Manchester United will be targeting a return to winning ways when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
United crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last time out, leaving them eighth in the table with just three games left to play. They now face an uphill struggle to keep their Europa League qualification hopes via their final league position alive.
The upcoming clash with the Gunners marks the first of three games in the space of just eight days for Erik ten Hag's men. They face Newcastle United three days after locking horns with Arsenal and then travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the season on May 19.
United know they need to end the season as strongly as possible to avoid the prospect of recording their lowest-ever finishing position in the Premier League era. Whatever happens in the next week or so, it is no secret a massive summer lies ahead.
United are continuing to be linked with a lorry load of names ahead of the transfer window opening on June 14. A number of exits are also on the cards.
Follow the live blog below for all the very latest United news throughout the day:
Ten Hag given United advice with Arteta example
Although Erik ten Hag has a better record than Mikel Arteta during their first two seasons in charge, Jamie Carragher insists there is one key thing missing for Manchester United.
Ten Hag has struggled to take United to the next level during his second season after a premature Champions League exit and an underwhelming Premier League campaign. United are also at risk of not qualifying for European football as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues a major shake-up at the club.
It is unclear whether the Dutchman is part of Ratcliffe's plans moving forward. Carragher analysed Ten Hag's first two years at Old Trafford in comparison to Arteta's initial reign at the Emirates.
Mbappe transfer bombshell
Kylian Mbappe has confirmed he will be leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer at the end of his contract.
Sitting down to speak publicly about his decision to leave, Mbappe said, "Hi everyone, it's Kylian. I wanted to speak to you. I always said that I would speak to you when the time comes and so I wanted to announce to you all that it's my last year at Paris Saint-Germain.
"I will not extend and the adventure will come to an end in a few weeks. I will play my last game at the Parc des Princes on Saturday. It's a lot of emotions."
Casemiro Brazil Copa America squad snub explained
Brazil boss Dorival Junior has explained his decision to leave Casemiro out of the Brazil squad for this summer's Copa America.
He told Globo Esporte: "Regarding Casemiro, he deserves respect from all of us. I had a chat with him in Manchester three months ago and explained what I was thinking at the time, about his and his team's situation, and what I needed. But just because he wasn't called up this time, it doesn't mean he's been ruled out [for future call-ups] in any way.
"He knows exactly what I think of him and that is the main thing. Tomorrow I will have another chat with him and outline what I think may happen in the future, because he is a player that deserves consideration, affection and respect. We will continue believing in a player of his level."
Arsenal injury worry before Man United clash
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be without Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu for Sunday's clash against Manchester United.
Before the fixture, Arteta was asked specifically about the duo with his answer understandably coy. "A few doubts over the names [Saka and Tomiyasu] that you discussed yes," he said in a press conference. "We can resolve with another training session. So we’ll have to see."
A fresh hint on their fitness now appears to have been dropped with neither Saka or Tomiyasu spotted in the latest set of Arsenal training pictures, possibly giving United an advantage.
Barcelona could 'transfer list' Araujo if they fail to make contract breakthrough
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo could be 'put up for sale' in the coming weeks amid links with a move to United.
United are planning to strengthen their centre-back options with two signings this forthcoming summer and Araujo is a name that has filled newspaper gossip columns in recent weeks.
Barcelona want to tie the defender down to a new contract, but he is said to not be in any rush to commit his future to the club. His current deal expires in 2026.
The report adds that if he doesn't make a firm decision on his future in the coming weeks, they will make the decision to transfer list him.
Select your United XI to face Arsenal
United will be targeting a much-needed three points when they face Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ahead of the game, we're inviting you have to have YOUR say on how you think the Reds should line-up. Select your XI by completing the selector widget below.
Neville could be about to get another wish granted by Ineos
Back in December, Gary Neville outlined what Ineos needed to do to take United forward once they got their feet under the table.
Less than five months since it was announced that Sir Jim Ratcliffe had agreed a deal with the Glazers to secure a minority stake, the Failsworth-born billionaire has watsed little time in trying to make a positive impact. He has made some big-name additions off the pitch and has laid out plans to regenerate Old Trafford, either via modernising the current stadium or building a new one.
Now, it is understood that Ineos' sporting director, Sir David Brailsford, believes the club would benefit from leaving Carrington and moving into a brand-new training ground. If that ambition becomes a reality, it will be another feather to add to Ineos' cap.
Arteta sends message to Arsenal players ahead of United fixture
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said his side will have to be at their 'best' when they face United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners will make the trip north to Old Trafford looking to record a fifth successive Premier League fixture. However, their record in M16 is less than impressive.
With that said, Arteta is challenging his players to overcome that particular hoodoo.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference this lunchtime, he said:
"Every game has a different context. We know the difficulty and the history when you look at what we've done over there, so we're going to have to be at our best to earn the right to win the game. The difficulty there is the quality of the opposition, the quality of the individuals and the manager. It brings a lot of challenges but we've been in very difficult stadiums this season and done very well so hopefully we can do the same on Sunday."
Barcelona to 'offer players' to United for Greenwood
According to a report by HITC, Barcelona would be willing to 'offer players' to United in exchange for Mason Greenwood in this forthcoming summer's transfer window.
Greenwood is being heavily linked with a flurry of clubs ahead of his season-long loan spell coming to a close at Getafe. Barcelona have been regularly linked with his services in recent weeks, as have the likes of Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
But despite Barcelona's willingness to 'offer players' to United for Greenwood, it is claimed the Reds would prefer a 'straight sale' this summer, should he be offloaded.
Neville convinced United will return to the top
Former United captain Gary Neville is convinced that the club will "get it right" as a season of disappointment draws towards its conclusion.
United lost for a record-breaking 13th time in the Premier League on Monday night, losing 4-0 at Crystal Palace. The defeat has left them eighth in the table ahead of this weekend's matches.
Neville said:
"As sure as the sun will rise, Manchester United will start to win again. It's a fact. When that is, I don't know. It can be no guarantee, but I know that these things go in cycles. I lived my whole childhood watching Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal win trophies, win the old Division One, and was patient. I had to wait until I was 18, 19 when United first won a league title in my life and then we won a load of league titles, and now we've not won one for 11 years."
Click here to read more from Neville.
Everton planning for summer sales amid United interest in duo
Kevin Thelwell - Everton's director of football - has confirmed the club will have to sell players in this forthcoming summer's transfer window.
United are interested in Toffees duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana and are understood to be monitoring both of them. Branthwaite is a target for a whole host of clubs after an impressive campaign this term.
Thelwell told Everton's club website:
"The reality is, given the regulations in place and the club’s current financial position, we have to trade well. Working within such tight financial parameters makes the job extremely difficult. Whilst we want to ensure the team is as competitive as possible, we cannot lose sight of our central objective to protect the long-term stability of the club. That does mean players will be sold, and also that every tool at our disposal will be used to secure new additions to the squad, including utilisation of the loan market. Both Sean and I understand the responsibility we have – and that is a responsibility which has to be our priority. That may not be exciting to hear but, under our current circumstances, it is the right thing for Everton."
OPINION: United boss Ratcliffe might look at Arsenal and see his perfect Ten Hag plan
"If Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still considering sticking rather than twisting, he might look at the man in the opposite dugout this weekend and see reasons for keeping faith. Mikel Arteta has been through difficult times at Arsenal. Having taken charge at the Emirates in December 2019, he could only guide the Gunners to eighth that season and then eighth again in his first full season. Like Erik ten Hag, he had an early trophy to cling to as evidence of potential, with the FA Cup won at Wembley in 2020. At the start of the 2021/22 season Arsenal were bottom after losing their first three Premier League fixtures and Arteta was on the brink. It would have been no surprise had he been sacked at that point. The surprise was that he survived to finish fifth in that season."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.
Mount ruled out of Arsenal clash
Midfielder Mason Mount has been ruled out of Sunday's game against Arsenal, manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
The United midfielder has suffered a fresh injury problem in training and will now miss the Gunners' visit to Old Trafford. Fortunately, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford have all trained and could return.
Click here to discover the latest injury news.
United put Lindelof 'up for sale'
United have put defender Victor Lindelof 'up for sale' ahead of this summer's transfer window, according to a report by talkSPORT.
United want to sign two centre-backs this summer, meaning it is obvious they need to cut their cloth before doing so. Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are both out contract, meaning they could leave for nothing, whereas Lindelof could be offloaded for a fee.
The Swede has not played as often as he would have liked this season and he is one of several members of the squad who are in need of being moved on.
United make Neves a 'priority' ahead of transfer window
According to a report by Portuguese news outlet Record, as cited by TEAMtalk, Benfica midfielder Joao Neves is a 'priority target' for United ahead of this summer's transfer window.
The youngster has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for several months and such reports are now increasing amid the fact the start of the transfer window is just five weeks away. United are set to make signing a new midfielder one of their leading objectives this summer and Neves is very highly-rated.
It is reported that he will command a £103million transfer fee.
Rivaldo makes admission about Casemiro to United transfer deal
Brazilian icon Rivaldo has said Casemiro's decision to join United from Real Madrid in August 2022 was financially driven.
The defensive-midfielder joined the club for an initial fee of £60million, ending his 10-year stay at Madrid. Despite being friends with his fellow countryman, Rivaldo has said his decision to swap the Bernabeu for Old Trafford was money-motivated.
Rivaldo told the brand new Betting.Betfair website:
"Casimiro is a great person, a friend of mine and someone I played with when I was at Sao Paulo. He had an amazing career at Real Madrid. In my opinion, it was the wrong decision for him to leave Real Madrid for United. I think he was living a beautiful story at Real Madrid, but of course, the financial side of things helped his decision. United are in a terrible moment, with so many injuries. and Casemiro is a midfield player, not a striker or defender, so people criticise him playing out of position, but in my opinion, he is not to blame at all, because United are struggling massively on their own."
McClaren: 'United will come good again'
First-team coach Steve McClaren is confident the good times will return to United after another season of struggles.
The club currently finds itself eighth in the Premier League table with just three games left to play, meaning it is in danger of recording its lowest-ever finish in the Premier League era.
However, McClaren, using Sunday's opponent, Arsenal, as an example, he believes it is only a matter of time before the United of old are reborn.
He told BBC Sport:
"Arsenal are back after being down and Man United will do the same. We have had many storms. I see tremendous plusses from Ineos coming in and what they are trying to do. It is identifying the standards and getting back to them. At certain times since I have come back over the last two years, we have had those standards. We have also had standards that have not been United. Speaking to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, speaking to Sir Dave Brailsford, they are getting the best people in. They want this to succeed. They have done that in their other sports and businesses. I am positive they will do it again with Manchester United."
United 'ready' to make £50m offer for Bremer
According to a report by Italian news outlet Calciomercato, United are 'ready' to make a £50million bid for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News yesterday (Thursday), United are monitoring the Brazilian ahead of a potential move for him this summer. The club wants to try and add two centre-backs to its ranks ahead of next term.
Bremer is being looked at by United along with Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba.
Branthwaite 'open' to leaving Everton amid United interest
According to a report by The Standard, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is 'open' to the prospect of leaving Goodison Park this summer.
United are monitoring the defender ahead of the upcoming transfer window amid plans to strengthen their centre-back options. The Reds plan to sign two centre-backs ahead of next season.
Branthwaite has been superb for Everton this season, making remarkable progress in a very short space of time. Everton, however, are prepared to 'fight' to keep hold of him after avoiding relegation.
KEEP OR SELL: What should United do this summer?
With exactly five weeks to go until the summer transfer window opens, a summer of change is in the offing at United.
The Ineos Group are expected to make much-needed changes to the squad and sales could reach double figures.
With that said, we're inviting you to have YOUR say on who you think should stay and who should go. You can decide for yourself by using our interactive widget below.
OPINION: An ambitious signing will play at United on Sunday - but for Arsenal
"This is still a steely and serious Arsenal side that United fans will glance at enviously. United signed the wrong England midfielder and Arsenal got the right one in the all-action-man Declan Rice, a signing that has elevated Arsenal to sustained championship challengers. United plumped for Mason Mount, approaching the final year of his contract, for an up-front fee of £55million. Rice fetched a fee almost double that at £105m. The wise money was spent by Arsenal. Rice, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were all on the market last summer and it is unforgivable United let all of them slip through the net. Rice enquired about United's interest as far back as March 2021, they had Bellingham in the building at Carrington and Kane was prepared to relocate up the M6."
Click here to read more from chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst.
Milan 'open talks' to sign United loanee Amrabat
According to a report by Italian news outlet Tuttosport, as cited by sempremilan, AC Milan have 'opened talks' about the prospect of signing United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat this summer.
Amrabat joined United from Fiorentina on loan last summer and they have the option to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of this season. However, he has failed to make his mark at Old Trafford, meaning he is poised to return to Fiorentina at the end of the campaign.
A permanent exit from the Europa Conference League finalists, however, is likely, and Milan are said to have 'opened talks' with his camp about the possibility of a deal.
Beckham backs Ten Hag
Former United star David Beckham has offered his support to United manager Erik ten Hag.
The United boss is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford following a turbulent campaign that has seen them suffer 13 Premier League defeats.
Beckham told talkSPORT:
"We all know that Erik's a very qualified manager and a good manager and he has the right motives. But I think we were lucky in our day that we had Sir Alex Ferguson, we were lucky that we had Eric Harrison and Jim Ryan and Nobby Stiles and all of these great managers and motivators."
Brailsford pushing for new United training ground
Ineos sporting director Sir David Brailsford believes United need to relocate from their Carrington training ground, the Manchester Evening News understands.
Brailsford has been conducting an audit of the club's infrastructure and has impressed figures at the club. He has provided detailed observations on the club, comparing United to his work with Team Sky and the Ineos Grenadiers in cycling.
Click here to read the full story.
United 'considering' move for Atletico defender
United are 'considering' a move for Atletico Madrid left-back Reinildo - but face competition from Aston Villa, according to a report by The Sun.
United are set to be in the market for a new left-back this forthcoming summer after being without Luke Shaw for much of the campaign. Tyrell Malacia has missed the whole season with a knee injury.
Reinildo has just a year remaining on his Atletico contract, meaning a 'cut-price' deal could be on the table. It is reported he could be available for around £8million'.
The 30-year-old has played 15 times in all competitions this season.
United 'make contact' for Sociedad goalkeeper
United have 'made contact' with the agency of Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro, according to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, as cited by Sport Witness.
United have been linked with a prospective move for the Spaniard this week amid the prospect of them replacing Andre Onana less than a year after the Cameroonian joined the club. It is claimed that Remiro has a €70million (£60.2m at current rate) release clause in his contract.
Despite those reports, it is understood that Onana is one of just four players United will not entertain offers for this forthcoming summer, meaning a move for Remiro, at this stage, is unlikely.
Good morning!
Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the United live blog.
As ever, we will be keeping you right up to date with all the very latest news and analysis throughout the day. We will also have live coverage of Erik ten Hag's pre-match press conference this lunchtime ahead of Sunday's game with Arsenal.
As ever, keep the blog locked for all the very latest as it happens. There is no need to refresh the page, updates should appear automatically.
United-linked Potter 'rejects' Ajax
Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the chance to become Ajax manager amid growing links with United.
The former Brighton boss has been unemployed since leaving Chelsea in April 2023 but held talks with the Dutch giants having been targeted.
Potter has previously been linked with a number of other roles but has been keen to bide his time in choosing his next destination.
Double injury boost for United
United have confirmed that defender Lisandro Martinez and attacker Marcus Rashford have returned to first-team training.
Martinez has been missing since the 1-1 draw with Brentford on March 30. He made his return from a knee injury against the Bees and then suffered a calf problem.
The Argentine has been restricted to just 11 appearances in all competitions this season because of a collection of serious injury problems.
Beckham joins red carpet for United treble documentary
David Beckham is among the star-studded attendees at the premiere of Amazon's documentary on Manchester United's treble-winning campaign on Thursday night.
The 25th anniversary of United's fairytale success in the 1999 Champions League final will be celebrated this month and fans will be treated to a nostalgic documentary series.
The series will be released exclusively on Amazon Prime and it's been created by the producers of 'Beckham', a docuseries on Netflix which charted his rise as a footballer.
