A huge couple of weeks are in store for Manchester United as the clock ticks down towards deadline day.
The need for reinforcements could not have been more evident as United were embarrassed by Brentford in a 4-0 demolition on Saturday. Erik ten Hag admitted after the match he "felt sorry" for the club's supporters as the defeat saw him make the worst start to a campaign for a United boss since 1921.
Now Ten Hag will turn his attentions to the transfer market as he continues to pursue various targets. Deals for Adrien Rabiot and Frenkie de Jong are still being negotiated, while Ajax's Antony and PSG's Mauro Icardi have been linked.
Here are the latest Man Utd rumours and updates.
Ten Hag makes board request
Things can hardly have got much worse for Erik ten Hag in his opening two matches after watching his side hammered in humiliating fashion against Brentford on Saturday.
And now The Times claim the Dutchman has already pleaded with United's board for new recruits before the deadline shuts.
Mirror Football revealed Ten Hag's advisors felt United had hung the former Ajax coach out to dry by failing to land his major targets this summer, with negotiations for Frenkie de Jong already spanning three months.
“We need new players,” Ten Hag said after the 4-0 drubbing. “We need quality players. We are working on that and we’ll do everything to convince them to come.”
Barca slammed for 'mafia' treatment of De Jong
Barcelona have been slammed for their “mafia” treatment of Frenkie de Jong, who is the subject of a fresh approach from Manchester United.
Former Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart – who was capped 109 times by the Netherlands international team – ripped into the Blaugrana’s treatment of the central midfielder this summer, while claiming that Barca’s global image has now become “really bad”.
It comes amid a protracted saga over De Jong with both United and Chelsea pursuing a transfer. Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag recently instructed his side to remain patient on a deal after holding fresh talks with the player but the Blues are believed to be becoming increasingly confident of securing his signature.
Full story here
Ronaldo out, Antony in?
Cristiano Ronaldo could be granted his Manchester United exit wish after Erik ten Hag was handed encouragement by Ajax forward Antony over a transfer to Old Trafford.
Ronaldo is determined to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford following his high-profile return from Juventus last summer after 12 years away. He has been attempting to force through an exit for two months.
After netting in Ajax’s 6-1 Eredivisie win over Groningen on Sunday, Antony was asked directly about reuniting with Ten Hag at Old Trafford. When asked if the two had spoken, the forward responded to NOS: "No idea…he has to discuss this with my agents, I am focused on here. What will come will come, we will see. At the moment I feel good here."
The forward continued, when pressed on his future at Ajax: "Like I said, I feel good here. I love this country. I give everything for this club, every minute, every second. And when I don't play I like to enjoy the beach and city. I am loving this city and this club."
Full story here
