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    Man Utd ‘want either Harry Kane or Erling Haaland transfer this summer as striker replacements for Anthony Martial’

    ERLING HAALAND and Harry Kane are reportedly Manchester United’s top targets if they decide to replace Anthony Martial in the summer.
    The French striker is fighting for his future as an unproductive season comes to an end.

    Erling Haaland is reportedly a Manchester United target for the summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Harry Kane has also been linked with replacing Anthony MartialCredit: AP:Associated Press

    With just seven goals in all competitions, he has struggled to keep his place in the team amid Edinson Cavani’s arrival on the scene.
    And the Mirror report on a potentially huge deal being considered if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to make a change.
    Borussia Dortmund star Haaland and Tottenham’s Kane are named as being on the Red Devils’ radar.
    A fee of around £150million has been touted for the Norwegian, who became the fastest-ever player to hit 20 Champions League goals in the week.

    That record was taken off Kane and the Spurs star notched a brace of his own against Dinamo Zagreb last night.
    Whether or not Martial can find some consistency, a new striker may be needed at Old Trafford anyway with Cavani out of contract.
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    Solskjaer is fighting to keep the Uruguayan after the player’s dad revealed his unhappiness in England.

    But SunSport have revealed that he is still waiting on a decision from United regarding his future.
    Cavani was absent for the draw with AC Milan on Thursday, a game which saw Martial limp off with an injury concern of his own.
    The former Monaco forward had threatened to put a decent run together before the blow, given injuries to Cavani and Marcus Rashford.

    Anthony Martial is fighting for his future at Old TraffordCredit: EPA

    A strong outing in the Manchester derby led to Solskjaer remarking: “Anthony was absolutely superb today, he was the Anthony of old.
    “Today he rediscovered himself, he was really strong on the ball and positive.”
    Last month, PAOK youngster Christos Tzolis was linked with United as a cheaper alternative for the upcoming transfer market.
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    Cavani ‘wants to leave Man Utd to be with model girlfriend Jocelyn Burgardt in South America for birth of second child’

    THE pregnancy of Edinson Cavani’s model girlfriend has been cited as one of the reasons the striker is planning to return to South America.
    Argentine press are reporting Jocelyn Burgardt is close to having the couple’s second child and they want to be in Uruguay in June so the birth can take place there.

    Edinson Cavani’s partner is pregnant with their second child

    Hugo Balassone, a journalist on the popular TyC Sports programme in Argentina, claimed last month Jocelyn was pregnant and had returned to Uruguay ahead of the child’s birth.
    Referring during a TV appearance to former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo, now with Boca Juniors, he said: “Rojo mentioned in Boca that he met with Cavani and the Uruguayan told him ‘Wait for me because I’ll be there with you in June’.”
    Moments later he added: “The other piece of important information is that Cavani’s partner is pregnant and living in Uruguay.”
    The 34-year-old is said to be eyeing a move to Boca Juniors after just one season at United, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Wednesday he was hoping to convince Cavani to stay when the weather in Manchester improved.

    His dad Luis claimed his son did not feel ‘comfortable’ in Manchester and wanted to be closer to his family in an interview earlier this week with TyC Sports, but made no mention of Jocelyn’s pregnancy.
    The couple’s daughter India turns two in May and Cavani also has two sons called Bautista and Lucas from his relationship with former wife and childhood sweetheart Maria Soledad Cabris.
    Argentine media outlet Infobae cited Jocelyn’s pregnancy as one of the three reasons the striker wants out of Old Trafford.
    They also added that his close relationship with Boca vice-president Juan Roman Riquelme and his unhappiness at his three-match ban earlier this season for using the word ‘negrito’ in an online post were other reasons he wanted to leave.

    Cavani reportedly wants to be in Uruguay for the birth of his second child with his partnerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    It said: “His partner Jocelyn Burgardt is close to giving birth and the family’s idea is to return to Uruguay in June to welcome the new heir.
    “After having been away from each other for so long, the Cavani family will be united once again or just a few hundred miles apart if Cavani ends up forming part of Argentinian football.”
    Jocelyn, first linked to Cavani in 2014, keeps a low profile and her Instagram is private.
    She was last pictured in a touching family video the Manchester United frontman posted in January on his social media, showing him painting his daughter’s hands before placing her right palm on his left cheek.
    The pretty 29-year-old, a keen dancer who has starred regularly in the annual carnival which takes place in the Uruguayan city of Bella Union, looked on affectionately as the couple’s pet dog walked past in the background.
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    She was sat with her legs crossed and there was no obvious sign of a baby bump, although her stomach was hidden under a cardigan and little India was in front of her most of the time.
    Cavani, who insisted he was proud to wear the Man United shirt in an Instagram post on Wednesday, revealed last October he nearly quit football after Jocelyn contracted coronavirus.
    He also tested positive after a holiday in Ibiza with his partner where they enjoyed a dinner with former PSG teammates including Angel di Maria and Mauro Icardi.

    The footballer said afterwards: “Family health comes first. Of course I thought about quitting football.
    “I considered that option and the possibility of stopping playing and staying in the countryside and dedicating myself to country life because of the situation.
    “We all suffered with coronavirus and the truth is that it was bad because of the fear it causes. Thanks God we recovered and it evolved well and here we are.”
    Cavani and his wife split in 2014 after allegations of infidelity levelled against the footballer shortly after the birth of Lucas.
    Their marriage was blown apart after the publication of a photo while Cavani was playing for Naples, showing him with his arms round a young Italian journalist named at the time as Maria Rosario Ventrone.

    Maria Soledad was quoted at the time in Italian press as saying: “Edinson has betrayed God, the God he strongly believes in. He’s betrayed his family.”
    The star couple’s subsequent divorce was heavily played out in the Uruguayan press.
    After his split from Maria Soledad, Cavani insisted: “A divorce is always difficult. It’s a failure. But I’m divorcing my wife, not my children.
    “I’ve always behaved in a clear and unmistakable way towards them. I’ve always fulfilled my obligations towards them and will make sure they have all they need now and in the future.”
    Cavani’s romance with Ventrone was short-lived and she blasted him after their split by claiming in an interview: “He left me nine months after we started living together.
    “He was very jealous, almost possessive and I still don’t know why we finished.”
    The United striker is said to have met his current partner through Uruguayan footballer Gaston Ramirez.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Man Utd transfer target Raphael Varane ‘wants Premier League move this summer’ with Real Madrid contract up next season

    RAPHAEL VARANE is reportedly considering his Real Madrid future amid rumours of a move to Manchester United.
    The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their defence this summer by landing a big name to partner Harry Maguire.

    Raphael Varane could be on the move this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde are just two of several names linked to the club but Varane is thought to be the number one target.
    And reports out of Spain suggest the Frenchman is keen on a summer transfer.
    Madrid-based daily AS detail Varane increasingly preferring a move to try his hand in a new league.
    At 27, the centre-back has played almost a decade of his career in LaLiga and is coming to a crossroads in his career.

    His contract expires in 2022 and Madrid will do everything in their power to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
    Therefore, if he confirms to Los Blancos that he does not want to sign a new deal, they will be open to offers at the end of the season.

    Real reportedly want Varane to stay but he is said to be well aware that agreeing a new deal in Spain will severely reduce his chances of winning honours in multiple countries.

    The World Cup winner boasts an enviable trophy cabinet including four Champions League crowns and three LaLiga titles.
    Should he depart, Madrid are thought to be eyeing David Alaba, Pau Torres and Sevilla’s Kounde as a replacement.
    Although the club are already making plans in case club captain Sergio Ramos departs when his deal expires in the summer.
    United could rival Real for Torres and Kounde, having been linked with both.
    However, the chances of multiple big-money acquisitions arriving into Manchester have been quelled by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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    All clubs in the world are going through the same situation so it’s no different for other clubs than for us.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

    The United boss said earlier this month that the coronavirus pandemic will continue to impact his team’s dealings this summer.
    Solskjaer said: “There’s going to be less transfers happening in the world of football with all these changes.
    “The pandemic is definitely affecting everyone in football, the lack of finances, it’s affected everyone.
    “All clubs in the world are going through the same situation so it’s no different for other clubs than for us.”
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    Man Utd transfer boost with Bayern Munich NOT in Kalidou Koulibaly transfer race as Napoli ‘slash fee to just £39m’

    BAYERN MUNICH have cleared the way for Manchester United to sign Kalidou Koulibaly by reportedly pulling out of the transfer race.
    The Napoli star has long been linked with the two teams, as well as Manchester City and other top clubs.

    Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly not heading to Bayern MunichCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    In previous years, the Serie A outfit have demanded a fee in the region of £90million, successfully deterring a sale of the star player.
    However, earlier this month reports in Italy suggested a deal could be cut at around £39m.
    Interest could be sparked by Napoli’s apparent desire to cash in and cut their wage bill, with Bayern once again linked initially.
    Yet, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants are not working on a deal.

    Munich have already signed up RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano for next season.
    But Premier League side United remain on the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
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    Koulibaly is among those to have been linked and was recently said to favour a move to Old Trafford.

    MEN yesterday named Pau Torres as another talent being eyed, with Manchester City providing competition for the Villarreal ace.
    Raphael Varane remains a frequent fixture in gossip columns, ahead of a crucial summer of contract discussions with Real Madrid.
    And Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is reportedly wanted by the Red Devils, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, for a fee of around £60m.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Man Utd boss Solskjaer hails Anthony Martial ‘of old’ as Frenchman helps topple rivals Man City

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER was delighted with Anthony Martial ‘rediscovering’ his form versus Manchester City.
    The striker was a constant menace for Pep Guardiola’s defence and won the early penalty that set Manchester United on their way to victory.

    Anthony Martial starred in Sunday’s derby win, earning Man of the Match honoursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the striker for rediscovering his old selfCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail

    Edinson Cavani’s injury meant Martial, 25, was handed the central striker’s role at Etihad Stadium despite his own fitness worry.
    And although he has only four league goals this season, the Frenchman created cause for optimism with a strong showing.
    United boss Solskjaer praised Martial – who was named Man of the Match by Gary Neville – for re-finding his form.
    The Norwegian told Sky Sports: “Anthony was absolutely superb today, he was the Anthony of old.

    “To think he was a doubt this morning, it wasn’t until after the warm-up as I wasn’t sure if he was going to play or not. So, fantastic.
    “It’s football isn’t it? Today he rediscovered himself, he was really strong on the ball and positive.
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    🗣”He was the Anthony of old”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is full of praise of Anthony Martial’s display for Manchester United against Manchester City pic.twitter.com/9ZnmE6L8Mf
    — Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 7, 2021

    “We have to be positive, every game is different. We want to play with a high tempo of course, but we had to defend well.

    “You’ve got to defend so that you can attack spaces that appear.”
    Martial may be of even more importance in the coming weeks if Cavani cannot overcome his knock.
    While Marcus Rashford suffered an ankle injury in the win over City and Solskjaer confirmed the need for a scan on the striker.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Man Utd star Marcus Rashford set for scan after injuring ankle when sprinting back to help defend in win over Man City

    MARCUS RASHFORD was forced out of Sunday’s Manchester derby after suffering an ankle injury.
    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed the England star is set for a scan as he doesn’t know the full extent of the damage.

    Marcus Rashford came off injured during Sunday’s derbyCredit: Reuters

    The striker’s left ankle is set for a scan after he limped offCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Moments after failing to make the most of an opportunity in attack, the striker eagerly chased down a Manchester City counter.
    But Rashford tweaked his ankle after the mega sprint helped keep Manchester United two goals to the good.
    Asked about the extent of the damage after the impressive 2-0 win, Solskjaer said: “I don’t know. It’s something with his ankle.
    “When he sprinted 70 yards to save a goal, it showed the attitude of the boy.

    “I think he went over on his ankle but we need to do a scan, I’ve not had time to speak to the doctor yet.”
    Rashford later tweeted: “Not the way I wanted to see out the game but a big 3 points, well done lads.”
    After a spell of treatment on the Etihad Stadium sideline, it was decided that the 23-year-old had to come off.
    Mason Greenwood was readied to replace him but evidently not quick enough to meet Dean Henderson’s kick out of play.

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    Rashford had set up United’s second before succumbing to injuryCredit: AFP
    The goalkeeper was furious when launching the ball into the stand, only for City to get the game going again with the United forward not fully prepared and unable to come on.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola sharply exchanged words by their technical areas before the substitution was eventually made.
    Fourth official Mike Dean looked on as the Norwegian offered a conciliatory fist bump and the manager’s attention resumed on the match.
    Rashford had enjoyed a big role in the Red Devils snatching a vital second goal early in the second-half.
    Defenders pulled towards the England international as he cut inside from the left, before teeing up Luke Shaw for a surprise goal from the left-back.

    The Red Devils may have to wait on the forward amid a crunch run of gamesCredit: Reuters

    United had taken the lead after only two minutes, Bruno Fernandes slotting home a penalty after Anthony Martial was fouled.
    But Solskjaer may be sweating over Rashford’s fitness ahead of a major run of games.
    AC Milan visit Old Trafford on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
    High-flying West Ham are then due in Manchester before the return leg in Milan and an FA Cup quarter-final trip to Leicester.
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    Man Utd verdict: Dean Henderson proves he can be the daddy in David de Gea’s absence

    WITH David de Gea back in his homeland on paternity leave Dean Henderson took the chance to prove he can be the daddy at Old Trafford.
    The Spaniard has been told not to rush back after welcoming baby girl Yanay with his partner Edurne last week.

    Dean Henderson staked his claim to be Man Utd’s No1 with a commanding performanceCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

    So between now and the international break, Henderson has been promised he will get the run of games he craves.
    And the 23-year-old gave a performance of huge maturity – even though he is something of a new arrival himself in terms of Manchester derbies.
    Apart from De Gea, the last United goalkeeper to play in a league derby was Edwin van der Sar – and he left in 2011.
    Before kick-off, former United skipper Roy Keane said: “Sometimes you need a bit of luck in your career, he’s got this opportunity, he’s got to take it.

    “He’s got to say to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the next few games that he believes he’s Manchester United’s future No 1 and to give him the job.”
    Yet nobody could say the 23-year-old does not deserve his chance after proving his credentials at Sheffield United this season.
    His last eight appearances for United going into this have seen seven clean sheets.
    Many expected this to be a busy afternoon for Henderson – but his team were already a goal up by the time he touched the ball.

    He was given a good feel of it when Ilkay Gundogan turned smartly on the edge of the box but his shot was too close to the keeper.
    The same could be said for Oleks Zinchenko when he got space on the edge of the box and stung the palms of Henderson.
    He tipped over a free-kick by Kevin de Bruyne – although it would probably have gone over anyway.
    Everything he did in the first half had authority about it – like he believes his time has come to be the new long-term keeper at United.
    There was plenty in his performance that would have impressed England manager Gareth Southgate – sat in the stands at the Etihad – too.
    Early in the second half, it was his quick thinking and throw that started the move which led to Luke Shaw putting United two goals up.
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    Henderson gets the high-five from Scott McTominay after another clean sheetCredit: PA:Press Association
    With Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof pushing further up than normal, City were struggling to get efforts in on goal.
    But when called upon, his handling was sure – particularly when the home side mounted a late charge.
    He also got a yellow card for time-wasting as United tried to catch their breath. It’s fair to say it won’t bother him too much.
    Another United legend Gary Neville was impressed with the way Henderson stepped into what he called one of the highest profile positions in world football.
    Neville said: “It’s a big ask to come into a game like this. Every game is a big one for him but he’s done everything really well, really composed.
    “De Gea will be watching back in Spain and looking at a very confident young goalkeeper.”
    Solskjaer must have been delighted too. He said before the game that Henderson should not see this as a genuine opportunity – not as a ‘resting pillow’.
    It could soon be De Gea having sleepless nights – and not just because of the arrival of his new daughter.
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    Man Utd player ratings: Shaw a Euro shoes-in, Henderson stakes his claim and Martial drags City all over the park

    MANCHESTER UNITED eased to a derby day victory – and it was fully deserved against a lethargic Man City side.
    There wasn’t a poor performance in sight from anyone wearing red at the Etihad as United beat their noisy neighbours 2-0.

    Man Utd celebrate Luke Shaw firing them 2-0 ahead against Man CityCredit: Reuters

    Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how Solskjaer’s soldiers triumphed against the odds against the champions-elect.
    Dean Henderson – 8/10
    Has been given the chance of a lifetime to prove he is a future No1 with David de Gea given leave to celebrate the birth of his daughter.
    Confident with his distributions, strong-handed when he needed to be and vocal at the back – his time is now.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
    Had his hands full with Sterling, one of the few players who can arguably beat him for pace.

    But stuck to the task and can be pleased with his solid showing.

    Victor Lindelof – 7
    Faces a real make-or-break end to the season, with rumours that United will move for a new centre-half this summer.
    Happy with City playing it around in midfield, and happy that Jesus had a mare.
    Harry Maguire – 8
    Comfortable against Jesus, and had the confidence to bring the ball out when needed.

    When he plays well, whoever is beside him tends to as well. Irreplaceable.
    Luke Shaw – 9
    Tricky customer in Mahrez attacking him and was done a few times in the first half – the old Shaw might have folded but this one stuck at it.
    Scored a brilliant goal to give United some breathing space early in the second half.
    England boss Gareth Southgate – who was in the stands at the Etihad – has to make him first-choice at left-back for the Euros.
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    Luke Shaw angled home his side’s second goal that eased them homeCredit: Reuters
    Scott McTominay – 7
    Preferred in the middle to Nemanja Matic – and not surprising Solskjaer opted for the academy lad.
    You wouldn’t have thought his team were 2-0 up as the clock ticked on, he was constantly cajoling his team-mates to dig in.
    Fred – 7
    Much better in the central midfield role alongside McTominay than the deeper-lying Matic.
    Needed to be disciplined today as City passed and passed – he was even getting involved in the counters.
    Dan James – 6
    Barely had a sniff in the first half – but perhaps he was used for his pace on the counter.
    His confidence is back for sure, and not afraid to have a run at defenders anymore.
    Bruno Fernandes – 6
    Was a shed-load better than his abject display against Crystal Palace – but that was always going to be the case.
    Still looks like he could do with a rest, but set the tone with his first-minute penalty.

    Bruno Fernandes stepped up to score an early penaltyCredit: Reuters
    Marcus Rashford – 6
    Started the first half brightly, but like most of his team-mates had to sit and watch City control possession.
    Replaced by Greenwood after picking up an injury in the second half – was a quiet game for the school dinners hero.
    Anthony Martial – 8
    Made an instant impact – just seconds were on the clock when he drew a lazy foul from Gabriel Jesus to win a penalty – and Bruno did his job.
    Denied by an excellent save by Ederson on 68 minutes, deserved a goal for his hard work. Even hinted at a smile as he was replaced late on.

    Anthony Martial can be well pleased with his contributionCredit: AFP
    Subs
    Mason Greenwood (replaced Rashford, 73) – 6
    Tracked back when he needed to to kill the game.
    Nemanja Matic (replaced Martial, 89) – N/A
    Brandon Williams (replaced Fernandes, 90+2) – N/A
    Subs (not used): Eric Bailly, Lee Grant, Amad Diallo, Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Shola Shoretire.
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