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...
Man Utd vs Fulham subs
And here's who starts on the bench for Manchester United and Fulham:
Man Utd subs: Bayindir, Evans, Kambwala, Diallo, Amrabat, Collyer, Eriksen, McTominay, Antony.
Fulham subs: Rodak, Ream, Diop, Tete, Ballo-Toure, Cairney, Decordova-Reid, Traore, Broja.
Follow all the action in SunSport’s live blog coverage HERE
Liverpool vs Fulham XI
Here's who Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Fulham boss Marco Silva decided to start in their Premier League clash:
Ten Hag made some surprise picks as forward Omari Forson picks up his first ever Premier League start, while Victor Lindelof covers at left-back with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured.
Man Utd XI: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes; Garnacho, Rashford, Forson.
Fulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Wilson, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz.
Follow all the action in SunSport's live blog coverage HERE
Ratcliffe on Greenwood
Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to rule out the possibility of Mason Greenwood returning to the club despite all the controversy.
We will make a decision. I don’t know if he [Greenwood] could still have a future.
All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.
Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?
"He is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Greenwood 'to stay'
Getafe president Angel Torres claims Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood wants to stay at the club for another season.
They asked us about it, there was a lot of talk about the issue of abuse and we found out what had happened and I said, 'Let’s go’.
He has a clear conscience, he is very comfortable and crazy about staying another year.
It’s a matter that they [United] have to decide. There is new ownership. They have to decide.
In Spain he has a market but they [Barcelona] have money.
Barca’s way of playing would suit him well but it depends on Manchester United. If it’s true, he’ll tell me.
Angel Torres
Credit: Getty Party in the USA
Manchester United will battle Liverpool and Arsenal during a pre-season tour of the USA this coming summer.
United travelled Stateside last year to face the Gunners, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in preparation for the 2023-24 campaign.
The Red Devils will meet the North Londoners once again in Los Angeles.
The friendly game will take place at the 70,000-capacity SoFi stadium on July 27.
Erik ten Hag's players will then travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to face the Reds on August 3.
That match will take place at the University of South Carolina’s William Brice Stadium.
Luke Shaw statement
Manchester United confirmed Luke Shaw will be out with a muscle injury.
United weren't specific about the period Shaw will be sidelined.
Luke Shaw has sustained a muscle injury and will be out for an extended period.
Further assessment is still needed to determine the severity but we expect him to be absent for a few months.
Man UtdRatcliffe's Ashworth warning
Manchester United minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe insists Newcastle would be "absurd" if they held Dan Ashworth to his 18-month gardening leave before letting him move to Old Trafford.
Talking about £20m seems a bit silly, personally. I won’t get dragged into that. What I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one-and-a-half years.
We had a very grown up conversation with [Manchester] City about Omar Berrada, when we approached him to become our chief executive. We sorted it out very amicably. They could see why he wanted to take that challenge.
You look at Pep [Guardiola]. When he’s done with one of his footballers he doesn’t want them to sit in the garden for one-and-a-half years. He doesn’t do that. That’s not the way the UK works or the law works.
Dan Ashworth is clearly one of top sporting directors in the world. I have no doubt he is a very capable person. He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world.
Sir Jim RatcliffeSir Jim Ratcliffe clearout
Manchester United minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe is planning a huge summer clearout.
According to ESPN, United could make a staggering 12 players available for transfer.
Anthony Martial will not be offered a new contract and will be allowed to leave on a free whereas Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Casemiro are among those who could be sold.
United will also consider bids for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen.
Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Facundo Pellistri and Brandon Williams are currently out on loan and will be allowed to leave at the end of the season.
Credit: AFP Rasmus Hojlund injured
Manchester United have been slapped with another major injury blow with in-form Rasmus Hojlund sidelined.
United found out Luke Shaw could miss the rest of the season due to a recurring leg injury, which could also cost him Euro 2024.
Hojlund has also been injured and faces a two to three-week absence..
The striker has suffered a muscle injury that will keep him out against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and the Manchester Derby against Manchester City.
Saudis back again
The Saudi Pro League could be about to take Casemiro off United's hands.
The midfielder has been unimpressive this season, but is attracting interest from several Saudi sides.
It is understood Saudi clubs also showed an interest in January but no deal came to fruition.
How much?
Chelse have set a record for the most expensive ticket in Premier League history for their match against Manchester United.
The Blues are charging £5,000 for a seat to watch the upcoming clash against United at Stamford Bridge.
The pricey tickets are located directly behind Mauricio Pochettino's dugout.
The club are also charging £3,000 for a seat there against Spurs, and £2,000 for their clash with Leeds in the FA Cup.
Redknapp predicts United win
Harry Redknapp has predicted a 2-1 win for Manchester United tomorrow against Fulham.
He told BetVictor: "I can’t exactly say they’ve been playing brilliantly, but Manchester United keep winning! Luton will feel hard done by to not get something from the game, but Erik ten Hag won’t care one bit.
"Fulham will make things hard for United, but I think they lack just that little bit of quality in the final third. It’s a well-coached side though, it won’t be plain sailing for United.
"I’m going for a 2 – 1 home win but I won’t be surprised if it’s another nervy finish at Old Trafford."
Credit: Splash Chelsea set Premier League record
Chelsea have set a Premier league record by charging fans £5000 for some tickets to watch the visit of Manchester United to Stamford Bridge.
They are also charging £3000 for their game against Tottenham and £2000 for their upcoming FA Cup fifth round clash with Leeds.
Nagelsmann appreciated by INEOS
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is an option for Manchester United in the summer should they decide to replace Erik ten Hag.
His contract with the national team will be up after the Euros and he has apparently always "relished" the idea of managing United.
French outlet Sports Zone claim he is INEOS' number one choice to replace Ten Hag should they sack the Dutchman.
Benfica star's touching moment
Bnefica star Joao Neves experienced the support of Benfica fans after the team overcame Toulouse in the Europa League last night.
The 19-year-old lost his mother to cancer last week, but still managed to play the entire game.
He appeared to be upset as soon as the final whistle blew and the support of his fans saw him burst into tears.
The silky midfielder has been linked extensively with a move to Manchester United over the last two windows and refused to rule out a move in a recent interview.
Bad week for injuries
It's been a week to forget in terms of injuries for Erik ten Hag.
The manager earlier announced that Rasmus Hojlund is set to miss at least two to three weeks of action - which could rule him out until the international break.
And the forward's absence comes after it was announced that Luke Shaw is likely to miss the rest of the season.
The left-back is in a race to get fit before Euro 2024 which will take place in Germany.
Hojlund to miss crucial games
Erik ten Hag confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund is set to miss two to three weeks of football earlier today.
The player has an unspecified muscle injury.
Manager Erik ten Hag - who has this week lost Luke Shaw for possibly the rest of the season - said: "It's a small injury, two to three weeks, that's what happened, that is the risk playing high intensity, training. It's not a big injury but he has to wait now for two-three weeks."
That means he will miss United's crunch FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday as well as the Manchester Derby the following Sunday.
The Red Devils have five matches before the international break next month and the Dane could miss them all.
Wembley of the north snubbed
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's much-maligned plan to get the taxpayer to fund Manchester United’s “Wembley of the North” is set to be rejected.
We revealed earlier this month that he was exploring the idea of building a brand new ground next to where Old Trafford currently sits.
The Theatre of Dreams is 114-years-old and fans have been complaining of a leaking roof, rusting metal and the dated venue that is lagging decades behind the homes of their biggest rivals.
One option could see the 74,000-capacity Old Trafford updated, renovated and expanded - at a cost of around £800m.
But Sir Jim would prefer to build a new venue adjacent to the ground.
However, The Times has stated “the government is likely to reject any approach by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for public money” to help fund it.
It also added that he had “yet to approach ministers and a government source said that public investment could only be considered for regeneration projects around the area, and not for the stadium itself”.
Ten Hag insists he has INEOS backing
Erik ten Hag has insisted he has the backing of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
His response comes after Ratcliffe steered clear of backing the manager in his first interview since officially taking over the club.
Ten Hag said: “We speak a lot. I have had many conversations with him and with Dave Brailsford about this club, about this team, about the structures.
“We are very aligned, it totally fits with the ambitions I have, ambitions I had when I came in.
“I'm 19 months in and I see we are going in the right direction.
“We have had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming, the squad developing, work hard on the training pitch, work hard during games, it's important to have players fit but also to construct the squad.
“We will be strong and we will be even stronger when we add even more qualities to this squad.”
Premier League needs manager age limit - Yorke
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has insisted that the Premier League needs to have a limit on the age managers can be.
The Manchester United legend has made his claim following Roy Hodgson's health scare earlier this month.
Yorke, 52, feels that the episode should be taken as a warning and has suggested that there should be a "cut-off point" for managers when they reach a certain age.
Yorke told Instant Casino: "Roy Hodgson has been absolutely magnificent throughout his career and for what he has done in the game.
"From a personal point of view, young managers need to be given the chance.
"Roy needs to be respected for the work he has done, but there comes a time when these managers over 70 years old need to be moved on.
"As players we have to retire and referees have to retire so managers should also be able to retire.
"I just feel like there should be a mandate and a cut-off point when managers get to a certain age."
Forson could start
Academy star Omari Forson is in line to start for Manchester United against Fulham tomorrow.
Ten Hag has reportedly been impressed by his ability in training and sees a big potential in the winger.
His potential appearance in the team comes with Rasmus Hojlund ruled out for 2-3 weeks.
How United could lineup without Hojlund
United were rocked by the news today that Rasmus Hojlund is set to miss the next two to three weeks of football.
Hojlund is the form striker in the Premier League and the league's top goalscorer this calendar year.
Here's three ways they could line up in his absence.
Insiders 'upset' about Greenwood return
Manchester United insiders are said to be upset about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the team.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised a "fresh decision" on the case under his stewardship.
Greenwood, who went on loan to Getafe in September, has not featured for United since he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.
All charges were subsequently dropped but the Red Devils suggested the former England man was unlikely to return to the club.
That stance now looks to have changed with Sir Jim at the wheel.
Ten Hag not feeling the pressure
Erik ten Hag was asked if pressure on him has increased since INEOS' investment in the club was confirmed.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was hardly committal on Ten Hag's future in his first interview following the takeover, saying "it wouldn't be fair to comment" on how the Dutchman is doing.
In response to a question about pressure, Ten Hag said: "Nothing. No more pressure because we have the same ambition, we have the same targets."
United no longer at risk of breaching PSP rules
Manchester United are no longer at risk of breaching Profit and Sustainability rules, according to the Daily Mail.
United’s annual income has risen considerably from £477m to £648m over the last three seasons, giving them more cash to spend this summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now going to sanction a significant transfer budget for United this summer.
