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    Rio Ferdinand fears Marcus Rashford will need to leave Man Utd as he warns struggling star has brutal decision to make

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand fired a stern warning to Marcus Rashford amid his struggles this season.Rashford, 26, has put together a series of hapless performances for United with only eight goals and six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.Rio Ferdinand claims Marcus Rashford may have to leave Manchester UnitedCredit: YouTube/ THE OVERLAPFerdinand claims Rashford will have to get rid of ‘external people’ that may be ‘enabling’ himCredit: GettyThat is a far cry from last season’s staggering total of 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 matches that saw the forward turning into Erik ten Hag’s main man.However, the England international has failed to extend his goalscoring exploits and Ferdinand insists he has reached a “pivotal moment” that may lead to him having to leave Old Trafford.The United legend is adamant Rashford will have to make a “big decision” to either save his future with the Red Devils or his career in general.The former defender suggests the winger is dealing with the wrong influence from “external people” around him that may enable him.Read More on Man UtdAnd the ex-England international insists he will have to get rid of those individuals and decide whether he wants to stay at United or try his luck elsewhere.Ferdinand told the Stick to Football podcast via Sky Bet: “It’s a pivotal moment in his career now. He’s not a kid anymore. A lot of people look at potential and talent. “He’s 26 – what were you [the panel] doing at 26? We were still making mistakes, don’t get me wrong, but on the football pitch you had it locked down, you knew what you were doing, you knew what you were about, who you were.“There’s a big decision to make for him. From him, he’s got to look at who is around him. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRashford has struggled to replicate last season’s goalscoring exploits”I know his family play a big part with him, which is great, but who are the external people around that? “Are they the right people, are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors, or are they saying, ‘Look at yourself, and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.Gary Neville ‘genuinely worried’ about Marcus Rashford as he and Roy Keane say ‘something’s not right’ with Man Utd star“When I joined Leeds United, I could’ve gone to Chelsea, and they were probably the club I preferred to go to at the time. “The reason I left [West Ham] to go to Leeds was because it was out of London, and the external people around me, I needed to get away from. “He’ll need to either decide to get rid of them and stay in Manchester or leave Manchester and get rid of those people. “It might be an accumulation of different things, but that could be a big part because the people around you do have a big influence on how you are – especially accountability.”Gary Neville and Roy Keane also express concernGary Neville and Roy Keane have also expressed their concern over Rashford
    Gary Neville said: “I don’t know how to say this but there’s something not right. He’s not right. And it’s not just a case of he’s not playing football well, he doesn’t look happy.
    “I’m looking and thinking, ‘I’m actually worried about him’. You know when you watch a player and think there’s something there.
    “We know there has been a couple of instances where he’s come under a bit of pressure, his form is bad, we know that, but it’s not right that.
    “I genuinely would worry about him at this moment in time because it’s not the lad that’s grown up with the spirit and freedom of playing for United as a kid.”
    Keane said: “There’s no question mark about his ability, he’s outstanding. But there’s a point with him. A player can have an off spell but I just look at him, he’s certainly not enjoying his football.
    “I wouldn’t say I’m worried about him but I look at him and there’s something amiss with this kid.
    “You’re on about the people around him whether that be his family or the manager… Who’s on his case every day?
    “There’s nothing wrong with the old fashioned kick up the a*s and going, ‘Come on, we need more from you’. If the team’s not at it and you want to be this leader and you’re on the big contracts then there is that responsibility.
    “I don’t think there is anybody on his case, but that doesn’t mean he can’t produce and run a bit more.
    “He’s been at the club a long time, since he was a kid, pressure effects players, body language, sometimes you’ve got to get hold of a player.” More

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    Shock Premier League stat is dreadful omen for Man Utd ahead of trip to Chelsea with top four hopes hanging by a thread

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to turn the top-flight form book upside down by winning away at Chelsea.Erik ten Hag’s team are hoping to complete a Premier League double over the Blues for only the second time.Erik ten Hag’s Utd will have to turn the Prem form book on its head to win at ChelseaCredit: AFPAnd Chelsea have certainly struggled against the Red Devils.They are winless in the last 12 league meetings, having drawn seven and lost five.That is their longest run without a league victory against United.But if the side from Old Trafford are to claim just a second double over the West Londoners in the Prem, then they will have to end a shock stat that has emerged over the past month.READ MORE MAN UTDTop four rivals Aston Villa were hammered 4-1 at Man City in last night’s late kick off.That means that it has now been 25 matches – over 2,250 minutes – since an away side celebrated a win in the Premier League.The last club to do so was Tottenham, who romped to a 4-0 triumph at Villa on March 10.Therefore, United will have to smash that pretty mental stat to bits in order to claim the three points at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut there are also a number of other statistics that are going against them as they look to avoid a joint-record 12th Prem defeat of the campaign.Despite it being a poor campaign for Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, they have only lost once on home turf in their last 15 games in all competitions.Ten Hag tells senior players to ‘stand up and take responsibility’ as horror stat shows stat Brentford draw was new lowAnd United have only won once in their past nine top-flight visits to the capital city, losing four of the last six.Meanwhile, Ten Hag confirmed United have launched an internal investigation into their ongoing injury crisis ahead of the clash.That was after defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof became the latest casualties.United are currently sixth in the table going into today’s game.CHELSEA vs MAN UTDThe last ten Premier League results between the two sides at Stamford Bridge:
    22 Oct, 2022
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 1
    28 Nov, 2021
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 1
    28 Feb, 2021
    Chelsea 0 Man Utd 0
    17 Feb, 2020
    Chelsea 0 Man Utd 2
    20 Oct, 2018
    Chelsea 2 Man Utd 2
    5 Nov, 2017
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0
    23 Oct, 2016
    Chelsea 4 Man Utd 0
    7 Feb, 2016
    Chelsea 1 Man utd 1
    18 Apr, 2015
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0
    19 Jan, 2014
    Chelsea 3 Man Utd 1

    They are nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played a game more.But they know that anything less than a victory will make it almost impossible to reach Villa, who are fourth.Unai Emery’s men have 59 points, 11 more than United, although they have currently played two matches more.Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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    Two sons of Old Trafford cult hero sign first pro contracts with Man Utd as fans brand them ‘future Ballon d’Or winners’

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have hailed Darren Fletcher’s sons as future stars after the pair signed their first professional contracts with the club.Jack Fletcher has impressed manager Erik ten Hag and has been fast-tracked into first-team training, while brother Tyler has played his part for the youth team.Jack and Tyler Fletcher have signed their first professional contract at Man UnitedThey are the sons of Darren FletcherCredit: GettyThe twin brothers have now been rewarded with their first professional contract at Manchester United.They were pictured signing their new deals at the same time.Fans are now expecting big things from 17-year-olds as they took to social media.One fan posted: “Future ballers.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDA second commented: “Dem be Future Ballon D’or Winners!”A third wrote: “Both Utd legends already.”A fourth said: “They will win the Champions League at United. Wise decision”Another added: “Future champions.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMany will be hoping they can emulate father Darren, who starred for the Manchester outfit.The Scot spent 12 years at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2015 after graduating from the academy.Gary Neville reveals surprise clash had ‘best atmosphere I’ve ever seen in my life’ – and it wasn’t at Old TraffordFletcher made 223 appearances for the club in the Premier League, scoring 18 goals.He won the league on five occasions, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup, and Champions League.Tyler and Jack may be team-mates on a domestic level, but they are rivals on the international stage.Jack is currently representing England while Tyler switched allegiance back to Scotland.The duo were poached from rivals Man City in a controversial switch last year.The deal to bring them to Man United from their Manchester rivals is believed to have been a record for their age group. More

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    Man Utd ‘add Wolves captain Max Kilman to transfer shortlist’ with £30m swoop eyed after defensive crisis

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly added Max Kilman to their transfer shortlist.The club has struggled at centre-back this season, with injuries to Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof.Manchester United have reportedly shortlisted Max KilmanCredit: GettyKilman, 26, joined Wolves in 2018 after impressing as a youngster at Maidenhead United.He has gone on to make 119 appearances for the West Midlands club in the Premier League.The Times has claimed that Man United have been impressed with the Englishman.The report states that the Red Devils have scouted Kilman on more than one occasion this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThere has been no contact between the clubs thus far and Wolves are determined to keep hold of their captain.In 2023, Kilman attracted interest from Serie A giants Napoli, but the club saw a £30million offer rejected.Wolves, in turn, rewarded the defender with a new five-year contract that runs until 2028.West Ham have also been interested in Kilman should Nayef Aguerd leave the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMan United have conceded 40 goals so far in the Premier League this season which is more than rivals Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.Kilman is not the only name believed to be on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo has been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford since January.It is claimed that the Frenchman would cost up to £40m should he be on the move.However, a move to Man United could be off the cards should Kilman prove to be the preferred option.Brentford star Ivan Toney is also a reported target for the club as they look to add to their attacking options.The striker is also wanted by the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal.Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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    Man Utd launch INVESTIGATION into injury crisis after double blow – with star hurt in training days after return

    ERIK TEN HAG has confirmed Manchester United have launched an internal investigation into their ongoing injury crisis.That is after Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof became the latest casualties amid a turbulent campaign that has seen Ten Hag often unable to field a strong line-up.Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed there is an internal investigation into their injury crisisCredit: ReutersLisandro Martinez returned to Man Utd’s injury listCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof got injured during Man Utd’s clash with BrentfordCredit: AlamyLindelof suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s Premier League clash at Brentford.That was where the Sweden international was replaced by Martinez, who made his first appearance since February as he overcame a knee injury.However, the Argentina international just returned to the sidelines after sustaining a calf strain during training.Lindelof and Martinez have joined fellow defenders Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia in the physio room and are expected to be out for at least a month.Read More on Man UtdAccording to The Mail, Ten Hag claims he and his coaching staff “have an idea” as to what led to such an injury-stricken campaign as the whole matter is being dealt “internally”.When asked about United’s injury crisis, the Dutchman said: “We have an idea but we will work on that internally and deal with it.”Lindelof and Martinez will miss Thursday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea as well as Sunday’s match against Liverpool.Fixtures against Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Burnley as well as a the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry will also come to soon for them.Most read in FootballTen Hag added: “You can’t prevent it, it’s not only us who’ve had this. “The standards of the Premier League from an intensity perspective are so high, the overload of the schedule, international football is so huge, and we have internationals in our squad.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?”Man City, Liverpool and Newcastle have problems, many other teams. “We don’t train because we recover then you go up to the next game.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTen Hag, though, will have Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane available at Chelsea.However, the 54-year-old tactician is unlikely to start Mason Mount on his Stamford Bridge return.That is despite Mount’s heroic comeback from a four-month injury lay off which led to his first ever goal for United against Brentford.Ten Hag said: “He’s a fantastic football player but it’s important first that he is getting and keeping fit because he has had three injuries.READ MORE SUN STORIES”You see it now with Licha [Martinez], another injury. So you want to avoid and we have to do this carefully.”This is the first objective: To keep him fit. We want to use him [so] that he can benefit and contribute to the team like he did on Saturday when he had a big impact.”Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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    Newcastle face uphill battle to keep hold of superstar Bruno Guimaraes as Arsenal, Man Utd and PSG circle amid FFP woes

    NEWCASTLE United face an “uphill” battle to keep hold of midfield superstar Bruno Guimaraes, Sun Online can reveal.Eddie Howe knows he will need to offload players to satisfy FFP rules.Newcastle face a challenge to keep hold of star midfielder Bruno GuimaraesCredit: RexAnd his Brazilian midfielder is not only a target for a string of clubs – but he also has ambitions to play in the Champions League.This has put PSG on red-alert for the player – who has a £100m release clause.A source said: “Newcastle face an uphill battle to retain Bruno over the Summer.“He’s one of the best midfielders in the world and has been on the radar of PSG for more than a year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“They will have funds in the summer and wouldn’t blink at meeting the release clause.“Eddie Howe won’t want to lose the player, but the matter may end up being taken totally out of his hands due to FFP.”Reports claim that Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested in Guimaraes, but PSG are believed to be at the front of the queue.“They’ve been tracking Bruno for a long time, and it’s no secret that he’s top of their wish list.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“They face losing Mbappe in the Summer so the heat will be on the owners to bring in big names to appease the fans.”Bruno also has fond links to France so PSG are confident they can get the player out of the club and over to Paris.”What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowThe Tyneside outfit forked out £35 million for the Brazilian’s signature in January 2022, and he has since emerged as one of their key players – and also their highest-valued.In 98 games for the Magpies, he has scored 13 goals. Guimaraes, who pockets £160,000-per-week, is under contract until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this campaign.Howe has already expressed his concerns around FFP restrictions at St James’ Park and explained the club are in position that requires them to sell in order to buy.Speaking in January, he said: “In an ideal world, given the freedom to act we would have brought players in already.“But we’re not in that situation. Financial Fair Play is a problem and we’re having to navigate around that.Eddie Howe has admitted the club need to work within their means to surviveCredit: Reuters“We’re not shutting the door on everything but as I sit here now, no we’re not going to bring anyone in.“Sometimes you have to take your long-term vision away and just deal with the here and now.“I’d be quite prepared to do that if the situation arose where we could agree something that would help us now.“The owners are very ambitious and they would like to help and improve the squad in any way they can.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But the rules and conditions we’re working under don’t allow that.”I will continue to push for signings but I have to respect and understand the football club’s health because we want Newcastle United here for the next 500 years.” More

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    Man Utd ‘in talks’ to sign France star from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club – with five stars available to fund transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly in talks to sign Nice defender Melvin Bard.The Red Devils are expected to spend big this summer following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeover.Man Utd are interested in signing Melvin BardCredit: GettyA new full-back is understood to be at the top of Erik ten Hag’s priority list.And, according to The Standard, Bard has emerged as a target.They say Man Utd are already in contact with the 23-year-old.He is being discussed among the club’s hierarchy ahead of the transfer window.Read More on Man UtdA move to Old Trafford will likely benefit both clubs as they are each affiliated with INEOS – Ratcliffe’s company.Man Utd have been plagued with defensive injury issues this season.Luke Shaw has missed 23 games since the start of the campaign due to a muscle injury.Tryell Malacia is yet to feature this season due to a knee issue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance.

    And Lisandro Martinez has been limited to just 11 appearances.United’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Raphael Varane and Casemiro could all be sold this summer.Meanwhile, the Red Devils have been linked with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. More

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    Man Utd ‘could take lead in Ivan Toney transfer race due to two concerns both Arsenal and Chelsea have’

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be in pole position to sign Ivan Toney this summer due to Arsenal and Chelsea cooling their interest in the forward.It’s understood that the London clubs are put off by concerns over Brentford’s asking price alongside concerns over his age profile.Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their interest in Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyBrentford will likely ask for the £80million price tag they set on Toney, 28, in January this summer according to Ben Jacobs.United have shown an interest in Toney since January and see him as a viable option to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund.Arsenal would prefer to bring in a younger profile of striker and may launch a bid for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres this summer.The Lisbon side would expect any interested party to trigger the forward’s £86million release clause.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOther options for Arsenal include RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.Brighton previously slapped a £100m price tag on Ferguson but his form has not justified that this season.The Irishman has six goals and one assist in his 27 Premier League appearances this season but at 19 has huge potential to improve.Should Arsenal, Chelsea or United opt not to pay the £80m for Toney this summer, he could wait until his contract expires in 2025 and move as a free agent.Most read in FootballToney has began to find form again following his banCredit: The SunTottenham have also shown an interest in Toney as a belated Harry Kane replacement, according to Fabrizio Romano.It’s understood that Toney, who scored his first goal for England last week, would like his future sorted before Euro 2024.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowToney has four goals and one assist in his 11 Premier League games for Brentford this season. More