Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Dan Ashworth ‘accepts’ United role, Matthijs de Ligt boost, Jarrad Branthwaite race
DAN ASHOWRTH has reportedly accepted Manchester United's proposal as it is being considered a big opportunity.
The Newcastle chief is their top target to replace John Murtough as the club's football director.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have received a boost in their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt as he is reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich.
United are also eyeing up a summer move for Jarrad Branthwaite alongside Premier League rivals Tottenham, according to reports.
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Cheeky Man Utd fans begged Sir David Brailsford to sign Kylian Mbappe as he posed for photos with them.
The news broke yesterday that the French superstar has told PSG he will leave at the end of the season.
A fan asked the Ineos chief if he could end up at Old Trafford.
Brailsford laughed and replied: "I don't think so, he's probably off to Real Madrid ain't he."
Green Ligt?
Man Utd are supposedly in pole position to sign Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
The Bayern Munich has fallen down the pecking order at the German giants this season and he could supposedly push for a move after appearing to make a subtle dig at manager Thomas Tuchel.
Man Utd are keen to sign a new centre-back come the end of the season.
De Ligt worked with Erik ten Hag during their Ajax days.
Born to Run
Reports from the Mail claim that at Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Nice, Kenyan running coaches have been introduced to help players with their sprints.
They also suggest that at the Ligue 1 side, New Zealand rugby medics were brought in after the team were suffering injuries more common with the stop-start nature of rugby than football.
Money talks
Ineos will need the Glazers' backing when it comes to redeveloping Old Trafford.
And they are supposedly happy to finance the plans.
Debt procured would reportedly still need to be serviced and paid off, though it would represent a different prospect to the debt put on the club by the Glazers' leveraged buyout in 2005 due to it going on a facility which would increase club revenues.
A cash payment from the government to help fund the project is unlikely.
New look
There has been talks that Man Utd could build an entirely new stadium.
But those plans have reportedly been ditched in favour of revamping Old Trafford.
A "Wembley of the North" is wanted by the club and talks with the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and the FA have already begun.
Out with the Old
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already working on plans for the redevelopment of Old Trafford.
The Mail report that he has the idea to turn the ground into a 90,000-seater.
Apparently inspired by Tottenham's new stadium, a single-tier new Stretford End could be installed.
Mourinho address United rumours
Jose Mourinho has given a blunt response when asked about returning to Manchester United.
Speaking on Rio Ferdiand's the ex-United boss quickly made clear the rumours were "not from me" about his return to the Red Devils.
Mourinho was sacked by Roma last month, with reports soon linking him with a surprise return to Old Trafford.
He remains keen to return to management, though, adding: "Sabbatical time gives me only one thing - depression. So I want a different job. I just want to work but I need to be patient."
United's next five
Manchester United’s next five matches could go a long way to defining their season.
The Red Devils visit Luton this weekend before a home clash with Fulham on February 24.
Erik ten Hag’s side are then in FA Cup action away to Nottingham Forest four days later.
Returning to league action in March, United travel to the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester Derby and host Everton at Old Trafford.
Mourinho 'had contract' to become England boss
Jose Mourinho has sensationally revealed that he "had the contract on the table" to become England manager in 2007.
The legendary former Chelsea boss came close to coaching England's "Golden Generation" after leaving the Blues following his first spell in charge.
Asked to rank Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard in terms of ability on Rio Ferdinand's , he explained: "I could [have been] their coach in the national team, also yours..." and pointed to Ferdinand.
Mourinho then knocked on a coffee table and said "I had it there", referring to having a contract on the table from the FA.
Defender target
Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United.
report that the Red Devils want to sign the Brazilian in the summer.
A £60million price tag has been placed on the 26-year-old, who joined Juventus in 2022.
Bremer has made 25 appearances this season, scoring twice from centre-back.
United eye Olise
Manchester United are considering a summer move for Michael Olise.
The Crystal Palace winger has been a long-term target for the Red Devils.
According to , Ineos have now approved a pursuit of Olise after purchasing a 25 per cent stake in the club and taking over football operations.
Olise has scored six goals and added three assists in 11 appearances this season after missing the start of the campaign through injury.
Credit: Getty Hannibal woes
Sevilla have no intention of making Hannibal Mejbri's loan from Manchester United permanent, according to reports.
The midfielder joined the Spanish side in January until the end of the season with a £15million option to buy included.
However, report that the club do not currently plan to trigger the clause and Hannibal will return to United in the summer.
The 21-year-old has made two substitute appearances since his loan move, playing a total of 36 minutes in LaLiga.
Ratcliffe's Old Trafford plan
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a five-year plan to rejuvenate Old Trafford.
The new Manchester United shareholder now owns 25 per cent of the club and has taken over the Red Devils' football operations.
According to the , Ratcliffe plans to refurbish the current site, instead of building a completely new stadium.
He hopes to increase the capacity to 90,000 with a "new Stretford End".
A five-star hotel and a host of other facilities are also in the works to accommodate the fanbase.
Old Trafford currently only has a megastore and museum alongside the stadium.
United's next five
Manchester United's next five matches could go a long way to defining their season.
The Red Devils visit Luton this weekend before a home clash with Fulham on February 24.
Erik ten Hag's side are then in FA Cup action away to Nottingham Forest four days later.
Returning to league action in March, United travel to the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester Derby and host Everton at Old Trafford.
Malacia absence explained
Erik ten Hag has given an update on the continued absence of Tyrell Malacia through injury.
The full-back has yet to appear for Manchester United this season after undergoing knee surgery in the summer.
Ten Hag told reporters: "He had a setback during his recovery process. It takes too long - it's bad for him, bad for us.
"But now it's positive [and] he will return soon on the pitch. It won't take long before he's retuning to training."
Credit: EPA Shaw 'doubtful' for Luton
Luke Shaw is "doubtful" for Manchester United's trip to Luton on Sunday.
However, Erik ten Hag told reporters on Thursday "we are positive he can make it".
The United boss added that Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are all unavailable for their clash with the Hatters.
United 'working' on summer transfers
Manchester United are already working on their plans for the summer transfer window, according to Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils made seven signings last summer but did not bring in any additions in January.
Ten Hag explained: "We are working on the plans for the summer transfer window.
"We plan in this construction what we have in the club and for the future, it’s crucial to be on same page.
"At Man United you always need to look for better. Good is not good enough."
United boss 'very happy' with Ineos
Erik ten Hag has given his support to Ineos' plans to bring in new staff.
The new Manchester United shareholders are working to bring in a new director of football after taking over football operations at Old Trafford.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Luton, Ten Hag revealed: "I’m very happy in this construction.
"At Man United you can’t do everything alone and so you need very good people around you.
"I am happy, but a club like Manchester United absolutely need it."
Credit: PA Ten Hag on injuries
Erik ten Hag has given an update on Manchester United's injury list ahead of Sunday's trip to Luton.
The Red Devils boss told reporters: "Aaron Wan-Bissaka will take some weeks because he picked up another injury in training last week.
"For Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia it will take some more weeks."
United eye Prem winner for 'key role'
Manchester United are working on a deal to bring in Southampton's director of football Jason Wilcox to the club.
Wilcox would be handed a "key role" in the club's sporting department, where he would be reporting to the club's new sporting director.
He is yet to be formally approached by the club but claim he is aware of United's interest.
Wilcox, who won the Premier League with Blackburn in 1994, was Manchester City's academy director until last January, when he moved to Southampton to become director of football.
Brighton 'braced for De Zerbi exit'
Brighton are reportedly braced for Roberto De Zerbi to leave the club at the end of the season.
The report that he has been garnering interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
De Zerbi is said to have caught Ineos' eye since their takeover of football operations at United.
The Italian guided Brighton into Europe last season, with the Seagulls winning their Europa League group before Christmas.
Credit: Getty Luton vs Man Utd team news
Luke Shaw is an injury concern for United after coming off at half-time at Villa Park last Sunday.
The likes of Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are long-term absentees.
For Luton, Mads Andersen and Marvelous Nakamba are unavailable for this fixture.
New January signing Daiki Hashioka could feature for the first time for the Hatters this weekend.
United suffer huge injury blow
Man Utd are set to be without FOUR stars for the clash against Luton Town.
The Red Devils travel to Kenilworth Road on Sunday as they look to win their fourth match on the bounce.
Erik ten Hag will have to take his team with less depth than usual due to injuries.
The manager confirmed that Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia will still be absent.
He also revealed that Aaron Wan-Bissaka had picked up an injury in training last week.
Ten Hag also admitted that left-back Luke Shaw is also doubtful for the clash with the Hatters.
Arsenal Women make history
Arsenal Women have SOLD OUT the Emirates Stadium for the first time in the WSL ahead of Saturday's match against Man Utd.
The fixture will set a new WSL attendance record.
Credit: Getty