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      Mikel Arteta issues Bukayo Saka fitness update for Liverpool clash and hints William Saliba is back in training

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      BUKAYO SAKA will be available for Arsenal’s crunch clash with Liverpool this weekend.The England international was a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Anfield after missing the Gunners’ rout of Leeds last weekend.
      Bukayo Saka missed Arsenal’s rout of Leeds last weekendCredit: REX
      But Mikel Arteta has revealed the winger will be available for Sunday’s trip to LiverpoolCredit: REX
      Saka missed the 4-1 win due to illness but is ready to start Sunday’s match with the Merseysiders.
      When asked if the 21-year-old will be fit to play, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “Yeah he is.”
      Saka has been one of the league leaders’ star performers this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up ten assists in all competitions.
      But Arteta is adamant the winger hasn’t even scratched the surface of his full potential.
      The Spaniard told Sky Sports last month: “First of all, I think you have to recognise what he’s been doing.
      “The consistency he’s shown at his age and at this level is something rare to see. He’s taken it with normality.
      “If you ask me if he has room for improvement, I would say: ‘Yes – a lot.’
      “He’s never satisfied, he always wants more and he can still do a lot of things better and more efficiently, but we are really pleased to have him.”
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      As well as Saka, Arteta also hinted that the recently-injured William Saliba will return to the starting XI at Anfield.
      He said of the Frenchman: “I’m very hopeful and he is as well.
      “Back injuries are a bit tricky, how they evolve with the load in certain areas but he’s very positive about it.
      “The medical staff are positive about it, so let’s push it every day a little bit and see how he copes with that and how the pain develops.
      “He’s so willing to be back with the team.”
      Arsenal currently top the Premier League table by eight points, although they have played a game more than defending champions Manchester City. More

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      Ex-Chelsea star-turned-boss on course for QUADRUPLE after his team wins two trophies in ten days in first year in charge

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      CHELSEA icon Hernan Crespo has taken Qatar by storm with his sights set on a stunning QUARDUPLE. Crespo, 47, is less than a year into his first season in charge of Qatari side Al-Duhail.
      Hernan Crespo is aiming for a QUADRUPLE in his first year in charge at Al-DuhailCredit: Rex
      His side won the Qatar Cup on ThursdayCredit: Rex
      Which followed on from their victory in the Qatar Stars CupCredit: Rex
      Crespo himself looks quite different from his playing days at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      A 2-0 win over arch rivals Al-Sadd in the Qatar Cup now makes it two from two for Crespo after his team also beat Umm Salal in the Qatar Stars Cup in March.
      The Argentine is no stranger to winning to trophies thanks to his playing days.
      And it seems he has been unable to shake the itch, now chasing a clean sweep of domestic trophies in Qatar.
      With just one month of the season to go, Crespo’s side sit at the top of the Qatar Stars League with a two point lead having played a game less than second place Al-Arabi.
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      Al-Duhail also find themselves in the quarter-finals of the Emir of Qatar Cup.
      The match will see them take on Al-Sailiya on Monday.
      After winning his first trophy last month, Crespo said: “We achieved the first title, but there are still other titles and we will all compete with full force.”
      However, dreams of a quintet were crushed when Saudi-Arabian champions Al-Halil crushed the Qatar league leaders 7-0 in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League.
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      Prior to arriving in Qatar, Crespo’s coaching career had seen him enjoy stints in Italy, Argentina and Brazil.
      He won the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa Y Justica in 2020 before adding the Brazilian Paulista title with Sao Paulo in 2021.
      Crespo’s playing career saw him win league titles and cup across three different countries, including the Premier League, Serie A, Uefa Cup, Italian Cup, Copa Libertadores and the Community shield. More

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      Jesse Marsch shock favourite to replace Brendan Rodgers as Leicester boss just two months after Leeds sacking

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      JESSE Marsch has emerged as favourite for the Leicester City job after holding talks with King Power Stadium bosses.The American was sacked by Leeds two months ago and came close to taking over at Southampton when Nathan Jones was dismissed.
      Jesse Marsh is a candidate to take over at LeicesterCredit: AP
      Brendan Rodgers was axed with the team in the relegation zoneCredit: PA
      But now he is a contender to take over from Brendan Rodgers, who was sacked less than a week ago following their 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
      Leicester have been tracking coaches that have worked in the Red Bull structure.
      That put Marsch in their thoughts along with ex-Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
      Marsch was Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig coach before making the move to Leeds just over a year ago.
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      He kept them in the Premier League – but Leeds had to wait until the final game of the season to stay in the top flight under Marsch.
      Leicester would be asking him to pull off another rescue act if he gets the job.
      Bookies have slashed the odds on Marsch taking over.
      The Foxes face a huge game tomorrow at home to Bournemouth.
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      Both teams are in the bottom three and defeat for either side would be a huge blow to their survival hopes.
      Leicester’s decision over a new boss could be affected by the outcome of the game.
      Rafa Benitez and Sam Allardyce are also believed to have been considered.
      But caretaker bosses Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell remain in charge for the huge clash.
      Leicester would prefer to let Sadler and Stowell carry on – keep the team up, then reassess the situation in the summer when No1 target Graham Potter is likely to want to return to management after his Chelsea axing.
      But if they lose to Bournemouth, that plan could change.
      Then, a short-term or long-term appointment could be made with Marsch in line to take on the task. More

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      Fans notice ‘sickening’ huge sign on roof of Fulham’s Craven Cottage stadium that’s over a decade out of date

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      FOOTBALL fans have slammed Fulham after spotting a decade-old sign on the roof of Craven Cottage.A video emerged on social media showing an airborne view of the West London side’s ground.
      Fulham’s old sponsor FxPro are still visible on two of Craven Cottage’s standsCredit: Getty

      In the clip, the Cottagers’ old sponsors FxPro were visible on the top of both stands at either end of the ground.
      Fulham ended their partnership with the brokerage company back in 2013.
      And while the FxPro branding atop Craven Cottage has faded significantly over the last decade, supporters were left stunned that it has not been replaced.
      Reacting on social media, one person said: “A lot of fans panicking about the state of Fulham right now. Some of it justified, some of it not.
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      “What is truly sickening is that it’s 2022 and FxPro is still faintly visible on the roofs of two of our stands.”
      Another added: “Fulham really should get rid of the FXPro on the roof…”
      And in response to what should replace it, one supporter replied: “A fresh coat of paint?”
      Fulham fans may have complaints about off-field issues, but on the pitch they have exceeded expectations this season.
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      Tipped by many to immediately return to the Championship, Marco Silva’s men are sitting in the top half of the Premier League table with nine games remaining.
      However, they will be keen to arrest a slump of four straight defeats in all competitions.
      They are beginning a run of three games against relegation-threatened sides, starting with West Ham before they take on Everton and Leeds.
      But Silva will be without striker Aleksandar Mitrovic for eight matches after he was banned for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during Fulham’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup last month. More

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      Shakhtar Donetsk CEO reveals the shock warning he gave Chelsea about Mykhailo Mudryk after £88.5million transfer

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      SHAKHTAR DONETSK CEO Serhiy Palkin has said Chelsea have a “diamond” in Mykhailo Mudryk.But he warned the Blues that they will have to be patient with the winger.
      Mykhailo Mudryk is yet to open his account for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Mudryk joined Chelsea in a mammoth £88.5million deal from Shakhtar in January.
      And the 22-year-old is yet to score in nine appearances for the Blues, struggling to find his feet following an exciting debut off the bench at Liverpool.
      He is yet to nail down a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
      However, Palkin is confident that Mudryk will come good and help Chelsea to glory in years to come.
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      That’s despite warning Chelsea’s owners of their need to be patient with Mudryk.
      Palkin told Sky Sports: “I said to them ‘you’ve got a real diamond, but you should be very, very patient [with him].’
      “Give this guy a little bit of time and he will show what kind of football he will bring to your club.
      “I know 100 per cent that he will participate in many, many trophies for Chelsea in the future.
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      “Because this is a very unique boy. A unique boy with unbelievable technical characteristics.”
      Mudryk scored ten goals and provided eight assists in 18 games for Shakhtar in the first half of the season before joining Chelsea.
      His stunning form also saw him linked with a move to Arsenal.
      In the end he eventually joined Chelsea, where he has been backed to come good by Shakhtar chief Palkin. More

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      Mateo Kovacic breaks silence on Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea and admits 30 PLAYERS to blame for Potter sacking

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      MATEO KOVACIC has said the Chelsea players must take responsibility for Graham Potter’s sacking.Potter, 47, was axed by the Blues at the weekend after just seven months in charge following their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa.
      Mateo Kovacic believes it is the players fault that Potter was axed last weekCredit: Reuters
      Potter was axed after Chelsea slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League tableCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      He left his post as Chelsea slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table.
      And their struggles have been magnified by the fact they have spent £600million across two transfer windows.
      The buck ultimately stopped with Potter as he departed Stamford Bridge, but Kovacic, 28, feels those in Chelsea’s squad have to take some of the blame.
      Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “We need to be honest with ourselves.
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      “In the end it’s easier to sack a coach than 30 players, but it’s on us as well, we need to do better.
      “We have to say thank you to Potter, who was here, who did a good job, but it’s not easy when there are many changes here, so it was a tough situation for him as well.”
      Potter’s assistant Bruno Saltor took charge of Chelsea on Tuesday night as they played out a goalless draw with Liverpool.
      But then on Thursday club legend Lampard – who was sacked as manager back in January 2021 – was surprisingly announced as caretaker boss until the end of the campaign.
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      Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League table, five points adrift of a Europa Conference League place.
      But they are still in the Champions League and head to the Bernabeu for the first leg of their quarter-final tie against defending champions Real Madrid on Wednesday.
      And Kovacic has called on the players to rally around Lampard – a coach many of the players have experience working with.
      The Croatian international added: “We know him, he was our coach so it’s good news that he is back and trying to change our season because it has not been good.
      “We had a short meeting. He explained to us what he wants and what his desire is for the end of the season, so we now have the opportunity to go and climb the table in the league as much as we can.
      “We have two beautiful games with Real Madrid so there is a possibility and if there is a possibility to finish the season good then we should take it.
      “He came very calm with a clear idea of what he expects from us but it’s still only one day, so we will see in the next days what he will ask us to do on the pitch and how we’ll prepare.
      “It’s now difficult to tell how it’s going to be but he is back and we want to do the best for the club.”
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      Lampard’s first game in charge comes away at Wolves on Saturday.
      The Blues then head to Spain to face Real Madrid, before Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge for the first home game of his second spell on April 15 when they host Brighton.
      Frank Lampard has been named caretaker manager until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Christian Eriksen WILL be in Man Utd squad for Everton game as Erik ten Hag rages at Andy Carroll’s horror lunge

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      ERIK TEN HAG has revealed that Christian Eriksen will be back in Manchester United’s match day squad to face Everton tomorrow for the first time since the end of January.It was feared the midfielder would be out for the season with an ankle injury after a challenge by Andy Carroll in the Red Devils’ FA Cup encounter with Reading.
      Man Utd star Christian Eriksen will be back in the squad versus EvertonCredit: Getty
      The Dane picked up an injury due to being fouled by Andy CarrollCredit: PA
      It is a tackle that still clearly angers the United boss as he lost one of his main playmakers at a crucial stage of the season.
      Ten Hag 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.
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      “He’s returning to the squad and is available for the final stages of the season, so we are very pleased with that.”
      But Man Utd will be without Luke Shaw, who came off in the first half of the win over Brentford on Wednesday, seemingly with a tight hamstring.
      Ten Hag was pleased with that victory, having criticised his side for a lack of passion and determination in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
      Now he has warned they cannot let their levels drop again.
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      The Dutchman said: “You have to do it every game. It has to be the standard, you’re playing for Manchester United.
      “That’s your responsibility, a player has to deliver when you play for Manchester United. You have to be accountable.
      “It’s about a culture, that you can only be a player for Manchester United when you match those standards and do it always. It’s not once.
      “From a player who is playing for the top, competing for trophies, competing for winning the Premier League, you have to do it always, consistently.”
      While opponents Everton remain close to the relegation zone, there has been an upturn in fortunes since Sean Dyche took over with three wins and three draws from the nine games he has taken charge of.
      Ten Hag said: “He is doing a great job, the team is very fit, the physical output is outstanding, so we have to match that.”
      Christian Eriksen has missed 25 games through injuryCredit: Getty
      Eriksen is back for the all-important run-in to the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd LIVE: Marcel Sabitzer permanent deal latest, Christian Eriksen’s RETURN confirmed, takeover updates

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      MARCEL SABITZER could extend his Old Trafford stay past the end of the season.The midfielder signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
      And a return to the club is unlikely when his loan deal ends, according to Sky in Germany.
      While we have the very latest on Christian Eriksen’s return this weekend for the Everton clash and updates on the club takeover talks.
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      Gunners rated favourites for Vlahovic ahead of Utd
      Dusan Vlahovic will be an Arsenal player by July 1.
      That’s the stark claim from Italian outlet Calciomercato as Juventus battle to keep hold of their top players.
      Just last month it was claimed Manchester United were frontrunners for the Serbia striker, 23.
      But Calciomercato say Juve are willing to sell the ex-Fiorentina star – albeit for a sizeable fee.
      Glazers ‘could opt for third round of bids’
      United owners the Glazers could call for a third round of takeover bids as they hold out for £6billion.
      Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s Qatari bid and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group made offers of around £5bn, while four US investment firms made proposals to pump in funds.
      Takevoer brokers Raine Group have yet to reveal their responses.
      Now Football Insider say there is a “real possibility” the Glazers could invite new offers.
      So far Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe have indicated they won’t over-bid.
      And it’s still thought the Glazer brothers could stay in charge.
      Ten Hag confirms Eriksen return tomorrow
      Erik ten Hag has revealed that Christian Eriksen will be back in Manchester United’s match day squad to face Everton tomorrow for the first time since the end of January.
      It was feared the midfielder would be out for the season with an ankle injury after a challenge by Andy Carroll in the Red Devils FA Cup encounter with Reading.
      It is a tackle that still clearly angers the United boss as he lost one of his main playmakers at a crucial stage of the season.
      Ten Hag 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.”
      ‘Better for Rice to join Arsenal, not Red Devils’
      Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Declan Rice.
      But former England striker Andy Carroll has urged the West Ham man to join Arsenal instead.
      Reading ace Carroll told Metro: “We all know he needs to go to a top club. I can’t see him going outside of England, but he should go to a top-three or top-two club.
      “I’d like to see Declan at Arsenal to be honest – I’m not an Arsenal fan but I like the way they’re playing at the minute.
      “The way Mikel Arteta has them playing and the young lads coming through – you see the team and the average age is incredible.”
      Ten Hag – Passion is a minimum
      Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has spoken on the need for passion needed in order to play for Manchester United.
      When asked about keeping passion in the team, the Dutchman said: “We have to do it every game and that needs preparation and it has to be the standard when you are playing for Manchester United.
      “So this is the demand, no ifs or buts, you have to do it and that is the responsibility.
      “That a player has to deliver when you are playing for Manchester United.
      “So you have to be accountable.”

      Ten Hag expecting physical battle
      Erik ten Hag has spoken on the need to match Everton physically when the two teams meet at Old Trafford tomorrow.
      The Dutchman praised Sean Dyche for the job he is doing with the Toffees.
      He said: “It’s obviously a manager doing a great job.
      “The team is really fit from Everton.
      “Their physical output is outstanding so we have to match that.”
      More on Eriksen
      Erik ten Hag praised Christian Eriksen and Manchester United’s medical department after the midfielder returned to fitness ahead of schedule.
      There were fears the playmaker would be out for the season after he picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup win over Reading in January.
      But Ten Hag said: “I was so angry about the tackle.
      “He was away, we felt we had lost him for the whole season, but he worked very well. The medical department did very well.
      “He’s now available for the final stages of the season. At first, it was a really bad tackle and a bad injury.
      “He’s ahead of schedule, so we’re happy with that.”
      Luke Shaw ruled out
      Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw will not be available for tomorrow’s game against Everton.
      But in good news for the Red Devils Christian Eriksen is set to reunite with the squad.
      Ten Hag said: “Luke Shaw is not available for tomorrow.
      “We have to see about the progress for the coming week, but the good news is Eriksen is back in training and he will be in the squad.”
      Ten Hag to address media
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will speak to the media this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s game against Everton.
      The Red Devils gaffer could give up an update on Luke Shaw after he was subbed off early in the 1-0 win over Brentford.
      Ten Hag’s press conference is due to get underway at 2pm UK time.
      Sabitzer set to stay?
      Marcel Sabitzer could extend his Old Trafford stay past the end of the season.
      The midfielder signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
      And a return to the club is unlikely when his loan deal ends, according to Sky in Germany.
      Talks with the Red Devils are scheduled for the coming weeks, with the Austrian ace open to staying at United.
      A number of other Premier League clubs are also said to have enquired for his services.
      Credit: Getty
      Three for the axe
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly decided on three players to move on from his squad in the summer.
      The gaffer is planning a clearout to finance moves for new signings.
      And, according to Fichajes, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Donny van de Beek could all be sold.
      Maguire and Lindelof have struggled for regular football, while Van de Beek has been sidelined by a long-term injury.
      The Wright stuff for United
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright is not going to judge Erik ten Hag as a manager until he signs a right-back and striker.
      The Red Devils have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, while the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen have been touted as striker targets.
      And Wright said on his Wrighty’s House podcast: “I can’t wait for Erik ten Hag to get the right-back he wants and the No 9 he wants.
      “At some stage something needs to be done about the goalkeeper [De Gea].
      “I want to see all of those things before I judge Erik ten Hag too much.”
      Carroll – United not right for Rice
      Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Declan Rice.
      But former England striker Andy Carroll has urged the West Ham man to join Arsenal instead.
      Reading ace Carroll told Metro: “We all know he needs to go to a top club. I can’t see him going outside of England, but he should go to a top-three or top-two club.
      “I’d like to see Declan at Arsenal to be honest – I’m not an Arsenal fan but I like the way they’re playing at the minute.
      “The way Mikel Arteta has them playing and the young lads coming through – you see the team and the average age is incredible.”
      Cleverley praises Fred
      Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has singled out Old Trafford ace Fred for praise.
      Cleverley claimed the Brazilian is underrated, but he won’t be within the United dressing room.
      He told the Man United Scandinavian Supporters’ Club: Yeah, massively [Fred underrated], within that dressing room Fred will have for sure a lot more respect than he does in the outside football world.
      “Hopefully that’s all that matters to Fred personally, I think a lot of people can see what he does without the ball, the intensity he plays at and I’m glad that he’s been able to add some goals to that now, to get the recognition he deserves.”
      Solskjaer candidate for Club Brugge job
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly a candidate for the Club Brugge job.
      The former Manchester United boss is on the Belgian club’s shortlist, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
      Brugge are on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Scott Parker last month.
      And Solskjaer is a potential successor, along with former Celtic gaffer Ronny Deila and ex-Bayern Munich assistant manager Dino Toppmoller.
      Solskjaer is currently a youth team manager at hometown club Kristiansund BK in Norway, according to MEN.
      United in Frimpong blow
      Manchester United have been handed a blow in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
      Bayern Munich and Barcelona have held direct meetings with his agent, Jeffrey Lemmert, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      The 22-year-old is thought to have been on United’s shortlist since October.
      Romano reports that Bayern will decide on Joao Cancelo’s future at the end of the season, while Barca’s position is unclear due to financial restraints.
      Team news for Everton
      There is no time to rest for Erik ten Hag and Co as his team prepare to return to action against Everton.
      Full team news is expected later today.
      Fans are sweating on the fitness of Luke Shaw after he came off early in the win over Brentford.
      Elsewhere, Christian Eriksen is back in training and Ten Hag did not rule out a return for the playmaker on Saturday.
      Casemiro is serving the final game of his suspension, while Alejandro Garnacho is out with an ankle injury.
      Sutton – United will win again
      Manchester United return to action on Saturday lunchtime following Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Brentford.
      The Red devils welcome Everton to Old Trafford.
      And former Premier League striker Chris Sutton is predicting another narrow win for the hosts.
      He wrote in his BBC column: “Manchester United are anything but free-flowing at the moment but they still found a way of beating Brentford on Wednesday.
      “United are in a decent position to make the top four with Tottenham hitting the buffers a bit, but it is important they keep pushing on, especially at home.
      “Everton will not make it easy for them and, since Dyche took charge at the end of January, they carry more of a threat now, especially from set-plays – but I still see United edging this.”
      Good morning Man Utd fans
      Manchester United star Christian Eriksen has been spotted in training for the first time since suffering an ankle injury.
      Eriksen limped off during a 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup fourth round in January when he was on the receiving end of a rough tackle from Andy Carroll.
      The playmaker also gave the thumbs up to the camera to show he is fit and ready to go.
      It is unclear when the Denmark international will be ready to play again, but he is hoping to be back for the weekend’s clash with Everton.
      Meanwhile, The Glazers insist they remain “open-minded” amid suggestions they could stay in charge of United.
      The unpopular owners put the club up for sale and are asking for a world record £6billion with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani posing as the frontrunners to succeed them.
      But there are concerns the Glazers may end up staying at Old Trafford, particularly with brothers Avram and Joe open to minority investment from an outside source.
      According to The Telegraph, however, the Americans have addressed speculation they may stay by just stating they remain ‘open-minded’.
      The Glazers have also confirmed they continue to pursue “all available options” as well.
      And United will invite potential bidders to more talks in the coming days – and insist a sale is still possible, reports SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
      Doubts over the Glazer family’s true intentions have been raised after their bankers Raine Group opted for radio silence for almost a fortnight.
      Both Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe’s Ineos have been left in the dark by the lack of contact since submitting world record £5bn bids over the final weekend of last month.
      That has led to growing worries that the Glazers might be more minded to accept the offer of US hedge fund Elliott Management for a “small amount of common equity” that could see the club’s commercial and merchandising division hived off into a separate company.
      But the Glazers now want to discover how serious the main bidders are about coming close to their £6bn valuation by inviting them for a further conversation.
      It appears the Glazers and Raine are looking to give Ineos and Sheikh Jassim a final chance to raise their bids to a level where the deal cannot be turned down.
      However, if an offer at the right level is not made, the sale could be scuppered, with the American family said to be “open minded” about their options.
      Finally, United have been fined £65,000 for their players’ behaviour against Fulham in the FA Cup last month.
      The fine comes after the Red Devils were charged for failing to control their players in the quarter-final win at Old Trafford.
      The Manchester giants were charged for the way the players surrounded referee Chris Kavanagh as they appealed for a penalty after the Cottagers’ star Willian handled the ball.
      Jadon Sancho’s goalbound effort was blocked on the line by the Brazilian and Kavanagh initially waved play on, leading to the protests, before a VAR check led to a penalty.
      United accepted the charges and the FA confirmed the club has been handed a £65,000 fine.
      Ten Hag praises players
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was delighted with his players’ concentration in beating Brentford 1-0.
      Ten Hag said: “It’s about focus, we want to play as a machine.
      “I thought we made one mistake but fortunately they didn’t get the benefit of it and [David] De Gea was the equal to it.
      “This is a massive win, especially over Brentford because as I said I admire them. This win will give us energy.”
      Lewandowski Prem approach
      Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski has revealed he laughed at Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp when he made a cheeky transfer offer.
      Lewandowski’s ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp had stopped him from joining Manchester United six years earlier in 2011.
      And the striker admits he was stunned when the German tactician asked him about moving to Anfield.
      Lewandowski told Bild: “We spoke on that occasion. Klopp asked me, ‘Don’t you want to come to Liverpool?’  We looked at each other, then I laughed.
      “I don’t know if he was totally serious. But going to Liverpool was never in my mind.”
      Credit: Getty
      Ten Hag on Martial
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted he was scared to risk starting “fragile” Anthony Martial against Brentford.
      When asked why Martial didn’t start, Ten Hag said: “He was an option but I don’t think he was fit enough.
      “Also it’s prevention. Obviously, when you see his record over the last years you have to be really careful to plan it. Even then still he can be fragile physically.
      “So I don’t want to take that risk because I know when he is on the pitch he has a great impact on our performance.”
      Ian Wright’s super Sab
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright praised Manchester United ace Marcel Sabitzer’s impressive display against Brentford.
      Wright told Premier League Productions: “You have to say, Sabitzer came up with the goods.
      “With the assist and in certain other areas, he was getting into pockets, making some nice little moves and always making himself available.
      “He got taken off in the end but I thought he did more than enough tonight in that No10 position.”
      Got the Gigg
      Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs’ son Zach looks set to leave the club.
      The 16-year-old is nearing a move to Sheffield United and therefore could be part of a Premier League squad next season.
      The Blades are in the hunt for promotion and sit in second place in the Championship table.
      The left-back has been part of United’s academy since 2019, hoping to emulate his father at the club.
      The Welshman has played for the Under-18s side, but his hopes of landing a professional deal at the Red Devils have been dampened.
      Gunner blow it
      Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Arsenal will choke in the Premier League title race.
      Keane said: “They [Arsenal] are in a great position, wouldn’t have thought that at the start of the season but they’ve been brilliant, a lot of the young players have been very consistent, they can just focus on the league.
      “They’re definitely favourites for the title. I don’t think they’ll do it. I still have to fancy [Manchester] City but Arsenal have got themselves in a great position.
      “You need a little bit of luck, injuries over the last few months, they’re in a great position and you have to admire them for that – can’t begrudge them.
      “I just think City are that brilliant. The games they [Arsenal] have to go and win, these are obviously pressure games and they’ve not dealt with that over the last few years. Even last year with top four they came up short, that’s the question mark that’s just hanging over them.
      “But again, they’ve been brilliant, if they did go on and win it you have to give them the plaudits, but this is the crunch time, when you sort the men out from the boys, who can get over the line?”
      Credit: Sportsfile
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