McKenna agent meets Berrada and Wilcox - manager updates (2024)

That's all

Thank you for joining us on the United blog today.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for what is bound to be a huge day as United chase FA Cup glory against City.

Domino's Pizza aim dig at City 115 charges

Domino’s Pizza has made fun of the 115 charges hanging over City by offering free pizza to United fans ahead of the FA Cup final at Wembley.

City became the first time to win four successive Premier League titles this season but 115 alleged breaches of the league's financial rules cast a shadow over their success.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has confirmed a date has been set for City's hearing and until then, it will be business as usual for Pep Guardiola's side.

However, that hasn't stopped Domino's Pizza from poking fun at City by offering 115 free pizzas to United supporters on Saturday at their store closest to Wembley.

Learn more about the offer here.

Who could be the next United manager

Should Ten Hag be sacked by United after tomorrow's FA Cup final, there are number of names who will be automatically linked with the vacancy.

Kieran McKenna has been contacted recently by the Reds and would consider it a dream to manage the club. As would Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel.

Roberto De Zerbi is also thought highly of by INEOS while Mourinho is keen on a return to Old Trafford but is not expected to be contacted by the club.

Read more about the potential runners and riders here.

Rooney set for new job

According to The Athletic, Rooney has dismissed the temptation to go into punditry next season and will instead resume his managerial career with Plymouth Argyle.

Argyle avoided relegation from the Championship last season on the final day with Rooney's old club Birmingham City joining Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town in relegation.

Rooney was sacked in January from the Birmingham job and counts DC United and Derby County on his list of ex-clubs.

United name 22-man squad for the FA Cup final

United have taken 22 players down to London this afternoon for tomorrow's FA Cup final.

Full United squad:

Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Dalot, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Evans, Kambwala, Lindelof, Casemiro, Mainoo, Eriksen, McTominay, Amrabat, Mount, Fernandes, Amad, Antony, Garnacho, Rashford, Hojlund

Who could replace Ten Hag if he goes?

Should Ten Hag leave after the FA Cup final, MEN Sport understands Roberto De Zerbi was among the coaches considered earlier this year and United have recently contacted representatives of Kieran McKenna.

Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino would both love to manage United. MEN Sport also revealed earlier this month that former Reds boss Jose Mourinho would relish the chance to manage the club for a second time.

United staying silent on Erik ten Hag future

Manchester United are still refusing to comment on Erik ten Hag's position amid reports he will be sacked after the FA Cup final.

United sources have reiterated their focus is on Saturday's final against City and they are not going to be distracted by speculation. United insist they will review the season after the City game and will not make a decision on Ten Hag before then.

External sources have expected Ten Hag to be sacked for weeks as United failed to secure qualification for the Champions League. On the four occasions United have not qualified for the competition, they have changed manager either during or at the end of the season.

Read on here >>>

United 'decide to sack Ten Hag'

A report has emerged from The Guardian claiming that Erik ten Hag will be sacked after this weekend's FA Cup final, regardless of the outcome of the game at Wembley.

The story outlines Ten Hag will not be saved by winning the FA Cup and he will be sacked.

Club sources are refusing to 'engage with speculation' and the coverage around Ten Hag's future in the build-up to the final is not ideal preparation before facing City.

The MEN is making enquiries and will update in due course.

Next Man United manager odds

There hasn't been too much change in the odds today, but Thomas Tuchel's have shortened amid reports he is the 'frontrunner' should Erik ten Hag be sacked.

Kieran Mckenna is the favourite however.

Next Manchester United Manager from bet365

Kieran McKenna - 5/4

Mauricio Pochettino - 2/1

Thomas Tuchel - 4/1

Roberto De Zerbi - 5/1

Gareth Southgate - 8/1

Thomas Frank - 12/1

Fernandes makes future admission

Bruno Fernandes has again admitted he wants to stay at United, but says the club must match his ambition of wanting to challenge for titles and play in the Champions League.

The Portuguese midfielder's future is unclear after MEN Sport revealed he wasn't one of four players who will definitely not be sold this summer.

Andre Onana, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund are the players the club consider as untouchable ahead of the summer transfer window, despite Fernandes having won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a third time this season.

Read what he said on his future here >>>

United can agree third transfer to sign Casemiro replacement

You could never take the man-of-the-match award away from a hat-trick hero in a European final, but in Dublin on Wednesday the superb Ademola Lookman had competition for the honour from the equally outstanding Ederson.

Lookman's stunning treble helped Atalanta to a brilliant Europa League triumph against the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen and, just as they had done against Liverpool in the quarter-finals, it was a demonstration of how effective the Serie A side are at shutting down some of the most impressive teams.

The intensity of their man-marking approach suffocated an underwhelming Bayer Leverkusen side and defensive midfielder Ederson was key to that.

Defender 'set' to leave United

Benfica have reportedly decided to trigger the €6m buy-out clause of Alvaro Fernandez, meaning he is set to become the first United departure of the window.

There had been an obligation-to-buy clause in the left-back's loan deal, secured in January, but he had failed to start the corresponding number of appearances to trigger it active. The 21-year-old began seven of his 16 outings.

Nevertheless, Portugese giants Benfica have decided to purchase him anyway, as per Manchester World. The £5.1m deal also includes a potential extra £2.6m in add-ons, it claims.

Tuchel 'frontrunner' if Erik ten Hag sacked

Thomas Tuchel is the leading candidate to land the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag is sacked, according to The Guardian.

The German boasts a CV that has reportedly impressed the United hierarchy, haivng worked at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and now Bayern Munich.

Tuchel is free for hire this summer with the manager agreeing to exit the club at the end of the season. MEN Sport meanwhile understands that Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna - a former United coach - is open to the role at Old Trafford.

Rashford fueled to succeed

Marcus Rashford can use his England snub to fire United to victory over Man City, says Erik ten Hag.

Rashford was axed from England's Euro 2024 plans by Gareth Southgate after a disappointing season. But Ten Hag believes the player will bounce back.

"[Rashford] looks good and that is the career with ups and downs so a down can also be fuel, that is what I see in training. He will be highly motivated, he is highly talented. He has already a big career. I am sure he will get over this and get even more goals."

Four-man shortlist to replace Ten Hag

First up this morning, the Times is reporting that United chiefs have drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag should they decide to dispense with his services this summer.

Kieran McKenna is one. The London-born Northern Irish-raised coach is joined by Pochettino, recently-departed Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel and Brentford manager Thomas Frank, with United accelerating their contingency plans for Ten Hag's departure amid Chelsea's own search for a new manager.

McKenna has been thrust into the spotlight after guiding Ipswich to back-to-back promotions. It's an incredible rise for the 38-year-old former United coach, and Sky Sports reported last night that his agent has held talks with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox over returning to the club.

The MEN's Samuel Luckhurst revealed yesterday that McKenna is keen on the job and while Chelsea and Brighton have made advances, he is waiting to see what happens after the cup final with Ten Hag.

Don't rule out the other three, however. Berrada & Co are doing their due diligence on what will be a crucial decision.

Good morning

Happy Friday! It's almost the weekend and it's almost Wembley weekend!

How's the nerves? How's the excitement levels?

We will continue to bring you all the build-up to the FA Cup final tomorrow as United take on Man City. There's team news and predictions galore as United look to finish the season with a flourish.

However, there is also a lot of speculation around transfers and Erik ten Hag's future which can't be ignored. We will keep across it all day.

Rui Costa confirms Old Trafford exit

Benfica manager Rui Costa has confirmed the signing of Manchester United left-back Alvaro Fernandez after activating their £5m option to buy clause in his loan deal.

The 21-year-old made 14 appearances for the Protguese side in the second half of the season after spending the first half of the campaign on loan with Granada in Spain.

Speaking to media, reported by ZeroZero, Costa said: "Alvaro is confirmed, he is another one of those talents in which we have great hope that he will have a very worthy career."

United 'determined' to beat Chelsea to Argentinian starlet

Manchester United are reportedly 'determined' to win the race against Premier League rivals Chelsea to sign Boca Juniors star Aaron Anselmino this summer, according to Argentinian outlet Planeta Boca Juniors.

The 19-year-old is believed to have a £21m release clause in his contract, and with United set to begin prioritising their ageing defensive unit this summer, the centre-back could be a real gem.

Anselmino has mainly been on the bench for the Liga Profesional side this season, but did score his side's only goal in their 1-0 win over Trinidense in the Copa Sudamericana last month.

Man United told to go after Carlo Ancelotti

Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has told Manchester United's board to try and bring in Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti if they sack Erik ten Hag at the end of the season.

Having already managed Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League, a move to United wouldn't exactly be off the cards for 'Don Carlo' but he's yet to be linked to the job unlike others already available on the market like Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi.

Speaking on his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce suggested: "I know who I’d bring in… Ancelotti, if he’s leaving Real Madrid. He would [go to Manchester United]. He went to Everton! He’s the most successful manager, he’s far more successful than Pep."

McKenna representatives meet with Man United

According to Sky Sports, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna's representatives have had talks with Manchester United officials to discuss the possibility of him taking over at Old Trafford.

With Erik ten Hag still currently preparing for their FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley this weekend, there's still no word from the club about whether the Dutchman will stay in his post or not following Sunday's match.

Other names linked with Ten Hag's position include Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi and Gareth Southgate but it's McKenna, the former United coach, who is believed to be the one the club wants to move forward with.

United must move 'fast' for Ten Hag replacement

Journalist Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport that Manchester United must prepare to 'move fast' if they're to secure Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as Erik ten Hag's replacement at the end of the season.

The Dutchman still has the FA Cup final to play, a game which could secure his future if United are to upset rivals Manchester City at Wembley. Even then though, a final piece of silverware might not be enough as the Red Devils will be in a race to get McKenna to sign a deal which would bring him back to Old Trafford - and they might be too late.

"The other name is Kieran McKenna, who we know used to work at Manchester United. He could well be in the frame if Chelsea or Brighton don’t succeed - and of course, if he doesn’t sign a new deal at Ipswich.

"So Manchester United won’t be short of candidates, but they’re in a position where they can’t reach out to the market and predetermine the fate of Erik Ten Hag yet until the FA Cup final.

"And that will mean that next week is key for Manchester United. But also, if they do make a change, they’re going to have to be prepared to move relatively fast."

Ten Hag gives season review deadline

Erik ten Hag has suggested Manchester United will review their season after it ends on Saturday.

A trophyless finale would mark this as United's worst season since 1988-89 and Ten Hag's position is uncertain with several candidates to replace him as United manager.

United have assessed possible replacements, with Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto de Zerbi all available. Former United coach Kieran McKenna is also open to returning to his boyhood club after guiding Ipswich Town to Premier League promotion.

Read what he has to say here.

Next Man United manager odds

Here's the latest odds from bet365:

Next Manchester United ManagerMauricio Pochettino - 6/5

Roberto De Zerbi - 7/2

Thomas Tuchel - 9/2

Gareth Southgate - 6/1

Kieran McKenna - 6/1

Thomas Frank - 10/110/1

Tosin Adarabioyo hijack

Man United are believed to be trying to hijack Newcastle's bid to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Sources in the North East say that Adarabioyo is close to joining the Magpies. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has given the green light to bids to sign the 26-year-old and Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on free transfers, with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sidelined with ACL knee injuries.

Adarabioyo has also been linked with Man Utd and the BBC have claimed that they could hijack Newcastle's deal.

United may face Joao Neves wait

Reports in Portugal say that Benfica are determined to hold on to talented midfielder Joao Neves for at least one more season.

The 19-year-old is one of the most highly-rated stars in Europe. United have long scouted him and were linked to a move in January, before Benfica released a statement saying they weren't in negotiations with the Red Devils.

United could make a move for the teenager this transfer window. They have identified centre midfield as a key area, with Casemiro no longer the force he once was. Neves is a holding midfielder and possesses a great range of passing.

Reports from Record in Portugal state that United are 'at the front of the pack' for the player. However, they also state that Benfica are determined to hold on to their star man, unless a club meets the release clause of 120million Euros (£102m).

Maguire ruled out

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been ruled out of the FA Cup final against City.

However, Erik ten Hag has some better news on the injury front.

Full story here

Follow Ten Hag's press conference

Ten Hag is due to speak to the media in a few moments. His quotes are embargoed until 4.30pm and we'll bring his every word from then in our dedicated blog.

This could be his last press conference as United manager, as the FA Cup final will take place on Saturday and a managerial change could follow.

He's set to answer questions on the FA Cup final, Manchester City, Marcus Rashford and his future, so it's worth checking out the blog to see what the Dutchman says.

You can do that by heading to the press conference blog here.

Fernandes wins POTY award

Fernandes has enjoyed a great season, despite United collectively doing poorly.

Jaap Stam not in talks over return

According to a report from Tutto Mercato Web, Manchester United have reached out to their former defensive star Jaap Stam in an attempt to bring him back to the club. They want the former Dutch international to work behind the scenes at the club.

The report claims that United want the 51-year-old coach to be a link between the club and the technical staff.

However, Stam has denied any conversations have taken place with United over a return. He told the Daily Mail: "We're not in talks... I haven't heard anything about it."

Manager or head coach?

One of the most interesting aspects of United's summer will be the muted change in role from manager to head coach, whether Erik ten Hag stays or not.

Even if Ineos opt to stick with the Dutchman they are set to change his role. Liverpool and West Ham have both replaced a manager this summer and appointed a head coach instead. There is a clear change in the Premier League towards this model, but it can cause conflict.

Roberto De Zerbi and Mauricio Pochettino were head coaches and left Brighton and Chelsea respectively because of a clash with the hierarchy above them. High-profile managers are less likely to succeed as head coaches, which could influence Ineos' thinking.

Read the full piece here.