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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

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

    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

    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

    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