Man Utd news LIVE: Rooney backs Pogba to LEAVE, Van Gaal reveals he’s battling cancer, Ronaldo latest – transfer update

EX- Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed he is battling prostate cancer.
The 70-year-old is currently the manager of his home nation of Holland and revealed live on TV on Sunday night that he faces a fight with the deadly disease.
Van Gaal made the shock announcement during the “Humberto” show on on Sunday evening.
On the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Leicester City.
Manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed the Portugal star has "flu-like symptoms".
United lost crucial points in their ambitions to reach the Champions League after the Foxes draw at Old Trafford.
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Big boots to Phill
Man Utd have been advised to MOVE ON from superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba.
Legendary forward Wayne Rooney has urged his former club to look to build for the future by signing young and hungry players.
Garth Crooks reckons Ronaldo should leave this summer and link up with fellow United legend and global superstar Becks at Inter Miami.
Moving on both Ronaldo, 37, and Pogba, 29, could see the club sign top target Kalvin Phillips.
United could also reignite their interest in Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane, who is nine years Ronaldo's junior.
Here is how United could line-up next season.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Inter Miami?
Cristiano Ronaldo has been tipped to quit Manchester United and create a "formidable partnership" with David Beckham at Inter Miami.
Garth Crooks told BBC Sport: “Old age comes to us all but its impact can be more visible in some than others.
"Ronaldo has scored an impressive 18 goals in 32 matches in all competitions this season but it is a far cry from his usual high standards of almost a goal every game when he was playing for Real Madrid.
"I am a huge admirer of Ronaldo.
“His professionalism is beyond reproach and he has more than fulfilled the expectations required of a 37-year-old player in the toughest league in the world.
"However, he is still a young man who needs a purpose in life. The United States might be the place to establish that purpose.
"David Beckham and Ronaldo would make a formidable partnership in Miami. One thing is for sure, the five-time Ballon D'or winner doesn't need the money.”
Premier League return for Gnabry?
Serge Gnabry is reportedly contemplating leaving Bayern Munich this summer with several Premier League giants chasing his signature.
The 26-year-old's contract with the Bavarian behemoths is up next summer and talks between the two parties have stalled due to his wage demands.
The ex-Arsenal ace has rapidly transitioned into one of Europe's best wingers - scoring 61 goals and providing 40 assists in 163 games since joining Bayern.
Although Bayern are desperate to keep hold of the winger, a gang of the continent's biggest clubs have caught wind of his fraught relationship with the Bundesliga side.
And according to Goal, via the Daily Mail, Premier League big boys Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United top the list of interested parties.
Next five fixtures for United
Despite drawing with Leicester at the weekend, Manchester United retain hope that they can work their way back into the top four of the Premier League with eight games of the season still remaining.
Their next five fixtures present some winnable contests with matches against relegation battlers Everton and Norwich up first, but then come two crunch away contests in the space of five days.
The Red Devils go to Anfield on the evening of Tuesday, April 19 to take on rivals Liverpool, and then head south to play Arsenal on the Saturday lunchtime.
The month of May begins with the visit to Old Trafford of Brentford.
McClaren touted as Ten Hag's number two
Steve McClaren could be in line for a sensational return to Old Trafford if Erik ten Hag lands the Manchester United manager's job.
that United officials are keen to appoint Ten Hag, but are concerned about his lack of Premier League experience.
Therefore, the club see the ideal candidate for the assistant manager role to be someone with a history of coaching in the English top-flight.
While that leaves a wealth of choices, McClaren - a former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson - employed Ten Hag as his number two at FC Twente during the 2008-09 season.
Klaassen takes swipe at United
Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen has revealed that he hopes Erik ten Hag will remain as manager of the Amsterdam club, and can't understand why he would leave to lead a side of lesser quality.
Former Everton man Klaassen was discussing the ongoing speculation linking his coach with the Old Trafford job when he appeared to make the dig at the Premier League club.
The Dutch international : [Erik ten Hag] has been doing well with us for years and Manchester United has been doing badly for years."
The Red Devils are now five seasons without silverware. In that time, Ten Hag has won two Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cups.
United hit by Araujo u-turn
Manchester United's hopes of signing Ronald Araujo in the summer have been dealt a huge blow after it emerged that the centre-back was now willing to sign a new contract with Barcelona.
It had previously been reported that the Uruguayan was up for grabs after talks with Barca over a new deal had stalled.
That news placed United and their rivals Liverpool on red alert, and initial talks between the club and the player's agent are believed to have taken place.
However, Araujo has now gone back on his desire to leave, and instead states that he sees his long-term future with the Catalans.
After the 1-0 win over Sevilla on Sunday, the 23-year-old said: “I am very happy to be here and happy with the support of the club.
“We are working on the renewal, and this week we have a meeting.
“I hope it will be resolved soon so that I can continue many years at this club. I am optimistic.”
PSG make offer to Pogba
Paris Saint-Germain have made an official approach to Paul Pogba, .
The United correspondent reports that PSG have presented a package to Pogba's representatives that includes a salary lower than what is currently on the table to remain at Old Trafford.
The French midfielder is open to a move to his country's capital, although is believes to favour a move back to former club Juventus.
Pogba's current United deal expires at the end of the season, six years after his £89million return to his first senior club.
Red Devils eye Pogba replacement
Manchester United are making plans for life after Paul Pogba, and have drawn up a shortlist of names to replace the midfielder should he walk away from Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.
And one name at the top of the list should be familiar to Red Devils who recall United's attempts to sign the player previously.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was first a target for United back in 2019, but the Serbian opted to stick with Lazio, for whom he has now made over 200 Serie A appearances.
However, the 27-year-old's contract is ticking down, and it's understood that the Rome club want to cash in before he - like Pogba - walks away for nothing.
report that United have enquired about the central midfielder, who has 30 caps for his country.
Rooney rues Ronaldo's United return
Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United made a mistake in re-signing his former strike partner Cristiano Ronaldo, and should have instead invested in players for the future.
United's record goalscorer was a guest on Sky's Monday Night Football, and was asked directly if Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford had been a success.
Rooney responded: "You'd have to say no, not at the minute. He's scored important goals in the Champions League earlier on in the season, and he scored the hat-trick against Tottenham.
"But I think if you're looking at the future of the club, you have to go with younger, and hungrier players to lift Manchester United over the next two or three years.
"Cristiano is getting on a bit now, and he's obviously not the player he was when he was in his twenties.
"That happens, that's football. He's still a goal threat, I just feel they need more younger and more hungry players."
Erik appointment at 'advanced' stage
Manchester United chiefs are supposedly at an 'advanced' stage in talks with Erik ten Hag over his potential appointment at Old Trafford.
That's the latest , who report that football director John Murtough is overseeing discussions with the Dutchman and his advisors.
However, despite a deal nearing completion, United sources are keeping their powder dry, and insist there is 'no frontrunner' in their pursuit of a new manager.
United keen on Christian goals
Never mind Erik ten Hag, how about Erik-sen?
Manchester United are considering a free transfer swoop for Christian Eriksen following his sensational return to the domestic and international stage.
The Dane has revolutionised Brentford since signing a short-term deal with the Premier League newcomers less than a year after his cardiac arrest at the Euros.
Bees boss Thomas Frank has admitted that he wants to keep the 30-year-old in TW7 beyond the end of this season, but that becomes increasingly difficult with each display.
Eriksen netted in both games for Denmark over the international break, and also scored in Brentford's eye-catching 4-1 win at Chelsea at the weekend.
Good morning, Man Utd fans
Manchester United players are split on who they want as the club’s next boss, reports claim.
Erik ten Hag has become the bookies’ favourite in recent weeks, overtaking PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino.
According to the MEN, some United stars would prefer Poch to Ten Hag.
And their all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney is also favouring the former Tottenham gaffer.
Appearing on Monday Night Football, the Derby boss said: “I think Pochettino has done it in the Premier League - he knows the Premier League.
"At Tottenham, he brought a lot of young players through, at Southampton as well [he] brought a lot of young players through.
"If I'm choosing from one of them two, that's who I'd choose. I'd go with Pochettino and give him time."
Wazza stressed that whoever is the next boss will need plenty of time to get it right.
He continued: “For managers now, they need time to come in and actually put their blueprint on the club and on the team.
"And if you give him time, I think he'll do well."
Rooney also urged his old side to get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo, adding when asked if his return has been a success: “You'd say no at the minute. He's scored goals, he's scored important goals in the Champions League early on in the season. He scored obviously the hat-trick against Tottenham.
"But I think if you look to the future of the club you would have to go with younger, hungry players to do the best to lift Manchester United over these next two, three years.
"And obviously Cristiano is getting on a bit."
Hasbulla slams Cristiano Ronaldo
Portuguese star has been blasted for only being able to 'pass the ball round' by social media star Hasbulla.
The 3ft 3in Russian appears to be fuming that Ronaldo has struck up a friendship with his hated rival Abdu Rozik.
The pair were meant to iron out their differences in the boxing ring, but that fell through.
Now both are accusing each other of ducking the fight.
Hasbulla gave a revealing interview with BarStool Sports, where he was asked of his opinion of Manchester United star Ronaldo.
The blogger and TikTok star from Makhachkala responded: “I could not care less about Ronaldo. I am more famous than him.
"The only thing he does in a match is pass around the ball.”
United 'not good enough for CL'
Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to forget about the top four - as they aren't good enough to compete in the Champions League.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Rooney said: "I think for Manchester United not to be challenging, I think they'd want the season to be stopped now, if it could.
"Forget about the Champions League, they're not going to compete next year if they qualify for it.
"I think they have to rebuild.
"Rebuild the squad, rebuild everything around the first team, around the club to make sure they put themselves in a position for in three years time, they can actually challenge again for the Premier League."
Wazza calls for Pogba and Ronaldo exits
Wayne Rooney says Manchester United must MOVE ON from superstar players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba.
The Red Devils record scorer revealed the club need to axe BOTH players in order to progress.
And he resoundingly answered: "You'd say no at the minute.
"He's scored goals, he's scored important goals in the Champions League early on in the season. He scored obviously the hat-trick against Tottenham.
"But I think if you look to the future of the club you would have to go with younger, hungry players to do the best to lift Manchester United over these next two, three years.
"And obviously Cristiano is getting on a bit."
Tammy talks Mourinho
Man United target ace Tammy Abraham has lifted the lid on his relationship with Jose Mourinho.
The Roma ace told talkSPORT: "There’s a reason why I call him the best manager in the world.
"He knows how to drive you, he knows how to get under your skin and he knows how to make you feel like a very special player at times.
“He’ll never tell you but I always want to do my best for him.
"He pushes me to do my best. When I feel like I’ve done enough he tells me I have to do more.
“To come here and have a manager like Mourinho to coach you, to believe in you only gives you more confidence.”
Tammy hints at Prem return
Rumoured Man United target Tammy Abraham has hinted he could return to the Premier League - despite his Serie A exploits.
The England international has been a revelation since joining Italian big boys Roma last summer - scoring 23 goals in 41 appearances for Jose Mourinho's side this season.
But the 24-year-old - who is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United and Arsenal - has hinted he could return to the top-flight of English football in the coming years.
He told talkSPORT: "When I see reports linking me with other clubs it makes me feel good, it makes you feel like you’re doing something right.
"It’s a nice feeling seeing your name all over newspapers. But for me, it’s about focusing on doing my business here.
"I can keep getting linked with many clubs, but who knows what the future holds? Of course, I grew up in England, I’m a London boy.
"So maybe one day I’ll be back in the Premier League to make noise there.
"But for me right now it’s about focusing on Rome, on doing the best I can and hopefully winning these guys a trophy, which they haven’t done in many years.”
PSG boo boys jeer Poch
Paris Saint-Germain fans made their feelings clear on Mauricio Pochettino clear by BOOING their own manager last night.
Pochettino has been linked with the Manchester United job in recent weeks.
Supporters were also left fuming after the club threw away a 2-0 aggregate lead to crash out of the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid last month.
And before PSG's Ligue 1 clash against Lorient on Sunday, the home fans showed their discontent towards the 50-year-old.
Pochettino's name was called out over the Parc des Princes tannoy following the announcement of the starting side for the Ligue 1 fixture.
Footage from the ground shows Pochettino being met by resounding boos, whistles and jeers.
Marcus Rashford's Van Gaal message
Manchester United star has shared his support for Louis van Gaal after the former Manchester United manager revealed he has cancer.
On Sunday Van Gaal, 70, announced he is battling prostate cancer live on Dutch TV.
There has been an outpour of support for the Netherlands boss since including from Gary Lineker and former club Barcelona.
Rashford has joined in and wrote on Twitter: "Earned my debut from LVG. Will forever be indebted. You can fight this. We are all behind you ♥️."
Van Gaal has already started treatment but decided not to tell his players during the recent international break so that they could concentrate on their friendly matches with Denmark and Germany.
Rashford broke into the United first-team under Van Gaal and famously scored on his debut appearances in the Premier League, League Cup and Europa League.
Man Utd target wants Barca stay
Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has dealt a blow to Man United’s transfer hopes by saying he wants to STAY at Barcelona.
The centre-half featured for Barca on Sunday night as they beat Sevilla 1-0 to move Xavi’s side up to second in LaLiga.
After the game he poured cold water on exit rumours, telling reporters: “I am very happy to be here and happy with the support of the club.
And on discussions over a new deal, he added: “We are working. This week we have a meeting.
“I hope it will be resolved soon so that I can continue many years at this club. I am optimistic.”
Rangnick on what needs to change
The German has confirmed that conversations are well underway regarding what needs to change to bring success back to Old Trafford.
He said: "I have told the board already what has to happen and whenever the new coach or manager is clear, it has to be congruent to how does the manager want to play and what kind of players we need for that.
"Then again, we come back to DNA, physicality, speed, tempo, what do we need? I think this team does not lack technical players, but I think we can do with more physicality.
"It takes the right decisions, knowing who you want to go too, manager, players, what kind of people do we need for that? Then, in every transfer window, to get the best possible players for that. This is possible, this is not rocket science, it has to be done, it needs to be done.
"If that happens, it does not necessarily mean that we need three-four years for that, maybe just two-three transfer windows, then the situation could be different."
Rangnick on City and Liverpool
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick has had his say on what makes Manchester City and Liverpool so strong.
The German said: "Those two teams have been built together and have been recruited over a period of five to six years, all of them under the premises of how two coaches want to play.
"We know that already as we spoke about this in the press conference on Friday and this is what has to happen, that is as far as I can go right now."
Pochettino favoured over Ten Hag
Manchester United's dressing room is reportedly "split" over Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has already been interviewed to take over as manager at Old Trafford in the summer.
But according to the Manchester Evening News, there is a divide among the players over whether or not they want Ten Hag.
Some are keen for him to take over and believe he is a top coach who would help improve them as individuals and a team.
However, others are said to be "underwhelmed" by the current Ajax chief and would prefer Mauricio Pochettino instead.
Parker cautious on Abraham link
Paul Parker says Manchester United should "be careful" in any pursuit of Tammy Abraham.
Former Chelsea striker Abraham, 24, has bagged 23 goals for Roma this season and reportedly attracted interest from Old Trafford.
But ex-United and England defender Parker told : “Be careful, think about [Romelu] Lukaku.
"They brought him and he struggled to score goals for United.
"Tammy Abraham has also struggled to score goals for Chelsea. He could never be a regular, and there are reasons why, I imagine."