Manchester United's bid for European qualification continues on Sunday when they travel to Brighton. However, it is almost a sideshow at the minute.
United will guarantee themselves a place in Europe if they can better Newcastle's result on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's side currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with Newcastle after Wednesday's 3-2 victory. Realistically United can no longer qualify for the Europa League via their final league standing, though Europa Conference League football will be secured if they can better the Magpies' result on Sunday.
But it is away from the pitch where most of the focus is. Ten Hag's future continues to dominate the news cycle. Thomas Tuchel has been linked with a move to United and he has confirmed he is leaving Bayern Munich, while the likes of Massimo Allegri and Gareth Southgate continue to be linked, along with ex-United coach Kieran McKenna.
On the transfer front, the squad rebuild continues. Raphael Varane is leaving the club and United are looking to bolster their ranks with a new centre-half, defensive midfielder and a forward - at least. Michael Olise, Jarrad Branthwaite, Gleison Bremer, Adrien Rabiot and Joao Neves continue to be linked with moves to Old Trafford.
We'll bring you all the transfer updates, the latest on Ten Hag's future and build-up to Sunday's clash with Brighton in our live blog
Josh Holland
As it stands
Chelsea and Newcastle are both winning meaning Man United are on course to finish eighth in the Premier League table.
They will have the chance to qualify for Europe in the FA Cup next weekend, though.
Josh Holland
Man United team news
United starting line-up vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Martinez, Dalot; Amrabat, Mainoo, McTominay; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho.
Substitutes: Bayindir, Evans, Kambwala, Varane, Collyer, Eriksen, Antony, Hojlund, Rashford.
Bruna Reis
Man United may be forced to make Bruno Fernandes decision
United captain Bruno Fernandes is attracting interest from Europe ahead of the summer.
The Portuguese midfielder has become a key player for United since his move from Sporting Clube de Portugal in 2020. But if United intend to keep hold of Fernandes, they may need to offer him improved terms, with teammates such as Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Raphael Varane's contracts worth more than his own.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Man United considering
According to Fichajes, United could offer Aaron Wan-Bissaka as part of a deal to sign Michael Olise.
The Crystal Palace star has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with United claimed to be 'pushing hard' to sign the 22-year-old. Olise's consistent performances have put him on the radar of several clubs in Europe.
Bruna Reis
Casemiro hints at Man United stay
Speaking on Sky Sports, Casemiro has hinted he could stay at Old Trafford despite recent reports claiming he could be heading towards the exit door.
He said: "I'm well, I'm happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Manchester United gave me what I wanted.
"I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it's been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d'Or winners were over 34.
"At Manchester City, there's Kevin De Bruyne. Mohamed Salah at Liverpool. I think age is not an issue, it is not a factor in this, but analysing one's game and knowing about everything that is happening around the game.
"These are people who analyse football well, who see what's happening, who know what's happening, analysing not the age. "This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So, I'm happy to be here at Manchester United and enjoying the game."
Bruna Reis
Casemiro responds to the criticism
The Brazilian has come under fire recently for his performances. Among those who have been most critical of the former Real Madrid man is Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
However, the 32-year-old has said that he is 'always very calm' when it comes to criticism, telling Sky Sports: "It's hard, especially when it's not an analysis of the whole situation.
"Right after that I picked up an injury, a big injury. Came back, then the injury returned, now playing as a centre-back. It is hard - this is a wider analysis, I'm giving you more ample analysis..."
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Raphael Varane in the squad
The Frenchman has travelled with the United squad for their match at Brighton.
He has missed United's last eight games due to a muscle injury but could get some minutes in what would be one of his final games for the club.
Bruna Reis
Ipswich Town stance on Kieran McKenna emerges
The newly-promoted Premier League side are doing everything to keep McKenna at the club.
He guided Ipswich to the top flight for the first time in 22 years as they finish second behind Leicester City. As a result, he has emerged as a potential candidate to take over at Chelsea, Brighton and United.
However, TEAMtalk report that the club have no intention of parting ways with the 38-year-old.
Bruna Reis
RB Leipzig offer improved terms for United-linked player
RB Leipzig are not willing to let Benjamin Sesko leave despite a number of interest from Premier League teams.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the German side have contacted his agent in recent days to offer him a new lucrative contract as they see him as a key player for their project next season.
The 20-year-old linked with United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Bruna Reis
Steve Bruce delivers Harry Maguire verdict
Man United icon Steve Bruce admitted Harry Maguire's lack of pace worried him when he signed for Hull City.
He said: "My chief scout at the time, Stan Ternant, said to me: 'I've just seen an interesting player play for Sheffield United. This kid is good in both boxes. He told me he's 21, he's played 150 times for Sheffield United, he's the captain, he won Player of the Year three years on the spin'.
"He said: 'I believe the kid’s got something', so we went to watch him and I was a little bit worried when I first saw him, because of his mobility."
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
United set Jadon Sancho asking price
According to The Sun, the United hierarchy are not willing to let the England international go for less than 75 percent of the £73million fee they paid to sign him.
The 24-year-old is believed to want a permanent returnt o Dortmund following a sensational loan spell for the Champions League finalists. While United are happy to listen to offers, they are said to have set their price.
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Portuguese boss linked with Old Trafford job
According to Sky Italia (via Calcio Mercato), Lille boss Paulo Fonseca is on United's shortlist of managerial names.
The 51-year-old, who has been in charge of Lille since 2022, is claimed to be a man in demand this summer. AC Milan are reportedly 'pushing hard' to land Fonseca, while he is also of interest to Bayern Munich.
He was also being considered by West Ham before they decided to agree a deal with Julen Lopetegui. Fonseca's future could be decided if Lille fail to qualify for the Champions League in their last game of the season against Nice.
Bruna Reis
Dwight Yorke delivers Casemiro verdict
The former Man United star Yorke has suggested that Casemiro has 'had enough' at Old Trafford as his future is uncertain.
He toldCrypto Casino: "It's hard to criticise Casemiro because of what he’s achieved in the game, but people should expect better from him in a Manchester United shirt,” he said. “It really hasn’t worked out for him this season after such a good first year with the club and he isn’t getting any younger – he looks like he’s had enough and he wants a new start at another club next season.
"Jason Wilcox and the other directors at Old Trafford are going to have to have harsh conversations with these players, including Casemiro, and find out whether they really want to be here or not, or whether or not they want the manager (Erik ten Hag) here, so it’s a tough one.
"Casemiro’s a legend of the game and it’s a difficult one, but his name has very much been in the focal point of conversation over the past few months, so it’s certainly something the club need to address this summer. A decision needs to be made."
Bruna Reis
Man United transfer state of play
Preparations for the next season are already in full swing for Manchester United.
A fresh structure at Old Trafford has been put in place by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS since they took control of football operations. MEN has taken a look at what positions tge club plan to try and strengthen this summer.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Marcus Rashford told to leave Manchester United
There has been speculation over Marcus Rashford's future throughout the season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have a number of decisions to make this summer and Rashford could be one of them. The attacker has scored just eight times this season.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Pundits thoughts ahead of Brighton showdown
Three pundits in Chris Sutton, Paul Merson and Mark Lawrenson have shared their thoughts ahead of United's match at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Erik ten Hag's side will be looking to secure back-to-back wins after a 3-2 success over Newcastle United. The teams are both locked in on 57 points.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Man United triple team news hint for Brighton
Erik ten Hag's side are targeting a win over Brighton in their bid to secure European football next season.
Currently eighth, United must win and hope that Newcastle drop points at Brentford.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
United learn Real Madrid stance on Leny Yoro
United have been following Leny Yoro for some time and could look at testing Lille this summer amid Real Madrid's stance.
It was confirmed this week that Raphael Varane would be leaving upon the expiration of his contract, leaving United short of options. The club are being linked with three potential new centre-backs, with Yoro claimed to be one of them.
According to Marca, Real have no intention of paying the £50million fee demanded by Lille.
Bruna Reis
David De Gea in demand
The former Man United star could make a return to his homeland as three La Liga clubs are claimed to be interested in signing him.
According to Fichajes, De Gea is subject of interest from Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis. He has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old has been without a club since departing Old Trafford last summer. He made a total of 545 appearances for the Red Devils during his 12-year stint at the club.
Bruna Reis
Roberto De Zerbi update
According to TEAMtalk, Man United-linked manager Roberto de Zerbi does not have any 'concrete offer' in hand as he prepares to leave Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Italian boss announced he would be departing the club after two years in charge. The report adds that he is open to evaluating all projects for next season but is claimed to have AC Milan and Barcelona as personal preferences.
However, staying in England is also believed to be welcomed by De Zerbi. He has also been followed by Bayern Munich in recent weeks.
Bruna Reis
Adrien Rabiot update
Manchester United are reportedly in talks over signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to Caught Offside.
The Frenchman is expected to make a decision on his future after the Euro 2024. Rabiot saw a proposed switch to Old Trafford collapse last summer due to wage demands.
Previously speaking about his future, he said: "The club has faith in me. We'll see later on about a renewal but, in any case, I am very happy with my situation at the club and in the France squad."
Bruna Reis
Man United transfer plan emerges
According to TEAMtalk, United could include Christian Eriksen as part of a deal to sign Ivan Toney this summer.
With Anthony Martial set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, United will need to sign a new centre-forward. It is claimed that United have made a £60milion bid for the services of Toney who is likely to depart Brentford this summer.
They add that Eriksen, who previously had a stint with the Bees, could be included as part of the deal in order to convince the club to part ways with Toney.
Bruna Reis
Chelsea make contact for Kieran McKenna
The Blues have reportedly made contact with Kieran McKenna's camp amid links to Manchester United.
According to the Guardian, Chelsea have identified the Ipswich boss as one of the leading candidates to take over at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino's future at the club is uncertain despite their recent upturn in form.
The Sun add that Brighton have also identified McKenna as their 'leading candidate' following the news that Roberto De Zerbi would leave the Seagulls at the end of the season.
McKenna, who managed United U18s team between 2016 and 2018 is also on the list of potential candidates for United should they make a change in manager.
Bruna Reis
Jose Mourinho in demand
The former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly wanted by both Fenerbahce and Besiktas.
According to GOAL, Fenerbahce are in 'talks' to bring Mourinho to Turkey but now face competition from their rivals.
Besiktas vice president Huseyin Yucel has confirmed talks are ongoing with the Portuguese, saying: "We contacted Jose Mourinho a month ago and he welcomed our offer.
"We already resolved the economic details and will go to Italy next week so we can meet face to face. If we reach an agreement with Mourinho, then we will recommend he include Ricardo Quaresma in the staff."
Bruna Reis
Bruno Fernandes transfer interest
Al-Nassr and Al-Ettihad are reportedly ready to make offers for Bruno Fernandes, according to Caught Offside.
The Portuguese has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Bayern Munich also claimed to be looking at a move. United may need to sell players in order to meet Profit and Sustainability Rule requirements and kickstart this overhaul.
Speaking about his future, Fernandes said: "I feel that the club wants me to be a part of the future, so, as I said always, I don't want to be a player that the club doesn't want to have. If for some reason they don't want to have me, I will go, but if they want me I will stay."
Bruna Reis
Erik ten Hag's stance on Man United situation revealed
Ten Hag believes Man United are in a better position than a year ago despite failing to secure Champions League football.
United will head to the south coast to play Brighton sitting in eighth, but could still finish seventh and guarantee a place in the Europa Conference League. However, they will need to better Newcastle's result at Brentford.
Ten Hag said: "When you look at the results, you would say ‘no’ [not in a better position], but we know the reasons behind them. I would say ‘yes’ because we have more players, more high-quality players in the squad and from that perspective we are in a better position.
"I think that we have developed some young players with high potential who can really add to the quality levels of our squad. With established, experienced players, they can make a very good mix and be a very strong squad that can compete at the highest level. I think that is also what we showed this season against top teams that often we are very competitive."
Without the prospect of Champions League football, he added: "I never think in a negative scenario. We have the opportunity left in our own hands, so go for it. I think, for every player, Manchester United is a very attractive club and of course you want to play at the highest levels.
"But if you want to go into a project in a club like Manchester United, I’m sure Manchester United is a very attractive club for every player."
Bruna Reis
Mason Greenwood update
According to the Athletic, Napoli have reportedly made contact with United over a possible deal for Greenwood's services this summer.
The Italian side were the latest side to join the race for the 22-year-old who has interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
Greenwood has enjoyed time on loan at Getafe this season, scoring 10 goals in 34 La Liga appearances.
Bruna Reis
Jarrad Branthwaite update
Man United have not given up hope on signing Everton star Branthwaite.
However, a report by GIVEMESPORT claims that the Toffees won't entertain offers below £80million. United are said that the maximum they are willing to fork out is £55m.
The Daily Mail adds that the club are bracing themselves for opening offers for the centre-back amid interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.
United could reportedly offer a player as part of their bid but have other options with the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace on their radar.
Bruna Reis
Massimiliano Allegri 'offered' to Man United
The former Juventus manager has reportedly been offered the opportunity to secure the signing of Allegri this summer.
The Italian boss has been sacked by Juve following the side's Coppa Italia victory over Atalanta. Although Allegri lacks experience in the Premier League, former Man United skipper Patrice Evra believes he has more 'flair' than Sir Alex Ferguson.
He said: "He has incredible flair. More than Ferguson. Allegri always knows how a game will go before it starts. In the return leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League in 2015 in Dortmund, he predicted everything. Crazy. Before the match, he told us: ‘This is a friendly’.
"Whereas, a few days before against Genoa, he was yelling at us as if it were in a Champions League final. Allegri is like this: he is obsessed with lesser games, he doesn’t care about big matches."
Bruna Reis
Good morning
Hello and welcome to our Manchester United blog.
Erik ten Hag's side will be in Premier League final day action against Brighton on the south coast. United are looking to finish the season on a high by claiming an European spot.
