THE Manchester United dressing room is growing disillusioned with Harry Maguire's captaincy, according to reports.
A number of players are said to be upset that the England centre-back keeps starting, when they feel he is not up to the appropriate standard.
Meanwhile the Red Devils are reportedly eyeing a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez to replace Edinson Cavani.
And Wolves talisman Ruben Neves has popped up on Manchester United's radar AGAIN.
Follow ALL of the latest news, updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
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- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
United have contacted Erik ten Hag about their boss job and senior players are questioning Harry Maguire's starting place.
Those are the two dramatic claims ahead of tomorrow's crucial derby trip to City.
Ajax chief Ten Hag is reportedly an even stronger favourite for the permanent Old Trafford job in the summer.
That's because of suggestions United have now let the Dutchman know they are interested.
Old Trafford interim boss Ralf Rangnick is tipped to move upstairs at the end of the season.
But he claims he has 'no idea' who will take over for the next campaign.
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino is still highly tipped too, ahead of Real Madrid chief Carlo Ancelotti, Brighton's Graham Potter, Roberto Mancini and Luis Enrique.
Meanwhile, the Times say skipper Maguire's recent erratic form has privately been queried by team-mates.
On the transfer front, United, Arsenal and Real Madrid are said to be targeting Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Finally, striker Edinson Cavani and midfielder Scott McTominay could make the bench at the Etihad after regaining fitness.
- Ian Tuckey
EXCLUSIVE: Jesse's victim of £100k robbery
Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard was targeted by “Away Day” robbers who stole more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home.
The Sun can reveal he became their latest victim on January 15 as the Red Devils went to Aston Villa. The gang escaped with the haul before security was alerted at his £3million mansion.
In May 2020 Lingard gave an MTV crew a tour of his five-bedroom home for its Cribs show. He showed off his walk-in wardrobe featuring a huge designer trainer collection and his 32 England caps.
Since the burglary, Lingard, 27, has put the property in Hale, Gtr Manchester, up for sale and accepted an offer. It boasts a swimming pool, gym and cinema room.
A source said of Jesse, who has a young daughter: “He was really upset to find out he had been targeted.
"The items which were stolen are replaceable, but it’s very invasive for him to have someone break into his home, especially as he is a father.
“He has stepped up security since the robbery and is reviewing how his home is protected when he is away from it.”
- Ian Tuckey
EXCLUSIVE: My life Brand
Brandon Williams has written his life story in tattoos – and one day would love to add a World Cup triumph to his body art, writes TOM BARCLAY.
The Manchester United whizkid, currently on loan at Norwich, has a sleeve inked on his arm which depicts the estate in North Manchester which made him.
He also has a roaring lion, as well as an image of him scoring his first career goal inside a giant eye, meant to reflect on that personal highlight.
But Williams, 21, has his sights set on far more achievements to be added to his body display by the time his career is done.
He told SunSport: “I’m telling a story on my arm with my tattoo and when my body is done, it will tell the story of my life.
“The dream would be for it to have a Champions League win there, the Premier League, the World Cup.
"Then there’s stuff off the pitch but with football, I just want to be top of the league, top of different competitions and playing for England.
“I want to look back on my career and have played hundreds of games at the top level in the Premier League, whether that’s at Norwich, at Man Utd or somewhere else."
- Ian Tuckey
'Utd stars question Maguire starting place'
Harry Maguire’s Manchester United starting place has been privately questioned by team-mates, it's claimed.
The Old Trafford skipper has already denied a dressing-room power struggle with Cristiano Ronaldo.
And now the Times suggest the England centre's recent form has sparked debate in the squad.
They say 'some of his team-mates have aired their grievances among themselves at the club’s Carrington training ground'.
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Make derby Wan to remember
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is desperate to play in Sunday's Prem derby at City – with his Manchester United future in doubt.
The right-back is thought to be one of the Red Devils yet to impress interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
But he posted his 'Sunday prep' as United struggle to hold onto their top-four spot.
- Ian Tuckey
Ralf has 'no idea' on next Utd boss
Interim chief Ralf Rangnick claims he is in the dark over who'll get the permanent Manchester United job.
Ahead of Sunday's Prem trip to neighbours City, he said of the managerial situation: “I have no idea.
"I am here until the end of the season and it is important to develop the players.
“We have had one or two meetings with the head of scouting. We have not spoken about the new manager too much”.
- Ian Tuckey
United and Arsenal linked to Osimhen
Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid are said to be targeting Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
The Nigeria star, 23, has notched 21 goals and seven assists in 52 games for the Italians this summer.
Calciomercato say Real are showing strong interest, especially as a potential alternative to Borussia Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland.
And it's also claimed Newcastle could join the hunt for Osimhen.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd 'contact Ten Hag'
Manchester United have contacted Ajax chief Erik ten Hag as they narrow their managerial options for next season, reports say.
Ten Hag is favourite to land the Old Trafford permanent job this summer, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick tipped to move upstairs.
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino is rated next on the list of options.
And it's now claimed Carlo Ancelotti could be a contender if Real Madrid sack him.
Other names mentioned include Graham Potter, Roberto Mancini and Luis Enrique.
- Ian Tuckey
Edinson back
Ralf Rangnick is now in position for his press conference ahead of Sunday’s derby with Manchester City, and has begun with some good news.
Edinson Cavani is back in contention after time out with injury and illness. The 35-year-old hasn’t featured since the draw at Burnley on February 8.
The interim United boss revealed that Cavani had taken part in two training sessions: “He looks good. I think he could at least be part of the group. There are question marks behind some players, we will have to wait and see.”
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils' plan to sink City revealed
Ralf Rangnick has hinted at his gameplan for Sunday’s derby, and indicated how he believes Manchester United can beat Manchester City.
The German said: “It is about controlling the game, and not letting them play without pressure because this is what they want. They are looking for overloads of half spaces. The goalkeeper almost plays as a centre-back and the full-back as a number six midfielder.
“For us, it is about finding moments where we can take the ball away from them and make the best of those transitional moments. It is up to us on Sunday to show that we can do that.”
- Ian Tuckey
Ronaldo tipped to start
Manchester United could have a clean bill of health for Sunday's mouthwatering clash against cross-town rivals Manchester City.
Both Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay have been out for United as of late, although both could feature in the derby.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick was without McTominay for the draws against Atletico Madrid and Watford with the Scotsman suffering from illness.
And he didn't confirm whether or not the midfielder was available for Sunday, saying: "There are still some question marks over other players. It looks good for Edinson for Sunday."
However after being spotted in training McTominay does seem to be a candidate to start.
Cavani meanwhile has not played since the 1-1 draw at Burnley on February 8.
And despite returning to training on Thursday he is unlikely to usurp Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
But if McTominay is passed fit he is likely to partner Paul Pogba in the heart of midfield, behind the roaming Bruno Fernandes.
- Ian Tuckey
Pep 'joy' at watching Ronaldo
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City need to find a way to halt the ‘unstoppable goalscoring machine’ that is Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday.
The Portuguese legend has endured a difficult start to 2022, scoring just once in the calendar year so far.
But City weighed up the possibility of signing the veteran from Juventus before he returned to Old Trafford in August.
And Guardiola has admitted he is a big admirer, saying: “As a finisher he’s exceptional, I'm not going to disguise it was a joy to watch him these years.
“We have to explode our game, our strength to avoid Cristiano close to the box, because there he is almost unstoppable.
“When you are one of the greatest that he was in terms of being a goalscoring machine, you will always be there.
“He is so strong mentally. He handled pressure without a problem because he lived with expectation through his career and always responded in a positive way.”
- Ian Tuckey
Utd target Rice dreams of Champions League
Declan Rice says his dreams to play in the Champions League are 'urgent' in a major transfer warning to West Ham.
The Hammers midfielder, 23, has been valued at £120million by boss David Moyes with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea showing an interest.
Rice’s current deal with the club runs out in June 2024 – with no talks so far to extend.
Credit: Rex And the England international has hinted yet again his future may lie away from the club after admitting he sees himself as one of the best players in the world.
Asked about his desire to win trophies and play in the Champions League, Rice said: “It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that’s for every young player as well.
“I see friends that are close to me, big players winning big trophies. You want to be a part of that. You want to be remembered in this career for what you’ve won.
“I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23. But in terms of my playing ability and the way I’ve performed consistently, I see myself as an established player now who’s got good experience and can play at any level if required.
“We are really close with West Ham at the minute and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing."
- Ian Tuckey
Different Nev set for Old Trafford?
Barcelona and Manchester United are both being linked with Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
And The Mail claim the La Liga giants have already been in talks with the Portugal playmaker's representatives.
Credit: Getty Barca and Wolves have already agreed one deal this year after Adama Traore moved to Spain on loan during the January transfer window.
However, United are considered long-term admirers of Neves and would be favourites to land the 24-year-old if he decided to stay in the Premier League.
Neves has little over a year to run on his current deal at Molineux, having joined the club at a teenager in 2017.
- Sam Dymond
Rangnick tight lipped on new manager
Interim Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick refused to be drawn on the details, but admitted that he had been involved in initial discussions with the club regarding a new manager.
The German revealed at his press conference: "We have had one or two meetings with the head of scouting and other people. I will not speak too much about that in detail."
However, Rangnick emphasised that his current role at Old Trafford was focused on playing matters, although he would be willing to advise the club if necessary.
"I am here until the end of the season and it is important to develop the players and develop the team. I am always there and will tell people my opinion."
- Sam Dymond
How United can beat City
Ralf Rangnick has hinted at his gameplan for Sunday's derby, and indicated how he believes Manchester United can beat Manchester City.
The German said: "It is about controlling the game, and not letting them play without pressure because this is what they want. They are looking for overloads of half spaces. The goalkeeper almost plays as a centre-back and the full-back as a number six midfielder.
"For us, it is about finding moments where we can take the ball away from them and make the best of those transitional moments. It is up to us on Sunday to show that we can do that."
- Sam Dymond
Cavani available for Manchester derby
Ralf Rangnick is now in position for his press conference ahead of Sunday's derby with Manchester City, and has begun with some good news.
Edinson Cavani is back in contention after time out with injury and illness. The 35-year-old hasn't featured since the draw at Burnley on February 8.
The interim United boss revealed that Cavani had taken part in two training sessions: "He looks good. I think he could at least be part of the group. There are question marks behind some players, we will have to wait and see."
- Sam Dymond
United players snubbed in Manchester XI
Shaun Wright-Phillips has sensationally said that not one single Manchester United player would get into a combined Manchester XI – and that includes Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's derby, the former City winger was adamant that any team would be entirely made up of those in blue.
In an interview with Free Super Tips, Wright-Phillips said that he would have included Ronaldo before he 'went off the boil', and was then equally critical of United's other Portuguese star.
"I haven’t seen Bruno Fernandes in the way that we did last year, so honestly, I don’t think anyone would walk into City’s team."
However, he was clearly impressed by the latest youngster to break through at Old Trafford, suggesting: "The only one who would be close is [Anthony] Elanga right now."
- Sam Dymond
Ten Hag: No future plans
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has responded to increased speculation linking him with the Manchester United job, insisting that he has no 'thoughts on the future'.
Media reports this morning indicated that United had been in contact with the Dutch coach, who has supposedly been taking English lessons.
However, Ten Hag dismissed talk of a move to the Premier League.
The 52-year-old is quoted by Trouw (via the Manchester Evening News) as saying: “At the moment, I am only working with Ajax and have no further thoughts on the future."
"The focus is on this season. Right now I shouldn’t be the theme. The theme is: how are we going to win games?”
- Sam Dymond
'World class' centre-back essential
Manchester United are prepared to spend big to bring in a 'world class' centre-back this summer, according to The Mail.
It is understood that strengthening the position is viewed as fundamental by those at the club.
It adds further weight to yesterday's reports that senior players are said to be unhappy with Harry Maguire's prominence within the first team.
The Red Devils have been linked with Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger, Borussia Dortmund's Manuel Akanji and Barcelona's Ronald Araujo.
- Sam Dymond
United quality can defeat City
Manchester United have nothing to fear ahead of Sunday's local derby with Premier League leaders Manchester City, and are more than capable of defeating their rivals.
That's the view of United's Victor Lindelof, who fully believes the Red Devils possess the quality to record a fourth successive victory at the Etihad Stadium, despite the contrasting form of the two clubs.
Speaking to the Manchester United website, Lindelof said: "We know we have the quality as a team to beat them.
"If we prepare well and we follow the game plan, I think we have every possibility of getting another three points against them away. It's going to be a tough game but hopefully we can do that."
- Sam Dymond
United make move for Erik
Manchester United have contacted Erik ten Hag regarding the manager's position at Old Trafford.
That's the view of freelance journalist Jonathan Shrager, who understands that United wish to know more about the Dutchman's plans.
Ten Hag is currently in charge of Ajax, and has another year to run on his contract with the Amsterdam club.
Yesterday it was reported that Ten Hag had been undertaking English lessons in order to be fluent in the language before any potential move to the Premier League.
Credit: @JonathanShrager Twitter - Sam Dymond
United linked with Ruben Neves
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Wolves' Ruben Neves, but face stiff competition from Barcelona.
That's the understanding of The Mail, who write that the La Liga giants have already been in talks with the midfielder's representatives.
Barca and Wolves have already agreed one deal this year after Adama Traore moved to Spain on loan during the January transfer window.
However, United are considered long-term admirers of the Portuguese playmaker, and would be favourites to land the 24-year-old if he decided to stay in the Premier League.
Neves has little over a year to run on his current deal at Molineux, having joined the club at a teenager in 2017.
- Gary Stonehouse
Good morning Red Devils fans
Jude Bellingham is frustrated at Borussia Dortmund but will stay for next season, according to reports.
That comes as a blow to Man Utd and Liverpool, says Bild.
Bellingham wants Dortmund to be aiming higher following a below-par season.
And he is willing to stick around for another year to help the Germans get back on track.
Meanwhile, Man Utd are reportedly lining up a move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
The Red Devils will lose Edinson Cavani when his contract expires this summer.
And they see fellow Uruguayan Nunez as the ideal replacement.
O Jogo claims Nunez is available for £50milion this summer.
But Liverpool are also interested, having raided the Portuguese league for Porto’s Luis Diaz in January.
Finally, Erik ten Hag's 'heart is set on a move to United.'
The Ajax boss is among the favourites to take over at Old Trafford in the summer, and is already putting in the hours to ensure a smooth transition.
The Mail reports that the Dutchman has been having secret English lessons in order to be fluent in the language by the time he arrives in the Premier League.
Ten Hag has been at Ajax since 2017, and has led the Amsterdam club to two Eredivisie titles.
- Anthony Chapman
Next up for Man Utd
Let's take a look at United's next five fixtures…
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