Man Utd News LIVE updates: Romelu Lukaku SHOCK, Arsenal Anthony Martial bid rejected

MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS LIVE UPDATES: Follow below for the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford…

Tuesday October 10

Rashford visits Joshua

20.25: Marcus Rashford has been to visit boxing champ Anthony Joshua in preparation for Manchester United’s scrap with Liverpool this weekend.

The United striker went with his brothers and friends to meet Joshua in Sheffield ahead of his fight against Kubrat Pulev on October 28.

The pair posed ringside for a picture which the England international proudly shared on Instagram with the caption: “Nice to meet the champ."

Joshua also posted the same image along with the message: “We got us.”

Ozil should snub Man Utd

15.50: Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil must not join Manchester United, according to former Germany striker Karl-Heinz Riedle.

"Ozil going back to Germany? Who knows," Riedle told broadcaster Omnisport. 

"There's a rumour that he goes to Manchester United. He shouldn't do it.

"Ozil is a quality player. If you see his skills, it's just amazing what he can do on the pitch.

“We would be very happy if he comes back to a club in Germany, for sure.”

“But if he is looking only for the money, then it would be very difficult to find the same kind of money in the German league than he can find in the Premier League."

Martial happy at Old Trafford

14:30: Anthony Martial is reportedly happy at Manchester United, despite reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.

Martial enjoyed a stunning debut campaign at Manchester United after his big-money move from Monaco in 2015, but has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Jose Mourinho.

He’s started just four games across all competitions this season, but has still impressed with five goals and six assists.

Arsenal were linked with a move for the 22-year-old over the weekend, with Arsene Wenger said to be a long-term admirer.

The Gunners manager has reportedly identified Martial as the ideal replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

But the Manchester Evening News claims Martial is ‘very content’ at Old Trafford and is not planning on leaving the Red Devils anytime soon.

Mourinho wants Roberto

14:00: Jose Mourinho wants Barcelona star Sergi Roberto at Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.

Roberto has established himself as a key player for Barcelona since breaking into the first team in the 2015/16 campaign.

He’s played in all-but one of Barca’s La Liga games this season as they sit unbeaten at the top of the table, chipping in with a goal and two assists.

And according to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is a huge admirer of the 25-year-old.

Mourinho is said to have told United chiefs to stop at nothing to sign the Spain international.

The Barcelona academy product has a £36million release clause in his contract, and Mourinho feels he’s worth every penny.

Babb: De Gea would make Liverpool title contenders

13:30: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea would make Liverpool definite title contenders if he joined the Reds, according to Phil Babb.

“I think roughly about 15 points a season,” Babb said De Gea would win the Reds.

“So that puts them in good stead. I think if Liverpool had De Gea in goal they would be a completely different animal and definitely title contenders.”

Schalke players expect Goretzka to leave

13:00: Leon Goretzka’s Schalke colleagues have already accepted that he will leave the club, but they aren’t exactly sure when.

The German talent has attracted interest from virtually every European heavyweight after numerous dazzling displays in the Bundesliga.

Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all been credited with interest in the 22-year-old, who netted a brilliant backheel against Azerbaijan on Sunday.

Schalke captain Ralf Fahrmann spoke about the midfielder, and conceded that he will probably leave the club.

He said: “I'd like him to stay here for a long time. But you also have to be honest. A man with his qualities is difficult to keep in the long run. In the long run, he will land at one of the top clubs. The only question is when?"

German newspaper Bild claim there are a number of clauses in Goretzka's contract that mean Schalke are unlikely to sell in January.

Barca to exploit Griezmann loophole

12:15: Barcelona are reportedly trying to sign Atletico Madrid star Antonine Griezmann on the cheap!

Spanish website Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona chiefs are looking at the Frenchman’s contract, and hope to exploit his release clause.

The report suggests Griezmann has an £89million release clause in his current contract that will expire on July 1.

However, after that date, another clause will kick in that doubles his price-tag to a whopping £178million until his deal expires on 2023.

It’s therefore been claimed that Barcelona will look to complete a deal before the World Cup next summer.

Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal, along with Real Madrid, have also been credited with interest, and might try to capitalise themselves.

Mourinho watches Mijat Gacinovic

11:30: Jose Mourinho reportedly underwent a secret scouting mission last week to run the rule over Serbia winger Mijat Gacinovic.

The 22-year-old started and played 87 minutes of Serbia’s 3-2 defeat to Austria in a World Cup qualifier.

United were in the market for a winger over the summer, and tracked Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic, although a deal never materialised.

Mourinho was also exploring the option of signing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, but the Welshman ended up staying at the Bernabeu.

The Daily Mirror report there were various conspiracies bandied about as to who Mourinho was at the game to see.

Austrian TV, the report cites, believed the Portuguese coach was there to keep an eye on Dusan Tadic, although sources close to United supposedly dismissed the idea.

However, the Mirror claim Mourinho was scouting Gacinovic, who is currently playing for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

The report suggests Arsenal had scouts to keep an eye on Gacinovic in his country’s previous two international games.

Arsenal plot Benzema swoop

10:30: Arsenal are ready to make a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to reports in Spain.

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Benzema, with Arsene Wenger said to be a huge admirer of his French compatriot.

And according to Spanish media outlet Don Balon, the Gunners boss is to capitalise on the 29-year-old’s uncertain future at Real Madrid.

Benzema only signed a new four-year contract at Real last month, but that hasn’t stopped speculation linking the club with Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski as potential replacements.

And with Arsenal expected to lose star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, who are both out of contract next summer, Wenger has eyed Benzema to fill the void should they leave.

Don Balon add that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has information from an insider at the Bernabeu on Arsenal’s interest in Benzema following his time at Real.

But Mourinho is reportedly not planning to bring the former Lyon striker to Old Trafford.

Atkinson to referee Man Utd vs Liverpool

09:30: You know it’s a BIG clash when we discuss who’s refereeing it.

Martin Atkinson will referee Saturday’s Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United.

Atkinson last officiated this match in March 2015, when he sent off Steven Gerrard just 38 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute.

Manchester United won 2-1 that day, and they’ve also won the only two other fixtures against Liverpool when Atkinson has been in charge.

Mourinho to battle Chelsea for Rose

08:45: Manchester United are reportedly set to return for Tottenham full-back Danny Rose in January.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was said to be keen on bringing in a new left-back during the summer as he still has reservations over Luke Shaw.

Tottenham’s Rose was high up on Mourinho’s shortlist, but Spurs resisted and kept hold of the England international.

However, according to transfer outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, United are expected to renew their interest in the 27-year-old when the window reopens in January.

Mourinho has mostly relied on utility man Daley Blind and right-back Matteo Darmian on the left-side of defence so far this season, with Shaw recovering from a foot injury.

TuttoMercatoWeb add that Premier League champions Chelsea are also interested in signing Rose in the winter window.

John Aldridge has pop at Manchester United

07:00: Manchester United have defensive frailties and David de Gea is called upon more often than Jose Mourinho would like.

Those are the thoughts of Liverpool legend John Aldridge.

While last season’s encounter on Merseyside finished goalless, it is hoped there will be more goals this time round.

And while Aldridge admits United are looking strong, he thinks there is still a question mark hanging over them.

“I know their record on paper is good, but they can be got at,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo. 

“De Gea is a great 'keeper but he's needed more than Mourinho would like, I'm sure.”

Jose Mourinho unhappy with Romelu Lukaku

06:00: Jose Mourinho is far from impressed that Romelu Lukaku is set to be involved in Belgium’s match against Cyprus later today, according to reports.

But after sitting out for the win over Bosnia at the weekend, Roberto Martinez is set to include the striker in the squad this evening.

He returned to training in Brussels and Martinez said that Lukaku is ‘100 per cent fit’.

But the Belgium boss risks angering Jose Mourinho if Lukaku features in the meaningless qualifier.

According to the Daily Mail, Mourinho is concerned that his star forward could suffer a recurrence of the ankle injury he picked up last week. 

The United boss will want Lukaku fit and ready for this weekend’s crucial clash away at Liverpool having had Marouane Fellaini ruled out of the match.

Gary Neville reflects on Fergie's hairdryer treatment

05:00: Gary Neville has revealed the extent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s dressing room arguments after Manchester United matches against Liverpool.

Despite United’s unparalleled success when the Premier League was formed, Neville admits things weren’t always rosy for the Red Devils.

And he has revealed Fergie was tetchy after a defeat and this in turn, made him turn on the players in the dressing room.

“The worst I've ever seen him consistently was at Anfield if we were losing at half-time or at the end of the game,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“He'd sit there unmoved in the dressing room at the end of the game while everyone was getting showered for 25 minutes. Just not moving.

"Once when I was a kid, just travelling, I remember him having a massive row with Schmeichel and Ince in the changing room.”

Jose Mourinho scouting trip

04:00: Jose Mourinho reportedly underwent a secret scouting mission last week to run the rule over Serbia winger Mijat Gacinovic.

The 22-year-old started and played 87 minutes of Serbia’s 3-2 defeat to Austria in a World Cup qualifier.

The Daily Mirror report there were various conspiracies bandied about as to who Mourinho was at the game to see.

However, they claim Mourinho was scouting Gacinovic, who is currently playing for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

It is reckoned Mourinho was given the lowdown on Gacinovic by Nemanja Matic, who has been impressed with the player’s work rate and ability to operate in a variety of positions.

Monday October 9

Romelu Lukaku not on Ballon d'Or list

21:30: Romelu Lukaku has been left out of the 30-man list for the 2017 Ballon d’Or.

Manchester United striker Lukaku has scored 11 goals in 10 games for his club this season.

He also bagged 17 for Everton in 2017.

Yet he has been overlooked along with Manchester City’s star striker Sergio Aguero.

Neymar, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann all make the 30-man list, as do Edin Dzeko and Radamel Falcao.

Ronaldo wants De Gea, Courtois or Ter Stegen to replace Navas

14:45: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants the La Liga giants to sign David De Gea, Thibaut Courtois or Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Real Madrid have endured a rocky start to the new season, winning the Spanish and European Super Cups but struggling when it comes to the league.

Zinedine Zidane’s side claimed a first league title since 2012 last season but, seven games in, sit seven points behind fierce rivals Barcelona at the summit.

Their inconsistencies has led to speculation they could be about to embark on a spending spree at the end of the campaign, with goalkeeper Keylor Navas likely to be replaced with a bigger name.

And Spanish outlet Diario Gol say Cristiano Ronaldo wants a world-class goalkeeper to arrive - and has three big players in mind. 

It is said that among them are Premier League stoppers De Gea and Courtois.

Diario Gol say Ronaldo would also love the La Liga giants to sign Ter Stegen.

Mata shoots warning to Liverpool

14:20: Manchester United star Juan Mata has warned Liverpool that the Red Devils are in a ruthless mood ahead of their Premier League clash.

“Obviously, we also have to talk about our next Premier League game, in Anfield,” he wrote on One Hour Behind. 

“This is one of the big games of the season without a doubt.

“There’s no need to say what it means for us and for our fans, and I hope that we can play a great game and take the three points to Manchester. We will try to extend our good run of results since the season started.

“I also hope that none of my team-mates has physical problems in the second game with the national teams as it was the case with Fellaini, to whom I wish a speedy recovery.”

Star players available for FREE next summer

13:30 Barcelona ace Lionel Messi is one of a host of star players who could leave his club on a free transfer next summer.

The Argentine ace has yet to sign a new contract with Barcelona and the Catalans will be growing anxious as the January transfer window approaches. 

Any player whose contract is due to expire in the summer of 2018 can agree to join a foreign club on a free transfer when the winter window opens. 

And Messi could be one of a number of top class players who could be tempted with a bumper new deal elsewhere. 

In the Premier League, Arsenal duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have been stalling on signing a new contract while Manchester United have a handful of star men who are nearing the end of their current deals. 

So which players could be available for free next summer?

Click through the gallery HERE to find out!

Griezmann thinks United are coming

12:45: Atletico Madrid hitman Antoine Griezmann thinks Manchester United still plan to sign him at the end of the season.

The France forward nearly signed this summer, only for Atletico's transfer ban to scupper a move.

And Don Balon report Griezmann thinks United may try and get him again.

However, the Red Devils are not the only European heavyweight plotting a summer bid.

Griezmann is also said to be tickling the fancy of both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Mbappe wants Griezmann at PSG

12:00: Paris St-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has asked the Ligue 1 giants to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, reports say.

PSG enjoyed a stunning summer transfer window, with Mbappe arriving from Monaco on loan with a £166million transfer looming large next season.

The France international was joined at the Parc des Princes by Neymar, who signed from Barcelona in a controversial £200m deal.

Their successful summer means, however, that Edinson Cavani could depart with the Uruguay international clashing with Neymar during a league game against Lyon last month.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon claims Mbappe has asked PSG to raid Atletico for Griezmann should Cavani be sold at the end of the current campaign.

Messi gives blessing

11:00: Lionel Messi gave Barcelona the green light to make a move for Antoine Griezmann over the summer, it has been claimed.

Barcelona endured a rocky summer, losing Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain on the back of a season where fierce rivals Real Madrid had reigned supreme domestically and in Europe. 

Their attempts to land a replacement were made difficult by the hard stances of both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool surrounding Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona eventually signed Dembele for a huge £96million, while they were unable to convince Liverpool into letting Coutinho move to the Nou Camp.

And Spanish website Don Balon say Lionel Messi wanted the club to sign Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

United reject Arsenal bid for Martial

10:00: Manchester United have rejected a bid from Arsenal for Anthony Martial, according to reports.

Manchester United have enjoyed a stunning start to the new season, with Martial showing significant signs of improvement from last term.

Under Louis van Gaal, the France international took English football by storm, scoring 17 goals in his first season at the club.

But, after Jose Mourinho took the reins last term, the 21-year-old struggled with his goal tally dropping to eight.

Arsenal are being tipped to move for Martial at the end of the season, particularly with Alexis Sanchez’s future still shrouded in uncertainty.

And Transfer Market Web say the Gunners have already seen a bid for the wing wizard rejected by United.

It is said Arsenal want to get a deal for the youngster done in January.

‘There’s nothing left of Memphis Depay’

9:00: Former Dutch international  Wim Kieft is astonished by Memphis Depay’s career trajectory since he left PSV Eindhoven for Manchester United.

Depay, 23, failed to establish himself at Old Trafford before signing a four-and-a-half year deal with Lyon.

Kieft told Ziggo Sports: "What has happened to the boy in his development? I'm so sorry. He's a different boy.

"He was good in the youth at PSV. But was also on the edge: 'How should I behave?' That went a long way. At PSV he found his way. So we thought he was on the right track, but there's nothing left of him.

"It seems he has a lot of self-confidence, but he loses the first ball he gets. I'm very sorry." 

United free to sign Bale

08:45: Manchester United are free to sign Gareth Bale next summer with reports claiming Real Madrid are happy to let the Wales international depart.

Bale nearly joined Manchester United four years ago, only for the 28-year-old to move to Spain with Real Madrid instead.

The Wales international has won the Champions League three times since leaving Tottenham, starring under Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benitez and Zinedine Zidane.

However, his Real career has taken a turn for the worse in recent months, with the Bernabeu crowd booing and jeering him.

And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo says that Premier League teams are now free to sign Gareth Bale with Real happy to do business for the wing wizard.

That news will surely prick the ears of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

The 54-year-old was determined to make Bale his marquee signing of the summer, knowing the rise of Marco Asensio could see him struggle for game time.

The Wales international eventually opted to stay put but Mundo Deportivo claim his Real career is now winding down. 

PSG eye David de Gea

08:40: Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has emerged as a player of interest to Paris Saint-Germain.

After a shaky start to his career at Manchester United, De Gea has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

United have seen off considerable interest in De Gea from Real Madrid in the past and are now hoping to extended his contract.

But PSG made a huge statement to world football when they signed Neymar and Kylian Mbappe during the summer and, with the backing of Qatari ownership, they are likely to make more big deals in the coming windows.

And according to French outlet Le10 Sport, PSG are now considering a move for De Gea.

Current goalkeepers Kevin Trapp and Alphonse Areola have failed to convince at the Parc de Frances.

Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is mentioned as a transfer target but De Gea is viewed as a possibility at the end of the season.

Blind to Galatasaray

08:35: Daley Blind could be leaving Manchester United for Galatasaray in the January transfer window, suggests Calciomercato.

The possible departure of the full-back could signal good news for Matteo Darmian, who has struggled to find a place United's starting XI.

The Italian could fill the void if Blind's move to Turkey comes to fruition.