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MANCHESTER UNITED suffer heavy injury problem ahead of LIVERPOOL match as THREE key players are out for two weeks – BBC Sport news
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Manchester United transfer news live as Mount and Hojlund available vs Liverpool
All the very latest Man United news, views and transfer updates from the Manchester Evening News.
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BY DOMINIC BOOTH, GEORGE SMITH, ROSS GREGORY
UPDATED16:33, 16 MAR 2024
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(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images.)
Manchester United will be looking to keep their hopes of winning silverware this season alive when they face Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend, while they reached the FA Cup final last season, losing 2-1 to Manchester City at Wembley. So Erik ten Hag will be determined to see his side go one step further this time around – but they must get the better of Liverpool before looking any further.
Ten Hag gave some good news on Friday, with Rasmus Hojlund among four senior players who could return from injury. Mason Mount is also expected to be part of the matchday squad.
Meanwhile, United continue to be linked with various players ahead of the summer transfer window, following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment last month. Big changes could be made to the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Keep tabs on all the very latest United news and views by following the live blog below:
KEY EVENTS
Mount set for matchday squad vs Liverpool
15:23
Two players out vs Liverpool
Champions League boost
09:03
16:33DOMINIC BOOTH
Enrique predicts 5-0 to Liverpool
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has predicted a 5-0 win for his old side at Manchester United… perhaps in predictable fashion.
Enrique has made something of a name for himself skewering United in the press since his retirement, so take these comments with a pinch of salt! This is what he said, speaking on The Counter Attack from Grosvenor Sport:
“I don’t fancy Manchester United to get a result on Sunday. Obviously when I was at Liverpool I didn’t get to experience them being this superior to Manchester United – it was more of a 50/50 when I played and sometimes United were the better team. This is still a difficult game for Liverpool, but I really think they are going to win.
“Manchester United are actually playing worse at Old Trafford than when they play away from home – it’s not the same as it used to be when I was playing. I’d love Liverpool to pick up a really big win here – I’m going to go with 5-0 to them.
“They’re scoring so many goals at the moment and their attack is as good as it’s been all season.”
16:01DOMINIC BOOTH
Amass signs United contract
Promising Manchester United left-back Harry Amass has announced that he’s signed his first professional contract at the club.
He does so on his 17th birthday – the earliest possible moment. Amass is very highly rated in the United academy.
15:23KEY EVENT
Mount set for matchday squad vs Liverpool
All the indications are that Mason Mount will be in Manchester United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Liverpool and could well play a role from the bench.
Mount has been sidelined since November with an ongoing calf injury and has played just 12 times since signing for United from Chelsea for £60m.
Could the Liverpool game mark the true start of Mount’s United career?
Mason Mount has returned to Manchester United training (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
15:00DOMINIC BOOTH
Eric Ramsay on Ten Hag and INEOS
Former Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay has given an insight in what it was like working with Erik ten Hag at the club.
As he prepares to take charge of MLS side Minnesota United, Ramsay says his United experience will stand him in good stead for the future – as he spoke about how driven Ten Hag is behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
On Ten Hag, Ramsay said: “He is obviously incredibly focused, has real conviction as to how he wants the team to play, how he feels the group should be managed, as you’d expect of anyone who hits that level as a manager.”
Read more from him here
14:30DOMINIC BOOTH
Bendito Mantato magic
Bendito Mantato – remember the name! The 16-year-old has scored four goals for United’s Under-18s in a 5-2 comeback win over Blackburn today. Here’s a couple of those:
14:07DOMINIC BOOTH
Amadou Onana transfer ‘setback’ for United?
Manchester United may have received a setback in the transfer market, amid links with Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
German news outlet BILD are reporting that Everton are desperate to keep hold of the midfield man, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona. It was previously thought £50m could land Onana.
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images))
13:31DOMINIC BOOTH
United vs Liverpool and FA Cup odds
These betting odds come courtesy of Betideas.com:
Manchester United – 3/1
Draw – 16/5
Liverpool – 4/5
Overall FA Cup Winner 2023/24
Manchester City – 5/4
Liverpool – 10/3
Chelsea – 6/1
Manchester United – 8/1
Wolves – 11/1
Newcastle United – 14/1
Leicester City – 25/1
Coventry – 50/1
13:00ROSS GREGORY
United keen on Premier League duo
Manchester United are continuing to monitor Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.
Branthwaite, 21, and Onana, 22, started in Everton’s 2-0 defeat to United at Old Trafford last Saturday and a source confirmed United still like the duo.
Samuel Luckhurst has the full story here
12:25DOMINIC BOOTH
McTominay wins Scotland award
A fine achievement for Scott McTominay, as the Manchester United player picks up Scotland’s men’s player of the year award.
12:11DOMINIC BOOTH
Ex United man ramps up pressure on Liverpool game
Former United man Gordon Strachan believes Erik ten Hag’s team are under big pressure for their game against Liverpool on Sunday – especially if the visitors rotate their team and field several youngsters.
He was speaking to OLBGabout the pressure many United players have been under in recent times:
“Manchester United have an issue in their FA Cup against Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp makes changes because they won’t get praise for beating a lesser team, but if they lose to them it will be a tragedy.
The pressure can be a real problem with the mindset of Manchester United players, so you have to think about the mental side when they play Liverpool.
Some players have come out and said that they shouldn’t be criticised if they are trying their best but if you’re getting heaps of money then it’s part of the deal. If you’re at Manchester United then you have to deal with it.
If you don’t like it then you should go and play for a lesser club, whether it was 40 years ago or now it’s magnificent to play for Manchester United and the fact is you have to deal with stress.”
Jonny Evans and Diogo Dalot battle for possession with Mohamed Salah(Image: 2023 Getty Images)
11:52DOMINIC BOOTH
Juventus to ‘swoop’ for Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat may now be on borrowed time at Manchester United, with his loan from Fiorentina set to expire in the summer and it looking unlikely that the club will extend it or make the move permanent.
And Calciomercato claims that Juventus are interested in the midfielder, with the Old Lady potentially set to swoop in the summer – especially if Adrien Rabiot leaves the club. It remains to be seen whether Juve would prefer another loan or a permanent transfer.
(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)
11:23DOMINIC BOOTH
Alexander Buttner interview
Alexander Buttner cherishes his memories with Manchester United and he spoke to the MEN to discuss his few years in Manchester.
“My relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson was really good. He brought me to United and I was grateful for that. He was a really special coach and he knew everything about the players. He talked a lot with me and tried to make you feel at home. He was obviously really important for me and my time there.”
Read the full interview here
10:55DOMINIC BOOTH
Ashworth to bring Guimaraes to United?
Dan Ashworth could bring Bruno Guimaraes to Manchester United with him from Newcastle, according to a new report in the Spanish media.
Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes has been hugely impressive for the Magpies, with Spanish newsppaper AS reporting that both Manchester City and United are interested in a move.
United are still trying to thrash out compensation with Newcastle over Ashworth’s proposed arrival as sporting director, but this could be a major transfer in its own right.
Bruno Guimaraes has been of interest to Arsenal in the past(Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
10:28DOMINIC BOOTH
Ten Hag: ‘Atmosphere will help v Liverpool’
Erik ten Hag has called upon Manchester United fans to create a feverish atmosphere for the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool tomorrow (Sunday).
In an interview with United’s official website, Ten Hag spoke a little more about the Liverpool game and why he’d love the Old Trafford atmosphere to replicate the one for the clash back in August 2022 – United’s last home game against Liverpool and also the last time they beat them (2-1):
“I hope we can get the same atmosphere. That would be a fantastic help.
“But by the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what the atmosphere is, [it’s about] how the game will go. If we play bad or we play good, we have to win. It’s about this.”
“We’re really looking forward to that game
“There are always huge fixtures [between] Manchester United [and] Liverpool and the players, they want to play such games because they get challenged.”
10:04DOMINIC BOOTH
United stance on selling Rashford
Manchester United have no intention of selling Marcus Rashford, despite the forward being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
That’s according to Erik ten Hag, who was asked about Rashford’s future in a press conference on Friday. Rashford signed a new five-year contract at United worth around £325,000 a week in July last year and Ten Hag expressed his preference for United to keep the academy graduate.
Here’s the full story, including what Ten Hag said
(Image: Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images.)
09:38DOMINIC BOOTH
United ‘set new bumper price’ for Sancho
Manchester United have reportedly put a new price tag on Jadon Sancho, amid the winger’s turnaround in form for Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho sealed a return to the German club on loan in the January transfer window after a public fallout with Erik ten Hag, and it’s widely expected that he’ll be sold permanently in the summer.
Football Insider now claim that United will ask for as much as £50million for Sancho, given his form has improved after a tricky start to his loan spell. Sancho scored as Dortmund progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek.
Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho(Image: Getty)
ROSS JACKSON
Injury boost
Erik ten Hag has confirmed four players could be in line to return to the squad against Liverpool on Sunday.
Rasmus Hojlund has missed the past four games with a muscular problem but he could make his return at Old Trafford this weekend. Hojlund which was in great form prior to his injury and his return would be a timely boost as the Reds look to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
There were injury updates on plenty of other players in Friday’s press conference. Click here to read more >>>
(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images.)
ROSS JACKSON
Nearly press conference time!
It’s almost time to hear from the boss.
Erik ten Hag will shortly give the latest team news ahead of United’s clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup. We’ll bring you updates from today’s press conference in our live blog which you can access by clicking here >>>
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
ALEX JAMES
FA Cup semi final draw details
Manchester United tackle Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter finals this weekend with a Wembley date in the last four up for grabs.
Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten in the final by Manchester City last season and will be hoping to go one better as they seek some silverware to salvage their season.
Details for the last four draw have now been confirmed. Read more here
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Fans walk down Wembley Way prior to the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
KEY EVENT
Two players out vs Liverpool
United’s injury woes continue. Jonny Evans will not be available for this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Liverpool.
Evans will miss the game after it was agreed he required a period of recovery to overcome a knock he has been managing. United will also be without Altay Bayindir after he picked up a muscle injury. He has not joined up with Turkey’s national side for their games against Hungary and Austria.
Click here to read on >>>
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.)
ROSS JACKSON
Mainoo in U21 squad
Kobbie Mainoo’s rapid rise had seen many calling for him to be given a senior England call-up when Gareth Southgate announced his squad yesterday. However, the United starlet was not included and he has instead been named in the England U21 squad.
Mainoo has become a key part of Erik ten Hag’s midfield, making 14 Premier League appearances this season and scoring one league goal.
09:03KEY EVENT
Champions League boost
United’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League were given a huge boost last night.
The Reds currently find themselves in sixth position in the table, six points off Tottenham in fifth and eight points off Aston Villa in fourth.
Finishing fifth could be enough to secure a place at Europe’s top table next season, though it will all depend on how English sides perform in European competitions this season. Thursday night saw United handed a huge boost, and you can read why by clicking here >>>
(Image: Kristian Skeie – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images.)
08:46ROSS JACKSON
Sancho asking price
It’s difficult to envisage Jadon Sancho returning to Old Trafford this summer – although a change in manager could make things interesting.
The England winger is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund having been exiled from the first-team set-up by Ten Hag earlier this season. Whether he makes a permanent return to Dortmund remains to be seen, but German outlet BILD reports United have told Dortmund how much they would need to pay to make the deal permanent.
It’s claimed United have set an asking price of £30m, meaning United would take an incredible £43m hit on their original investment.
Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho(Image: Getty)
08:27ROSS GREGORY
Chelsea join race to sign Bremer
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer this summer, according to reports overnight.
Man United have been constantly linked with Bremer with the club expected to look to sign at least one centre-half this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe embarks on a squad rebuild. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is also a target, as reported by the Manchester Evening News earlier this week.
Bremer, a Brazil international, signed a new long-term contract with the Bianconeri in December, but there is a low release clause of around €50 million.
GEORGE SMITH
United ‘pinpoint’ McKennie amid plans to bolster midfield
According to a report by GiveMeSport, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has been ‘pinpointed as a good option’ by United ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
It is claimed that United have identified the USA international as an option to strengthen their midfield options. The Reds are understood to have identified the central-midfield department as an area they wish to bolster ahead of next term.
McKennie, 25, has spent time in England previously, having a loan spell at Leeds United last term.
(Image: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images.)
17:35GEORGE SMITH
Southgate shares Shaw concern
England boss Gareth Southgate has suggested that United left-back Luke Shaw could be a doubt for the European Championship this summer.
Shaw, who scored for England in the last European Championship final, is currently sidelined with a muscle injury. United ruled him out for an ‘extended period’ on February 21 and warned he could be absent for a ‘few months’.
As a result, Shaw, of course, did not make the latest England squad named by Southgate earlier today. The Three Lions face Brazil and Belgium in friendlies later this month.
When asked if Shaw’s chances for the summer are uncertain, Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Well, we’d have to say yes is the answer to that because the timelines would suggest he will only be available in the dying embers of the season. You don’t know what version of the player you’re going to get.”
Click here to read more.
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
17:00TYRONE MARSHALL
OPINION: United and Liverpool have more in common than you think after Klopp’s “top solution”
“While Sir David Brailsford is an outsider when it comes to football, Michael Edwards is very much an insider. A former player who worked his way up through the ranks with jobs at Portsmouth and Liverpool, before landing at Liverpool as sporting director. Edwards left Anfield in May 2022 but has been tempted to return by the title of chief executive of football, a remit as wide as Brailsford’s, who now sits on the United board and is a regular presence at Carrington. There are clear similarities in their role. Brailsford is also the high-profile figure. He is instantly recognisable and has rarely shirked the media. Whether that is through interviews or podcast appearances, he was visible as the leader of British Cycling and Team Sky and has almost become a kind of performance guru in recent years, offering leadership thoughts and deep thinking assessments in an industry that has become more open to such detailed talk.”
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.
16:35GEORGE SMITH
Have your say on the FA Cup
The outcome of Sunday’s tussle with Liverpool at Old Trafford will dictate whether United can still win a trophy this season or not.
With their top four hopes hanging in the balance, winning the FA Cup could represent United’s last remaining hope of making this season a success.
Take part in our poll below to have your say on what is more important for the Reds.
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16:00GEORGE SMITH
Brooks to officiate FA Cup clash
John Brooks will take charge of United’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Brooks, who is a vastly experienced Premier League referee, has taken charge of United on three occasions so far this season, including their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in January. He has officiated six United matches in his career, five of which they have won.
Brooks will be assisted by Lee Betts and Timothy Wood with Anthony Taylor chosen as the fourth official. Tim Robinson will be on VAR duty, supported by Chris Kavanagh, who is the Support VAR, and Edward Smart, who is the assistant VAR.
(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images.)
15:30GEORGE SMITH
OPINION: Ten Hag undroppable could be set for United position change vs Liverpool
“Aarom Wan-Bissaka has missed each of United’s last nine matches, meaning Diogo Dalot has had a free run at right-back. He has not failed to disappoint, churning out consistent, solid performances. As per FotMob, Dalot’s ratings have been consistent, earning a player rating north of seven in five of his last seven games, including a score of 8.3 in the 2-1 win at Aston Villa last month, where he provided the assist for Scott McTominay’s late winner. His consistency at right-back, however, could be derailed against Liverpool this weekend. Wan-Bissaka is in contention to feature in the FA Cup quarter-final clash, meaning could be recalled to the starting line-up, forcing Dalot to switch to left-back.”
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.
(Image: Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images.)
15:00GEORGE SMITH
Southgate explains Mainoo omission
England manager Gareth Southgate has cited a lack of game time for the reason behind Kobbie Mainoo’s omission from the latest Three Lions squad.
The United midfielder has not made the cut for this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium despite plenty of speculation suggesting he would be handed his first senior call-up. Instead, he is set to be included in the Under-21s’ squad for the first time.
Southgate told the media this afternoon:
“I think that he’s doing brilliantly for a young player and we’re never slow to put a young player into seniors. But he’s only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time. So we think ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed. He’s not at the point in terms of number of games that Jude [Bellingham] and Bukayo [Saka] were when they came in for the first time. But I repeat: he’s doing really well for a young player. He’s a good footballer – you can see that. And he’s getting some fabulous experience with United at the moment. And he looks a really good character.”
Click here to read more.
14:25GEORGE SMITH
Maguire’s inclusion has to be a positive
The fact Harry Maguire has been named in Gareth Southgate’s plans for England’s upcoming clashes with Brazil and Belgium suggests he is heading in the right direction with his injury.
He was not spotted within the training footage United released on Tuesday, but this development most certainly suggests he is on the road to recovery. Whether he will be fit enough in time for United’s FA Cup tie with Liverpool on Sunday remains to be seen, of course.
Erik ten Hag is scheduled to speak to the media tomorrow lunchtime.
(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
14:03GEORGE SMITH
Maguire and Rashford named in England squad
Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford have been named in the England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Boss Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the two internationals later this month. Maguire’s inclusion boosts United’s chances of potentially recovering him in time for Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
Full England squad:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
13:50GEORGE SMITH
England squad announcement coming up
The England squad for this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium will be made at 2pm.
We will bring you the full squad right here as soon as it is confirmed. Don’t go anywhere.
(Image: Domenic Aquilina/NurPhoto via Getty Images.)
13:25GEORGE SMITH
Newcastle want to ‘speed up’ Ashworth’s exit
According to a report by The Telegraph, Newcastle United want to ‘speed up’ Dan Ashworth’s exit from the club as Paul Mitchell ‘heads’ a shortlist to replace the United target.
United want to appoint Ashworth as their inaugural sporting director and he wants the move. He has been on gardening leave since informing Newcastle of his desire to make the switch last month.
According to the report compensation talks over Ashworth ‘remain a priority’ as United and Newcastle continue to try and reach an agreement. The Magpies, however, are now said to want to hurry the process along as they pursue a replacement.
Mitchell, who has previously worked at Tottenham Hotspur, has been linked with a role at Old Trafford in the past.
(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images.)
13:00SAMUEL LUCKHURST
OPINION: United have two places up for grabs vs Liverpool
“Nine of United’s starters are certainties on Sunday. If Erik ten Hag confirms Hojlund’s fitness at his 1.15pm press conference on Friday (or United do before) then he is the tenth. That raises the debate of the 11th man. If Harry Maguire is passed fit, Ten Hag has a couple of dilemmas to consider. Does he start two out-and-out full backs – a luxury he has not had in two months – or persist with Victor Lindelof as an auxiliary left back? And who partners Raphael Varane? Jonny Evans’s stock is so high again that United hit the skids when he limped off in the Manchester derby. A diligent recovery and ice baths ensured he started six days later against Everton. Evans earned another standing ovation when he was substituted.”
Click here to read more.
12:30GEORGE SMITH
United ‘battling’ Chelsea to sign Bournemouth ace
United are ‘battling’ with Chelsea for the signature of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, according to a report by the Mirror.
United are reportedly going to try and beef up their left-back options this forthcoming summer after being without Tyrell Malacia all season due to injury. Luke Shaw has also missed large chunks of the campaign due to his own injury problems.
It is reported that Kerkez, who joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July last year, is being ‘chased’ by Chelsea and that United are also in pursuit of his signature.
The Hungarian, who is only 20, has made 26 appearances in total for Bournemouth this season.
(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images.)
12:00TYRONE MARSHALL
OPINION: United’s tactical approach vs Liverpool is going to rely on three players
“This weekend it is the first of two Old Trafford rematches, this one in an FA Cup quarter-final that must be settled on the day. It seems certain United will go in with the same approach and hope that a combination of blocks, saves and inaccuracy keeps their goal intact once again. That seems likely to be the plan, anyway. Erik ten Hag was quizzed on United offering up so many shots after last weekend’s win against Everton when the Toffees had 23 attempts. So what? That was the summation of his answer. The Dutchman called them “low quality” chances but most revealingly said he had players more comfortable with defending in a low block.”
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.
11:45GEORGE SMITH
Brown urges United to stick with Ten Hag
Former United defender Wes Brown has urged Ineos to stick with Erik ten Hag following their investment in the club.
Ten Hag’s position at the club is under increasing uncertainty as the Reds’ Champions League qualification hopes hang in the balance. But Brown wants Sir Jim Ratcliffe to give Ten Hag the chance to work under the club’s new structure.
Brown told instantcasino.com:
“I think the new owners will keep faith with Erik ten Hag. Obviously it’s very hard when new people come in because they’re going to have their own views on how the football club is run, but I can tell you from being around the club a little bit that the owners have been very positive. I do feel like there will be some changes, particularly with some of the players, but I also think that they will give the manager time. It’s a tough one – United have had some legendary managers over the past 11 years and are yet to really get back to where they want to be, but I’d like to see Erik ten Hag stay and try and build a team – his team. He deserves it after the season he had last year.”
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images.)
11:30GEORGE SMITH
Evans left out of Northern Ireland squad
United defender Jonny Evans has not been included in the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming friendlies against Romania and Scotland later this month.
Michael O’Neill’s side face Romania in Bucharest on March 22 and take on Scotland at Hampden Park on March 26.
A report by the Belfast Telegraph says Evans has been left out of the squad after he ‘picked up a knock’ against Everton last weekend.
(Image: Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.)
11:15GEORGE SMITH
Dortmund to ‘attempt’ to keep Sancho
According to BBC Sport, Borussia Dortmund will ‘attempt’ to keep United winger Jadon Sancho at the club for next season.
The England international rejoined the German outfit in January, signing on loan for the remainder of the season. He scored his second goal since returning to the club on Wednesday night, netting in the Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.
Sancho, prior to returning to Dortmund, had not played for United since August as a result of being frozen-out by Erik ten Hag.
(Image: Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images.)
11:00GEORGE SMITH
United have been told what they want to hear about Branthwaite
Ahead of this summer’s transfer window, United are understood to be plotting a move for a new centre-back.
Jarrad Branthwaite is understood to be on their radar and is being monitored. He has excelled at Everton this season, taking his game to a whole new level after last season’s loan spell at PSV Eindhoven.
However, talk of a swoop for Branthwaite has raised some questions among United fans as he is left-footed. Lisandro Martinez is already United’s chief left-footed centre-back in the left-sided centre-back position. However, Branthwaite is just as capable on his right foot.
Click here to read more.
(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images.)
10:50GEORGE SMITH
Terzic praises Sancho after latest Dortmund goal
United loanee Jadon Sancho scored for the second Borussia Dortmund game running last night, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Dortmund beat PSV Eindhoven 2-0 on the night, securing a 3-1 aggregate triumph, and Sancho scored the opening goal with just three minutes on the clock. It marked his second goal in as many games after netting against Werder Bremen at the weekend.
Hailing his performance, Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic, speaking to TNT Sports, said:
“Seven days ago everybody asked me about when will he step back into his shape, into his form, when will he score? A lot have criticised last week and we see that he’s enjoying to be with us, to play and be with the teammates on and off the pitch. Jadon is a player who needs to smile. If he’s smiling then he’s going to shine on the pitch and it’s really important for us that he can perform like this. He did it really well, especially in the last two games. A big impact on our game. I think tonight was his best performance since he’s back and we know there’s a lot more to come.”
(Image: ANP via Getty Images.)
10:30GEORGE SMITH
Atletico ‘still keen’ on Greenwood
According to a report by The Times, Atletico Madrid are ‘still keen’ on the possibility of signing United forward Mason Greenwood in this forthcoming summer’s transfer window.
The forward is currently on loan at Getafe and has been heavily linked with a move to fellow LaLiga outfit Barcelona in recent weeks. However, reports elsewhere yesterday suggested that Barcelona have now ‘cooled’ their interest in the 22-year-old.
Making 26 appearances for Getafe so far this term, Greenwood has chipped in with eight goals. He has also registered five assists.
(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
10:15GEORGE SMITH
United ‘hope’ West Ham will renew McTominay interest
According to a report by iNews, United are hoping West Ham United rekindle their interest in Scott McTominay this forthcoming summer.
West Ham were keen on extracting the midfielder from Old Trafford last season but failed to meet United’s demands. McTominay has since enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career thus far this term, meaning he should command a higher fee than he did 12 months ago.
It is reported that United ‘hope’ the Hammers will ‘come back in for him’ ahead of next term.
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.)
10:00GEORGE SMITH
United ‘weighing up’ Schulte move
United are among the clubs ‘weighing up’ a move for Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, according to a report by the Mail.
It is reported that the USA international is also attracting interest from Arsenal. The 23-year-old has been with Columbus since 2022.
Premier League clubs are said to have scouted him ‘extensively’.
(Image: Kirk Irwin/Getty Images.)
09:45ROSS GREGORY
Marcus Rashford transfer stance
Marcus Rashford’s future has again been one of the big talking points this week. News broke that Paris St Germain remain interested in the striker as they seek a replacement for Kylian Mbappe in the summer.
A £75m bid has been mentioned, and some reports suggest preliminary talks have already taken place. Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
What the player himself thinks about it all is uncertain though there is no suggestion he is angling for a move. Indeed, Rashford outlined his feelings and stance last month when he told The Players’ Tribune. “When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better.
“But if you ever question my commitment to United, that’s when I have to speak up. It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity and everything I stand for as a man.”
Full story here and why £100m might be closer to the price tag United would want if they did decide to sell the forward
09:21ROSS GREGORY
Team-bonding session
(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)
United’s players and staff were pictured last night out at a team-bonding meal in Manchester city centre.
Ten hag and his coaching team also attended as the squad came together for a session that they hope will help them at the weekend.
Full story and pictures here
09:17ROSS GREGORY
Good morning
We are building up to the big game at the weekend as United take on Liverpool in the FA Cup.
It’s a quarter-final that could be crucial for Erik ten Hag. Under pressure, he’s desperately hoping to win some silverware and this is his last chance of the
campaign.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp yesterday confirmed that Mo Salah is back pretty much fully fit and could start on Sunday, though they have a game against Sparta Prague tonight in the Europa League. United’s build-up this week has been slightly different…
20:14JOSH HOLLAND
Sancho in the goals
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