More joy for Man United fans as club poised to start major defensive overhaul

Manchester United are expecting a fresh bid for Chris Smalling from AS Roma, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a fantastic season in the Italian capital and became a fan favourite at the club. Despite being a loan player he was even given the captain’s armband by teammate Edin Dzeko on one occasion.
Roma were desperate to make the deal permanent in time for the Europa League knockout stages but was unable to offer more than €13 million (£12m), with United unwilling to accept less than €20 million (£18m) plus bonuses.
After the talks broke down, Smalling returned to Old Trafford but made it clear it was against his wishes. His Twitter account still describes him as ‘AS Roma and England footballer’ and his profile and cover photos show him with his Roma shirt and holding a Roma scarf, respectively.

Given Romano’s accuracy when it comes to transfer news, the player may now finally be able to get his wish.
‘Manchester United expect to receive a new bid soon from AS Roma to sell Chris Smalling on a permanent deal.
‘Man Utd board are also working to sign a new CB if a ‘good opportunity’ will be on the market on next weeks,’ the journalist Tweeted late last night.

Manchester United expect to receive a new bid soon from AS Roma to sell Chris Smalling on a permanent deal. Man Utd board are also working to sign a new CB if a ‘good opportunity’ will be on the market on next weeks. #MUFC #ManUtd

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2020

It seems likely now that a deal will be reached. The Serie A side was taken over by American billionaire Dan Friedkin last month, putting them on a firmer financial footing.

Roma’s imment sale of forward Patrik Schick to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported €27 million will further ease the transition.

In terms of what the bid might be, Gazzetta dello Sport last week claimed the Serie A giants had proposed another season-long loan worth €3 million with compulsory purchase at the end of the year of €14 million, raising the total amount bid to €17 million (£15m). So while they may have jumped the gun, that could be the bid that is about to be submitted.

With United being heavily linked with a move for Red Bull Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano this week and Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo looking likely to move on, everything would appear to be in place for a major defensive overhaul at Old Trafford this summer.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Big wages for classy midfielder: Journalist reveals deal for United's new signing

Donny van de Beek will reportedly earn less than most may anticipate in his move to Manchester United from Ajax.

The young Dutchman has completed just about everything his expected transfer with just the official announcement left at the time of writing.

Van de Beek will be United’s first signing of the summer and fans will be hoping to see a few more before the window shuts.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have had a tendency to overpay players, with many supporters confused by the club’s wage structure.

However, under the legendary Norwegian, that structure seems to be making more sense and Van de Beek’s reported contract proves that.

Donny van de Beek will earn €120,000-a-week at #mufc, not including bonuses in his contract #mulive [@MikeVerweij]

— utdreport (@utdreport) August 31, 2020

Some reports in the past claimed Phil Jones is on £100k per week so it’s safe to say Van de Beek’s salary is a good deal.

The English centre-back, putting talent aside, has endured an injury-riddled career and so to pay him that much only for him to be unavailable is a concern.

Nonetheless, gone are the days where Manchester United spend without any thinking behind it and long may it continue.

Having said that, with the wages Van de Beek is on, he can’t be expected to only warm up the bench and time will tell how crucial he is to the squad.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Man United target turned down clubs to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ajax star Donny van de Beek’s father has spoken out on his son’s expected transfer to Manchester United, insisting it’s “a dream come true”.

The versatile midfielder is yet to be announced officially at the time of writing but it’s understood the transfer fee was agreed, the medical went well and the personal terms were agreed.

Fans have been waiting patiently to hear from United directly over the move but no one is concerned that it will no longer happen.

Van de Beek is recognised as a brilliant signing and supporters are excited to see him play and it’s understood the feeling is mutual.

The fee is said to be at €40m with €5m more in bonuses, making it a smart move and a financially responsible one.

According to Metro, Andre van de Beek said: “This is a dream come true. Our local village is very proud.

“It’s the perfect moment for him to make this step to such a beautiful club, but Ajax will always remain in our heart.

“A lot of clubs were interested, but Donny took this decision himself.”

The other clubs were rumoured to be the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tottenham and Manchester City.

However, there has been no official admission from any of the clubs so it’s all rumours for now unless proven otherwise.

What is interesting from Van de Beek’s father is that it seems as though the whole family loves the decision that was made and feel Manchester United are the right club to move to now.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

'Too good to be true'- Man United fans react to Upamecano news

Manchester United fans refused to believe their club could potentially sign RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano after wrapping up Ajax’s Donny van de Beek.

Not long after the talented Dutchman was said to be on the cusp of completing a transfer to Old Trafford, the French prospect was claimed to be the next target.

Upamecano would be a brilliant purchase for many top clubs so it’s normal United fans wouldn’t believe their luck.

After all, the club has failed to sign anyone all summer until now and suddenly they’re moving on to another top talent.

Upamecano would address yet another weakness in the squad and would show just how spot-on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer strategy is once again.

1 CB spot sorted for more than a Decade.

— . (@mufczach) August 31, 2020

No ways this will happen

— DevilUnited (@DevilUnited2) August 31, 2020

First we wrap up the VDB deal inside 24 hours, and now we’re apparently looking at signing Dayot Upamecano? Nah, this can’t be real. Someone’s done something to Ed Woodward if that happens.

— Ryan. (@Vintage_Utd) August 31, 2020

Upamecano is the absolute dream centre-back signing… ESPN say he’s the no.1 target AND that there’s confidence a deal can be done. Wow, I’m praying this one happens. Transforms us up another level. #mufc

— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) August 31, 2020

Can’t be true, that’s too good to be true, please someone tell me it’s bs…

— kieran (@KizzaUTD) August 31, 2020

Too good to be true

— Aidan Walsh (@AidanWalshMUFC) August 31, 2020

Manchester United fans are more used to their club dragging their heels for weeks on end before completing deals rather than doing so in back to back signings.

For now, an Upamecano transfer is just a report with ESPN being the main outlet making the claim.

No one else has truly backed their stance so it could all be for nothing but for the time being, United supporters will dare to dream.

Upamecano would obviously walk right into the starting XI putting the likes of Victor Lindelof, Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly’s futures up in the air.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Massive claims from Spain: Glazer family agrees to sell Manchester United - report

The Spanish Ortega family have reached an agreement to buy Machester United from the Glazer family, according to Radio El Fuego in Spain.
The family is headed by 84-year-old Amancio Ortega, ‘chairman of Inditex, and co-founder of Zara, sixth richest person in the world and formerly the richest’, according to Wikipedia.
The radio station has been claiming for days that the Ortegas, the richest family in Europe with an estimated net worth of around $73 billion, have made a bid for the club, although many were sceptical because of the reliability of the source and because it is not the kind of investment usually associated with the dynasty.

However, this evening, the Spanish outlet tweeted ‘We are hearing from an extremely reliable source that a verbal agreement has been reached between the Ortega family and the Glazer family for the sale of Manchester United!’

Ingles:

We are hearing from an extremely reliable source a verbal agreement has been reached between the Ortega family and the Glazer family for the sale of Manchester United!#OrtegasIN

— Radio el Fuego (@RadioelFuego1) August 31, 2020

They then added context, saying:

‘Our contacts tell us that the Ortega family is still in discussions with attorneys due to the complexity of the current class A and B share structure in Manchester United. We have been told that this deal could take 3/4 months to complete.

‘We also hear that the Ortega Family has already started planning how they want to run the club. They want to bring a Spanish type structure where there is a president that the fans can vote for.

‘It is still early days, but we have to wait to see what happens.’

Our contacts tell us that the Ortega family is still in discussions with attorneys due to the complexity of the current class A and B share structure in Manchester United. We have been told that this deal could take 3/4 months to complete.

— Radio el Fuego (@RadioelFuego1) August 31, 2020

We also hear that the Ortega Family has already started planning how they want to run the club. They want to bring a Spanish type structure where there is a president that the fans can vote for.
It is still early days, but we have to wait to see what happens.

— Radio el Fuego (@RadioelFuego1) August 31, 2020

There is no way of knowing whether there is any truth to the report from Spain or not at this stage, although most in the football world will continue to treat the reports cautiously, to say the least.

However, if true, it is the biggest possible news in decades for Manchester United and could change the course of the club’s history.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Fans absolutely buzzing, sensational midfielder completing United medical right now

It doesn’t appear as though there will be long left before Manchester United announce the signing of Ajax star Donny van de Beek as the latest reports claim he’s undergoing his medicals.

The talented Dutchman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since January but his imminent transfer still exploded unexpectedly.

All the United news of late has been about Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho but the club moved swiftly once the information became public on Van de Beek.

Some reports put negotiations taking place weeks ago but fans have only known of interest for a day or two.

It’s understood the excellent relationship with Ajax, thanks to Edwin van der Sar being their CEO, has helped matters.

Paperworks signed between Ajax and Manchester United. Time for medicals. Contract to be signed on next hours until June 2025. Donny Van de Beek to Man Utd, here we go confirmed for the ‘homegrown’ talent who’ll leave Ajax #MUFC #ManUtd #Ajax #vandebeek https://t.co/oBPCWPL7qE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2020

Donny van de Beek is absent from Holland training as he is undergoing his #mufc medical #mulive [@MikeVerweij]

— utdreport (@utdreport) August 31, 2020

With the medical taking place now, it wouldn’t be a surprise to hear an official announcement tonight or tomorrow.

Some reports claimed the deal would be completed by the end of the week but fans are not too concerned with getting the official stamp.

It would take something humongous to stop this transfer from completing at this stage with some supporters even turning their attention to the next signing already.

Van de Beek represents the perfect squad depth buy as he is a talented player coming off the bench but can also slot right into the starting XI.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

United poised to make brilliant £40m centre-back their second summer signing

Manchester United are ready to make Red Bull Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano their next summer signing.

The club are believed to have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign midfielder Donny van de Beek and are now turning their attentions to the centre-back position.

And despite reports last week that the Reds had made a £22 million bid for Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile, ESPN’s Mark Ogden claims that Upamecano is in fact the top target.

United have been linked with the exciting Frenchman since he was 16 years old. He twice came close to moving to Old Trafford in 2015 but the deal was never completed. The youngster joined Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg instead, before moving across the Red Bull empire to Leipzig in 2017.

It was widely reported in June that Upamecano’s €45 million release clause was set to be replaced by a higher amount if and when the player signed a contract extension with Red Bull, which he did on July 31st.

This seemingly put paid to a cost-effective transfer, but Ogden claims that the figures are very different to those reported at the time.
The reporter claims that Upamecano’s original deal ‘included a €60m [£53.75m] release clause’ and that ‘the new deal includes a release clause of €42m [£37.6m], which can be triggered at the end of the 2020-21 season.’
This leaves room for negotiation now if a club wanted to match or exceed that £37.6 million price, which would still represent incredible value for money for arguably the most sought-after young centre back in the world.
‘Solskjaer wants to recruit during this window … and sources have told ESPN that there is a belief that a deal could be struck with Leipzig before the Oct. 5 transfer deadline,’ Ogden writes.
It is a mouthwatering prospect. In United’s search for reinforcements in the centre-back position, the 21-year-old is a top quality alternative to Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and at this sort of figure will be around half the price of his older counterpart.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Blow for Premier League rivals as Arsenal to make late U-turn on transfer

Arsenal’s Community Shield winning performance highlighted the importance of last Saturday’s Man of the Match, with an impending transfer away from north London seemingly ended as a result.

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Premier League rivals Wolves looked set to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles to replace Matt Docherty, who signed for Spurs, but Arsenal are now set to stick and integrate him further into the first XI this season.

Maitland-Niles’ encouraging form has earned him a call-up to the senior England team, and that has seemingly shaken up Mikel Arteta’s thinking ahead of the new campaign.

The 23-year-old wants to play regular first team football this season, and as such a move away seemed destined, with Arsenal fans understanding the need for their academy product to want to play week-in-week-out.

The report in Sky Sports Transfer News says that Wolves had a £15million bid rejected last week, and now they concede that the value of Maitland-Niles will have sky-rocketed after the weekend’s MOTM performance and national team call-up.

Man United target three more signings, but who is on the shortlist?

Manchester United want to sign three more players in the current transfer window after they complete the signing of Ajax’s Donny van de Beek as expected.

According to The Times, ‘Solskjaer wants to add another three players this summer, including a centre back, a right winger and a striker.’

In terms of centre backs, the most likely signing is undoubtedly Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile.

The Red Devils reportedly had a €25 million (£22.4m) bid for the 19-year-old rejected last week and a source at Monaco was quoted as saying ‘Badiashile will stay unless Manchester make a Martial-like, unrefusable bid for him’.

However, AS reports that €30 million plus bonuses (£26.8m] will be enough to secure his services, so the gap in valuations is not a huge one.

A source close to Monaco now indicates that Badiashile will stay “unless Manchester make a Martial-like, unrefusable bid for him.” Bayer Leverkusen, who have been in talks to sign the player for weeks, intend to come back with a new offer regardless.

— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) August 26, 2020

Other names linked in the press include Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, who is more strongly linked with a move to neighbours Man City, Villareal’s Pau Torres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, with Torres looking the most reachable of the three.

As for right wingers, it is an open secret that United’s top target is Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, but the gap in valuations between buying and selling club there is huge. The Bundesliga side are adamant that they will not accept less than €120 million (£107.5m) in cash for the England star, with United looking at figures of around €70 – €80 million (£62.7-£71.6m) plus add-ons.

With that deal seemingly dead in the water, other right wingers linked with United have included Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, Juventus’ Douglas Costa, Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembélé, Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa, Schalke’s Rabbi Matondo, Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampo and Juve’s Federico Bernadeschi, but none of these rumours have gathered much pace recently.

Other than some outlandish speculation about Spurs’ Harry Kane a couple of months ago, rumours linking United with strikers have been fewer and farther between. Lyon’s Moussa Dembele or Bournemouth’s former United academy star Josh King, who came close to joining the club in January, seem the most likely.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

United duo face the axe to make way for Van de Beek - report

Manchester United want to offload either Jesse Lingard or Andreas Pereira this summer after they complete the signing of Donny van de Beek as expected.

United reached full agreement with Ajax to sign the talented midfielder yesterday evening and he is expected to fly in to Manchester today or tomorrow to complete the deal.

And according to The Times, there will be departures to help fund this purchase and others expected to follow.

‘Solskjaer wants to add another three players this summer, including a centre back, a right winger and a striker, meaning he will need to trim his squad,’ the outlet claims.

‘Jesse Lingard, 27, or Andreas Pereira, 24, are likely to leave Old Trafford.’

It is no surprise that Lingard and Pereira’s names are mentioned by The Times. Both had extremely disappointing seasons last time out despite being given plenty of opportunities by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Up until the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in the United squad, Lingard was almost ever-present in the side and notched up 1,888 minutes for the Reds over the season, scoring just four goals and providing two assists – a goal involvement every 3.49 games.

Pereira got even more game time, amassing 2,327 minutes, with two goals and four assists – a goal involvement every 4.31 games.

Van de Beek, by contrast, played 3,171 minutes in 2019/20, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists – a goal involvement every 1.61 games.

There have been no concrete rumours about either player’s departure in recent weeks. AC Milan were showing interest in Lingard but are now poised to sign Brescia’s Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle United could be an option.

Pereira has been linked with Benfica and Valencia but the local press in Portugal and Spain have not taken the rumours particularly seriously.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Here we go: Romano confirms what every Man United fan wanted to hear

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manchester United have signed Ajax’s Donny van de Beek with his signature catchphrase- “here we go!”.

The reliable journalist never uses it without being sure of any potential deals and so far has the best success rate out there.

United’s interest in Van de Beek escalated quickly and publicly it seems it was wrapped up in a short space of time.

However, reports have claimed negotiations have been going on for weeks and that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have held interest since January.

Either way, it seems Van de Beek will be the Red Devils’ first signing of the summer and fans can be happy there’s finally some action.

Van de Beek to Man United, here we go! Man Utd tonight as expected have sent their official bid and Ajax just accepted without any negotiation. Agreement reached for €40m + add ons. Paperworks and medicals on next week. #MUFC

More details: https://t.co/NnU6Sy9R76

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2020

€40m is obviously a good price for Van de Beek, particularly given his age and how he could be sold for more in the future if it ever comes to it.

Manchester United’s brilliant relationship with Ajax, whose CEO is Edwin van der Sar, is likely what helped this deal conclude so quickly.

Fans will now be hoping similar transfers can happen just as quickly in what many feel is an absolutely crucial summer.

United desperately needed investment this transfer window and Van de Beek is just the start of what should be a busy period.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Man United star puts seal of approval on Van de Beek transfer

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes appears to be excited by the expected-to-be imminent transfer of Ajax’s Donny van de Beek.

The two European giants have had relatively easy negotiations according to reports that have suggested there have been little problems.

It makes sense given how Ajax’s current CEO is United’s former great Edwin van der Sar and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former teammate too.

Van de Beek addresses the need for squad depth as well as adding good quality to the club’s engine room.

The Red Devils were shockingly short of quality out of their starting XI last season so it’s good to see them attempt to address the issue.

Bruno approves pic.twitter.com/FudKPKhKAQ

— utdreport (@utdreport) August 30, 2020

The Tweet above shows Bruno ‘liking’ an image on Instagram that states the two clubs have agreed on a deal for Van de Beek.

Normally footballers are not encouraged to do such things and it is something that clubs look down upon as it can sometimes cause damage.

It will therefore be interesting to see if United take any action on it or if it’s seen as something harmless.

After all, it would only be embarrassing should Van de Beek’s transfer fall through, otherwise it’s just something that excites the fans.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Fabrizio Romano claims this is when Man United will complete Van de Beek signing

Manchester United fans have been given hope by Fabrizio Romano in regards to a quick transfer of Ajax’s Donny van de Beek.

The hardworking Dutchman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford heavily of late and it seems a deal is imminent.

United supporters are used to their club taking forever to sign players as negotiations are often public and last for weeks.

Fans were certainly excited by the news but no one truly predicted it would escalate so quickly.

Romano appeared to confirm that Van de Beek’s situation won’t be a repeat of past negotiations and will instead be dealt with more smoothly.

Man United are now in talks also with Ajax to sign Van de Beek immediatly after the first official bid to be submitted tonight (around €40m). Man Utd are confident to complete the deal at the start of next week – agreement close to be done as @MikeVerweij reported. #MUFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2020

between Monday and Wednesday I guess

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2020

Romano hasn’t used his signature ‘here we go’ move just yet so it appears there are some final details that need sorting before he’s absolutely confident.

It seems difficult to imagine a scenario where everything falls apart now but it’s not completely unheard of either.

Van de Beek would be Manchester United’s first signing of the summer and it couldn’t have come quicker with fans venting their frustrations for weeks now.

Some supporters are adamant even if the slow board brings Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all his targets that they should protest the ownership regardless.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

From Holland: Ajax have reached Van de Beek agreement with Manchester United

Ajax have reached an agreement with Manchester United over Donny van de Beek according to reports as this potential transfer continues to heat up.

It now seems as though the move is imminent after reports even just earlier today confirmed the young midfielder was open to the transfer.

Van de Beek would be a shrewd buy from United and many fans feel Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done well in the transfer market once more.

The legendary Norwegian has largely targeted well and the hope is he will continue to be supported financially to get more players in.

The Red Devils have a good relationship with the Dutch giants as their former player Edwin van der Sar is the CEO.

Donny van de Beek is close to securing a dream transfer to #mufc. Ajax have reached an agreement with Manchester United say sources close to the player #mulive

— utdreport (@utdreport) August 30, 2020

Manchester United were screaming for depth last season, particularly towards the end of the campaign, and so a deal for Van de Beek makes sense.

He’s a player who could potentially be thrown straight into the XI or one who would be a brilliant option coming off the bench.

Van de Beek’s arrival does put into question the roles of players like Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira, making United’s lack of sales so far even more interesting.

Given the progression of the news, it would be difficult to imagine a scenario where this transfer still continues for weeks more.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Van de Beek latest: Personal terms discussed, one issue outstanding

Donny van de Beek’s agents have reportedly been in contact with Manchester United for several weeks now as a deal with Ajax edges closer.

The young Dutchman has suddenly emerged as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s target with rumours over Jadon Sancho joining cooling down.

It isn’t the first time United have been linked with Van de Beek but the surprise comes in how quickly the situation escalated as it went from no noise to suddenly being the only thing talked about.

Some fans are still hesitant to believe the reports but the majority feel it would be a good deal for the club.

Just how high Van de Beek was on Solskjaer’s list is anyone’s guess but what is clear is how serious this potential transfer is.

Manchester United board know that Donny Van de Beek would like to join #MUFC. He’s ‘ready’ to open talks with Man United on personal terms – Donny knows his agents are in contact with the club by weeks. Official bid to Ajax still to be submitted. #ManUnited #Ajax #VanDeBeek https://t.co/gmh1VsKJSc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2020

Manchester United est en train de se rapprocher de ce que souhaite l’Ajax Amsterdam pour Donny Van de Beek.
Le Néerlandais souhaite rejoindre Man U. #mercato @telefoot_chaine

— Saber Desfarges (@SaberDesfa) August 30, 2020

The Tweet above was translated by Google to say: “Manchester United are getting closer to what Ajax Amsterdam wants for Donny Van de Beek. The Dutchman wants to join Man U.”

This corroboration of reports helps make it clear how true the interest is and fans will be hoping the official bid comes soon.

More transfers are needed at the club and waiting for weeks, as they did for Sancho, is something they can’t afford anymore.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood have scored over 60 goals between them during the past season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

United prospect putting in encouraging pre-season displays

Manchester United star Tahith Chong has made an excellent start to his loan spell at Werder Bremen in Germany.

As reported here earlier this month, Chong has joined the Bundesliga side on a season-long loan in search of more regular first team football.

The German outfit will be delighted with Chong’s productivity preseason as he hit the ground running in his natural right wing position and they will be hoping this form will continue into Bremen’s 20/21 campaign.

Just three days after the deal was announced, Chong made his first appearance for Bremen in a 4-1 victory, coincidentally over Austrian side LASK, against whom he put in an impressive performance at left-back for the Red Devils in the Europa League Round of 16 recently.

The technical winger, wearing the number 22 shirt, created a goal by assisting new teammate Johnannes Eggestein, otherwise known as “Jojo”.

Bremen’s admin team tweeted “Nice! @TahithC serves Jojo and the score increased to 2-0!”

Nice! @TahithC bedient Jojo und der erhöht auf 2:0!#svwlask | #Werder | #Zillerdeich2020 pic.twitter.com/AWEUPJWhoF

— SV Werder Bremen (@werderbremen) August 19, 2020

The loanee himself posted “First game! Nice to get an assist today! @werderbremen #nordphoto”

First game! Nice to get an assist today! @werderbremen #nordphoto pic.twitter.com/uoENk1ijcy

— Tahith Chong (@TahithC) August 19, 2020

After impressing in the first half and getting the assist for the second goal, Chong was rested but the club’s Twitter team were clearly impressed.

“Successful debut for @TahithC in the Werder jersey: In the 4-1 victory against the @LASK_Official He stayed on the pitch for 45 minutes and set up the second goal.”

Erfolgreiches Debüt für @TahithC im Werder-Trikot: Beim 4:1-Sieg gegen den @LASK_Official stand er 45 Minuten auf dem Platz und bereitete das zweite Tor vor.

Der Spielbericht https://t.co/QWw63FZREs#svwlask | #Zillerdeich2020 pic.twitter.com/MbC1PHpoey

— SV Werder Bremen (@werderbremen) August 19, 2020

Chong’s next game came against SC Austria Lustenau, in a 4-2 victory to Bremen where Chong was again rested at half time in a generally disappointing performance for the German side, despite the result.

Next time out the pacy Dutchman, 20, was back in the headlines for his part in another victory which saw Bremen score four when facing Dutch side FC Groningen.

This time the young winger got on the scoresheet in what was described by the Bremen Twitter admins as a “Beautiful solo, beautiful debut goal by @TahithC !”

Schöner Solo, schönes Debüt-Tor von @TahithC! Was meint ihr, wie geht’s weiter?

Die zweite Halbzeit jetzt im Livestream – präsentiert von #Wiesenhof https://t.co/cBDqrk2JFf#Werder | #svwfcg | #DeinWOW pic.twitter.com/rAishgmubm

— SV Werder Bremen (@werderbremen) August 29, 2020

Chong himself decided words were not needed to describe his delightful run when sharing the goal on Twitter:

@werderbremen #Werder pic.twitter.com/Aunx7G61Sy

— Tahith Chong (@TahithC) August 29, 2020

Clearly the Dutch prospect is enjoying his time out on loan already and will be hoping this form continues, as Bremen, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the United fanbase all are.

This will be a big season for Chong and with United’s Jadon Sancho deal appearing to have fallen through, it may even be a chance to convince United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that with his return next season and Mason Greenwood continuing his own development with the United first team, there is no need to panic over purchasing a new right winger after all.

True or false: Did Van de Beek really tell teammates about Man United transfer?

Another piece of the Donny van de Beek to Man United transfer jigsaw fell into place this afternoon as Spanish outlet Sport reported that the Dutchman has told his Ajax teammates he will be joining the Red Devils this week.

This afternoon’s report follows a frenzied 24 hours of stories about the possible transfer that were sparked when Ajax’s head coach confirmed that the 23-year-old had been left out of the squad to face yesterday’s pre-season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt due to transfer ‘developments’.

The Spanish outlet does not disclose its source but is very clear in its claim that Van de Beek is Old Trafford bound rather than joining FC Barcelona or Real Madrid, who have both also been linked with the midfield star.

‘Bad news keeps happening at FC Barcelona. In the midst of the maelstrom caused by Leo Messi’s decision to leave the club, Barça are seeing a player who was followed very closely move away definitively.

‘Van de Beek will sign for Manchester United.

‘This has been communicated by the same player to his teammates at Ajax. The Dutchman has already chosen the ‘Red Devils’ and will travel to Manchester next week to close the operation.

‘The only thing that prevented Barça from signing the Dutchman was the €55 million that Ajax was asking for his transfer and that is a figure that Barcelona, for the moment, could not reach.

‘The Catalan club expected to be able to lighten the squad a bit to try to incorporate the midfielder but, finally, United have got there ahead of them’.

It is common in transfer sagas for newspapers to run with ‘the player has told friends/teammates’ stories and often, but not always, they mean little.

The report’s credibility should also be suspected due to the claim that Ajax are demanding €55 million for the player, as the club themselves are on record saying they would accept less than that amount and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has stated that the figure is more in the €40 million region.

Having said that, Van de Beek’s absence from the Ajax squad again today suggests that he is likely to be moving somewhere very soon and the article is very bold in its assertions, which usually means that the author at least clearly believes his sources are credible.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Not Van de Beek: Man United to battle for sensational midfielder

A highly respected Norwegian journalist has claimed that Manchester United are trying to sign Thiago Alcantara as well as Donny van de Beek.

As reported here earlier, rumours are currently rife that the Red Devils are poised to make a bid for the Ajax midfielder Van de Beek, whilst it seemed only a matter of time before Liverpool placed a bid for the Bayern Munich player.

Thiago famously joined Bayern from Barcelona in 2013 after he had been widely tipped to be David Moyes’ first marquee signing at United. He has gone on to become one of the world’s top central midfielders.

But now with one year left on his contract, Thiago has made it known he wants to leave the club, who have agreed to let him go if their reported €30 million valuation is met.

The reports linking the 29-year-old with Liverpool have been widespread and when Bayern’s CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was quoted this morning as saying that ‘we expect an offer these days’ for the Spaniard, most people assumed it was to come from Anfield.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (CEO of @FCBayern) about the future about @Thiago6: „We expect an offer these days“ @WELT_Sport @altobelli13 @julienwolffwelt @LFC

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 30, 2020

However, Fredrik Filtvedt, who works at Dagbladet TV, also tweeted this morning ‘Hear that United – in addition to Van de Beek – are interested in Thiago.’

Får høre at United – i tillegg til Van de Beek – er interesserte i Thiago.

— Fredrik A. N. Filtvedt (@FAFiltvedt) August 30, 2020

Other reliable Norwegian journalists such as Jan Aage Fjortoft and Jonas Giæver quickly retweeted the post, underlining their belief in the quality of Filtvedt’s sources.

It seems unlikely that the Red Devils would sign two central midfielders in this window, having also identified the need to strengthen in other positions, notably the right wing, central defence and attack.

It may therefore be that Thiago has been lined up as a backup to Van de Beek, or even vice-versa, or his name is being linked with the club as a negotiating tactic in the chase to sign the Dutchman.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.

Van de Beek to Man United: separating facts, reliable sources and mere rumours

The last 12 – 18 hours have seen numerous reports emerge that Manchester United could be on the verge of signing Ajax’s Donny van de Beek. But what is fact and what is just speculation? Here’s what we know so far:

FACT: Van de Beek was left out of the Ajax squad for yesterday’s pre-season warm-up game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

FACT: Ajax head coach Erik Ten Hag confirmed that his omission was due to developments around a potential transfer. De Telegraaf quotes the coach as saying ‘There are indeed developments that prevent him from being part of the selection. We are looking at how that will end.’

FACT: Van de Beek is keen to move on. His comments recently to Fox Sports via The Mirror were: ‘Nothing is certain yet. I am still a player of Ajax and I am still proud to be there.

‘If there had not been the coronavirus, it might have been different now. There is no clarity now and we have to wait and see how it turns out.

‘I’m still here and after all these years I still have a lot of fun. If I also play at Ajax next season, I still have a lot of fun. You won’t hear me complaining.’

FACT: Ajax have agreed he can leave if their valuation is met. Ten Hag confirmed in April that ‘based on their performance and ambition, a number of our players also want to make the move abroad … Agreements have been made with Andre Onana, Donny van de Beek and Nicolás Tagliafico’.

FACT: Ten Hag also confirmed in the same Het Parool interview that the 23-year-old’s asking price would be reduced from the €55 million agreed with Real Madrid last summer, ‘but not by much’.

FACT: United have registered their interest in the player. Ajax’s CEO Edwin van der Sar said in a TV interview in June (via Transfermarkt.com) ‘It’s clear that clubs like Real Madrid and Man United are showing interest in Donny van de Beek.”

PROBABLY TRUE: United have been in talks for months. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted yesterday ‘Manchester United are in contact with Donny Van de Beek agents by weeks – he’s been scouted for many months.’

PROBABLY TRUE: United have not yet made an official bid. This was also stated in the same tweet from Romano.

Manchester United are in contact with Donny Van de Beek agents by weeks – he’s been scouted for many months.
He’s considered an ‘opportunity’ but Ajax are still waiting to receive an official bid. Barcelona are denying any contact to sign Van de Beek. #MUFC #ManUtd #vandebeek

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2020

PROBABLY TRUE: Van de Beek would prefer a Premier League move to Spain – this was claimed by Sky Sports via Fichajes.com, who said the Dutchman’s ‘wish would be to go to the Premier League, a competition in which he has had enormous interest from Manchester United…
‘Likewise, Real Madrid positioned themselves several months ago as an ideal option for Van de Beek, although his desire would be to go to the United Kingdom rather than to our league.’

PROBABLY TRUE: Barcelona have made no move for player. This was tweeted by FCB expert Gerard Romero yesterday and retweeted and confirmed by Romano.

Van de Beek NO es opción para el Barça, según fuentes del club azulgrana #mercato pic.twitter.com/yEHiCYZue0

— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) August 29, 2020

MAYBE TRUE: Romano believes that the asking price for Van de Beek could now be as little as €40 million (£36m)

Donny Van de Beek would love to join Premier League and he’s waiting for an official bid after clubs have contacted his agents on last weeks. Ajax will let him leave if any club will match the price tag [around €40M]. #vandebeek #transfers #ajax

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2020

JUST RUMOURS: Van de Beek refused to play yesterday’s friendly to force transfer and said he refuses to play for the club again. The original source of this social media rumour is unknown and it seems unlikely to be true.

UNKNOWN: What United will bid for the player and when remains unknown. Romano was asked this morning if a United bid was imminent, to which he replied ‘if any club will sign Van de Beek, I guess it will be ‘soon’ and you don’t have to wait like 30 days…’
The Times reported in June that a £36 million approach was being prepared by the Red Devils.

UNKNOWN: Another unknown is whether any other clubs are in for Van de Beek. Ultimately, Ten Hag’s confirmation that there is transfer business does not mean it is coming from United, but if Barcelona and Real Madrid are genuinely not going ahead, there are no other substantial rumours of any other club’s involvement, so it would be a surprise for a dark horse to emerge now.

Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood scored over 60 goals between them last season. But how much do you know about other strikers who played for the Red Devils over the years? Take our quiz below to find out.