Monday’s biggest Manchester United news and transfer rumour headlines.
United are reportedly preparing a move for Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale with The Sun reporting that his future at Real Madrid is now hanging in the balance.
Following Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona, more than 48,000 furious fans voted in a poll with Spanish publication Marca to say that the Welshman was the worst player on the pitch, with Ronaldo coming a close second.
The 26-year-old is now under enormous pressure to perform, given that he doesn’t have a goal to his name in over three months now.
United have been long linked with his signature, and may now get their chance to test Madrid’s resolve, especially if Rafa Benitez’s own future comes into question.
Manchester United are set to go up against Arsenal for the signature of highly-rated Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, according to Gazzetta World.
The youngster has struggled for game time this season despite impressing on loan with Empoli last term, and as such is now looking to depart in search of more minutes.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with his signature, but United are keen, too, as they look to bolster their defensive ranks in the wake of several injury problems this season.
However, Napoli are also keen on prizing him away from the Champions, meaning the outcome will largely depend on whether he wants to leave Italy or not.
Young forward Jesse Lingard is set to open talks on a new contract at Manchester United that would see his wage packet shoot up to £50,000-per-week, the Daily Mirror reports.
Lingard and his representatives have already held talks with the club over a new deal after he broke into the first team on a regular basis, as well as breaking into Roy Hodgson’s England squad.
The 22-year-old is reportedly earning £25,000-a-week on an incentive-laden contract which rewards the attacking midfielder for first team appearances.
However, talks will begin after Christmas over a new deal that would see him double his money as a reward for such good form.
Manchester United manager are said to be looking into the possibility of signing young Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, according to Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo.
Arsenal had previously held an interest in him, and this week he has agreed to switch agents and will now be represented by Barcelona legend Carles Puyol.
The 24-year-old has failed to break into the Barca side on a regular basis, and has made just five first team appearances all season.
Man United utility man Daley Blind has heaped praise on struggling striker Wayne Rooney by labelling him as the most natural finisher he has ever worked with, according to the Metro.
“Rooney is a great finisher,” he said.
“Especially in the way he scores goals.”