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...
Cheeky bid to land Pogba
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could be in line for a shock return to football despite being hit with a four-year ban, according to reports.
The Juventus star, 30, tested positive for banned substance DHEA in August and has not played since being given a provisional suspension a month later.
Pogba has been slapped with a lengthy ban and he cannot play again until 2027 as things stand, although he denies any wrongdoing and does plan to appeal.
He will be 35 by the time he is allowed back on the pitch.
But Pogba has been handed a surprise route back to football from a Russian celebrity league. A team named Broke Boys are interested in signing him.
They play in Russia's Media Football League, which is a division made up of teams that feature celebs like actors and influencers.
Broke Boys chief Artjom Chatjaturjan is serious about his interest in Pogba and has made him a contract offer.
He told Tuttosport: "It may seem like a joke, we called him. But so far he has politely refused.
"He is in a desperate moment and needs time to accept it, Pogba is one of the best footballers in world won't be able to play for that long."
Prem clubs vote for Uefa-style income rules
Premier League clubs have voted to switch from the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules to a new system, write CIARAN WISEMAN and MARTIN LIPTON.
The new system would mirror Uefa’s Squad Cost Ratio, tying spending on wages and transfers to a fixed percentage of income.
Clubs voted at a top flight "shareholders" meeting, with a broad agreement for the new system.
However, treble winners Manchester City did vote against the proposed switch.
The new system could be introduced as early as this summer and will not affect the ongoing cases against Everton, Nottingham Forest and City. Their cases will instead be judged on the existing financial models, report Sky Sports.
Forest and Everton were both charged with PSR breaches for the 2022/23 season back in January. The Toffees have already faced a six-point deduction this term for a previous PSR breach, with their penalty reduced from 10 points on appeal.
As for City, they were charged with over 100 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018 in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
Meanwhile, clubs rejected voting on the proposed £995m funding deal for the EFL - in a huge rebuff for chief executive Richard Masters.
Kylian and Erling together would storm Prem
Teaming Kylian Mbappe with Erling Haaland would guaranteed Premier League glory.
So says former ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas - amid contrasting situations for the strike heroes.
Haaland is battling back from injury while PSG's Mbappe is strongly tipped to join Real Madrid next summer.
Ex-Tottenham ace Gallas told Genting Casino: "I'd sign them both! They're both unbelievable players who have completely different styles for scoring goals.
"At the moment, Erling Haaland has not been at his best since he came back from his injury. Haaland has missed a lot of chances, like the one against Manchester United.
"He's not back in his best shape yet, but I would still sign both players to win a treble at a club like Arsenal or Chelsea.
"Every opponent would be in trouble if they played together."
'Chelsea should have signed Utd legend Ronaldo'
Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas claims Chelsea should have signed Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ron, 39, had a troubled second spell at Old Trafford before joining Al-Nassr in January 2023.
But he's always scored freely, including for Real Madrid, Juventus and Portugal.
And Gallas told Genting Casino: "Chelsea made a mistake by not signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He was available to sign and Chelsea would have been a good club for him.
"Everyone knows how important Ronaldo can be in the dressing room.
"He brings a winning mentality and it could have benefited the squad. It was a mistake by Chelsea."
Red Devils keen on Mikel!
Manchester United have reportedly been monitoring Real Sociedad's ex-Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino.
Spanish outlet COPE Sports claim Man City, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the 27-year-old.
Credit: AFP The 19-cap is said to have a release clause of 60million euros - around £51m.
But with just a year remaining on his contract, any transfer in the summer could be for a much lower fee.
The former Borussia Dortmund star was at Newcastle in 2017-19 before Sociedad bought him for around £11m
United are expected to target at least one new midfielder at the end of the season.
One reason is Sofyan Amrabat's seemingly-inevitable return to Fiorentina following a mediocre season on loan so far.
Another is the uncertain future of Brazilian anchorman Casemiro.
Why Carra reckons Liverpool vs City is now top gameEx-Liverpool defender Jamie, Carragher could not resist poking fun at Old Trafford icon Neville for his role in the infamous tunnel row between Arsenal's Patrick Vieira and United's Roy Keane in 2005.
Carra told the debate on Sky Sports: "Listen there’s no doubt, I’ve said that often, theirs was a bigger rivalry.
"They all didn’t like each other, he was running down the tunnel trying to get away from Vieira."
The bust-up at Highbury in 2005 was kickstarted by Vieira confronting Neville ahead of kick-off.
Carragher doubled down on his claim that the Liverpool/Man City is bigger than Man Utd's old one with Arsenal.
He said: "In terms of the quality, these are the better games 100 per cent. They never ever disappoint."
Neville joked back: "We’ll have a Premier League winners’ party next time I’m Monday Night Football."
Nev says Man Utd vs Arsenal is biggest rivalry ever
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville clashed on Monday Night Football on whether Manchester United vs Arsenal two decades ago or Man City vs Liverpool now is the Prem's greatest ever rivalry .
Neville called his fellow Sky Sports pundit "offensive" for picking the current-day duel - which saw a 1-1 Anfield draw on Sunday - during a debate that also included Gunners' legend Ian Wright.
Former Manchester United captain fumed: "Carragher’s statement that Liverpool-Manchester City over the last six years is the greatest rivalry is offensive.
"From 1998 to 2004, Arsenal won three titles and Manchester United won four, there was blood, thunder, quality. Everything you’d want in a rivalry.
"Over the last six years, Liverpool have won one title. It’s been an absolute demolition.
"For Ian Wright to stand there and not pull him up on it is unbelievable."
Prem giants duel for Netz
Manchester United are reportedly battling Arsenal for Borussia Monchengladbach left-back Luca Netz.
HITC say both Prme giants are keen on the German Under-21 star.
And the Gunners are said to have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old.
Prem clubs shake up financial rules
Premier League clubs have voted to switch from the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules to a new system, write CIARAN WISEMAN and MARTIN LIPTON.
The new system would mirror Uefa’s Squad Cost Ratio, tying spending on wages and transfers to a fixed percentage of income.
Clubs voted at a top flight "shareholders" meeting, with a broad agreement for the new system.
However, treble winners Manchester City did vote against the proposed switch.
The new system could be introduced as early as this summer and will not affect the ongoing cases against Everton, Nottingham Forest and City. Their cases will instead be judged on the existing financial models, report Sky Sports.
Forest and Everton were both charged with PSR breaches for the 2022/23 season back in January. The Toffees have already faced a six-point deduction this term for a previous PSR breach, with their penalty reduced from 10 points on appeal.
As for City, they were charged with over 100 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018 in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
Meanwhile, clubs rejected voting on the proposed £995m funding deal for the EFL - in a huge rebuff for chief executive Richard Masters.
Mbappe 'n Haaland would be dream partnership
Pairing Kylian Mbappe with Erling Haaland would be the dream Premier League partnership.
That's the claim from ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas - amid contrasting situations for the strike heroes.
Haaland is battling back from injury while PSG's Mbappe is strongly tipped to join Real madrid next summer.
Ex-Tottenham ace Gallas told Genting Casino: "I'd sign them both! They're both unbelievable players who have completely different styles for scoring goals.
"At the moment, Erling Haaland has not been at his best since he came back from his injury. Haaland has missed a lot of chances, like the one against Manchester United.
"He's not back in his best shape yet, but I would still sign both players to win a treble at a club like Arsenal or Chelsea.
"Every opponent would be in trouble if they played together."
Red Devils must 'go for jugular' vs Liverpool
Old Trafford legend Andy Cole has urged Manchester United to "go for the jugular" against Liverpool in Sunday's home FA Cup quarter-final.
The competition is United's best hope of silverware this season as they sit sixth in the Premier League - eight points off the top four.
Cole told Betfred: “I genuinely hope Manchester United go out there, in a one-off cup game against a great team, and go for it.
"If you don’t go for it in a one-off cup game, then when will you ever go for it?
"Go for the jugular and try to win the game as the home team.”
Cole added: “When I played for Manchester United we would always play the same, home or away.
"We would never change. When you’re the home team, you shouldn’t change for anybody. You’re the home team, so that’s your advantage.”
Pogba going for Broke?
Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could be in line for a shock return to football despite being hit with a four-year ban, according to reports.
The Juventus star, 30, tested positive for banned substance DHEA in August and has not played since being given a provisional suspension a month later.
Pogba has been slapped with a lengthy ban and he cannot play again until 2027 as things stand, although he denies any wrongdoing and does plan to appeal.
He will be 35 by the time he is allowed back on the pitch.
But Pogba has been handed a surprise route back to football from a Russian celebrity league. A team named Broke Boys are interested in signing him.
They play in Russia's Media Football League, which is a division made up of teams that feature celebs like actors and influencers.
Broke Boys chief Artjom Chatjaturjan is serious about his interest in Pogba and has made him a contract offer.
He told Tuttosport: "It may seem like a joke, we called him. But so far he has politely refused.
"He is in a desperate moment and needs time to accept it, Pogba is one of the best footballers in world won't be able to play for that long."
Diallo removes all Man Utd references
Amad Diallo has removed all reference to Manchester United on his social media accounts.
The winger has also posted a cryptic four-word bio on X after changing his profile picture and cover photo.
Diallo has been limited to just three first-team appearances this season after returning from a knee injury in December.
Credit: Rex He was once again an unused substitute on Saturday as United beat Everton at Old Trafford.
His X bio now reads "this will all end" in French, with his profile picture and cover photos now snaps of Diallo on loan at Sunderland last season.
Just one post remains since his return to United last summer, a changing room video with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo from Saturday.
Meanwhile, he has deleted all but three posts from his Instagram feed.
Amad Diallo removes all reference to Man Utd on social media accountsThe three remaining snaps are all from his time with the Black Cats last term.
They include one of him kissing the Sunderland badge and another of him celebrating a goal at the Stadium of Light.
Why Southgate could fit bill for Red Devils
Gareth Southgate for Manchester United, so why the hell not?
The prospect - first floated in this column a month ago - is an ever-more realistic possibility.
Two of Southgate’s key allies, Dan Ashworth and Dougie Freedman, have been lined up as United’s sporting director and head of recruitment by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Gareth Southgate could become the next Manchester United managerCredit: Reuters More than anything, United require squad unity. They need a coherent culture where there has been a chaotic circus - the very essence of the job Southgate has performed during seven and a half years as England manager.
Also, Ratcliffe says he wants United’s squad to have an English core.
There are an unusually high number of very good English footballers right now and no prospective United manager would be more likely to attract them than Southgate, who holds the absolute confidence of England’s elite players.
There have been howls of derision from many United supporters about the very mention of Southgate for United.
Some of this is down to delusions of historic grandeur.
BUT HERE'S THE FULL VERDICT ON WHY SOUTHGATE
COULD BE A BETTER FIT THAN DE ZERBI OR TUCHELLuca Netz transfer war
Arsenal are looking to beat Manchester United to Borussia Monchengladbach star Luca Netz’s signature.
According to HITC, the Gunners are keeping tabs on Netz ahead of the summertransfer window.
In fact, the North Londoners have sent scouts to watch the left-back in action.
However, United are also keen on the 20-year-old and have also sent reps of their own.
The Germany Under-21 international has registered a total of 25 appearances this season.
Neville on Arsenal’s title chances
Manchester United legend Gary Neville isn’t sure Arsenal can pick up a result against Manchester City at the Etihad on March 31.
And that could seriously affect the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes.
Arsenal could, but it’s at the Etihad. So you’re thinking are they going to have them on the ropes like Liverpool did in the second half?
I think Arsenal can do well at the Etihad as tough as it will be because Arsenal are playing very well.
You think about how anxious, nervous and on the ropes City were, it’s brilliant to watch actually City like that because they are a team of ultimate composure that you watch every single season be meticulous and melodic in everything they do.
And all of a sudden you see them here, and it’s like they are on a roundabout spinning for like five minutes and they come off and they don’t quite know where they are.
Gary NevilleMan Utd transfer advice
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has urged his former club to move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, insisting he has the quality to play for a “top team.”
He [Watkins] could play for one of the top teams, couldn’t he?
Villa are a top team but you’re talking about bigger clubs in Man United, Liverpool, Man City.
That’s a compliment to him, not that he has to leave Villa. But he’s capable of doing it.
The kid is so sharp, he has a great shape to him. His movement is as good as any striker in the Premier League, he’s having an amazing season.
Roy KeaneRoy Keane tips Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make move to 'top team' like Man Utd, City or LiverpoolMore on Sancho
Jadon Sancho is reportedly not keen to return to Manchester United after his loan stint at Borussia Dortmund ends in June.
According to Bild, Sancho has been "addicted" to Dortmund since returning to the Signal Iduna Park.
The winger does not want to return to United while Erik ten Hag is manager.
In fact, the England international blames Ten Hag for the downturn of his career.
Jad your chance
Borussia Dortmund have drawn up a plan to keep Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho next season.
Sancho scored his first goal since returning to Dortmund on Saturday against Werder Bremen at the Signal Iduna Park.
BVB want to retain the winger's services for next season, but his £350,000-a-week salary could prohibit a permanent transfer.
According to Bild, the Bundesliga giants want to sign the 23-year-old on loan again next season.
Dortmund feel that any loan fee and portion of wages paid demanded by United could be offset by selling Donyell Malen.
Edin Terzic's side also feel that the England international's determination to stay in Germany could work in their favour.
Man Utd target two Everton stars
Manchester United still plotting a double swoop for Everton stars Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.
That is according to the MEN, who claim that a source confirmed to them United “like the duo” and are continuing to monitor them.
Branthwaite, 21, and Onana, 22, have been two of the top performers for Sean Dyche’s strugglers this term.
And with the Red Devils primed for major upheaval during the summer amid the investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the pair may soon find themselves subject to an offer from Manchester.
Goldbridge reacts on Hojlund drama
Mark Goldbridge addressed reported complaints from a few Manchester United players towards his interview with Rasmus Hojlund for The United Stand.
What this is is an opportune pile-on, it's to distract. Its a distraction technique! And It's probably coming from these players. And the bottom line is, I don't understand the world we live in anymore.
Even if a couple of United players weren't happy with Rasmus for doing the interview, why do you think they weren't happy about it? Because they have been criticised for not being very good.
So United fans hear that and decide to side with the players that aren't good enough, against fans that call them out for not being good enough. Welcome to the world.
So basically you are going to side with players that aren't good enough for United to try and cancel a load of other United fans. I don't get that. It's not even true.
Mark Goldbridge
Credit: YouTube / The United Stand
Hoj no you don't
Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund has been spoken to by his team-mates after being interviewed by a controversial YouTube fan channel.
It appears some of his fellow United stars did not appreciate Hojlund speaking to The United Stand, with claims the show has criticised players in the past.
According to the United We Stand magazine, the striker was spoken to by team-mates about speaking to a channel "built on negativity and slaughtering United players", which he was not aware of.
Host Mark Goldbridge shared his thoughts, stating the club had every chance to stop the interview if they wished.
Hojlund 'spoken to by Man Utd stars after giving interview to controversial fan channel which slaughters players'Ten Hag to leave before Pochettino
Ally McCoist believes Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under more pressure and has more chance of being sacked before the end of the season than Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.
McCoist told talkSPORT BET:
Erik ten Hag is under more pressure at Manchester United than Mauricio Pochettino is at Chelsea, I think he’s more in danger of losing his job before the end of the season.
There’s more pressure on Ten Hag at United. He’s got more problems with his squad – the issues he’s had with the likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho… A lot of people saying Bruno Fernandes isn’t a captain. Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez have had their fitness issues and so United just don’t look the same defensively. I know Man United are higher up the league table than Chelsea, so the irony of me saying Ten Hag is under more pressure might not be lost on people, but I just think there are more problems at United.
For all of those reasons, Ten Hag is definitely under more pressure than Pochettino. Then you also have to consider the new ownership at United and some of the squad not seeming to see eye to eye – you know what player power is like these days, that could go against Ten Hag. The pressure just keeps growing on Man United.
You look at Liverpool who didn’t win a title for the best part of 30 years, I’m not saying it’s going to be 30 years before Man United win another title but we’re already a fair few years down the line since their last title win. They look as though they are still three or four years away from even challenging Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal! There’s big questions at Manchester United.
Ally McCoistJohnson on Ten Hag vs Sancho saga
Glen Johnson "respects" the way Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag handled Jadon Sancho.
Johnson told DAZN Bet:
We don't really know what goes on and how people are behaving behind the scenes but I respect Ten Hag for getting on and making the decision and dealing with the situation.
If there's a bad apple in the group and they're not training hard and they're ruining the sessions for other people, then they have to go. It doesn't matter how good or bad you think Sancho is. So I respect that.
If he wants to talk publicly about it, then obviously that's his decision. I'd probably rather keep it sort of in house and amongst my team and my team mates.
The other lads will be sensible enough to sort of disown that person rather than allowing them to ruin it for everyone. But there are a lot of bad, bad apples out there.
If they don't want to train, then all of a sudden there's a rift in the camp because we're running our nuts off and they're not, they're letting their teammates down.
Glen JohnsonPremier League title prediction
A supercomputer has predicted Manchester United will miss out on Champions League qualification.
According to bettingexpert’s supercomputer BETSIE, United will finish in sixth place.
The stats experts claim the Red Devils will miss out on fourth place with Aston Villa booking the final ticket for Europe's elite and revamped competition.
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