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    Gary Neville hints at Man Utd transfer exit for De Gea and says ‘big decision is coming soon’ about keeper’s future

    GARY Neville has cast doubt over David De Gea’s Manchester United future after revealing a ‘big decision is coming soon’.
    SunSport exclusively revealed last month that United plan to let either the Spaniard or Dean Henderson leave in the summer.

    De Gea has been a shadow of his former self this season and could be on his way outCredit: Reuters

    De Gea, 30, missed last night’s drab 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace for ‘personal reasons’, with Henderson stepping in.
    It was the £120,000-a-week keeper’s first clean sheet in what was only his fourth Premier League appearance since being recalled from Sheffield United.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thanked Henderson after the game for getting him ‘one point, not zero’.
    When pressed on De Gea’s absence, the United boss would only say: “That’s a private matter. [His return] will take the time it takes.”

    Neville also chose his words carefully when asked on Twitter before the game if ‘time is over for De Gea in a United shirt?’.
    Creating more questions than answers, the former Red Devils skipper simply replied: “A big decision is coming soon.”
    De Gea has repeatedly come under fire for his performances this season.
    Paul Scholes claimed he was ‘losing his presence’ after mistakes leading to two goals in the 3-3 draw at Everton in February.

    Henderson was praised for earning United a point in the 0-0 draw at PalaceCredit: EPA

    Gary Neville appeared to cast doubt over David De Gea’s United futureCredit: PA:Press Association

    And Graeme Souness said it was only a ‘matter of time’ before the £375,000-a-week top earner was replaced by Henderson.
    Despite De Gea’s poor form he has played more than twice as many games as the England hopeful this season – 29 compared to 14 – suggesting he would be the one to stay at the end of the season.
    Henderson, 23, is said to be frustrated at his lack of game time, with Spurs and Borussia Dortmund reportedly leading the chase for the £30million-rated stopper.
    However, he may keep the gloves for Sunday’s trip to Man City with De Gea still a major doubt.

    Solskjaer rues goal drought as Manchester United lose title ground after Palace draw More

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    Solskjaer warned not to overtrain Bruno Fernandes as Man Utd superstar stays behind after training to keep practicing

    BRUNO FERNANDES’ penchant for extra sessions after training could land him in fitness trouble, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned.
    Former Sporting CP coach Jose Peseiro has revealed the playmaker’s amazing dedication to football.

    Bruno Fernandes has been told he trains too much by a former Sporting CP bossCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Not only did Fernandes stay behind after training to work on his craft in Lisbon, he would also watch the club’s academy teams play.
    But Peseiro felt that he was training ‘more than was possible’ and told Solskjaer to occasionally rein him in.
    The 60-year-old told BBC Sport: “Normally when training finished, he’d have lunch in the club and then he would go to watch the U19s or U23s play.
    “He liked to see the matches more than the others. He wanted to see the new, young players and speak to them to learn who they are and what they are doing on the pitch.

    “He liked too much to see football. He lives for football.
    “He wants to train too much, he wants to train more than is possible.
    “The coach needs to say, ‘Bruno, stop!’ because he wants to train every minute of the day.
    “At the end of a training session he will want to stay out and shoot. If there is a ball there, he will want to do something whether it’s before training, during training or after training. He enjoys it so much.”

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    Fernandes has become arguably United’s most important player since signing from Sporting in January 2020.
    With a record of 22 goals and 14 assists in 45 games, the midfielder has rarely been rested by Solskjaer this season.
    It is a testament to the 26-year-old’s fitness that he has failed to start just a single Premier League match all season – and nevertheless came on at half-time of December’s win at West Ham.
    Fernandes has only fully sat out one match all season, the FA Cup win over Watford, and is expected to start Wednesday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
    Peseiro’s comments echo that of ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen.
    The former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson said this week that Fernandes has been worked out by rivals – because of his high work ethic.

    Meulensteen told Stadium Astro: “He’s trying too hard maybe at times and that’s why things don’t work.
    “Sometimes less is more. Be a little calmer, make sure you influence the game and keep it ticking over.
    “That’s what I feel is missing to give United a real rhythm of play.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Jose Peseiro coached Fernandes in Lisbon for a few months of 2018Credit: AFP

    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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    Solskjaer claims he is worst loser at Man Utd and NOT Bruno Fernandes as boss says ‘you’ve not seen it but players have’

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has vowed that he IS a sore loser amid criticism of his approach to big games.
    Manchester United have played it safe against many of their ‘Big Six’ rivals this season, leading to a mixed response from fans.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted he is a worse loser than Bruno FernandesCredit: Getty – Pool

    But the Norwegian, 48, has maintained that he certainly does get fired up over dropped points – even more so than Bruno Fernandes.
    Speaking last week, he told reporters: “If you are at Manchester United and enjoy losing, you are at the wrong place.
    “I don’t show my frustration maybe so much as Bruno but I think maybe I am the worst loser at the club.
    “You have probably not seen it but some of the players have.”

    Red Devils fans have particularly enjoyed Fernandes’ passionate attitude on the pitch, as well as his impressive goalscoring record.
    It did not take long for the Portuguese playmaker to make an impact inside the club, with reports of him taking a leadership role emanating soon after his arrival just over a year ago.

    Solskjaer fired an unusual barb at referee Stuart Attwell after the 0-0 bore draw with Chelsea on the weekend, claiming the Blues’ website was influencing officials.
    Meanwhile, the United boss has told fans to tone down expectations of significant summer signings.

    Talk of Erling Haaland and a new centre-back such as Jules Kounde was met with a cautious response by the manager.
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    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.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Solskjaer says Man Utd are not scoring enough after disappointing goalless draw with Chelsea More

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    Dortmund identify Sevilla star En-Nesyri as Erling Haaland transfer replacement amid interest from Man Utd and Chelsea

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND see Sevilla ace Youssef En-Nesyri as a potential replacement for star striker Erling Haaland, according to reports.
    Haaland has set the world on fire with his goalscoring exploits as he already counts a staggering 27 goals in 26 matches across all competitions for Dortmund this season.

    Youssef En-Nesyri has emerged as an option for DortmundCredit: Alamy Live News

    The club will need to replace Erling HaalandCredit: AP:Associated Press

    That has led to immense interest from some of Europe’s big hitters, including Manchester United and Chelsea, ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to Eurosport, Dortmund seem fully aware that they won’t be able to hold on to the Norway international for long and are starting to think ahead.
    The Bundesliga giants are already seeking for a potential replacement in case Haaland leaves in the summer and seem to have found him in En-Nesyri.
    The Morocco international has netted a total of 13 goals in 24 appearances in LaLiga for Sevilla ever since his move from Leganes last summer.

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    Dortmund don’t wish to lose Haaland in the summer but the 20-year-old wonderkid continues to be the most sought-after centre-forward in Europe.
    United and Chelsea look set to enter an intense bidding war for the Norwegian star as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League rivals Manchester City have also shown interest.
    Reports also suggest that Haaland’s asking price has rocketed to a whopping £150million.

    The youngster has a release clause of £68m – but that doesn’t kick in until 2022.

    The Red Devils know how adamant Dortmund remain when it comes to their valuations as they have repeatedly turned down offers for Jadon Sancho that didn’t satisfy their demands.
    But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t need a new striker as much as Chelsea as Marcus Rashford has been impressive all season with 18 goals in 41 matches across all competitions.
    The Blues, though, have yet to see their £45m investment on Timo Werner pay off as the Germany striker has only notched five goals in 25 Premier League matches so far.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Man Utd and Leeds ‘in Nicolas Nkoulou transfer battle’ as Solskjaer eyes defender to partner Harry Maguire next season

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Leeds are keeping tabs on Torino star defender Nicolas Nkoulou ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.
    According to Tuttosport, United and the Whites are among a raft of clubs interested in signing Nkoulou, whose contract with the Serie A outfit expires at the end of the season.

    Torino star Nicolas Nkoulou has been linked with Manchester United and LeedsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The centre-back has made a total of 128 appearances for the Turin-based club ever since his move from Lyon in 2017.
    The former Cameroon international is reportedly keen on moving to another club in the summer but his focus currently lies on saving Torino from relegation, with the club just two points away from the drop zone.
    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is after an experienced defender that could partner up with Harry Maguire at centre-back.
    The Red Devils have been struggling for results in recent weeks after picking up a mere two wins in six league matches.

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    United have also conceded 32 goals in 26 games, which is more than any other team in the Premier League’s top five.
    Solskjaer seems determined to add some more quality to his backline and appears to have sent scouts to watch Nkoulou in action against Cagliari two weeks ago.
    The Red Devils reportedly hold an advantage in the bidding war for the African ace as the player wishes to return to the Champions League.

    Leeds have also expressed interest as manager Marcelo Bielsa is keen on a reunion with Nkoulou after working with him at Marseille.
    Bielsa coached the 30-year-old for a year and turned him into one of the best defenders in Ligue 1.
    Nkoulou had a strong bond with the Leeds boss and it showed when he openly supported him during his controversial exit from Marseille in 2015 when he resigned after the first game of the season.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Solskjaer says Man Utd are not scoring enough after disappointing goalless draw with Chelsea More

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    Tuchel ‘was watching a different game’ after Chelsea boss claimed his side showed quality in Man Utd draw, says Scholes

    PAUL SCHOLES has criticised Thomas Tuchel for praising the ‘quality’ of Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
    Neither the Blues nor Red Devils were able to break the deadlock in a drab Sunday evening stalemate.

    Thomas Tuchel was happy with the quality on offer in Sunday’s drawCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Paul Scholes felt both sides floundered in front of goal at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Chelsea remain unbeaten in Tuchel’s nine games in charge although most post-game talk was dedicated to Callum Hudson-Odoi avoiding giving away a penalty in a controversial handball call.
    Tuchel said afterwards: “It was a high quality game between two very strong teams.
    “We suffered in the first-half but overall it was an even game. In the second-half I thought we were really strong.
    “I thought we were closer to winning it, but there was a lot of quality on the pitch.

    “Performance-wise I’m satisfied. We defended very well in the last line and I’m very happy with that.”
    Former United star Scholes was unimpressed with the Chelsea boss being content with the performance.
    Both sides’ inability to test the goalkeepers came in for criticism from the 46-year-old.
    He explained on Premier League Productions: “I actually think Tuchel was watching a different game on his iPad when he said it was a game ‘full of high quality’.

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    “I didn’t see one bit of quality throughout the game.
    “The number of times players got in good positions but failed with easy passes. Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes…
    “There was quality on the pitch, don’t get me wrong, but did any of them show it? I don’t think they did.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    How Chelsea could line-up against Man Utd with Thiago Silva OUT and Tuchel set to stick with Christensen

    THOMAS TUCHEL will not have Thiago Silva fit for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
    A thigh issue has kept Silva, 36, out since the start of the month but he is nearing a return to action.

    How we expect Chelsea to line up against Manchester United

    Thiago Silva pulled up injured in Chelsea’s win at Tottenham three weeks agoCredit: PA:Press Association

    Yet Tuchel will not risk the centre-back, who managed only an individual session on Friday, as he makes a series of selection calls ahead of United’s visit.
    The case for sticking with the same XI that beat Atletico Madrid in midweek is strong.
    Andreas Christensen has ably filled in for much of Silva’s absence, helping keep a clean sheet as Chelsea progressed in the Champions League.
    Olivier Giroud’s breathtaking overhead kick winner should be enough to earn the striker consecutive starts for the first time since Tuchel became Blues boss.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi shook off his on-and-off substitute performance against Southampton to play 80 minutes versus Atletico but Reece James may be recalled on the right wing.
    Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic are also pushing for a call-up.
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    Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante could start on Sunday

    French midfielder Kante has largely been restricted to the bench since overcoming a hamstring injury and will compete with Jorginho for a starting berth on Sunday.

    Manchester United will be without Paul Pogba for the 4.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
    A thigh injury is keeping the Frenchman sidelined and Daniel James is a doubt having picked up a knock against Real Sociedad.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is monitoring Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay, and hopes to have the trio available after short lay-offs.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Paul Pogba to miss ‘a few weeks’ MORE with thigh injury as Man Utd star now a major doubt for derby clash vs City

    PAUL POGBA will remain on the sidelines for a number of weeks, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.
    The Red Devils were without the midfielder for Thursday night’s draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

    Paul Pogba will have to wait for his return from a thigh injuryCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

    It was the fifth game he has missed since coming off early in the draw with Everton at the start of the month.
    A thigh injury has kept Pogba, 27, out of action and his recovery will run into March.
    Solskjaer admitted to BT Sport after the Sociedad match: “Paul is still out for a few weeks.”
    Pogba will definitely miss Sunday’s crucial trip to Chelsea and the following midweek game away to Crystal Palace.

    Just over a week away, United take on Premier League leaders Manchester City and the Frenchman is also likely to sit that clash out.
    High-flying West Ham, Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and the Europa League last-16 are also on the agenda in March.
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    Solskjaer was able to deliver some good news ahead of the weekend game with Chelsea.

    Scott McTominay, Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek have all been missing this week due to knocks.
    But the United boss ‘hopes’ to see them return for the meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s side.
    Daniel James picked up a knock on Thursday and is a doubt, with Solskjaer confirming that United will monitor his condition over the coming hours.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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