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      Man Utd star Fred gets shock chance for Brazil as boss Tite calls him up ahead of vital World Cup games

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      NINE Premier League players were called up by Brazil coach Tite for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.Keepers Alisson and Ederson, centre back Thiago Silva, strikers Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino and Richarlison, and midfielders Douglas Luiz, Fabinho… and Fred.
      Man Utd midfielder Fred has been called-up to the Brazil squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and ParaguayCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The recall of the little Manchester United left footer is something of a surprise – perhaps even to United fans.
      Tite was questioned about it in Friday’s virtual press conference.
      He leant on data from his physical preparation specialist Fabio Mahseredjian, he pointed out that Fred is way above average both in terms of the ground he covers, and in the ground he covers at pace.
      This, more than any eye catching ability, is useful to Brazil – for reasons that may much to do with their quarter final defeat to Belgium three years ago. 
      The Belgians won the game in the first half coming for the space down the Brazilian left – where full back Marcelo has never been a great defender, and Neymar ahead of him is given freedom to create.
      After Russia 2018 Tite gave up on Marcelo, and originally went with cautious full backs on both flanks.
      A poor run of results towards the end of 2019 forced a rethink. Now Renan Lodi of Atletico Madrid is allowed to attack from left back – meaning that the space behind him has to be protected.
      In last year’s four rounds of World Cup qualifiers Brazil won all their games with Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz performing a key role balancing out the side on the left of midfield.
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      Fred has been called up by Tite following the suspension of Douglas LuizCredit: AFP or licensors
      Exciting Raphina hasn’t been called up despite his impressive form for LeedsCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      But he is suspended for the next game, at home to Ecuador – and so in comes Fred as cover.
      There is no place for Raphinha of Leeds, though supporters of his club have been arguing for his inclusion. But there is no surprise in his absence. 
      Firstly, Raphinha is far better known in Yorkshire than he is in Brazil. He is one of an increasing number of Brazilians who have made their name abroad.
      And also, Brazil have more wide strikers than they know what to do with. There is intense competition for places.
      His best chance is the Copa America, due to be staged in Colombia and Argentina in a month’s time.
      A wave of social unrest in Colombia means that a change of venue cannot be ruled out, but with the local football authorities desperate for revenue, it is highly likely that the competition will go ahead, somehow and somewhere.
      Brazil will be hopeful of regaining the Copa America they last won in 2019Credit: AFP

      The problem here for Brazil’s coach is that the local championship does not shut down – so any home based players who are called up will miss more than a month of club matches.
      In this situation, should Tite prefer to give a rest to his usual first choices, it might be interesting to have a look at the likes of Raphinha.
      The Leeds winger, then, faces an anxious few weeks while he waits to see if the Copa America will indeed go ahead – and if he will have a part to play in the competition.
      Who are the favourites for Tottenham’s Harry Kane transfer More

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      Man Utd boss Solskjaer blames Leicester and Liverpool losses on angry fan protests after thousands invaded Old Trafford

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      THE season has been tough enough for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Plotting a way to his first silverware as Manchester United boss and splitting the top two of Manchester City and Liverpool from the last two seasons in the League.
      United fans are fuming with the club’s owners and want them outCredit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping fan protests don’t affect his teamCredit: Getty
      Now he finds himself acting in an unwanted role as peacemaker between club and supporters as they prepare to let 10,000 fans back into Old Trafford for the last home game of the season against Fulham.
      Solskjaer says his players have been suffering due to fans protests.
      Thousands laid siege to Old Trafford and the team hotel forcing their game with Liverpool to be postponed.
      There were more protests against the club’s owners the Glazers before the game against Leicester last week too.
      And Solskjaer said: “I think the mood in any club and the relationship between the team and the fans is vital to what happens on the pitch.”
      Solskjaer believes the protests and subsequent fixture pile up was the reason for them losing their last two games at home to Leicester and Liverpool.
      He said: “I just didn’t want to use it as an excuse because we lost two games but surely it’s a reason behind the performances.”
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      United fans are set to continue on with their direct actionCredit: AP

      Now he is crossing his fingers that the return of fans will see everyone united behind his team.
      Solskjaer said: “We’ve been waiting for a long long time to welcome the fans back and of course the last couple of home games, especially the Liverpool ones with the protests.
      “It’s never nice to see a club that is not united, fans with the team so we’re hoping that Tuesday is going to be a positive day that we move together, that we play a good game of football.
      “That’s my job to prepare the team to play well and that they enjoy the day because that’s important that we get back and enjoy being together.”
      It will be the first time the Red Devils have played in front of fans at Old Trafford since March of last year when they beat Manchester City 2-0.
      There was a tremendous atmosphere on that occasion but if their return is marred by protests inside the ground Solskjaer fears it will only have a negative effect on the team.
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      The Glazers seem to be sticking with their ownership – for nowCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      He said: “Of course you hope that the game against Fulham will not be marred by any violence or over the top things.
      “I know our fans, I know the Manchester United fans, they’re the best fans I’ve had and I’ve got such a great relationship with them and they know how to support the team so I don’t expect any of the fans coming here making any trouble
      “The players are all human beings, we’re all human beings, and we will react to getting our supporters back in a positive way.
      “They have always been giving us extra energy and hopefully the players will give the fans a reason to cheer and that’s what we have to focus on. It’s a big game for us in that respect.
      “The last time we had fans in against Man City, it was a great game, it was the best atmosphere I’ve ever felt at Old Trafford in a league game and the next time we can welcome the fans back in we need to make sure it’s a positive one.”
      United were left having to play three games in five days due to the postponement of the Liverpool game something which Solskjaer says was unfair on the players.
      There was a ring of steel for the postponed fixture against LiverpoolCredit: AFP
      He said: “Physically it’s impossible to turn up and play at the intensity and the level that’s required because of the amount of games.
      “Then you look at the preparation in between, you haven’t had the recovery or the same routine as you normally do, we haven’t done the tactical prep in the same way.
      “I’m not saying it didn’t affect them but I was impressed with how professional they were and how they went about it.
      “There was none of them that complained and that’s one of the big things for me, we never complain we just look at what we can do and how could we maximise the situation.
      “We tried to do that but we couldn’t get the results but the players have been good as gold.
      “They’ve had a couple of days off and they’re refreshed and ready and now we prepare as normal for these last two games.”
      There won’t be any let up from the United fansCredit: AFP
      The last two league defeats have left the club’s bid to finish runners-up in jeopardy as they lead third-placed Leicester by four points with six still available from the final two games.
      But Solskjaer is hopeful that his team will be back to their old selves after a fraught period.
      He said: “The last week has been draining. The season has been long enough so I gave them two days off, Friday and Saturday, and they’ve been bright and bubbly, really sharp and looking forward to the end of the season and playing in front of our fans again.
      “It’s a completely different matter and the fans coming in will give the game an extra lift and give the players an extra lift and of course we’re very focused on securing second place.”
      Former boss Jose Mourinho was derided for claiming his second place finish with United in the 2017-18 season was one of his greatest achievements.
      While Solskjaer will not list it as an ‘achievement’ he believes it will be proof that the team is going in the right direction.
      He said: “The competition now is a lot harder than when I was a player. Three, four maybe five teams that can challenge for the top two positions.
      “For the last few years they have been taken by the same two teams and for us to go into them and divide them it’s good, it’s a good performance but we can’t say it’s an achievement, it’s not an achievement.
      “We’ve taken steps as a team we’re not where we want to be, we know we have some deficiencies as a group there’s parts of the game that we need to improve on but I’ve felt we’ve made strides in most places and I’ve been very pleased with the players and I’ve got to say I’ve been impressed by them but we want to take the next step as well.”
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      Angry Man Utd fans break into Old Trafford and storm onto pitch in huge security breach in protest against Glazers More

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      Seven Man Utd kids Sir Alex Ferguson tipped for stardom from Darren Fletcher to Luke Chadwick and what happened next

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is one of the greatest football managers of all time.From being one game from the sack at Old Trafford to transforming the club into a real European heavyweight, Fergie’s tenure will go down in history.
      Sir Alex Ferguson tipped big things from a few players who never quite reached that levelCredit: Reuters
      But the great man did make one or two mistakes along the way.
      From signing the likes of Bebe, Eric Djemba Djemba  and Gabriel Obertan to the infamous David Beckham boot-kicking episode, there were some colourful times during his 26 years at the club.
      After winning the Premier League in 2001, the boss was full of beans for the future.
      Fergie tipped seven youngsters from the United youth team that he predicted were destined for greatness.
      He said: “Darren Fletcher, who we hope will get over his broken leg, is good. Michael Stewart and Luke Chadwick are doing very well, and John O’Shea’s doing well too.
      “There’s a young left-back called Paul Tierney who’s doing well, as is Danny Pugh.
      “But there’s a young boy who has started now, he’s 16, called Kieran Richardson. He’s going to be a fantastic player.”
      Some lived up to his billing but sadly others failed to make the grade. We take a look at who was a hit and who missed the mark.
      John O’Shea
      Mr Versatile, O’Shea even played in goal during his time with United.
      Far from being a flop, O’Shea featured 256 times for the club between 1999 and 2011.
      The Irishman moved on to Sunderland where he captained the Mackems, but couldn’t stop their slide down the leagues.
      O’Shea joined Reading for one season in 2018 before retiring and joining their backroom staff, where he is currently first team coach.
      John O’Shea went on to have a decent Man Utd career without ever really bossing itCredit: Empics
      Darren Fletcher
      A capable midfielder who perhaps never got the credit he deserved for his workmanlike performances in the middle of the park.
      Incredibly the Scot managed to play at the top level while suffering from a serious bowel condition.
      He won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his 342 appearances in 11 years for United.
      Fletcher went on to play for West Brom and Stoke before retiring at the age of 36. Now, he’s technical director at Manchester United.
      Darren Fletcher did his njob without too much fuss, and went on to become a Scotland internationalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Luke Chadwick
      Once talked about as Beckham’s successor, it’s fair to say Chadwick failed to live up to even half of that billing.
      He did feature 38 times in United’s first-team, but that mostly came in cup competitions and coming off the bench.
      Chadwick went on to play for West Ham, Stoke, Norwich, MK Dons and Cambridge United before dropping into non-league to finish his career with Soham Town Rangers.
      The 39-year-old is now coaching in Cambridge’s academy but hit headlines after revealing his sadness at being mocked on the BBC quiz show They Think It’s All Over – earning an apology from presenters Nick Hancock and Gary Lineker.
      Luke Chadwick never quite filled David Beckham’s boots at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Kieran Richardson
      Fergie described how Richardson would go on to become ‘a fantastic player’.
      Like O’Shea and Fletcher, Richardson can look back on a pretty successful career, even making eight England appearances and scoring twice.
      He made 81 appearances for United between 2002 and 2007, and went on to play for Sunderland, Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff.
      Kieran Richardson never really made it at Old Trafford, but did make eight England appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Danny Pugh
      Pugh had the honour of making his debut for United when he replaced the legend that is Ruud van Nistelrooy in a Champions League game against Maccabi Haifa in 2002.
      But he went on to feature only another six times before being shipped out to Leeds as part of the deal that took Alan Smith to Old Trafford.
      Pugh also played for Preston, Stoke, a second spell with Leeds before floating down the leagues.
      He is currently coaching at Port Vale after seeing out his playing days with the League Two club.
      Danny Pugh spent most of his career outside England’s top flight after leaving UnitedCredit: Action Images
      Michael Stewart
      A defensive midfielder in the time when Roy Keane was bossing the opposition as well as the dressing room, Stewart was always going to find it difficult to break through.
      The Scot made eight appearances for United between 1998 and 2005 before being moved on to Hibs permanently.
      He joined their great rivals Hearts in 2007 where he stayed for three season, before a spell with Genclerbirligi in Turkey and his career ended in 2011 after a nine-game stint at Charlton.
      Capped four times by Scotland, he later applied to be a candidate for the Scottish National Party in the 2015 general election – but failed to secure the nomination.
      Michael Stewart had the small matter of Roy Keane to try and displace from the midfield spotCredit: Eddie Keogh

      Paul Tierney
      After shining at youth levels at United, Tierney made only ONE first-team appearance – in the League Cup against West Brom in 2003.
      The right-back joined up with Scottish side Livingston in 2005 but was flogged on to Blackpool when they were relegated from the SPL.
      After a loan spell with Stockport, he was released by the Seasiders. Tierney ended his career with a three-game stint with Altincham.
      Paul Tierney made a solitary appearance for United in the League Cup before moving to Livingston in 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Rio Ferdinand compares Marcus Rashford’s performance to an older kid bullying younger kids and “taking their dinner money” More

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      Edinson Cavani in line for huge bonus if he finishes next season as Man Utd’s leading scorer

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      EDINSON CAVANI will hit a six-figure jackpot if he is a chart-topper in his second season at Old Trafford.The Manchester United striker agreed a deal to stay for another 12 months, as Sunsport revealed he had been offered a pay hike to £250,000-a-week.
      Edinson Cavani will be quids in if he keeps hitting the back of the netCredit: Getty
      And the Uruguay forward could earn close to the same again in bonuses if he is in the goals next season.
      Cavani, 34, will pick up an extra £100,000 if he is United’s leading scorer – and a similar amount if he ends up as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner.
      It is also understood that United will promise the South American a rolling annual review, which could even see him staying in England for another season beyond the next one.
      Cavani has been a huge hit at United and is already a cult figure to supporters.
      He has been their top player over the past month, with eight of his 15 goals coming in his last nine games.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff have been so impressed that they are unlikely to move for a central striker this summer, and have cooled on any thought of going for Harry Kane.
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      If they do spend big in the close season, it is likely to be for Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho, who is their top target to supply the bullets for Cavani.
      United face Fulham on Tuesday before closing out the Premier League season at Wolves next weekend.
      A second-placed finish is all but assured so all eyes will be on the Europa League final against Villarreal on May 26, in the Polish city of Gdansk.
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      Solskjaer claims ‘world class’ Man Utd ace Edinson Cavani will be even better next year More

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      Harry Maguire a major injury doubt for Euro 2020 and Man Utd’s Europa League final but Solskjaer ‘hopeful’ of return

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      HARRY MAGUIRE is now looking a major doubt for Manchester United’s Europa League final and the Euros due to his ankle ligament injury.The normally optimistic Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is finally starting to admit defeat in his bid to get the captain ready for the showdown in Gdansk against Villarreal.
      Harry Maguire has suffered ankle ligament damage and is now a doubt for the EurosCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      And if he can’t make that then England boss Gareth Southgate may have to forget about him for the Euros too next month.
      Solskjaer said: “The good news is it wasn’t broken, there was no fracture, but a ligament injury is serious.
      “If I’m very positive that is maybe stretching it, I’m hopeful he might be ready for it.
      “I don’t think he’ll play in the league again but we’ll do everything we can to get him ready for the final.
      “You always try to look after players long-term, if he’s fit he’ll play for us, if he’s not, he won’t.
      “We’re hopeful he’s ready and if he’s ready for us he’ll be ready for the Euros.”
      Without his home country in the finals however, it is not a competition Solskjaer is that bothered about.
      He said: “Norway’s not in the Euros, I’m not really that concerned.”
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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not too confident Maguire will make the Europa League finalCredit: Getty

      How England’s path to Euros glory could look
      Maguire had played every Premier League minute since joining United in the summer of 2019 before limping off at Villa Park last Sunday.
      Anwar El Ghazi landed awkwardly on him and Maguire twisted his ankle limping off in the 78th minute.
      A scan showed ligament damage and he watched on from the stands on Tuesday night as United went down 2-1 to Leicester City with a protective boot around his left lower leg.
      Solskjaer made ten changes for that game due to a fixture pile-up but will be at full strength for the visit of Liverpool tomorrow.
      Maguire watched the second half of the Leicester defeat from the stands – with crutchesCredit: Reuters
      He wants to finish with a flourish in their final three games before heading to Gdansk for the Europa League final.
      He said: “There’ll be changes, of course, but many of the players that played did really well, so they’re in contention as well.
      “It’s about managing the squad now, building momentum and confidence, making sure we get enough points to get second and then going into the final confident.”
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      Solskjaer confirms Harry Maguire is a major doubt for the Europa League final after injury More

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      Man Utd ‘not top of list’ for Jack Grealish transfer, claims agent as clubs chase Aston Villa star

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      ASTON VILLA have been told to expect interest in Jack Grealish this summer – but not necessarily from Manchester United.The Red Devils were strongly linked with a move for the England midfielder last summer.
      Jack Grealish will be a wanted man again this summerCredit: PA
      Jonathan Barnett has not ruled out a move with ‘many clubs’ keenCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And a winger is expected to be high on their wishlist again at the end of the season, with Jadon Sancho already linked.
      But Grealish’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, does not believe United will be among the favourites to seal a deal.
      When asked by SNTV for an update, he replied: “The truth is we don’t know.
      “There are many clubs [interested] and I wouldn’t put Manchester United at the top of that [list].
      “But he could stay. He could stay as well so it’s a conversation the club will have with Jack and ourselves then we’ll see where we go.”
      Grealish is back in training in his bid to return before the end of the season and make Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
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      Barnett stated his belief that the midfielder is focused on Villa before attempting to make a big impact on the summer tournament.
      In an interview with Sky Sports, the agent said: “He loves Villa, but I think we just have to wait to see how things pan out.
      “At the moment he is a Villa player and he has had no thoughts about anything else. We have to do what is best for Jack and for everybody else.
      “I think he is a very special player. I think he maybe should have been playing for England a little earlier.
      I think he could be a big star in the summer. I only hope that he is given a chance and that will be great.Jonathan Barnett

      “It is unfortunate that he has got this injury at the moment but that will be fine. He has got a great mentality.
      “On the field, he knows exactly what he wants to do, how to do it.
      “I think he could be a big star in the summer. I only hope that he is given a chance and that will be great.”
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      Man Utd defender Axel Tuanzebe spotted wearing a smart strap as Leicester defeat hands City title

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      AXEL TUANZEBE took technology in football to another level in Manchester United’s defeat on Tuesday – by donning a smart strap.The defender played the full 90 minutes as the Red Devils went down 2-1 to Leicester at Old Trafford.
      Axel Tuanzebe wore a WHOOP strap during Tuesday’s gameCredit: AFP
      And eagle-eyed fans noticed a black strap on his wrist concealed by his sleeve.
      Tuanzebe’s device appeared to be an Onyx ProKnit band created by American company WHOOP.
      While it had the appearance of a watch it was in fact a performance tracker with the waterproof strap picking up data on muscle strain, heart rate and even sleep metrics.
      Fans chuckled that Tuanzebe was simply counting his steps during the loss.
      Twitter user Jake wrote: “Gotta get those steps in.”
      George added: “Tryna close those rings.”
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      Caglar Soyuncu with a thunderous header! 💥There was no stopping him there!Leicester regain their lead against Man Utd 🦊 pic.twitter.com/Pcdrpp93hZ— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 11, 2021

      And Joe commented: “Man just wants his cals don’t blame him hahaha.”
      Tuesday’s game was Tuanzebe’s second Premier League start of the season and the other also ended in defeat, as Sheffield United won 2-1 at Old Trafford.
      A fine Luke Thomas strike put the Foxes ahead before Mason Greenwood’s smart leveller.
      Caglar Soyuncu headed Leicester into the lead in the second-half and saw out the win, handing Manchester City the title in the process.
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      Leicester beat Man Utd to hand the Premier League title to rivals Man City More

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      Mason Greenwood sets the example for Amad and Elanga to follow after promising Prem debuts in Man Utd vs Leicester

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      PREMIER LEAGUE debutants Amad Diallo and Anthony Elanga were shown exactly how to do it for Manchester United – by a fellow teenager.Mason Greenwood, 19, led the line against Leicester on Tuesday, flanked by the wing duo of Elanga, also 19, and Amad, 18.
      Mason Greenwood was teed up by Amad Diallo for Manchester United’s goalCredit: AFP
      Anthony Elanga also showed promise on his league debutCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer voiced his fury at having to play three games in five days, it created a great opportunity to take a look at the next generation in what was realistically a dead rubber for the Red Devils.
      There was no Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford or Edinson Cavani to take centre stage from Greenwood, who had nowhere to hide in the central striker’s role.
      And the Euro 2020 hopeful showed his upturn in form, with eight goals in 11 games, is no fluke.
      A delightful swivel and finish put United level in the first-half and he regularly popped up in good positions to smartly link up the play.
      That goal came via an assist from Ivorian talent Amad and while the pass itself was straightforward enough, the impressive part of the move came when he intelligently outmuscled Leicester starlet Luke Thomas.
      Amad’s strength on the ball and his vision, getting his head up to spot a team-mate for a quick pass, were his strongest assets although the execution was at times found wanting.
      Indeed, no player starting at Old Trafford had a poorer passing success rate (57.9 per cent) and he topped United’s tally for losing possession (15).
      Meanwhile, Elanga excelled at hunting down the ball, making himself an outlet for team-mates and both youngsters put in the hard yards in defence.
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      Elanga and Diallo had good moments as well as areas to improve on in the defeatCredit: AFP

      The Swede occasionally stretched his legs into the blistering runs that fans could come to love yet they were often mopped up by Leicester’s erstwhile defenders.
      It was slightly inevitable that the three young forwards were the ones replaced by Rashford, Fernandes and Cavani as the Foxes turned the screw.
      And therein lies the tough life of the United youngster, as even when fixture mayhem and a shoe-in league finish open the door, the absolute necessity for a win means it rarely lingers ajar for long.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Anthony Elanga handed Man Utd debut against Leicester with little-known teen called up amid fixture crisis More