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    Grinning Bruno Fernandes puts Liverpool horror show behind him as Ten Hag breaks silence over his Man Utd captaincy

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed Bruno Fernandes will “definitely” remain captain when Harry Maguire is not on the pitch.Fernandes came under fire on Sunday after United’s embarrassing 7-0 thrashing to Liverpool at Anfield after claims he asked to be substituted towards the end.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended Bruno FernandesCredit: EPA
    Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes will remain captainCredit: Getty
    The playmaker was seen gesticulating at the bench as Anthony Elanga was brought on for Marcus Rashford with five minutes of the game remaining.
    But the Portugal international has since made it clear that he was asking for clarification as to whether he should play centrally or wide after Elanga’s introduction.
    Ten Hag has jumped to the defence of the 28-year-old and insisted he is often “pointing” on the pitch to carry out his duties as captain and instruct his team-mates what to do.
    The Dutchman has also stated he is very happy with the ex-Sporting Lisbon star’s performances this season and will still wear the armband.
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    When asked if Fernandes will stay as captain, Ten Hag said: “Yes, definitely. I think he’s playing a brilliant season, he’s played an important role in the position that we are.
    “He’s giving energy to the team, running a lot with intensity, in the right way.
    “He’s pointing and coaching players, he’s an inspiration for the whole team. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes.
    “I’m really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I’m happy with him as our captain with Harry not on the pitch.”
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    Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford praised Bruno Fernandes’ leadershipCredit: EPA
    Rashford also defended his team-mate, whom he described as the “perfect player” to play with.
    Rashford echoed his manager’s words and hailed his teammate’s leadership.
    The England striker said: “I love playing with Bruno, for a forward like me he’s a perfect player to play with. He’s been a good leader for us even when he’s not been captain, which is always a good sign. “He’s helped other players become better leaders.
    “He’s done a lot in terms of bringing his leadership skills in, that was from the moment he arrived.
    Bruno Fernandes was all smiles during Manchester United’s training
    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is pleased with Bruno Fernandes
    Bruno Fernandes is expected to play against Real Betis in the Europa League
    “Like the manager said, nobody is perfect, sometimes you want to win so bad you end up doing things a little out of character. As a team we have to support him because he’s a fantastic player.”
    Fernandes, though, appears to have put all the Liverpool drama behind as he was all smiles during training ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Real Betis.
    Rashford has also denied claims that United just gave up in the second-half at Liverpool as they conceded six goals.
    He said: “We didn’t give up, that’s nonsense. We were unorganised, communication was bad, that’s why we conceded the goals.
    “But I believe everyone was trying to get back into the game that much, we came away from the principles too much, the forwards were trying to press as a unit but we weren’t connected with the midfield.
    “We were trying to get a grip of the game at 2-0 and 3-0, we were talking but we weren’t in agreement with what to do, it’s happened, we can learn from it and move on. I’m happy and grateful we have another game quickly because we have an opportunity to take a step forward.”
    Rashford admitted, however, that the scars of that defeat have cut deep.
    He said: “Losing against Liverpool is enough, the scoreline doesn’t matter when you lose a game against any of your biggest rivals it cuts deep, it’s not nice and it’s never a nice feeling.
    “But we can’t dwell on it and look back, we have to be thankful games are coming thick and fast. We’re in a position where we’re still fighting on all fronts, when we have a game like that we want to play again as soon as possible to put it right.”

    Ten Hag also shielded the rest of his team insisting they are all on the “same boat”.
    The 53-year-old tactician insists United are only focused on “bouncing back”.
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    When asked whether players let him down against Liverpool, Ten Hag said: “No, we are in the same boat, we do it together. We win and lose together.
    “We made a mess on Sunday and we have to deal with that. We have to set conclusions and we talked about [it]. We have seen the game, we have to reset and bounce back.” More

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    Man Utd in advanced talks with Diogo Dalot over new long-term contract amid Barcelona and Real Madrid transfer interest

    MANCHESTER UNITED are in advanced talks with Diogo Dalot over a new long-term deal.The Portuguese right-back has been a consistent figure since the arrival of Erik ten Hag in the summer – starting 17 Premier League games and six Europa League outings.
    Diogo Dalot is in talks over extending his stay at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Signed by Jose Mourinho in 2018 from Porto for £19m, Dalot’s contract was initially set to run out this summer before United triggered a one-year extension before Christmas.
    And now, SunSport understands the Red Devils are keen to tie the 23-year-old down for several more years after impressing this campaign.
    United are also wary of interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are admirers of Dalot and are ready to pounce should an agreement on a new deal fall flat.
    His future at Old Trafford was not always as clear cut, spending the 2020/21 season on loan at AC Milan after falling out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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    But he now appears to be first choice at right-back in Ten Hag’s eyes, overtaking team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    Dalot was chosen to start their 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Newcastle last month, and was only taken off at half time for Wan-Bissaka because he was on a booking and up against Allan Saint-Maximin.
    And speaking in January about his stay at United, Dalot explained: “We are in a position to say that we are negotiating and seeing how both parties will benefit.
    “But it is no secret that I am happy to be here, so we will see how things go. 
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    “I love this club and I love to play for this club. Progressively we are in a good direction as a team.
    “For me, this is the most important part and hopefully individually I can continue to help the team as I am doing.” More

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    I wanted to buy a house at Man Utd but Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t let me until I took three months of cooking lessons

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON was known for being very particular with his managerial approach, even when it came to matters off-pitch. In the early 2000s, Daniel Nardiello was coming through the ranks at Manchester United and soon wanted to get himself on the property ladder.
    Sir Alex Ferguson pursued high attention to detail on and off the pitchCredit: Getty
    Even including when it came to players buying a houseCredit: Getty
    However, Ferguson’s iron fist at Old Trafford meant Nardiello would first need to obtain permission.
    And when he asked the boss whether he could buy a house, Ferguson denied his request until he had taken some cooking lessons.
    Speaking to the Daily Star, Nardiello explained: “I had my first three years at United, I’d done quite well in the youth teams and reserve level and Sir Alex offered me a three-year contract, which I was obviously going to take.
    “But with the new contract and my time at the digs coming to an end, I wanted to buy my own property, my own house to live in.
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    “But youth players need to have permission, so I had to knock on the door to ask if I can buy my own property.
    “He was like ‘No, I’m not letting you buy your own property unless you’ve had three months of cooking lessons with the chef at Carrington’.
    “So for three months, a couple of times a week, I was out cooking all the food for the first team players. I was in a bit earlier than I would normally be to help the chef.
    “Once the three months were up, I knocked on the gaffer’s door again and he allowed me to pursue buying a home and moving in to my own house.
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    Daniel Nardiello in action for UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    “But it goes to show the level of detail he went into.”
    Nardiello would only go on to make four appearances for the Red Devils, one of which came in the Champions League, before leaving the club permanently in 2004.
    The now-retired 40-year-old added: “He wanted to make sure the club was run properly from top to bottom, wanted to look after his players, making sure they had the best start.
    “I’m not a good cook now though. My wife doesn’t want my cooking, it’s once in a blue moon I cook, but it did give me a good grounding.” More

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    Chelsea ‘looking to poach Frenkie de Jong transfer from under Man Utd’s noses in £70m summer swoop from Barcelona’

    CHELSEA are hoping to poach Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong from under Manchester United’s noses, according to reports. The Blues are planning to launch a bid worth £70million to prize him away from the Nou Camp.
    Man Utd and Chelsea could be set to battle it out for Frenkie de JongCredit: Alamy
    De Jong, 25, wants to stay at Barca but could be forced out due to the club’s financial situation.
    Reports suggest that club president Joan Laporta and manager Xavi see selling the midfielder as one of the ways to solve their off-field problems.
    Barcelona may not be able to sign players this summer with LaLiga effectively putting a transfer ban on them until they can balance the books.
    The league’s chief Javier Tebas has publicly called for the club to reduce their spending and suggested they may have to make cuts of £178million.
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    He said: “They have to reduce their investment in players and we have encouraged them to sell players because for every amount they raise in sales they can spend 40 per cent of that.”
    Man Utd and Chelsea were both in the hunt for De Jong last summer.
    The Red Devils saw multiple bids fail in landing him and he the player expressed his desire to fight for his place at the club.
    United boss Erik ten Hag worked with De Jong at Ajax and he is again thought to be interested in going back in for him at the end of the season.
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    The Dutchman is keen to build his team around the midfield pairing of his compatriot and Casemiro.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea also had a £67.6m bid knocked back prior to the start of the season.
    And despite spending £106m on Enzo Fernandez in January, their interest in De Jong is not over. More

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    Arsenal still interested in Moises Caicedo transfer this summer along with Man Utd and Chelsea despite new Brighton deal

    ARSENAL remain keen to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer, according to reports.The Gunners saw offers of £60million and £70m rejected by the Seagulls in the January transfer window.
    Moises Caicedo has enjoyed a sensational season at BrightonCredit: Alamy
    Caicedo, 21, then agreed a new four-year deal with Brighton earlier this month to keep him at the club until 2027.
    The south-coast side also have the option of extending his £60,000-a-week contract by a further 12 months.
    He has contributed two goals and three assists in 36 appearances since arriving from Independiente in 2021.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal looked elsewhere for a midfielder and landed on Chelsea man Jorginho.
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    Yet despite recruiting in the mid-season window AND seeing Caicedo pen a new deal, Football Insider understand the Gunners are still interested in the Ecuadorian international.
    Manchester United and Chelsea are also thought to be in for the South American – who is reportedly still keen on a big move at the end of the season.
    During the January window he demanded to leave and took to social media to plead that the club let him depart.
    Since then, he has appeared to delete his Instagram and change his agent.
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    And after Brighton strengthened their negotiating position through the signing of a new deal, Caicedo is now understood to be valued at £90m.
    The Seagulls have a history of commanding big transfer fees for their star players.
    Arsenal are well aware of that having paid £50m for Ben White and £27m for Leandro Trossard.
    Chelsea also spent £62m to acquire Marc Cucurella in the summer.
    Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s desire to bolster his midfield options comes as he bids to make Arsenal regular title challengers.
    The Gunners sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with 12 games remaining.
    But they are exceeding expectations with just three regular midfield options in Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Jorginho.
    And Xhaka’s future is still somewhat uncertain as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his existing deal. More

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    Man Utd legend looking to become Premier League manager after refusing to jump at first offer

    JOHN O’SHEA is being patient as he pursues his dream of becoming a Premier League manager.The former Manchester United defender, 41, has just been appointed as Ireland’s assistant boss while he continues coaching at Stoke.
    John O’Shea has all the experience gained from a Man Utd career alongside superstars turned coaches like Wayne Rooney and Michael CarrickCredit: Getty
    Stoke coach O’Shea will also now work as Republic of Ireland assistant bossCredit: Getty
    And he deserves credit for seeing the bigger picture rather than jumping at the first job offer.
    O’Shea completed all his coaching badges and is now on Uefa’s Master for International Players’ course, which equips ex-players with professional skills to work within football organisations.
    He was Ireland’s under-21s assistant before stepping up to become Stephen Kenny’s right-hand man and has a nice, easy first match . . . against France at home in a Euro 2024 qualifier on March 27.
    Soon after then-Stoke chief Michael O’Neill appointed O’Shea last July he said: “He had a fantastic playing career but he’s very keen to learn as a coach as well and he has settled in extremely well.
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    “I think he brings the right mix of not only his expertise but also his personality.
    “He’s a good person to have around, particularly around young players.”
    Alex Neil succeeded O’Neill last August but Stoke still languish 16th.
    And when O’Shea doubled up by taking the Ireland job, the 118-cap star said: “It was always an honour to play for my country and put on the green shirt so to join the coaching staff and work with the current group of players and staff is an amazing opportunity.
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    As a player he spent 12 years at Old Trafford.
    He then racked up seven years with Sunderland, before quitting on-field action at Reading in 2019. More

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    ‘He’s making it worse’ – Furious Man Utd fans call ‘bulls***’ on Wout Weghorst’s explanation for touching Anfield sign

    WOUT WEGHORST’s explanation for touching the “This is Anfield” sign had gone down terribly with many Manchester United fans.The Dutch striker claimed that he was trying to “wind up” national team-mate Virgil van Dijk but has immediately been hit by a backlash from supporters of the Red Devils.
    Wout Weghorst has defended himself after he was slammed for touching the ‘This is Anfield’ signCredit: BBC
    He claimed he was trying to stop Virgil van Dijk from touching itCredit: BBC
    Weghorst insisted that he is dedicated to Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    The sign-touching incident preceded Man United losing the Premier League clash 7-0.
    Weghorst explained his touching of the sign on social media saying: “Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are so important to me.
    “So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
    “From the national team, I know that Virgil always touches that sign and I went to stop him touching it to try and wind him up before the game.
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    “As I child I supported FC Twente and as a proud player for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.
    “Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks.
    “We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season.”
    However, fans have not bought into his explanation as one posted a GIF of Will Ferrall in the film Anchorman saying “I don’t believe you”.
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    A second wrote: “B*****s should never put the United top on again touching the dirty badge.”
    A third tweeted: “What a lot of c**p.”
    A fourth commented: ” Is that a valid explanation? When you see the video and not just the still image I can kinda see it, but he left his hand hanging for waaaay too long on that thing.”
    A fifth said: “You believing this?”
    While a sixth added: “Virg is halfway down the tunnel and still got his hand on the sign.” More

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    Wout Weghorst gives bizarre reason for touching Anfield sign in Instagram post after Man Utd fan backlash

    WOUT WEGHORST has given a bizarre explanation for touching the ‘This is Anfield’ sign before Manchester United’s hammering by Liverpool.The on-loan striker was filmed touching the famous sign above the tunnel before Sunday’s 7-0 battering at the hands of the Reds.
    Wout Weghorst has revealed why he touched the ‘This is Anfield’ signCredit: INSTAGRAM@WOUT_WEGHORST
    United fans were furious after seeing the Dutchman touch the sign before they were battered by their arch-rivalsCredit: BBC
    United were battered 7-0 by the MerseysidersCredit: Rex
    United fans were quick to tear into the Dutchman after seeing the footage, so much so that he gave a lengthy explanation on social media.
    He said: “Normally I never react on media topics, but for this one it’s worth it because you amazing United fans are so important to me.
    “So I just want to clarify the video that is doing the rounds.
    “From the national team, I know that Virgil [van Dijk] always touches that sign and the only intention I had was to stop him touching it and wind him up before the game.
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    “As a child I always supported FC Twente, and as a proud player now for Manchester United, my dedication to this incredible club can never be questioned.
    “Sunday was a terrible day for all of us, we are putting everything into making it right in the next weeks.
    “We will bounce back together and achieve our aims this season.”
    The statement baffled the Old Trafford faithful, one of whom tweeted: “That’s some delayed reaction.”
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    Another said: “What a load of b******s.”
    And another said: “Who is he kidding lol.
    “Would’ve been better to stay quiet instead of this silly lie.”
    One remarked: “You weren’t tryna stop Virgil from touching the sign you silly, silly man.”
    Another chimed in: “Tell you what that is an absolutely awful excuse.”
    Defeat to the Reds ended a four-game win streak for the Red Devils and dented their faint hopes of winning the title.
    Manager Erik ten Hag was furious with his troops’ display, saying: “It is quite obvious, it was unprofessional.
    “First half, I think we were the better team – we created the better chances and had two one-on-ones with the goalie.
    “Before half-time, we made one organisational mistake and conceded a goal.
    “We were in the game. It really surprised me after half-time, we gave the game [away] so quickly.
    “The first two goals were defensive transition moments, the first was a turnover and the second was a counter, bad decisions and decisions on the ball.
    “How we conceded the goals is really annoying. The third was a counter with unprofessional decisions – not following in, and then running in, moving forwards, giving space away in midfield, not tracking back.
    “So then it is 3-0 and the game is lost, but as a team you have to stick together.
    “That is what we didn’t do. It is a surprise for me, I didn’t see this from my team.
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    “I don’t think it is us. I don’t think it is Manchester United. It was really bad, really poor.”
    United will look to bounce back from their Anfield annihilation on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie with Real Betis.
    Erik ten Hag tore into his troops’ performance at AnfieldCredit: EPA More