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      Man Utd player ratings: Fernandes sparkles, Martial has an off day and James shouldn’t be starting

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were forced to settle for a point against Leicester despite taking the lead twice.
      But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will feel his side were worth the win after missing a host of chances.

      Bruno Fernandes thought he had sealed the three pointsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes cancelled out by a brilliant Harvey Barnes goal and Jamie Vardy’s late equaliser.
      Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how United’s stars fared in the draw.
      David De Gea – 6
      Might feel he should have done better for Harvey Barnes’ goal, but he was clearly unsighted.
      Keeping Dean Henderson out of the team – for now.

      Victor Lindelof – 6
      Shunted out to right-back to accomodate Bailly coming in at centre-half.
      Didn’t do too badly before he was forced off with a back injury.
      Eric Bailly – 7
      The Ivory Coast centre-half has a big season ahead of him to prove he can finally become a first-team regular.
      Still some positioning skills to work on, but could be the one to partner Maguire.

      Scott McTominay had a battle on in the middle of the parkCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Harry Maguire – 7
      United captain appeared calmer with Bailly alongside him.
      Might feel he should have scored from a couple of corners, but was solid at the back.
      Luke Shaw – 7
      Left-back has raised his game following Alex Telles’ arrival and is keeping the Brazilian on the bench.
      Industrious going forward and pinged in a few tasty free-kicks.
      Scott McTominay – 6
      Needed to get close to Leicester’s middle two in the first 45, but did up his game after half-time.
      Not as good as he was against Leeds but didn’t make many errors.
      Fred – 6
      Did his usual no-nonsene screening of the centre-halves with minimum of fuss.
      Dan James – 4
      The Welsh youngster was anonymous in the first 45 minutes.
      He had a chance to play in Fernandes in the early stages of the second half who would have been through on goal.
      But James fluffed his pass, and was soon hooked off for Pogba.

      Dan James struggled before he was subbed offCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bruno Fernandes – 8
      Portuguese playmaker bagged another assist for Rashford’s goal.
      He then kept his cool with a delightful finish to put United 2-1 up. Undroppable.
      Marcus Rashford – 7
      Should have opened the scoring in the first ten minutes, but made up for that miss with a cool finish for the opener.
      Subdued in the second half but was always a willing runner.
      Anthony Martial – 5
      You’d have been forgiven for forgetting Martial was playing in the first half.
      Things didn’t much better after the break before he was subbed off for Cavani
      Substitutes
      Paul Pogba (replaced James, 53) – 6
      Was busy and always wanted the ball.
      But you have to wonder whether he will be happy with cameos from the bench.
      Axel Tuanzebe (replaced Lindelof, 65) – 6
      Outfoxed by Jamie Vardy for Leicester’s equaliser.
      Edinson Cavani (replaced Martial) – 7
      Managed an assist less than ten minutes after replacing Martial.
      Not used: Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford More

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      Gary Neville left baffled by ‘bizarre’ Man Utd who go third with Leeds thrashing but still ‘not good enough’ for title

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are still not good enough to win the title despite Sunday’s trashing of Leeds, says Gary Neville.
      The defender-turned-pundit was left baffled by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ‘bizarre’ side who are now third with a game in hand.

      Gary Neville described Manchester United’s ‘bizarre’ rise up the tableCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has led his side to third despite some shaky performancesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      The 6-2 romp at Old Trafford means only Liverpool and Leicester have won more Premier League games than the Red Devils in 2020-21.
      But Neville does not feel the performances have warranted such a rapid rise up the table.
      He told his Sky Sports podcast: “Their form is really good.
      “They’re scoring goals, coming back in matches, [vs Leeds] they’ve played well, it’s a big game against Leicester on Boxing Day, but there’s something not right.

      “But then when you look at where they are in the league, and they can go two points behind Liverpool.
      “If you’d said at the start of the season they would be in that position, coming into Christmas, you’d have snapped everyone’s hands off.
      “For Manchester United it was about closing the gap, no one ever thought they would be in a position to go so close.
      “They’re going to go second in the league if they can win that game in hand.

      “It doesn’t feel like Manchester United have played like that.
      “There has been talk of the manager’s job, going out of Europe was a big problem, the performances at times have been horrible.”
      United can go within two points of Liverpool if they win their game in hand.
      The opening day’s trip to Burnley was postponed and a new date is yet to be found amid the Red Devils’ hectic schedule.
      Despite the potential for a serious title bid, club legend Neville still believes it will be beyond this side.
      He added: “You just watch them and think there isn’t a team emerging there who can challenge for the title.

      My gut feeling is to still say I don’t think Manchester United are going to win the league.
      Gary Neville

      “My gut feeling is to still say I don’t think Manchester United are going to win the league.
      “But what I am is maybe surprised, it’s bizarre.
      “Where they are considering a couple of weeks ago you were thinking this could be difficult, a challenging period coming into Christmas, but it’s looking a little bit rosier.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solksjaer is ecstatic with the performance by Man Utd against Leeds More

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      Man Utd outcast Phil Jones set for January loan transfer with club ‘willing to pay big chunk of £120k-a-week wages’

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      PHIL JONES could be handed an exit route out of Manchester United next month.
      The Red Devils are reportedly ready to allow the England defender to leave on loan, while also paying a substantial portion of his wages.

      Phil Jones’ last appearance in the Premier League came almost 12 months agoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Jones, 28, earns £120,000-a-week at Old Trafford having put pen to paper on a four-year contract in early 2019.
      Since then, he has faded out of the team and Daily Star report on a potential move in January.
      It is said that United will pay a big chunk of his wages if a loan club can be found.
      Burnley, West Brom and Derby are all named as clubs monitoring the situation.

      It was Sean Dyche’s side who Jones last faced in the Premier League, with a 90-minute outing in a 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley almost 12 months ago.
      However, the Clarets are reportedly only keeping tabs on the centre-back in case James Tarkowski leaves when the transfer window reopens.

      Sam Allardyce’s recent appointment at West Brom is thought to push the Baggies towards Jones.
      The 66-year-old gave the player his professional debut in 2009 while manager of Blackburn.

      And another reunion could be on the cards if Wayne Rooney’s Derby can pull off a deal for Jones.
      The pair played together at United and Rooney has so far enjoyed his start as the Rams’ interim coach, with an eye on the permanent job.

      Jones is yet to play this season while recovering from a knee injury.
      Previous reports have suggested that he will not contemplate his future until he is fit to play.
      And United may use any cash earned from a departure to reinforce their defence, with RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano reportedly a major target.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Phil Jones rejects Man Utd testimonial in tenth year with club as ‘only his parents would turn up’ More

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      Jose Mourinho says Man Utd didn’t give him enough time to be successful after being sacked in third season

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      JOSE MOURINHO has insisted Manchester United sacked him too early – as he was in the ‘middle’ of bringing a league title to Old Trafford.
      The Red Devils turned to Mourinho after Louis van Gaal left the club in 2016.

      Jose Mourinho believes he could have been given more time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In his first season, the Portuguese boss managed to win three trophies and he finished second to Manchester City in the 2017-18 Premier League.
      But a misfiring start to the following campaign saw Mourinho sacked in December 2018.
      Now in charge of table-topping Tottenham, the 57-year-old discussed the speed of his success at different clubs throughout his career.
      He told reporters: “In a certain period of my career, with the profile of club I was getting, we didn’t need as much time to reach success.

      “We did it at Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, both times, we did it without that need for longevity.
      “And also my desire to try different things and my crazy desire to go to many countries, and to try to win, and try to get different experiences in many different countries, was perfect because it was about: winning, and goodbye, and let’s try another thing.

      I felt that I left at the middle of the process, but I learn very early to respect decisions, which I did at United.
      Jose Mourinho

      “The first club where I felt I needed time and time was not given was at Manchester United, because I felt that I left at the middle of the process, but I learned very early to respect decisions, which I did at United.
      “We did what we did, we did what was possible to do, and we move on. I am happy, they are happy, and we have a great relationship, which is something I am always very proud to say.

      “When I leave clubs, I keep a very good relationship with everybody, and United is one more example of that.
      “Now, in Tottenham I know the profile of job I have in my hands, and hopefully until now I am enjoying very, very much to be in the club.”
      Mourinho’s comments were also a reference to the four seasons Jurgen Klopp was allowed before guiding Liverpool to the title.
      Ahead of their meeting on Wednesday night, the Spurs boss has fired a number of jibes at his opponent.
      Among which was a claim that the Reds are hardly suffering an injury crisis, with only Virgil van Dijk unavailable in Mourinho’s mind.
      While he prepares for the top-two clash, old club United are back in ninth.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at Old Trafford and is yet to fire the club towards a title tiltCredit: Getty – Pool

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho with the side in sixth – the position they ultimately finished at the end of the Norwegian’s first season.
      However, he did close the gap on the top-four considerably and broke in by securing third place last season.
      No manager other than Mourinho or Sir Alex Ferguson has managed United to a top-two finish in over 40 years.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Mourinho has amazing take on Liverpool injury ‘crisis’ as Tottenham boss starts title race mind games with Klopp More

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      Man Utd ‘line up Kieran Trippier transfer to compete with Wan-Bissaka with boyhood fan keen on switch from Atletico’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are retaining their interest in Kieran Trippier, according to reports.
      With just 18 months left on his Atletico Madrid contract, the England international is said to fancy a move to his boyhood club.

      Kieran Trippier has made the right-back spot his own at Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Trippier grew up in Greater Manchester and starred for Burnley after coming through Manchester City’s academy.
      According to MEN, a move to Old Trafford ‘appeals’ to the right-back.
      Atletico were previously said to want just £20million for the 30-year-old, roughly the same fee they paid Tottenham for his services last year.
      But Diego Simeone’s charge to the LaLiga title, with the side sat second with two games in hand, may force a re-think if a bid lands.

      Trippier has played every minute of Los Rojiblancos’ campaign this season.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be able to call upon two highly-rated defenders if the move goes ahead.

      Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the Norwegian’s first choice, with a number of youthful options behind him.
      Timothy Fosu-Mensah has played three times this season but is out of contract in the summer.

      United have reportedly offered the 22-year-old a new deal.
      Right-footed left-back Brandon Williams came off the bench to replace Wan-Bissaka when he picked up an injury against Istanbul Basaksehir last month.

      And academy defender Ethan Laird could also be called upon if needed.
      Solskjaer sent Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot on loan to AC Milan in the summer and the Serie A side have openly discussed bidding for a permanent move.
      Out of all of those options, Trippier would certainly be the most experienced with several Premier League seasons and 25 England caps under his belt.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Kieran Trippier looks back at his journey to join Atletico Madrid More

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      Man Utd verdict: Solskjaer’s troops settling for a point shows just how far side are from Sir Alex Ferguson glory days

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      MAYBE THIS IS just how it is.
      And that was how it was.

      United scrapped their way to a heard-earned point against CityCredit: EPA

      Manchester United had a manager that just doesn’t come along anymore in Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Players the like of which the club may not see again.
      A perfect storm that can never again be forecast as academy graduates mixed with established stars to produce teams that would conquer the world.
      The bar was set just too high for it to be fair for the four subsequent managers who have tried and failed to reach the heights of the glory days under Sir Alex.

      Any other club outside of Liverpool and Manchester City themselves would have been delighted with the last seven years that United have had.
      Not least Tottenham who have one trophy in 21 years
      In the time since Sir Alex retired they have won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League, reached an FA Cup Final, three Cup semi-finals finished second in the league and third.
      Yet this is seen as a period of chaos in the club’s history.

      It was a dour display between the two Manchester sidesCredit: Rex Features

      No mitigating factors are allowed, not least that other clubs have caught up and United could not go any higher.
      All clubs who used to finish below the Red Devils have long since stopped accepting their fate, Leicester showed them the way.
      There was not a good enough squad left to David Moyes for him to immediately take the baton and stay ahead of the rest.
      It was dragged to it’s last title by Sir Alex, but had gone past it’s best.
      I have said many times if, subsequent managers at United had simply replicated his success then he wasn’t that special after all, but he was.
      They don’t score enough goals at United anymore.

      Harry Maguire led by example as United kept a clean sheetCredit: PA:Press Association
      But there is no Cristiano Ronaldo, he could never be replaced, neither could Wayne Rooney.
      Name a poacher they could have realistically got to match the predatory instincts of Ruud van Nistelrooy.
      A captain in the mould of Roy Keane and one of the greatest players ever in Paul Scholes.
      Has any club found a pairing to match Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the heart of their defense since they hung up their boots?
      Things were always going to change.
      It is accepting that change which has been the hard bit.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eased some pressure with a hard-earned pointCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The angst that United fans put themselves through is off the scale.
      As is the criticism the subsequent managers have got, well, apart from one.
      Davis Moyes was not given time to start rebuilding.
      Jose Mourinho had a brilliant two years but was not backed in his battle with Paul Pogba became disillusioned and was sacked.
      The football was not that bad under him, but not goo enough for many.
      It was bad under Van Gaal, really dull, but to suggest he was a busted flush by the time he arrived at Old Trafford is ridiculous.

      United simply did not allow City to find their rhythm at allCredit: Reuters
      Even he won an FA Cup in his instantly forgettable two seasons at Old Trafford.
      He was trying to lay down a template for the club for the future, but it just did not click with the players he had – sometimes it doesn’t.
      Now we have Solskjaer who is currently four points off top.
      He is a point ahead of Pep Guardiola, who can do no wrong, even if his failings in Europe with Manchester City might suggest otherwise.
      The finger gets pointed at Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward, who apparently has not backed bosses even though in the region of £800million has been spent on new players under his watch.

      United nearly had a penalty – but VAR ruled Rashford was offside before being fouled by Kyle WalkerCredit: Reuters
      People will say it was the departure of David Gill at the same time as Sir Alex that had a massive effect on recruitment.
      It didn’t. The change happened because Fergie left and the team was past it’s best with nobody in the squad to make it better.
      There is nothing wrong with wanting those glory days to return.
      Now apparently Maurico Pochettino will have all the answers.
      At Spurs he achieved two thirds and a runners-up spot and a place in a Champions league final.
      But how long before that is not enough.
      He won seven of his final 26 games in charge before he got the bullet just over a year ago.
      With a bigger budget that would be available at Old Trafford he might go one better than those runner-up spots, maybe not.
      That budget is not going to be huge though with the hit everyone has taken with the pandemic.
      A goalless draw at home to Manchester City after going out of a tough Champions League Group in midweek will not be seen at Old Trafford as a bad result.
      That is just how it is right now.

      Man Utd chiefs want Paul Pogba OUT of club in January transfer after Mino Raiola’s latest outburst More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Maguire back to his best, Pogba mucks in but Greenwood well off form

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      MANCHESTER UNITED went in with a ‘don’t lose’ gameplan – and executed it to perfection.
      They hustled and harried fierce rivals City in what became a dour 0-0 derby clash.

      This was about as exciting as it got in a dour derbyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      The point gained just days after the Champions League dumping won’t cover those cracks, but it will restore a small bit of pride.
      But this game will be quickly forgotten by fans of both sides probably wished they’d tuned in to Strictly Come Dancing.
      Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how United players fared in their big derby clash.
      David De Gea – 7
      Stood strong to deny Riyad Mahrez a golden chance in the 34th minute.

      City had TWO shots on target the whole game – an easy night’s work for the Spaniard.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Quiet first 45 as he was wary to bomb on too much against City slickers.
      But he probably could have as City offered nothing down the flanks.

      Harry Maguire led from the back for a resolute UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

      Victor Lindelof – 7
      The centre-half might feel like he could have done better with his header from a corner five minutes before half-time.

      Was barely troubled by City’s off-colour attack.
      Harry Maguire – 8
      Solid first 45 from the United captain as he had Gabriel Jesus comfortably under wraps.
      Looking like getting close to his best which will delight his manager and the fans.

      Pogba did his bit in defence and attack during the gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Luke Shaw – 7
      Surprisingly picked ahead of Telles, and like Wan-Bissaka, clearly had strict instructions to keep his position.
      Dealt with Mahrez effectively, and then the same for his replacement Ferran Torres.
      Fred – 6
      Injured his hip early on in a collision with Kevin De Bruyne, but was determined to try run it off.
      Does a job but offers little going forward.

      Fred fought off a hip injury picked up in the first ten minutesCredit: EPA
      Scott McTominay – 6
      Battled hard in the middle of the park to close down City’s midfield.
      Snap in the tackle and was just inches away from poking home the opener in the first half.
      Paul Pogba – 7
      Finally came into the game in the last five minutes offering himself as option out wide to build an attack that almost led to Greenwood getting a chance away.
      Grew as the game went on in an attacking and defensive sense, and was happy to muck in when needed.

      Marcus Rashford was fouled in the area leading to a penalty – but it was ruled out for an offside by VARCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bruno Fernandes – 6
      Had a chance from a free-kick from 25 yards that he surprisingly fluffed.
      Looked off his game in this one, heavy touches in attacking positions and couldn’t find that killer pass.
      Marcus Rashford – 5
      Anonymous in the first 45, but that was because the ball was hardly coming into him.
      Mason Greenwood – 4
      Harried the City defenders without looking too threatening.
      Subbed off for Martial on 72 minutes and you’d be surprised if he gets the nod over the Frenchman next time out.

      Mason Greenwood is struggling for form at the momentCredit: Reuters
      Subs
      Anthony Martial (replaced Greenwood, 74) – 5
      Not really hit it off this season and struggled to get into the game.
      Not used: Eric Bailly, Juan Mata, Dean Henderson, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek. More

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      Howard Webb desperately wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to MISS penalty for Man Utd after ‘biggest mistake of his career’

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      HOWARD WEBB wanted to see Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty for Manchester United – after realising he’d made his biggest-ever mistake.
      In April 2009, a match between the Red Devils and Tottenham at Old Trafford turned in the home side’s favour after a controversial penalty call.

      Webb faced mass protests from Spurs players after Gomes’ challengeCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Yorkshire-born official looked on nervously as Ronaldo scored from the spotCredit: AFP – Getty

      With United 2-0 down, Michael Carrick hit the deck after a challenge from Heurelho Gomes and the referee pointed to the spot, only for replays to show the goalkeeper clearly getting the ball.
      And Webb has admitted wanting to see Ronaldo fluff his lines before the forward drilled the ball home to start a dramatic 5-2 comeback win for United.
      He told The Athletic back in May: “The one that stands out is one where in the game I knew I got it wrong.
      “It was a Premier League game at Old Trafford — Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur in 2009.

      “I could see Carrick got there first and then the goalkeeper clattered into him. It was really an easy penalty award.
      “I was expecting the usual cursory appeal that you get from the players, not the huge look of absolute astonishment and amazement and incredulousness on the look of Gomes.

      I was just hoping that Ronaldo would miss the penalty. But he didn’t.”
      Howard Webb

      “It was obvious within seconds I’d got the decision wrong. There was something more to this.
      “I was left with the decision I had taken with no independent evidence that I’d got it wrong other than a gut feeling, and I was just hoping that Ronaldo would miss the penalty. But he didn’t.”

      Now the boss of referees in North America, Webb battled accusations of favouring Sir Alex Ferguson’s United during his esteemed career in the English game.
      And the 48-year-old has previously talked of over confidence in the Spurs match having been “on a high” off the back of his call-up to that year’s FA Cup final.
      Webb would later officiate the 2010 World Cup final where a combative Dutch team lost to Spain, Nigel de Jong memorably avoiding a red card for an outrageous kick on Andres Iniesta.
      But it is the penalty error at Old Trafford that sticks in the referee’s mind more than any other.

      United made it 2-1 with the penalty before notching another four goalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He revealed his reaction to be: “Just ‘Oh s***’, really.
      “You just know. You can tell as a ref. You can see the momentum shift. You can see the way the game is going.
      “At 2-1, you never know. At 2-2, you can see the way this game is going.
      “When [the camera] misses all those players and runs up to you [at full-time], as a ref, it’s not a good feeling.
      “You just know you have a world of pain coming your way.”

      After the game,  Ferguson confessed his side’s first goal was “a bit fortunate” while Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was damning in his criticism.
      He declared: “It was a gift which wasn’t deserved. It was a terrible decision.
      “Howard is supposed to be our best ref, but if he’s the best I’d hate to see the worst.”

      Aspiring Liberian referee surprised by hero Howard Webb and Mary’s Meals More