Man Utd news LIVE: Red Devils ‘bid’ for Josko Gvardiol as Kin Min-jae interest renewed – updates

Good morning Man Utd fans!

Man Utd have reportedly joined the race to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

United boss Erik ten Hag is eager to strengthen his squad in January, with a new defender at the top of his wishlist.

And according to Foot Mercato, Gvardiol is his priority target.

The Red Devils are understood to have already submitted a bid of around £77million for the Croatia international, but they face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.

While Chelsea are also believed to have lodged a bid of £77m for the defender, Man City have tabled the highest offer worth over £86m including bonuses.

Gvardiol is currently one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe with numerous clubs battling for his signature.

PSG are reportedly preparing a mega contract offer for Marcus Rashford.

According to the Mirror, the French giants are preparing a £850,000-per-week deal for the Man Utd forward.

25-year-old Rashford’s deal expires in the summer, however there is an option to extend for a further year.

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has vowed that he can make Rashford the best striker in the world and overshadow Kylian Mbappe.

After working with him for just over four months Ten Hag declared: “From the first moment I recognised huge potential.

“And now to get out the potential, I believe when Marcus’s positioning is on the back of the defending line there is almost no better player in the world.

“There is Mbappe in this moment, a type like him.

“But when he’s getting in that position he’s great and you see he’s really improved also out of possession.

“You see the second goal against Wales when he’s winning the ball for the team and Phil Foden finished.

“I see him do that all the time, the first press, he was doing a really good job there for England.

“For us the headed goal against West Ham United, I don’t think he makes goals like that so often but he’s investing in it.

“I triggered him a little bit, he worked with our specific coaches on it, on finishing with headers and then you see he got the benefit from it.

“So when I say he is the one who plays on the shoulder from the defending line, make sure you’re coming in such situations and it’s really difficult to stop him.”

According to the Mirror, Man Utd are back on the hunt for Kim Min-jae.

The Napoli defender has been in sensational form this campaign, as his side challenge for the Serie A title.

And he didn’t harm his credentials at the World Cup – impressing for South Korea.

The Red Devils have renewed their interest for the centre back, as they hunt for the reinforcements at the back.

Ten Hag vows to improve Rashford

Erik ten Hag has vowed that he can make Marcus Rashford the best striker in the world and overshadow Kylian Mbappe.

After working with him for just over four months Ten Hag declared: “From the first moment I recognised huge potential.

“And now to get out the potential, I believe when Marcus’s positioning is on the back of the defending line there is almost no better player in the world.

“There is Mbappe in this moment, a type like him.

“But when he’s getting in that position he’s great and you see he’s really improved also out of possession.

“You see the second goal against Wales when he’s winning the ball for the team and Phil Foden finished.

“I see him do that all the time, the first press, he was doing a really good job there for England.

“For us the headed goal against West Ham United, I don’t think he makes goals like that so often but he’s investing in it.

"I triggered him a little bit, he worked with our specific coaches on it, on finishing with headers and then you see he got the benefit from it.

“So when I say he is the one who plays on the shoulder from the defending line, make sure you’re coming in such situations and it’s really difficult to stop him.”

Utd Women on the march

Marc Skinner insists Manchester United Women are not aiming to settle for fourth after nabbing a point against their neighbours.

Utd drew 1-1 with City in the Manchester derby. Afterwards, Skinner said: "I'm frustrated with the result but not the performance.

"We will continue to evolve this team.

"Honestly, as a coach, it is the most pleasing thing to see the players taking on responsibility and showing their personality.

"We've shown so much growth in the first half of the year. It really sets us up for next year."

Ebiowei targeted

Swansea are out to beat Hull to sign Crystal Palace winger Malcolm Ebiowei on loan in January.

Ebiowei, who is also a target for Man Utd, impressed Hull boss Liam Rosenior when he was in charge at Derby last term.

And the Eagles may send the 19-year-old out again to get some more game-time.

But Swansea are also keen and Ebiowei could line up alongside Swansea’s 16-year-old Aimar Govea, who is caught in a tug of war between Spain and Ecuador.

Next six games

Man Utd's six Premier league when they return to action see them face off against the top two - Arsenal and Man City.

December 27 vs Forest (H) at 8pm

December 31 vs Wolves (A) at 12.30pm

January 3 vs Bournemouth (H) at 8pm

January 14 vs Man City (H) at 12.30pm

January 22 vs Arsenal (A) at 4.30pm

February 4 vs Crystal Palace (H) at 3pm

Min-jae interest renewed

According to the Mirror, Man Utd are back on the hunt for Kim Min-jae.

The Napoli defender has been in sensational form this campaign, as his side challenge for the Serie A title.

And he didn't harm his credentials at the World Cup - impressing for South Korea.

The Red Devils have renewed their interest for the centre back, as they hunt for the reinforcements at the back.

Utd 'bid' for Gvardiol

Man Utd have reportedly joined the race to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

United boss Erik ten Hag is eager to strengthen his squad in January, with a new defender at the top of his wishlist.

And according to Foot Mercato, Gvardiol is his priority target.

The Red Devils are understood to have already submitted a bid of around £77million for the Croatia international, but they face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.

While Chelsea are also believed to have lodged a bid of £77m for the defender, Man City have tabled the highest offer worth over £86m including bonuses.

Gvardiol is currently one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe with numerous clubs battling for his signature.

PSG's Rashford offer

PSG are reportedly preparing a mega contract offer for Marcus Rashford.

According to the Mirror, the French giants are preparing a £850,000-per-week deal for the Man Utd forward.

25-year-old Rashford's deal expires in the summer, however there is an option to extend for a further year.

Schweinsteiger's Fernandes praise

Former Man Utd midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has praised Bruno Fernandes and his football brain.

The German legend said: "I call him 'the brain'. Like he literally moves so smart on the field and do you know what, you actually like kind of underestimate [his work rate].

"Of course, he's making his assists, or he is scoring the goals and makes great passes but Bruno Fernandes, he is working very hard."

Bellingham will go to City first, says Rio

Manchester United target Jude Bellingham will seal a transfer to City over any of their rivals, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Speaking on  this week, he said: “Pep Guardiola’s signed a new deal, if they don’t win the Champions League this year, he goes there with a mindset, ‘I am going to be the man that brings you the Champions League.’

“That’s how I think he’s moving, that’s how I think he rolls. I think he will [go to City], I think he’ll say he’s got a couple of mates there, England boys, ‘I can go to [Real] Madrid in five years’.

“I think he thinks, ‘listen man, I’m a superstar, I want to go win the league and the Premier League because I’m an English-born boy and then I’ll go Madrid and do the same there in a couple of years’.

“The mad thing is he’s got the chance, the great thing is he has the absolute choice and pick of what he does. There will be clubs queuing up”

Ronaldo breaks silence after World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo posted an emotional statement after his "biggest and most ambitious dream" of winning a World Cup ended.

Ronaldo, who is currently a free agent after being sacked by Manchester United, will be 42 by the time the next World Cup kicks off.

It is unknown whether he will play on until then.

Ron wrote on  this afternoon: "Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career. 

"Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including for Portugal, but putting the name of our country on the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.

"I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 appearances that I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I gave my all. 

"I left everything on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.

"Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended. It is not worth reacting to heat."

‘Thank you for the unconditional support’, says Rashford

Rashford wrote on : “The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster of emotions, each and every one of our team gave everything we had to be ready for what was thrown at us, we got close, but not close enough.

“I’ll make a promise that we will come again!

“Thank you for the unconditional support.”

Rashford has enjoyed a resurgence this season for the Red Devils after a difficult last campaign.

The forward carried that form with him into the World Cup, although the 3-0 win over Wales in the final group game was his only start of the tournament.

Rashford vows to come back stronger

Marcus Rashford has vowed England “will come again” after last night’s World Cup heartbreak.

The Manchester United ace came off the bench as the Three Lions went down 2-1 to reigning champions France in the quarter-finals.

Rashford replaced Phil Foden for the final five minutes, and came close to scoring a stunning equaliser with a free-kick that skimmed the roof of the net in stoppage time.

The 25-year-old was superb in Qatar, and was the Three Lions’ joint top scorer with Bukayo Saka on three goals.

Taking to social media the morning after the defeat, Rashford thanked fans for their support and vowed that England will return better than ever.

England fans gutted but still ‘proud’

Devastated England fans last night drowned their sorrows after the Three Lions lost a nail-biting World Cup quarter-final 2-1 to France.

England battled hard in the second half but heartbroken Harry Kane hit his second penalty of the night over the bar – and with it missed a golden late chance to draw the Three Lions level again.

John Andrews, 39, who watched in Bristol, said: “We didn’t deserve to lose and should have had a penalty in the first half. 

“I couldn’t believe some of the decisions the ref gave. I’m gutted.” 

Gemma Wilson, 32, from Bristol, said: “I really thought Rashford’s free-kick was in. 

“We deserved to get more out of the game. France were lucky. I’m so proud of the team.”

Arts practitioner Andrew Walker, 26,  who watched in Newcastle, said: “I’m proud of the team. I think the penalty that Harry Kane missed was just down to pressure.

“Losing to France is no disgrace, they are the World Champions at the end of the day.”

Dalot and Fernandes stay in Qatar

Free agent Cristiano Ronaldo and his ex-Manchester United team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot will NOT return to Lisbon and will stay in Qatar despite Portugal's World Cup exit.

Portugal missed out on a semi-final date with world champions France after they fell to a historic 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Morocco.

Ronaldo was a second half substitute and was unable to save his country from disaster, like he has so many times before.

The Portuguese FA has announced Ronaldo and nine other team-mates, including United duo Fernandes and Dalot, will stay in Qatar.

Other names include Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, Rui Patricio, Raphael Guerreiro, Rafael Leao, Joao Cancelo and  Maheus Nunes.

Only 14 players will be returning to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon following their World Cup disappointment.

Where it went Ron

Free agent Cristiano Ronaldo had only ten touches as Portugal were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.

Youssef El-Nesyri scored the winner to send Morocco through as the first ever African semi-finalists.

Beckham hails 'true leader' Kane

David Beckham praised "true leader" Kane for having the courage to step up for England from the spot under the highest pressure.

He wrote on Instagram: "Our boys will continue to grow.. It’s always the worst feeling waking up after being knocked out of a tournament but our players, Gareth the staff and all our fans can be proud of this team…

"It takes a true leader to step up in these moments and that’s what our captain did, the next time it will be a different ending we walk away with our heads held high."

Rooney praises record-matching Kane

Kane equalled former United star Rooney's record as England all-time top scorer on 53 goals, before missing the chance to take the outright record with his second spot-kick.

But a "proud" Rooney urged Kane to keep his "head up" following his anguish.

He wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely gutted for the lads but proud of the way they’ve played this tournament and they should be proud.

"Congratulations to @HKane on equalling the record, he’ll be on his own soon and couldn’t think of anyone better to take over. Keep your head up Harry."

Harry’s off

England’s heroes are now set to return to their respective clubs and prepare for the return of top-flight domestice football.

Manchester United captain Maguire‘s first game back could be an EFL Cup fixture at Old Trafford against Burnley.

The cup clash is in ten days time at Old Trafford.

They’re coming home

Devasted England stars have been pictured leaving their Qatar World Cup base after the painful loss to France.

The Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat against a depleted French team with Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud scoring.

Who are the Euro powerhouses chasing Jude?

Jude Bellingham was the name on everyone's lips at the World Cup - with Europe's top clubs already on red alert.

The 19-year-old was England's top performer in Qatar and has become one of the most in-demand players in the world.

Bellingham only signed new long-term contract at Signal Iduna Park back in 2021.

But his form on the global stage is proving impossible to ignore.

Back in October, the teenager was quizzed on his future, but declined to comment.

He said: "You [the media] will be angry with me as you won't get a headline, but I’m just focused on the next games with Borussia Dortmund."

But that won't stop the European powerhouses - Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City, Real Marid and Liverpool - from trying to win him over.

Real Betis 1-0 Man Utd

Erik ten Hag saw his mix’n’match side slump to another warm-up defeat.

Nabil Fekir nabbed the winner and it will have been not so much the loss but the lack of any real attacking ambition that will have left Ten Hag scratching that shiny head of his.

For certain he’ll want to get back down to work with his top men as soon as possible with the World Cup drawing to its climax.

Only around 5,000 fans turned up in the giant green – seated hulk of the Estadio Benito Villamarin stadium - capacity 60,000.

Among that smattering of supporters high in the corner of one stand were around 200 United fans.

Fair play to those Reds.

Good morning United fans

Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford did England proud at the World Cup.

However, the Three Lions' World Cup dream came to an end at the hands of world champions France.

A late penalty miss by captain Harry Kane handed the French a 2-1 win and they will now face dark horses Morocco in the semis.

Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot suffered heartbreak.

The Portuguese duo were unable to stop Morocco.

Lisandro Martinez, however, is still going with Argentina, who play 2018 finalists Croatia in the semis next week.

Onto the transfer news... Erik ten Hag was more than happy for Ronnie to move on, despite his mammoth £480k-a-week wages.

As a result, United told Ronaldo they would cover the majority of his salary for the remainder of the season.

And any new club needed to pay just £80k each week for Ronnie’s services.

Man Utd also now know what they have to do sign Goncalo Ramos.

The Portuguese superstar, who burst on the scene with a hat-trick in the World Cup, was tracked by the Red Devils in the summer.

According to Sport Witness, his club Benfica have no plans of selling their star asset in January.

It would take a huge offer to twist their arm – and his £120million release clause will have to be met.

Keane's knee jerker

Roy Keane admits he has hurt his KNEES while out in Qatar.

That’s after jumping into a BIN while celebrating a goal in a game between ITV and BBC pundits.

Manchester United legend Keane is out in the Middle East giving the public his brilliant thoughts on this year’s World Cup.

The Irishman has made fans laugh and gasp in equal measure with his deadpan opinions.

But even Keane is capable of loosening up when the occasion is right.

He took part in a friendly kick-about with his ITV chums and their BBC counterparts this week.

Smalling targeted by Juve & Inter

Chris Smalling is being targeted by Juventus and Inter Milan but prefers to stay at Roma, reports suggest.

Smalling, 33, has risen to prominence in Italy ever since joining the Giallorossi in 2019 and has turned into one of manager Jose Mourinho’s most prominent figures in the capital.

However, the ex-Manchester United ace’s deal runs out in June and wants another big contract as he has already reached an advanced age.

According to Sky Sports in Italy, the centre-back has attracted interest from both Inter and Juventus.

Juve are dealing with a crisis that was sparked after the board was forced to resign over allegations of doctoring wages and inflating player values.

Therefore, the Bianconeri look set to approach the transfer market in a more conservative manner and focus on free transfers.