Premier League

CAPTAIN Bruno Fernandes was spotted ordering his Manchester United team-mates to clap the travelling fans after defeat at Newcastle.The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 at St. James’ Park as the Magpies leapfrogged them into third.
Elsewhere, manager Erik ten Hag is set to be offered a new contract by United regardless of whether a takeover is completed, according to reports.
The Dutchman has made a huge impact in his first season at Old Trafford after joining from Ajax last summer.
And we’ve got the very latest on United’s takeover talks.
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Dalot echoes Shaw’s feelings
Diogo Dalot has echoed Luke Shaw’s sentiments that Newcastle United’s stars wanted the win more than the Red Devils.
“Disappointment I think is the word, we wanted to come here and do what we planned,” Dalot told MUTV.
“We tried to find spaces and we knew they wanted to press high, even after that, we tried to play, but we could have been more patient.
“Especially in the last third, we could have been a little bit more patient with the ball to find the spaces, to create more chances. We have to show desire, beat them in desire and beat them in every challenge we have.
“I think they wanted that a little bit more than us today and that can not happen. If we want to fight for more, want to compete for the Premier League, we have to be more consistent, come here and dominate the game.
“We knew they were going to be intense and press high, but we have to beat it and be more consistent.”
Weghorst future
Erik ten Hag has spoken about the possibility of Wout Weghorst staying at Man Utd.
The Dutch striker is currently on loan with the Red Devils until the end of the season.
“Of course [he could stay permanently] and I think he is doing a lot of elements of football [I like] – doing them really well. And he’s doing a really good job for us,” he said.
“Pressing: he is the leader of the process in pressing, starts the press, very good in backward pressing. He is taking up positions, his link-up play he’s doing really well. He is making good movements, making space for others, so he’s also good in set-plays, so he is really contributing to this team.
“I think after Christmas we play 25 games and we lost two and he played almost all of the games so he is really part of the success.”
Shaw slams team mates
Luke Shaw was convinced where the buck stopped after Man Utd were beaten easily 2-0 at Newcastle.
“Not good enough,” Shaw told Sky Sports when asked about the team’s performance.
“I feel like every time I speak after games I’m always honest. As a team we have to be honest.
“I don’t think Newcastle won on quality today, they won on desire, passion, hunger, attitude. They had a higher motivation than we did.
“That can’t be possible. I feel I say the same every time we lose. They wanted it more. At Man Utd that shouldn’t be possible.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s not what we want to set out to be. In big games you need that hunger. We didn’t create too much.
“Maybe you can say it’s been coming. Our levels dropped before the international break. We have three days to pick it back up.
“The players had a chat in the changing room after with no staff round. It’s down to us. It was nowhere near good enough. We had to speak out in front of each other.
“It’s important. We’re a team. When we go out onto the pitch, we have to fight for each other. Sometimes it hasn’t looked like that.
“I’m sure we’ll speak again. We need to realise the problems quickly and change it round. We still can have a very good season but with results and performances like this we can’t.”
Ten Hag tears into his flops
Erik ten Hag has torn into his Man Utd players, after their disappointing performance against Newcastle.
Speaking after the game, ten Hag told Sky Sports: “I hate to say it but they were better today – especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won.
“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game.
“Our attacking game wasn’t good enough. I don’t want to focus on one person. It was a team performance.”
Slap in the face
Lisandro Martinez fumed after being subbed in Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle – but Red Devils fans directed their fury at manager Erik ten Hag instead.
The Argentine centre-back was hooked for Facundo Pellistri in the 83rd minute of their defeat at St James’ Park.
Martinez reacted angrily, slapping a chair as he went to take his seat.
Fans were quick to comment on Martinez’s tantrum, with one saying: “Who saw Martinez on the bench? GRRRRRR.”
Another said: “Martinez slapping the bench chair!”
The Old Trafford faithful, however, directed their anger at Ten Hag as he also subbed Rafael Varane for fellow defender Victor Lindelof as they were chasing an equaliser.
Fernandes wants fans respect
Bruno Fernandes was spotted ordering his Manchester United team-mates to clap the travelling fans after defeat at Newcastle.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 at St. James’ Park as the Magpies leapfrogged them into third.

Second half goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson condemned United to their latest disappointment in the Premier League.
A 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool, a goalless draw at home to Southampton, and then this mauling which left Erik Ten Hag shellshocked.
It was a miserable afternoon all-round for United, with many fans questioning Ten Hag’s decision to leave out Fred.
Defender blow
Man Utd have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae with Liverpool reportedly keen on the Napoli star.
He has attracted interest from a host of European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain.
Napoli are believed to be keen to tie him down to a new contract as a result, which could include increasing his buyout clause to £79million.
United have been linked to the South Korea international throughout the season.
But it seems rivals Liverpool have overtaken them in the race to sign the 26-year-old, according to Foot Mercato.
Game over
All over.
Callum Wilson has put the game to bed with a header from a corner from Kieran Trippier.
The Toon go wild.
Ten Hag looks on. 2-0, all over.
Goal!
Newcastle United lead!
It’s a header from ex-Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock – who heads home.
The Toon deserve it. They have been the better team.
Double save
Man Utd have David De Gea to thank for the keeping the scores level.
Take a bow, son.

Bore draw
We’re all square at Old Trafford at half-time.
Not much to talk about, really. Game of a few chances, with Newcastle perhaps squandering the best.
Man Utd will need to show a bit more in the second half if they have any designs of winning this game.
Ten Hag’s role in takeover
Erik ten Hag is distancing himself from Man Utd’s potential takeover.
The Dutch tactician revealed he met one bidder Sir Jim Ratcliffe – but there was nothing more to their chance encounter.
“They leave me [alone] which is fine because all the others have to decide, it’s not up to me, he told Sky Sports.
“My job is to lead, to manage the first team, to let them perform and get the right results, that is what I have to focus on.
“In a previous press conference I said Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I met him and we shook hands but that is all. It was a coincidence because we coincidentally met in the corridor so not officially, I was not in contact with anyone.”
The opposition
Newcastle are today’s opposition at Old Trafford.
Here’s how they will line up.

Three changes vs Newcastle
Erik ten Hag has named his starting XI for the crunch clash at Newcastle.
And he has made three changes as he hopes the Red Devils can strengthen their grip on the top four.
Raphael Varane, Diogo Dalot and Antony all start.
Marcus Rashford missed England duty but is deemed fit from the outset today while Casemiro is suspended.
Credit: Twitter
Red Devils to return?
Two former Man Utd strikers are among the early contenders to replace Brendan Rodgers.
Leicester announced this afternoon the Northern Irishman had left the club after four years in charge following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is 14-1 to take over at the King Power while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is at 16-1 with Betfair.
Top if the pile, though, is Thomas Frank (5-1), Ange Postecoglou (17-2) and Rafa Benitez (9-1).
‘Tells you as it is’
Hughes, 59, told the Mirror: “Erik ten Hag has come in and steadied the boat that was rocking from side to side.
“He’s going to need to have time and he’s done the initial part of dealing with the demand that was on him as the manager of the club, stabilising everything.
“He looks like he’s instilled discipline into the group and the club as a whole.
“Playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, his standards for discipline and behaviour were strong, it was one of his mantras.
“It looks like Ten Hag has taken a little bit of that on board and it seems like he is a very straightforward and structured guy who just tells you as it is.
“Players can respond to that and maybe there were a few that were wavering or going on a different tangent – he’s managed to bring everyone together, which was required.
“I hope Manchester United sticks with Erik ten Hag.”
Erik making his Mark
Mark Hughes believes Erik ten Hag is copying one key aspect of Sir Alex Ferguson’s managerial approach to help turn Manchester United around.
The Dutchman took over at Old Trafford in the summer and, after a nightmare start, is helping transform the club.
Ferguson led the club to a staggering 13 league crowns during his 26 years at the helm, often putting his no-nonsense approach into action with the infamous hairdryer treatment.
The first two of those, in 1993 and 1994, he had Welsh star Hughes in his team.
Now the Bradford manager is beginning to see small glimpses of Fergie’s success in the current Red Devils gaffer.
Joao-ing around
Man Utd hope to steal Joao Felix away from Chelsea in the summer.
The striker joined the Blues on loan in January but it is believed they are seeking a permanent move.
However Chelsea did not include a clause in the deal to make the move permanent, so other clubs can make an approach.
United have been linked to Felix for some time and are monitoring his current situation, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Erik ten Hag is reportedly prioritising a move for a striker when the summer transfer window re-opens.
And it is believed Felix could be available for £88million, though the Red Devils are hopeful of a more “favourable deal”.
Ten Hag on Weghorst transfer
Erik ten Hag has hinted Man Utd could sign Wout Weghorst at the end of the season.
The big forward has been a mainstay since joining on loan in January despite a lack of goals from him.
However, Ten Hag suggested the club will sign him permanently after declaring he was part of his long-term plan.
Asked about Weghorst being a long-term team member, he said: “Of course. I think he is doing a lot of elements of football really well.
“Wout is doing a really good job for us. He is the leader of the process in pressing, he starts the press and is very good in backward pressing.
“He is also taking up (good) positions and in his link-up play he’s doing really well.
“He is making good movements, making space for others, so he’s also good in set-plays.
“He is really contributing to this team. I think after Christmas we have played 25 games and we lost two – and Weghorst played almost all of the games so he is really part of the success.”
Triple threat
Man Utd have a three-man shortlist for their central midfield needs in the coming summer.
According to the Daily Mail this list consists of Declan Rice, Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham.
It comes with United weighing up the future of Scott McTominay, who Erik ten Hag recently praised for his versatility.
However, a lack of starting opportunities means he may look to go elsewhere, with today’s opponent Newcastle one team interested in his services in the summer.
Bad losers
Manchester United were the “worst losers” under Sir Alex Ferguson.
That is according to Warren Barton, who recalled the 2001 4-3 classic which was headlined by a bust-up between Alan Shearer and Roy Keane.
Barton said: “Shearer said ‘by the way, where were you lot when it all kicked off with Roy Keane at the end?’
“The fact is, Big Al was very capable of looking after himself. He didn’t need anyone. It’s no secret that there was no love lost between the pair.
“Shearer had just celebrated wildly around St James’ after his goalbound shot had been bungled in by Wes Brown for an own goal to put us 4-3 up.
“Clearly it really wound up the opposition players. Keane and the rest of that United team were the worst losers.”
You can read the full story here.
Morning, United fans
Marcus Rashford should return at Newcastle this afternoon – as United boss Erik ten Hag closes on a monster new contract.
And Leicester want Harry Maguire back on loan, while Luke Shaw will “definitely” sign a new contract.
That’s the pick of the talk around Old Trafford ahead of their first Premier League match after the international break.
Newcastle will leapfrog third-placed United if they win today.
So Ten Hag is especially keen for 27-goal frontman Rashford to be fit enough to start after missing England’s first two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Dutchman said: “I have good hope. He trained but he had to do some treatment.
“For me, it’s positive that he took that time to turn off from football [to go to New York].
“I’ve seen him back this week and he showed a lot of energy, a lot of motivation.”
Rashford’s strike partner Anthony Martial is also expected to return after injury.
SunSport exclusively revealed last night that Ten Hag is poised for a £3million-a-year pay hike, courtesy of a new contract until 2028.
And United chiefs want the deal to go ahead regardless of what happens over the club’s takeover saga.
On the transfer front, Leicester have joined the hunt for central defender Maguire following reported interest from PSG and West Ham.
Finally, left-back Shaw is expected to extend his Old Trafford stay, despite Ten Hag insisting he’s not been kept up to date with negotiations.
‘City eye United & Arsenal target Fati’
Manchester City are tipped to join United and Arsenal in reportedly pursuing Barcelona striker Ansu Fati.
The Spain whizkid has suddenly struggled for a first-choice spot with Barca this season.
And  Football Insider suggest City are keen on the seven-cap ace, 20.
The 20-year-old’s dad certainly seems happy for his son to move on.
He said recently: “If it was up to me, I would take him [to another team].
“As a dad, I am angry. Seeing Ansu play so little winds you up a little bit and sometimes I think as a father, not a coach.”
Ten Hag ‘still keen on Sesko’
Erik ten Hag is patiently monitoring Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Šeško, reports say.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Atalanta star Rasmus Højlund have focused more in talk over a new striker for United this summer.
But transfer insider Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Ten Hag is in no mood to drop his pursuit of Slovenia hero Sesko, 19.
Ten Hag confident Rashford will be fit tomorrow
United are optimistic 27-goal striker Marcus Rashford will return at Newcastle tomorrow – after he missed England’s two games last week with injury.
Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag said: “I have good hope.
“He trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training and he joined in the group (on Friday).
“For me, it’s positive that he took that time to turn off from football [to go to New York].
I’ve seen him back this week and he showed a lot of energy, a lot of motivation.”
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