Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Club SUED by own staff over wages, half-year financial results, Mainoo contract EXCLUSIVE
MANCHESTER UNITED are being SUED by their own staff over a huge wages blunder.
SunSport exclusively revealed that staff have been left seething over a data protection breach and are seeking a six-figure sum in compensation.
have today announced their half-year financial results - which has eased concerns around their compliance with financial fair play (FFP).
In another SunSport exclusive, starlet Kobbie Mainoo is set to sign a bumper new deal at Old Trafford.
Wes Brown heaped a lot of praise on Mainoo and the ex-United star told Instant Casino that the young talisman reminds him of Clarence Seedorf.
Follow our live blog below...
Exclusive: Mary Earps to be first woman footballer to be given waxwork at Madame Tussauds
England football hero Mary Earps is to be immortalised with her very own waxwork at Madame Tussauds.
The Sun can reveal the Lioness has won a public vote to be remade as a lifelike statue at the world-famous Madame Tussauds.
It will make goalkeeper Mary — who famously took on shirt sponsor Nike after they initially declined to print one with her name — the first female footballer to get a wax figure.
The news comes six months after the London attraction announced it would honour the Lionesses’ achievements — reaching the 2023 World Cup final and winning the 2022 Euros — by selecting a waxwork chosen by fans.
The decision will be formally announced in the coming weeks, but a museum source said: “The public vote was pretty comprehensive. Mary cleaned up.
“She’s a national icon and an inspiration, especially to young girls and aspiring footballers who admire her courage, pluck and sheer athletic talent.
“Her waxwork unveiling will be another big step for women’s football after decades of only men getting the privilege."
Credit: Getty Prem sides can take massive leap to earning fifth UCL spot this week
England’s Euro adventurers can take a massive step towards securing the Prem a fifth Champions League spot for next season this week.
Uefa’s competitions revamp will see the Champions League extended to 36 teams and a “Swiss model” league system from next season.
Two of the extra places go to the top two performing nations across the three Uefa competitions in the preceding campaign.
England go into the completion of the last 16 stage of the Champions League – and the full equivalent in the Europa League and Conference League – in third position in the table, behind Italy and Germany.
But unlike the first stage of post-Christmas knock-out action, when only Manchester City and Arsenal were involved, all six of the Prem’s remaining teams will play this month.
And by the time the quarter-final survivors are known, it will be far clearer if England is on course for an extra place – or if the race for the top four will become even more vital.
Man Utd want Freedman for transfer chief role
Man Utd want to land Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman as their new head of recruitment, according to The Independent.
Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's and Ineos' 27.7 per cent takeover, Man Utd have moved to appoint Omar Berrada as their CEO and Dan Ashworth as their technical director - with both on gardening leave from Man City and Newcastle respectively.
Ineos want to appoint Freedman due to his broad knowledge of the game and know he should be available quickly with Palace's general stance being that they do not stand in people's way if they want to further their career.
Man Utd women accused of making "disrespectful" offers
Man Utd women have been accused of making "disrespectful" offers to clubs to try and players and trying to be overly pedantic about inconsequential figures.
A report from The Athletic details how the club's negotiation strategy has been to push for hard bargains.
However, this saw them submit "disrespectful" lowball offers for players while also trying to "save money on nominal figures".
The department has also been accused of being convoluted in its processes, with director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves, manager Marc Skinner, former football negotiations manager Sam Barnett and ex-head of women’s football Polly Bancroft - who left last month to become the CEO of Grimsby.
These issues have caused contracts for key stars such as Mary Earps to remain unresolved for more than 18 months.
Man Utd went back on verbal agreement to sign Russo deal
Alessia Russo left Man Utd after the club went back on a verbal agreement for a new contract, according to The Athletic.
Russo, 25, left Man Utd for Arsenal for free when her contract expired last summer.
However, it has now been reported that Russo had agreed to stay at the club after shaking hands on a new deal in January.
But the club went back on several conditions, causing the agreement to collapse.
This is said to have come with a lack of clarity on budget and strategy also detailed in the report.
Credit: Getty Supercomputer predicts final Prem table
A supercomputer has predicted the final look of the Premier League table this season.
The title race is on for Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool, but so is the race for the Champions League spots.
Man Utd are trailing fourth-place Aston Villa by 11 points and fifth-place Tottenham by six points - with Spurs also having a game in hand.
It won't become clearer until later this year whether England will claim one of the extra Champions League spots afforded by the new format next season.
But the Red Devils need to make it there in the league first.
Our supercomputer revealed how they fared in that endeavour...
Andy Cole says derby defeat showed how big the gap is following Ten Hag claim
Man Utd legend Andy Cole has said the 3-1 derby defeat shows how large the gap is between City and Man Utd now, despite Ten Hag claiming it did not.
Cole told Betfred: “It was what it was. They showed fight and endeavour, but you’ve got to be very honest and say that the better team won and they won comfortably in the end.
"I don’t know what people were expecting. I don’t know if they were expecting Manchester United to go there and get a shock win. If they had got a draw there, then it would have been an incredible result.
"However, Manchester United showed fight and spirit, so in the end, what more can you ask for in a derby?
“If you look at Manchester United this season, they’ve played a lot of counter-attacking football and we’re not used to them playing that way over the years because we expect to see a Manchester United team get on the ball and dominate games.
"I think that just shows you how big the gap is now. I’m not quite sure that the gap’s closing because if it was, then they would have gone to the Etihad and tried to play Manchester City at their own game."
Portugal can win Euros... but only if Man Utd legend doesn't play says Lebeouf
Frank Lebeouf has claimed Portugal are among the favourites to land the summer's European Championships.
However, he believes it can only be done if Cristiano Ronaldo does not play.
Speaking to BetVictor, he said: "For me, Portugal are actually one of the contenders for this summer's European Championships.
"I actually think they can win the Euros, but only if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't play.
"You cannot take away anything that Ronaldo has done for football just because he has gone to retire in the Saudi League.
"I want to thank him for taking the sport to another level, but there is an end for everyone. He has every right to play in Saudi Arabia, although I'm not sure he needed even more money!
"I have no problem with players coming to the end of their careers going to play in lesser leagues to earn more money, the same has happened with Lionel Messi.
"Both of them were fantastic players but they have chosen not to play at the top level anymore and we have to respect that. You can never take away what they have done for football.
"The competition between those two actually made the entire sport better. It made it more attractive."
'Players expect Ten Hag to be sacked'
Man Utd players reportedly expect Ten Hag to be sacked when Ineos reassess the Dutchman's position in the summer.
The Red Devils face an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League even if an extra spot is granted from the Uefa coefficient - though as it stands England won't be getting one of the extra spots.
Defeat in the Manchester Derby was the 11th in the league this season.
Man Utd in line for double injury boost
Besieged Man Utd could be in line for a double injury boost this week as Rasmus Hojlund and Aaron Wan-Bissaka near returns.
The pair could be back for either this coming weekend's clash with Everton or the FA Cup tie with Liverpool a week later.
Holjund found his form with eight league goals in seven matches before coming down with a muscle injury.
Wan-Bissaka has been out since January, though his injury has not been specified.
Full updates on the duo are likely to be given by Ten Hag when he speaks to the media later this week.
Up next for Man Utd
It is now do or die for Man Utd's season.
The next few weeks could be season defining, but Ten Hag's side will have some tough games to win including two against Liverpool.
Their clash with the Reds on March 17 is an FA Cup quarter-final tie, which forced the match against Sheffield United to be rearranged from its original date on March 16.
Ten Hag reaches 100 games
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reached 100 games as Man Utd boss over the weekend.
But how does he compare to his predecessors in the post-war era?
We looked at the 10 permanent Man Utd bosses since then.
Check out our video below.
Erik ten Hag's record compared to previous Man Utd managersMan Utd 'among main contenders' in Osimhen race
Man Utd have emerged as one of the main contenders to land Victor Osimhen. according to the Independent.
The outlet claims the Red Devils and PSG are both keen to make a statement signing in the summer, with the Napoli ace being among those candidates.
Osimhen, who has been linked with Chelsea extensively, has a £94m release clause.
Man Utd transfer warning
Manchester United board member Jean-Claude Blanc suggested Old Trafford's future could take priority over transfers in the summer.
The key is the quality of experience for the fans. We must have the courage to invest in infrastructure rather than in players.
This creates additional income which allows reinvestment in talent. I started my career following the construction of a temporary stadium for the opening of the Albertville Games.
At Juventus, there was the design and construction of a 41,500-seat stadium. At PSG [Paris Saint-Germain], we have worked a lot to effectively renovate the Parc des Princes.
At United we are watching. Old Trafford has been at the forefront for years but is catching up. Modernisation or a new Old Trafford? All options are on the table.
We see that things are moving a lot. Tottenham have a new stadium. Real Madrid are finishing theirs. Barcelona is working on it. Paris might have one one day.
Jean-Claude BlancAntony valuation dropped
Manchester United ace Antony's valuation has dramatically decreased.
According to Football Insider, the winger's value has dropped by more than half.
The Brazil international signed for the Red Devils following an £85.5million deal with Ajax in 2022.
And it's been reported that "no clubs in Europe or the Middle East would be willing to pay even half" of the fee the Manchester giants invested for the 24-year-old's signature.
Credit: PA
Roy Keane feedback
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has lamented one "scary stat" for Erik ten Hag's side this season.
That’s 11 league games they’ve lost. That’s one scary stat when you consider where United are.
Obviously they gave up so many goals in defeats. We spoke last week in the Fulham game, they lacked a bit of energy.
In the last 20 to 25 minutes [Manchester] City were just men versus boys at the end. United were just hanging in there and making mistakes at the end.
The lads coming off the pitch not quite getting up to speed while City’s players were coming on and making a difference and giving them energy.
Towards the end you’re thinking it could be four or five. You have to take it.
Roy KeaneScholes on Ten Hag
Manchester United manager Paul Scholes has given a brutal verdict on manager Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford under the new INEOS ownership.
What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away.
I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.
From the interviews we’ve heard with Sir Jim [Ratcliffe], I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years.
I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision.
Paul ScholesWayne Rooney's new gig
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has landed himself a job working on TNT Sports as he continues his dive into punditry.
Rooney appeared on BBC's coverage of United's FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest last week.
Now the 38-year-old is set to be on football fans TV screens again this weekend for Man Utd's clash against Everton.
The England legend will be alongside Rio Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott.
Wayne Rooney gives cheeky smile as he cryptically reveals 'we all know changes are coming' at Man UtdCav-ing a laugh
Former Manchester United star Edinson Cavani rolled back the years by scoring a brilliant hat-trick for Boca Juniors.
Cavani netted three goals in six minutes during Sunday's 3-2 victory over Belgrano.
The striker plays alongside fellow ex-United stars Sergio Romero and Marcos Rojo at Boca.
More from Casemiro
Despite the clear disparity between Manchester United and Manchester City, Casemiro claimed his team was "comfortable" for some of Sunday's derby, before the game got away from them.
We started well. We know that City like to have control of the game, but we were always comfortable.
Of course, when they press you, they always create opportunities, but we also had some opportunities to make counterattacks.
It ended up that we went back to the second half and conceded the goal very early.
CasemiroCasemiro's message to Ratcliffe
Manchester United need to "mirror" rivals Manchester City if they are to taste success once more, according to Casemiro.
That is the big objective [to get to where City are].
We also have to be humble to accept that they are at the moment - not in history, as the history of Manchester United speaks for itself - but they are today the team to beat.
Everyone wants to beat City. We have a mirror here, which is City, and they have been doing a great job.
Casemiro
More on Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat will have one year left on his Fiorentina contract after his loan deal with Manchester United ends in June.
The Viola will have a decision to make regarding whether to sell Amrabat elsewhere at a reduced value or to reintegrate him and potentially try to extend his deal.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Juventus were interested in signing the midfielder in January.
Credit: Getty Bat out of hell
Fiorentina are readying themselves for Sofyan Amrabat's summer return after spending this season on loan at Manchester United.
SunSport revealed in December that United were not planning to sign Amrabat on a permanent deal following Kobbie Mainoo's emergence.
According to Football Italia, the midfielder's latest gaffe against Manchester City that led to Rodri setting Erling Haaland up for the third goal could make the Red Devils even less likely to trigger the option to buy.
The Morocco international has started just seven of United's 27 Premier League matches so far this term, coming off the bench in a further six.
Ten Hag on injury scares
Manchester United aces Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans were both withdrawn from Sunday's derby against Manchester City.
Ten Hag, who is dealing with a mounting injury crisis, revealed he had to take them off.
I had to take them both off. They fought to be part of this game but after 60 or 70 minutes we had to take them off and sub them.
We're working on players returning and I think players will return in the coming weeks, especially after the international break.
Hopefully Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford are not too bad, that they recover and we can use them in the next game against Everton.
Erik ten HagKhvicha Kvaratskhelia targeted
Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's father has dealt a massive blow to Manchester United, who had hoped to sign his son in the summer, by hinting the winger will stay in Naples.
Kvaratskhelia has also been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea.
I am so happy with Napoli’s title and that my son Khvicha contributed to winning it.
I am grateful to Italy and Naples for having welcomed and appreciated him as a person and as a footballer.
He’s the only one who can choose whether to stay at Napoli, but I think he will continue wearing the Napoli shirt. In any case, I will respect his decision.
Badri Kvaratskhelia
