Hello and welcome to our dedicated Manchester United transfer blog for Tuesday, April 1.
United boss Ruben Amorim has been forced to speak out regarding the rumours linking captain Bruno Fernandes with an Old Trafford departure. According to reports over the weekend, Real Madrid were lining-up a shock move for the Portuguese midfielder.
Rumours suggested that Los Blancos had been monitoring Fernandes after sending representatives to "virtually every" match with the midfielder the subject of their scouting.
In recent days, reports have emerged that Arsenal could plot a move for European hotshot Viktor Gyokeres - following the arrival of Andrea Berta - with the new Gunners sporting director an admirer of the Sporting CP frontman.
United have long been linked with Gyokeres - who has a release clause in his deal - and Amorim worked to bring him to Sporting CP initially where he has since scored 85 goals in 92 appearances.
Meanwhile, Antony is among the United loanee's who have re-found their form since leaving Old Trafford. The Brazilian hit the headlines after Real Betis' 2-1 win over Sevilla - after being front and centre at the celebrations.
There are reportedly a host of clubs lining-up to sign him on a permanent deal. Atletico Madrid are said to be one of the clubs monitoring his progress in La Liga with United looking for a fee in the region of £40million.
Plus with United back in Premier League this evening against Nottingham Forest, we will have all the team news.
Keep across all the latest United news in our dedicated blog below...
That's a wrap!
Thanks for following our dedicated Manchester United live blog.
We will be back tomorrow morning to bring you all the latest updates from in and around Old Trafford.
See you then!
Why Rasmus Hojlund is on the bench for Man United vs Nottingham Forest
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted the decision to start Rasmus Hojlund on the bench for tonight's clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground is tactical.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted the decision to start Rasmus Hojlund on the bench for tonight's clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground is tactical.
Explaining why Zirkzee is starting up front ahead of Hojlund, Amorim told TNT Sports: "It is just tactical reasons. We tried to look at the opponent, we tried to see the training sessions and see the best qualities in the players to win the game. We have to remember that it is really important that players can change the game in the middle of the game. We are thinking of everything and we try to pick the best 11 to win the game."
Chido Obi 'can become one of the best strikers'
Leny Yoro has hailed Reds youngster Chido Obi.
The 17-year-old has already shown glimpses of his ability since joining United from Arsenal earlier this year.
"Chido is talented," Yoro said. "He can become one of the world’s best strikers in my opinion, if he continues his development.
"He scores a lot of goals and is a good boy, so I also hope that he will become one of the best. He has had his chance in a few games, and I of course hope that he will soon open his goal account in the first team. That will help the team."
Man United set 'sights' on midfielder
Man United could reportedly make a move for Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.
That's according to Fichajes who claims United have set their sights on the 31-year-old. With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen likely to leave the club at the end of the season, the Reds have already started working behind the scenes.
Paul Pogba gets shock Man United reunion offer and could sign imminently in major update
Paul Pogba has been offered the chance to reunite with a former Manchester United teammate as part of a shock return to football.
While on commentary duty for Sky Sports on Monday night, KSI revealed that he wants to talk to Pogba about a sensational move to Baller League UK. When asked what player – past or present – he'd like to see at the Copper Box Arena in London, the social media influencer said: "There's someone I'm looking to talk to. Pogba. I just want to chat to him, see where he's at. I think Pogba would be a fantastic wildcard."
"We got [Joleon] Lescott today. Bro. I'm like, 'Bro this is crazy'. I'm excited to see what we can do in the future."
While a move to Baller League UK would send shockwaves across Europe, Pogba wouldn't be the first United player to feature. Josh Harrop, who scored on his Old Trafford debut in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in May 2017, was drafted by Clint419 for FC Rules the World.
Alejandro Garnacho 'bid'
Napoli have made a bid for Garnacho ahead of the summer, according to Fichajes.
The Argentinian, attracted interest from Napoli and other clubs in January and was close to leaving Old Trafford. The Serie A side have now followed that up with a reported bid.
Garnacho's future has been speculated on in recent months after he was reportedly valued by the club's hierarchy at £60million.
Xavi Simons update
Fabrizio Romano claims Simons could be ready for a new challenge at the end of the season, which will be the end of his second campaign with RB Leipzig.
A number of Premier League have been named as interested clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
However, a fee of between €70m-€75m (£58m-£62m) is reportedly the asking price from the Bundesliga side.
Man United 'step up' Delap chase
The Daily Mail claim Man United have held internal discussions over a potential summer move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
United, who are likely to be on the market for a new attacker, have been linked with a host of players. Delap is thought to have a release clause in the region of £40m if Ipswich are relegated from the Premier League.
This figure is more affordable than the likes of Hugo Ekitike, who is valued at closer to £70m.
New goalkeeper claim emerges
Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Man United have 'taken a giant step' towards signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
It's said the 29-year-old has become the club's 'top priority for strengthening' their goalkeeping department amid Andre Onana's recent performances. The latter has made a number of mistakes between the sticks in recent months.
The report also mentions that Maignan's future is 'still undecided' but 'everything points' to him being one of the key players to feature in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United have two reasons not to rush into Kobbie Mainoo transfer - but there's a catch
The idea of clubs having to sell their homegrown stars to bank pure profit amid the Premier League's tightening Profit and Sustainability rules [PSR] sums up exactly what is wrong with modern football.
Clubs have been forced to cash in on stars they have matured and nurtured in recent years to remain within the PSR boundaries. Manchester United had to sell Scott McTominay last summer when former manager Erik ten Hag was against the idea.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Thursday, there is a genuine chance Mainoo could be sold by United this summer amid a lack of progress over a new contract. Talks have been ongoing over a new deal for the England international since last March but a breakthrough is yet to have been reached.
Wolves star signs new contract amid long-term United interest
Joao Gomes has signed a new five-year Wolves contract with the option for an additional year.
United are one of several Premier League clubs previously credited with an interest in the Brazil international. Acknowledging the announcement, Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira said: "He has big potential and can be a top player."
What Fernandes has said about his United future after stern Amorim claim
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has already made his feelings clear amid reports of transfer interest from Real Madrid.
It was reported over the weekend that Carlo Ancelotti's side had sent scouts to watch the 30-year-old, with speculation suggesting Los Blancos were lining up a whopping £90million move for the Portuguese. Fernandes has been the standout performer for United this season, scoring 16 and assisting as many for Ruben Amorim's side during a disappointing campaign.
Representatives from the Madrid giants are said to have been in attendance for 'virtually every' game that the 30-year-old has played for United recently. It was reported that Fernandes is viewed as a successor to Luka Modric, with the 39-year-old out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.
Read what Fernandes has said about his United future
United 'confident' of £40m summer transfer window deal happening
United are reportedly confident of receiving a £40million transfer fee for Antony this summer transfer window.
The i Paperclaims the player's performances on loan at Real Betis has 'alerted potential suitors'. Atletico Madrid are reputedly monitoring the winger alongside several unnamed Italian clubs.
Betis have also made known publicly their interest in keeping Antony, but they would seemingly struggle to afford such a fee. Isco alluded to that over the weekend when joking, "We need to crowdfund so he can stay at least another year".
Antony addresses United future ahead of Barcelona vs Real Betis
Antony acknowledged it is "too early to decide" on the possibility of staying at Real Betis when speaking to journalists from his car after training today.
I'm very happy here, but it's still too early to decide. I enjoy every day in the Betis shirt.
Speaking about Saturday's match against Barcelona, he remarked:
We know they have a lot of quality, but we already beat Madrid and it's not impossible to beat Barça.
Fernandes future clear, £66m duo join, Mainoo decision - dream midfield next season
Captain Bruno Fernandes' leadership and charisma is going to be at the heart of Ruben Amorim's rebuild, the Manchester United manager has confirmed.
A critical summer approaches Old Trafford. On the one hand frugality is required to ensure Man United has a long and prosperous future, but on the other there must be a desire to kickstart the implementation of change - change that will truly hail in the Amorim era.
And as a first act, the manager is sticking by the club's captain of two years. Despite signing a new contract in August until 2027 to become one of the highest earners, rumours would have had people believe Fernandes' position was not secure looking ahead to the transfer window.
Read more about next season's dream United midfield
United 'have asked to be kept informed' about transfer target
United are reportedly showing an interest in signing Rayan Cherki this summer.
TBR Football claims they are one of several Premier League clubs said to have asked for updates about the player's situation. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reputedly interested in the France under-21 international.
Atalanta, Crystal Palace and Everton are other clubs previously linked with the player, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain said to have reignited their interest in Cherki. Chelsea, however, have purportedly gone from the strongest suitors to cooling their interest entirely.
United star 'will do everything possible to help the club' and Amorim
Diogo Dalot's agent, Carlos Goncalves, has spoken about his client's future during an interview with Portuguese sports newspaper Record via Sport Witness.
He recently renewed his contract, a sign that Manchester United are still very happy with Diogo's performances, and he will do everything possible to help the club and, in this case, coach Ruben Amorim. It's always good when you have quality coaches like Jose Mourinho at United and now Ruben Amorim, but when someone signs with a club, they don't sign with the coach; they sign with the club.
United early team news vs Forest as five hints emerge after injury boost
Ruben Amorim faces a decision about who starts at wing-back for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest as Patrick Dorgu is, again, available to play in the Premier League.
January arrival Dorgu received a three-game suspension for being shown a straight red card against Ipswich Town in late-February. That meant missing the FA Cup fifth-round tie with Fulham - plus top-flight games against Arsenal and relegation-threatened Leicester City.
Diogo Dalot switched to the left flank in his absence, with Noussair Mazraoui moving out to right wing-back. Then, for both legs of the Europa League last-16 showdown against Real Sociedad, all three started again as the Morocco international returned to right-sided centre-back.
Read more about the early team news hints before tonight's match
United could earn major FFP boost if Rashford continues Villa renaissance
Two goals for Marcus Rashford for Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday had many debating whether this could be the return of the player we once saw.
The quality is clearly there and the hunger might be back. Performances like the weekend may encourage interest from other clubs to look at Rashford to solve their attacking problems - and it might help solve Manchester United’s financial problems.
United have a cashflow problem with reported net losses of £113 million from their latest accounts. This has forced Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team to make drastic cuts, including 250 staff redundancies.
Read more about the FFP boost United could receive from Rashford this summer
Nani praises Gyokeres
Former Manchester United winger Nani believes Viktor Gyokeres can play in the Premier League.
The Sweden striker has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and the Portuguese icon insists that he has the capabilities to play in England's top fight.
"The last few games I saw him play, he’s much more mature," said Nani.
"He’s not playing the same, he’s using his qualities on the right moments now, he’s not losing energy every time.
"Now, he sets the ball back to the players who have to run with the ball. He controls the game for the team.
"He’s making goals, he’s making assists, so I think he’s a player who can play in the Premier League. Trust me.
"If he was playing the same today as he was one year ago I would say no because, in the Premier League, the defenders will eat him because he just wants to run with the ball.
"But now, he’s playing with his head and he’s really strong. It felt like he was a rock! Powerful. I swear, I swear."
Ruben Amorim responds to Bruno Fernandes exit reports
There's no joking from Ruben Amorim regarding Bruno Fernandes.
Following links with Real Madrid, the Manchester United boss has issued a blunt reaction to reports of interest.
"No, it’s not going to happen," Amorim said. "That (becoming more competitive) is the challenge. I want Bruno here because maybe in the lowest moments of our season he... We want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us.
"He’s 29, I think, but he’s still so young because he plays 55 games every season and between assists and goals he’s there for 30 at least. So he’s the type of player we want here so he’s not going anywhere.
"We are in control of the situation and I feel that he is really happy here, especially because he understands what we want to do and then I think he is one more supporter of Man United. He really feels it.
"Sometimes the frustration that you see, that everybody sees and maybe says, is not a good thing in a captain. It’s a sign that he wants this so bad. This is the kind of player that we want and he’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him!"
Marcus Rashford future amid Man United exit links
Marcus Rashford has found form at Aston Villa after leaving Manchester United.
What the future holds remains uncertain but Ruben Amorim says it is "good news" to see the academy graduate performing away from Old Trafford.
"We have a lot of games to play and I am focused on my team and my players," Amorim said.
"And Rashford is not my player at the moment. But every player that performs well on loan is good news for our club, so we are happy with that."
Liverpool 'favourites' to sign Milos Kerkez amid United links
Liverpool are reportedly favourites to sign Milos Kerkez, despite links with Manchester United.
It has been claimed that Bournemouth will demand £40million for the Hungarian full-back.
According to The Times, Liverpool are in pole position to land Kerkez - who has been linked with United previously.
United eyeing £40m return on Antony
According to iNews' Pete Hall, Atletico Madrid are among the clubs monitoring Antony.
It has been claimed that United are 'confident' of receiving £40million for the Brazilian.
In the report, Hall said: "Manchester United are confident they will be able to sell Antony for £40m this summer after his Spanish renaissance.
"The Brazilian has starred for Real Betis since joining on loan in January, scoring four times – as many as he mustered in his last two seasons in England – as well as registering four assists in 12 appearances.
"Such form is alerting potential suitors. The i Paper has been told Atletico Madrid, as well as several Italian clubs, are monitoring Antony’s revival.
"Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini and several players have already expressed their desire to keep the loanee beyond this term, but it is understood the Seville-based club would struggle to meet United’s valuation.
"United set their £40m price tag as Antony departed for Spain, but several sources said at the time they felt such a fee, given how he has disappointed on English soil since becoming the third most expensive Premier League signing in 2022, was too high."
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United: Team news
Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are in contention to return against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night but Luke Shaw is not ready.
Patrick Dorgu will also be back from his three-match suspension.
"Luke is not ready yet," Amorim said. "We are starting to do some drills with the team but we are building Luke. Mason Mount is feeling better but he was already on the bench the last game.
"Kobbie is almost returning but he is not ready for this game. Jonny Evans is recovering, Ayden is recovering. Licha (Martinez) is out, I think that’s it. Maguire is also ready to go to the game and Yoro, yes.
"[Heaven] was not so serious. He’s recovering, he’s not ready to play but he’s going to return this season, for sure.
"I think it is also really exciting [to have players back] because really tough matches but we already had that kind of schedule in the last weeks with less players. So it is really important for us to have the players available, for them to fight, for us to rotate during matches.
"Different characteristics give us different opportunities to win football matches. It is a very good moment in our season.
"I know we have at at least least three games in Premier League (against Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle) that are really tough but the team is prepared to face those games and the Europa League is also a key point for us in this final run."
Man United crash out of cup
It was a devastating FA Youth Cup exit for Manchester United on Monday night as they suffered penalty shootout heartache against Aston Villa.
Steven Railston was in attendance at Villa Park, he writes:
Nothing could split the sides after 120 minutes and a dreaded penalty shootout was required. Thwaites' spot-kick was brilliantly saved before Scanlon converted, but Amir Ibragimov and Baumann missed, which meant United crashed out of the competition.
It was a surprise that Obi didn't take a spot kick, although perhaps he was the designated fifth penalty taker. United's youngsters looked dejected and some slumped to their knees, but they should be proud of their Youth Cup campaign, which has generated positivity in a bleak season for the first-team.
Click here for the full story.
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to our dedicated Manchester United blog.
Premier League football is back today with United travelling to Nottingham Forest - no, I'm not joking.
We will bringing you all the latest transfer rumours, although a lot of the time the replies to them suggest it is April Fool's Day everyday!
Let's get into it should we?
