Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Donny van de Beek new club CONFIRMED, Barcelona eye Greenwood EXCLUSIVE, Lindelof contract

David de Gea targeted

Manchester United great David de Gea has “received transfer offers from bottom-half Premier League clubs and even considered retirement”.

According to The Athletic, De Gea has received a bid from unnamed Prem clubs.

The same source adds the goalkeeper has had “multiple offers and enquiries, ranging from teams at the top of leagues across Europe as well as those in the bottom half of the table”.

But “nothing could be agreed” and the report states the free agent “is reluctant to drop down the league” and the potential opportunity of replacing Andre Onana at Inter Milan had “little appeal” to him.

It then goes on to claim that the ex-Spain international has even considered hanging up his boots.

Further fuel was added to that as they reported that the 33-year-old “has been enjoying being away from professional football” after “years under the microscope and intense pressure at United”

Victor Lindelof extension

Manchester United are set to hold on to Victor Lindelof until next year.

United have triggered Victor Lindelof's contract extension, according to The Athletic.

The centre-back's deal had been due to expire at the end of this term but will now run until 2025.

It is understood the Sweden international remains an important part of Erik ten Hag's plans at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old has made 18 appearances so far this season, but is currently sidelined with a groin injury.

Barcelona target Greenwood

Barcelona are ready to offer Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt as part of a £40million summer transfer swoop, reports SunSport's Neil Custis.

Greenwood is catching the eye in Spanish football following his loan move to Getafe.

The LaLiga club want to sign the striker permanently but Barca are planning a £40m bid of their own — which includes that legendary No 10 jersey.

Messi left the Nou Camp in 2021 and his number was handed to Ansu Fati but it has not had an owner since the forward moved to Brighton on loan in September this year.

Now the Blaugrana want to use it to help lure the former England international to Catalonia.

Ten Hag blames injuries

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag blamed the loss at Nottingham Forest to injuries.

It's clear the result is very disappointing. We should have invested more in these moments. We created less before half-time. We didn't do enough. The second half was better.

We are losing the game by a goal and you saw the fight in the team. We had our chances, the football in the second half was better. They kept believing and going until the end but of course when the result is this, we are disappointed.

The players are not happy with this but we have to do better. We haven't played with the same team in a row. We had to change again so every time we have to swap our team. That doesn't help or support the routines of the team and it explains why you are so inconsistent.

We had nine different partnerships in the back. It doesn't matter as well, the fans don't want to hear this, they want to see us winning and that is what we have to serve them.

The injuries [are the main issue]. Also some issues but mainly the injuries hold us back in the process. In January we have a lot of players returning, so then our levels can be higher.

Definitely [Sir Dave Brailsford] will see we have our problems. You want to build on the last result but we have to change our striker.

It will happen [speaking to INEOS]. No doubt about that. We will work together to set high targets of course for achievements and structures, we will talk about that.

Erik ten Hag

January transfer window OPEN

The January transfer window has officially opened across the world, including the Premier League and EFL.

Prem clubs, such as Manchester United, can move for reinforcement throughout the month with top teams looking to push for the title while others fight to avoid relegation.

Transfer deadline day strikes at 11pm on Thursday, February 1 this term.

And deals can be rubber-stamped beyond that date if an extension is granted.

Free agents can sign for a new team even outside any transfer window.

However, Prem sides cannot sign permanent players after the transfer window closes, though some stars could still depart.

Battle for Stuttgart star

Manchester United are reportedly ready to battle Newcastle for Serhou Guirassy - despite Stuttgart star wanting to join Tottenham.

The Guinea international, 27, has a host of top clubs watching him after his sensational start to the Bundesliga campaign in Germany.

The striker has been in scintillating form and has scored 19 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions for Stuttgart and is only behind Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in the chase for the golden boot.

He could be on the move THIS MONTH due to a cut-price £15.1million release clause in his contract, making him an attractive and cheap option for potential suitors.

Former United man on the move?

Kieran McKenna may be in the middle of a managerial tug-of-war, with Brighton and Crystal Palace lining him up.

The Ipswich boss, 37, is trying to make the Prem with the Tractor Boys but may get a ticket to the top on his own in the coming months.

McKenna has impressed as a No 1 after his success in a coaching role at Manchester United.

Seagulls have him on an emergency list if Roberto De Zerbi is tempted away, and are known for spotting hot managerial prospects.

McKenna’s attacking style would suit Albion, who know their highly-rated Italian gaffer is admired by bigger clubs at home and abroad.

Palace are also keen on McKenna as they seek a long-term successor for Roy Hodgson, 76.

Who is Sir Dave Brailsford?

Brailsford has been brought in by Sir Jim Ratcliffe now he has competed his Manchester United takeover.

The cycling expert has become something of a sports performance guru in recent years and is now Ratcliffe's go-to man.

He has been head of cycling outfit Team Ineos and led Great Britain to an astounding 14 Olympic medals in Beijing back in 2008 and then Team Sky and then Team Ineos to seven Tour de France titles.

Find out more about Brailsford here.

Diallo ‘lined up for January loan move’

Ipswich fans are in line to make a sensational transfer swoop for Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.

Diallo, 21, impressed while on loan at Sunderland in the Championship last year.

The winger scored 14 and assisted four times during his stay with the Black Cats.

Many expected him to play a role in the United squad this year but he suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season which has seen him only recently return to training.

That means he needs minutes in the legs and high-flying Ipswich are reportedly willing to offer him the chance to return to first-team football with a loan move.

The Mirror report that Ipswich are looking at Diallo after an injury to George Hirst and the end of Dane Scarlett‘s loan from Tottenham.

Southampton are also set to rival the Tractor Boys to the signing of Diallo with the club sitting third in the table, five points off Kieran McKenna’s side.

An guard

Andre Onana is set to play for Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

That means No2 Altay Bayindir is in line to make his Red Devils debut in the FA Cup third round tie against League One Wigan on Monday, January 8.

Onana was named in the Cameroon squad on Thursday for the AFCON tournament which runs for just over a month from January 13.

As a result, Onana could miss six United matches and, with his indifferent form leading to questions over his long-term future, Turkish stopper Bayindir will have the chance to stake a claim for the Old Trafford No1 shirt.

Bayindir has played once in the UK this season, though, in a 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifying draw with Wales back in November.

Bayindir, who also turned out for his country in a friendly win over Euro 2024 hosts Germany last month, came on for Turkish captain Ugurcan Cakir in the 33rd minute of the Cardiff qualifier after the latter appeared to sustain a foot injury.

Man Nou

Barcelona are set to make a £40m bid for Mason Greenwood.

If the deal goes through, the Man Utd forward would become the tenth star to play for Barca and the Red Devils.

From Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Memphis Depay – check out how they all fared.

Man down

Manchester United have been knocked back in their attempts to sign Portugal defender Antonio Silva.

The 20-year-old had been linked with both the Red Devils and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

However, Benfica have no intentions of selling the centre-back next month, report 90min.

Silva has won seven caps for Portugal and was part of their 2022 World Cup squad.

Paul his leg

Hojlund ‘frustrated’ says United icon

Rasmus Hojlund is “frustrated” with his Manchester United team-mates, according to Paul Parker.

The former Red Devils hero told Tipsbladet: “Everyone hates Manchester United and Rasmus Hojlund.

“Experts and critics hope that he fails because he plays for the world’s biggest club, which nobody likes.

“The good thing is that the fans have always supported him, and they will continue to do so.

“I think he has been frustrated with his team-mates because they don’t provide him with the best conditions to score goals.”

Bailly finds new club

Eric Bailly has joined Villarreal on a free transfer after leaving Besiktas.

The former Manchester United defender was released by the Turkish side this week after just six months.

However, he has now re-joined Villarreal on a deal until 2025.

Bailly previously spent 18 months with the Spanish club before joining United in 2016.

Cutting corners

Lee Dixon has revealed why footballers don't take corners from inside the painted arc.

Generally, players place the ball just outside of the arc before taking a corner.

Rules state that it needs to be in contact with the paint, not directly on or inside the line.

Some football fans have been left confused by this, but Dixon claims that players do it for a practical reason.

Speaking on commentary for Amazon Prime during Chelsea's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the former Arsenal full-back revealed that the paint used to mark the arc is actually hard.

That means the ball sits in an awkward position when fully placed on it.

Therefore, players find it easier to take the corner when a fraction of the ball is on the line.

Rules also state that opposition players must remain at least 10 yards away from the arc until the ball is in play.

If the ball is placed outside of the arc or if an opposition player is deemed to be too close, the corner is usually retaken.

Hag enough

Man Utd have lost five games in December for the first time since 1933.

The Red Devils' 2-1 loss at Nottingham Forest on Saturday completed the set to end a disappointing month for United.

Erik ten Hag's side were also beaten by Newcastle, Bournemouth, Bayern Munich and West Ham this month.

It is the first time in 90 years United have tasted defeat five times in December.

A number of everyday items were not even invented the last time they achieved the feat, including Lego and instant coffee.

Step up, lads

United have to ‘step up’ says Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United’s new owners to stick with him after their defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Speaking after the match, he was asked how he can convince Ineos he is the right man.

“They know me and know when I have a squad that is available, results will be there,” explained Ten Hag.

“We were over-performing last year, so far this season we are under-performing. We have to step up.”

Not for sale

Man Utd have reportedly activated the option to extend Victor Lindelof’s contract.

The defender’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the season.

But according to The Athletic, he is now set to stay at Old Trafford until June 2025.

Man Utd have triggered the option to extend his contract by another 12 months amid growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

Lindelof had been expected to leave the club either in January or on a free transfer in the summer.

He allegedly turned down interest from Inter Milan and Ligue 1 side Rennes in August, instead deciding to stay and fight for his place in Erik ten Hag’s squad.

Pick of the bunch

Rio Ferdinand has revealed his pick for manager of the years.

He said on TNT Sports: "I think Gary O'Neil [has stood out], I had Wolves as relegation candidates at the beginning of the season.

"I think Gary O'Neil has come in and done fabulously well, him and Shaun Derry have been brilliant and changed things around there.

"Unai Emery has been magnificent [at Aston Villa] as well. [Roberto] De Zerbi at Brighton is doing magnificent things there, but Klopp for me is the big one with the way he's turned the team around.

"Last season they were way off it and fell off, but now they are top of the league and looking like title challengers again.

"[Ange] Postecoglou has changed the dynamic of that club [Tottenham] and I have been down to the training ground and it's impressive with what he has done, but he still needs time.

"But for me, it's Klopp with the way in which he's turned it round so much."

'So disappointed'

Gary Neville torn into Man Utd after defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Neville said: "Manchester United are back to what they are - inconsistent and awful.

"They walk off the pitch a defeated bunch. United fans behind the goal will go off so disappointed. Manchester United are back to their worst.

"I'm not really sure what this team is. It's a very difficult watch. I think everyone accepted that Erik ten Hag did a very good job in his first season.

"With the new ownership, Sir Dave Brailsford's going to be on a watching brief, week in, week out now. We're going to see him appear there in the directors' box.

"He's going to look at what this club is, on and off the pitch. What he's seeing at this moment in time he isn't going to like, along with all the fans behind the goal who travelled to Nottingham today.

"Ten Hag needs his players back - [Lisandro] Martinez, [Harry] Maguire, Casemiro, [Rasmus] Hojlund, Luke Shaw… and he needs to somehow finish the season strongly.

"But it's been a really up-and-down season. It's more down than up. Some of these performances are really, really poor. Well below anything that should be required at this level."