HARRY MAGUIRE has broken his silence following England fans mercilessly jeering him in the international friendly against Ivory Coast.
The Manchester United man professionally responded to the critics with a Twitter post which reads: "Enjoyable week playing for my country."
Elsewhere, Paul Pogba possible return to Juventus in the summer seems to have taken a massive blow.
It has been widely reported that the Italian giants cannot afford the midfield maestro's huge wage demands which would rule out any potential deal.
And Ajax technical chief, Gerry Hamstra has admitted that the Dutch outfit fear it will be tough to stop the head coach Erik Ten Hag from putting pen to paper at Old Trafford.
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- Justin Lawrence
Keane slams Southgate for defending Maguire
Roy Keane has slammed Gareth Southgate for making a meal out of Harry Maguire getting booed by England's "idiotic" fans.
Keane said: "I think Gareth has made it a bigger story than what it is. Every player gets booed. There’s going to be idiots at football matches. England fans have got a lot of idiots.
‘And if they’re going to boo Harry Maguire, I think Gareth could have easily said that it’s no big deal. He actually played well, just focus on that."
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo opens new London restaurant
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to open a plush new London restaurant.
The Manchester United star is to team-up with TikTok sensation Burak Ozdemir on the new venture.
Ronaldo, 37, was previously involved in Japanese restaurant Zela.
The central London location shut for good during the pandemic, but Ronaldo is set to re-enter the restaurant game in the capital.
Hot Dinners report that the forward has joined forces with Ozdemir, otherwise known as CZN Burak to open a new fancy London eaterie.
They add that the restaurant will open in November.
- Justin Lawrence
Harry Maguire breaks silence
Harry Maguire has broken his silence after being booed while playing for England last night.
Against the Ivory Coast, Maguire’s name was booed as it was announced before the game.
His first touches during the 3-0 win itself were also met by jeers.
Maguire appears to have blocked out the criticism, however, making no reference to it in a tweet this morning.
Accompanied by a picture of him playing last night, he wrote on Twitter: “Enjoyable week playing for my country 🏴❤️”
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea join Real’s Gnabry chase
Chelsea’s pursuit of Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry has been dealt a blow as Real Madrid ace David Alaba is trying to lure his former team-mate to the Santiago Bernabeu, reports suggest.
Alaba and Gnabry spent four years together at Bayern and formed a strong friendship before the former’s departure to Real last year.
According to reports in Germany, the Austria international is campaigning for a reunion with the ex-Arsenal ace, whose impressive performances have attracted Los Blancos’ interest.
However, contact between the Madrid giants and the Germany international’s representatives is “loose”.
And Gnabry, whose contract runs out in 2023, appears to be more keen on renewing with Bayern, who are desperate to tie him down to a new deal, as he doesn’t want to leave this summer.
If Real do go after Gnabry in the summer then they will be facing intense competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, such as Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and of course Chelsea.
- Justin Lawrence
Henderson backs Maguire against boo-boys
Jordan Henderson blasted the England fans who mercilessly booed Harry Maguire.
Some supporters continued to target Maguire whenever he touched the ball throughout the game.
That comes just months after the Red Devils captain was named in the Euro 2020 team of the tournament for his performances helping the Three Lions reach the final.
And his Liverpool counterpart quickly jumped to his defence with a strong message on social media.
- Justin Lawrence
Pogba possible Juventus transfer discussed
Juventus cannot afford Paul Pogba's wage demands, according to reports.
And that could rule the Italian giants out of bringing the midfielder back to the Allianz Stadium in a major boost for Manchester United.
The Frenchman, 29, is out of contract in the summer at Old Trafford and can negotiate with foreign clubs over a free transfer.
However, one of the teams heavily linked with landing him has been his former club Juventus.
But according to Calciomercato, they can only afford to offer Pogba £8million per season – or £154,000 per week.
That is little more than half his current £15m-a-year deal at United which works out as £290,000 a week.
- Alex Cole
Good morning, United fans
Ajax's technical chief admits the Dutch giants fear it will be tough to stop manager Erik ten Hag taking over at Manchester United.
Gerry Hamstra says Ajax 'know how the world works' after Ten Hag emerged as favourite to become Old Trafford boss in the summer.
Hamstra is realistic but insists the Dutchman is focused on his current job.
The technical manager told Voetbal International: "It would be fantastic if he is still Ajax’s coach next season.
"He still has an ongoing contract with Ajax but we also all know how the world works.
"Erik is a professional and focuses on this season himself, on the important months ahead in which the prizes will be distributed.
"The future will tell, but it is clear that Erik is very important for Ajax."
Ten Hag has reportedly been interviewed by United as they seek a permanent replacement for interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
And SunSport revealed last week the 52-year-old has strengthened his grip on pole position as dossiers on all candidates were prepared and assessed.
- Alex Cole
Manchester United's next five games
Only Premier League fixtures left for the Red Devils.
They will be eyeing up lowly Everton at Goodison park.
But also bottom-placed Norwich in mid-April.
Then back-to-back bouts with Liverpool and Arsenal to end the month.
- Alex Cole
Darwin's theory of evolution
Manchester United and other Prem clubs are on high alert with Benfica open to selling star striker Darwin Nunez this summer.
The Uruguay forward has a £127million release clause in his contract, according to Portuguese newspaper OJogo.
But the report adds that the Primeira Liga giants might be willing to do business for around £68m at the end of the season.
Credit: Reuters Benfica will have to pay Nunez's former side Almeria 20 percent of the profit from any sale.
And another factor which might push the sale through is the fact his deal with agent Edgardo Lasalvia expires in the summer.
The article explains: "[Lasalvia] has a document from Benfica which gives him the right to ten percent of their profit if selling the player before the end of June. So he has a good reason to get a transfer done soon."
Nine-cap international Nunez joined Benfica for a club record £20m in 2020.
And they are in a strong bargaining position as he is under contract until 2025.
United, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs are among the Prem sides who have been linked with the 22-year-old forward.
- Alex Cole
United duo combine for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo showed his unselfishness by producing a cheeky assist for pal Bruno Fernandes against North Macedonia.
The Manchester United duo combined to give Portugal the lead in their crunch World Cup play-off clash this evening.
The moment of class came just after the half hour mark courtesy of a defensive mistake.
Fernandes intercepted a crossfield pass by Stefan Ristovski and found his teammate with a first-time ball.
Ronaldo carried it forward to the edge of the area, and with everyone expecting him to shoot, he instead nutmegged a defender with a flicked pass straight to the onrushing midfielder.
And Fernandes made no mistake as he drilled home.
- Alex Cole
Savvy target for United
Manchester United are reportedly once again set to attempt to lure Sergej Milinkovic-Savic away from Lazio, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Serbian midfielder having first been linked with a move to sign him in 2018.
But the 27-year-old star has been constantly priced out of a move by Lazio president Claudio Lotito, who has been demanding at least £100million for him.
However, in a boost for the Red Devils, the Rome outfit could now be prepared to part ways with the player in a cut-price deal.
Lazio currently sit seventh in the Serie A table and are in danger of missing out on competing in Europe next term.
And it has been claimed that the Stadio Olimpico outfit could need a big sale in order to help balance the books.
Taking that into consideration, Il Tempo has claimed that Lazio would be prepared to sell the player should they receive a fee in the region of £59m.
The Italian news outlet states that United could again make a move to bring the ex-Genk ace to Old Trafford.
Milinkovic-Savic has reportedly been eyed up as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba, who looks set to depart the Theatre of Dreams on a free transfer this summer.
It has even been suggested that the 2019 Coppa Italia winner has been identified as a cheaper alternative to West Ham's Declan Rice.
- Alex Cole
Pat-trick for Cristiano
PORTUGAL'S World Cup play-off final clash against North Macedonia has been AXED by a French TV channel… and replaced by Patrick Swayze's classic film Ghost, writes DYLAN TERRY.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co will book their place in Qatar if they can beat their minnow opponents in Porto on Tuesday night.
But broadcaster, W9, have made the decision to drop the match to their streaming platform following Italy's shock defeat to North Macedonia.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been in the media this week stressing the significance of their match against North Macedonia on Tuesday evening.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Manchester United star said: "For us, this game is a matter of life and death.
"There is a responsibility to win this game. For us, also a game of our lives.
"They have surprised opponents in many games but I believe they will not surprise us.
"There is no World Cup without Portugal. There are no individualities here."
Portugal have qualified for each of the last five World Cups – a run which stretches back to 1998 when they failed to reach the finals for a third successive tournament.
- Joshua Mbu
Next five
United face Leicester next.
- Joshua Mbu
‘No position excites me more’
Luis Enrique appeared to rule himself out of the running for Manchester United’s manager’s role.
The Spain chief, 51, who led his side to the Euros semi-finals last July, told Marca: "In Qatar I will be with Spain and what may come we will see.
“Is there any more doubt? Do I have to repeat it more times?
“There is no position that excites me more than representing my country in Qatar.”
- Joshua Mbu
Shaw ‘smug and wrong’
Luke Shaw was "smug and wrong" for his "dig" at Manchester United, claims Paul Parker.
And the Red Devils legend thinks the left-back is lucky to even be in the England squad.
Shaw scored in the Three Lions' 2-1 comeback win against Switzerland.
He then revealed how he felt "wanted" when on international duty and is able to "play with a smile on my face".
But Parker – who spent five years at Old Trafford and earned 19 England caps – hit out at the defender, who is always willing to speak honestly to the media.
The outspoken ex-defender said: "Shaw’s comments were wrong if I’m being honest.
"Everyone would have seen that as smug and a dig about what’s going on at Manchester United.
"When you look at his situation then you can come out and say that he’s not playing for United as he hasn’t been consistently good enough.
"It’s as simple as that. You’ve not been doing what you’re supposed to be doing."
- Joshua Mbu
Declan Rice tipped for England captaincy
West Ham legend Julian Dicks says he would be “very surprised” if Man Utd target Declan Rice doesn’t captain England in the future.
Dicks was a Hammers coach under Slaven Bilic when a then 18-year-old Rice was handed his Premier League debut in the 2-1 win over Burnley in 2017.
Rice’s exemplary leadership both on and off the pitch has stretched further than just Rush Green and the London Stadium.
Hammers icon Dicks too believes that Rice’s day of leading the Three Lions will come.
Speaking to SunSport on whether he thinks Rice will be a future England captain ahead of a Masters Football event in association with Bookmakers.com, Dicks said: “Absolutely. I was a coach at West Ham when Slav gave him his debut.
“The easiest thing I can say about Declan is he just keeps everything simple.
“He wins the ball and gives it simple.
“I did the Man Utd vs West Ham game at Old Trafford (this season).
“And even though West Ham got beat, Declan was immense, and I mean head and shoulders above everybody else on that pitch, in my opinion.
“He won every ball. Where the ball was he won it and he’d just give it.
“So yeah, I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t an England captain in the future.”
- Sam Dymond
Lopetegui out of United running
Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui has ruled himself out of contention for the Manchester United job after declaring his commitment to the LaLiga club.
The Spanish coach has been on United's shortlist in their search for a new manager, although has rarely been considered a favourite in the same manner as Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino.
And any chance of a shock Old Trafford appointment have surely ended today after the 55-year-old confirmed that his desire is to remain at Sevilla.
He told ABC de Sevilla: "My decision is clear. I want to stay here at Sevilla. I’ve no doubt."
- Sam Dymond
Varane eases concerns over injury
Manchester United fans have breathed a collective sigh of relief after Raphael Varane confirmed he was fully fit despite an injury forcing him off in France's game with Ivory Coast on Friday.
The centre-back was removed by Didier Deschamps as a precaution after 57 minutes, and the national coach afterwards confirmed the player had a 'small problem in his foot.'
Immediately, watching Red Devils fearing a repeat of the injury that Varane picked up on international duty in October that kept him out for three games.
However, the 28-year-old has since eased those concerns and revealed he is contention for tonight's game with South Africa.
Speaking to RMC Sport yesterday, Varane said: "I’m at 100% for tomorrow. It was a hit, but it was just painful."
- Sam Dymond
Leeds tracking United starlet Garner
Leeds United have been keeping a close eye on young Manchester United ace James Garner during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old has impressed at the City Ground this season, and has been a key factor in their rise up the Championship table and their run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Set-piece expert Garner has struck three goals and provided six assist in 36 appearances for Forest, and has earned praise for his performances from the likes of Roy Keane and Jurgen Klopp.
The Elland Road club are unlikely to prise Garner away from Old Trafford permanently, but the Red Devils may consider another season out on loan in order to continue the player's development.
- Sam Dymond
Southgate defends Maguire call-up
Gareth Southgate has leapt to the defence of Harry Maguire after he was asked whether the centre-back is deserving of his place in the current England squad.
Maguire is expected to start against Ivory Coast at Wembley this evening, and Southgate has indicated he had no hesitation in selecting the 29-year-old despite his indifferent form for Manchester United.
The Three Lions boss said: "[Harry Maguire] has got us to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final so there's no doubt he's more than capable of playing at the highest level.
"He was very good for us in the autumn. [Manchester United] are in a difficult moment, and there could be any number of reasons for that."
However, Southgate also suggested that players continually out-of-form for their clubs would be in danger of missing out so long as there are suitable replacements available.
"It doesn't mean that players can be poor for a couple of years and then still find their way in. Sometimes it depends on competition for positions.
"We've obviously had some forward players out who haven't been in good form, but there's direct, experienced replacements for those players so it is a complicated decision."
- Sam Dymond
Ralf's ref suggestion has backing
Referees could begin training with Premier League clubs from next season – thanks to a proposal put forward by Manchester United interim gaffer Ralf Rangnick.
The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan reports that the German coach raised the idea at a recent two-day summit between top-flight managers and referees' boss Mike Riley.
The theory behind the suggestion is that the move would allow for a closer relationship between officials and players, and 'break down negative preconceptions' that may be in place.
Rangnick's proposition is said to have been met by widespread backing, and will now be considered by PGMOL.
- Sam Dymond
Antony to follow Erik's footsteps
Erik ten Hag wants to make Antony his first signing in the summer – if he lands the Manchester United manager's job.
The 22-year-old has been in sparkling form for Ajax this season, contributing with 12 goals and ten assists from wide on the right.
Indeed, the Brazilian has impressed so much that Ten Hag wants to take the youngster to Old Trafford with him to begin a major squad overhaul at the club.
It was reported yesterday that United hope to bring in a new right winger despite the big-money purchase of Jadon Sancho last year, and The Telegraph now believe that it's £30m-rated Antony that fits the bill.
- Sam Dymond
Red Devils want Porto's Otavio
Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs closely monitoring Porto star Otavio.
The 27-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career, and has been a key factor in his side's six-point lead at the top of Primeira Liga.
The attacking midfielder, who can operate on either flank, has scored five goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions this term.
His recent performances at club level earned him his first international caps with Portugal, for whom he has scored twice in three games.
According to A Bola, Otavio's release fee is €60million although United will be hopeful of landing the player for considerably less than that.
- Giacomo Pisa
Good morning Man Utd fans
Manchester United stars Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are primed for England duty in tonight’s friendly against Ivory Coast.
Both defenders took part in training for the Three Lions yesterday and look ready for the friendly clash at Wembley.
Maguire was an unused sub in Saturday’s 2-1 clash with Switzerland but Shaw started and scored the equaliser as England came from behind to win 2-1.
They might return to Old Trafford to find their Red Devils team-mate Bruno Fernandez has agreed a new deal.
United news outlet @UtdPlug says "it will be announced in the coming days".
Portugal playmaker Fernandez, 27, has been a key man for the Red Devils since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
Meanwhile, United’s understudy keeper Dean Henderson admits loan spells at lower league clubs have been vital to his development.
The 25-year-old star joined United's Academy as a 14-year-old and has had temporary spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United.
He told Manchester United's website: "If I didn't [go out on loan], I'd probably be in League One now, just going out on my first loan.
“I fought for it and I stand by it, the best decision of my life.”
And there is likely to have been some nostalgia stirred among the club’s fans after they saw a United game with Rooney and Ronaldo on the scoresheet on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Ronney both scored for their Under-12s against West Brom.
They are the sons of Red Devils legends and former United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
- [email protected]
Ferdinand hits back at Rooney
Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Wayne Rooney calling him 'arrogant'.
The pair played together for an incredibly successful Manchester United side between 2004 and 2014.
At a speaking event this week, Wazza joked Ferdinand was a 'top player' but 'arrogant' and 'sometimes did forget he was a defender.'
On his YouTube show Vibe with Five, Ferdinand explained he and Rooney had often bickered during matches as a way of getting the best out of each other.
He said: "If the ball came up and he weren't holding it up I'd be screaming, 'Wazza hurry up'.
"He would go, expletive, 'you do your own job', and we'd be back and forth constant – but we drove each other."
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