Manchester United face Brentford on Monday night as the Red Devils look to seal a Champions League spot, but Michael Carrick’s side have issues to contend with on and off the pitch
Manchester United and their fans are forced to endure another weekend of inactivity before they take on Brentford on Monday night.
However, victory would practically guarantee their position in the Champions League places and ensure that the Red Devils don’t have to play on Monday nights so often next season. Interim manager Michael Carrick has spearheaded the team’s resurgence since assuming control in January. Nevertheless, the United manager is grappling with a weakened squad as he navigates the final stretch of the campaign.
Central defence remains a pressing concern ahead of United welcoming the Bees, who are chasing European qualification. Ayden Heaven was the sole recognised centre-half in the side’s triumph over Chelsea last weekend, and Carrick suffered a setback as another defender sat out Thursday’s training session. As the season nears its end ahead of the summer transfer window, here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Rafael Leao transfer battle
Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool are said to be among the clubs looking at the possibility of signing AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao this summer.
The Portugal forward’s season has been hit by injury, but he has managed nine goals and three assists in 25 appearances in Serie A.
The winger has been on Milan’s books since 2019, when he joined from Ligue 1 side Lille. He has scored 80 goals and provided 65 assists in 287 matches across all competitions.
The Daily Mail claim Milan could let Leao go for around £60m, which is viewed as a potential bargain on the market.
AC Milan director Igli Tare has recently tried to pour cold water on talk of Leao’s departure, saying: “Rafa has two years left on his contract and he’s very important for us. His skills are not in doubt, this season he’s suffered from injuries.”
However, it’s thought Milan may be forced to make big sales this summer to balance their books after missing out on the Serie A title again.
Key player absent as prospect called up
Leny Yoro was missing from training on Thursday as United’s defensive problems persisted with the 20-year-old not yet ready for a return.
The France U21 international was unavailable for last week’s victory over Chelsea, forcing full-back Noussair Mazraoui to partner Ayden Heaven in defence.
Yoro was amongst two centre-backs to skip training as Matthijs de Ligt also remains out of action. Harry Maguire is expected to be fit for the Brentford clash, but Lisandro Martinez continues to serve his suspension.
The club’s casualty list resulted in academy prospect Sonny Aljofree joining first team training, in a dream opportunity for the young star.
The 21-year-old has skippered United’s U21 squad on multiple occasions since his return from his loan stint at Notts County in January.