Premier League side, Manchester United have made a firm move for Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso.
Needing to find a new left-back signing before Friday’s transfer deadline due to an injury crisis, United are making a serious move for Alonso.
Marca says a two-year contract has been tabled by United to Alonso.
And Barca would be willing to allow Alonso to leave with the Spaniard yet to be registered with LaLiga due to Financial Fair Player issues.
Alonso joined Barca a year ago from Chelsea.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was pleased with Bruno Fernandes for victory over Nottingham Forest.
Fernandes scored the matchwinning penalty as United came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag said, “You ask the question [about him] but he showed why we pick him as a leader and a captain.
“He is a brilliant captain, by example, an inspiration. He brings the quality, keeps going. I think he played a very impressive game.”
On the fans, he added: “The fans are entitled to have their opinions. Also, you see a very strong bond between the fans and the team, also away from home. I’m very pleased with that. I want to thank them for that bond by giving them good performances. If we stick together, the fans and the team, we will be successful.”
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed a new left-back signing is being discussed.
Injuries for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia has left United short of options.
However, Ten Hag insists they do not need a new striker signing: “No. We have seven front players and young talent coming up, as we’ve seen in pre-season, who are getting close.
“Rasmus (Hojlund) will be available from next week onwards. Rasmus, Anthony Martial, we have cover. We have Rashy (Marcus Rashford) as well there. We have enough quality players to cover that position.
“It can be (that United sign a left-back). I think we always have to anticipate on situations. If there are opportunities then yes, but it has to be the right player otherwise we have to deal with the current squad.
“We went through the scenarios before the season and if it happened, we have the solution.”
The Qatari Royal family are closing in on the prized asset of European football.
The Royals, led by Sheikh Jassim, are set to complete a deal to buy Manchester United.
The Sun states that a full takeover to the tune of £6 billion will go through in the coming months.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe put in a big effort to try and secure the club instead.
However, his offer to only buy part of the Glazer family’s shares will ultimately be rejected.
Sheikh Jassim’s team are now completing their due diligence on United with the Glazers and their respective attorneys.
The Glazer family have cost Manchester United £1 BILLION in debt servicing fees since their takeover in 2005.
Roma manager Jose Mourinho spoke to Mason Greenwood in a private phone call recently.
The 21-year-old has agreed to leave Manchester United by mutual consent in the coming weeks.
The forward, who United have insisted is innocent of the charges that were brought against him in early 2022, will never play for United’s first team again.
Per The Sun, Mourinho spoke to Greenwood to ask him about a possible loan move to Roma.
The two are well acquainted, given Mourinho’s time as United boss a few years ago.
Whether Greenwood is one who Roma could bring into Serie A, given the issues in his personal life, is unclear.
Manchester United have announced that Mason Greenwood will be leaving the club following an internal investigation into the allegations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against him.
It is unclear what the nature of Greenwood’s exit will be.
In a statement, the club said: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
The 21-year-old had been suspended from Manchester United training and matches while the club completed an internal investigation after the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued its case against Greenwood.
In a statement in February, the CPS said: “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.”
Greenwood, who came through Manchester United’s academy, last played for the club in January 2022.
He has one senior cap for England, having played in the Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020.
Man Utd CEO Richard Arnold also said in a statement that reintegrating Greenwood into the first team was “considered and planned for” amid reports earlier this month that United’s senior staff had been briefed about a return for the forward.
“Reintegration was one of the outcomes we considered and planned for,” Arnold said. “For context, over the course of the past six months several outcomes have been contemplated and planned for, and my view has evolved as our process progressed. While the ultimate decision rested with me, I was taking various factors and views into account right up until the point of finalising my decision.”
Manchester United’s statement in full
“Manchester United has concluded its internal investigation into the allegations made against Mason Greenwood.
“Our process commenced in February 2023, following all charges against Mason being dropped. Throughout, we have taken into account the wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible. This has required us to proceed with sensitivity and care to obtain evidence not in the public domain, including from those with direct knowledge of the case.
“Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
“All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”
Mason Greenwood statement in full
“I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
“I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner.
“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.
“I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
Manchester United have drawn up a detailed internal plan as they prepare to bring back Mason Greenwood.
An announcement is expected next week that Greenwood is rejoining the squad after assault charges were dropped at the beginning of the year.
The Athletic says United’s planning includes the types of pictures that should be taken of the striker during training sessions. Manager Erik ten Hag has also been coached on how to answer questions on the forward.
And an assessment of how pundits, journalists and politicians will respond has been put together. Public figures are said to have been placed into categories of “supportive”, “open minded” and “hostile” towards Greenwood’s comeback.
A source told The Sun: “This has been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, but it’s nearing the end.
“The internal investigation is over and Mason is likely to be reinstated at Old Trafford.
“He’s made no secret of his desire to to get back to doing what he does best.
“He’s already got the backing of the players and manager Erik ten Hag. He’s just waiting for the green light.”
Released Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has agreed a move to Bayern Munich.
Off contract after leaving United this summer, De Gea is prepared to join as Manuel Neuer continues his recovery from a midseason leg fracture.
The Spaniard is ready to make the move, though Bayern are also exploring the prospect of signing Stefan Ortega from Manchester City.
Sky Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg reports: “News David de Gea: He was not a hot topic in the past few weeks. However, after Kepa/Rulli, he was discussed internally. Talks with him and his management took place.
“Been told: De Gea has given the green light for his move to Bayern. Personal terms won’t be an issue.
“But: Ortega is the main priority now. If this transfer doesn’t work out, De Gea could be finalized soon.”
Manchester United have delivered a formal update on their plans for Mason Greenwood.
United have held an internal review of Greenwood’s status with the club after assault charges were dropped at the beginning of the year.
In a statement, United announced: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.
“Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
“Once made, the decision will be communicated and explained to the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
“This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
Bayer Leverkusen have announced the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
The 23 year-old Czech Republic keeper joins Bayer for a €9m fee.
Kovar spent last season on-loan with Sparta Prague, helping them win the league championship.
He has penned a contract with Bayer to 2027.
Kovar leaves United without making a senior appearance for the Red Devils.