United fear another backlash from fans over the Glazer family’s not wanting to sell the club to Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani or Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Manchester United at the moment are already facing a storm over plans to end Mason Greenwood’s 18-month suspension, although the club insist that a final decision has not been made.
Supporters protested against Greenwood’s return outside Old Trafford before Monday’s opening game against Wolves, and many more staged a separate anti-Glazer demonstration which might not end soon.
There has been warning from the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust that protests against the American owners will escalate if they don’t sell up after raising fans’ hopes by launching a strategic review nine months ago.
United fear a repeat of the angry scenes that led to the postponement of their game against Liverpool in May 2021 when protesters broke into Old Trafford following the collapse of the European Super League.
Fans also tried to sabotage the team bus when the match was replayed, and heightened security was one of the reasons United have erected a new players’ lounge structure at Old Trafford so the squad can be in the stadium earlier on match days.
Erik ten Hag insisted ahead of Saturday evening’s game at Tottenham that the team will not be taken away from their focus by the controversy surrounding the protracted takeover or Greenwood’s future.
‘No, we will focus on the way of playing,’ said the United manager. ‘We focus on the team performance. It is about the players who are available so we focus on Tottenham.’
Meanwhile, a leading sports lawyer has claimed that United do have grounds to sack Greenwood.
The club issued a statement earlier this week saying that the matter remains the subject of ‘intense internal deliberation’. However, it’s understood that United don’t believe they have grounds to let go the remaining two years of Greenwood’s contract because he has not been found guilty of any crime.
United said they have a feel of responsibility ‘to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner’. Sources also point out that evidence not presently in the public domain means that it is far from a clear-cut decision to make.
However Joseph Lappin, a partner and head of employment at law firm Stewarts, believes the pictures and recordings that came up on social media in January last year and led to Greenwood’s suspension are enough to sack him.
‘It is my view that United can dismiss Greenwood lawfully,’ said Lappin. ‘The board will have seen the photographs and heard the audio recordings released on social media.
‘On the basis of the information in the public domain, it seems to me that the club might have formed a reasonable belief that Greenwood has committed a serious criminal offence, even if he has not been convicted of one. The club owes a duty to protect the health and safety of its staff, including everyone working at the club’s training ground.
Viewing the situation ‘From a football perspective, reintegrating Greenwood into the playing squad makes sense. He is an exciting young striker and had been selected to play for England.
‘However, if Greenwood does return (and that now seems likely) a public backlash is inevitable. The photographs and recordings cannot be unseen or unheard.
‘Many Manchester United fans protested against the possibility of Greenwood’s come back before the team’s first Premier League game of the season. Domestic abuse charities, some of the club’s sponsors and many members of staff will be outraged if Greenwood returns.
Another issue is that ‘Parents will be worried what message the club will send to its young supporters. Erik Ten Hag is also likely to face endless questions at press conferences about the club’s principles if Greenwood returns.’
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LIVERPOOL
Problem discovered: Liverpool’s 24-year-old player was playing in the wrong position vs Chelsea says Gabby Ahbohlanhor
Problem discovered: Liverpool’s 24-year-old player was playing in the wrong position vs Chelsea says Gabby Ahbohlanhor
Problem discovered: Liverpool’s 24-year-old player was playing in the wrong position vs Chelsea says Gabby Ahbohlanhor
The former Aston Villa player Gabriel Agbonlahor discovered what went wrong when Liverpool played against Chelsea in their Opener for the season. He stated that Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo was being played in the wrong position against Chelsea during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Talking to talkSPORT, the retired striker mentioned Jurgen Klopp’s use of Gakpo in an unfamiliar positions.
“The problem is they had Gakpoon the field playing as a centre midfielder,” said Agbonlahor.
“They needed one more in there. They needed a [Moises] Caicedo or [Romeo] Lavia playing as a sitter, then [Dominik] Szoboszlai and [Alexis] Mac Allister in front.
“They really need to sign a sitter. They have been in for Caicedo and Lavia, and Chelsea have signed them both. They must be so frustrated.”
It is no secret that Liverpool are eager for a holding midfielder following their failed pursuits of the aforementioned pair, but the Reds must try to act fast to secure alternatives to avoid using players out of position, such as Gakpo, for an extended period of time.
The Reds have been linked with Real Madrid pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, although it is clear that the former does not want to move away from the Bernabeu this summer.
Andre Trindade is another who has been linked with a Liverpool switch. The Fluminense midfielder could be available for around £34million due to a release clause in his contract.
Agbonlahor raised doubt
Agbonlahor carried on to add further doubt upon Liverpool this season, saying that ‘a lot of work’ was needed to be done if they were to secure a place in the top four this season.
In the talkSPORT presenter’s prediction, he had Manchester City winning the league with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Chelsea finishing second, third and fourth position in an unfamiliar way.
Only time will tell if Agbonlahor’s vision will come true, but one thing is for certain – Liverpool must fix the disconnect in their midfield if they are to improve on the last campaign.
Do you think Liverpool can bring in the right player to fix the midfield problems the are face with at the moment?
Also read…
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MANCHESTER UNITED
COMMUNITY SHIELD TROPHY: Man Utd boss Ten Hag admits Arsenal deserve victory but insists one thing about Manchester united team
COMMUNITY SHIELD TROPHY: Man Utd boss Ten Hag admits Arsenal deserve victory but insists his side know how to beat them again
COMMUNITY SHIELD TROPHY: Man Utd boss Ten Hag admits Arsenal deserve victory but insists one thing about united team
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is full of praise for Arsenal but insists Premier League leaders should not underestimate his side.
- Ten Hag praises Arsenal
- United will play against the leaders on Sunday
- Casemirò suspended
WHAT HAPPENED? Ten Hag praised Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side as they prepare for Sunday’s showdown. The United manager insists the Gunners “deserve to be in the position they are in now”. However, Arsenal will want to guard against complacency. In the last meeting between the two clubs, Ten Hag beat his fellow manager to hand Arsenal their only defeat of the Premier League season.
WHAT HE SAID: “They deserve to be in the position they are in right now,” the United manager said.
“They have a very good structure in the way they play and they have a winning mentality and attitude in the team. That’s why they are leaders in the league. When we played against them before, you could already see that the coaching style was already working. You could see very good structures in the team and I think they even improved in the first half of the season. There is really a good spirit in the team. Man Utd boss Ten Hag admits Arsenal deserve the victory but insists that Manchester united team can still beat them.
“They’re on a great run and it’s up to us to beat that run and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen,” he added.
“We know what to do. We have to be really good and we have to perform really well. If we do that, we have a good chance of getting a good result.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Arsenal have a chance to regain their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Manchester United will be without star player Casemiro after the Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace, meaning he is suspended for this match.
On the other hand, United beat Arsenal last time out without him…
WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?: The Dutchman has successfully guided his new club through a difficult start and the Red Devils are finally starting to prove their worth. Fit Marcus Rashford and co. hopes to put a damper on Arsenal’s title hopes as the old rivalry flares up again.
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Transfer news LIVE: Neymar talks on PSG exit, Mbappe move detailed and Man Utd’s Kane stance clear
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Harry Kane are dwindling, unlike Arsenal’s pursuit of Declan Rice, with the West Ham captain confirmed to be on the move once the summer transfer window opens
The summer transfer window doesn’t open for a few days’ time, but that isn’t stopping clubs from making huge moves
Ahead of Wednesday’s opening, Liverpool have already confirmed the signing of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, while Arsenal are poised to make their first bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice, who’s played his final game for the club. Also in the Premier League, Manchester United are expected to kick into gear – despite their long-running takeover saga still not being resolved – with Erik ten Hag hoping to capture Harry Kane as well as Mason Mount, who the Red Devils have agreed personal terms with.
On the continent, Jude Bellingham is on the verge of completing a dream move by signing for Real Madrid. And Lionel Messi is on the move, too, after announcing that he’ll be playing in the United States next season, making the decision to join Inter Miami, the MLS club which David Beckham co-founded
West Ham line-up Rice replacement
West Ham are preparing to sell captain Declan Rice this summer and have earmarked Ajax holding midfielder Edson Alvarez as a replacement, say The Guardian.
The Mexican international could be available for a fee in the region of £45million, which is around half the price that the Hammers could attain for Rice.
Maddison tops Newcastle shortlist
Newcastle are keen on another summer of strong recruitment with Leicester City playmaker James Maddison top of their wanted list.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who mention that Premier League trio of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher are also on the club’s targets.
Pulisic on Milan radar
Christian Pulisic is likely to be among the exodus from Chelsea this summer with Milan monitoring a move.
That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that the 24-year-old winger would be willing to lower his annual salary to complete a move to the Rossoneri.
Blues knocked back over Onana
Chelsea want to sign Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana but their approach of €40million has been rejected, say Calciomercato.
The Cameroonian starred in the Champions League final for the Italian giants, and Mauricio Pochettino wants him to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
Chukwueze on the move
Milan want to sign Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze this summer, according to Sky Sports Italia.
Chukwueze has frequently been linked with a move to the Premier League while Real Madrid are said to be monitoring his situation this summer.
Chelsea must change Havertz price
Chelsea will have to lower their £70million asking price for Kai Havertz if they are to move on the German international this summer, say the Telegraph.
Havertz is on Real Madrid’s attacking shortlist this summer but the Spanish giants are not willing to go above £50million – with the player keen for a move.
Real Madrid’s Kane stance
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is continuing to push the club to land Harry Kane this summer but the club are prioritising a long-term approach for Kylian Mbappe.
Kane, 29, is out of contract at Tottenham next summer and this summer is likely to be the last opportunity Spurs have to cash in on the striker before risking him leaving as a free agent. Their preference is to sell him to a club outside of England and not to a direct rival.
The England international is on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s target list this summer as he is on red alert to sign a central striker at Old Trafford. United are desperate to sign an elite central striker and Ten Hag believed Kane’s contractual situation will mean that a deal is possible.
Bayern want Lucas decision
The France international may well be on the move this summer.
Spurs want Sancho
Tottenham are weighing up a £50million move for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, say the Daily Star.
Sancho has failed to reproduce the form he showed at Borussia Dortmund across his two seasons at United, despite showing semi-frequent glimpses of his quality.
16:24Colin Millar
United lose hope on Kane
Manchester United are increasingly resigned to the fact they will not sign Harry Kane this summer, The Times reports.
The England captain is Erik ten Hag’s main striking target but United are said to believe that Spurs will not countenance a sale this summer to a Premier League rival.
Real Madrid are also interested in the striker, but United may have to wait a year for Kane’s contract to expire.
16:00Colin Millar
Silva’s Man City future
Manchester City are basking in the glory of their treble success but risk losing several key players this summer with Bernardo Silva wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
The Portugal international has been on Barcelona ’s wanted list for over a year with boss Xavi Hernandez confirming they wanted a deal last summer, which did not come to fruition. Silva is now a key transfer target for PSG, who are looking to replace Lionel Messi.
City boss Pep Guardiola has repeatedly refused to sanction Silva’s exit despite the player’s keenness for pastures new. The playmaker played a pivotal role in the club’s successes this campaign but he has made no secret internally that he was open to a move away from the Etihad.
Gundogan’s Saudi offer
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has received an offer to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, say Foot Mercato.
Gundogan remains a key member of City’s starting line-up and netted twice in their FA Cup final success this summer but may leave this summer.
The club want him to stay but his latest offers comes amid strong interest from Barcelona in the midfielder, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also lingering for his signature.
Nacho confirms Real Madrid decision
Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has confirmed he is staying on at the club next season.
“I’ve decided to stay at Real Madrid. There are offers as always but I want to stay one more year, I’m so happy about it.”
Neymar on Saudi list
Al-Hilal missed out on a transfer for Lionel Messi, but they are now turning to signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.
That is according to CBS Sports, who claim that PSG would be delighted to offload the Brazilian’s wages as they restructure their squad.
Mirror Football understands that PSG are keen to sell Neymar this summer, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Roma confirm Aouar signing
Roma have confirmed the signing of Houssem Aouar following the expiration of his contract at Lyon.
Back in 2023, the midfielder was strongly linked with a move to Arsenal.
Gunners go for Castagne
Leicester City may undergo somewhat of a mass exodus this summer following their relegation.
Belgian international Timothy Castagne is now emerging as a target for Arsenal, who want more depth in the right-back position.
West Ham are hoping to sign Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe as part of a player-plus-cash swap deal for Declan Rice.
The Sun claim that Rice is close to joining the Gunners but West Ham want something in return for their captain as well as cash.
A lack of fitness and increased competition forced Smith Rowe out of Mikel Arteta’s side for much last season.
His future is now uncertain, despite signing a new long-term deal in 2021 and also being given the No.10 shirt.
:10John Cross
Inter president wants Lukaku stay
Inter Milan president Steven Zhang is determined to find a way to broker a new deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Zhang described the on-loan Chelsea striker as “amazing” even after Lukaku’s incredible miss in the Champions League final Lukaku, 30, wants to stay at Inter for another season rather than return to Stamford Bridge this summer to try and resurrect his Chelsea career under Mauricio Pochettino.
Belgium striker Lukaku was only a substitute in the final but his performance will always be remembered for the jaw-dropping miss in the dying stages against Manchester City. Lukaku had the whole goal to aim at from point blank range but headed straight at City keeper Ederson who kept the ball out.
That miss will arguably be remembered even more than City midfielder Rodri’s winner in the final. It also highlighted all of Lukaku’s problems as he is no longer a starter at Inter, is wasteful in front of goal and his huge contract is a massive problem for Chelsea.
Lukaku was signed two years ago for £97.5m, has three years left on his £325,000-a-week deal and Inter cannot realistically afford to buy him so only want another loan deal which does not really help Chelsea as they look to balance the books.
But Zhang said: “He showed great attachment to Inter. He loves Inter, that’s very clear. He’s an amazing guy. But the guy has a contract with Chelsea, so we have to wait to talk to them to understand.”
Guardiola’s future in discussion
Pep Guardiola admitted that chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak had already spoken to him about his future at Manchester City.
“Please don’t talk to me about going again,” he joked. “My chairman told me the Champions League final is in London next year – and I can’t tell you what I said to him! I am a good manager – thank you Pep – but I can’t win a treble every single year.”
“Maybe people will now give us credit for winning five Premier Leagues. Maybe we can now build a museum to show off all of our trophies.”