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    Gavi shoves Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes to the ground in off-the-ball incident but escapes VAR punishment

    BARCELONA ace Gavi escaped punishment from VAR after shoving Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes to the ground.United picked up a 2-2 draw against Barca at the Nou Camp in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 clash.
    Barcelona’s Gavi and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes collided off the ball
    Gavi shoved Fernandes to the ground but escaped VAR punishment
    And Red Devils fans were left baffled that the off-the-ball clash between the Spain international and Fernandes was ignored.
    The Portugal international cheekily caught Gavi on the back of the ankle.
    But the 18-year-old didn’t take it well and responded with a left on Fernandes’ back.
    The United playmaker went down but no action was taken by referee Maurizio Mariani or Massimiliano Irrati on VAR.
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    Fans were left puzzled and took to Twitter to express their bewilderment.
    One supporter tweeted: “Red card to Gavi how can he floor Fernandes like that?”
    Another commented: “Gavi gets no yellow card for hitting Bruno Fernandes?”
    A third posted: “Gavi thought he was whinging s***house? Meet Bruno Fernandes.”
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    This fan wrote: “Bruno Fernandes is not going to take a liking to Gavi.”
    And that one tweeted: “Gavi’s been instructed to wind up Bruno Fernandes, Xavi knows he can upset Bruno and Gavi is the ultimate wind-up. Brilliant.”
    Gavi, though, didn’t escape a booking during the match and will be suspended from the return fixture at Old Trafford next week.
    That was the Barcelona teenager’s third yellow card in Europe this season. More

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    ‘I find it incredible’ – Fuming Xavi claims Barcelona were denied ‘clear’ penalty against Man Utd

    BARCELONA manager Xavi was left fuming as he felt his side were denied a clear penalty against Manchester United.The Spaniard claimed that Red Devils midfielder Fred handled the ball in the box and that referee Maurizio Mariani should have pointed to the spot.
    Xavi claims that Barcelona should have had a penalty against Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    The ball appeared to hit midfielder Fred’s arm in the 85th minuteCredit: Twitter
    In the 85th minute, Barcelona star Sergio Roberto had a header in the United box and replays suggested that the ball scraped the outstretched arm of Fred.
    If a penalty was given it could have handed the LaLiga giants an opportunity to win the Europa League first leg at the Nou Camp.
    After the game, Xavi said: “Fred’s handball? It’s a penalty, it’s very clear.
    “They didn’t give it to us in Milan in the Champions League, I don’t know what we have to do.
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    “And they tell us that they have checked it, I find it incredible, incredible.”
    VAR did look at the incident, but did not decide to overturn the on-field decision.
    Erik ten Hag was also left angry with referee Mariani for missing a foul on Marcus Rashford on the edge of the hosts’ box.
    The Dutch manager was booked for making his feelings clear during the game, with many fans sending their support to him on social media.
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    The two sides will face off in a mouthwatering second leg next Thursday at Old Trafford.
    Neither side have a score advantage due to there not being the away goal rules in the Europa League.
    Marcos Alonso scored the opening goal of the game in the 50th minute before United fought back.
    Rashford scored the equaliser in the 52nd minute and a Jules Kounde own goal put them in the lead seven minutes later.
    However, former Leeds star Raphinha’s cross in the 76th minute managed to evade everyone and level the tie. More

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    Man Utd share price SOARS by £334m as Qatar ready £5bn deadline day bid in takeover battle with Ratcliffe and Saudis

    MANCHESTER UNITED’s share price soared by £334million in a DAY as Qatar investors plan a £5billion bid for the club.This interest has had a huge effect on the Red Devils’ share price as a deadline for takeover bids is reached.
    The Glazers are set to receive bids to buy Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
    A group of Qatari investors are set to bid £5billion for the clubCredit: Reuters
    Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is at the head of the Qatari groupCredit: Getty
    The price had been £19.87 per share, but after the jump the price has risen to £20.35 per share, an increase of over three per cent.
    The increase is more than what was paid by PIF to take Newcastle off the hands of Mike Ashley, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
    The Qataris are set to lodge their £5bn bid for the club ahead the Glazers’ self-imposed deadline of 10pm on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
    They will have to compete with interest from Saudi Arabia, the USA as well as from United supporter and billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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    The Qatar investor group had reportedly been interested in buying Liverpool but after failure, have reportedly put all their focus on acquiring the Red Devils.
    The failed bid to buy rivals Liverpool was reported by Qatar-based journalist Mohammed Al-Kaabi.
    Both clubs are on the market as they look to compete with Manchester City and Chelsea’s millions in the summer transfer window.
    The Qataris had hoped to take full control from John W. Henry’s Fenway Sports Group at Anfield.
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    However, Liverpool’s American owners have reportedly refused to give up majority control in any sale.
    This goes against the wishes of the Qataris, who apparently want much more than a minority stake in any club.
    And it’s reckoned they are now focused on a complete takeover at United instead.
    Meanwhile, CBS adds that the Qataris and Liverpool never reached advanced negotiations and no concrete bid was made.
    And any offer made for United is likely to come under the Glazers’ valuation.
    The Glazers are hoping for a full sale of United for around £6billion.
    But Uefa were today urged to block any offer from the Middle Eastern country due to concerns over Qatar’s ties to Paris Saint-Germain.
    However, it’s reckoned European football’s governing body will not KO a bid from Qatar.
    Two clubs competing in the same competition cannot be controlled by the same owners. If they were, one of PSG or Manchester United would have to sit out of the Champions League.
    It’s not clear if the group interested in buying Manchester United have any link with Qatar Sports Investments, the owners of PSG.
    Investors from Qatar would join Arab compatriots like Saudi Arabia and the UAE in splashing the cash in the Premier League.
    Newcastle have Saudi owners while Man City are controlled by the UAE.
    The Telegraph report that a Saudi Arabian bid is imminent.
    Any new owners will have to go some way to match the £600million spent by Chelsea’s American backers, with Todd Boehly prepared to find even more for a new striker this summer.
    Ratcliffe has been interested in buying the club since news that the Glazers were willing to part with it.
    The OCG Nice owner is a Man United supporter, however The Times report suggests that he faces a big challenge beating the Qataris to being the new owner of the club.
    This is because of the group’s “resources and a desire for their first Premier League acquisition to be United”.
    Tech giants Apple and Spanish billionaire Amancio Ortega have also previously been mentioned as contenders when the Glazers first expressed a willingness to sell, although the latter has distanced himself from a bid.
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    Raine, the New York investment bank, have been enlisted to deal with the sale of the club.
    And the bank is “confident” it can be completed in the next six weeks, according to The Times.
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is another potential owner of the clubCredit: AFP or licensors More

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    Watch Raphinha PUNCH Marcos Alonso’s seat repeatedly in meltdown after Barcelona star is subbed against Man Utd

    RAPHINHA repeatedly PUNCHED Marcos Alonso’s seat in a meltdown after being subbed off against Manchester United.The Europa League first-leg tie ended all square at the Nou Camp after Raphinha made it 2-2 on the night.
    Raphinha was left fuming after being subbed off

    But the Brazilian was left fuming after he made way for Ferran Torres on 83 minutes.
    Raphinha’s frustrations were evident on the subs bench as he took his anger out on Alonso’s seat.
    But he did apologise to manager Xavi afterwards – despite not needing to.
    Xavi said: “I see and understand Raphinha’s anger, I was also angry. I make the changes thinking about the team and not to point fingers at anyone
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    “Raphinha has apologised to me but he didn’t have to. I see it as a positive that everyone wants to play.”
    Alonso headed Barca 1-0 up on 50 minutes but just moments later Marcus Rashford levelled.
    And Rashford had a part in putting United 2-1 up after his cross was diverted in by defender Jules Kounde.
    Kounde’s blushes were sparred by Raphinha, whose curled cross sailed all the way in.
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    United boss Erik ten Hag claimed the game was so good it was more fitting for Champions League football.
    He said: “I think we dictated the game. Apart from maybe 15 minutes of the first half, we had some difficulties, but for the rest, we dictated the game and we outplayed [them], so many chances, so I was a little bit disappointed that in half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored.
    “The opportunities they had, we created by ourselves. But I think it was a great game, two attacking teams, I think it was really Champions League [level] and even more than that.
    “So I really enjoyed the game a lot. In the end, 2-2, and we have to finish it at Old Trafford.”
    Erik ten Hag after the draw in BarcelonaCredit: PA More

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    Barcelona fans fear they’ll be demolished at Man Utd after key player is banned for Europa League second-leg

    BARCELONA fans are fearing the worst ahead of their Europa League second leg against Manchester United.Barca and United drew 2-2 in the first leg of their play-off at the Nou Camp and are scheduled to meet again next Thursday at Old Trafford.
    Barcelona fans are not confident ahead of the second leg against Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    Barcelona will have several key absences against Manchester UnitedCredit: AP
    And some Blaugrana supporters aren’t feeling confident, especially after Gavi’s suspension.
    The midfielder picked up his third booking in Europe this season and will be one of Xavi’s many notable absentees at the Theatre of Dreams.
    The Barcelona manager will also be without Pedri, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Red Devils.
    Ousmane Dembele and Segio Busquets are also on the shelf with thigh and ankle injuries respectively.
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    And the Barcelona faithful are not sure about their team’s chances against United.
    One fan tweeted: “Today’s game was a complete mess! There was no effectiveness, and our defense was predictably chaotic.
    “With Pedri out due to injury and Gavi suspended, no Dembele, no Busquets the situation only got worse. We ended up with a draw, but Barca is severely handicapped..”
    Another posted: “We are totally f****d up – Pedri missing the 2nd leg, Dembele missing the 2nd leg, Gavi suspended, Busquets missing the 2nd leg. All i can see now is United putting 4 past us.”
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    A third supporter commented: ” No Gavi, Pedri, Busq [Busquets], Dembus [Dembele]. That’s not good.”
    This fan wrote: “We’re f****d.”
    And that supporter tweeted: “Yeah we’re most likely out.”
    It’s good news however for Manchester United, who impressed in the 2-2 draw at the Nou Camp. More

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    Likely date of Man Utd takeover revealed with Qatari investors hellbent on buying Premier League club

    MANCHESTER UNITED could be under new ownership in the next SIX weeks.Bids from both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a group of Qatari investors are set to be made by the deadline at 10pm on Friday.
    The Glazer could have sold Man United in six weeks’ timeCredit: AFP
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to bid for the clubCredit: AFP or licensors
    The Glazers are hoping for a full sale of United for around £6billion.
    Raine, the New York investment bank, have been enlisted to deal with the sale of the club.
    There are also expected to be offers from the USA and Saudi Arabia for the Old Trafford side.
    And the bank is “confident” it can be completed quickly, according to The Times.
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    The report suggests the deal can be done with haste due to the “financial structure” of the prospective owners.
    The Glazers bought the club in 2005 and have been looking to cash in on the club since November.
    Ratcliffe, a fan of the club, has been interested in buying the club ever since fans started to protest against the Glazers.
    However, The Times report suggests that the OCG Nice owner faces a big challenge beating the Qataris to being the new owner of the club.
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    This is because of the group’s “resources and a desire for their first Premier League acquisition to be United”.
    The Qataris were also interested in buying Liverpool but have been unsuccessful and are now more determined to complete the acquisition of United.
    While the Glazers are hoping for a price of £6bn, it has been suggested that a deal could happen for a price of £4.5bn. More

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    Man Utd in Marco Reus transfer boost as Dortmund boss publicly apologises to star after win over Chelsea

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND manager Edin Terzic has publicly apologised to Manchester United target Marco Reus for not using him against Chelsea.Dortmund beat the Blues 1-0 in the Champions League last-16 at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday thanks to Karim Adeyemi’s winner.
    Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus has been linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic apologised to Marco Reus for not using him against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    But BVB captain Reus was left on the bench by Terzic, who preferred to bring on veteran Anthony Modeste and teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
    The German-Croatian tactician publicly apologised to the playmaker after full-time, but insists he has to “respect” the decision.
    Terzic told DAZN: “Of course, I’m deeply sorry.
    “But it’s not just about Marco. We also had other guys who didn’t come on.
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    “He has to respect it. But don’t accept it.
    “He can show tomorrow in training and in the next few games that he doesn’t accept it.
    “But right now he has to respect it like everyone else.”
    According to Bild, Reus was one of the first Dortmund players to leave the pitch after the celebrations as he “disappeared” down the tunnel.
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    The 33-year-old’s supporting role in the first leg could work as a transfer boost for United with manager Erik ten Hag keen to give him a key role in his squad.
    Ten Hag has reportedly met with the Germany international’s agent Dirk Hebel to discuss a potential move to Old Trafford.
    Hebel and fellow representative Darren Freeman watched the Red Devils beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 from the Old Trafford stands last month.
    Reus’ contract runs out in June and he still wants to play at top level for the next two years.
    Dortmund want the German star to extend his deal but will have to accept a significant pay cut. More

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

    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