Man Utd email

BRUNO FERNANDES has claimed Paul Scholes was better than Frank Lampard AND Steven Gerrard – and revealed he hopes to emulate the Old Trafford legend.
For years, England fans have fought over which of the three central midfielders was the best, with all enjoying phenomenal careers.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Fernandes has piled praise on Scholes – ranking him above Gerrard and LampardCredit: EPA

Fernandes revealed he wants to emulate Scholes and become a Man Utd iconCredit: Getty – Contributor
Scholes ultimately quit Three Lions duty after being forced out wide to accommodate Gerrard and Lampard in a 4-4-2.
But Fernandes has revealed Scholes is the best of the three for him – and is even drawing inspiration from the Man Utd legend, having scored 13 goals and added ten assists in just 21 Premier League games.
Fernandes told the UTD Podcast: “I think Scholes was one of the best midfielders in the world.

“For England, a lot of people talk about Frank Lampard because he scored a lot of goals of course, one of the best in England too, you have Steven Gerrard too.
“But I think Scholes is the one who makes more difference than anyone else.
“And before everyone starts talking about this, I haven’t seen every midfielder in England…
“But I think in the last generation, those three were the three best ones, and for me Scholes was best.”

And Fernandes believes he plays more in the style of Old Trafford legend Scholes than Gerrard, Lampard and Co.

Fernandes even revealed watching a compilation of all of Scholes’ United goals helped Fred score twice in last season’s Europa League win over Club Brugge.
The Portuguese star continued: “Maybe I’m closer to Paul Scholes than the rest of them.
“Scholes was a guy who likes to be in the box, who likes to give an assist, who likes to score a lot of goals.
“I remember when we were about to play Club Brugge last season, and I was in the dining room with Fred.
“On the television they were playing all Paul Scholes’ goals in a Manchester United shirt.

Fernandes believes Scholes was a better player than both Gerrard and LampardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“We had eaten, but we just stayed there to watch all of those goals of his.
“It was funny because I was talking to Fred, and I said to him, ‘You see what Paul Scholes is doing, you need to be more closer to the goal, because if not, you will never score.’
“And then Fred, in that game, he scored twice!
“I appreciate Scholes a lot but maybe because, at that time for me in Portugal, when Scholes was playing at his best level, it was difficult for us to see English football.
“After watching a video of Paul Scholes, I knew he was a player who scored a lot of goals.”

DREAM TEAM SELECTOR

WIN your share of a huge jackpot by simply picking one winning Premier League team each Gameweek.

But here’s the twist: you can only pick each team once!
Click HERE to play Dream Team Selector.

Rio Ferdinand demands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be respected and blasts Man Utd links to Mauricio Pochettino More

IF ANYONE deserved some good news, it was Harry Maguire.
And so on Thursday morning, Gareth Southgate asked for a word in private before informing the defender he would be England captain for the first time.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Harry Maguire is now England and Man Utd captain – as he promised 15 months agoCredit: AP:Associated Press

Maguire scored the opener as England beat Ireland 3-0 on ThursdayCredit: AP:Associated Press
After a rotten few months on and off the pitch, Maguire delivered a decent performance in a straightforward 3-0 win over Ireland at Wembley.
Not that it could have been any worse than his car crash appearance against Denmark last month when he was sent off after just 31 minutes with a second yellow card.
As a result, Maguire will be suspended for Sunday’s Nations League trip to Belgium.

So it was vital to find some semblance of normality at the heart of the England back three and he achieved this.
When you look at his arrest in Mykonos after a bust-up with police, some poor performances for United and the sending off for England, Maguire’s confidence should be in complete tatters. 
But in fairness, he has plodded on regardless and needs to be given credit for showing some thick skin. 
Last night’s win has to be put into perspective… it was against a really weak Ireland side.

With manager Stephen Kenny having lost forwards through injury and Covid-19 positive tests, their strikeforce was being led by Norwich teenager Adam Idah.

But Southgate will like the way Maguire looked back to his old self, winning tackles, was strong and commanding in the air, playing things simple.
He would be encouraged by Michael Keane and Tyrone Mings in what was very much a makeshift Three Lions defence.
Maguire became the tenth different skipper to start a game under Southgate and he is clearly a player who the manager trusts, despite the palava since his holiday to Greece.
When Maguire first met Ole Gunnar Solskjser in the summer of 2019, Maguire made it clear that he was determined to be captain of both Manchester United and England.
So in just 15 months, he has managed to achieve both things – and yet the Old Trafford captain has endured barrel loads of criticism this season.
Some of it has been justified as a few of his performances have been poor, but some of flak thrown in his direction has been both unfair and incorrect.
As a result, it was important to get through an England match without disaster.
And the night improved in the 18th minute when he rose impressively above Shane Duffy to plant Harry Winks’ cross into the net.

Southgate will have been pleased with Maguire’s performance after being given the captain’s armband vs IrelandCredit: Rex Features
It was only his second goal for England following his thumping header in the 2-0 win over Sweden in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Maguire could even have doubled his tally but Southgate will be more pleased that he left the pitch following his 29th senior appearance with a clean sheet.
Maguire will not be involved in the match against Leuven on Sunday, along with Reece James who will serve the first of a two-match suspension for letting rip at the referee after the loss to Denmark.
But the centre-back will be back against Iceland here next Wednesday and it is about time Southgate got this defence sorted.
Along with Jordan Pickford’s patchy form, this is the area of concern to England, along with the defensive midfield spot.
The injury to Joe Gomez is another blow as he would have been a certain starter so Southgate must look at yet another defensive combination.
But while he may still have his critics, Maguire has never been as important as he is now for Southgate.
But equally, it would be good for all concerned if the former Leicester man – christened as slabhead by Jamie Vardy – remains rock solid over these next few months.

DREAM TEAM SELECTOR

WIN your share of a huge jackpot by simply picking one winning Premier League team each Gameweek.

But here’s the twist: you can only pick each team once!
Click HERE to play Dream Team Selector.

Harry Maguire says Man Utd are the biggest team in the world and that’s why everybody loves seeing them lose More

MANCHESTER UNITED could land Cristiano Ronaldo on a FREE transfer, according to reports.
The Portuguese ace, 35, has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford in 2021.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo could sign for Man Utd on a free transfer in 2022Credit: Reuters
Juventus are claimed to be keen to cash-in before his contract expires in 2022 and offload his sky-high £850,000-a-week wages.
But Madrid-based outlet AS have claimed Ronaldo has no intention of leaving next year.
The Spanish paper have suggested the former Real Madrid star will wait until he’s a free agent in 2022 to move on.

The report also stated Juventus are happy to keep hold of their star man until the end of his current deal – unless they don’t win the Champions League.
However, Man Utd could decide they don’t want to wait until Ronaldo is 37 for his eagerly-anticipated homecoming.
Portuguese outlet Record have claimed United officials have already been in touch with Ronaldo’s agent to make their interest formal.
And Ronaldo could be tempted to cut short his spell in Turin, too – thanks to Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona superstar – and long-time rival of Ronaldo – is set to quit Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021.

Ronaldo could rekindle his relationship with Solskjaer at Man UtdCredit: AFP – Getty

How Man Utd could line-up next season with Cristiano Ronaldo

And it’s expected he will move to Manchester City to rekindle his relationship with Pep Guardiola.
Messi nearly moved to the Etihad this summer after a fall-out with former president Josep Maria Bartomeu – but agreed to stay for one more season.
A return to Old Trafford for CR7 could see the pair go head-to-head in England for the first-time – in the Manchester derby, no less.
Ronaldo played for United between 2003 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The forward scored 118 goals in 292 games in all competitions for United before joining Real Madrid in an £80million deal.
In nine seasons at Los Blancos, Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games, winning two league crowns and four Champions Leagues.
Ronaldo joined Juventus for £99m in 2018, where he has since won back-to-back Serie A crowns.
The Portuguese legend – who recently scored his 100th international goal – has also been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Should Ronaldo return to Man Utd, here’s five ways they could line-up to squeeze him into their front-line.

Ronaldo returns to Juventus training ahead of Champions League clash against Ferencvarosi More

MANCHESTER UNITED and England have lead the tributes to Albert Quixall, after he died aged 87.
The former forward, nicknamed Golden Boy, has sadly passed away, first club – Sheffield Wednesday – confirmed on Thursday night.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

We’re saddened to hear that Albert Quixall, who won five caps for the #ThreeLions between 1953 and 1955, has died at the age of 87.Our deepest condolences go to Albert’s family, friends and former clubs. pic.twitter.com/6r9n5N4pTC
— England (@England) November 12, 2020

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Albert Quixall.The skilful forward made 184 appearances and scored 56 goals between 1958 and 1964.Everyone at United sends their sincere condolences to Albert’s family and friends at this sad time.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 12, 2020

Quixall broke the British transfer record upon leaving Sheffield Wednesday for Man Utd in 1958 after completing a £45,000 move.
The striker spent seven years at the Owls, scoring 63 goals in 241 league games after making his debut aged 17.
At Sheffield Wednesday, Quixall won all five of his England caps – between 1953 and 1955 – before joining United and later bringing down the curtain on his career at Oldham and Stockport.

After learning of his death, Man Utd tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Albert Quixall.
“The skilful forward made 184 appearances and scored 56 goals between 1958 and 1964.
“Everyone at United sends their sincere condolences to Albert’s family and friends at this sad time.”
England’s official account added: “We’re saddened to hear that Albert Quixall, who won five caps for the #ThreeLions between 1953 and 1955, has died at the age of 87.

“Our deepest condolences go to Albert’s family, friends and former clubs.”

Quixall, second from right, helped Man Utd win the 1963 FA Cup, alongside Bobby Charlton, leftCredit: PA:Press Association

Sheffield Wednesday are saddened to learn of the passing of club legend Albert Quixall.Our thoughts are with Albert’s family and friends at this difficult time.RIP ‘Golden Boy’ pic.twitter.com/TgMHF1PAnX
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) November 12, 2020

Albert Quixall 1933-2020260 #swfc appearances | 65 goalsRIP to one of our own 🦉
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) November 12, 2020

His first club had early revealed the news, tweeting: “Sheffield Wednesday are saddened to learn of the passing of club legend Albert Quixall.
“Our thoughts are with Albert’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“RIP ‘Golden Boy’.”
Sheffield-born Quixall helped Man Utd win the FA Cup in 1963 alongside the likes of Bobby Charlton and Denis Law – his only major career honour.

Nobby Stiles funeral: Mourners gather at Old Trafford to say goodbye to Man Utd and England World Cup hero More

DONNY VAN DE BEEK has insisted he can ‘add something’ to Manchester United’s starting XI after starring for Holland.
The Dutch international – who scored in the 1-1 draw with Spain on Wednesday – moved to Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer for £39million.

⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

Van de Beek scored for Holland in their draw with Spain on WednesdayCredit: Reuters

Van de Beek wants to play more at Man Utd and reckons he can ‘add something’ to the teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Van de Beek has been left frustrated after failing to start a Premier League game – coming off the bench five times and netting in the 4-1 win over Newcastle.
But the attacking midfielder has revealed he is content in Manchester – and is keen to prove he deserves a starting spot.
Van de Beek told Dutch outlet NOS: “It sounds like a cliche for me to say this…

“Of course I would have liked to play more, but I really enjoy being in a nice team.
“I have been received very well and helped by everyone.
“I’m a patient person but of course you go there to play as much as possible.
“I also think in the minutes that I have played, in the times that I have come in, I have shown that I can add something to the team.”

Van de Beek also confirmed he’d had words with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – with the boss asking him to show patience.
The midfielder continued: “[He said] that I have to be patient.
“But also [he said] that I just have to continue with what I have been doing.
“[He said] he’s seen that I have a good impact when I come on to the pitch.
“My time is definitely coming. And when those opportunities come, I have to be there.”
The Dutchman’s Old Trafford switch was met by a backlash from pundits – with Patrice Evra slamming the move and Marco van Basten suggesting Van de Beek will regret it.
And Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink recently hit out at Solskjaer for his tactics – saying it’s ‘not the Man Utd way’ to field two defensive midfielders.
Hasselbaink wants United to ditch the 4-2-3-1 and play a 4-3-3, which could open the door for Van de Beek to start, if they ever want to win the Premier League again.

Rio Ferdinand demands Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be respected and blasts Man Utd links to Mauricio Pochettino More