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    Man Utd staring at £100m black hole after season of hell as they face selling off best stars and being stuck with flops

    MANCHESTER United are staring at a £100million-plus black hole as the cost of their season of Hell is laid bare.Boss Ruben Amorim was left powerless as his side crashed out of the FA Cup in Sunday’s penalty shoot-out defeat by Fulham.Ruben Amorim faces a make-or-break tie with Real Sociedad later this weekCredit: PAThe form of Rasmus Hojlund is a huge concern to the Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersAmorim could be forced into selling his young stars in the summer to meet PSR rulesCredit: AlamyWith United currently on course for their all-time worst PL finish, their only chance of salvation is from the Europa League.United travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the last 16 on Thursday, aiming to give Amorim, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos and the increasingly unhappy fans something positive to work with.But failure to emerge through three knock-out rounds and lift the trophy in Bilbao on May 21 will have a dramatic effect on Amorim’s summer funds and potential spending plans.Qualification for the Champions League would be worth around £50m for United without kicking a ball, with a further £30m in bonus and prize money for reaching the last 16.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat does not take into account around £25m in gate receipts from four home games in the league phase and one knock-out tie.United’s new kit sponsorship deal with Adidas includes a £10m penalty clause for each season they are not in the Champions League.And with United currently 14th, they are on course to drop another £31m from the amount they would have earned from the Prem by making the top four.It all adds up to a huge headache for Amorim and the club – which has already announced that ticket price increases and a major cost-cutting programme is required as the Old Trafford hierarchy conjure with looming Profitability and Sustainability Rules issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe confirmation from Prem chiefs that PSR will still apply next season, with clubs only allowed to make “permitted losses” of £105m over three years, will plunge United into further financial concerns.But PSR requirements and the impact of this season’s failures on the club’s income stream may now force Amorim to sell the family silver in this summer’s transfer market – and prevent him getting rid of some of the under-achieving players.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missDanish striker Rasmus Hojlund endured another horror outing against Fulham, having just nine touches and completing a mere two passes in his 68 minutes on the pitch.Hojlund has scored just twice in the Prem this season and has only five top-flight goals in 32 appearances over the past 12 months.United paid Atalanta an up-front £64m – potentially rising to £72m – two years ago, with the striker signing a five-year deal.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.That means he has an “amortisation” cost of £38.4m – the transfer sale value below which it would NEGATIVELY impact United’s finances – at the end of the season. United also need to get in £34.4m for Brazilian flop Antony – currently on loan at Real Betis – or £29.2m for struggling Joshua Zirkzee to start to “make” money on a sale. By contrast, any funds raised by selling on-loan Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho or skipper Bruno Fernandes could be calculated at the full value of the deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that financial reality is one that could lead to big decisions being made if Ratcliffe and Ineos are prepared to build a squad designed to play in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.It all adds up to a major nightmare off the pitch in addition to the clear problems facing United on it. More

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    Inside Fulham’s wild dressing room celebrations as rowdy stars launch bottles and dive around after win over Man Utd

    FULHAM players got the party started in the Old Trafford dressing rooms after knocking out FA Cup holders Man Utd. Marco Silva’s men battled past United following a tense penalty shootout at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero as the Cottagers knocked out FA Cup holders Man UtdCredit: GettyThere was carnage in the Fulham dressing room as the celebrations continuedCredit: XLeno was mobbed by his teammates after Fulham reached the FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: XGoalkeeper Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero, saving the decisive penalty from Joshua Zirkzee at the Stretford End. It sent Fulham through to just their second FA Cup quarter-final since 2009. And their delighted players cranked up the volume before even reaching the team bus. Footage on social media showed the team wildly celebrating amongst carnage in the away dressing room.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSilva’s assistant Goncalo Pedro roars into the camera as players chant and cheer following the 4-3 shootout win. Defender Calvin Bassey is seen diving headlong onto a changing table, with other players celebrating by throwing drinks onto the floor.Penalty hero Leno enters to an eruption of cheers from his teammates, who join the German for a dance. One fan responded to the wild footage on X: “Celebrating like they won the FA Cup, we’ll see them crying next round.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Huge W for Fulham. An incredible night that these players will remember forever.”While a third laughed: “Imagine they’d beaten a decent team.”Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missAnd a fourth added: “Man United is heading for rock bottom.”United boss Ruben Amorim cut a dejected figure after the loss.But he attempted to strike a positive tone in his post-match press conference – suggesting his overall goal was to win the Premier League.Amorim said: “In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn’t our way.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.”We know that we are losing games, but the goal is to win the Premier League again. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal, and we continue forward no matter what.”It’s impossible to know, but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We’ll see in the future.” More

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    ‘They had problems’ – Gary Lineker blames Sir Alex Ferguson for Man Utd’s decline as he points to ‘state’ club left in

    GARY LINEKER believes Manchester United’s current struggles can be traced back to Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday following a penalty shootout defeat to Fulham.Gary Lineker has given his thoughts on the current stage of Manchester UnitedCredit: ReutersThe FA Cup holders crashed out following a penalty shootout loss to FulhamCredit: PALineker believes Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in a “state” when he quit in 2013Credit: ReutersCurrent boss Ruben Amorim has been backed by ex-United striker Wayne RooneyCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim’s men are enduring a disastrous season, currently languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League. Off the field, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been criticised for a swathe of redundancies and cost-cutting measures.Following Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford, BBC pundit and ex-England striker Lineker discussed United’s plight. And he believes the structure left in place when Ferguson left the club in 2013 was not adequate. READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “If you look at Liverpool now, they’ve got a new manager in Arne Slot, and it’s testament to how Jurgen Klopp left the club in a really good state.”So the structure is really good. That probably wasn’t the case at the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s [time at Old Trafford].”Ferguson won the Prem a record 13 times with United, including in 2012/13 despite an ageing squad. Lineker continued: “I know they won the league that season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”But it wasn’t their best side, and a lot of their great players were coming to the end of their careers. “I think from there they had problems. The academy wasn’t delivering the players that they were before.”Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs FulhamLineker was joined on the panel at Old Trafford by Wayne Rooney, Danny Murphy and Micah Richards.And former United striker Rooney admitted the club no longer have the pulling power that tempted him from Everton as a teenager in 2004.The 39-year-old said: “You need to be in a stable position to bring the best players in.”If I’m a player playing in a different country or a different club, Man United come to me, and I’m looking thinking, ‘You know, I’m not sure’. “The top players want Champions League football. And unfortunately, that’s not where the club is.”Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.Despite United’s turmoil, Roo believes Amorim can be the man to turn things around – but admits challenging for a title is a long way off.He added: I do think [Amorim] will get [time]. “It’s not a free hit because I think you’d expect a bit more from Manchester United than what we’re seeing since he’s been in.”It’s very difficult to come in during the season and not have the pre-season to implement his plans with the team. “He has to look to the future moving forward.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He says [he wants to] win the Premier League but how can they compete to get a bit further up the table, I think that’s the next step for them.”I think it’s a little bit naive to say ‘We’re looking to win the Premier League’ because, from where they are now, they’re a long way off that.” More

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    Footballer, 20, rushed to hospital after smashing head on pitch-side wall in horror collision

    THIS is the horror moment a Brazilian footballer smashes his head on a pitch-side wall after going to ground as he competes for the ball with a rival.Defender Melkzedeck de Sousa Fernandes cheated death after careering face-first into the concrete structure following a tackle as he neared the opposing team’s goal area.Melk required treatment following the worrying collisionCredit: .There was plenty of concern about his wellbeingCredit: .An ambulance was called to the sceneCredit: .The match was stopped as players rushed to his aid fearing he had suffered serious injury and things could turn worse.The footballer, better known by his shortened name of Melk, was stretchered away and taken to hospital in an ambulance.His club Atletico Piauiense went on to reveal the 20-year-old’s facial wound had required stitches but medics had told them after tests they couldn’t see any evidence pointing to him suffering any serious lasting effects.The drama happened during the team’s away match yesterday against Parnahyba Sport Club in Brazil’s Serie D league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootage of the horror incident showed Melk, wearing the number 22 shirt, bringing his right hand to his head as he lay semi-conscious on the ground after his brutal collision.Rivals including the defender who had beaten him to the ball as he neared the opposing team’s goal joined in the urgent calls for an ambulance, which drove onto the pitch moments later so it could stretcher the injured player away.Melk was clearly conscious but dazed as he was put into the back of the ambulance with blood coming from a wound to the side of his head.Atletico Piauiense, who won the match 3-1, said in a statement on their social media overnight: “Melk was admitted to the Dirceu Arcoverde Hospital where he was treated and given stitches.Most read in Football“He is conscious and doing okay.“We’re continuing to monitor his evolution and giving him all the support he needs.”’That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueFans and well-wishers reacted by offering the player their support.While another added: “That wall needs to be removed from where it is.”In 2015 an Argentinian footballer died after crashing into a pitch-side wall during a game.The Argentinian FA began demanding walls by pitches were covered with cushioned protective sheeting after the tragedy involving Emanuel Ortega.The 21-year-old footballer, who was playing for fourth-tier side San Martin de Burzaco in the north-west Argentina region of Jujuy, lost his fight for life in May 2015 after 11 days in hospital.He was in an induced coma at the time after surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain.The wall he smashed into divided the pitch from the stands. He hit the back of his head as he lost his balance and went to ground following a tackle from a rival player who was the first to react and call for help for the unconscious footballer. More

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    Famous European stadium named after football legend could be DESTROYED with 10,000 seats too dangerous to use

    A FAMOUS European stadium named after a football legend could be destroyed after 10,000 seats were deemed too dangerous to use.The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was known as the San Paolo before being renamed in honour of Argentina legend Diego Maradona in December 2020.The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona could be destroyed with 10,000 seats unsafe to useCredit: GettyThe famous arena plays host to Italian giants NapoliCredit: GettyAnd after building work first started in 1948, it has been the home of Italian giants Napoli since 1959.The stadium has since undergone several renovations, first in 1990 and again in 2019.The Stadio Maradona now holds 54,725 supporters.But before the last renovation, it held even more with a capacity of 64,000.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn entire ‘ring’ of 10,000 seats had to be closed off from supporters due to vibrational problems when metal fencing was replaced by glass.And Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is now reportedly looking to increase numbers to boost income.The Serie A giants will look at ways they can fix the closed ring.But De Laurentiis’ real dream is said to be the construction of an entirely new stadium.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt could go hand-in-hand with several other sporting upgrades in the area, including a new sports hall and improved public transport.But that would mean the Stadio Maradona would be demolished entirely.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldThe space would then be used for a new arena plus various area upgrades.And Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples, has already given the green light if De Laurentiis opts for a demolition job. More

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    Chido Obi vs Rasmus Hojlund: How Man Utd teen compares to £72m flop as damning stat emerges after Fulham defeat

    DAMNING stats have emerged after £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund was hauled off for academy whizz Chido Obi in Manchester United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham.The Red Devils, who won last year’s final against rivals Man City, were sent packing on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last night.Damning stats have emerged regarding Rasmus Hojlund’s performance against FulhamCredit: AlamyChido Obi put in an impressive performance despite Man Utd’s FA Cup exitCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee fluffed their lines as goalie Bernd Leno produced two fine saves to send Fulham to the quarters.And United were once more left to ponder their lack of potency in the final third.Danish striker Hojlund, 22, started the match as he looked to end his barren run in front of goal.The former Atalanta man, signed for £72m in 2023, has just seven goals this term – including only two in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has not scored since netting a brace in United’s 2-1 Europa League group stage win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.But he failed to break his duck after being hauled off the 68th minute with United chasing a goal.Frustrated boss Ruben Amorim instead preferred to take his chances with Obi, who is just 17 years old and only joined United’s academy from Arsenal last summer.The teen also failed to net as Bruno Fernandes eventually secured an equaliser for the hosts.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Obi looked extremely lively as Fulham’s defence came under some real pressure.And his stats from last night’s match make for damning reading as far as Hojlund is concerned.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missThe latter played for 68 minutes, while Obi – who also featured throughout the additional 30 minutes of extra time – was on the field for 52 minutes.But despite Hojlund getting a longer chance to showcase his abilities, the Dane had just one shot at goal.In comparison, Obi Martin enjoyed three shots in his shorter time.All three were deemed to be “big chances”, showing that he was getting himself in the right positions.And incredibly, that’s the exact same amount of “big chances” that Hojlund has had in ALL 22 of his Premier League matches so far this season.Going back to last night’s match, there were more unfortunate stats for Hojlund.He only completed four passes to Obi’s five.And he was less involved in build-up play with just nine touches to Obi’s 18.Both men lost four of their duels on the ball.But Hojlund could only win one in return, with Obi battling for four successful duels.Their heat maps also make for interesting reading, with Hojlund’s performance barely registering and Obi clearly getting stuck in across several areas of the field.Indeed, former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer felt Obi put himself on the map last night and will now give Amorim a real headache when it comes to selecting the team for United’s next game against Real Sociedad on Thursday.Shearer said: “He’s been a real handful in there you know. He’s certainly offered a lot more than Hojlund has when he was on the pitch.“He’s been a nuisance and tough to play against. I like what I see from Obi, I really do. He’s certainly given them a different option to play with.”Man United legend Wayne Rooney also hailed Obi, adding: “What I’ve really liked about him is that he’s put himself in some really good positions.“I’ve been really impressed by him. He looked like the one who could go on and nick it.”However, Rooney felt that Hojlund’s poor performance was mainly down to a lack of support from teammates.Urging United’s playmakers to create more opportunities, Wazza continued: “With myself, I had good senior players around me.“Sometimes I made mistakes and had a bad game but I had good players around me. Hojlund is getting no help.“I think United play too slow, the ball speed is too slow, and for the centre-forwards they are just waiting around.“Hojlund’s movement here is really good and he’s unlucky with this one. He has tried and is making runs in behind but United aren’t getting close to help.“He’s trying to hold the ball and use his body, he is a little isolated. He needs someone he can lay the ball off too and he can then get back in the box.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not just Hojlund but Joshua Zirkzee has given up the ball too many times. “There is not enough creativity and they are not holding up the ball for the midfielders and defenders to support them, it’s a bit of both.” More

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    England manager Thomas Tuchel parties with ex-Chelsea stars including Mason Mount, Jorginho and Reece James in reunion

    THOMAS TUCHEL reunited with his Chelsea Champions League winning squad including Mason Mount and Jorginho. The German famously led the Blues to their second European cup in 2021 before leaving the club just a year later. England manager Thomas Tuchel reuniting with JorginhoCredit: InstagramMason Mount and ex-Chelsea team-mate JorginhoCredit: InstagramMount, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorginho, Reece James and Ben Chilwell reuniteCredit: InstagramJorginho with fiancee Catherine HardingCredit: InstagramJorginho lets out a big grinCredit: InstagramThe couple pose with some friendsCredit: InstagramCatherine shared the snaps onlineCredit: InstagramBut now he is back in England as Three Lions boss where he prepares to work under some of the same stars again. And Tuchel was pictured linking up with his former players in a social media post shared by Jorginho’s fiancee Catherine Harding. In one snap, Jorginho has his arms around former manager Tuchel, who is posing in a navy outfit and a cap on. Other photos show Jorginho with James, Ben Chilwell, Mount and Trevoh Chalobah in a reunion picture that sent Chelsea fans wild. READ MORE ON CHELSEA One said: “Tears in my eyes man.”Another added: “I miss this squad!”One beamed: “This is a beautiful sight.”Another said: “We miss them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel has visited several stadiums in England ahead of his first set of official games in charge – against Albania and Latvia in March.And as revealed by SunSport, he held talks with exiled Arsenal defender Ben White over a return to international football. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsChelsea skipper James is currently fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines this season amid a hamstring injury. And Chilwell could now fight for a place in Tuchel’s squad after securing a loan from Stamford Bridge to Crystal Palace.Chalobah is also back at Chelsea after his loan to Palace was cut short – but the centre-back is only now returning from a slight back problem. Mount meanwhile has been out since December after suffering a thigh injury with his England hopes taking a huge blow. Tuchel is preparing for life as England managerCredit: Getty More

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    MLS side offer free tickets to every fan because Lionel Messi didn’t play against them

    HOUSTON DYNAMO are giving their fans free tickets – after Lionel Messi wasn’t selected to play against them.The MLS side welcomed Inter Miami to Texas for an early-season fixture on Sunday night.Lionel Messi didn’t play in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston DynamoCredit: ReutersHouston fans have been offered a refund because the Argentinian star was not involvedCredit: GettyDespite no Messi, Miami cruised to a comfortable victoryCredit: GettyMessi, 37, was left out of the Inter starting XI by boss Javier Mascherano. The Argentinian legend didn’t travel with the squad and was rested following a packed schedule to begin the new season. That decision came as a huge disappointment to the thousands who packed out the Shell Energy Stadium.Ahead of the game, Houston took the unusual step of offering free tickets to all home fans after it was revealed Messi would not feature. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club wrote on X: “The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.”The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston. “Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.”We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night’s match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week.”One grateful fan responded: “Disappointing children (my nephews included). But it teaches them a lesson. Team before individuals.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Another said: “Why were tickets so expensive? Y’all could have sold out the stadium and made more money.”But a third countered: “This parody? You’re apologizing for someone in the opposing team not showing up?”And a fourth added: “Is the @MLS completely dependent on Messi? If so, it’s not a serious league.”While a fifth joked: “Messi ducking the Houston test? Could never be my GOAT.Mascherano made the decision to rest his fellow Argentine after Miami’s busy start to the new campaign. The reigning Eastern Conference winners have played three times over the past 10 days. Mascerano explained: “Leo is fine, he is normal and he will train normally like all his teammates.”The World Cup winner is expected to feature this weekend as Miami host Charlotte.Despite not having the 37-year-old in the lineup, Mascerano’s side breezed past a tepid Dynamo on Sunday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende.And they eventually ran out 4-1 winners, with Luis Suarez completing the rout in the second half. More