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

MAN UNITED BACK MAZRAOUI OVER LGBTQ+ JACKET STANCE

Manchester United reaffirmed their commitment to the inclusion of supporters from "all backgrounds" but said players are "entitled to hold their own individual opinions" after Noussair Mazraoui opted against wearing a warm-up jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

A source told ESPN that Mazraoui cited his religious beliefs as his reason for not joining the initiative, which was organised to coincide with the Premier League's support of Stonewall's rainbow laces campaign.

United players decided against wearing the jackets ahead of kick-off against Everton on Sunday after learning of Mazraoui's position.

United, meanwhile, clarified that Mazraoui and any other player is entitled to his opinion while also confirming their support for the initiative.

United captain Bruno Fernandes wore the rainbow armband during the 4-0 win over Everton while members of the men's and women's squads, including senior men's players Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, took part in video content to support the campaign.

A statement issued by the club read: "Manchester United welcomes fans from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we are strongly committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion.

"We demonstrate these principles through a range of activities, including support for our Rainbow Devils supporters' club, and campaigns to celebrate our LGBTQ+ fans and combat all forms of discrimination.

"Players are entitled to hold their own individual opinions, particularly in relation to their faith, and these may sometimes differ from the club's position."

Noussair Mazraoui opted against wearing a warm-up jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community. James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

United's LGBTQ+ supporters club, Rainbow Devils, have expressed their disappointment that the jackets were not worn.

A statement issued by Rainbow Devils read: "Shortly before the game, Rainbow Devils were informed that these jackets would not be worn. The reason being that one of the matchday squad had refused to wear the jacket on the grounds of their personally held beliefs. Therefore, to maintain the team ethos and togetherness, none of the players would be wearing them.

"This was obviously a great disappointment to Rainbow Devils, but also to all those who had worked hard at the club to deliver this event. ... We respect the right of this player to have his own views, whilst also feeling disappointed that he put the rest of the squad into a position where they felt that they couldn't wear their jackets. We also worry what kind of negative effect this incident might have on any player at the club who may be struggling with their sexuality."

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

MAN UNITED'S NOUSSAIR MAZRAOU OUT AFTER HEART PROCEDURE - SOURCES

PA

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing a heart procedure, club sources have told ESPN.

Mazraoui was substituted at half-time of United's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday and subsequently pulled out of the Morocco squad ahead of the international break after complaining of heart palpitations.

He has since undergone a corrective procedure and is expected to be out of action for a number of weeks.

Mazraoui's condition is "relatively common," according to club sources, while the operation has been described as "minor."

Sources have clarified that it was not an emergency situation and that Mazraoui is expected to make a full recovery.

It is not the first time during his career that Mazraoui has been affected by a heart condition. He was sidelined for three months while playing for Bayern Munich in 2023 after suffering from heart-related complications due to COVID-19.

The full-back tested positive for COVID-19 during the World Cup in Qatar and experienced problems during his holiday after the tournament.

Bayern said the problem was due to "a mild inflammation in his pericardium." After undergoing regular tests, he returned to action in March 2023.

United were aware of the condition that he had at Bayern but that this is a different condition.

Mazraoui has made 10 appearances for United since his summer move from Germany. United are not putting a firm timescale on his return and his absence will be another blow to under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.

Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have all had to withdraw from international duty because of injuries while Harry Maguire is set to be sidelined for weeks after picking up an injury against Villa.

Ten Hag is already short of full-backs because of ongoing injury issues with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw hasn't played for United since February but there is hope he will be able to return after the current international break.

Malacia has not featured for United for more than a year as he continues his recovery from a knee operation.

ERIK TEN HAG WARNS MANCHESTER UNITED NEED DEPTH FOR 'SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST '

Getty Images 

 Erik ten Hag is concerned that Manchester United need to “catch up on squad depth” with the manager worried that the 60-plus injuries his side suffered last season could happen again due to the load on players.

United have already signed the defender Leny Yoro and forward Joshua Zirkzee this summer. The manager is also pursuing a full-back – Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui is a target – plus a defensive midfielder, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte of interest.

United finished eighth last season, a Premier League-era low mark for the club, and Ten Hag stated that while his first XI is competitive, more quality is required to mitigate against injury.

“We already had very good two buys,” the Dutchman said. “So when everyone is fit we have a team who can beat everyone, but the squad depth we have to catch up because we had injuries.

“We are vulnerable and we have to avoid this by getting less injuries and second, our squad has to be that good,” Ten Hag added. “The quality we have in depth, we have to catch up, but even more because this season will be the survival of the fittest.”

Ten Hag also warned that the events of last season, where a high number of players were struck down by injury, could be repeated. “It can happen again,” he said. “I just mentioned it, it’s survival of the fittest. One of the important things is for you to cover medical [excellence] and performance . The players have to work in the right way because the standards are so high and you have to fulfil them, the highest standards, not only on game day but every day.

“[There are] so many reasons [for the high number],” he added. “The amount of games. The fixture list. The load on the players, the pressure on the players is so high and we are not the only team with so many injuries, we were not even the worst [last term]. Also, bad luck, we had them at the end of the season in the back four and it cost us a lot of points. The load and pressure on players is immense, with the new model in Europe [competitions] next season.”

Ten Hag stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos-led assessment of his candidacy to remain as manager, which involved consulting numerous potential replacements, is now forgotten.

“We are now in a new season, we left everything behind, we are looking forward,” the 54-year-old said. “It’s a great project, the process is nice, we go with ups and downs … now we are very energised, good dynamic, good spirit, looking forward, we want to work and we want to win.

“I never think if I’m in a strong position or weak position [now],” added Ten Hag, who has extended his contract at Old Trafford to June 2026. “I want to collaborate, I can’t do this on my own. Players, staff, leadership, everyone [has to help], and I’m sure we will have even more success.”

Marcus Rashford suffered a disappointing campaign last term, scoring only eight goals in all competitions. Ten Hag has backed his striker to return to form after missing out on England’s squad for Euro 2024.

“Rashford can only improve himself, he is capable, he scores so many goals and at a relatively young age he has already scored so many goals, so he is capable of it,” the manager said. “I am confident and have 100% belief he can do the same as two years ago.”

United have appointed Andreas Georgson as a first-team coach, with the Swede having departed Norway’s Lillestrøm, where he had been head coach since January. The club’s next pre-season fixture is against Arsenal at LA’s SoFi Stadium on Saturday evening.

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.

THE VAR REVIEW: BAYERN'S OFFSIDE 'GOAL' VS. REAL

Matthijs de Ligt is furious with referee Szymon Marciniak. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

 Video Assistant Referee causes controversy every week across Europe, and it even crops up in the Champions League.

On Wednesday night, in the second leg of the semifinal between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga club were desperately searching for an equaliser.

Real Madrid led 2-1, giving them a 3-2 aggregate lead, in the 13th minute of added time (only nine had been signalled). Bayern had to score, but they were thwarted by the offside flag and the referee blew his whistle. Bayern lost 2-1 and were eliminated.

Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel was raging, calling it a "a disastrous decision from the linesman and the referee."

So what happened, who was to blame, and how does this all work with VAR?

Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich

What happened?

The ball was played into the Real Madrid area, with Noussair Mazraoui challenging Ferland Mendy. The Los Blancos defender headed the ball away, and as the ball dropped into open space in the area, the assistant, Tomasz Listkiewicz, raised his flag. Referee Szymon Marciniak immediately blew the whistle.

Thomas Müller nodded the ball to Matthijs de Ligt, and he fired into net past Andriy Lunin -- though the goalkeeper made no attempt to make a save because of the whistle, so you cannot say Bayern were denied a goal. The Real Madrid defenders may have been affected, too.

Play stopped at the whistle, so there was nothing the VAR could do. This is all about how and when the play should end from a delayed flag.

Was Mazraoui onside?

As no goal was scored, there's no VAR offside situation to judged. So we won't get the semiautomated offside visualisation for this, and we will never know for certain.

But it looks exceptionally close, and Mazraoui may well have been marginally onside to the boot of Antonio Rüdiger.

Mazraoui's act of challenging Mendy for the aerial ball is an offside offence, even though he didn't touch it.

Why did the assistant raise his flag?

Assistants are told to keep the flag down on close offsides and only raise it when a goal is scored or at the end of the attacking move.

Indeed, Real Madrid's winning goal in the 91st minute came through this route. Joselu scored from a pass by Rüdiger, and as soon as the ball crossed the line the flag went up. The goal was awarded through a VAR review, as the striker was behind the ball. That Bayern lost to a delayed flag when they were denied by a premature flag only adds to their frustration.

The VAR Handbook states that the assistant "should delay the flag if an attacking player has a 'free run' or is in a very good scoring position moving directly to, or within, the penalty area."

For Listkiewicz, Bayern never gained possession from the original pass. It's headed away by Mendy and the offside Mazraoui failed to continue the attack. Had Mazraoui collected the pass, or headed it to a teammate himself, the assistant may not have been so ready to raise the flag.

So the assistant has done nothing wrong here?

Technically no, but in a game of such magnitude and at such a crucial stage, it would have made much more sense for Listkiewicz just to hold the flag for a little longer to see what developed.

We see so many delayed flag situations that seem to be completely needless -- for instance, when a player is running to the corner or is offside by a large margin.

This is a Champions League semifinal, one of the biggest games of the season. You've got VAR, so just wait a few more seconds.

However, Listkiewicz's flag doesn't control the game.

Does the referee share any of the blame?

Absolutely. He is in charge of when the game is halted, so ultimately, the buck stops with Marciniak. We will see a number of examples across a season of an assistant raising the flag too early, and the referee takes the decision to hold the whistle just in case anything develops.

Regardless of the flag, Marciniak should not have stopped the play when the ball first fell to Müller. It should have been clear to him there was still an attacking situation.

The VAR Handbook says: "If the assistant flags for a tight/unclear offside and a player is about to score a goal, the referee should delay the whistle until the goal results so that if the AR has made a 'clear and obvious error' the goal can be allowed."

Marciniak's role is about allowing the attacking phase to complete, not to judge how close the offside may have been. This is on Marciniak.

It's not been a stellar season for Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final and the 2023 Champions League final. Listkiewicz was also the assistant for both showpiece games.

Marciniak was the referee who wrongly awarded a VAR-advised stoppage-time penalty to Paris Saint-Germain against Newcastle United in December, which was converted and effectively resulted in the Magpies being knocked out of Europe.

But surely the attacking phase wasn't over?

The delayed flag and the attacking phase (which the VAR can review) are two different considerations.

If the assistant has identified an offside, the flag should go up at the quickest point when there's no clear attacking momentum.

However, if the assistant doesn't spot an offside, the VAR can go back through the whole phase.

A defender heading the ball away and it dropping to an opposition player doesn't count as a reset of the reviewable VAR phase. In a Premier League game between Aston Villa and Sheffield United this season, Leon Bailey had a goal disallowed through VAR as goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was being held by Jacob Ramsey. That came after a five opposition players had touched the ball -- none of which reset the reviewable VAR phase.

- Dale Johnson, General Editor, ESPN FC

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