Tim Howard says he would like to see Manchester United target Christian Pulisic at Manchester United and is confident the striker can reach ‘another level’ in the Premier League if he makes the move from AC Milan.
Pulisic, who joined Milan from Chelsea in 2023, enjoyed a strong revival in Serie A and became a key attacking figure under manager Stefano Pioli. His ability to operate on the front line, combined with newfound consistency in form and fitness, has seen him restore his reputation as one of the most dynamic strikers in European football.
According to the report Manchester UnitedPulisic’s recruitment department has been monitoring Pulisic’s progress throughout the season as part of a wider reassessment of their attacking options. With uncertainty surrounding some of the club’s current attackers and a continued drive to renew the squad under the new sporting structure at Old Trafford, Pulisic is seen as a player who can add pace, directness and creativity to the attack.
The 27-year-old, a central figure for the United States national football team, has put up some of the best numbers of his career since arriving in Italy. His improved productivity in the final third and ability to influence games from either flank has significantly increased his market value.
Recognizing both his impact and commercial appeal, Milan is seen as a reluctant seller. However, the report suggests that the club could consider a significant offer in the region of £80 million, a figure that could test their resolve as part of their own plans to strengthen the squad.
And amid all the speculation, Howard has opened up and claimed that Pulisic could reach another level if he were to join Manchester United in the summer: “I’m going to put him in a very high class here… Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, we now know the end products,” he further said Unfiltered football when discussing the rumors linking Pulisic with a return to England.
‘When I say those names, people will say, “Huh? Those are two of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League”, but I remember Kevin De Bruyne at Chelsea, I remember Mohamed Salah at Chelsea.
‘Apparently they weren’t good enough, so they went abroad. Mohamed Salah went to Roma and Kevin De Bruyne went to Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg.
‘They were the players they were, they gained confidence, they did all those things, they came back to the Premier League and then it was game over, history was written. I also have that feeling about Christian Pulisic, because he played for Borussia Dortmund. We get it, it’s a big club. However, he was still young and then went to Chelsea.
‘I supported him to the hilt at Chelsea and unfortunately he didn’t get the green light, went through a number of different coaches and then left. But he reminds me a bit of Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne in that he left, matured and got older, and went to one of the best teams in the league.
‘He’s put AC Milan on his back and he’s been the best player in that league, so now I think in terms of physical maturity he’ll now return to the Premier League and be assigned to Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. I think there’s actually another level to him.”
“Personally, I like it.”
IVAN TONY CHANCE?
Al Ahli striker and England World Cup hopeful Ivan Toney has refused to rule out a return to the Premier League after rejecting January offers in favor of staying in Saudi Arabia with a host of clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all linked.
Just over 18 months after his shock £40m move from Brentford to Al Ahli in August 2024, Toney revealed that despite having the chance to leave the club and rejoin a Premier League team, he is enjoying life in Saudi Arabia.
Toney finished second behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Saudi Pro League golden boot last season, as Al Ahli won the Asian Champions League, before winning the Saudi Super Cup in August. The 29-year-old scored 30 times in all competitions during his debut season in Saudi Arabia.
But now he has come out and opened the door for a return to the Premier League: “Never say never,” Toney told Sky Sports News when quizzed about a possible return to England.
“I have goals that I want to achieve here first. The club signed me for a long period. I want to pay them back and bring trophies.” In football and in life you never know what is around the corner. Who knows what the next step is?
“I feel comfortable here and enjoy being here. I’m doing well, my grades speak for themselves and I’m settled. I’m enjoying my football and I don’t see why I would leave to go back to where I was.”
Will Toney return to the Premier League?
Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham were very interested in Toney before he left the Premier League, they were all willing to offer big money to sign him, but that has now changed.
While all three clubs may be looking to improve that frontline in the summer window, the fact that Toney has not played at the top level for a few seasons suggests that if he does return to the Premier League, it will be for a mid-table team, rather than one of the big clubs.
So while a return to the Premier League could happen, it likely won’t be for the clubs Toney thinks he should join.
BARCA SELLS RONALD ARAUJO
Manchester United have received a potential boost in their efforts to strengthen their midfield options, with reports from Spain suggesting Barcelona are willing to listen to offers for young midfielder Marc Casado this summer.
According to Catalan outlet Sport, the 22-year-old has become what the publication describes as “a victim of competition” within the current squad at Camp Nou, prompting club officials to reassess his long-term role. The report claims that while Barcelona rate Casado highly, the player’s path to consistent first-team minutes has narrowed to the point where a sale is seen internally as a realistic option.
The development will be closely monitored by Manchester Unitedwho have been monitoring Casado’s situation as part of their wider summer strategy to revamp the midfield. United’s recruitment team monitors emerging profiles across Europe, particularly those who can add tactical flexibility, energy and cost-effective depth. Casado, who can operate as a defensive midfielder, right-sided central midfielder or even as a full-back if necessary, fits that profile.
Barcelona’s willingness to receive offers largely stems from the increasing density of talent in Xavi’s midfield. With senior players vying for starting positions and younger academy graduates also pushing for inclusion, Casado finds himself between the two levels.
Despite training regularly with the first team and making occasional appearances in matchday squads, he has struggled to secure meaningful playing time – a situation which the Catalan hierarchy reportedly believe could hamper his development.
The sports report outlines that Barcelona’s technical department sees this summer as a “natural moment” to evaluate external proposals. While the club is not believed to be actively pushing the player out, their openness to negotiation signals a shift from previous positions, which categorized Casado as a promising long-term signing.
Financial considerations can also be a factor; The club still faces severe salary cap restrictions and could welcome the opportunity to generate cash through outgoing transfers that do not weaken the starting XI.
For Manchester United, Casado’s potential availability could align well with the club’s goal of lowering the squad’s average age while increasing tactical versatility.
Manchester UnitedThe restructuring of the club’s midfield is expected to be a key storyline in the upcoming transfer window, with several current squad members being questioned and an emphasis on recruiting players who can adapt to Ten Hag’s intensive, possession-oriented demands. Casado’s combination of technical security, positional intelligence and academy-honed discipline has reportedly impressed scouts.
However, any deal is still in an early and exploratory stage. Sport notes that Barcelona are expecting interest from several European clubs, especially those looking for a modern, transitional midfielder with strong pressing skills.
Casado himself would weigh his options carefully, aware that the next step could significantly shape the trajectory of his career. While a path to mainstream football is believed to be his priority, the prestige and competitive challenge that comes with joining a club like Manchester United could prove attractive.
Much may depend on the financial conditions required to secure his signature. Barcelona have not placed an explicit price tag on the player, but insiders suggest the club would demand a fee that reflects both his potential and the growing demand for young, homegrown talent.
Manchester UnitedIt is expected that the club will evaluate whether the investment is in line with the club’s transfer hierarchy, taking into account budget constraints and other team priorities.
For now, Casado’s future remains open, but the latest developments provide the clearest indication yet that Barcelona could be willing to negotiate. As United prepare for an important summer of squad-building, the 24-year-old midfielder is emerging as a real prospect, someone who could become a focal point in the club’s evolving transfer story.
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