man utd news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd sweat on Eric Bailly fitness for Burnley and Liverpool games as Solskjaer confirms neck injury

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could be without Eric Bailly for the Premier League games against Burnley and Liverpool after the defender picked up a neck injury against Watford.
      Scott McTominay’s fifth-minute header saw United see off their Championship opposition to reach the FA Cup fourth round.

      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      There was a lot of concern for defender Eric BaillyCredit: PA:Press Association

      Bailly was replaced by Harry Maguire after coming off just before half-timeCredit: Reuters
      But it came at a cost with Bailly having to come off just before half-time after being clattered by his own keeper Dean Henderson.
      He is now an injury doubt for Burnley and then the mouthwatering clash against champs Liverpool as United aim to go TOP of the Premier League table.
      Speaking after the cup triumph, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “It’s his neck I think.

      “His head is fine. There is no concussion or anything like that.
      “But we have got to do scans.”
      The player himself also moved to reassure fans as he tweeted: “I am OK. It was just a knock.”
      And his centre-half partner for the Old Trafford victory, Axel Tuanzebe, is expecting a quick recovery from the ‘warrior’.

      He said: “He’s alright, it’s good to see, he’s a warrior, he gets in the way of things.

      Solskjaer says Bailly picked up a neck injuryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “It’s good to see he’s alright and I’m sure he’ll be training this week.”
      Bailly, 26, was replaced by club captain Harry Maguire as United scraped past plucky Watford in a disjointed performance.
      The Ivory Coast centre-half has been in fine form in recent weeks having bagged the spot next to Maguire ahead of Victor Lindelof.
      And former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand is hoping Bailly is back to marshal the defence.

      The defender will be assessed int he coming daysCredit: Reuters
      He told BT Sport: “He’s been one of the positives in this good run of form they’ve had.
      “He’s one of the ones where you’ve sat and thought, ‘actually, he looks like the difference-maker in that back-line especially’.
      “This is something that has undone his Man United career time and time again, and he’s got another injury today, hopefully it’s not too serious.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Eric Bailly aims dig at former Man United boss Mourinho, claiming ex-player Solskjaer understands stars better More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Hero McTominay shows he’s captain material but Lingard fails to make most of rare start

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Watford.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picked a much-changed team for the Championship club’s visit.

      Scott McTominay excelled with the armband on in Saturday’s winCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it was Scott McTominay who proved his worth once again with a fifth-minute winner.
      Jesse Lingard, Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams were all handed chances to impress from the start.
      Here, SunSport’s Oscar Paul delivers his verdict on the individual performances on Saturday night.
      Dean Henderson – 6/10
      Raced off his line early on to save from Adam Masina but looked frantic and had a couple of uncomfortable moments in the first-half. 

      KO’d Eric Bailly, was nearly caught out in no man’s land haring out of his box, and his distribution was mixed. Barely tested by Watford as the Hornets chased an equaliser. 
      Brandon Williams – 6
      Aggressive and assured in the unfamiliar right-back role, although it was far from a tough night with Watford’s limited threat coming down the opposite flank.
      Offered little going forward as the Red Devils struggled to open Watford up.
      Eric Bailly – 6
      A couple of loose balls and nervy moments at the back, and flashed a free header wide at the other end.

      Replaced by Harry Maguire just before the break after being clattered by Dean Henderson.
      FANCY A PUNT? CLAIM £40 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING £10

      Eric Bailly was forced off after suffering a nasty head injuryCredit: Reuters
      Axel Tuanzebe – 7
      Solid and composed in a rare start for the 23-year-old.
      An important goal-line clearance in the first half kept things level before keeping Watford chances down to a minimum in the second.
      Alex Telles  – 7
      The Brazilian’s outswinging corner was met by Scott McTominay to get United up and running, before a carbon copy was nodded wide by Eric Bailly.
      Recovered well against the dangerous Ismaila Sarr having got himself in a muddle a couple of times.
      Scott McTominay – 8
      A dream night. Captain for the first time, McTominay’s header got United up and running inside five minutes.
      But just like legendary skippers Bryan Robson and Roy Keane, the midfielder did the dirty work at the back with some pivotal interventions.

      Captain McTominay flung himself at an early corner to notch the winnerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Donny van de Beek – 7
      A sublime flick to put Juan Mata in on goal was the one moment of pure class in a dull tie.  
      Dictated the play early on with plenty of the ball and, after three minutes in United’s previous four games, the Dutchman has to be close to a run of starts in the league.
      Daniel James – 6
      A lively start but his decision-making and finishing continues to frustrate.
      Blew a couple of decent chances before being replaced as United faded as an attacking force.
      Juan Mata – 6
      Should have scored on his left peg after being beautifully played in by Donny van de Beek.
      On his 400th game in English football, the Spaniard found some promising positions but failed to get the United attack purring.

      Juan Mata was one of many players handed a rare start versus WatfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jesse Lingard – 5
      No disaster but did little to suggest he will be anywhere near the league side anytime soon.
      Kept things neat and tidy but failed to impose himself in his first start since September.
      Mason Greenwood – 5
      A quiet night after being handed a golden chance to make the lone striker’s position his own.
      Could not get in the game and barely had a sight of goal before being replaced by Anthony Martial.
      Subs:
      Harry Maguire  (for Bailly, 45) – 6
      Would have been hoping for a rare night off but replaced the injured Eric Bailly just before half-time.
      Some trademark headers and clearances but was rarely troubled. Went close with a header at the other end late on.

      Harry Maguire (right) came off the bench to help see out the winCredit: EPA

      Anthony Martial (for Greenwood, 69) – 6
      Brought on for Mason Greenwood to add a spark but did not have a sniff. 
      Marcus Rashford (for James, 69) – 6 
      A great run down the left minutes after coming on but his shot was straight at the keeper.
      Nemanja Matic (for Lingard, 79) – 6 
      Replaced Jesse Lingard to close the game out and got through the last ten minutes unruffled. 
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Burnley vs Man Utd – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for Premier League clash More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd outcast Van de Beek fails to take his chance as McTominay shows him up in FA Cup win against Watford

      by

      DONNY VAN DE BEEK had the stage to show Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the world that he can cut it at Manchester United.
      But he was ultimately upstaged by his midfield partner on the night as United progressed into the FA Cup fourth round by beating Watford 1-0.

      Donny van de Beek failed to impose himself on the gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Scott McTominay headed United ahead with just five minutes on the clock – and for the rest of the game he was the all-action heroic captain for the night.
      Van de Beek was just… nothing special.
      United legend Dimitar Berbatov said in the week that the Dutchman should be ‘banging on Solskjaer’s door’ as to why he isn’t playing more regularly.
      The Bulgarian even hinted that the player could look for a move if he continues to be on the fringes.

      So all eyes were on the 23-year-old as Watford came to Old Trafford for the third round tie.
      United fans went crazy for a pair of first half flicks to set up a chance for Juan Mata.
      But, in truth, he failed to stamp any kind of authority on the game. He wasn’t terrible, he wasn’t good, he was just there.
      McTominay himself has had his doubters, but he turned in a performance that belied his 24 years.

      Not only did he end up the matchwinner, but he covered every blade of grass out there, often spotted outmuscling Watford attackers towards his own goal.
      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      Scott McTominay put in a man-of-the-match performanceCredit: PA:Press Association

      Bruno Fernandes is the shoe-in, McTominay probably is too. And if he puts an end to constant transfer speculation, Paul Pogba should be the other to bag a midfield spot.
      Van de Beek is far from a lost cause – he only signed for United in the summer and seems keen to learn off his peers.
      But even he will admit his big move has not panned out anywhere near how he had hoped.
      Perhaps a blessing in disguise, Pogba’s name is rarely out of the headlines – no thanks to his controversial agent Mino Raiola constantly insisting his player will leave Old Trafford for a second time.

      Van de Beek didn’t do enough to prove he deserves a regular starting spotCredit: EPA
      Maybe Van de Beek needs that to happen for his own development and game time.
      But at least the speculation over the Frenchman’s future keeps the critics off Van de Beek’s back – for now.
      The former Ajax star will more than likely be back warming the bench when United travel to take on Burnley on Tuesday in the Premier League.
      And while McTominay will see the armband fly back to Harry Maguire, at least he has what Van de Beek craves – a spot in central midfield.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Donny van de Beek denies being unhappy at Man Utd saying he knows he can give the team something extra More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd 1 Watford 0: McTominay scores early as Solskjaer begins latest push for first trophy

      by

      SO ANOTHER Cup journey begins for Manchester United.
      The last four over a year have ended at the semi-final stage so what will the 2020-21 FA Cup hold in store?

      Scott McTominay scored early for Manchester United on Saturday nightCredit: PA:Press Association

      The fifth-minute header was enough to secure passage to the fourth roundCredit: AFP or licensors

      Well, their first hurdle in this third round has been cleared for the ten time winners, most recently lifting the trophy back in 2016.
      That was under Louis van Gaal when the Red Devils football was a painful watch.
      Not so much now, despite the disappointment last week of that fourth consecutive semi-final defeat, this time to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
      Solskjaer says there is no mental problem when his team gets too close to glory.

      Still he would love to prove it and club football’s oldest competition offers another chance for the manager who twice lifted it as a player.
      Victory was secured with a goal in just the fifth minute from the head of Scott McTominay.
      With nine changes to their team they could not find their usual rhythm, however Watford made seven and rattled the home side.
      Despite the lip service that is paid to this competition, all those changes proved once more that the league is simply more important.

      Particularly when United have the chance to go top of the table on Tuesday if they avoid defeat at Turf Moor when they take on Burnley.
      For Championship side Watford, FA Cup finalists in 2019, the aim is simply to get back into the top-flight at the first attempt after going down last season.
      Xisco Munoz is the latest incumbent in the Hornets’ hotseat but after three games must already be fearing for his job following this second successive defeat – well it is Watford.
      Still his side could be proud of their efforts.
      Despite the changes Solskjaer made this was still a strong United side and one that had the confidence boost of that early lead.
      McTominay met Alex Telles outswinging corner with a downward header that bounced up off the turf into the top corner beyond Daniel Rachmann’s despairing dive.
      You might have expected the floodgates to then open.
      But Watford steadied, stayed in the game and only an excellent save by Dean Henderson on 16 minutes denied them an equaliser.
      Adam Masina had a close-range shot from an angle but Henderson made himself big and saved with his leg before Axel Tuanzebe cleared from in front of his own line.
      Watford’s defending from corners was leaving something to be desired.
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Eric Bailly was forced off after a first-half head injuryCredit: Reuters

      The Ivorian became entangled in a high battle for the ballCredit: Reuters
      McTominay had already scored from one when Eric Bailly was given plenty of space in the box to meet another Telles out swinger but this time the header went just wide of the far post.
      Donny van de Beek was given a rare chance to shine from the start.
      There has been much consternation back in Holland as to why the £40million signing from Ajax has been afforded so little game time.
      This was only his ninth start.
      Solskjaer clearly feels he needs more time to adapt to the English game.
      Still there is no doubting his talent as was showcased in the 43rd minute when a clever flick with his instep gave Juan Mata a free hit from an angle which Bachmann denied him with an outstretched leg.
      There was a worrying moment right at the end of the first half when Henderson came off his line and jumped to punch clear kneeing Eric Bailly in the head on the way.
      He was attended too and taken off looking dazed with Harry Maguire coming on to replace him.

      Bailly had been at the centre of the games only controversial moment before that which left Watford could understandably aggrieved going at not being awarded a penalty.
      It was the 32 minute when the ball bounced off Alex Tuanzebe and up onto the arm of Bailly.
      The centre-half had lifted his arm up, so it could have been deemed to be in an unnatural position but both referee Andrew Madley and VAR Peter Bankes gave him the benefit of the doubt.
      The changes made by Solskjaer afforded some the chance to make the boss have a rethink when it came to league games, but they weren’t all taken.
      Certainly not by Mason Greenwood to lay claim for the central striker’s role.
      His spark has gone since his antics in Iceland saw him kicked out of the England camp.
      And what has happened to Jesse Lingard, not long ago a regular for Red Devils and Three Lions, now unable to sting The Hornets?
      This was only his second start of the season and the rustiness showed.

      The Red Devils were unable to grab a second to kill the tieCredit: AFP or licensors

      Jesse Lingard featured for a much-changed United sideCredit: AFP or licensors

      Solskjaer had been hoping to keep his main frontmen Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on the bench ahead of the Burnley game.
      But such was the precarious look of the scoreboard he had to bring both into the action on 68 minutes.
      James and the ineffective Greenwood making way.
      Rashford would have a chance to seal the deal when he charged into the box but Bachmann again came to the rescue.
      It would not prove costly. United through.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer confirms Man Utd will not extend Rojo and Romero’s contracts More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Donny van de Beek reassured Man Utd ‘rate him’ despite lack of starts by boss Solskjaer

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER spoke to Donny van de Beek to reassure him of his Manchester United future.
      The Dutchman has made just eight starts, only two in the league, since his £40million move from Ajax.

      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has assured Donny van de Beek that he and the club ‘rate him’Credit: EPA

      His agent and Dutch icon Ronald De Boer have both voiced concerns over the midfielder’s situation.
      But Van de Beek, 23, will start Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Watford.
      United boss Solskjaer said: “I’ve spoken to him and made him aware of how much we rate him.
      “There’s many examples of players needing a bit of time, quality players.

      “You don’t expect people who care for him to be quiet at times.
      “Donny will play against Watford, it’s another chance for him to kick on.”
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      How Manchester United could line up versus Watford
      More forgotten Red Devils are set to feature — including full-back Brandon Williams, 20, and former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, 31.

      Having only made two Carabao Cup starts and a pair of brief appearances off the bench this season, the Nigerian appears to be surplus to requirements.
      United are set to wave off Ighalo at the end of the month, when his loan move from Shanghai Shenhua ends.
      Solskjaer said: “He’s been training really well.
      “I don’t know how many goals be scored, but he was the top scorer by a mile in round robin we just had in training.
      “So he’s not lost any of his sharpness or his quality. It’s been difficult for him to be out of the squad as many times of course, because he did really well up to the summer.

      “This season he’s not had as many opportunities, but he’s never let himself down as a professional and a human being.
      “In training he always works hard and he’s been a positive influence in the dressing room.
      “He’s in the squad and hopefully I don’t need to put him on that we need goals, but hopefully he can join in.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd vs Watford – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Solskjaer confirms Man Utd will NOT extend Rojo and Romero’s contracts with pair available for FREE transfer in summer

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has confirmed the imminent exits of Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero from Manchester United.
      The Argentine duo have been allowed to return home over Christmas having failed to make an appearance all season.

      Marcos Rojo has been training with the first-team squad but recently returned to ArgentinaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Sergio Romero has also been told he can leave Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Red Devils have asked both players to find moves away in January, ahead of their contracts expiring in the summer.
      Speaking on Friday, Solskjaer confirmed that the club will not be renewing either players’ deals.
      He told reporters: “Both of them have contracts until the summer and they’re not going to be extended.
      “We’re looking for them to find clubs.

      “Marcos has been given time to go home, so he’s still in Argentina.
      “Sergio has been back home as well to see his family but they’re pros, working hard and ready if they call in for us.

      “Marcos will have to travel and do the quarantine before.”
      Goalkeeper Romero, 33, was told to find a new club in the autumn having failed to make United’s 25-man Premier League and Champions League squads.

      Everton were linked in a deadline day deal that failed to come off.
      The collapse infuriated Romero’s wife, Eliana, who fumed on Instagram that the club had shown a lack of ‘respect’ after his five years of service.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Boca Juniors and Brighton are both reportedly chasing the World Cup finalist this month.
      Meanwhile, centre-back Rojo is also touted for a return to Argentina with Boca.
      The 30-year-old, who joined for £16million in 2014, spent much of last year on loan at Estudiantes but has been recovering from a calf injury in recent weeks.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd’s Sergio Romero’s wife Eliana Guercio says he deserved the opportunity to go to another club More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd could line up vs Watford with Odion Ighalo CONFIRMED to play against old club in FA Cup clash

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER will hand Odion Ighalo an outing against old club Watford in the FA Cup this weekend.
      The Hornets travel to Old Trafford for a third-round tie kicking off at 8pm on Saturday.

      Odion Ighalo could make his last appearance for Manchester United on SaturdayCredit: PA:Press Association

      Former Watford striker Ighalo was a shock signing for the Red Devils last season and his loan move from Shanghai Shenhua is set to expire at the end of the month.
      And Solskjaer has vowed to give the Nigerian a runout in what may be his farewell appearance for the club.
      The United boss said: “Odion, it’s special for him against Watford. He will be involved; he’s in the squad.
      “He’s been training really well. I was just saying before, I don’t know how many goals be scored, but he was the top scorer by a mile in round robin we just had in training.

      “So he’s not lost any of his sharpness or his quality. It’s been difficult for him to be out of the squad as many times of course, because he did really well up to the summer.
      “This season he’s not had as many opportunities, but he’s never let himself down as a professional and a human being.

      “In training he always works hard and he’s been a positive influence in the dressing room.
      “He’s in the squad and hopefully I don’t need to put him on that we need goals, but hopefully he can join in.”

      Ighalo has started just two Carabao Cup games this season with a further pair of appearances off the bench.
      Fighting with the forward for a place in the line-up are Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial.
      All three will be keen to impress ahead of a crunch week for United, which features a trip to Burnley and a crunch meeting with Liverpool.
      The busy fixture schedule means Solskjaer is likely to rotate his side on Saturday, with Alex Telles, Axel Tuanzebe, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard ready for an opening.

      New signing Amad Diallo will not feature while the final documents are completed for his move from Atalanta.
      Facundo Pellistri is also unavailable for a debut after testing positive for coronavirus.
      Edinson Cavani serves the final game of a three-match ban for breaching FA social media rules, while Marcos Rojo and Phi Jones are injured.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd vs Watford – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      FA release statement on why Man Utd star Edinson Cavani was banned for ‘negrito’ post but admit he was NOT racist

      by

      EDINSON CAVANI was NOT racist when he wrote the ‘negrito’ comment that earned him a three-match ban.
      But FA disciplinary beaks agreed they had no option other than to impose the minimum sanction available to them – and suggested Manchester United should have warned Cavani about unacceptable language.

      Edinson Cavani was punished over an Instagram post made in NovemberCredit: PA:Press Association

      South American football chiefs have rushed to Cavani’s defence after the Uruguay striker was banned last week, demanding the FA rescind his three-match ban and £100,000 fine.
      The charge came after Cavani’s response to an Instagram congratulatory message from a friend, Pablo Fernandez, after his match-winning contribution off the bench at Southampton on November 29.
      While Cavani and Manchester United said they accepted the ban, the Old Trafford outfit insisted they expected the FA to state the striker’s comments carried no racist intent.
      And in the full written reasons for the commission decision, published by Wembley chiefs, it emerged that the FA made clear it was NEVER their case to question Cavani’s intent.

      However, the three-man commission, which included former Aston Villa and Bolton midfielder turned lawyer Gareth Farrelly, did suggest United should have explained the regulations that were brought in by English football in August.
      And United’s decision to initially deny a charge which they later accepted was implicitly criticised.

      We were satisfied that the player wrote his reply in affectionate appreciation of a message from his Uruguayan friend.
      FA Commission

      It was the new guidelines, agreed by all clubs and the PFA, which gave the commission no option once Cavani had admitted the offence.
      In the reasons, the commission said: “On December 3, Manchester United asserted the circumstances were such that disciplinary action was not warranted, and that the Player’s conduct did not amount to a breach of FA Rules.

      “However, upon being charged the Player admitted the allegation and expressed his wish that these proceedings be determined without the necessity of a personal hearing.”
      A Latin American expert witness, called by the FA, confirmed: “Someone familiar with South American culture and language could also have understood that in the context of friends it was not used with the intention to be racist, insulting or offensive.”
      The commission added: “We were satisfied that the Player wrote his reply in affectionate appreciation of a message from his Uruguayan friend.
      “It was not designed or intended to be racist or offensive either to his friend or others reading the content of the Instagram post.

      “It was no part of the case presented by the FA that the Player deliberately acted with racist or offensive intent. That was an approach and understanding with which the Commission agreed.
      “When translated in a foreseeable way, the FA submitted that a follower of English Premier League football would have understandably concluded that the words used were racially offensive.
      “The player submitted that he was simply spontaneously responding affectionately to a good friend by his nickname.
      “At the time the message was posted the Player had no idea that the term used could be construed as offensive in this country.
      ““Negrito” was not used in reference to his friend’s colour, but simply because that was the nickname Mr Fernandez had been known by since childhood.
      “So it was that the Player deleted the post and apologised as soon as he became aware of the potentially offensive connotations of that which he had innocently said.”
      Cavani admitted to what was a strict liability offence, although, the commission added: “The player could not reasonably have known that any such offence would be caused.
      “He had only been in this country for some two months, did not speak English and had not previously lived in an English-speaking country.

      “It would not be proper to infer he had been sufficiently exposed to the language and culture of this country so as to allow him to have understood that words that were affectionate and unoffensive in his native language, were unquestionably offensive in this country.
      “He had also received no media training upon his arrival in England to enable him to be better placed to understand the cultural differences that might give rise to issues with a foreign player posting information on a social media platform.
      “In light of the Player’s high profile in the game, his inability to speak English and the fact that he had approaching 8 million Instagram followers, the Commission were surprised that no such ‘training’ had been specifically put in place for the Player by his club.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer hints Edinson Cavani will get new Man Utd contract as he claims veteran striker has a few years left in him More