Red Devils flying – with Arsenal fourth
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United may have had one of their worst seasons — but they topped the league for shirt sales at airports, writes RICHARD MORIARTY.
More fans bought Red Devils jerseys than those from the likes of Man City and Liverpool during the Prem season, figures show.
Liverpool may have clinched the title but among shoppers at JD Sports outlets at London Stansted and East Midlands, as well as, unsurprisingly, Manchester, their tops were popular enough only for fourth place.
United’s local rivals Man City ranked second, with England shirts third.
Retro also appears to be making a revival, with 1990s England shirts in the top 20.
While the Red Devils tops of Bruno Fernandes and Co took top spot overall, there were regional variations.
Arsenal kit was the best-seller at Stansted and the Gunners appeared in the top five across all three airports, owned by Manchester Airport Group.
Prem strugglers Tottenham were only eighth at Stansted, their nearest airport.
They were the fourth-placed London team, also behind Chelsea and West Ham, and were even beaten by Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan across all airports.
Mbeumo battle hots up
Brentford would hold out for £70million for Bryan Mbeumo – as Tottenham and Manchester United continue to circle for the striker.
Spurs’ reported pursuit of Bees’ manager Thomas Frank has wobbled United’s position as favourites to land the Cameroonian.
Brentford still hope to keep hold of the 25-year-old.
And it’s thought United have already made two offers, including £50m plus £10m add-ons.
But the Bees ideally want at least another £10m on top of that.
Partey time up?
Arsenal reportedly tabled a “competitive offer” to Thomas Partey around ten days ago.
The club are yet to hear whether the midfielder will accept or leave on a free at the end of this month.
Partey is said to be “cautious” over signing the deal as he is unclear on his squad status amid Martin Zubimendi’s arrival from Real Sociedad.
Rogers ‘would cost significant fee’
Arsenal-linked Morgan Rogers won’t come cheap.
Aston Villa’s attacking midfielder, 22, has won his first four England caps amid a brilliant season.
But failing to reach the Champions League could leave Villa vulnerable to offers for some of their best players.
That’s especially so as The Athletic suggest the club are at risk from financial rules.
However, The Times stress Villa would demand a “significant fee” to land one of the Prem’s most improved players.
Zubimendi insists he has ‘options’
Arsenal’s hopes of sealing Martin Zubimendi’s capture might not be as smooth as thought.
And that’s according to the Real Sociedad midfielder himself.
Real Madrid are being linked with an approach for the Spain anchorman.
And the Sociedad legend has claimed in an interview his future is still uncertain.
Radio Nacional de Espana asked the 26-year-old if he might stay at his only club so far.
He replied: “Of course there are options.
“But it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end.
“I don’t think thinking about it right now is my priority.
“I’m here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.”
Ram could become a Puma
Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey is being targeted by Mexican club Pumas UNAM.
The Welshman took interim charge of boyhood club Cardiff City for the final three games of last season but could not save them from relegation to League One.
The Bluebirds are dithering over whether to hand him to reins on a full-time basis.
His playing contract ends this month and Pumas have reportedly seen an opportunity.
