Manchester United transfer news RECAP midfielder exit agreed, Joao Neves 'interest' and Karim Benzema latest
Manchester United transfer news RECAP midfielder exit agreed, Joao Neves 'interest' and Karim Benzema latest
All the very latest Man United news, views and transfer updates from the Manchester Evening News.
Manchester United were back in action this afternoon as the Premier League returns from its hiatus following the FA Cup third round. The Red Devils saw of Wigan in comfortable fashion last week, but were unable to secure all three points against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United received a boost in the form of goals for struggling duo Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford, which will be a positive sign for both Erik ten Hag and new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was in attendance for the first time.
There's been plenty of reaction to some of the club's out-on-loan players this week, with Jadon Sancho grabbing an assist on his second debut for Borussia Dortmund, while Mason Greenwood opened up on his move to La Liga side Getafe.
Most of the talk has been about transfer news and whether United will strengthen this January. Financial Fair Play concerns may limit the club's spending power this month, but that hasn't stopped a number of named being linked with a transfer.
United are reported to be targeting Benfica starlet Joao Neves. Elsewhere, the club have been tentatively linked with a move for Karim Benzema, who is reportedly set to be left out of Al-Ittihad's squad for their upcoming tour of Dubai.
Gary Neville regrets telling players to join Manchester United
Gary Neville has admitted he regrest telling players such as Jude Bellingham to join Manchester United over the years.
The likes of Antony, Andre Onana, Jadon Sancho and countless others have all struggled since making the switch to Old Trafford, which former United duo Gary Neville and Roy Keane feel partly responsible for.
"I’ve spoken to a couple of players before they’ve come here and said, 'you’ll never regret it, it’s a magic football club'," Neville said on Sky Sports.
"But I have to say, looking back it looks like really poor advice by what’s happened to them since they’ve come. It’s really sad because they would have thrived at other clubs, and other players who chose other clubs have gone onto be really successful.
"You think of Jude Bellingham and I think of that a lot, when he walked into the boardroom here at Manchester United,’ the former defender added.
"Manchester United agreed a fee with Birmingham and so have Dortmund, and he has a choice between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United. And somehow that kid – well done to him – chose Borussia Dortmund."
Keane added: "I’ve said for years, if you have the chance to sign for Man United go for it. But my mind has changed, definitely over the last couple of years."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals most exciting deal
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed his deal to become a minority investor at Manchester United is the most exciting thing he has ever done.
The Oldham-born billionaire was in attendance for the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, where he addressed the media in a press conference for the first time. “It’s the first match for me since we sort of got there, if you like.
“I am very excited to be here, but I can’t answer any questions, really, because that would be inappropriate, honestly. It’s a big match… we normally do well against Spurs!"
When asked if his involvement at United is the most exciting bit of business he's ever done, he added: “Correct. Yes. I have done a few exciting things, but this caps it all. There’s no question about that.”
Everton target completes move
Hannibal Mejbri has 'completed' a move to Sevilla despite interest from Everton during the January transfer window, according to reports.
The 20-year-old Tunisian international has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and has since opted to pursue regular first team football away from the club. Leading to clubs such as Everton and Sevilla showing an interest in the midfielder.
With Idrissa Gueye currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Belgian international Amadou Onana continuing to be linked with a move away from Goodison Park, midfield reinforcements are now a priority for Sean Dyche. However, it is Quique Sanchez Flores' Sevilla side who have seemingly secured the signing of Mejbri.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, a deal to send the United midfielder on loan to the Spanish club has been 'completed' with the Red Devils approving a deal on Sunday, Sevilla have reportedly been long-term admirers of the player, who will now undergo a medical at the club in the coming week.
Postecoglou sets Spurs challenge ahead of Man United clash
Ange Postecoglou has challenged his Tottenham team to improve in away games against the Premier League's top sides. Spurs have won only one of their last 16 fixtures against the Premier League 'big six'.
"I think it is important if you want to be successful, you need to be able to perform in those big games, particularly away from home," Postecoglou said.
"I'm not a great one at looking at the historical references to these things, I wasn't there so I don't know whether there was something endemic in the club that didn't allow that. I just tackle from when I get into a club."
Brian Brobbey admits turning down Man United transfer
In-demand Ajax forward Brian Brobbey has revealed he turned down interest from Manchester United.
Brobbey has admitted that he was approached by United in 2022 but was determined to return to Ajax.
"Erik ten Hag called me and said that at United, my agent would get millions of euros and I could earn a multiple of my Ajax salary," he said. "But our decision was clear: we wanted to go to Ajax.
"Manchester United wanted to have me, but I insisted on returning to Ajax. To make that possible, my agent Jose Fortes Rodriguez even waived a hefty percentage of the sell-on clause."
Manchester United linked with Karim Benzema transfer
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Karim Benzema.
The striker joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in the summer after his Real Madrid contract came to an end, scoring 12 in 20 games this season.
However, Marca has reported that Benzema did not return to Al-Ittihad for a training camp and will now be left out of the club's upcoming tour of Dubai.
This has led Fichajes to claim that United are 'willing to take advantage' of the situation and bring in the experienced centre-forward to compete with Rasmus Hojlund.
