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    Liverpool dreaming of FOUR trophies while Man Utd have nightmares over drought – two rivals have never been so far apart

    LIVERPOOL and Manchester United are separated in the Premier League by 19 points.Yet off the pitch, the gap is even greater.
    Man Utd’s misery continued as they were dumped out of the Champions LeagueCredit: PA
    The real pain is being inflicted by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool – their most-hated rivalsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Jurgen Klopp dreams of the quadruple while Ralf Rangnick is overseeing a nightmare drought at Man Utd, with no trophy since Jose Mourinho won the Europa League in 2017. Cartoon by Lovatto
    It is annoying for United fans that Manchester City continue to enjoy such great success under Pep Guardiola.
    But ultimately, the real pain is being inflicted by Liverpool who, for many, are United’s most hated rivals.
    Liverpool could end the season with four trophies and it is even more remarkable when you consider they have spent a fraction of the money shelled out by City and United.
    United, for all their cash, have got a bunch of misfits with a totally unsuited manager in interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
    On Tuesday, United were bundled out of the Champions League with a home loss to Atletico Madrid.
    Just 24 hours later, Liverpool won 2-0 at Arsenal to move within one point of leaders City.
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    The embarrassing thing for United is that they have spent so much to be so ordinary.
    It is now FIVE YEARS without a trophy, their worst drought for 40 years.
    Everything crumbled since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford in 2013.
    Since then, United have been the biggest net spend on players of any clubs in Europe – £860m.
    Many City, unsurprisingly, are second on the list at £788m.
    Yet Liverpool are 14th with a net spend of just £277m and look at their progress.
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    The signings of the soon-to-be-departing sporting director Michael Edwards have been spectacular, although manager Jurgen Klopp needs to take a lot of the credit.
    Very rarely have Liverpool got their transfers hopelessly wrong.
    Look at their top 10 transfers since Klopp arrived in October 2015 : Virgil van Dijk (£75m), Alisson (£67m), Naby Keita (£52.75m), Diogo Jota (£45m), Fabinho (£44m), Luis Diaz (£37m), Ibrahima Konate (£36m), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£35m), Mo Salah (£34.3m) and Sadio Mane (£30m).
    Actually, let us also throw in Bobby Firmino (£29m) at No 11 as he was a bargain.
    Although the jury is out on Konate, there is not a disaster among them.
    Jose Mourinho won the Europa League with Man Utd in 2017Credit: EPA
    And now look at United’s top 10 transfers since October 2015: Paul Pogba (£89m), Harry Maguire (£85m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m), Jadon Sancho (£73m), Fred (£52m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£50m), Bruno Fernandes (£46.6m), Amad Diallo (£37.2m), Raphael Varane (£34.2m) and Donny van de Beek (£35m).
    A bit hit and miss, to say the least.
    United’s transfer policy has been slapdash.
    Last summer, rather than sign Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, United should have gone for Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
    They should still try to lure both Englishmen this summer.
    As for managers, United, once again, have messed up massively.
    The appointment of Ralf Rangnick has been a disaster. Although a brilliant director of football, he is not a good manager.
    He did an average job in two spells at Schalke, the third biggest club in Germany.
    It is like an Englishman, having done only okay at Arsenal, getting the Bayern Munich gig.
    Quite where United go from here remains to be seen.
    But they are miles behind Liverpool and it will take years to close the gap.
    Illustration by Lovatto More

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    Liverpool ‘eyeing STUNNING transfer swoop for Marcus Rashford’ from bitter rivals Man Utd as striker considers future

    LIVERPOOL have been linked with a stunning transfer swoop for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.The forward is believed to be considering his future amid ‘uncertainty’ over his role at Old Trafford.
    Liverpool have been linked with a stunning swoop for Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
    Speculation that the 24-year-old may be looking to depart the Red Devils emerged after he was left out of the starting XI for the Manchester derby defeat at City on March 6.
    Now the MEN claims that a source close to the star has said the ‘phone hasn’t stopped ringing’ since those transfer rumours began.
    And as well as Barcelona being keen, United’s fierce rivals Liverpool ‘have made it known’ they are also interested in Rashford.
    That potential switch would certainly raise eyebrows and seems almost impossible.
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FESTIVAL.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    Due to the bitter rivalry between the two powerhouses, the last player to move between the pair was Phil Chisnall way back in 1964. 
    Rashford is still reluctant to leave United but only has just over a year remaining on his current contract – although United do have the option of a 12-month extension.
    However this latest report also adds that it could ‘spur the club into opening discussions over a new long-term contract’ with the out-of-form ace.
    Rashford is still reluctant to leave United but only has just over a year remaining on his current contract – although United do have the option of a 12-month extension.
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    It comes after the MBE – who raised £20million to feed kids in need during the pandemic – was left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
    And Rashford denied that he swore at a fan after being seen pointing a finger at an individual who was abusing him outside of Old Trafford following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
    But he received huge backing from Arsenal legend Ian Wright after the incident.
    The attacker has only scored five times for United this term after missing a large chunk of the campaign through injury. More

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    ‘He’s tough, and they need a tough manager’ – Gary Neville picks his next Man Utd manager in snub to Erik ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED should go for “brutal” Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone because they need a “tough manager”.That is according to United legend Gary Neville, who claims Simeone should be a candidate after he led Atletico to a 2-1 aggregate victory that eliminated the Red Devils from the Champions League.
    Manchester United legend Gary Neville insists his former club needs a tough managerCredit: PA
    Neville claims Manchester United should go for Atletico Madrid boss Diego SimeoneCredit: Getty
    The Manchester giants are looking for a manager to take over after interim boss Ralf Rangnick moves up to a consultancy role in June.
    United have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino, Ajax’s Erik ten Hag and Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel in their search for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s permanent successor.
    But Neville believes Simeone should be in the running as he would match up perfectly to the likes of Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.
    However, the footballer-turned-pundit admits Pochettino and Ten Hag would still be “the way forward” because of their progressive philosophy.
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    Neville told Sky Sports during a Q&A: “Diego Simeone should be a candidate, but it’s never been achievable to get him out of Atletico Madrid.
    “He is wedded in there, he is tied. But it would be brilliant to see him in the Premier League, you saw on Tuesday night, I’ve seen it many times – I got beaten 2-0 in Valencia by his brilliant Atletico Madrid team that [Antoine] Griezmann was in before he went to Barcelona.
    “Fantastic coach, brutal in how he approaches the game, I think in every single way. He’s tough, and Manchester United need a tough manager.
    “Manchester United need a manager who can compete with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola – they’re the best, so they need someone who can stand on that touchline and feel equal to them and I think Simeone could.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    “I wouldn’t rule Simeone out at all, but I think Ten Hag and Pochettino would be the way forward because they’ll want a progressive coach that plays a certain way, that probably is a little bit cheaper and available.
    “I don’t know how much it would cost to get Simeone out of Atletico Madrid, but Manchester United would have to pay big money.” More

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    Man Utd star Marcus Rashford wanted by Barcelona in summer transfer despite nearing new deal amid poor run of form

    BARCELONA have reportedly ‘expressed their interest’ in signing Marcus Rashford.The Manchester United forward is believed to be considering his future amid ‘uncertainty’ over his role at Old Trafford.
    Barcelona have reportedly expressed their interest in signing Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
    Speculation that the 24-year-old may be looking to depart the Red Devils emerged after he was left out of the starting XI for the Manchester derby defeat at City on March 6.
    Now the MEN claims that a source close to the star has said the ‘phone hasn’t stopped ringing’ since those transfer rumours began.
    Despite the development, it is understood deep down Rashford does not want to leave United and the move could spur the club into opening discussions over a new long-term contract.
    It goes on to state that Barcelona have ‘wasted little time in touching base’ with the player’s representatives to declare their interest.
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    And, shockingly, the report also adds that Liverpool have ‘made it known’ they are also admirers of Rashford.
    That potential transfer seems almost impossible due to the bitter rivalry between the two powerhouses with Phil Chisnall the last to move between the clubs in 1964. 
    Rashford is still reluctant to leave United but only has just over a year remaining on his current contract – although United do have the option of a 12-month extension.
    However this latest report also adds that it could ‘spur the club into opening discussions over a new long-term contract’ with the out-of-form ace.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    It comes after the MBE – who raised £20million to feed kids in need during the pandemic – was left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
    And Rashford denied that he swore at a fan after being seen pointing a finger at an individual who was abusing him outside of Old Trafford following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
    The attacker has only scored five times for United this term after missing a large chunk of the campaign through injury. More

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    Marcus Rashford needs arm around the shoulder, not selling, and fans who abused Man Utd star should be ashamed

    MARCUS RASHFORD needs an arm around the shoulder. Not selling.Those who directed abuse at him after Manchester United surprised very few by tumbling out of the Champions League should be ashamed of themselves.
    Marcus Rashford needs an arm around the shoulder instead of being soldCredit: Getty
    And there should be plenty more shame within Old Trafford if the club’s hierarchy allow him to walk away this summer.
    For Rashford is one of their own, a Manchester lad, United through and through.
    In raising over £20M for kids to eat free school meals during the pandemic through FareShare he gave the kind of pride to the Red Devils badge that money cannot buy.
    Those who run the club talk about how the finances are flying through digitisation, shirt sales, sponsorship deals – even when the team is falling through the floor.
    The real pride of United should be in seeing one of their own stand up for those who have little or nothing.
    The striker responded after a video was posted on social media, the film alleging that he had used his middle finger towards supporters lined up outside Old Trafford after the 1–0 defeat by Atletico Madrid.
    He posted on Twitter: “A video can paint a thousand words and in this case lead to inaccurate info being shared on social media. Guys for weeks I’ve been heckled, threatened, questioned and last night my emotion got the better of me. I’m a human being. Reading and hearing that stuff about yourself every day it wears you down.
    “No one is more critical of my performance than me. But what you see in this video lacks context. I had been heckled from the minute I stepped foot outside the ground, abuse not just aimed at my football.”
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    Rashford’s football should be questioned to be fair.
    He scored 21 goals last season but has just five in this campaign and such has been his disillusionment over bit–part performances, lack of game time and his own lack of form that he is thinking about moving on.
    Yet he was not helped in that he was plagued with shoulder problems long before he finally had surgery last August.
    Either he decided to soldier on or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to let him continue to play through pain. Or both.
    Either way he didn’t get back until October and by then Solskjaer was on the way to the sack although Cristiano Ronaldo was back and scoring plenty at the time.
    Space also had to be made for Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani.
    Rashford felt the squeeze and he never got back the electrifying zing that once made him a hero on the pitch.
    He was adored, remember, by supporters –  as opposed to small – minded individuals intent on claiming their five minutes of social media fame through supposed outrage.
    Ironically it is his work as a hero figure for children, the days and hours he spent fighting for the poor and taking on Boris Johnson, that will surely have cost him.
    Rashford was awarded the MBE and was named top of the Sunday Times giving list for work that ennobled him and shined the light of humanity on his fellow professionals and his club.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    But Rashford, a sensitive and extremely aware young man who knew all about poverty growing up in the vast council estate of Wythenshawe, is bound to have been emotionally affected by that charity work.
    Whether Solskjaer, his coaches or the club in general recognised the side – effects of the striker immersing himself in the knowledge of hurt and deprivation of so many is another thing.
    Perhaps he didn’t feel he needed any special support himself through that time.
    Marcus Rashford is a brave lad with a heart of gold so chances are he thought of everyone else but himself.
    Now he needs help and out-going Ralf Rangnick, nor his staff, seem from the outside capable of providing it.
    There has been something of the German in the past weeks that suggests he is washing his hands of the dirty job he was asked to take on but one that on so many levels he was not qualified to do.
    United legend Paul Scholes, indeed, declared in the wake of that last-16 Champions League exit that he wouldn’t have given Rangnick the job for ‘six games never mind six months’.
    Rashford has become collateral damage within the debris of the Theatre of Dreams – a place that has been falling apart in more ways than one for almost nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
    The 24 year old is three short of 300 appearances after bursting onto the scene with two goals on his debut in a 5-1 Europa League win over Midtjylland.
    There have been 91 more since although yes, he should have scored more and sometimes in front of goal his indecision has been final and maddening.
    Marcus Rashford has lost his way at Man Utd this termCredit: EPA
    But he is a true talent who has simply lost his way within a club that has nowhere left to run.
    Arsenal legend Ian Wright has displayed righteous indignation of the treatment that made Rashford snap, furious that he felt the need to suggest any kind of apology.
    Wrighty posted : ‘Marcus, stand your ground bro. Tell them about their raasclaat self yes? “You know what I mean – you’ve got these people jumping on ‘Oh Marcus is so sorry’ – don’t be f****** sorry for that bro. Some of them fans love giving it and they can’t take it man.
    “You just do your stuff and get back to where you need to be bro on your playing. F*** them fans bro. Everybody, have a nice day.”
    It’s been a long time since Rashford had a nice day and now he is off on a break – tormented, troubled, the cowards who condemn him no doubt hoping he is guilt tripping as well.
    There should certainly be some guilt within Old Trafford for sure for Rashford is a living example of how to ruin a wonderful, natural talent. More