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    Eric Bailly recalled from Afcon preparations by Man Utd as defender jets back from Ivory Coast for Burnley game

    ERIC BAILLY has flown back to Manchester United from the Ivory Coast and is in contention for the game against Burnley.The Red Devils had allowed the defender to join his country”s African Cup of Nations preparatons early.
    Eric Bailly is on contention for Manchester United’s game against Burnley
    But, after United’s disappointing 1-1 draw with strugglers Newcastle on Monday, Bailly, 27, has now been ordered back to the UK.
    And, after Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane looked shaky at St James’ Park, he could be plunged straight back into action in Thursday’s Old Trafford clash.
    Bailly has not started for the first XI for a month, but according to The Telegraph, is in contention against the Clarets.
    On Monday, Varane was caught out for the goal scored by Allan Saint-Maximin, and his fellow centre-half Maguire looked off the pace throughout.
    And it would be no surprise to see boss Ralf Rangnick drop either Maguire or Varane after their laboured showing.
    Speaking after the draw, Maguire says an enforced 16-day Covid break may have led to lost points.
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    The England international said: “No 16-day break in the middle of a football season is going to help you.
    “The training ground has been shut and half the lads playing today are recovering from the virus, so of course it’s not going to help us.
    “We’ve had people with symptoms, people without symptoms, it’s been a real mixed bag for everyone at the football club and it’s been a tough time.
    “But you can’t make excuses for sloppy passes and the opportunities that we had, especially in the first half.
    “We’ve got to stay on the ball, we’ve got to stay active and we’ve got to play the ball in their half and we didn’t manage to do that.
    “You can look at that and ask whether the last 16 days had a big impact on that because it looked like we ran out of steam out there.
    “A point in the end is a fair result, but it’s a result that we’re disappointed with.”
    It was a lacklustre performance from Man Utd on Monday night and the players were slammed again by club legend Gary Neville.
    Harry Maguire suggested some of the players were lethargic against Newcastle
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd’s central defensive partnership is a dream on paper but will be giving Rangnick nightmares after Newcastle flop

    ON PAPER, Manchester United’s central defensive partnership should be the least of Ralf Rangnick’s problems.An £80million England international who helped his country to a major final in the summer and a French World Cup winner with four Champions League titles to his name.
    Raphael Varane had a night to forget for Manchester United against NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But right now, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are an enigma that United’s interim German coach is in desperate need of finding a solution to.
    The return of Varane, 28, to the starting line-up after picking up a hamstring injury back on November 2 was deemed a big plus with Victor Lindelof was ruled out with a positive Covid test.
    But his performance alongside Maguire in an abysmal result away to Newcastle just proves how far United still have to go to reach their historic heights of yesteryear.
    Edinson Cavani bailed his defenders out with an equaliser – but in truth the Magpies should have made Maguire and Varane pay for multiple offences in front of their own goal to seriously pile the pressure on.
    They may have taken the Sports Direct signs down from St James’ Park, but Maguire and Varane looked like a pair of budget purchases.
    All the talk pre-match was about Eddie Howe’s Toon and their woeful record at the back – a league-high 41 let in so far and stats no better than predecessor Steve Bruce.
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    Ironically, ex-Red Devils captain and centre back Bruce, 60, could have put in a better performance at the back last night for Rangnick’s underperforming United.
    Both Maguire and Varane were a bag of nerves, stumbling and fumbling over every decision, frightened and fragile against any opponent, clueless and calamitous on and off the ball.
    Allan Saint-Maximin’s seventh minute opener was the first goal conceded of the Rangnick era – and what a shambles of a goal it was.
    The two clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Norwich before their 16-day fixture-gap were most certainly false indicators of progress after letting in bundles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Varane was shoved off the ball by Sean Longstaff before Saint-Maximin was allowed to cut inside by Maguire and dig out a shot past David De Gea.
    Manchester United captain Harry Maguire struggled against second-bottom NewcastleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    That theme continued as Callum Wilson powered Maguire off the ball in his own box and doubled Newcastle’s lead only for the offside flag to save the United skipper’s blushes.
    The best part of Maguire’s night was the relief as Wilson was forced off before the break with an injury. Varane meanwhile will have nightmares about Saint-Maximin for weeks.
    Varane was at fault again after the break as he lost sight of Saint-Maximin who should have made it 2-0 only to scuff his effort with the goal gaping from two yards.
    This is a Newcastle team with just 18 goals to their name before this one, and only one in their last three, conceding 11 in the process.
    United – with the help of the non-dynamic duo Maguire and Varane – made them look like world beaters all over the park.
    Even the likes of Joelinton, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron found the confidence to have pot shots from range in search of a winner, such was the complete lack of pressure and intimidation in front of him.
    Maguire combatted his poor performance by complaining towards the officials and his own teammates at every turn, leading to Gary Neville describing his old club at half time as “whinge-bags”.
    That phrase may be lost in translation for the Godfather of German football Rangnick.
    But even he can see his biggest issue lies at the heart of a self-destructive defence. More

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    Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick reveals he phoned Covid-hit stars with HOMEWORK when training ground shut down amid outbreak

    RALF RANGNICK said that his Manchester United stars missed some key days of learning due to the Covid outbreak at Carrington — but most of them did their homework.The Old Trafford interim boss had earmarked the week leading up to Christmas with no fixtures as a good time to get ideas into his players.
    Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed he gave his players homework to do when the training ground was shut
    Instead that was extended as the Red Devils were forced to cancel two Prem fixtures and shut their training ground for four days due to the virus.
    But Rangnick spoke regularly with his isolated players to make sure they were keeping in shape while at home.
    He also worked with his coaches to prepare videos for the squad to watch and get a better understanding of what is expected of them under the new regime.
    Rangnick said: “Obviously during those four days we couldn’t do it. I spoke with most of the players who were in isolation or positively tested.
    “I spoke with 16 or 17 players individually over the phone to hear how they are and how they were feeling. But we did a lot of work in between with my coaching staff, preparing video footage.
    “We’ll follow up on that because it’s important that they really know what it’s about, how we should play, how to find the best possible balance of playing offensively.
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    “We must make use of the offensive players we have but at the same time be able to defend and make sure we get further clean sheets in the future.”
    The former Red Bull Leipzig boss was encouraged by the condition of his players when they returned to their HQ on Tuesday.
    And United had an extra day to prepare after their trip to struggling Newcastle was put back 24 hours until tonight for television coverage.
    Rangnick said: “They all had a schedule at home. Physically they look good, they had a very intense training session when they came back.
    “The energy level was high, all the players were fully engaged.
    “It could also happen that we rotate from one game to the next, especially when you play every three days.”
    He said the players have come back in such good shape that he is likely to have a selection headache at St James’ Park.
    He said: “Right now everyone is available apart from Paul Pogba. It will not be so easy to decide on the first XI but also the eight players on the bench.”
    Rangnick has added two coaches to his backroom staff in recent weeks — in Chris Armas and Ewan Sharp — as well as sports psychologist Sascha Lense.
    He confirmed their contracts, like his, are for the remainder of the season — but that their could be scope for them to stay longer at Old Trafford.
    Rangnick said: “Their contracts are until the end of the season but this doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be able to stay beyond that.
    “I’ve worked with all three of them in the past and know how good they are.”
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    Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick tells Anthony Martial to forget about January transfer… because NOBODY wants him

    ANTHONY MARTIAL has been told to focus on Manchester United – because nobody has made an offer to sign him.Interim boss Ralf Rangnick confirmed that the French international striker told him he wants out of Old Trafford.
    Anthony Martial has been told to knuckle down at United
    United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Martial has asked to leave
    Rangnick says they will only sell the 26-year-old next month if it suits the club.
    And United are still fighting in three competitions and seem certain to have a busy end to the season.
    Despite reports of interest from Seville, Rangnick says nobody has made a move for Martial.
    Rangnick said: “Yes we spoke on Wednesday. We spoke at length. He explained to me he’s been at Manchester United now for seven years and he feels it’s the right time for a change, to go somewhere else.
    “In a way this is understandable, I could follow his thoughts but on the other hand, it’s also important to see the situation of the club.
    “We have Covid times, we have three competitions in which we still have high ambitions.
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    “I told him as long as there is no club showing interest in him, and it should not only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club.
    “So far, as far as I know, there has been no offer from any other club and as long as this is the case he will stay.”
    Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley irritated Rangnick earlier this month by going public with his client’s desire to leave prior to discussing it with the United boss.
    The striker, who cost £36million from Monaco in 2015 in a deal that could rise to £58m, has started only three matches in all competitions this season with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo limiting his opportunities.
    Meanwhile, Rangnick says he is only focussed on getting Paul Pogba fit again – despite his contract ticking down.
    The record signing will be free to talk to other clubs later this week as his deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer.
    Pogba has been out since early November with a thigh injury but is closing in on a return to action.
    Rangnick said: “Of course I’ve spoken to Paul. On the day he came back from Dubai we spoke in person. We also spoke over the phone when he was still in Dubai.
    “Right now, it’s about for him to get fit again, to get training fit, not just be match fit.
    “I think this will take as far as I know another couple of weeks and until then my full focus is on the players who are available and who can play in the upcoming games.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd ‘interested in Emi Martinez transfer with Aston Villa’s ex-Arsenal keeper wanted as David De Gea replacement’

    EMILIANO MARTINEZ is reportedly on Manchester United’s list of potential goalkeeping targets.The Argentina international, 29, has shone for Aston Villa ever since joining them from Arsenal in September 2020.
    Manchester United are believed to already be looking a replacement for David de GeaCredit: Reuters
    They could launch a £50m swoop for Aston Villa’s Emiliano MartinezCredit: Getty
    And his consistent displays have caught the eye of the Red Devils.
    The Daily Star claims United have ‘watched him closely’ several times and believe that he could be a future No1 at Old Trafford.
    David de Gea currently holds that position after appearing to win his own personal battle with Dean Henderson.
    After a shaky few years, the 31-year-old Spaniard is back to top form.
    His current contract expires in 2023 and today’s report states that should he depart before then United would be on the look-out for a replacement.
    And a £50million swoop would be made for Martinez if De Gea leaves prior to becoming a free agent.
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    He still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal with Covid-struck Steven Gerrard’s Villa.
    But he is not the only goalie that United have allegedly been keeping tabs.
    The same article also insists that the Red Devils are ‘hot on’ Leeds United’s Illan Meslier.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand reveals the brutal way Sir Alex Ferguson axed Roy Keane

    RIO FERDINAND revealed the BRUTAL way Sir Alex Ferguson axed Roy Keane.The pair had an infamous falling out at Old Trafford following the Irishman’s rant about young players not performing in 2005.
    Roy Keane was Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United captain and was his trusted on-field leader for nearly a decadeCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Keane was United captain before he was dumped by Ferguson following a rant about his team-matesCredit: PA:Press Association
    During a never-aired MUTV interview, Keane is alleged to have laid into several players individually.
    It put him on the warpath with Ferguson though, who had a heated exchange with Keane, whose contract was running down anyway.
    The midfield commander was then told he had to leave United and Ferguson was left to inform the players of his departure.
    Ferdinand recalled: “The club didn’t want [it] to go out, the manager thought it was disrespectful to the team.
    “The next day, he told the players that Roy Keane will never come back to Man Utd again.”
    Keane claims in his book, The Second Half, that he also fell out with Carlos Queiroz, Ferguson’s trusted lieutenant at the time.
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    He played 326 games for United after signing from Nottingham Forest in 1993, but his move to Celtic did not work as he’d planned as his ongoing hip injuries caught up with him.
    Ferdinand continued: “He was captain of Man Utd. The best player United had for a long period of time.
    “That was a message to the next generation: don’t ever think you’re bigger than this club.
    “Because you’re not, you will go. I just told the captain he is never coming back again.
    “What are you going to do now?”
    Wayne Rooney and Mikael Silvestre have also shared their explosive versions of the Fergie-Keane bust-up. More

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    ‘He has everything’ – Man Utd urged to sign De Jong as Pogba transfer replacement after flop Van de Beek move

    MANCHESTER UNITED should make a move for Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong if Paul Pogba leaves.That’s the opinion of former Liverpool and England star John Barnes, who thinks the 24-year-old Dutchman ‘has everything’.
    John Barnes says Manchester United should sign Frenkie De Jong
    Paul Pogba could be leaving Manchester United in the summer
    Pogba is out of contract with United at the end of the season, and has given little indication he is ready to stick around.
    Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and old club Juventus have all been linked with the French star.
    But if he does decide to leave United for a second time, Barnes thinks De Jong is the perfect replacement.
    Speaking to BonusCodeBets, the 58-year-old said: “Frenkie de Jong would be a brilliant signing for Manchester United.
    “It looks like Paul Pogba is on his way out of the club so bringing in a replacement for him is very important.
    “Especially if that person is a young and talented player who will get the opportunity to be one of the main players at the club.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}LATEST IN SUN BINGO AND VEGAS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    “He has everything in terms of passing range, intensity and a great attitude. It’s exactly what Manchester United need in midfield.
    “That was their plan with Donny Van de Beek, but of course he’s been stifled by other players in his position playing better than him.
    “However, bringing de Jong in and putting him straight into the side and being trusted would be good for both Manchester United and him.”
    With Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis, they could be forced to flog some of their bigger names in January and summer.
    They have, however, somehow managed to agree a £55m deal with Manchester City to sign Ferran Torres.
    If United do sign a replacement for Pogba, it would be another kick in the teeth for fellow midfielder Donny van de Beek.
    The 24-year-old Dutch star has flopped since joining United from Old Trafford and could look for his own way out in summer.
    Donny van de Beek has struggled to impose himself at Old Trafford
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Sevilla target Man Utd star Edinson Cavani as well as wantaway Anthony Martial in January transfer swoop

    MANCHESTER UNITED duo Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are reportedly being targetted by Spanish side Sevilla.The two strikers have barely got a look-in, in recent months, and could be set for a January move out of Old Trafford.
    Edinson Cavani could be the subject of a transfer battle between Barcelona and Sevilla
    Sevilla still hold some interest in Cavani’s Man Utd team-mate Anthony Martial
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Sevilla are likely to rival Barcelona for Cavani should he become available.
    But they face a battle to snap up the 34-year-old Uruguayan, as he ‘dreams of finishing his career with Barcelona’.
    If indeed Sevilla miss out on Cavani, they could turn to his United team-mate Martial.
    The France forward’s agent has already made it clear his client wants to move next month.
    Newcastle have been strongly linked but Sevilla is his preferred destination, although the Spanish club favour an initial loan for the remainder of the season.
    Martial has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice.
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    Cavani, who has been struggling with injury, has featured seven times, scoring once.
    Another option for the former PSG star could be a surprise switch to Brazilian side Corinthians.
    Agent Andre Cury, who was involved in Neymar’s stunning transfer to Barcelona in 2013 told Torcedores: “He [Cavani] is unhappy at United.
    “He’s a guy I already know a little about his history because we almost brought him to Palmeiras the other time.
    “He’s a guy who owns a farm in Uruguay and likes to be close to home, so in that sense there might be some possibility.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More