CRISTIANO RONALDO kept Manchester United’s Champions League hopes alive with a sensational finish in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last night.
The Portuguese icon scored minutes after the Blues grabbed the opener which gives the Red Devils an outside of chance of landing in the top four.
Meanwhile, Ralf Rangnick has officially been confirmed as the new manager of the Austrian national football team.
However, the German will combine his new job with the consultancy role at United.
And summer signing Jadon Sancho could be OUT for the season with tonsillitis
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Rangnick’s part-time United role
Ralf Rangnick will work just six days a month in his consultancy role at Man Utd.
The Telegraph claims United’s current interim will definitely combine the behind-the-scenes role with his newly-announced job as Austria boss.
But Rangnick’s involvement at United will be limited to less than one week each month.
And it’s believed his main focus will be on helping Erik ten Hag with recruitment.
Exclusive by SunSport’s Jake Lambourne
Danny Mills has urged Erik ten Hag to complete an overhaul of Man Utd’s backroom staff – and not just the playing squad.
Mills said: “I think he’s got to clear out the backroom staff. There’s a lot of legacy people at United who know the club inside out, but it hasn’t worked for the last ten years now.
“They’ve struggled and when you bring a new manager in, with the way they work wanting to develop players and younger players through to the first team…
“I think he needs to clear out the backroom staff and bring his own people. You don’t have the issues of ‘well we used to do it this way’.
“One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel, it’s easy to point fingers when you’re not winning games and compare it to Sir Alex Ferguson.
“You don’t need any of that influence, United have struggled for long enough so it should be a clean sweep and start again.”
Man Utd’s mega money wages
Bruno Fernandes is the latest Red Devil to pen a lucrative long-term deal.
The Portuguese playmaker saw his weekly earning skyrocket to a staggering £240,000.
But there are still SIX other players at Man Utd currently pocketing even more dosh.
Sancho could be out for season
Manchester United may have to play the final three games of the season without Jadon Sancho.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick confirmed this afternoon that the England international missed last night’s match with Chelsea due to tonsillitis.
“Jadon [Sancho] might be out for the rest of the season with his tonsillitis so he will be unavailable against Brentford,” revealed Rangnick at his Friday press conference.
“He’s got inflammation on his tonsils and has also had some high temperatures.
“Hopefully, they can get hold of that inflammation and if the tonsils have to be taken out and removed, this can happen at the end of the season.”
Keane sunk by United subs
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has been slammed by Roy Keane for bringing Juan Mata on against Chelsea in Thursday’s 1-1 draw.
With the Red Devils needing a victory to remain in the race for fourth, Rangnick turned to the 34-year-old, who will be leaving the club in the summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: “It’s like a tribute to Mata, I thought it was his testimonial tonight. You’re Man United, you’re fighting for points, you’re playing for pride.
“It’s all like ‘we’ll give him a game, we’ll bring [Phil] Jones on, everyone gets a round of applause,’ you’re there to try and win a game of football for Man United.
“Forget all this ‘oh we’ll give someone 20 minutes because he’s leaving in a few weeks’ actually you should have left two years ago, a few of them.
“Get young lads on who are hopefully going to be there for the future and get a taste of playing at Old Trafford, playing against really good players in terms of Chelsea.”
Breaking: Rangnick confirms two jobs
Ralf Rangnick has been officially confirmed as the new manager of the Austria national team – but will continue to work at Manchester United in a consultancy role.
The German has agreed a two-year deal with the Austrian Football Association to lead the national side until the 2024 European Championships.
However, the 62-year-old will combine his new job with a consultancy role at Manchester United, and insists he’s committed to helping the club to rebuild.
A statement from Rangnick reads: “I will take over as national team manager of Austria at the end of the season but will continue my consultancy with Manchester United.
“I’m really looking forward to playing my part in helping United become a real force.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Ralf Rangnick is interviewed during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 28, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images) Keane slams whole-hearted Matic
Nemanja Matic and Reece James clashed during the second half of last night’s match at Old Trafford.
But while Roy Keane was full of praise for James after the game, stating that Chelsea were ‘lucky’ to have him, he was less than impressed with Matic.
Keane was enraged by the Serbian midfielder’s post-match interview in which he claimed the Red Devils would always be in his heart – before adding that so too would former club Chelsea.
Back in the Sky Sports studio, Keane mocked Matic’s comments, saying: “Where’s the standards at the club?
“Matic’s talking about ‘I’m leaving, I’ve had a great time, Man United will always be in my heart, oh and Chelsea as well, oh and Benfica don’t forget them’. They all can’t be in your heart.”
Ralf set for international appointment
Ralf Rangnick will today be officially announced as the new head coach of Austria.
A press conference in Vienna is scheduled for 11.45am when the appointment will be announced.
The 63-year-old will link up with the Austrian national team until 2024.
Rangnick is expected to remain in his consultancy role with Manchester United while leading the Austrians.
Ten Hag: Leave me alone!
Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United officials not to contact him.
But don’t worry, Red Devils, the request only concerns the 48 hours prior to Ajax matches while he concludes his time with the Amsterdam club.
ESPN understand that Ten Hag, who will take over as manager at Old this summer, needs two days free of distractions before each game.
Top-of-the-table Ajax are looking to claim the Eredivisie title for a fourth season in succession, and lead PSV by four points with four games to play.
On your Marcs: Gunners want Rashford
Arsenal have registered their interest in Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, reports suggest.
That is according to Football Insider, who claim that the Gunners have set aside £45million to boost their attack and are looking to splash it all on Rashford in the summer.
The forward has struggled at United this season after starting out with a shoulder injury, and his future at the club is ‘up in the air’.
The North Londoners are desperate to land an attacker from the top shelf this summer and the England international is reportedly a ‘leading target’.
Arsenal lost star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona during the January transfer window.
Manager Mikel Arteta is also likely to be left without any centre-forwards at the end of the season as Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah’s contracts run out in June.
Breaking: Greenwood bail to be extended
Police want extra time to investigate Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood after he was arrested on suspicion of rape, assault and threats to kill.
The 20-year-old’s bail is due to end tomorrow, but a request has been submitted to extend that deadline.
However, Mike Keegan at the Daily Mail understands that a decision on the request may not be made until mid-June.
In the meantime, the footballer will remain on conditional bail.
United suffer De Jong blow
Manchester United’s ambitious hopes of landing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong have suffered a blow after it emerged moneybags PSG were also in for the midfielder.
The Dutch star worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and has been linked with a reunion ever since the new Manchester United manager was officially confirmed.
Barcelona do not wish to sell one of their stars but could be tempted by a large offer while they continue to get back on a stable financial footing.
And that is likely to leave the Ligue 1 club in pole position given their resources, and United’s need to bring in quantity as well as quality.
Dream comes true for Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho hailed his Manchester United debut as a ‘dream come true’ after coming on for the closing stages of Thursday’s draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.
There have been calls for the 17-year-old to be included in the first team in recent weeks, and the winger finally got the nod with United missing eight regulars.
The Spanish-born Argentine tweeted after his late cameo: “Incredible moment making my debut at 17 years old for Manchester United in the Premier League at the Theatre of Dreams.”
“I can’t put into words what I’m feeling right now, I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was 4 years old.
“Remember guys, Dreams really do come true.”
Credit: @agarnacho7 Twitter Rangnick praises De Gea display
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick reckons David de Gea’s first half performance was key to the Red Devils earning a point at home to Chelsea.
The German coach admitted his side struggled in the opening 45 to keep the Blues at bay, and needed a string of fine saves from their Spanish stopper to keep them on level terms.
“It was a good point for us,” Rangnick revealed afterwards.
“In the first half, Chelsea dominated the game. We had massive problem in closing down the spaces although our gameplan was to attack them higher and be aggressive but, to be honest, it was very difficult for us to do that.
“You can see that they have top players and also very good organisation.
“That showed in the first half, and we needed some great saves from David de Gea and some last ditch tackles.”
Good morning Man Utd fans
Ralf Rangnick’s side played out a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Marcos Alonso handed Chelsea the lead with a striker’s finish.
But Cristiano Ronaldo equalised minutes later to share the points.
A deflated Gary Neville didn’t hold back in his assessment.
Neville blasted: “Man United are the type of team for any football fan watching that you almost want to get beat.
“They need beating, they set a really poor example around work ethic and trying – and all the things that parents and teachers tell their children every single day.”
Fans protested against the Glazer family during their crunch clash with Chelsea.
Die-hard United supporters were pictured holding banners reading “Glazers Out” before kick-off at Old Trafford.
On the transfer front, Arsenal have registered their interest in United star Marcus Rashford, reports suggest.
That is according to Football Insider, who claim that the Gunners have set aside £45million to boost their attack and are looking to splash it all on Rashford in the summer transfer window.
And finally, Rangnick has been offered the job as manager of the Austrian national team.
But SunSport understands the 63-year-old would still continue in his advisory position at Manchester United when Erik ten Hag takes over as boss.
Austrian outlet Kurier claim Rangnick is close to being named as the new head coach.
Man Utd verdict
Harry Maguire should hardly be that worried that he will lose the Manchester United captaincy once Erik Ten Hag shows up.
Certainly not on the basis of the first audition of suitable candidates on view against Chelsea.
The England central defender’s role as skipper of the Red Devils is under threat.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick declared that a vote should be held amongst the players for who will wear the famous arm band next season.
And that means Maguire, missing against Chelsea and who will also be out with knee trouble for the remaining three games of United’s miserable campaign, won’t get the German’s recommendation to carry on.
He suggests a players’ council, similar to what is in place at Manchester City and Arsenal.
That could mean several players will lead the team as opposed to only one.
Yet no one player stood out as his replacement even if Bruno Fernandes was captain for the night and will probably be given the responsibility through those last fixtures.
‘I hope Ten Hag is watching’
A deflated Gary Neville didn’t hold back in his assessment of Manchester United during their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The Red Devils legend tore into Ralf Rangnick’s flops, slamming the players as “embarrassing” despite the two teams sharing the points.
Neville blasted: “Man United are the type of team for any football fan watching that you almost want to get beat.
“They need beating, they set a really poor example around work ethic and trying – and all the things that parents and teachers tell their children every single day.”
Full time – Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
It’s all over!
The points are shared in Manchester.
United did grow into the game in the second half and it was their main man who came to the rescue.
Chelsea will feel frustrated. They should have put the game to bed in the first 45 minutes.
Follow the live match blog HERE to follow all the post-match fallout
Man Utd fans hold ‘Glazers out’ banners
Manchester United fans are protesting against the Glazer family during their crunch clash with Chelsea.
Die-hard United supporters were pictured holding banners reading ‘Glazers Out’ before kick-off at Old Trafford.
They were also heard chanting they want the American owners out during the first half, with ‘We want Glazers Out’ and ‘Stand up if you hate the Glazers’ ringing around Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are experiencing a shocking campaign despite a busy summer transfer window that saw them signing stars like Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane – as well as legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester giants are sixth in the Premier League and are likely to miss out on Champions League football next season.
United have also conceded a whopping 51 goals in 35 league matches, which is the worst return out of the entire top eight.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
79, James hits the post!
The ball is fired into Mount who is aware and delicately flicks the ball on for James who curls the ball around the defender straight on to the post.
So, so close. De Gea was beaten.
Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea
74, Jorginho is on the deck receiving treatment after tweaking something.
Chance to take on some liquid for the others.
Meanwhile, Lukaku talks tactics with his boss.
Follow the live match blog HERE
Goals galore at Old Trafford
Chelsea took the lead in the 59th minute through Marcos Alonso.
The left-back turned in a striker’s finish.
But the Blues’ lead didn’t last long with the returning Cristiano Ronaldo scoring for the second game in a row.
1-1.
Kick-off – Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Fernandes gets this second half underway.
No changes for either side.
Will it be more of the same?
Follow the live match blog HERE
Half-time – Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
Mike Dean blows his whistle and the players head for the dressing rooms.
Rangnick scratches his head. What do you say about that?
Chelsea have moved the ball well and created plenty of chances. But their forwards, Havertz in particular, haven’t been able to make them count.
Manchester United have been lifeless, but somehow find themselves still in the game.
Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea
21, Two chances for Chelsea, both coming down that right hand side.
Jorginho sprays a ball across the area, but no one was quick enough to get there.
Then Mount is freed before firing a ball across the box. But De Ge gets there before Havertz.
Follow the live match blog HERE
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
