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      If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then what does this photo say about shambolic state of Man Utd?

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      HAVE A LOOK at this picture and what are your first thoughts?What would be your assumption if you did not know what preceded it?Rasmus Hojlund was alone after the penalty shootout victory against CoventryShootout winner Hojlund was the only player to celebrate the winThat Rasmus Hojlund had just missed the decisive penalty in a shoot-out and was about to be consoled by a team-mate, in this case the distant Christian Eriksen?The player himself has his shoulders hunched, looking downcast and in need of a hug.Yet this was supposedly a moment of celebration.What it is, in fact, is a still shot that sums up the current state of Manchester United – embarrassing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAll players will look forward to that moment when their intervention proves the last and most crucial in a contest.When all their team-mates charge towards them. No matter what has gone before you are the hero for that final decisive kick or save.Remember Edwin van der Sar when he stopped Nicolas Anelka’s penalty in the 2008 Champions League final and a 100m sprint ensued in the teeming rain to reach him in joyous celebration?Not on this occasion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHojlund had slammed the ball home to complete a 4-2 FA Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out win after the game had finished 3-3.United had surrendered a 3-0 lead and only the tip of a toenail had denied Championship side Coventry ultimate victory.Fans spot Man Utd players are ‘too ashamed to celebrate’ as even Roy Keane claims they were ’embarrassed to win’So while Hojlund ran to the United fans shouting and punching the air, his team-mates’ response was lukewarm.It was like that cringeworthy moment at the same venue last season when Wout Weghorst, the bloke who won a raffle to play for United, ran the length of the pitch and slid in front of the Red Devils fans after a run-of-the-mill win over Newcastle.Hojlund turned to see that nobody was coming, bar Eriksen with Antony trailing along.Yes that big money Brazilian flop who had already added a distasteful footnote to the final act by goading the brave Coventry players in the moment of victory, cupping his ears to them.Thankfully United had players of class like Harry Maguire who turned straight to those in Sky Blue to offer his hand.So where does it all leave this hapless bunch and a club in reverse.TEN HAG’S FUTURE?Erik ten Hag’s chancea of staying at Man Utd appear to diminish by the dayCredit: AlamyThat is the immediate question and for many United fans who had stuck behind him, this was the final straw.The Dutchman had an admirable first season, finishing third and winning the Carabao Cup while reaching the FA Cup Final.This was when they were supposed to push on and they have gone into reverse.It is on his watch that United fans have witnessed a calamitous Champions League campaign.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      A title bid has turned into a scramble to get in the UEFA conference.Increasingly his words and excuses seem desperate.His declaration that Sunday was a great achievement as they reached a second successive FA Cup Final just added to the feeling of embarrassment.His days are numbered, the clock is ticking.ARE INJURIES A VALID EXCUSE?Man Utd have been blighted by injury this season, but is that enough to justify performances?Credit: PAEvery team seems to be struggling and a stronger look behind the scenes as to why so many are in the treatment room at United might help.As it was, only the lack of a recognised central defender to partner Maguire on Sunday should have been seen as a weakness in this line-up.This was a good enough team to get 3-0 up, so it should have been good enough to see the job out with ease.Injuries are not the reason this team capitulates so often.They don’t have the ability to concentrate for 90 minutes.Whatever the manager is saying, they are not listening.FANS TURNING ON PLAYERSThis is not a regular thing at United, but it is starting to creep in more and more.It may not have been heard on TV, but when Marcus Rashford was subbed off in the 89th minute, he was booed by many United fans.They have grown sick of his lacklustre performances with no end product.If United get a bid, they need to take it.He is not alone with Antony another who the faithful have long since lost patience with.If he thinks cupping his ears to the Coventry players in celebration will have endeared himself to those who filled one end of the ground then he can think again.He might just find out how far it went when his name is read out on Wednesday night for the visit of Sheffield United to Old Trafford.RECRUITMENTErik ten Hag has been backed to the tune of £400million and what is the result?Antony at £85million tops the list of the most expensive flops in United’s history, surely he is not Brazilian.Pundit and former Aston Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor, used the words “shamelss” and “prat” to describe him on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes should be embarrassed by this… United fans were, says Neil CustisBy Neil Custis
      BRUNO FERNANDES ended the FA Cup semi-final a man bemused as to what he had been a part of.
      No doubt knowing it would be he would have to try and explain it all again.
      Rarely have a team slunk away from this stadium with a feeling of embarrassment having just reach an FA Cup Final.
      The next time Fernandes turns up at the home of football he wants to be heading up those metal steps and picking up silverware.
      Nothing less will do for the captain of Manchester United.
      But he knows they have not got a hope of gaining revenge on this cross town rivals Manchester City if this is what they are going to deliver.
      This was an embarrassment, plain and simple, for Ten Hag, for Fernandes, for every player in red.
      After the skipper finished his TV interview he turned around to the end that had housed the United fans to clap them in thanks.
      There was barely anyone left.
      Read Neil Custis’ opinion in full here.
      Or click here to read all of Neil’s article.

      Look elsewhere and what has goalkeeper Andre Onana brought that David De Gea didn’t have. He has been a downgrade if anything.Hojlund? Unless you had been watching closely you could have been forgiven for wondering If his penalty kick was indeed his first touch on Sunday.Casemiro was described by pundit and former Arsenal player Lee Dixon yesterday as looking like someone who was toeing a caravan.As for Mason Mount? Why did they buy him again?WHAT IS UNITED’S STYLE UNDER TEN HAG?It is a question that has been asked from the start and met with curious answers.When you bring a man in from Ajax you expect the beautiful game to follow. Yet Ten Hag claims he can’t play it because he hasn’t got the right men. So why didn’t he buy the right ones?United’s style is based on “rope-a-dope” as they take punishment with shot after shot heading their way before hoping for joy on the break.Victories come by chance, or through a piece of individual brilliance. There is no plan.DOES THE FUTURE LOOK BRIGHT?Not right now it doesn’t. But there is undoubted young talent in this squad in the form of Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and most notably Alejandro Garnacho. Hojlund… we remain to be convinced.On Garnacho, what on earth is Ten Hag doing constantly subbing a 19-year-old when the teenager’s speed and trickery can unlock a door when everyone else is tiring and he isn’t?Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      He is someone who can take the ball upfield and relieve the pressure on his defence if the tide is turning.Subbed in the 86th minute at Chelsea with United 3-2 up and they lose 4-3.Subbed in the 80th minute at home to Liverpool with United 2-1 up and they draw 2-2.Subbed in the 66th minute at Wembley against Coventry, for the hapless Antony, with United 3-0 up and they draw 3-3 before penalties.IS SIR JIM RATCLIFFE THE SAVIOUR?Well, the new part owner put the idea of a swift change in fortunes under his watch to bed after finishing the London marathon ahead of this semi-final marathon.Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “The fans are impatient. It’s a journey, they have to be patient. It’s not a light switch. We will turn it around.”Patience has long since run out.As for complaining about Newcastle putting incoming CEO Dan Ashworth on gardening leave, well, sorry the Magpies didn’t bow down to your every whim, and why should they?There was a moment during yesterday’s game as United imploded when Ratcliffe turned round to new technical director Jason Wilcox sat alongside former chief executive David Gill.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou can only guess what he might have been saying but a speech bubble with the words “what on earth is going on, this is embarrassing” might have been one version.Embarrassing it was, just have another look at that picture for proof. More

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      Man Utd transfer boost with Barcelona ‘open to offers for superstar with defender open to big move’

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      BARCELONA are open to “listening to offers” for Ronald Araujo with Manchester United setting their eyes on the defender.Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona since breaking into their first team in the 2019/20 campaign, having now made almost 150 appearances for the club.Man Utd received transfer boost for Barcelona target Ronald Araujo as club are ‘open to offers’Credit: AFPBut, amid the fallout from his red card in the crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, the La Liga are reportedly considering cutting Araujo loose.The 25-year-old received a straight red card for fouling Bradley Barcola in the first half of the second leg.Barca were looking set for a semi-final spot at the time, leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.But the red shifted momentum in PSG’s favour, with the Parisians netting four times to go through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIlkay Gundogan publicly called out Araujo in the aftermath, with the Barca dressing room said to now be ‘divided into four clans’.And Spanish outlet Sport are now reporting Xavi’s side “will listen to offers” for the Uruguayan centre-back.It is known that perennially cash-strapped Barcelona need to sell a player this summer to balance accounts.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe report claims Araujo is one of the players whose sales would generate more profit.Most read in FootballBarca are convinced that they could get an offer of up to £86million, given the interest from United.’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Araujo, and it is understood the club would be at the front of the queue to sign him if he became available for transfer.Barca are confident they have enough defensive cover should he depart following the emergence of 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.Considering Araujo signed with the Blaugrana in 2018 for £1.4million the Catalan giants can expect a hefty profit.Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter it, fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Erik ten Hag will be sacked by Man Utd even if he WINS FA Cup, say pundits after ’embarrassing’ victory over Coventry

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      NORMALLY getting to the FA Cup final would mark a time for celebration and be billed as a huge achievement.However, you would not know that was the case for Manchester United after they laboured their way into the final following a stunning collapse against Coventry in yesterday’s semi-final.Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd future is up in the airCredit: AlamySky Sports pundits where conflicted on the Dutchman’s futureCredit: Sky SportsAlan Shearer believes a decision has already been madeCredit: GettyHaving found themselves 3-0 down with 20 minutes left, the Championship side mounted an incredible comeback before losing out on penalties.Despite reaching a second consecutive Cup final, another Red Devils embarrassment has left Erik ten Hag’s role untenable for many fans.Below par displays in the league have left Man Utd staring down the prospect of finishing below seventh, which would be their worst ever finish in a Premier League season.Ten Hag, 54, has the chance to salvage the season by winning the FA Cup, though claiming victory over defending champions Manchester City on the May 25 final will not be easy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut does that mean he will still be at the helm come the start of next season, the first to be led by the club’s new minority owners Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe after they took over the sporting operation at Old Trafford?Well pundits have had their say on the matter, and many paint a bleak picture for the Dutchman, regardless of FA Cup glory.Speaking about Ten Hag’s future on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said: “I think that result today has just cost a Manchester United manager his job. “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERI would imagine that is probably the most embarrassing dressing room of a team that has just won a big game.”Man Utd legend Gary Neville was more optimistic, believing it would be “extreme” to sack a manager who has won two trophies in two years. Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘got away with it’ in shootout win over CoventryPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      He said: “My view would be that if he won the FA Cup and he won a trophy last season, to sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”Winning trophies can never ever be underestimated. If you’ve got a knack for winning trophies and you just get through things I don’t think you can dismiss that.”There’s a good chance they (Ineos) would (sack Ten Hag). They’ve wiped everything else out at the top of the club and if he wins a trophy and it’s two trophies on the bounce, that’s tough.”Fellow ex-Man Utd star Louis Saha understood the argument for a new boss but said he did not see it as clearly.He told Sky Sports: “When you look at these performances you may say they need a real reshape. “The three people (Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Dan Ashworth) have different philosophy and maybe bring something else, maybe they can benefit from that.”I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      BBC pundit Alan Shearer agreed with Carragher that Ten Hag would not be in place next season, revealing he believes the future to already be determined.He said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”I don’t think it matters whether they win the FA Cup for his future. That may be sad, that may be wrong but I just get the feeling that winning the FA Cup is not going to be enough for him.”When you look at the players, when you look at the attitude, when you at where they are in the league and all of those things [against], where they want to be, where they want to go in a quick time, I think he’s already gone.”I don’t know it. It’s just a guess but I look at the players, there attitudes and ability, I just get the feeling.”SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month how Man Utd stars feared Ten Hag was resigned to the sack.Reports last week also suggested several players were delaying decisions on their futures with Ten Hag’s future unknown.READ MORE SUN STORIESA number of names have been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, including Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thiago Motta and most recently Thomas Tuchel.After the narrow FA Cup triumph Man Utd can now focus on their league campaign, with Sheffield United and Burnley coming up in the next two games. Here’s how Man Utd’s next five games are looking More

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      Man Utd ‘make contact with Tuchel’ as outgoing Bayern boss enters race alongside Southgate and Potter to replace Ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have “made contact” with Thomas Tuchel amid growing pressure on Erik ten Hag, according to reports.Ten Hag, 54, watched his side spurn a three-goal lead against Championship side Coventry on Sunday, before they won on penalties to set up a second successive FA Cup final against Manchester City.Thomas Tuchel has entered the frame to be the next Manchester United managerCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is under huge pressure as Man Utd bossCredit: AlamyYet despite the win, the manner of the victory has led to the Dutch head coach coming under even more scrutiny.Man Utd sit seventh in the Premier League table and are on a four-game winless run.SunSport has already exclusively revealed the players feel Ten Hag is resigned to the sack, with ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter in line to replace him.England manager Gareth Southgate has also been mooted as a potential replacement.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut now another former Chelsea boss has entered the race in the shape of Bayern Munich’s Tuchel, 50.The German is leaving the Bundesliga giants at the end of the season having failed to win the league.However, he has guided his team to the semi-finals of the Champions League – and could land himself another job straight away.According to Kicker, Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made contact with Tuchel about the possibility of him becoming the next manager should Ten Hag be sacked.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe is understood to “highly value” Tuchel, although the Bayern manager is currently “only focusing” on his job at the Allianz Arena.It has also been reported the Man Utd vacancy is Tuchel’s “dream job”.’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’He won the Champions League with Chelsea back in 2021 and boasted an impressive 60 per cent winning ratio when he was sacked in September 2022.Prior to his time with the Blues, he also guided Paris Saint-Germain to two Ligue 1 titles and a Champions League final.Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tipped Ten Hag to be sacked following Sunday’s performance against Coventry.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I think that result has just cost Erik ten Hag his job. I don’t see how he stays, I really don’t.”It’s just poor performance after poor performance. That dressing room is probably the most embarrassed dressing room from a team that has just won a big game.”You can’t even celebrate that win. Maybe they can somehow win the final but I just don’t see any progress.”This is somebody’s job we’re talking about but I just don’t see how they [the owners] can look at the situation and be positive about it. I don’t see it.”Ex-Brighton and Chelsea head coach Graham Potter is another man in the runningCredit: APGareth Southgate has also been linked with a move to Old TraffordCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd’s Jadon Sancho nets £12.2m from off-field earnings despite poor performances on pitch

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      MANCHESTER United flop Jadon Sancho pocketed £12million from off-field earnings last season despite failing to cement his place at Old Trafford.The winger, who rejoined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, earned £12.2million from lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights.Jadon Sancho pocketed £12million from off-field earnings last season despite failing to cement his place at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThat works out at £235,000 a week, on top of his £350,000 a week wages at Man Utd.The star’s company, Sancho Management, has assets for 2023 of £8.7million, its accounts show.That is a rise of £3.4million from £5.3million in 2022. Sancho, 24, paid himself £5.8million from the firm. Read More on FootballHis company also paid £3million in bills, including corporation tax.He has a bumper contract to wear Nike boots and has signed other lucrative deals with the likes of Nando’s and Pepsi.The star may leave Old Trafford in the summer after a fall out with boss Erik ten Hag, which saw him exiled from the team before his loan spell in Germany.Sancho was shut out from United’s first-team squad after accusing Ten Hag of not telling the truth about his absence from the team.Most read in FootballThe Dutchman had claimed it was due to poor training performances from Sancho.Inside the life of Jadon Sancho as a footballer More

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      ‘I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’

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      ROY KEANE completely disagreed with Harry Maguire’s claim that Manchester United showed “great character” in their dramatic victory over Coventry City.His old team the Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster as they beat the Sky Blues on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final.Harry Maguire hailed the ‘character’ shown by Man Utd against CoventryCredit: EPARoy Keane slammed Man Utd’s performance and completely disagreed with himCredit: ITVMaguire headed home United’s second goal of the game at WembleyCredit: GettyThr defender and his team-mates needed penalties to secure their place in the finalCredit: GettyBut that was only after the Championship side fought back from 3-0 down to take it to extra-time and then having a late strike ruled out for offside to deny them a famous triumph.United looked to be cruising towards a repeat of last year’s final thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.Ellis Simms pulled one back on 71 minutes before Callum O’Hare set-up a nervy finish with eleven left.Haji Wright then kept his nerve in stoppage time to score from the spot to send it to extra time.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVictor Torp’s 120th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up as United survived by the skin of their teeth – meaning that the tie would need to be settled by penalties.Casemiro stepped up first but had his effort saved before Wright slotted home to give Coventry the lead.Diogo Dalot made no mistake and then Torp smashed it into the top corner, then Christian Eriksen drilled it in low with United’s third – but this time Andre Onana dived to his right to keep out O’Hare’s effort.Captain Fernandes sent the goalie the wrong way to put United ahead, then Ben Sheaf fired way over the crossbar.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat left Rasmus Hojlund with the job of stepping up to win it, and the Dane sent the goalie the opposite way as he raced off in celebration – although Antony infuriated others with his reaction to the win.Following the game, goalscorer Maguire said: “We found a way.Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘got away with it’ in shootout win over Coventry“We started the game really well and then conceded a sloppy goal. We were unfortunate to concede the second goal.“I think the penalty was so hard but all credit to Coventry. They made it tough for us in the second half of extra time.“It sums up our season, we had great control and played well for 60 minutes but then we conceded out of nothing. “Then I don’t know, it seems like the world wanted Coventry to go on and do it. We showed great character to stick with it and it was important to win the shootout.”But the non-nonsense Keane was having none of that afterwards as he spoke to his fellow pundits in the ITV studio.The Irishman said: “We’re having the same conversation every week with Man United, you don’t know what you’re going to get. All they do is play in moments. They concede so many chances.“You always say you need a bit of luck. Maguire said they showed good character, I don’t see character in this group of players.“I’m looking at the goalkeeper, wasting time. Just get on with the game. Show some courage. “Huge problems for Man United going forward but they got the job done.”Keane also said: “Maguire got interviewed at the end there and said they showed great character, I don’t see character in this group of players, I really don’t.“It’s getting to the stage that I’m almost disliking them. I see a group with bad habits, they were almost frightened to win the game.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s huge problems for Manchester United going forward but they got the job done.“In extra-time Coventry looked like a Premier League team and Manchester United looked like a Championship side.” More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe reveals ‘biggest problem in football’ as he drops huge hint Man Utd rebuild could be delayed

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has revealed his frustration at “one of the biggest problems” in football. The 71-year-old billionaire has taken over football operations at Manchester United since buying a 25 per cent stake in the club earlier this year.Man Utd chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe recorded a PB in the London MarathonCredit: AFPHe vented his frustrations with a ‘big problem in football’ on BBC afterwardsCredit: BBCHe and INEOS have since set about trying to rebuild the whole club from top to bottom.United confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director this week from Southampton in their latest change.His arrival comes after Man Utd revealed ex-Man City man Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.However, a new sporting director has not yet been appointed but is expected to be Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth, who is on gardening leave.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe two clubs are yet to agree on compensation with Toon reportedly seeking £20m to let him go after he arrived on a four-year deal in 2022.United see that fee as too high, though, and Ratcliffe has now held face-to-face talks with Newcastle director Amanda Staveley to try to find a resolution.Ratcliffe secured a PB in the London Marathon this morning before dashing to Wembley to watch the Red Devils throw away a three-goal lead to Coventry City in the FA Cup semi final.And when providing an update on progress at United, he revealed his anguish at the red tape and hold-ups while speaking to BBC presenter Gabby Logan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRatcliffe said: “It’s a long journey really the football because one of the biggest problems is that you get these new guys to come into the team, really capable people, but they are all on gardening leave.“So it takes you six months, a year or 18 months – it’s a real issue in football. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refit“They can’t work for us, the fans are impatient and I have some sympathy with that.“But it’s a journey and, whether they like it or not, they have to be a bit patient. It’s not a lightswitch, it takes a bit of time.”Another thing Ratcliffe and INEOS want to do is transform Old Trafford – or build a completely new stadium and make it a “Wembley of the North”.When asked about that by Logan, he replied: “I’d love to do that. I think that would be fantastic for the north of England.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Man Utd rebootBritish billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is overhauling the hierarchy at Man United after his £1.03billion takeover of 27.7 per cent of the club.
      His new crew at Old Trafford includes:
      SIR DAVE BRAILSFORD
      The Olympic cycling legend is head of sport for Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.
      He is now on the board of Man Utd overseeing the revamp.
      OMAR BERRADA
      The former Man City director was hired as CEO in January.
      He previously held a senior role with Barcelona. 
      JEAN-CLAUDE BLANC
      The INEOS CEO has joined the board of the club.
      Blanc has held prominent positions at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain previously.
      JASON WILCOX
      He was appointed technical director at United this week.
      The former Blackburn Rovers winger held a similar role at Southampton and was previously academy director at Manchester City.
      Wilcox will report to the sporting director.
      DAN ASHWORTH – TBC
      The former West Brom and Football Association chief has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle.
      United want him to become their new sporting director.
      However, they and Newcastle have so far been unable to agree on a compensation package.

      “I think that whole area of southern Manchester, it’s where the industrial revolution began, and that’s why they built Old Trafford there.“The workers would finish their shift, walk to the ground – so it was where industry and manufacturing began.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s a really important area but it’s run down, so to regenerate that area and build a Wembley of the North would be a marvellous project and we could achieve it.”Suddenly, he intervened again to cut-short the conversation by signing off with: “Anyway, I need to get to the match.”United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox was at Wembley today for the FA Cup semi finalCredit: GettySir Jim managed to make it to his seat just after half time after his marathon exploitsCredit: BBC More

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      I’m in a rush,’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe says live on BBC after running Marathon as he thinks Man Utd have ‘already kicked off’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE declared he was in a “rush” after mistakenly thinking Manchester United had already kicked off at Wembley after he’d completed the London Marathon.The 71-year-old billionaire recently completed his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club and takeover of football operations.Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon before heading to watch Man UtdCredit: ReutersThe Utd chief told BBC he was in a ‘rush’ to get to Wembley as they interviewed him afterwardsCredit: BBCSir Jim was spotted in his seat at Wembley just after half timeCredit: BBCHe continues to make a number of changes off the pitch, while United are hoping for some joy on it this afternoon.The Red Devils face Coventry City at Wembley in the FA Cup semi final this afternoon, where the winner will face holders Man City after they beat Chelsea yesterday.However, Ratcliffe joined the thousands of other runners in the capital this morning for the London Marathon and recorded a personal best time of 4hrs 30mins 52secs.And after Ratcliffe had crossed the finish line, he joined the BBC for a quick chat before making the dash to Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRatcliffe started his conversation with BBC presenter Gabby Logan with: “I’m in a rush… I need to get to the match.”Even though he still had 45 minutes to go until the action got underway at Wembley, he then mistakenly said: “They’ve already kicked off haven’t they, so I’ll have to be quick.”After revealing that he recorded a time of around four-and-a-half hours, he then got down to discussing a potential Manchester derby against City in the FA Cup Final.After awkwardly mishearing Logan refer to Coventry as underdogs, he thought that she was talking about the Red Devils’ chances against their neighbours.Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRatcliffe said: “We are definitely the underdog. Unfortunately. Not for long though.”Asked to compare running a marathon to his progress at United, he replied: “There are some parallels, I have to say. It just sort of requires some grit.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old Trafford“Always, in the marathon, after 30k it gets quite difficult. “I don’t think we are quite at 30k in the football yet, we’ve still got some way to go.”When asked if it equated to a half marathon, he replied: “No, not even there really… probably only the first 10k.“But it’s a long journey really the football because one of the biggest problems is that you get these new guys to come into the team, really capable people, but they are all on gardening leave.“So it takes you six months, a year or 18 months – it’s a real issue in football. “They can’t work for us, the fans are impatient and I have some sympathy with that.“But it’s a journey and, whether they like it or not, they have to be a bit patient. It’s not a lightswitch, it takes a bit of time.”United confirmed the appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director this week from Southampton.Wilcox, whose previous roles include technical director at Southampton and academy director at Manchester City, will report to the sporting director.The new sporting director has not yet been appointed but is expected to be Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.The London MarathonSome of the other celebrities that were spotted crossing the finish line along with Ratcliffe:

      Singer Tom Grennan
      Comedian Romesh Ranganathan
      Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham
      Actress Ruth Wilson
      Actor Christopher Eccleston
      Actor Phil Dunster
      Actor Jamie Borthwick
      Actress Emma Barton 

      Wilcox’s arrival comes after Man Utd revealed ex-Man City man Omar Berrada as their new chief executive.Another thing Ratcliffe and INEOS want to do is transform Old Trafford – or build a completely new stadium and make it a “Wembley of the North”.When asked about that by Logan, He replied: “I’d love to do that. I think that would be fantastic for the north of England.“I think that whole area of southern Manchester, it’s where the industrial revolution began, and that’s why they built Old Trafford there.“The workers would finish their shift, walk to the ground – so it was where industry and manufacturing began.“It’s a really important area but it’s run down, so to regenerate that area and build a Wembley of the North would be a marvellous project and we could achieve it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSuddenly, he intervened again to cut-short the conversation by signing off with: “Anyway, I need to get to the match.”Although he did have time before he dashed off to reveal that it would definitely not be the tube that he would be using to get to the national stadium.Sir Jim reiterated his desire to build a ‘Wembley of the North’ new stadium More