More stories

  • in

    Sofyan Amrabat’s agent gives exciting transfer update after confirming Man Utd offer in January

    MANCHESTER UNITED transfer target Sofyan Amrabat could be granted permission to leave Fiorentina in the summer.The midfielder’s agent has revealed that the Italian club is open to the idea of letting him go, but only if a suitable offer is received.
    Amrabat could be allowed to leave Fiorentina at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    Mohamed Sinouh told Kora Plus: “For now we don’t have any offer for the summer, but now at least Fiorentina is willing to listen.
    “A promise they made when the president rejected all the offers in winter.
    “We received many offers during the January transfer window, including one from Manchester United, but an agreement cannot be reached.”
    The Red Devils made Amrabat a top transfer target ahead of the January window.
    Read More on Man Utd
    However, Fiorentina officials refused to sell him mid-season.
    Instead, Erik ten Hag pursued a last-minute swoop for Marcel Sabitzer, who eventually joined the club on loan until the end of the season.
    Amrabat’s brother, Nordin Amrabat, confirmed United’s interest when speaking to Voetbal Primeur last week.
    He said: “I can name three clubs who were concrete in the last two or three days of the transfer window.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “Manchester United wanted a loan with an option to buy deal, Fiorentina rejected.”
    Barcelona have also expressed an interest in signing Amrabat.
    The midfielder was so eager to join the LaLiga giants earlier this year that he reportedly offered to play for free in order to aid with the club’s financial issues. More

  • in

    Fuming Man Utd fans ask ‘how is this allowed’ after ‘baffling’ referee selection for Everton clash

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans fumed after Newcastle supporter Michael Oliver was named referee for their game against Everton. The Red Devils welcome Sean Dyche’s side to Old Trafford in a vital game at both ends of the table.
    Man Utd fans have been left raging at the Premier League’s decisionCredit: Getty
    Referee Michael Oliver is a Newcastle fanCredit: Getty
    United and Newcastle are both level on points in third and fourth coming into the game as the two sides eye a spot in next year’s Champions League.
    And surprisingly, Geordie referee Oliver has been appointed official for Man Utd’s match today.
    One fan said: “How is this allowed?”
    Another reacted: “The refs are going to f*** us over.”
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    A third added: “Absolute corruption! If we don’t win now you know what people are going to say.”
    More joked that they were going to bet on a Man Utd player being sent off.
    The decision to hand Oliver with Paul Tierney on VAR comes as a shock as he previously admitted he could not ref matches that could impact Newcastle’s league position late in the season.
    Supporters have dug up old quotes where he said: “I never referee Newcastle games.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “We have to declare if we have an allegiance to any club or if a family member works at a club. You can’t do any match involving that team and I can’t do Sunderland, either, for obvious reasons.
    “Because Newcastle are invariably involved in a relegation battle, when you get to March or April, it means I can’t referee anyone around them towards the bottom three.”
    Man Utd do not have a great record when Oliver is official, failing to win four of their last eight matches when he is the man with the whistle. More

  • in

    Man Utd starlet set to be offered new long-term deal as club open talks with agent after brilliant cameos for Ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to offer Facundo Pellistri a new contract, according to reports.The winger has broken into the first team under Erik ten Hag and impressed over the last few weeks.
    Manchester United are set to offer Facundo Pellistri a new contractCredit: Getty
    He played for Uruguay at the World Cup and has seen his game time at United increase since the tournament in Qatar.
    And now the Red Devils are keen to reward him for his form with a new long-term contract, reports Fabrizio Romano.
    United are set to hold talks with Pellistri’s representatives this month with the 21-year-old’s contract expiring in 2025.
    Both the board and Ten Hag are said to be pleased with his development and they are keen to tie him down for the future.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Alejandro Garnacho was also rewarded with a lengthy new deal after breaking into the first-team this season.
    He penned a five-year contract believed to be worth around £50,000 a week.
    His injury has seen Pellistri given more game time, with the youngster making eight appearances in all competitions.
    Pellistri has more recently appeared from the bench during the 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Europa League and the goalless draw against Southampton.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Ten Hag praised his performance against Betis before giving him his first United start in the second leg.
    He said of Pellistri: “He is the example by deserving his position by performance on the training ground.
    “And I said the other day, I did not select him for Liverpool and it was not even totally justified because he was training that well.
    “Now this was his moment to come on because of a longer period he performed in training. What impressed me was he came on and, straight away, showed himself.
    “When they came on, Scott [McTominay] and Pelli, it was 3-1 but 4-1 is huge, to make the extra goal. In the first moment, they did, which was brilliant.” More

  • in

    Man Utd LIVE: Marcel Sabitzer permanent deal latest, Christian Eriksen’s RETURN confirmed, takeover updates

    MARCEL SABITZER could extend his Old Trafford stay past the end of the season.The midfielder signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
    And a return to the club is unlikely when his loan deal ends, according to Sky in Germany.
    While we have the very latest on Christian Eriksen’s return this weekend for the Everton clash and updates on the club takeover talks.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Gunners rated favourites for Vlahovic ahead of Utd
    Dusan Vlahovic will be an Arsenal player by July 1.
    That’s the stark claim from Italian outlet Calciomercato as Juventus battle to keep hold of their top players.
    Just last month it was claimed Manchester United were frontrunners for the Serbia striker, 23.
    But Calciomercato say Juve are willing to sell the ex-Fiorentina star – albeit for a sizeable fee.
    Glazers ‘could opt for third round of bids’
    United owners the Glazers could call for a third round of takeover bids as they hold out for £6billion.
    Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s Qatari bid and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group made offers of around £5bn, while four US investment firms made proposals to pump in funds.
    Takevoer brokers Raine Group have yet to reveal their responses.
    Now Football Insider say there is a “real possibility” the Glazers could invite new offers.
    So far Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe have indicated they won’t over-bid.
    And it’s still thought the Glazer brothers could stay in charge.
    Ten Hag confirms Eriksen return tomorrow
    Erik ten Hag has revealed that Christian Eriksen will be back in Manchester United’s match day squad to face Everton tomorrow for the first time since the end of January.
    It was feared the midfielder would be out for the season with an ankle injury after a challenge by Andy Carroll in the Red Devils FA Cup encounter with Reading.
    It is a tackle that still clearly angers the United boss as he lost one of his main playmakers at a crucial stage of the season.
    Ten Hag said: “It was a really bad tackle and a really bad injury, it’s settled and now we are very happy with that.
    “I think it was not for nothing, I was so angry about that bad tackle.
    “We first feared we had lost him for the whole season but he has worked really well and the medical department did very well.
    “He’s returning to the squad and is available for the final stages of the season, so we are very pleased with that.”
    ‘Better for Rice to join Arsenal, not Red Devils’
    Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Declan Rice.
    But former England striker Andy Carroll has urged the West Ham man to join Arsenal instead.
    Reading ace Carroll told Metro: “We all know he needs to go to a top club. I can’t see him going outside of England, but he should go to a top-three or top-two club.
    “I’d like to see Declan at Arsenal to be honest – I’m not an Arsenal fan but I like the way they’re playing at the minute.
    “The way Mikel Arteta has them playing and the young lads coming through – you see the team and the average age is incredible.”
    Ten Hag – Passion is a minimum
    Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has spoken on the need for passion needed in order to play for Manchester United.
    When asked about keeping passion in the team, the Dutchman said: “We have to do it every game and that needs preparation and it has to be the standard when you are playing for Manchester United.
    “So this is the demand, no ifs or buts, you have to do it and that is the responsibility.
    “That a player has to deliver when you are playing for Manchester United.
    “So you have to be accountable.”

    Ten Hag expecting physical battle
    Erik ten Hag has spoken on the need to match Everton physically when the two teams meet at Old Trafford tomorrow.
    The Dutchman praised Sean Dyche for the job he is doing with the Toffees.
    He said: “It’s obviously a manager doing a great job.
    “The team is really fit from Everton.
    “Their physical output is outstanding so we have to match that.”
    More on Eriksen
    Erik ten Hag praised Christian Eriksen and Manchester United’s medical department after the midfielder returned to fitness ahead of schedule.
    There were fears the playmaker would be out for the season after he picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup win over Reading in January.
    But Ten Hag said: “I was so angry about the tackle.
    “He was away, we felt we had lost him for the whole season, but he worked very well. The medical department did very well.
    “He’s now available for the final stages of the season. At first, it was a really bad tackle and a bad injury.
    “He’s ahead of schedule, so we’re happy with that.”
    Luke Shaw ruled out
    Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw will not be available for tomorrow’s game against Everton.
    But in good news for the Red Devils Christian Eriksen is set to reunite with the squad.
    Ten Hag said: “Luke Shaw is not available for tomorrow.
    “We have to see about the progress for the coming week, but the good news is Eriksen is back in training and he will be in the squad.”
    Ten Hag to address media
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will speak to the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s game against Everton.
    The Red Devils gaffer could give up an update on Luke Shaw after he was subbed off early in the 1-0 win over Brentford.
    Ten Hag’s press conference is due to get underway at 2pm UK time.
    Sabitzer set to stay?
    Marcel Sabitzer could extend his Old Trafford stay past the end of the season.
    The midfielder signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
    And a return to the club is unlikely when his loan deal ends, according to Sky in Germany.
    Talks with the Red Devils are scheduled for the coming weeks, with the Austrian ace open to staying at United.
    A number of other Premier League clubs are also said to have enquired for his services.
    Credit: Getty
    Three for the axe
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly decided on three players to move on from his squad in the summer.
    The gaffer is planning a clearout to finance moves for new signings.
    And, according to Fichajes, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek could all be sold.
    Maguire and Lindelof have struggled for regular football, while Van de Beek has been sidelined by a long-term injury.
    The Wright stuff for United
    Arsenal legend Ian Wright is not going to judge Erik ten Hag as a manager until he signs a right-back and striker.
    The Red Devils have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, while the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen have been touted as striker targets.
    And Wright said on his Wrighty’s House podcast: “I can’t wait for Erik ten Hag to get the right-back he wants and the No 9 he wants.
    “At some stage something needs to be done about the goalkeeper [De Gea].
    “I want to see all of those things before I judge Erik ten Hag too much.”
    Carroll – United not right for Rice
    Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Declan Rice.
    But former England striker Andy Carroll has urged the West Ham man to join Arsenal instead.
    Reading ace Carroll told Metro: “We all know he needs to go to a top club. I can’t see him going outside of England, but he should go to a top-three or top-two club.
    “I’d like to see Declan at Arsenal to be honest – I’m not an Arsenal fan but I like the way they’re playing at the minute.
    “The way Mikel Arteta has them playing and the young lads coming through – you see the team and the average age is incredible.”
    Cleverley praises Fred
    Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has singled out Old Trafford ace Fred for praise.
    Cleverley claimed the Brazilian is underrated, but he won’t be within the United dressing room.
    He told the Man United Scandinavian Supporters’ Club: Yeah, massively [Fred underrated], within that dressing room Fred will have for sure a lot more respect than he does in the outside football world.
    “Hopefully that’s all that matters to Fred personally, I think a lot of people can see what he does without the ball, the intensity he plays at and I’m glad that he’s been able to add some goals to that now, to get the recognition he deserves.”
    Solskjaer candidate for Club Brugge job
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly a candidate for the Club Brugge job.
    The former Manchester United boss is on the Belgian club’s shortlist, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
    Brugge are on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Scott Parker last month.
    And Solskjaer is a potential successor, along with former Celtic gaffer Ronny Deila and ex-Bayern Munich assistant manager Dino Toppmoller.
    Solskjaer is currently a youth team manager at hometown club Kristiansund BK in Norway, according to MEN.
    United in Frimpong blow
    Manchester United have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
    Bayern Munich and Barcelona have held direct meetings with his agent, Jeffrey Lemmert, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    The 22-year-old is thought to have been on United’s shortlist since October.
    Romano reports that Bayern will decide on Joao Cancelo’s future at the end of the season, while Barca’s position is unclear due to financial restraints.
    Team news for Everton
    There is no time to rest for Erik ten Hag and Co as his team prepare to return to action against Everton.
    Full team news is expected later today.
    Fans are sweating on the fitness of Luke Shaw after he came off early in the win over Brentford.
    Elsewhere, Christian Eriksen is back in training and Ten Hag did not rule out a return for the playmaker on Saturday.
    Casemiro is serving the final game of his suspension, while Alejandro Garnacho is out with an ankle injury.
    Sutton – United will win again
    Manchester United return to action on Saturday lunchtime following Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Brentford.
    The Red devils welcome Everton to Old Trafford.
    And former Premier League striker Chris Sutton is predicting another narrow win for the hosts.
    He wrote in his BBC column: “Manchester United are anything but free-flowing at the moment but they still found a way of beating Brentford on Wednesday.
    “United are in a decent position to make the top four with Tottenham hitting the buffers a bit, but it is important they keep pushing on, especially at home.
    “Everton will not make it easy for them and, since Dyche took charge at the end of January, they carry more of a threat now, especially from set-plays – but I still see United edging this.”
    Good morning Man Utd fans
    Manchester United star Christian Eriksen has been spotted in training for the first time since suffering an ankle injury.
    Eriksen limped off during a 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fourth round in January when he was on the receiving end of a rough tackle from Andy Carroll.
    The playmaker also gave the thumbs up to the camera to show he is fit and ready to go.
    It is unclear when the Denmark international will be ready to play again, but he is hoping to be back for the weekend’s clash with Everton.
    Meanwhile, The Glazers insist they remain “open-minded” amid suggestions they could stay in charge of United.
    The unpopular owners put the club up for sale and are asking for a world record £6billion with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani posing as the frontrunners to succeed them.
    But there are concerns the Glazers may end up staying at Old Trafford, particularly with brothers Avram and Joe open to minority investment from an outside source.
    According to The Telegraph, however, the Americans have addressed speculation they may stay by just stating they remain ‘open-minded’.
    The Glazers have also confirmed they continue to pursue “all available options” as well.
    And United will invite potential bidders to more talks in the coming days – and insist a sale is still possible, reports SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
    Doubts over the Glazer family’s true intentions have been raised after their bankers Raine Group opted for radio silence for almost a fortnight.
    Both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe’s Ineos have been left in the dark by the lack of contact since submitting world record £5bn bids over the final weekend of last month.
    That has led to growing worries that the Glazers might be more minded to accept the offer of US hedge fund Elliott Management for a “small amount of common equity” that could see the club’s commercial and merchandising division hived off into a separate company.
    But the Glazers now want to discover how serious the main bidders are about coming close to their £6bn valuation by inviting them for a further conversation.
    It appears the Glazers and Raine are looking to give Ineos and Sheikh Jassim a final chance to raise their bids to a level where the deal cannot be turned down.
    However, if an offer at the right level is not made, the sale could be scuppered, with the American family said to be “open minded” about their options.
    Finally, United have been fined £65,000 for their players’ behaviour against Fulham in the FA Cup last month.
    The fine comes after the Red Devils were charged for failing to control their players in the quarter-final win at Old Trafford.
    The Manchester giants were charged for the way the players surrounded referee Chris Kavanagh as they appealed for a penalty after the Cottagers’ star Willian handled the ball.
    Jadon Sancho’s goalbound effort was blocked on the line by the Brazilian and Kavanagh initially waved play on, leading to the protests, before a VAR check led to a penalty.
    United accepted the charges and the FA confirmed the club has been handed a £65,000 fine.
    Ten Hag praises players
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was delighted with his players’ concentration in beating Brentford 1-0.
    Ten Hag said: “It’s about focus, we want to play as a machine.
    “I thought we made one mistake but fortunately they didn’t get the benefit of it and [David] De Gea was the equal to it.
    “This is a massive win, especially over Brentford because as I said I admire them. This win will give us energy.”
    Lewandowski Prem approach
    Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski has revealed he laughed at Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp when he made a cheeky transfer offer.
    Lewandowski’s ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp had stopped him from joining Manchester United six years earlier in 2011.
    And the striker admits he was stunned when the German tactician asked him about moving to Anfield.
    Lewandowski told Bild: “We spoke on that occasion. Klopp asked me, ‘Don’t you want to come to Liverpool?’  We looked at each other, then I laughed.
    “I don’t know if he was totally serious. But going to Liverpool was never in my mind.”
    Credit: Getty
    Ten Hag on Martial
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted he was scared to risk starting “fragile” Anthony Martial against Brentford.
    When asked why Martial didn’t start, Ten Hag said: “He was an option but I don’t think he was fit enough.
    “Also it’s prevention. Obviously, when you see his record over the last years you have to be really careful to plan it. Even then still he can be fragile physically.
    “So I don’t want to take that risk because I know when he is on the pitch he has a great impact on our performance.”
    Ian Wright’s super Sab
    Arsenal legend Ian Wright praised Manchester United ace Marcel Sabitzer’s impressive display against Brentford.
    Wright told Premier League Productions: “You have to say, Sabitzer came up with the goods.
    “With the assist and in certain other areas, he was getting into pockets, making some nice little moves and always making himself available.
    “He got taken off in the end but I thought he did more than enough tonight in that No10 position.”
    Got the Gigg
    Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ son Zach looks set to leave the club.
    The 16-year-old is nearing a move to Sheffield United and therefore could be part of a Premier League squad next season.
    The Blades are in the hunt for promotion and sit in second place in the Championship table.
    The left-back has been part of United’s academy since 2019, hoping to emulate his father at the club.
    The Welshman has played for the Under-18s side, but his hopes of landing a professional deal at the Red Devils have been dampened.
    Gunner blow it
    Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Arsenal will choke in the Premier League title race.
    Keane said: “They [Arsenal] are in a great position, wouldn’t have thought that at the start of the season but they’ve been brilliant, a lot of the young players have been very consistent, they can just focus on the league.
    “They’re definitely favourites for the title. I don’t think they’ll do it. I still have to fancy [Manchester] City but Arsenal have got themselves in a great position.
    “You need a little bit of luck, injuries over the last few months, they’re in a great position and you have to admire them for that – can’t begrudge them.
    “I just think City are that brilliant. The games they [Arsenal] have to go and win, these are obviously pressure games and they’ve not dealt with that over the last few years. Even last year with top four they came up short, that’s the question mark that’s just hanging over them.
    “But again, they’ve been brilliant, if they did go on and win it you have to give them the plaudits, but this is the crunch time, when you sort the men out from the boys, who can get over the line?”
    Credit: Sportsfile
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘told how much it will cost to sign Jeremie Frimpong after weeks of transfer talks, with Barca and Bayern keen’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly been given a price for star player Jeremie Frimpong in their bid to sign the defender.The right-back is considered Bayer Leverkusen’s hottest stock, and has been on United’s radar as manager Erik ten Hag looks for new recruits.
    Man Utd have signalled their interest in signing FrimpongCredit: Getty
    The Dutchman has been impressive in his performances with the German teamCredit: Getty
    With eight goals and nine assists to his name, Frimpong has had a stellar season with the German team.
    The 22-year old has become key player in the squad, as he can operate as a right-sided winger as well.
    The defender has a contract with the Bundesliga club until summer 2025, but has apparently become a potential target of the Old Trafford team for the upcoming transfer window.
    According to reports, talks with his manager have been going on for weeks to acquire the players signature.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    However, Leverkusen have named the price United would have to pay in order to sign the player.
    According to SportBILD, the youngster could cost the Red Devils around £44million.
    But, if Frimpong keeps up his good performances until the end of the season, the eye-watering sum may not be a transfer hurdle.
    The former Manchester City and Celtic player scored last weekend during a match that saw Leverkusen beat Schalke 3-0, helping his side climb to seventh in the Bundesliga.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    He was also chosen to be on the Netherlands squad for the 2022 World Cup, but ended up failing to make an appearance under former United boss Louis van Gaal.
    Frimpong also ended up being left out of Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman’s first squad for last month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, and so is still waiting to make his international debut.
    Still, if Man Utd do manage to fork out for him, the 22-year old could prove to be a quality acquisition for Ten Hag’s side.
    However, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also signalled their interest in the Dutch defender.
    According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barca and Bayern have been in direct communication with Frimpong’s agent, hotting up the race to land the star player.
    Not just Manchester United. Understand FC Bayern and Barcelona have also had direct meetings with Jeremie Frimpong’s agent Jeffrey Lemmert 🚨🇳🇱 #transfersBayern priority is to decide on Cancelo in May; Barça situation unclear due to FFP.Frimpong, on #MUFC list since October. pic.twitter.com/fuldE2bN3N— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2023

    Barca are moving to sign a new right-back, but may be hamstrung with cost-cutting after FFP sanctions.
    Bayern are also thought to be on the lookout for a player in that area to replace Joao Cancelo if they decide not to make his loan from Manchester City permanent. More

  • in

    Man Utd become first team to reach a MILLION spectators in league this season – but you’ll be surprised who’s second

    MANCHESTER UNITED have just reached a stunning milestone this season.United’s major landmark, though, didn’t take place on the pitch but rather on the stands.
    Manchester United became the first Premier League club to amass 1million spectators
    Manchester United have amassed a total of 1,034,784 spectatorsCredit: PA
    According to Sporting News Football Club, the Red Devils have become the first Premier League club to reach 1million spectators in the 2022-2023 campaign.
    The Manchester giants have recorded an average attendance of 73,913 this term.
    That is especially impressive considering that Old Trafford has a total capacity of 74,310.
    And the Red Devils have registered a grand total of 1,034,784 spectators.
    Read More on Football
    United are followed on the list by West Ham, who surprisingly rank second.
    The Hammers have attracted a grand total of 936,874 spectators so far.
    Arsenal make it in third place of the respective category with 903,073 attendees.
    Tottenham and Manchester City follow with 863,151 and 744,720 supporters respectively.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Newcastle are in sixth place with a total of 731,395 after their Saudi-led £300million takeover.
    Liverpool and Chelsea follow with 691,946 and 599,824 fans respectively.
    United are currently fourth in the Premier League table and are fighting it out with Newcastle for third place. More

  • in

    Lisandro Martinez warns Man Utd team-mates not to ‘DISRESPECT’ the badge and reveals what was said in dressing room

    LISANDRO MARTINEZ HAS warned his team-mates they can no longer ‘disrespect’ Manchester United with weak performances.The Red Devils got back on track with their first win and first goal in four league games with the 1-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night.
    Lisandro Martinez has urged his team-mates to play for the badgeCredit: Getty
    Marcus Rashford scored the winner against BrentfordCredit: Getty
    The win helped Man United get back on track after losing to NewcastleCredit: AFP
    That followed a 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool, drab goalless draw at home to Southampton and 2-0 defeat at Newcastle where they were easily second best.
    Centre-back Martinez said: “It’s not possible when you lose this kind of game, especially against Newcastle.
    “Now every game is a final and you have to play with passion, you have to be ready, you have to be sharp, you have to fight for these three points.
    “If you don’t do that, it’s not showing respect for this club.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “You have to be always every game fighting. Fighting for the badge.”
    Manager Erik ten Hag was furious with the performance at St James’ Park and allowed the players to conduct their own post mortem in the dressing room.
    Martinez said: “We spoke as a team.
    “We know that it is not possible to play like that, especially these kind of games.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    “We have to fight more than the opponent, we have to play with more passion, we have to play with more energy.
    “In the end, we have a really good squad, so we have to have everyone ready to play.”
    Argentine World Cup winner Martinez revealed that no-nonsense Ten Hag’s mood had improved after the victory over Brentford.
    He said: “He was happy. We have to keep going but with this mentality, not like against Newcastle.”
    The victory moved United back above Tottenham into the top four Champions League qualification places.
    Martinez, 25, said: “It was a massive three points for us.
    “We want to be there, especially to qualify for Champions League. It’s up to us.
    “We don’t have to think of other opponents.
    Erik ten Hag was disappointed with the players after the defeat to the ToonCredit: Getty
    Martinez is now focused on beating EvertonCredit: Getty
    “I really liked the reaction of the team, the effort as well. We won the game and that was good.
    “Now we get the three points and we have to think now to Everton and we have to work a lot.”
    United take on The Toffees in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday at Old Trafford.
    It is one of a possible 17 games United have until the end of the season which could see them land a Cup treble and finish in the top four.
    They have already won the Carabao Cup and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and quarters of the Europa League.
    Read More on The Sun
    United will need their whole squad to finish a punishing season well and welcomed forward Anthony Martial back on Wednesday.
    He could be a possible starter on Saturday but left back Luke Shaw is a doubt after coming off in the first half against Brentford with a tight hamstring. More

  • in

    Ian Wright praises Man Utd star for ‘coming up with the goods’ vs Brentford as it gives Ten Hag selection dilemma

    MARCEL SABITZER’S impressive display against Brentford did not go unnoticed as he earned praise from Ian Wright.The Arsenal legend was left impressed with the midfielder’s performance in which he assisted Marcus Rashford to grab Manchester United’s winning goal.
    Ian Wright was full of praise for Marcel SabitzerCredit: PA
    He impressed in the win over BrentfordCredit: Getty
    The retired forward lauded the on-loan Austrian for “coming up with the goods” in terms of his assist.
    He was also keen to point out how Sabitzer was able to always be “available” and get into “pockets” of space.
    Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said: “You have to say, Sabitzer came up with the goods.
    “With the assist and in certain other areas, he was getting into pockets, making some nice little moves and always making himself available.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “He got taken off in the end but I thought he did more than enough tonight in that No.10 position.”
    Sabitzer was granted more freedom in the game as Bruno Fernandes was used in a deeper role by manager Erik ten Hag.
    This could give the Dutch manager a selection headache going forward with where to play the pair.
    The performance will be even more convincing that Man United should try and sign Sabitzer on a permanent deal in the summer.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    The midfielder joined the club on loan from Bayern Munich in January but the deal did not include an option to make the move permanent.
    This means that Man United will have to negotiate with the Bundesliga giants again in the summer. More