Man Utd news LIVE updates: Lukaku £150m claim, Mourinho title prediction, Young talks

Man Utd news LIVE updates: Follow below for the latest news and gossip from Old Trafford

Wednesday September 6

Young's crunch talks

22:30: Ashley Young is set for crunch talks with Jose Mourinho over his Manchester United future.

The winger’s current contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the summer and he was expected to leave in the previous transfer window.

The Manchester United ace has a 12-month extension option in his deal and the former England international hopes the club activate it.

However, Young would likely only be used as a squad player having not played a single minute of football this term.

The Sun claim Jose Mourinho is expected to tell Young he can leave and United will not stand in his way if he wants regular football.

Herrea hoping for good weather

18:01: Ander Herrera suggests Manchester United will need the weather on their side in order to beat Stoke on Saturday.

"The Premier League is very long and every team can beat you," Herrera told MUTV.

"Now we have to face Stoke, and we've had four seasons without winning there.

"It's been a good way to start [the campaign] but we cannot relax.

"We are ready to face them and, hopefully, the weather is not so bad there because, when it is bad, it is very difficult to play.”

Stoke game crucial - Gale

17.20: Manchester United’s game at Stoke this weekend is crucial to their chances of success this season, according to pundit Tony Gale.

United struggled against side’s lower down the table last season, especially at Old Trafford, but Gale does not think they will have the same problem this term.

However, he says they must pick up all points available on Saturday against a Stoke team who have already beaten Arsenal at home this season.

“I think it’s a crucial game for United, even at this stage of the season,” Gale told Sky Sports.

“I think teams that are losing points, even now, it’s going to stack up when you get to midway through the season.”

United 7/1 to sign Sagna

13:45: Arsenal are in the running to sign France international Bacary Sagna, according to the bookies.

The right-back left London for Manchester City in 2014 after 284 appearances for the club, but he’s now a free agent after being released by Pep Guardiola’s side.

BetStars Director of Trading Ian Marmion said: “Arsenal are 3/1 contenders to snap up 34-year-old Bacary Sagna, who is currently a free agent after being released by Manchester City.

“Former French International Sagna spent seven seasons with the Gunners and won the FA Cup in 2014 before moving north to join the Etihad side.

“Serie A side Torino are favourites to sign Sagna and are priced at 5/2 with BetStars to recruit him to replace Davide Zappacosta, who made a deadline day switch to Chelsea.

“Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in signing the experienced right-back. The Eagles are 7/2 to bring him to Selhurst Park with Premier League champions Chelsea poised at 5/1.

“A move to Old Trafford can be backed at 7/1 as Jose Mourinho seeks defensive reinforcements amid an injury outbreak.”

UEFA chief backs transfer window changes

13:10: UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has backed calls for the close-season transfer window to end before the start of the domestic league season across Europe.

The chairmen of the 20 English Premier League clubs will vote at a shareholders meeting on September 7 to decide if their window should close before the season starts and several managers have voiced their support for the change.

The current transfer deadline is on August 31 while the Premier League began on August 11. The proposed change to the window requires 14 out of 20 votes to go through.

The idea has received support as it removes uncertainty and prevents the loss of key players after the start of the season.

"I am aware there are serious discussions around Europe regarding the shortening of the summer transfer window and we are following them closely," the head of European football's governing body told The Times in an emailed statement.

"In my view, it is not good when footballers play for one club when the league starts and another club when the transfer window closes. There is a lot of uncertainty for a long time.

"Therefore I would say that the window might be too long and I would support it being shorter."

Chelsea 'deserve' credit for selling Matic

12.30: Chelsea deserve credit for letting Nemanja Matic join Manchester United, according to pundit Joleon Lescott.

Lescott says the norm for clubs is to not sell to a direct rival but reckons Chelsea should be applauded for letting Matic move to the club he wanted to go to after telling him he can leave.

“I know it’s going to sound strange me saying this, but I think Chelsea do deserve some credit in the fact that they made it clear to the player they didn’t want him and then they didn’t hinder him going to his destination of choice,” Lescott said on Sky Sports.

“In previous situations clubs would say they don’t want you and restrict you from going to rivals. 

“Obviously Chelsea haven’t done that so you can applaud them for that aspect.”

Mourinho eyes Rose/Shaw swap

11:50: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is considering offering Luke Shaw as a makeweight to sign Tottenham star Danny Rose, reports claim.

The Mirror claim Mourinho is desperate to bring Rose to Old Trafford.

And would be willing to send Shaw to White Hart Lane to link up with Mauricio Pochettino, who he served under at Southampton.

Shaw has struggled for form and fitness during his United career, and Mourinho is unsure about his future in the North West.

Woodburn like Rashford - Saunders

11:00: Liverpool and Wales teenage sensation Ben Woodburn has similar attributes to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to pundit Dean Saunders.

Saunders says Woodburn, 17, must be told to keep his feet on the ground by Wales boss Chris Coleman and club manager Jurgen Klopp.

But reckons he is showing performances well beyond his years, similar to 19-year-old Rashford.

“He doesn’t play like a 17 year old. Last night he looked like a 30 year old,” Saunders said on talkSPORT.

“He was back-heeling it, he was bringing the ball out of the sky. Walking with the ball, you know a bit like Rashford did late on in the game.”

Done Deal: Manchester United appoint Sadowski

10:25: Manchester United have appointed Piotr Sadowski their new Central Eastern European scout.

Sadowski, who was formerly managing director of Lech Poznan’s academy, announced the news via his official Twitter account yesterday.

He wrote: “A new chapter. It's time to begin. #ManUtd #RedDevils @ManUtd @AcademyManUtd.”

In a statement, Lech Poznan wrote: “Thanks to Peter for over two years of co-operation. This was a period of important change in the academy which had a good effect and was successful.

“We wish him continued success and we are delighted that the experience he has gathered in Poznan has proved to be of great value to such a recognised brand in the football world as Manchester United.”

Mourinho: Barca are at fault

09:40: Barcelona are responsible for their own failure to sign Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, according to Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

The Spanish club made three attempts to sign Coutinho over the summer, the last a £118million bid made up of a large number of add-ons.

Despite the 25-year-old having made a transfer request, Liverpool were determined to keep him and remained adamant that the player was not for sale.

And Mourinho believes Liverpool would have sold their Brazilian star if Neymar had not transformed the market by joining Paris St-Germain for a world-record £199m fee.

“Neymar changed everything. "If the biggest transfer in history had still been Paul Pogba, I think Philippe Coutinho would now be in Barcelona at £101m.” Mourinho told The Times.

Jose takes aim at Arsene

08:50: Jose Mourinho appears to have taken a swipe at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, criticising short-sighted, long-serving managers.

"I prepare clubs for success. I think I prepare clubs in a way where, when I leave, the new manager arrives at a top club,” Mourinho told The Times.

"If you're in a club one or two years - or any job - if you leave a structure to be even more successful without you than with you, that's not short-term. 

“That's long-term.

"Short-term can be the guy that is at one club 10 to 20 years and when you leave the club, it's ready for failure.”

Sagna to snub Premier League interest

07:55: Bacary Sagna is eyeing a move to Italy despite interest from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United, reports claim.

The veteran French international, 34, is currently a free agent having been released by Manchester City last season.

Express Sport revealed last week that Manchester United and Chelsea considered signing Sagna on transfer deadline day. Leicester also thought about adding him to their ranks.

But Italian outlet Transfermarketweb claim Serie A side Torino are monitoring Sagna, and could offer him a short-term contract to replace Davide Zappacosta.

Lukaku & Matic could have cost £200m

06:45: Jose Mourinho believes Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic would have been significantly more expensive if they’d signed later in the transfer window.

Manchester United signed Lukaku for £75million plus £15m in performance-related add-ons, while Matic cost £40m from Premier League champions Chelsea.

Eyebrows were raised when the pair arrived for a combined £130m, but Mourinho thinks they could have cost £200m if they were bought after Neymar’s world-record £199 million deal to Paris St-Germain.

"I think we were very clever," Mourinho told The Times.

"We thought that something could happen that could change the market forever. Normally the last part of the market is less expensive, but this season, after Neymar, everything changed —and changed for the worse in terms of prices.

“I think Lukaku on August 31 would have been £150m. Matic would have been £60m or £70m. Neymar changed everything. If the biggest transfer in history had still been Pogba, I think Philippe Coutinho would now be in Barcelona at £101m.

"People look to the £200m figure now.

“Now the players of £20m became £40m, the players of £40m became £60m and everything changed. Lukaku and Matic, now, would have cost us £200m in total.

“But because we did it in the first part of the summer, it was much less. I think we did well in financial terms and well in preparation terms, getting them before the season started. That is not crucial but it is important."

Mourinho title prediction

04:00 Jose Mourinho believes he needs three transfer windows to get Manchester United to where he wants them to be.

Mourinho spent close to £150million this summer on new transfers and his new look squad have made an impressive start to the campaign.

But the United boss believes he still needs more additions to get the Red Devils back to the summit of world football.

“We’re going to fight against very good teams, but we’re going to try,” Mourinho told The Times. 

“I have said three [summer] transfer windows is what I need to have the team I want to have, the team I think can bring Manchester United to the top of English football and to close the gap to the top of European football again, and I still think we need that third transfer window, but I’m not going to wait for the third transfer window to try to reach it.” 

Rashford special

02:00 Juan Mata claims he always knew Marcus Rashford was a special talent.

The teenager stole the headlines once again earlier this week with the winning strike in England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia.

It’s been a whirlwind 19 months since bursting onto the scene in a Europa League tie against Midtjylland In February 2016.

But Mata admits he had no doubts that Rashford continue his meteoric rise.

“I’m not surprised,” Mata told talkSPORT.

“Since the first moment we saw him in training, we thought he was something special.”

Tuesday September 5

De Gea talks with Ramos

22:35: David De Gea has reportedly called on Sergio Ramos to help facilitate a move to Real Madrid.

De Gea is thought to be keen on plying his trade at the Bernabeu in the near future though, and Spanish publication Diario Gol claim he is taking matters into his own hands.

The goalkeeper is currently on international duty with Spain and has asked Madrid captain Ramos to help facilitate a move to capital. 

The report claims Madrid president Florentino Perez wanted to bring the 26-year-old to the Bernabeu this summer but Zinedine Zidane blocked a move.

The Frenchman has put faith in Keylor Navas once again but could pursue De Gea after the 2018 World Cup.

Rashford will be a world beater - Cole

21:42: Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has the potential to become a world beater, according to Red Devils legend Andy Cole.

Cole said of Rashford: "He's a young man, he's hungry, he's got loads of desire and passion.

"What I like about him is that he plays every game like it's his last. 

“If he continues to improve with the players he's got around him he could be a world beater, he's definitely got the quality.

"His attitude is bang on, he works hard and wants to improve. 

“I was listening to him last season talking about how much he was watching Wayne [Rooney] and Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] and how much he learns off those guys. 

“He's taking it all on board and taking it in his stride."

Matuidi snub 

19:53: Blaise Matuidi turned down three clubs in England to join Juventus in the summer.

That is according to France Football, who claim Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City were all interested in signing Matuidi.

The Premier League trio reportedly all made advances for Matuidi, but the 30-year-old had his heart set on a move to Juventus.

Jones credits Lukaku and Rashford for fine form

18:35: Phil Jones has accredited his fine form to going up against Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford in Manchester United training.

“As a defender, you want to play against the best strikers in the world,” Jones told the club’s official website. 

“You want to test yourself and prove to people that you’re good enough to do that.

“Playing against these players in training every day makes me a better player. 

“It gives me a better understanding of how to deal with these types of players when they’re on the opposing team.”

Real Madrid wary of Rodriguez repeat

16:45: Real Madrid are worried they may struggle to offload Gareth Bale this summer.

Real had to fight to offload James Rodriguez, with Europe's elite snubbing a deal.

And Don Balon are worried Bale's stock could plummet over the forthcoming season.

Consequently, that would do their chances of getting rid of the Wales international no favours. 

Van Nistelrooy impressed by Rashford

16:00" Ruud van Nistelrooy believes Marcus Rashford has integrated well into Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United side.

“As a striker, of course, you depend on service, and now there’s a team that can create chances and can get you balls in the box as well, gets passes in, they can make your runs and get crosses in and that helps a lot,” Van Nistelrooy said.

“Looking back on what Marcus Rashford came into he’s done spectacularly well, as a young lad coming in to a team that didn’t score that many goals.

“He’s done brilliantly, so I think the development he’s gone through means he will only get better now.

United need two more - Bolt

14.40: Manchester United’s squad are not strong enough to win the Champions League this season, according to eight-time Olympic Gold medalist and huge Red Devils fan fan Usain Bolt.

Bolt reckons more potency up front and solidarity at the back is needed when the transfer window reopens in January.

“The Champions League is going to be hard, you know what I mean,” Bolt told ESPN.

“I think we’re missing a few vital (players), I think we need maybe one more striker, maybe a stronger defence and then we will be fine. One striker, one defender.”

Barca defeat shows United are strong - Wilkins

12.05: Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup win over Barcelona last month shows just how good a team Manchester United are, according to pundit and former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins.

Real Madrid east past Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate to win Spain’s season curtain raiser.

Just five days before the first leg, Real had beaten United 2-1 in the European Super Cup final.

Wilkins says the ease of which Real went on to beat rivals Barcelona shows how good United are.

“When I saw them lose to Real Madrid I thought ‘wow’ that was a beating but at times Manchester United took them to the sword as well,” Wilkins said on Sky Sports.

“Then when I saw Real Madrid play Barcelona and they wiped the floor with Barcelona, I think it puts into perspective how good Manchester United could be this season.”

Matic raves about Keane

11.55: Nemanja Matic has revealed his childhood idol was Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

"He is a legend of Man United and was a very important player for them for a long time,” Matic said.

"When I was young, when I started playing football, he was at his best and was a great player, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

"I tried to take from every player something good to improve myself, and he was one. 

“I am happy now that I play in the same club as he played.”

Matic worst decision ever - Wilkins

11.15: Chelsea allowing Nemanja Matic to join Manchester United this summer was the worst transfer decision of all time, according to pundit Ray Wilkins.

Wilkins believes Matic has not only strengthened United but has also helped Paul Pogba have more influence in midfield.

“It’s the worst I’ve ever seen, if I can say,” he said on Sky Sports.

“I just could not see that for the life of me, why would we let Nemanja go there? 

“He’s been outstanding for us and you’ve seen in the short period that he’s been there how he’s allowed Pogba to basically do what he wants.”

Tense Ronaldo and Mourinho relationship

11:00: Manchester United are not interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo due to his 'tense relationship' with Jose Mourinho.

That is according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

He wrote in Spanish newspaper AS: "Manchester United does not want Cristiano Ronaldo. 

"For some time, since the departure of David Moyes, the English [side] have not considered signing the Portuguese. 

"It is not just the tense relationship with Jose Mourinho: the Reds consider that the players for whom they must bet for sports and commercial reasons are others."

Galvanising Zlatan Ibrahimovic

09:55: Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return will galvanise his team-mates in their push for trophies

"Ibrahimovic is an immense player who will galvanise the squad during the second half of the season," Saha told Omnisport.

"Competition for places within the squad is great.

"Leadership is vital to win trophies like the Premier League and Champions League.

"I cannot wait for him to resume playing again at Old Trafford."

Draxler never considered move

09.25: Julian Draxler claims he never thought about leaving PSG last month.

Draxler’s future was in doubt after the signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

He was linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

But the German insists he is looking forward to the competition for places and the project in Paris.

“I only played two games for a short time [on the pitch] in Paris, but I came back to training four weeks later than other players because of the Confederations Cup,” Draxler told RTL. “That’s something which is forgotten about in the media sometimes.

“The 90 minutes [against Norway] have been very, very important for me. I also sent a sign to Paris that they can bank on me.

“I am greatly looking forward to playing with [Neymar and Mbappe] — but, if players are bought for €222m or €180m, they have an advantage on paper.

“But I am confident — that’s why I didn’t think about leaving Paris.”

Can battle

08.45: Liverpool face a battle to keep hold of midfielder Emre Can with Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly entering the battle for his signature.

Can is out of contract in the summer and is on Juventus’ radar, but reports in Italy claim the Serie A champions are bracing themselves for competition from Chelsea and United.

Can has impressed already this season, putting on a huge display in the 4-0 win over Arsenal.

But Jurgen Klopp has so far been unable to convince Can to sign a contract extension.

Juventus made a move of the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window and Express Sport understands they will make another approach next summer.

He can begin discussions on a pre-contract agreement from January and Juventus will steal a march on the competition if they hold talks then.

But if they fail to agree a deal then they could face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Tuttosport claim the Premier League duo are keen on the German and could make moves in the summer.

Zlatan injury return

07.15: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to return from injury within three months - four weeks earlier than was forecast.

The Swede underwent knee surgery and was expected to be back in action in January.

However, The Mirror claim the striker could return within three months.

He is said to be targeting United's last two Champions League group games on November 22 and December 5.

Mahrez deadline day claim

06.00: Manchester United did not make a deadline day bid to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester, according to reports.

Mahres was released by the Algeria national team on the final day of the transfer window last week to complete a move to a new club.

The tweet sparked mass debate about where the tricky winger was heading with him being spotted in Paris and London.

But a move never materialised and the Leicester Mercury claim United were never one of the club's interested in signing Mahrez.

Rashford a superstar

Phil Neville has lavished praise on Marcus Rashford for his starring role in England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia last night.

The 19-year-old netted the winner midway through the second half, atoning for an earlier error which led to Slovakia taking the lead.

And former United and Everton star Neville believes the young striker continues to improve with every game he watches him play.

“He never looks flustered, he can miss a chance and never looks flustered,” Neville told BBC 5Live.

“He’s improving every time I see him. He’s getting stronger, he’s getting fitter and I just think we’ve got an absolute gem on our hands.

He added: “I just think if you’re managing Marcus Rashford at the moment, you’ve got a little superstar.”

Matic copying Roy Keane

Nemanja Matic has said he tried to style part of his game on Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

Keane was a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s United sides and the two went on to win seven Premier League titles together.

The Republic of Ireland assistant was renowned for rubbing up opponents the wrong way and was one of the most feared midfielders in the Premier League era.

Matic may not have the same steely look as Keane but the Serbia international has said he tried to style part of his game on the former United captain.

"When I started following football, he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, if not the best.

"I tried to take [something] from every player to improve myself. Of course, he was one of those players."