

It is understood that Man Utd ‘want to sell’ Garnacho ‘to cover the cost of a blockbuster signing’ in the form of Barcelona left-back Balde.

The Red Devils are ‘planning an ambitious strategy to strengthen their squad in the upcoming summer transfer market’ with the Spain international becoming ‘a priority target’.

Man Utd are ‘willing to part’ with Argentina international Garnacho ‘whose sale could provide the necessary funds to complete the arrival of the left-back from FC Barcelona’.

Garnacho has proved effective in spells off the bench but is struggling to find a long-term place in Amorim’s starting XI as the Man Utd boss could look to better suited players for his system and style of play.

It is claimed that Amorim ‘highly values his impact on the team and his performance in key moments’ but that ‘United’s delicate financial situation and the need to strengthen the defence could mean the Argentine is the sacrificial piece in the summer’.

On Balde, Amorim ‘believes that his incorporation would strengthen the left wing, where the team is still looking for solutions despite the recent arrival of Patrick Dorgu’.

Barcelona ‘will not let him go easily’ with Balde valued at around €50m by the Catalan giants, while a Garnacho sale shouldn’t be a problem after January interest from both Napoli and Chelsea.

- Joe Williams

MAN UNITED'S DAN ASHWORTH LEAVES AS SPORTING DIRECTOR - SOURCES

Dan Ashworth has left his position as sporting director at Manchester United after just five months, sources have told ESPN.

Ashworth officially arrived in July after a settlement -- running into millions of pounds -- was reached with former club Newcastle United.

The 53-year-old was seen as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's revamp at Old Trafford along with technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada. But he has departed after overseeing just one transfer window and less than a month after the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Sources have told ESPN that Ashworth's move to Old Trafford has not worked out and a decision has been taken to part company. He was at Old Trafford for the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Ashworth played a central role -- along with Wilcox and Berrada -- in choosing Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor. Ten Hag was sacked in October after a miserable start to the new season.

Ashworth oversaw the arrival of five major signings in the summer, with Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee arriving for combined fees of more than £180 million ($229.3m).

Defeat to Forest left United 13th in the Premier League table with 19 points -- their lowest tally after 15 games since 1986. They face FC Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday and Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

PREM REF CHIEF WEB ADMITS VAR ERROR BEFORE TEN HAG SACKING

Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of the Premier League, admitted that West Ham United were wrongly awarded a penalty through VAR which gave them a 2-1 win at home to Manchester United that resulted in the firing of manager Erik ten Hag.

The Premier League game on Oct. 27 was locked at 1-1 in the 89th minute when Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Danny Ings inside the penalty area. Referee David Coote played on, but was sent to the pitchside monitor by the VAR, Michael Oliver, to award a spot kick. Jarrod Bowen dispatched the penalty to give the Hammers victory.

Ten Hag, who had been under immense pressure with United suffering their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, was fired the following morning. Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim was appointed as his replacement and started in the role this week.

Speaking on the Match Officials Mic'd Up show, Webb admitted that the incident did not reach the high bar for a VAR intervention.

"I thought it was a misread by the VAR, a VAR that's normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt's leg," Webb said. "His [De Ligt's] leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball's already past De Ligt as he as he makes contact with Danny Ings.

"And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don't think he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we'd leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it's called. On balance, I don't think it's a penalty kick. I would prefer no foul being given, no penalty."

Webb also backed the decision for the VAR to advise a red card to Arsenal's William Saliba against AFC Bournemouth for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO).

Former Man United manager Erik ten Hag argues a penalty call in his final game as coach against West Ham. Getty Images

"I think that the offence committed by William Saliba in this situation did deny Evanilson an obvious goal-scoring opportunity," Webb explained. "I think the yellow card that was issued by Rob Jones on the field was clearly and obviously wrong.

"It's a poor pass back by Leandro Trossard that puts Evanilson in and then Saliba grabs him. So suddenly from Arsenal having possession, the referees are faced with having to make a decision very quickly. Sometimes with DOGSO you have time to prepare your mind for what's going happen.

"Initially they believe that Ben White was closer than he actually was. And they also weren't convinced that Evanilson would control the ball.

"There's two things that VAR can do here to prove that the on-field decision was wrong. Firstly, you can see that Ben White is a long way away. He's not going to get to Evanlison from that position. And then secondly, they can see that David Raya is backing off and when the ball dies in front of Evanilson, even though it's some distance from goal, he's going to get on to that ball. He's going to have time to gain nice control just for the goalkeeper to beat.

"So, for me, a good intervention by the VAR, a clear and obvious error in not showing a red card on the field."

So far this season the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel, which assesses all matches, had identified only three VAR errors -- the other two being AFC Bournemouth's late "winner" at home to Newcastle United which was incorrectly disallowed for handball, and the missed intervention when Bruno Fernandes' red card should have been rescinded in Man United's home game against Tottenham Hotspur. At the same stage last season, 13 mistakes had been recorded.

This campaign has also seen five on-field errors which didn't reach the threshold for VAR intervention, two incorrect second yellow cards, and one missed second caution.

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY LEAVES MAN UNITED AFTER RÚBEN AMORIM ARRIVAL

Manchester United have announced that interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club after the arrival of permanent head coach Rúben Amorim on Monday.

Van Nistelrooy oversaw four games in the aftermath of Erik ten Hag's sacking, winning three and drawing one. The team scored 11 goals during his short tenure.

The former Netherlands international and club legend departs along with others from Ten Hag's pre-existing backroom staff.

"Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.," the club statement said.

"Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club.

"He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford. Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future.

"We will confirm the full men's first team coaching composition in due course."

Van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite as a player at Old Trafford, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances over a five-year period.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has a strong connection with the Man United fans. Getty Images

He was previously head coach at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, resigning ahead of the final day of the 2022-23 season amid concerns that the team's hierarchy were not backing him.

Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt says the biggest challenge facing Amorim is to get everyone "on the same wavelength" ahead of a potential tactical switch at Old Trafford.

Amorim is set to implement his 3-4-3 formation when his reign gets underway against Ipswich Town on November 24. He would be the first United boss to regularly play with a three-man defence since Louis van Gaal in 2014.

De Ligt said the squad can adapt to the change if Amorim and his staff can get the players "on the same page."

"I think a back three or a back four, it's in general the same, the only thing of importance is how the team is set up," he said.

"You can play in a back three but if everything is not compact and everybody is doing their own job then it's going to be really difficult, the same in a back four. That's going to be the biggest challenge for the trainers, to get everyone on the same wavelength and same page to improve as a team and improve as players."

Amorim has officially started his new job after flying in from Portugal following his final game in charge of Sporting CP on Sunday.

With most players on international duty or on holiday during the international break, he will have to wait to meet the majority of his squad. Casemiro is among the players who is yet to speak to Amorim, but the Brazilian is backing the appointment.

"We have not spoken, but everyone speaks so well of him," Casemiro said.

"Above all he is very true, very loyal. We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting. We know that Sporting won many titles, changed the club with titles, with trophies. He has already proved that and has won a lot.

"I think there is going to be a good template that everyone wants to grow, everyone wants to learn. I think that is the way to first help us grow to be at the top of the table."

Information from ESPN's Rob Dawson contributed to this report.

- ESPN

MAN UNITED TARGET BAYERN MUNICH'S NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI - SOURCE

Noussair Mazraoui © Gallo Images

Manchester United are looking at a number of potential right-back signings including Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui, a source has told ESPN.

United would like to add another right-back to their squad this summer, but it is likely to depend on Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving Old Trafford.

Bayern defender Mazraoui is one of the names under consideration while the club has previously held an interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong. A source has told ESPN that the 26-year-old Morocco international will be allowed to leave the Allianz Arena if Bayern's valuation is met.

United have signed 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille, but remain open to further defensive additions during the window.

There is still interest in Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, although the German side are demanding a fee of more than £42 million.

United will consider offers for Wan-Bissaka, who has been the subject of interest from Galatasaray and West Ham United, and are hoping to return a fee of around £20m. The 26-year-old has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford.

Wan-Bissaka is likely to be part of the United squad which travels to Los Angeles on Wednesday for the start of their preseason tour with matches against Arsenal and Real Betis.

United are set to take a reduced number of staff to the U.S. amid plans to cut around 250 jobs from the workforce. A number of staff who have been told their jobs are at risk have been taken off the tour with the cost-cutting drive, led by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, set to accelerate.

United declined to comment when asked about the staff reductions.

MAN UNITED BOSS TEN HAG BACKES SANCHO TO 'CLICK' AFTER 'MISTAKE'

Jadon Sancho played his first match for Man United in almost a year against Rangers at Murrayfield on Saturday. Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Jadon Sancho to "click" after his return to the club following a public fallout between the pair last season.

Sancho made his first appearance for Man United since last August in a preseason friendly against Rangers on Saturday.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at former club Borussia Dortmund, reaching the UEFA Champions League final, after publicly criticising Ten Hag in a social media post.

But after holding a meeting with Ten Hag earlier this month, Sancho has returned to training with the first team.

"We spoke well," told Dutch outlet AD Sportwereld before Saturday's 2-0 friendly win. "Everyone can make a mistake. If the player reflects on this well, you draw a line and move on.

"This club needs good players, and one thing is certain: Jadon Sancho is a very good player. I hope that we will still click and that he will contribute to our success."

Despite intense speculation over his future, Ten Hag signed a new contract to remain Man United manager this summer. The former Ajax boss took over at Old Trafford in 2022 from interim boss Ralf Ragnick, who had said that the club needed "open-heart" surgery in order to return to their former glories.

"Rangnick was absolutely right," Ten Hag added to AD Sportwereld. "We have been working very hard on this for two years, but he said it exactly right: it is a thorough, very complex operation. And I knew when I started that it was going to be a tough job."

The structure in place around Ten Hag has changed dramatically in recent months following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as minority owner. Ten Hag described the early signs of working alongside new sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell as "very good."

Already this summer, United have signed teenage French defender Leny Yoro for an initial fee of €62 million ($67.6m), as well as Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee for more than €40 million ($43m) from Bologna.

The club also continue to hold an interest in defenders Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, sources have told ESPN.

"I will not specifically comment on whether or not we attract those two names," Ten Hag said in the interview. "It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that.

"I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process."

- ESPN 

MAN UNITED STEP UP PURSUIT OF DE MATTHIJS DE LIGT - SOURCES

Matthijs de Ligt is being lined up by Manchester United. Mateo Villalba/Getty Images

 Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, sources have told ESPN.

United have made contact with De Ligt's representatives and an official approach to Bayern is expected soon.

The club have turned their attention to the Netherlands international, who is available from Bayern, after reaching an impasse in their talks with Everton over a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite.

United have already seen a bid of £43 million including add-ons rejected by Everton, who value the 22-year-old at around £70m.

Manager Erik ten Hag is keen to bring in at least one centre-back this summer to replace Raphaël Varane, who left Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the season. Sources have told ESPN that there is also interest in Lille's Leny Yoro and Marc Guéhi at Crystal Palace.

Real Madrid are leading the race to sign 18-year-old Yoro and Liverpool are also interested in Guehi, who has impressed for England at Euro 2024.

Signing at least one centre-back is a key part of United's summer recruitment plan, as well as bringing in a striker and a central midfielder. United have followed De Ligt since his breakthrough at Ajax and were interested before he moved to Juventus in 2019.

He joined Bayern in 2022 but has slipped down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena. The Bundesliga giants signed Kim Min-Jae from Napoli last summer and are keen to bring in Germany international Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen before the start of the new season.

United are open to offers for Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire this summer. Fenerbahce are interested in Lindelof, who has a year left on his contract, but there has not yet been a formal approach to United.

The club remain in talks with Jonny Evans about a new contract. If Lindelof or Maguire leave, United will push to bring in two centre-backs, although the recruitment department are conscious that finances are tight and the squad needs another striker to replace Anthony Martial, who has left after the expiry of his contract.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

TRANSFER TALK: ARSENAL TARGET BAYERN DEFENDER DE LIGT

TOP STORY: Arsenal target Bayern defender De Ligt

Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, says The Athletic.

De Ligt, 24, joined Bayern from Juventus in July 2022 for around €77 million but the Netherlands international has struggled for fitness and could depart in the summer.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their defence and also have Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and 17-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato on their shortlist.

Any signing is unlikely in January as Mikel Arteta's side have plenty of options, but a new arrival over the summer is very possible.

USMNT star Cardoso moves to Betis

ESPN

Real Betis have completed the signing of United States men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Brazilian club Internacional, the LaLiga club announced.

Cardoso, 22, has signed a contract until June 2029.

Neither club confirmed the fee for Cardoso's transfer but sources told ESPN Brasil, Betis paid an initial €6m ($6.3m) to sign the player and as part of the deal, Internacional have kept a 20% from any future transfer of the player.

Juventus to land Montenegro starlet Adzic

ESPN

Juventus have won the race to sign Montenegro starlet Vasilije Adzic from Podgorica, Sky Italia reports.

The Bianconeri have fought off strong competition from several Serie A clubs, including Bologna, and are set to land the teenage playmaker.

Adzic, 17, is expected to arrive to Turin next week to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Italian giants. However, he will only join Juve once he turns 18 in May.

Adzic has scored six goal and set up two more in 23 appearances for Montenegro's defending champions Podgorica this season.

Neves transfer to cost United even more?

ESPN

Manchester United want to bring in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, says O Jogo.

Neves, 19, is tipped to become one of the best in Europe but is reported to be in talks over a new contract at Benfica. If he signs up then the Portugal international's release clause would increase from €120m to €150m and that could present an issue for United.

Milan line up Popovic deal

ESPN

AC Milan are set to complete the signing of Partizan Belgrade midfielder Matija Popovic once he turns 18 on Jan. 8, according to Calciomercato.

Popovic, 17, will join the Rossoneri as a free agent as his contract expires on Dec. 31

The Serbia U17 international will reportedly arrive in Milan next week to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

A reported target of Manchester City, Popovic has scored 21 goals in 25 games for Partizan's U19 squad.

Craig Burley has seen this Manchester United move before

ESPN

Man City, Bayern and Barcelona watching Savinho

ESPN

Girona forward Savinho will remain at the club until the end of the season despite strong interest from Manchester City, according to local reports.

Savinho, 19, is on a season-long loan at Girona from Troyes, with both clubs owned by City Football Group, the umbrella company of Manchester City.

The Brazilian winger has scored four goals and set up five more in 18 league appearances to help surprise-package Girona remain at the top of LaLiga.

Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are closely monitoring Savinho, whose contract with Troyes expires in June 2027. And City are reportedly ready to make an offer to sign him in June.

WOUNDED BAYERN HAVE LITTLE TIME TO PREPARE FOR DORTMUND CLASH

Reuters 

Bayern Munich will have just over 48 hours to lick their wounds and recover for the mouthwatering Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday following their shock German Cup exit on Wednesday at third-tier club Saarbruecken.

The Bavarians crashed out with a stunning 2-1 second-round defeat after they took the lead but then conceded twice, including a last-gasp goal in second half stoppage time.

They also saw defender Matthijs de Ligt suffer a knee injury with his participation in the game at Dortmund unlikely, piling more pressure on coach Thomas Tuchel's embattled defence.

POWER FOOTBALL AGENT DIES AT AGE 54 | MINO RIOLA

Mino Raiola, a very famous Football agent,  has passed away at age 54.