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      Man Utd star Amad Diallo calls his dribbling skills a ‘gift’ and explains how he leaves defenders bamboozled

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      AMAD DIALLO has spoken about his dribbling skills and revealed he is never scared to play.The winger, 19, joined Manchester United in January and has played a bit-part role since arriving, making eight appearances so far.
      Amad Diallo believes he has a dribbling gift
      He earned a start against Leicester in May and took the opportunity with both hands, impressing with the ball at his feet and with an assist for Mason Greenwood’s goal.
      And despite it being a momentous occasion for Diallo – his Premier League debut – he says he embraced the chance to play.
      United’s media team asked Diallo why he is so adept at dribbling and he replied: “That is a tough one! But honestly, I think that it is a gift. I think you dribble using your technique and your intelligence.
      “So, for example, if you are faced with two defenders then perhaps you can’t dribble, or you can only play a one-two, so you have to use your head and your skills to decide what to do initially and then your next move.
      “Therefore, when I have the ball I think about what I can do, play a one-two, dribble, that is what I think.
      “To tell you the truth, I am never afraid of playing. That has always been my strength, never being afraid to play.
      “When they told me the day before the game that I was going to play against Leicester I was a bit nervous initially but this is football, you can never be afraid.
      “So when I went onto the pitch I could just see 11 players against another 11 players and I think it went well, as you say.”

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has placed a lotof trust in youngsters since becoming Manchester United boss

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has placed a lot of trust in young players since taking over at Old Trafford.
      Greenwood and Brandon Williams have both been promoted from the academy and young players like Dan James and Diallo have been bought.
      Now Diallo faces a tough challenge to get into the United side ahead of the likes of James and new signing Jadon Sancho, but it seems he has the belief to succeed as a Red Devil.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Man Utd wages revealed as Jadon Sancho becomes club’s second highest-paid star on £350k a week after £73m transfer More

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      England star Jadon Sancho has a ‘great future’ claims Sven Goran Eriksson as he praises Man Utd over £73m transfer

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      SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON believes Manchester United have landed a real gem in England star Jadon Sancho.The former Three Lions boss insists United will have looked at Sancho a hundred times since he joined Borussia Dortmund.
      Sven Goran Eriksson believes Jadon Sancho will have a “great future”
      Sancho celebrates in the Stadio Olimpico after the win over Ukraine
      And Eriksson is certain Sancho has a bright future ahead of him, despite admitting he does not watch much of the Bundesliga.
      Eriksson told Stats Perform, via Metro: “He’s 21-years-old and he should have a great future.
      “The scouts and the coaches of Manchester United, they have will have looked at him 100 times.
      “They are sure that this player will be the future, important in the future otherwise they wouldn’t pay all that money. So when he’s coming back to England then there are no doubts about it.
      “I don’t see many games from German league but what I can understand is that he’s a great talent and it is interesting to see him join United.
      “There you have it with how important the Premier League is. They can take all the best players in the world and that is good for England.”
      Sancho gave United fans a glimpse of what he can offer at Old Trafford in England’s 4-0 win over Ukraine on Saturday.
      He was lauded by BBC pundits during their analysis of the match with Gary Lineker stating: “(It is) clear to see Manchester United have got something special.”

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      And Rio Ferdinand added: “He dances past these guys like he’s on the dancefloor, moves and they don’t know where they are.
      “He’s got that; he mesmerises defenders; he’s got a confidence and balance that is very rarely seen.
      “And once he gets up to speed, this kid, he’s unplayable.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Erling Haaland’s dad Alf-Inge posts X-rated tweet after finding out about Jadon Sancho’s £73m Man Utd transfer More

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      Man Utd star Jesse Lingard reveals plant-based diet is secret behind incredible form as West Ham pursue transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Jesse Lingard has revealed the key to his recent success was changing to a plant-based diet.The midfielder, 28, spent the second half of last season playing for West Ham on loan.
      Jesse Lingard has revealed changing to a plant-based diet was the secret behind his success at West HamCredit: PA
      And he was sensational with the Hammers, scoring nine times in 16 games as David Moyes’ side qualified for the Europa League.
      Many felt Lingard was unfortunate to miss out on a place in the Euro 2020 squad, but the secret reason behind his rejuvenation is how he’s fuelled his body.
      And while the winger isn’t completely vegan, he has changed to a flexitarian diet – meaning animal products are eaten only occasionally and plant-based foods are consumed more regularly.
      He revealed: “At first, I tried to go fully vegan straight away, but I found I was starving during a game.
      “Plant-based foods are always going to be a good fuel component and put you into a really good mode going into a game, so I make sure to have as much as possible.”
      While many footballers favour energy gels, Lingard sticks with fruit and nuts at half-time.
      “They give us energy gels to take but I rarely do,” he added.
      “I take pistachios to games and snack on them to give me a bit of energy and help with recovery, and at half-time I have a banana.”

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      Lingard was unlucky to have missed out on a place in the Euros for England after starring on loan at West HamCredit: Instagram @jesselingard
      Often, footballers can burn up to 2,000 calories during a game. It’s not just how they fuel their bodies but how they recover after – with food, again, being key.
      “Food is very key with recovery,” Lingard divulged.
      “Especially after a game, it’s important to get the right food. You have to regain to recover faster for the next game. After a game, I get as much food down me as possible, go to the gym and then have an ice bath.”
      According to reports, West Ham have made Lingard their primary target after his star-turn on loan last campaign.
      But Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering making him part of his squad next season following his string of terrific performances.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      United are determined to sign winger Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £77million and are prepared to offer him £350,000-a-week.
      Sancho’s arrival is likely to push Lingard down the pecking order at United and tempt the club into cashing in.
      Lingard failed to make a league appearance under Solskjaer for the first half of last season.
      Jesse Lingard is a brand ambassador for American Pistachio Growers. To learn more about the game-changing nutritional benefits of American pistachios, go to www.americanpistachios.org
      Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Ashley Young head for break at Salt Bae’s Mykonos restaurant in summer downtime More

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      Seven Man Utd flops who were a success after leaving including Romelu Lukaku, Memphis Depay and Wilfried Zaha

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      PLAYING for Manchester United can be a heavy burden for some players, even the very best.And many find their way again after moving away from Old Trafford to the frustration of supporters.
      These former Man Utd stars flourished away from Old Trafford
      These seven did especially well after leaving the Premier League giants behind.
      From a Uruguayan legend to a Dutch star who’s just earned a transfer to Barcelona, here’s the flops for whom life got much better after leaving United.
      ROMELU LUKAKU
      The Belgium centre forward is definitely the one that got away.
      Often, Lukaku was deemed not good enough by supporters who felt he was overweight and cumbersome.
      However, he now cuts a more shredded figure at Inter Milan, where a new diet and fitness regime has seen the striker lose 16lbs and get into the best shape of his career.
      Lukaku also rediscovered his goal touch and has 64 strikes in his two seasons at the San Siro.
      Romelu Lukaku lost his way at Old Trafford and was criticised by supportersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      After shifting over a stone in weight, Lukaku is one of Serie A’s most feared strikers at InterCredit: AFP
      MEMPHIS DEPAY
      In 2015, United splashed £25million on the Dutch star on the insistence of Louis van Gaal.
      But Depay looked lost at sea on our shores, playing 53 times and managing just seven goals.
      Two seasons later he was sold to Lyon for £20million, where he rediscovered his form.
      This summer, after scoring 76 goals in 178 games, he is back on the big stage again and has joined Barcelona on a free transfer.
      Memphis Depay struggled for goals at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After moving to Lyon, Depay has re-emerged for club and country – recently signing for Barcelona
      ANGEL DI MARIA
      It’s not uncommon for Argentinian stars to lose their way at Old Trafford – with Juan Sebastian Veron also struggling on our shores.
      Di Maria was a marquee signing in 2014 for a British transfer record fee of £60million.
      In his only season, he managed just four goals in 32 games and soon fell out of favour with boss van Gaal.
      A year later he was sold to PSG for £40million, where he has scored double figures in goals in five of his six seasons with the French club, as well as been integral in four Ligue 1-winning campaigns.
      Angel Di Maria was a marquee signing for the Red Devils costing £60mCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      After his Manchester United nightmare, Di Maria found his feet at PSGCredit: AFP
      WILFRIED ZAHA
      In 2013, United moved to sign Zaha from Crystal Palace for £15million – in what was Sir Alex Ferguson’s final acquisition for the club.
      A year later he found himself out of favour under new boss David Moyes and was loaned out to Cardiff City.
      Zaha would later say he never felt he was given a fair chance at Old Trafford.
      He was loaned to the Eagles, who eventually bought him back for £10million – and he’s gone on to become one of the Premier League’s biggest danger men.
      Wilfried Zaha argued that he didn’t get a chance at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      After returning to Crystal Palace in 2015, Zaha became one of the Premier League’s best playersCredit: Getty
      DALEY BLIND
      A lot of Blind’s problems at Old Trafford stemmed from where managers thought he should play.
      Was he a left-back? Should he play in a midfield holding role? Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho just couldn’t work him out.
      In 2018, the Dutch international returned to Ajax, where he has won two league titles and contributed to the club’s brilliant Champions League run in 2019… playing at centre back.
      And at the Euros, he has starred for the Netherlands.
      Daley Blind struggled in various positions at Manchester United, including left-back and in midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      At Ajax, as a ball-playing centre half, Blind has impressedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DIEGO FORLAN
      At the time, Forlan was a costly £7million buy for United in 2002.
      However, in his first 13 Premier League games and five Champions League games he was ridiculed for failing to hit the back of the net.
      United sold him to LaLiga’s Villarreal, where he was an instant hit scoring 25 league goals and winning the Spanish Golden Boot trophy and the European Golden Shoe in his first season.
      He would repeat that trick in 2009 at Atletico Madrid – scoring a sensational 32 goals in 33 games.
      In his first 18 games with the club, Diego Forlan failed to score for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Forlan found his shooting boots in LaLiga, first with Villarreal and then with Atletico Madrid
      RADAMEL FALCAO
      The Colombian striker, now 35, is currently starring for Galatasaray, where he has 20 goals in 40 games.

      At Old Trafford, on loan from Monaco, he really struggled with just four goals in 29 games, although a serious knee injury and a struggle to initially return to fitness hindered him.
      After his Manchester United nightmare, a poor spell at Chelsea followed.
      But a return to Monaco helped Falcao find his Midas touch again. He scored 70 goals in his last three seasons with the French giants before continuing his rejuvenation in his twilight years in Turkey.

      Radamel Falcao’s loan move to Manchester United was a disasterCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Returning to Monaco was Falcao’s saving grace and he scored 70 goals in three seasons with the club after spell in EnglandCredit: Reuters
      Souness says Bruno Fernandes ‘would not have lasted five minutes in my dressing room’ after Man Utd star’s moaning More

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      Man Utd could finalise £86m Sancho transfer ‘next week’, Keylor Navas tracked, £10m Trippier ‘close’, Henderson injury

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are hopeful of completing their big-money transfer for Jadon Sancho NEXT WEEK, according to reports. The Red Devils have been after Sancho since 2019 and could finally be on the verge of landing their man.
      Paris-Saint German goalkeeper Keylor Navas is also said to be on United’s transfer radar, while England star Kieran Trippier is ‘close’ to an Old Trafford move.
      Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
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      SANCHO UPDATE
      Manchester United could seal the transfer of Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho by the end of the week.
      That is according to The Times, as ‘Dortmund believe that a deal could be finalised next week’.
      And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that ‘United’s camp have been in contact with Sancho over the weekend’.
      Negotiations with Dortmund on a potential €95m (£81m) price, bonus details and payment structure will continue in the next days.
      But United’s initial £60m won’t be enough to complete the transfer
      NIC OF TIME
      Tottenham have joined the bidding war for Sassuolo star, and Manchester United target, Domenico Berardi.
      According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the north Londoners are keeping tabs on Berardi who is highly rated by the newly-appointed managing director Fabio Paratici.
      The Gunners and United have also shown interest in the winger recently.
      Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus are eyeing the Italy international as well
      VAN DE BEEK CONTACT
      Arsenal have made contact with Manchester United ace Donny van de Beek’s people.
      That is according to 90Min, who claim that the Gunners have touched base with Van de Beek’s reps as they are interested in bringing him to the Emirates.
      United could be willing to let the attacking midfielder leave after a hapless season at Old Trafford that saw him spending most of his time on the bench.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for a No10 as Martin Odegaard appears set to rejoin Real Madrid after his loan spell in north London
      JACK ATTACK
      Just a quick reminder, Chelsea are favourites to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish in the summer.
      The Blues face strong competition from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City for Grealish, who has joined England for Euro 2020.
      According to Fichajes, however, the west Londoners are in pole position to wrap up a £100million move for the talented forward.
      That would smash the current British transfer record of £89m paid by United for star midfielder Paul Pogba back in 2016.
      However, Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovich is willing to back manager Thomas Tuchel in the transfer market following his Champions League triumph
      DAK THAT
      Liverpool have made an approach for Man Utd and Arsenal target Patson Daka, according to reports. 
      And the Zambian international is believed to be very keen on joining the Reds.
      Daka has an impressive goal-scoring record, scoring 61 goals in his last 85 games for the club in all competitions.
      According to Football Insider, Liverpool have made contact and will look to sign the 22-year-old.
      ‘FREEDOM’
      Paul Pogba says he has more ‘freedom’ with France than he does at Man Utd.
      Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “It’s true that at Juve it was different from Manchester United.
      “We were already playing with three midfielders [at Juve], in 5-3-2. I had the freedom, I had to be in the box, to attack.
      “It was an obligation. In Manchester, I have the freedom to go into the box, but the priority is to play and defend.
      “We [France] play in 4-2-3-1, also a diamond. I am a little more in the transmission, in the construction.
      “But I have more freedom than in Manchester to enter the box, to make runs forwards.
      “At the same time, when you have Griezmann, Kylian, you don’t want to enter their spaces, you don’t need to.”I would like [at Manchester United[ to play more offensive [laughs]. To score fifteen goals per season is what I would like.
      “But Patrick [Vieira] said it, we must put ourselves at the service of the collective.
      “In Manchester, as in blue, the collective will always come before the player.”
      FERGIE VOID
      Here’s the players Man Utd have signed after Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.
      Here’s who Manchester United have signed since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down
      ONE FER ME
      Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Declan Rice this summer.
      And the West Ham ace has also been compared to iconic ex-Hammer Michael Carrick.
      Rice, 22, shone for Ferdinand’s old club West Ham last season, captaining them in most games as they finished sixth – their highest league finish this millennium – and secured Europa League football.
      The holding midfielder has also cemented himself in the England starting XI – playing 90 minutes in the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 opener win against Croatia on Sunday.
      And Ferdinand – who came through West Ham’s academy – risked the wrath of the Irons’ faithful by imploring the Red Devils to sign him this summer.
      The 42-year-old held a Twitter Q&A on Monday and was asked: “What No 6 should Man Utd buy this summer?”
      And the former England ace simply wrote: “Welcome @_DeclanRice.”
      Read more

      FAMILY FIRST
      Rio Ferdinand believes Christian Eriksen is unlikely to play football again after his cardiac arrest. 
      The 29-year-old was resuscitated on the field during Denmark’s Euro 2020 defeat to Finland on Saturday.
      Medics confirmed that he ‘was gone’ before being given CPR and shocked with a defibrillator.
      Eriksen is now recovering in hospital and provided a positive update reassuring fans that he ‘is fine under the circumstances.’
      His collapse left the footballing world in shock including BBC pundit Rio Ferdinand who spoke of his emotions seeing Eriksen fighting for his life. 
      Speaking on his Vibe With Five Youtube show, he said: “I don’t think he plays again, I’ve got to be honest.
      “If I’m him I’m not thinking about that probably, I’d just want to be healthy for the sake of my family really.”
      Read more
      NEW DEAL
      Man Utd and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in the pursuit for wonderkid Jude Bellingham.
      Borussia Dortmund are preparing to offer the 17-year-old sensation a bumper contract. 
      According to Bild, Dortmund are gearing up to offer the midfielder a two-year extension that would see him tied down until 2025.
      Which would inevitably cool both Premier League giants’ interest.
      BREAKING: HEND OF THE ROAD
      Dean Henderson has been forced to WITHDRAW from England’s Euro 2020 squad with a hip injury.
      Sheffield United stopper Aaron Ramsdale has been called-up as his replacement.
      Henderson, 24, has returned to Manchester United after picking up a hip injury in training, with his Euros campaign over.
      The Old Trafford stopper had been on the bench for the 1-0 win over Croatia.

      TRIPPIER CLOSE
      Man Utd are close to signing Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier. 
      According to the Football Insider, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that Trippier will be a good defensive addition. 
      The 30-year-old – currently with England’s 26-man Euros squad- helped Atletico to win LaLiga this season.
      And he would also provide some much-needed competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
      KEY TO SUCCESS
      Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas is reportedly being tracked by Manchester United after his future was thrown into doubt.
      Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to sign for the Ligue 1 club when his AC Milan contract expires, potentially leaving Navas on the bench.
       The Costa Rican star has impressed throughout his spells with Real Madrid and PSG, winning a league title with each and three Champions Leagues with the Spanish giants.
      Yet, having been replaced by Thibaut Courtois in Madrid, he looks set to once again become the victim of his club seeking a bigger name in between the posts.
      MOVE FOR SANCHO
      Jadon Sancho could find himself on this list of Man Utd’s most expensive signings.
      According to The Times, Dortmund believe that a deal could be finalised next week’.
      The report states that Dortmund want £77million plus add-ons for the England superstar.
      Man Utd’s biggest transfers ever, both in and out, including Ronaldo
      Load more entries… More

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      Man Utd star Jesse Lingard ‘set to miss out on England’s Euro 2020 squad’ despite glittering West Ham loan spell

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      JESSE LINGARD is reportedly set to miss out on England’s final Euro 2020 squad despite a stunning end to the season.The winger was farmed out by Manchester United on loan to West Ham – and the move gave his career the perfect shot in the arm.
      Jesse Lingard is surprisingly set to miss out on England’s final Euro 2020 squadCredit: Marc Aspland
      Lingard was the Hammers’ star man in the final few weeks, but according to The Athletic, will not make Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad.
      The 28-year-old scored nine goals in 16 games for David Moyes’ side, bagging five assists along the way.
      West Ham finished in sixth spot, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season.
      But seemingly Lingard’s fine form hasn’t done enough to convince Southgate that he merits a spot.
      The Athletic adds: “It is thought that Lingard will not be included in the final party for this summer’s tournament.”
      West Ham are believed to be keen to sign Lingard permanently, with Arsenal believed to be long-term admirers.
      He has played for his country 27 times, scoring four goals. Lingard has 12 months on his contract at United
      Lingard’s expected omission follows the shock announcement that fellow Manchester United star Mason Greenwood has WITHDRAWN from the Euro 2020 squad.
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      Lingard had played himself firmly back into contention for EnglandCredit: Getty

      Greenwood has been forced to pull out due to a pre-existing knock with the final 26-man group to be named this afternoon.
      The one-cap Three Lions international had been expected to make the cut with seven players to be axed TODAY after his strong form in recent months.
      But Man Utd confirmed Greenwood would be withdrawn for his own safety, unwilling to risk pushing him any further after a gruelling 2020-21 season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Solskjaer confirms Man Utd want Jesse Lingard back after amazing West Ham loan spell More

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      Man Utd 1 Fulham 1: Edinson Cavani stunner cancelled out by late Joe Bryan strike as fans return to Old Trafford

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      THESE are the special moments Ole Gunnar Solskjaer promised Edinson Cavani when he convinced him to stay on at Old Trafford.Scoring in front of an empty stadium is one thing, scoring in front of fans in The Stretford End is quite something else.
      Edinson Cavani cracked home this goal of the season contender as Man Utd drew with FulhamCredit: Rex
      Cavani’s team-mates could barely believe what they had seenCredit: Reuters
      And when you score a goal that will go down in the pantheon of great strikes at Old Trafford it is something else still.
      His incredible 15th minute chip on the run from 40 yards brought a roar from the 10,000 inside the stadium that sounded like five times that many.
      In persuading Cavani to extend his stay to next season Solskjaer painted an emotional picture to the veteran striker of what it would be like to score in front of fans next season.
      Solskjaer has promised those same fans they will see the very best of him in the next campaign – and still rates him as one of the world’s best even at the age of 34.
      To think he could have come and gone without experiencing the appreciation of the United fans.
      The veteran’s impact has been remarkable.
      He was a free agent that no big club wanted on leaving PSG. He was snapped up by Solskjaer as the transfer deadline clock ticked down last October.
      Having not played since the previous March and without a pre-season it was always going to take time for him to warm to his task.
      Joe Bryan headed Fulham level on 76 minutesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The Fulham full-back ghosted in to plunder an equaliserCredit: Reuters
      It has been in the last two months that we have seen the best of him.
      He has scored nine of his 16 goals in the last ten games, none more memorable than this one which began with a pass out from the back by goalkeeper David De Gea.
      He found Bruno Fernandes and his flick, or so we thought, meant that Cavani was just onside as he started his run from a couple of feet past the halfway line.
      What came next was breathtaking as he spotted goalkeeper Alphonse Areola off his line and executed the most wonderful chipped shot that dipped just under the bar.
      Of course there was a VAR check, as always, and had Fernandes flicked it Cavani was onside.
      The question was whether he had though because if the ball came directly from De Gea he was definitely offside and replays suggested Fernandes had not made contact.
      Still, unless you are a Fulham fan, you had to be thankful this moment was not taken away from the Uruguayan legend.
      Spookily it was from a similar spot that the last goal was scored here in front of fans, the second in a 2-0 win against Manchester City by Scott McTominay in March of last year.
      Fulham’s goal was reward as they never gave up at Old TraffordCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      That came after a loose pass from Ederson offered him a gaping goal to aim at, this was something different.
      It was a shame the votes had just been counted for the fans goal of the season which was given to Bruno Fernandes, also their player of the season, for his curler into the far top corner in the 3-3 draw against Everton in February.
      After the protests, postponement of the Liverpool game and fixture congestion that Solskjaer felt lead to their two home defeats last week it was a much needed moment of joy.
      A moment tempered by the fact United failed to beat this already relegated side and one who had lost seven and drawn one of their previous eight games.
      Their 76th-minute equaliser came when Joe Bryan met Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s right wing cross with a close-range header.
      The fans fell largely silent after that. They came in their green and gold, held up banners calling for the owning Glazer family, and chanted their disapproval of them at times.
      But at least they were back inside Old Trafford for the first time in 14 months supporting their team and they wanted to enjoy it.
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      Mason Greenwood should really have sealed a victory for them in the 74th minute when he latched onto Cavani’s perfectly weighted through ball but fired his shot straight at Areola.
      As so often happens a quick goal comes at the other end as it did two minutes later and the importance off the missed chance grows.
      For United that now one win and a draw in five – they have lost momentum with just one game before the Europa League Final with Villarreal.
      Perhaps it is because their eyes are already on that occasion, with Champions League football guaranteed for next season.
      As Solskjaer addressed the crowd at full-time he got roar when he said they aimed to bring that silverware back to them from Gdansk.
      A roar is something this place has missed.
      Solskjaer blames Leicester and Liverpool losses on angry fan protests More

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      Man Utd protest: Policeman ‘lucky not to lose his sight’ as he was slashed in the face with bottle at Old Trafford riot

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      THE copper slashed in the face with a bottle during the chaos at a protest by Manchester United fans is “incredibly lucky ” to have not lost sight in his eye, Greater Manchester Police Federation said.The police constable, with around 20 years service under his belt, suffered a “significant” slash wound to his face during Sunday’s demonstration at Old Trafford.
      The officer is “incredibly lucky” to have not lost his sight in the attackCredit: AFP
      Officers struggled to calm the swathes of angry fans protesting the club’s ownersCredit: Getty
      The unidentified officer remains unnamed by the Federation – which represents the force’s rank-and-file – but they did confirm he is in “lots of pain” and will need a considerable period off work to recover.
      The largely peaceful protest spilled into incidences of violence, with Greater Manchester Police confirming two officers were injured – explaining one had been “attacked with a bottle and sustaining a significant slash wound to his face, requiring emergency hospital treatment”.
      An estimated 10,000 fans gathered outside the Theatre of Dreams in protest of the club’s owners, the Glazer family, resulting in the Red Devil’s Premier League game against Liverpool being postponed.
      Tempers flared between fans and police, with footage showing outnumbered officers desperately trying to stave off one mob who launched bottles at them while shouting “f***ing pigs”.
      Six cops were injured during the riot – with one officer receiving a fractured eye socket and another dragged and kicked.
      Both police and Manchester United have launched investigations into Sunday’s violent scenes.
      A 28-year old man has been arrested as a result.
      The violence was condemned by GMP and the club as “reckless and dangerous” as some football fans took the demonstration too far.
      “Our brave colleague went to work yesterday to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe – and he ended up coming under attack,” Stu Berry, Chairman of the Federation, said.
      “He is incredibly lucky not to have lost the sight in an eye. This is not right.
      “Police officers are mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and partners. They are sons and daughters. They are human beings who should be able to go home to their families in one piece at the end of their shifts. Not be rushed to hospital,” he continued.
      “We are offering support to our injured colleague and will continue to do so as he recovers from his injuries.”
      Tempers continued to flare throughout Sunday’s planned protestCredit: pixel8000
      Images showed one man inside the stadium with a substantial cut to his face
      Fans stormed inside Old Trafford and later breached the pitchCredit: AFP
      The commotion saw the match scrapped and players holed up in their hotel rooms amid further safety concerns. They later left the premises with a police escort.
      Berry also called for better equipment for officers on the front line to protect themselves during protests, following a spate of demonstrations that have turned violent over the last year.
      “Our officers must be properly protected and appropriately equipped with public order gear – including helmets and shields – when policing these protesters,” he said.
      Police were pelted with objects as they attempted to fend off the advancing crowds – with only their batons for protection.
      In some shocking footage, glass shattered just inches from them and some were physically struck during the clashes.
      “We are witnessing colleagues come under relentless attack wearing not much more than a flat cap and a high-vis jacket and with a baton to keep themselves safe,” Berry continued.
      “Officers are not – and never will be – punchbags for people protesting for their cause. We have seen too many images of police officers at protests over recent weeks with blood gushing from their faces.
      “How many more do we have to see? How badly does a police officer have to be injured before we do something?”
      Furious fans wanted their voices to be heardCredit: PA
      Protestors behaviour has been slammed by authoritiesCredit: AFP
      Chaos erupted outside Old Trafford as crowds formed
      The club was earlier forced to deny claims staff had opened a door to allow fans to gain access, explaining the throng of fans climbed the gates at the end of the Munich tunnel to enter.
      Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly weighed in on the protests, saying although he “cannot condone” fans’ behaviour, he can understand their “frustrations” with football clubs.
      “Looking at the scenes that we have just seen on the programme, there can’t be an excuse for that kind of behaviour,” he told Sky News.
      “So I cannot condone the images that we have seen about storming the ground, but we do need to understand the frustrations that fans have, not just with Manchester United, but with a number of clubs across the game.”
      The majority of fans protested peacefully, angered by the Glazers who have cost the club in the region of £1.5BILLION in servicing the debt incurred by their 2005 takeover.
      For United legend and Sky pundit Gary Neville the protest was simply an expression of a the fans frustration with the way United has been run-down by the Glazers who he says should now do the ‘honourable thing’ and sell up and get out.
      He was pictured fist-bumping a fan inside Old Trafford amid the chaos.

      But National Police Federation chairman John Apter said the violence must be condemned in “the strongest possible terms” by football pundits, clubs, and players.
      He said: “Yet again we’ve seen a so-called peaceful protest turn to violence with that aimed at my colleagues.
      “Officers were injured and required hospital treatment. This is completely unacceptable.”
      Angry Man Utd fans break into Old Trafford and storm pitch in protest against Glazers More