Xabi Alonso fires Man United clear transfer message as Cristiano Ronaldo makes 'rebuild' claim

Erik ten Hag only has a few more days on the training pitches at Carrington before Manchester United return to action. The Red Devils will lock horns with Southampton at St. Mary's on Saturday afternoon as both sides hope to return to winning ways.

United head into the clash following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, meanwhile, the Saints remains pointless after losing each of their opening three Premier League games. While the odds are stacked heavily in Ten Hag's favour this weekend, the club are under pressure to perform after reporting an eye-watering net loss.

Ultimately, there's just as much work to be done off the pitch as there is on it. So, with that being said, the Manchester Evening News have rounded up the latest Manchester United news and transfer gossip.

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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 very important to me."

The Manchester Evening News says: "Manchester United should not consider appointing Gareth Southgate as the next head coach. The Red Devils will need to be more ambitious if they truly want to break into the top-four – let alone become title contenders again."