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      Al Nassr ‘approach Barcelona star Sergio Busquets as they target second marquee transfer to join Cristiano Ronaldo’

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      AL NASSR have reportedly approached Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets over the possibility of a summer free transfer, which would see the midfielder join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.Busquets, 34, is out of contract at the Camp Nou this summer and has been linked swith a move away from Spain.
      Sergio Busquets’ contract at Barca expires in the summer and Al Nassr have made an approachCredit: Getty
      A move would see the midfielder join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
      Inter Miami are one of the teams being touted as a potential destination.
      But according to Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr have joined the race for the iconic holding midfielder and have made an approach.
      A summer move would see Busquets become the second high-profile European player to join Al Nassr in the space of a year.
      Five-time Champions League and Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo, completed a free transfer late last year after having his Manchester United contract ripped up.
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      Busquets and Ronaldo played together for many years in Spain – but on opposite teams.
      The pair shared the pitch for many El Clasicos between Barca and Real Madrid.
      Romano goes on to state that World Cup 2010 winner Busquets must decide whether he wants to stay on and captain Barca or embark on a new adventure.
      Busquets would be paid handsomely in the Middle East.
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      Barca manager, and Busquets’ old midfield partner, Xavi, says the Spaniard is a key cog to the Catalan giants’ success.
      Xavi’s men are sat top of LaLiga, and are on course to take the Spanish crown off rivals Real.
      The Barca boss said on Busquets’ future last month: “For me, he is a transcendental footballer for the team, vital for the dressing room.
      “An example of sacrifice, of leadership. He is priceless.
      “From a football point of view, he is the equilibrium of the team, he commands his team-mates.
      “When he is there and he is not there, you notice it.
      “There is a before and after in terms of the defensive pivot with and without Busi.
      “We will always see him as an example, a mould. This one has similar things to Busi, this one doesn’t. Vital.”
      The pair played many heated El Clasicos togetherCredit: AFP More

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      ‘I find it incredible’ – Fuming Xavi claims Barcelona were denied ‘clear’ penalty against Man Utd

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      BARCELONA manager Xavi was left fuming as he felt his side were denied a clear penalty against Manchester United.The Spaniard claimed that Red Devils midfielder Fred handled the ball in the box and that referee Maurizio Mariani should have pointed to the spot.
      Xavi claims that Barcelona should have had a penalty against Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
      The ball appeared to hit midfielder Fred’s arm in the 85th minuteCredit: Twitter
      In the 85th minute, Barcelona star Sergio Roberto had a header in the United box and replays suggested that the ball scraped the outstretched arm of Fred.
      If a penalty was given it could have handed the LaLiga giants an opportunity to win the Europa League first leg at the Nou Camp.
      After the game, Xavi said: “Fred’s handball? It’s a penalty, it’s very clear.
      “They didn’t give it to us in Milan in the Champions League, I don’t know what we have to do.
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      “And they tell us that they have checked it, I find it incredible, incredible.”
      VAR did look at the incident, but did not decide to overturn the on-field decision.
      Erik ten Hag was also left angry with referee Mariani for missing a foul on Marcus Rashford on the edge of the hosts’ box.
      The Dutch manager was booked for making his feelings clear during the game, with many fans sending their support to him on social media.
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      The two sides will face off in a mouthwatering second leg next Thursday at Old Trafford.
      Neither side have a score advantage due to there not being the away goal rules in the Europa League.
      Marcos Alonso scored the opening goal of the game in the 50th minute before United fought back.
      Rashford scored the equaliser in the 52nd minute and a Jules Kounde own goal put them in the lead seven minutes later.
      However, former Leeds star Raphinha’s cross in the 76th minute managed to evade everyone and level the tie. More

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      Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man Utd

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      RAPHINHA repeatedly PUNCHED Marcos Alonso’s seat in a meltdown after being subbed off against Manchester United.The Europa League first-leg tie ended all square at the Nou Camp after Raphinha made it 2-2 on the night.
      Raphinha was left fuming after being subbed off

      But the Brazilian was left fuming after he made way for Ferran Torres on 83 minutes.
      Raphinha’s frustrations were evident on the subs bench as he took his anger out on Alonso’s seat.
      But he did apologise to manager Xavi afterwards – despite not needing to.
      Xavi said: “I see and understand Raphinha’s anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone
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      “Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn’t have to. I see it as a positive that everyone wants to play.”
      Alonso headed Barca 1-0 up on 50 minutes but just moments later Marcus Rashford levelled.
      And Rashford had a part in putting United 2-1 up after his cross was diverted in by defender Jules Kounde.
      Kounde’s blushes were sparred by Raphinha, whose curled cross sailed all the way in.
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      United boss Erik ten Hag claimed the game was so good it was more fitting for Champions League football.
      He said: “I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we dictated the game and we outplayed [them], so many chances, so I was a little bit disappointed that in half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored.
      “The opportunities they had, we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [level] and even more than that.
      “So I really enjoyed the game a lot. In the end, 2-2, and we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”
      Erik ten Hag after the draw in BarcelonaCredit: PA More

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      Barcelona fans fear they’ll be demolished at Man Utd after key player is banned for Europa League second-leg

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      BARCELONA fans are fearing the worst ahead of their Europa League second leg against Manchester United.Barca and United drew 2-2 in the first leg of their play-off at the Nou Camp and are scheduled to meet again next Thursday at Old Trafford.
      Barcelona fans are not confident ahead of the second leg against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Barcelona will have several key absences against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
      And some Blaugrana supporters aren’t feeling confident, especially after Gavi’s suspension.
      The midfielder picked up his third booking in Europe this season and will be one of Xavi’s many notable absentees at the Theatre of Dreams.
      The Barcelona manager will also be without Pedri, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Red Devils.
      Ousmane Dembele and Segio Busquets are also on the shelf with thigh and ankle injuries respectively.
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      And the Barcelona faithful are not sure about their team’s chances against United.
      One fan tweeted: “Today’s game was a complete mess! There was no effectiveness, and our defense was predictably chaotic.
      “With Pedri out due to injury and Gavi suspended, no Dembele, no Busquets the situation only got worse. We ended up with a draw, but Barca is severely handicapped..”
      Another posted: “We are totally f****d up – Pedri missing the 2nd leg, Dembele missing the 2nd leg, Gavi suspended, Busquets missing the 2nd leg. All i can see now is United putting 4 past us.”
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      A third supporter commented: ” No Gavi, Pedri, Busq [Busquets], Dembus [Dembele]. That’s not good.”
      This fan wrote: “We’re f****d.”
      And that supporter tweeted: “Yeah we’re most likely out.”
      It’s good news however for Manchester United, who impressed in the 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp. More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Rashford and Fernandes shine in new roles as Sancho and Malacia struggle with Camp Nou occasion

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a draw in a thrilling first leg of their Europa League playoff with Barcelona.History suggested the Red Devils would be up against it at the Nou Camp with United having won just once in their history against the Catalans.
      Marcus Rashford starred once again for United as he caused Barcelona endless troubleCredit: PA
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his opener to his late fatherCredit: Getty
      But with two El Clasico specialists in Casemiro and Raphael Varane in their ranks, United were unfazed by the occasion and took the game to the hosts.
      After a goalless first half the game sparked into life with Marcos Alonso’s uncontested header at the far post.
      Marcus Rashford continued his stunning form with a driven finish past Marc Ter Stegen to level.
      He then created the second as Jules Kounde turned into his own net before Raphinha’s cross-cum-shot ended up in the United net to set up a frantic finish
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils performance.
      De Gea – 7
      Could do nothing for the opener or Raphinha’s goal.
      Denied Robert Lewandowski well in the first half while commanding penalty box quite well and caught a Raphinha howitzer in the second half.
      Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Looked strong on the overlap with the help of Fernandes. Created a number of chances pairing up with the Portuguese playmaker.
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      Did well in one-on-one duels but allowed his far post zone to be exploited for Barca’s opener at a corner and could have been more useful with some crossing opportunities.
      Varane – 6
      The former Real Madrid man was one of two players in the United team who understood the Camp Nou atmosphere and helped his team-mates settle.
      Despite some poor distribution in the first half, he improved after the interval and a strong step out of defence almost allowed United to grab the lead straight after the equaliser.
      Shaw – 7
      Composed once again at left centre back. Solid distribution throughout this was paired with solid defensive work whenever he was called upon.
      Almost punished when he misjudged the flight of the ball to almost gift Raphinha an opportunity to score a late third.
      Malacia – 5
      Beaten by Raphinha too many times when defending one-on-one.
      Put himself about but better end product would save likely seen him punished.
      Casemiro – 7
      Like Varane his understanding of the atmosphere helped settle United.
      The side looked far more stable with him back in the XI.
      Fred – 7
      Lost Marcos Alonso at the far post for the defender’s header at a corner but made up for it minutes later with a beautifully weighted pass to assist Rashford.
      Looked more comfortable playing alongside Casemiro.
      Fernandes – 7
      Part of Ten Hag’s attacking reshuffle and played on the right wing – but was no less influential.
      Constantly a threat with his passes from the right channel to get an overlapping Wan-Bissaka in behind and set up a glorious Weghorst chance.
      Weghorst – 6
      Deployed in the same position behind the striker as he was in the final 20 minutes against Leeds.
      Brought United up the pitch well in the role but squandered a great chance in the first half to put United into the lead.
      Sancho – 5
      Struggled to make an impact from the left wing due to Barcelona defenders doubling up on him throughout the first half.
      Wasted a glorious chance early in the second half to put United into the lead after an error from Ronald Araujo. Subbed off after 82 minutes for Garnacho.
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      Rashford – 8
      Scored the equaliser from a tight angle to squeeze a shot past Marc Ter Stegen and match his best ever season tally.
      Created the second from a corner with a direct run into the penalty area to cause havoc and reap an own goal. Was denied a penalty when brought down as he went through on goal.
      Substitutes
      Alejandro Garnacho (on for Jadon Sancho 82 minutes) – N/A
      Marcus Rashford equalised for Manchester United at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Manchester United picked up an important draw with BarcelonaCredit: PA More

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      ‘He’s got to look at the ball!’ – Robbie Savage singles out Man Utd star for huge error in build-up to Barcelona goal

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE singled out Fred for criticism after Barcelona’s opening goal against Manchester United.The former Premier League player was on BT Sport commentary duty as United travelled to Spain.
      Marcos Alonso heads Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp as Fred watches onCredit: AP
      And they got off to a poor start in the Europa League tie as ex-Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso headed the hosts ahead.
      As the corner came in, Alonso ghosted in round the back, heading into the ground and beating David de Gea.
      And, after watching the replay, Savage noticed it was Fred who had failed to track the Spaniard as he was left free to head the opener home.
      Savage said: “Fred’s got to look at the ball. Poor defending.”
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      Despite the criticism, Savage did add: “You can question his body shape for the goal. But his energy, enthusiasm and assist for the goal – he’s been brilliant.”
      The Brazilian’s blushes were saved after Marcus Rashford levelled on 52 minutes.
      Rashford broke free down the road and somehow squeezed in his effort past Marc-Andre ter Stegen from inside the box.
      It marked the in-form England international’s 22nd goal in all competitions this season.
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      And Rashford had a hand in putting United 2-1 up just minutes later.
      He picked up the ball from a short corner, beat his play and played a menacing ball across the face off goal.
      It ricocheted all the way through and Barca defender Jules Kounde inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
      This time it was Raphinha who had to pull the game back with his curled cross going all the way in, with everyone waiting for Robert Lewandowski to get a touch.
      And the thriller finished 2-2 to set up a mouth-watering return leg in Manchester next Thursday.
      Raphinha makes it 2-2 for BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona’s transfer of Marcos Alonso from Chelsea ‘reported to Fifa for fraud amid claims of irregularities with deal’

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      BARCELONA face more transfer problems after their deal for Marcos Alonso from Chelsea was reported to Fifa for fraud.Alonso left England for Spain in September on a free transfer after six season in West London.
      Marcos Alonso’s Barcelona transfer is being investigatedCredit: Rex
      But fourth division side Union Adarve – who he represented as a youth player – claim that they should have received £91,000 (€103,000) as part of the deal.
      According to AS, Union Adarve have evidence of the two sides negotiating for Alonso in the past.
      Alonso has established himself in the Barcelona setup this season, making 22 appearances and three goals.
      They are top of LaLiga under the guidance of club legend Xavi, leading champions Real Madrid by eight points.
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      But they have financial problems off the field and took LaLiga to court in order to register Gavi’s new contract.
      The Spanish giants were initially unable to register the playmaker’s fresh deal because of LaLiga’s salary limits.
      Barcelona aimed to relieve their financial woes with a series of one-off cash injections last summer, leveraging chunks of future revenue.
      But their wage bill is still believed to still stand at around 20 per cent over and above LaLiga’s max squad spend limit.
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      Barcelona budgeted for a minimum quarter-final finish in the Champions League this season but they failed to get out the group.
      It means they face a shortfall of £18m, while winning the Europa League would only generate £13m.
      Barcelona are also still unable to register Ronald Araujo as a first-team player despite the centre-back signing a new contract last season.
      Marcos Alonso scored against Man UtdCredit: Reuters More

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      Fans threaten to watch Barcelona vs Man Utd without the sound as commentator’s gaffe ‘p***es them off’

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      FOOTBALL fans threatened to mute the commentators during Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Barcelona.The threat was made after Ian Darke and Robbie Savage repeatedly mispronounced Ronald Araujo’s name.
      Fans were getting irritated by the commentator’s pronunciation of Ronald Araujo’s nameCredit: AFP
      The Uruaguan star started the game for Barcelona on the right side of the defence.
      His name is pronounced ‘Arau-ho’. However, fans watching from their sofas were getting annoyed with the pronunciation from the BT Sports commentary team.
      One tweeted: “BT Sport commentator saying Ara-ouu-ho for Araújo.
      “About to turn down the volume for Barcelona and Manchester United.”
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      A second commented: “The pronunciation of Aruajo by the commentators is p*****g me off.”
      A third wrote: “I hate the way commentators say ‘ara who hoe’ for Araujo.”
      A fourth said: “Someone tell the commentator how to pronounce Araujo.”
      A fifth added: “Iain darke the commentator calling Araujo ‘Arahooho’ 😭.”
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      A sixth tweeted: “I’ve got a real problem with this commentator pronouncing Araujo as Ara-hoo-hoe.
      “Motherf***** has me thinking about pokemon.”
      Araujo is known to English audiences having previously been linked with a transfer to Man United and Chelsea. More