Hey reader, welcome to The Weekly Round-Up. Here you can catch a glimpse of all the news throughout the last week. Our aim is to keep you up to date with all of the reliable news regarding Manchester United, so you don’t miss a thing.
In what was a very busy week for Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s boys, Manchester United progressed to the final of the Europa League, and sealed a place in next season’s Champions league with another comeback victory over Aston Villa. The taxing schedule meant Solskjær had to field a relatively inexperienced XI against Leicester City, and although the game ended in a 2-1 loss, the team showed good character and gave a good account of themselves.
Irrespective of what happens on the pitch, hardly any week passes without off-the field news when it comes to Manchester United, and this week was no different – There were substantial updates surrounding Edinson Cavani, Jadon Sancho, and David de Gea, to name a few. We also (finally) had Joel Glazer communicating with Manchester United fan forums. Let’s not waste any more time and get right into it all.
EDINSON CAVANI COMMITS FUTURE TO MANCHESTER UNITED
In what has been a saga of sorts over the past few months, Edinson Cavani has committed his future to Manchester United for another year, upto June 2022. Cavani, in his interview with the club’s official website after re-signing, admitted that he had considered a move back to South America to be close to his family – but he accepted staying for another year considering the love shown to him by Manchester United supporters, his teammates and due to Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s confidence in him.
As per Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, Solskjær encouraging Cavani to take up more of a leadership role played it’s part in making Cavani feel that sense of belonging at United, playing a part in making sure he extended his deal. His attitude and application off the field is an example for the United dressing room, and that played it’s part in guiding Mason Greenwood when he was going through bit of a rough patch earlier in the season.
🗞️ Cavani’s application off the field was presented as an example to Mason Greenwood when he was experiencing difficulties at the start of this campaign, and proof of lessons learned is being found on the pitch. [@lauriewhitwell] pic.twitter.com/wa3DPPi3k6
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 11, 2021
Diving into some more details, Fabrizio Romano reported that Cavani’s deal for the upcoming season will see him earning the same wages as his first season. On the other hand, a piece by Mail Sport which had Simon Jones as one of it’s co-authors, reported that he had indeed been offered a rise on his £200,000-a-week wages. It also said that Cavani had sought assurances about first team opportunities, which may imply Manchester United may not go for another striker in the summer (more on this later).
🗞️ #mufc are understood to have offered Edinson Cavani a rise on his £200,000-a-week wages. Cavani had sought assurances over his first-team opportunities, so the new deal suggests #mufc will not be bringing in another striker. [@MailSport]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 11, 2021
JOEL GLAZER RESPONDS TO MUST, OFFICIALLY
In a rather historic turn of events, Joel Glazer communicated with the Manchester United Supporters Trust officially addressing the four-point action plan directed to him. The response started with Glazer reiterating his “sincere apologies” for the Super League fiasco, stating how they accept that mistakes have been made. He also said they recognise the importance of fan and football interests being embedded in key decision-making processes at every level of the club, and how they would be open to constructive discussions with respect to reinforcing that principle.
Joel Glazer’s open letter to the #mufc Fans’ Forum [1/2] pic.twitter.com/7Le3vtss8l
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 7, 2021
The letter also mentioned how the Glazers had supported “sustained investment in the team over many years”, and how that would continue this summer. The letter also had Joel Glazer accepting the fact that Investment needed to be increased in Old Trafford and the club’s training complex, and that consultations would be held regarding the same.
The principle of fans owning shares was also mentioned, with Glazer stating that they believe in the principle, and how they would be open on discussions regarding fan ownership and how they want to “continue and accelerate” those decisions. They also pledged to willingly participate in the Government initiated fan-led football review and promised to be “better listeners” in the future.
On this, Laurie Whitewell of The Athletic reported that there were a number of meetings over the week before the finer details of the letter were signed off with co-chairman Avram Glazer also involved. The Glazers are also aware that they will be held accountable to all the positions they’ve held in writing.
🗞 This week has seen a number of meetings as the finer details of the letter were signed off, with his [Joel Glazer's] brother and co-chairman Avram also involved. Glazer knows that by putting these positions in writing, he will be held accountable to them. [@lauriewhitwell] https://t.co/V8fVZdbj7c
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 7, 2021
MANCHESTER UNITED MISS OUT ON TRAINING KIT DEAL
The protests from Manchester United fans at Old Trafford have led to a significant development regarding a sponsor pulling out of a prospective deal. The Hut Group were about to enter into a deal worth £200M over 10 years (£20M/year) with Manchester United from the 1st of July, 2021 – but the campaigns of the supporters against the clubs’ commercial partners has taken them aback, leading to them pulling out of the commitment. With the company having their offices near Manchester airport, they were also concerned that they would be targetted by disaffected fans there.
🗞 Richard Arnold was told on Friday that THG had pulled out of a contract to start on 1 July. With them having offices near Manchester Airport, they were concerned that as a local business it would be targeted by disaffected fans in Greater Manchester. [@JamieJackson___] https://t.co/ZGAHpQU1Zw
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 8, 2021
FORMAL RENOUNCING OF THE BREAKAWAY FROM UEFA, ALONG WITH A FINE LEVIED
Nine of the twelve founder clubs of The European Super League (including Manchester United) have formally renounced their breakaway from UEFA and have signed a number of commitments with them. All the said clubs will also have 5% of their European competition revenue lost for one season. The clubs have also agreed to make a collective €15M donation to youth and grassroots football in local communities across Europe.
According to Simon Stone, Joel Glazer will pay Manchester United’s portion of the €15M and the 5% deduction, and that it will not come out of club funds.
🗞 Joel Glazer will pay the #mufc portion of the €15m and the 5% deduction. This money will not come out of club funds. [@sistoney67] https://t.co/jcm0IjaeYJ
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 7, 2021
POLICE AND SECURITY ADVICE AHEAD OF MANCHESTER UNITED’S HOME GAMES
While the home game against Leicester City went on as planned, there are chances of the game against Liverpool being affected by the Glazers Out Protests again. According to Mail Sport, Manchester United will seek police and security advice ahead of the game due to this reason.
The club took new measures to improve security – which included installing barriers at the entrance of Carrington training base and the number of security guards being increased significantly to 50.
Rob Dawson from ESPN also stated that the club was reviewing travel arrangements for the players ahead of the games, including using decoy buses so they can be transported to the stadium safely and on time.
🗞️ #mufc have reviewed travel arrangements for the players ahead of the games against Leicester and Liverpool, including using decoy buses to make sure they can be transported to the stadium safely and on time. [@RobDawsonESPN]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 11, 2021
📸 #mufc are installing extra security measures at Old Trafford ahead of more potential protests this week. [@danmellett] pic.twitter.com/kAprkbpuZk
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 9, 2021
AMBIGUITY AROUND APPOINTMENT OF A CREATIVE IN-HOUSE DIRECTOR
In January 2020, Manchester United had announced their intention to hire their first in-house creative director for leading artistic output for commercial partners. However, 16 months down the line – there has been no appointment and there has been silence from senior executives on the matter. United sources do say the appointment was postponed as a result of the pandemic, though, and that the search will be resumed now but the communication around the issue seems to have been lacking to an optimal level.
🗞 #mufc sources say the hunt was postponed because of the pandemic and will now be resumed, but it appears communication about the lengthy pause has been lacking. [@TheAthleticUK] https://t.co/yQknGzQ6hd
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 10, 2021
HARRY MAGUIRE TO MISS REST OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON BY INJURY
Harry Maguire picked up a “serious” ligament injury in the game against Aston Villa at the weekend, which led him to miss the game against Leicester City, and which will render him unavailable for the rest of this season’s Premier League campaign, as per Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Solskjær also said that they’ll try their best to make sure he’s available for the Europa League final on the 26th of May.
TRANSFER NEWS
THE JADON SANCHO SITUATION
There’s hardly a week where there is no noise around Jadon Sancho and Manchester United, and this week wasn’t any different. We had loads of news from Germany and England regarding the player.
Paul Hirst from The Times reported that with Edinson Cavani’s stay at Manchester United being extended, a right-winger is expected to be the club’s priority – with interest in Jadon Sancho very much alive. Mike McGrath from The Telegraph also reiterated this view, stating that Manchester United are in the market for a right-sided forward and that they have a long standing interest in Jadon Sancho, who maybe allowed to leave Dortmund for around £90M this summer. He also mentioned interest on the part of Bayern Munich for the player. Sky Sports, on the other hand, apart from mentioning United’s interest in the player, said that Dortmund could do a deal for around £80M.
🗞 #mufc are expected to make a right-winger their priority this summer — the club retain an interest in Jadon Sancho. [Times]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 10, 2021
🗞️ #mufc remain keen on Jadon Sancho and are among the four clubs interested in him. Although no price has been set this time, Dortmund could deal at around £80m for Sancho. His preference is to play in the Champions League next season. [@SkySports]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 6, 2021
Fabrizio Romano, speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, stated that Dortmund would be ready to sell Sancho if an important bid of around €85-90M was to arrive, but not lesser than €85M.
🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: "Jadon Sancho wants to move to a top (maybe) English club. Dortmund say if an important bid arrives they are prepared to sell Sancho. Important bid means around €85-90 million, not less than €85 million." [@podcastherewego]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 12, 2021
Then we also had BILD and Sky Germany report on the issue – pretty much providing a united front on the point that Manchester United would like to do a deal for Sancho before the Euros. BILD stated that they are ready to pay €90M to secure his services while Sky Germany mentioned that they might need to pay €100M to do the same.
We also had Samuel Luckhurst from the MEN speak further on this, with him stating that Sancho will be pushing his agent Emeka Obasi to secure a move this summer.
🗞️ #mufc want to wrap up Jadon Sancho’s signing before Euro 2020 kickstarts. They would have to pay around €100m to bring Sancho to Old Trafford. [@SkySportDE via @Sport_Witness]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 12, 2021
🗞️ Jadon Sancho is pushing his agent Emeka Obasi to secure a transfer this summer. #mufc have refused to rule out moving for Sancho this summer, particularly as their budget is unlikely to factor in a striker after Edinson Cavani agreed to have his contract extended. [MEN]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 12, 2021

MANCHESTER UNITED’S PRIORITY POSITIONS FOR THE SUMMER WINDOW
One common consensus among almost all reliable sources after the extension in Edinson Cavani’s contract was extended was that United will no longer be targetting another long-term number nine this window. It was reiterated by multiple sources such as Sky Sports, Mail Sport and MEN.
Samuel Luckhurst from the MEN stated that the fact that Cavani won’t depart till 2022 has allowed United to effectively park plans for a long term striker signing till 2022 – when Erling Haaland’s release clause could potentially be triggered at €75M and when Harry Kane would only have 2 years left on his deal at Tottenham. He further stated that with lesser need of pursuing a striker, the area of emphasis for the summer will be a creative player, along with a centre-back also being a priority. He also stated that United are in the market for a midfielder and a backup goalkeeper.
🗞️ Solskjær and John Murtough were previously in mutual agreement on targeting Erling Haaland when Cavani was unsure about extending his stay, but his U-turn has now placed the emphasis on a creative target. [MEN]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 12, 2021
🗞️ A centre-back is regarded as summer priority, with #mufc still interested in Raphael Varane. The club have also monitored Pau Torres. [MEN]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 12, 2021

UNITED CLOSE TO SIGNING TOM HEATON – AND WHAT THAT MIGHT MEAN FOR DE GEA’S FUTURE?
Mike Mcgrath of The Telegraph reported that Manchester United are close to signing Tom Heaton on a free transfer in the summer. This report also says that he’s being signed as a backup to Dean Henderson and David de Gea, and as a replacement for Sergio Romero, who will leave this summer.
Further on this, Simon Stone reiterated the fact that United are trying to convince Tom Heaton to return to the club. He stated that while it is a replacement for Sergio Romero and Lee Grant in theory – the fact that neither of them play anyway has led to a feeling that David de Gea will leave Manchester United this summer.
🗞️ #mufc are trying to persuade Tom Heaton to return to the club. That, in theory, is as a replacement for Sergio Romero and Lee Grant, although as neither of those two actually play, the feeling is it is a sign De Gea will be leaving in the summer. [@sistoney67, @BBCSport]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 11, 2021
On the other hand, there were a lot of lukewarm reports of AS Roma’s and Jose Mourinho’s interest in David de Gea. Corriere dello Sport and Corriere Roma stated how Jose Mourinho likes David de Gea’s profile a lot and will try to do everything he can to get him on loan to Roma – but they also stated that it needs to be understood if the said operation is feasible. Corriere dello Sport further elaborated that David de Gea had been offered to Roma by Jorge Mendes’ agency and that Mourinho likes him – but it also stated the fact that it would need to be understood if Manchester United would be ready to let go of him at a low price.
Although, speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano stated that the news of interest of AS Roma in De Gea is “absolutely fake news”, and that there are no negotiations, talks or any kind of contact between the relevant parties.
🗞️ David de gea has has been offered to Roma by Jorge Mendes’ agency and is appreciated by Jose Mourinho. However, it needs to be understood if #mufc will let [De Gea] go at a low price. [@CorSport via @Sport_Witness] pic.twitter.com/rTl4rwE6rZ
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 7, 2021
🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: "Fake news about De gea and Roma. There is nothing — no negotiations, no talks, no contacts between De gea's people and Roma's directors or Jose Mourinho himself." [@podcastherewego]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 12, 2021
PAUL POGBA CAN SEE HIMSELF STAYING AT MANCHESTER UNITED FOR LONGER THAN HIS CURRENT CONTRACT
The ever reliable Julien Laurens spoke on Paul Pogba’s situation at Manchester United last week, stating that Pogba knows that United would be much more closer to the top if not for the shaky start at the beginning of the season and sees clear progress. He also stated that Pogba has a very good relationship with Solskjær and Michael Carrick. It was reiterated that Pogba can see himself staying at United for a duration longer than that of his current contract and United are confident he’ll do exactly that. Pogba knows that United want to keep him and negotiations are expected to start as soon as the season is over.

🗞 Pogba can see himself staying at #mufc longer than the duration of his current contract and the club are confident that he will do exactly that. Pogba knows that #mufc want to keep him, and he expects talks to start as soon as the season is over. [@LaurensJulien]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 5, 2021
🗞 Paul Pogba can see that #mufc are improving, and knows that if they had started the season better, they'd be much closer to the top. He has a strong relationship with Solskjær but also with the rest of the coaching staff, including Michael Carrick. [@LaurensJulien]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 5, 2021
OBLAK WANTS A PREMIER LEAGUE ‘TOP 6’ MOVE
Rob Dawson from ESPN stated that Jan Oblak is keen on a move this summer to one of the top Premier league clubs, with Manchester United being one of the clubs who’ve been informed that approaches would be welcomed at the end of the season. The report also stated that if Oblak was to potentially move, the return of De Gea to his former club Atletico Madrid might be possible – depending on talks he has with Solskjær and Murtough after the season.
🗞 If Oblak does leave, it raises the possibility of David De Gea returning to former club Atleti as his replacement. De Gea has slipped behind Dean Henderson in the pecking order and will seek talks with Solskjær and Murtough before deciding on his future. [@RobDawsonESPN] https://t.co/3tTZ845cXv
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 7, 2021

NEW CONTRACT FOR LUKE SHAW
Fabrizio Romano stated that Manchester United are planning to offer Luke Shaw a new contract and negotiations on the same are expected to start in a few weeks. Luke Shaw will have two years left on his contract come the summer – and earns around £160k/week including bonuses.

🗞 #mufc are planning to offer Luke Shaw a new contract. The negotiations could start in the next weeks. [@FabrizioRomano]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 7, 2021
NOTTINGHAM FOREST TO TARGET JAMES GARNER ON LOAN FOR ANOTHER SEASON
James Garner has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Rangers, Norwich City and Brighton. Despite of the interest from elsewhere, John Percy from The Telegraph reported that Nottingham Forest will try to get Garner on loan for another season – along with stating the fact that Manchester United are happy with how Forest and Chris Hughton have handled him.
🗞️ James Garner will be targeted by Nottingham Forest for a return on loan next season. #mufc are understood to be happy with his development under Chris Hughton and how Forest has handled him. [@JPercyTelegraph]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 10, 2021
BRANDON WILLIAMS ATTRACTING INTEREST
According to Mike Mcgrath of The Telegraph, Brighton are interested in Brandon Williams for using him as a left wing-back. Southampton also are still interested in him. This was reiterated by Laurie Whitewell from The Athletic, who mentioned both of the aforementioned clubs and Norwich City as ones who’ve been tracking Williams.
DORTMUND REGARD JUDE BELLINGHAM ‘UNSALEABLE’
Patrick Berger from SPORT1 mentioned that Manchester United are still interested in Jude Bellingham, although Dortmund do not want to sell the player now under any conditions – and the player is happy to stay there too, for now.
🗞 It’s correct that #mufc are keeping an eye on Jude Bellingham, but Borussia Dortmund definitely will not sell the player this summer. In addition, the 17-year-old is really happy in Dortmund. [@berger_pj]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 8, 2021

INTEREST IN AINSLEY-MAITLAND NILES
Sami Mokbel from Mail Sport stated that Manchester United are one among many premier league clubs who are interested in Ainsley Maitland-Niles and view him as a potential right-back signing. United were heavily linked with a cover signing for the right-back position back in January, and this situation might be worth keeping an eye on.