All the news, views and transfer rumours from Old Trafford this weekend…
With the transfer window about to open, Manchester United continue to be linked with a number of players – some rumour mill regulars like Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara, and some newer names such as Fenerbahce midfielder Salih Ucan.
To read our United-specific transfer news you can find our Saturday report here and our Sunday report here.
One player whose United future is in question is left-back Patrice Evra. Following David Moyes’ failed bid for former player Leighton Baines, the latest reports suggest Evra has no intention of being back-up to the England international and will move on if the Everton player arrives.
It was widely believed that should Evra depart Old Trafford, he would return to former club Monaco. However reports today suggest Claudio Ranieri’s side are set to sign Lille left-back Lucas Digne.
The 19-year-old is one of France’s brightest young talents, and any move for him could leave Evra in something of a limbo if United are successful with an improved bid for Baines.
One United player being urged to stay is Wayne Rooney. He is set to hold talks with Moyes next week but former teammate Gary Neville thinks there should be only one outcome to those discussions.
“I played with Wayne Rooney for many, many years,” he told TalkSport. “He’s a fantastic football player.
“Personally, with my allegiances, I would never recommend anyone leave Manchester United because I believe it to be a great stage to play football and you can achieve what you want there.”
But a current player has had his say on the Rooney situation – and it is markedly different from Neville’s feelings.
As he prepares for this evening’s Confederations Cup final against Spain, Brazilian forward Neymar has spoken of his desire to play alongside the England man at Barcelona.
“Wayne is one of the most gifted and technical players in the world,” Neymar said.
“Of course he would improve Barcelona. He would improve any club in the world. And on a personal level, it would be a dream to play with him.”
With Moyes officially beginning his new job tomorrow, the future of Rooney is likely to be known very soon.
The new boss then has 13 days before his first United game – a pre-season friendly against Singha All Stars in Bangkok.
image: © nasmac
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