Man United

ANTONY remains high on Manchester United's transfer shortlist but Ajax will not consider a sale unless their astronomical valuation is met...

The Dutch giants have slapped a £68million price tag on the 22-year-old and remain adamant they will not soften their position on a sale following Lisandro Martinez's £57m move to Old Trafford. “We talk on a daily basis. United are refusing to lie down in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong though - even though the deal is seemingly at a deadlock.

Ten Hag's men led 2-0 at the break, through Jadon Sancho and an own-goal by Matty Cash, but Leon Bailey pulled one back before Chambers headed in from a corner.

But, in the end, we have to control the game and that’s what we didn’t do." I would say also, at the end, a setback, but it’s also part of the season, a season is not always going up, you also have to have setbacks and have to deal with it. Ten Hag's men led 2-0 at the break, through Jadon Sancho and an own-goal by Matty Cash, but Leon Bailey pulled one back before Chambers headed in from a corner.

Manchester United's perfect run of pre-season results under new manager Erik ten Hag came to an end when a 2-0 over Aston Villa blew away amid windy ...

One of those subs, Leon Bailey, produced a moment of individual brilliance to get Villa back into the game on 50 minutes. In the third minute of added time, United blew their lead as Bailey's in-swinging corner was met by the head of Calum Chambers. But in stormy conditions, Villa stormed back in the second period.

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard praised his side following their comeback against Man United.

"We weren’t good enough in possession to create in the first half. "I’m pleased because I was frustrated at half-time, we had to iron a few things out. "I was really pleased with a lot of our defensive shape first half but we got one or two things wrong and conceded goals on the back of that.

Man United have pulled out all the stops to secure the signature of Frenkie de Jong, dispatching club chiefs Richard Arnold and John Murtough, ...

But given the manager's desire to build through midfield, it is Ten Hag's remarks about Fred's style of play that stand out. Ten Hag has made clear he is at Old Trafford for a three-year project. The Leicester City man is quite happy to impose himself on the opponent. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Portuguese was asked to sit deep and shield the space in front of the three central defenders. There is also the £17M De Jong is owed in wages by Barcelona, which he may want to pocket before leaving Spain. Erik ten Hag has cut-price options in Fabian Ruiz and Youri Tielemans, Ruben Neves has proved he can deliver in the top flight and even Fred is finally firing on all cylinders I am satisfied with his performance, with his improvement. Christian Eriksen, 30, is one of them. The one problem appears to be De Jong himself. Both players posted a pass competition rate of around 90 per cent. He enabled Wolves to gain control in midfield through his quality on the ball, but in addition, he is good in the tackle and a willing presser. Ten Hag has made clear that De Jong is central to his plans at United, as he seeks possession and control in the frenzy of the Premier League.

A goal from an added-time corner gave Aston Villa a 2-2 friendly draw from 2-0 down against Manchester United in a soggy Perth.

The weather had come close to forcing a postponement and the danger of injury was obvious. Sancho drifted along the right and popped the ball in. Ten Hag said: “Football is a sport of mistakes and we have to decrease the mistakes. United’s No 1 dived and missed the ball but it blazed wide of his right post. We have to get out of the dressing room and back in our plan [after half-time] and that is what we didn’t do.” “That’s what I just said in the dressing room,” said the manager.

Manchester United's pre-season tour has gone much better than most fans expected. Four matches, three wins, one draw, thirteen goals scored and just four ...

The trio have linked up superbly so far during their time on tour and if they can continue this run of form, they will be giving Premier League defenders some sleepless nights. He has an air of confidence about him following his time with the club's Under-23s and has taken advantage of every minute he's had in a United shirt on tour so far. Heads started to turn when the dynamic pairing of both Savage and Iqbal teamed up in the midfield during United's 4-0 demolition of bitter rivals Liverpool. Ten Hag has shown faith in the 19-year-old as he has handed him minutes in three of United's four pre-season games. His pre-season performances have had fans licking their lips over his potential. Four matches, three wins, one draw, thirteen goals scored and just four conceded - Erik ten Hag could not have asked for a much better start to life as his side look to build momentum heading into the new Premier League season.

Erik ten Hag is keen to bring Antony to Old Trafford as he aims to bolster Man United's forward options.

We have made it clear to the players, we have had big talks with the players who have a strong desire to leave the club at this moment. "But we are keeping the squad we have left. It is obvious, we have capital on the pitch," Hamstra said (as per the Mirror ).

Erik ten Hag identified Antony as a top transfer target to offset the expected departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, but the new Manchester United manager has ...

That stance is certain to anger 22-year-old Antony and his agent Junior Pedroso who is thought to have held initial discussions last week with United officials. We have made it clear to the players, we have had big talks with the players who have a strong desire to leave the club at this moment.” But we are keeping the squad we have left.

Erik ten Hag has already managed to lure Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United from Ajax after being unable to convince Jurrien Timber to join.

But Schreuder’s comments also indicate the approach Ten Hag can take next summer, if he still wishes to bring in Antony. His Ajax replacement, Alfred Schreuder, has outlined how he does not want to lose the forward this summer. But it looks like he will not be prising any more players from his former club.

According to TuttoJuve, Manchester United have now entered the race to sign Barcelona striker Memphis Depay, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham ...

I simply do not see why Conte would want Depay after signing Richarlison, given that both players are quite similar positionally. The report asserts that Erik Ten Hag is keen to strengthen this forward line and Depay fits the profile of forward that the Red Devils boss is looking for, given the Barca attacker’s versatility. It was explained that Barcelona were keen to cash in on the 28-year-old as he is not in Xavi Hernandez’s plans for the upcoming season.

Manchester United will seek clarity from Cristiano Ronaldo this week about when he can start training with Erik ten Hag's squad with time running out for ...

But Ronaldo will now be asked when he feels able to start training. Ten Hag is keen to involve Ronaldo in his plans as soon as possible. United have been respectful of Ronaldo’s need to be at home and the manager said on Friday he has still not had any communication with the Portuguese while away.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed the entirety of Man United's four-match pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a family issue.

"I cannot wait for him (Ronaldo) to come in, then we will integrate him." Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are set to lead the line. Manchester United will seek clarification from Cristiano Ronaldo on when he intends to return for pre-season training.

Erik ten Hag had made it clear Manchester United needed to sign a holding midfielder this summer, and the Dutchman could pay the price for their failure to ...

Signing De Jong would have been a statement of intent at least, but with United struggling to get the deal over the line, Ten Hag may need to rely on the likes of Fred and McTominay to share the work. His range of passing can prove the difference between existing in a game and controlling it, and it was evident just how much United needed him after struggling to keep a hold on the game when leading Aston Villa. While he refused to outright name the Barcelona star, the “right player” is widely known to be De Jong, and it appeared United would get their man after agreeing a package with Barcelona worth £56million up front, with a further £20m in add-ons. And what's worse, Martinez is thought to have been signed for a central defensive role — rather than anchoring the midfield. “Football is a sport of mistakes and we have to decrease the mistakes,” he said. The former Ajax coach has made it clear he wants to sign a holding midfielder to complete his three-man midfield, a non-negotiable aspect of his football philosophy.

Man Utd drew their last match in Australia 2-2 against Aston Villa and Erik ten Hag wasn't entirely happy.

When asked to account for United’s drop-off, Ten Hag reiterated: “It was the focus. In the first half we were really good." They have to perform and it is what we didn’t do in the second half.

Keep track of the latest news, views and transfer rumours at Man Utd with dedicated blog updates.

Manchester United will seek clarification from Cristiano Ronaldo on when he intends to return for pre-season training. They looked dangerous with every transition, despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, and they were uncharacteristically organised when not on the ball. "Again, a different approach and what we want is to play proactive football. Although it took 30 minutes for David de Gea to make his first save of the game, he was made to work from that point on. United started the match under the floodlights at Villa Park with real purpose and intent. The superstar has not travelled with Erik ten Hag's pre-season squad due to family reasons but wants to leave the club less than a year after making his return.

Man United drew 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday in the final match of their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

"Again, a different approach and what we want is to play proactive football. The new Premier League season begins in two weeks' time and United have just two pre-season friendlies remaining. United played Aston Villa in Perth, Australia on Saturday morning and they drew 2-2 with Steven Gerrard's side.

Donny van de Beek started his first game of pre-season for Man Utd in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in Perth.

"That is a weapon that is really hard to defend against. They were really well connected," said Ten Hag. Promoted Stories

United began the match brightly with a couple of early sighters including a blocked Sancho effort from a corner on six minutes. Seconds later, Harry Maguire ...

It remained lively throughout the latter stages, but the Midlanders carried the greater threat in worsening conditions. There was nothing Villa or Martinez could do to stop Erik ten Hag’s men taking a deserved lead on 25 minutes and it was another fine team move. Seconds later, Harry Maguire rose to meet a Luke Shaw corner but his solid header was punched clear by Martinez. Maguire then made a superb block just after the hour-mark after Bailey nipped past De Gea and tried to score from a tight angle. After Rashford sent a shot just wide on 37 minutes, the England man saw his volleyed effort deflected home by Cash after lovely a ball from Fred and cross from Sancho. At the other end, Cash fired a low drive inches wide of David De Gea’s far-right post on eight minutes, before Sancho took aim for the Reds a couple of minutes later and saw his shot pushed away, and just out of the reach of Anthony Martial.

Plus: Chelsea have an agreement in principle for Romelu Lukaku to spend a second year on loan with Inter Milan, Paulo Dybala breaking a Cristiano Ronaldo ...

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According to the Mirror, the Brazilian winger is distraught after the Dutch club told all their players that nobody else is leaving this window. Sporting ...

This is not the update that United fans will want to hear, especially after news broke earlier in the week that one of Antony's representatives had landed in Manchester for talks. Sporting director Gerry Hamstra sent a very clear message to the Eredivisie side's squad, informing them that they had no intention of allowing any further outgoings this summer. According to the Mirror, the Brazilian winger is distraught after the Dutch club told all their players that nobody else is leaving this window.

Man United drew 2-2 with Aston Villa on Saturday and it was the only disappointing result from a positive pre-season tour.

Steven Gerrard made multiple changes at the break and that allowed Villa to steal the initiative. United have made encouraging progress under Erik ten Hag in pre-season and the early glimmers of his philosophy are becoming increasingly sustained. United had thrown away a two-goal lead with amateur in-game management and they were forced to share the points after looking utterly superior in the first half. The character in the club's playing squad has been dubious for some time and United's late capitulation against Villa was a reminder of that. Fernandes had scored his second of the match and United had a two-goal lead with 25 minutes to play. United started the match under the floodlights at Villa Park with real purpose and intent.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly in line for a significant windfall if he manages to get the Red Devils back into the Champions League at ...

United's lack of Champions League football has also led to the competition's all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo handing in a transfer request. United would also significantly suffer from a sponsorship point of view if they missed out on back-to-back seasons of Champions League football. The Red Devils have had an unbeaten pre-seasons schedule.

BBC football reporter Simon Stone answers questions from Manchester United and Aston Villa fans after their 2-2 pre-season draw in Perth, Australia.

But the idea is to have competition for places. And then, is it a team De Gea wants to play for? In some ways, I admire United's stance on De Jong - but it is a gamble to an extent. There is an element of truth to that but in the modern game, results matter - and a reliance on experience comes from that. That might mean United were open to letting him go and I could see why a move might appeal. Would you agree there is a different feel to Manchester United this summer from the top down? It is unrealistic to expect United to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool this season. But the continued talk of him wanting to play in the Champions League suggests the exact opposite. And if they do, will it encourage Carney Chukwuemeka to sign if he can see a clear pathway to first-team football - or has that ship sailed? But he is inconsistent and needs to stay fit. But that is what he is - a player of promise. The big question is how far the owners are prepared to go.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Man United this summer and it has been suggested that he could leave the club on loan.

It has been suggested this weekend that United would be open to sanctioning a loan away for Ronaldo, which would be absurd. He remained talismanic in his first season back at Old Trafford and he would ideally stay for the beginning of Erik ten Hag's rebuild. United would be responsible for Ronaldo leaving after failing to match his ambition and he would depart knowing that he did all he could last season. He would also leave after rekindling his relationship with fans. The move suited all parties, but it quickly became apparent after just a few weeks into the season that Ronaldo's return wasn't going to be what he expected. It was the story of the summer and a fairytale return.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has provided an update on the future of Manchester United transfer target Frenkie de Jong.

We have a list and we qualify as the player who has the competence to play that role. We will strike the moment the player is available.’ ‘There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand.

Manchester United could reportedly be set to return for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as they seek alternatives to Frenkie de Jong. The Serbian international was ...

The club will get their season underway against Brighton on 7th August. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation”. The midfielder has scored 58 goals in 258 appearances, contributing a further 51 assists since joining in 2019.

Manager facing headaches over the form of Harry Maguire and David de Gea, Cristiano Ronaldo's absence and the De Jong transfer saga.

The centre-back’s issue is not only his questionable positioning and lack of pace but also a lack of presence, which makes Ten Hag’s decision to keep him as captain intriguing. The truth is that if Ten Hag is to reinvigorate, he will either have to coax Maguire to a higher level or deem him a liability. Ten Hag is doing all he can to support the defender, retaining him as captain and saying he “thinks” Maguire is a first-choice. De Gea says he senses a “new energy” among the squad and the side have shown themselves capable of implementing Ten Hag’s high-press, relentless playing style. There is also a question over the 31-year-old’s ability to play with his feet, as Ten Hag demands. If the manager was protecting his player, consider this: Ten Hag talks of the requirement for “internal” competition for players but as he allowed Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan, De Gea has only one rival for the goalkeeper jersey: Tom Heaton, who is 36 and has played 22 minutes for United. De Gea is a superb shot‑stopper but goes missing when high balls are delivered into the area.