Man Utd make ‘final decision’ on Varane as Ratcliffe pulls U-turn on signing Liverpool target

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28 Mar 2024
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Man Utd have decided to let Raphael Varane leave Old Trafford in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Spain.
The Red Devils have disappointed this campaign after a promising first season under Erik ten Hag which saw them reach an FA Cup final, win the Carabao Cup and secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Varane to find a new club in the summer?

But Ten Hag’s men crashed out of Europe by finishing bottom of their Champions League group, while sixth-placed Man Utd are struggling for consistency in the Premier League.
That has led to pressure on Ten Hag over performances and results with rumours Sir Jim Ratcliffe could consider a change of manager in the summer.
Their 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup before the international break has given Ten Hag some hope that he will remain at Old Trafford next season – but one player who might not join him is Varane.
The France international has struggled to impress at Man Utd since his move from Real Madrid in 2021 with Varane only make 65 Premier League appearances across three seasons.
READ MORE: Gossip: Ratcliffe ‘has no problem’ paying £50m release clause as Man Utd eye double Brazil swoop
His form has been impacted by a number of injuries and now Spanish publication Fichajes insists that Man Utd have decided not to renew his contract.


Strangely, the website insists that Man Utd are ‘clear about its intention to cash in on the sale’ of Varane, which presumably they means they will trigger the one-year option in his contract before attempting to offload him.
It is understood that he has ‘generated considerable interest from several teams’ with his average performances leading ‘the board to contemplate the possibility of a sale’.

Man Utd rule out Johan Bakayoko pursuit

Fichajes also comment on Man Utd interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, who has also been linked to Liverpool, with the Red Devils making the decision to abandon their pursuit’ of the 20-year-old.
Bakayoko had ‘been part of the Red Devils’ list of potential targets for the upcoming transfer window’ but Man Utd ‘have decided not to press ahead with a move for the young Belgian winger’.

Man Utd have now ‘chosen to focus its efforts on other transfer targets’ with the Red Devils ‘looking for players who offer good value for money’ and Bakayoko would cost ‘at least €50 million’.
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Man Utd star branded ‘untouchable’ and told ‘team will be built around him’ as Ratcliffe rejects record bid

Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho has been told by Sir Jim Ratcliffe he will become a cornerstone of their side for years to come amid claims they are to reject a planned club-record offer for his services.
The Red Devils have endured an inconsistent second season under Erik ten Hag, enjoying the highs of an epic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool, to the lows of 3-0 home defeats to Bournemouth and with Manchester United having a suffered an almost-inexcusable 16 losses across 40 games in all competitions this season.

That form has placed Ten Hag’s job in some jeopardy amid claims a change will be in the works this summer unless the Dutchman can steer Manchester United to a both FA Cup glory and a Champions League place. They should, at least, be able to reach a second successive cup final at Wembley, given their pairing with Championship outfit Coventry in the semi-finals, though securing UCL football for a second season in a row looks a far taller order.
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As things stand, they are currently nine points behind Aston Villa in fourth and six behind fifth-placed Tottenham, meaning it will take a significant swing in form from all three sides over the remaining 10 Premier League games for United to overhaul either.
Behind the scenes, British billionaire Ratcliffe is also assembling the finest team of football masterminds he can get his hands on and in an effort to restore United’s fortunes over the long haul.
Related video: Why The Manchester United Takeover Isn’t What It Seems (FourFourTwo)

He's reported to be the second richest man in the


Omar Berrada has already arrived as CEO, while a move to make Dan Ashworth the club’s first-ever sporting director is also in the final stages of agreement.

Man Utd target three major signings

Between the three men, they will look to piece together a squad capable of challenging the very best and a number of tough decisions are likely to be made.
To that end, Ratcliffe and co have reportedly set their sights on four marquee signings this summer to help the rebuild, with a new centre-half, midfielder and striker all required. United are also in the market for another right-sided winger, while a left-back is also on their shopping list.
As far as a defender is concerned, promiment broadcaster Jeff Stelling has tipped the Red Devils to bring in one of the country’s top young stars – and for a bargain fee at that.
Reports on Wednesday morning have also thrown open the possibility of a move for Wolves’ Joao Gomes, who has impressed this season in the Premier League and in Saturday’s Wembley triumph for Brazil over England at Wembley.
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And as far as a new striker is concerned, a move for Ivan Toney has also been mooted by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Of course, United cannot just spent for the sake of it and they will have to stay within the means of FFP in order not to run the risk of a Premier League penalty.
To that end, a number of big-money stars will likely depart with both Raphael Varane and Casemiro expected to move on, while United will not take up the option to make loan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat’s stay permanent.

Ratcliffe rejects huge Alejandro Garnacho offer

One man they could also cash in on in Garnacho, who has been attracting attention from Real Madrid of late.
Indeed, TEAMtalk exclusively revealed recently earlier this month that Los Blancos were preparing a huge €100m (£85.8m) offer for the 19-year-old following some eye-catching performances this season.

Such a sale would present United with a club-record sale – currently sat at the £80m received from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo back in July 2009 – and significantly swell their transfer warchest.
However, The Sun reports that Ratcliffe has informed Garnacho’s agent that he sees the teenage winger as ‘untouchable’ and that no amount of money will convince him to cash in on his services.
Furthermore, it’s claimed the British billionaire wants to build the United side around the youngster and sees him as a major part of the club’s efforts to challenge the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid for the game’s top honours.
Alongside both Kobbie Mainoo – fresh from his Man of the Match award on his England debut on Tuesday night – and Rasmus Hojlund, the three are seen as top assets to build around with any offers for the trio set to be rejected out of hand.

The INEOS chief also wants to keep Marcus Rashford, amid claims of a big-money offer from PSG and that they see him as a would-be successor to Kylian Mbappe.
However, the first intention – and possibly greatest threat to Ratcliffe – is for keeping Garnacho will any approach for his services to be immediately discarded.
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Man Utd 'interested' in Wolves boss Gary O'Neil for role in new coaching set-up

Manchester United are keen to speak to Wolves manager Gary O’Neil about taking up a coaching role at the club next season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are assessing their options across all departments after completing a deal for 27.7 per cent of the club. The petrochemicals billionaire is not set on keeping Erik ten Hag beyond the end of the season and is exploring his options ahead of what promises to be a summer of major changes at Old Trafford.

As reported by Mirror Football, England manager Gareth Southgate is Ratcliffe’s number one choice to replace Ten Hag. But Southgate is just one of several coaches being considered, with INEOS’ head of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, tasked with canvassing opinion on other candidates.
Ratcliffe wants to make improvements right across the board, with the hiring of Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive and the pursuit of Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as sporting director examples of their ambition. Brailsford has also been looking at United’s coaching set-up and ESPN reports that has led him to identify O’Neil as a possible hire in the summer.
O’Neil has impressed through his work at Wolves this season, with the team currently in ninth place, just six points behind United. Prior to joining Wolves, the 40-year-old kept Bournemouth in the Premier League last year and is considered one of the best young coaches in the game at present.
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So First off, Sir Jim Radcliffe,

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The report states that O’Neil is unlikely to be considered as a direct replacement for Ten Hag, but could be hired as a first-team coach under a new boss. Southgate is joined on United’s shortlist for a new manager by Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank as INEOS target a change of direction.
O’Neil is reportedly aware of United’s interest. He signed a three-year contract when he replaced Julen Lopetegui as Wolves manager in the summer, so United would have to pay compensation to hire him, while sacking Ten Hag and his staff a year before their contracts are up in June 2025 would cost £10million.
Dave Brailsford and Jim Ratcliffe
© PA
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Gary O'Neil be a good hire for Manchester United? Comment below.
The former Portsmouth midfielder has won 16 of his 35 games in charge of Wolves, with the high point of his reign coming when his side beat Manchester City 2-1 on September 30. While Wolves have been beaten home and away by Ten Hag’s United this season, they have picked up away victories over Chelsea and Tottenham.

Speaking last month, Ratcliffe outlined his plans for the overhaul of staff at United. “We have to ensure that the right people end up in the right positions,” he told Belgian newspaper De Tijd. “Every person in management must be world-class. And then it is important to create a positive, supportive, friendly and high-quality environment. That culture was missing before. Only in such an environment can you get the best out of sportsmen. If successful, the results will follow automatically. That's the plan and I believe in it.”
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Everton to compete with Man Utd for £17m star as Thelwell plots moves for electric Brazilian duo

Everton are set to focus on signing youngsters they can sell for profit this summer and will compete with Manchester United for one of South America’s most promising defenders.
The Toffees are at risk of losing Jarrad Branthwaite amid interest from Man Utd, Manchester City, Real Madrid and others.
TEAMtalk sources state that Everton are set to demand around £80m for Branthwaite and will put some of those funds towards signing a new centre-back if he does leave.
Now, according to CalcioMercato, Everton are poised to battle Man Utd, AC Milan and Benfica for 18-year-old Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino.
The teenager is considered to be one of the most promising players in South America and has a tempting release clause of £17.1m in his contract.
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New Man Utd minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also keen to focus on signing top young talents and therefore it’s no surprise to see the Red Devils keen on signing Anselmino.
He has made seven senior appearances so far for Boca Juniors, helping his team to keep four clean sheets in the process.
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commitment to the national team,


Anselmino will hope that he can follow in the footsteps of other players who have left the Argentinean club and succeeded in Europe, such as Diego Maradona and Carlos Tevez.

Everton tracking Brazilian duo alongside Anselmino

Everton Director of football Kevin Thelwell said in December that Everton’s transfer strategy was set to change and Anselmino isn’t the only wonderkid on his shortlist.
According to the president of Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, Sergio Coelho, the Toffees are among the sides tracking talented attackers Alisson and Brahian Palacios.
“A representative from Everton, in England, spoke to Fernando, head of scouting at CIGA, who are monitoring strikers Alisson Santana and Brahian Palacios,” Coelho told Radio Itatiala.
Alisson, 18, can play as a winger on either flank or as a number 10 and his performances have caught the attention of several top clubs including Arsenal, Newcastle and Fulham.

He has made 11 appearances for Atletico Mineiro so far, scoring one goal and making one assist, and is only expected to improve as he gains experience.
Palacios, on the other hand, is more experienced at the age of 21, having made 56 appearances for former club Atletico Nacional, scoring four times in the process.
Known for his flair and trickery, Palacios could provide Evertonians with some much-needed excitement if the Toffees can agree a deal for him.
What’s clear is that Everton are keen to not spend huge amounts on big-name players this summer but focus more on high-potential talents, following the model of well-run sides such as Brighton.
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Manchester United's new owner wastes no time in transfer market to help Erik ten Hag

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has big plans for Manchester United's summer transfer window, with Juventus defender Gleison Bremer at the top of his shortlist.
Ratcliffe and his company INEOS are now in charge of United's football operations after being confirmed as a minority owner in February, and he is keen to make his mark. The petrochemicals billionaire has already made big changes behind the scenes, with Omar Berrada joining from rivals Manchester City as United's new CEO and Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth close to becoming its sporting director.

Now, United is turning its attention to player recruitment, with Italian outlet Calciomercato reporting the club has 'intensified contacts' with Bremer in an attempt to get ahead of rival suitors.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham have also been linked with the 27-year-old, but United is 'confident' a deal can be done to trigger his release clause, which is believed to be between $54 million and $62 million.
READ MORE: Real Madrid star to pay the price for Kylian Mbappe signing but Man City prepares safety net
R
EAD MORE: Barcelona hero Ivan Rakitic slams former club and hails Real Madrid in damning verdictCentral defense has been a problem area for United this season, with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire missing significant periods with injury. Although manager Erik ten Hag's position in the club remains in doubt beyond this season, he would certainly welcome its efforts to make defensive upgrades in the summer transfer window.
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you with the top job at one of the biggest


This news comes after Ratcliffe revealed he wants to avoid "spending a lot of money on a couple of great players". Speaking on the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club podcast, Ratcliffe was asked about the potential of signing players like Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
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Gleison Bremer is a reported target for Manchester United
© Marco Canoniero/Getty Images
"He's a great footballer, but it's not where our focus is," Ratcliffe replied. "The solution is not to spend a lot of money on a couple of great players. They've done that if you look at the last 10 years.
"The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes in the organizing of the club. Then make can get recruitment right. It's such a vital part of a football club today, getting recruitment right. Which is finding new players.

"You need the right organisation and structure. You need to populate it with the people who are the best in class. Dave (Brailsford, INEOS' sporting director) wouldn't profess to ever saying 'We need to buy that player'. That's not his skillset, but we need to have that skillset at Manchester United."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.

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