Manchester United's players are beginning to return to Carrington following the international break as attentions return to their top-four battle in the Premier League.
United head into their final run of games still looking to secure that final Champions League spot, with some crucial games on the way during the business end of the season.
But while Ralf Rangnick and his players will be aiming to overhaul Arsenal and claim that coveted fourth spot, there's plenty more going on off the pitch as the club continues its search for a new permanent manager.
United still intend to make an appointment before the end of the season, with Erik ten Hag the preferred choice, although there's still plenty of work to do before any final decision is made, with Mauricio Pochettino also being considered as one of the frontrunners.
Keep track of the day's Manchester United news with our live blog below.
Key Events
Ten Hag 'wants to' bring Dutch former United player to coaching staff
Lazio set to offer 'discount' for Milinkovic-Savic
United confirm pre-season tour fixtures vs Liverpool and opponents
KEY EVENT
Ten Hag 'wants to' bring Dutch former United player to coaching staff
Robin van Persie? Jaap Stam? Alexander Buttner...?
Reports suggest Erik ten Hag would like to bring a Dutch former United player with him to United.
Of all those to have been linked lately Van Persie would seem like the most logical appointment.
Stephen Killen
That's all for tonight!
Join us tomorrow as we edge towards the return of the Premier League... finally!
Stephen Killen
Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino spoken to but Dutchman reservations emerge
Stephen Killen
ICMYI:
Stephen Killen
Henderson mooted as Newcastle target
Stephen Killen
Harry Maguire defended following England reception
Ian Rush has jumped to the defence of Harry Maguire after the Manchester United captain was booed by England fans this week.
Maguire has struggled for form at club level this season, with United now out of the Champions League and outsiders for a top-four finish. The March international break seemed to have come at a good time for Maguire as he looked to put his Old Trafford troubles behind him, though some sections of the Wembley crowd booed him prior to England's 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
The reception was branded 'an absolute job' by Gareth Southgate, while a number of Maguire's teammates have aired their disgust since the incident. And Rush has now taken the chance to offer his support.
Click here for the full story.
Stephen Killen
Eye-watering amounts
Stephen Killen
United "will sign a striker"
Stephen Killen
Very damning revelation
Stephen Killen
What you need to know
Stephen Killen
Nemanja Matic's honest verdict on the mood inside Man United's dressing room
Midfield enforcer Nemanja Matic has admitted that the atmosphere within the Manchester United dressing room is "not fantastic" as the club faces the prospect of missing out on a top-four finish this season.
Ahead of resuming their Premier League campaign against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday, United currently find themselves sixth in the table and four points shy of the top four. Arsenal currently occupy the final Champions League berth and still have a game in hand on Ralf Rangnick's side.
United, following the additions of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo to the squad last summer, had aspirations to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in pursuit of the Premier League title this term. However, they now face the prospect of missing out on the top four altogether, which would have disastrous consequences for the club.
See what Matic had to say.
Jack Flintham
Jaap Stam explains how Manchester United players can help Harry Maguire turn his career around
Jaap Stam believes Harry Maguire can get his career at Old Trafford back on track via the support of his Manchester United teammates.
The United skipper, who joined the club from Leicester City in a record-breaking £80million deal almost three years ago, has experienced a torrid season at Old Trafford and has been subject to major criticism and, at times, abuse. His future at the club, particularly as captain, appears under threat right now.
Maguire was subjected to boos from a number of England supporters at Wembley on Tuesday evening during the Three Lions' 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast. The Sheffield-born defender has been a regular fixture in the England squad in recent years and played a key part in their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of the European Championship in 2020.
Read more from Stam here.
Jack Flintham
Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo backed to play for Portugal until 'at least' Euro 2024
Portugal centre-back Jose Fonte believes Cristiano Ronaldo will still be leading the national team until 'at least' Euro 2024.
The Manchester United star guided his country to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar this week following a 2-0 play-off final victory over North Macedonia. The 37-year-old will now feature in his fifth finals, with Portugal set to go into the tournament with a high-quality squad.
Ronaldo recently said he felt as if he could play into his forties, and Fonte agrees. Speaking to talkSPORT, the Lille defender said: “I think he’s left it pretty clear in his last interview, he’s the one who decides his future.
Read more here.
Liam Wood
We want to know what YOU think!
A chance to share your views on the Harry Maguire situation;
Liam Wood
Betting odds - next United manager
Naturally, there remains substantial interest in the betting market for this one.
Here are the current front-runners to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as per SkyBet;
Erik ten Hag - 1/2
Mauricio Pochettino - 5/2
Brendan Rodgers - 16/1
Thomas Tuchel - 16/1
Luis Enrique - 18/1
Ralf Rangnick - 18/1
Antonio Conte - 20/1
*Betting odds were correct at 16:15 on March 31. Subject to change.
Liam Wood
Details for summer transfer window confirmed
Clubs across the Premier League have discovered when they can get down to business during the summer transfer window after a meeting between stakeholders. Plans were revealed in London as proposals to introduce a debated five substitutions rule was also passed for next season.
United will be able to make signings from Friday, June 10 with the window staying open until Thursday, September 1 at 11pm BST. That runs in line with other major European divisions.
Read the full story here >>>
KEY EVENT
Lazio set to offer 'discount' for Milinkovic-Savic
Long-standing links between United and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have resurfaced amid suggestions that current club Lazio are prepared to offer a 'discount' for him. This follows a report from Il Tempo which claims United are back in the market for the 27-year-old.
Milinkovic-Savic is thought to be having 'deep reflections' about a new challenge. A final decision on his future will be made this summer, but Lazio could be willing to let him go for €60-65million.
That's lower than the €70million fee originally mooted. PSG are among the other teams chasing his signature.
Steven Railston
Rodgers on Maguire incident
Brendan Rodgers took over at Leicester in the summer Maguire signed for United and he backed the defender to overcome the recent negativity after receiving boos while playing for England.
“My question would be what help does it do? By nature of the word supporter, you are there to support," Rodgers said.
"I was disappointed for him [Maguire}. He’s a brilliant guy. He has the tools to overcome it. You need resilience. He has the focus on him at a big club. He’s a resilient guy. Internationally, Harry has been a great player for England over these past three or four seasons.
"Maybe it's just the modern world, patience is short now. It doesn’t do a player any good. You support through the good and the bad."
Steven Railston
There was no Cavani at training
Steven Railston
Flamengo deal for Pereira at risk
Will the pre-season Pirlo finally leave United this summer? Maybe not.
It's claimed Flamengo are 'running the risk of missing out on a permanent deal' for Andreas Pereira with negotiations for the midfielder having recently stalled, according to ESPN.
Flamengo have agreed a fee of around £10m for Pereira, but their financial situation means the deal could collapse. Clubs from Spain and the Netherlands are now reported to be circling.
Steven Railston
United proved Van Gaal right with Pogba decision
The story of the week has been Will Smith's outburst directed towards the Oscars' host Chris Rock, but Louis van Gaal's controversial comments on Manchester United dominated headlines in the United Kingdom the day before that incident across the Atlantic.
Van Gaal doesn't exactly have Hollywood appeal but he has been known to provide a few box office moments. Van Gaal diving on the touchline at Old Trafford to mock Arsenal's theatrics instantly comes to mind. He also asked for apologies from members of the media just before Christmas 2015 before storming out of the press conference. Van Gaal was feeling the pressure of managing United.
There's not much pressure on Van Gaal these days. The 70-year-old is the Netherlands' national team boss and the demands of international management pale in significance to coaching Barcelona, Bayern Munich or United. The Netherlands had underachieved when he accepted the job last year and he's set to lead them at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Read the full article here.
Steven Railston
RB Leipzig 'open' to offers for Nkunku
RB Leipzig are open to offers in excess of €75m for Christopher Nkunku, according to ESPN.
Nkunku has been in sensational form this season, contributing 15 goals and 11 assists in 27 Bundesliga games, and his performances are said to be attracting interest from Europe's top sides.
The article claims Nkunku is attracting interest from United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, albeit the latter might struggle to pay his price tag.
George Smith
OPINION: Manchester United have already signed their ideal transfer target profile
Much has been Harry Maguire's fault at Manchester United this season but it was not his fault they signed him.
Everyone knew in 2019 United were committed to spending significantly on a centre-back after fatefully failing to do so the previous year and suffering their worst defensive season in 40 years and they were railroaded into signing Maguire.
Virgil van Dijk, a planetary talent still considered the finest centre half on the planet, had long since joined Liverpool, Raphael Varane and Kalidou Koulibaly were unattainable and Matthijs de Ligt was a non-starter as he was represented by Mino Raiola.
Click here to read more.
George Smith
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire return to Manchester United training after internationals
Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and their Manchester United team-mates have returned to training after the international break.
United were knocked out of the Champions League last-16 by Atletico Madrid when last in action and the March international break offered the club's players time away from Carrington. The break promised the opportunity for some to rebuild their confidence, but England fans were heard booing Maguire at Wembley on Tuesday night in a fixture against the Ivory Coast.
Gareth Southgate and Maguire's England teammates, who represent various different Premier League clubs, all spoke out against the booing of the United captain after the game. Southgate called the boos a 'joke' and looked visibly angry at the incident.
Click here to read more.
George Smith
United 'learn' Djed Spence price
Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence could be available for just £12million this summer, a report by the Evening Standard claims.
Spence, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, is being linked with a move to Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, as well as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The report states that United have a 'growing interest' in Spence, whereas Arsenal and Spurs are the 'most keen'. He has been nothing short of outstanding at Forest this season and recently earned his first England Under-21 call-up.
George Smith
OPINION: Edinson Cavani is yet another Manchester United example of poor transfer planning
Manchester United must be the biggest club in the history of football to end a season with their only recognised centre-forwards aged 35 and 37. Those two players in the winter of their careers are obviously Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has looked exempt from the effects of ageing throughout his career but this season has confirmed he's mortal. Ronaldo endured his longest goal drought for more than a decade during the festive period and he finally looked his age. Ronaldo has still enjoyed a strong season on a personal note despite that barren stretch. Ronaldo's 18 goal haul from 33 games is more than respectable.
Ronaldo's dramatic return to Old Trafford in the summer — that was sparked by Manchester City's interest — meant Cavani was set for a reduced role. United were consistently better with Cavani on the pitch last season and it seemed he would make an excellent option from off the bench. That hasn't happened and Ronaldo has been left to shoulder the burden of scoring on his own instead.
Click here to read more.
George Smith
United's next five fixtures
Manchester United will resume their Premier League campaign at home to Leicester City on Saturday. Ahead of that, here is a look at their next five league matches:
- Leicester City (H) - April 2
- Everton (A) - April 9
- Norwich City (H) - April 16
- Liverpool (A) - April 19
- Arsenal (A) - April 23
Richard Fay
Leicester 'set' Youri Tielemans price tag amid United links
United will need to spend £25million if they are to sign Youri Tielemans this summer, according to a report.
The Telegraph claim Tielemans will be priced at £25m and is one of four players who could be considered for sale at the end of the season.
Richard Fay
Bruno Fernandes 'set to confirm' United contract extension
It's been a stellar week for Bruno Fernandes, and reports suggest his contract extension will be announced shortly.
Richard Fay
PSG 'hoping to beat United' to Antony transfer
Ajax winger Antony is being linked with a move to United, but reports suggest he could be a target for Paris Saint-Germain too.
According to le10sport, there is strong interest from PSG, with the French giants desperate to win the race for the right-sided attacker in the upcoming market.
