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      Marcus Rashford must knuckle down at Man Utd and copy perfect pro Harry Maguire – he didn’t act like a baby

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      IMAGINE if, 18 months ago, you had told Manchester United fans that Harry Maguire would be handed a new contract and Marcus Rashford would be frozen out.They’d have wanted to burn down Old Trafford.Marcus Rashford must knuckle down and get on with itHarry Maguire changed his Man Utd career by being a perfect proWhich just goes to show you the importance of showing a good professional attitude in times of adversity.So my message to Rashford would be this: Stop talking, certainly stop posting on social media, knuckle down and prove to Ruben Amorim and your team-mates that you deserve to be a United player.And remember what it was like for Maguire a year or two ago — which is far worse than anything that’s happened to Rashford.Erik ten Hag humiliated Maguire by stripping him of the club captaincy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEvery time Maguire was partly responsible for a United or England goal, entire press conferences would be dominated by questions over his form.Yet Maguire was a perfect pro, he stuck to the task of proving himself and here he is now as a key member of United’s first team and with a contract extension until 2026.Maguire never said he wanted a transfer. He didn’t go on social media. He didn’t act like a baby.Remember the timeline. When Amorim took over at United, Rashford started the first two ­Premier League games, scoring three goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTwo weeks later, he was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby, which United won, along with Alejandro Garnacho.Within days Marcus was conducting an interview in which he said he was ready for a new challenge elsewhere.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Alejandro Garnacho worked his way back into the first team after being dropped for the Manchester derbyCredit: APMeanwhile, Garnacho worked his way back into the first team, which shows what can happen if you don’t act like a prima donna.If Rashford remains at Old Trafford beyond Monday’s transfer deadline, he needs to follow Maguire’s example.People keep telling me I’m harsh on Marcus but there is nothing personal. Marcus needs to realise that there is no agenda against him.When he was doing great things on and off the pitch, he was lavished with praise. He even got an MBE!I’d love it if in a year’s time I was writing an apology here, saying that I’d got it totally wrong about him. But I doubt if I will have reason to.If I do sound harsh then it’s because I know from personal experience that far worse happens to footballers who have done nothing wrong.Players get singled out by managers, frozen out of teams and bombed out of clubs all the time.I’ll give you a few personal examples.People keep telling me I’m harsh on Marcus but there is nothing personal. Marcus needs to realise that there is no agenda against him.Troy DeeneyOne was when the Italian coach Walter Mazzarri came to Watford and rarely started me, frequently suggesting in public that I wasn’t giving enough in training.This was entirely unjustified. You could  accuse me of having a bad game or a bad spell but never a bad work ethic.But at least Rashford can have arguments with Amorim in English. Mazzarri could barely speak a word, so we often found ourselves trying to have blazing rows via an interpreter.We’d rant and rage at each other — with this poor interpreter stuck between two big blokes with big egos with steam coming out of their eyes — and by the time he’d translated what either of us said, the sting had gone out of the argument.It was like if you’re having a row with your missus on the phone and just as you’re getting to your best point, you lose phone reception — you can never really start the argument properly again!Then, after Watford were relegated in 2020, I was one of five senior pros who were frozen out of the first-team squad and made to train away from the main group because they wanted to off-load us for financial reasons. Harry Maguire has worked his way back into United’s first XIWe didn’t like it but we always turned up on time, trained properly and didn’t complain publicly.I ended up staying that season, because a move to Tottenham couldn’t be finalised, and I played my part in winning promotion.The previous season, Nigel Pearson arrived as manager and challenged me — just to prove to the rest of the dressing room that nobody was safe.I respected Nigel and on that occasion, a combative approach worked.When I managed Forest Green Rovers briefly last season, I did publicly criticise my players.I want to manage again and, if I do, I’d keep that sort of criticism in house.Thierry Henry recently told me that he’d had a go at his players in the media while managing Monaco. He said players of our generation could take it but that times have changed. I agree.Now players are rewarded with £300,000-a-week, five-year contracts for half-decent form, then think the world owes them a living and that they’re above taking any stick.I’d love it if in a year’s time I was writing an apology here, saying that I’d got it totally wrong about him. But I doubt if I will have reason to.Troy DeeneySo I have no problem with Amorim calling out Rashford — even last weekend’s jibe that he would rather have his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench, rather than a player who didn’t give his all.Amorim is setting standards, building foundations.He’s the sort of manager I’d have loved to work for and he’s United’s best hope in years.Rashford was once United’s great hope but not any more.READ MORE SUN STORIESI don’t foresee a future for him at Old Trafford and he will never go down as a club legend,  merely a decent player who came through the ranks but lost his way.Maybe I’ll be proved wrong. Maybe I’ll write that apology. But I’m not holding my breath.Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate strugglesKOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the breakChristian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SUBSAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.Casemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal. 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      Aston Villa join Marcus Rashford transfer race with Barcelona increasingly unlikely to sign Man Utd outcast

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is a late January target for Aston Villa – with a move to Barcelona looking increasingly unlikely. The out-of-favour Manchester United striker has not played for the Red Devils since December 12. Marcus Rashford is being eyed by Aston Villa late in the transfer windowCredit: GettyRashford has been linked with various loan moves away from Old Trafford during the ongoing window. AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were all interested in a temporary move for the England man. Barcelona are still hopeful of signing the 27-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the United. But Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations with the Spanish side. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England striker revealed he was “ready for a new challenge” just weeks after Ruben Amorim took over in the North West.And according to The Athletic, Villa are ready to swoop late in the window. Unai Emery’s side are keen for reinforcements upfront to help out Ollie Watkins.Jhon Duran is set for a £64million switch to Saudi club Al Nassr, while Emi Buendia has moved to Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe report claims Rashford’s own preference would be a move to Barcelona. But the Catalan giants have financial issues which could stand in the way of a loan deal. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe Man Utd star would reportedly “need some convincing” to head down the M6 to Villa on a temporary deal.Rashford’s last appearance for United was in a Europa League game against Plzen almost two months ago.He signed a five-year contract extension with the Red Devils in the summer of 2023.A little over 18 months later, it looks unlikely he will play for the club again. Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate strugglesKOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the breakChristian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SUBSAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.Casemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal.Rashford has managed just four goals this season from 15 appearances. And Amorim claimed last week he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over the wantaway forward.Amorim said: “I’d put [goalkeeping coach Jorge] Vital on the bench before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day. I’ll not change in that department.“It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The way that I see what a footballer should do in training,  in life, every day.  If things don’t change, I will not change.“Same situation for every player — if you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.” More

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      Marcus Rashford ‘REJECTS Tottenham transfer as Man Utd outcast has heart set on a different club’

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      MARCUS RASHFORD has reportedly rejected a move to Tottenham after setting his heart on a different club.The Manchester United misfit has barely featured since being axed by Ruben Amorim last year.Marcus Rashford has rejected Spurs as he waits for his dream moveCredit: ReutersRashford now faces an anxious wait to see if he can secure a move away from Old Trafford before Monday’s deadline.And he has not been short of offers despite picking up north of £300,000-a-week.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are all thought to have been in contact with Rashford’s representatives this month.However, they have all been brutally snubbed by the England forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Guardian claims Tottenham have become the latest suitor to feel the sting of Rashford’s rejection.Ange Postecoglou has made no secret of his desire to land a new attacker.And following Rashford’s decision to snub him, the Aussie is now hoping to wrap up a stunning £50million deal for Bayern Munich teen Mathys Tel.Rashford’s decision to turn down Tottenham means he is now waiting on the one club he’s wanted to join all along.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarcelona came forward earlier this month despite their ongoing financial woes.And Rashford is desperate to link up with Lamine Yamal at the Nou Camp as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change But there is a major stumbling block so far preventing the deal from happening.Barcelona have only just been given special permission from the Higher Sports Council to temporarily register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor because of their financial situation.It means they must get rid of two players to free up space for any more signings.Former Chelsea man Andreas Christensen is thought to be one player up for sale, with Brentford interested in taking him back to England.But he is so far refusing to leave the Nou Camp, as is Ansu Fati.The former Brighton loanee has been told he can leave Barca and is a target for Ajax.READ MORE SUN STORIESFati plays in the same position as Rashford but he has so far resisted being pushed out of the club.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Europa League draw LIVE: Knockout play-off ties drawn as Man Utd safely through to Last 16 – latest updates

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      THE Europa League knockout play-off draw has concluded as the brackets take shape.Manchester United, Tottenham and Rangers are all safely into the Last 16 already and did not feature in this draw, but have learned more about their four potential opponents.The Last 16 draw – which features United and Spurs – will be taking place on Friday, February 21.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the updates below…Europa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedEuropa League’s top earners so farCopy linkCopiedMan Utd secure biggest EL paydayMan Utd have bagged the biggest Europa League prize pot so far – despite finishing only third in the initial league phase.United’s final match win at FCSB means they have landed £19.5million to date and also confirmed their place in the last 16.And Spurs, fourth overall, stand second in the cash rankings at the end of the first phase.The North Londoners have banked £18.4m after recording five wins and two draws out of eight games.Copy linkCopiedRoad to BilbaoEuropa League draw sees Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers straight through to the last 16Copy linkCopiedA reminder of the EL draw in full…Left side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedWho could Man Utd and Tottenham face?Man Utd and Tottenham will each face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland in the last-16 of the Europa League.Copy linkCopiedWhen is the last-16 draw?The draw for the last 16 is on February 21 – a day after the play-off round finishes.Man Utd and Tottenham will find out their next opponents then.Copy linkCopiedPrem closes in on extra CL spotThe Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.It means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Copy linkCopiedPath to the final…Copy linkCopiedEuropa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedPlay-off fixturesThe first leg of the Europa League play-off fixtures will take place on February 13, with the return matches scheduled for the following week on February 20.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedDraw in fullLeft side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedLeft side of the bracketFC TwenteUnion Saint-GilloiseAZ AlkmaarFerencvárosiRight side of the bracketFenerbahcePAOKFC MidtjyllandPortoCopy linkCopiedHere we go!The Europa League play-off draw is about to begin!Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChampions League play-off draw in fullThe Champions League draw has just taken place! Here are the play-off fixtures we have to look forward to…Left side:Brest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side:Monaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedWhich teams are automatically through?The top eight teams in the Europa League group stage table have earned automatic qualification for the last-16.LazioAthletic ClubMan UtdTottenhamEintracht FrankfurtLyonOlympiacosRangersCopy linkCopiedAre there any changes to the knockouts?No, there are no changes to the original knockout stages.The last 16 stage will continue, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on May 21.The removal of away goals – implemented last season – will continue as well.Copy linkCopiedWho is in the draw?Bodo/GlimtAnderlechtFCSBAjaxReal SociedadGalatasarayRomaViktoria PlzenFerencvarosPortoFC AlkmaarMidtjyllandUnion Saint-GilloisePAOKTwenteFenerbahceCopy linkCopiedWelcome to the Europa League drawHello, good morning and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of today’s Europa League draw!Today the 16 teams who qualified for the knockout play-offs will find out who they will be facing next month.The winners of the play-off games will progress through to the last-16.We have some huge potential fixtures in the pipeline, so stay tuned!Copy linkCopied More

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      Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool set for Xavi Simons transfer battle as RB Leipzig are open to mega-money sale

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Man City and Liverpool are all reportedly set to battle for Xavi Simons this summer.The Dutch midfielder only completed a £42million permanent switch from Paris Saint-Germain to loan club RB Leipzig yesterday.Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool are all chasing a deal for RB Leipzig’s Xavi SimonsCredit: GettyBut Bild claims the Germans are already open to selling him for a hefty profit this summer.Simons, who only played 11 times at PSG, spent last season on loan at Leipzig and impressed with 10 goals in 43 games.He returned for a second spell last summer.And the Bundesliga side wrapped up a full-time move for Simons on Thursday after the Netherlands international added a further five goals in 17 appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Leipzig are now open to doing a quick turnaround in the summer.They have only handed Simons a short-term contract until 2027.And the Red Bull side will listen to offers between £58.5m and £67m at the end of the season.It’s reckoned he already has a host of admirers in England too.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMan United are thought to be interested as Ruben Amorim hunts for dynamic attackers who are suitable for his 3-4-3 system.Rivals Man City also fancy Simons as doubts swirl over the long-term futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change While Liverpool are also being linked as Mo Salah continues to be lined up by Saudi sides as his contract runs down.There is sure to be interest in Simons from other teams in Europe.He spent nine years in Barcelona’s academy before joining PSG in 2019.Bayern Munich were thought to have struck a deal for Simons last summer after his impressive Euros run.And they could return as they look to continue snapping up the best talents in Germany’s top flight.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd and Tottenham learn Europa League last-16 opponents as final game wins make it HARDER with full table confirmed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham’s Europa League fate has been determined. United won away at FCSB while Spurs beat Swedish side IF Elfsborg at home to bypass the playoff round and proceed straight for March’s last-16.Kobbie Mainoo celebrates with with Alejandro GarnachoCredit: GettyTottenham breezed throughCredit: APAnd, as they finished next to each other in the final league stage table in 3rd and 4th, the underperforming Prem pair have the SAME four potential opponents.Those are the four teams who 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th – Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, FC Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar – who will face off with each other in the February’s play-off round double-header.Ironically, if United and Spurs had NOT won their final league games – each would have faced potentially easier opponents.That is because, despite their league positions, Real Sociedad and Galatasaray remain two of the toughest sides in the competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe draw takes place on Friday to determine the play-off fixtures – where each of Spurs and United’s potential opponents will be narrowed down to two.United saw off their Romanian rivals 2-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo. While injury-ravaged Spurs ran riot in the last 20 minutes with academy kids Dane Scarlett, Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore getting on the score sheet. Rangers also took an automatic top eight qualification spot after beating Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Scottish side could now play either Anderlecht, Bodo/Glimt, Twente or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Spurs’ win ensured they missed a potentially awkward reunion with old boss Mourinho – for now at least.’Joke of a club’ rant Man Utd fans as 100s of Rangers fans swarm into home end for Battle of Britain Europa League clashNice, Braga, Hoffenheim, Besiktas and Dynamo Kyiv are some of the big names dumped out of Europe. Elfsborg, Maccabi TA, Slavia, Malmo, RFS, Ludogorets and Qarabag make up the full 12. Now 16 clubs battle it out for the eight remaining spots in the knockout stages. Ajax, Porto, Roma, FCSB, Plzen, Ferencvaros and PAOK are also in the play-offs. Lazio topped the table and could now draw arch rivals Roma – as well as either Porto, Plzen or Ferencvaros. Who faces who in the Europa League?Here’s a look at the ties across the competition…Teams who finished from ninth to 24th in the Europa league phase will play off to decide who reaches the last-16.PLAYOFF ROUNDBodo/Glimt vs Twente or FenerbahceAnderlecht vs Twente or FenerbahceFCSB vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKAjax vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKReal Sociedad vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandGalatasaray vs AZ Alkmaar or MidtjyllandRoma vs Ferencvaros or PortoPlzen vs Ferencvaros or PortoWinners of playoff ties will then face the teams who finished in the top eight of the league phase in the last-16…LAST 16Lazio vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoAthletic Bilbao vs Roma or Plzen or Ferencvaros or PortoMan Utd vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarTottenham vs Real Sociedad or Galatasaray or FC Midtjylland or AZ AlkmaarFrankfurt vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKLyon vs FCSB or Ajax or Royale Union Saint-Gilloise or PAOKOlympiakos vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or FenerbahceRangers vs Bodo/Glimt or Anderlecht or Twente or Fenerbahce More

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      Meet Mathys Tel, the teenage prodigy dubbed the ‘next Anelka’ who is sparking transfer scramble by Premier League clubs

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      MATHYS TEL is Bayern Munich’s record-breaking French prodigy who could be on the move to the Premier League. Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have been circling around the 19-year-old whizkid, with Blues fans even hailing him as the next Nicolas Anelka. Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel may be on the move to the Premier League in the transfer windowThe youngster wants out from Bayern in this transfer window, with him sitting on the bench in the club’s last three games. And since Michael Olise’s arrival, Tel has made just seven Bundesliga appearances this season – with two of them being starts. Chelsea are reportedly ready to loan Christopher Nkunku as part of a deal to land Tel, with a fee of £58million being mooted. Man Utd and Spurs are said to be interested, as are Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus injured.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe next Nicholas Anelka According to BILD, Tel has made it clear that he doesn’t want to go to Chelsea – because the competition for places there is just as big as in Munich. But Tel does want to move away from Bavaria because he is hungry for game time. That will be a major blow to Chelsea fans’ dreams of landing the next Anelka. One supporter wrote on X: “When I see Tel, I see a young Anelka.”Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYNicolas Anelka starred for Chelsea during his spell in West LondonCredit: PA:Empics SportTurns out the teenager has previously shared how he idolises the former Blues striker. When asked why he wears the number 39, Tel said: “Because I already had it at Rennes and also because Nicolas Anelka wore it. I like Anelka, he was a really good player.”Man Utd stars hit Ruben Amorim as he runs birthday gauntlet in training… and is left holding his backRetired French ace Anelka, who played at Chelsea between 2008-2012, won the Premier League, FA Cup twice and Community Shield as a Blues player. Where it all began Tel was born in a Northern suburb of Paris called Sarcelles, playing as a youngster for local clubs Villiers Le Bel, Paris FC, ASJ Aubervilliers and Montrouge FC as well as spending time at the renowned Clairefontaine academy. Tel actually started out as a centre-back but it soon became clear that he would be better used as a forward due to his exceptional dribbling and finishing skills. As a fresh-faced 15-year-old he signed for Rennes, where he went on a meteoric rise. In August 2021, Tel became the youngest player ever to turn out for Rennes when he came on for the final five minutes of their 1-1 draw at Brest. He was just 16-years, three-months and 19-days-old when he made his competitive debut and was already 6ft tall. Tel was captain of the France U17 team when they lifted the Euros trophy in Israel in the summer of 2022. The forward played a key role in the push towards Euros glory, with three goals and an assist in the group stage before scoring in penalty shootout wins over Germany and Portugal. He lifted the trophy as captain following a 2-1 success against the Netherlands in the final on 1 June.Tel burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old at RennesCredit: GettyRecord breaker Tel is already a record-breaker, after becoming Bayern’s youngest-ever goalscorer when at 17-years-old and 126-days he was on target in his side’s 5-0 DFB Cup triumph against Viktoria Cologne in August 2022. He beat the club’s previous record holder, Jamal Musiala (17 years, 205 days).It didn’t take long for him to then make his full Bundesliga debut against VfB Stuttgart on 10 September, toasting the occasion with his first top-flight goal.The Frenchman got off to a blinding start to last season, with five goals in his first eight games as Thomas Tuchel showed faith. He laid down a huge marker, notching an impressive two goals – both match-winners, against Manchester United and Copenhagen – and one assist in eight Champions League matches. The glittering campaign prompted Bayern to extend his contract through to 2029. Tel quickly made an impact upon his 2022 Bayern switchCredit: GettyHigh praise His Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller said: “You can see that he wants to score goals – that’s a great quality. “Thinking back to when Arjen Robben was playing, we used to think he should have been looking for the pass, but he was so focused on scoring and he scored a lot. “Mathys should keep doing his thing: firing shots in on goal. He’s a superb finisher.”He’s only 18 and is making the most of it at the moment. He’s always positive, always has a smile on his face and has great finishing in training and in matches.”Former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann added: “He’s a very young, talented player who can play different positions. “He’s very quick, strong with his body. He’s good at defending the ball with his back towards the opponent’s goal… I have the vision that he could score 40 goals [in a season like Robert Lewandowski] one day in the future.”Thomas Muller is among those to have offered high praise of TelCredit: GettyWho would he suit?Having initially played up top for Bayern during the 2022-23 campaign, Tel has mostly been selected on the wing in the years since.A right-footed forward, Tel likes to drift into an inside-left position.At Chelsea he would likely come up against the likes of Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Nicolas Jackson for minutes, so may not get the regular game time that he craves.Man Utd may be a good landing spot, although the Red Devils may have to flog one of Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho to make the deal happen.Tottenham, meanwhile, could almost certainly offer the game time, having been crippled by injuries this season.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnge Postecoglou’s side are still fighting on four fronts, which would give Tel plenty of opportunities to shine.Attackers Dominic Solanke, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert are all missing through injury, while Son Heung-min and Richarlison will need their minutes carefully managed – although Spurs are also claimed to be trying to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. 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      Man Utd flop Antony could be joined at Real Betis by fellow Red Devils outcast as they target loan transfer

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      REAL BETIS are reportedly ready to offer Tyrell Malacia an Old Trafford escape. The Red Devils have already sent Antony on loan to the LaLiga club for the remainder of the season.Tyrell Malacia has been linked with a loan move away from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyThe Dutchman could be teaming up with Antony at Real BetisCredit: GettyAntony has endured a miserable time in the North West since signing for £85.5million in September 2022. He joined Betis – currently 10th in Spain’s top tier – last Friday, but didn’t play in a 1-0 win over Mallorca at the weekend.Malacia has also struggled at Old Trafford after becoming Erik ten Hag’s first signing in June of the same year. He has appeared in just 25 games across the last three seasons, failing to notch either a goal or assist. READ MORE ON MAN UTDMalacia only returned to first-team football last November after serious knee surgery. The 25-year-old was sidelined for 15 months but has since been unable to nail down a place under Ruben Amorim.According to The Mail, Betis are preparing a late loan bid for Malacia before Monday’s deadline. The full-back is desperate for regular minutes, with United hoping to bring in Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShould Dorgu join United before the deadline, Malacia would be pushed further down the pecking order.He has appeared only seven times this season after making his triumphant return from injury.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?All of those appearances have been off the bench, including in United’s dramatic 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers last week.Malacia told United’s official website prior to his return: “I always want to play good games, so it doesn’t matter against who. “I feel sharp and I feel ready. All I want to do is to play football. “It’s been a long time so I’m happy to be back.”MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleysMANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.Andre Onana – 7Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.Diogo Dalot – 6Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham’s main attacking threat.Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.Matthijs de Ligt – 8Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.Harry Maguire – 9A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.Lisandro Martinez – 8Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.Manuel Ugarte – 6Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.Bruno Fernandes – 5Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.Amad Diallo – 6Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.Alejandro Garnacho – 3Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.Rasmus Hojlund – 4His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.Subs:Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet.United are hoping Antony can rediscover the form which made him one of Europe’s most exciting wingers at Ajax.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince joining almost three years ago, the Brazilian has made 96 appearances but only contributed 12 goals and five assists.Antony has picked up 14 yellow cards during this time – more than the amount of goals he scored. 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