Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba yesterday admitted it would be a dream to play for Real Madrid under returning manager Zinedine Zidane, raising doubts over his future at Old Trafford.
Pogba was speaking in a press conference for France ahead of their fixtures against Moldova and Iceland this week, and said: "Like I've always said, Real Madrid is a dream for anyone. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. There is also Zidane as a coach and it's a dream for anybody who likes football.
"For now, I'm at Manchester. We don't know what the future holds. I'm at Manchester and I'm happy."
Meanwhile, Angel Gomes registered two assists for England U19s yesterday in a 4-1 win over Czech Republic, and Scott McTominay could feature for Scotland tonight as they take on Kazakhstan in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
We'll have the latest United news and transfer rumours for you throughout the day.
Ferdinand's dig at Liverpool fans
Ferdinand told the Mirror that Liverpool fans will be ‘painful’ if they win the league.
He said:
“There’s fans I didn’t even know supported Liverpool that have come back out of the wood work after 20 years of being silent that are starting to speak before they’ve won anything.
“So it’d be a lot more painful to see them win the league [over Man City].”
Man Utd fans send Pogba clear message
Manchester United fans are not happy with Paul Pogba’s latest comments after the France midfielder said playing for Real Madrid would be a dream.
He said: “Like I’ve always said, Real Madrid is a dream for anyone. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
It hasn’t gone down well with United fans...
Start for Sancho?
With the news that Marcus Rashford is a doubt for England tomorrow night, there could be a first competitive start for Jadon Sancho.
United have been strongly linked with Sancho this week, and may get to see him in action at Wembley tomorrow.
If Rashford is indeed out, this is how England could look tomorrow:
Pickford; Chilwell, Maguire, Walker, Trippier; Henderson, Alli, Dier; Sterling, Sancho, Kane.
Pogba discusses the change at United under Solskjaer
Paul Pogba has explained how playing in a more advanced role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has enabled him to be more decisive for United.
“We talk a lot about me but it’s mostly down to the team. It’s going much better. We have a lot more of the ball, we attack a little more too. I play higher and try to be a little more decisive. I was not so decisive before but the stats proved it wasn’t that bad. I am a challenger, I always want to do more. Since the new coach has arrived, we take more pleasure, we are happier and play more as a team. When he came to talk to us he asked us to enjoy playing football again. That’s what we like - to play football.”
From Eurosport
Rashford training alone
Marcus Rashford is set to miss England’s game against the Czech Republic tomorrow.
21 players are taking part in today's session, with @MarcusRashford working separately to the main group.#threelions https://t.co/ubXJ4MEt8a
— England (@England) March 21, 2019
Ronaldinho is the GOAT for Gomes
Ronaldinho trumps Ronaldo and Messi as far as Angel Gomes is concerned.
More pressure against PSG than World Cup final - Pogba
Paul Pogba has said he felt more pressure watching United against PSG than he did playing in last summer’s World Cup final against Croatia.
“It’s pretty strange. I think there was more pressure against PSG than there was in the final of the World Cup. The penalty of Rashford? I was stressed, it was crazy. When you play football, you always believe even after a 2-0 defeat.
“I was surprised because it was PSG, we know the players they have. In addition, we played at the Parc des Princes so they had the advantage. I was surprised especially as it happened, but I was happy because we progressed.”
Smalling addresses fake quote that has gone viral
You’ve probably seen the fake Chris Smalling quote somewhere on the internet this week.
It goes:
“There is a weakness in Messi that only I know about. I don’t think the world is aware of that, so I’m not going to talk about it now.”
Smalling took to Instagram yesterday - as if he needed to - to refute its authenticity.
Pogba's birthday message to Griezmann
A rough translation courtesy of Google:
Pogba: ooh grizou your 28 years old, happy birthday my brother
Griezmann: repeat it again you’ll see what I’m going to do to you
Top-notch banter.
Contrasting reports on Sancho
There are plenty of stories regarding Jadon Sancho’s future doing the rounds this morning.
The Evening Standard and Mirror Online both say United are prepared to splash big money on the 18-year-old, but Mail Online say they have been informed by Dortmund sources that Sancho will not be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Christian Pulisic will join Chelsea in the summer and it is claimed that no amount of money will convince them to sell another one of their youth prospects.
Sancho is said to be happy in Germany and won’t agitate for a move. PSG are credited with an interest in the London-born teenager along with United.
Lingard the crossbar king
Jesse Lingard is getting back up to full speed in Dubai having been troubled by a hamstring problem of late.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvQ7umcnRTo/
United 'prepared to break transfer record for Sancho'
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make Jadon Sancho the Premier League’s most expensive player of all time.
It is claimed by Mirror Online that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already given United chief Ed Woodward his transfer wish list for the summer, with Borussia Dortmund and England winger Sancho topping the pile.
The 18-year-old has directly contributed to 26 goals in 35 games for Dortmund this season, scoring nine times and notching 17 assists.
Paul Pogba is currently the Premier League’s most expensive player having joined United from Juventus for £89million in 2016.
United attempted to sign Sancho from City in 2017 but the teenager opted for a move to the Bundesliga instead.
Giggs jokes Solskjaer should be on the bench against Barcelona
Ryan Giggs has given Manchester United manager some interesting selection advice for the Champions League quarter-final at Barcelona.
United face Barcelona at the Nou Camp, 20 years after Solskjaer wrote himself into the club’s history books with the winner in the Champions League final at the same ground.
And Giggs joked that Solskjaer - who was an 81st minute substitute in that game - should name himself on the bench for the upcoming quarter final to have a similar impact as his last visit with United.
Giggs told the United website:
“It’s tough – I think most people wanted to stay away from Barcelona [in the draw].
“Ole, especially, has got good memories of the Nou Camp. I don’t know whether he’ll put himself on the bench that night. He might have to think about that!”
United fans planning Barcelona boycott
A number of disabled Manchester United supporters are planning to boycott the home game against Barcelona in the Champions League due to safety concerns.
Fans sat on the disabled platform in front of L stand were fearful of being hit by flying objects in the last 16 first leg tie against the French champions.
United bosses accused PSG supporters of going ‘too far’ after around 800 seats will need replacing or repairing after being broken by being stood on or ripped out and hurled and disabled supporters spoke of their worry about being hit after the 2-0 defeat.
Calls were made for the United fans to be given L stand, the section of the ground where away supporters usually sit, for the game against Barcelona on April 10.
However, M.E.N. Sport understands there are various logistical and safety reasons which mean that is not viable for the quarter-final knockout game next month.
Chong discusses appearance against PSG
Tahith Chong is grateful that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed confidence in him in the closing stages of United’s comeback win against Paris Saint-Germain.
The teenager was introduced as a late substitute for Andreas Pereira at the Parc des Princes.
“Of course I can do much better, but it is to be expected that you will not always fall in the way you want in your first big game,” Chong explained.
“The fact that he let me attack PSG also says something about the trainer’s (Solskjaer) confidence in the youth players. It’s great that we could also win the game.
“I had to warm up and suddenly heard a whistle from the trainer. I still can’t describe it. Really fantastic.”
Pogba would be great MLS signing - Rooney
Wayne Rooney reckons Paul Pogba would a be great signing for any MLS club.
“There’s lots of players who could come over and could be very successful here,” Rooney told Sky Sports. “Obviously players I’ve played with, Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, players like that are great players. I know Paul loves coming to the States, his brother’s here so I’m sure he’d be a great signing for anyone.”
This is maybe one to revisit in about 10 years’ time.
McTominay explains why he's improved since Mourinho sacking
Scott McTominay has suggested his improved performances at Manchester United of late have been because he has been playing in his preferred position.
The Scot’s stock was at an all-time low when Jose Mourinho was sacked but he has revived his reputation of late with stirring displays against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
“There have been times when it’s been so, so tough, you’re playing out of position and you’re not quite sure exactly how you’re perceived and what your role is going forward,” McTominay told Sky Sports.
“But now having played a run of games under Ole it’s been much better. We’ve had some amazing nights and big games as well.
“I just want to keep learning.”
Barcelona 'to listen to offers for Coutinho'
Barcelona are ready to listen to offers for Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.
It is claimed by Goal that Barca would be willing to listen to offers in excess of €80million for the Brazilian just over 18 months after they paid €120million to sign him from Liverpool.
The report adds, however, that Coutinho is not tempted by a move to United because his family previously struggled to settle in England.
PSG are said to be his most likely destination.
PSG "disgusted" by loss to United - Pogba
Paul Pogba is currently on international duty with France and he has been discussing what he and his countrymen have been talking about ahead of their games against Moldova and Iceland.
Several of the players in France’s squad play for Paris Saint-Germain and Pogba has been ribbing them about United’s Champions League comeback.
“We’ve talked a bit about it, we talk a lot about this game, but also about the matches of the season,” Pogba said.
“We talked about the match, the details, what happened afterwards.
“We tease each other, but we do it in respect. They are disgusted, but we laugh.”
United 'confident' of signing Sancho
The Evening Standard say United are confident of signing the teenager, with an offer of over £80m thought to be enough to persuade Dortmund to do business.
United’s position is strengthened as there is no ‘United clause’ in Sancho’s contract set by Manchester City - like the one that would see Brahim Diaz cost the club more than any other club if United were to buy him.
The report quotes a source as saying: “[United] are doing everything they can to sign him.”
Ferdinand sends Solskjaer message to Woodward
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has issued a message to chief executive Ed Woodward over the club’s plans this summer.
United have two big issues to sort out in the coming months - the future of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and building a squad to challenge for the Premier League.
Ferdinand insists it’s critical that the club make sure they retain Solskjaer to get their identity back.
“We have tried different managers, tried different philosophies and finally we have gone back to what worked in the past and what will work in the future,” Ferdinand told the Irish Independent.
Pogba speaks about dream Real Madrid transfer
Paul Pogba has again fuelled speculation he could make a move to Real Madrid claiming it is a ‘dream for anyone’ to play for the La Liga giants.
The World Cup winner was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer with his agent Mino Raiola was touting him to some of the top clubs in Europe as Pogba’s relationship with Jose Mourinho took a downward turn.
However, the departure of the Portuguese and the improvement of his form has led to the speculation dying down.
That was until Pogba faced the media ahead of France’s games against Moldova and Iceland.
“Like I’ve always said, Real Madrid is a dream for anyone. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world,” Pogba said.
