Philippa Kaur

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    Man Utd set to break unwanted record without drastic turnaround in final four Premier League games

    RASMUS HOJLUND admitted “I needed that” after scoring just his second Manchester United goal in 2025 to salvage a point at Bournemouth.But the big question remains: Do United need Hojlund?Rasmus Hojlund scored only his second Man Utd goal in 2025 against Bournemouth at the weekendCredit: GettyHojlund is having a difficult campaign in front of goalThe Red Devils are well on track for their worst campaign in Premier League history with Ruben Amorim unable to halt the slide after replacing Erik Ten Hag in November.Of all the damning statistics to point to, the number of goals scored is the most alarming, with just 39 from 34 Prem games so far – only six more than relegated Ipswich.Since 1990, only ONCE before have United ended a league season with less than 50 goals to their name, in 2015/16 with 49 under Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who was sacked minutes after lifting the FA Cup in May 2016.United need 11 goals from their final four games to avoid that feat, having only managed to score 11 goals in their last nine outings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere are issues for Amorim to solve all over the pitch, but attack is one that will make or break his tenure – and his current options simply aren’t up to scratch.Hojlund’s 96th minute equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw at the Cherries on Sunday was his fourth in 29 Prem games for United this term – the same number as Marcus Rashford who made 15 league appearances before joining Aston Villa on loan on February 2.On Instagram post match, Hojlund wrote: “We wanted the win, but I needed that.”The injured duo of Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee have a combined nine Prem goals while Alejandro Garnacho has five and skipper Bruno Fernandes has eight.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut the spotlight will always come back to Hojlund – the 22-year-old from Atalanta United paid £72m for in July 2023 after netting 10 goals in 34 appearances out in Italy.His tally of 16 goals in 43 games in all competitions last term was a promising start, yet the Danish international has gone backwards since then at the worst possible time.Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving Man Utd striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal United are expected to conduct a mass overhaul to their squad this summer, selling underperforming, overpaid stars to raise funds for their transfer kitty.SunSport understands that the priority is an attacking midfielder and an elite No.9, with Ipswich’s Liam Delap on the club’s radar.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is still an option, while it is understood United are ready to pay the £62.5m release clause for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.Whoever United bring in, this will leave Hojlund in a difficult position, and Amorim is unlikely to fight his corner on this season’s showing.After the Bournemouth draw, asked about the player’s future, Amorim was interestingly vague: “We like our strikers. We are improving our strikers. We will see what happens next season.”United are ready to sell any first-team player that can demand a hefty fee, especially if they fail to win the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League.And Hojlund is no exception, with clubs back in Italy showing an interest in a player that is still young and with a lot of potential.Read More on The SunAs United legend Gary Neville explained on Sunday: “There will be a lot of clubs looking at the talent and where United haven’t got the best out of those players and thinking they can get a cheap deal on them.“With Hojlund, there is a player in there for a club in Europe somewhere.”Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd’s top scorer in the league this season More

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    Man Utd in talks with Aston Villa over whether to recall Marcus Rashford earlier than expected despite £40m option

    MANCHESTER UNITED are in talks with Aston Villa over whether to recall injured Marcus Rashford.The England forward, 27, damaged his hamstring during training last week and looks set to be sidelined for a few weeks.Marcus Rashford could return to Manchester United following his hamstring injuryCredit: GettyVilla’s final match of the season is against his parent club United — a game Rashford would not be eligible to play in.That means the last game of his loan spell would be the May 18 home clash with Tottenham.It looks unlikely he will be fit in time for that, meaning his difficult campaign is effectively over. And a decision will need to be taken between the forward — who joined Villa on loan in the winter window — and United over what happens next.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRashford knows there is unlikely to be any future for him at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, so the Red Devils will listen to offers.And he plans to sit down with his employers before mid-June.Yet he may be forced to return earlier than expected if the two clubs agree there is no prospect of him recovering inside three weeks.That comes in spite of Villa holding a £40m buy option for Rashford as part of their loan agreement with United.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSpeaking after Rashford picked up his hamstring issue, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “He’s injured.”He got injured this week and yesterday we did a test – it is his hamstring.’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performances”We are going to try to test him each match but he’s injured and probably won’t be available for some weeks.”Rashford is said to be undecided on his future as things stand and will have the final say on where he plays next season.But Man Utd gaffer Ruben Amorim is certain that he made the right decision in letting him and £86m flop Antony leave on loan in January.Speaking last week, he said: “We lack a lot of things in the team.“In January we lost, and you are talking about Rashford and Antony, we lost these players.And we didn’t bring new ones, that was a risk. We are trying to do something more important.Read More on The Sun“But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.“We can hurt the squad now but in the future it is going to help the club so I think we are on that path.”Ruben Amorim has doubled down on his decision to loan out Marcus RashfordCredit: Alamy More

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    Man Utd legend Jonny Evans and England striker among stars Wrexham could target after promotion to Championship

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Jonny Evans is among Wrexham’s major targets as part of their Premier League push, according to reports.The Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship over the weekend after Leyton Orient beat Wycombe Wanderers.Jonny Evans fits the profile of stars Wrexham want to sign this summerCredit: GettyThe Welsh club celebrated promotion to the Championship at the weekendCredit: RexIt marked a record-breaking third successive promotion to make it to England’s second tier, just two years after the club owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney was playing in the National League.However, the Hollywood duo have made no secret of their ambition to reach the Premier League, and have suitably bankrolled a number of lucrative deals to bring the club up the leagues so quickly.The Championship will represent arguably Wrexham’s toughest challenge yet, but a number of top flight players could become available to help them achieve their next goal.Manager Phil Parkinson said the club was “always planning” but admitted that while they have not spoken about anyone in particular they do have a profile of targets who are free agents.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “We haven’t really spoken about anything. We’ve always got our eye on players who are free transfers and are going to be available.“I think it’s interesting because the jump in salaries is incredible, mind-blowing. Even coming up to this level, the jump to get players of Championship quality is expensive.“But obviously the next level, I don’t think people outside football quite realise. “They think players in League One must be multi-millionaires, but the drop-off from what people read in the press about Premier League players is huge.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“That is a challenge but what we’ve always tried to do is make sure the culture in the club is right. “No superstars, no egos in the dressing room, and we’ve got to try to get that balance right again, to make sure the right people come into the building.”Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LAPremier League internationals over the age of 30 who are out of contract this summer could be ideal candidates to bolster the squad with a combination of quality, experience and attainability.The likes of Man Utd’s Jonny Evans, Newcastle’s Callum Wilson, Everton’s Michael Keane, Leicester’s Jamie Vardy or even Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne all fit this category.While some of these names may seem far fetched, Wrexham accounts show a remarkable robustness, making the possibility of making one of these signings more realistic.Club accounts going up to June 2024 covering their season in League Two show revenues of £26.7million – which is a figure greater than seven Championship clubs including ex-Prem champions Blackburn -with the average revenue for a club not receiving parachute payments said to land at around the £22m mark.Sponsorship for that season had risen to £13.1m from £1.8m thanks to deals with United Airlines and Stok coffee.That figure is likely to rise when the next set of accounts emerge and detail their League One books, while there will almost certainly be a new season of Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”.The latest series of the show will Premiere on May 16, with industry experts calculating every episode to be worth £300,000 to Reynolds and McElhenney’s production company.Wrexham also have the third-highest payroll in League One at an estimated total salary of £10.7m this season, all while operating at a reported loss of £2.7m and a £15m loan repayment to Reynolds and McElhenney.The Times report that sum comes from new minority owners, the billionaire Allyn family, who have a background in medical devices and are described as the driving force behind the club’s Premier League push.Speaking about the challenge of the next level, six-time promotion winner Parkinson said: “I think everybody knows the jump is huge. “I remember when I took Bolton up [in 2016-17], it was, ‘Phew! This is huge!’ in terms of the physicality and power in the division.Read More on The Sun“But I’m confident we will be well prepared for that. I think that a lot of tough decisions will be made this summer, but let’s see if we can build a squad to compete at that level.”Only two other clubs in English football history – Truro City (South Western League to Southern League between 2005 and 2009) and Shaw Lane (Sheffield and Hallam County Senior League to Northern Counties East Premier from 2011 to 2015) – have achieved four promotions in a row across the English pyramid.How Wrexham could line up next season2025 Premier League free agents over 32A list of select Premier League stars over the age of 32 who are becoming free agents this summer:Kevin De Bruyne, 33 – Manchester City Jamie Vardy, 38 – LeicesterCallum Wilson, 33 – NewcastleBen Davies, 32 – TottenhamJorginho, 33 – ArsenalAbdoulaye Doucoure, 32 – EvertonVladimir Coufal, 32 – West HamDanny Ings, 32 – West HamJoel Veltmam, 33 – BrightonPablo Sarabia, 32 – WolvesMichael Keane, 32 – EvertonChristian Eriksen, 33- Man UtdRaul Jimenez, 33 – FulhamWilly Boly, 34 – Nottingham ForestIdrissa Gueye, 35 – EvertonTom Cairney, 34 – FulhamCraig Dawson, 34 – WolevsNathaniel Clyne, 34 – Crystal PalaceFraser Forster, 37 – TottenhamJames Milner, 38 – BrightonAdam Lallana, 36 – SouthamptonBen Mee, 35 – BrentfordAshley Young, 39 – Everton More

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    Man Utd legend, 61, to be given thud into brutal reality of non-league with 14-hour, 880-mile round trip

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend and experienced manager Mark Hughes is set for a huge non-league reality check if he stays on as Carlisle boss.Hughes, 61, looks set to remain in charge of The Cumbrians next season despite sealing relegation from League Two into the National League.Mark Hughes is set for a brutal away day is he stays on as Carlisle United manager next seasonCredit: GettyCarlisle United have been relegated to the National LeagueCredit: RexThe drop into non-league will be a big change for Hughes, who throughout his coaching career has taken charge of nearly 500 Premier League games for the likes of Manchester City and Fulham.As well as spending five years as the Welsh national team boss.While his playing career saw him represent huge teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Now a drop into the National League will represent his first ever non-league management, setting up a brutal reality check with one of his upcoming away days.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing Cornish side Truro City’s promotion into the National League, Carlisle will face a 14-HOUR, 880-MILE round trip to take on the Tinners next season.Truro became the first ever Cornish side to win promotion into the National League when they beat St Albans City 5-2 to win the National League South on Sunday.Despite Mark Hughes’ vast experience at the top level, the former Bradford City manager has said he will have no issues dropping down the leagues.He said: ” I have no ego. Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Man City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.Most read in FootballTruro City have become the first Cornish side to win promotion into the National LeagueCredit: RexTheir stadium is an 878-mile round trip from Carlisle UnitedCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”David Beckham reveals unlikely Man Utd idol and admits mum Sandra couldn’t get enough of his thighsWhile he has hinted that he will be staying put, adding: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season.“The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship.Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.Read More on The SunThe club have parted ways with sporting director Rob Clarkson “with immediate effect” following their unsuccessful battle against relegation from League Two.While the owners have said they are “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”, and have begun to plan for next season with discussions “ongoing and positive” with Mark Hughes.Mark Hughes had a superb playing career that saw him win the Premier League with Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyHe also took charge of nearly 500 Premier League games as a managerCredit: EPA More

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    Former England star, 42, pulled apart from Baller League rival as vicious brawl erupts after tackle

    FORMER England star Joleon Lescott had to be pulled apart from a Baller League rival after a tackle sparked a vicious brawl.The incident occurred in Monday’s clash between Lescott’s side Deportrio and opponents Wembley Rangers.Joleon Lescott was involved in a massive brawl in Baller LeagueHe clashed with Domingos Pires following a bad challengeLescott, 42, stunned fans last month when he was announced as a wildcard pick for the side managed by Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Gary Lineker.The former Three Lions star instantly became the Baller League’s biggest hit following two Premier League title wins with Manchester City.But Lescott’s prestigious career did not stop Wembley’s Domingos Pires from crunching him with a brutal tackle.The challenge saw Lescott react angrily as he shoved his opponent in retaliation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, his actions sparked an all-out brawl between both sides as fans went wild.The referee was forced to intervene alongside his assistants.And after order was restored, both Lescott and Pires were sent off the pitch for two minutes.But despite the melee, it was Lescott who had the last laugh as his side won 4-1 to go top of the Baller League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe clash came after a brutal encounter last week involving Troy Deeney.He was sent off just minutes into the game for a foul on Tareiq Holmes-Dennis.John Terry clashes with Mark Clattenburg as the 26ers face F.C RTW in the Baller League Deeney was representing Wembley Rangers, who are managed by Chloe Kelly and Ian Wright.But his debut did not last long, with Deeney forced to sit out the rest of the action.Lescott will be remembered for his spell with Manchester CityCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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    FA launch brand new tournament with former England stars fronting star-studded line-up

    THE FA have launched a brand new tournament with several former England stars fronting a star-studded line-up.All eyes will be on Wembley next month when Manchester City and Crystal Palace battle it out for the FA Cup.Jermain Defoe is one of several ex-England stars heading up a new tournamentCredit: AlamyBen Foster will also be involved in the FA’s new five-aside-tournamentCredit: PABut ahead of the crunch final, the FA and tournament sponsors Emirates have launched a brand new five-a-side football tournament.Featuring four teams, the competition will take place at St George’s Park — the base of the FA and England’s football teams.The teams will be made up of non-league stars, influencers and local community heroes.But there are a slew of former aces involved, with each heading up a side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFifty-seven cap England striker and Tottenham icon Jermain Defoe will front one side.While another will be led by eight-time England goalie Ben Foster.Chelsea title winner Shaun Wright-Phillips will take charge of the third team.While Newcastle hero Shola Ameobi is the fourth name getting involved.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEach side will represent an Emirates Flight Hub.These include London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.Roy Keane delivers verdict on Thomas Tuchel after two games with England and claims he’s been handed ‘easy start’Shaun Wright-Phillips will lead one of the sidesCredit: AlamyEx-Newcastle ace Shola Ameobi is also involvedCredit: GettyEach one is also linked with a destination such as Indonesia, Dubai, Thailand and Cambodia.And the tournament’s top scorer and best player could end up being gifted a flight to their team’s corresponding country as a reward.A date for the competition is yet to be confirmed, but it will be streamed live on YouTube. More

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    Carlo Ancelotti agrees next job as Real Madrid set to ‘part ways nicely’ with former Chelsea boss

    CARLO ANCELOTTI has already lined up a new job as he prepares to exit Real Madrid.The former Chelsea boss, 65, looks all set to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season. Carlo Ancelotti has already made plans for his next job after Real MadridCredit: RexThe Italian is reportedly set to join up with Brazil for the World CupCredit: GettyAncelotti is said to have already told senior figures in the dressing room of his decision to depart. The 65-year-old won the Champions League last season but saw his side crash out to Arsenal earlier this month. And now he is preparing to go into international management for the first time.Ancelotti has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Brazil to become head coach for the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTransfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims the deal will be “valid from June, NOT after the Club World Cup”.It leads the way for Madrid and Ancelotti to “part ways nicely” after four years. Brazil is the most successful nation ever to play in the World Cup.But they have been knocked out in the quarter-final stage in four of the last five tournaments.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd they haven’t won the trophy since 2002. Ancelotti currently has a contract at the Bernabeu running until the summer of 2026.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal Real chief Florentino Perez will likely have to appoint an interim boss for this summer’s revamped Club World Cup in the USA.Director of Football Santi Solari is said to be best placed for the role.But other reports suggest Madrid could approach number one target Xabi Alonso before the tournament begins. Ancelotti has enjoyed two spells in the Spanish capital, originally taking charge in 2013.Over the course of his illustrious career, he’s won five Champions League trophies.At the Bernabeu, he has lifted three LaLiga titles and two Copa del Reys, along with Big Ears three times.La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed earlier this month AC Milan had contacted the Italian over a return to the San Siro.Read More on The SunAncelotti won the Serie A and Champions League titles twice with the Rossoneri as manager between 2001 and 2009.While AS Roma were also interested in Ancelotti to replace Premier League title winner Claudio Ranieri. More

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    ‘It won’t save anything’ – Bruno Fernandes gives brutal assessment of Man Utd’s Europa League chances

    BRUNO FERNANDES believes winning the Europa League will not save Manchester United’s dismal season.Ruben Amorim’s men are 14th in the Prem with four matches to play after scrambling a late point at Bournemouth on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes has had his say on potential Europa League gloryCredit: GettyYet they still have the chance to put a positive spin on the campaign by lifting a European trophy and claiming a place in next season’s Champions League.But ahead of their semi-final first-leg trip to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, skipper Fernandes says it will not overshadow the bigger picture.The Portuguese playmaker said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a reward, I think it will just be successful in terms of the Europa League.”It’s very important to do that, to get the silverware this season. But it won’t save anything.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBilbao are fourth in LaLiga and have an added incentive to reach the final — as it will be held in their city next month.Fernandes said: “They have the final at home if they beat us, so it will be really tough. You have to be prepared.”Man Utd salvaged a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday.The Red Devils fell behind on the South Coast via Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd minute effort.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRasmus Hojlund bagged a late equaliser at BournemouthCredit: GettyEvanilson was sent off 20 minutes from time, allowing United back into the contest.Goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund netted a rare strike on 96 minute to deliver a blow to Bournemouth’s own European hopes.Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser More