Milenkovic EXCLUSIVE, Rice ‘wants Man Utd transfer’, ‘Cristiano Ronaldo for Pogba swap’, Kane deal OFF, Haaland latest

PAIN IN SPAIN

Ten Spanish teams have come to Old Trafford on European nights before Granada make it 11 tonight.

Yet only one LaLiga side has lost in Manchester on the last ten such visits.

That is five draws and four defeats for United, who solely beat Real Sociedad in October 2013.

ARE EU READY?

It’s a huge night in the Europa League, here is how each tie is set up ahead of the 8pm kick-offs.

Manchester United host Granada with a 2-0 lead after the first leg in Spain, but the LaLiga side broke a four-game losing streak when winning on the weekend.

Slavia Prague hold an away goal over Arsenal in their 1-1 tied quarter-final, the Czech club boasting a record of six wins, three draws and one defeat in their last ten European games.

Roma fought back from a goal down to lead Ajax 2-1 as their tie goes to Italy.

And Villarreal took a 1-0 win away to Dinamo Zagreb last week to extend their Europa League win-streak to seven games.

MEMORY LANE

Something like this tonight wouldn’t go amiss…

FAN-TASTIC NEWS

The Premier League are pushing back their penultimate round of fixtures so every team can play a home game in front of 10,000 fans.

It is understood the 37th round of games will now take place on May 18-19. That is the day after the third stage of the government’s Covid-19 roadmap is planned to start.

The Prem has told clubs of the decision to move the round of fixtures – but public confirmation of the plans are not expected until broadcast arrangements are in place.

Lockdown restrictions are set to ease on May 17, allowing outdoor venues to hold 25 per cent of capacity or 10,000 people, whichever is smaller.

There was concern that this would mean half the teams in the Premier League would be allowed to play in front of their fans for the final day of the season – while the other half would not.

Pushing back the second-to-last round of games means every club will be afforded the chance to play at their own ground in front of 10,000 supporters.

STAR FISH

They already had Captain Marvel at Manchester United, and in youngster Will Fish they have another potential leader among their ranks.

With the Red Devils suffering a selection headache in defence for Thursday’s Europa League second leg, and the suspensions of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Fish, 18, has been drafted into the squad.

The 6ft 1in defender is a commanding centre back, who will be relatively unknown to most fans.

But, amongst his peers in the youth sides, he’s the team-mate they all look to – like the stars of the 80s and 90s did with Bryan Robson.

And he has formed an impressive partnership with fellow youth prospect Teden Mengi at the heart of the defence for the U18’s.

NIK OF TIME – EXCLUSIVE

Manchester United are ready to step up their pursuit of Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Serbian defender has been on the radar of Old Trafford scouts for a number of seasons now. The 23-year-old runs out of contract in the summer of 2022, and it is understood he will not sign a new deal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a new centre-back this summer, in search of a long-term partner for Harry Maguire. But it is understood the Italian side will demand at least £38m for their man, which United would not be willing to pay.

A number of top sides are showing interest in Milenkovic, with Chelsea believed to be keen.

Meanwhile, AC Milan would look to sign him if they can seal a permanent deal for Fikayo Tomori with the Blues.

United are expected to offload Eric Bailly when the window opens, with talks over a new contract not progressing. The 26-year-old wants assurances over regular action, which Solskjaer has refused to give him.

MEL OF A LIFE

Anthony Martial’s wife Melanie has opened up on what it is really like to be a Premier League Wag.

The stunning model has been with Man United’s No9 Anthony since his ugly split with mother of his first child Samantha Jacquelinet in 2016.

Melanie, 29, is keen to stress that being a footballer’s wife isn’t just about the ‘latest handbags’ and ‘nice cars’ that some people perceive it to be.

She told Konbini, via Get French Football News: “Never in my life did I imagine that I would become the wife of a footballer. Really never.

“It was never my idea to live my life according to a man, so already that’s all wrong. I can understand people who have stereotypes around footballers’ wives, because I had them too.

“It’s like: ‘Wow, the nice cars, handbags.’ That’s the first stereotype, but it is not at all like that. It maybe summarises one month of the year, the month where they have holidays, in June, the nice holidays, all that. For the rest of the year it is not like that at all.”

IMPROVED MENTALITY

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says last season’s Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla triggered a change in mentality among his Manchester United team.

Speaking ahead of his side’s quarter-final second-leg against Granada, the Norwegian said: “It’s not up to me to say if their mentality has changed my job.

“Our job has been to get the best out of the players. How you do that is different in every coaching and management style.

“I can feel change in the belief and confidence. When we started this project we knew we had a few months or a year maybe to learn and they’ve learnt on the job many of them.

“But now you can see the focus. We want to win a trophy.

“The disappointment of last year’s semi-final defeats have done something to the mentality of the group definitely.”

O-LOL GUNNAR SOLSKJAER

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he wants his team to ‘win the right way’ despite the Red Devils’ historic reputation of intimidating officials and getting favourable decisions.

The Norwegian said ‘the game is gone’ after the farcical decision to disallow Edinson Cavani’s goal after Scott McTominay’s ‘foul’ on Heung-min Son against Tottenham on Sunday.

And asked to elaborate ahead of United’s Europa League quarter-final second-leg against Granada, Solskjaer recalled something Sir Alex Ferguson told him when he was a player.

He said: “I think every manager has certain values and when I got sent off against Newcastle a few years ago, many moons ago, I thought I ‘d done the right thing for the team.

“But Sir Alex lambasted me after the game and said ‘We don’t win that way at Man Utd’ and I’ve lived by that ever since.

“We want to win in the right manner it doesn’t matter who we play against we want to win playing by the book. I’m not saying someone else doesn’t, I’m just saying I think every manager wants to win in a fair way.”

GREEN LIGHT TO GO!

Mason Greenwood is confident Manchester United can get the job done against Granada at Old Trafford tonight.

The Red Devils go into the second-leg of their Europa League quarter-final against the LaLiga side with a 2-0 lead from the first-leg in Spain.

But the young forward says there is no room for complacency as they seek to reach the semis.

Greenwood said: “To get a 2-0 lead, it’s given us a big boost but not an easier chance.

“You never know what they can do in the second leg really, but it’s given us a bit of comfort. But we can’t relax on it in this next game. We’ve got to go out and finish the job to get through to the semis.

“We’re going out to win the match; all the players are ready. We’ve done our preparation and I’m sure we’ll be ready to go.”

WHAT’S IN A MANE?

When it comes to the horses, Manchester United are first past the post.

New research has found that there are more horse names inspired by the Red Devils than any other club – and they’ve also been the most successful on the track.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men might be second in the Premier League – but they have a table-topping 11 horses related to the club by name, making them the most popular and most profitable football club in racing.

Their squad of horses are headed by the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned, top-class former Flat horse Rock Of Gibraltar, who won seven Group 1s during a brilliant career.

The 11 horses with Manchester United-related names boast a win percentage of 26.77% in 198 starts – accumulating earnings of almost £3 million at a rate of £15,000 per race.

That’s enough to see them claim top spot based on prize money, just ahead of Spanish giants Barcelona who have been represented by the American-trained Messi in 21 races, winning four but still making almost £14,000 per race.

SHAW’S REDEMPTION – FAN’S VIEW by Tom McDermott

When Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in 2014 he said in his first interview that he wanted to continue to progress his career and that United was the best place for him to do that.

It’s only really now, seven years on, that United supporters are starting to see him fulfil such potential. It all might have been different if Shaw hadn’t suffered such a horrific injury in the Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Shaw started that particular campaign flying out of the blocks, but through the resulting years, a combination of other niggly injuries, poor form, and managerial upheaval, has caused many to question whether or not he would survive at Old Trafford.

Even at the start of this season, fans questioned Shaw’s ability. It just felt like he was coming to the end, and that a change of scenery might suit both the club and player.

But, for the vast majority of the campaign, Shaw has proven himself to be the best full-back in the Premier League, and one of the finest in Europe. He’s shown great mental strength too, to go from being an injury prone ‘possible’ to one of the first names on the team sheet.

His defensive positioning and pace means he’s a nightmare for opposing wingers, but his experience also means that he’s often on hand to prevent danger further up the pitch and away from his defensive third. And going forward, he’s practically impossible to stop when in full flight, and he’s starting to add more goals and assists to his play.

ZLAT’S ALL FOLKS?

Former Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic is facing a three-year ban for investing in a Malta-based betting company, it has been claimed.

A bombshell report in Sweden says that the 39-year-old’s career could be brought to a premature end as a result of the ban.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet state that he owns ten per cent of Bethard, a gambling company with offices in Malta, through his business Unknown AB.

Both Fifa and Uefa do not let players have financial interests in gambling companies. Fifa’s ethical rules say that anyone who violates them faces a fine and a ban from all football activities for a maximum of three years.

The report continues that the Swedish FA were aware of the problem and it’s the reason he didn’t feature in the 2018 World Cup. AC Milan striker Zlatan had already retired from international football in 2016 but made his return ahead of this summer’s Euros.

The report adds that Zlatan’s company is the fourth largest shareholder in Bethard and it made a profit after tax of £25.79m in 2019. He was announced as a co-owner and ambassador for the brand three years ago.

‘STEP BY STEP’

Tahith Chong is set to have crunch talks with his parents before making a decision on his Manchester United future.

The winger’s contract with the Premier League big boys is set to expire next summer. Fierce competition for a place in United’s starting XI prompted the 21-year-old to join Belgian side Club Brugge on loan in January.

Brugge are said to be interested in acquiring Chong’s services on a permanent basis, although the Dutchman is refusing to make any hasty decisions.

Chong told De Kraant van West-Vlaanderen: “I look at it step by step. If I start thinking about where I want to be next year, I wouldn’t be focused on Anderlecht next Sunday.

“I can only do my utmost. And enjoy the game. I always try to play football with a smile. My focus is now on the two remaining matches and the play-offs. You will have to prove yourself there anyway.

“(If I could choose) then I would go home and discuss it with my mum and dad. Then I’ll listen to the pluses and minuses. Then we’ll work it out as a family.”

ERLING’S KINGS

Manchester United target Erling Haaland named the seven strikers he thinks are better than him – but would back himself in a crunch tie.

The Borussia Dortmund star, 20, has burst on to the scene with a series of stunning displays over recent years. Scoring goals for fun, Haaland made his transfer to the German giants in the winter transfer window of 2020.

And in an interview with VG, the Norwegian sensation could only think of seven centre-forwards in world football currently better than him – and it is some list.

The seven is made up of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski from rivals Bayern Munich.

All of the remaining five strikers all ply their trade in the Premier League including Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well as Tottenham hero Harry Kane.

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, Roberto Firmino of Liverpool and Chelsea new boy Timo Werner – who arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer – complete the elite group.

WE’LL BE BARC

Barcelona have made Manchester United target Erling Haaland their No1 priority this summer.

And the Blaugrana are willing to wait until his £65million release clause triggers in 2022. But their preference is to negotiate down Dortmund’s current rumoured asking price of around £130m.

The German side, who were eliminated from the Champions League by Manchester City last night, are currently fifth in the Bundesliga. And, sitting seven points off the top four, their strong stance on keeping Haaland may alter if they fail to qualify for Europe’s top prize.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are also battling to convince Haaland’ representatives that he is better off in Catalonia, rather than Madrid.

Their logic centres around the benefits of the 20-year-old potentially getting to play with Lionel Messi in his first years at the club. Before he can then take the mantle as the face of the club upon the Argentine’s exit.

They argue that, at Real Madrid, 22-year-old fellow young gun Kylian Mbappe will always be No1 in president Florentino Perez’s eyes. Leaving Haaland to constantly have to play second fiddle.

ANDREA FIGHT

Manchester United and Arsenal face a transfer fight with Tottenham if they want to land Andrea Belotti.

The 27-year-old Torino striker is wanted by a number of top clubs around Europe. But Premier League sides are leading the chase with Man Utd, Arsenal and now Tottenham at the front of the queue.

TuttoSport in Italy claim the Prem trio are keeping an eye on Belotti ahead of a possible summer deal. Reports earlier this month also claimed West Ham and Everton were interested in the striker, who has scored 12 times this season.

Belotti has an £85m exit clause that only applies to foreign clubs, although he could be available for far less. Belotti’s good relationship with the club’s hierarchy means it is unlikely any sides would have to activate the clause.

Instead reasonable offers are likely to be discussed by all parties.

The striker’s contract expires in 2022 and Torino are believed to be preparing to offer him significantly improved terms to ensure he extends his deal for two years with the option of a third.

PAUL THE OTHER ONE

Paulo Dybala has signed a new contract, but it’s not all bad news for his transfer suitors.

The 27-year-old Juventus striker has become an ambassador for finance group Skrill.

But in all seriousness, Juve will hope that a new contract with the club is not too far away.

Man Utd and Chelsea had been linked with his signature with PSG also in the mix.

DON’T MISS OUT

Europa League football is back tonight as Manchester United and Arsenal will look to progress to the semi-finals.

Manchester United welcome Granada to Old Trafford with a two-goal lead while Arsenal travel to face Slavia Prague with the scoreline 1-1 on aggregate.

RICE ON BOIL

Declan Rice sounded out Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw on what it is like at Manchester United while away with England, according to reports.

The Manchester Evening News reports Rice, 22, asked his England pals some questions about aspects of life at Old Trafford during the international break last month as he contemplates his future.

A number of United players are thought to be very popular within the England group and club chiefs may hope that senior stars could help swing a deal.

United are said to have been monitoring his progress for over two years as they look to land a young defensive midfielder.

The report states the club believe Rice – who can also slot in at centre-back – could develop into more of a box-to-box style player at United.

AXE TO GRIND – ICYMI

Manchester United are set to ring the changes for the Europa League quarter-final second leg against Granada with a TRIO of starters suspended.

Captain Harry Maguire, left-back Luke Shaw and influential midfielder Scott McTominay are all out of Thursday’s game at Old Trafford after picking up yellow cards in the 2-0 win in last week’s first leg.

And Axel Tuanzebe could be the beneficiary with the 23-year-old in line for a rare start. Youngster Will Fish, 18, has also been promoted to the senior squad for the game with Eric Bailly still unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19.

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Tuanzebe can slot into the back four seamlessly despite having seen just 554 minutes of action in all competitions this season.

The Norwegian said: “Axel has always been a very positive boy and hardworking. Victor and Harry have played, they’ve formed a very good partnership.

“Eric’s come in and played really well when he’s played so his [Axel’s] chances have been limited, but he’s been training well and he’s ready for this opportunity.”

NEW JERSEY

Manhester United target Erling Haaland got his hands on a Man City shirt last night – but it was just an end-of-game swap.

The Dortmund goal machine is at the centre of a massive transfer tussle between Europe’s big clubs including City.

He swapped shirts with Oleksandr Zinchenko at the end of the quarter-final second leg.

And Haaland was also seen chatting with Man City’s match winner Phil Foden after the game and United fans will hope he wasn’t begging him to sign.

POGMENTARY

Paul Pogba has signed an exclusive deal with Amazon, and will be the subject of a docuseries over the next year.

Manchester United fans will be treated to a behind the scenes look at their No6, when ‘The Pogmentary’ releases in 2022

Viewers will be treated to never before seen Pogba content, featuring footage from his childhood, as well as a deep dive into his passions and accomplishments.

The series will also feature intimate conversations with his family, friends and team-mates, as the audience learns more about the French superstar.

Produced by Black Dynamite, ‘The Pogmentary’ will allow fans to get closer than ever before to their favourite footballer.

GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS

Manchester United face Granada tonight in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

The Red Devils are 2-0 up from the first encounter.

And they are set to ring the changes with Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay all suspended.

Axel Tuanzebe is in line for a rare start, while teenager Will Fish will be on the bench.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice sounded out Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw on what it is like at Manchester United while away with England, according to reports.

The Manchester Evening News reports Rice, 22, asked his England pals some questions about aspects of life at Old Trafford during the international break last month as he contemplates his future.

A number of United players are thought to be very popular within the England group and club chiefs may hope that senior stars could help swing a deal.

United are said to have been monitoring his progress for over two years as they look to land a young defensive midfielder.

The report states the club believe Rice – who can also slot in at centre-back – could develop into more of a box-to-box style player at United.

Finally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has blamed Old Trafford’s red banners for Manchester United’s erratic home form – after his players complained the colour was too distracting.

He said: “You’ll see a change now. If you see the banners around the club it’s not red anymore.

“We’ve looked into this. There shouldn’t be a reason, really.

“But some of the players have mentioned that split-second decision you have to make where you look over your shoulder to see if your teammate is there or not and the red shirt is on a red background with red seats.

“So we’ve tried to change that, along with the anti-racism campaign.

“It was important that it wasn’t red anymore.”

ED NOWHERE

Edinson Cavani should snub a Boca Juniors transfer and stay at the top level in Europe, according to his Uruguay manager.

The Manchester United striker, 34, continues to be linked with a return to South America at the end of the season when his initial Old Trafford contract expires.

But the Uruguay national team boss reckons Cavani is better off plying his trade among Europe’s elite.

As reported by Depo in Argentina, Oscar Tabarez wants his 118-cap striker to stay with United for another season and test himself against the best defences ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Remarkably, those views come in stark contrast to Tabarez’s assistant Mario Rebello who believes Cavani should quit Old Trafford and play where he is ‘comfortable’.