Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Monday evening, making the journey south to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
United will be itching to get back to winning ways after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Burnley just over a week ago. Antony's second half opener was cancelled out by a late penalty by Zeki Amdouni.
As a result of not taking to the pitch until Monday this weekend, United have dropped to seventh in the Premier League table following Newcastle United's 4-1 win over Burnley on Saturday. The Reds are now two points behind the Magpies.
With the battle to secure Europa League qualification looking as though it could go the distance, United need to end the season as strongly as possible, starting with three points against Palace. However, Erik ten Hag's side have not won on their travels in the league since February.
Meanwhile, the Reds are continuing to be linked with a flurry of names ahead of this summer's transfer window. The window officially opens for business on Friday, June 14.
You can recap all of the very latest United news, views and transfer snippets via the blog below:
That's a wrap!
We're going to call time on this week's transfer blog here, folks. A massive thank you to all of those who have followed our coverage this week.
We will be back again tomorrow to bring you all the very latest transfer gossip and continue our build-up to the clash with Crystal Palace.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and take care.
OPINION: United predicted line-up vs Palace
United will be hoping they will be able to call upon the services of captain Bruno Fernandes when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tomorrow evening.
The Portuguese international is a 'doubt' for the game because of a hand injury. But considering he has never missed a United fixture through injury, it would take something extreme to force him to miss out.
Check out George Smith's predicted XI by clicking here.
Inter considering entering the race for United-linked forward
Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has confirmed the Serie A club could enter the running for United-linked forward Joshua Zirkzee this forthcoming summer.
The Bologna ace has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months after an encouraging campaign; he has scored 12 goals in all competitions. Arsenal have also been linked with the possibility of securing his signature.
Zanetti told Radio Serie A:
"Zirkzee is a great champion. We are talking about a young, talented, intelligent, physically very strong player. Someone like that would be useful to any great team aiming for important goals. If an important opportunity presents itself, maybe we can think about it."
Olise 'considered as top target'
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise has always been 'considered as a top target' by United to strengthen their wide options ahead of this summer's transfer window.
The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's plan to take the club's recruitment strategy in a different direction. Olise has gone from strength-to-strength since joining Palace in 2021 and is only 22.
Bayern confirm Tuchel plan amid United links
Bayern Munich director Christoph Freund has confirmed Thomas Tuchel will still leave the club at the end of this season amid increasing reports linking him with United.
In the last few weeks, Tuchel has been linked with the possibility of replacing Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford amid mounting pressure on his shoulders. However, it is understood that a firm decision is yet to have been made on his future.
Asked if the decision could be reversed and Tuchel will stay, Freund, very much to the point, said:
"There is no chance."
Click here to read the full story.
United 'among the favourites' for Rabiot
According to a report by Italian outlet Corriere Torino, as cited by Sport Witness, United are 'among the favourites' to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this forthcoming summer.
The Frenchman was on United's radar in the summer transfer window of 2022 and the club decided to withdraw its interest because of the midfielder's wage demands.
He is facing the prospect of becoming a free agent this summer as he is yet to sign a new contract at Juventus.
The report claims United could face 'competition' from both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Getafe 'open talks' to sign Greenwood on loan again
Getafe have 'opened talks' with United about the prospect of signing forward Mason Greenwood on another loan deal, according to The Athletic.
Greenwood joined the Spanish club last September and has plundered 10 goals in his maiden season overseas. He is set to return to United this summer and a decision is yet to be made concerning his future at the club.
However, it is reported that Getafe are already taking the first steps to try and sign him on loan for a second season. The report states Getafe are 'keen' to get a deal done.
United 'scout' highly-rated Schalke star
According to a report by Sky Germany, United have 'scouted' highly-rated FC Schalke midfielder Assan Ouedraogo.
The youngster, who will turn 18 in a few days time, is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in German football and has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich recently.
Despite only being 17, he has already chalked up 15 first-team appearances for Schalke, scoring two goals. The report states United 'scouted him from abroad'.
OPINION: Ten Hag must give United player a first Premier League start in seven months
"United didn't deserve to win against Brentford but their equaliser was particularly cruel for Mason Mount. He seemed like a certainty to speak with journalists in the mixed zone, to discuss his extended lay-off and how it felt to score his first United goal, but Brentford's goal changed the mood and Mount understandably didn't want to talk when leaving the Gtech Community Stadium. In the next game, Mount seemed a certainty to be given his first start since November against his former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but he was on the bench. That felt like a pivotal moment in Mount's underwhelming season. He'd made a case to start against Chelsea thanks to bright substitute appearances against Liverpool and Brentford but still hasn't made a starting line-up a month later."
Click here to read more from United writer Steven Railston.
United to use Maguire in 'swap deal' for Branthwaite
According to a report by the Daily Star, United 'intend to use' Harry Maguire in a swap deal for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite is on United's radar ahead of this summer's transfer window and is being linked with a plethora of other big-name clubs. He has enjoyed an outstanding campaign and United are understood to be among those monitoring him.
United want to sign two centre-backs in this forthcoming summer's window and Branthwaite is among their leading targets.
It is reported the club will use Maguire as 'bait' in a ploy to convince Everton into letting go of the former PSV Eindhoven loanee.
European heavyweights 'interested' in Greenwood
Both Atletico Madrid and Juventus are 'interested' in signing United forward Mason Greenwood ahead of this forthcoming summer's transfer window, according to CaughtOffside.
Greenwood, who is currently on loan at Spanish club Getafe, is being heavily linked with the prospect of a permanent exit from Old Trafford this summer. He was shipped out on loan last September after the club performed a U-turn on the possibility of him restarting his career in M16.
After scoring 10 goals this season, interest is said to be mounting in his signature ahead of the summer and Atletico and Juventus are said to be among the leading contenders.
United have to respond at Palace
United dropped to seventh in the Premier League table yesterday after Newcastle United's 4-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Magpies are now two points ahead of Erik ten Hag's side, meaning the onus is on United to issue a response at Crystal Palace tomorrow night.
Because United are facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final later this month, it means the side that finishes sixth in the Premier League is guaranteed to secure Europa League football for next season. If United lose the cup final and finish seventh they will miss out.
It means if they secure a sixth-placed finish, they will qualify regardless of the outcome at Wembley.
Good morning!
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the United live blog. I hope you're all keeping well on what is a glorious Sunday morning.
United are back in action tomorrow night, travelling to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. We will have all of the build-up for you throughout the day, plus the latest on the injury front and more.
There is no need to refresh the page, updates should appear automatically.
Bruno in protective cast
Bruno Fernandes picked up an injury in United's FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry but battled on to play against both Sheffield United and Burnley.
Ten Hag confirmed in Thursday's press conference that Fernandes had 'an issue' after the Burnley draw, and the United skipper has now been spotted wearing a protective cast just three days before the clash with Palace on Monday night.
Read here >>>
Keep or sell?
We already knew there would be a lot of decisions being made on the United squad this summer, but the news that only four players are categorically not for sale has confirmed that.
Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund will all be at Old Trafford next season, but bids received for the rest of the players will dictate whether they remain in Manchester.
So, who would you sell this summer? It's worth bearing in mind that Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay were both available for sale last year, and having stayed at the club they've provided some key moments in the season. That's worth remembering when you decide who you want to keep for 2024/25.
Make your decisions with the tool below...
€6m FFP boost
Alvaro Fernandez is expected to complete a permanent switch to Benfica.
The United youngster joined the Portuguese outfit on loan in January, having spent the first half of the season at Granada.
Benfica have an obligation to buy Fernandez if he makes a certain number of appearances, though there is also an agreed fee should he not trigger that clause but Benfica still want to make the move permanent.
It's understood the Portuguese side are hopeful of completing a deal in the summer, meaning United will be handed a financial boost as they continue to work within FFP boundaries.
Read more by clicking here >>>
OPINION: Olise to United?
It's set to be another summer of upheaval at United, and one name being regularly linked with the club is Michael Olise.
United have plenty of options in the wide areas, but only Alejandro Garnacho is guaranteed to be at the club next season. Only four players are absolutely not for sale this summer, though the Reds are not planning on selling Marcus Rashford.
With a whole host of wide players potentially on their way out of Old Trafford this season, the club could look to bolster their options. So, could Olise be the answer?
Find out what our writers think by clicking here >>>
Sir Jim Ratcliffe net worth rockets
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spent the first two-and-a-half months at Manchester United making changes off the pitch with things at Old Trafford set to look slightly different by the time the 2024/25 season starts.
On Christmas Eve, the INEOS founder announced that he would be acquiring a minority stake in the club. In February, the 71-year-old received the green light to become a minority owner of United.
There has now been some positive news over the owner's net worth.
United 'scout' teenager alongside Man City
Manchester United are one of three Premier League teams reportedly scouting Schalke's teenage midfielder Assan Ouedraogo according to German outlet Fussball news.
Manchester City and Newcastle United as well as German giants Bayern Munich, Red Bull Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are also said to be interested.
The 17-year-old has been a regular in 2. Bundesliga for Schalke this season and can play in a number of positions including central midfield, attacking midfield and left wing. He also has 17 caps for the German U17 team.
United summer transfer plans outlined
United manager Erik ten Hag has said the club will make "new improvements" this summer after failing to invest in back-to-back January transfer windows.
After making three loan signings in the 2023 winter window, United did not add a single new face to their squad in the January window earlier this year. Ten Hag wanted to sign a forward but didn't have the capacity to do so.
Speaking at today's press conference, he said:
"Always a lot of work, it's normal. And it is normal when you go into a transfer window but the injuries had a big impact. We know also we are still below the levels from the expectations that Manchester United has so we have to catch up and I'm now going into my fifth window, two windows were quite okay, two we missed. We have to make new improvements this summer. But there is a base in this squad that is very good and the injuries had a big impact on our season. Definitely [no Champions League football] will have an impact on the budget but I'm sure Manchester United is a very attractive team and club to play for. Many players will be very pleased and happy to play for Manchester United, I'm sure."
Click here to read more from the United manager.
OPINION: United have an unexpected £60million puzzle to solve
"Hampered by injury issues, he has been restricted to just 18 appearances in all competitions. He returned from a long-term calf problem in March, but has failed to make a single start amid six appearances. Injuries have disrupted any hopes he had of finding consistency while Kobbie Mainoo's sharp rise has not helped Mason Mount's case. The teenager, who is a strong contender to win United's Player of the Season award, has made the No.8 berth, which Mount described as his preferred role after joining United, his own, producing a string of fine performances. Ahead of next season, United acknowledge they must strengthen their midfield options again but this time with the addition of a defensive-midfielder to replace Casemiro. Mainoo has established himself as a progressive, forward-thinking player, so a defensive specialist is required."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.
United 'considered frontrunners' to sign Olise this summer
United are 'considered frontrunners' to sign Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise in the event of him leaving Selhurst Park this forthcoming summer, according to a report by ESPN.
It is reported that the former Reading man has a release clause within his contract that becomes active at the end of this season. He has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months amid United's plan to make much-needed changes to the landscape of their squad.
Since joining Palace from Reading in 2021, Olise, 22, has made 87 appearances, scoring 13 goals and creating 23.
Galatasaray 'interested' in Varane
According to a report by Fanatik, as cited by We All Follow United, Turkish club Galatasaray are 'interested' in the prospect of signing United defender Raphael Varane ahead of this summer's transfer window.
Varane is out-of-contract at Old Trafford at the end of next month and will leave for free if fresh terms are not agreed. He joined United from Real Madrid almost three years ago.
OPINION: Ratcliffe's transfer plan gives United something that has helped their rivals
"It is clear Sir Jim Ratcliffe recognises United need to change their ways. They have been taken for a ride far too often in recent years, overspending on players who have simply not lived up to eye-watering price tags. It is why United should consider taking a leaf out of Villa's book. The Championship, in recent years, has produced several now-established Premier League players who would not look out of place at Old Trafford, such as Jarrod Bowen, Michael Olise, James Maddison and Ivan Toney. Bowen was purchased by West Ham United directly from the Championship in January 2020 and has scored 60 goals in 200 games, including 43 in the Premier League. He cost the Hammers £22m."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.
Milan 'consider' Amrabat swoop
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Italian giants AC Milan 'could consider' a move for United loanee Sofyan Amrabat in this forthcoming summer's transfer window.
The Morocco international joined United on loan from Fiorentina last summer but has failed to have the impact he and the club had hoped for. It means United are very unlikely to activate the option to sign him on a permanent basis.
Instead, he is now set to leave Fiorentina via a different route this summer and Milan are the latest club to have been credited with interest in his signature.
United 'falling behind' in Onana transfer race
Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are the clubs 'clubs most heavily involved' in trying to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana ahead of this forthcoming summer's transfer window, according to a report by Football Transfers.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News in March, United are understood to be monitoring the former Lille ace.
United want to strengthen their midfield options this summer and the addition of a player in that position has been deemed a leading priority.
United confirm Fernandes injury concern
United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that captain Bruno Fernandes is a doubt for Monday night's trip to Crystal Palace.
Despite being a doubt, Ten Hag has refused to rule Fernandes, who has never missed a game for United through injury, out of the game completely.
The Dutchman said:
"Also, after the game (vs Burnley), we had an issue with Bruno. So he is a doubt for Monday but he will fight to get for this game. We all know Bruno, never rule him out for any game. He will do his best to be available."
Click here to read more on the latest team news.
Ten Hag issues update on Sancho's future
United manager Erik ten Hag believes the club can benefit from Jadon Sancho's impressive form on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho starred for Dortmund on Wednesday night, playing a key role in their 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final. He returned to the German club on loan in January after falling out with Ten Hag back in September.
Speaking this lunchtime, Ten Hag said:
"So let's say this: yesterday he played very good and I already talked about, he's a very good player. Yesterday he showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed also he represents a high value for Manchester United, which is good. So I'm happy. I'm happy for Jadon, for the performance yesterday and we'll see what is going to happen in the future."
Click here to read more from the United boss.
United 'privately adamant' Greenwood will be sold this summer
According to a report by Football Insider, United are 'privately adamant' that Mason Greenwood will be sold in this forthcoming summer's transfer window.
Greenwood has spent this season on loan at Getafe and has scored 10 goals. He joined the Spanish club in September after United U-turned on the possibility of him resurrecting his career at Old Trafford.
It is claimed that United are looking to bank a fee 'in excess of £40million' for the forward.
Ten Hag press conference on the way
United manager Erik ten Hag will be facing the media very shortly to look ahead to Monday night's trip to Crystal Palace.
He is scheduled to start speaking at 1.15pm, with his quotes embargoed until 1.30pm. As ever, the MEN will bring you everything he has to say via our dedicated live blog.
Click here to join my colleague Steven Railston for coverage.
