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      Man Utd fans can’t believe who Ruben Amorim has playing up front after boss unleashed bold new tactic for Crystal Palace

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      RUBEN AMORIM stunned everyone with his choice of striker against Crystal Palace.The Manchester United manager named both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim opted for a surprise name to lead the line against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyAnd instead he opted to start Kobbie Mainoo as the No9 leading the line.Mainoo, 19, usually plays in the heart of midfield. But Amorim shook things up with his surprise new position to face the Eagles.Mainoo was spotted warming up with the forwards before kick-off in the Premier League clash.And lo and behold, when the match got underway, he was the man furthest forward for the Red Devils – albeit in a slightly false No9 position. Mainoo was the centre forward in the Amorim 3-4-3 system with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho pushing up on either side in the supporting roles. Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte held the fort as the midfield pair with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui operating as wing-backs.Amorim went with a back three of Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in front of Andre Onana. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut all of the talk on social media was about Mainoo, who faced a back three of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi.The teenager grabbed his first European goal in the Europa League win at FCSB on Thursday night.Man Utd ratings: Kobbie Mainoo shines in new role vs FCSB while poor Tyrell Malacia gets hooked at half timeThat was also his first goal of the season and took his pro tally to six in 58 first-team appearances for United.His first Premier League goal came in February 2024 with his dramatic winner in a 4-3 win at Wolves but his most memorable strike was against Manchester City in the FA Cup final. But despite his relative lack of goals compared to Hojlund and Zirkzee – who have 57 and 47 respectively for club and country – the rogue tactic left fans divided. One said: “Mainoo has done more in five minutes as a 9 than we got out of Hojlund and Zirkzee.”Another wrote: “Mainoo at striker is not something I was expecting today.”A third added: “Mainoo at striker, what is this guy Amorim smoking?”A fourth commented: “Amorim got Mainoo as striker, I think he’s lost it.”A fifth replied: “Garnacho-Mainoo-Dialo is looking nice and smooth.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA sixth typed: “Mainoo is our starting striker today, and we are supposed to be happy with the state of our club.”Marcus Rashford, who has 138 Manchester United goals, was not in the matchday squad once again as he closes in on a loan to Aston Villa. Kobbie Mainoo was tasked with leading the line against Palace’s back threeCredit: PAJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund both started on the benchCredit: EPA More

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      Man Utd in transfer talks over signing Aston Villa player who’s regularly on bench to plug Marcus Rashford hole

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are discussing signing Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey before the end of the January window, reports say.Any deal for Bailey would be separate from Marcus Rashford’s pending loan move to Villa for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.Manchester United are talks over signing Aston Villa winger Leon BaileyCredit: AlamyMarcus Rashford is set to join Aston Villa on loan before Monday’s deadlineRashford’s exit means United need to plug a hole in attacking areas and fill the gap in Ruben Amorim’s squad.United are yet to advance talks with Villa over Bailey but it is understood that Ineos prefer a loan deal first, according to The Athletic.The 27-year-old was a fan favourite at Villa Park but is not a guaranteed starter under Unai Emery.He has started 13 of Villa’s 23 Premier League games this season and been subbed on seven times, being unused twice and injured once.READ MORE TRANSFERSBut the winger has started five of the club’s eight Champions League fixtures, as Emery’s side automatically qualified for the last-16.Bailey has scored once in the Prem this term – a late winner against Leicester in January.But he was one of Villa’s standout performers last season, with 10 goals and nine assists during their march to Champions League qualification.Bailey joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and has scored 21 times across 134 appearances, including 14 goals in 2023-24.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford will join Villa on a temporary deal for the remainder of the campaign and undergo his medical on Sunday.Villa have agreed to pay 70 per cent of the England international’s £325,000-a-week salary.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of playersBailey started Villa’s 3-2 win over Celtic, which saw the club qualify for the last-16 of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyIt’s understood that Villa also have the option to make Rashford’s move permanent in the summer window for £40 million.While Rashford, 27, likes to play as a left-sided winger, Jamaican international Bailey operates on the right flank.United first looked at Bailey back in 2016, when he was still in his teens.Jim Lawlor, the club’s chief scout at the time, watched Bailey in action for Genk against Sassuolo and saw him score as the Belgian side won 3-1.United then eyed him up again during his four year spell at Leverkusen, but ended up landing Jadon Sancho.United are now focused on signing a replacement for their home-grown star.The club unveiled left wing-back Patrick Dorgu and Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven at Old Trafford this afternoon.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have already made an approach for Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel, who has already rejected a move to Tottenham this week.Arsenal have now joined the race for Tel. More

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      Brentford vs Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Janelt’s OWN GOAL puts Spurs ahead – latest updates

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      TOTTENHAM are taking on Brentford in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW.Ange Postecoglu is under growing pressure as Spurs boss following a torrid run which has seen his side take just one point from their last seven games in the league.Tottenham face a Brentford side, who have the fifth-best home record in the Prem, but have struggled on their own patch in recent weeks.TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/Premier LeagueLive stream: NOWBrentford team:  Valdimarsson, Ajer, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter, Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard, Schade, Mbeumo, WissaTottenham team: Kinsky, Porro, Gray, Davies, Spence, Bissouma, Bentancur, Kulusevski, Moore, Richarlison, SonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Full Time: Brentford 0-2 TottenhamSpurs sub Pape Matar Sarr settled it with a second goal three minutes from time.It’s a first Premier League win since mid-December and back-to-back victories for Tottenham. Yet while the players are lapping it up, the fans are still calling for chairman Daniel Levy’s head.Tensions are running deeper than just results.For Brentford the season is wobbling on. No home win for them since December 7 now but a more passive fanbase accepts defeat gracefully.An own goal from Vitaly Janelt was a cruel way to go behind but despite Yoane Wissa hitting the bar and a few scrambled chances the finishing was poot from Thomas Frank’s team.Injury depleted Spurs in a good frame of mind now for Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi final second leg at Liverpool where they will defend a 1-0 lead.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFull Time: Brentford 0-2 TottenhamWhat a HUGE win for Spurs! That’s just their second Premier League triumph since November.The win sees them go eight points above the relegation zone, and should give them confidence ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg!Copy linkCopied 90 – Brentford 0-2 TottenhamFour minutes have been added on in West London.This would be a huge win for Spurs!Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Brentford 0-2 Tottenham (Pape Matar Sarr, 87)That should do it for Spurs!Tottenham have been penned in for much of the second half, but they’ve probably just gone and won it!Son Heung-min plays in Pape Matar Sarr with a brilliant through ball, before the Senegalese ace prods it through Hakon Valdimarsson’s legs.Huge for Tottenham!Copy linkCopied86 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamDjed Spence clears off the line for Spurs!The full-back has probably been the visitors’ man of the match – immense.Copy linkCopied84 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamThomas Frank is rolling the dice with an attacking sub.Fabio Carvalho replaces Christian Norgaard for the closing stages.Copy linkCopied83 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamSpurs get some welcome respite with Son Heung-min winning a corner.Brentford fans are not happy with how long Tottenham are taking to take it!Copy linkCopied78 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamDane Scarlett is coming on for his first Premier League appearance of the season.The 20-year-old replaces Richarlison, who is loudly booed by angry Brentford fans.Copy linkCopied 77 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamBryan Mbeumo’s shot has just gone out for a throw in. Kind of sums up Brentford in front of goal so far.They have hit the bar and pushed a lot. But the finish is largely lacking.Copy linkCopied76 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamIt’s time for a Brentford debut!New signing Michael Kayode replaces Kristoffer Ajer.Can the former Fiorentina man make the difference?Copy linkCopied73 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamDjed Spence deserves plenty of credit for how he’s dealt with Bryan Mbeumo today.The Spurs full-back has been immense.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopied71 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamIt’s the same old story for the Bees at the moment, Spurs are remaining resolute!But there’s a still plenty of time left yet…Copy linkCopied68 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamAnge Postecoglou makes his second change of the afternoon, it’s Pape Matar Sarr coming on.The midfielder replaces Yves Bissouma in the Spurs engine room.Copy linkCopied66 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamBrentford are pushing to equalise and this has the look of a game where Tottenham could concede. As per usual.Yoane Wissa has hit the crossbar and there is a definite feel that the momentum is with the home side. Tottenham soaking it up for now.Copy linkCopied64 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamThe Bees are having much more of the ball in the second-half, but Spurs have so far held firm.Ange Postecoglou’s side have posed the occasional threat on the counter.Copy linkCopied 60 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamBirthday boy Luvas Bergvall comes close!Dejan Kulusevski wriggles free on the right before teeing up his compatriot.Swede Bergvall unleashes a left-footed shot at goal, but his low effort fizzes just wide.Copy linkCopied59 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamThe Bees have Spurs penned in at the moment!Ange Postecoglou’s side are struggling to put any sequences of possession together.Will the Aussie make a change?Copy linkCopied 55 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamHuge chance for Tottenham!Rodrigo Bentancur turns the ball over in midfield, before sending Dejan Kulusevski scurrying away with a brilliant through ball.The Swede runs in on goal, but can only find the side netting with his shot!Copy linkCopied 53 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamHow has that not gone in!A brilliant ball in by Mikkel Damsgaard finds Yoane Wissa on the edge of the six-yard box!With the goal at his mercy the forward prodded over the bar!What a let-off for Spurs.Copy linkCopied 52 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamA scary moment for Antonin Kinsky as he appeared to misjudge a cross.His flap did NOT fall to a Brentford player and Spurs just about manage to clear!Copy linkCopied50 – Brentford 0-1 TottenhamNot much to report so far in the second half!Bryan Mbeumo nearly wriggled free in the box, but his cut back is cut out.It’s not been the liveliest affair… yet anyway.Copy linkCopiedSecond half underwaySpurs kick-off the second half at the Gtech!Can they hold their lead for what would be a big win?Copy linkCopiedTottenham make a changeLucas Bergvall is coming on as a half-time substitute for Ange Postecoglou’s side.He is on for 17-year-old Mikey Moore, so expect Dejan Kulusevski to move to the wing.The Swede is celebrating his 19th birthday, and will hope to do so with three points!Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedSpurs new boy watchingTottenham new boy Kevin Danso will have enjoyed that!The Austrian international watched the first half from home.Copy linkCopiedLatest from elsewhereManchester United are drawing 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.Just a reminder, the Red Devils would overtake Brentford if they were to win and the Bees to lose.Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More

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      Is Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on TV? Live stream, channel and start time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Crystal Palace this afternoon as they look to build up their winning form.Ruben Amorim’s team have been very inconsistent this season, but they will be looking to build on their most recent away win against Fulham.Lisandro Martinez’s late goal proved to be the difference maker against FulhamCredit: GettyCrystal Palace’s six game unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of BrentfordCredit: PAMan Utd vs Crystal Palace LIVELisandro Martinez’s late deflected shot proved to be the match-winner in a scrappy game away at Fulham.Despite a lacklustre performance from Amorim’s men, it was enough to have the United fans cheering his name, and he will be hoping for that same kind of atmosphere today at Old Trafford.Is Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on TV?Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Brighton is NOT on UK TV.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBroadcaster Sky Sports have opted to show Brentford vs Tottenham in the same 2pm time slot United are playing. At 4.30pm on Super Sunday, the blockbuster clash between Arsenal and Man City will be aired.UK viewers will also not be able to stream Man Utd vs Crystal Palace on any legal service.Sky Sports will provide highlights of all of the games on YouTube after full time. Most read in FootballMatch of the Day 2 will then show extended highlights on BBC One and iPlayer from 10.30pm.What’s been said?Ruben Amorim had this to say after the Fulham win: “Really important to have this feeling away from home. Great support from our away fans as always.”We tried to control the game, tried to play our game but we need to improve a lot and you can feel it.”But this time we will hold the result, one goal and then we closed the game. It’s really important to win now.”We need to improve a lot with the ball. Without the ball we were okay, controlled the game. We scored and we move on to the next game.” More

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      Inside Kevin Danso’s bizarre Tottenham transfer after star AXED medical with Prem rival and now faces nightmare debut

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      TOTTENHAM have announced the signing of centre-back Kevin Danso from RC Lens after a bizarre 24-hours. The 26-year-old joins Spurs on an initial loan deal, although the North Londoners possess an obligation to make it permanent in the summer for around £21million.Kevin Danso has completed a move to TottenhamCredit: Instagram @spursofficialThe Austrian has penned an initial loan move with SpursCredit: Instagram @spursofficialDanso joins goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in moving to Tottenham this month, but had been close to signing for a Premier League rival.The Austrian international had agreed a move to Wolves and was expected to undergo a medical at the Molineux club on Sunday.But late last night they were informed that the deal was dramatically off, with Danso favouring a move to Spurs instead.Ange Postecoglou’s side had been desperate to sign a defender before tomorrow’s deadline following several injury issues.READ MORE TRANSFERSMicky van de Ven has just returned to fitness having previously only played once since October.While Cristian Romero, barring a 15-minute cameo against Chelsea, has not featured since the November international break.Radu Dragusin became the latest Spurs defender to suffer an injury during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg.The Romanian is expected to miss the majority of the rest of the season with a knee issue.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYDanso could be set for a mouthwatering Spurs debutCredit: Instagram @spursofficialSpurs chiefs initially tried to sign former Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan.They agreed a deal with the Italian side, only for Tomori to insist on staying at the San Siro.Inside making of Spurs whiz Bergvall who outshone Kulusevski and Gyokeres as kid Spurs then moved on to Danso, hijacking Wolves’ deal for the impressive 6ft 3in centre-back.Danso was previously part of MK Dons’ academy before moving to Augsburg aged 16.He had a loan spell at Southampton while on the German club’s books, before moving to France with RC Lens.Danso went on to be named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year for the 2022-23 season as his unfancied side finished just a point behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.’THE ONLY THING YOU CAN DO IS SAY YES’The defender has spoken of his delight in joining Spurs, telling their club media: “It feels amazing to be here at the club, I’ve always wanted to play for a big club in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur is exactly that.”I think as soon as you hear Tottenham Hotspur is interested the only thing you can do is say yes. (It’s an) Amazing project to be part of and I’m happy to be here.”I’m a quick, powerful centre-back, good on the ball, good in one-v-one defending situations, that’s what I thrive on and that’s what I love to do, defend.”I grew up playing academy football, everyone watched the Premier League and it’s a dream come true.”Danso will not be able to play in this afternoon’s Prem clash at Brentford.But provided his work permit arrives in time, as it is expected to do so, he could make his debut against Liverpool at Anfield in Thursday night’s huge Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.It represents a potentially nightmare or dream debut depending how it goes.Tottenham may not be done in this month’s transfer window.It’s claimed that they could still look to add another defender, having spoken to Chelsea regarding a potential loan deal for Axel Disasi.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Postecoglou and Co are still keen on signing a forward player, having been turned down by Bayern Munich teenager Mathys Tel on Friday.Spurs have reportedly made an enquiry regarding Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.Spurs have reportedly enquired over Alejandro GarnachoCredit: Getty More

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      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer raids Man Utd for first new Besiktas recruit, 33, to ‘do the dirty work’

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is reportedly set to raid Manchester United for his first recruit at Besiktas.The former Red Devils boss joined the Turkish giants last month – his first job since leaving Old Trafford in 2021.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hired Tom Green from Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd he is set to poach United for senior performance analyst Tom Green.The 33-year-old is set to take up a similar but more senior role at Besiktas, according to The Athletic.Green joined United in 2017 when Jose Mourinho was in charge and reportedly is well thought of at the club.He sat alongside Solskjaer and other senior coaches in the Old Trafford dugout during the Covid season and could benefit the Norwegian by doing the “dirty work”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne source told The Athletic: “He’s considered a really good football analyst and Ole needs that at Besiktas, someone who can produce and do the dirty work, create the pre-match analysis, lead the manager into a match and make sure Ole has all the data on his iPad.“He’ll have to make sure that the coach has the game on his computer after the match, that all coaches have analysis clips pre, live and post-match. In his role, he’d send individual clips to players before and after the games showing their actions.“He’ll be important for Ole and his staff – it’s a brave, bold move and he has to be admired for doing that after seven or eight years over at Man United.”The move for Solskjaer comes after he claimed Besiktas have no scouting department.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAsked about additions in terms of playing personnel, Solskjaer said: “I came in 10 days ago and we are working to bring the right people.”There was no scouting department and no scouting reports when we came to the club.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer”So that’s something I also work with. that we structure the club in the right way for the future.”Of course the short term is important, but we cannot make the wrong decisions.”We cannot bring players, expensive players, to the club because financially the club have spent a lot of money on this. And I think the president has talked about, at the moment, the financial situation.”The big thing now is that we sit together and prioritise what we can do this window.” More

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      VAR orders referee to count number of players on pitch in most bizarre Premier League intervention yet

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      CHAOS erupted after VAR bizarrely ordered referee Andy Madley to count the NUMBER of players on the pitch during Wolves v Aston Villa.Wolves cruised to a shock 2-0 win against Villa at Molineux to move out of the relegation zone.Andy Madley was asked to confirm the NUMBER of players on the pitchGoncalo Guedes was already in the dugout but Wolves subs weren’t allowed onConfusion broke out on the touchlineIt took just under three minutes for Wolves to make two subsThe second half was littered with controversial moments as Villa saw a goal disallowed and Wolves were denied a penalty shout.The encounter then saw embarrassing scenes which have been likened to a Sunday League mix up.Wolves were 1-0 up -after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s opener – when they tried to make a double substitution in the 71st minute.The idea was for Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri to make way for Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, what should’ve been a routine changeover after the Wolves par left the pitch was far from simple.Madley blew to stop play and was asked to get his fingers out and count up the players on the turf.Guedes was already sitting in the dugout, but Wolves weren’t allowed to bring their replacements on despite the fact that Tim Robinson was holding the fourth official board up. One fan wrote: “What in the Sunday league is going on here at Wolves 🤣.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe commentator said: “VAR are asking the referee to confirm that nobody has left the field. It beggars belief. Extraordinary scenes.”It took just under three minutes for Wolves to make those two substitutions. Aston Villa confirm Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr with blunt 58-word statementIt’s unclear who asked him but Matt Donohue and Wade Smith were on VAR duties.Proceedings finally got back underway before Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury time.But to make matters worse, VAR was previously called into scrutiny just 20 minutes before the chaos after disallowing Villa’s equaliser.New £21.5million signing Donyell Malen, who replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time, thought he’d scored his first Villa goal.Malen was behind the ball when he converted a low cross from John McGinn, although the linesman immediately raised his flag.But VAR found something else wrong and ruled that Morgan Rogers was offside when he obstructed Nelson Semedo in the build-up. A statement from the Premier League’s Match Centre account on X read: “The referees call of no goal due to an offside offence is checked and confirmed by VAR – with Rogers in an offside position and deemed to be impacting the ability of Semedo to play or challenge for the ball.”Matheus Cunha wrapped up all three points in the seventh minute of injury timeCredit: Alamy More

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      Three reasons Marcus Rashford chose Aston Villa with Man Utd ace previously expecting transfer to European giant

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      MANCHESTER UNITED wantaway star Marcus Rashford is close to finalising a loan move to Aston Villa.United boss Ruben Amorim has frozen Rashford out of his squad and suggested he is so unhappy with the way the player trains that he’d rather pick 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than him.Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is on the verge of joining Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford expected interest from Europe’s top clubs after being frozen out at Man UtdCredit: GettyAnd now the star forward is on the brink of completing a loan move to Villa until the end of the season.The Villans are reportedly covering the majority of Rashford’s staggering £325,000-a-week wages and are also offering performance-related bonuses.The England international appears keen on the move as there was a lack of expected interest from top European clubs.Plus, Villa would be able to offer the 27-year-old Champions League football while maintaining his high wages.Read More on Man UtdA United insider said: “Marcus always said he would never play for another club in England because he is a United fan.“He started to think he needed to move earlier this season and wanted to go to a big European club.“The reality is he’s not had the interest he expected. Villa first showed a tentative interest in him last November.“Amorim has made it very clear he has no future at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Villa have managed to offer him two things — keeping his wage the same and Champions League football.”Rashford hasn’t played for United since December 12 with Amorim leaving him out of the squad for every game since apart from one, in which he was an unused substitute.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe versatile winger was told he would never play for Man Utd again as long as the Portuguese tactician is in charge. More