Xabi Alonso sends Man United clear transfer message as Cristiano Ronaldo makes ‘rebuild’ claim

Xabi Alonso sends Man United clear transfer message as Cristiano Ronaldo makes ‘rebuild’ claim

Before Manchester United resumes play, Erik ten Hag will have just a few more days on the Carrington training fields.

The Red Devils and Southampton will square off at St. Mary’s on Saturday afternoon in an attempt to get back to winning ways for both teams.

Man United enters the match on the heels of a depressing 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, while the Saints are still without a win after dropping their first three Premier League games.

Erik Ten Hag has a strong advantage this weekend, but the team is under pressure to deliver after revealing a staggering net loss. In the end, there is just as much work to be done off the field as there is on it.

Alonso fends off interest

Xabi Alonso has insisted that Jonathan Tah remains an ‘important player’ for Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year-old defender was heavily linked with an exit from the Bundesliga champions in the summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

“Of course, in the first few weeks, there was a situation we didn’t want, but it can happen in football,” said the Spaniard, as quoted by the Metro. “That’s why I decided not to let him start against Stuttgart.

“But this week, he trained well again, fully focused, his mind was here. At the moment, there is no other news, so he remains in my plan, as an important player and leader.”

According to German publication Sport Bild, Leverkusen will launch one final bid to secure Tah down to a new deal. However, they’ve grown increasingly resigned to losing the defender in the summer.

The Manchester Evening News says: “Manchester United should definitely keep tabs on this situation. Jonathan Tah could be a really smart signing in the summer if he sees out his contract.”

Ronaldo demands United rebuild
Cristiano Ronaldo has told Ineos they must ‘rebuild everything’ at Manchester United. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the Red Devils legend said: “As I told you, Manchester, they need to rebuild everything, in my opinion.

“The coach, they say they cannot compete to win the League and Champions League. Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the League or Champions League. You have to be, to mentally say, listen, maybe we don’t have that potential, but I cannot say that.

“We’re going to try. You have to try,” added Ronaldo. “This club needs time to rebuild because it’s still one of the best clubs in the world, but they need to change. They understand that. This is the only way.”

The Manchester Evening News says: “Cristiano Ronaldo has hit the nail on the head and, the sooner Sir Jim Ratcliffe realises, the better. Sometimes the truth hurts, unfortunately.”

Southgate provides future update
Gareth Southgate has admitted he is in no rush to return to management. The former England boss was heavily linked with the Manchester United job before Erik ten Hag extended his contract at Old Trafford.

“I’ve got lots of opportunities, I’m very open-minded to what’s next,” Southgate told Sky Sports. “That might be in football, that might be outside of football. I’m just going to take some time, refresh, recharge and go from there. I think at the moment people know that I need to get my energy back.

“I am intent on enjoying my life, I’m not going to rush into anything. I want to make sure that I make good decisions. There are lots of different experiences that I am enjoying. I have got some charities that I want to support that are ver