BARCELONA LINEUP REPLACEMENT
Spanish giants Barcelona have lined up Clement Lenglet as a replacement for Samuel Umtiti should the latter complete a transfer this summer. Umtiti’s future has been the centre of speculation for quite some time with contract talks with Barcelona yet to begin and the club reluctant to meet the player’s wage demands. United are interested in the Frenchman as confirmed by the player recently and the move by Barcelona to identify a replacement will add to the speculation. United are said to be favourites to land Umtiti should he look for a transfer this summer.
HERRERA ON CARRICK AND MCTOMINAY
Ander Herrera has backed Scotsman Scot McTominay to step up and fill the void created by the retirement of Michael Carrick this summer. Herrera was full of praise for Carrick and called him a legend of the club. Speaking to United’s matchday magazine, Herrera said, “[McTominay] is going to be a good player for the club. He’s a team player and can help in any position you put him in. He can be more offensive as well and presses a lot.” Herrera also commended McTominay on the role he played against Chelsea and especially Hazard. Herrera played a similar role last April.
MAN WITH THE WHISTLE
Martin Atkinson will be the man in the middle for the all-important Manchester Derby this weekend. It will be the second year running that the veteran referee will take charge of the Derby. The appointment was confirmed by the referees’ Association.
FAOUZI BID READIED
United are reading a bid for Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam if reports are to be believed. The left-back who has impressed this term at Naples and the club could be convinced to sell for the right price. United are expected to put in a bid of around 30m. Ghoulam who is only just recovering from a broken kneecap and is contracted until 2022 with Napoli. United are also said to be interested in Juventus’ Alex Sandro and are expected to make a move for a left back this summer.
UNDER-18s EXIT CONFIRMED
United confirmed the departure of two under-18 starlets to Huddersfield yesterday. Harry Spratt and Jack Barret who featured for United’s under 18s team will now link up with the Terriers and are expected to feature for their under-18s. The club wished them well for their future.
TICKET PRICES CONFIRMED
Manchester United confirmed that season ticket prices were frozen for the seventh consecutive season and also took up new initiatives to improve the atmosphere at the club. United will offer tickets at a twenty-five percent discount to supports aged 18-25. This has come after several complaints from Mourinho regarding the atmosphere at Old Trafford.