DEAL HIJACKED: Brazilian striker snubbed Liverpool transfer, agreed to join Manchester United as medical is scheduled to hold tomorrow
Looking to take full advantage of a recent training ground bust up, Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign a talented Premier League forward this summer.
Ratcliffe readying more sackings after UEL defeat
As Manchester United continue to fail on the pitch, it’s those away from the action who are set to suffer yet again. Having already stolen previous headlines for his money-saving attempts, which have often come under severe criticism, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to sack more staff following Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat.
To say that INEOS and Ratcliffe, in particular, are not popular around Old Trafford would be an understatement. The Telegraph’s James Ducker also revealed that when both Ratcliffe and Avram Glazer appeared on the screen at the Europa League final, staff members booed as they watched on from a screening back in Manchester.
On the pitch, the Red Devils are struggling more than ever before. But off the pitch, things could only get worse after they missed out on Champions League football and the money that would have come with that.
What makes matters worse is how desperately Manchester United need to spend this summer. After reportedly sacking 200 staff members, whatever Ratcliffe spends on the squad this summer will be seen as controversial as he prioritises his highest earners rather than those keeping the club ticking by out of the spotlight.
Among the priorities is set to be an attacking addition. Reports have already suggested that Rasmus Hojlund’s time at the club could be coming to an end following a frustrating two-year spell, and in his place could yet be a Premier League rival.
Man Utd join Joao Pedro race
According to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, Manchester United have now joined the race to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, who are set to demand over £50m to sell the Brazilian this summer.
Racing alongside Chelsea and Liverpool for his signature, those at Old Trafford will be hoping that Pedro buys into Ruben Amorim’s project rather than see a broken Man United side.
What should make any deal easier is the fact that Pedro has recently found himself dropped by Fabian Hurzeler following a reported training ground bust-up with defender Jean Paul van Hecke.
The forward will reportedly remain dropped for Brighton’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday, with Hurzeler telling reporters in his pre-match press conference: “With Joao, we had a small issue in training, a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time at all football clubs. We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed.”
