Man Utd news: Amad plans in the pipeline as long-term target closes on fresh move - The Mirror

Manchester United returned to winning ways at the weekend with a win over Southampton as one of their former academy stars is tipped to eventually join rivals Manchester City

Manchester United got back to winning ways on their return from the international break - easing past Southampton on Saturday.

It came after successive defeats had seen the noise surrounding Erik ten Hag's future increase with the Dutchman still facing questions over his long-term stay at Old Trafford. One of his new arrivals in Matthijs de Ligt managed to land his first goal - and also keep a clean sheet.

Manuel Ugarte came off the bench to make his debut for the Red Devils and he is poised to make his first start when the side play their next league game at Crystal Palace with the club into their midweek-Saturday grind as the Carabao Cup begins.

Here's the latest from the red half of Manchester.

Amad plans made

The club are set to offer Amad a new contract in the coming months following the winger's bright start to the season. The Ivory Coast international was named as United's Player of the Month for August after finishing last season strongly but is into the final 12 months of his deal.

United do hold a one-year option which would prevent Amad from leaving as a free agent next summer, but their preferred option is to agree fresh terms before the New Year, according to the Manchester Evening News, who outline that United are expected to initiate talks in the coming months.

It's also understood that they will trigger the option in Amad's deal if an agreement isn't reached before January given as he would then be free to talk with any interested clubs from overseas.

Rabiot close to securing move

Adrien Rabiot is on the verge of completing a move to Marseille after Premier League clubs failed to swoop for the free agent's signature. The France midfielder, 29, left Juventus at the end of last season after seeing out his contract and has been seeking a new employer.

Marseille have now confirmed that an agreement has been reached to bring Rabiot, who came through the ranks at PSG, back to France, with a deal expected to be concluded sooner rather than later. He had been linked with a move to England over the past 18 months - including Manchester United.

The Red Devils are known to have a long-term interest in Rabiot. His mother and agent, Veronique, confirmed United were keen on bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford two years ago but denied that talks over a potential move were advanced. "All false. United wanted to meet me to illustrate their interest in Adrien, but we never talked about money in detail because he quickly decided to stay in Turin," she said.

Gomes tipped for City move

Nicky Butt believes Angel Gomes is ready made for Europe's elite teams, but has warned against a return to the red half of Manchester. The Red Devils academy graduate, 22, has flourished since quitting Old Trafford to join Lille back in 2020.

Gomes has already been linked with a Premier League return and recently shone during his first England experience as he received a surprise call-up. Butt now believes the youngster is destined to play for a top club like Manchester City.

“I think he can do better than some of the teams that will be in for him in the Premier League,” he told PA. “The Spanish league is written all over for Angel. He could play in the Premier League easily. He could play for City tomorrow. When Angel left United, I said to him, ‘You’re going to go on and have an unbelievable career and I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up playing against Manchester United".

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