Manchester United

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Club sources have confirmed a clear-the-air meeting took place between Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and winger Jadon Sancho earlier this week and both parties agreed to draw a line under their previous disagreement.

It has not been established whether Ten Hag received the apology he demanded after Sancho posted an inflammatory message on social media in response to the United boss saying his training performances had not been good enough before a Premier League game at Arsenal in September.

As recently as the beginning of last month, United were adamant their intention was to sell Sancho, whether Ten Hag remained as manager or not.

However, BBC Sport was told Sancho was resistant to that idea given he has a lucrative contract that runs to 2026.

In addition, United were not certain of getting back the kind of transfer fee that would make economic sense, given they paid £73m for the England international in 2021.

Read more on the story here

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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BBC Sport has looked at five key battles that could decide who lifts the Euro 2024 trophy when England face Spain on Sunday.

Lamine Yamal v Luke Shaw

Before this tournament, there were murmurs of an up-and-coming star in Barcelona's ranks - 16-year-old winger Yamal.

But at Euro 2024, the teenager - who turns 17 the day before the final - has truly announced himself on the world stage, becoming the youngest player to start a European Championship match in Spain's opener against Croatia.

His goal in the semi-final made him the youngest goalscorer at a Euros or World Cup, breaking Pele's record. He also broke Pele's record of being the youngest player in a semi-final in either tournament.

He has provided three assists and created 13 chances, causing havoc on the right wing while Nico Williams does the same on the left.

If England are to have a chance of winning, they will have to deal with Spain's threat down the flanks.

Kieran Trippier has been preferred on the left side of defence throughout the tournament but he is an injury doubt after being replaced by Shaw at half-time in the semi-final against the Netherlands.

Southgate confirmed it was just a precaution but Shaw has looked sharp when he has come on and not like someone who has spent four months out with injury.

As England's only natural left-back, the final could be the time to hand Shaw a start. He scored after just two minutes of the Euro 2020 final against Italy, so he has been there and done it on the big occasion.

Read all five key battles here

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Defender Jonny Evans says it is "privilege" to continue playing for Manchester United after signing a new deal.

The 36-year-old has signed a one-year contract to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2025.

Evans, who came through the United academy, returned to the club last summer having spent eight years away in spells at West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City.

He featured regularly in United's defence last season as Erik ten Hag's side struggled with injuries, making 30 appearances, including as a substitute in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

"To play for this great club and feel the support from our incredible fans is always a privilege," Evans told club media.

"Returning to the club last season was an honour, representing the team on the pitch alongside fantastic team-mates under an excellent manager.

"Winning the FA Cup together was an unforgettable experience. I know we can challenge for more trophies in the season ahead."

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Declan Rice says he and Kobbie Mainoo have formed a "nice partnership" in the centre of England's midfield and has praised the 19-year-old's "leadership" as Gareth Southgate's side prepare for Sunday's Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Arsenal's Rice and Manchester United's Mainoo have started alongside each other in the Three Lions' knockout games against Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

"You can just see. You speak to him and just feel his calm presence that he has and what I like about him is that he is not scared to say it how it is," said Rice.

"There was something towards the end [against the Netherlands] when he gave me a pass between the lines and I got sold short for it.

"We had to sprint back and we had bit at each other - but that is good because you need that relationship. At 19, I can't imagine many saying that to older players and that's what I love about him.

"That is what the lads love about him as well. He gets that respect, he has that leadership and the way he takes the ball and is comfortable.

"The conversations we've been having daily with each other and on the training pitch have brought us together and we have become a nice partnership."

We asked for your views on Ruud van Nistelrooy returning to Manchester United as an assistant manager in Erik ten Hag's coaching team.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Adam: Ruud van Nistelrooy was my first favourite player. He was just always on the scoresheet. Now I look back and I see maybe the most ruthless out-and-out striker in Premier League history. If he can teach our current players anything about finishing, he will be a fantastic appointment.

Christine: This is fantastic news! Van Nistelrooy is a great goalscoring genius who will inspire the United players.

Sheraz: That goal against Fulham. He wasn't known for his pace, or for taking players on, but the way he used his upper body strength to bully past that backline and then finish it was class! I am really happy he is back and I hope he can help Hojlund, who has the same kind of upper body strength but maybe lacks a little composure in front of goal.

Peter: I'm happy Ruud is back! He is someone who knows how to score and surely that will be a positive for the young, raw strikers we have. Hopefully he can turn them in to goalscoring machines like he was.

Bebsi: Ruud Ruud Ruud Ruud! What a player! Best of luck to him. He will definitely teach the youngsters a thing or two.

Cagapetos: I'm happy Ruud is back. If he is half as good a coach as he was a striker, he will do great. There were concerns last season about whether Ten Hag's high-intensity training sessions had contributed to the high number of injuries, so I hope the current coaching staff will pay attention to exercise science protocols regarding periodised training and avoid overtraining.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Striker Joshua Zirkzee is due to have his Manchester United medical on Friday before completing a £33.7m move from Bologna.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international scored 12 goals in 37 appearances last season as Serie A side Bologna claimed a surprise spot in this season's Champions League.

Zirkzee joined Bayern Munich from Feyenoord in 2017 before moving to Bologna for about £7.15m five years later after loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht.

He was named in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad but made just two substitute appearances for the Netherlands.

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Former Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott says credit must go to experienced figures at Manchester United for their role in Kobbie Mainoo's breakthrough season.

Mainoo was set to be fully integrated into Erik ten Hag's United first-team squad at the start of the 2023-24 campaign but suffered an ankle injury in pre-season and was out of action until November.

Since his return he established himself as a key figure in the Red Devils' midfield and his impressive performances, including a man-of-the-match display in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, helped force his way into Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad.

"He's just a young man who is enjoying being away with England, enjoying playing football, and doesn't want to do anything else," Walcott told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He doesn't play with a smile really but he speaks with a smile and that is a blessing to see. The expectation will be different now - people will expect a lot more from him in the coming years. He will have to go through those blocks but he's so experienced already at such a young age, playing in the Premier League and being in the England squad.

"Being around winners is hopefully only going to strengthen his character and beliefs at reaching the top.

"Manchester United is a massive football club and to perform there says it all for me at that tender age."

The 19-year-old was a standout performer in England's semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday evening and is now set to end a stunning personal campaign by featuring in the final against Spain on Sunday.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton added: "They have been a struggling Manchester United team - really struggling.

"The fact he got his opportunity and stayed in the team has really been the shining light for them this season."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Al-Ittihad are in talks with Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Bayern Munich's 24-year-old defender Matthijs de Ligt wants to join Manchester United immediately. (Sky Sports), external

But Bayern want 50m euros (£38.7m) for Netherlands centre-back De Ligt. (90min), external

Benfica have turned down offers from Manchester United and Paris St-Germain for 19-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Neves. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are determined not to sell 26-year-old England winger Eberechi Eze to United or Tottenham. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Legendary Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will be returning to Old Trafford after joining boss Erik ten Hag's coaching team as assistant manager.

It will be a welcome sight to many fans with the 48-year-old fondly remembered for his prolific goalscoring time with the Red Devils.

He joined United in summer 2001 for £19m and spent five years with the club, scoring 150 goals in just 219 appearances and securing three major trophies.

His first season saw him net an impressive 36 goals, but in his second campaign he incredibly eclipsed that figure - scoring 44 times to help the team to the 2002-03 Premier League title. His third season brought another 30 goals.

Despite injury struggles and falling out of favour with manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the following two campaigns, it did not stop him adding double figures to his tally.

With 30 assists also to his name, it meant the Dutchman contributed 0.95 goal involvements per 90 minutes.

Van Nistelrooy ultimately left in controversial circumstances after falling out with Ferguson and went on to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2006.

What's your best memory of Van Nistelrooy in a United shirt?

Are you happy he's back at Old Trafford?

Let us know here, external

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Kobbie Mainoo's rapid rise to prominence can be traced back to 22 July 2023.

Manchester United won their pre-season game against Arsenal at the Met Life Stadium thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho.

But in a game featuring two very strong starting line-ups, it was an unknown 18-year-old who caught the eye.

At the time, Mainoo had made three first-team appearances and started once, in an EFL Cup win against League One Charlton the previous January.

But on a day when £105m new arrival Declan Rice made his debut for Arsenal, Mainoo controlled central midfield like an old hand.

He set up Fernandes for the opener and earned huge praise from manager Erik ten Hag: "Manchester United are famous for always bringing young players through and he can be one."

Sadly for Mainoo, he was injured against Real Madrid five days later and it was 26 November before he had recovered sufficiently from his ankle injury to feature in the Premier League against Everton, the first of 32 appearances in United's remaining 34 games.

The last stat shows Mainoo delivered what Ten Hag saw during that pre-season game in the stadium that will hold the next World Cup final.

Alongside the man he played against that day, the teenager will now attempt to drive England towards glory.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

When England and Spain come face to face in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday there will be battles to watch all over the pitch.

But a key one might have been made in the north west.

Manchester City's Rodri and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo could be going head to head in a midfield tussle at the Olympiastadion Berlin, with experience taking on youth.

Just as for his club, 28-year-old Rodri is a feature of the Spanish side and has played five of the six games in Germany, only missing one game against Albania through suspension.

On the other hand, Mainoo at just 19 is at the start of his senior national team career and became the youngest player to play in a semi-final at a major tournament for England on Wednesday night.

There may be a chasm in their experience, but when it comes to impact for their teams so far the gap is a little less vast.

While Rodri has racked up nearly 500 minutes, it took until the knockout games for Mainoo to establish himself in the starting XI, but he has now played 300 minutes for the Three Lions in Germany.

The Spain team is renowned for it's passing style and, understandably, Rodri has attempted more than double the passes of Mainoo at 406 to 188. However, when it comes to accuracy it is the teenager who comes out on top by the finest of margins - 93.9% compared to 93.8%.

Rodri has played an important role in his sides attack with the Spaniard creating more chances (five), making more runs into the attacking third (11) and playing more passes into attacking third (34) than Mainoo has for England.

But unafraid to take people on and get involved in the defensive side of the game, the United academy graduate has put in as many tackles (four), attempted more dribbles (six) and has a higher duel success rate (61.9%) than that of Rodri.

Keeping cool heads in this level of match could be crucial and so far, with one yellow card to Rodri's three, it is Mainoo who has the better record this tournament.

When the pair last met at club level, barring penalty shootouts, Rodri had been unbeaten all season for City until the FA Cup final against United which saw Mainoo score to secure the Red Devils the FA Cup.

It's 470 days since Spain last lost with Rodri in the side but, with history on the line, Mainoo will once again be hoping to spoil the Spaniard's party.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Luke Shaw's fitness has been a major talking point during England's Euro 2024 campaign, with an initial hope the Manchester United defender would be fit for the start of the knockout phase at the latest proving to be wide of the mark.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag might have followed the debate and thought 'welcome to my world'.

Ten Hag was told in January Shaw and Tyrell Malacia would be fit at the beginning of February.

As it turned out Shaw played five games after a month-long absence, then broke down again at Luton on 18 February with an ankle injury he has only just recovered from.

Malacia didn't play at all last season and there have been no pictures of the Dutchman posted by United since pre-season training began at the start of this week.

This incorrect estimate of a return to fitness is not solely the reason why United have revamped their medical department but it shows why they need to.

Gary O'Driscoll left Arsenal after almost 15 years to become United's Head of Sports Medicine last year, with the Gunners former head physio Jordan Reece making the same move north earlier this year after 12 years at the north London club.

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Former England defender Matt Upson says Kobbie Manoo put in an "absolutely superb" performance against the Netherlands and "does not bear the size of the occasion on his shoulders at all".

The Manchester United midfielder had 51 touches, completed 36 passes, created two chances and 100 per cent of his long balls were completed.

He also had a strong night defensively, winning all of his duels and making two interceptions.

"If I had to pick a player across the 90 minutes then he would be my Man of the Match," Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily at the Euros Podcast. "He was absolutely superb.

"He showed every side to his game and for a player his age, he does not bear the size of the occasion on his shoulders at all."

The sentiment of him being so calm despite only being 19-years-old, was echoed by Alan Shearer.

"Everything about him is class. He is so impressive.

"He played such a huge part in the first half with his passing and the pace of the passing, but it looks like nothing fazes him at all.

"He just looks so comfortable and at home with everything he is doing."

And if praise from pundits was not enough, Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden had this to say: "He looks so experienced and like he has been playing the game for years.

"It is nice to play with him and I am enjoying it."

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Kobbie Mainoo says he is "buzzing" to have gone from making his senior debut at Manchester United to becoming a European Championship finalist within the space of 18 months.

The 19-year-old midfielder had just three senior international caps under his belt when he was selected to be in Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024, but he has already made five appearances in six games in the competition.

After England's semi-final win over the Netherlands, Mainoo spoke about his personal journey over the past season: "It is an indescribable feeling," he said. "It has happened quickly but I've just been taking it day by day, game by game.

"We are in the European Championship final. We are buzzing. It has been such a journey to get here.

"I feel like the only way is up - it's time to put ourselves into history."

On setting up a Euro 2024 final against Spain, Mainoo told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Everyone has seen that they are a good side and they have taken down some big teams.

"But I feel we will be ready for that. I feel like we have built up so much now, building on performances, and now the only way is up.

"We are going to be ready for that. We are going to give it everything."

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Go Ahead Eagles have confirmed manager Rene Hake has left his role to join Manchester United.

Hake is expected to be named as assistant manager to Erik ten Hag, with Ruud van Nistelrooy also joining the team.

The Dutch coach, who has spent two season with the Eredivisie side, previously worked with Ten Hag at FC Twente (pictured above).

At 19 years and 82 days, Kobbie Mainoo became the youngest player to play for England in the semi-final of a major tournament.

No England player made more tackles (two) or interceptions (two) than the Manchester United midfielder against Netherlands.

Paris St-Germain are set to rival Manchester United in the race to sign 19-year-old Benfica and Portugal international midfielder Joao Neves. (Le10Sport - in French), external

Manchester United are keen to complete the signing of 24-year-old Bayern Munich and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt as quickly as possible after Euro 2024. (Bild - in German), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Jonny Evans is still talking to Manchester United about a new contract.

The Northern Ireland defender's one-year deal expired at the end of last month but United confirmed discussions were ongoing about extending his stay at Old Trafford when they announced their retained list.

There is still no agreement but BBC Sport has been told both sides remain hopeful of a positive resolution.

Evans initially came in last season to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad for the opening pre-season friendlies, so it will be interesting to see if there is any breakthrough before Monday's trip to Norway to face Rosenborg.

United then play Rangers at Murrayfield on 20 July before flying to the United States for a three-match tour that includes games against Arsenal and Liverpool.

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Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has issued a "special thanks to all the fans" as he confirmed he is leaving the club.

Van de Beek, who joined United from Ajax in September 2020, is expected to join La Liga outfit Girona.

In a message on social media, the 27-year-old said: "Dear Manchester United family. Today is a memorable day as my adventure at the club comes to an end. I want to thank you all for your support throughout the years.

"From the moment we arrived at Manchester United, we felt extremely welcome and we are grateful for that. Thank you to everyone at the club for making us feel at home. A special thanks to all the fans that made these years unforgettable.

"Besides the football, the birth of our two children here ensures that Manchester will always have a special place in our hearts. Good luck to everybody. We'll meet again."

It is understood Girona will pay a minimal initial fee for Van de Beek - who United signed for £35m - with further add-ons that could total £16.9m (20m euros) in the unlikely event they are all met.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United paid out £39.9m in various costs around Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 29% purchase of the club.

A £30.3m payment is listed within United’s third-quarter accounts as being in relation to costs incurred within the sale to Ratcliffe’s Trawlers Limited holding company.

This figure is in addition to the £9.6m included in the second-quarter results released in March.

Ratcliffe spent £1.03bn to buy an initial 25% stake in United - a deal announced on 24 December 2023.

He has provided a further £236m for infrastructure projects, £50m of which has been earmarked for major improvements already under way at the club’s Carrington training ground.

The costs were part of the reason United's operating loss for the quarter grew by 1,308.5% to £66.2m. Net finance costs for the period in question were £17.3m, which the club said was down to an "unfavourable swing in foreign exchange rates in the current quarter".

United's principal debt remains at $650m (£511.3m). In addition, their revolving credit facility borrowings are £143m.