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      Leicester 3 Man Utd 1: In-from Iheanacho punishes dreadful Red Devils to fire Foxes to Wembley clash with Southampton

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      WELL, there will be no ego boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the FACup after this.The Manchester United boss had downplayed the significance of winningknock-out competitions – then backed up his words by benching his bestplayer, Bruno Fernandes.
      Kelechi Iheanacho terrorised United all game and finished with two goalsCredit: Getty
      It was a real head-in-hands game for United boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Paul Marriott
      And the result was a comprehensive defeat by an outstanding Leicesterside, who booked their first FA Cup semi-final for 39 years thanks toa double from their in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
      It was United’s first domestic away defeat for 14 months and it was ahorror show for midfield man Fred, as well as skipper Harry Maguire,who produced a car-crash showing on his return to the King Power.
      Solskjaer had claimed that league form is the true measure of progressand that winning Cups can often be used to boost managerial egoes -and we all wondered which Portuguese predecessor of his he could havebeen referring to.
      But, really, after four semi-final defeats in the past two seasons,who was he trying to kid?
      When the winners of this quarter-final were paired with Southamptonduring the half-time draw for the semis, both would have come outsmiling, knowing they have thrashed the Saints 9-0 in the recent past.
      Yet Leicester dominated for the opening hour, Iheanacho benefittingfrom a horrible mix-up between Maguire and Fred, then Youri Tielemansnetting a classy second after Mason Greenwood’s equaliser.
      The Foxes weathered a brief storm after the introduction of Fernandes,before Iheanacho wrapped it up, unmarked from a set-piece to sum upUnited’s dozy overall performance.
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has never reached a major Cup Final inEnglish football – with semi-final defeats against Aston Villa withboth Liverpool and Leicester.
      United were all at sea after Fred’s shocking pass presented the ball to IheanachoCredit: AFP
      Iheanacho is in brilliant form and proved too hot for United to handleCredit: Reuters

      But he will fancy his chances now. Despite a raft of injuries,Leicester are enjoying a hell of a season – on roure for ChampionsLeague qualification and an FA Cup Final.
      Solskajer had taken the bold move of benching his great creativeinfluence Fernandes, giving a rare start to Donny Van de Beek – akaVan de Bench – at the front of a midfield diamond.
      The United boss also dropped his in-form left-back Luke Shaw – newlyrestored to the England squad.
      Rodgers was ballsy from the off, with a front three of Jamie Vardy,Iheanacho and Ayoze Perez.
      And Vardy had the first clear sight on goal after 17 minutes forcingDean Henderson to plunge and push out a shot after Fred sloppilyconceded possession to Iheanacho.
      United’s defence – and Fred – discuss the shocking error that led to the game’s opening goalCredit: Getty
      Then another Fred slip and Vardy was bursting forward again – thistime having a shock blocked by his old mate Harry Maguire.
      And on 25 minutes, the third scoring opportunity of the match – andthe third provided by a Fred mishap – brought the opening goal.
      As United attempted to play it out of their own area, Maguire sentsomething of a hospital ball to Fred – under pressure from Tielemans.
      The Brazilian panicked with a weak back-pass, snapped up by Iheanachowho rounded Henderson to tap home.
      It was a shocker for United but Iheanacho’s sixth goal in four gameswas no more than Leicester deserved for the tempo and intent of theirplay.
      Mason Greenwood some hope when he equalled things up in the first halfCredit: Paul Marriott
      Maguire was then booked for bringing down Iheanacho, who had kipperedhim on the edge of the box.
      United were floundering in defence and devoid of inspiration goingforward – until they suddenly levelled on 38 minutes.
      Paul Pogba neatly turned Wesley Fofana on the left and his centre wasdummied by Van de Beek, allowing Greenwood to lash home first time.
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      Youri Tielemans scored the goal of the game to fire Leicester 2-0 aheadCredit: Getty
      Solskjaer almost looked embarrassed, such had been the paucity of hisside’s play until that point.
      After another wildly mistimed attempt at a tackle from Fred, Perezcurled a powerful shot narrowly wide.
      After the break, Leicester were straight back at United’s throats.
      Tielemans drove forward, exchanged passes with Iheanacho, taking out asluggish Nemanja Matic in the process then steering home pastHenderson from the edge of the box.
      There had been a failed attempt at a tackle from – you guessed it – Fred.
      20 – Alongside Sergio Agüero (21), Kelechi Ịheanachọ is the only other player within the English game to have netted 20+ goals across the two domestic cup competitions since his debut for Manchester City in August 2015 (12 in the FA Cup, 8 in the League Cup). Leading. https://t.co/NlebcmNO2X— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2021

      Alex Telles thundered a shot narrowly wide as United showed a littleattacking intent.
      But Vardy should have buried United soon after, Wilfried Ndidi winningpossession, Iheanacho releasing last season’s Golden Boot winner, whoskinned Maguire but shot wide and kicked the goal-post in frustration.
      Vardy has scored just once since Christmas, the idea that he carriesthis team is old hat.
      Then a quadruple substitution from Solskajer – Fernandes, Shaw, ScottMcTominay and Edinson Cavani on for Pogba, Telles, Matic and Van deBeek – Fred somehow escaping the cull.
      Iheanacho sealed Leicester’s safe passage into the FA Cup semi-finalsCredit: Reuters
      United instantly livened up – Fernandes pinging crossfield balls, Shawrampaging, McTominay commanding and Cavani menacing.
      But after they’d enjoyed their best spell of the match, United fellasleep at a set-piece and conceded the third.
      Marc Albrighton delivered the free-kick from the left and Iheanachosnuck in behind McTominay and beyond the far post, to head home.
      The Foxes are on their way to Wembley – as United look to end afour-year trophy drought, it is the Europa League or bust.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Mason Greenwood did his bit by scoring – sadly his team-mates were well off the paceCredit: Getty
      Man Utd outcast Sergio Romero returns home to Argentina having not played for Solskjaer in seven months More

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      Watch Fred blunder gift Kelechi Iheanacho a Leicester opener in nightmare start for Man Utd in FA Cup quarter-final

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      FRED made an absolute shocker of a blunder to gift Leicester an early lead in their FA Cup win over Manchester United.The Brazilian saw his lame backpass to Dean Henderson intercepted by Kelechi Iheanacho who lashed home in the 24th minute.
      Fred had no-one to blame but himself for the shocking passCredit: AFP
      Kelechi Iheanacho could barely believe his luck as he fired homeCredit: AFP

      It was a deserved lead for Leicester who dominated the early stages at the King Power Stadium.
      That was Iheanacho’s 15th goal in 22 starts in English domestic cup competitions.
      And it was his 10th in 11 FA Cup games.
      But for Fred, there was no praise incoming.
      United fans were furious on social media for the sloppy play of the 28-year-old midfielder.
      Farahan Omar wrote on Twitter that she will ‘celebrate the day Fred leaves this football club’.
      Another added that he should ‘be sold this summer’ as he is ‘not getting any better’.
      And United fan ‘Ryan’ hilariously tweeted: “I see Fletcher and Carrick on the bench. Can we sub one of them on for Fred?”
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      I really will celebrate the day Fred leaves this football club— Farahan Omar (@UnitedsTrophy) March 21, 2021

      I see Fletcher and Carrick on the bench. Can we sub one of them on for Fred?— ʀʏᴀɴ (@Utd_Ryan_) March 21, 2021

      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had his head in his hands at Fred’s errorCredit: Paul Marriott

      ‘Dreadful’, ‘assist of the season’ and ‘horrible’ were just some of the other tweets describing Fred’s error.
      Harry Maguire also came in for some criticism for his pass into the Brazilian, but it’s Fred who will have to take the flack for this one.
      And it set United on the wrong course as the uncharacteristally lethargic Red Devils slumped to a 3-1 defeat as Youri Tielemans, and Iheanacho again, netted in the second half to earn the Foxes a semi-final clash vs Southampton.
      Mason Greenwood levelled for United in the first after Donny van de Beek’s smart dummy.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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      Marcus Rashford a doubt for Man Utd’s FA Cup clash with Leicester as Solskjaer warns striker may miss England games

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE may have to go into England’s World Cup triple header without Marcus Rashford.The Manchester United striker is doubtful for Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Leicester.
      Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Manchester United’s FA Cup tie at LeicesterCredit: AFP
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cast doubt on the striker’s availability for EnglandCredit: AFP
      If he does not make the sixth-round tie then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fears he will have to withdraw him from World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
      Rashford was replaced by goal-hero Paul Pogba in Thursday’s Europa League 1-0 win over AC Milan.
      The 23-year-old has had a series of injuries and was frequently troubled by a back ailment.
      Solskjaer is unsure how serious Rashford’s current problems are.
      He said: “I don’t know to be honest. He struggled a little bit in Milan so he’s doubtful for Sunday but we hope he will be OK.
      “Of course if he can’t play for us then it is more difficult to go and travel with England because then it is more serious than just a day or two.”

      Mason Greenwood might have expected to take over from his club mate for the internationals.
      But Three Lions boss Southgate left him out and he will be on England Under-21 duty.
      The 19-year-old has been frozen out since he and Manchester City’s Phil Foden were sent home from Iceland in September.
      They invited girls back to their Reykjavik hotel room, breaking team rules and Covid protocol.
      Greenwood has struggled since. He has managed only four goals this season and has not hit the net for 15 games.
      Despite that, Solskjaer believes “100 per cent” he is improving.
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      Mason’s overall game has improved so much. People are too concerned about stats and look just at assists and goals.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      He said: “He’s got those scoring instincts and I’m saying to him just make your decision quickly, don’t even think about it, the goals will come.
      “His overall game has improved so much. People are too concerned about stats and look just at assists and goals.
      “He still has a good chance of making the Euros. He has to play well for us and for England.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      England boss Gareth Southgate says he hopes Jude Bellingham will join squad More

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      How Man Utd could line up vs AC Milan in Europa League with Diallo set to start and Ibrahimovic to return for Italians

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      AMAD DIALLO is set for his first Manchester United start against AC Milan in the Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday.The Ivorian, 18, could be included in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI after Edinson Cavani was ruled out.

      Cavani was initially named in the wider travelling group heading to the San Siro.
      But the Uruguayan will now stay in Manchester after an adverse reaction to training.
      Solskjaer told MUTV: “Unfortunately, it looks like Edinson has got a bit of a reaction to training today and didn’t feel ready to travel.”
      With Anthony Martial already ruled out, first-leg goalscorer Diallo could be set for a full senior debut.
      The substitute’s looping backwards header looked to have given United a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford last week but Simon Kjaer’s 92nd-minute equaliser changed the whole complexion of the tie.
      With United needing to score to progress, Marcus Rashford may be called upon to play down the middle with Mason Greenwood and Diallo out on the flanks.
      An alternative option could see Welsh speedster Dan James play out wide with Diallo again on the bench.
      Solskjaer is likely to stick with the tried and tested partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred sitting in behind playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
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      Paul Pogba is in the squad but is likely to be eased back into action as a sub if required.
      The French World Cup winner has been sidelined since picking up a thigh injury at the beginning of February.
      Solskjaer could spring a surprise and start Serbian hardman Nemanja Matic over McTominay – who risks missing the quarter-final first leg if he picks up another booking.
      With Eric Bailly not travelling, Axel Tuanzebe is the only alternative to Victor Lindelof alongside Harry Maguire.

      The Swede is set to get the nod with usual full-backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely to start.
      David De Gea is back in the squad after quarantining upon his return from Spain after the birth of his first child.
      But the £375,000-a-week man may not immediately take the gloves from Dean Henderson.
      United will be up against a familiar face in Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the 39-year-old returned to the Milan squad.
      It was feared the Swede – who has reversed his international retirement – would miss both legs against his old side following a groin problem he picked up against Roma last month.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could turn to Amad Diallo amid striker injury crisis More

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      Man Utd tie Hannibal Mejbri down to new long-term deal with 18-year-old promoted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer first-team

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      HANNIBAL MEJBRI has signed a new long-term deal at Manchester United.
      The French midfielder joined for a reported £9.3million fee from Monaco in 2019 and has impressed in the club’s reserves.

      Hannibal Mejbri put pen to paper on a new contractCredit: Getty

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer posed with the teenage talent on MondayCredit: Getty

      With the Red Devils seeing Mejbri as a star not just of the future but of today, having promoted him to the first-team, the club and player have agreed a new contract.
      On Monday, the news was confirmed with the 18-year-old posing for photographs as he signed on the dotted line.
      In 18 appearances for the Under-23s this season, he has notched four goals and seven assists.
      Fans were left in awe of his link-up with Amad Diallo in a win for the United reserves against Blackburn last month.

      With Ivorian winger Diallo and Shola Shoretire recently making their senior debuts, a runout for Mejbri is thought to be not far off.
      In February, the playmaker joined fellow academy product Shoretire in being promoted to first-team training.
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      At the time, United boss Solskjaer stated: “I think it’s the next step in their development.

      “We’ve just got to take the hit on them when they play in the reserves that they have to travel by themselves, so they move into our bubble and I think that’s a nice step for them.
      “Well deserved because they’ve done really well.”
      However Mejbri has spent the past month recovering from a shoulder injury.
      Indeed, U23s coach Neil Wood has told referees to do more to protect skilful starlets such as the Frenchman.
      Last month, Wood told Manchester Evening News: “I think Hannibal has lots of quality and the frustrating point for him is that there must be about 15 fouls on him per game.

      Hannibal Mejbri has been a star of the United Under-23 teamCredit: PA

      “And at some point if it’s not stopped, or if the referee is not protecting him, he’s going to get his leg broken. That’s what I fear for him.
      “He loves getting on the ball, he loves creating and teams love to hack him down as much as they can.
      “He’s doing really well. He’s been outstanding for the last couple of games. He was outstanding against Liverpool and I thought he was excellent again [against Blackburn].”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could turn to Amad Diallo amid striker injury crisis More

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      Former Man Utd star Mads Timm reveals Ronaldo’s amazing self obsession to succeed after he was bullied by team-mates

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s self-obsession helped him become the player he is today, according to a former Manchester United teammate.
      Former Danish wonderkid Mads Timm spent three years training with the Juventus star, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24million in 2003, before he was released.

      Cristiano Ronaldo was self-obsessed as a youngster to get to the topCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Timm, who now plays for Danish Serie 1 club Kerteminde Boldklub, recalled how the Portuguese legend was bullied for his hairstyle and the way he played – but stuck to his guns and stood up to senior teammates.
      And in the end it was his “me, me, me” attitude that turned him into the footballing god he is today.
      ‘EXTRAORDINARY’
      “He was quite extraordinary as a footballer, and as a person,” Timm writes in his book Red Devil.
      “Like me, he was bullied when he came to the club. With his hair – which he soon got clipped – and with his almost acrobatic attempt to impress the coaches.

      “He could stand and do 10-15 step overs before he tried to dribble past the opponent.
      “Pass now, just pass, dammit,’ shouted Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer constantly to him when we had reserve team matches together.
      “The special thing about Cristiano Ronaldo was that he immediately took the fight against the hierarchy. And he won it.
      “He was completely indifferent to the rest of his teammates. He gave no room for others. It was me, me, me. Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7.”

      While Timm faded into obscurity, Ronaldo has won four Ballon d’Or trophies during a career laden with trophies.

      Former Man Utd wonderkid Mads Timm revealed Ronaldo’s incredible desire to be the best in his bookCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Ronaldo was bullied by teammates for his hairstyleCredit: Getty – Contributor
      STEELY DETERMINATION
      The Dane insisted Ronaldo wasn’t the most accomplished footballer he ever played with, but was certainly the most determined to succeed.
      He wrote: “He’s not the best player I have played with, but he is the most focused person I have ever met. Mentally he reminded me of myself at age 12, and he does really still.
      “I do not think he sees himself from the outside, and I do not think he’s going to sit and laugh at himself. I think that’s why he survived in the professional football world.”
      TRAINING TOGETHER
      Timm often found himself on opposite teams to Ronaldo in training sessions.
      While he admits he had lost his head and hated the environment at United, Ronaldo was thriving with an attitude that said he was going to make it.
      “He was just the opposite; he was moving forward, clear-headed and with an indomitable faith in himself,” Timm said.
      “It was also reflected on the pitch. We performed an internal training match where I played on the left wing, while he was right wing for the other team.
      “Every time we met on the field, he wiped me, and I have rarely been so out of breath after a test. He pulled all the air out of me.”

      Ronaldo once left Timm gasping for air after a training sessionCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Now 35, Timm is still playing in DenmarkCredit: Getty – Contributor

      After settling in at the club, Ronaldo had a proposition for Timm.
      “Cristiano Ronaldo was also dying to buy one of my diamond jewellery, but I refused to sell it to him,” Timm revealed.
      “It had to be enough, he had already taken my dream.”

      Mbappe names Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol ahead of Lionel Messi and World Cup final goal vs Croatia was his favourite More

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      Eric Bailly in talks over new three-year Man Utd contract and option of extra season with current deal up in summer

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      ERIC BAILLY is in talks over a new contract to extend his stay at Manchester United for another three years.
      The combative centre-back’s current deal is up at the end of next season.

      Eric Bailly is set to be handed a new and improved three-year dealCredit: Reuters

      But manager Ole Solskjaer has seen enough to convince him the 26-year-old still has a future at the club.
      SunSport exclusively revealed talks were planned – and now they are well underway.
      Solskjaer said: “Yeah we have started talking to Eric and Eric’s representative.”
      The deal on offer will be for three years with the option for a further year.

      There have been concerns over the Ivory Coast star’s injury record.
      He has played 100 games in five seasons with the club.
      But Solskjaer is convinced that he is overcoming those problems.
      He said: “Eric is keeping fitter for longer and you can see it in his performances as well. I have been very happy with him.

      “His playing style has made him miss too many games, because 100 games, that’s not enough for the period that he has been here.”
      Bailly thrilled United fans with his celebration for fellow Ivorian Amad after his headed goal in the 1-1 Europa League draw with AC Milan.
      He ran the length of the field to jump on top of the huddle round the 18-year-old following his superb backward header.
      Bailly has played a major part in helping Amad settled in at the club since his move from Serie A side Atalanta.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd duo Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly’s cele vs Burnley compared to legendary Ince and Giggs effort by Gary Neville More