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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe gives glimpse inside meeting with ‘grumpy’ Sir Alex Ferguson after £2m Man Utd role cancelled in cuts

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has opened up on Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to losing his ambassador role at Manchester United. The legendary Red Devils boss, 83, was removed from his £2million-a-year position last October. Sir Jim Ratcliffe (left) has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to losing his ambassador role at Old TraffordCredit: GettyThe Ineos owner has been ruthless with his cost-cutting since taking overCredit: GettyRatcliffe, 72, completed a minority takeover of United in 2023.The Ineos chief has since cut costs both on and off the field, including a wave of redundancies over the past year. More than 200 jobs went last summer at Old Trafford, with Ratcliffe claiming the club could have gone BUST by the end of 2025. One of the roles to go was Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial position, handed to him when he left the club in 2013. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Scot is the most successful manager of all time and won 13 league titles at Old Trafford.Ratcliffe revealed he spoke to Ferguson personally about the matter, telling Fergie the club “isn’t where you think it is.”Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe said: “I take my hat off to Alex.”I sat down with Alex, just the two of us in the room. And I said ‘Look, the club isn’t where you may think it is’. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”It is spending more than it’s earning and we’re going to finish up in some difficulties. “Honestly, we can’t really afford to continue to pay you £2 million a year”.Fans spot Sir Alex Ferguson YAWNING as he watches woeful Man Utd – but get distracted by who he’s sitting next to”I said “I’m going to leave it with you, let you have a think about it”. “It was very grown up. Maybe a little bit grumpy at the beginning but he got it.”He came back three days later, after talking to his son, and said ‘Fine, I’m going to step away from it. My decision’.”I think it reflects really well on Alex, because he put the club before himself.”United are currently languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League.Fan protests erupted against the leadership on Sunday before the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.And Ratcliffe admits that some of the players currently on the books are “not good enough”.He continued; “Some [players] are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.” More

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      How Ruben Amorim’s genius tweak unleashed Noussair Mazraoui to give Man Utd new attacking threat vs Arsenal

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      RUBEN AMORIM has a new attacking threat at his disposal following a successful “tweak” to his Manchester United side against Arsenal.The Red Devils shared the spoils with the north Londonrs thanks to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last Sunday.Manchester United shared the spoils with Arsenal in last Sunday’s meeting at Old TraffordCredit: REXRed Devils boss Ruben Amorim was frustrated to not have bagged all three pointsCredit: REXBut the attacking threat shown by Noussair Mazraoui will have pleased the Portuguese gafferCredit: REXAmorim, however, wasn’t happy with his troops’ failure to hold on to all three points, which Declan Rice denied them of with a stunning second-half finish.But he’ll be happy with the auxiliary attacking threat defender Noussair Mazraoui showed he can be on the right-hand side.And in the latest episode of SunSport’s Tactics Exposed, our tactics expert DEAN SCOGGINS looks at how the Moroccan showed how he can be a versatile threat going forward when paired up with Alejandro Garnacho.Here are four of Dean’s observations on Mazraoui from the draw…READ MORE ON MAN UTD1) Understanding with GarnachoGarnacho is creating that indecision because he trusts Mazraoui’s decision making to give him the ball when he can and not go bombing up the outside and leave him in a dodgy position.And also it means that Garnacho can then spring that counterattack when United win it back.And we saw that three or four times where Garnacho carried the ball up the right in the first half.At half time, fantastic from Amorim. What he’s done is just a subtle little tweak with their positioning to bring Garnacho wide to the right and running out to wing, and then Mazraoui going up the inside channel inside him.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMan Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.2) Making troubleMazraoui was [often] the free man. He found himself in a number ten position, a striker position and a right wing position.Amorim ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance despite missed chances against Arsenal He was the one causing all the problems and we saw the ideal Amorim scenario – [Diogo] Dalot, one wing back, crossing it to Mazraoui, the other wing back.[The] save from David Raya probably should have been the winner for United because they played really, really well in that second-half period on the counterattack.They were comfortable out of position. And with the crossover of Mazraoui and Garnacho and understanding where each other are going to go, they caused Arsenal a real problem on that left-hand side.3) Inside and outside threatsOh, definitely, [this is the Mazraoui Manchester United they were signing].And also, I think it’s a credit to Mazraoui that he’s done the job that Amorim has asked of him.Amorim is having to tick a few boxes as we go through here. They defended brilliantly against Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal away in the FA Cup.Noussair Mazraoui was a constant threat on the right wingCredit: REXThe defender caused the Gunners trouble thank to a great understanding with GarnachoCredit: AFPIs Mazraoui playing as a proper fullback in a back five? They did that in the first half. So he did get up the right sometimes.Mazraoui, he was the one going up the outside in the first half. In the second half, they switch that over and Garnacho going wide and then Mazraoui is coming up on the inside.He is a good baller in those positions. He can pick it up at number ten and he’s two-footed.He can play between those lines as well. And as we’ve said week after week, Amorim’s formation relies on wing-backs driving forward. Otherwise, they’re just nullified. Mazraoui provided. That was really good.READ MORE SUN STORIES4) VersatilityI think that he was an example [of a player who says to his manager], ‘Where?’ ‘Left back, boss? No problem.’Right back, boss? No problem? Wing back? Yeah I can do that attacking role. Second off? No problem. I’ll do that as well.’ More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe launches scathing attack on struggling Man Utd squad saying some ‘not good enough’ and ‘overpaid’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has admitted some of Manchester United’s players are “NOT GOOD ENOUGH” to be at the club in an astonishing interview.United are currently a shell of the club they were when legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was at the Old Trafford helm.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has launched an astonishing attack on the Manchester United squadCredit: PASeveral of United’s high-profile signings in recent years have failed to deliverCredit: THE TIMESINEOS chief Ratcliffe has claimed several players in the squad are “overpaid”Credit: GETTYOver the years, the Red Devils have signed several high-profile players to extraordinarily lucrative contracts.Several of those expensive signings have been a financial disaster, which Ratcliffe signalled includes some who remain at the club.The INEOS chief told The BBC: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer. “We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.”Ratcliffe officially acquired a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United last February, having agreed a deal with the Glazer family the previous December. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnd he was soon confronted by the fact the club still have outstanding payments on players they signed before he arrived at Old Trafford.He said: “If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts “We’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying [Andre] Onana, we’re buying Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho. “These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”For [Jadon] Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half his wages, we’re paying £17m to buy him in the summer.”Erik ten Hag was at the helm when Ratcliffe became a major shareholder in the club.United, however, have continued to flounder following the November appointment of new gaffer Ruben Amorim.The Red Devils have lost nine of their 26 games under the Portuguese and are an incredible 36 points behind Premier League table-toppers Liverpool.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief Amorim currently has the full support of Ratcliffe and the rest of the United brass.Manchester United have lost nine of their 26 matches under Ruben AmorimCredit: PAAmorim has Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s full support – for the time beingCredit: GETTYHe said: “If I actually look at the squad which is available to Ruben, I think he is doing a really good job to be honest.”I think Ruben is an outstanding young manager. I really do. He’s an excellent manager and I think he will be there for a long time.”You are beginning to see a glimpse of what Ruben can produce. I think you saw a glimpse of it against Arsenal. “How many players against Arsenal on the bench did you recognise? “How many have ever worn a Manchester United shirt for [the first team]… as there’s no squad left. “We are down to the last 10 or 11 men in the squad really, of proper first-team players. Ruben is doing a super job.”In an interview with Sky Sports, Ratcliffe expanded on his point about Amorim dealing with a depleted squad.He said: “So if you modify our salary bill for the players that are not available to Ruben, then our salary bill ranks us about, you know, middling, second half of the table. “We’re sort of level with the likes of a Nottingham Forest or Everton, not a Manchester City one.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That salary bill, if you look at that salary bill, is probably about £130m, and we’re talking about Liverpool who’s got a salary bill of £200m, Manchester City have got a salary bill of £300m, so that’s the squad that Ruben’s playing with.”United will be back in action on Thursday evening, welcoming Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie. More

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      Man Utd legend spotted consoling Rasmus Hojlund and giving struggling striker pep talk after 14-minute cameo vs Arsenal

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Peter Schmeichel was spotted consoling struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund outside Old Trafford.The under-fire forward made just a 14-minute cameo in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal. Peter Schmeichel was spotted consoling struggling striker Rasmus Hojlund outside Old TraffordCredit: XThe moment was caught by a fanCredit: XHojlund played just 14 minutes against ArsenalCredit: PAPressure is mounting on the £72million man amid reports United’s coaching staff are becoming impatient and frustrated with Hojlund’s form.But he got a pep talk from former United captain and fellow Dane Schmeichel outside the ground – sharing a hug together. Schmeichel – who won FIVE Premier League titles with United – was working as a pundit for Viaplay at the Theatre of Dreams. Bruno Fernandes gave the hosts the lead before half-time before Declan Rice levelled on 74 minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDJoshua Zirkzee started up front for Ruben Amorim’s side with Hojlund replacing him on 76 minutes. Hojlund managed just one shot after coming off the bench – failing to hit the target. The attacker has seven goals in 37 games this season – with only two coming in the league.Hojlund scored 16 in his debut campaign last year after being signed by Erik ten Hag for around £72m in August 2023 from Atalanta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd United great Wayne Rooney has thrown his support the 22-year-old’s way. Rooney, 39, said on Match of The Day: “A striker for Manchester United, when you’re not scoring goals, there’s a lot of pressure, a lot of people talking about you. Amorim ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance despite missed chances against Arsenal “Can you do it for Manchester United? I think the best thing to do is simplify it and obviously making the runs into penalty boxes is as easy as it comes – you have to make them runs.”But simplifying the game, getting the ball, laying it off, getting in the box, getting the ball out wide, getting in the penalty box, putting yourself in the best position to score goals.”Nine times out of 10 you’re relying on your team-mates to give you chances and put the ball in the box or slide balls in behind.”Maybe he hasn’t been doing that – he hasn’t been getting that service of late. But I’ve got faith in him.”I think he is a good player and he works hard. I think that’s really important as well. “I think he just needs that goal and once he gets it, they’ll all start coming.” More

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      Sky Sports accidentally broadcast X-rated message during Man Utd vs Arsenal clash

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      A MANCHESTER United fan’s X-rated message to the owners was accidentally broadcast by live Sky Sports cameras.The supporter’s note – possibly to the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe – was beamed across the world as United players headed down the tunnel following the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.Fans spotted an X-rated sign during Sky’s broadcast of Manchester United vs ArsenalArsenal’s fading hopes of chasing Liverpool down took another knock, as they sit now 15 points behind the Reds with ten games to go.Declan Rice delivered heroics at both ends of Old Trafford to earn Arsenal a dramatic point against 14th place United.During the aftermath, fans spotted an X-rated sign held up by a supporter in the Stretford End as the players walked off.The capitalised message, written in a black marker on a slab of cardboard, read: “Sell United and f*** off home.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThousands of fans gathered outside Old Trafford before kick-off to protest against the club’s ownership. Viral videos showed hundreds chanting those same words on the road leading up to the iconic stadium.There were an estimated 5,000 people taking part in the mile-long march.Scores of flares were set off as fans dressed in black sang abusive songs towards co-chairman Joel Glazer and Ratcliffe, who has spent £1.3bn for a 28.94 per cent stake in the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe 1958 spokesperson Steve Crompton has claimed that the club is “dying” and is “facing financial Armageddon”.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Sky fully showing that Glazers f*** off home sign 😂😂”Amorim ‘pleased’ with Man Utd performance despite missed chances against Arsenal Another tweeted: “Well done to this man. Seen by the world.”A third fan added: “Let’s hope the Glazers saw it and for once read the room.”Speaking after the match, United boss Ruben Amorim was asked about the protest.He replied: “This club will never die, that is clear. You feel it in the streets. “This is a big business and maybe all the fans in this league sometimes feel it is harder to go to the games and pay for tickets.”We want to give them a lot of effort. In the future, we will not play like that.”United fans protested against the club’s ownership on SundayRuben Amorim spoke candidly about the pre-match demonstrationsCredit: GettyThe Red Devils looked on course for a morale-boosting victory thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ controversial free-kick on the brink of half-time.The United captain curled in a dead ball after referee Anthony Taylor set the Arsenal wall back 11.2 yards, according to broadcast technology, rather than the minimum 10 yards.READ MORE SUN STORIESRice brilliantly whipped in Jurrien Timber’s cutback to level the match with 16 minutes to go and then, moments later, slid in when sub Rasmus Hojlund was clean through on goal. The England star celebrated the tackle almost as emphatically as the goal. More

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      Chelsea line up shock Jobe Bellingham transfer as Man Utd eye goalkeeper – latest exclusives from The Sun’s Alan Nixon

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      SUNSPORT’S Alan Nixon is the Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Chelsea have joined the fight for Jobe BellinghamCredit: RexBlues co-owner Todd Boehly would love to buy BritishCredit: GettyTODD BOEHLY is lining up a bid for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham as Chelsea look to sign English.England hero Jude’s kid brother could be sold by the Black Cats this summer.German giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are already on his trail.The Blues have decided to enter the chase, though, and are willing to top offers to bring the 19-year-old into the Premier League.Chelsea have been busy signing players from all around the globe under  billionaire Boehly and his US investment group. Now they want a strong domestic presence in Enzo Maresca’s squad.Ex-Birmingham whizkid Bellingham is in England’s Under-21 set-up and one of the better players emerging, so he fits the bill perfectly.Jobe moved to the Stadium of Light in 2023 for £3million and has already been linked with a string of Premier League side.During the summer, Jobe signed a new deal at Sunderland keeping him tied at the club until 2028.Sunderland hope to win promotion and make a go at keeping him. But a sale looks certain if they fall short.Moving to Bundesliga side Dortmund worked wonders for Jude,  while Jobe may be happy to go his own way and play in the top flight here. Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also interested in Bellingham.However, Chelsea joining the race is being seen as a game changer.He could join Cole Palmer and new Brazilian wonderkid Willian Estevao in a new-look midfield next season.Could Jobe be as good as Jude?Jude and Jobe Bellingham are both Birmingham academy products with glowing Championship records.Red Devils have taste for Pears MANCHESTER UNITED are  looking for a home-grown keeper to join their squad next season — with Blackburn’s Aynsley Pears on the shortlist.Specialist scout Tony Coton has been watching the experienced Championship stopper.Man Utd squad is worse than Tottenham despite £553million MORE in transfer spending in last decade, says Gary NevillePears, 26, was previously at Middlesbrough  like dad Stephen, who ironically started his career at Old Trafford.United want a seasoned pro to compete for Andre Onana’s No 1 slot, though realistically he would be a reserve and play in cup ties.Turkey’s Altay Bayindir has been overlooked by both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag, while Tom Heaton’s time may be up.Blackburn keeper Aynsley Pears is on Man Utd’s radarBrighton battle Belgians for MillerBRIGHTON and Belgian sister club Union Saint-Galloise are working on a deal for Motherwell’s exciting young midfielder Lennon Miller.The Seagulls see Miller, 18, as a  long-term prospect who may not be ready for the Premier League next season.So Saint-Galloise could buy the Scotland Under-21 star —  for around £7million — and bring him through before a switch to Albion. He also has major interest from Celtic.Lennon Miller might be set for a major move in the summerCredit: SNSAngus Leeds way for ToffeesANGUS KINNEAR plans to take some of his Leeds backroom team with him to Everton.Kinnear, 47, is set to join Toffees as CEO in a major move by the new American owners.But there is trouble brewing over the  number of Whites staff he wants to follow him across the Pennines in the summer.Kinnear could take two or three key allies in his behind-the-scenes switch and that may anger Championship title favourites  Leeds ahead of a huge season of their own.FA get their Brass in gearCHRIS BRASS will leave Nottingham Forest for a senior  post at the FA.Brass, 49, holds a major recruitment role at the club, having previously worked as a coach.Now he has been headhunted by the FA and  the Prem club are looking internally to replace him.Walsall have Hind sight for the futureTEEN talent Hindolo Mustapha is wanted by promotion-chasing Walsall for next season.Crystal Palace midfielder Mustapha, 18, almost joined the League Two side in the  winter window — and they plan another loan bid.The Sierra Leone-born ace hit a belter against Arsenal Under-21s last week.Walsall are tipped to come back in for Hindolo MustaphaCredit: RexSwans look overseasSWANSEA will search abroad for a new coach after firing Luke Williams two weeks ago. Caretaker Alan Sheehan has some support but the Swans’ hierarchy are keen to explore foreign markets for a fresh face in the dugout.Whistleblower out of puffWHICH EFL referee is facing the axe because of his fitness levels?The official has raised red flags with some recent displays, which have been called alarming and get worse the longer the game goes on.The fear is that the whistler runs out of puff because of his lack of ability to cover the ground.And he may live up to the song “You’re not fit to referee” next time he is assessed.Prest into action as an accidental spyDIRECTOR Peter Ridsdale spied on Preston’s FA Cup quarter-final rivals Aston Villa — by accident! The former Leeds supremo was in London on EFL business last month and took in Villa’s 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace  — BEFORE the two sides were drawn together.O’s eye Josh DEFENDER Josh Dacres-Cogley has been targeted by Leyton Orient for next season. The Bolton right-back, 28, will be out of contract at the end of June.Josh Dacres-Cogley is already being eyed by OrientCredit: RexBrotherham?TWINS Cole and Dylan Williams, 17, are checking out Rotherham as they prepare to leave Airdrie. Celtic also fancy the midfielders but they are keen on England for a quicker route to first-team football.Hyam off the hookBLACKBURN’S Dom Hyam will not be punished for an elbow on Norwich keeper Angus Gunn last weekend. The EFL’s Key Match Incidents panel decided to take no action — and insiders say the pair were later seen laughing over the incident. More

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      Man Utd have option to EXTEND Kobbie Mainoo deal until 2028 in major transfer boost with star on lowest salary in squad

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have an option to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contract by 12 months.The midfielder, 19, has two years left on his current deal, which led to fears manager Ruben Amorim could be forced to sell him in the summer.Man Utd hold an option to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contractCredit: AlamyBut United have a contractual option to keep Mainoo until 2028 — giving them control over his short-term future.The clause is understood to be one-sided, so Mainoo does not have  to agree for it to be activated.United still hope Mainoo will sign a longer contract as Amorim sees him as key to his plans.He earns about £20,000-a-week and his representatives want to raise that.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe 12-month option could prove crucial in protecting the England international’s transfer value, which the club have set at £70million.Chelsea are monitoring Mainoo’s situation with a view to making a summer bid.But the Stockport-born academy graduate is also thought to favour a move overseas should he seek a transfer. United declined to comment when contacted by SunSport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe club have used 12-month options before as a way of giving them flexibility over their squad.Mainoo has been out of action for a month with a muscle injury.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?Amorim has not given a recent update on his return date but it will not be before this month’s international break. More

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      ‘Mateta is not the answer for Man Utd’ – Pundit explains why transfer move for Palace striker would be a mistake

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been warned not to try and sign Jean-Phillipe Mateta despite their ongoing striker issues.SunSport exclusively revealed this week that Man Utd are monitoring the Crystal Palace striker and could move to sign the 27-year-old in the summer.Jean-Philippe Mateta is being monitored by Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are both struggling for goals at the momentCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is searching for solutions up top with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund currently firing blanks for the Old Trafford outfit.Zirkzee has scored just two goals in his last 17 appearances, while Hojlund hasn’t found the back of the net in his last 18 games. But despite Mateta scoring seven in his last 10, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney doesn’t reckon he’s the right man for United.Speaking to talkSPORT, Deeney said: “No [he’s not the answer for Man Utd], because he’s not the answer for Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So why is he going to be the answer for Manchester United?”Mateta struggled when he first signed for the Eagles in 2022, managing just 13 goals in his first 83 appearances.But has been a man transformed since the arrival of boss Oliver Glasner last season, scoring 28 goals in 46 games.Probed on why he thought Mateta wouldn’t be the right man for the job at the Red Devils, Deeney added: “I think Jean is a very good player, by the way.Most read in FootballTroy Deeney doesn’t think Mateta is the right signing for Man UtdCredit: APCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But he’s a very good player at Crystal Palace. I was a very good player at Watford. Going to the levels of these big clubs is completely different.”The only thing that plays into his favour is they kind of play a similar formation with Palace at the moment, where he’s the lead one through the middle.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must make more of opportunities after draw with Real Sociedad “But I would argue that Palace’s No. 10s are better than what Manchester United have got currently.”So I think he’s going through a good vein of form because Palace are in a good moment. No-one was saying they should have signed him in pre-season.”Deeney, who scored 47 Premier League goals for Watford, went on to explain that he still thinks United need to bring in a centre-forward, suggesting it could help improve the talent that is already there.He added: “You bring in someone to improve them. I think Zirkzee is more of a ten, more than a striker. “At Bologna, he was a ten and on the left. People try and force him into the position.”I think you go and get a proper No.9 and you allow Hojlund to learn off that No.9. Maybe someone that’s five, six years older.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a player there in Hojlund. I still think the same with Darwin Nunez. They’re both great team players that run around and do all the good stuff, they just don’t score.”I think they need to work on that and be a bit more selfish as opposed to team-oriented, then they’ll get the goals.”Ruben Amorim is trying to find a source of goals for his teamCredit: Alamy More