The announcement comes at somewhat of a surprise. It was reported earlier this month that Eric Bailly was unhappy at the club and would not extend his contract forcing Man Utd to sell him in the summer.
The 27-year-old signed from Villarreal in 2016 for €30 million and has had his ups and downs for the club since joining. Eric Bailly has been injured a lot in his Man Utd career so far. This season he has made just 15 appearances in all competitions.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are the preferred partnership in defense this season at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Man Utd could still add a big named defender in the summer.
Eric Bailly spoke with the club after his decision to extend his contract.
“I am very happy, this decision, you don’t have to think about signing, I love this club. I love playing for Manchester, my family is happy. I have had a moment in this past with injury, now I am fit and good. A new contract is like a new challenge, I am ready for this.”
With the news of this signing, Man Utd could focus more on one big signing at center back instead of having to bring in multiple center backs and orientating them with the club.
This leaves Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe on the possible chopping block, if United were to bring in another central defender one of these players will likely have to depart.
Eric Bailly has the talent to play at a high level for Man Utd, hopefully he is able to stay fit for the next couple of years at Old Trafford.
It might cost Man Utd €500k a week if they want to keep world cup winner Paul Pogba. The new demand wages would see him become the highest paid player in the Premier League when Gareth Bale goes back to Madrid.
The demands do not come as a surprise, Paul Pogba has been rumored to leave Man Utd for the past couple of windows and a new fat contract would probably get him to stay.
Paul Pogba has played well since returning from is injury. At times Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has deployed Pogba as the the extra midfielder instead of opting for a winger or striker in the 4-2-3-1.
Man Utd look good with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood roaming up top with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba behind them as the playmakers. Pogba can roam the whole pitch if he wants, he can come back deep and make plays or get into the box for crosses, he has so much rage as a midfielder.
Paul Pogba vs Burnley:
89% pass accuracy 60% aerials won 34 final third passes 9 attempted long passes 8 successful long passes 4 ball recoveries 4 attempted take-ons 3 attempted take-ons 3 fouls suffered 3 switches 2 clearances 1 assist #MUFC#Pogbapic.twitter.com/TntSOsIES3
He has played well with Bruno, a delight too many who wanted to see the pair utilized together, this allows Man Utd to be more offensively minded. Man Utd took awhile to crack Burnley but when they did at the end the counter attack opened up.
Paul Pogba has been rumored to be involved in a potential deal back to Juventus. A deal that would see Paulo Dybala come to Manchester United in return. There is no guarantee that Paulo Dybala would want to go to Old Trafford, plus United have Fernandes and Donny van de Beek in the same position, DVB has been playing decent recently.
Center-Backs
Wesley Fofana and Raphael Varane are two of the latest central defenders to join a long list of already rumored defenders that Man Utd have their eyes on. French site Foot Mercato for Fofana and the Mirror for Varane.
Again with more center-back rumors and links. Manchester United will probably be linked with every center-back that might be available this summer, it is getting ridiculous. Eric Bailly is probably going to leave, Axel Tuanzebe is almost there and Phil Jones is gone.
Bringing in more than one central defender is likely, especially if United were to lose two, they could replace the holes with one big signing or two mid-priced signings. Bringing in someone like David Alaba on a free or bringing in someone from the youth system makes sense if you pair them with a big money signing.
Manchester United are following the progress of Leicester City's 20-year-old French defender Wesley Fofana. (Source: Foot Mercato) pic.twitter.com/pUsGbOujNX
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) April 17, 2021
The link for Fofana sounds nice but looks unlikely if Leicester City qualify for Champions League they would want to keep their young French defender.
Fofana was brought in from the French League for around €37 million and if Leicester were to sell him it would be around €80 million for United to get his signature. The 20-year-old has been playing regularly so the learning curve of joining a new league is not needed.
Raphael Varane has been linked before but has returned again in the news because advanced talks are underway and the move has the blessing of Zinedine Zidane.
The 27-year-old could still be in the prime of his career and could be a great starter for United, he would probably slot in alongside Harry Maguire as the starter.
It also rumored that Sergio Ramos could leave Real Madrid as well. If they lose both they have to sign a another defender or two. Varane could come, maybe Paul Pogba can give him a call.
Paul Pogba makes Man Utd a better team when he is on the field, hopefully he stays. Until Man Utd sign a center-back they will be continued to be linked with one, so get used to it.
According to BT in Denmark, Manchester United want to sign Fulham defender Joachim Andersen. The defender is currently on loan at Craven Cottage from Lyon.
If Fulham were to survive, which does not look likely, Joachim Andersen could stay in London, but Fulham are currently six points from safety with six games left for them. Plus, Newcastle also have a game at hand, things are looking bleak for the Cottagers.
Joachim Andersen will go back to Lyon regardless, but Fulham likely have an option to sign if they do survive. The fee for Andersen could be anywhere from €20-€30 million.
This a decent price in todays market for a center back that is impressing in the Premier League. You never know what you are going to get when you shop outside of the league. With Joachim Andersen you get someone who is young and succeeding in the Premier League.
Joachim Andersen at Fulham
Joachim Andersen has became the captain at Fulham while current club captain Tom Cairney is sidelined because of injuries. A loan player becoming captain of a Premier League club hardly happens. Andersen has a winning spirit as well.
Joachim Andersen
6 games before his debut – W-0 D-1 L-5 GF-5 GA-14 PTS-1
“For me it is embarrassing if you do not stay up because I always want to win. And when I do not win I am really angry,” said Andersen in March.
The 24-year-old signed for Lyon in 2019 for €30 million after impressing at Sampdoria. It was a surprise that Fulham were able to get him on loan. He was not in the plans for Lyon anymore, so even when he does go back after his loan, Lyon are likely to sell.
Andersen has been really impressive passing the ball this season for Fulham. He has this amazing diagonal pass in his repertoire. The pass led to an assist to Ademola Lookman against Sheffield United.
The passing, defense and leadership of Joachim Andersen has been on display at the Cottage and if Fulham were to get relegated it would be a great business if Manchester United were to buy the Dane.
Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 victory over Europa League Cinderellas Granada last week in Spain and should comfortably advance tonight at Old Trafford.
Granada came from behind to beat Real Valladolid at the weekend, 2-1. The win ended a four game losing streak for Granada, they went to eighth in the league.
Manchester United also came from behind on the weekend beating Tottenham 3-1 after controversially going down. If Manchester United were to advance they would face the winner of Roma and Ajax.
In other games where United have a comfortable lead on aggregate they have been tight, smart and compact, opting to see out the tie instead of over committing and giving the opposition hope.
Team News
Manchester United have players coming back from injury, so they have options in their squad. But in the win the previous week, three players will miss because of yellow card accumulations, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay will all miss out.
Bailly will return to Manchester ahead of United’s game on Thursday
Eric Bailly was reported to return but will not be available and Axel Tuanzebe could also see some minutes. Tuanzebe could also play in the midfield if needed. Paul Pogba is one yellow card away from a suspension and will miss the first leg of the Europa League if he is booked.
👊 Opportunity knocks for Axel against Granada on Thursday night, says the boss…#MUFC#UEL
Manchester United are set to change banners at Old Trafford because they blend in with the players.
“Some of the players have mentioned that split second decision you have to make where you look over your shoulder to see if your teammate is there or not and the red shirt is on a red background with red seats,” said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Declan Rice spoke to Manchester United players while on international duty about what it is like to play at Manchester United.
It will be hard for West Ham to keep hold of their talented midfielder but if they qualify for Champions League surely Declan Rice will stay at West Ham.
According to ESPN, Eric Bailly is ready to reject a new contract offer from Manchester United. The 27-year-old’s contract expires at the end of next season.
Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a center back in the summer and with Eric Bailly’s contract set to expire in a season, selling the defender makes sense.
With the sale of Eric Bailly and other players on loan, Manchester United could easily finance a transfer a top center back. Jules Kounde, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ibrahima Konate and Pau Torres all could be options but come at a decent price.
That blow does become softened if Eric Bailly is part of the deal or is sold to finance a future deal.
Eric Bailly has been absent from the club because of his positive test for COVID-19 while on international duty but could be in the squad for the Europa League match against Granada on Thursday.
Bailly will return to Manchester ahead of United’s game on Thursday
The Ivory Coast international has only made just 100 appearances in five seasons. The defender has been often injured at his time at Old Trafford and with this news Bailly could be gone in the summer.
Bailly is such a talented and athletic defender, he could have been a lot better if not for the injuries. If he does move on, best luck!
Manchester United have around 14 players out on loan after they recently sent Connor Stanley to MLS side Atlanta United. The Jesse Lingard loan has exceeded everyones expectations and Diogo Dalot has impressed and could have another chance at Manchester United.
The Red Devils have some good prospects in their youth academy that are fringe squad players that could use another step up in competition. James Garner has benefitted immensely from his loan year and was in that same range in the squad, too good for the youth teams but not good enough for the squad.
Brandon Williams is an exciting young prospect still despite making his first-team debut in September 2019, the young fullback has 19 appearances for Manchester United. The 20-year-old from Manchester is in a tough situation at Old Trafford.
Luke Shaw has been phenomenal this season, Alex Telles is the back up left back and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is holding down right back. Williams has come on as a back up right back but is naturally a left back. He could continue his role as a back up right back but the club could take a look at Diogo Dalot after his successful loan at AC Milan.
Brandon Williams in the 11. Nathan Bishop & Anthony Elanga are also playing after flying back with the first team this morning from Spain.#MUFCpic.twitter.com/v1sLXlFtJW
The passionate Brandon Williams needs first-team minutes and a team getting promoted or another Premier League club can secure Williams on loan. Williams will be better suited in the Premier League because he has experience in the league already, the Championship is always likely but not necessary due to his experience.
Probably the least likeliest of this list to go out on loan but it could be a decent possibility. Manchester United look set to sign a center back this summer and if they do not get rid of Eric Bailly or Victor Lindelof that could leave Axel Tuanzebe out.
Axel Tuanzebe played his first game for Manchester United since December last year.
Manchester United could even bring in two center backs this summer if that happens it is going to be tough for Tuanzebe to get any minutes. Axel Tuanzebe is still young but too old for youth team football and had a successful loan spell at Derby County a couple seasons back.
His versatility could also be handy, he can be used as a defensive midfielder as well. If Tuanzebe gets forced out a loan to another Premier League club could be likely and next summer he can be reassessed. Tuanzebe still has a future at Manchester United but he needs playing time.
Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri has been so close to making his Manchester United first-team debut but some injuries and a lot of competitive games have not allowed that. Second place can wrapped up soon for United and players could get debuts in the last couple of games of the season.
Hannibal Mejbri has 3 goals and 5 assists for the U-23 team this season and a loan could help continue the development of the young Frenchman. Joe Hugil, Charlie McNeil and Mejbri are all young and are likely to stay put in the U-23 side but a loan is still a good experience for a young player.
The tall playmaker seems to have the athleticism it takes to play in France, the Championship or even League One. It would be hard for another Premier League club to guarantee Hannibal minutes. League One seems safe but some Championship clubs might want his service.
Talented Young Forwards
It will be interesting to see what Manchester United will also do with some of their impressive young forwards: Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo will fight for positions in the squad. United have a lot of depth at forward and one of these youngsters could get loaned out.
Diallo is the least likely and could feature a lot for United next season. It will be interesting how Manchester United address the position in the summer with all these good young prospects in the squad.
Manchester United have not over indulged in the transfer market lately, they have signed some players, but not to the extent as other teams like Chelsea or Manchester City. Selling some loan players could help finance transfers this summer.
Jesse Lingard is the obvious name that comes to mind and could grab a decent transfer fee, especially if West Ham were to qualify for the Champions League. Diogo Dalot could also be bought after impressing at AC Milan and James Garner is tearing it up at Nottingham Forest.
JESSE LINGARD
Jesse Lingard has been nothing but sensational since leaving Manchester United on loan for West Ham, even earning up a call up to a loaded England side. In eight league matches for West Ham, Lingard has six goals and three assists.
Jesse Lingard tore up a Wolves defense yesterday, an amazing solo goal, a skill that was reminiscent of Berbatov and some good passes that lead to goals helped West Ham move up to fourth in the table.
Every goal created by Lingard will have Manchester United salivating about his market value in a position that is already loaded at Old Trafford. Even with Lingard’s current form, there is no guarantee that Manchester United will retain the playmaker.
If Manchester United could get around €25 million for Lingard which might not be that much of a stretch if West Ham qualify for Champions League, they could turn that around an invest in a highly rated player.
DIOGO DALOT
Nothing much is going on with Diogo Dalot since Manchester United faced AC Milan, where Dalot is currently on loan, barring a bad end of the season for the Portuguese, he has played well and could have suitors when the season ends.
The versatile fullback can operate on both sides of the field and has played both fullback positions for AC Milan this season.
Diogo Dalot started all three games for the Portuguese U-21 team at left-back during the group stages of the U-21 Euros. Portugal won every game, not conceding a goal, including beating England 2-0.
Manchester United might be able to get back the €20 million they paid for Dalot, but they also could hang on to the young talent. If the Red Devils need to push a transfer over the line, Dalot could sweeten the deal.
JAMES GARNER
After scoring this weekend for Nottingham Forest, James Garner scored again yesterday for Forest off of a free-kick near the corner flag, he might have meant it.
Teams have learned how James Garner should be positioned in the midfield after his loan with Watford, so there is not much mystery surrounding the capabilities of Garner, teams would know how not to use him and how to use him especially with his current success at Forest.
According to transfermarkt.us, the young midfielders is valued at around €4 million, not bad, but could rise. Forest is a somewhat ambitious club in the Championship and other ambitious Championship clubs looking to get promoted could swarm for the youngster.
Manchester United probably would not sell Garner unless it was something they could not turn down, another loan deal is possible.
OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD GO
Manchester United have loaned out youngster Connor Stanley to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Atlanta United and is set to represent the second team for Atlanta in the United Soccer League (USL).
Stanley’s contract runs out this summer and if he impresses at Atlanta he could be bought.
Tahith Chong, Andres Pereira and Joel Pereira could all be sold this summer as well. Joel might have a spot though if Manchester United finally let Sergio Romero go and whoever is sold after the first choice keeper battle is settled.
Manchester United are in good shape this summer with how well their loan players are doing this year and with other players likely to be sold, Manchester United will have no excuse not to reinvest in their first team squad.
Scott McTominay was one of the best performers of the break as well as Harry Maguire and Daniel James. The British trio played really well in all of the matches they played in. Hopefully they can continue that form until the end of the season.
Latest Transfer Rumors
Marcos Llorente
It was reported a week ago by AS that Manchester United have been offered a chance to sign Marcos Llorente from Atletico Madrid for €80 million. It is an intriguing proposition, one that Man United probably will not take because of the price.
But the 26-year-old Spaniard is a good attacking midfielder and plays in a style under Diego Simeone where he has to defend first, a style that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has recently implemented, not to the extreme as Atletico Madrid, but Solskjaer expects positional awareness.
Llorente has a decent goal return in that system with 12 goals in 57 games for Atletico, two against Liverpool to knock them out of Champions League last season.
I would expect united to probably go after a more defensive midfielder, but Donny van de Beek is not working out so far, there has been rumors around Paul Pogba for forever. Maybe a loan with an option to buy at around €30-€40 million, but even that is a stretch in a position (attacking midfielder) that is not in need.
Patson Daka
The 22-year-old Zambian is the latest RB Salzburg player primed for a big move. According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all interested in the talented striker.
The striker has 27 goals in 31 games across all competitions and scored four goals for Zambia during the international break, two penalties against a decent Algeria side in a 3-3 draw.
Daka could probably have even more goals this season especially in the league where he has 20 in 18 matches. Watching him a lot this season he has missed some chances, that could be a negative because the Austrian league is not that great.
But that can be negated by the fact that other Salzburg strikers are doing good, Erling Haaland, and Takumi Minamino are performing well after moving on. Haaland is obviously one of the top young talents in the world and will be highly sought after by the top clubs to include United.
Manchester United will likely bring in another forward during the summer and Patson Daka might be a decent signing if the price is right.
Ibrahima Konate
Manchester United might be in the market to find a partner for Harry Maguire this summer, even if they decide to continue to partner him with one of the current center backs, they will likely want to bring in another defender.
Man United were reportedly targeting French defender Ibrahima Konate, any center back that is potentially on the market, United are rumored to target them.
We can probably remove this target, it seems that Liverpool are likely to sign the young Frenchman. It is being reported that Konate has completed a medical with Liverpool and looks set to sign for around €40 million, a steep price for a player that has hardly featured for Leipzig.
𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 Liverpool are in the process of finalising a deal to sign RB Leipzig & France youth international centre-back Ibrahima Konate. #LFC will have to activate 21yo's release clause — thought to be around €40m — to bring Konate to Anfield.
During the international break Ibrahima Konate was playing for the French U21’s with another reported Man United target, Jules Kounde. Kounde is also in the news lately, supposedly Sevilla has slapped a €68 million tag on the defender.
Sven Botman is reportedly being targeted if the funds for Kounde can be gathered. 21-year-old Dutchman currently plays for French side Lille, who are tied on points with PSG in League 1 and was also being targeted by Liverpool.
He is left footed, a trait that reportedly Solskjaer is keen to have in defense and he has played 39 games in all competitions this season. Missing out on Konate is not a big deal, what could be though is Man United’s willingness to pull the trigger.
A club this big surely can afford bringing in top talent. United will need to stack up to mount any challenge on Manchester City and a re-tooling Liverpool for the title next season.
Diogo Dalot looked really comfortable in last night’s Europa League Quarterfinal’s game against his parent club.
Operating mainly at right back when he was at Old Trafford, Dalot has been playing mostly at left back, but sometimes right back for AC Milan and looked extremely comfortable on a pitch that was his home.
Diogo Dalot was moving down the left side of the pitch well last night and played in some solid crosses with his left. Dalot looked extremely two footed, a trait that is indispensable at this high of a level. His ability to play right or left back comfortably could be a coveted trait.
In the 40th minute, Dalot sent in a wicked cross that was nicely snuffed out by Alex Telles. The pass could have led to an amazing opportunity, but the Brazilian did well to head the ball to safety.
Defensively Dalot had a good game, the Amad goal was more Fikayo Tomori’s fault and brilliance from Bruno Fernandes. There could have been a communication problem between the defenders on a goal like that.
Mason Greenwood was held in check on the left in the first half by Dalot. Dalot was cognizant in deciding when to get forward and when to sit back, he chose his runs well throughout the game and looked dangerous when he got forward.
Diogo Dalot has been in great form recently, scoring a nice goal for a full back last weekend for Milan against Verona and having a solid game against his parent club last night.
The 21-year-old is obviously still young and can continue to develop into a top fullback. He currently has a €14 million transfer value according to transfermarkt.us and Manchester United refused to provide an option to buy.
Many transfer market speculators are predicting that Manchester United could be in for a right back to provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Alex Telles and Brandon Willams are the current back up full backs at United.
Diogo Dalot is having a decent loan this at the San Siro, playing in 21 games in all competitions, scoring two and assisting two others.
It is no surprise that they did not provide the option to buy especially after last night’s performance. Manchester United would love to assess the Portuguese in the summer.
It could be an interesting battle for the fullback in the summer, but with how well he is impressing for the Rossoneri, someone could surely swoop in and buy the young fullback if the price is right.
According to Ole, not the manager, but an Argentinian news outlet, the news outlet is reporting that Edison Cavani has decided to join Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors this summer.
Edison Cavani has a one year contract with Manchester United and it was reported in February that the clubs were negotiating a possible extension for one more season.
The Uruguayan has had his eye on the legendary South American club for some time, dreaming of playing for Boca Juniors since a child.
Manchester United do have an option to trigger an extension for one more season, but this could be decent news for United from a business standpoint.
United pay Cavani a whooping €200,000 a week salary. Extremely steep for an older, often injured and back up striker. United could use someone like Cavani, a bigger, experienced and clinical striker to replace him.
Given the current financial situations of all clubs, letting Cavani walk this summer might not be a bad situation, it could be a positive.
