Manchester United head into a new week with plenty of question marks surrounding their top goalscorer from last season, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese ace scored 24 goals for the club in the last campaign. However, reports over the course of the weekend suggested that Ronaldo is wanting to leave United.
It is reported that the 37-year-old has asked United to accept any 'reasonable' offer for him should they receive it. Elsewhere, United will be hoping for some positive news in the transfer window by completing the deal of Tyrell Malacia.
MEN Sport reported last week that United had come to an 'agreement in principle' with Feyenoord for Malacia's transfer to Old Trafford. The 22-year-old made a clear impression on Erik ten Hag in the Eredivisie last season and United will be hoping to announce his signing sooner rather than later.
TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: What do you make of Ronaldo's future? Have your say here.
Keep tabs on the latest news, views and transfer rumours with dedicated updates below.
Key Events
FULL STORY: Christian Eriksen verbally agrees to join United
Eriksen update
Eriksen 'verbally agrees' to join United
United aiming to complete five signings this month
Cristiano Ronaldo not expected back at United training today
Lee Swettenham
Signing off
We're ending today's coverage here - join us again on the Manchester Evening News website bright and early tomorrow for all the big United news as it happens.
Goodnight!
Lee Swettenham
United told 'everyone enjoys them having a bad time'
United remain hopeful of eventually signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
However, former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has stated that whilst he's a fan of De Jong, he won't be enough for United to compete this season. The former Villa striker turned pundit also took a swipe at the club, stating that everyone is enjoying seeing them 'having a bad time'.
"Manchester United for me are in big trouble and Frenkie de Jong is only the start. That’s like 10% of the problem sorted, they’ve got so much work to do."
Read more from Agbonlahor here
Lee Swettenham
Eriksen deal 'underwhelming'
Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has been left "underwhelmed" by the news Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to sign for Manchester United.
The Dane has been a free agent since his short-term deal at Brentford expired. United have been patient in their approach and Eriksen could become Erik ten Hag's second signing as confirmation of Tyrell Malacia's move edges ever closer.
But for Murphy, he isn't convinced by the 30-year-old's impending arrival. He told talkSPORT:
"I really like Eriksen, I've always admired him in terms of his creativity and the way he plays. He's free with his football, he tries things, good at set-plays and both feet. But would it excite me if I was a United fan?"
More from Murphy here
Lee Swettenham
Ronaldo 'on the table' for Barcelona
Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is in Barcelona meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta with several transfer options 'on the table' - and claim that they include United's superstar striker.
The report claims that Ronaldo was among the names being discussed - others included Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, Wolves' Ruben Neves and AC Milan's Rafael Leao.
United, as we know, say Ronaldo is not for sale. But this saga is set to run and run.
Lee Swettenham
OPINION: Malacia decision could send a message to another Ten Hag target
Tyrell Malacia is in Manchester undergoing his medicals ahead of rubber-stamping his move to United.
And the speed with which he appears to have made his decision indicates he's ready to make an immediate impact, but also sends a message to a fellow countryman who has also been on the new manager's radar.
Read Casey Evans' piece here
Lee Swettenham
What we spotted in training today
United's players (minus Ronaldo) started week two of pre-season training at Carrington today.
Three senior players made their pre-season debuts, which spirits were high and the return of Steve McClaren seems to be a positive one on the training pitch.
Here's what we spotted from the new images of today's session.
Lee Swettenham
Neville's take on Ronaldo
Gary Neville's had his say on the Ronaldo situation:
The only important factor with the Ronaldo situation is that it’s dealt with decisively and quickly. This can’t be a saga that takes the focus away from ETH bedding in period for the next two months.
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 4, 2022
Lee Swettenham
Ex-United striker finds new club
D'Mani Mellor has joined League One club Wycombe Wanderers after being released by Manchester United.
The 21-year-old joins Wycombe after a short spell out on loan at Salford City last season. Mellor was not able to break into the first team at Old Trafford after coming through the United ranks.
Despite failing to cement his place in the senior set-up, Mellor did make an appearance in the Europa League in 2019. However, his progress in the United first team was hampered the following summer when he suffered a serious knee injury that left him sidelined for the entire 2020/21 campaign.
Full details here
Lee Swettenham
Chelsea 'considering move for Ronaldo'
Following on from our earlier line, The Guardian are now reporting that Chelsea are considering making a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Although the report adds that Chelsea's co-owner Todd Boehly - while 'intrigued' by the idea of signing United's superstar - is set to consult with manager Thomas Tuchel first, and it remains to be seen with Tuchel is sold on the idea.
Lee Swettenham
United's Manic Monday
Chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst's new newsletter is out, and it covers what turned out to be a Manic Monday for United
Click here to read the new instalment
Samuel will be sending regular newsletters throughout the tour to Thailand and Australia - sign up here to get yours sent FREE to your inbox.
Lee Swettenham
Back in training
United's squad arriving for their second week of training under Erik ten Hag ...
Ready for week two of pre-season #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Sh8HgKaGRN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 4, 2022
Lee Swettenham
'Frenkie is a red'
Manchester United fans have been reacting to pictures of Tyrell Malacia's agent, Ali Dursun, visiting Carrington on Monday.
Dursun is at United's training complex to oversee Malacia's move to Old Trafford. The 22-year-old impressed Erik ten Hag while playing for Feyenoord last season and the former Ajax boss has now swooped in to bring him to United.
Malacia's agent took to Instagram to share photos of himself with clients Donny van de Beek and Victor Lindelof, while the full-back completed his medical. Dursun is also the agent of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Here's some of what fans are saying about Dursun's visit.
Lee Swettenham
Rashford makes admission about United Premier League opener
Marcus Rashford says has described being at home for the first competitive game of the Ten Hag era as "massive".
But ahead of the match against Brighton he has warned that the players must continue listening to Ten Hag on the training ground before even thinking about getting the season off to a winning start.
Rashford told MUTV:
"Yes, it is a great feeling. To have the first game at Old Trafford is massive and I don't think the lads would have it any other way."
Read more of his interview here.
Lee Swettenham
Tuchel's stance on Ronaldo to Chelsea revealed
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel 'admires' Cristiano Ronaldo but remains 'unclear' as to whether the Portuguese fits in with his plans for next season as two board members consider making an official approach to Man United.
That's according to a report by Football.London, which adds that the Blues are the current 'favourites' to sign the 37-year-old.
It says:
"This is despite Man United's reluctance to sell to a direct rival and lose a brand in CR7, which has generated the Glazer family a lot of money already since returning last summer after Juventus agreed to get rid of the big wages and accumulate £14million at the same time. "
Lee Swettenham
Shirt numbers available to Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen has a wide range of shirt numbers to choose from at Manchester United should he make the move to Old Trafford this summer.
Once that is all sorted there will be just the small matter of deciding his shirt number for the 2022/23 season. Following recent departures from Old Trafford, there are a number of shirts available to Eriksen.
Here are his options.
Lee Swettenham
United's dream line-up with Christian Eriksen and four other new signings
United have reached a verbal agreement with Denmark international Christian Eriksen to sign him on a free transfer as part of their summer rebuild under manager Erik ten Hag.
The United manager, who will travel to Thailand with his squad on Friday for the start of the club's pre-season tour, is desperate to change the landscape of his side's midfield options this summer and Eriksen is looking as though he could be his first new addition in that area of the team. The Manchester Evening News understands that United are now working hard to get a deal wrapped up and sign him on a three-year contract.
With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a close look at how United could line up this forthcoming season if they snap up Malacia and Eriksen, plus three other transfer targets that are on their radar.
Have a look at it here
Lee Swettenham
United sign Canadian international
Manchester United Women have confirmed that they have signed forward Adriana Leon on a two-year deal.
She moved to Manchester from West Ham United where she scored 13 times in 59 appearances, and has 23 goals for Canada.
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) July 4, 2022"I couldn't be more thrilled and honoured to join this historic football club."
We're proud to have you, @LeonAdriana9 #MUWomen pic.twitter.com/jMmDLt9EsK
Lee Swettenham
Ronaldo 'in Lisbon'
This video from a Portuguese journalist purports to show Cristiano Ronaldo at the Portuguese national team's base in Lisbon today:
❗️Exclusive. Cristiano Ronaldo just arrived to @selecaoportugal training facilities. He's still in Lisbon after missing @ManUtd first pre-season day. Ronaldo's future is still uncertain. He wants to play @ChampionsLeague. pic.twitter.com/e2eQ3TAuQE
— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) July 4, 2022
George Smith
OPINION: Three ways United could line up with Christian Eriksen transfer
Manchester United are closing in on another signing in the summer transfer window, with Christian Eriksen set to follow Tyrell Malacia ahead of his proposed move to the club this week.
Eriksen, 30, has verbally agreed to join United on a three-year contract, with senior club sources saying they are now preparing contracts for the midfielder to sign.
The Denmark international is a free agent after spending three months with Brentford following his recovery from a cardiac arrest while playing during the European Championship last summer and will strengthen the midfield options available to Erik ten Hag.
Click here to view the three line-ups we have chosen.
George Smith
Chelsea 'considering' Ronaldo move
According to a report by The Athletic, Chelsea are 'considering' signing Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has reportedly informed United of his desire to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of Champions League football, but the Reds are standing firm by reiterating that he is not for sale.
The report claims that Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is a long-term admirer of the striker.
George Smith
OPINION: United fans overjoyed after Christian Eriksen verbally commits to transfer
Manchester United fans have been reacting with glee online after it emerged Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to move to Old Trafford.
MEN Sportunderstands United have received a verbal commitment from Eriksen that he will join the club this summer. The Danish international has agreed to a three-year contract with the Reds who are in the midst of drawing up the paperwork.
Last season, Eriksen returned to the Premier League with Brentford after recovering from a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. The 30-year-old would go on to make 11 appearances for the Bees, scoring once and grabbing four assists.
Click here to read more.
George Smith
OPINION: United are about to show how much they value Erik ten Hag with Cristiano Ronaldo call
Manchester United always knew this would be the summer in which they finally waved goodbye to a number of players who quite simply didn't want to play for the club anymore.
Paul Pogba's six-year stay came to an end when he officially left the club as a free agent last week, as was the case for Edinson Cavani after a failed second season in which he managed only 20 appearances. By the time his contract expired, Jesse Lingard was also glad to leave, frustrated by the lack of opportunities he had been afforded over the last year despite being promised a key role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United had chances to sell Pogba and Lingard while they both would've commanded a decent transfer fee, and there was also plenty of time to separate from Cavani, rather than give him an additional year at the club that he had to be convinced to agree to in the first place.
Click here to read the full story.
KEY EVENT
FULL STORY: Christian Eriksen verbally agrees to join United
Christian Eriksen has verbally agreed to join Manchester United on a three-year contract.
Senior United sources say they are preparing contracts for Eriksen to sign.
Eriksen, 30, is a free agent after spending three months with Brentford following his recovery from a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark during the European Championship.
Click here to read more.
KEY EVENT
Eriksen update
KEY EVENT
Eriksen 'verbally agrees' to join United
Former Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen has 'verbally agreed' to join Manchester United, according to a report by The Athletic.
He is on United's list of targets and the Reds now look set to win the race for his signature. It is reported that he has 'communicated his desire' to play for United and has accepted a three-year deal. His contract needs to be finalised and medical sorted.
George Smith
The boys are back in town!
George Smith
United were 'prepared' to pay higher fee for Bergwijn
According to a report by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Manchester United were 'prepared' to pay a higher fee than Ajax to sign Tottenham Hotspur attacker Steven Bergwijn.
The Spurs ace is set to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer and Ajax have reportedly agreed a £28.5million fee to take him back to the Netherlands - a move Bergwijn has his 'heart set on'.
It is claimed, however, that United, as well as Everton, were ready to pay £35million for his signature.
KEY EVENT
United aiming to complete five signings this month
Manchester United are aiming to complete five signings by the end of their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.
United had a bid accepted for Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, agreed a fee in principle with Barcelona for midfielder Frenkie de Jong and submitted a bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez last week.
New manager Erik ten Hag is also interested in Ajax forward Antony and free agent Christian Eriksen, while United are expected to sign a back-up goalkeeper to offset Dean Henderson’s departure on loan.
Click here to read more.
George Smith
OPINION: Erik ten Hag can tick two United boxes with Lisandro Martinez transfer
For all of Manchester United's problems last season, it was their lack of a defensive-minded midfielder that was by far and away their biggest.
United invested heavily in their squad last summer, strengthening their central-defensive and wide options with the additions of Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho, respectively. That meant that there was little room left in the budget to bring in a world-class holding midfielder as well.
Although hindsight can often prove to be a wonderful thing in football, United must have regretted not bringing in a player of that profile. It was a problem that plagued them throughout the campaign and the need to sign a defensive midfielder this summer was accepted a long time before even Ralf Rangnick had become a familiar name around Manchester.
Click here to read more.
Richard Fay
United players return amid Cristiano Ronaldo absence
Almost every Manchester United international player has reported back for pre-season training after their summer break.
Several internationals were on duty in Nations League matches, junior qualifiers and friendlies in June, which delayed their return by a week.
You can read the full piece here.
