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      Three winners and losers from Lampard’s Chelsea return with World Cup ace to thrive but bad news for two summer signings

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      FRANK LAMPARD has been named Chelsea caretaker boss until the end of the season – which spells good and bad news for certain players.The 44-year-old managed the club two years ago and then took charge of Everton before he was sacked in January.
      Frank Lampard has returned to Chelsea until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Frank Lampard has already hinted at handing Mason Mount a run of gamesCredit: Alamy
      Marc Cucurella could lose his spot in the starting XICredit: Getty
      The Blues will continue to conduct a thorough search for a new boss to take over in the summer.
      But for now, Lampard is back at Stamford Bridge which could mean mixed fortunes for some of their star players.
      The West Londoners have an inflated squad and many big names are set to miss out on matches until the end of the season.
      SunSport have taken a look at potential winners and losers from Lampard’s second spell at the helm.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Mason Mount – Winner
      Mount has played under Lampard at both Derby and Chelsea.
      Overall, he has featured more times than any other player to have worked with the ex-England midfielder, appearing 124 times.
      Even taking away his time with Lampard in the Championship, Mount played more than any other player during first period at the club, making 80 appearances.
      The 24-year-old has had a tough year, netting just three goals in 32 matches, but he could be set for a run in the starting XI.
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      In Lampard’s first press conference since taking over, he said: “Mason has always been a fantastic player even for me. I know he’s had a few injury problems, but I know what I get with Mason.”
      Kepa Arrizabalaga – Loser
      Arrizabalaga made mistakes under Lampard back in 2019/20 season.
      He was subsequently dropped when the boss signed Edouard Mendy as a replacement.
      The Spaniard was Graham Potter’s preferred choice in goal, claiming the No1 shirt off the Senegalese stopper.
      However, it would not come as a shock to see Mendy back in between the sticks for Chelsea’s remaining games.
      Conor Gallagher – Winner
      During Lampard’s previous time at Chelsea, Gallagher was on loan at Charlton, Swansea and West Brom.
      Now part of the first-team squad, he is the type of energetic and dependable midfielder that the caretaker boss would like.
      Gallagher’s idol is Lampard and he will be desperate to prove himself under his hero.
      The gaffer was keen on Jorginho previously, but he is now at Arsenal, potentially handing the boyhood Blues fan a chance.
      Marc Cucurella – Loser
      Cucurella was signed by Thomas Tuchel for £60million last summer.
      When the German made way for Graham Potter, the left-back was delighted to see his manager from Brighton following him to London, meaning plenty of playing opportunities.
      Both Potter and Tuchel liked to use a back three, yet Lampard prefers a four-man defence.
      This spells bad news for Cucurella, with Ben Chilwell set to take his place in the line-up after a bad defensive mistake in the loss to Aston Villa.
      Hakim Ziyech – Winner
      Ziyech was Lampard’s first signing after Chelsea’s transfer ban was lifted, joining for £30m from Ajax.
      Many players are fighting for a spot on the wings, following the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.
      Yet, Ziyech could get the nod on the right.
      However, he is out of form, failing to score in 20 games this season.
      Kalidou Koulibaly – Loser
      Similarly to Cucurella, Koulibaly could be a victim of a change in formation that Lampard is likely to implement.

      Competition is likely to be hot with Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevor Chalobah all vying for a start.
      Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva both featured under Lampard during his first spell and are likely to play when they return from their injuries.
      Kalidou Koulibaly faces a battle to start under Frank LampardCredit: Alamy More

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      Rashford fourth most important Prem striker with 36 per cent of Man Utd’s goals, but trails Haaland and two England aces

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S goals have been vital for Manchester United this season, but he is not the most important striker in the Premier League.The Red Devils ace has netted 15 league goals this season which has helped the club into the Champions League spots.
      Marcus Rashford has netted 36 per cent of Man United’s league goals this seasonCredit: Reuters
      Erling Haaland has a bigger contribution with 39 per cent of Man City’s league goalsCredit: Getty
      Rashford, 25, netted his most recent goal last night – a crucial one against Brentford in his club’s 1-0 win.
      The next most prolific player in the squad is Bruno Fernandes, 28, with five goals.
      Rashford has netted an impressive 36 per cent of Man United’s 42 league goals this season.
      The Old Trafford side are the lowest scorers in the division’s top nine clubs, showing just how important the forward’s contribution is.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      However, his influence is not the biggest in the Premier League as there are three players who are more important to their teams.
      The next most important player to his team is Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
      The English striker, 27, has fired in 37 per cent of the Bees’ goals in the league this season.
      His contribution has the club challenging for a European qualification spot.
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      Man City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, 22, is the second most important striker to his team in the Premier League.
      The Norwegian has been in immense form this season, scoring a massive 28 goals in 26 league games.
      This equates to 39 per cent of Man City’s goals in the division.
      Despite, Haaland’s prolific form, Tottenham star Harry Kane, 29. is the most important striker in the league.
      The England star may have scored six fewer goals than Haaland but he has had less support from his team-mates.
      Kane’s goal contribution is 42 per cent of Spurs’ goal total in the league.
      The stat provides more evidence as to why Tottenham must try and keep hold of their star striker beyond the summer transfer window.
      Ivan Toney is vital for Brentford with 37 per cent of the club’s league goalsCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane, however, is the league most important forward with 42 per cent of Spurs’ league goalsCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool charged after players surrounded referee at Man City as FA get tough following two Arsenal fines

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      LIVERPOOL have been charged by the FA after their players surrounded the referee in their 4-1 loss to Manchester City. The Reds were left fuming after Cody Gakpo was bundled to the floor by Rodri in the 34th minute.
      Liverpool have been charged by the FACredit: Getty
      There players surrounded the ref wanting Rodri dismissedCredit: PA
      Many players sprinted towards referee Simon Hooper to complain about the Spaniard not being shown a second yellow card after he had just been booked.
      Fabinho led the charge before Jordan Henderson, Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk stormed in.
      Captain Henderson tried to keep his team-mates away from the referee but couldn’t as tempers flared.
      An FA statement read: “Liverpool failed to ensure it’s player conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or behaved in a way that is improper.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Liverpool have until April 12 to respond to the charge.
      The FA are getting tougher on player conduct towards officials with Arsenal already being fined twice.
      The Gunners were initially in trouble after their team surrounded Andy Madley after they were denied a penalty in the 0-0 draw to Newcastle.
      They were then charged for a second time for the a similar offence when protesting a decision versus Oxford in the FA Cup.
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      Fulham also had the book thrown at them after they lost their heads against Manchester United.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic has been slapped with an eight-match ban for abusing and pushing Chris Kavanagh after he sent off Willian for a handball.

      The Serbian has also been handed a £75,000 fine.
      Meanwhile, manager Marco Silva was given a two-match touchline ban for his antics in the incident.
      However, the FA are pushing tougher sanctions after the punishment was decided by an independent body. More

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      Ex-Chelsea star retires aged just 26 after horror injury run as he says ‘football doesn’t define me as a person’

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      IZZY JAY BROWN has announced his retirement from football aged 26.The midfielder was blighted by injury throughout his career and spent large chunks of it in the treatment room.
      Former Chelsea midfielder Izzy Brown has retired aged 26Credit: GETTY
      Brown has called time on his career after failing to recover from two Achilles tendon surgeriesCredit: GETTY
      Brown announced his retirement in a heartfelt open letter on social mediaCredit: TWITTER@IZZYJAYBROWN
      Brown was most recently with Championship side Preston North End – although he didn’t make a single appearance for the club after rupturing his Achilles before the 2021-22 season.
      He was released by PNE in May 2022 but has been unable to overcome his injury woes, which has led to him hanging up his boots.
      In a heartfelt statement, Brown said: “I really don’t know where to start, although I always thought I’d have to write this one day, I just didn’t think this day would come so soon.
      “It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that after a long year of struggling from two Achilles tendon surgeries, I now have to retire from professional football.
      “As soon as I could walk, I always had a football at my feet.
      “That was me, that was my happy place. I live a dream that most don’t get the opportunity to live and I will always be eternally grateful.
      “To get to play the sport I love brought many happy times during my life.
      “It also delivered many challenges that I wouldn’t have been able to get through without the love and support of my family and friends.
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      “The sacrifices my mum and grandad made for me from the age of 4 years old, gave me the chance to live a life I always inspired to live.
      “Driving from Peterborough to West Brom 3/4 times a week after school, just to get me to training and matches, I’ll forever be grateful.
      “I think my Mum only missed one match in my whole life. That just goes to show how much you can really achieve with the love and support from the people closest to you.”

      MOVE TO CHELSEA
      Brown began his career in Leicester City’s academy before joining West Brom – who he made one solitary appearance for in the 2012-13 Premier League season.
      A move to Chelsea followed a few months later but he only made a single competitive appearance for the Blues in his two seasons before being shipped off to Vitesse Arnhem on loan.
      Loan spells at Rotherham, Huddersfield Town, Brighton, Leeds United, Luton Town and Sheffield Wednesday followed for Brown before he joined Preston in the summer of 2021.
      Despite spending most of his career on the treatment table, Brown will look back fondly on his career in years to come.
      He continued: “I will always remember the memories I have made. They will live with me forever.
      “From being told I was going to be on the bench against Chelsea, to making my debut against Wigan at the age of 16 for West Brom.
      “Then getting to make my debut for Chelsea, the club I dreamed of playing for when I was a little boy.
      “And I’ll never forget getting promoted to the Premier League with Huddersfield at Wembley.
      “That will forever be one of the happiest and greatest moments of my life.”
      Brown insists he hasn’t lost his identity now that he no longer plays the Beautiful Game for a living.
      He said: “Football doesn’t define me as a person. I’m a father, a son, a brother and a friend, and I’ll still be that after football.
      “I’ve lived my dream and memories that will stay with me forever.
      “To every club that I played for, I really appreciate you all for believing in me and giving me a chance to play the game I love.

      “Lastly, I just want to say thank you to all the fans that have supported me and sang my name, there is no greater feeling than hearing that.
      “You mean the world to me, and always will. I wish you all nothing but happiness and love!”
      Brown was sent out on loan by Chelsea SEVEN times before leaving permanently in 2021Credit: GETTY
      He helped Huddersfield reach the Premier LeagueCredit: EMPICS
      Brown insists his life isn’t defined by footballCredit: Rex More

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      Chelsea could opt to CHANGE NAME if they move stadium thanks to little-known pre-Abramovich rule

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      CHELSEA could opt to change name due to a little-known clause in their stadium arrangements. Plans have been in the works for years for the club to move on from Stamford Bridge and follow London rivals Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham by upgrading to a bigger ground.
      There has been major changes on and off the pitch for Chelsea over the last 12 monthsCredit: Getty
      But former owner Roman Abramovich and now new club chiefs Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have faced headaches over getting the wheels in motion.
      One big issue is Stamford Bridge’s unique arrangements which sees the stadium owned by thousands of fans in shares.
      The Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC (CPO) have a big say on whether the Blues can move and continue with their name.
      The group have to approve the move from Stamford Bridge if the club are to continue in their current form of “Chelsea”.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      The CPO also own the freehold to the Bridge and the owners would have to buy it off the group to allow them to have control of the stadium.
      This could be beneficial as selling Stamford Bridge could help provide funding for any new venture.
      But the process promises to be far from straightforward with Abramovich’s attempts to buy the land in 2012 being shot down by CPO shareholders.
      Fans are believed to be split over the issue with some happy with Stamford Bridge – which has been the club’s home ground since 1905 – while others have looked enviously over at rivals Tottenham and their new, state-of-the-art stadium.
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      While that debate continues on in the background, the Blues have more immediate issues to address.
      Frank Lampard was announced as the club’s caretaker manager as he looks to revive the Blues after Graham Potter’s disastrous spell in charge.
      Boehly and Eghbali will then have to turn their attention to the club’s next permanent manager with speculation continuing to link high-profile names with the job. More

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      Inside Frank Lampard’s strict Chelsea fines that could be reinstated after Potter axe, including £20k for being LATE

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      FRANK LAMPARD has completed a stunning return to Chelsea.And so could his notoriously strict fines policy.
      Frank Lampard has completed a stunning return to ChelseaCredit: Twitter @ChelseaFC
      Lampard, 44, enforced a strict fines policy during the 2019-20 season
      Lampard, 44, has agreed to manage the Blues as caretaker boss until the end of the season.
      It marks a remarkable comeback after he was sacked in January 2021 following 18 months in charge.
      During his initial stint as boss, Lampard accepted no nonsense – and had a whole list of fines printed up for various misdemeanours.
      The fines policy was removed by Lamps’ replacement Thomas Tuchel.

      But Lampard could opt to bring it back now that he has returned.
      The steepest fixed penalty was a £20,000 fine for being late for training.
      Players were then hit with another £500 for every minute they missed.
      Not reporting an illness or injury more than 90 minutes before training would land players a £10k fine.
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      If players failed to give 48 hours notice of not travelling home from a match with the rest of the team, or didn’t turn up to community duties they would be stung for £5k.
      Players had to fork out £2,500 each if they were late for matchday departure, treatment, the training report time or medical appointments.
      While £1,000 was charged for players being late for the gym, wearing the wrong kit or for a phone ringing during a team meal or meeting.
      If players were not speedy with their payments, their fines would be DOUBLED after 14 days.
      After his arrival, Tuchel declared “I am not the police” – and admitted that he expected his senior players to take care of team discipline.
      Chelsea subsequently won the Champions League in the German’s first six months in charge.
      They then lost both domestic cup finals last season while coming third in the Premier League.
      Tuchel was axed in September and replaced by Graham Potter, only for the Englishman to be sacked after just 12 wins in 31 games in charge last Sunday.
      Speaking about the squad he’s inherited, Lampard said: “You have to make every player feel included. Being here in the short term is a positive because everyone can have a clean slate.
      “They players will push each other and I will try and manage that.”

      Lampard’s temporary return will allow Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali to run the rule over prospective candidates.
      Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are in the frame, while Antonio Conte has emerged as a shock contender. More

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      Man Utd LIVE: Ten Hag’s Brentford REACTION, Eriksen’s RETURN, takeover latest updates

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      MANCHESTER UNITED got revenge on Brentford as Marcus Rashford bagged the winner against the Bees in a 1-0 win in the Premier League.Erik ten Hag said this about the win: “I think [it was] a very good performance. First half we played brilliant football and it’s not easy against a very good Brentford.”
      Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen could return for United’s game against Everton on the weekend.
      The Dane has been out since being clattered by Andy Carroll in an FA Cup game in January.
      And we’ve got the very latest on United’s takeover talks.
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      Glazers address takeover fears
      The Glazers insist they remain “open-minded” amid suggestions they could stay in charge of Manchester United.
      The unpopular United 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 Joel and Avram open to minority investment from an outside source.
      According to The Telegraph, however, the Americans have addressed suggestions they may stay by just stating they remain ‘open-minded’.
      The Glazers have also confirmed they continue to pursue “all available options”, too.
      Christian Eriksen return
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out Christian Eriksen making a speedy return for Saturday’s match against Everton at Old Trafford.
      Eriksen has been out since being clattered by Andy Carroll in an FA Cup game against Reading in January.
      When asked about the playmaker’s comeback, Ten Hag told Viaplay: “We will see. We see it from day to day.
      “He is progressing. He is now back only this week in team training tomorrow [Thursday] and the day after tomorrow [Friday].
      “We have two sessions. After that, we will decide if he is back in the squad again.”
      Ten Hag reacts
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised his players after Wednesday’s victory over Brenford.
      Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “It was a very good performance. First, we played some brilliant football. It isn’t easy creating chances against a very good Brentford side who defend compact and really deep.
      “We created some chances and conceded nothing in the first half. In the second half we conceded only one chance, so you can say our performance was really good.
      “Yes [Rashford has been outstanding], very good. But we can talk almost every game about it and when he is not in the game, like Sunday, it is no good for us.
      “We have to bring him in the game, and he also has to take responsibility. There are also other players. I was really happy with the performance of Jadon Sancho, Antony and Marcel Sabitzer because all game they were a threat.
      “What was missing on Sunday – determination, passion and desire – we showed that in the second half by winning duels and fights. That is the way we have to play. We maybe forgot our standards [at Newcastle] but they have to return if we want to be successful in the final stages of the season.”
      Credit: Getty
      Fight for Vic
      Glenn Hoddle has urged Chelsea to go all in for Man United target Victor Osimhen.
      The Napoli striker is having an outrageous season as he seeks to lead his club to their first title in decades.
      And Hoddle said: “Hoddle told Premier League Productions: ‘They do need a No 9, they do need a goal scorer.
      “But I’ll tell you what, whoever comes in as a new manager for this squad, normally you’d say when a new manager comes in he’s going to want to bring some of his own players in, I think he only needs a No 9, I think everything [else] is there.
      “You need someone who you think is going to score 20 goals for you, a fox in the box, someone who wants to be in that area where they’re creating so much.”
      Marcs Out of 10
      Erik ten Hag was impressed with what he saw from his new look front-line last night against Brentford.
      Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst dropped out of the first 11 and ten Hag was left gushing about the combinations between his attacking players.
      He said of Marcus Rashford: “He played a very good game. I think he was very versatile. He came out of the front line and we used him as the target but he also went out wide.
      “I think the combination between him and Marcel Sabitzer and also Jadon Sancho and Antony [was good].”
      Erik ten Happy
      Erik ten Hag spoke highly of his team following yesterday’s 1-0 win over Brentford.
      The Dutch boss said: “I think [it was] a very good performance. First half we played brilliant football and it’s not easy against a very good Brentford. They defend really compact, high, or really deep, so it’s not easy to create chances.
      “On the ball, it was very good with the big engine – Bruno Fernandes – he played a brilliant game. We had a couple of chances, but we conceded nothing in the first half, so the defence was very good.”
      “Second half we concede only one chance and David De Gea was there, a very good save in the one-on-one. In the second half, we were winning duals, and winning fights and that is the way we have to play.”
      Eriksen’s Return
      Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out Christian Eriksen making a speedy return for the game against Everton on Saturday.
      The Dane has been out since being clattered by Andy Carroll in an FA Cup game in January.
      When asked about Eriksen’s comeback, Ten Hag told Viaplay: “We will see. We see it from day to day.
      “He is progressing. He is now back only this week in team training tomorrow [Thursday] and the day after tomorrow [Friday]. We have two sessions. After that, we will decide if he is back in the squad again.”
      Got the Gigg
      The son of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs looks set to leave the club.
      Zach, 16, 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.
      Giggs has been part of the United academy since 2019, hoping to emulate his father at the club. 
      He has played for the Under-18s side, but his hopes of landing a professional deal at United have been dampened.
      Bru-Tal
      Manchester United fans were in stitches after watching Bruno Fernandes kick David de Gea while the goalkeeper was down injured.
      The United No1 required treatment after producing a magnificent save in the 1-0 win over Brentford.
      As the physios rushed over to De Gea they were joined by the captain on the night, Fernandes.
      But instead of checking on the welfare of his team-mate, the Portugal international began to jokingly kick De Gea as he lay on the ground.
      Footage emerged of the incident on social media and many fans found Fernandes’ behaviour hilarious.
      Reliant on Rashford?
      Marcus Rashford’s incredible goal-scoring form thing has been on the best parts of Man United’s season.
      But even manager Erik ten Hag couldn’t help but point out the goal burden on the 25-year-old’s shoulders as he implored other Red Devil stars to help out more last week.
      And here’s a stat that might leave the Dutchman a bit worried.
      United not won a league game without Rashford scoring since the 2-1 away win at Fulham on November 13. 
      Thick and Fast
      With Man United still in three competitions, games will be coming at them with alarming pace in the coming weeks.
      Here’s how their immediate fixture list looks.

      Toney Beware
      Another goal by Marcus Rashford last night has edged him closer to the Premier League top scorers.
      Ivan Toney is now directly in his sights while Harry Kane and Erling Haaland remain out in the distance.

      Top Marcs
      Marcus Rashford was at it again last night as he netted the only goal of the game against Brentford.
      His strike was enough for United’s victory and his 27th goal in all competitions this season.
      As long as Rashford keeps this form up, fans can be confident of a strong finish to the season as they continue to fight on three fronts.
      Marcus Rashford has kept up his incredible form in 2023
      Erik the ‘Ero
      Jadon Sancho justified Erik ten Hag’s masterstroke selection against Brentford by outperforming Wout Weghort with ease as Manchester United finally ended their goal drought.
      The 23-year-old replaced the Dutchman up top and garnered praise from fans for his performance.
      Asked about the decision, Ten Hag explained: “Creativity. Jadon is making good progress since he came back.
      Meanwhile, fans took to Twitter as one said: “Ever since we took out Weghorst and played Antony and Sancho as our wingers, the attack is more fluid.”
      Another wrote: “I don’t want to see Weghorst ever again brev – Sancho, Rashford, Antony, Pellistri, Martial. Pick three from them.”
      Red-y To Go
      United got their top four ambitions back on track last night with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford.
      Marcus Rashford was at it again as he got himself on the scoresheet but it was not a dream night for some of his teammates.
      Find out who was hot and who was not with our player match ratings from last night here.
      Good morning United fans
      Erik ten Hag claims United’s passion and desire is back after a “massive win”.
      Marcus Rashford’s 28th goal of the season deservedly saw off Brentford to put the Red Devils back up to fourth place following a dire 2-0 loss at Newcastle .
      Boss Ten Hag said: “We dominated the first half especially, the second half was more of a battle.
      “But then we saw what I missed on Sunday – determination, passion and desire.”
      Nonetheless, it’s claimed the Dutchman is ready to put five senior players who have struggled for starts up for sale this summer.
      Harry Maguire, Brandon Williams, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Eric Bailly are tipped for uncertain futures.
      It comes as the Red Devils prepare to invite potential takeover bidders to MORE talks in the coming days – and insist a sale is still possible.
      Doubts over the true intentions of the current owners the Glazers have been raised as their bankers Raine Group have kept quiet for almost a fortnight.
      Finally, reported United target David Raya is now said to be wanted to LaLiga clubs.
      Tottenham are also eyeing the Brentford keeper.
      ‘Only one mistake’
      Erik ten Hag was delighted with United’s concentration in beating Brentford 1-0.
      The Old Trafford manager 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 (keeper 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.”
      Ten Hag urges Marcus to stay focused
      United boss Erik ten Hag is determined to keep 28-goal main man Marcus Rashford in the zone.
      The England striker’s latest classy finish saw off Brentford.
      And Ten Hag told the BBC: “Great finish. Once again he is on top. He’s in very good form.
      “Hopefully he can keep doing it until the end of the season, keeping that focus, that energy level.”
      ‘Our passion is back’
      Erik ten Hag hailed a “massive win” and Marcus Rashford’s continuing hot streak.
      Rashford’s 28th goal of the season deservedly saw off Brentford to put the Red Devils fourth following a dire 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
      Boss Ten Hag said: “We dominated first half especially, second half was more of a battle.
      “But then we saw what I missed on Saturday – determined, passion and desire.”
      United sub ratings
      Malacia for Shaw 35 – Did a solid job after replacing the England man.
      Martial for Sancho 70 –  One lung-busting run could have created something but did not see much of the ball. 
      Fred for Sabitzer, 70 – Rushed his shot and skied it after great work by Rashford 70
      Lindelof – for Antony 86 – Thrown on to preserve United’s lead.
      How the front three rated
      ANTONY – 6
      Clever chip into the box to open up the Bees to make the breakthrough – but his radar was off all night as every shot he tried seemed to go wide – or too high. If only he could use his right foot.
      JADON SANCHO – 5
      Given a rare start as ETH finally left out Weghorst and had one or two moments after the break. But the boss and United fans want more and no surprise when he was hooked midway through second half.
      MARCUS RASHFORD – 8
      Given a central role and seemed to enjoy himself playing with more freedom. Took the chance as he rifled in his 28th of the season – equalling the best tally from a United player since Fergie left. Lovely footwork to create an opening early in the second half.
      Midfield ratings
      SCOTT McTOMINAY – 7
      Half volley just over after good work by Antony. Certainly put himself about as he was booked for wild tackle on Jensen and one important block from Baptiste to thwart a rare Bees attack.
      MARCEL SABITZER – 6
      Cushioned header to set up Rashford for the opener. Showed plenty of energy and forced a smart save out of Raya in the second half before being replaced by Fred as ten Hag looked to see the game out.
      BRUNO FERNANDES – 6
      Skipper did his best to create things and opened the game up a couple of times after the break. Booked for foul on Damsgaard – blasted a shot high over the bar as United looked for a second.
      How Utd rated in 1-0 win
      Our man Martin Blackburn assesses the Red Devils after they moved back into the Champions League spots.
      DAVID DE GEA – 7
      One moment of madness as he booted a clearance straight at Toney but was relieved to see it fly wide.  A couple of other poor kicks but made amends with crucial second half from Schade.
      DIOGO DALOT – 6
      Got the nod despite Wan Bissaka returning to the squad with ten Hag admitting there is little to choose between the pair.  Did what he had to do defensively and linked up effectively with Antony down his flank.
      LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
      Acrobatic clearance late in the first half showed what he is all about. As Brentford pushed for an equaliser he made another vital interception from a cross. Not his busiest night but did everything asked of him.
      RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
      Turned too easily by Schade but luckily De Gea got him out of jail. However he was part of a defensive display that was much-improved from the horror show against the Bees earlier in the season.  
      LUKE SHAW – 5
      Not the way the England full-back would have wanted to celebrate his new contract. Got booked for dragging Toney to the ground early on then limped off before the break to be replaced by Malacia.
      RESULT: Man Utd 1 Brentford 0
      Marcus Rashford’s winner put United back over Spurs into fourth place.
      Ivan Toney lobbed a last-gasp Brentford chance onto the roof of the net.
      For all the reaction go to our match blog
      LATEST: Man Utd 1 Brentford 0
      United have ben gunning for a second goal as the Prem clash enters stoppage time.
      In fact, they had their 13th corner of the match late on, having led since Marcus Rashford’s fine opener on 27 minutes.
      Victory would return the Red Devils to the top four.
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      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard drops huge hint ‘fantastic player’ Mason Mount will be back in Chelsea line-up following Potter exile

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      FRANK LAMPARD has hinted Mason Mount will return to the Chelsea starting XI under his management.Mount fell out of favour under recently sacked boss Graham Potter.
      Frank Lampard has suggested Mason Mount will be more involved under him
      Mount has endured a difficult seasonCredit: Getty
      However, Lampard seems to have hinted at the England international’s return to the side.
      Speaking in his first press conference after being announced as Chelsea’s caretaker boss, he said: “Mason has always been a fantastic player for me.
      “From my days at Derby the impact he had there to when he came back to Chelsea,
      “It’s an absolute pleasure to watch him, and other players like Reece James, Tammy Abraham and [Fikayo] Tomori to go on and be huge players here or elsewhere.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      “I know he’s had a few injury problems so it’ll be important for me to speak to him about that and find out where he’s at.
      “But I know what I get from Mason. I just want to see him perform on the pitch.
      “We have a good relationship. We talk a lot.
      “He’s been a huge player for Chelsea.”
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      Mount has not featured in any of the last five league games for Chelsea.
      The 24-year-old has registered just three goals and two assists in 23 league games this season.
      His lacklustre form has seen Mount play more than 80 minutes in just four league matches since the mid-season break.
      However, once he has fully recovered from the injury setback which saw him forced to pull out of the England squad, he may experience a new lease of life.
      Lampard’s record from his previous spell as Chelsea boss More