MANCHESTER UNITED have made their decision on Karim Benzema, exclusively through SunSport.
And despite having only one recognised centre-forward, Rasmus Hojlund, for the rest of the season, United have refused to even take part in negotiations.
On the other hand, Mason Greenwood is the latest to make a dream move to Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the club hope to recoup £100m in sales for Jadon Sancho and Antony.
Follow all updates below. . .
Manchester United would win the most lucrative league if they had a decent stadium, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Following the publication of the latest Deloitte Football Money League, a lead partner at the accountants suggested Sir Jim Ratcliffe should copy Tottenham’s success and rebuild Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ earnings increased from £65 million to £648 million for the 2022-23 season, a club record.
But they’ve slipped to fifth in the table, well, Manchester City’s £718. 2 million.
Spurs rake in £6m every game at their glitzy 62,000-capacity home and have climbed to eighth in the table.
Londoners pocketed more than £1 billion for the first time, an increase from £106 million to £549. 2 million.
READ THE FULL VERDICT:
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United have refused to sign Karim Benzema, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The 36-year-old French striker has been promoted as he seeks an escape direction to the Saudi Pro League after six months.
But despite having only one recognised centre-forward, Rasmus Hojlund, for the rest of the season, Man Utd have refused to even engage in talks.
This is due to what they claim are “exorbitant” sums to bring the player, who earns £86m each year, to Old Trafford.
United guarantees that it will pay attention to its own wage bill and budget to comply with Financial Fair Play guidelines.
Benzema arrived at Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in a flexible transfer.
Manchester United are tipped to rival Arsenal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
But move expert Fabrizio Romano believes the Spaniard’s £52m release clause is the main impediment to a move this month than this summer.
Barcelona are said to be keeping an eye on the 24-year-old.
But United may see Zubimendi as a possible long-term successor to presenter Casemiro.
And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to have a quiet, high-class wife for Declan Rice.
Manchester United’s players will be crammed into a tiny away dressing room for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at League Two Newport on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag and his players are expected to be greeted through beige tiles and peeling plaster once they enter the dressing room area.
Meanwhile, the home side will prepare for the match in their sumptuous dressing room.
United will have to make do with facilities more suited to Sunday League than the Premier League. The away dressing room features faded paint on the walls, a fold-up table, physio’s chair, a few bins and two urinals.
Before they even succeed in the dressing room, United’s stars will be led through a small grey gate from the main road to the 7,850-capacity pitch.
The 1,400 traveling fans are expected to be housed in a transitional grandstand and head to Rodney’s Bar.
A new area is also being created for post-match press conferences, in which Ten Hag will have to speak to the media from a changed office, rather than the small room used by the club.
Their players can also be left locked in the dugout, as the shelter can only accommodate thirteen people.
Gary Neville believes England’s Golden Generation followed a different formation. . . and abandoned her.
The Three Lions promised a lot in the early 2000s with Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, David Beckham and Paul Scholes.
However, despite an impressive pool of talent, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals in three consecutive majors between 2002 and 2006.
Dubbed the “golden generation”, despite their disappointing performances, they stick strictly to a 4-4-2 formation.
But former Manchester United right-back Neville believes they have switched to a 3-5-2.
And in an XI he named in The Overlap episode, Neville even replaced himself with Beckham at right-back.
Manchester United are connected with £30m Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards.
The 25-year-old Englishman, a former Tottenham player, has been playing for the Portuguese giants since 2022.
Football Transfers reports that United’s new group, Ineo, likes Edwards.
Former Arsenal favourite Bacary Sagna has explained why Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is given time.
The 40-year-old former France full-back told Paddy Power: “Any coach would do it with this team, rebuilding takes time.
“A new coach can sign for us now and have the same upheavals because he has younger players and less influential players.
“In two years’ time a manager will come to the club and he will have the credits that Erik ten Hag is building at the moment.
“Football is not fair, you can get a lot of effects and give more to the club, and then the coach gets credits for your dirty work.
“They give Ten Hag more time and see how he will be next year. “
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has unveiled his plans for Old Trafford, with a renovation in the works.
The billionaire businessman’s acquisition of 25% of Manchester United was announced last month on Christmas Eve.
He purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer family despite initially wanting to become the majority owner.
Ratcliffe is keen to inject £237m into the club, and adjustments have already been made.
And one of his priorities would be the renovation of Old Trafford.
In a meeting with Manchester United fan representatives last week, Ratcliffe announced his goal of maximizing the stadium’s surroundings.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, new owner of 25% of Manchester United, has been told: you want a totally new team.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham defender Neil Ruddock says the Red Devils are the Premier League club with the most things to do in January.
The 55-year-old Englishman, who has only one international appearance, told NewBettingSites. uk: “If I had to pick one team to sign in January, it would be Manchester United.
“But they don’t want just one signing: Manchester United want a new team logo!
“If they had a billion pounds in the bank, they’d rip us all off. “
Ruddock believes all other Prem clubs could use his current team.
But he added: “It’s easy to do bad business in January. I don’t really agree with the January transfer window.
Sometimes clubs just panic and buy. As a coach, in January you’ll be in a position where you have confidence in your team and you don’t want a signing. The exception would be unless you suffer serious injuries.
Manchester United star Dan Gore has joined Port Vale on loan.
The 19-year-old’s new midfielder, Andy Crosby, said: “Dan is a player who has fantastic technical ability and the competitiveness of his game to bring without delay and festival and roles within our midfield.
“In addition to his apparent qualities on the field, Dan has all the non-negotiable qualities needed to be part of the team here in Port Vale.
“He has a genuine preference for making the most of his opportunity here and receiving input from the experienced players on our team to push his limits and achieve the maximum productive edition of himself. “
Manchester United would win the most lucrative league if they had a decent stadium, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Following the publication of the latest Deloitte Football Money League, a lead partner at the accountants suggested Sir Jim Ratcliffe should copy Tottenham’s success and rebuild Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ earnings increased from £65 million to £648 million for the 2022-23 season, a club record.
But they fell to fifth in the table, well behind Manchester City’s £718.2m.
Spurs rake in £6m every game at their glitzy 62,000-capacity home and have climbed to eighth in the table.
Londoners pocketed more than £1 billion for the first time, an increase from £106 million to £549. 2 million.
READ THE FULL VERDICT:
Sir Alex Ferguson has sent former Manchester United cult favourite Javier Hernandez a congratulatory message on his return to his first club Guadalajara.
The 35-year-old Mexican, who has 109 caps, made what he admits is an emotional homecoming after his departure from the LA Galaxy.
“He’s your old boss here,” Fergie said with a smile, as she wished the iconic poacher and his circle of family a special moment at home in a message broadcast via United.
The Red Devils’ legendary ex-manager thanked “fantastic player” Chicharito for his five years at Old Trafford and hoped Guadalajara profit from his “experience”.
Facundo Pellistri will be Manchester United’s tenth outgoing player this month, in a January with no arrivals.
The 22-year-old Uruguayan, who has made 18 international appearances, will join La Liga side Granada on a short-term loan.
So far United have sent out eight players on loan and sold Mateo Mejia to Sevilla.
United have sold players this month, seven of them on loan and Mateo Mejía with a permanent contract with Sevilla.
Among the seniors leaving are Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho.
Bacary Sagna has explained his thoughts on Erik ten Hag’s long career as Manchester United manager.
The 40-year-old former Arsenal and France full-back told Paddy Power: “Any manager would do it with this team, rebuilding takes time.
“A new coach can sign for us now and have the same upheavals because he has younger, less influential players.
“In two years, a coach will arrive at the club and will have the credits that Erik ten Hag is building now.
“Football is fair sometimes, you can get a lot of effects and give more to the club, and the coach after you gets credit for your dirty work.
“They give Ten Hag more time and see how he will be next year. “
Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna claims that any manager would do it with the current Manchester United team.
Therefore, the former Manchester City defender believes that United will give current manager Erik Ten Hag until at least next year.
But the Frenchman believes Ten Hag needs time just to make changes to his moves, but also to allow Red Devils stars like Kobbie Mainoo to develop.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new owner of 25% of Manchester United, has been told: you want a totally new team.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham defender Neil Ruddock says the Red Devils are the Premier League club with the most things to do in January.
The 55-year-old Englishman, who has only one international appearance, told NewBettingSites. uk: “If I had to pick one team to sign in January, it would be Manchester United.
“But they don’t want just one signing: Manchester United want a new team logo!
“If they had a billion pounds in the bank, they would rip him off. “
Ruddock believes all of Prem’s other clubs could pull through with their current roster.
But he added: “It’s easy to get bad deals in January. I don’t agree with the January move-in window.
Sometimes clubs just make panic buys. As a manager, you should be in a position in January where you’re confident in your team that you don’t need a signing. The exception would be unless you’re suffering with major injuries.”
Gary Neville believes England’s Golden Generation followed a different formation. . . and abandoned her.
The Three Lions promised a lot in the early 2000s with Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, David Beckham and Paul Scholes.
Yet despite an impressive pool of talent, they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage in three successive major tournaments from 2002 to 2006.
Nicknamed the “Golden Generation”, despite their disappointing performances, they maintained a 4-4-2 formation.
But former Manchester United right-back Neville believes they have switched to a 3-5-2.
And in an XI he named in the episode of The Overlap, Neville even replaced Beckham at right-back.
Manchester United will rival Arsenal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
But move expert Fabrizio Romano believes the Spaniard’s £52m release clause is the main impediment to a move this month rather than summer.
Barcelona are said to be keeping an eye on the 24-year-old.
But United may see Zubimendi as a possible long-term successor to presenter Casemiro.
And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to have a quiet, high-class wife for Declan Rice.
Marcus Rashford has brilliantly hit back at Manchester United legend Roy Keane with a pointed post on social media.
The 26-year-old Red Devils striker has struggled this season, scoring four goals and assisting six in 26 games.
Man Utd icon Keane, 52, recently criticised Rashford for his demeanour after scoring against Tottenham.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “We want to see more, he’s already shown it, he’s been given the quality. Why does he appear angry with everyone? He’s been given to come through and enjoy the fact that he’s betting on Hombre Unido. “
Now, Rashford has responded to those comments with a hilarious post on Instagram. The England international, who scored 30 goals last season, shared a photo of himself smiling at Man Utd training.
And he added the cheeky caption: “‘So, he does smile.’ Have a great day, my people! ?❤️”
United’s defensive struggles have centred on questions over Andre Onana, writes LEE SCOTT.
But injuries to left back Luke Shaw and centre-back Lisandro Martínez have made the situation worse.
United have struggled in recent weeks with Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane playing out from the back.
But Martinez’s return will contribute to the Red Devils’ balance and ball retention, in addition to other benefits.
CLICK BELOW FOR A BREAKDOWN. . .
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United have refused to sign Karim Benzema, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The 36-year-old French striker has been promoted as he looks for an escape direction to the Saudi Pro League after six months.
But despite having only one recognised centre-forward – Rasmus Hojlund – for the rest of the season, Man Utd refused to even enter talks.
This is due to what they claim are “exorbitant” sums in the transfer of the player, who earns £86 million each year, to Old Trafford.
United must pay attention to its own wage bill and budget to comply with Financial Fair Play guidelines.
Benzema arrived at Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in a flexible transfer.
Manchester United’s players will be crammed into a small open-air dressing room for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round at Newport’s League Two.
Erik ten Hag and his players are set to be greeted by beige tiles and peeling plaster once they enter the changing area.
Meanwhile, the hosts will prepare for the match in their luxurious dressing room.
United will have to make do with amenities more of the Sunday League than the Premier League. The locker room has faded paint on the walls, a folding table, a physical therapist’s chair, some trash cans, and two urinals.
Before even succeeding in the dressing room, United’s stars will be led through a small gray gate from the main road to the 7,850-capacity ground.
The 1,400 travelling supporters are set to be housed in a temporary stand and given access to the Rodney’s Bar.
A new space is also being created for the post-match press conferences, with Ten Hag expected to speak to the media from a converted office as opposed to the tiny box room the club usually uses.
It is possible that your players will also stay on the bench, since only thirteen people can fit on the bench.
Manchester United are linked with Sporting Lisbon winger Marcus Edwards, who is valued at £30 million.
The 25-year-old Englishman, a former Tottenham player, has been playing for the Portuguese giants since 2022.
Football Transfers reports that United’s new group, Ineo, likes Edwards.
Grenadier leader John Allert has explained how Sir Dave Brailsford will remain active in the cycling team after joining the Red Devils’ board.
Allert said: “The Grenadiers CEO is confident that the Briton will not be able to fulfil his roles in cycling and football.
He said: “Dave’s the Godfather of this team. He’s the founder. It’s actually a privilege that we will still have him accessible to the team.
“Dave probably has more bandwidth than I’ve ever worked with. Its greatest concentration is the functionality of a variety of other sports equipment.
“Obviously, he has a hobby and a proven track record in cycling, so I’ll never see Dave in the race.
“But he’s not going to come to the race to do our homework. He’ll be there for the team, as he does for every team. “
Brailsford had huge success at British Cycling before he stepped down in 2014. He took charge of Team Sky in 2010 and helped Bradley Wiggins become Britain’s first winner of the Tour de France.
Sir Dave Brailsford will not stop him from running with Ineos Grenadiers: he joined the board of directors of Manchester United.
Brailsford will remain sporting director of the cycling team and will assist Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Old Trafford.
Brailsford, 59, is expected to be Ratcliffe’s right-hand man and will be on the board of directors.
But since December 2021, Brailsford has been appointed Ineos’ sporting director, overseeing a growing number of group-sponsored disciplines.
And John Allert, the chief executive of the Grenadiers, has assured the Brit will have no problem handling his roles in both cycling and football.
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