LUKAKU FEE AGREED
Manchester United have reportedly agreed a fee with Everton for Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian is expected to complete a move worth about £75m. Wayne Rooney is reportedly not a part of the deal but is still expected to complete his switch back to Merseyside. The fact that United completed the deal right under the nose of Chelsea and Antonio Conte should please Jose even more. Lukaku is expected to link up with United ahead of the pre-season Tour.
ZERO TO 100
Manchester United fans blamed Ed Woodward earlier this week for a lack of transfer activity with some calling on the Glazers’ to sack him. Reports of Mourinho being upset at Woodward also emerged. But Woodward emerged from this ‘mini-crises’ with a certain Romelu Lukaku and strolled back in Mourinho’s and the fans’ good books. With one-and-a-half signings already secure (Lukaku deal has not been announced, yet), the onus is on Woodward to deliver the other targets on Mourinho’s transfer wish list.
ROONEY TO LEAVE FOR NOTHING
Manchester United reportedly waived Rooney’s transfer fee of £10m meaning Everton can pick up the English skipper for nothing. United and Everton were close to reaching an agreement for Rooney but things will be easier now considering United’s move. United’s move in letting Rooney walk for nothing has reportedly played a big part in persuading Everton agree to sell their star Belgian Lukaku.
CAPTAIN CARRAS
With Wayne Rooney set to rejoin Everton, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly handed the Captain’s armband to Michael Carrick. The veteran is now United’s longest serving player and is seen as leader and mentor in the junior players’ eyes. Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera is set to take on the mantle as vice-captain. The Spaniard may end up being the de-facto skipper as Carrick’s game time is expected to decrease.
ZLATAN AT CARRINGTON
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was spotted at United’s Carrington base on Wednesday as the Swede continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury. Despite officially being released by United, Ibrahimovic was promised the use of club facilities by the club. This comes even as United secured a replacement for the top-scorer.
NO MORE MATIC?
Manchester United are prepared to pull out of a potential move for Nemanja Matic as Jose and the club feels that Chelsea are just pulling United along as they chase a replacement. Matic to United was said to be ‘done and dusted’ but after a move for Tiemoune Bakayoko fell through, the move became more complicated than expected. United might themselves try to sign Bakayoko or make a move for Fabinho.