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      Man Utd must splash cash in summer to fix three key areas after underwhelming January transfer window

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans will be hoping for a busier summer transfer window after failing to sign anyone in January.
      Though the club managed to offload Marcos Rojo and Timothy Fosu-Mensah on a permanent basis, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t bring anyone in to help the club’s title tilt.

      Manchester United are currently second in the table – three points behind rivals CityCredit: PA:Press Association

      Here’s how United fan Tom McDermott summed up United’s winter transfer window.
      How would you rate United’s transfer window?
      No incoming deals, so probably, overall, a little underwhelming.
      We saw last year during the winter transfer window that if you can bring in someone of genuine quality, they can make a huge difference.
      It’s important to bring in the ‘right’ player though, because for every Bruno Fernandes, you could be stung by an Alexis Sanchez – there’s no guarantees.

      We must also be realistic and understand that United has a debt to service and we’re living through a pandemic.
      I do expect a lot more from the club in the summer though.
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      Bruno Fernandes has starred since joining from Sporting Lisbon last yearCredit: Reuters
      Has Ole Gunnar Solskjaer missed out on someone he desperately needs?
      It’s hard to say. It’s pretty obvious where United’s weaknesses are.

      We have to trust the Norwegian because in general, since his arrival, he’s not made too many mistakes in the transfer market and the players he’s brought in have contributed pretty well.
      Even the heavily criticised Dan James has delivered the odd goal and decent performance this campaign.
      Is the existing squad genuinely good enough to challenge for the Premier League title?
      The squad and mentality is not there yet. I think we get reminded of that from time-to-time.
      Players like Edinson Cavani are real winners and their work ethic and determination to win, alongside that undoubted ability, can hopefully rub-off on the other players who are perhaps not as experienced and don’t have a lot of trophies to show.
      Solskjaer needs more players like Cavani, but ones that are perhaps the right side of 30.

      Edinson Cavani has scored six goals since arriving at Old Trafford on a free transferCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Should United have tried harder to get rid of the dead wood?
      Marcos Rojo has left and Jesse Lingard has moved on loan, so that’s a positive.
      The trouble United have is the huge wages they are paying some of the players, who often don’t even make it on to the bench each week.
      When other clubs show an interest, they’re usually put off by the excessive wage demands.
      I think we’re still in the process of seeing United get rid of the ‘dead wood’.
      Great progress has been made, but we may have to wait until another transfer window or two, to fully see the back of all the players Solskjaer doesn’t fancy.

      Marcos Rojo and Jesse Lingard both departed the Theatre of Dreams in JanuaryCredit: Reuters
      Who should Solskjaer be eyeing up in the summer window?
      For me he needs to be looking at three areas. Firstly, someone who can play in the defensive midfield position like Fred and Scott McTominay.
      These two have done well, but they lack that extra bit of quality when in possession. Perhaps Donny van de Beek can help, but his situation is a bit of a concern.
      The next position is central defence. United probably have the long-term solution to partner Harry Maguire in Axel Tuanzebe and Eric Bailly – the trouble is neither stay fit for long enough.
      So, a mobile, reliable, central defender has to be a must. Victor Lindelof and Maguire are quite similar.
      The final area is the attacking right spot. Jadon Sancho was linked last summer, and he’d be great because it would also allow Mason Greenwood to focus on his favoured position through the middle.
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      Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho is still believed to be a target for UnitedCredit: EPA

      Which players would you say have the remainder of this season to save their United careers?
      The usual suspects like Phil Jones and Sergio Romero certainly fall into this category, but in all honesty, their time at United is probably already done.
      You wonder if a more established first team player may be sacrificed in order to generate further funds for players in other positions.
      It’ll be an interesting summer window – we’ll see.
      Follow Tom McDermott on Twitter by clicking HERE.
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      Man Utd legend Gary Neville trolls Liverpool after rival Reds’ title charge takes another dent with Brighton defeat More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Robin van Persie names the six best players he has played with, including four Man Utd legends

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE named the six best players he played with in his career – and four of them were Manchester United legends.
      The former Arsenal captain, who spent his last three seasons in England at Old Trafford, retired from football at the age of 35.

      Robin van Persie has named four Man Utd legends among six best players he ever played withCredit: AFP

      Van Persie, now 37, controversially moved to Manchester in 2012 having rejected a contract extension offer from Arsenal.
      He then went on to win the Premier League title in his first season at Old Trafford.
      And the Dutch hotshot seemingly has fond memories from his time in the red half of Manchester, naming four Red Devils stars among best players he shared the pitch with.
      When asked to pick his most talented team-mate, he told BBC Sport: “So difficult to name one.

      “I would go for Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy.”
      Van Nisterlooy in fact left Old Trafford in 2006 – long before Van Persie joined United.
      But the two strikers played together for Holland, earning 172 caps and bagging 85 goals between them.
      The former Arsenal skipper also labelled former Red Devils duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand as the best two defenders he ever faced.

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      Following a three-year spell at Fenerbahce, Van Persie moved back to his homeland to end his career at boyhood club Feyenoord, where he is now coach under Dick Advocaat.
      And he claims he could have stayed at Old Trafford for one more season back in 2015 as he still had one year left on his contract.
      But the striker decided to ‘move on’ when then-United coach Louis van Gaal made it crystal clear he was not in his plans.
      Van Persie said: “Because I had one more year on my deal, maybe I should have stayed.
      “But then Van Gaal was the coach and he made it quite clear what his intentions were.
      “Then you have to make a decision: Do you stay and fight for your place?
      “Would it be an honest competition or not? Based on all that info, we decided to move on.
      “But three years is not three days, it’s still a long period, it’s still a big part of my football career, and in total 11 years of football in England… as a kid I would never have dreamed of that.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Robin van Persie scores superb free-kick for Feyenoord against PEC Zwolle More

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      Solskjaer lauds ‘magic’ Man Utd as they hit THREE all-time Prem goalscoring records in 9-0 demolition of Southampton

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER labelled his Manchester United side ‘magic’ after a 9-0 thrashing of Southampton.
      There were seven different scorers, eight if you count Jan Bendarek’s own-goal, on a stunning night in the north west.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was understandably delighted at his side’s 9-0 thrashing of SouthamptonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      This photo will give Southampton nightmaresCredit: Reuters

      And United ended up equalling THREE all-time Premier League goalscoring records too.
      It is only the second time a team has had seven different scorers in a Premier League match.
      The last was Chelsea against Aston Villa in December 2012.
      It is also only the third time ever a side has won a game by nine goals.

      Once was United back in 1995, beating Ipswich 9-0.
      And of course poor Southampton were on the end of a 9-0 slaughtering against Leicester in 2019.
      And thanks to a 3-2 win at St Mary’s earlier this season, United equalled the record number goals scored by a team against an opponent in a Premier League season, 12.
      No wonder Solskjaer was beaming at full time.

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      It was a night of celebration for United’s starsCredit: Reuters

      Speaking after the game, the Norwegian boss told BT Sport: “We have been waiting for them to show their magic and of course tonight was a night that they could go and enjoy.
      “We haven’t had too many of them where you can sit down in the second half and enjoy the football.
      “They enjoyed it and there were some good performances.
      “They will get a lot of confidence from a result and a performance like this.  Scoring goals is always good for the forwards in the team.”

      United’s cause was helped after just 82 SECONDS then Southampton were reduced to 10 men when Alex Jankewitz was sent off on his debut for a horror challenge on Scott McTominay.
      And at 6-0 up the visitors then had Bednarek sent-off for a professional foul – Bruno Fernandes scoring from the penalty spot.
      He added: “We shared the goals more between the players.
      “Of course, when the game started like it did it was almost about if we could get the first goal.
      “You’ve seen so many examples of ten men that close up shop and they get a draw.
      “It was about keeping the tempo high, get the first goal and keep on from there.”
      For the record books, goalscorers on an incredible night at Old Trafford were Marcus Rashford (two), Anthony Martial (two) Fernandes, Wan-Bissaka, Edinson Cavani and Dan James.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford More

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      Man Utd verdict: Luke Shaw’s two assists in brilliant first half show Solskjaer he is now undroppable for Red Devils

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      LUKE SHAW must be one of the first names on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team-sheet in the weeks ahead.
      And the £30 million Manchester United full-back showed against his former club why he has a chance of gate-crashing England’s squad for the Euros.

      Luke Shaw is in fine form and is giving England boss Gareth Southgate something to think aboutCredit: EPA

      Shaw was ‘rested’ for the shock home defeat against Sheffield United last week with Alex Telles starting instead.
      And the Red Devils turned in one of their flattest performances of the season without the in-form 25 year old.
      On this evidence, Solskjaer will not be leaving him out again any time soon.
      It is six-and-a-half years since he left St Mary’s to join Louis Van Gaal’s United in what was a world record deal for a teenager.

      And here he tormented the Saints who were stretched after being reduced to 10-men within the first two minutes.
      He teed up two of the four first half goals with superb crosses from the left – first for fellow full-back Aaron Wan Bissaka to slide home.
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      2 – Luke Shaw has as many Premier League assists in the first half against Southampton as he managed in his previous 45 Premier League appearances (2). Delivery. pic.twitter.com/qnkOII9PFK
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2021

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has put his trust in Shaw – and it’s worked out superblyCredit: PA:Press Association

      The one which he landed on Edinson Cavani’s head was arguably better still.

      Shaw also had a big hand in the second goal as his pass opened up the visitors defence – allowing Mason Greenwood to cross for Marcus Rashford to score.
      With his team four goals up at the break, Solskjaer chose to take him off and protect him ahead of a busy few weeks.
      Goalkeeper David de Gea said at the weekend that Shaw has become a key ‘weapon’ for United and makes the team better.
      And the left-back is arguably having his best period of his United career right now.
      As well as the faith of the manager, he credits the £13.5 million of the experienced Telles in October as a big factor in his improvement.
      Shaw knows he has genuine competition for his spot and said the new arrival is pushing him every step of the way in training.

      ENGLAND RECALL?
      That is clearly benefiting United right now – and could be good news for Gareth Southgate too.
      Shaw has played only once for England in more than five years – and that solitary recent appearance was back in 2018.
      But he admitted in the autumn the door is not closed and right now he is surely playing better than first choice Ben Chilwell.
      With United chasing glory on three fronts and the Euros on the horizon, it could be a huge few months ahead for Shaw.
      This is his time to become the player Southampton always believed he could be.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Record equalling night at Old Trafford as Man Utd smash Southampton 9-0 More

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      Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes voted best January transfer of all time in BBC poll… and stats show impressive year

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes has been voted as the best-ever January signing following his move from Sporting Lisbon last year.
      The 26-year-old playmaker has been a revelation at Old Trafford – chipping in with an incredible 28 goals and 18 assists in 53 games in all competitions.

      Bruno Fernandes has starred at Manchester United since arriving from Sporting LisbonCredit: EPA

      His remarkable form last term saw United finish third in the table, while he also helped the club to three semi-final appearances.
      Fernandes remarkably won FOUR Premier League Player of the Month awards in 2020 – the first man to win the accolade that many times in a calendar year.
      Due to his instant impact at the Theatre of Dreams, BBC Sport ran a poll where they asked fans to vote the greatest ever January signing.
      And they tweeted on Monday that the Portugal international came out on top, with the midfielder picking up a staggering 31 per cent of the vote.

      Liverpool’s Virgin van Dijk slotted in second place, ahead of United legend Nemanja Vidic and former Reds striker Luis Suarez.
      But it should come as no surprise that Fernandes has been voted in first place, with the ex-Sampdoria ace statistically the best January buy.
      In stats obtained by bettingodds.com covering his first season, Fernandes pipped Daniel Sturridge and Papiss Cisse to the honour.
      Fernandes won nine top-flight games as he helped United improve by two places, while he wasn’t on the losing side once.

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been effusive in his praise for Fernandes after the player marked a year in Manchester.
      He said: “Brilliant. From day one he’s come in and wanted to affect the environment, the playing environment, the staff. He’s been a great addition.
      “He’s such a humble human being, working hard, and I think everyone has seen what he’s done on the pitch.
      “I’m very pleased with his first year and long may it continue.”
      Before adding: “He watches every game on TV, especially the big games. If you ask him ‘did you watch that last night?’ he’s always seen the game.
      “He’s going to make the most of his career, that’s for sure.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Man Utd in five-club transfer battle with Europe’s elite to land Aston Villa’s 17-year-old wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set for a transfer tug-of-war with Juventus and Bayern Munich for Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka.
      The Aston Villa midfielder, 17, has also been tipped to become England’s next big thing.

      Man Utd are one of five European giants chasing Aston Villa’s 17-year-old wonderkid Carney ChukwuemekaCredit: Rex Features

      United already face competition from rivals Liverpool and Manchester City for Chukwuekmeka, who has been training with Dean Smith’s first team all season.
      Now The Times claims the Premier League giants have been joined by Europe’s big boys who are desperate to snap up the cream of England’s crop after Jude Bellingham’s move to Borussia Dortmund last summer.
      United were in the running for Bellingham but lost out to the Bundesliga giants and will want to avoid a repeat.
      They have been keeping tabs on him for over a year with the starlet still part-time last season.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      Chukwuemeka – a 6ft 1in powerhouse who plays in the No10 role – is tipped for Premier League action soon and signed a three-year deal at Villa Park in October.
      But that hasn’t stopped Juve, Bayern and Co from queuing up to capture the player described as ‘the best 16-year-old in England’ by Villa chief Christian Purslow last year.
      United are keen to make Chukwuemeka part of their youth revolution under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as they look to snap up the world’s best young talent.

      The Villa man would join Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri – now loaned out to Deportivo – in the latest crop of big-money youth stars to arrive at Old Trafford.
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      Chukwuemeka was unable to play for Villa’s brave young side who were forced to face Liverpool in the FA Cup last month as he was part of the group who had to self-isolate.  
      Villa coaches were disappointed the jewel in their crown could not take the stage as the fledgling team went down 4-1. 
      Chukwuemeka’s older brother Caleb is with Sky Bet League One strugglers Northampton – with Villa snapping Carney up from the Cobblers aged just 13.
      Man City wanted him back then but the Austrian-born Chukwuemeka chose Villa for a clearer path to first-team football.
      Now he is tipped to follow in the footsteps of Jack Grealish to make his breakthrough at Villa Park – with the world’s top clubs watching every move. 

      Derby agree loan transfer for Man Utd teenage defender Teden Mengi More

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      Solskjaer wants Man Utd to stop being ‘nice lads’ and start putting more pressure on referees

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER wants his players to get nasty and start putting refs under pressure.
      The Manchester United boss revealed a delegate’s report confirmed officials blundered in their recent 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his players to show a nastier sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Solskjaer wants to see his stars putting more heat on officials to get decisions overturned with the help of the VAR.
      He said: “The momentum shifted for us with the Sheffield United game. I’ve got the delegate’s report from the referee and the two decisions were wrong.
      “They’ve admitted their goal should have been disallowed and our goal should have stood. That’s a big, big momentum changer for us.
      “We are a bunch of nice lads. Maybe we should have made more of a fuss about it.

      “Maybe we should have hung on to that or made them look at it before the game started again.
      “So those are things we have to learn from and use as motivation or energy.”
      The Blades had opened the scoring through a Kean Bryan header on 23 minutes but goalkeeper David De Gea had been pushed by Billy Sharp as he went to punch clear.
      Both ref Peter Bankes and VAR David Coote ruled in the visitors’ favour.

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      Manchester United have displayed a ferocious nature in the pastCredit: Sportsphoto

      Shortly afterwards Anthony Martial looked to have equalised but Harry Maguire was penalised for his challenge on Blades keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
      Now Solskjaer wants to use that sense of injustice as a motivation.
      He said: “Whenever a team feels unfairly treated there will be a reaction.”

      Manchester United might have to show some ferocity if they want to push for the titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Solskjaer says the decisions belie the theory that United are favoured by officials.
      He also cited their opening-day defeat to Crystal Palace when Victor Lindelof was harshly adjudged to have handled for a penalty.
      Solskjaer, whose side host Southampton tonight, said: “There has been a narrative for too long about the decisions we have got for us.
      “But that doesn’t change where we are now. We just move on.”
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