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      Man Utd verdict: Dean Henderson proves he can be the daddy in David de Gea’s absence

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

      Solskjaer working with Marcus Rashford in Man Utd training to help striker’s finishing and improve goal tally More

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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

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

      Solskjaer working with Marcus Rashford in Man Utd training to help striker’s finishing and improve goal tally More

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      Roy Keane slams Bruno Fernandes as ‘disrespectful’ and tells Man Utd star ‘stop being a baby and be ready’ for criticism

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Bruno Fernandes has been slammed by Roy Keane for his ‘disrespectful’ body language.
      The former midfielder took aim at the Portuguese playmaker in a discussion on his poor form against ‘Big Six’ rivals.

      Bruno Fernandes was called ‘disrespectful’ for his attitude in recent weeksCredit: Guardian News & Media

      Roy Keane criticised the Man Utd star for his conduct on the pitchCredit: Sky Sports

      Keane told Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester derby: “We’ve seen him taken off in a few of the games and his body language has not been great.
      “There’s nothing wrong with being taken off and shaking your head for ten seconds.
      “But if you’re walking off and a team-mate is coming on, and you’re throwing your arms up in the air, that’s disrespectful to your team-mate.
      “And we’re on about a leader.

      “If I was coming on and the player was shaking his head, almost disrespecting him, saying ‘I’m coming off for you?’, you’d have a quiet word with him in the dressing room.
      “And he’s done it a number of times, so he’s on about maturity and showing respect to your team-mates, well show respect if you have a bad game and don’t be throwing your arms up in the air every two minutes.”
      Fellow pundits Graeme Souness and Micah Richards defended Fernandes’ actions.
      The 26-year-old has just two goals and two assists in his ten games against ‘Big Six’ sides in the Premier League.

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      “Just get on with it, don’t be such a baby.” 👶Come for Roy Keane and Graeme Souness talking about Bruno Fernandes’ performances against the ‘Big Six’, stay for Micah Richards’ laugh…😂 pic.twitter.com/Mhscb4nfAz
      — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 7, 2021

      That compares to a whopping 21-goal tally with 15 assists versus the other top-flight teams.
      Last week’s pair of 0-0 draws against Chelsea and Crystal Palace left Fernandes visibly frustrated, which has drawn criticism.
      Souness said: “I find it disappointing, he gives it that when somebody does something they shouldn’t have done.
      “I’ve worked in a latin country, I get it, it’s not the end of the world.
      “But I think he’s got to get that out of his game playing here in the UK, where he shows his disappointment to his team-mates.”
      Former Manchester City defender Richards highlighted that Fernandes is not the only United player struggling in big games.
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      But Keane felt that such pressure and questions were par for the course if the player wants to be among the best in the world.
      He added: “We’ll watch him today against Man City, that’s it – it’s all about what you do on a football pitch.
      “I know players under pressure do interviews and respond to criticism. Just get on with it, don’t be such a baby and produce against a brilliant Man City team.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer looks ahead to Man City Derby More

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      Man Utd captain Harry Maguire says next two weeks ‘define season’ and desperate for ‘bragging rights’ by beating City

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      HARRY MAGUIRE wants to start a make-or-break fortnight for Manchester United by stopping their bitter rivals’ winning run.
      United go to Manchester City today in the first of five massive games in the space of just two weeks.

      Harry Maguire is licking his lips at locking horns with Manchester CityCredit: Getty – Pool

      And skipper Maguire aims to halt City’s 21-game winning streak while also stretching United’s own unbeaten away record to 22 games.
      United then face a two- legged Europa League tie with AC Milan, Prem clash with West Ham and FA Cup quarter-final with Leicester.
      Maguire admitted: “The next two weeks will define our season.
      “We want to get through in the Europa League and the FA Cup is also a big priority as we have to start winning trophies.

      “But, first, we have the Manchester derby and that is such a big game.
      “We have drawn our last three matches, so want to bounce back to winning ways.
      “But we have a good record when we go to City. When you play for this club, or manage this club, you are always two weeks away from scrutiny or criticism.
      “So, yes, this is an important time. When you play for this club, you just know what to expect.”

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      Magure admits United are heading into a vital two weeksCredit: Rex Features

      Maguire, 28, accepts he faces a tough clash against Pep Guardiola’s runaway Premier League leaders.
      He said: “We want to end their record because we want points on the board.
      “It is a Manchester derby so we want the bragging rights. But we have got to focus on ourselves — not City.
      “We have a great away record, a long unbeaten one, and they are on a long winning record, so one record will be broken. Hopefully it is not ours.
      “Our dressing room before the game will be really loud. But it is not the same as going out and having that great atmosphere with the fans and we cannot wait for them to be back.”

      Who will come out on top in the Manchester derby?Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      United have seen their outside title hopes fall apart with two wins in eight Premier League matches.
      Maguire added: “It is hard to put our finger on it because our form has not been up to the standard which you expect from a club like United.
      “Away from home at the start of the season, we were conceding the first goal and then coming back into games which was strange.
      “Recently, we have drawn too many away from home, so we need to look at it and take a few more risks in games.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer looks ahead to Man City Derby More

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      Man Utd ‘will be forced to pay Sporting Lisbon £4.2m if Bruno Fernandes wins PFA Player of the Year as part of clause’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly have to fork out an extra £4.2million if Bruno Fernandes is named PFA Player of the Year.
      The player-voted award is set to pit the Portuguese star against the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Harry Kane and Ruben Dias.

      Bruno Fernandes is in line for a shot at the PFA Player of the Year gongCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Should Fernandes, 26, prevail it will be another clause activated for his employers to stump up for.
      According to The Times, United paid Sporting CP an initial £46.6m to sign the attacking midfielder in January 2020.
      Since then, two clauses have been met worth £4.2m each, for starting 25 games and qualifying for the Champions League.
      Picking up the PFA honour will trigger another £4.2m in an agreement which could also be met by him finishing in the Ballon d’Or top three.

      If Fernandes wins the title, claimed by Kevin de Bruyne last year, the Red Devils’ total transfer fee outlay will be on the cusp of £60m.
      Fans will argue that the talisman has been worth every penny, firing off 15 goals and 11 assists in the league this season.
      Only Mohamed Salah has scored more (17) with Kane and De Bruyne ahead in the assists chart by one.
      Some have pondered whether he is slowing down having hardly been rested by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with two quiet performances in the past week for United.

      Club legend Gary Neville stated his belief that Fernandes’ team-mates must do more to help him create space.
      The Sky Sports pundit said after the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace: “I thought [Marcus] Rashford on the left, [Mason] Greenwood on the right, [Edinson] Cavani in the middle… they all stayed in their spots.
      “And when you watch the real fantastic front-three attacks – and even this front-three at times over the last few months at their best – those runs where they’re diagonally running across and there’s movement… there was no movement tonight.
      “They were playing in straight lines which means from Bruno Fernandes, that those two in midfield for Palace never got moved all night.
      “There was no movement, no urgency and they were static and then Bruno ends up being easily marked, easily picked up.”
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      SunSport analyst Danny Higginbotham wrote ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby that Paul Pogba’s injury absence has hit Fernandes.
      He said: “It is clear that, without Pogba, a certain amount of Fernandes’ freedom is taken away.
      “When they are both on the field they make space for each other, depending on who the opposition decide to mark.
      “But in the Frenchman’s absence teams found that if you stop Fernandes, you now stop United.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Luke Shaw left baffled by Bruno Fernandes and brutally told Man Utd pal ‘you weren’t good today but scored two goals’ More

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      Man Utd DO miss Paul Pogba – and the French star’s absence is even affecting Bruno Fernandes’ performances

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      MANCHESTER UNITED do miss Paul Pogba — it is as simple as that.
      Since coming off injured in their 3-3 draw with Everton, United have only scored more than one goal in a Prem game against Newcastle.

      Paul Pogba has been absent for Manchester United’s dip in formCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Bruno Fernandes was crowded out in the draw at Crystal Palace in the weekCredit: Guardian News & Media

      And it is no coincidence. They are missing his range of passing and his ability to drive at players.
      The question was, ‘Can Pogba and Bruno Fernandes play together?’.
      But now it is clear that, without Pogba, a certain amount of Fernandes’ freedom is taken away.
      When they are both on the field they make space for each other, depending on who the opposition decide to mark.

      But in the Frenchman’s absence teams found that if you stop Fernandes, you now stop United.
      Against Chelsea, N’Golo Kante went man for man and at Crystal Palace it was James McCarthy and Luka Milivojevic.
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      And being the player he is, frustration leads Bruno to go deeper and deeper in search of the ball.

      Other players need to stretch the game to help create space for him.
      With Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani all looking to penetrate central areas, it does not happen.
      The movement between the front four is amazing and can really hurt the opposition.
      But without full-backs going forward at the same time, this side becomes narrow and particularly easy to defend against.
      Luke Shaw is back to his best — but Aaron Wan-Bissaka must refine his attacking play.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has used split strikers to expose City’s weakness on the break.
      Yet Pep Guardiola has evolved this City team and I don’t see many weaknesses.
      But if United are to get anything, they need to be brave and press high.
      As West Ham showed, City can be caught in transition — as long as the first pass after winning the ball goes forward.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer looks ahead to Man City Derby More

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      Man Utd ‘launch transfer bid for Barcelona prodigy Moriba’ – dubbed ‘the new Paul Pogba’ – who has £89m buyout clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have launched a bid for Barcelona prodigy Ilaix Moriba, according to reports.
      The midfielder, 18, has won rave reviews since breaking into the Catalans’ first team earlier this season.

      Barcelona ace Ilaix Moriba has been linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Spain Under-18 international Moriba has been labelled the new Paul Pogba, with similar strength and creativity to the Red Devils superstar.
      And Barcelona sports daily Mundo Deportivo claimed Old Trafford officials have tabled an offer for the Guinea-born teenager.
      RB Leipzig are also said to have made an offer for Moriba, whose Nou Camp contract is due to expire next year.
      United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning a major summer revamp to make his side serious challengers for Manchester City next season.

      They currently trail their arch-rivals by 14 points ahead of Sunday’s derby showdown.
      Barca rate Moriba highly enough to have written an eye-watering £89million buyout clause into his contract.
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      The central midfielder’s agent is Jonathan Barnett, who famously represents Gareth Bale among others.

      Moriba joined Barca aged seven from their city rivals Espanyol, and came through their famed La Masia academy.
      Capped nine times at junior level by Spain, he broke into Barcelona’s B team last season.
      Barca boss Ronald Koeman has handed him four senior appearances this term alongside 10 games for the B side.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Rio Ferdinand interviews Paul Pogba and asks if he will stay at Man Utd More

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      Man Utd seek buyer for Andreas Pereira with Lazio unlikely to trigger £21m permanent transfer option

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking for a team to buy Andreas Pereira in the summer as Lazio appear uninterested in triggering his release clause, according to reports.
      United sent Pereira out on loan to the Serie A giants in October but he is struggling to fit into manager Simone Inzaghi’s plans and has only played a mere 548 minutes this season.

      Lazio loanee Andreas Pereira has fallen out of favour at Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex Features

      The 25-year-old has registered a mere 21 appearances across all competitions.
      According to Corriere dello Sport, Lazio owner Claudio Lotito is not interested in stumping up the cash for the attacking midfielder and thus United will look for a different buyer elsewhere.
      The Red Devils are hoping to offload the out-of-favour Brazilian for £21million ahead of the summer transfer window.
      Pereira made a total of 40 appearances under United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last term.

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      But Solskjaer has plenty of different options to fill in at No10, most notably Bruno Fernandes.
      The likes of Juan Mata, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba can also cover the same position.
      United seem set to raise funds for a striker off the top shelf with Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland posing as a main target.

      The Red Devils have also been embroiled in a long bidding war for Jadon Sancho, whose staggering £108m price tag has reportedly recently been lowered by £20m by Dortmund.
      Pereira joined United’s youth set-up in 2011 from PSV Eindhoven and earned a senior call-up three years later.
      The midfielder amassed a total of 75 appearances throughout his six-year stint, which also saw him getting loaned out to Granada and Valencia.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Man Utd looking to offload Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira ASAP to raise transfer funds More