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    Marcus Rashford ‘is set to be dropped for England’s two friendlies this month after Man Utd struggles’

    ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to leave Marcus Rashford out of his upcoming squad.The Manchester United forward has been struggling for match action at Old Trafford and last started on February 12.
    Marcus Rashford is reportedly set for more disappointment after his recent Man Utd miseryCredit: AFP
    The forward is reportedly set to be dropped by England for their upcoming friendliesCredit: Reuters
    The 24-year-old has only scored five goals in 24 appearances for the Red Devils this term and has now slipped down the pecking order.
    That has led to speculation that he could be considering his future – but now he is set for more misery on the international front.
    That is according to ESPN, who state that Rashford is due to be dropped for England’s friendlies against both Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
    The star has started only twice out of United’s last 11 matches in all competitions and he has not scored for seven games.
    His last time wearing an England shirt was in the final of Euro 2020.
    He was one of the unfortunate Three Lions players to miss a penalty in the heartbreaking shootout defeat to Italy.
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    Rashford then underwent shoulder surgery and did not return to match action until October.
    Southgate has stated on numerous occasions that he will only select players on current form and that play consistently for their clubs.
    The forward has scored 12 goals in 46 appearances for his country since his debut back in 2016.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Mauricio Pochettino will use ‘shambles’ Man Utd as STEPPING STONE to Real Madrid, claims Steve McManaman

    STEVE McMANAMAN has warned Manchester United that Mauricio Pochettino will use them as a STEPPING STONE for his dream switch to Real Madrid.The Paris Saint-Germain boss is reportedly on a two-man shortlist with Ajax’s Erik ten Hag to take charge at Old Trafford this summer.
    Steve McManaman reckons Mauricio Pochettino could use Man Utd as a stepping stone to Real MadridCredit: EPA
    But United may struggle to get PSG to release Poch despite reportedly making contact with his representatives.
    However, former Liverpool and Real Madrid star McManaman reckons Pochettino would not hang about for long in Manchester.
    The ex-Tottenham boss has made no secret of his desire to coach Real, saying in 2020: “I don’t know if I’ll ever coach Madrid but of course it’s my dream.
    “If it’s not the best, it’s one of the best clubs in the world. I’m no different, everyone has it on their dream list.”
    Indeed, Real are already said to be weighing up a move after Pochettino’s PSG taught them a lesson in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.
    And Macca believes Poch would only join United to further his profile and boost his chances of becoming the Bernabeu’s main man.
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    McManaman told Horseracing.net: “I think he would strengthen Manchester United, but anybody would at the moment. 
    “I don’t mean that disrespectfully. They’re all over the place. They need to appoint ‘a manager’ – and I’m not saying it’s Pochettino – and give them a little bit of strength and a little bit of stability.
    “I feel sorry for [Ralf] Rangnick coming in because with this ‘interim appointment’ to the end of the season and then him going upstairs. 
    “There are so many uncertainties that they’ve weakened his case as a manager. The way it’s been handled has been shambolic. 
    “If it was Poch, if it was Erik ten Hag, it would strengthen Manchester United’s case, the way they are. It’s just been a mess, really, and very unbecoming of them. 
    “I think they’ll be better regardless. Pochettino is a great manager. He’d suit Manchester United down to the ground and then he could probably aim for Real Madrid later down the line.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd ‘contact Pochettino and Ten Hag’ as they ramp up permanent manager hunt to replace Solskjaer

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly made contact with both Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag in their hunt for a new permanent manager.Ralf Rangnick, who replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as interim boss in November, is set to move into a consultancy role this summer.
    Man Utd have made contact with Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag in their manager huntCredit: EPA
    Ajax boss Ten Hag is favourite to replace interim gaffer Ralf RangnickCredit: Getty
    And the Guardian claims United have narrowed down their shortlist to two candidates.
    Paris Saint-Germain boss Pochettino is thought to be the players’ top choice.
    Meanwhile, Ten Hag has impressed with his bold attacking tactics at Ajax.
    And United are now said to be in dialogue with representatives for both men.
    However, it’s reckoned Pochettino is no longer favourite for the job.
    That’s because United fear PSG will put up a stiff fight to keep him in the French capital.

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    Poch is under contract until 2023.
    But while the former Spurs boss is open to a Premier League return, PSG expect him to see out his deal unless they sack him.
    That means Ten Hag is now favourite to take charge at United.
    Indeed, Rangnick is said to prefer him as the next manager.
    And Ten Hag is reportedly taking English lessons ahead of an anticipated move to the Theatre of Dreams.
    According to bookmakers, Antonio Conte, Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone – as well as Rangnick himself – are considered the next most likely candidates.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Ralf Rangnick insists his Man Utd flops did not give up vs Man City… there is just a HUGE gap between the sides

    RALF RANGNICK insists his Manchester United flops did NOT throw in the towel against Manchester City.But he admits there is a huge gap between his side and the champions after Sunday’s dismal derby defeat.
    Ralf Rangnick insists Man Utd did not give up in their 4-1 derby defeat to Man CityCredit: Reuters
    Two goals apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez saw City cruise to a 4-1 win at the Etihad.
    United – missing Cristiano Ronaldo – put up a decent showing in the first half, scoring a great goal through Jadon Sancho.
    But they failed to turn up after the break, letting City run riot in what Roy Keane called a ‘shameful’ performance.
    Indeed, the stats show United made just 16 passes in the last 10 minutes of the game – while City recorded 120.
    And ex-Red Devil Keane was joined by Gary Neville in condemning the ‘egos’ in Rangnick’s dressing room.
    However, the German tactician insists his players did NOT give up at the Etihad.
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    Rangnick believes United’s flops actually tried hard to keep up with City’s blistering tempo.
    But they were only made to look poor due to the gulf in quality between the two sides.
    Rangnick explained: “To be honest, I didn’t have the impression that they didn’t try.
    “But it’s difficult against a team like Man City, once you are 3-1 down against the best team in possession of the ball on the planet, it’s difficult.
    “I cannot blame anyone for not having tried and put effort into that game, but it was difficult after the third goal.
    “After 28 games you’re as far apart from each team as the table shows (22 points).
    “The second half showed that if they are in their momentum and if they are 3-1 up then it is almost impossible to keep them away from your own goal.
    “Look, I am still the manager for another 10 games in the Premier League and for hopefully a few more games in the Champions League and it doesn’t make sense now to start some speculations about how many players would we need, on which positions would we need them.
    “This is not my issue. Right now it’s about preparing the team for the Tottenham game and after that for a very important game against Atletico in the Champions League.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    “Right now, we have to be – and I am – happy with the players that we have. This is clear. We lost two, if not three strikers since Christmas, everybody knows (that).
    “Again, this is a fact and we have to deal with it. I am not complaining about that so for us it’s important to look ahead and make sure we develop the team, we have in the last couple of weeks and months.
    “We do not always play against Manchester City. We have other teams and we showed that against West Ham and against other teams, like Leeds, that we are capable to win those games and this is my major job in the next two-and-a-half months.” More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo complained of injury and flew to Portugal AFTER hearing he was benched for Man Utd’s derby vs Man City

    CRISTIANO RONALDO complained of a hip injury and flew to Portugal — after being axed from Manchester United’s team for their derby defeat.The superstar was stunned to be told by boss Ralf Rangnick he would not be starting against Man City.
    Cristiano Ronaldo flew back to Portugal injured – after finding out he’d been dropped for the Manchester derbyCredit: Getty
    Rangnick said he wanted fresh legs for the match and that he believed Ronaldo could make an impact from the bench.
    But the United legend insisted he could do that from the start and was furious at being axed.
    It is believed he hopes to help his injury with warm weather in his homeland.
    SunSport understands his team-mates were surprised he did not stay at the team hotel on Saturday night.
    The 37-year-old had been feeling positive in training last week and was looking forward to the Etihad clash with City.
    But United interim-boss Rangnick was told by the club’s medical department on Friday that Ronaldo had a hip flexor injury.
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    After yesterday’s 4-1 humiliation, Rangnick insisted: “I have to believe my medical department.
    “Our doctor came to see me Friday morning before training and said Cristiano could not train because of some problems with his hip flexor and the same Saturday.”
    Striker Edinson Cavani was also missing after apparently not feeling well enough to play after his recent groin problem.
    Asked when they would return, Rangnick said: “I don’t know. I was hoping to have them available for this game.
    “We have two important games coming up against Spurs and Atletico and we have to focus on that.”
    Rumours began to swirl on social media on Saturday night that Ronaldo had pulled out of the squad.
    The Instagram account that started the rumour is cr7.0_lendario — which is followed by Ronaldo.
    A post claimed: “Manchester United’s manager wants to enter with a different strategy in tomorrow’s game and has chosen to defend himself more, a purely tactical choice. Ronaldo won’t even be on the bench.”
    The post was liked by Ron’s sister, Katia Aveiro.
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    Former United captain Roy Keane added fuel to the fire pre-match, saying: “I don’t like it when the manager talks about this ‘hip flexor’. I don’t get it.
    “We talk about Ronaldo being a machine, then every now and again he comes out with ‘hip flexor’. It doesn’t add up.”
    When contacted by SunSport, Ronaldo’s representatives insisted it was an injury keeping him out. More

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    Gary Neville says Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag don’t have the ‘personality’ to cope with pressure of Man Utd job

    GARY NEVILLE has expressed doubt over Manchester United’s next managerial move, claiming targets Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag don’t have the ‘personality’ to cope with the pressure.The duo are the two current favourites to replace Ralf Rangnick this summer.
    Gary Neville doesn’t think Erik ten Hag has the personality to manage Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Neville has also cast doubt over Mauricio Pochettino’s abilityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    But Red Devils legend Neville reckons neither will be able to handle sitting in football’s hottest seat.
    Paris Saint-Germain boss Pochettino is understood to be the players’ choice to take charge.
    He spent five-and-a-half years managing Premier League rivals Tottenham.
    And Poch is now on course to reclaim PSG’s French title, while also challenging for Champions League honours.
    Meanwhile, Ten Hag has impressed at Ajax, implementing a bold attacking style to put them on course for a potential Treble.
    On paper, both men look like they could fare well at United, who crumbled to a tragic 4-1 derby defeat at Man City on Sunday.
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    Rangnick was outfoxed on and off the field by Pep Guardiola as he saw United’s top four hopes slide away.
    But Neville believes Pochettino and Ten Hag would also struggle to cope with the pressures that come at United.
    That’s because neither man has the strong-willed personality that Neville feels is needed for the Theatre of Dreams.
    Neville said: “If you look at Pochettino and Ten Hag who are the two that keep getting mentioned.
    “Pochettino we don’t even know if they can get from Paris Saint-Germain. Have they got the personality to come in to Manchester United? 
    “The scale of the club, the issues that exist there at this moment in time – are they able to have the personality and character and the strategic planning of how to manage up and down?
    “To influence up, to take over the planning of the training ground, to redevelop the stadium, all the stuff you think a great manager would do. 
    “I’m not sure Pochettino and ten Hag have got that in them.”
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    ‘Keane’s ready to knock him out’ – Micah Richards can’t stop laughing at raging Roy Keane after Man Utd’s derby drubbing

    FOOTY fans were left in stitches with Micah Richards unable to stop laughing at a raging Roy Keane.The Manchester United legend was left furious as he watched his old side crumble to a 4-1 derby defeat at Man City.

    Footy fans were left tickled as Micah Richards could not stop laughing at angry Roy KeaneCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Richards could not contain his giggles following an epic Keane rant over Man Utd’s derby defeatCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez both scored twice in the dismal drubbing.
    But Keane also had problems in the studio to contend with.
    That’s because fellow pundit Richards, a former City player, could not stop laughing at the result.
    Indeed, the ex-England right-back continually cracked up as Keane showed his displeasure at United’s performance.
    And it led to fans joking online that the Irishman was ‘ready to knock Richards out’.
    One quipped: “Roy Keane looks ready to knock out Micah Richards’.
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    Another laughed: “Micah Richards exploding after that Roy Keane rant was incredible.”
    One decreed: “Richards trying to hold his laugh in is the ultimate p**s take.”
    Another noted: “Keane is going ton have a scrap with Richards if he laughs one more time.”
    One added: “Keane is about to set about Richards in that studio!”
    Richards’ giggle came after an explosive rant from Keane aimed at United’s lacklustre showing.

    He said: “There was players there and we’re watching it live, and I’m looking at them getting really frustrated watching it.
    “I forgive mistakes, but you’ve got to run back. There’s players, five or six players should never play for United again. Just shameful.
    “Shameful that you can’t run back and you can’t put your body on the line.
    “I forgive the lack of quality against Man City in the second half because Man City are excellent, they’ve been excellent for the last three, four five years they’re a fantastic team. That’s why they’re the champions.
    “But Man Utd in a derby match today? The subs coming on, you’re hoping they’ll have an impact. They’re not prepared to run around.

    “A couple of the lads in midfield, Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Maguire, Rashford when he came on… I could go on.
    “Give up four goals, Man City weren’t even at their very best, City didn’t have to be at their best. I think City had another couple of gears to go. I think they just toyed with them a bit like the game at Old Trafford.
    “The old saying men vs boys. They gave up. Shame on them.
    “Who’s running that dressing room? These guys seem more bothered about, ‘How am I looking? How’s my hair looking? Are my boots nice?’
    “You leave your ego at the door when you play for Man Utd.
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    “I’m looking at the United fans and they’re not daft. They’re watching their team and seeing they’re not fighting. There are no excuses.
    “There will be statements, I have no doubt, over the next few days but we all know who will making them through their teams and on Twitter and all that nonsense. I don’t care about any of that.
    “It’s what you say on the pitch that matters.” More