Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Dan Ashworth named, Matthijs de Ligt ‘top target’, Mason Greenwood exit talks

Gary Neville said

Manchester United legend Gary Neville received a mild rebuke from Roy Keane and Ian Wright ahead of England’s last 16 win over Slovakia at Euro 2024.

Neville referred to England as “miserable” in his post-match analysis, while Keane declared “how many excuses are we going to make?”

But before the game kicked off, the Sky Sports pundit praised the high quality that exists in the squad.

Before simultaneously giving up saying: “You know this isn’t a Neville team.”

The former right-back’s quip was met with laughter, but also a prompt intervention from Keane, who said: “Why are you getting down?”

As Wright chimed in, “Yeah, I told you about it.”

Wilshere’s advice England

Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere has told SunSport England boss Gareth Southgate must build his squad around Manchester United ace Kobbie Mainoo:

Kobbie Mainoo has shown he is the player England need to build their midfield – and team – around.

That’s what I felt, when it seemed like we were sliding towards defeat.

I know he wasn’t on the pitch when we scored the goals.

But until that incredible comeback, Mainoo was our best player.

He has a fearlessness and instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be missing from so much of the game.

Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England a better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it hasn’t looked that way.

Jack WilshereSunspot

How Man United got Ashworth

Newcastle have slashed their £20m compensation demands from Manchester United for sporting director Dan Ashworth to avoid being hit with a points deduction next season.

SunSport has learned the Magpies have accepted an offer of less than £10m from their rivals in 11th-hour talks ahead of Sunday’s PSR deadline.

The Toon have demanded £20m from the Red Devils to secure Ashworth’s release this summer and have insisted he will be retained until the final 12 months of his contract.

But in a major turnaround, the Tyneside giants reopened talks at the weekend and agreed a deal worth less than half the original asking price amid concerns over the Premier League’s charge of a PSR breach.

Newcastle have already raised almost £70m last week through the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively, their desperation to get compensation for Ashworth showing the true extent of their PSR problems.

The bitter case looked set to go to arbitration after Newcastle rejected a £3m bid from United, but an unexpected compromise was reached yesterday which will see Ashworth start work at Old Trafford immediately.

Joshua Zirkzee “advanced interest”

Manchester United have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals in their pursuit of Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee during the summer transfer window.

United are in talks with Zirkzee’s camp after showing “advanced interest”.

Arsenal top the striker’s list with other Premier League admirers.

But despite a move to England looking most likely, AC Milan are still understood to be keen on the Netherlands international.

The 23-year-old has a €40m (£34m) buy-out clause and the Serie A giants would be keen to keep hold of their star man, who is under contract until June 2026.

What’s next for Greenwood?

Controversial Manchester United player Mason Greenwood could have a choice of six European giants when he finally leaves Old Trafford this summer.

According to The Athletic, Marseille are a team exploring a deal to sign Greenwood as they have engaged in positive talks and the player favors the French giants at this stage.

The forward is also attracting interest from Lazio, while Juventus are also keeping an eye on him.

Napoli are said to be considering a move while Victor Osimhen is considering a move to the Premier League.

According to the Record, Benfica boss Rui Pedro Braz met the former England international and his father last month.

And Getafe would like to retain the services of the 22-year-old for another loan spell but cannot afford United’s £40m asking price.

More about De Ligt

Manchester United have held in-depth talks with Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.

According to De Telegraaf, United have offered De Ligt a five-year contract to come to Old Trafford.

The same report adds that Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has had several phone calls with the centre-back.

Ten Hag are trying to convince the Dutch international to rejoin them.