The Athletic’s David Ornstein has predicted whether Mason Greenwood will return to Manchester United ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Greenwood has spent this season on loan in La Liga with Getafe after Man Utd were forced into a summer U-turn after initially planning for the forward’s return.

The 22-year-old was facing charges relating to attempted rape and assault at the start of 2023 but the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case against the Man Utd loanee following the withdrawal of key witnesses.
The Englishman has been in good form for Getafe this season as he has five goals and five assists in his 22 La Liga appearances. His performances have fuelled talk linking him with Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona.
Conflicting reports have emerged concerning Greenwood’s potential return to Man Utd in recent months but new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently admitted that “no decision’s been made” yet.
“It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. No decision’s been made,” Ratcliffe told reporters.
READ MORE: Pogba’s career ends with the saddest chapter as ex-Man Utd star was a product of his environment
He added: “The process will be – understand the facts, not the hype, and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values, which is basically: is he a good guy or not?
Related video: Alan Shearer reveals why he has no regrets turning down Manchester United twice (Dailymotion)

“Could he play sincerely for Manchester United, (play) well and we’d be comfortable with it and the fans would be comfortable with it.”
Ornstein has acknowledged that “serious discussions need to take place” at Man Utd about Greenwood but he cannot see him making a return.
“I don’t think a decision has been made on Greenwood yet — some serious discussions will need to take place — but my feeling is he will not be returning to United. It might be that such an outcome will be driven as much by the player himself as by United,” Ornstein said via a Q&A for The Athletic.
READ MORE: £89m flop Pogba 15th and Rice 2nd in ranking of all 20 Premier League clubs’ record signings
“If he does leave, I don’t know whether it will be on loan again or permanently, but you imagine a sale would appeal more (provided acceptable offers arrive) to help United’s financial fair play situation and generate funds for them to strengthen in the summer market.


Regarding Erik ten Hag, he added: “In terms of a manager, we have no clear indication as to which way INEOS will go with Erik ten Hag. Nearly two years into a three-year contract, which includes an option to extend by 12 months, Ten Hag will have to consider what he wants to do as well.
“They’re moving forward together and we have nothing firm to suggest that won’t continue, but every club looks at contingency plans.
“The various members of United’s fresh and developing hierarchy will each have their an idea about who the next manager could be but, again, this is only if they make a change. At the moment, I’m not aware of that happening.”

Man Utd's clever Kobbie Mainoo clauses eases concerns over new contract

Manchester United have included clauses in Kobbie Mainoo's current contract that that will see him collect pay increases, ultimately easing concerns over his future.
Mainoo has been one of the success stories in what has been an indifferent season for the Red Devils. The teenager had been on the radar but has made himself a regular after impressing on his full debut at Everton. He also underlined his quality with a late winner at Wolves.


United knew they had to protect their asset and Football director John Murtough decided last February to agree to a deal that runs to 2027 with the option of an extra year. That deal included built-in pay rises depending on performance, which means all parties are very happy with the current situation, reports the Athletic.
Mainoo is firmly in the first-team picture with Erik ten Hag continuing to put his faith in the teenager. Casemiro is ageing and is not a long-term prospect whilst loan signing Sofyan Ambrabat has not had the desired impact.
Those performances have seen Mainoo linked with an England call-up. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is keeping tabs on the midfielder, although being involved in the U21 set-up is more likely in the immediate future.
Ten Hag was quizzed on a potential England cap and told BBC Sport : “It’s not up to me. The England manager, Gareth Southgate, knows very well what he wants and it’s up to him. All the things that I can see, and what I saw, is that high potential.
"Every time, he’s going to high levels. Every training, every game, he’s playing at higher levels. So he has a high potential but it’s up to him to keep the process going and I have to manage this.”
The midfielder has continued to get opportunities under Erik ten Hag
© Robbie Jay Barratt/Getty Images
Southgate said last month: “He's doing brilliantly. I'm not certain he's necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He's quite a progressive player but he's had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
Since making his full debut in the win at Goodison Park Mainoo has started in 12 of the 14 Premier League games United have played - the other two he was on the bench. He was also exposed to Champions League football as he played in both games against Copenhagen.
Related video: I always expect the best of Manchester United - Guardiola (Dailymotion)

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Tottenham ‘more active’ than Arsenal, Man Utd as race for 10-goal striker hots up

Tottenham are reportedly the ‘most active’ team in the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester United.
Zirkzee has impressed for Bologna this season and is attracting interest from a host of clubs.
Outside the Premier League, it is believed that AC Milan are looking at the 22-year-old.
He is not expected to be too expensive, either, and reportedly has a £34million release clause only valid for Bayern Munich, the team that sold Zirkzee to Bologna in August 2022.
It has been a great season for Bologna, who are currently fourth in Serie A and have won their last five league games, giving them a great chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Zirkzee’s form has played a huge part in their success in 2023/24. He is a promising all-around striker whose incredible strength gives him the ability to hold the ball up.
It is no surprise to see Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United looking at him, with all three clubs in the market for a new striker.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are said to be ahead of the Gunners and Red Devils in the chase for Zirkzee’s signature, however.
According to MilanLive.it (Sport Witness), Spurs are included in the list of ‘several European clubs’ chasing the Dutch striker.
Related video: Why Arsenal's Problems Are Even Worse Than You Think (FourFourTwo)

All right, so First off, this is not the Arsenal

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As you are probably aware, the original story focuses on AC Milan’s interest in Zirkzee.
It is claimed that the Rossoneri are prepared to spend big on a striker this summer and are also interested in Lille’s Jonathan David and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Zirkzee is the main target, though, with the Italian giants ‘wary of competition from England’.
Premier League side Spurs are currently the ‘most active’ in the race to sign the 22-year-old striker, whose asking price seems to be going up every week.
There is nothing about how much Bologna are hoping to receive for their prized asset, with the Sport Witness report stating that there appears to be an attempt in Italian media to ‘hype’ the player.
READ MORE: Manchester derby and depleted Liverpool at Forest in Big Weekend featuring Partey, Chelsea
Zirkzee has scored ten goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season, notching six assists in the process.


Manchester United’s reported interest comes with Erik ten Hag eager to relieve some of the attacking burden on young striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Furthermore, the Red Devils looked lost without Hojlund in the 2-1 home defeat to Fulham last weekend, with his lack of presence up top contributing to a poor performance and result.
Spurs, meanwhile, are yet to spend the £100m they received from Bayern for Harry Kane on a new striker, although Richarlison has been filling the void nicely.
Heung-min Son is also capable of playing through the middle and has impressed under Postecoglou this term.
READ NOW: Who is top of the Premier League xG table for 2023/24?

FSG want Michael Edwards at Liverpool to shield Xabi Alonso from Arsenal problem

Liverpool owners FSG are still gunning for Michael Edwards as they believe the club’s former sporting director will create the best atmosphere for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Anfield to thrive.
Edwards left Liverpool in 2022 after more than decade at the club, starting as an analyst and spending the last six years as the club’s sporting director.

He was influential in the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp, negotiating deals for Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson, while also managing to secure significant transfer fees for players Klopp deemed surplus to requirements like Christian Benteke, Mamadou Sakho and Jordon Ibe.
Mike Gordon, the president of FSG, reportedly phoned Edwards shortly after Klopp announced his impending departure, offering him the chance to either come back to Anfield or take up a senior position with FSG. Edwards rejected that proposal, but a report on Thursday claimed the American owners ‘want to be absolutely sure that Edwards cannot be persuaded to return before moving onto other targets’.
It’s been claimed that one method of persuading Edwards to return would be to ensure him that the role would involve more power and scope than it did by the point he left, when Klopp’s standing at the club was such that he was the dominant voice in any conversation.
Related video: Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could rely on goal difference to win Premier League (Daily Mail)

But The Athletic claim that the increased responsibility second time around was never in doubt given Edwards’ previous success, and because the new sporting director is being charged with leading the search for Klopp’s replacement.
To that end, time is of the essence. Xabi Alonso is widely reported to be their top target, but is also wanted by Bayern Munich, and other big Premier League teams could also be in the running for high-profile managers come the summer.
It’s claimed FSG want the sporting director in place before the new manager as they’re keen to show Alonso, or whomever else, that ‘they would be supported by a robust leadership structure, avoiding problems like those Unai Emery ran into when he succeeded Arsene Wenger at Arsenal’.
It’s thought Emery’s subsequent success at Aston Villa is a clear indication that the problem was with those above him at Arsenal and not the quality of the manager himself.

It was claimed on Thursday that Edwards is ‘considering holding face-to-face talks’ with FSG, but The Athletic report that ‘Edwards’ position has not changed over the last five weeks and there is no indication that it will’, but add that FSG chiefs – John W Henry in particular – ‘retain a curious obsession about bringing him back’.

Premier League Predictions: Huge Man City v Man Utd verdict; Liverpool find a way; lethal Arsenal cut through Blades

TEAMtalk take on Robbie Savage, F365 and Tipstrr again in our Premier League Predictions challenge and it’s not good reading for Manchester United in the derby, while Liverpool find a way to win again and Arsenal put Sheffield United to the sword.
Planet Sport’s Robbie Savage will join us ahead of every matchweek to give his thoughts on the big games and match predictions. Two more titles from the Planet Sport network have also joined the fun, too – Football365, our sister football brand, and Tipstrr, home to the world’s best-verified tipsters.


Reckon you can do better than us, then have a crack at winning some prizes in our Beat Sav Predictor Game.
No early Saturday game this weekend but there are six games kicking off in the traditional 3pm slot.
Chelsea head to Brentford looking to build some momentum into their Premier League campaign after a loss in the Carabao Cup final and then a narrow win over Leeds in the FA Cup.
Elsewhere, Everton should be buoyed by having some points added back onto their tally as they welcome David Moyes back to Goodison, while Fulham and Brighton go head-to-head at Craven Cottage.
Newcastle host a Wolves side who have proved tricky away customers already this season and were outstanding in their win at Tottenham last time out, while leaders Liverpool head to Nottingham Forest and are likely to have to rely on some of their talented crop of youngsters again.
Related video: Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne finding their form at the perfect time for Manchester City (Dailymotion)

Spurs also welcome Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace to north London, while Luton take on Aston Villa in the late Saturday game.
Sunday’s action starts with Burnley, who are now in desperation mode, welcoming Bournemouth, while it’s the Manchester derby at The Etihad as City look to keep up the pressure on Liverpool and heap some more on Erik ten Hag in the process.
The Monday Night Football sees free-scoring Arsenal head to Sheffield United as they also look to keep pace with Liverpool and City.
And everyone is in agreement over the outcome at Bramall Lane, while Liverpool get the job done at Forest and City hand United a real hiding.

Brentford v Chelsea

TEAMtalk: The Bees appear to be in freefall and were shocking in their loss to West Ham, but just got a sneaky feeling they will heap more pressure on Pochettino. Brentford 2 Chelsea 1
Robbie’s Pick: Brentford 1 Chelsea 2


F365: Brentford 2 Chelsea 1
Tipstrr: Brentford 1 Chelsea 2
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Everton v West Ham

TEAMtalk: The Toffees will have been massively buoyed by having their points penalty almost halved and Dyche will get them bang up for a home win against former Goodison boss Moyes. Everton 2 West Ham 1
Robbie’s Pick: Everton 2 West Ham 1
F365: Everton 1 West Ham 1
Tipstrr: Everton 2 West Ham 0
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Fulham v Brighton

TEAMtalk: Expecting this to be a tight one but the Cottagers just edge it after their feeding off their win at Old Trafford last time out. Fulham 1 Brighton 0
Robbie’s Pick: Fulham 1 Brighton 0
F365: Fulham 1 Brighton 2
Tipstrr: Fulham 3 Brighton 2
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Newcastle v Wolves

TEAMtalk: Wolves have been good against the big boys this season, with Gary O’Neil getting his tactics spot on, and this could be another one of those scenarios. Newcastle 2 Wolves 2

Robbie’s Pick: Newcastle 2 Wolves 0
F365: Newcastle 1 Wolves 1
Tipstrr: Newcastle 1 Wolves 2
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Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

TEAMtalk: Despite all their injuries, Liverpool are still finding ways to win and they do that again at the City Ground. Nott’m Forest 1 Liverpool 3
Robbie’s Pick: Nott’m Forest 0 Liverpool 1
F365: Nott’m Forest 0 Liverpool 3
Tipstrr: Nott’m Forest 1 Liverpool 4

Tottenham v Crystal Palace

TEAMtalk: The home side are in real need of a morale-boosting win and performance in front of their own fans and after a two-week break, and Ange able to work on some things on the training ground, they get it. Tottenham 4 Palace 1
Robbie’s Pick: Tottenham 2 Palace 0
F365: Tottenham 2 Palace 2
Tipstrr: Tottenham 3 Palace 1
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Luton v Aston Villa

TEAMtalk: You’ve got to love how Rob Edwards’ men just give it a go but that will play right into Villa’s hands with their place on the break. Expect goals! Luton 2 Villa 3

Robbie’s Pick: Luton 2 Villa 2
F365: Luton 2 Villa 3
Tipstrr: Luton 0 Villa 3
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Burnley v Bournemouth

TEAMtalk: Boy do the Clarets need a win as time is running out quickly on their already slim survival hopes. But the best they can do here is a point. Burnley 2 Bournemouth 2
Robbie’s Pick: Burnley 1 Bournemouth 2
F365: Burnley 0 Bournemouth 1
Tipstrr: Burnley 1 Bournemouth 2

Manchester City v Manchester United

TEAMtalk: United normally up their game against their big rivals but injury issues and the continued absence of Rasmus Hojlund do not bode well. And Erling Haaland appears to be back in form too! Man City 3 Man Utd 1
Robbie’s Pick: Man City 3 Man Utd 0
F365: Man City 4 Man Utd 1
Tipstrr: Man City 4 Man Utd 0

Sheffield United v Arsenal

TEAMtalk: The Blades will be good for a goal at home but unfortunately for them Arsenal just look lethal every time they attack and will put them to the sword. Sheff Utd 1 Arsenal 4
Robbie’s Pick: Sheff Utd 0 Arsenal 3
F365: Sheff Utd 0 Arsenal 3
Tipstrr: Sheff Utd 0 Arsenal 4

Merson makes Man City vs Man City derby prediction as he foresees Liverpool, Arsenal results

Paul Merson has made his prediction as Man Utd travel to Man City in the Manchester derby on Sunday, while he foresees wins for Liverpool and Arsenal.
Man Utd have won seven out of their last nine matches in all competitions heading into their clash with Man City at the weekend, although their performances have still been criticised by Jamie Carragher and others despite their good form.

The Red Devils are chasing a place in the top four, with fourth-placed Aston Villa currently eight points ahead of them, while Man City are looking to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
And former Arsenal midfielder Merson reckons it will be a “comfortable” afternoon for the Citizens as Man Utd will pose little threat without Rasmus Hojlund up front.
On the Manchester derby, Merson told Sportskeeda: “If Rasmus Hojlund was fit, I’d have given Manchester United a chance in this game as the away side would have had a lot of pace in attack with the Danish striker playing alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
“Now that Hojlund is out injured, I think it would be one-way traffic in favour of the home side. I actually think Manchester United are going to the Etihad Stadium in damage-limitation mode – so I’m going to be kind and go for a 3-0 home win but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a lot worse.
Related video: Guardiola admits City preparing for the best Manchester Utd ahead of derby (Full Presser) (English Football Channel)

READ MORE: Mediawatch: Rashford PR backfires as Manchester United forward launches ‘attack’ on the wrong people
“Erling Haaland scoring five goals away from home against a Premier League side in the FA Cup is not normal, but we tend to take him for granted. I can’t put into words how extraordinary a feat that is – it was mindblowing and I mean it. He’s absolutely ruthless in front of goal and doesn’t care if he scores a tap-in or a diving header, that’s what I love about him!
“I personally think Liverpool’s game against Forest is a harder one to call than this one, so I’m going for a comfortable home win. Man City 3-0 Man Utd.”
Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest looking to protect their one-point lead over Man City at the Premier League summit but Merson predicts a tricky afternoon for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Merson added: “People might say it’s a blessing in disguise for Forest to get knocked out of the FA Cup, but I don’t agree with that. As far as Liverpool are concerned, they have a lorry load of injuries with a handful of young kids featuring regularly for them, but sooner or later, it might be a game too far for the young lads.


“This is a hard game, but I think Liverpool could have a bunch of senior players back in the squad for this one, with Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo expected to play some role in this game. I doubt Klopp will rush his key players back, especially with the Manchester City game on the horizon, but he’ll have them on standby in case this game doesn’t go as planned.
“Their young players have been outstanding so far, but they can’t play against Man City, with all due respect to them, so it remains to be seen how Klopp approaches this game in terms of his selection. Nonetheless, I’m going for a Liverpool win, but this is not going to be straightforward for the Reds.Nottingham Forest 1-2 Liverpool.”
Arsenal are chasing both Man City and Liverpool and will look to increase the pressure on them as they make a trip to Bramall Lane to face Premier League bottom side Sheffield United.

Merson continued: “I can’t see anything but an Arsenal win here. After successive defeats to Fulham and West Ham United in late 2023, I thought the Gunners’ title challenge would fizzle out, but they’ve been absolutely magnificent since the turn of the year and are scoring goals for fun!
“Again, I’ll stop at three, but I think it could be any scoreline here. Arsenal have a good balance to their team and will look to score early as they have in most of their games in recent weeks. Sheffield United 0-3 Arsenal.”