Manchester United go into the final weeks of the season looking to shore up their place in the top four as well as continue their run in the Europa League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side look like they will still fall some way short to rivals City in the Premier League however, and should they fail to win the European trophy, will end up empty-handed for the fourth season in a row.
Regardless of how the season ends, everybody at Old Trafford knows the squad needs improving if they are to challenge the elite once more.
The chase for Erling Haaland is no secret but Solskjaer will also be keen to address problems in the middle of the park as well as in defence.
With all that in mind, here in the Manchester United gossip for Friday 2 April.
United suffer Haaland blow following Barcelona sighting
Manchester United look set to miss out on the signature of Erling Haaland with a move to Barcelona rumoured to be edging closer for the striker.
The Borussia Dortmund frontman who has scored an incredible 49 goals in 49 appearances for the German side has been courted by a number of Europe’s top clubs, including United.
With a rumoured £68million release clause set to be activated next summer, a potential bidding war could be set to take place this year in order to secure the player’s signature beforehand.
Having previously played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde in their native Norway, United were thought to have the upper hand in any potential negotiations but reports in Spain indicate the player may be Nou Camp bound instead.
The publication, Sport, appears to have video of the player’s father and former Manchester City player Alf-Inge Haaland, and agent Mino Riaola landing in Catalunya with talks planned over the 20-year-old.
Sabitzer drops hint over Old Trafford interest
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
If United do miss out on Haaland, the club could turn their attention to another player from the German league in the form of Marcel Sabitzer.
The RB Leipzig midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past, and with his contract up in 2022, could be on the move this summer.
Austria international Sabitzer has also been touted for a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham but has hinted a move to United would be his preference.
Asked on international duty if he would prefer to play for ‘traditional clubs like Bayern, Real Madrid, Liverpool or Manchester United?’ he responded : “I can imagine it a lot.”
United to ‘break the bank’ to land Real Madrid defender
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still reportedly keen to strengthen his United defence this summer and has made Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez his number one priority according to reports.
The Express claim United are prepared to ‘break the bank’ to bring the 29-year-old to Manchester this summer.
Vazquez, who can play either right back or right wing, would be expected to provide competition for Aaron Wan Bissaka.
With the player expected to leave the Spanish giants on free when his contract expires at the end of the season, United could be lining up a bumper contract offer to entice him to Old Trafford.
However, they may also face competition from Bayern Munich.
Real name their price over Varane
United’s interest in Real Madrid players may not stop there with reports that the Bernabeu club are also looking to cash in Rafael Varane.
With the French defender’s contract set to expire in 2022, Real are potentially looking to offload the player this summer to avoid losing him for nothing.
As the club look to raise funds for new signings and talks over a new contract at a standstill, Spanish publication ABC reports that the have ‘named their price’ for the player.
Should United test their resolve, it is reported that a bid of between £50-60million would be enough to convince Real to sell.
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