Man Utd transfer news: Matthijs de Ligt, Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi, David de Gea
Ajax star De Ligt is a target for Solskjaer’s summer squad rebuild at Old Trafford
Desperate for De Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt is possibly the most talked-about footballer in Europe right now after he captained Ajax to a stunning win over Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday.
According to the Manchester Evening News (MEN) he is being pursued by a host of top clubs, including Man Utd and Man City.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The 19-year-old centre-back was outstanding in Turin, and when asked about his future by Dutch TV he replied: “I don’t know.”
Barcelona have also been linked with De Ligt but the young defender refused to comment on transfer speculation. “Announce? There is nothing to announce,” he declared.
The MEN says that both United and City are tailing the Dutch international and it may lead to a bidding war in the summer.
£250m summer war chest
According to the Daily Mirror, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be handed £250m by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to rebuild the Manchester United squad this summer.
Describing the 3-0 defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday as a “debacle”, the paper says that the United gaffer is drawing up a shopping list and while De Ligt is one of the names on it so are the young England trio of Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
On their way out of Old Trafford, on the other hand, will be Antonio Valencia, Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez.
The Times also believes there will be a major overhaul in the summer, and among the players who might be moved on are Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young, both of whom “do not fit the style of play” wanted by Solskjaer.
De Gea discarded?
The Mirror speculates that time might be up for David de Gea after another gaffe from the Spanish gloveman.
With one year left on his contract, De Gea “has been well below his imperious best this season” and his blunder that gifted Barcelona their second goal could prompt United to listen to offers this summer.
The Mirror believes that De Gea’s demand for a salary “in excess of £400,000-a-week” is responsible for his loss of focus and United think they should cash in now rather than allow him to leave on a free transfer next year.
Premier League fixtures
Saturday 20 April (3pm unless stated)
- Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur (12.30, live on Sky Sports)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Fulham
- Huddersfield Town vs. Watford
- West Ham United vs. Leicester City
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Newcastle United vs. Southampton (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 21 April
- Everton vs. Manchester United (1.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace (4pm)
- Cardiff City vs. Liverpool (4pm, live on Sky Sports)
Monday 22 April
- Chelsea vs. Burnley (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
Manchester United and Mason Greenwood: duty of care or double standards?
Talking Point The 21-year-old footballer’s possible return has provoked an outpouring of dismay from supporters
By Jamie Timson Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published