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    Man Utd welcome new signing weeks into season after officially snapping up wonderkid Chido Obi Martin, 16, from Arsenal

    MANCHESTER UNITED have completed the signing of Chido Obi Martin.The 16-year-old has joined the Red Devils after leaving Premier League rivals Arsenal.Manchester United have completed the signing of Chido Obi MartinCredit: GettyAccording to Fabrizio Romano, United have now received approval from the league to complete the deal.It follows a five-step process with the Premier League before the transfer could be finalised.The report adds that the teenage forward has already completed his medical and is now set to sign his United contract.However, due to missing out on the club’s pre-season schedule, Obi Martin is set to be given time to reach full fitness and get used to his new surroundings.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited pursued the striker’s signature throughout the summer following his exit from Arsenal.Obi Martin had spent two years in the Gunners’ youth system after joining from Copenhagen in 2022.He starred for the North London side’s academy, catching the eye by scoring 10 goals in one match against Liverpool.Meanwhile, his 32 goals in 18 matches saw him scoop the under-18 Premier League golden boot last term.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat tally included a seven-goal haul against Norwich, five goals against West Ham, four strikes in back-to-back games with Crystal Palace and Fulham as well as two more hat-tricks.The youngster also showed off his finishing ability on social media during the summer with footage from the training pitch.Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)Obi Martin is eligible for Nigeria but has so far represented both England and Denmark at youth level.Already a Danish under-18 international, he also scored twice as he helped his country reach the semi-finals of the under-17 Euros in May.Obi Martin scored 10 goals in a single match against Liverpool for Arsenal’s academyCredit: GettyThe 16-year-old was the U18 Premier League top scorer last season with 32 goalsCredit: Getty More

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    Inside Man Utd’s ‘Project 150’ as new chief maps out Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans in huge meeting with Old Trafford staff

    MANCHESTER UNITED staff have been informed about the club’s plans and Sir Jim Ratfcliffe’s ambitions by chief executive Omar Berrada, according to reports. Berrada, who officially joined the club from Manchester City in June, is said to have addressed employees during a meeting at Old Trafford last week.Omar Berrada has revealed ‘Project 150’ at UnitedCredit: GettyIt outlined ambitious plans from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new sporting hierarchyCredit: AlamyThe plans outlines how the club want to win the Premier League again by the cliub’s 150th birthdayCredit: AlamyThat hope was also extended to the women’s teamCredit: GettyAccording to The Athletic, the meeting outlined the ambitious plans set out by new minority owner Ratcliffe and the new-look football hierarchy, including sporting director Dan Ashworth.Dubbed as “Project 150”, the goals of the plan align with the 150th anniversary date of the club’s founding as Newton Heath in 1878, which then became known as Man Utd in 1902.Berrada, reportedly speaking in an aspirational and bullish tone, outlined a plan for the Red Devils to win the Premier League by 2028.That goal was also extended to the women’s team, though he admitted that on both counts it would take a lot of hard work.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plan was received by staff following the mass cuts made by new chiefs which saw employee numbers reduced by a quarter.Some staff were said to be energised by the new desire to prioritise sporting achievement over commercial.Others are understood to have been left feeling despondent and upset in the wake of the recent mass redundancies which saw many members of staff at the club for years depart.Speaking after his 27.7 per cent investment into United was announced, Ratcliffe said: “It’s not a 10-year plan. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The fans would run out of patience if it was a 10-year plan. But it’s certainly a three-year plan to get there,” he said.”To think that we’re going to be playing football as good as Manchester City played against Real Madrid last season by next year is not sensible. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyle”And if we give people false expectations, then they will get disappointed. So the key thing is our trajectory, so that people can see that we’re making progress.“I think it’s the club’s 150-year anniversary in 2028… if our trajectory is leading to a very good place in that sort of timeframe then we’d be very happy with that. “Because it’s not easy to turn Manchester United into the world’s best football team.“The ultimate target for Manchester United — and it’s always going to be thus, really — is that we should be challenging for the Premier League and challenging for the Champions League. “It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.”Work has already begun on a new 100,000-capacity stadium for the men’s team to be built adjacent to the current Old Trafford site, with further redevlopment for the surrounding area also forthcoming.Erik ten Hag was kept on as the club’s coach despite less-than ideal results last season with an eighth placed league finish only papered over by an FA Cup triumph.READ MORE SUN STORIESBerrada and Ashworth backed that decision before the 3-0 demolition by Liverpool, thought the team have struggled on the pitch in the early part of the season.Tottenham, Porto and Aston Villa represent a tough run of upcoming games before the next international break.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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    ‘This is what we demand’ fumes Erik ten Hag as he sends message to Man Utd players after dismal draw to FC Twente

    ERIK TEN HAG says he wants to see more hunger from his team as the pressure builds on the Old Trafford boss.Manchester United have won just three of their opening eight games including the Community Shield.Erik ten Hag wants to see more hunger from his Man Utd starsCredit: PAIt comes after they played out a dismal 1-1 draw with FC Twente in their Europa League openerCredit: PAThey entertain Spurs on Sunday standing 11th in the Premier League and on Wednesday night could only draw their opening Europa League game at home to FC Twente.After that game Christian Eriksen admitted that Twente simply wanted the win more than them.While Ten Hag insisted that can happen as a one-off he clearly does not want to see evidence of it again.Ten Hag said: “I think every team has this in a season, when you play 60 games, sure there will be games where you are not happy with the performance, not happy when the opponent wants it more.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Always there will be a psychological side of top football where any team has more hunger than the other.“The team who can manage this the most will be most successful.“We are ambitious and always demand from ourselves to be hungrier.“That is what we demand from each other and we have to bring it in on a consistent basis, successful teams do this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSuccessful teams also score goals and Ten Hag admits that remains their biggest problem despite investing in another striker this summer in Thomas Zirkzee.He said: “We are not scoring goals enough, That is the problem, the key area is to score more goals as a team.Man Utd player ratings: Joshua Zirkzee hooked again as Lisandro Martinez saves Erik ten Hag’s blushes (2)“We have players across the team who have the ability to score, that is clear, you see all the opportunities we are creating, we are not scoring enough.”Excuses are starting to wear a bit thin with Ten Hag now in his third season having spent over £600million.He continues to point out the two trophies the team has won in the last two seasons in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.Still fans are questioning whether there has been any real progression with a tilt at the title remaining as far off as ever.With more new signings made this summer Ten Hag says it will need patience for this side to bed in.He said: “I think you have to assess the situation.“We made a choice to sign very young players like last year [Rasmus] Hojlund like this year [Joshua] Zirkzee Leny Yoro, players we believe in them, this moment and also for the future and we have to build them.“We are a work in progress.“I think we have turned a corner and have to work with the squad and that takes time.“I am impatient and I want to go straight forward but also we had success in the last two seasons and we have to work hard to bring more success.“You have also to be fair, we won two trophies in the last two seasons and we are ambitious and we want to win another one and be as high as possible and go to win in every game, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is.”Sunday’s opponent is Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and Ten Hag is expecting an exciting game.He said: “I think it will be a very intensive game, it is always against Tottenham and it is our style as well so I think it is going to be a very dynamic attractive game.“Tottenham have their strengths definitely.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Their philosophy is very clear very attacking but that leaves also space and that is what to take into account and maybe can help.“But you have to be very good against Tottenham if you want to control the game, you need again a high performance level and take your chances.” More

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    Man Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘open’ to return to management with soon-to-be vacant role

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed the major new boss job he’d fancy.The Manchester United strike legend has been out of management since three years as Old Trafford chief ended with the sack in November 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘wants to feel the pressure’ of management againCredit: AFPThe Norwegian was linked with Besiktas and Leicester over the summer.And he “wants to feel the pressure” of a top dugout role again.However, the 51-year-old would have to wait if he hopes to land the latest position he has now spoken out on.Solskjaer, who came on to nick United’s last-gasp Treble-clincher in the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, is eyeing the Norway position.READ MORE TOP STORIESCurrent manager Stale Solbakken announced this month he will he’ll step down after their 2026 World Cup campaign.That could mean departing after the qualifiers – or staying for two more years if Norway reach the finals in North America.Home-country outlet NRK report Solskjaer as saying: “I am a proud Norwegian. “If the question comes up, when Stale finds out that he doesn’t want it anymore, I’m happy to enter into a conversation.”Most read in FootballNorway boss Stale Solbakken aims to step down after the World Cup campaignCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Cardiff and Molde boss added: “It just has to be the right job and I depend on working with the right people.”Solskjaer would also jump at the chance of going back to Old Trafford if the call ever came out. Watch Man Utd legend Solskjaer give cheeky comment about Watkins’ England winner against NetherlandsHe said: “If your family needs you, then of course they will help. “I would say ‘yes’ any day of the week. “It feels wrong to sit and talk about jobs that other people have. But of course, yes.”And if Solskjaer has even the slightest worry about his energy fading in his fifties, then ironically he can turn to the words of Solbakken for inspiration.The ex-Wolves chief, 56, said of his life once he leaves the Norway role: “While I’m still young and virile, I want to do something else too.”I’ve said no to a number of club jobs that really tempted me, but I’m determined to make one last attempt here, and then I think that’s it.”  More

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    I sat on sofa with Man Utd boss and his wife at my house… I agreed transfer but changed my mind when he was sacked

    TONI KROOS claims he was moments away from joining Manchester United before David Moyes was ruthlessly sacked while the pair sat together on a sofa.The Scot only lasted 10 months at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 11 years ago.Toni Kroos claims he almost joined Man Utd after leaving Bayern MunichCredit: GettyHe was sat on a couch with David Moyes when the Scot was sackedCredit: GettyMoyes won just 27 of his 51 United matches in the 2013/14 campaignAnd United’s seventh-place finish saw them miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 1995.Moyes only made one signing in his sole summer transfer window, with his former Everton star Marouane Fellaini a late arrival.But it appears the Scot was already working on deals for his second season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because Germany and Real Madrid icon Kroos claims he nearly joined United in the summer of 2014.The midfielder, who led his country to World Cup glory that year, met with Moyes and the Scot’s wife Pamela at his house in Bavaria.Kroos had decided to leave boyhood club Bayern Munich on a free transfer.And he was ready to put pen to paper on a lucrative deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, as Kroos and Moyes sat together on a couch, the manager was brutally sacked by United.Ryan Giggs took charge for United’s last few games before Louis van Gaal was hired.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Louis van Gaal did not want to complete the deal to sign KroosCredit: EPAKroos also turned down Van Gaal before eventually joining Real MadridCredit: GettyAnd Kroos ended up declining the planned switch to Old Trafford, with Van Gaal also not keen on signing him.Kroos told SPORT1: “In 2014, before I signed with Real Madrid, I had already agreed with Manchester United. That would have been a move from Bayern to United.“But then they kicked out David Moyes, who I was still sitting on my couch with in Munich.“It was very nice for him to be sitting in our house with his wife.“Then they hired Louis van Gaal. And we both politely declined.The playmaker eventually struck a deal with Real Madrid as he secured the World Cup in Brazil.And the rest is history, with Kroos appearing 465 times for Los Blancos before retiring following Euro 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn that time he won four LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues and as many Club World Cups, making him one of the most successful Germans in history.One star Kroos played alongside was Gareth Bale, who was Moyes’ top target during the summer of 2013 before joining Real.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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    Man Utd fans say ‘peak Glazer insanity’ after finding out club failed in £83.5m transfer for Premier League flop

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed the “peak insanity” from the Glazers after learning about their failed bid for a Barcelona flop.The controversial owners made a £83.5million offer to the LaLiga giants for Ansu Fati in 2020 – when the winger was just 17 years old.Manchester United’s £83million bid for Ansu Fati was rejected in 2020Credit: GettyThe forward failed to make his mark while on loan at BrightonCredit: GettyThe Glazer family has repeatedly come under fire for their failed recruitment plansWhile Fati was coming through the ranks and had burst onto the scene in Spain at the time, nothing warranted that price tag.In his 2019-20 debut season, then 16-year-old Fati became Barca’s youngest goalscorer — a record since taken by Lamine Yamal.He subsequently finished second in the 2020 Golden Boy award behind Erling Haaland – who arrived at Manchester City for £52million in 2022.United’s summer approach for Fati came on the back of a third-place finish in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBarca were able to fend off interest and tie Fati down to a long-term deal with a mammoth £363m release clause.When Lionel Messi left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Fati took over the No10 shirt — but then a serious knee injury struck.He was shipped out on a season-long loan to Prem side Brighton in 2023 – but failed to live up to their near £7million investment.Fati has been absent with a foot injury so far this season and still has plenty of time to realise his immense potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited fans have lashed out at the Glazers after learning new details of the failed move from The Athletic.One wrote: “Peak Glazer insanity”, before another commented: “That family were in a league of their own 😂.”Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian WrightA second said: “Typical United willing to send a fortune on any mid player.”A third added: “Obviously Ed Woodward and co would immediately overpay for such a player.”While another noted: “WOW. We dodged a nuke.”United left it late to do their business in 2020, sealing deadline day deals for Alex Telles, Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri. Amad also signed at the end of the window, though he didn’t join until January 2021.Poor recruitment from the Glazer family has arguably been the greatest issue among fans throughout United’s post-Fergie era.The transfer strategy was so bad that it, alongside “draining the club allegations”, sparked as series of protests outside Old Trafford from 2021 onwards.United are guilty of over-spending on both unreliable and unproven players.Just look at the millions spent on Paul Pogba, Angel di Maria, and more recently Antony and Harry Maguire.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 is perhaps the only transfer decision that United have got right in the last 10 years.But the Red Devils have now placed their hopes in new minority stake co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who promised a different transfer strategy moving forward.Man Utd player ratings vs FC TwenteMANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.Andre Onana – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Diogo Dalot – 6Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.Harry Maguire – 6Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.Lisandro Martinez – 7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.Noussair Mazraoui – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.Christian Eriksen – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.Manuel Ugarte – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.Marcus Rashford – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.Bruno Fernandes – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.Amad Diallo – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.Joshua Zirkzee – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here More

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    Man Utd star left in disbelief at being substituted in FC Twente clash and asks Erik ten Hag ‘me’ when number displayed

    MANCHESTER UNITED were held at Old Trafford by FC Twente in a frustrating game – especially for Christian Eriksen. The Dane started in midfield for United and opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a stunning strike. Christian Eriksen was stunned to be subbed offDiogo Dalot was tackled in the Twente box but the ball fell to Eriksen and he hammered home into the top corner. But his fortunes changed in the second half after he was caught on possession leading to Sam Lammers’ 68th minute leveller. Eriksen was replaced by Kobbie Mainoo with ten minutes to go but he incredibly questioned Erik ten Hag whether he was meant to go off or not. And fans were quick to notice as one said: “Eriksen in disbelief. I’m confused by these subs, too.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Eriksen asking if he’s the one to be subbed??? Better get out of that stadium.”One reacted: “Eriksen looks distraught that he’s coming off.”Another said: “Eriksen asking “me” is HILARIOUS.”Speaking after the game, Eriksen told TNT Sports: “I think mostly disappointed as a team, we wanted more in the end, far from good enough. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”They looked like they wanted it more – that can’t be right.”On dressing room morale, he said: “I think everyone is looking at themselves, everyone is a professional footballer, they know what to do, what can’t happen. “We don’t lose but it feels like a loss.”Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes More

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    Man Utd ratings: Improved Rashford stakes England claim in front of Lee Carsley as Zirkzee is hooked again

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against Twente at Old Trafford.Christian Eriksen opened the scoring after 35 minutes to show why United are among the favourites to win the competition this season.Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a fantastic strikeCredit: GettyBut Man Utd’s were unable to secure victory over FC TwenteCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford was a bag of tricks and lookedCredit: GettyJoshua Zirkzee struggled for Man Utd against TwenteCredit: AlamyHowever, the visitors became the latest side to shock Erik ten Hag’s on 68 minutes when Sam Lammers equalised.The result deals a blow in the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top eight of the League Phase, which would guarantee a place in the Last 16 of the Europa League and save them playing two extra fixtures.But who stood out for Man Utd? Who failed to live up to expectation? Here’s how Martin Blackburn rates each of Ten Hag’s players:ANDRE ONANA – 6Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.Read More on Man UtdDIOGO DALOT – 6 Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.HARRY MAGUIRE – 6 Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with header cleared off line. LISANDRO MARTINEZ –  7Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.  NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front. Most read in Europa LeagueFurious Man Utd boss Ten Hag tells Jamie Redknapp ‘as a person you’re not OK’ as he slams pundit’s Rashford speculationCHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser. MANUEL UGARTE – 6A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser. MARCUS RASHFORD – 8Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self. BRUNO FERNANDES – 6Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.AMAD DIALLO – 6His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 5A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund. SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO for Diallo 67 – 6 Got an earful off Erik ten Hag for not doing his bit defensively.KOBBIE MAINOO for Eriksen 78 – 5 Went to ground too easily as he got a  sight of goal. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT for Zirkzee 79 – 5 Teed up a late chance for Garnacho RASMUS HOJLUND for Rashford 79 – 5 Still working his way back to fitness after injury. Martinez dominated in Man Utd’s defenceMan Utd failed to kill the game against Twente More