Manchester United wrap up their final preparations ahead of Sunday’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion. New manager Erik ten Hag is hoping for a successful start in life in the English top flight.
Meanwhile, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Sporting this summer. Elsewhere, the Red Devils are interested in a Bayern Munich striker.
With that in mind, here we take a look at the top Manchester United transfer stories of August 6, 2022.
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Noel Whelan endorses Cristiano Ronaldo for Sporting return
Noel Whelan believes Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Sporting this summer. The Portuguese is unhappy at Manchester United and has already told the club he wants to leave. The 37-year-old has been looking forward to leaving Old Trafford all summer, but so far there has been no change.
His former club Sporting are among the names linked with Ronaldo, who is keen to play in the UEFA Champions League. The Portuguese club are in Europe’s top competition this season after finishing runners-up in La Liga last season.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan also said it was difficult to imagine the UEFA Champions League without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“It’s a club that’s close to his heart (Sporting) – we know that. He’s just very unhappy at Man United and we got a glimpse of that last season. It’s not the Man United he knew and loved before and now you see disagreements off the pitch and rumors that he’s a nuisance among different managers,” Whelan said.
He added:
“There is turmoil in the dressing room and I think it boils down to us not having that Champions League challenge. This would be the first season he hasn’t played in the Champions League. You can’t imagine this competition without him and I think a return to Sporting would be something he would enjoy.”
Ronaldo, the all-time Champions League goalscorer with 140 games, has played in 20 consecutive seasons of the competition and won five times. He has only played 45 minutes this preseason after missing United’s tours of Thailand and Australia for personal reasons.
Manchester United are interested in Leroy Sane
Manchester United are interested in Leroy Sane, according to The Mirror. The German striker’s future at Bayern Munich is in the stars following the arrival of Sadio Mane this summer.
Ten Hag wants a new attacker before the end of the transfer window, with Ajax’s Antony being his preferred choice. However, the Brazilian is likely to cost a fortune, forcing United to consider alternative destinations.
Sane has been on their radar and the Red Devils have already inquired about his availability. The 26-year-old brings a wealth of experience and title wins to the team. Bayern could be willing to let him go for the right price.
Crystal Palace want to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Crystal Palace are interested in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to Sky Sports. The Englishman joined Manchester United from the Eagles in 2019 but has struggled to establish himself at the club. He dropped the pecking order last season and is no longer a top pick under Ten Hag.
The Red Devils are ready to consider his exit, with Diogo Dalot emerging as Ten Hag’s preferred choice for the right-back position. Palace are ready to bring their former player back to Selhurst Park this summer. 24-year-old Wan-Bissaka could be open to the move as it would give him a chance to change his career.
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