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    Casemiro breaks down in tears and consoled by team-mates as Man Utd star is sent off for horror tackle vs Southampton

    CASEMIRO was left in tears after being sent off for a horror challenge on Carlos Alcaraz. The Brazilian was initially shown only yellow after going studs up on the Southampton playmaker.
    Casemiro’s horror tackle on Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz
    Casemiro was shown a red card by referee Anthony TaylorCredit: AFP
    Casemiro is consoled by team-mate AntonyCredit: Reuters
    But referee Anthony Taylor was advised to take a second look by VAR as replays revealed the extent of Casemiro’s challenge.
    Taylor wasted no time in overturning his decision, sending the midfielder off and leaving him in tears.
    A devastated Casemiro was was consoled by his team-mates as he walked off the Old Trafford pitch.
    The former Real Madrid star was sent off for violent conduct following an incident in United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in February.
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    He was slapped with a three-game ban after receiving the first straight red card of his career.
    Following dismissal against Southampton, Casemiro has now had two in his last three league matches.
    It will now see him miss FOUR matches, against Fulham, Newcastle, Brentford and Everton following his second red card of the season.
    United fans faced further frustration after being denied a penalty just before the break.
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    Marcus Rashford put in a cross from the left wing and defender Armel Bella-Kotchap was practically left on all fours as he blocked the ball in.
    But replays revealed is strike the centre-back’s arm but referee Taylor waved play on.
    No penalty was awarded even after a VAR check – leaving United fans fuming online.
    One said: “Hi @Specsavers, think we might have a new client for you, goes by the name of Anthony Taylor.”
    Another added: “If this was our player handling the ball in the box Anthony Taylor would have pointed to the spot without hesitation.”
    The game ended 0-0 with United dropping points but still remaining in fourth.
    Bruno Fernandes confronts referee Anthony TaylorCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd defender Eric Bailly set to be deliberately frozen out by Marseille despite title battle with PSG

    MANCHESTER UNITED defender Eric Bailly is set to be left out of at least three of Marseille’s remaining Ligue 1 fixtures, as the French side look to avoid having to sign him permanently.The Ivorian joined Marseille on a season-long loan deal from Old Trafford last summer.
    Eric Bailly has only played nine times in Ligue 1 this seasonCredit: Getty
    The deal includes an obligation to buy for £6.2million, if two key factors are triggered.
    One is that Marseille qualify for the Champions League, which they are well on track to achieve.
    The other is that Bailly features in 19 of his side’s 38 Ligue matches.
    After 26 games, the 28-year-old has played in just nine – meaning he would have to appear in ten of their remaining 12 for the clause to be triggered.
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    According to French paper L’Equipe, Marseille manager Igor Tudor “has lost confidence” in Bailly.
    And they add that the potential obligation to buy in his loan deal will not help him earn a place in the team.
    Bailly missed games during the first half of the season with thigh and leg injuries.
    He was then slapped with a seven-match ban for a horror kung-fu kick that saw him red-carded against fourth tier Hyeres in the Coupe de France.
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    Bailly, 28, was slapped with a seven-match ban for a kung-fu kickCredit: AFP
    After two substitute appearances upon his return, Bailly was thrown back into the starting XI for his side’s top of the table clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
    But he endured a torrid evening and was hooked on 66 minutes, as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe linked up to inspire PSG to a comfortable 3-0 win.
    Marseille currently sit second in Ligue 1, trailing leaders PSG by 11 points, albeit with a game in hand.
    Should he return to Man Utd this summer, Bailly will have one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
    He played in a number of friendlies under Erik ten Hag during pre-season.
    But he hasn’t featured in a competitive match for the Red Devils since a 3-1 win over Burnley on December 30, 2021.
    Eric Bailly featured for United during pre-season under Erik ten HagCredit: Rex More

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    Ian Stirling dead at 57: Man Utd fan and campaigner passes away with club to pay tribute against Southampton

    MANCHESTER UNITED fan and campaigner Ian Stirling has died aged 57. Stirling was the independent supporter liaison officer for the Manchester United Supporters Trust, a role he took up in 2003.
    Man Utd fan and campaigner Ian Stirling has died aged 57Credit: Manchester United FC
    He was also a regular on TV as a representative of fans and led campaigns against the club’s unpopular Glazer family owners.
    United will pay respect to Stirling by wearing black armbands against Southampton at Old Trafford today and released a statement following his passing.
    It read: “Everyone at Manchester United is profoundly saddened by the loss of our longstanding friend and fan representative Ian Stirling, who has died at the age of 57.
    “Over many years, Ian played a vital role in dialogue between fans and the club and as a fearless champion on fan issues.
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    “Ian was a founding member of the club’s Fans’ Advisory Board and a long-time member of our Fans’ Forum.
    “As the Independent Supporter Liaison Officer for Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, Ian worked tirelessly to promote and protect the interests of our fans.”
    United’s chief executive Richard Arnold said: “This is truly devastating news for all of us at the club who knew and worked with Ian.
    “He was a towering figure within our fan community, loved and respected in equal measure.
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    “Ian was a relentless and unflinching advocate for the interests of fans, particularly match-goers, and we highly-valued the plain-speaking advice he provided.
    “We send our sincere condolences to his wife, Lynn, daughter Lucy, and other loved ones. 
    “The best tribute we can pay to Ian is to continue strengthening the club’s commitment to fan engagement via the Fans’ Advisory Board and Fans’ Forum, and preserving the lines of communication and advocacy which he opened in his role as Independent Supporter Liaison Officer.”
    Manchester United Supporters Trust said: “Everyone at MUST is heartbroken at the news that Ian Stirling, our much loved friend and colleague, has passed away.
    “Ian was a truly great man. Warm, compassionate, generous and funny. As his closest friends and family will confirm, no-one enjoyed a joke more than Ian, and there are few in our fanbase who have inspired such widespread affection and respect. 
    “For many years he has been at the heart of championing fans’ interests.
    Ian was a relentless and unflinching advocate for the interests of fans, particularly match-goers, and we highly-valued the plain-speaking advice he provided.Man Utd chief exec Richard Arnold on Ian Stirling
    “He served as our Independent Supporter Liaison Officer directly helping countless fans in their dealings with the Club and other football authorities but his reach went far beyond that.
    “He also served as our representative on the Fans Forum, making the supporters’ case firmly and consistently.
    “His stature with the club was such that in latter years he was asked to join the Fans Advisory Board where he spoke truth to power representing the interests of fans and our football club at the highest levels.
    “It really is impossible to think of another United supporter who has done so much for his fellow fans. The tributes to Ian have been flooding in from all over the world.
    “We can’t really imagine our organisation without him but through the tears and emotion of today we are determined to continue his work to create a truly fitting legacy.
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    “Away from football Ian was a devoted husband and father and we send our love to his wife, Lynn, and his daughter, Lucy and his many friends in Salford and Manchester and all around the world.”
    A floral tribute sits on the seat of fan Ian StirlingCredit: Getty
    Man Utd paid their respects before playing SouthamptonCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd want Joao Palhinha but face transfer battle with FIVE Premier League rivals including Arsenal and Chelsea

    MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing Fulham star Joao Palhinha to beef up their midfield this summer.United, Newcastle, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all monitoring the Portuguese.
    Joao Palhinha is set to be at the centre of a massive transfer battle this summerCredit: Alamy
    But boss Marco Silva is determined to resist bids for the star.
    Fulham paid an initial £17million to sign Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon last year but his performances so far in this campaign will have more than doubled his value to £40m-plus. 
    He has made more tackles than any midfielder in the big five leagues in Europe and has been the heartbeat of Silva’s side as they chase qualification for Uefa competition next season.
    Palhinha’s price tag is also pushed up by the fact that he still has more than four years left on his contract, with the club holding another year’s option.
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    Because of his age – he will turn 28 in July – the Fulham star may not be the first choice of top clubs who have a policy of signing younger players.
    Liverpool are also said to be confident of signing Palhinha’s Portugal team-mate Matheus Nunes from Wolves, and possibly compatriot Ruben Neves, to revamp their midfield.
    But Moises Caicedo, another target for the Reds as well as for Chelsea and Arsenal, has signed a new contract with Brighton that will send his price tag soaring.
    And even if the Ecuador international leaves the south coast, only one club will be able to sign him.
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    So Palhinha will be high on the list of candidates as the biggest clubs in England look to strengthen their options in the middle of the pitch.
    But he will not be available to Fulham for today’s clash with Arsenal because he is serving the second game of a two-match suspension for racking up ten yellow cards.  More

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    Todd Boehly a ‘huge admirer’ of Frenkie de Jong with Chelsea out to seal £70million transfer from under Man Utd’s noses

    TODD BOEHLY is reportedly a huge admirer of Frenkie de Jong.And the Chelsea owner is plotting a £70million transfer raid to land the midfielder from under Manchester United’s noses.
    Frenkie de Jong could be at the centre of another transfer tussleCredit: Getty
    Todd Boehly likes what he sees from the Barcelona midfielderCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    De Jong, 25, was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League last summer as Barcelona put him under an ultimatum to leave or cut his salary.
    Manchester United agreed to pay around £72m while Chelsea wanted to take him on loan – before he ended up staying put at the Nou Camp.
    According to Football Insider, though, Boehly wants to go back in for De Jong this summer as a top priority.
    And they could Barca’s resolve with a £70m bid in an attempt to make him the latest big-money arrival since the American tycoon took over at Stamford Bridge.
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    De Jong is understood to be happy at the Nou Camp again and has been a key cog in Xavi’s side marching towards the LaLiga title.
    The Barcelona manager said last month: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
    “He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.
    “He is in a great moment, like the whole team.”
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    However, the financial mess at the Catalan giants remains and they could be forced into selling one of their most valuable assets.
    The Blues may still face competition from United, though, with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with his ex-Ajax star.
    Barcelona are said to be preparing for life without De Jong and have lined up Manchester City and Germany man Ilkay Gundogan as his replacement. More

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    Man Utd defender Victor Lindelof wanted by Inter Milan in summer as transfer asking price is revealed

    INTER MILAN will try to land Victor Lindelof again in the summer.The Italians were knocked back in their bid to take the centre-back on loan in January.
    Victor Lindelof has been a bit-part player this seasonCredit: PA
    Manchester United were wary of leaving themselves light at the back amid a hectic fixture schedule.
    Yet Inter have never lost interest in the Swede, who has started only five league games this term.
    A year ago Lindelof, 28, was a regular starter — but Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are now United’s first-choice partnership.
    And with boss Erik ten Hag adamant that he will pick his strongest line-up whenever fitness allows, options are likely to remain limited.
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    Lindelof was keen to stay and fight to regain his Red Devils place.
    But with two World Cup finalists ahead of him now, Inter know a bid close to the £31million he cost from Benfica in 2017 could land him.
    Lindelof has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season.
    But only five have come in the form of Premier League starts.
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    He could join an Inter Milan defence set for major upheaval in the summer.
    Stalwart Milan Skriniar is set to join PSG on a free transfer.
    While Stefan de Vrij is also out of contract at the end of the season. More

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    Man Utd wonderkid set for Sunderland transfer after stunning scoring record for U21s… despite being out on loan

    MANCHESTER UNITED will send young striker Joe Hugill out on loan again next season.And it’s put old club Sunderland on alert.
    Joe Hugill could be set to leave Man Utd for a loan return to SunderlandCredit: Getty
    Hugill, 19, joined United from the Black Cats in 2020.
    And he is currently on loan at Altrincham while still turning out for the Red Devils’ U21s, scoring nine goals in as many matches.
    But United think Hugill will develop even further so are looking for the right home.
    And Sunderland could take their youth star back this summer.
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    Hugill isn’t the only United kid on loan at Altrincham.
    Midfielder Maxi Oyedele joined them in January too.
    And defender Sonny Aljofree made it a hat-trick of winter signings.
    But it’s Hugill who the Red Devils are pinning their hopes on.
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    The 6ft 2in hitman has already been compared to England captain Harry Kane.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a huge fan of Hugill during his time at Old Trafford.
    And Erik ten Hag could eventually turn to him for another option up top. More

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    Gary Neville fears Glazers will STAY at Man Utd as he reveals theory behind mystery third party in bidding process

    GARY NEVILLE fears that the Glazer family will stay at Man United and use Elliot Management to “stay in control”.The former defender believes that the US hedge fund’s progression to the next round in the bidding process is a ploy by the current owners.
    Gary Neville is concerned that the Glazers will not sell Man UnitedCredit: EPA
    He thinks they are using a hedge fund to ‘stay in control’Credit: AFP
    Neville reckons that the Glazers will either use Elliot to remain in charge of the Red Devils or force the other bidders to up their offers for the club.
    Elliot are willing to provide funding up to £2billion to be used on redeveloping Old Trafford.
    It was reported by Sky Sports that representatives from the hedge fund were at Old Trafford to watch United beat Real Betis in the Europa League.
    The other two major bidders for the club are British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.
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    The potential new owners will have to look over presentations from United officials which will analyze the club’s operations, transfer strategy, and scouting network.
    However, Elliot’s stay in the process is causing concern over the willingness to part with the club from the Glazers.
    Neville shared his theory as to what is happening on social media.
    In a quote tweet to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Neville wrote: “Nope!
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    “This looks like it’s a Joel and Avi Glazer play to either ‘stay in control’ or ‘force the other bidders up.’
    “Go on their website. They aren’t an owner of Manchester United!”
    Sheikh Jassim is offering a full buyout of the club while Ratcliffe is only offering to take over a majority of the shares.
    Neither offer has matched the Glazers £6bn asking price.
    Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville added: “I think what scares Man Utd fans most is the feeling this Man Utd ownership are running this process to drive a massive price up.
    “To try to somehow establish a level which means two of them can stay in and the rest of the family that want out can be bought out by an American fund who wouldn’t mind owning a minority or significant share but not the entirety of the share.
    “That’s the biggest concern. The whole emphasis at this moment in time from Man Utd fans is this has to be the end of the Glazer ownership.
    “They’ve run out of money, they’ve not invested in the stadium… the fans want a new stadium, whether that’s Old Trafford refurbished or a new one rebuilt, we need new facilities.
    “Man Utd’s stadium is behind a lot of the big [clubs] in Europe.
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    “I still think there is a focus that this isn’t one big charade that the Glazers are running to try to establish a value which would be for their brothers and sisters to exit and the couple that wants to stay in to stay.
    “There’s a priority at this moment in time for them to go.” More