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      Man Utd player ratings: Rashford and Fernandes shine in new roles as Sancho and Malacia struggle with Camp Nou occasion

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      MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a draw in a thrilling first leg of their Europa League playoff with Barcelona.History suggested the Red Devils would be up against it at the Nou Camp with United having won just once in their history against the Catalans.
      Marcus Rashford starred once again for United as he caused Barcelona endless troubleCredit: PA
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his opener to his late fatherCredit: Getty
      But with two El Clasico specialists in Casemiro and Raphael Varane in their ranks, United were unfazed by the occasion and took the game to the hosts.
      After a goalless first half the game sparked into life with Marcos Alonso’s uncontested header at the far post.
      Marcus Rashford continued his stunning form with a driven finish past Marc Ter Stegen to level.
      He then created the second as Jules Kounde turned into his own net before Raphinha’s cross-cum-shot ended up in the United net to set up a frantic finish
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils performance.
      De Gea – 7
      Could do nothing for the opener or Raphinha’s goal.
      Denied Robert Lewandowski well in the first half while commanding penalty box quite well and caught a Raphinha howitzer in the second half.
      Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Looked strong on the overlap with the help of Fernandes. Created a number of chances pairing up with the Portuguese playmaker.
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      Did well in one-on-one duels but allowed his far post zone to be exploited for Barca’s opener at a corner and could have been more useful with some crossing opportunities.
      Varane – 6
      The former Real Madrid man was one of two players in the United team who understood the Camp Nou atmosphere and helped his team-mates settle.
      Despite some poor distribution in the first half, he improved after the interval and a strong step out of defence almost allowed United to grab the lead straight after the equaliser.
      Shaw – 7
      Composed once again at left centre back. Solid distribution throughout this was paired with solid defensive work whenever he was called upon.
      Almost punished when he misjudged the flight of the ball to almost gift Raphinha an opportunity to score a late third.
      Malacia – 5
      Beaten by Raphinha too many times when defending one-on-one.
      Put himself about but better end product would save likely seen him punished.
      Casemiro – 7
      Like Varane his understanding of the atmosphere helped settle United.
      The side looked far more stable with him back in the XI.
      Fred – 7
      Lost Marcos Alonso at the far post for the defender’s header at a corner but made up for it minutes later with a beautifully weighted pass to assist Rashford.
      Looked more comfortable playing alongside Casemiro.
      Fernandes – 7
      Part of Ten Hag’s attacking reshuffle and played on the right wing – but was no less influential.
      Constantly a threat with his passes from the right channel to get an overlapping Wan-Bissaka in behind and set up a glorious Weghorst chance.
      Weghorst – 6
      Deployed in the same position behind the striker as he was in the final 20 minutes against Leeds.
      Brought United up the pitch well in the role but squandered a great chance in the first half to put United into the lead.
      Sancho – 5
      Struggled to make an impact from the left wing due to Barcelona defenders doubling up on him throughout the first half.
      Wasted a glorious chance early in the second half to put United into the lead after an error from Ronald Araujo. Subbed off after 82 minutes for Garnacho.
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      Rashford – 8
      Scored the equaliser from a tight angle to squeeze a shot past Marc Ter Stegen and match his best ever season tally.
      Created the second from a corner with a direct run into the penalty area to cause havoc and reap an own goal. Was denied a penalty when brought down as he went through on goal.
      Substitutes
      Alejandro Garnacho (on for Jadon Sancho 82 minutes) – N/A
      Marcus Rashford equalised for Manchester United at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Manchester United picked up an important draw with BarcelonaCredit: PA More

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      Raging Erik ten Hag shown yellow card against Barcelona as Man Utd fans fume at ‘ridiculous’ referee

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      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag was booked for losing his temper during his side’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona.The Dutch boss was fuming with referee Maurizio Mariani after he gave the hosts a free kick for a similar challenge that went unpunished on United star Marcus Rashford.
      Maurizio Mariani booked Erik ten Hag for his protestsCredit: Getty
      Ten Hag let loose at the assistant and the referee after seeing Casemiro’s challenge get punished.
      That was what sparked Mariani to come over and show him a yellow card for his protests during the Europa League tie.
      The earlier challenge on Rashford was on the edge of the Barcelona box and could have been a good position for Manchester United to score from.
      And fans have been backing up Ten Hag on social media as well as fuming at Mariani’s judgement.
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      One tweeted: “This ref is ridiculous!!!!
      “How you gonna call the foul for Barcelona but not the same exact foul on Rashford 30secs before?!?!!!??
      “THATS RIDICULOUS!!! Giving Barca a chance to score!!! F*** BIASED REFS!!!”
      A second wrote: “Disagree with the Ref… Clearly that’s was a foul from Rashford.”
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      A third commented: “For real yellow for Casemiro, and not even a foul on Rashford lmao.”
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      A fourth said: “There is no debate this is a foul on Marcus Rashford by Jules Kounde.
      “Loved the way Erik ten Hag went to bat for his man afterwards, too.”
      A fifth added: “Wtf did Casemiro do????? How the hell was that not a foul on Rashford???
      “They want to cheat us out of this game.” More

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      ‘He’s got to look at the ball!’ – Robbie Savage singles out Man Utd star for huge error in build-up to Barcelona goal

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      ROBBIE SAVAGE singled out Fred for criticism after Barcelona’s opening goal against Manchester United.The former Premier League player was on BT Sport commentary duty as United travelled to Spain.
      Marcos Alonso heads Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp as Fred watches onCredit: AP
      And they got off to a poor start in the Europa League tie as ex-Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso headed the hosts ahead.
      As the corner came in, Alonso ghosted in round the back, heading into the ground and beating David de Gea.
      And, after watching the replay, Savage noticed it was Fred who had failed to track the Spaniard as he was left free to head the opener home.
      Savage said: “Fred’s got to look at the ball. Poor defending.”
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      Despite the criticism, Savage did add: “You can question his body shape for the goal. But his energy, enthusiasm and assist for the goal – he’s been brilliant.”
      The Brazilian’s blushes were saved after Marcus Rashford levelled on 52 minutes.
      Rashford broke free down the road and somehow squeezed in his effort past Marc-Andre ter Stegen from inside the box.
      It marked the in-form England international’s 22nd goal in all competitions this season.
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      And Rashford had a hand in putting United 2-1 up just minutes later.
      He picked up the ball from a short corner, beat his play and played a menacing ball across the face off goal.
      It ricocheted all the way through and Barca defender Jules Kounde inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
      This time it was Raphinha who had to pull the game back with his curled cross going all the way in, with everyone waiting for Robert Lewandowski to get a touch.
      And the thriller finished 2-2 to set up a mouth-watering return leg in Manchester next Thursday.
      Raphinha makes it 2-2 for BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

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      Emotional Marcos Alonso pays touching tribute to his dad after scoring against Man Utd for Barcelona

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      EMOTIONAL Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his late father.Alonso’ dad Marcos Alonso Pena, who also played for Barca, tragically passed away aged 63 following a “long illness” last week.
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso opened the scoring against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his goal against Manchester United to his fatherCredit: AP
      The former Chelsea man looked emotional after the goalCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea ace Alonso returned to action exactly a week after his loss and was handed a rare start by manager Xavi in the Europa League play-off encounter against United.
      And the versatile defender opened the scoring for the Blaugrana after 50 minutes.
      The Spain international latched onto a fantastic cross from Raphinha, who curled it from a corner-kick down the right.
      The ex-Leeds star found Alonso who headed it past David de Gea at the far post.
      The emotional Spaniard immediately pointed to the sky in dedication to his father during the celebrations.
      The Barcelona ace looked emotional as he celebrated the opening goal of the game.
      Tributes from around the footballing world poured in for Alonso Pena – affectionately known as ‘The Pigeon’ – after news of his passing.
      Ex-Atletico Madrid star Paulo Futre said: “Sad day. My deepest condolences to the family of my dear friend Marcos Alonso. Rest in peace, Pigeon.”
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      The former winger’s ex-club Rayo Vallecano added: “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Marcos Alonso Pena.
      “He was a former coach of the Club, who passed away at the age of 63.”
      Barcelona tweeted: “FC Barcelona would like to express its deepest condolences for the passing of former Barça player and father of a first-team player Marcos Alonso Peña.
      “All of our strength to Marcos Alonso and his entire family. Rest in peace.” More

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      Fans threaten to watch Barcelona vs Man Utd without the sound as commentator’s gaffe ‘p***es them off’

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      FOOTBALL fans threatened to mute the commentators during Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Barcelona.The threat was made after Ian Darke and Robbie Savage repeatedly mispronounced Ronald Araujo’s name.
      Fans were getting irritated by the commentator’s pronunciation of Ronald Araujo’s nameCredit: AFP
      The Uruaguan star started the game for Barcelona on the right side of the defence.
      His name is pronounced ‘Arau-ho’. However, fans watching from their sofas were getting annoyed with the pronunciation from the BT Sports commentary team.
      One tweeted: “BT Sport commentator saying Ara-ouu-ho for Araújo.
      “About to turn down the volume for Barcelona and Manchester United.”
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      A second commented: “The pronunciation of Aruajo by the commentators is p*****g me off.”
      A third wrote: “I hate the way commentators say ‘ara who hoe’ for Araujo.”
      A fourth said: “Someone tell the commentator how to pronounce Araujo.”
      A fifth added: “Iain darke the commentator calling Araujo ‘Arahooho’ 😭.”
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      A sixth tweeted: “I’ve got a real problem with this commentator pronouncing Araujo as Ara-hoo-hoe.
      “Motherf***** has me thinking about pokemon.”
      Araujo is known to English audiences having previously been linked with a transfer to Man United and Chelsea. More

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      How Man Utd could line up with Mason Mount and Harry Kane next season after transfer spree

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could have a very different look to their starting XI next season.The Red Devils have been tipped with moves for a host of stars that could turn them into Premier League contenders again.
      Man United have been linked with Chelsea’s Mason MountCredit: EPA
      Harry Kane is another player on the club’s wishlistCredit: Alamy
      Most recently, Chelsea star Mason Mount have been linked with the club after a lack of progress on talks over a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
      According to ESPN reporter James Olley, United have joined Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in the bidding war for Mount’s signature.
      Should Mount join, he could replace Marcel Sabitzer should his loan move at the club not be made permanent.
      This would see him line up in a midfield made up of Frenkie de Jong, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, if he is able to displace Christian Eriksen from the team.
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      De Jong was a top target for United last summer, and it appears that the club will try to sign him again this year.
      Tottenham record-breaker Harry Kane is another name that has been widely spoken about with a move to Old Trafford.
      The England captain would be and upgrade and replace loanee Wout Weghorst should he join.
      Kane would not have to take long to adapt as he is used to playing with Marcus Rashford while on international duty.
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      How the Red Devils could line up if they sign their targets
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      United have also been rumoured to be interested in signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
      Another spot that could be changed is in the goalkeeper position.
      David de Gea’s powers have started to decrease and the club have been linked with a move for Brentford star David Raya as a potential replacement.
      The Spaniard has been in great form for the Bees and manager Thomas Frank has insisted that he would be worth £40million should he be sold.
      David Raya has been tipped as a replacement for David de GeaCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans brand Weghorst the ‘new Fellaini’… but 6ft 6in Man Utd star is outjumped by tiny Barcelona star

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have branded Wout Weghorst the new Marouane Fellaini.The call came after the Dutch striker was picked in a deeper role than normal in the Europa League clash against Barcelona.
      Wout Weghorst was picked to play in a deeper role against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Fans have compared the role to that of former star Marouane FellainiCredit: Reuters
      Manager Erik ten Hag opted to play Marcus Rashford as the starting striker, with Weghorst deployed behind him alongside midfielders Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Jadon Sancho.
      The position is a new one for the towering striker, who has forged his career as a more traditional target man during spells with AZ Alkmaar, Wolfsburg, Burnley and Besiktas.
      This has led to fans to dub him the new Fellaini.
      The Belgian midfielder became an important player for United during his seven-year spell at the club.
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      Fellaini often popped up with important goals as he got himself into the box from a high midfield position and used his physicality to win the ball and fire home.
      However, Weghorst might be missing some of the ariel ability of Fellaini as he was beaten to a header by Barcelona midfielder Gavi, despite being ten inches taller than the 5 ft 8 star.
      One fan that made the comparison Tweeted: “Weghorst playing the Fellaini role, got a lot of time for that.”
      A second wrote: “Wout Weghorst playing the Marouane Fellaini role as he did at the weekend. David Moyes was ahead of his time.”
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      A third commented: “Weghorst mode Fellaini.”
      A fourth said: “Weghorst at no. 10 reminds me of Fellaini!”
      A fifth added: “Fellaini walked so that Weghorst could run.”
      Weghorst joined United on loan from Burnley in January but has only scored one goal in seven appearances in all competitions prior to the clash against Barcelona. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal transfer boost as Ancelotti ‘doesn’t care’ if three-time Champions League winner quits Real Madrid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been handed a transfer boost after Carlo Ancelotti said he doesn’t care if his three-time Champions League winner quits Real Madrid. Marco Asensio, who is out of contract at the end of the season, scored as Real Madrid beat bottom side Elche 4-0 in LaLiga on Wednesday night.
      Marco Asensio in action for Real Madrid during their win over ElcheCredit: Alamy
      Asensio celebrating after scoring for Real MadridCredit: Alamy
      Speaking after the match to Diario AS,Ancelotti was quizzed on the forward’s future and wasn’t very endearing with his response.
      He said: “He looks good to me, I don’t know if he will stay or not. He may or may not stay, I don’t know, I don’t care much.”
      Ancelotti added: “We have a very important challenge this season.
      “The important thing is that he is contributing, like last year. Let him continue like this, and the club will make the most appropriate decision.”
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      Asensio tried to leave Real Madrid last summer but has since maintained he wants to stay at the club but a new contract is looking unlikely.
      The Spanish international has been linked with a move to Premier League giants United and Arsenal.
      Spanish outlet Sport reported in December 2022 that Asensio was close to a move to Old Trafford but that didn’t materialise.
      The Spaniard has also been subject to interest from Arsenal and it remains to be seen if he will come to the Premier League in the summer.
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      He has made 176 appearances for Real Madrid scoring 31 goals and has had loan spells at Mallorca and Espanyol during his time at the club.
      The winger, 27, has won three Champions Leagues and three LaLiga’s during his time at the Bernabeu.
      Asensio joined Real Madrid from Mallorca for around £3.5million in 2014. More