Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Manuel Akanji BOOST, Antony twist as rivals join race, De Jong fuming, Ronaldo gives update

Sancho goal delights fans

Jadon Sancho scored the first goal of the Erik ten Hag era with a composed finish against Liverpool.

The Manchester United winger struggled in his debut season at Old Trafford - but started the 2022-23 campaign in perfect fashion today.

The goal sent United fans into meltdown, with one writing on social media: "I’ve seen enough, give us the league now."

Another gushed: "All u guys that were doubting Sancho last season I always said second best player at the club."

And a third over-excited supporter wrote: "WE ARE WINNING IT ALL THIS SEASON... BE WARNED."

Fred scores cheeky lob

Fred helped Manchester United get their pre-season off to a bang with an audacious goal against Liverpool.

Erik ten Hag enjoyed a dream start in his first game as United boss as Fred doubled his side's lead with a cheeky lob in the 30th minute.

Jadon Sancho had given the Red Devils the lead in the 11th minute but it was Fred's strike with his weaker foot that got fans talking.

And many supporters reacted by suggesting there was no need to sign transfer target Frenkie de Jong when Fred is on form.

One fan wrote on Twitter: "who needs De Jong when you have pastor Fred."

Another added: "Fred is better than de jong anyway."

Ronaldo shares adorable baby pic

Cristiano Ronaldo partner Georgina Rodriguez shared an adorable picture of baby Bella Esmeralda.

Rodriguez shared the snap on her Instagram story for her 39 million followers to see.

On April 18 this year, Ronaldo revealed his partner had given birth to a healthy baby girl.

But this came alongside heartbreaking news that her twin brother had not made it, with Ronaldo telling of their "deepest sadness" over the ordeal.

Rodriguez is mother to two of Ronaldo's five children, with his eldest, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, being born in 2010.

Ronaldo, 37, is yet to return to Manchester United for pre-season training amid reports he is unhappy at the club.

Transfer watch: Eriksen to Man Utd?

All's well at Old Trafford again.

On the pitch, Manchester United are 3-0 up against Liverpool in Erik ten Hag's first friendly in charge.

Off it, the club are on the verge of sealing Christian Eriksen as their second summer signing.

Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️

Sancho opens Ten Hag era

The first goal of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United reign has been scored by Jadon Sancho against Liverpool...

...7000 miles away from Old Trafford.

It's a fine finish from the England international though, who makes the most of some good fortune in the build-up to break the deadlock.

Follow the live action from the pre-season friendly in Bangkok here.

Maguire ruled out with knock

Erik ten Hag put his faith in the under fire Harry Maguire yesterday by insisting that he will remain as Manchester United captain for the upcoming season - but there's no place for him in the manager's first starting XI this afternoon.

And that's because the England international picked up a knock in the opening training session on Monday afternoon, and is sitting this game out as a matter of precaution.

In Maguire's absence, Bruno Fernandes wears the captain's armband.

Ten Hag names first line-up

Erik ten Hag has named his first starting XI as Manchester United manager.

It has a familiar look about it with United's one new signing - Tyrell Malacia - only on the bench.

However, Anthony Martial is given the nod up front in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, and he'll be hoping to rejuvenate a Red Devils career that looked over last season.

Eriks-in and off to Oz

Christian Eriksen will sign for Manchester United this week - and then immediately fly to Australia to join his new teammates on tour.

That's according to , who report that the 'final details' of the midfielder's move are currently being agreed upon.

The Danish international will become the Red Devils' second summer signing, joining Tyrell Malacia as one of the new faces in Erik ten Hag's squad.

Countdown to kick-off

Can it ever really be classed as a friendly when Manchester United and Liverpool are involved?

We'll find out in three hours when the Premier League rivals face each other at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.

It's the first of six pre-season fixtures for the Red Devils, who travel to Australia and Norway following their Thailand trip.

• July 12: Liverpool (N)
• July 15: Melbourne Victory (A)
• July 19: Crystal Palace (N)
• July 23: Aston Villa (N)
• July 30: Atletico Madrid (N)
• July 31: Rayo Vallecano (H)

Heads, United win with Sasa

Manchester United appear to be using their heads in the transfer market - and will soon hope that their new recruit can use his.

Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic has held talks with Old Trafford officials, and could be set for an imminent move to the Premier League giants from Stuttgart.

At six foot seven inches, Kalajdzic has proved himself a handful for most Bundesliga defences, and has scored more headed goals over the past two seasons than any other player in Germany.

United preparing for Nani reunion

Manchester United's pre-season tour will continue when they head from Thailand to Australia tomorrow - and they may be met down under by a familiar face.

On Friday, the Red Devils are due to face Melbourne Victory, opponents that have just added a former United ace to their ranks.

The A-League outfit this morning announced the signing of 35-year-old Nani on a two-year deal.

The Portuguese star made 229 appearances for United in eight years at Old Trafford, scoring 41 goals and providing 73 assists before leaving for Fenerbahce in 2015.

De Jong saga rumbles on

Here we go again.

Manchester United's pursuit of Frenkie de Jong shows no sign of reaching a conclusion.

It is widely accepted that Barcelona need to sell the Dutchman in order to balance the books.

However, the latest report from suggests that Barca will reject United's current offer for the midfielder as they see it as 'insufficient'.

Yesterday it was suggested that the Red Devils are ready to consider alternative to De Jong with both Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves rumoured.

United 'confident' of Martinez deal

Manchester United WILL land Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez this summer, according to

The transfers expert understands that the Dutch club are now prepared to discuss a fee with the Red Devils, having previously rejected their opening bid.

United reportedly returned with a second offer of €45m for the Argentine, who has made it clear that he wishes to play in the Premier League..

Romano tweeted: "Manchester United are now feeling confident on Lisandro Martínez deal.

"Ajax are open to discuss on the fee, new contacts expected very soon after bid rejected last week."

Good morning Man Utd fans

Man United are becoming increasingly frustrated as Ajax refuse to lower their asking price for Antony.

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf claim that the Eredivise champions are demanding a fee of around £68million for the Brazilian winger.

Man Utd are reportedly yet to offer enough to be taken seriously.

However Ajax are playing hardball as they are reluctant to let their former manager to raid their squad.

Meanwhile, United have sold flop Andreas Pereira to Fulham for £10m.

The midfielder was on loan with Flamengo last season, and was poised to complete a permanent switch to the Brazilian side.

However, a transfer collapsed at the last minute, leaving United facing the prospect of being lumbered with Pereira.

But Fulham have swooped on the 26-year-old ahead of the new season, United’s media revealed.

Elsewhere, Man United bigwigs Richard Arnold and John Murtough have jetted to Barcelona for crunch talks over Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong is one of United’s top transfer targets this summer, but he doesn’t want to leave the Nou Camp.

But United aren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet, and club representatives have been spotted in the Catalan region meeting with Barca execs, Marca reported.

Arnold and Murtough mean business and have given Barca until Friday to accept terms over De Jong’s transfer, talkSPORT revealed.

Finally, Man United have reportedly held talks with Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic’s agents.

The Red Devils are looking to buy a new striker to alleviate the pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo, and fill the void left by Edinson Cavani’s exit.

And they’ve identified Kalajdzic as the man to do so, according to sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The journalist also claims the striker is open to an Old Trafford switch.

Fulham announce Pereira deal

Fulham have announced the signing of Andreas Pereira from Manchester United in a £13million deal.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Brazilian side Flamengo.

On the £13m move, Pereira said: "I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start the season with Fulham.

“I want to help Fulham as much as I can to be where they belong.

"Marco Silva was very important for this. I spoke a lot with him, and he was a key factor in me being here.”

Tony Khan also commented: “It’s a tremendous pleasure to welcome Andreas Pereira to Fulham!

United 'hold talks with Stuttgart ace'

Man United have reportedly held talks with Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic's agents.

The Red Devils are looking to buy a new striker to alleviate the pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo, and fill the void left by Edinson Cavani's exit.

And they've identified Kalajdzic as the man to do so, according to sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The journalist also claims the striker is open to an Old Trafford switch.

Rooney's marriage rift revealed

Wayne and Coleen Rooney were “oceans apart” last night after he flew to America for a managerial job while she vowed to remain in the UK with their four kids.

A source said: “Wayne has discussed the job with Coleen, but she has categorically said she’s not going.

“That said, she doesn’t want to stand in his way. They have an understanding that they are a team but emotionally she isn’t invested.

“There has been a lot of back and forth but they now agree to disagree.

"The children are settled in school and do not want to go back to America, so they plan to stay in Cheshire with their mum.

“It will be very hard for everyone as a managerial job is much more time consuming than being a player, so nipping back to the UK will be hard.”

Man United eye Dembele

Man United have "relaunched" contact over Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, according to reports.

The Red Devils have an ongoing situation with star man Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old would like to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of Champions League football.

However, United and new boss Erik ten Hag have stated the striker is going nowhere.

According to , with Ronaldo's future at United up in the air, the Red Devils are exploring potential replacements.

And Lyon striker Dembele could compensate for the legendary striker's exit.

Maguire fits captain bill

Harry Maguire's the only man capable to lead Man United next season, according to Andy Townsend.

Townsend reckons United don't possess another standout star to take the captain's armband.

He explained on talkSPORT: "Who’s the other obvious captain?

“What’s in it for Ten Hag to take it off Maguire, if there’s no standout switch?”

Rooney tipped for MLS success

Wayne Rooney has been tipped for success as D.C. United boss after a stint with the club as a player.

Rooney played for the MLS side in the 2018-19 season,

And his former Man United team-mate Phil Neville, who manages Inter Miami, reckons Rooney's experience in the States will serve him well as a manager in the country.

Neville said, via the Miami Herald: "I suppose Wayne’s got a slight advantage over me coming into the league because he played in MLS, he’s got experience in MLS, he’s been on the road trips, he’s played with some of these players, he’s played in these stadiums, been in the environments and the climates.

"He knows what it’s all about and that gives him a great advantage.

“He’s not one of those managers you read about in MLS that come from foreign shores and it takes then 12 months to 18 months to get used to it and the salary caps. He’s been involved in the salary caps and knows everything about the league.”

Klopp backs Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag will lead Man United into the title fight next season, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The Red Devils could only muster a sixth spot in the Prem last season.

But Klopp backs Ten Hag to turn the Red Devils into title contenders once again, along with Arsenal.

He told ESPN: "Arsenal is still there, Manchester United obviously with a new start and this kind of thing.”

Malacia gets Maguire's approval

Harry Maguire is happy with what he's seen from new Man United signing Tyrell Malacia.

He said to United's media: "Yeah, he’s fitted in really well. He’s come in with a big smile on his face and he’s a really fit lad.

"He’s only trained a couple of times so I’m sure he’ll get used to playing under the new manager, like we all are.

"He’s going to be a great addition for us. It’s more competition for places and that’s what we need at this club."

Pereira speaks on United exit

Ex-Man United ace Andreas Pereira is ecstatic over his move to Fulham.

He told Fulham's media: "I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start the season with Fulham.

“I want to help Fulham as much as I can to be where they belong. Marco Silva was very important for this. I spoke a lot with him, and he was a key factor in me being here.”

Pogba yearns for football love

Paul Pogba has revealed that he's looking forward to rediscovering his love of football at Juventus.

He said at his Juventus press conference: "I want to rediscover my joy of playing football. I spoke to Allegri, Dybala, Cuadrado, Agnelli and Nedved, so I was always really in contact with all of Juve.

“My heart decided for me and I am sure that I made the right decision. This jersey is everything for me, Juventus gave me the opportunity to be Pogba.

"Now I want to give back that joy, bringing trophies to a club that deserves only to win.”