Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag nears 'massive' boost as three players set to leave

Express Sport keeps you up to date with all the latest Manchester United news.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe/Erik ten Hag

Express Sport brings you all the latest (Image: Getty)

Several Manchester United stars have shone over the past few days on international duty, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping that those players will be able to replicate their good performances upon their return to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have endured a tricky start to the season, winning their opening game of the campaign against Fulham before being beaten by Brighton and Liverpool.

United travel to St Mary’s on Saturday to face Premier League newcomers Southampton in a match which could be considered by some as a ‘must-win’ and Ten Hag must avoid defeat at all costs to prevent emotions boiling over in the away end, and he is likely to lean on his new summer signings to secure him all three points.

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We'll be back tomorrow with all the build-up to Manchester United's weekend trip to Southampton.

Bad night for De Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt had a difficult night in Holland's 2-2 draw with Germany.

The United defender gave the ball away as Deniz Undav equalised in the first half, and was then hauled off after 46 minutes.

McCoist backs Hojlund to 'step up'

TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist has backed Rasmus Hojlund to help turn around Man United's form.

“Hojlund coming back from injury is going to be massive for Manchester United," he said. “They look toothless going forward – they play some nice football, but there’s no cutting edge and they don’t have a proper goalscorer in the box to attack crosses and through balls.

"I thought Hojlund had a good first season considering he came in from a different league, but he has to step up again and bring the goals United are crying out for. It’ll be a big responsibility for him but we’ll see how everything plays out.”

Arsenal FC v Manchester United - Pre-Season Friendly

Rasmus Hojlund has missed the start of the season with injury. (Image: Getty)

Trio set to leave Man Utd

Manchester United are set to let Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans leave when their contracts expire next summer.

According to Metro, Eriksen and Lindelof could even be offloaded in January having been told they won't be handed new deals.

Ugarte in line for first start

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to start Manuel Ugarte at Southampton on Saturday.

Ten Hag is said to keen to inject new blood into his midfield following the 3-0 loss to Liverpool last time out. However, he will assess the former PSG man once he returns from international duty with Uruguay.

Mainoo named by England

Kobbie Mainoo is among the substitutes tonight as England take on Finland at Wembley.

Matthijs de Ligt meanwhile, starts for Holland against Germany and Joshua Zirkzee is a substitute.

United outline left-back targets

Man Utd have reportedly targeted three potential left-back signings in January.

According to Give Me Sport, Fulham's Antonee Robinson, Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth, and Brest defender Bradley Locko are all being tracked by the club.

Attwell appointed for Southampton clash

Stuart Attwell will be in charge when Man Utd go to Southampton on Saturday having been involved in some controversial club games in the last two years.

Last season, he officiated Utd's 3-2 win over Nottinham Forest, with Forest writing to the PGMOL afterwards issue a complaint against the official.

Attwell was also in charge of VAR when Middlesbrough scored an controversial equaliser against the Red Devils in the FA Cup in 2022.

Liverpool FC v Brentford FC - Premier League

Stuart Attwell will take charge at St Mary's. (Image: Getty)

Utd legend hails Hojlund return

Man Utd icon Peter Schmeichel thinks the club will be boosted hugely when Rasmus Hojlund returns from injury.

The Dane is in contention to be involved against Southampton Saturday, and Schmeichel told Tipsbladet: “He is a fantastic talent. The possibilities that lie within him are at the highest level.

“Now Ruud van Nistelrooy came in and I spoke to him briefly. He says there is so much potential in this. If he can help him, it will be huge”

Martial remains a free agent as talks break down

Anthony Martial’s move to Flamengo has reportedly broken down due to his contract demands.

The Frenchman left Manchester United at the end of last season when his contract expired, and he is still without a club.

Brazilian side Flamengo were claimed to be closing in on a deal for the 28-year-old as they looked to replace current striker Pedro.

According to Brazilian news outlet Meia Hora, those talks have now broken down though as Martial’s demands were ‘unworkable’.

The ex-Red Devils forward wanted a three-year deal with Flamengo on a salary that was beyond the reach of the club, prompting talks to break down.

Fenerbahce not in the running to sign United outcast

Fenerbahce are not looking to sign Manchester United forward Antony, despite reports.

MEN report that the Turkish side have not looked into the possibility of signing the Brazil international, with Jose Mourinho showing ‘no interest’ in the forward.

United players have theory on Casemiro's struggles

Manchester United stars reportedly believe that Casemiro decline is due to the club’s own struggles’.

The Manchester Evening News report that dressing room sources say that the Brazil international ‘didn’t sign up’ for a second push for European football last season.

United were open to selling Casemiro over the summer but interest from abroad did not materialise, and it remains to be seen how frequently he will feature going forward following the arrival of Manuel Ugarte.

Casemiro

Casemiro has struggled in the opening three games of the season (Image: Getty)

United appear 'toothless' without Hojlund, says pundit

Ex-Scotland international Ally McCoist believes that United look ‘toothless’ without Rasmus Hojlund.

The Denmark international is currently sidelined with injury, with summer signing Joshua Zirkzee stepping up in his absence.

Talking to talkSPORT BET, McCoist said: “Rasmus Højlund coming back from injury is going to be massive for Manchester United “They look toothless going forwards at the moment.

“They play some nice football on occasion, but there’s no real cutting edge and they don’t have a proper goalscorer in the box to attack crosses and through balls. Even when they beat Fulham there appeared to be a lack of presence in the area.”

Red Devils make decision on release fringe player

Manchester United are reportedly planning to release Victor Lindelof at the end of the season.

The defender was expected to be sold over the summer but injuries prevented concrete approaches from being made for the Sweden international.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United will try to offload Lindelof in January as they have no intention of extending his contract, which expires this summer.

If a deal cannot be reached, the Red Devils will allow the defender to walk away from Old Trafford as a free agent. Jonny Evans is also expected to hang up his boots next summer.

United join Eze's growing list of admirers

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is set to be a Manchester United target next summer.

That is according to the Manchester Evening News, who report that the England international has a £68million release clause in his contract which will become active in the summer.

Eze was heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park in recent months but concrete approaches never arrived, though another stellar season would put him high on the shortlist of clubs around Europe.

United intend on targeting a winger, centre-back and a left-back next summer, though other priorities could emerge depending on how the campaign pans out.

United show interest in Tottenham star Romero

Manchester United were among a host of clubs to register an interest in Tottenham star Cristian Romero over the summer, reports TyC Sports.

The Red Devils, along with Real Madrid and PSG, are said to have made contact with Spurs over a potential deal but were instantly knocked back.

Spurs were not willing to even quote a price for Romero as he is viewed as a key player for the club for next season, but an approach further down the line from suitors is not being ruled out.

Cristian Romero

Tottenham were not willing to entertain approaches for Cristian Romero (Image: Getty)

Manchester United star wants exit

Manchester United forward Antony is reportedly pushing for an exit from Old Trafford as soon as possible.

The Brazil international has been linked with a loan switch to Jose Mourinho-managed Fenerbahce as well as several Saudi sides.

According to The Sun, Antony is keen on a loan to find regular football and may even have played his last game for the club, though it is unclear as to whether United will facilitate his exit as they are unable to sign a direct replacement.

Three-man transfer shortlist emerges

Manchester United have reportedly shortlisted three defensive targets for the January transfer window.

The Red Devils are keep to sign an alternative option to Luke Shaw and have made the acquisition of a left-back their priority in January.

According to GiveMeSport, Fulham star Antonee Robinson and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez both feature on the transfer shortlist at Old Trafford.

Brest starlet Bradley Locko is also admired, with several top clubs monitoring his situation closely.

United hold £21m transfer talks

Manchester United have reportedly registered an interest in free agent Adrien Rabiot, but his wage demands are proving a sticking point in negotiations.

According to CalcioMercato, the France international is demanding a £8.4million salary per season, as well as a £12.6m signing-on bonus.

The higher powers at Old Trafford are said to be unlikely to match those immense figures, especially as his agent and mother Veronique will want commission for being involved in the deal.

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