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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.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      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

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      Man Utd player ratings: Van de Beek fluffs yet another opportunity, Mata looks lost and Rashford fails to do his job

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      AN unfamiliar Manchester United side fell to a 2-1 home loss to Leicester – with a whole host of players failing to take their chance.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit out at his side’s fixture schedule that sees his United side play SIX games in just 17 days.
      Mason Greenwood scored and was assisted by fellow teenager Amad DialloCredit: Reuters
      So it was no surprise to see him juggle his pack, with Anthony Elanga making his debut and Amad Diallo given his Premier League bow.
      But what resulted was a defeat that saw bitter rivals Manchester City crowned Premier League champions.
      Here, SunSport checks out how United’s mix of old and young fared against the Foxes.
      David De Gea – 7
      World class save to deny Kelechi Iheanacho in the 58th minute.
      Despite Leicester’s second-half dominance, De Gea didn’t have much to do to prove to Solskjaer he should be No1.
      Brandon Williams – 5
      Poor first half from Williams who was given a full-back (then wing-back) role but didn’t take advantage.
      Seems like he could do with a loan in the summer to get a regular run of games.
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      Eric Bailly found Jamie Vardy a slippery customerCredit: Getty

      Eric Bailly – 5
      Despite not being first-choice Bailly signed a new contract recently – but was pulled all over the place by Jamie Vardy in the first 45.
      Wasn’t on the same wavelength as Axel Tuanzebe in the early stages, but did improve.
      Axel Tuanzebe – 6
      Mopped up quite nicely when any balls broke in and around the box, but was well out of position for the Leicester opener.
      But was definitely United’s best, and most confident, defender out there.
      Alex Telles – 5
      Took a hefty whack on the head in the opening minutes, and was fairly anonymous in the first half.
      Tried to motor forward when possible in the second half, but Leicester dominated possession nullifying his threat.
      Nemanja Matic – 6
      Miles off Tielemans when the Belgian strode forward to cross for Luke Thomas to emphatically volley Leicester ahead.
      The Serb was then pushed into a back three. Was actually better there.
      Things just didn’t happen out there for Donny van de BeekCredit: AFP
      Donny van de Beek – 5
      Quiet first half, but when he lost the ball he tried, and most of the time, succeeded in winning back.
      But when you’d have expected for him to push things on in the second half, he didn’t.
      Amad Diallo – 6
      Laid on Greenwood’s equaliser, and always looked eager to receive the ball and have a go at the Leicester defenders.
      Was replaced by Bruno Fernandes, but should take heart from his display.
      Juan Mata – 5
      Kept receiving the ball far too deep in the first 45, and was slow in getting it out of his feet.
      Could well be moving on this summer and looks lethargic at United.
      Juan Mata offered little for United all nightCredit: EPA
      Anthony Elanga – 5
      Alternated with Greenwood and Diallo in the front three positions.
      But found it tough going against Leicester’s backline, and the Swede who idolises Thierry Henry was taken off just past the hour mark.
      Mason Greenwood – 7
      The 19-year-old started the game leading the line, and he was on the scoresheet after just 15 minutes with a cool and confident finish to make it 1-1.
      Probably subbed off to save him for the upcoming games, but rarely he sees out the full 90 these days.
      Anthony Elanga was given his debut but found it tough going against Timothy CastagneCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      Subs
      Marcus Rashford (replaced Elanga, 65) – 5
      Lost his man Soyuncu for the goal, whic wasn’t the greatest introduction to the game.
      Edinson Cavani (replaced Greenwood, 65) – 5
      Found it difficult to get involved in a disjoined United side in the second half.
      Bruno Fernandes (replaced Diallo, 78) – NA
      Had a chances late on, but should benefit from the rest.
      Not used: Victor Lindelof, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals he used Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd success story to inspire Derby to Championship safety

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      WAYNE ROONEY guided Derby to Championship safety on the final day of the season – with some help from Marcus Rashford.The Rams drew 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday to see them avoid the drop to League One by a single point.
      Wayne Rooney has revealed he used Marcus Rashford’s rise to the top in his derby teamtalk to inspire his playersCredit: BT Sport
      Rashford has worked his way through the Man Utd youth teams to become a first-team regular and England starCredit: BT Sport
      It was Wednesday, Wycombe and Rotherham who instead went down.
      In a revealing interview alongside Rashford on Rio Ferdinand’s Between The Lines, Derby boss Rooney revealed he used Rashford’s rise to the top to inspire his players.
      The 35-year-old explained: “Marcus’ story from getting in the first team I actually used it a couple of weeks ago.
      “We’ve had injuries at Derby, and I put a few of the young lads on the bench who hadn’t even trained with us so I used Marcus’ story from that.
      “Marcus came in from nowhere, didn’t really train with us, come in, and impact and look where’s he’s gone on from that.
      “So for those players to try and follow in those footsteps when you get that chance, it’s up to you then to take it, and he’s certainly done that.”
      In the BT Sport special, the three Manchester United players past and present chatted about Rashford’s rise from schoolboy talent to England superstar.
      And Ferdinand remembers well when Rashford was just starting to make people sit up and take notice in the academy.
      Rashford scored twice on his Man Utd debut against FC Midtjylland in 2016Credit: Getty
      Rio Ferdinand hosted an interview with Marcus Rashford and Wayne RooneyCredit: BT Sport
      The three players chatted through Rooney and Rashford’s careerCredit: BT Sport

      He added: “I remember when we were in the training ground, and we would all eat in the same canteen, first team, young lads and school boys.
      “And you used to come in, I’d see you in your school uniform, baggy blazer down to your knees, and you did stand out to me.
      “Although you were small you had an assuredness about you, you weren’t too shy but you weren’t too cocky. There was a calmness about you.
      “I used to ask people, ‘what’s he like?’. [They’d reply] ‘he’s got a talent’.”
      Rashford made his full debut for United in a 5-1 win against Midttjylland on February 25, 2016, scoring twice.
      He made his Premier League debut three days later against Arsenal scoring two and assisting another in a 3-2 victory.
      He has made 267 appearances in total, scoring 87 goals.
      Watch Man Utd v Leicester City exclusively live on BT Sport 1 from 5.30pm on Tuesday 11 May. Sign up for BT Sport Monthly Pass to watch BT Sport for a simple monthly fee of £25 with no contract. For more info go to bt.com/sport
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rooney managed to guide Derby to final-day Championship survivalCredit: Getty
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      Man Utd facing fixture chaos and fears over injuries as Solskjaer rages at ‘physically impossible’ six games in 17 days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit out at his side’s fixture schedule and said dates are decided by ‘people who have never played football’.The Red Devils booked their place in the Europa League final with an 8-5 aggregate victory against Roma.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit out at his side’s crazy fixture pile upCredit: Getty
      But it means Solskjaer’s side are facing the prospect of playing six games in just 17 days.
      Next up is an away trip to Aston Villa on Sunday followed by a home game against Leicester on Tuesday.
      United’s re-arranged clash against Liverpool, which was postponed following the huge Old Trafford protest against the club’s owners the Glazer family, is on Thursday.
      On May 18 United host Fulham, May 23 is Wolves away before Solskjaer leads his troops into the Europa League final to take on Villarreal on May 26.
      Speaking to BT Sport about the fixture pile-up, with four games in a WEEK, Solskjaer said: “It’s unheard of. It’s made by people who have never played football at this level.
      “It’s physically impossible for the players. We have not been dealt a good hand.
      “We are going to need everyone for these four games. It’s a short turnaround but we have to be ready.”
      Speaking after securing United’s spot in the Europa League final, Solskjaer reiterated his anger and added: “We’ve been dealt a very bad hand by people who sit behind a desk in suits who never play football or understand what this is about.
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      “I’ve got to look after the players, that’s the biggest thing.
      “Two games in three days is difficult but you can accept that we do that at Christmas. Two games in three days after a long season, with all the games we’ve had, even more difficult. Three games in five days, very very difficult, almost impossible. Four games in eight, it is impossible.
      “We cannot risk injury for players and that’s too much of an injury risk.
      “I’ve got to think about my players but I know there will be teams fighting for the Champions League places that will not think that’s Manchester United’s best team, in that team that’s not the best players.
      “That might affect whoever gets into the fourth position or the Champions League. That’s not my problem. That’s everyone else’s problem.
      “I can promise you that it’s impossible to play 90 minutes at this intensity, at that level in the Premier League four times from Thursday to Thursday. That means I cannot play everyone every minute which means we’ve got to prioritise.”
      And according to a chief of world players’ union FIFPro Jonas Baer-Hoffmann. their players are at risk of serious injury.
      A FIFPro report published yesterday found Europe’s top stars play up to 80 per cent of their minutes in the so-called ‘critical zone’ where risk of injury is high.
      MAN UTD’S CHAOTIC FIXTURE PILE-UPNo wonder Ole is fuming…
      Sunday, May 9 – Aston Villa (A)
      Tuesday, May 11 – Leicester City (H)
      Thursday, May 13 – Liverpool (H)
      Tuesday, May 18 – Fulham (H)
      Sunday, May 23 – Wolves (A)
      Wednesday, May 26 – Villarreal (Europa League Final)

      Baer-Hoffmann blasted: “United play four games, May 6 to the 13, including travel. This is just not physically possible.”
      Despite raging at the hectic schedule, Norwegian Solskjaer is delighted to be in the Europa final.
      The 48-year-old added: “It feels good to be in the final. We played one very, very good half at Old Trafford which has taken us through.
      “I’m disappointed we lost – especially the way we played in the second half.
      “It could easily have been 8-6 to them. It was a strange game. We kept giving them the ball but luckily we have one of the the best keepers in the world. We are in the final and are looking forward to May 26.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Solskjaer says both teams could have easily scored more goals after Roma second leg as he looks ahead to the final More

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      Sky Sports’ coverage of doomed Man Utd clash with Liverpool hit by Ofcom complaints after protesters storm Old Trafford

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      ALMOST 150 people complained to Ofcom over Sky Sports’ coverage of Manchester United fan protests at Old Trafford.Angry supporters showed their discontent with the Glazer family with a number of demonstrations on Sunday.
      Old Trafford was stormed by angry protestors on SundayCredit: Action Images
      Sky Sports received complaints after their pundits argued for and against the protestCredit: Sky Sports
      One group blocked the players’ route to the team bus at their Lowry Hotel base while hundreds turned up at Old Trafford before the Liverpool game.
      Protestors then forced open an access door to the United pitch and rushed inside, leading to the game’s postponement in scenes shown live on Sky.
      But the channel’s coverage of the episode upset some with 148 viewers contacting the broadcast regulator to complain.
      Following the incident, Sky allowed pundits Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness to express their views on the protest.
      Former United star Neville defended the protestors’ right to make a stand following the European Super League debacle.
      He said: “I think all football fans should unite today behind what United fans have done because what [the Glazers] did two weeks ago was dangerous for English football.”
      Likewise, Liverpool legend Carragher insisted the protest was ‘peaceful’ and urged fans of his old club to back their rival fans on this matter.
      Fellow ex-Red Souness criticised the pitch invaders for targeting the Sky gantry with missiles.
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      LATEST ON MAN UTD VS LIVERPOOL POSTPONEMENT CHAOS

      A police officer was left with a facial injury after a clash with supporters, while one fan was filmed being repeatedly punched by cops.
      The abandoned north-west derby has been rearranged for next Thursday, May 13 at 8.15pm.
      The Ofcom complaints for Sky Sports’ coverage was the second-highest of the week, behind the 190 viewers upset by Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Angry Man Utd fans break into Old Trafford and storm pitch in protest against Glazers More

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals he got personal apology from Glazers over chaotic protests amid European Super League row

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has received a personal apology from the Glazers over the ESL debacle that sparked protests at Old Trafford.The Manchester United boss only heard about the plans to breakaway on the day it was announced.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has criticised fans who invaded the pitch in Sunday’s protestCredit: Reuters
      The Glazers have contacted the Manchester United boss amid the fan criticismCredit: Getty
      The backlash has been huge with protests causing Sunday’s game with Liverpool to be postponed and Solskjaer has been the only person at the club to publicly field questions about it all.
      And Solskjaer said: “I’ve been communicating with the owners and I’ve had a personal apology.
      “I’ve always had a good relationship and they listen to me and they do listen to the fans. I’m sure there will be better communication coming.
      “I know that communication has started between other individuals and the fans.
      “We know we need to communicate better, if you refer back to the apology they all accepted it was the wrong thing to do.”
      While Solskjaer says the club has to listen to the fans, he felt the protest on Sunday went too far as police officers were injured and the pitch invaded.
      He said: “It was a difficult day for us of course, we wanted to play and beat Liverpool for the fans.
      “As I said before the game, we have to listen. We have to hear the fans’ voice. It’s everyone’s right to protest but it has to be peaceful and done in a civilised manner.
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      Fans rushed the Old Trafford pitch on Sunday, postponing United’s game with LiverpoolCredit: Action Images
      Solskjaer has also witnessed protests at the training ground and team hotelCredit: Reuters
      “Unfortunately when you break in and when a police officer gets scarred for life that’s one step too far. When it gets out of hand it’s a police matter, it’s not about showing your opinions any more.”
      Now Solskjaer has called on the whole club to be United as they stand on the brink of their first final in four years, with a 6-2 lead going into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Roma.
      He continued: “Of course it has be a united football club to make things grow, you need to give it patience, I’m hopeful that in time we can unite and come together.
      “Friction and challenge is sometimes good to move things forward, the last few weeks have been difficult. I’ve had backing. I’ve been put in charge and responsible for results and football matters.
      “I understand fans want to see results and trophies hopefully they can see this team is moving forward, hopefully we can get to a final, that’s the short-term fix and then we’ll have to take it from there.
      “I would be sad if the players’ focus was disrupted after their good work.
      How the May calendar looks for both Manchester United and Liverpool as it stands

      “I know our fans want a team that is playing attacking football, winning trophies, and we are working hard towards getting better results.
      “We want to be a Manchester United team and I know that for our fans results are important.
      “My responsibility is the results – something we’re working on and that’s my responsibility. I can see that’s what the players are doing.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd owner Avram Glazer refuses to apologise over Super League after being confronted in Florida More

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      Man Utd ‘cannot afford Cristiano Ronaldo transfer and star wants to honour rest of Juventus contract’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will not return to Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Italy.The Red Devils are described as unable to afford the 36-year-old’s huge wages while the player himself has no plans to leave Juventus.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is under contract with Juventus for another yearCredit: EPA
      Rumours have circulated that he will ask to leave the Bianconeri if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, a scenario which would also leave the club struggling financially.
      Ronaldo hit both goals in the late comeback win over Udinese on Sunday, keeping them inside the top-four ahead of a huge showdown with AC Milan.
      Sport Mediaset, via CalcioMercato, have claimed that he is intent on seeing out the final year of his Juventus contract.
      The winger’s deal expires in 2022 and a huge bidding war could begin if he does signal his intention to move as a free agent.

      It is also said that United are not able to afford a deal this summer.
      Ronaldo earns around £540,000-a-week in Italy which is almost 50 per cent higher than the Red Devils’ current best-paid player, David De Gea.
      And Juventus would likely demand a chunky transfer fee if he tried to force a move.
      United are reportedly seeking a new centre-back and winger in the coming market with Jadon Sancho once again on their radar.
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      Real Madrid had been linked with a sensational swoop to bring Ronaldo back to the Bernabeu but that has been denied by the club.
      The superstar’s first team, Sporting CP, are instead tipped to secure a fairytale return.
      Reports in Portugal describe Ronaldo’s plan to return to his home country next year and see out his playing days just as they began, in Lisbon.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      A young Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Lisbon More