The great and the good of film and fashion emerged in Italy‘s style capital on Thursday afternoon as Prada unveiled its latest collection at Milan Fashion Week. 

Scarlett Johansson, Emma Watson and Sofia Richie were among the early high-profile arrivals outside Fondazione Prada as the celebrated fashion house presented its womenswear spring-summer 2024 range. 

Making her way inside, Hollywood star Scarlett, 38, turned heads in an elegant cross-strap dress from the high-end brand, cinched with a black leather belt. 

She completed the look with distinctively shaped heels, while cloudy weather didn’t deter her from wearing heavily tinted sunglasses.   

Opting for a stylish black halter neck minidress – Prada’s take on the classic LBD – Emma, 33, caught the eye as she greeted onlookers ahead of the first look presentation. 

Black stiletto heels continued a subdued colour scheme, while a simple leather handbag served as her only notable accessory. 

The Harry Potter star drew further attention to her delicately proportioned features by opting for deft touches of make-up, selected from a natural colour palette.

Meanwhile Sofia, 25, deviated from classic black, opting instead for a smart red roll neck and elegant Prada pencil trousers. 

The adopted daughter of Motown legend Lionel Richie completed the look with a sophisticated plaid coat, while black heels continued a recurring trend among guests at the exclusive event. 

Other guests on the day included British actor Benedict Cumberbatch,  whose floral patterned shirt and sweeping cream Prada coat ensured he claimed his own share of the spotlight. 

Elsewhere French actor Vincent Cassel, Spanish singer Rosalia and American actress Diana Silvers were also seen making their way inside ahead of Thursday’s show. 

Milan kicked off its catwalk calendar on Wednesday, with Italian luxury label Fendi exploring the “ease of dressing with a certain Roman freeedom” at its womenswear fashion show.

Milan Fashion Week follows New York and London events in which designers have been presenting their creations for spring/summer 2024.

At Fendi, founded in Rome in 1925 and now part of French luxury conglomerate LVMH, designer Kim Jones combined the “masculine tailoring” of leather coats with materials, such as kid mohair, that convey “a more fluid and feminine sensibility”.

Models, all wearing leather gloves, paraded among giant white bags, clad in warm browns, beiges and oranges, as well as a soothing sugar paper colour and an occasional lemon yellow.

A patchwork of fabrics recreated Fendi’s F logo on coats and dresses through “a playful and abstract exploration” of the symbol Karl Lagerfeld created in 1966, a year after joining the Roman brand as creative director.

Reinterpreted in multiple ways over the years, the logo was born as a double F in a square. Also, the colour palette was largely taken from Largerfeld’s 1999 Spring/Summer collection, Fendi said.

‘In Rome there is an elegance in ease and not caring what anybody thinks – that is the real luxury. In this collection I wanted to reflect that’, Jones said in fashion notes.

“It is not about the spectacle of being looked at, but the reality of wearing and the confidence and chicness that comes with ti”, he added.

Milan Fashion Week includes 62 physical fashion shows of spring summer collections. 

It runs until September 25 and will feature shows from high-end labels including Giorgio Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace.

Milan fashion week will mark the debut of Sabato De Sarno as creative director of Gucci, Peter Hawkings as creative director of Tom Ford, and Simone Bellotti as creative director of Bally. 

By Luke Power For Mailonline

Published: 13:29 EDT, 9 September 2023 | Updated: 16:16 EDT, 9 September 2023

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Shake It Off, Alejandro! Barcelona star Balde’s lead in the Golden Boy 2023 awards PLUMMETS after angering Taylor Swift fans by claiming he didn’t like her music… as Jude Bellingham soars past him in the vote

• The Golden Boy Web award is hosted by Italian outfit Tuttosport for public voters
• Both Balde and Bellingham have mounted strong cases as rising star players 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast It’s All Kicking Off 

By Tamara Prenn For Mailonline

Updated: 08:29 EDT, 6 September 2023

Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Cara Delevingne led the jaw-dropping parade of celebrity guests who flooded into Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley’s wedding over the weekend.

Jack, a music producer, and Margaret, an actress, are slated to tie the knot on Saturday at the picturesque seaside resort town of Beach Haven, New Jersey.

A dazzling array of famous faces lent their high-octane glamour to the proceedings, including Taylor and Lana, who both have a longstanding professional connection to the groom.

Enjoying a brief respite from her barnstorming world tour, Taylor, 33, cut a classically elegant figure in a baby blue lace frock with an intricately designed floral motif.

The ensemble featured a corset top that lent it a dash of showbiz flair and emphasized the pop star’s athletic frame, no doubt honed by a chockablock concert schedule.

Her outfit featured a tier of frills that twirled its way down the skirt, which fluttered slightly in the breeze a she headed out into the sunshine.

She wore her silky curtains of caramel blonde hair down, sporting a charming bit of fringe, and plumped for classic makeup including bright red lipstick.

Balancing on a towering pair of silver slingback heels, the We Are Never Getting Back Together singer kept her jewelry subtle, in the form of a simple necklace and unobtrusive earrings. 

Taylor arrived at her friends’ nuptials amid a thicket of security, including one member of her detail who was spotted wearing a bulletproof vest. 

As the festivities got going, Taylor was seen surrounded by somewhat glitzier company – Big Little Lies actress Zoe Kravitz and Magic Mike heartthrob Channing Tatum.

Channing and Taylor were glimpsed with drinks in hand as they spilled out into the sunshine, flanking Zoe, who like the bride hails from a showbiz family.

Zoe, the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and The Cosby Show starlet Lisa Bonet, exuded a festive air as she surfaced in an off-the-shoulder sundress and swank sunglasses.

Meanwhile, Channing, who was spotted the previous day heading to a Beach Haven bar with Taylor and Zoe, looked snappy as ever in an olive green jacket over basic black.

Channing, Zoe and Taylor could be spotted chattering away as they stepped off the sidewalk – with police and other staff on hand, standing just a few feet away from them.

Zoe, with a martini glass in one hand and the other tucked into the crook of Taylor’s arm, was the image of celebratory cheer as she strutted her stuff on her kitten heels.

Lana, whose work with Jack includes this year’s acclaimed single A&W, swung by the festivities in a summery pink and white lace party dress, complemented with a sky blue bag and pink platform sandals.

Cara Delevingne, who has developed a reputation for goofy oddball antics, was characteristically animated when she was seen mingling with the guests outside the ceremony.

Wearing her mousy hair in a 1920s bob, the Carnival Row star slid her supermodel frame into a plunging jet-black jumpsuit that matched her cat-eye shades. 

Andie MacDowell, the mother of the bride, radiated bonhomie when she was spotted at her daughter’s wedding, letting her luxurious silver mane fly in the seaside breeze. 

The Groundhog Day star brought back the 1980s in a Miami chic full-sleeved gown that featured a striking green palm print over an electric blue field.

Slinging on a gleaming silver handbag with snakeskin-style embossment, Andie – who shares Margaret with her ex-husband, former model Paul Qualley – rounded off the look with flats. 

Actor Alex Wolff, whose brother Nat Wolff was linked to Margaret years ago, could also be spotted among the guests pouring out of the wedding reception.

Naturally, the celebration kept going well after dark, when the bride and groom were seen joyously holding hands with one another as they dashed laughing out of the afterparty.

Margaret had changed outfits yet again, this time slipping into a bride-appropriate white party dress with tulle half sleeves and a shimmery pair of ballet flats.

Jack, still decked out in black suit and black tie, enthusiastically led his new wife by the hand as she flashed her megawatt smile at her loved ones, waving at one of the guests while she followed him.

Their celebrity guests were also still in attendance – in full force – as the nuptial afterparty on Long Beach Island stretched into the nighttime hours.

Several of the guests had brought their drinks outside into the fresh air, where Zoe could be glimpsed outside enjoying a giggle with Cara and Taylor.

A gaggle of onlookers had duly formed, but they were successfully held at bay some distance from the wedding attendees, who mingled under the glare of cellphone lights.

The fact that they were being watched, however, did not appear to put a damper on the proceedings, as the guests were seen laughing cheerfully with one another.

Jack and Margaret were first linked in August 2021, and were engaged less than a year later in May 2022, setting the stage for their star-studded wedding Saturday at Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon in Beach Haven.

The wedding has proven to be a frenzy ever since guests started arriving, with Taylor fleeing the rehearsal dinner venue Friday night after hundreds of Swifties swarmed into the street outside.

So many fans flocked to Black Whale Bar & Fish House, just to catch a glimpse of their idol, that the street was shut down and the police arrived to prevent the tumult from spiraling out of control. 

On Saturday Margaret, who was a scene-stealing presence as a member of the Manson Family in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, opted for simple elegance with her bias-cut bridal gown.

Jack, whose dating history includes Girls impresaria Lena Dunham, also went for a classically stylish look, going down the aisle in a black tuxedo and matching tie. 

By Michael Rudling For Mailonline

Published: 03:16 EDT, 19 August 2023 | Updated: 06:08 EDT, 19 August 2023

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Jason Whitlock went scorched earth on the four-letter network after it shockingly parted ways with beloved NBA analyst Mark Jackson, reportedly in favor of bringing in Doris Burke and Doc Rivers as its lead analysts for the upcoming NBA season. 

Whitlock, who hosts the daily Fearless with Jason Whitlock on BlazeTV, put forth a lethal rebuke of the seemingly inevitable elevation of Burke to a position which no female has previously held. 

While discussing the New York Post report with contributor – and fellow ex-ESPN employee – Steve Kim, Whitlock made sure to repeatedly mention his respect and appreciation for Burke despite emphatically asserting her unsuitability for the role compared to Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy. 

‘I absolutely love Doris Burke, I think she does a really good job – but she is not qualified to be the number one broadcaster on the NBA,’ Whitlock said on Fearless.

‘And I really like Doris Burke. Give me a break, Steve. Give me a break. You’re replacing an All-Star NBA player, a head coach who mattered in the league for many years. They had great chemistry, they were willing to criticize people during the game, during the broadcast. 

‘All of that is out the window. You place a woman in this spot – what Doris Burke is good, but if you think she’s woman enough to criticize these multimillionaire NBA players and coaches, it’s not gonna happen.’

The partnership of Rivers and Burke is likely to have a more NBA-positive theme, in contrast to Van Gundy who was, at times, critical of the Association and its players. In contrast, Burke is a more positive figure – and in one particular instance, far too much for Whitlock’s taste. 

‘I want to be crystal clear. Don’t anyone take me out of context, I like Doris Burke. I think she’s good, I think she’s a good change of pace,’ Whitlock said. ‘[There is] this worship of the athletes, and no one representing anything from a fan’s perspective. Everything is about to treating these entitled athletes like they’re gods. That’s what you’re gonna get from a female broadcaster. 

‘When one of those players looks over and glares, or tries to intimidate; “What’d you say? What do you know?” And again, I know she played a little basketball, but not in the NBA.’

Burke played college basketball for four seasons for Providence Friars women’s team. Meanwhile, Jackson played 17 seasons in the NBA before four seasons as the Golden State Warriors head coach – between 2011-14 – and is regularly credited for laying the foundation for the franchise’s dynasty. He was an All-Star in 1989 and won Rookie of the Year. 

‘And this is this is my problem with ESPN,’ Whitlock continued. ‘What’s their slogan? “Serving sports fans anytime, anywhere?” No decision they make has anything at all to do with serving sports fans. This isn’t about serving sports fans. This is about serving diversity, equity and inclusion, ESG score. This is about a political agenda. This has nothing to do with what’s best for the NBA or NBA fans – and I like Doris Burke.’

ESPN has ostensibly embraced diversity practices perhaps more than any other sports network in America, further evidenced in the all-female broadcast put to air last week, as well as previous all-female NBA coverage. 

Groupthink would suggest DEI the aforementioned initiatives and Burke’s reported, inevitable elevation as successes. Yet, Whitlock suggests Jackson’s release epitomizes how black men – and men, more broadly – are being affected.

‘This whole Doris Burke thing and what ESPN is doing, it tells you everything about what the true agenda is for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It has nothing to do with black men. 

‘Hello, manosphere, black men, this has nothing to do with you! Quit being a cuck, quit being a simp and wake up. They’re pleasuring white women and the LGBTQ with jobs that were meant for you… This is about the matriarchy and displacing men from positions they earned.’

Whitlock is a celebrated, and indeed polarizing, journalist who began his rise to prominence at the Kansas City Star before working at ESPN and Fox Sports – where he created and hosted Speak for Yourself – among others, before eventually moving to The Blaze.

Tory leadership rival Jeremy Hunt today refused to say whether Boris Johnson is ‘honest’ as he warned the Prime Minister has a ‘big mountain to climb’ in winning back Tory voters.

Mr Hunt, who ran against Mr Johnson for the Conservative leadership in 2019, once again refused to rule out another leadership challenge. 

But the former Cabinet minister insisted now was not the time for renewed efforts to topple Mr Johnson and said he ‘hoped’ the PM would lead the Tories into the next general election.

Mr Hunt’s comments will be seen as a warning shot to the PM – and a clear message to Tory MPs – that he is waiting in the wings should Mr Johnson continue to stumble.

The PM’s position in Number 10 has been put into serious peril by the Partygate scandal, which saw him fined for Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street.

This month’s local election results have also increased fears within Conservative ranks that the party could see its so-called ‘blue wall’ areas across southern England continue to fall to the Liberal Democrats and Labour.

Mr Johnson saw the Tories lose both the Chesham and Amersham and North Shropshire constituences to the Lib Dems in Westminster by-elections last year.

The Conservatives are now also facing a battle to keep hold of Tiverton and Honiton following the recent resignation of porn-watching Tory MP Neil Parish.

At the council elections on 5th May, the Tories lost control of 11 councils – with many of those being ceded to the Lib Dems and Labour – with the Conservatives also suffering the loss of close to 500 council seats.

Mr Hunt, a former foreign secretary and health secretary, today reiterated he could seek a return to the top-level of Government.

But he said the Ukraine war should provide ‘perspective’ on the feverish speculation about the PM’s leadership in the wake of Partygate.

‘I have said many times that I don’t rule out a return to frontline politics myself,’ he told the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme.

‘But I don’t think now is the right moment. Britain has been the most robust member of the Western alliance in the face of the first major war in Europe in our lifetimes.

‘I think the only person who would rejoice if we had a hiatus of several months in the leadership in Britain would be Vladimir Putin.

‘So I don’t think this is the moment for these discussions.’ 

The South West Surrey MP cast doubt on the PM’s ability to once again prove a Tory vote winner as he insisted it would be a ‘mistake’ to dismiss the party’s local election losses as ‘mid-term blues’.

He added: ‘The reason people vote Conservative is because they want economic growth, they want sound money, they want the prospect of lower taxes for their family.

‘None of those things are true at the moment. So the absolute priority for the Government must be to change from a high-inflation, low-growth economy to a low-inflation, high-growth economy.’

Asked if Mr Johnson was the best person to be Tory leader, Mr Hunt replied: ‘I hope he can turn things round because I don’t think this is the moment for a leadership contest.

‘But I would say this, I think the outcome of the next election will be decided not on personalities but on which party has the best long-term plans.

‘How do we defend democracy in a world where China is a bigger economy than the US? How do we spread wealth? How do we fix long-term problems in the NHS?’

Mr Hunt also dodged a question on whether Mr Johnson is ‘an honest man’.

He responded that ‘talking about personalities is not a helpful thing to do’, adding: ‘It’s a simple question but it’s not a helpful thing to do when I’ve just said we need to recognise the international situation is very serious and we need strong leadership from the PM we have.’

Mr Hunt called for fellow Tory MPs to ‘back the PM in the situation we’re in now’, as he described how the Ukraine was made it ‘impossible not to put things into perspective’.

He expressed his hope the party ‘can turn things round under the PM’s leadership’.

Asked if this meant he backed Mr Johnson to lead the Tories into the next general election, scheduled for 2024, Mr Hunt replied: ‘I very much hope so.’

Pressed on whether he would rather be the Conservative leader as the party sought to keep hold of its House of Commons majority, he added: ‘I know you would like to create a suggestion I would want something different, but I really hope we can (turn things around).

‘But I do also hope we recognise that in order to do that we have a big mountain to climb in terms of winning back the support of many of our core voters – not just in the south of England, but particularly in the south of England – who are very concerned at the situation we’re in.’

Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney branded Mr Hunt ‘too cowardly to say what everyone else in Britain is thinking’ over the PM’s honesty.

‘Boris Johnson is a serial liar and not fit to govern this country,’ she added.

‘It is time Jeremy Hunt carried out his patriotic duty and called time on Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.

‘As a Surrey MP he should know the sheer anger felt in former Conservative heartlands at this Government.

‘From Chesham and Amersham to last week’s local election results, it is clear the public have had enough.’

Tiffany Haddish and Rosario Dawson spoke onstage at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture on Saturday.

On the second night of the three-day celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana, the 43-year-old stand-up comedian and Girls Trip actress put on a stylish display in a chic baby pink ensemble. 

The Night School star absolutely stunned as she modeled a satin crop top with a plunging keyhole detail and a high-waisted miniskirt with petaled pleats.

The Emmy winner teamed the show-stopping outfit with a pair of metallic silver sandal heels.

She was also spotted carrying a pastel pink mini purse as she posed for pictures at the Convention Center — where Janelle Monáe had flashed the audience during her electric performance on day one.

The film producer further accessorized with silver starburst statement earrings, two understated tennis rings, and a smartwatch.

She styled her platinum blonde bob in beautiful finger waves and rocked a pink monochromatic makeup look to go with her outfit.

Haddish sported full and voluminous lashes, a bright pink blush, as well as a deep mauve glossy lip.

At one point, she also posed for a jaw-dropping photo while sporting a dazzling crown and sitting in a golden throne surrounded by lush greenery. 

On the same night, Dawson joined Haddish onstage for a motivational talk and looked mesmerizing in an elegant black-and-white dress.

The 44-year-old Mandalorian star — who made her feature film debut in the 1995 independent drama Kids — modeled a black dress with two long, white pleats.

The dress also featured a halter-style neckline that was accentuated by a satin bow.

Over the lovely garment, she donned a classic black blazer that she later opted to wear over her shoulders.

The Ahsoka actress accessorized simply with a pair of large gold hoop earrings and black pumps. 

At one point, she threw on a pair of rhinestone-encrusted Minnie Mouse ears over her chic bob with micro fringe. 

For makeup, she looked ethereal in a shimmering silver cut-crease eyeshadow look teamed with a mauve pink glossy lip. 

Sometime during her talk with Haddish, the dynamic duo were joined by LaKeith Stanfield and Justin Simien before they took a group photo together. 

Dawson and Haddish also beamed in a sweet photo of them together sitting down backstage. 

Other stars at the star-studded festival celebrating Black excellence and culture included Abbott Elementary stars Sheryl Lee Ralph and Quinta Brunson.

The Tony-nominated actress, 66, put on a stylish display in a colorful suit over a black and lace camisole.

The Dreamgirls alumna left her raven black tresses down and pulled back with a headband to better showcase a pair of large gold statement earrings.

The singer looked radiant in a makeup look featuring dark eyeliner, bright pink blush, and a deep pink glossy lip.

Brunson, 33, looked so chic in an oversized cropped button-down and the matching shorts adorned with a cactus flower design.

The multi-hyphenate talent teamed her summer look with a pair of nude sandal heels.

The Golden Globe winning actress and filmmaker styled her braids in chic space buns and donned a pair of gold hoop earrings.

For makeup, she rocked a bold green graphic eyeliner look teamed with a nude pink lip. 

On the red carpet, Ralph and Brunson were also seen posing with their Abbott Elementary costars, Janelle James and Lisa Ann Walter, for a sweet group photo.

James wowed in a sheer green midi dress with pink and purple floral designs over a black slip.

She donned classic black sandal heels and styled her chin-length bob in chic beach waves.

Walter put on a bold display in a shiny, magenta pink trench coat dress and platform pumps.

For an added touch of glamour, the actress styled her fiery red tresses in a voluminous updo.

At the festival, Kimora Lee Simmons looked striking in a slinky gold minidress and metallic heels.

The 48-year-old supermodel styled her jet black tresses in long beach waves that cascaded around her shoulders and down her back.

For accessories, the entrepreneur donned hoop earrings, a sparkling tennis choker, as well as several jade bangles and gold bracelets.

Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill were a stylish pair as they posed together for a cute snap at the event. 

The Black-ish actress was eye-catching in a bright coral minidress with a mock neck style and beaded fringe adorning the sides of the garment. 

She teamed the chic dress with a pair of red pointed-toe pumps decorated in floral details. 

Quvenzhané Wallis and Isaiah Hill were a stylish pair as they posed together for a cute snap at the event. 

The Black-ish actress was eye-catching in a bright coral minidress with a mock neck style and beaded fringe adorning the sides of the garment. 

She teamed the chic dress with a pair of red pointed-toe pumps decorated in floral details. 

By her side, the actor — who starred alongside Wallis in Swagger — looked handsome in a light pink, short-sleeved button down and tweed shorts. 

He sported a pair of reflective and gray sneakers as well as a sparkling chain pendant.

Sherri Shepherd was another stunning star that took to the stage for an encore-worthy talk.

Her show-stopping look featured a shimmering dress with orange-to-pink ombré colors and a polo shirt style at the top.

The television host teamed the look with pink satin heels and was glamorous in glistening gold eyeshadow.

Monica, 42, put on a stylish display as she took the stage for a breathtaking performance in a figure-hugging minidress adorned in the Valentino logo.

She teamed the garment with the matching sheer gloves and an oversized jacket with the same pattern.

The Grammy Award-winning singer also modeled a pair of over-the-knee boots for an additional edgy-chic vibe.

She left her raven black hair down in a sleek, straight hairstyle and rocked a iridescent purple-brown smokey eye.

Ice-T was another talented musical guest that took the stage for an outstanding performance.

For the festivities, the 65-year-old rapper donned an effortlessly stylish and all-black ensemble. 

The Law & Order actor sported a black sweatshirt with the Dolce & Gabbana branding emblazoned across the torso and a pair of dark denim jeans.

He finished off the look with a pair of black sneakers with white laces as well as a gold chain, a flashy watch, and square-framed tinted sunglasses.

Similarly, Ice Cube, 54, opted for a casual yet cool all-black outfit featuring a black boxy button down that read ‘West Coast Warlord’ atop the breast pockets.

The N.W.A rapper and filmmaker also sported baggy pants and a snapback as he performed onstage at the second day of the exciting festival.

So a Manchester United career that began exactly 12 years ago on June 29, 2011, appears to be entering its final days.

Unless there is one last twist in David de Gea’s contract saga, the Spanish goalkeeper will leave Old Trafford as a free agent at midnight on Friday.

United can still re-sign him after that, of course. But given that De Gea’s contract situation was a topic of discussion when he spoke to the travelling media in a Perth hotel room as far back as last July, it would be peculiar in the extreme for United to go back in for the 32-year-old after all this time for negotiation.

If this is indeed the end, it will have been a messy and rather unedifying exit for a man who will go down as one of United’s goalkeeping greats.

In hindsight, it would have been better for De Gea to say goodbye to Old Trafford after the final home game of last season against Fulham with the fans’ adulation still ringing in his ears.

Erik ten Hag presented De Gea with the Golden Glove award that day at the end of a season in which he also broke the club’s appearance and clean sheet records held by Alex Stepney and Peter Schmeichel.

Schmeichel rode off into the sunset in 1999 clutching the European Cup having announced six months earlier that he would be leaving, but sadly not every player gets to write his own script.

After the Fulham game, Ten Hag said he was confident De Gea would sign the new contract. A week later, at Wembley, the goalkeeper was the centre of attention again after letting in Ilkay Gundogan’s decisive second goal in the FA Cup final.

Ten Hag refused to throw De Gea under the bus but admitted that he had to work on ‘issues’ over his distribution after another erratic performance with the ball at his feet.

So what has changed over the course of the last month? Only Ten Hag knows whether events at Wembley that day made him reconsider the goalkeeping situation at United.

What has become clear is that the Dutchman refused to sign off a contract that had been agreed between the club and De Gea reducing his £375,000-a-week wages, as Mail Sport reported earlier this month.

A second – even lower – offer was made and that deal lies unsigned on the table as the clock ticks down towards Friday night.

Even if De Gea signs it, he knows that he will no longer be considered No 1 at United with Ten Hag determined to bring in someone who is better with his feet.

From shopping for No 2 goalkeepers in the £15million bracket, United are now looking at Inter Milan’s Andre Onana who would cost closer to £50m – a big difference in a transfer window in which Ten Hag is working on a limited budget due to Financial Fair Play.

After 12 years as undisputed No 1, it’s hard to see how De Gea can continue playing for a manager who has clearly lost faith in him. His status would be taking a hit as well as his salary.

From Ten Hag’s point of view, it looks as though he will get his way and acquire a new goalkeeper – quite possibly Onana, who played for him at Ajax. The United manager certainly likes to work with familiar faces.

He is going the same route as Pep Guardiola who axed Joe Hart after joining Manchester City in 2016 over the England goalkeeper’s distribution.

That happened almost immediately, though. The nagging question is why it has taken Ten Hag so long to reach this decision. 

People can change, players can improve, but De Gea was never going to suddenly become a ball player four months short of his 33rd birthday. This could have been resolved much sooner.

The situation could change again while there is still time, of course. After all, this is a player who was a dodgy fax machine away from leaving for Real Madrid late on deadline day in the summer of 2015.

This time it feels as though it will take more than a gremlin in the system to keep De Gea at United.

De Gea posted a yawning emoji on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, hinting he’d grown tired of the saga. It seems time is finally running out on his Manchester United career.