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    Panicking Man Utd fans all ask the same question with cult hero tipped to solve centre back crisis for FA Cup semi-final

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans are panicking as to how Erik ten Hag will solve the club’s centre-back crisis for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be stretched for options in the heart of the defence.
    Lisandro Martinez picked up an injury against SevillaCredit: Getty
    Raphael Varane also suffered a knockCredit: Getty
    While Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-finalCredit: Rex
    Phil Jones may be recalled if he is fitCredit: Getty
    Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both picked up injuries against Sevilla in the Europa League, which could rule them out of the tie.
    While club captain Harry Maguire is suspended for the semi-final, and Luke Shaw is still on the mend from his recent injury.
    Which means that the club’s only available centre-backs would likely be Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones.
    Jones has barely played for the club over the last few seasons due to injury and falling down the pecking order.
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    The former England international has not played this season, leaving fans discussing the club’s options on social media.
    Some fans were up for giving the Premier League winner a chance.
    One tweeted: “One more last time.”
    While a second said: “Enters Sir Phil Jones.”
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    Although one fan was completely against the idea as they declared: “I don’t care, bring someone from the academy, definitely better than Phil Jones dawg.”
    However, other fans were predicting that either Scott McTominay or Casemiro could be utilised as a makeshift defender.
    One fan wrote: “Casemiro has played there this season and didn’t look out of place.”
    A second commented: “Casemiro I expect. He played him there with Lindelof against Burnley in the cup just before Christmas.”
    Scott McTominay and Casemiro could fill in at centre back if neededCredit: Getty
    A third added: “I’ll take the stick for it, but McTominay at CB as a stopgap isn’t the worse choice in the world.”
    In February, Ten Hag revealed the reason for Jones’ absence from the squad this season.
    The United boss said: “For the whole season he’s injured. I can’t say [if Jones will play again this season].
    “What I can say is that he’s not available for training since the first day of training this season so I think there’s not an opportunity for you to recover quickly and be available quickly.” More

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    Erik ten Hag reveals he was given warning as he explains why he subbed off key Man Utd pair at crucial time

    ERIK TEN HAG has revealed he subbed Bruno Fernandes and Antony as they were getting close to red cards against Sevilla.The Dutch manager withdrew the duo in the Europa League clash at Old Trafford as he warned about their discipline by referee Felix Zwayer.
    Bruno Fernandes was cautioned for handballCredit: Getty
    Antony was booked for dissentCredit: Getty
    Manager Erik ten Hag was warned that they were close to getting red cardsCredit: AFP
    Manchester United had raced into a two-goal lead as Marcel Sabitzer netted a brace inside the opening 21 minutes.
    Despite having control of the tie on the scoreline, Ten Hag as forced into some unwanted changes as both Antony and Fernandes were on a tightrope.
    The pair had both been booked earlier in the game, with Fernandes being judged to have handled the ball while Antony was cautioned for arguing.
    And Ten Hag was then forced to replace them as he was warned they were close to seeing red.
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    After the game, he said: “Antony as well, and Bruno [Fernandes] because they were close to a second booking.
    “So we had to make some subs and then lose control in the unlucky moment [Sevilla’s first goal].”
    The changes proved costly as United threw away their two-goal lead in the last ten minutes of the game.
    One of the goals came as a stoppage-time equaliser after being reduced to 10 men when Lisandro Martinez was carried off with an injury.
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    United could not replace Martinez having used all of their substitutions earlier in the game.
    The final score means the Red Devils will have to go and get a result against the LaLiga side at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium next week. More

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    How Man Utd will be forced to line up without Martinez, Varane and Rashford for FA Cup semi-final against Brighton

    MANCHESTER UNITED will be forced to rely on several back-up players when they face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final.The clubs meet at Wembley on April 23 for a spot in the final but United could be without three key players.
    Marcus Rashford is currently sidelined for Man UnitedCredit: PA
    Lisandro Martinez was stretched off against SevillaCredit: Getty
    Raphael Varane also picked up a knock in the Europa League clashCredit: AP
    How Man United could line up against Brighton
    Marcus Rashford could miss the match after the club confirmed he will be out for a “few games” following an injury during the win over Everton.
    This means that Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could give a chance to Anthony Martial to impress on the left wing.
    The French attacker is capable of playing across the frontline and could fill in for the England international if he is unable to feature.
    Alternatively, exciting prospect Alejandro Garnacho would also be able to deputise off the left-hand side.
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    But the main issue for the Dutch manager is in the heart of his defence.
    Lisandro Martinez was carried off the pitch in tears in the Europa League clash against Sevilla.
    The Argentine pulled up with nobody near him and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
    Fellow centre-back Raphael Varane also picked up an injury in the game as he was withdrawn at half time.
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    That means Ten Hag will likely have to rely on back-up and Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones, due to Harry Maguire being suspended.
    The other option of Luke Shaw being used in the centre-back role is also scrapped due to his injury.
    Ten Hag could also opt to play Scott McTominay as an emergency defender.
    Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could have to play in defenceCredit: Getty
    An alternative line-up for the FA Cup semi-final More

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    Man Utd icon Paul Scholes predicts Jude Bellingham’s transfer and says ‘I don’t know why, I’ve just got that feeling’

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has made a prediction about Jude Bellingham’s future.The Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder, 19, is being heavily linked with a big-money move in the summer.
    Jude Bellingham is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summerCredit: Getty
    Paul Scholes hopes Bellingham will join Man Utd but feels another club have the edgeCredit: Alamy
    A host of Europe’s top clubs are thought to be interested in signing him including Man Utd, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
    Liverpool reportedly pulled out of the race earlier this week as they do not intend to spend such a hefty fee – thought to be around £130million – on one player.
    And Scholes feels Man Utd are in the running to secure the teenage superstar’s signature.
    Speaking on BT Sport, he said: “I think they [Man Utd] are contenders [to sign him].
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    “If you went back a couple of years you’d have said no chance. Even back to the start of this season.
    “But now I think they have to be. He would look at this team and think this is up and coming for the next few years.”

    Yet despite Scholes’ hope that Bellingham will move to Old Trafford, he feels 14-time European champions Real Madrid will ultimately come out on top.
    He added: “I do think he’ll sign for Real Madrid – I don’t know why. I’ve just got that feeling.
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    “But I do hope he comes here [Old Trafford]. He could make United a proper team.”
    Bellingham has contributed 20 goals and 25 assists in 127 games for Dortmund.
    That includes a superb 17 goal contributions for the club this season.
    He has also already racked up 24 caps for his country and was one of England’s standout players at the Qatar World Cup.
    Despite a huge amount of interest in Bellingham, Dortmund are still hoping to keep hold of him for one more season.
    The club are planning to offer the midfielder a new deal that would see his annual salary increase by 150 per cent to £13million.
    It is also claimed his contract would include a £131m release clause. More

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    Man Utd step up pursuit of £60m-rated Joao Palhinha as Fulham target Porto star as replacement

    FULHAM are eyeing a move for Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe – as a potential replacement for Manchester United target Joao Palhinha.The Cottagers are wary that Palhinha’s incredible form is attracting several suitors – despite the midfielder only arriving in west London from Sporting Lisbon for £20million last summer.
    Manchester United continue to monitor Fulham star Joao PalhinhaCredit: Rex
    Fulham have identified Porto ace Mateus Uribe as Palhinha’s replacementCredit: Reuters
    United are monitoring the Portugal international’s situation, with Fulham expected to demand at least £60m for his services.
    And SunSport understands that 32-year-old Uribe is seen as the perfect man to step in should they lose Palhinha earlier than expected.
    Fulham have made contact with Porto and Uribe’s representatives already, and with the Colombian’s contract expiring at the end of June, a deal would be simple to execute.
    However, Atletico Madrid and Lazio are also believed to be in the mix to land the player on a free.
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    Boss Marco Silva is a big fan of Uribe, and in an ideal world would like to partner him with Palhinha, but knows it will be a tough ask to keep the latter at the club next season.
    Uribe joined Porto from Mexican side Club America back in 2019, and has helped the Portuguese giants to six major trophies, including two league titles.
    Meanwhile, Palhinha has been a mainstay in the Fulham midfield in his debut Premier League campaign, and a big factor in the club rising up the table.
    The 27-year-old was close to joining Wolves before Fulham nabbed him at the last minute.
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    But it is now anticipated United will make their move in the coming weeks.
    Palhinha has amassed a total of four goals in 31 appearances this season.
    Uribe, on the other hand, has registered four goals and one assist in 42 matches across all competitions. More

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    Tottenham join Man Utd and Arsenal in Ansu Fati transfer race after wonderkid falls down Barcelona pecking order

    TOTTENHAM have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the bidding war for Barcelona’s out-of-favour wonderkid Ansu Fati, reports suggest.Spurs will also rival Bayern Munich for Fati, who has slipped down the pecking order at Barca shortly after being handed Lionel Messi’s legendary No10 jersey.
    Tottenham have rivalled Arsenal and Manchester United for Barcelona star Ansu FatiCredit: Rex
    The 20-year-old has struggled for minutes under manager Xavi due to inconsistent form and nagging injury setbacks.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the winger’s struggles have led to the Blaugrana giving his agent Jorge Mendes permission to explore offers from other clubs. 
    That works as a major boost for Tottenham, United, Arsenal and Bayern ahead of the summer transfer window.
    However, the Premier League giants and reigning Bundesliga champions may have to cough up a whopping £90million for his signature.
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    Spurs will need reinforcement in attack with star man Harry Kane’s future in doubt after another trophyless season.
    Kane’s contract also runs out next year, which means the North Londoners are facing the prospect of losing him for free.
    Tottenham have also been lacking the brilliance of last season’s Premier League joint-top goalscorer Son Heung-min, while star signing Richarlison hasn’t lived up to expectations.
    United are also looking for reinforcement after losing Cristiano Ronaldo, while the Gunners want to form a frontline that will help establish them as Prem title contenders.
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    However, Fati appears keen to stay at Barcelona and prove he is worthy of a spot in the starting line-up.
    That is despite the Catalan giants’ need to raise £178m to sign new players amid their ongoing financial woes.
    The Spain international insists on his wish to prove himself even after his father Bori urged him to leave the Nou Camp due to a lack of minutes. More

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    Alexis Mac Allister set to leave Brighton in summer with Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool all in race to sign him

    ALEX MAC ALLISTER is reportedly set to leave Brighton at the end of the season.And the World Cup winner is being pursued by Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as they have already approached his representatives.
    Alexis Mac Allister is expected to depart Brighton in the summerCredit: Getty
    Fabrizio Romano revealed the news on Thursday afternoon, providing a shock update regarding Mac Allister’s future.
    He tweeted: “Alexis Mac Allister, expected to leave early this summer — understand there are three clubs in the race: Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
    “These clubs have approached player’s camp to discuss the project. Brighton will decide price tag soon.”
    And Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, has said: “Normally, the upcoming transfer market will find him playing for another club, we don’t know which one yet as the talks are starting.
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    “It’s very likely that Alexis will be playing in another team in the summer.”
    Mac Allister, 24, joined Brighton from South American side Argentinos Juniors for £7million in 2019 on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
    That was extended by a further 12 months in October, meaning he is under contract until June 2025.
    Brighton also have the option of adding an additional year.
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    It means they are in a strong position to negotiate a hefty fee if he is sold at the end of the campaign.
    Mac Allister has registered 26 goal contributions in 101 games for the Seagulls.
    That includes 10 goals and two assists this season.
    Mac Allister also played an integral part in Argentina’s World Cup triumph, helping his country to lift the trophy for the first time since 1986.
    Following a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener, Mac Allister was brought into the side as Argentina won six games in a row on their way to glory in Qatar.
    His performances on the world stage brought about interest from a host of Premier League clubs including Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool.
    And they are now all in pursuit of the diminutive forward as he prepares to embark on a new challenge away from the South Coast. More

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    Man Utd ‘are most advanced in Randal Kolo Muani transfer race ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly leading the race to sign Randal Kolo Muani.The Eintracht Frankfurt star has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.
    Manchester United are leading the race to sign Randal Kolo MuaniCredit: AFP
    Kolo Muani has excelled this season since moving to the Bundesliga outfit last summer, scoring 12 goals in 26 league games.
    He has also provided ten assists and helps with the defensive side of the game.
    The striker has also been called up to the French national side and was utilised in the World Cup in Qatar.
    This progress has seen Kolo Muani become one of the top targets this summer, with United leading the way, according to SPORT BILD.
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    The German outlet claims that the Red Devils have the most “concrete” interest in the player and have “already inquired” about him.
    Frankfurt are believed to be willing to sell the striker this summer but will be demanding a fee in the region of £88million.
    This would be a huge profit for the current Europa League champions, as they signed him for free last summer.
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    The report also suggests that Tottenham would be interested in signing Kolo Muani.
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    The North London side view him as a potential replacement for Harry Kane should the England international leave the club, possibly for United. More