Erik ten Hag has a chance to strengthen his own position and revive Manchester United's league season as his team takes on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Ten Hag has overseen a dreadful campaign, with controlling co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe now thought to be considering replacing the former Ajax boss. Sunday's battling 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal was an improvement on their 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Crystal Palace on Monday, but a defeat nonetheless, and another reverse against Newcastle would leave the FA Cup final as the team's only chance of European qualification.
Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and England manager Gareth Southgate are believed to be the two frontrunners if Ratcliffe does opt to part ways with Ten Hag, with Bologna chief Thiago Motta also under consideration.
Transfer talk is also heating up of what's set to be a busy summer window, and experienced centre-back Raphael Varane will need replacing after confirming he will leave this summer. Stay tuned to Mirror Football throughout Tuesday for all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Goodbye
That's all from us - we'll be back tomorrow with the latest from Manchester.
Could Bayern stick with Tuchel?
Thomas Tuchel's Bayern Munich departure has been announced - and he's been touted with the Man Utd role as a result.
Now though it appears as though the German side could be considering their options. The likes of Xabi Alonso have turned down opportunities to work at the Allianz Arena and it seems the Bayern chiefs could be about to change their minds.
Only last week Tuchel confirmed that it was unlikely he'd remain with Bayern, claiming the club had driven the desire to go their separate ways. “It’s very, very, very unlikely that it’s at Bayern, I have to say," he told TNT Sports.
Rooney gives insight on playing with Vidic
Wayne Rooney has opened up about former team-mate Nemanja Vidic's frosty behaviour at Manchester United.
Rooney, who shared the dressing room with some tough characters during his time at Old Trafford, singled out Vidic as particularly difficult. Speaking on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said the Serbian would often give players the silent treatment for months following disagreements.
"Vidic was a nightmare," Rooney admitted. "He'd have an argument with someone, I remember he didn't speak to Giggsy [Ryan Giggs] for six months, didn't speak to Patrice [Evra] for months, he'd have an argument with someone and he just wouldn't speak to them."
The situation got so bad that Rooney had to intervene when he found himself on the receiving end of Vidic's cold shoulder. "I had an argument with him once and I remember that he was going down the same route with me, so I pulled him for a chat and said, 'Grow up, what's up with you? We're team-mates'. But it would go on for months, and he was captain at the time."
United 'consider' Watkins move
Ollie Watkins is interesting Manchester United, according to talkSPORT, with the England international fitting the bill in the search for a new striker.
Getting a deal over the line will be a different matter, of course, with Villa qualifying for the Champions League and United at risk of missing out on Europe altogether.
Watkins is Villa's top league scorer this term with 19 goals, more than double Rasmus Hojlund's tally, and the need for more firepower is clear.
Premier League transfer window dates confirmed
The summer transfer window will open on June 14 and close on August 30, the Premier League have confirmed.
This all means that, less than a month from now, United and their Premier League rivals will be able to add to their squads.
The winter window, meanwhile, will open on January 1 and close on February 3.
"To ensure harmonisation with the major leagues in Europe, the closing dates were set following discussions with the EFL, DFL, Serie A, LaLiga, and LFP, who will all close their Summer and Winter windows on 30 August and 3 February respectively," a Premier League statement read.
Would Branthwaite be the right fit for United
Last night we brought you news that Manchester United are ready to pay £55m for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The former Carlisle defender has impressed at the heart of Sean Dyche's defence, and United will be after reinforcements at the back after losing Raphael Varane.
Would Branthwaite be right for the club, though? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
Martinez could be available for Newcastle
Erik ten Hag has hinted he may be able to call upon Lisandro Martinez for Wednesday's match against Newcastle.
"We have to see a final training [session] this afternoon. But we think Licha Martinez, after a long period, he will be available," Ten Hag said on Tuesday.
"Not to start but coming from the bench. Hopefully, we can bring him in and that would be the next step.
"And that is very important for us, that players return, especially in the defending line because, you know, we are short of players available."
Ronaldo wants Fernandes with him at Al-Nassr
Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is after a reunion with Bruno Fernandes in Saudi Arabia.
The veteran is understood to have pushed for a move for his fellow Portugal star, amid uncertainty at Old Trafford.
While Fernandes is considered a top target for the club, they know it will be a tall order to tempt him away from Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is weighing up an offer to extend his Al-Nassr contract, according to talkSPORT.
The Portugal international moved to the Saudi Pro League side midway through the 2022-23 season, on a deal which runs to the end of the 2024-25 campaign, but that could be extended by a further year.
Saudi clubs are looking to make further moves in this summer's window, with United captain Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah attracting interest.
More on Wan-Bissaka's parting gift
United's tribute to Aaron Wan-Bissaka will feature a t-shirt showing him celebrating the Carabao Cup win.
It will also be a farewell home game for Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial as the French duo prepare to leave, but manager Erik ten Hag has remained insistent it won't be his last at the helm.
"Goodbye for me? It’s not how I feel it and how I see it," Ten Hag said. "It is not the way I go to start that lap of honour for the fans, no. The answer to the questions you made so often: same answer.
"Through good times and bad times we are together and the fans show it, that we are together. So we will do a lap of honour."
Former United striker Welbeck agrees Brighton extension
Danny Welbeck has agreed a new two-year deal with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Manchester United academy graduate, part of their last league title winning squad in 2013, has been with the Seagulls since 2020, and could take on his former club on the final day of the season.
“I’ve had an amazing time. Each season has been special and we’ve progressed every year," the striker said. "This season has been very difficult with the Europa League commitments. The fixture list has been different, but it’s been a great step.
“A couple more key acquisitions for the squad will help us push on next season and I am pretty sure we can achieve some more special moments.”
Amrabat agent jets in for talks
Sofyan Amrabat's agent has travelled to Manchester for talks about the Moroccan midfielder's future.
Amrabat joined on a season-long loan from Fiorentina, with the option to make the move permanent, but is not expected to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer.
A return to Italy has been mooted, albeit not at Fiorentina, with AC Milan among the clubs said to be interested in taking the midfielder away from Tuscany.
United's youngsters win Under-18 final
The Under-18 Premier League National Final has gone the way of Manchester United, offering some optimism for the future.
United's kids had already won the Premier League cup against Manchester City, and this makes it two trophies in just a matter of weeks.
Ethan Wheatley, who made his senior debut earlier this season, opened the scoring 21 minutes in with a calm left-footed finish.
Chelsea equalised early in the second half, with Josh Acheampong heading home.
However, Ethan Williams, who set up Wheatley's opener, restored United's lead after a Jack Fletcher effort was blocked.
'Strong expectation' Fernandes stays
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is expected to stay at Old Trafford after talks with the club, according to The Athletic.
The Portugal international is understood to have sought assurances that the club can once again be competitive under their new ownership, after failing to qualify for next season's Champions League.
There have been reports of interest from Bayern Munich and from the Saudi Pro League for a player who has been at Old Trafford since January 2020.
However, the meeting, held last week, is said to have been productive, suggesting he plans to stick around.
Wan-Bissaka to bid United farewell
Aaron Wan-Bissaka will say goodbye to Manchester United's supporters on Wednesday night, according to The Sun.
The defender saw a one-year extension triggered to ensure he isn't out of contract this summer, but United are still expected to cash in.
The same report indicates a T-shirt has been printed in the player's honour ahead of the match at home to Newcastle.
Players' McKenna questions emerge amid contact
Kieran McKenna has emerged as a potential managerial option for Manchester United, but the Ipswich boss had to overcome doubts to make it at Old Trafford in his first spell.
The Northern Irishman was part of the coaching staff at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, with some players reportedly questioning his approach and others said to be unsure how he advanced to the role after a modest playing career.
His success at Ipswich may have changed some minds, though. Their back-to-back promotions mean they're back in the Premier League after 22 years away, and McKenna's stock has clearly risen in that time.
Good morning!
Welcome back to Mirror Football's coverage of all things Manchester United.
We'll have all the build-up to tonight's game against Newcastle, as well as the latest transfer talk and updates on Erik ten Hag's future.
Stay with us, you won't want to miss anything.
Good night
And that's where we'll leave things this evening. Best get a good night of sleep before a massive day and massive game tomorrow. Newcastle at Old Trafford awaits.
No farewell
Erik ten Hag is adamant Manchester United's final home game of the season will not be his farewell to Old Trafford.
As the United boss confirmed his side would complete a lap of honour at Old Trafford, the Dutchman said he did not sent it would be his final appearance at the stadium.
He said: “A goodbye? For me? It's not how I feel it and not how I see it.
Rooney blasted
Erik ten Hag has blated Wayne Rooney for suggesting some of his players were not injured. The United boss has instead claimed his players are desperate to play.
United 'make contact'
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are said to have made a first contact for Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, with pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag.
Worth following
Not often you want to hear about local rivals but given United could come up against similar issues maybe worth a look. UEFA appear to have told City's owners what they need to do to have Girona in the Champions League too. Divestment is possible.
It could prove informative if United and Nice find themselves in the same competition.
Ratcliffe relies on key ally
While United are establishing a new recruitment structure it appears that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will rely on who he knows to kick things off in the transfer market. The club have been made to wait to appoint Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, while incoming CEO Omar Berrada can only start work in the summer.
That has left Ratcliffe looking at INEOS guru Dave Brailsford to instigiate talks.
United prepare bid
United could yet make a splash in this summer's transfer window and are said to be willing to pay £55m for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
The young defender has impressed under Sean Dyche this season.
Erik ten Hag on Fernandes
Man United's boss has been pretty firm on his stance concerning the midfielder.
"It's the same question as last week. So I answered. The same answer," "It's the same question as last week. So I answered. The same answer," he said.
"Now and in all the years he was [at United], he was a tremendously important player for Man United and creating the most chances across the Premier League. So many assists, so many goals. It's clear he's a very important player for us."
Bruno Fernandes future
With talk over the midfielder's future coming to the surface and links to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, it's worth revisiting what the man himself has said.
"I’m not thinking about other things at the moment. Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it?" he told DAZN Portugal last month.
"A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.
"So, if you want me to be very honest," he ominously added, "If I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment."
Man Utd players angered
United's stars have been informed via text that wives and girlfriends will have to pay their own way for the FA Cup final.
Insiders told the Mirror that the team is "not happy" after learning that the 'official trip' normally paid for by the club will not be provided due to cost cuts.
It is perhaps little surprise after staff members were told they would have to pay for their transport to showpiece match.
Ferdinand in "depressive state" due to Man Utd
Rio Ferdinand is fed up of answering questions about how poor Manchester United are at present.
"We're in a bad place at the moment," he said on Vibe with Five. "The fanbase are down. I don't go anywhere around Europe or the world without fans who go – the first thing they say to me now: 'What's happened to our club?' That's all I get!
"I'm in a depressive state anywhere I travel at the moment. I'm walking around with shades on, even when the clouds are out! It doesn't matter! I want to be incognito, I don't want these questions anymore. So I'm sitting there praying."
Fernandes has Brazil plan
Bruno Fernandes has previously explained that he wants to play in Brazil at some point in his career.
The 29-year-old Manchester United skipper has been linked with a summer exit, with Bayern Munich among those interested.
He previously told ESPN Brazil: “Whenever I can, I follow it, because I find Brazilian football attractive, electric football, with a lot of quality, joy, very one-on-one.
“It’s pure football. And I think that now, with the coaches that are there, not only the Portuguese, but also Brazilians, are increasingly developing in the tactical part. I don’t really like talking about the distant future, but it’s like I said. It’s attractive football, very interesting.”
Frank responds to Man Utd links
Thomas Frank has insisted he is happy at Brentford but admitted he is flattered to be linked with Manchester United.
“I’m really happy where I am. It’s close to being the perfect club to be at,” Frank told Danish outlet Bold. “I can see myself being here for many years to come. I’m close to the owner, to the sporting director. Everyone around the club. Brentford is a club where I really feel comfortable.”
Asked about the links to other clubs, he added: “Immediately, I think it’s flattering and a recognition of what I do. And I’m glad that others recognise the work we do at Brentford. That said, it’s not a one-man show about what’s going on at Brentford.”
Fernandes could leave amid Bayern interest
Manchester United could sanction the sale of club captain Bruno Fernandes this summer amid growing interest from Bayern Munich.
Fernandes, 29, has grown into one of the most influential figures at the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020. While the Portugal international's attitude has long divided opinion outside of Old Trafford, his talent has never been in question, so it should come as no surprise that he has suitors among Europe's elite. And with United's current malaise, Bayern's ability to collect trophies by the bucketload could leave the Red Devils vulnerable to losing their midfield talisman.
A new report from The Independent has outlined that the German giants are optimistic about their prospects of prising Fernandes away from Old Trafford, where he was grown frustrated with the club's standing in the game.