Manchester United transfer news LIVE Mason Mount and Fernandes latest plus Real Betis win reaction
What a difference a few days make. While that dreadful afternoon at Anfield is not entirely forgotten, Manchester United’s win over Real Betis last night certainly lifted spirits at Old Trafford.
The Reds appear to have one foot firmly planted in the last eight of the Europa League thanks to their professional display last night. Although Marcus Rashford’s opening goal was canceled out by a superb goal from Ayoze Perez, the home side held on to a lead in the first leg as further goals from Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst secured a 4-1 win.
Erik ten Hag’s men travel to Spain next week to get the job done, although their next task is to return to the Premier League when they face Southampton on Sunday.
Field matters aside, the potential sale of the club continues to rumble, with potential buyers now entering the second phase of the takeover process.
TODAY’S GREAT TALKING POINT: Is the win over Betis enough to suggest the Liverpool game was just a bad day at the office? Join us here.
Keep an eye on the latest news, opinion and rumor with our special updates below.
08:36Daniel Murphy
United add Mason Mount to target list
Manchester United have included Mason Mount in their midfield shortlist, according to The Guardian.
Although a striker is United’s top priority in the summer, Erik ten Hag would of course also like to add another high-profile midfielder to his ranks. United are longtime admirers of Jude Bellingham and could reignite their interest in Frenkie de Jong, although the Dutchman prefer to remain at Barcelona.
With Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen likely to fetch a very high price, it is reported that Mount could be a cheaper alternative to Bellingham, which would also be priced in the £100m region. Mount is in a standoff with Chelsea over a new deal whose current contract expires next year so he may be available at a discount.
08:15Daniel Murphy
Martinez praises two Manchester United team-mates after Europa League win over Real Betis
Lisandro Martinez is happy for Bruno Fernandes and Antony after scoring for Manchester United against Real Betis.
Erik ten Hag wanted an answer from his players after the Anfield debacle and that’s exactly what he got against Betis as his side beat the Spanish club 4-1 at Old Trafford, despite being tied at half-time.
Marcus Rashford, Antony, Fernandes and Wout Weghorst, whose only previous goal for United came against Nottingham Forest in January, made the goalscoring list and the latter seemed particularly pleased to find the net.
Here’s what he said.
07:29Daniel Murphy
United coach Erik ten Hag gives his verdict on Bruno Fernandes’ role change
Erik ten Hag thought Bruno Fernandes was “the best player on the pitch” in Manchester United’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis.
United almost secured a place in the Europa League quarter-finals with a stunning first-leg round of 16 win at Old Trafford, scoring three second-half goals four days after beating Liverpool 7-0.
Fernandes, who has worn the armband for most of the season with club captain Harry Maguire, a rare starter, has been widely criticized for his lack of leadership at Anfield and his theatrical response to a challenge from Ibrahima Konate.
Here’s what he said.
07:15Daniel Murphy
Submit your reviews of yesterday’s prize
07:15Dan Brown
United respond with a win after Liverpool batted
Isaac Johnson
De Jong reacts to a possible transfer interest from United in the summer
Frenkie de Jong has directly responded to a question about a potential move to Manchester United this summer.
MEN Sports understands United are ready to recruit the 25-year-old in the next window after missing out on him last year.
De Jong has now opened up on whether he would consider a move to United this time around.
Read what he said here >>>
Isaac Johnson
Martinez praises two teammates in Real Betis win
Lisandro Martinez has highlighted two players who excelled in last night’s 4-1 Europa League first leg win over Real Betis in the Europa League Round of 16.
One of them was Bruno Fernandes, who beat back the critics with a goal and an assist during a quality performance.
He now has 18 goals this season in all competitions.
Read who else Martinez praised here >>>
Ross Jackson
United ratings vs Betis
United were back on the winning track last night.
Erik ten Hag’s men drove past Real Betis with the Reds leading 4-1 against Spain next week.
Here’s how United’s head writer Samuel Luckhurst rated the players:
David deGaa
De Gea has never been more outrageous with the ball at his feet than in the first half and one of those resulted in Betis hitting the post. 4
Diogo Dalot
Happy to start and had another awkward half. Substituted at half-time for the second time in the last four games. 4
Read the whole story here.
Ross Jackson
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to today’s United transfer blog.
Stay with us as we bring you the latest transfers and acquisitions including reactions to last night’s win over Real Betis.