More stories

  • in

    Man Utd star Marcus Rashford reveals he’s ‘proud’ to take mum Melanie to meet the Queen after being awarded MBE

    MARCUS RASHFORD has revealed he’s ‘proud’ to take mum Melanie to meet the Queen after being awarded an MBE.
    The Manchester United and England star, 22, had the prestigious honour bestowed upon him for his heroic free school meals campaign.

    4

    Marcus Rashford can’t wait to take his mum to meet the Queen after being awarded an MBE

    4

    Rashford was inspired to help kids after hearing his mum cry trying to make ends meet when he was youngCredit: Refer to Caption

    Rashford forced ministers into a U-turn to feed 1.3 million of Britain’s poorest kids over the summer holidays with families hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown.
    And now Rashford has revealed he will be taking his mum to meet the Queen after she served as his inspiration to better himself thanks to their humble beginnings.
    The Manchester-born star told BBC Breakfast: “I know I’ve got to take my mum, she doesn’t give me a choice.
    “Then I’ve got to pick between my brothers and sisters – wish me luck.

    “It’s all just a little bit strange… people from where we come from don’t get these type of things, so we don’t know how to act or behave.
    “It’s just a proud moment for everyone.”
    On being awarded an MBE, Rashford revealed he was ‘honoured and humbled’ and dedicated it to his mum.
    Rashford said: “I’m incredibly honoured and humbled.

    4

    Rashford revealed he was ‘honoured and humbled’ to be awarded an MBECredit: Instagram

    “As a young black man from Wythenshawe, never did I think I would be accepting an MBE, never mind an MBE at the age of 22.
    “This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour.
    “The fight to protect our most vulnerable children is far from over.
    “As I have said many times before, no matter your feeling or opinion, not having access to food is NEVER the child’s fault.”
    Thanks to Rashford’s tireless work, parents of the poorest kids were given a £15 food voucher each week to spend in supermarkets over the six-week school holiday.
    Last month, Rashford revealed hearing his mum cry at night as she struggled to provide for her family is what inspired him to help feed starving children during lockdown.

    4

    Man Utd and England star Rashford has been a hero to millions in 2020Credit: PA:Press Association
    The England hero said: “I remember the sound of my mum crying herself to sleep to this day, having worked a 14-hour shift, unsure how she was going to make ends meet.
    “That was my reality and thankfully I had the talent to kick a ball around to pull us all out of that situation.
    “Many can’t find that way out and aren’t being offered a helping hand to do so.
    “Those most at risk don’t have the platform to scream help from the rooftops.
    “But, for those ready to speak, my intention is to offer them the platform to do so and, for those who aren’t, I will continue to be their voice and act on their behalf.”
    Already, Rashford has helped to raise £20million to fund 3.9million meals for vulnerable children through food poverty charity FareShare.
    The United ace had aimed to raise £100,000, but smashed that target with fans inspired by his commitment and honesty.

    Hero Marcus Rashford gets MBE after winning historic free school meals fight More

  • in

    Man Utd sealed Amad Diallo transfer thanks to emotional FaceTime call from Solskjaer in move that’s left Parma fuming

    MANCHESTER UNITED reportedly landed Amad Diallo after an emotional FaceTime call with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    The Red Devils agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign the winger in January in a move that infuriated Italian side Parma.

    1

    Man Utd signed Amad Diallo after an emotional FaceTime call with Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Diallo, 18, will move to Old Trafford subject to a work permit and the agreement of personal terms.
    The Ivorian reportedly had a medical in Bergamo yesterday ahead of the £37.7million move – which includes a 15 per cent sell on fee for Atalanta.
    And he was convinced to make the switch by the video call with Solskjaer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

    Romano also claimed United think Diallo is one of the best players in the world in his age group.

    Solskjaer reportedly told the teenager he rates him highly and he is an important part of the club’s future.
    And United’s boss also told him he does not plan to send him out on loan once he returns from Atalanta in January.
    Serie A side Parma were furious with United’s last minute hijack of the deal as they claim they had an agreement in place.
    Parma director Alessandro Lucarelli said: “You must ask Atalanta about Diallo.

    “We had the agreement and then the negotiation with Manchester United started and they sold him.
    “We covered ourselves with other players and we will make up for it, but he would have been useful.”
    Elsewhere, Diallo’s team-mate Papu Gomez has boldy compared the winger to Lionel Messi.
    He said: “He’s a future star, trust me.
    “During our training sessions he plays like Messi.
    “You can’t stop him, he’s unbelievable, our centre-backs have serious problems when he is on the pitch. He’s fantastic.”

    Roy Keane blasts England stars Sancho, Chilwell and Abraham over rule breaches and calls on Southgate to clamp down More

  • in

    Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo AXED from Man Utd’s Champions League squad as Solskjaer cuts it down to 25

    SERGIO ROMERO, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have been axed from Manchester United’s Champions League squad by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    The Old Trafford outcasts have been shunned from the 25-man group while new signings Edinson Cavani, Facundo Pellistri and Alex Telles are all in.

    4

    Phil Jones is one of three big names to be axed from Man Utd’s Champions League squadCredit: PA:Press Association

    4

    Sergio Romero has also been left out by Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Rex Features

    4

    And forgotten left-back Marcos Rojo has been canned as wellCredit: Getty – Contributor

    The Red Devils open their Champions League campaign against Paris Saint-Germain on October 20.
    And there is no room for the out of favour trio.
    United’s other summer signing Donny van de Beek makes the list alongside his fellow new arrivals.

    While homegrown stars Mason Greenwood, Teden Mengi and Brandon Williams remain on the B-list which can be added to until the midnight before each fixture.

    The A and B lists have confused some fans with Chelsea releasing a statement to explain the process yesterday.
    It read: “Each competing club has to submit a List A of their playing staff which comprises up to 25 players with a minimum of eight locally trained players, of whom four must have come through the club’s own ranks between the ages of 15 and 21.
    “Any shortfall in those eight reduces the overall number available, and Uefa have announced five substitutions will be permitted this season, increasing the number of players selected for a matchday squad to 23.
    “In addition there is List B, made up of players aged 21 or younger with two years’ training at the club. This list can be updated at any time up to midnight before a Champions League match.”

    Man Utd’s Champions League squad

    Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Dean Henderson, Lee Grant
    Defenders: Eric Bailly, Tim Fosu-Mensah, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
    Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Daniel James, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Facundo Pellistri, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek
    Forwards: Edinson Cavani, Odion Ighalo, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford

    Argentine stopper Romero, 33, was determined to leave Old Trafford this summer.
    For years he has diligently served as the Red Devils’ reserve and cup goalkeeper.
    But United failed to let him leave in the summer window prompting an angry outburst from his wife on social media.
    But Romero hasn’t given up hope of a move and is keen to escape to the US, according to the Daily Mail.
    The MLS transfer window is open until October 29, giving Romero – currently at home in Argentina while his future is resolved – three weeks to find a club.

    4

    Fellow Argentine Rojo’s United future is also non-existent.
    The forgotten left-back, 30, has not played for the Red Devils since October 2019 and has been training alone at Carrington.
    Jones is also facing a future away from Old Trafford as one of six stars Solskjaer was trying to sell before the transfer window slammed shut.
    And United still hope to get the 28-year-old off the books in the coming weeks.

    Eddie Hearn wants to stage Wayne Rooney vs Rio Ferdinand charity BOXING match at Man Utd’s Old Trafford More

  • in

    Man Utd’s transfer window was farcical at times but Solskjaer must take blame for disastrous start to season

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S protracted and unsuccessful pursuit of Jadon Sancho was nothing short of farcical – but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must take the blame for the appalling start to the season.
    The board didn’t help the Red Devils during the extended summer transfer window.

    4

    The Man Utd board were appalling during the transfer window – but not all of the club’s problems are on themCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    4

    At some point, the blame must be attributed to Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: PA:Press Association

    The mayhem in the final hours of the window only highlights how poorly the club is being run.
    Edinson Cavani was a free agent and could have joined the club much earlier in the window – so why not?
    Sure, he’s an upgrade on Odion Ighalo.
    But he’s not the Cavani of five years ago and the fear is that he turns out to be more like Radamel Falcao than Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    The Uruguayan has also been given the famous No7 jersey that was supposedly being reserved for Sancho. Again, this looks messy.
    Then there’s the ‘successful’ pursuit of Alex Telles, a full-back Solskajer has chased for a while.
    But again, the final price that was agreed, could and should have been concluded much earlier.
    The two other signings – Facundo Pellistri from Club Atletico Penarol, and Amad Traore from Atalanta – are youngsters with potential.

    Diallo is not expected to join up with his new team until January.
    But these are off the field and circumstances Solskjaer probably can’t control.
    What he has been able to control is the first three Premier League games of the season, which as the league table already shows, haven’t been good enough.
    A 3-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace was followed by a lucky win against Brighton.
    Then, of course, there’s the 6-1 home humiliation at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham. 
    Now they were NOT the fault of the board, but of the manager and coaches that pick the side.
    Harry Maguire has returned as captain and in his first three games looked worse than during the final period of last season.

    4

    Man Utd’s chase of Jadon Sancho was embarrassingly poorCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    4

    The signing of Edinson Cavani smells a little bit like a panic-buy
    The England man is struggling and needs to concentrate on defending rather than organising – something that clearly doesn’t come naturally to him.
    Maguire’s usual partner Victor Lindelof was dropped against Tottenham.
    But if the defence is struggling so much, why allow Chris Smalling to leave for Roma?
    In midfield, the talented Donny van de Beek has had to watch on while Paul Pogba’s poor form has continued.
    There also appears to be an issue with Marcus Rashford, who – despite a decent performance against Brighton – still doesn’t look to be free from his inconsistent period.
    The side that started the game against Spurs at Old Trafford was pretty much the side that guided United to third place in the Premier League – and the Champions League football that comes with it.
    Yes, the board could have done more, but Solskjaer hasn’t delivered either in the early part of the season.
    It feels like we’re here again with the Norwegian and discussions about his future.
    But, it’s different now, because the competition is greater for a top-four finish.
    While Mauricio Pochettino is out of work and Solskjaer is under-performing, the intense pressure will always be on.
    *Follow Tom McDermott on Twitter…

    Jadon Sancho asked to take a pay cut by Man Utd More

  • in

    Man Utd have loan bid for Ismaila Sarr rejected by Watford as Hornets demand £40m transfer before domestic deadline

    MANCHESTER UNITED have seen their loan bid for Ismaila Sarr rejected by Watford, according to reports.
    The Red Devils desperately chased a hoard of right wingers during the transfer window.

    2

    Man Utd have had a loan bid for Ismaila Sarr rejected with Watford demanding a £40m permanent transferCredit: Alamy Live News

    Most-notably, United missed out on £108million-rated top target Jadon Sancho.
    In a bid to plug the gap before making another push for the England star in 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer failed in loan moves for Ousmane Dembele, Federico Chiesa and Douglas Costa.
    But Man Utd could still make a move for Watford ace Sarr despite seeing a loan bid rejected, according to Manchester Evening News.
    The Hornets are only willing to part with the former Rennes winger on a permanent deal.

    Having signed Sarr, 22, for £30m last summer, Watford want at least £40m this year to soften the blow of their relegation to the Championship.
    The domestic transfer window is still open until October 16 – with United only able to raid Championship, Football League and non-league clubs, massively limiting their options.
    United have made it clear they are unwilling to splurge £40m on Sarr and still prefer a loan deal.
    Liverpool had also shown an interest in Sarr after the Senegalese star shone in their shock 3-0 defeat against the Hornets.

    2

    The players Premier League sides may still sign in the ‘domestic’ window

    But the Reds instead turned to former Wolves man Diogo Jota to add some depth to their wing ranks.
    Since the transfer deadline passed, it has been reported United’s farcical chase of Sancho saw them offer him a salary LOWER than his current Borussia Dortmund contract.
    The Red Devils wanted to maintain to a strict wage structure after learning from their mistakes in the past.
    His deal was in line with Donny van de Beek’s, who earns £110,000-a-week and Bruno Fernandes who pockets £150,000.
    But it is claimed Sancho was hoping for a salary that matches Paul Pogba’s £250,000-a-week deal.

    Jadon Sancho asked to take a pay cut by Man Utd More

  • in

    Juventus sign Federicho Chiesa from Fiorentina in huge £54m transfer after Man Utd fail to land winger

    JUVENTUS have signed Federicho Chiesa from Fiorentina in huge deal worth £54million after Manchester United fail to bring him to Old Trafford.
    The exciting winger, 22, has joined Andrea Pirlo’s side on an initial two-year loan deal – with the move becoming permanent in 2022.

    1

    Juventus have signed Federico Chiesa in a £54m deal from Fiorentina

    Chiesa will now link up with Gianluigi Buffon, with whom the young winger’s dad, Enrico, starred alongside at Parma.
    Man Utd had hoped to lure the 19-cap Italy international to England after starring in Serie A in recent seasons.
    But Fiorentina were adamant they wouldn’t let Chiesa leave on loan.
    United had seen Chiesa a stop-gap loan signing before eventually making a move for Jadon Sancho.

    In their desperate hunt for a right-winger, Man Utd also missed out on Ousmane Dembele and Douglas Costa – but could still move for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr in the domestic transfer window.
    Chiesa worked his way through the youth ranks at Fiorentina before bursting into the first-team in 2016, making his debut against Juventus.
    The Old Lady will now pay Fiorentina £9m across the next two years as part of the deal.

    A further £36m will then be paid in full in the summer of 2022 when the move becomes permanent.

    That fee could rise by a further £9m based on incentives.
    After losing Chiesa, Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino shared his pain.
    Corvino said: “If you lose your own son like Chiesa, who came from the youth team, it hurts.”

    Jadon Sancho asked to take a pay cut by Man Utd More

  • in

    Harry Redknapp blasts Man Utd keeper Romero’s wife over transfer rant and says ‘when he gets £100k a week she’s happy’

    HARRY REDKNAPP has taken a swipe at Sergio Romero’s wife following her rant, saying: “When he gets £100,000 a week, she’s happy”.
    The Manchester United stopper’s partner, Eliana Guercio, lashed out at the club on Instagram in a bizarre deadline day post.

    3

    Harry Redknapp has slated Romero’s wife Eliana for her transfer rant on InstagramCredit: PA:Press Association

    3

    Redknapp slammed Guercio for getting involved in an issue ‘between player and manager’

    Guercio criticised the club’s shocking treatment of her husband over the years – including ditching him for huge cup finals.
    Romero is now the club’s No3 goalkeeper, sitting behind David De Gea and Dean Henderson in the pecking order.
    And now, Romero’s fiercely loyal wife slammed United for refusing to let him leave, despite having a host of suitors, including Everton.
    But Redknapp has hit back in brutal manner, claiming Guercio is more than happy with the money coming in from his Old Trafford contract.

    On Instagram, Guercio had earlier posted: “Sergio Romero worked hard for his club.
    “Last trophy they won, they lifted it with him.
    “He helped the team reach four finals/semi-finals and then he was on the bench, only to lose them all.
    “It is time for them to return the opportunity and let him go.

    3

    Guercio leapt to the support of her husband after United kept him at the club despite transfer interest from other clubs

    “RESPECT FOR ONCE!!!!”
    But an incredulous Redknapp hit back, saying it’s an issue for the player and manager… not the player’s wife.
    Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp roared: “It’s unbelievable… I’m sure she’s not [happy].
    “When he gets his £100,000 a week, she’s quite happy, but other than that…
    “It’s scary, isn’t it, really?
    “The player has to go in and sit down with the manager and say, ‘look gaffer, I’m not happy. I want to play, I need to go somewhere and be second choice or even No1. Can you let me go?’
    “It’s for the player and the manager to sort out, not for his wife to go out on social media… it’s crazy.”

    Top ten stars who earned most sitting on bench last year with Man Utd’s Romero bagging £3.6m and Hart getting £2.3m More

  • in

    Man Utd chiefs ‘in contact with Mauricio Pochettino’ with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer under pressure to avoid the sack

    MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs have made contact with Mauricio Pochettino as the pressure increases on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports.
    The Daily Star claim Ed Woodward is not considering sacking the Norwegian during the current international break.

    2

    Man Utd have reportedly made contact with Pochettino as a potential replacement for Solskjaer should results not pick upCredit: Rex Features

    However, it’s said Woodward wants to see a major uptick in performances or Solskjaer, 47, could be out the door.
    The Sun understands United chiefs are not looking to replace Solskjaer despite the 6-1 humiliation by Spurs.
    Yet the report states Pochettino is keen to make Old Trafford his new home in a surprise return to management having twice rejected Barcelona.
    Man Utd have endured a horror start to their 2020-21 Premier League campaign.

    After losing their season-opener 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace, they were extremely fortunate to beat Brighton in their next game.
    The Seagulls hit the woodwork FIVE times, while United were gifted a penalty after the final whistle to snatch all three points.
    And Solskjaer’s misery was compounded after his ten men were battered 6-1 at home to Tottenham – under former boss Jose Mourinho.
    Pochettino, 48, has been linked with the Man Utd job on several occasions in the past few years, going back to his days as Spurs chief.

    And the bookies have him top of the list to replace Solskjaer should he be axed.

    2

    Solskjaer is the second-favourite – after Fulham boss Scott Parker – to be sacked next at 15/8 with Ladbrokes.
    Pochettino is also the favourite to be named next Man Utd boss having been out of work since leaving Tottenham last November.
    The Argentine is 5/4 to take over at Old Trafford should Woodward and Co give Solskjaer the boot.
    Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed United should replace “soft” Solskjaer with Pochettino earlier this season. More