Manchester United should ‘make’ the transfer of Michael Olise as Erik ten Hag’s decision pays off

England survived a Euro 2024 knockout scare against Slovenia as the transfer window opens for Manchester United and Premier League sides.

Kobbie Mainoo making his selection credentials did the Three Lions no harm as they needed a late goal from Jude Bellingham to spare Gareth Southgate’s blushes before captain Harry Kane steered England into the last eight.

July 1st marks the official date for many players becoming free agents, and at Old Trafford they said goodbye to nine, including Champions League-winning centre-back Raphael Varane. While the departures go in search of their new clubs, Erik ten Hag’s side remain heavily linked with some of Europe’s hottest prospects.

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Here, MEN Sports took a look at the latest United news and gossip doing the rounds.

Manchester United are following the £50m embezzlement

Florian Plettenberg of Germany’s Sky Sport has claimed that Manchester United are trying to hijack the transfer of Michael Olise from Bayern Munich.

Vincent Kompany’s side are said to be on the verge of signing the Crystal Palace striker, but as the Bavarians attempt to complete a deal, clubs are trying to lure him away from under the noses of the Bundesliga giants.

The reporter added, however, that the Frenchman only wants a move to the Allianz Arena, with the small details still being clarified between both clubs with a medical scheduled for the coming weeks.

MEN Sport says: United know all too well how good Michael Olise can be on his day. The Old Trafford faithful and traveling supporters around the world will need no reminding of his exploits during United’s last trip to Selhurst Park. Olise has attracted interest from across the Premier League, with Chelsea among the strongest suitors.

Judging by Sky Germany’s reports, the deal, while not deadlocked, is delayed and medical advice is rejected. The longer it takes, United could also swoop in to strengthen their attacking department, adding that Olise would be a real statement of intent.

Kobbie Mainoo stakes England’s claim

England booked their place in Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland as their path to the final became clearer. While it wasn’t plain sailing for the Three Lions, they held out for over 70 minutes until Bellingham’s acrobatic equalizer before Kane nodded the Three Lions in front in 90 seconds of extra time.

Reports in the build-up to the Slovakia clash claimed Gareth Southgate would bring Mainoo into contention after a positive cameo against Slovenia in the final group game. The squad news has been revealed and the United starlet has been included for his first England start at a major tournament.

“He (Mainoo) seems like a humble, intelligent guy. The fact that he has integrated so quickly into United and international football says a lot about him and his intelligence,” Roy Keane said in the build-up to the Schalke clash. VELTINS-Arena on Sunday.

“Every time he was asked to step up, he did. Sir Alex (Ferguson) always said you have to keep an eye on those who want the ball, who are brave enough to do it in front of 80,000 of people.”

MEN Sport says: Jude Bellingham will steal the headlines, but there is one more feather in Kobbie Mainoo’s cap. What player proved he is in the academy, polishing yet another diamond. Although the 19-year-old was brought on with England behind, he was instrumental in breaking down the Slovakian rearguard as the Three Lions struggled to pass from side to side.

He has very much asserted himself as a bona fide center back alongside Declan Rice and Bellingham. Southgate has failed in his midfield options this summer, first with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher. On Sunday, the United star from Stockport made his chances that a recall would do no harm and, if anything, the 53-year-old’s midfield selection headache will be eased as a result of Mainoo’s arrival.