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

Goalkeeper Kovar heading to Cheltenham on loan

 report that goalkeeper Matej Kovar will join Cheltenham Town on loan this season.

The 22-year-old will head to League One Robins on July 25 and will be available for the first game of the season the following Saturday against Peterborough United.

Silvestre 'positive' about Sancho's progress

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre was glowing when speaking about Jadon Sancho's pre-season form.

The former defender spoke to  about the Englishman.

Silvestre said: “He’s picking it up where he left it last season where there was already progress.

"He will show that he’s worth all the expectation, so I’m quite positive about his momentum and his season if he keeps fit.”

More on De Jong

Frenkie de Jong and his agent Ali Dursan believe expressing a public wish to join United will weaken their position to collect his deferred wages.

Despite fans being confused as to why United are in for a player that seemingly has no interest, Chief Executive Richard Arnold and Director of Football John Murtagh are aware of De Jong's strategy and have no plans to give up their pursuit.

As of yet, Ten Hag is said to have not told Arnold or Murtagh to target any alternatives to De Jong with the club gambling on a transfer materialising.

Ten Hag views De Jong as central to his plans, and he was the first player he spoke to when he agreed to take over from interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

United looking at Toney

Manchester United are "understood to be keeping tabs" on Ivan Toney and could make a move for the Brentford striker, according to the Sunday Mirror.

Newcastle and Leeds are also weighing up moves for the hot shot striker.

Rooney and Jones reunion in Washington?

Wayne Rooney is considering handing Phil Jones the chance to join him at DC United.

Rooney officially took over as new boss of the MLS outfit earlier this week, and is already casting his eye around for potential recruits.

And ex-Manchester United team-mate Jones is one of those on his radar, as he tries to haul the Washington side off the foot of the Eastern Conference.

Rooney has insisted he wanted players with a point to prove and few are hungrier to do so than former England star Jones, 30, who has suffered a nightmare time at Old Trafford over the past two years.

Rooney tried to take the centre-back to Derby on loan last season.

Old Trafford corporate box prices 'disgusting'

Victor Lindelof's wife has taken a pop at the prices of Manchester United's corporate box prices.

Maja, the wife of Swedish defender Victor, revealed she is not impressed with the cost of hiring out a box at the Theatre of Dreams, which can range from £20,000 to over £80,000 for a season.

She said: "Here the players have the option to rent a box and I'm not even going to tell you for how much but a disgusting amount of money.

"And if you don't buy one you're considered to be a loser."

"But having a box is wonderful because you have your own waiter."

'Last year was disappointing', admits Maguire

Harry Maguire admits his career took a setback last season as he was criticised by fans and pundits.

The Manchester United captain even ended the season being booed by supporters of England and the Red Devils.

And Maguire admits: “Last year was disappointing, as an individual I didn’t play well and as a team we certainly didn’t play well.

“But a good career can last ten to 15 years and you’re never going to have every year where it’s plain sailing and you don’t have any difficulties.

“You’re going to have to fight, you’re going to have setbacks and last year was certainly a setback for myself on my career path but it’s behind us now and we look forward to the future and getting this club back to winning trophies, which is what it’s all about.”

De Jong 'in contact' with Ten Hag over Man Utd move

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong IS reportedly keen on joining Manchester United despite his public stance that he intends to stay in Catalonia.

And it has been claimed that the 25-year-old is in constant contact with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag over a reunion at the Theatre of Dreams.

However SunSport understands Old Trafford chiefs remain convinced he will link up with them.

According to the , United are prepared to wait until the final day of the window to secure the services of De Jong.

They say he is publicly declaring he doesn't want to leave Barca in his bid to be paid what is owed to him after he took a reduction in wages during the coronavirus pandemic.

But privately, he is willing to make the move to England where he is in "constant dialogue" with Ten Hag over a United switch.

Bayern snub Ronaldo

Bayern Munich have NO interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer despite Robert Lewandowski’s departure.

Boss Julian Nagelsmann had rejected reports of interest in the wantaway Manchester United superstar in a chat with German football expert Christian Falk.

Asked about a pursuit of Ronaldo, Nagelsmann reportedly said: “I read that too, but that’s NOT TRUE.”

Nagelsmann is now the third member of staff at the club to deny the rumours, following CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Martinez can play defensive-mid role

Man Utd icon Rio Ferdinand also mentioned the idea of Lisandro Martinez playing DM for the Red Devils.

When quizzed about where he would play, Rio revealed: “I think it’ll be a mix (of centre-back and defensive midfield). I saw a quote from Ten Hag’s assistant and how they were surprised of how well he played in there. I think they can mix it up with him – he can bring protection to the defence.

“But if we’re against a lesser team where we will see more of the ball and dominate possession then he may slot back into the centre-back position – he gives us that option in which we’re lacking in that area.”

Rio’s thoughts on Martinez

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand is excited about the prospect of Lisandro Martinez joining from AjaX.

The Argie defender has agreed a deal to join Erik ten Haag at Old Trafford.

And Ferdinand has revealed he sees Martinez as a leader – and believes his versatility will be key for the Dutch tactician.

Ferdinand said: “I think he’s a good signing. The more I have looked into him, the better. I listened to [Jurrien] Timber and he said that ‘I wasn’t at my game at a certain point and Martinez always shouts at me’ – so he’s got that element of being a leader.

“United have needed that for a long time, he will demand of others. He is very aggressive, physical and can play. His question marks are his height and his pace – they are the only two.”

Right back targeted next

With a deal for Lisandro Martinez almost tied up, United will now set their sights on a right back.

According to The United Stand, Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries is a target for ten Hag.

While Achraf Hakimi has also been suggested – although it is believed he would be too expensive.

Good morning Man Utd fans

Bayern Munich have NO interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer despite Robert Lewandowski’s departure.

Boss Julian Nagelsmann had rejected reports of interest in the wantaway Manchester United superstar in a chat with German football expert Christian Falk.

Asked about a pursuit of Ronaldo, Nagelsmann reportedly said: “I read that too, but that’s NOT TRUE.”

Talks over a £40m deal for Ibrahim Sangare are ‘progressing quickly’, according to reports.

The PSV midfielder, 24, moved to the Netherlands ahead of the 2020/21 campaign from Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

And he has continued to impress – also appearing 24 times for the Ivory Coast.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Sangare in the past.

But a new report suggests Man Utd are in the driving seat for his signature.

Harry Maguire admits his career took a setback last season as he was criticised by fans and pundits.

The Manchester United captain even ended the season being booed by supporters of England and the Red Devils.

And Maguire admits: “Last year was disappointing, as an individual I didn’t play well and as a team we certainly didn’t play well.

“But a good career can last ten to 15 years and you’re never going to have every year where it’s plain sailing and you don’t have any difficulties.

“You’re going to have to fight, you’re going to have setbacks and last year was certainly a setback for myself on my career path but it’s behind us now and we look forward to the future and getting this club back to winning trophies, which is what it’s all about.”

Rooney chasing Phil Jones

Wayne Rooney is considering  handing Phil Jones the chance to join him at DC United.

Rooney officially took over as new boss of the MLS outfit earlier this week, and is already casting his eye around for potential recruits.

And ex-Manchester United team-mate Jones is one of those on his radar, as he tries to haul the Washington side off the foot of the Eastern Conference.

Rooney was linked with a move for free agent Luis Suarez as soon as he arrived in the States, yet insisted he wanted players with a point to prove.

And few are hungrier to do so than former England star Jones, 30, who has suffered a nightmare time at Old Trafford over the past two years.

Rooney tried to take the centre-back to Derby on loan last season.

Giggs liquidated company

Ex-Man Utd star Ryan Giggs is set to receive millions after shutting down a firm he used for his football pay.

Ryan Giggs Limited was liquidated with £14.3million in assets, according to Companies House.

Giggs, 48, resigned as Wales manager in June.

He goes on trial next month accused of assaulting ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 37.

A source said: “He may have withdrawn money to pay legal fees.”

It is understood the ex-player – who won 64 Wales caps - used the firm for his sponsorship and image rights pay.

Maguire admits setback

Harry Maguire admits his career took a setback last season as he was criticised by fans and pundits.

The Manchester United captain even ended the season being booed by supporters of England and the Red Devils.

And Maguire admits: “Last year was disappointing, as an individual I didn’t play well and as a team we certainly didn’t play well.

"But a good career can last ten to 15 years and you’re never going to have every year where it’s plain sailing and you don’t have any difficulties.

“You’re going to have to fight, you’re going to have setbacks and last year was certainly a setback for myself on my career path but it’s behind us now and we look forward to the future and getting this club back to winning trophies, which is what it’s all about."

Bayern snub Ronaldo

Bayern Munich have NO interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer despite Robert Lewandowski's departure.

Boss Julian Nagelsmann had rejected reports of interest in the wantaway Manchester United superstar in a chat with German football expert Christian Falk.

Asked about a pursuit of Ronaldo, Nagelsmann reportedly said: "I read that too, but that's NOT TRUE."

Nagelsmann is now the third member of staff at the club to deny the rumours, following CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.

Rumours had been circling of the German champions' interest in the Portuguese following the forward's announcement that he wants to leave Old Trafford.

Bayern are the verge of losing star striker Lewandowski after a goal-laden eight-year stay with the Bundesliga giants.

Right back targeted next

With a deal for Lisandro Martinez almost tied up, United will now set their sights on a right back.

According to The United Stand, Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries is a target for ten Hag.

While Achraf Hakimi has also been suggested - although it is believed he would be too expensive.

Sangare talks

Talks over a £40m deal for Ibrahim Sangare are 'progressing quickly', according to reports.

The PSV midfielder, 24, moved to the Netherlands  ahead of the 2020/21 campaign from Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

And he has continued to impress - also appearing 24 times for the Ivory Coast.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Sangare in the past.

But a new report suggests Man Utd are in the driving seat for his signature,

Rio's thoughts on Martinez

Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand is excited about the prospect of Lisandro Martinez joining from AjaX.

The Argie defender has agreed a deal to join Erik ten Haag at Old Trafford.

And Ferdinand has revealed he sees Martinez as a leader - and believes his versatility will be key for the Dutch tactician.

Ferdinand said: "I think he's a good signing. The more I have looked into him, the better. I listened to [Jurrien] Timber and he said that 'I wasn't at my game at a certain point and Martinez always shouts at me' - so he's got that element of being a leader.

"United have needed that for a long time, he will demand of others. He is very aggressive, physical and can play. His question marks are his height and his pace - they are the only two."

When quizzed about where he would play, Rio revealed: "I think it'll be a mix (of centre-back and defensive midfield). I saw a quote from Ten Hag's assistant and how they were surprised of how well he played in there. I think they can mix it up with him - he can bring protection to the defence.

"But if we're against a lesser team where we will see more of the ball and dominate possession then he may slot back into the centre-back position - he gives us that option in which we're lacking in that area."

Savage remarks from Scholesy

Paul Scholes has trolled Robbie Savage on social media after son Charlie played well for United against Melbourne Victory.

The midfielder, 19, enjoyed a lengthy run-out for the Red Devils.

Scholes posted on his Instagram stories that Savage Jr “clearly gets his passing from his mother!!”

ICYMI - Man Utd stars release new away shirt

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay attended the promotional event in Melbourne.

Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford were also modelling the kit.

'I don't like Liverpool', says Rashford

Marcus Rashford hates Liverpool more than Manchester City because of their history.

The Manchester United star, 24, explained there is a "bitter" rivalry between the clubs because of the years spent fighting for trophies.

Rashford views City as the newboys on the scene and revealed there is no reason for United to dislike their city neighbours.

Instead, the England star explained that the two clubs co-exist in harmony in Manchester.

Appearing on : "Yeah, Liverpool. I don't like Liverpool. Liverpool have history, so it's a bit more bitter.

"But with City, it's like you don't like them, but you don't have a massive reason not to like them.

"You just grow up, and it's two Manchester sides. One wears light blue; one wears red."

Defensive stats for Martinez

With Lisandro Martinez all but confirmed as part of Erik ten Hag’s squad – the stats suggest he could be the answer to Manchester United’s defensive woes.

With two great pre-season results so far – 4-0 vs Liverpool and 4-1 vs Melbourne – there are still questions marks over their defence following a shocking 2021-22 season.

The Argentinian ace, 24, is a ball-playing rock and exactly what the Dutch chief needs.

And the stats suggest the defender, who worked under Ten Hag in Holland, is the perfect fit the new-look squad.

More on Martinez

Lisandro Martinez is set for a medical at Manchester United.

He could join United’s pre-season tour of Australia over the weekend after completing his medical checks. 

The 24-year-old is a ball-playing centre-back and exactly what Ten Hag needs, with stats showing he could be the answer to United’s defensive woes.

Martinez may not be the final former Ajax star to head to Old Trafford this summer with Ten Hag desperate to land Frenkie de Jong too.