MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in making a record-breaking £105million move for Frankfurt forward Kolo Munai.
Elsewhere, SunSport has the latest team news ahead of the Red Devil's Europa League last-16 second-leg clash with Real Betis TONIGHT.
Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho are both tipped to start in Spain this evening.
Meanwhile, United are thought to be tracking Ajax wonderkid Amourricho van Axel Dongen.
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023 FREE BETS AND OFFERS
Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford…
- Alex Smith
The 'next George Best'
Italian football legend Christian Vieri believes Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is similar to George Best.
The winger has lit up the Champions League and Serie A this season with his trickery and eye for goal.
Vieri said: “If he goes to Manchester United, the days of George Best will return, Kvaratskhelia is the same."
Kvaratskhelia is wanted by a number of top clubs but Napoli do not plan to sell.
Credit: Getty - Alex Smith
Martinez focused
Lisandro Martinez has insisted that Manchester United will not be laidback despite taking a three-goal lead to Real Betis tonight.
He said: "We need full focus [vs Betis] because it's going to be a hard game for us.
"So if you are not focused you can lose this game. The first leg was a great result for us, but it doesn't say anything. In football everything can happen, so we have to be ready."
- Alex Smith
Man Utd tracking wonderkid
Man Utd are reportedly plotting a free transfer swoop for Ajax wonderkid Amourricho van Axel Dongen.
The 18-year-old Dutch forward has been on the radar of the Red Devils, rivals Man City and Chelsea for several years.
Back in 2020 he snubbed interest from Stamford Bridge and instead committed himself to Ajax until 2023.
Van Axel Dongen has been offered a new four-year extension to stay with the Dutch club but he and his representatives have so far snubbed the terms offered.
And that has sparked United into life, reports Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
- Alex Smith
Sir Alex's brilliance
Ex-Man Utd ace Luke Chadwick has opened up on how legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson made everyone feel welcome at the club and how important it was to perform well for him.
Chadwick told FourFourTwo: "He made everyone feel like a vital part of the football club. He treated everyone the same, be it the dinner ladies, the kit man, Roy Keane or Ryan Giggs.
"He had everyone feeling they were part of something. That was the genius of Sir Alex. We’d have run through brick walls for him.
"If he acknowledged your individual performance or took a moment to commend you in front of the other lads, it’d make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up – and not only me, but all of us. You were just really happy and proud that you’d pleased him.
"He was well known for the hairdryer treatment too, of course, and if he ever had a go at you it was scary.
"But the worst thing in the world back then was feeling like you’d let him down. He was the one guy in the whole world who you wanted to impress."
- Alex Smith
I smiled as Sir Alex raged
Former Man Utd youngster Luke Chadwick has revealed that when he got the hairdryer treatment from Sir Alex Ferguson he was left smiling just to have played.
The midfielder played 39 times for Man Utd before moving on to the likes of West Ham and Norwich.
He made his debut in a League Cup loss to Aston Villa when the team left the boss raging.
But Chadwick remained happy telling FourFourTwo: " We lost 3-0 and when we walked back into the dressing room, Sir Alex was going berserk at us, saying that we might be young players but this was still Manchester United and losing like that is unacceptable.
"I listened, but secretly I was just pleased to have made an appearance for the first team. I couldn’t stop smiling."
- Alex Smith
Kolo Muani interest
Man Utd's interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani has been confirmed by reports in Germany.
The French striker has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 11 times in 23 games.
Man Utd supposedly see him as a summer target, though Napoli star Victor Osimhen would be the club's first choice.
The Nigerian is the "priority" but a large fee could prevent United from making the signing.
Osimhen is leading Napoli to a Serie A and Champions League charge this season.
- Alex Smith
Casemiro & Pellistri to start
Facundo Pellistri is expected to start versus Real Betis tonight.
The 21-year-old winger could make his first start for the club despite joining in 2020.
Pellistri has played seven times this season with all appearances coming off the bench.
Meanwhile, Casemiro is likely to play as his Premier League suspension does not carry over into the Europa League.
- Alex Smith
Team News
Man Utd take a three-goal lead to Real Betis tonight and it is believed that Erik ten Hag could rest some key players.
Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw have all been key over the past few months in all competitions and they could be rested this evening.
Anthony Martial has a hip issue, Alejandro Garnacho has hurt his ankle and Antony is ill so all three are likely to remain at home.
Victor Lindelof has supposedly recovered from sickness.
- Alex Smith
vs Real Betis
Manchester United are in action this evening against Real Betis as they look to book their place in the quarter-final stage of the Europa League.
After defeating Barcelona in the last round, United face another trip to Spain – this time in to the city of Seville – the home of Manuel Pellegrini's Betis.
United cruised to a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford and are likely to go through.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, United fans
Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho are tipped to start tonight as United eye a Europa League quarter-final spot.
But the Red Devils are reeling after hearing winger Alejandro Garnacho will be out injured for several weeks.
It comes as United are linked with a £105million move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani and Erik ten Hag predicts his squad will be title contenders next season.
The Dutch boss is expected to name possibly his strongest available team this evening as the Red Devils defend a 4-1 lead in the last-16 return leg at Real Betis.
That's despite midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both being just a booking away from a Europa League suspension in the next match.
Ten Hag said: “They will both play because it’s a very good opponent.
“Last week we had a good result in Europe but you need your best players. We need a result, we need a win.
“They are a good team and have really good players. They have a lot of variations, we have to be ready for that and go and battle with them.”
Meanwhile, United will tour the USA in pre-season this summer for the first time in five years.
And the Red Devils will reportedly loan out Uruguay wideman Facundo Pellistri, 21, next term.
Likely Utd team at Betis: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, Casemiro, Fred, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst.
- Ian Tuckey
Erik confirms Garnacho injury is serious
Erik ten Hag has confirmed Alejandro Garnacho is set for a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering an injury against Southampton.
The problem is a serious one according to the United boss, who complained about the manner in which the injury was sustained.
Garnacho went down under a heavy tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters and was subbed off after initially trying to continue following treatment.
Ten Hag revealed the youngster is expected to be out for weeks but is confident he will return before the end of the season.
He said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Real Betis game: "I can't say exactly at this moment, but it will take weeks.
"So it's a serious injury, didn't expect, but a foul. A serious injury. Once again after Christian Eriksen, we have a serious injury after contact.
"It's not a good decision and it's difficult to make a diagnosis that quickly but I saw him limping and that's why I took him off also because it was my last opportunity to sub him and to bring on as well.
"He will be back before the end of the season. We need to get him back as soon as possible and we hope he is ready."
Garnacho was spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches in a protective boot.
He spoke out after picking up the injury and revealed his disappointment.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils back in the USA after five years
United will tour the USA in pre-season this summer for the first time in five years.
Erik ten Hag's squad are tipped to visit Las Vegas and a friendly with Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham has been mooted for San Diego on July 26.
And although it will be the eighth time in two decades United have travelled Stateside, the new plans mark a major change from choosing Asia and Australia in recent years.
Ten Hag will hope the Red Devils' huge support in the US will have a Treble to celebrate at first hand.
The Dutchman's Carabao Cup winners are on the brink of the Europa League quarter-finals and host Fulham in the FA Cup last eight on Sunday.
Old Trafford football director John Murtough said: "Everyone at the club is looking forward to it, especially the players, who love the high-quality facilities, the welcoming atmosphere and passionate support of our large US fanbase.
"As well as engaging with our fans, Tour 2023 will give Erik and his squad the opportunity to reconnect after the summer break and prepare for the restart of the Premier League.
"We’ve worked with the manager and his staff to create training camps with the best sporting facilities available, as well as a mix of competitive opponents, ensuring the squad will have the best opportunity to gain fitness and playing time in the US.
"Tour 2023 will not only see the return of our senior players to training and playing, but there will also be valuable opportunities for up-and-coming talent from our academy and for our US fans to see some potential stars of the future."
- Ian Tuckey
Sergej fee cut to £44m
Lazio have slashed their asking price for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in half.
Reports in Italy claim the midfielder is available for just £44million this summer, having been valued at £88m over the past several seasons.
Milinkovic-Savic has long been linked with a Premier League move.
And Arsenal could be tempted to make an offer as he approaches the final year of his contract.
- Ian Tuckey
'Sancho form doesn't justify more game time'
Ex-United defender Paul Parker claims Jadon Sancho's erratic form means it's right he's not playing much.
The England winger returned to action last month but his opportunities have faded.
Ex-Three Lions star Parker told Bonuscodebets: “He hasn’t added anything to the team that justifies that he should play.
"I don’t find it odd that Jadon hasn’t got that much game time since he returned to the squad.
“He hasn’t had one single moment where he has done well since he returned.
"In the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, Kieran Trippier was a bigger threat than him, which says it all.”
Parker added: “Jadon Sancho is not doing his job. Simple as that and they keep trying to make up excuses for him but they aren’t any excuses.
"The club talks about adjustment issues or mental health issues. But at the end of the day he plays for the biggest club in the world, he was bought for a lot of money and everything is literally served on a plate for him.
"He should go out and enjoy playing at Man United and it hasn’t happened for him yet.”
- Ian Tuckey
Strong case for optimism
Key midfielder Casemiro looked the happiest man alive in training before united headed to spain
That’s despite his red card against Southampton on Sunday.
The Brazilian faces a four-match ban after his second sending off of the season.
But Casemiro was all smiles ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League tie against Real Betis, with the midfielder set to start.
- Ian Tuckey
Rule changes boosts buy-out hopes
United have been given a huge takeover boost.
That’s as Uefa considers a huge U-turn over its ownership rules for the Champions League.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe have respective links with PSG and OGC Nice.
And Uefa could now overturn current rules banning clubs with the same owner from playing in the same European competition.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils prepare to jet out
There's rarely a bad time for a spring trip to Spain.
And when you are jetting out 4-1 up for a Europa League last-16 second leg, it should be almost perfect!
David de Gea appeared to have more on his mind than other players pictured No wonder United's players looked relaxed at Manchester airport as they prepared to jet out for their clash with Real Betis.
Keeper David de Gea, though, looked in thoughtful mood.
Centre-back Harry Maguire will hope for a rare start away to Real Betis And although he's no doubt fully focused on tomorrow night's game, the Spaniard might have speculation over his future in the back of his mind.
De Gea might have to take a pay cut to extend his long stay at Old Trafford.
Not only that, United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly pondering a summer move for another senior stopper.
Casemiro and co can look back on an impressive first-leg result - Ian Tuckey
Utd urged to loan out Elanga and Facundo
Mikael Silvestre believes United starlets Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri should be loaned out.
The former Red Devils and Arsenal defender reckons they'll benefit from regular starts in the same way fellow winger Amad Diallo has this season at Championship promotion hopefuls Sunderland.
And Silvestre is sure the exciting duo will have plenty of offers.
He told bettingexpert.com: “When you go on loan, you have to make it count.
"So for Pellistri and Elanga, it’s about making the right choice, the right manager, because I think there will be several options.
"Right now yeah, the game time is limited so a loan option is a good one.”
“It’s important they make it count when they go on loan and play as much as possible to progress and have a go at starting the following season.
“They need to have a successful loan like Amad Diallo has been having.”
- Ian Tuckey
Antony doubt as he misses training
Antony has sparked injury fears ahead of tomorrow's clash with Real Betis.
That’s because he was nowhere to be seen at training today.
The Brazilian winger, 23, has endured a mixed debut season at Old Trafford following his £82million move from Ajax.
Antony has helped himself to seven goals from the right wing while bringing some much needed-aggression.
But he is yet to get an assist in the Premier League.
And his inconsistent performances have seen him come under fire from a section of supporters.
- Ian Tuckey
Pell of a move
Facundo Pellistri is set to leave Man Utd this summer.
But only on a short-term loan deal.
Despite looking impressive in recent sub appearances, the MEN claims Pellistri is still far from the first team.
And Erik ten Hag plans on loaning him out next term for some much-needed experience.
- Anthony Chapman
Casemiro all smiles in training
Casemiro looked the happiest man alive in Man Utd training.
That's despite his red card against Southampton on Sunday.
The Brazilian faces a four match ban after his second sending off of the season.
But Casemiro was all smiles ahead of tomorrow's Europa League tie against Real Betis, with the midfielder set to start.
- Anthony Chapman
Midfield target's asking price slash
Lazio have slashed their asking price for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in half.
Reports in Italy claim the midfielder is available for just £44million this summer, having been valued at £88m over the past several seasons.
Milinkovic-Savic has long been linked with a Premier League move.
And Man United could be tempted to make an offer as he approaches the final year of his contract.
- Anthony Chapman
Reds prepare record Muani bid
Man Utd are ready to shatter their club transfer record this summer.
That's by making a £105million move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.
Bild claims the Frenchman is likely to leave this summer as he looks to progress.
And United are ready to splash the cash for Muani to replace AnthonyMartial.
- Anthony Chapman
United and Chelsea eye goalie
Man Utd and Chelsea are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, according to reports.
Sport 1 claims both sides need new stoppers this summer.
And Kobel has emerged as a target for the English giants.
However, he still has three years on his Dortmund deal and is also keen on remaining in Germany for one more season.
- Anthony Chapman
Takeover boost for Reds bidders
Man Utd have been given a huge takeover boost.
That’s as Uefa considers a huge U-turn over its ownership rules for the Champions League.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe have respective links with PSG and OGC Nice.
And Uefa could now overturn current rules banning clubs with the same owner from playing in the same European competition.
Source: Read Full Article