Ex-Man Utd star & Celtic ‘target’ makes surprise pre-season return as West Ham ‘eye’ loan move for £80m man

Manchester United kicked off their pre-season friendly schedule with a 2-0 victory over Leeds United in Norway on Wednesday.

They are next in action against Lyon in Edinburgh on Wednesday, with the game kicking off at 2pm despite being a midweek clash. United will then head out to the USA for a pre-season tour across several states.

They face Arsenal in New Jersey, Wrexham in San Diego, Real Madrid in Houston and Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas before concluding their preparations against Athletic Club in Dublin on August 6.

There is still plenty of time for Erik ten Hag to secure his ideal transfer targets ahead of the start of the Premier League season against Wolves on August 14.

Evans in pre-season training

Former Red Devils defender and Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans is training with United at Carrington as he considers his next move after leaving relegated Leicester City.

The Manchester Evening News reports the 35-year-old is maintaining his fitness with his old club and has been training with United for the past week as he mulls over his options.

One club said to be eyeing a move for Evans is Celtic. The Scottish Sun claims Brendan Rodgers is targeting a move for the defender with the pair having worked together at the Foxes. Evans played 198 times for United and 152 times for Leicester.

West Ham to target Maguire after Rice deal sealed

West Ham are eyeing a loan move for United defender Harry Maguire after confirming Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal.

The Telegraph reports the Hammers are ready to test Maguire’s resolve to remain at Old Trafford, with the England international eager to fight for his place under Erik ten Hag, despite being behind Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the pecking order at United.

The 30-year-old made just eight Premier League starts last term with the defender not viewed as a first-choice option for Ten Hag at the centre of the United defence, with Victor Lindelof also providing competition in that position.