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Tag: Manchester United

  • Manchester United want Thomas Partey as long term replacement for Matic

    English giants Manchester United have identified Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey as long term replacement for Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic.

    Thomas Partey, who is also a target of Arsenal and Chelsea has popped up on the radar of the Red Devils after his brilliant display for the Rojiblancos in the UEFA Champions League last 16.

    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjear has been impressed with the performance of the Ghanaian but with Matic’s age becoming a concern to his future at the club, the Norwegian could make a switch for Partey in the summer.

    Matic has been in good form for Manchester United in recent weeks and there are talks of a contract extension.

    But Solskjear is building a team for the future and sees Partey as the engine of his growing team.

    Thomas Partey has been a consistent performer for Atletico Madrid this season, playing 32 games in all competition with three goals in the campaign.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Chelsea legend Michael Essien meets Wales manager Ryan Giggs

    Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien met Wales manager Ryan Giggs in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    The two were long time rivals in the English Premier League, when Essien played for Chelsea with Giggs playing for Manchester United.

    “It was great meeting you again, Ryan Giggs, Legend,” he posted on Instagram.

    The two have enjoyed several battles at the opposite ends but the most famous fixture between them was the 2008 Champions League final in Russia.

    Giggs had the better of Essien, leading the Red Devils to their third title.

    Michael Essien is now player manager at Sabail FK in Azerbaijan.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Roma want permanent Smalling, Mkhitaryan deals

    Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has told Sky Sports News he wants to sign on-loan duo Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to permanent deals.

    Smalling has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Roma this season and revealed earlier this week he is open to extending his stay in the Italian capital beyond the end of the season.

    As it stands, Smalling is scheduled to return to parent club Manchester United at the end of the season but Fonseca is desperate to hang on to the 30-year-old defender.

    “Chris is a great, great man, a great, great professional,” Fonseca told Sky Sports News.

    “The adaptation (to Italian football) was very easy for him. He’s a boy that everyone loves in the club because he is a great professional.

    “I would like Chris to stay. We are speaking. I don’t know if it is possible because of the situation with Manchester United, but I would like so much for Chris to stay here with us because he is very important.

    “He is a great player, a great man with a great attitude every day and for all of these reasons I would be very happy if Chris stays.”

    On-loan Arsenal attacking midfielder Mkhitaryan, who was also team-mates with Smalling at United, has seen his temporary spell with Roma disrupted by injuries.

    But he scored and contributed an assist in Roma’s 4-0 win over Lecce on Sunday, and Fonseca revealed he is also keen on signing Mkhitaryan on a permanent basis.

    “Mkhi during this season got some injuries but he is returning now and he is proving his quality,” Fonseca said.

    “Let’s see. He is a player with great decisions on the pitch and I would also like to keep Mkhi in our team.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Fabulous Fernandes inspires Man Utd

    Bruno Fernandes scored one and had a hand in the other two goals as Manchester United continued their recent upturn with a 3-0 Premier League victory over Watford at Old Trafford on Sunday.

    January signing Fernandes capped a man-of-the-match performance in style with his first goal for the club, nonchalantly converting a penalty he had won after being fouled by Ben Foster shortly before half-time.

    Troy Deeney had an equaliser ruled out by VAR following a handball by Craig Dawson, and Anthony Martial compounded the Hornets’ misery moments later with an exquisite chipped finish over Foster – his third goal in three games.

    Fernandes then set up Mason Greenwood for United’s third, the teenager’s explosive finish off the underside of the bar confirming an impressive victory that moves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side up to fifth, three points off fourth, and leaves Watford a point from safety in 19th.

    Player ratings
    Man Utd: De Gea (7), Wan-Bissaka (7), Lindelof (7), Maguire (7), Shaw (7), Fred (7), Matic (7), Fernandes (9), James (7), Martial (8), Greenwood (7).

    Subs: Ighalo (n/a), McTominay (n/a), Chong (n/a).

    Watford: Foster (5), Kabasele (5), Dawson (5), Cathcart (5), Masina (5), Hughes (6), Doucoure (6), Capoue (5), Deulofeu (5), Pereyra (5), Deeney (6).

    Subs: Sarr (5), Cleverley (n/a), Welbeck (n/a).

    Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Martial pounces to subdue Club Brugge

    Anthony Martial pounced on a mistake to ensure Manchester United take an away goal into the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie with Club Brugge following a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.

    The Belgian side worked tirelessly throughout and deserved their 15th-minute lead when Dennis Bonaventure lobbed the onrushing Sergio Romero direct from Simon Mignolet’s goal-kick.

    But Martial restored parity after an error from Brandon Mechele 16 minutes later with a composed finish beyond the former Liverpool goalkeeper.

    The lively Bonaventure forced Romero into two saves from an acute angle while Odilon Kossounou squandered another fine chance as United extended their unbeaten run to five games.

    Player ratings
    Club Brugge: Mignolet (7), Mata (6), Kossounou (6), Mechele (5), Deli (6), Rits (6), Balanta (5), Vanaken (6), Bonaventure (8), Tau (7), De Cuyper (8).

    Subs: Vormer (6), De Ketelaere (5), Schrijvers (5).

    Man Utd: Romero (7), Shaw (6), Maguire (7), Lindelof (6), Dalot (5), Williams (7), Pereira (6), Matic (6), Lingard (5), Mata (6), Martial (7).

    Subs: Fred (6), Fernandes (6), Ighalo (5).

    Man of the match: Dennis Bonaventure.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Man Utd beat Chelsea to close gap on top four

    Manchester United moved to within three points of fourth-placed Chelsea with a smash and grab 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire on Monday.

    Chelsea had two goals disallowed by VAR reviews and were furious Maguire was not sent-off early on for an off-the-ball kick out at Michy Batshuayi.

    However, Blues boss Frank Lampard cut a frustrated figure as the flaws in both boxes which have seen his side win just four of their last 14 league games were exposed once more against ordinary opposition.

    Victory lifts United up to seventh and within two points of Tottenham in fifth, which could be good enough to qualify for the Champions League next season pending Manchester City’s appeal again a two-season ban from European competition.

    Lampard made a bold call before kick-off by again dropping the most expensive goalkeeper in football history, Kepa Arrizabalaga, to the bench in favour of the 38-year-old Willy Caballero.

    Batshuayi also started with Tammy Abraham ruled out by injury and Lampard’s anger at missing out on a striker in the January window was borne out by a poor night for the misfiring Belgium forward.

    Chelsea suffered another injury blow early on when N’Golo Kante hobbled off and the France World Cup winner is now a doubt to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League next week.

    The loss of Kante did not disrupt the home side’s early rhythm as Reece James and Willian fired just wide.

    Chelsea were then furious Maguire somehow escaped without being sent-off for kicking Batshuayi after the two collided in front of the dugouts.

    The former Marseille attacker then squandered the first of a host of chances by firing wide from Mason Mount’s cut-back.

    – One-way traffic –

    Chelsea’s sense of injustice increased when Willian was harshly booked for diving as he went down under a challenge from Bruno Fernandes looking for a penalty.

    United had not made Caballero make a single save before going in front a minute before the break when Martial planted a brilliant header into the far corner from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross.

    There was still time for Batshuayi to miss another chance before half-time when he skewed wide from a narrow angle.

    The one-way traffic continued at the start of the second period as Mount hit the post and a brave block from Wan-Bissaka deflected Pedro’s goal-bound effort behind.

    But even when Chelsea did get the ball in the net through substitute Kurt Zouma, the goal was ruled out by VAR for a push on Brandon Williams by Cesar Azpilicueta.

    Fernandes was unable to make much of an impact from open play in his second United appearance since a £47 million ($62 million) move from Sporting Lisbon.

    However, the Portuguese international is a huge threat from set-pieces and nearly caught Caballero out with a free-kick that crashed back off the post.

    Moments later, Fernandes provided his first assist for the Red Devils with a corner which Maguire powered home.

    Lampard had seen enough from Batshuayi and handed Olivier Giroud a rare appearance off the bench for the final quarter.

    The French striker thought he had given Chelsea a lifeline with a near post header, but was ruled offside after a VAR review.

    Source: France24

  • ‘Ighalo isolation part of Manchester United plan’

    Odion Ighalo’s confinement from Manchester United’s training ground is just precautionary and has always been the plan, says Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper.

    A report in the Daily Mirror on Wednesday evening claimed Ighalo, who joined United in a Deadline Day move from Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, was banned from the club’s AON Training Complex in Carrington amid fears over spreading the coronavirus.

    The 30-year-old has not tested positive for the virus and, as part of the government’s precautionary procedures, has been put on a two-week incubation period ending this weekend – and coinciding with United’s return to the UK from their warm-weather training camp in Marbella, which Ighalo had missed over similar concerns.

    The Nigeria striker has been training in Manchester’s Taekwondo Centre on the Etihad Campus and will be part of United’s travelling party when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports.

    “I think there’s been a lot of hysteria quite naturally surrounding the coronavirus, but what Manchester United have done is precautionary, and certainly from their point of view it far exceeds the government guidelines on treating somebody or working with somebody that’s come from China,” Cooper told Sky Sports News.

    “When Ighalo was signed on Deadline Day he arrived from China but not from the Wuhan province, a lot of people coming from China were done by the same stipulation that they might come from the Wuhan province, and of course he’s on a 14-day incubation period.

    “Manchester United quite naturally felt it was right and wise for him to train away from Carrington. There are a lot of reasons for that, clearly there’s a risk of infection, apparently very minor, and it’s an elite training base.

    “You wouldn’t want that to happen because thereby you’d have another 14-day incubation problem and Manchester United wouldn’t be able to play football games.

    “There’s also the matter, of course, that United are out in Spain at the moment on their winter break training camp with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. What’s been happening is Odion Ighalo has been working in Manchester city centre with a personal trainer, in contact of course with the training staff that Solskjaer has with him in Spain.

    “They’ve just been going through that with the expressed intention of getting him fit for the game against Chelsea, which I think he’ll be a part of. I don’t think he’ll be in Solskjaer’s starting 11, but I think he might well be on the bench, somebody that Ole could use on Monday evening at Stamford Bridge as substitute.

    “There’s a fear that he hasn’t been integrated in terms of the personnel but I think they have worked on his fitness and this is all precautionary, he’s stayed away from the training ground, and once the two-week incubation period is over – which of course coincides with this weekend and the return of Manchester United from Spain – then he’ll be able to integrate with the team, go down to London and be part of that first-team squad.

    “Manchester United certainly think that they have far exceeded the government on this, but they are working sensibly and practicably in this situation where of course you’re looking at a league training centre and you don’t want any risk of infection. Odion Ighalo has been doing his fitness work in Manchester on his own and that has been the plan all along.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Man United apply for permission to install rail seating at Old Trafford

    Manchester United have applied for permission to install rail seating for up to 1,500 fans at Old Trafford.

    United, one of the major supporters of safe standing, made the request to their local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) in December 2019.

    The club proposes to replace some existing seats in the north-east corner of the stadium.

    Season ticket holders in that area have been told a safe standing trial is likely to take place later this season.

    In minutes published from a recent fans’ forum meeting, United said it believed the introduction of rail seating will “enhance spectator safety” in areas of “persistent standing”.

    It added that the SAG is still reviewing the request.

    Tottenham’s new stadium has “safe seating” which has been “future-proofed” for the potential introduction of standing, while Wolves installed rail seating at their Molineux ground in the summer.

    “It is fantastic news that the world’s most famous club is seeking to enhance spectator safety in this way,” said Jon Darch, of the Safe Standing campaign group.

    “Hopefully, they will be very soon be able to not only install rail seats but also to operate any areas of Old Trafford fitted with this form of seating as official standing areas.”

    It comes just days after a government report found stadium seating areas which incorporate barriers have a “positive impact on spectator safety”.

    The interim report from the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) found such seating areas “mitigate the risk of crowd collapse”.

    The government previously stated it “will work with fans and clubs towards introducing safe standing”.

    Source: bbc.com

  • ‘Man Utd no longer attract world’s best’

    Odion Ighalo’s Deadline Day move to Manchester United is proof the club can no longer attract the world’s best strikers, according to Eidur Gudjohnsen.

    A largely uneventful January transfer window ended with United in a frantic last-gasp search for a striker to bolster their attacking options in the absence of injured England international Marcus Rashford.

    Former Watford striker Ighalo eventually emerged as United’s answer on loan until the end of the season, having earlier been unsuccessful in signing Erling Braut Haaland, who opted for Borusssia Dortmund, and Bournemouth’s Joshua King.

    Former Chelsea forward Gudjohnsen told the Transfer Talk podcast United were always going to struggle to recruit a top calibre striker during the January window.

    Asked how far back United have fallen, Gudjohnsen said: “It comes back to the time of the season of this [Ighalo] transfer as well. I don’t think any of the best strikers are available.”

    He added: “I don’t think any of the best strikers are eager to join United anymore.”

    Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Ighalo, who has played in China since January 2017, is unlikely to have even been a third choice target for United.

    “He must be the luckiest man! Going to China, being away from Europe nobody seeing him for two and a half years since he was at Watford and then getting a loan move at United,” he said.

    “Wow. That doesn’t happen!

    “It says how far behind United are from Liverpool, Manchester City and even Chelsea. They have got a big job ahead.

    “They needed somebody in. I think he was not their number one and I would be surprised if he was their number two or three as well.

    “He is getting an opportunity and he will definitely get minutes and we will see if he can do it.”

    Hasselbaink also says United’s struggles in the transfer market are even harder to understand after they sold Romelu Lukaku last summer and loaned Alexis Sanchez both to Inter Milan.

    He added: “They knew that they needed a new striker for a long time. I don’t know how much money that they have but it is Manchester United.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Man Utd frustrated by top four blow says Shaw

    Luke Shaw has revealed Manchester United’s stars were hugely frustrated by their failure to close the gap to the Premier League’s top four.

    Fourth placed Chelsea’s 2-2 draw at Leicester on Saturday gave United a chance to chip away at the six-point difference.

    But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men slipped to sixth after a 0-0 draw against Wolves at Old Trafford later in the day.

    Even the presence of new signing Bruno Fernandes, who made his debut in midfield, couldn’t galvanise United.

    Asked how the mood in the dressing room was after the match, United defender Shaw said: “To be honest, really, really disappointed, especially with the way the games have been going recently.

    “We haven’t been picking up too many points and today was massive for us, especially with Chelsea dropping points.

    “It seems to keep happening. Teams around us drop points and we don’t end up closing the gap and we are suffering from that and we needed to win today.

    “Now we haven’t got a game so soon and that is quite annoying, but we’ll have a little break and of course we are looking forward to the big game when we get back.”

    United have had a frantic winter fixture schedule and now do not have a match until travelling for a crucial clash at fourth-placed rivals Chelsea on February 17, with a warm-weather camp in Spain lined up in the meantime.

    “Maybe it’s nice to have a break but on the other hand with how the game went today, I’d rather have a game around the corner so we can put things right because we need to,” Shaw said.

    “But that’s not the case, there’s the break. We’ll regroup, have a little break but obviously focus because it’s not the end of the season yet.

    “Look, Chelsea is a massive game and one we seem to love playing in.

    “We have played them probably quite a lot as well in the cups and stuff.

    “We will have a few days off and then train very hard to get ready for that game because we know it’s going to be tough.

    “We want to close the gap and we need to beat them.”

    Source: France24

  • Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United agree deal with Sporting Lisbon

    Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.

    United will pay an initial fee of around 55m euros (£47m) for the 25-year-old, though add-ons could increase the overall cost to 80m euros (£67.6m).

    Fernandes’ move is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.

    The two clubs have been negotiating throughout the transfer window with a breakthrough made on Tuesday amid reports of interest from Barcelona.

    United, linked with the 25-year-old last summer, initially refused to meet Sporting’s demand for 80m euros up front.

    For the Portuguese club to receive the full amount, a series of conditions must be met – including United’s qualification for the Champions League.

    United would pay an additional 5m euros (£4.2m) if they achieve Champions League qualification, with a further 5m euros subject to player participation. The remaining payment of 15m euros (£12.6m) is based on individual player prizes.

    Fernandes joined Sporting from Sampdoria for £7.2m in 2017 and has gone on to score 64 goals in 137 matches in all competitions, winning the Portuguese Cup with Sporting in 2018-19.

    He has played 19 times for Portugal and was a member of the squad that won the Uefa Nations League.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man Utd boss says there is ‘no quick fix’ at Old Trafford

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is no “quick fix” to improve his squad.

    Pressure is mounting on Solskjaer to make January signings after Wednesday’s 2-0 home defeat by Burnley.

    It was a second straight Premier League loss and the players were jeered.

    “We’ve had one proper transfer window and we’re trying to do something now,” said Solskjaer, who took over – initially on an interim basis – in December 2018.

    Read:Man Utd want to be as good as Liverpool, says Solskjaer

    During the summer transfer window, United spent over £130m on defenders, bringing in Harry Maguire from Leicester City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace, and also signed winger Daniel James from Swansea City.

    Solskjaer referenced the squad-building at Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October 2015, with the Reds now 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League and the reigning European champions.

    “Jurgen Klopp spent four years building his team and they’re doing well now,” said the Norwegian.

    “It’s not going be a quick fix – eight or 10 players in the transfer window.

    “We can’t react to all the noise outside. There’ll be criticism – you’ve got to take it, you’ve got to be stronger mentally.

    Read:We played like it was a testimonial Solskjaer

    “I am, the club is. The staff are very strong mentally and we’re sticking to what we believe in. I’ve got full faith.”

    Man Utd remain ‘supportive’ of Solskjaer – but could FA Cup game be his last in charge?
    ‘Toxic, embarrassing, worst squad in 30 years’ – pundits and fans on Man Utd defeat
    Man Utd fined £20,000 for failing to control players
    BBC Sport understands Solskjaer, who succeeded Jose Mourinho, still has the support of the Old Trafford board and the 46-year-old insisted he has been “trusted” to rebuild the squad.

    “When you start on something you stick to that plan. I’m not going to change, six, nine or 10 months into the job and believe in a different way.

    “The foundation has to be laid and the culture properly set and laid down. This group is a good core of players who believe in what we’re doing to carry us forward with signings and players coming back.

    Read:Solskjaer due £5m compensation package in the event of Man United sacking

    “You need to knock the house down, you don’t just start with the roof. We’ve had some rainy days and wish that roof was on, but we can’t hide.

    “All my conversations with the club have been positive.”

    Phil McNulty answers your questions on Solskjaer’s future
    Man Utd will not pay Sporting Lisbon’s 80m euro asking price for Fernandes

    Solskjaer won’t last beyond this season – Martin Keown
    Looking ahead to the Red Devils’ FA Cup fourth-round tie at League One side Tranmere Rovers on Sunday (15:00 GMT kick-off), Solskjaer revealed defender Victor Lindelof has recovered form illness and should feature.

    He added he has prepared his players for “divots” in the playing surface at Prenton Park.

    “The pitch is not great but that’s the same for both of us and the players just have to be focused,” said Solskjaer.

    “Everyone’s got to be focused with the bounce of the ball.”

    Source: BBC Africa

  • Burnley punish toothless Man Utd

    Burnley plunged more misery on Manchester United as they beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side 2-0 to claim their first win at Old Trafford for 58 years.

    United could have moved to within three points of Chelsea in fourth with a win but Chris Wood (39) and a stunning effort from Jay Rodriguez (56) further dented their hopes of climbing the league.

    For United, it was a similar story as they enjoyed over 70 per cent possession, a huge amount of territory but had absolutely no end-product with Nick Pope in the Burnley goal untested for large parts.

    Read:Man Utd want to be as good as Liverpool, says Solskjaer

    The home fans that remained at full-time, which wasn’t many, voiced their frustration at the final whistle as Burnley moved seven points clear of the drop zone after taking maximum points from their last two games.

    Old Trafford had been a place of comfort for Untied this season with only Crystal Palace leaving with maximum points and just 25 days after United won 2-0 at Turf Moor, there was a confidence about the hosts in the early stages.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka was providing good width but both Juan Mata and the lacklustre Anthony Martial couldn’t profit from his service when fluffing their lines from close range.

    Dan James rose highest to meet another ball from the right-back that drew action from Pope before Charlie Taylor produced an epic last-ditch tackle to thwart a dithering Martial.

    Read:Worst Man United have played Solskjaer

    Burnley rode that storm and did what they do best, punish the opposition from set-pieces.

    The goal came on 39 minutes as United fell to pieces from under a direct free-kick into their area. Nemanja Matic lost out to Ben Mee and his flick was seized upon by Wood, who reacted quicker than Harry Maguire and smacked a quality first-time finish into the top corner.

    Mason Greenwood was called from the bench at the break as Solskjaer looked for some spark.

    The youngster did show some skilful touches but everything United tried was read perfectly by an expertly-drilled Burnley defensive unit.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Manchester United bid £30m for teenager Bellingham

    Manchester United have made a bid in excess of £30m for Birmingham’s 16-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham, Sky Sports News can confirm.

    As per the report in The Sun, United are keen to bring Bellingham to Old Trafford and have now made an approach to sign him from the Championship club.

    Sky Sports News reported on Monday that United were willing to pay £25m for the teenager.

    Read:Manchester United and Inter agree Young deal

    Bellingham remains on £145-per-week scholar’s wages, although he will be set to sign a lucrative first professional contract when he turns 17 on June 29.

    The box-to-box midfielder has also attracted interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool as he earned rave reviews in his 25 appearances for the Blues this season.

    Read:Manchester United officials set to visit Saudi Arabia as rumours of a takeover looms

    Birmingham are under pressure to raise funds having been docked nine points last season for breaking profit and sustainability rules.

    Bellingham became Blues’s youngest player at 16 years and 38 days in August when he featured in their Carabao Cup first-round game at Portsmouth.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Rashford suffers injury against Wolves

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his decision to bring on Marcus Rashford “backfired” after the Manchester United forward sustained a back injury in the 1-0 FA Cup third round replay win over Wolves.

    The United striker landed awkwardly after tangling with Wolves full-back Matt Doherty and was replaced by Jesse Lingard in the 80th minute of the game, having come on as a sub himself in the 64th minute.

    United went on to set up a fourth-round tie against the winner of the replay between Watford and Tranmere Rovers.

    Read:Easy to compare Rashford with Ronaldo Ole

    Rashford was the first United player to come on as a substitute before then being substituted himself in the same FA Cup match since Alan Smith against Liverpool in February 2006.

    “I didn’t want to play him. I think he got a knock, a knee or something, in his back, but he’s been struggling for a little while,” Solskjaer said of Rashford, who has scored 19 times for United this season.

    “That’s why we’ve kept him away (from starting against Wolves), but we needed the win. He was involved in the goal so that was a positive but it backfired.

    “He’s a quick healer and he’ll play through some pain, definitely, if he’s capable and it’s not a bad, bad injury, but we’ve seen that he’s struggled lately.

    Read:Rashford unfazed by Ronaldo comparisons

    “But that’s been more when he’s been tired. He wasn’t on long enough to be tired so it might be something that just happened there and then.

    “He’s been absolutely top this season so we’ll do anything and everything we can to get him fit for Sunday. If he’s not then we’ll play without him.”

    Rashford expressed his frustration at having to be substituted, writing on Twitter: “Never want to feel like I’ve let my team-mates, the club and most importantly the fans down so did my very best to carry on tonight and was gutted to come off.

    “Top work from the lads to get into the next round.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Worst Man United have played – Solskjaer

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Manchester United’s first-half performance after conceding against Manchester City was the “worst” they have played under him.

    It was a sensational strike from Bernardo Silva that opened things up for City in their 3-1 Carabao Cup semi-final, first-leg win, after which United looked devoid of ideas.

    Bernardo went on to assist Riyad Mahrez for the second City goal before an unfortunate Andreas Pereria own goal saw the visitors storm into a 3-0 first-half lead. Marcus Rashford pulled one back in an improved second-half performance from United ahead of the second leg in three weeks’ time, live on Sky Sports.

    Read:We played like it was a testimonial Solskjaer

    Solskjaer said: “From their goal until half-time, that is the worst that we have played. From the first goal to half-time we just could not cope with that setback. We were running in between. The pressure didn’t work and we let them play. Our heads dropped. We just made decisions that we should not do.

    “We know they can play that way, we’ve seen them do that a few times. I went to see them last year against Chelsea, they played that way and won 5-0 at the Etihad so that’s not a surprise, but they’re good at what they’re doing.

    Read:Man Utd want to be as good as Liverpool, says Solskjaer

    “That needed sorting at half-time… Someone needed to take the responsibility and we did that in the second half.

    “When you come in at half-time with that result then pride is one word that you speak about. Make sure you win the second half and you are in the tie. Of course, it’s a difficult task that we have got in front of us but that second half at least gives us something to hang on to. After that second half, we have got something that we believe in.

    “Even though it is a steep mountain to climb, we can still climb it. We just need to look forward. We’ve shown before that we’ve been down from a home tie and turned it around, last year against PSG for example, so we’ve just got to believe when we go to the Etihad and know that we can put a performance on.”

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Man United cruise into semi-finals

    Marcus Rashford had a hand in all three goals as Manchester United beat Colchester 3-0 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

    Rashford took advantage of a rare Colchester attack leaving them exposed at the back to beat Dean Gerken after a solo run, and five minutes later had a hand in their second as Mason Greenwood’s cross was turned past Gerken by Ryan Jackson under pressure from the Manchester United forward.

    He then set up the third goal to kill the game as a contest soon after when turning Juan Mata’s cross back across goal to provide Anthony Martial a simple finish.

    Read:PL: Rashford double hands Mourinho first Spurs defeat

    The hosts had struggled to turn their first-half dominance into clear opportunities against a side three divisions below them, but once they found the breakthrough, they added the second and third goals with relative ease to secure a spot in the last four against arch-rivals Manchester City.

    Manchester United arrived at Old Trafford acutely aware only a sizeable win would satisfy expectations against a side 61 places below them in the football pyramid, and named a strong team against opponents unbeaten in League Two since mid-October.

    Read:Easy to compare Rashford with Ronaldo Ole

    Their domination was constant and their residence inside the Colchester half almost endless, but their final ball was very poor in a first half in which Gerken had little of note to worry him.

    Colchester have prided themselves on a strong defence this season but Manchester United should still have tested them far more before the break, and only Rashford’s sliced miscue from a floated ball into the box looked like it could have threatened a breakthrough.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Easy to compare Rashford with Ronaldo – Ole

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says it is “easy to compare” Marcus Rashford with Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Rashford’s goal at Manchester City in Saturday’s 2-1 derby win was his 16th in 27 games for club and country this season – one less than he scored in the entirety of the previous campaign.

    The United forward has found form playing off the left flank under Solskjaer this campaign, the same position Ronaldo played at Old Trafford before winning the Ballon d’Or and sealing an £80m move to Real Madrid.

    Read:Rashford edges Man United to victory at Leicester

    Solskjaer said: “It’s very easy to compare the two of them, yes.

    “Both with skills, body shape, attitude, attributes – everything. The boy has every chance in the world to become a top, top player. Let’s hope he continues like this.”

    It is not the first time Solskjaer has made the comparison this season. The Norwegian said Rashford’s 30-yard free-kick against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup was “Cristiano Ronaldo-esque”.

    Read:PL: Rashford double hands Mourinho first Spurs defeat

    Rashford is into double figures in the Premier League this season, something he has only achieved once in his career so far.

    Solskjaer has stressed that there is added pressure on Rashford to produce more goals this season following the sale of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan in the summer.

    But the United boss refuses to set targets for the England international.

    “I don’t want to talk about the amount of goals,” he said.

    Read:Rashford can be as good as Kane Man United boss

    “As long as he keeps being positive and being direct and thinking about getting in front of the goal and getting chances, he’ll score goals.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Man Utd boss no more concerned after recent sackings

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the recent sackings in the Premier League have not left him “more concerned” about his position.

    Tottenham dismissed Mauricio Pochettino in November before Arsenal sacked Unai Emery and Watford parted company with Quique Sanchez Flores.

    United are ninth in the table with 18 points from 14 league matches, their worst start to a campaign in 31 years.

    Read:Arsenal sack Unai Emery after 18 months in charge

    “I’m just focusing on my job,” said Solskjaer on Tuesday.

    “That’s doing as well as I can and look forward to the next game, but also look long term, plan things with the board.”

    Pochettino was linked with the United job before Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho, initially on an interim basis, at Old Trafford in December 2018 and has said he is “open to listen to projects” because he intends to “return to manage in Europe”.

    “It’s that time of year. It’s never nice to see your colleagues lose their jobs – now three in a very short space of time,” added Solskjaer.

    Read:Pochettino sacked by Tottenham

    “It doesn’t make me more concerned.

    “We have had too many draws for my liking – defeats as well, but draws we should have turned into wins.

    “Football is a results business and we’re not happy and know we should do better.”

    Solskjaer will face Mourinho – who succeeded Pochettino at Spurs – when United host the north London club on Wednesday (19:30 GMT kick-off), before a derby at Manchester City on Saturday (17:30).

    Midfielder Paul Pogba has not featured for United since September because of an ankle injury and Solskjaer says the 26-year-old France international will not be fit to face Tottenham.

    Source: bbc.com

  • ‘It was Cristiano-like’ – Rashford double sends Man Utd through

    Marcus Rashford’s sensational free-kick winner was like something Cristiano Ronaldo would produce, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said after his side beat Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

    The England striker gave United the lead with a penalty after Marcos Alonso fouled Daniel James.

    Michy Batshuayi equalised for Chelsea, who had won their last seven games, with a great run from the halfway line and finish from outside the box.

    But Rashford won the game with a swerving, dipping 30-yard free-kick into the top corner.

    “It was very Cristiano-like,” said Solskjaer. “The boy has nerves of steel, He takes a penalty no problem, and then steps up and hits the ball like he did and wins us the game. Fantastic.

    “He works too much on it. I’ve always tried to get him scoring simple tap-ins and being inside the box. He always scores great goals.”

    Read:Martial penalty ends Man Utds winless away run

    The quarter-final draw will take place on Thursday at about 08:45 GMT on BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.

    United’s decision to name strong team pays off

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer named a strong side, saying he wanted to “keep the momentum going” – with 19-year-old Brandon Williams the only unfamiliar youngster to start.

    And it worked as they won for a third game in a row, all away from home – after a run of six games without a win.

    Scott McTominay had already gone close to an opener when Rashford – who missed a penalty in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Norwich in the Premier League – sent Willy Caballero the wrong way from the spot.

    Chelsea made six changes from Saturday’s win at Burnley and did not look their usual selves. Christian Pulisic, who scored a hat-trick at Turf Moor, failed to have much of an impact, although he did drag a shot wide in the second half.

    Batshuayi’s equaliser was wonderful as he flicked Caballero’s long kick on with his head, before beating Harry Maguire for pace and smashing home from 25 yards.

    But the headlines belong to Rashford, who turns 22 on Thursday, who settled the game with a fantastic free-kick – his fourth goal against Chelsea this season.

    Read:Man Utd pull off sensational comeback to stun PSG

    ‘I thought we were the better team’

    Chelsea boss Frank Lampard told BBC Radio 5 Live: “There weren’t many chances in the first half. In the second half we showed the energy I wanted. We created chances and dominated the game.

    “They got a bolt out of the blue to win the game. It’s an amazing goal, you can’t do anything about that. We felt like we were going on to win the game at that stage.

    “[The winning run ending was] always going to happen. You can’t go on forever. Even [Manchester] City and Liverpool lose at some point. We changed the team a lot today, made a lot of changes. I thought we were the better team in general play.”

    Chelsea’s worse home record than last season – match stats

    Chelsea have lost three games at Stamford Bridge in 2019-20, one more than they did in the whole of the 2018-19 campaign.

    Manchester United have recorded back-to-back away wins at Chelsea for the first time since February 1998.

    Read:Man Utd always defend against us Jurgen Klopp

    United have won seven of their last eight League Cup matches against Premier League opposition.

    Marcus Rashford has scored five goals against Chelsea, his most against a single opponent. Four of those have come this season.

    Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first game in charge on 22 December, Manchester United have taken more (17) and scored more (12) penalties than any other Premier League team in all competitions.

    Michy Batshuayi equalled his longest scoring streak for Chelsea, having netted in three consecutive games for the third time for the Blues (previously doing so in May and September 2017).

    Chelsea (24 years 166 days) named their youngest starting XI in a League Cup fixture since October 2012, which was also against Manchester United (24y 7d).

    Source: bbc.com

  • Manchester United officials set to visit Saudi Arabia as rumours of a takeover looms

    A delegation of Manchester United top brass are set to visit Saudi Arabia as rumours of a take over by the Gulf state’s Crown Prince refuse to disappear.

    Discontent surrounding United’s ownership by the American Glazer family has been apparent since their takeover in 2005, paving the way for reports of a possible takeover by 34-year-old Mohammed Bin Salman.

    Although they have attended in the past, an appearance by United officials at the Future Investment Initiative organised by the Saudi Royal Family’s sovereign wealth fund later this month will do little to quash rumours of a purchase.

    Read:PSG stunned by controversial last-gasp Manchester United penalty

    According to The Transfer Window podcast’s Duncan Castles, the Glazers themselves have attended in the past and United are set to be represented again at the conference in the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh in just over two days time.

    Manchester United is valued at £2billion by the New York Stock Exchange and Mohammed Bin Salman could use part of the Saudi Royal Family’s £1 trillion wealth to become a major player on the football ownership scene.

    He would join the likes of Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners and the Qatari royal family behind Paris Saint-Germain.

    Read:Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho

    While all three of the nations may not be football hotbeds, the world of football ownership opens up colossal monetary opportunities and indeed that is what the FII focuses on.

    On its website, it is described as a collection of individuals ‘with the power to shape the future of global investment.’

    Aside from the financial aspect, sport journalist Castles believes that club ownership offers a good publicity vehicle for the Crown Prince and his family.

    Read:Disappointed Manchester United fan commits suicide after losing over GH¢3k bet

    Another subject of the ire of United fans has been the club’s Chief Executive, Ed Woodward.

    But he recently insisted that the club are not for sale, despite a £3 billion acquisition by the Saudi prince being reported.

    Source: www.espn.co.uk