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      ‘It looks like hard work but…’ – Bruno Fernandes slammed by ex-Man Utd title winner over deceptive aspect to play

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      MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes has been branded “annoying” by club hero Lee Sharpe.Fernandes, 29, has worn United’s armband throughout a turbulent season that has seen Erik ten Hag’s men crash out of Europe and drift further away from the top four.Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been slammed by Lee SharpeCredit: GettySharpe criticised Fernandes’ antics and style of play which leaves his team-mates exposedCredit: GettyThe playmaker has often produced the goods in terms of workrate, goals and assists but has come under fire due to occasional tantrums that see him lashing out at his team-mates instead of instilling composure as skipper.Sharpe, 52, believes the Portugal international “lets himself down” as captain with that attitude.The ex-England international insists Fernandes “works hard” for the Red Devils but his game is “ill-disciplined” as his runs leave his team-mates exposed.Sharpe told BetVictor: “I have to say that Bruno Fernandes does annoy me. I’m not keen on him throwing himself around and throwing his arms in the air as the Manchester United captain. Read More on Man Utd”You have to keep your calm when others around you are losing their heads, but the hand waving, the gestures and the moaning is what I just don’t agree with at all. “You have to be a class above when you’re the captain of Manchester United and he lets himself down in that aspect.“He does work hard but I think he’s a bit ill-disciplined at times with his positional play. “Him running all over the place looks like hard work, but it leaves his team-mates exposed. He is hot and cold with me, parts of him are unbelievable but other parts I can take or leave.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He does have the ability to produce something out of nothing and his work rate is second to none, but he does still give the ball away cheaply in dangerous areas. “He tries to play the killer ball too often when he could just keep possession. Against Liverpool I think he touched the ball seven or eight times and gave it away every time. EXCLUSIVE: I felt full force of Fergie’s hairdryer at Man Utd… he told me to sell my house and leave during Liverpool horror show”I turned to my mate and said, ‘He’ll score a wondergoal now’, then sure enough he went and scored from his own half!”Bruno Fernandes should be embarrassed by this… United fans were, says Neil CustisBy Neil Custis
      BRUNO FERNANDES ended the FA Cup semi-final a man bemused as to what he had been a part of.
      No doubt knowing it would be he would have to try and explain it all again.
      Rarely have a team slunk away from this stadium with a feeling of embarrassment having just reach an FA Cup Final.
      The next time Fernandes turns up at the home of football he wants to be heading up those metal steps and picking up silverware.
      Nothing less will do for the captain of Manchester United.
      But he knows they have not got a hope of gaining revenge on this cross town rivals Manchester City if this is what they are going to deliver.
      This was an embarrassment, plain and simple, for Ten Hag, for Fernandes, for every player in red.
      After the skipper finished his TV interview he turned around to the end that had housed the United fans to clap them in thanks.
      There was barely anyone left.
      Read Neil Custis’ opinion in full here.
      Or click here to read all of Neil’s article. More

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      Ex-Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea, 33, ‘lined up for free transfer to La Liga giants’ after a year unemployed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hero David de Gea is being targeted by Real Betis ahead of the summer transfer window after a whole YEAR without a club.De Gea, 33, left United last June when his contract ran out after 12 years at Old Trafford, during which time he won every domestic honour available.Real Betis will try to sign Manchester United legend David de Gea in the summerCredit: AFPDe Gea has been a free agent during the entire season and is keen to return to La LigaCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper was quickly linked with a series of suitors, including Betis and Real Madrid, but his salary demands proved too much for all candidates and he has spent the entire campaign as a free agent.According to Estadio Deportivo, however, the La Liga giants are planning to make another bid for the ex-Spain international come June.Manuel Pellegrini’s side are planning to contact De Gea’s representatives regarding his situation.It is expected that the Spain star will have to lower his demands considering his advanced age, and the fact he has been out of the game for an entire year.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-Premier League star would also be keen to settle in Spain with his family also open to the full-time switch.Betis will need a new keeper as Claudio Bravo has turned 41 and is on his way out.Rui Silva has also attracted a series of suitors after a raft of impressive performances at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.Silva has a contract until 2026 but Serie A clubs are circling in and Betis are open for negotiations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, the Spanish outfit has other potential candidates to fill in between the sticks besides De Gea.And one of them is Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who could become available amid his club’s financial woes.David de Gea and popstar wife Edurne pose for their wedding day De Gea amassed a total of 545 appearances at United where he picked up 190 clean sheets and conceded 590 goals.The Spaniard won the Premier League Golden Glove last season after registering the most clean sheets in the English top flight.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      Why Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s post-London Marathon ice bath could cost Ten Hag dearly as Man Utd limp to FA Cup final

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE didn’t watch Manchester United’s entire FA Cup semi-final nail-biter against Coventry at Wembley.United escaped a massive upset that would have forever lived in infamy as the Sky Blues came from 3-0 down to level things up at the death.Sir Ji Ratcliffe had an ice bath after completing the London Marathon and was late at WembleyCredit: GettyManchester United boss Erik ten Hag missed the chance to impress Ratcliffe with a stunning startCredit: RexThe Championship outfit also came agonisingly close from snatching victory when a last-gasp goal by Victor Torp was denied by VAR as Haji Wright was caught just inches offside during the buildup.Ratcliffe, 71, saw all of Coventry’s goals and was left fretting just like every other Man Utd fan until VAR saved the Manchester giants’ blushes.According to The Mail, Sir Jim arrived late at Wembley after completing the London Marathon with an impressive 4hr 30min 52sec finish.The Red Devils’ minority shareholder, who is in charge of all sporting operations at Old Trafford, didn’t appear until the second half as he was delayed by an ice bath he had at the RAC Club after the race.Read More on Man UtdThe bath didn’t allow the British businessman to watch Erik ten Hag’s side fly in the first half.United led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire.It is not yet known if Ratcliffe got the chance to see Bruno Fernandes hitting the back of the net later on in the 58th minute.That strong start could have done wonders in the INEOS chairman’s eyes while he continues to assess Ten Hag’s future at the helm.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, the United supremo was there for his team’s late capitulation that saw Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare and Wright hitting the target.Ten Hag’s position has come under fire amid a turbulent campaign that has been marred by hapless performances and disappointing results.Bruno Fernandes reveals Man Utd legend Darren Fletcher inspired FA Cup final qualification with powerful speechHowever, the Dutch tactician avoided another heartbreak as he just managed to lead his team to a second consecutive FA Cup final against Manchester City after beating Coventry 4-2 on penalties. More

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      Former Premier League star calls Bruno Fernandes a ‘c***’ and blasts Man Utd ‘rat’ for FA Cup penalty shootout antics

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      FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Jimmy Walker has slammed Bruno Fernandes for his antics against Coventry City.The Manchester United captain was spotted exchanging words with Coventry keeper Bradley Collins after he dispatched United’s fourth penalty.Bruno Fernandes stared Bradley Collins down after scoring past himCredit: RexJimmy Walker was unhappy with Fernandes having words with the Coventry keeperCredit: 2008 Getty ImagesAnd his antics did not go down with former West Ham goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, 50.Walker, who played 20 games for West Ham, took to X to denounce the United star.He wrote: “If I’m Cov gk I’m finding this rat down the tunnel #bigtimep**ck”His critical post was accompanied by a photo of Fernandes doing a post-match interview after the final.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA confused fan asked Walker if it’s because the United player “stood up for himself”.Walker quoted that post and responded: “No coz he’s a c***.”West Ham fans loved the outburst with one replying: “Jimmy Walker for West Ham manager.”Another said: “Walker well and truly on the money with that one.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third wrote: “This wins X. Well done.”Fernandes’ penalty helped United reach the FA Cup final in the most embarrassing way possible.Bruno Fernandes reveals Man Utd legend Darren Fletcher inspired FA Cup final qualification with powerful speechThe Red Devils were cruising at 3-0 up before an almighty collapse saw Coventry score three late goals to force extra time.The Sky Blues then looked to have won it when they scored with what could have been the last kick of the game.The goal was ruled out, however, for a “toenail offside” call on Haji Wright.After surviving thanks to VAR intervention, United went on to win the game after Rasmus Hojlund’s winner in the shootout.And while he was buzzing to have put United into a cup final, his fellow players appeared to be too embarrassed to celebrate with him after surviving the game by the skin of their teeth.Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter it, fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      I’m an ex-Man Utd prodigy who was best mates with George Best – I tried to save his life but he refused to listen to me

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      AN ex-Manchester United prodigy who was best mates with George Best claims that he tried to save his life but the star refused.Widely regarded as one of the most talented players to ever grace a pitch, footy icon Best also had a long-standing battle with booze.George Best was considered as one of the finest players to lace on a pair of boots at his peakCredit: GettyThe flying winger leaves Alan Ball in his wake for Manchester United in 1970Credit: PAPundit and former Republic of Ireland player Eamon Dunphy has opened up about George BestCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionIt saw the Manchester United legend sadly pass away in 2005 as he finally succumbed to his off-pitch battles aged just 59.Now, football pundit Eamon Dunphy has revealed how he once tried to get George Best to ditch drinking.Dunphy, 79, was a lifelong friend of Best after the pair first came through the youth ranks at Man Utd together back in the 1950s. He said that the late Best was actually a very shy person who had used alcohol to hide that.Read More in FootballDunphy recalled meeting up with Best in the months leading up to his death, and was sad to see that he was still drinking, reports BelfastLive.The pundit said: “It was very sad, really. He had been hospitalised and he was in bad health because of the drink. Now, he had given it up officially. “So, we went out and the first thing he did was order a brandy.””I was drinking bottles of lager, which was my thing, but I had a couple of spliffs and I said to him, ‘George, you shouldn’t be drinking that stuff, that f**king stuff is killing you. Have a spliff.'”Most read in Football”He said, ‘Eamon, I don’t do drugs. I would never touch that stuff.’ He had that working-class prejudice against drugs. “But the alcohol is what killed him.”Meanwhile, Dunphy, who will turn 80 next year, said he is trying not to think about his own old age.He added: “I’m trying not to, but you know what the deal is, so I think it gives you more of an appreciation for every day.””You don’t think, ‘I hope I’ll be happy someday down the road.’ You better get happy now, baby, because there ain’t going to be a ‘down the road’.”At his peak, Best was unstoppable.He was far stronger than he looked with his slight frame standing resilient despite some brutal tackles. Unable to get the ball off him, defenders would often resort to just hacking him down instead.He was among the goals when Man Utd won the European Cup in 1968, defeating Benfica in the final.And he was named European Footballer of the Year in the same season and came fifth in the FIFA Player of the Century vote.The late great Pele, once described Best as “a footballer without comparison” and so good “all you could do was foul him”.George Best’s life and timesGeorge Best had the genius to perform magic on the football pitch and was a natural entertainer.
      He could run like an antelope, pass, dribble multiple players, score with both feet, ride the most brutal tackles.
      His peak and most famous stint came at Manchester United where he donned the iconic No.7 shirt.
      Best joined the club at age 15, and he made his first-division debut two years later, in 1963.
      He was an immediate sensation, scoring acrobatic goals and helping United to a league title in his second season.
      He led the club to another league championship during the 1966–67 season.
      And in 1968 he was named European Footballer of the Year and helped United become the first English club to win the European Cup.
      In total Best made 474 appearances for Britain’s biggest club in all competitions from 1963 to 1974, and scored 181 goals.
      Sadly, Best was a tormented soul from east Belfast who, when he got bored of being better than everyone else, went to the pub and never really came back.
      Best was plagued with off-the-field problems including alcoholism and debt, triggered by an extravagant lifestyle.
      His time at the very top was short-lived and after leaving Old Trafford he played for a host of clubs around Ireland, England, USA, Australia and even Scotland.
      He walked out on Manchester United aged just 27 and ended his significant playing days with Hibernian instead of rising to even greater glory than he’d known at Old Trafford and signing for Aberdeen.
      Fans north of the border got to see the wing-wizard in the flesh when he signed for Hibs in the winter of 1979 on a £2,000 a match pay-per-play deal.
      The legend also played matches for junior team Arbroath Vics and Perthshire amateur side Scone Thistle in the same weekend in the 80s – and even had Swedish Miss World and Bond girl Mary Stavin with him.
      Best died in 2005 aged 59 after suffering multiple organ failure following years of alcoholism.

      Dubbed the ‘fifth Beatle’, Best used his wealth and celebrity to pursue a lifestyle that saw him open his own nightclubs, restaurants and clothes shops.Best famously said: “If you’d given me the choice of going out and beating four men and smashing a goal in from thirty yards against Liverpool or going to bed with Miss World, it would have been a difficult choice.”“Luckily, I had both.”It comes after Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed who he thinks is his favourite player to ever don the famous red shirt.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe British billionaire finally had his 25 per cent takeover of the Manchester club ratified by the Premier League last month, marking a new era for the footballing giant.He said: “George Best was, I suppose, probably the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen play football.”George Best with Pele when both played in AmericaCredit: GettyGeorge poses for the camera with former wife Angie, and son Calum BestCredit: PABest was a entertainer on and off the pitchCredit: Getty More

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      If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then what does this photo say about shambolic state of Man Utd?

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      HAVE A LOOK at this picture and what are your first thoughts?What would be your assumption if you did not know what preceded it?Rasmus Hojlund was alone after the penalty shootout victory against CoventryShootout winner Hojlund was the only player to celebrate the winThat Rasmus Hojlund had just missed the decisive penalty in a shoot-out and was about to be consoled by a team-mate, in this case the distant Christian Eriksen?The player himself has his shoulders hunched, looking downcast and in need of a hug.Yet this was supposedly a moment of celebration.What it is, in fact, is a still shot that sums up the current state of Manchester United – embarrassing.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAll players will look forward to that moment when their intervention proves the last and most crucial in a contest.When all their team-mates charge towards them. No matter what has gone before you are the hero for that final decisive kick or save.Remember Edwin van der Sar when he stopped Nicolas Anelka’s penalty in the 2008 Champions League final and a 100m sprint ensued in the teeming rain to reach him in joyous celebration?Not on this occasion.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHojlund had slammed the ball home to complete a 4-2 FA Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out win after the game had finished 3-3.United had surrendered a 3-0 lead and only the tip of a toenail had denied Championship side Coventry ultimate victory.Fans spot Man Utd players are ‘too ashamed to celebrate’ as even Roy Keane claims they were ’embarrassed to win’So while Hojlund ran to the United fans shouting and punching the air, his team-mates’ response was lukewarm.It was like that cringeworthy moment at the same venue last season when Wout Weghorst, the bloke who won a raffle to play for United, ran the length of the pitch and slid in front of the Red Devils fans after a run-of-the-mill win over Newcastle.Hojlund turned to see that nobody was coming, bar Eriksen with Antony trailing along.Yes that big money Brazilian flop who had already added a distasteful footnote to the final act by goading the brave Coventry players in the moment of victory, cupping his ears to them.Thankfully United had players of class like Harry Maguire who turned straight to those in Sky Blue to offer his hand.So where does it all leave this hapless bunch and a club in reverse.TEN HAG’S FUTURE?Erik ten Hag’s chancea of staying at Man Utd appear to diminish by the dayCredit: AlamyThat is the immediate question and for many United fans who had stuck behind him, this was the final straw.The Dutchman had an admirable first season, finishing third and winning the Carabao Cup while reaching the FA Cup Final.This was when they were supposed to push on and they have gone into reverse.It is on his watch that United fans have witnessed a calamitous Champions League campaign.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      A title bid has turned into a scramble to get in the UEFA conference.Increasingly his words and excuses seem desperate.His declaration that Sunday was a great achievement as they reached a second successive FA Cup Final just added to the feeling of embarrassment.His days are numbered, the clock is ticking.ARE INJURIES A VALID EXCUSE?Man Utd have been blighted by injury this season, but is that enough to justify performances?Credit: PAEvery team seems to be struggling and a stronger look behind the scenes as to why so many are in the treatment room at United might help.As it was, only the lack of a recognised central defender to partner Maguire on Sunday should have been seen as a weakness in this line-up.This was a good enough team to get 3-0 up, so it should have been good enough to see the job out with ease.Injuries are not the reason this team capitulates so often.They don’t have the ability to concentrate for 90 minutes.Whatever the manager is saying, they are not listening.FANS TURNING ON PLAYERSThis is not a regular thing at United, but it is starting to creep in more and more.It may not have been heard on TV, but when Marcus Rashford was subbed off in the 89th minute, he was booed by many United fans.They have grown sick of his lacklustre performances with no end product.If United get a bid, they need to take it.He is not alone with Antony another who the faithful have long since lost patience with.If he thinks cupping his ears to the Coventry players in celebration will have endeared himself to those who filled one end of the ground then he can think again.He might just find out how far it went when his name is read out on Wednesday night for the visit of Sheffield United to Old Trafford.RECRUITMENTErik ten Hag has been backed to the tune of £400million and what is the result?Antony at £85million tops the list of the most expensive flops in United’s history, surely he is not Brazilian.Pundit and former Aston Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor, used the words “shamelss” and “prat” to describe him on Sunday.Bruno Fernandes should be embarrassed by this… United fans were, says Neil CustisBy Neil Custis
      BRUNO FERNANDES ended the FA Cup semi-final a man bemused as to what he had been a part of.
      No doubt knowing it would be he would have to try and explain it all again.
      Rarely have a team slunk away from this stadium with a feeling of embarrassment having just reach an FA Cup Final.
      The next time Fernandes turns up at the home of football he wants to be heading up those metal steps and picking up silverware.
      Nothing less will do for the captain of Manchester United.
      But he knows they have not got a hope of gaining revenge on this cross town rivals Manchester City if this is what they are going to deliver.
      This was an embarrassment, plain and simple, for Ten Hag, for Fernandes, for every player in red.
      After the skipper finished his TV interview he turned around to the end that had housed the United fans to clap them in thanks.
      There was barely anyone left.
      Read Neil Custis’ opinion in full here.
      Or click here to read all of Neil’s article.

      Look elsewhere and what has goalkeeper Andre Onana brought that David De Gea didn’t have. He has been a downgrade if anything.Hojlund? Unless you had been watching closely you could have been forgiven for wondering If his penalty kick was indeed his first touch on Sunday.Casemiro was described by pundit and former Arsenal player Lee Dixon yesterday as looking like someone who was toeing a caravan.As for Mason Mount? Why did they buy him again?WHAT IS UNITED’S STYLE UNDER TEN HAG?It is a question that has been asked from the start and met with curious answers.When you bring a man in from Ajax you expect the beautiful game to follow. Yet Ten Hag claims he can’t play it because he hasn’t got the right men. So why didn’t he buy the right ones?United’s style is based on “rope-a-dope” as they take punishment with shot after shot heading their way before hoping for joy on the break.Victories come by chance, or through a piece of individual brilliance. There is no plan.DOES THE FUTURE LOOK BRIGHT?Not right now it doesn’t. But there is undoubted young talent in this squad in the form of Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and most notably Alejandro Garnacho. Hojlund… we remain to be convinced.On Garnacho, what on earth is Ten Hag doing constantly subbing a 19-year-old when the teenager’s speed and trickery can unlock a door when everyone else is tiring and he isn’t?Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      He is someone who can take the ball upfield and relieve the pressure on his defence if the tide is turning.Subbed in the 86th minute at Chelsea with United 3-2 up and they lose 4-3.Subbed in the 80th minute at home to Liverpool with United 2-1 up and they draw 2-2.Subbed in the 66th minute at Wembley against Coventry, for the hapless Antony, with United 3-0 up and they draw 3-3 before penalties.IS SIR JIM RATCLIFFE THE SAVIOUR?Well, the new part owner put the idea of a swift change in fortunes under his watch to bed after finishing the London marathon ahead of this semi-final marathon.Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “The fans are impatient. It’s a journey, they have to be patient. It’s not a light switch. We will turn it around.”Patience has long since run out.As for complaining about Newcastle putting incoming CEO Dan Ashworth on gardening leave, well, sorry the Magpies didn’t bow down to your every whim, and why should they?There was a moment during yesterday’s game as United imploded when Ratcliffe turned round to new technical director Jason Wilcox sat alongside former chief executive David Gill.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou can only guess what he might have been saying but a speech bubble with the words “what on earth is going on, this is embarrassing” might have been one version.Embarrassing it was, just have another look at that picture for proof. More

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      Man Utd transfer boost with Barcelona ‘open to offers for superstar with defender open to big move’

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      BARCELONA are open to “listening to offers” for Ronald Araujo with Manchester United setting their eyes on the defender.Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona since breaking into their first team in the 2019/20 campaign, having now made almost 150 appearances for the club.Man Utd received transfer boost for Barcelona target Ronald Araujo as club are ‘open to offers’Credit: AFPBut, amid the fallout from his red card in the crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, the La Liga are reportedly considering cutting Araujo loose.The 25-year-old received a straight red card for fouling Bradley Barcola in the first half of the second leg.Barca were looking set for a semi-final spot at the time, leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.But the red shifted momentum in PSG’s favour, with the Parisians netting four times to go through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIlkay Gundogan publicly called out Araujo in the aftermath, with the Barca dressing room said to now be ‘divided into four clans’.And Spanish outlet Sport are now reporting Xavi’s side “will listen to offers” for the Uruguayan centre-back.It is known that perennially cash-strapped Barcelona need to sell a player this summer to balance accounts.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe report claims Araujo is one of the players whose sales would generate more profit.Most read in FootballBarca are convinced that they could get an offer of up to £86million, given the interest from United.’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Araujo, and it is understood the club would be at the front of the queue to sign him if he became available for transfer.Barca are confident they have enough defensive cover should he depart following the emergence of 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.Considering Araujo signed with the Blaugrana in 2018 for £1.4million the Catalan giants can expect a hefty profit.Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter it, fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      Erik ten Hag will be sacked by Man Utd even if he WINS FA Cup, say pundits after ’embarrassing’ victory over Coventry

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      NORMALLY getting to the FA Cup final would mark a time for celebration and be billed as a huge achievement.However, you would not know that was the case for Manchester United after they laboured their way into the final following a stunning collapse against Coventry in yesterday’s semi-final.Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd future is up in the airCredit: AlamySky Sports pundits where conflicted on the Dutchman’s futureCredit: Sky SportsAlan Shearer believes a decision has already been madeCredit: GettyHaving found themselves 3-0 down with 20 minutes left, the Championship side mounted an incredible comeback before losing out on penalties.Despite reaching a second consecutive Cup final, another Red Devils embarrassment has left Erik ten Hag’s role untenable for many fans.Below par displays in the league have left Man Utd staring down the prospect of finishing below seventh, which would be their worst ever finish in a Premier League season.Ten Hag, 54, has the chance to salvage the season by winning the FA Cup, though claiming victory over defending champions Manchester City on the May 25 final will not be easy.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut does that mean he will still be at the helm come the start of next season, the first to be led by the club’s new minority owners Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe after they took over the sporting operation at Old Trafford?Well pundits have had their say on the matter, and many paint a bleak picture for the Dutchman, regardless of FA Cup glory.Speaking about Ten Hag’s future on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher said: “I think that result today has just cost a Manchester United manager his job. “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERI would imagine that is probably the most embarrassing dressing room of a team that has just won a big game.”Man Utd legend Gary Neville was more optimistic, believing it would be “extreme” to sack a manager who has won two trophies in two years. Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United ‘got away with it’ in shootout win over CoventryPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      He said: “My view would be that if he won the FA Cup and he won a trophy last season, to sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”Winning trophies can never ever be underestimated. If you’ve got a knack for winning trophies and you just get through things I don’t think you can dismiss that.”There’s a good chance they (Ineos) would (sack Ten Hag). They’ve wiped everything else out at the top of the club and if he wins a trophy and it’s two trophies on the bounce, that’s tough.”Fellow ex-Man Utd star Louis Saha understood the argument for a new boss but said he did not see it as clearly.He told Sky Sports: “When you look at these performances you may say they need a real reshape. “The three people (Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Dan Ashworth) have different philosophy and maybe bring something else, maybe they can benefit from that.”I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

      BBC pundit Alan Shearer agreed with Carragher that Ten Hag would not be in place next season, revealing he believes the future to already be determined.He said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”I don’t think it matters whether they win the FA Cup for his future. That may be sad, that may be wrong but I just get the feeling that winning the FA Cup is not going to be enough for him.”When you look at the players, when you look at the attitude, when you at where they are in the league and all of those things [against], where they want to be, where they want to go in a quick time, I think he’s already gone.”I don’t know it. It’s just a guess but I look at the players, there attitudes and ability, I just get the feeling.”SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month how Man Utd stars feared Ten Hag was resigned to the sack.Reports last week also suggested several players were delaying decisions on their futures with Ten Hag’s future unknown.READ MORE SUN STORIESA number of names have been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, including Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thiago Motta and most recently Thomas Tuchel.After the narrow FA Cup triumph Man Utd can now focus on their league campaign, with Sheffield United and Burnley coming up in the next two games. Here’s how Man Utd’s next five games are looking More