Marcus’ United future on the line
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United will listen to offers for Marcus Rashford after the breakdown of his relationship with Erik ten Hag, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The future of the manager was tied in with the Red Devils forward, 26.
Now Ten Hag is staying, the club will look to cash in on the academy graduate who became one of United’s brightest stars.
They will want £80million but may have to accept nearer £60m following his drop in form last season.
Rashford and Ten Hag were barely on speaking terms by the end of it after he defied the manager by partying until the early hours in Belfast when he was due to train at Carrington later that day.
Ten Hag had already warned him about his off-field conduct after he partied at a city centre nightspot following a derby hammering at home to Manchester City on October 29th.
World Cup 2026 is just not Ron
Legendary ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has written off Cristiano Ronaldo starring at the 2026 World Cup – when he’ll be 41.
The Portugal icon and ex-United hero has had a patchy time in Germany in what he’s said will be his last Euros.
Fergie admitted that he thinks Ronaldo would struggle to make an impact at the next World Cup in North America due to the sport’s increasing physicality.
When asked about the 39-year-old at the 2026 WC, Ferguson told SportBild: “I can’t imagine that. Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years.
“In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller. In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older.”
Ferguson rates Ron “one of the greatest players of all time” with nothing more to prove.
And the Scotsman believes the former Real Madrid star is j=hungry for more silverware with Al-Nassr.
Fergie said:: “One or two more titles would not mean much to him, because he has had a unique career.”
Shaw finally fit
Luke Shaw is finally “ready” for action – despite his late swerve of press duties yesterday, writes TOM BARCLAY.
The Manchester United left-back has not played a minute during the Euros as he recovers from a muscle injury that has sidelined him since February.
He was expected to speak to the media on Wednesday but had a late change of heart.
That was understood not to be due to any setback but because he preferred to speak publicly once he had returned to action.
Shaw, 28, was involved fully in yesterday’s training along with all 25 other members of England’s squad.
But he is still not expected to start Saturday’s quarter-final with Switzerland after five months out, despite him being the only natural left-back in Gareth Southgate’s group.
Why Southgate should bow out
Manchester United legend Paul Parker believes Gareth Southgate should quit as England boss this month – even if he wins Euro 2024.
Parker bemoaned the Three Lions’ spluttering style – but hopes Southgate can have the last laugh on his critics by bowing out with England’s first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
The ex-Three Lions’ defender told mybettingsites.co.uk: “If he was to go and win it, then I would say that the best thing he could ever do in his life is to step down.
“He just has to smile and let people know he’s enjoying his life. He should be allowed to do that because you look at what he’s achieved tournament wise and no other England manager has done it.”
“If he was to go and win it as well. The history and what he’s got behind him would come more into fruition because of that fact of him winning a tournament.”
‘But I think even if we don’t win it, and given how we’re playing, you have to say there’s a good chance of us not winning it, I think for him you would say it needs a change.”
It definitely does need a change. Let someone else go in there and try to play the football that everyone expects. That we should be playing with the players that we have got and see how they get on and see how they do it.”
“I would say common sense would be for him to get through this tournament and after he’s done eight years is to step away because it is a poisoned chalice.”
Hammers ‘rival Red Devils for Todibo’
West Ham have come in for reported Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo.
New Hammers’ chief Julen Lopetegui is said to be prioritising defence amongst his transfer dealings.
Nice centre-back Todibo and Wolves’ uncapped Englishman Max Kilman are regarded as on Lopetegui’s wishlist.
The Guardian reckon West Ham have had a £25million bid for the twice-capped French ace.
Todibo, 24, joined Nice from Barcelona.
Red Devils could sell £100m trio
Manchester United hope to rack up £100million by selling Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Casemiro.
It’s claimed the two English outcasts plus Brazilian midfielder Casemiro are on their way out this summer.
New United sporting director Dan Ashworth hopes major sales will enable at least three big signings.
Winger Sancho’s £40m asking price has scared off old club Borussia Dortmund – but Saudi clubs like Al-Ahli are reportedly keen.
Marseille are the latest club linked with striker Greenwood.
But again United’s desire for around £40m has left a move in limbo.
Italian teams and Greenwood’s former loan club Getafe are interested if the price is right.
And another temporary switch for a season is possible.
The Red Devils would love to get £20m for Casemiro, with Saudi sides monitoring the 32-year-old who is under contract under 2026.