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    I was Man Utd’s next wonderkid dubbed ‘the English Lionel Messi’.. now I’m in the seventh tier playing for 500 fans

    CALLUM GRIBBIN was meant to be the future of Manchester United.Aged 16, the attacking midfielder was being compared to Ryan Giggs and even called “the English Lionel Messi”.
    Callum Gribbin was once considered the future of Man Utd but is now playing in the seventh tierCredit: Getty
    Callum Gribbin was capped for England’s Under-16s and Under-17sCredit: Getty
    An outrageously talented dribbler and a set-piece specialist to boot, Gribbin had the world at his feet.
    Louis van Gaal was so impressed with the youngster, he plucked him from the youth ranks and threw him into the cauldron of first-team training.
    His ability to float across the pitch with the ball seemingly glued to his foot saw him capped by England’s Under-16s and Under-17s.
    It seemed impossible that Gribbin would NOT make it in the Premier League, strutting his stuff in front of 75,000 fans at Old Trafford.
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    But now he’s in the seventh tier playing for a smattering of fans just seven miles up the road at FC United of Manchester.
    So what happened to Gribbin? Let’s start from the beginning…
    Gribbin joined Man Utd’s youth ranks at the age of nine and quickly turned the heads of his coaches and team-mates.
    One of his youth pals, Charlie Scott, called him an “unreal talent”.
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    Scott added: “Gribbo was easily one of the best players I’ve ever played with.
    “He would dribble past five players in training and he’d be laughing as he went past you.
    “He was a great lad, full of jokes.”
    Gribbin certainly wasn’t shy, either.
    In 2011, as part of Edwin van der Sar’s testimonial a Man Utd youth team took on a young Ajax XI in Amsterdam in front of a raucous 53,000-strong crowd.
    Sir Alex Ferguson, Giggs, Van Gaal, Sir Bobby Charlton and Dennis Bergkamp were all among the star-studded onlookers.
    Gribbin scored a penalty before playfully wagging his finger at the local supporters.
    He scored a second after pinching the ball from Matthijs de Ligt, running half the length of the pitch, mercilessly rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball home.
    As the years went on, Liverpool and Manchester City were suddenly desperate to prise the youngster from their fiercest rivals.
    England Under-16s coach Kenny Swain admitted he felt “breathless” just watching him.
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    Swain said: “Everyone kept saying to me, ‘You have to see this lad.’
    “I went to watch him and within five minutes, I could see he was something special.
    “Technically — because that is the first thing we are all looking for — he was outstanding. So much pure natural ability. And physically, too.”
    But in 2019, Gribbin was released by United.
    Rumblings around the club claim worth ethic and behaviour were the deciding factors behind the decision to axe him.
    An unnamed former team-mate told The Athletic: “It was just attitude issues… a few things went on that had to be kept quiet.”
    Even his old trainer, Paul Mitten – per Ryan Baldi’s book, The Dream Factory – said: “Gribbo signed a four-year deal at United when he was 17… they gave him fortunes.
    “I’ve never seen anyone do such things with a ball. He’s got a wand of a left foot.
    “But he’s a complex guy. Mentally, he’s a complex character.”
    In 2018, United’s academy boss Nicky Butt spoke to The Times about “going mad” at a player who had “tossed training off a little bit” in front of Jose Mourinho.
    Callum Gribbin was tipped to be the best player to come out of Man Utd’s academy since Ryan GiggsCredit: Getty
    The Manchester Evening News named the player as Gribbin.
    In the youngster’s final week at the club, Butt taught him a harsh lesson, admitting: “You’ll either end up working at McDonald’s or we’ll buy you back for £100million.”
    It’s been a rocky road for Gribbin since being booted out of Old Trafford.
    But those around have seen a huge boost in his work ethic.
    Mitten added: “We all make mistakes… learning from these and moving forward is what separates people.
    “I know Callum has made a few [mistakes] but since meeting the lad all I have seen is a desire and determination to put things right.”
    Sheffield United first took a chance on the youngster following his release – but he left after growing frustrated in the youth squad, desperate to prove his worth in the first-team under Chris Wilder.
    Gribbin took a chance and headed to League Two side Barrow Town, convinced he would finally have a chance to catch the eye.
    Ex-Blackburn star David Dunn was boss at the time and told Gribbin he would build a squad around him. He would be the future of the club.
    But with The Riversiders gripped in a relegation battle, Dunn opted for steady experience over unproven talent.
    Callum Gribbin moved to Barrow (pictured) after a short spell at Sheff Utd following his Old Trafford releaseCredit: Getty
    Callum Gribbin is now on the books of FC United of Manchester
    Gribbin played just twice – once in League Two and once in the FA Cup – in the 2020-21 season.
    Halfway through the season, when player registration reopened, Gribbin wasn’t given a squad number and forced to train with a small group of outcasts.
    He opted to move on again, training with Salford City – owned by Man Utd’ Class of 92 – and had a trial with Portuguese second-tier side Casa Pia.
    But in the midst of the Covid pandemic, clubs were looking to trim the fat in their squads, not make left-field, risky additions.
    Gribbin opted to take another dive down the football pyramid as he signed for seventh tier Radcliffe.
    And it was here there was a noticeable change in his work ethic.
    His first game at the club was a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Stalybridge Celtic in front of 572 fans – a game which saw the goalkeeper pull down his team-mate’s shorts just to get a laugh from the terraces.
    But Gribbin is willing to put in the work to achieve his dream of starring on the biggest stage.
    And no match encapsulated his newfound desire to improve more than one game – also against Stalybridge Celtic – in 2021.
    The boss had promised him an appearance off the bench in the second half – but he never came on.
    Rather than sulk, he entered the pitch at full time and sprinted lengths of the pitch, sodden to the bone, and kept going long after his team-mates had headed home.
    Last summer, he moved on again – edging closer to Man Utd – after signing for Radcliffe’s divisional rivals FC United of Manchester.
    Now aged 24, he’s been a mainstay of the first-team this term with his side desperately launching a late push for promotion – sitting ninth, eight points off then play-off spots with a handful of games to go.
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    It will be a long road back to the top for Gribbin.
    But now boasting a strong worth ethic to go with his natural talent, who’s to say he can’t make it back to Old Trafford one day? More

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    Arsenal title blow with Man City key man Phil Foden set to return for huge April 26 clash after appendix surgery

    PHIL FODEN will get on his bike and is ready to cycle back in time for the title clash against Arsenal.The Manchester City midfielder was expected to be sidelined until at least the start of May after having his appendix removed less than a fortnight ago.
    Foden has nine goals and four assists in 24 Prem appearances this seasonCredit: Getty
    But Foden, 22, is already up and about.
    He will start bike and strength work this week and there are hopes to ease him back before the table-topping Gunners visit the Etihad on April 26.
    The FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United on Saturday week has been mentioned but Arsenal are firmly in his sights.
    Foden had to miss England’s win over Ukraine last month due to his appendix issues flaring up just before the game.
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    But the star updated fans from his hospital bed during the Wembley victory as he reassured them he was “feeling much better”.
    He is now set to miss both legs of Manchester City’s huge Champions League quarter-final clash with Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich.
    Pep Guardiola’s side are still fighting on three fronts as they look to land the treble.
    The game against Arsenal in late April could be huge in deciding where the title ends up with the Gunners having a five point lead at the top.
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    Meanwhile, City rookie Kian Breckin, 19, is on the hitlist of a host of Premier League clubs.
    Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and Southampton have all watched the midfielder, who is the son of former Nottingham  Forest centre-back Ian.
    Only a sizable bid could tempt City to sell. More

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    Man Utd slap £50m price tag on Scott McTominay with Red Devils in no rush to sell as Newcastle target transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED will demand at least £50MILLION before considering selling Scott McTominay this summer.Newcastle are one of a host of clubs who are big admirers of the Scottish midfielder — who has been at Old Trafford since he was a kid.
    Manchester United have slapped a £50m price tag on Scott McTominayCredit: PA
    But United bosses have made it clear to both the player and would-be suitors that he is still a valuable member of the squad and they will not be pressured into a sale.
    McTominay, 26, is under contract for another two years, with the club also having the option to extend by 12 months beyond that.
    Although United are looking to raise transfer funds, they are in no rush to cash in on the man whose two goals gave Scotland a famous win over Spain.
    McTominay, who netted the opener against Everton, is convinced he can become a Red Devils regular and has recently held productive talks with manager Erik ten Hag about his future.
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    The Magpies began chasing a deal for the star in January, but a transfer failed to materialise.
    Despite the setback, Eddie Howe is still eager to tempt him to St James’ Park this summer.
    McTominay has been at Man Utd since the age of five.
    He joined the club’s academy in 2002 and rose through the ranks before signing his first professional contract eleven years later.
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    His Premier League debut came in 2017 and he has since made 205 first team appearances for the Red Devils.
    McTominay could be one of seven first team players to leave Old Trafford this summer.
    Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, David De Gea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are among the others who could also move on at the end of the season. More

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    Tottenham line up duo of Kilmarnock wonderkids as they look to strike early in transfer window

    TOTTENHAM want to look at Kilmarnock midfield prospect David Watson ahead of a border raid.Spurs are keen to bring Watson to England for training, possibly as early as this week, after being alerted to his potential.
    David Watson, 18, is being lined up by SpursCredit: Rex
    Watson, 18, has already made Killie’s first team in the SPFL and looks a top talent — and Tottenham are eager to win the race before it becomes a scramble.
    Spurs also like right-back Ben Brannan,  16, and could even take the pair.
    Watson got his first start at Montrose in July, with Killie winning 3-0 in the League Cup tie.
    He was outstanding in recent starts against St Johnstone and Hearts, although was on the losing side on Saturday in the 2-0 loss to Aberdeen.
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    Football is in Watson’s blood – with his mum representing Scotland at international level and his dad playing at junior level.
    Brannan is reportedly already on trial at Spurs, after he was granted permission to train in north London.
    Tottenham will then have the option to add him to their academy.
    The right-back is yet to sign a professional contract with Kilmarnock, which means they will be due compensation should the Premier League giants want to make the move permanent.
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    Brannan, who is yet to appear in the first team, was promoted to the U18s this season after spending last season in the U17s.
    The defender has been a regular for Scotland’s youth teams, and was part of the Under-16s squad for the UEFA Development Tournament earlier this year. More

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    Sheffield United set for brutal decision on Doyle and McAtee with Prem only allowing ONE Man City loanee to stay

    SHEFFIELD UNITED will need to make a heartbreak decision on Manchester City loan stars Tommy Doyle and James McAtee.Manager Paul Heckingbottom would love to keep the pair — who have played a key part in Blades’ charge for a Premier League return — next season.
    Tommy Doyle and James McAtee are currently on loan at Sheffield United from Manchester CityCredit: Alamy
    But Hecky can only have one — even if City play ball and make them available.
    Rules only allow a Prem club to have a single player on loan from the same rival.
    And that will mean a tough choice should the Blades, who are clear in second spot in the Championship, get promoted.
    Midfield dynamo Doyle, 21, is favourite if United can agree terms as he would figure in their side in the top flight.
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    Attacker McAtee, 20, is also highly rated at Bramall Lane but he may be more suited to a side that has more of the ball.
    City are due to decide on a handful of players who are out on loan at the end of the season and United will be first in the queue for Doyle, who has developed well this season.
    It was a Doyle goal that sent the club into the FA Cup semi-final clash with City next weekend.
    He is barred from playing in that tie.
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    Doyle has played 31 games in all competitions for the Blades this season – scoring four goals and providing five assists.
    McAtee meanwhile has six goals and four assists in 37 appearances in all competitions this term. More

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    How Todd Boehly turned to TV star James Corden for advice before hiring Frank Lampard as Chelsea interim manager

    TV star James Corden played a surprise role in the shock appointment of Frank Lampard at Chelsea.Interim boss Lampard lost at Wolves on his “surreal” return and says he will not solve the club’s problems in one day.
    Chelsea hired Frank Lampard as interim manager for the rest of the seasonCredit: PA
    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly needed advice after sacking Graham PotterCredit: Rex
    Boehly turned to TV star James Corden for advice before hiring LampardCredit: Rex
    Lamps was named on Thursday after Gavin and Stacey creator Corden gave pal and Blues owner Todd Boehly his opinion.
    The US talk show host and American financier Boehly have become mates.
    When Boehly looked for a caretaker after Graham Potter was axed last Sunday, West Ham fan Corden’s idea got the nod.
    Corden and Lampard are pals from Sky show A League of Their Own where the ex-England midfielder’s cousin Jamie Redknapp is a team captain.
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    Lamps watched Chelsea manage just one shot on target as Matheus Nunes scored a stunning winner.
    The interim chief said: “It is a big task. We know we are in a position we do not want to be in — but there is a reason for it.
    “I did not expect to solve everything in one day. At the same time,   you have to have more aggression in your game.
     “Lack of confidence can look like lack of aggression but, as a team,  there were second balls and duels we were not quite at. I don’t mind saying it.
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    “Four or five days ago I was planning different stuff. That part was surreal.
    “Being Chelsea manager does not feel different to me. I’m not taking it lightly but it has been my club for a long time so I appreciate being back.
    “I am disappointed I could not give the fans a win on my first game back.”
    Lampard must hope for a massive improvement for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Real Madrid.
    He added: “We have a huge game  where everything changes. I’m excited.”
    Meanwhile, Chelsea and the Prem slammed “unacceptable” homophobic chants heard during the Molineux loss. Three arrests were made. More

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    Frank Lampard bizarrely says he can’t speak about assistants ‘for some reason’ with Chelsea coaches still unannounced

    CHELSEA interim manager Frank Lampard revealed he is not allowed to name his assistants “for some reason” after his return to Stamford Bridge.Lampard came back at the helm to guide the Blues until the end of the season on Thursday just two years after his dismissal by previous owner Roman Abramovich.
    Frank Lampard returned to Chelsea as the club’s interim managerCredit: PA
    Lampard is not allowed to name his assistant coaches at ChelseaCredit: Rex
    Although the ex-Everton boss’ backroom team had not been officially announced, coaches Ashley Cole, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones were all involved in putting the team through the warm-up at Molineux.
    Weirdly, the 44-year-old tactician claimed afterwards he was not allowed to talk about his assistants.
    Lampard said: “I cannot speak about the backroom team for some reason. You can write what you saw.”
    Chelsea put together another poor performance at Molineux, which led to a 1-0 loss to Wolves.
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    The hosts picked up the win after a stunning volley by Matheus Nunes on 31 minutes.
    The West Londoners’ caretaker coach admitted he is facing a “big task” but insists he never expected to turn things around in just one day.
    Lampard said: “It is a big task. We know we are in a position we do not want to be in — but there is a reason for it.
    “I did not expect to solve everything in one day. At the same time, you have to have more aggression in your game.
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    “Lack of confidence can look like lack of aggression but, as a team, there were second balls and duels we were not quite at. I don’t mind saying it.
    “Four or five days ago I was planning different stuff. That part was surreal.
    “Being Chelsea manager does not feel different to me. I’m not taking it lightly but it has been my club for a long time so I appreciate being back.
    “I am disappointed I could not give the fans a win on my first game back.” More

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    Man Utd LIVE: Red Devils’ legend involved in CAR CRASH, Bellingham CRITISIM, Kane TRANSFER BLOW, takeover updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Bryan Robson has been involved in a car crash while he was on his way to watch his old side’s triumph over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham “doesn’t have discipline”, according to former Premier League star Dietmar Hamann.
    Elsewhere, Bayern Munich are interested in United target Harry Kane, according to reports.
    And we have the very latest takeover updates from Old Trafford.
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    Dembele contract stalls
    Man Utd target Ousmane Dembele’s contract talks have stalled, according to reports in Spain.
    The 25-year-old has just 12 months left on his current deal.
    Sport report that the negotiations have hit a stumbling block because the Catalans can’t afford the French star’s demands.
    That news has put several Premier League clubs on red alert.
    ‘Bellingham needs to work on his game’
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham has been put on full blast because he “doesn’t have discipline”.
    That is according to Liverpool hero Dietmar Hamann, who insists Bellingham needs to work on his game if he wants to join a bigger club.
    The midfielder has attracted immense interest from some of Europe’s heaviest hitters, such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and the Reds.
    Hamann told Sky Sports: “What Bellingham doesn’t have is discipline.
    “He may want to return to the island [England] or Real Madrid. He has to play differently.
    “At Dortmund he can do what he wants. Nobody dares to say anything.
    “Because they’re afraid of upsetting him. If you have that as a team-mate, you’ll have a problem.
    “If he doesn’t do anything forwards and backwards, what does he do then?
    “Obviously he is an exceptional player. But he has to get his discipline under control.”
    Robbo car crash
    Manchester United legend Bryan Robson was involved in a car crash while heading to watch his old club’s victory over Everton on Saturday.
    The 66-year-old was driving to Old Trafford when his blue Mercedes S350d was hit from behind by another vehicle – damaging the boot and bumper.

    Police officers attended, closing one lane while debris was removed from the dual carriageway.
    Robson – nicknamed Captain Marvel during his playing days – stood on the grass embankment hugging a young lad while chatting to cops.
    The ex-midfielder was dressed in official club colours ready for his role as a Manchester United ambassador.
    Tuchel to hijack Man Utd’s Kane move
    Bayern Munich are keen to hijack Man Utd’s move for Harry Kane, according to reports.
    Bayern insider Christian Falk told CaughtOffside: “There are always rumours about FC Bayern but they haven’t discussed Füllkrug yet. There is still a little hope that they can sign Harry Kane, but Bayern also now have an eye on Randal Kolo Muani of Frankfurt.”
    According to Falk, Tuchel is desperate for a new No9 with doubts over Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s fitness.
    “The new manager, Thomas Tuchel, is checking the squad at the moment to determine whether he needs new players in the summer,” Falk continued.
    “At the moment, they’re focusing on the No.9 position. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is 34 years old and has problems with his back. Mathys Tel is very talented, but just 17 years old. Bayern want to discuss the potential need for a new striker at the end of the season.”
    Bailly set to return
    Man Utd loanee Eric Bailly is expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, reports suggest.
    The 28-year-old joined Marseille on a season-long loan in August after falling out of favour with Erik ten Hag.
    His current contract includes an £8.4million obligation to buy clause, which will be triggered if he makes 19 Ligue 1 appearances and Marseille qualify for the Champions League.
    However, according to French outlet La Provence, Bailly is not expected to meet that target.
    The defender has made just 11 league appearances for the Olympians so far this season.
    And he is not expected to play a part in the majority of the club’s nine remaining Ligue 1 games.
    Scholes criticises ten Hag
    Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has criticised Erik ten Hag for not utilising his squad enough.
    Ten Hag has used 28 players, as United went on to League Cup success and are in the Champions League places in the league.
    Harry Maguire was one of three changes the ex-Ajax coach made, along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka given the nod at right-back and Tyrell Malacia replacing the injured Luke Shaw on the opposite defensive flank.
    But that wasn’t enough for the former England international, who believes he should have rotated more during the season.
    Scholes told BT Sport: “Something I don’t think Ten Hag has done is use his squad enough.
    “When players have come into a game they’ve really struggled at first to pick up the pace a bit and there’s a few of those positions – Malacia at left-back.
    “Maguire’s got experience, I think it’s a decent game for him to come into today.
    “It’s not easy when you’re coming in, Harry just has to make sure he’s prepared properly and he’s training properly.
    “He looks the type of lad who will be doing that and he’s played for England, but coming to Manchester United, coming to the Premier League, it’s slightly different, he’ll be tested more, but I expect him to deal with it.”
    Class apart
    Marcus Rashford made a young supporters day during Man Utd’s clash with Everton.
    Rashford hobbled off injured with a groin injury but made time to give his shirt to a young fan in the crowd.
    TV cameras picked up a young United fan proudly holding Rashford’s shirt aloft after the star player had been subbed off.
    The England international had made the effort to hand the youngster his shirt before limping down the tunnel.
    Rashford could later be seen without his shirt as he headed back to the dressing room.
    All over at Old Trafford
    Manchester United have emerged as 2-0 victors from their Everton clash.
    It was a comfortable match for the most part, but United’s profligate finishing threatened to cost them all three points until Scott McTominay smashed home a winner with substitute Anthony Martial netting the second.
    Yin and Yang
    Man Utd have just welcomed Christian Eriksen back to the fold.
    But now they may be without Marcus Rashford after he appeared to pull his groin.
    It’s a cruel twist for the Red Devils.
    It’s halftime at Old Trafford
    Scott McTominay has put the hosts in the lead, but United could have had so much more.
    There have been poor misses from Wan-Bissaka, Rashford and Antony.
    Ellis Simms for Everton even saw a glorious chance roll wide of the post to spare United’s blushes.
    United have 11-man target list
    Manchester United have identified 11 players as transfer targets, according to reports.
    A report from Give Me Sport says Erik ten Hag “held talks” with director of football John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and chief executive Richard Arnold.
    The meeting, which commened over the recent international break, outlined 11 players who United could go for in the summer.
    Big names like Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen were discussed in the meeting.
    Randal Kolo Muani, Mohammed Kudus of Ajax and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos are also on the list in terms of recruiting firepower.
    Creativity demands have led them to Alexis Mac Allister, Mason Mount and James Maddison.
    Goalkeeper is another area which could be changed, with Georgian star Giorgi Mamardashvilli tipped.
    Want live Man Utd v Everton updates?
    You can follow SunSport’s live blog of Man Utd’s clash against Everton for minute-by-minute updates on the match.
    Ten Hag on Varane drop
    Erik ten Hag has explained his decision to drop Raphael Varane.
    Speaking to BT Sport, Ten Hag bemoaned the club’s “crazy” schedule, lambasting the workload his players are under.
    He said: “We have the most crazy schedule of all the Premier League teams, we have three games to cover in six days, which is not right, but we have to deal with it.
    He added: “We couldn’t expect to be in this situation when we started. We are in the top 4.
    “We are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. We are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. We already have a trophy.”
    ICYMI
    Here’s the Man Utd line up.
    De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Malacia, McTominay, Sabitzer, Fernandes, Antony, Sancho, Rashford.
    Rashford landmark
    With his appearance against Newcastle, Marcus Rashford will reach the 350 appearances landmark for the Red Devils.
    Fans congratulated him on Twitter. One said: “Congrats Rashy!!! 👉🏼😎❤️”
    A second added: “CONGRATULATIONS MARCUS LAD 👍😎🔴⚪️⚫️⚽️👊👏🔥🔥🔥.”
    Another typed: “Congratulations to Marcus for playing your 350th game for Manchester United. What a great achievement. 🙂 #MUFC #MUNEVE.”
    McTominay on Newcastle shortlist
    Scott McTominay is one of four stars reportedly on Newcastle’s summer transfer shortlist.
    A Daily Mail report indicates Eddie Howe has picked four player with Prem experience to bolster the Magpies.
    Scotland star McTominay is among them, and joined by international team-mate Kieran Tierney, Harvey Barnes and James Ward-Prowse.
    The opposition
    Here’s how Everton line up for the Old Trafford clash.
    The Toffees are on a solid run of form under Sean Dyche, with the last time they tasted defeat being a 4-0 drubbing against Arsenal on March 1.

    Changes in tow
    David de Gea has kept his place in goal while Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have replaced Diogo Dalot and Raphael Varane.
    Tyrell Malacia comes into the team to replace the injured Luke Shaw.
    Scott McTominay, Marcel Sabitzer and Bruno Fernandes make up the midfield again, though in what composition is anyone’s guess after Ten Hag’s clever tweak against Brentford.
    Jadon Sancho keeps his place in the starting XI alongside Antony and Marcus Rashford.
    Christian Eriksen also makes his long-awaited return to the squad, and may feature from the bench.
    Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst give Ten Hag genuine options off of the bench.
    Man Utd line up vs Everton
    Man Utd have unveiled their line up to face Everton.

    World Cup hero interest
    Morrocan World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat could be on the move this summer after Fiorentina opened the doors to the possibilty of a transfer.
    According to his agent Mohamed Sinouh, Manchester United submitted a bid in January.
    He told Kora Plus via Sport: “We don’t have any offers for the summer at the moment, but now at least Fiorentina are willing to listen.
    “It’s a promise they made when the president rejected all offers in winter
    “We received a lot of offers during the January transfer window, including one from Manchester United, but we can’t reach an agreement.”
    Bellingham transfer blow
    Man Utd have suffered a dent in their hopes of landing Jude Bellingham after Paris Saint-Germain stepped up their pursuit.
    According to SER Deportivos via AS, it comes as a result of a rising fear the French giants may lose Kylian Mbappe.
    Bellingham is also the subject of interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Man City.
    Former boss on European giants shortlist
    Belgium giants Club Brugge have shortlisted ex-Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for their managerial shortlist.
    A report from The Times says the Norwegian is being considered after the club sacked Scott Parker las month.
    However, he is not belived to be their first-choice for the role.
    With that title instead going to former Celtic boss Ronny Deila and the former Bayern Munich assistant Dino Toppmöller,
    Eriksen return
    Christian Eriksen is set to return to the matchday squad for Man Utd’s clash against Everton.
    Erik ten Hag revealed the news during his pre-match conference. But fumed about the horror tackle from Andy Carroll which had initially sidelined him.
    The Dutchman said: “It was a really bad tackle and a really bad injury, it’s settled and now we are very happy with that.
    “I think it was not for nothing, I was so angry about that bad tackle.
    “We first feared we had lost him for the whole season, but he has worked really well and the medical department did very well.
    “He’s returning to the squad and is available for the final stages of the season, so we are very pleased with that.”
    Christian Eriksen pictured back at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Everton ref fume
    Man Utd fans have been left furious over the appointment of the referee for their clash against Everton.
    The game at Old Trafford will see Michael Oliver officiate.
    But fans were left baffled by the selection due to him being a Newcastle fan, who are in a top four race with the Red Devils.
    One fan said: “How is this allowed?”
    Another typed: “Absolute corruption! If we don’t win now you know what people are going to say.”
    While a third added: “The refs are going to f*** us over.”
    New contract beckons
    Facundo Pellistri is set to be offered a new deal by the club.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, United are preparing to hold talks with the winger over a new and improved deal.
    His current contract expires in 2025.
    It will follow team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, who is believed to have recently penned a new deal worth £50,000 per week.
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