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      ‘We really wanted him’ – Napoli chief reveals Alejandro Garnacho request that saw Man Utd star’s transfer fall apart

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      ALEJANDRO GARNACHO’s transfer to Napoli fell apart after the star made an “unfair” request to join them.Garnacho, 20, at one stage looked destined to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window.Alejandro Garnacho’s move to Napoli failed due to one ‘unfair’ reasonCredit: GettyNapoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said they ‘really wanted him’Credit: GettyThis was due to him partly not fitting Ruben Amorim’s system, partly owing to a lack of minutes and partly due to PSR pressure on Man Utd.Napoli and Chelsea were among the main clubs linked with the winger, but ultimately a deal was not reached with Garnacho finding a new lease of life at Old Trafford.The Italian side had been looking to sign a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the month in a deal worth £59m.But Giovanni Manna, sporting director of the Naples outfit, has now revealed why a deal to sign the Argentine fell apart.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said: “We discussed and met Garnacho even before Kvara left, we made an important offer to United. We really wanted him.”The player wanted to leave the Premier League in January because in July it’s different; he wanted to be satisfied financially, something that we can’t do at the moment.”We don’t want to and I don’t even think it’s fair when there’s an average salary in the dressing room and you put a young player who earns a higher salary.”It’s not right towards the others who are doing important things.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”We created a competitive team for a competition, and we are there thanks to the coach and the team, it wasn’t right.”Despite extensive discussions with the Red Devils, Napoli were also unable to agree a transfer fee despite the asking price being lowered to £55m.Manchester United player ratings against Crystal PalaceNapoli were also in the race for Patrick Dorgu, before he eventually moved to Man Utd in a deal worth £25m plus £4m in add-ons.Manna added: “Napoli must take strong players, whether they’re young or older. “For example, we negotiated Dorgu for the summer, then if United arrives and makes an offer outside the market it’s difficult to tell them to wait for us.”I’ll give you a practical example – if there’s an opportunity like [Scott] McTominay we’ll take it, but we’re not a club that takes a free agent for a five million salary and six million commission, that’s not our modus operandi, many others do it. “We take the good ones, the functional ones, if they have a prospect it’s better, but it’s not a necessary condition.”We took Buongiorno, Gilmour, but also Spinazzola, McTominay, Neres, Romelu, strong players in their market moment.”It seems that we had to do who knows what, we had to replace Kvara, we didn’t do it as we wanted but this summer we made few mistakes and the team is showing it.”Taking the step to please Garnacho means that I put someone in there with players who have been busting their asses since July… it’s not right, then we wanted to do it.”I’m not happy, we didn’t succeed, but the market didn’t end yesterday, it starts again and we will have to be good and show strength now. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Staying focused on the Champions League objective, which doesn’t mean not dreaming but staying focused, otherwise if you fly then you fall and hurt yourself. “This Napoli deserves only positive words, always and in any case, what is being done nobody expected.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was not allowed to go home after a match until he had signed for Manchester United, according to Rio Ferdinand.The duo won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during their six years as team-mates.Sir Alex Ferguson did not let Cristiano Ronaldo go home until he agreed to join Man UtdCredit: GettyA teenage Ronaldo caught the eye of Sir Alex in a pre-season friendlyCredit: ReutersRio Ferdinand says he ’embarrassed’ players with his skillCredit: ReutersMan Utd paid Sporting Lisbon £12million for Ronaldo – just a year after Ferdinand went from Leeds to Old Trafford.Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had a pre-season friendly against the Portuguese club and CR7 dazzled Red Devils chiefs during the game – when he famously left John O’Shea “needing an oxygen tank”.So much so, that the legendary boss spoke to him after the game and made sure he chose Man Utd ahead of any other club.Ferdinand told the BBC: “We were invited to go to play Sporting to open their stadium.READ MORE ON RONALDO”We had just missed out on signing Ronaldinho. We were all excited thinking we were getting Ronaldinho, then he went and signed for Barcelona. We were all a bit deflated. “We were going to play Sporting and you start getting whispers, they’ve got this kid called Ronaldo, meant to be really good.”I didn’t think anything of it and the game starts. Then we are looking at each other and you’re like, ‘OK, this kid is the real deal’.”Look at him, he is like doing mad stuff, he is embarrassing a couple of our players.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”The we were all standing there saying, ‘Oh my God, we’ve got to sign him.'”On the coach after, waiting everyone’s sitting there going, ‘Been here an hour, waiting, what’s going on? We’ve got to get to the airport.’Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on ‘f—ing clueless’ coaches he’s played for, Messi relationship and calls himself the GOAT”Noise starts travelling back through the coach that David Gill, who was CEO, and the manager are in there.”They have got Cristiano in a vice-like lock, waiting. He can’t leave the stadium until he signs and agrees to come to United.”Ronaldo, who celebrates his 40th birthday today, went on to make 346 appearances for the club over two spells, scoring 145 goals.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible lifeAS arguably the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo lives a life befitting such a superstar. More

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      Man Utd ‘face another budget transfer window in summer unless Ruben Amorim sells likes of Mainoo and Garnacho’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly have to sell stars to raise funds for a summer overhaul. The Red Devils are in major need of a squad revamp following a dismal season so far.Ruben Amorim’s United must sell star players to keep within PSR rules this summerCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho could be among those sold to help fund new arrivalsCredit: GettyNew boss Ruben Amorim has failed to get his side firing since taking over at Old Trafford in November.The 40-year-old has become increasingly frustrated with the disjointed squad at his disposal. He ideally wants to play his favoured 3-4-3 system, which was hugely successful at Sporting Lisbon.But Amorim demonstrated the weaknesses of the squad in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, starting Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat decision was a huge snub to strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, both of whom were brought to the North West for big fees. Reports last month suggested almost the ENTIRE Man Utd squad could be up for sale this summer. Alejandro Garnacho, valued at around £70m by United, almost left for Napoli in January.United will be forced to sell stars in the summer if they are to rebuild and stay within PSR rules.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey could only muster two player signings in January – Patrick Dorgu for £25m from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Garnacho is among those likely to be targeted by Europe’s elite later this year, while reports suggest Mainoo is also on the transfer list. Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Mainoo and Garnaco “were for sale in the winter market and will be again in the summer,” according to The Guardian.The report adds that “selling one or both would mean having to find a replacement.”Sales of academy graduates like Mainoo, Garnacho and Marcus Rashford would also be counted as 100 per cent profit.Those deals could be vital to United staying in Profit and Sustainability Rules compliance after years of heavy spending. Rashford has already departed Old Trafford on loan to Aston Villa after a month of speculation, while Antony and Tyrell Malacia have also gone out on temporary deals.The England striker’s deal is thought to include a buy option for £40million. He also has three years remaining on his £325,000-a-week contract, which proved a stumbling block in negotiations throughout January. SunSport exclusively revealed Rashford has been told he will never play for United again while Amorim is in charge.The forward admitted in December he is “ready for a new challenge”.Man Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen.And the Portuguese tactician suggested he is so unhappy with the way Rashford trains he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.A source told SunSport: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.”He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.”Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd ‘line up Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca, 21, in transfer worth over £20m’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a summer swoop for Flamengo star Wesley Franca, according to reports.The 21-year-old right-back has risen through the ranks at the Brazilian giants.Wesley Franca (right) is being targeted by Manchester UnitedCredit: AlamyThe full-back has starred for Flamengo since breaking into the first-team two years agoCredit: ReutersWesley was a near-ever present as Flamengo finished third in Brazil’s Serie A last season. The versatile defender is being watched by Red Devils scouts ahead of a potential £25million move, according to reports in Brazil.Reports claim Ruben Amorim wants to put Wesley on the right side of his 3-4-3 system.United splashed the cash on Patrick Dorgu earlier this week, bringing in the left-sided full-back from Lecce.READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEWSBut any deal for Wesley is likely to take place after the Club World Cup.Flamengo are taking part in the revamped 63-game competition, which gets underway on June 14.The club have already rejected a bid worth over £20m from Russian side Zenit for Wesley.And they believe they could receive an even bigger offer from United in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnited have yet to fire under Amorim, with reports suggesting almost the entire squad could be up for sale.The Portuguese boss has been unable to turn around the club’s fortunes since arriving in November.Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are ‘trying everything’ to improve his squad after Crystal Palace defeat Amorim has since claimed he is in charge of the “worst Manchester United team in history”.And the 40-year-old admitted last month he had lost his temper in the dressing room following a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, breaking a TV.Amorim said: “I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake.”That’s why I don’t [usually] speak after the game. This game, I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake.”Then I get more nervous and go to the [press] conference really nervous and say things you should not say.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t promise I will not do it again. I don’t know, but I’ll try to improve.”Amorim later clarified his comments, adding: “I did not say I was nervous. I said the team was nervous and I was frustrated.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd star Tyrell Malacia joins Champions League side in loan transfer and could face Arsenal

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      TYRELL MALACIA has completed a loan move away from Manchester United.The defender will spend the rest of the season at Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.Tyrell Malacia has left Manchester United on loanCredit: GettyMalacia, 25, will now feature in the Champions League and could come up against Arsenal.The Dutchman could face the Gunners if PSV overcome Juventus in the play-off round.Malacia may never return to Old Trafford for the Red Devils as PSV have the option to make his move permanent in the summer.Manchester United will also have his wages fully covered by PSV during the length of the loan.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe defender was expected to leave the club in January, but his exit was thrown into doubt after a move to Benfica collapsed.He joined the club initially in 2022 and showed promise in his debut season with 39 appearances.However, Malacia then picked up a lengthy injury and missed the 2023-24 campaign.After finally regaining his fitness this season and the appointment of Ruben Amorim, he went on to play eight times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the manager opted to let him leave the club after the January arrival of Patrick Dorgu.The Danish left-back joined Man United from Lecce in a deal worth £25million.Man Utd fans say ‘looks like a beast’ as forgotten star appears ripped in boxing training 502 days since last appearanceHe has put pen to paper on a contract worth £40,000-per-week which is the third lowest in the squad.Meanwhile, Malacia has insisted he is aiming to win more than one trophy with his new club.He said: “I’m happy to be here. Finally playing good football again.”I am coming off a long injury, but by now I am fit and know that my time will come again.”In every tough period there are also positive elements and in this case that is that I have become much stronger physically and mentally.”I have more patience, am more mature, know my body better and things like that.”I’m ready to pop and hopefully win several prizes with PSV.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Man Utd flop Antony told ‘good players don’t have to constantly show off skills’ by Real Betis boss after debut assist

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      REAL BETIS boss Manuel Pellegrini has fired a warning to Antony following his impressive LaLiga debut.The on-loan Manchester United winger put in a man-of-the-match performance as Betis drew 2-2 with Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Antony impressed on his debut for Real Betis against Athletic BilbaoCredit: RexThe Brazilian has received a warning from Betis boss Manuel PellegriniCredit: RexAntony, 24, turned provider for Isco just fifteen minutes into his first start in Spain. The Brazilian rushed onto a through ball and lashed a strike towards Unai Simon in the Bilbao goal.It was smartly saved by the keeper – but ex-Real Madrid midfielder Isco was on hand to sweep home.Antony was a constant threat on the right for the hosts, tormenting full-back Inigo Lekue.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was involved again as the hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Romain Perraud. It was a far cry from the 24-year-old’s dismal spell at United, where he was ridiculed for doing needless tricks with the ball while not producing any end product. Following the game, Betis boss Pelligrini sent Anthony a warning to continue his strong start.And he advised the winger from falling back into familiar habits. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPelligrini said: “Well, I think it was a very positive debut.”He’s a quality player. I was talking to him just before the game.Antony leaves Man Utd with more yellow cards than goals as £86m Ten Hag flop goes down as one of worst transfers ever”I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball.”He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things – a goal, a good pass, a good cross.”I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal.”He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”Antony joined Man Utd in 2022 from Ajax in a deal worth £84million.He mustered just 5 goals in 62 games for the Red Devils, leaving the club with more yellow cards than goals. READ MORE SUN STORIESBetis reportedly do not have an option to buy included in the loan deal that sent Antony to Spain last month. United are still contributing 16 per cent of his mammoth £200,000-a-week salary. More

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      Fears new Man Utd stadium faces SEVEN-YEAR wait as Sir Jim Ratcliffe rushes to get started on Old Trafford replacement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans could be waiting SEVEN YEARS for a new home to replace Old Trafford.Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to move the Red Devils into a new 100,000-seater, £2billion home.Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is desperate to get started on Old Trafford’s redevelopmentCredit: AlamyAn AI impression of the new project, which could see United build a 100,000-seater stadiumCredit: CanvaThe plans will see a huge overhaul of the area around Old TraffordCredit: PAThe plans recently received government backing and will see a transformation to the area around the Theatre of Dreams.It will lead to new housing, commercial and public spaces, as well as the creation of thousands of jobs. Ratcliffe is eager to get spades in the ground on the mammoth redevelopment as soon as possible. The 72-year-old wants to get work underway by the end of 2025, with completion by 2030. READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut according to building experts, cited by The Mail, “it could be 2032 before the stadium could be fully rebuilt or redeveloped.”Seven years is seen as a more accurate target by architects who are wary of planning permission to build in the area.United are yet to decide whether to develop Old Trafford or commence with an entirely new build.It’s reported that a final decision on the stadium’s future will be made before the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA redevelopment of the iconic ground would house just 87,000 fans, a task force recently discovered. The team – which includes ex-United star Gary Neville, Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Lord Sebastian Coe – conducted a feasibility study into whether a new stadium should be built. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Ratcliffe has pushed for an ambitious “Wembley of the North” project.He envisages a completely new 100,000 arena which would serve as the focal point of a completely renovated site. The entire project is estimated to cost around £2billion and was described by Olympics hero Coe as “one of the biggest regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK”.Manchester mayor Andy Burnham added: “[This is] the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012.”It will be a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester.”We look forward to working with the Government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity for our rail network and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.”On the field, it’s been another dismal season for United.They currently sit 13th in the Premier League, with only 8 wins from 24 games.The Red Devils appear set for a huge summer reset under Ruben Amorim, with almost every member of the squad available for sale.Ratcliffe and Ineos have cut costs around the club throughout the past year, including slashing budgets for non-playing staff.READ MORE SUN STORIESEven legendary Sir Alex Ferguson was not safe, with the Scot removed from his multi-million-pound role as a club ambassador in October.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      How Marcus Rashford should take heart from a string of players who left Man Utd for bigger and better things

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      MARCUS RASHFORD should be very, very excited after joining Aston Villa on loan.But it’s less about Villa, no disrespect to the Midlanders who are flying high, currently in the Champions League last 16 and chasing a top-four spot in the Premier League.Marcus Rashford has escaped Man Utd to join Aston Villa on loanCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialRashford had been frozen out at Man Utd but could get a new lease off life away from Old TraffordCredit: ReutersMan Utd are struggling and fans are starting to fear the club are the problem – not the players or even managersCredit: PAIt’s more about Manchester United – once the biggest team on the planet, with the best manager, a squad of elite players and trophies coming out of their ears.And now? The Red Devils sit 13th in the Premier League with an unproven boss in Ruben Amorim, a raft of largely overpaid and underperforming flops and no title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season, 2012-13.On paper, things should be rosy for the red half of Manchester with lots of talented players, like Bruno Fernandes.Their ability to beat rivals to the signing of in-demand stars including Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Rasmus Hojlund and many more.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThe transfer of former world-beating Real Madrid star Casemiro was a particular coup at the time.There’s even been an influx of talented youngsters breaking into the team, most-notably Kobbie Mainoo.So what on earth is going on at Old Trafford? How have their top transfer targets, for the most part, fizzled out and the incredible array of talent in the squad struggle so much?Given how many managers United have gone through since Fergie left, it’s starting to look less and less like the managers… and you can hardly blame the players for a 12-year slump.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhat, perhaps, is most telling is how many players quit Man Utd and go on to become world-beaters once more.In recent years, we’ve seen the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Memphis Depay, Wilfried Zaha and Angel Di Maria – to name a few – quit United and thrive elsewhere.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionAnd the theme has continued well into this season… with Rashford the latest big-name star to jump ship, joining Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, at least.As we prepare for Rashford’s debut for the Midlanders, SunSport takes a look at seven stars enjoying a monster season having recently quit Old Trafford.David De GeaHe won the Premier League in Fergie’s final season, as well as two Prem Golden Gloves, five Man Utd Player of the Season gongs and five Prem Team of the Season entries.And yet by the end the Spaniard, now 34, looked a shell of his former self.A string of high-profile blunders seemed to shatter his confidence and United quickly went public in looking for a new goalkeeper – one who was better with his feet.De Gea was released in the summer of 2023 and spent a year unemployed before Fiorentina came knocking.And ever since, the ex-Atletico Madrid stopper appears to be a man reborn and clearly loving life.After being limited to two Conference League matches to start his Viola career, De Gea has quickly become the Serie A giants’ No1 and was even statistically the best shot-stopper in Europe this season until December.You’d wager United fans would have him back between the sticks now…David De Gea has excelled at Fiorentina, even after a year out of the gameCredit: RexChris SmallingSmalling’s 10-year spell at United did see him rack up more than 300 appearances – in which time he won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.But when he departed for Roma on loan in 2019, it looked as though his stock was falling – out of favour at Old Trafford and looking unlikely to ever add to his 31 England caps.That was until he began to produce some sensational displays for the Italian giants.He permanently joined the club in 2020 and thrived even further under former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, helping the club to Europa Conference League glory and the Europa League final.While Smalling, 35, was never given another England look-in despite seemingly coming close, he continue to dominate in Italy before joining Saudi side Al-Fayha.Chris Smalling left United and enjoyed a resurgence at RomaCredit: APMan Utd player ratings vs Crystal PalaceMANCHESTER UNITED’S mini-revival under Ruben Amorim came to an abrupt end as Crystal Palace ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.Here’s how the Red Devils stars rated on a disappointing day.Andre Onana – 5Was left vulnerable by a shaky back-line and beaten by Lacroix’s looping header, which came off the crossbar into Mateta’s path.But he couldn’t do much about the second goal.Leny Yoro – 5Came in for De Ligt, who was benched. Was inches away from scoring his first United goal early on.Did well to block Mitchell after a Mazraoui error, but his positioning was a problem later in the game.Harry Maguire – 3Lost his battle with centre forward Mateta, who held the ball up well and got in behind every time, and was left stranded for the Frenchman’s first goal.Hasn’t connected with Yoro. Palace, namely Sarr, opened them both up with ease and should’ve buried some chances through Mateta.Lisandro Martinez – 6Was stretchered off after jarring his knee in the 79th minute.The Argentine has been scoring the goals recently, but blazed a centre-back’s shot over the bar on the brink of half-time.Noussair Mazraoui – 5He was okay in the right wing-back role again but it is obviously not his best position.Struggled with the dual threat of Mitchell and Daichi Kamada down Palace’s left side.Diogo Dalot – 4Awful link-up play with a horrible blind pass inside the Palace box in a promising team position before the break. He’s not a left winger and it’s clear why Patrick Dorgu has been signed.Manuel Ugarte – 6Missing in the middle when Mateta’s stunning 80-yard run. Missed half a chance in the second-half.Bruno Fernandes – 5Restricted. Couldn’t get forward much and was unlucky not to score from his usual 20-yard territory after being denied by Henderson.Was one of three United players booked.Amad Diallo – 6Great individual runs, on and off the ball. Dropped to wing-back after Mainoo came off and was involved in anything good creatively.Alejandro Garnacho – 5Predictable build-up. But worked hard tracking back as one of the two 10s.Was quieter in the second half and struggled to step up when the going got tough.Kobbie Mainoo – 4Huge experiment by Amorim to have Mainoo lead the line, albeit falsely. It didn’t pay off, but it wasn’t all his fault.He didn’t get the service or have the hold up play required to be effective.SUBSHojlund (’70 for Mainoo) – 5Came on for the last 20 minutes and ran around a bit without doing much of note.Zirkzee (’70 for Mazraoui) – 5As above, not a great deal to write home about despite trying to make things happen.Alvaro CarrerasUnited swooped to sign Alvaro Fernandez Carreras from Real Madrid in 2020, when he was just 17.After a couple of years in the youth squad, hopes were high the Spaniard could be the answer to the club’s well-documented issues at left-back.He was loaned out to Preston, Granada and Benfica before eventually joining the Portuguese giants on a permanent deal last summer.United made just £5million selling the defender, 21, but have now sent scouts to check him out with a view to re-signing him.Worryingly for United, it’s claimed there’s a £42m buy-back clause in the deal.Should Amorim swoop for the star – who would fit his preferred 3-4-3 very nicely – it would prove to be a disastrous bit of business, financially.Alvaro Carreras has been so good for Benfica, Man Utd want him backCredit: ReutersScott McTominayEyebrows were raised when Erik ten Hag allowed the midfielder to quit and sign for Napoli – linking up with fellow Scotsman Billy Gilmour.McTominay, 28, started to show promise in a more advanced role having been touted for huge things by Sir Alex Ferguson when he was younger.Entering his prime years, United only managed to rake in £25m for the midfielder, who’s since been dubbed Napoli’s ‘Elixir’ and ‘Blue Label Scotch’ following a phenomenal start to life in Italy.McTominay has scored six times in 22 games for the Naples giants and won over fans with his work ethic and all-around play.Perhaps somewhat tongue-in-cheek, the midfielder has been dubbed a Maradona regen by giddy supporters.The Scot ace had been on the books of the Old Trafford side since he was FIVE YEARS OLD, and yet, becomes another man reborn outside of Old Trafford.Scott McTominay has become an instant fan favourite at NapoliCredit: GettyAngel GomesAfter joining the United youth ranks aged just six, United expected big things of Gomes.The 5ft 6in midfielder, now 24, played just five times in the Premier League for United.And in 2020, he was sold to Ligue 1 giants Lille in a shock transfer.Gomes has gone on to play 132 times for Lille and forced his way into a crowded England midfield set-up, putting in a string of impressive performances under interim boss Lee Carsley.Now with four senior caps to his name, having played for every Young Lions age group from Under-16s to Under-21s, the future is looking very bright for Gomes.Another one who slipped through the net…Angel Gomes is now a part of the England set up after thriving at LilleCredit: GettyAnthony ElangaHaving joined United aged 11, fans couldn’t wait to see the talented winger in action for the senior side.He played twice late in the 2020-21 Premier League season before forcing his way into the squad.However, he was limited to a bit-part role and after two fairly impressive seasons, he joined Nottingham Forest in a £15m deal.Elanga, now a 19-cap Sweden international aged just 22, immediately became a force for the reinvigorated fallen giants.He played all but two Prem matches in 2023-24 and has featured in every league match this season with surprise-package Forest flying high in third.Elanga even bagged a hat-trick of assists in Forest’s 7-0 mauling of Brighton at the weekend.In fact, he’s easily outperformed ALL of United’s attackers since leaving Old Trafford…Anthony Elanga has been sensational for Forest and would arguably start for UnitedCredit: RexCristiano RonaldoA man who needs no introduction, Ronaldo rejoined United for a second stint in a shock transfer in the summer of 2021.The Red Devils beat neighbours City to the coup and hoped he’d bring with him his sensational goalscoring record from Real Madrid and Juventus with him.However, after a strong start, Ronaldo quickly faded away.And, in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, the 217-cap Portugal legend took aim at then-boss Erik ten Hag in brutal manner.After just 16 months, Ronaldo led a Saudi revolution, joining Al-Nassr in a shock deal – where he has found his feet again, scoring 87 times in 95 matches and even winning the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.Cristiano Ronaldo has enjoyed a late-career boost after quitting Man Utd and joining Al-NassrCredit: ReutersBonus round: AntonyIt’s only been one game… but Antony already looks a star reborn at Real Betis.In two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, the £85.5m signing became one of the club’s most-criticised transfers ever.In 62 Prem games, he scored just five times and rarely had a major effect on games.After leaving last month to join LaLiga side Betis on loan, Antony had an immediate impact, as his shot just 14 minutes into his debut led to an easy tap-in for ex-Real Madrid star Isco.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans on X were quick to pile into the Red Devils, with one even saying: “Maybe United are the problem.”Given the amount of talent who leave the club and suddenly look like world-beaters again, you can’t blame supporters for thinking that.Antony already has a smile back on his face after joining Real Betis on loanCredit: Getty More