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      ‘We lack quality’ – Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag reveals summer transfer plans as he admits squad lacks depth for title run

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      ERIK TEN HAG appears to have dismissed Manchester United’s chances of winning the title this season after admitting the squad “lack quality.”Man Utd were left to call up reinforcements for their 2-2 draw against Leeds.
      Erik ten Hag admitted Manchester United currently “lack quality”Credit: Getty
      That game saw United without both first-choice centre-mids, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, and right-winger Antony.
      This saw Fred and Marcel Sabitzer partner up in midfield, with the Brazilian putting in a less-than-stellar display.
      Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, who SunSport revealed has set up a security firm, was shifted out to the right wing to accommodate Alejandro Garnacho at left wing.
      Despite a solid performance from Garnacho, United did not start truly kicking into gear until Rashford was moved away from the right wing as he replaced Wout Weghorst up front.
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      Speaking ahead of the match today, Ten Hag revealed his vision to have two top class players in every position in order to allow United to compete on all fronts.
      He said: “If we want to restore Manchester United, we need top players but also double in each position because we want to act in so many competitions.
      “You saw it in the last game how we have, in certain positions, a lack of quality. That can’t be if you want to compete for the highest [trophies].
      “I’m here to manage the team, get the best out of them, and of course I have a job in bringing the right players in.
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      “There is a lot of communication about that with the board and management of the club but I am here to achieve the sporting aims and goals, not the finance.”
      After a January which saw Ten Hag only loan in players, his summer war chest could be significantly larger with the club set to be sold to new owners.
      Middle Eastern consortiums and Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe are among the interested parties, with the latter said to be “determined” to get a deal done.
      Ten Hag added: “I am calm about the situation (takeover). I am planning. I always go for the highest, so we go for the best, the best we can get, but also we have plan B.
      “What you see in the Premier League is other clubs investing but also having quality in managers, players and getting good players in.
      “The competition is really tough. For a long time it was a two-horse race but now I think it is a six, seven, eight-horse race.’
      “I still can refer to my first press conference here: I said ‘Things can change.'”
      A breakdown of the Glazer ownership of United More

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      Brentford condemn racist abuse aimed at Ivan Toney after controversial late equaliser in crunch Arsenal draw

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      BRENTFORD have condemned racist abuse aimed at Ivan Toney on social media after Saturday’s draw against Arsenal.In a statement, the Bees said Toney had been subjected to a “barrage of abusive, racist direct messages” on Instagram.
      Brentford have condemned racist abuse aimed at Ivan ToneyCredit: Getty
      It came after Toney scored a controversial equaliser as the Bees picked up a well earned 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
      Brentford said the striker, 26, was targeted by vile abuse straight after the match.
      Toney was previously subjected to sickening racist abuse last October by a 24-year-old man following a 2-0 win over Brighton.
      The club said in a strongly-worded statement on Sunday: “Immediately after Brentford’s game against Arsenal, Ivan Toney received a barrage of abusive, racist direct messages via his Instagram account. 
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      “We are disgusted and saddened that Ivan has had to deal with this yet again.
      “We will not tolerate it and we will do everything we can to pursue the individuals involved. 
      “Ivan was subject to similar abuse in October last year, and the perpetrator is now facing the consequences in court. 
      “How many times does this need to happen?
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      “We call on football fans everywhere to relish the competition and rivalry that exists between us, but to respect and embrace our differences and celebrate the diversity that exists throughout the Premier League.
      “There is no room for racism.”
      Arsenal also condemned the horrific abuse and said they “stand with” the Brentford striker.
      A tweet said: “We stand with Ivan Toney and are working with Brentford to identify those who sent racist abuse.
      “At Arsenal we condemn all forms of discrimination and take a zero tolerance approach.
      “We will apply the strongest possible action to anyone we can identify sending hateful messages.”
      Toney was superb as the Bees extended their unbeaten run to ten league games with a point against the table topping Gunners.
      Alan Shearer said on Match of the Day: “He [Toney] made life so difficult for those Arsenal defenders today, particularly the two centre-halves, he gave them a torrid afternoon.
      “He bullied them, he won every single header that went up to him. His hold-up play was superb.”
      However, VAR failed to draw offside lines to check to see if Toney’s goal should have stood.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left fuming that the effort was allowed to stand.
      Arteta was adamant that Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock blocked Gabriel Magalhaes from an offside position and that Christian Norgaard was also offside when he crossed for Toney.
      The Spaniard said: “I’ve looked back at the goal and it was offside. They haven’t explained why it wasn’t ruled out and we’ll be giving our views to the Premier League.
      “You have to apply certain principles in defending set-pieces and you do that by sticking to the rules.
      “But apparently they were not applied and if you suddenly change those rules you tell us before the game so you don’t defend with the line so high.
      “We apply what the referee tells us every single week before the game – that if the  blockers are offside then it will be ruled out.
      “I also think their player was offside when he crossed the ball. I was hoping that the cameras and visuals would pick that up because it looks like there were two actions.
      “But it’s too late and now we’ve dropped two points.”
      Even Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted: “I agree that when we took the free-kick, Pinnock is an offside position.
      “Then, as far as I understand the football laws, the next question is did he influence the cross?
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      “VAR decided it was not enough to rule out the goal and I agree.
      “But every week there are VAR decisions that go marginally one way or the other.” More

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      Fans all say same thing as Tottenham loanee Destiny Udogie scores 25 SECONDS into Udinese vs Sassuolo Serie A clash

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      TOTTENHAM fans can’t wait to see Destiny Udogie in a Spurs shirt.So much so they demanded the club end his loan spell with Udinese as the left-back scored after just 25 SECONDS on Sunday.
      Tottenham loanee Destiny Udogie scored 25 seconds into Udinese’s Serie A clash with Sassuolo on SundayCredit: Getty
      Udogie is on loan in Italy from SpursCredit: EPA

      The 20-year-old put Udinese ahead against Sassuolo with a fine left-footed strike from the edge of the area.
      Tottenham signed Udogie from Udinese in the summer for an initial £15million but immediately sent him back to the Serie A side on loan.
      And Spurs fans can’t wait for the Italy U21 star to return to North London.
      His goal on Saturday was a third Serie A strike of the season, while he has also chipped in with two assists.
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      After seeing Udogie net less than 30 seconds into the match, excited Tottenham supporters begged the club recall the youngster.
      Especially following Spurs’ dismal 4-1 defeat to Leicester on Saturday.
      One wrote on Twitter: “RECALL UDOGIE ASAP.”
      Another added: “We need to recall Destiny Udogie now.”
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      A third demanded: “Get Destiny Udogie back now.”
      And a fourth quipped: “Really nice goal from Destiny Udogie. Need him at Tottenham as soon as possible!”
      Udogie’s loan spell with Udinese expires at the end of the campaign. More

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      Rio Ferdinand was forced to close bar on police advice after making controversial Man Utd transfer from Leeds

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed he was forced to close a bar he owned after leaving Leeds for Manchester United.The former England international, 44, joined the Red Devils from rivals Leeds for £30million in 2002.
      Rio Ferdinand moved from Leeds to Man Utd for a British record fee in 2002Credit: Getty
      Ferdinand went on to win five Premier League titles with Man UtdCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The transfer led to Ferdinand receiving a great deal of abuse from fans of the Yorkshire outfit.
      And one night he was forced to shut down his establishment after the police contacted him about Leeds supporters heading to his bar to cause trouble.
      Speaking to William Hill, he said: “I had a bar that was only just opened in Leeds and when I signed for Man Utd, the head of the police rang me.
      “I don’t know how he got my number, but he rang me and said ‘just to let you know, I’d advise you don’t open your bar. If you open your bar there will be people coming down to mash it up, we’ve got intel that they’re looking to destroy your place.’
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      “So that place got put to sleep straight away, never opened again, dormant, gone. And then I started understanding the rivalry. 
      “When we went back to Leeds with Man Utd for the first time, we actually got beat 1-0, I think.
      “I had to have a police escort to get into the ground because where the bus used to park to get into the ground you have to walk a little bit and, yeah it was madness, crazy.”
      Ferdinand went on to win six Premier League titles with Man Utd, as well as the Champions League in 2008.
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      Meanwhile, Man Utd drew 2-2 with Leeds on Sunday as Erik ten Hag’s men fought back from two goals down to claim a point at Old Trafford.
      Now, just four days later, the two sides are set to meet again – this time at Elland Road.
      Managerless Leeds are seeking a first Premier League win since November following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.
      But a victory for Man Utd would see them leapfrog rivals Manchester City ahead of the champions’ home game against Aston Villa on Sunday evening. More

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      ‘It needs to be ours’ – Joao Felix says Chelsea must WIN Champions League ahead of crunch game with Borussia Dortmund

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      JOAO FELIX has insisted that Chelsea must win the Champions League this season despite the club’s poor form in the Premier League.The 23-year-old scored his first goal for the Blues during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham.
      Felix has insisted that Chelsea must win the Champions LeagueCredit: YouTube / Chelsea Football Club
      The midfielder scored his first Chelsea goal on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      But after the game he insisted that he is hungry for more success.
      In a post-match interview with Chelsea media, he said: “We have to focus on the next game. The most important game is next, always.
      “It’s the Champions League, that’s the competition we want to win so it starts on Wednesday and it needs to be ours.”
      Chelsea are set to face Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League round-of-16 next week.
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      But while Graham Potter and his team already have their eyes on the prize, the Blues will have to bounce back from a poor run of form if they want to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.
      Chelsea currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, 10 points adrift of Newcastle in fourth.
      They have also been knocked out of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, meaning that the Champions League is the only competition of which they could realistically win.
      Blues boss Potter currently has the most expensive squad in Europe at his disposal.
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      Chelsea chief Todd Boehly spent almost £300million during the January transfer window alone on key signings such as Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile.
      Felix, who joined the club on loan from Atletico Madrid last month, has said that the team has already established a positive connection.
      He added: “Playing in this team with such good quality, that is immense. It’s easy, we all connect well and when that happens things go well.” More

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      Leeds Utd 0 Man Utd 2 LIVE RESULT: Rashford and Garnacho with two late goals to hand United valuable victory – reaction

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      TWO goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have handed Manchester United victory at the home of rivals Leeds.In a fiery encounter, the Red Devils had to dig in and eventually showed their quality against a pumped-up Yorkshire side.
      It keeps the pressure on United’s cross-town rivals Manchester City who play Aston Villa next, after Arsenal dropped points on Saturday.

      Result: Leeds United 0-2 Manchester United
      Goals: Marcus Rashford 80, Alejandro Garnacho 85

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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Elland Road…
      Full time – Leeds 0-2 Man Utd
      A late flourish from Manchester United sees them earn all three points in the Pennines Derby.
      Goals in the final ten minutes from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho took the wind right out of the sails of a Leeds side that were competitive from the off, but lacking in cutting edge.
      The result lifts United up to second in the table for the first time this season, but leaves managerless Leeds looking nervously over their shoulders at the bottom three immediately beneath them.
      Leeds 0-2 Man Utd
      90+3. Wout Weghorst scores, but he too has his celebrations cut short by the offside flag.
      This one isn’t exactly clearcut either with debate over who had flicked the ball in the striker’s direction from the corner.
      Eventually, the header is deemed to be Harry Maguire’s rather than a Leeds’ defender, and the decision is upheld.
      Leeds 0-2 Man Utd – Man Utd substitution
      90+1. Marcus Rashford takes his leave after playing another crucial role.
      Young Anthony Elanga will get a few minutes under his belt in his place.
      Leeds 0-2 Man Utd
      90. Rashford has the ball in the back of the net again, but no sooner has the forward slammer a slow shot across Meslier, the flag went up for offside.
      There wasn’t much in it, mind you, and it takes VAR a few moments to confirm the assistant referee’s decision as correct.
      And it was another fine finish from a player really enjoying their football again.
      There will be four minutes of stoppage time to be played.
      Leeds 0-2 Man Utd
      89. Garnacho almost adds his second and United’s third.
      Again the teenager gets away from the Leeds defence – this time on the right – but ultimately sees his shot blocked by Wober after checking back inside on to his left foot.
      Leeds 0-2 Man Utd – Leeds substitution
      87. “Two-nil in your cup final…” sing the Manchester United supporters.
      Meanwhile, Sam Greenwood has come on to replace Weston McKennie.
      Leeds 0-2 Man Utd
      85. That’s the game wrapped up for Manchester United!
      With the home side looking to commit men forward, the visitors win back possession and benefit from the burning pace of Alejandro Garnacho.
      Wout Weghorst threads a pass through for the teenager, who accelerates beyond Robin Koch, and slams a shot beyond Illan Meslier that finds the net via the inside of the near post.

      Three points in the bag!

      Leeds 0-1 Man Utd
      84. Leeds look deflated, and instead it’s the visitors looking to kill this contest off.
      Leeds 0-1 Man Utd
      82. It’s now the Manchester United fans making all the noise as the rest of Elland Road falls silent.
      Can the home side pick themselves up for one last assault on the United goal?
      Leeds 0-1 Man Utd
      80. Marcus Rashford does it again!
      Now playing on the left, Luke Shaw gets down the flank and clips a cross over for Rashford, now playing through the middle, to header unchallenged into the far corner.
      There’s a lengthy pause as VAR check on the goalscorer’s position for offside (and perhaps double check after the weekend the video officials have had), but eventually the green light is given, prompting the travelling fans to erupt once more.

      Deadlock broken!

      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      78. Almost from Summerville! Almost!
      The youngster gets in behind on the right and fires across De Gea, who blocks with his foot.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      77. Let’s be honest. This game was fun for a few moments early on, but it’s been really, really scrappy since.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      75. Into the final 15 minutes, and the game is there to be won.
      I suspect, however, that it won’t be.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd – Man Utd substitution
      74. The visitors follow suit with a change of their own.
      Diogo Dalot has come the closest to breaking the deadlock so far, but the Portuguese defender is not going to see this game out.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka takes over at right-back.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd – Leeds substitution
      73. Jack Harrison’s time at Elland Road may be coming to an end, but he gets a rapturous reception from the home fans as he is withdrawn here.
      American Brenden Aaronson is on in is place.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      72. In perhaps the worst 30 seconds of football played in the Premier League this season, both sides give the ball away on two separate occasions.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      70. Luke Ayling has a history of scoring the spectacular against Manchester United.
      The Leeds captain almost follows up the 30-yarder he pinged in at Old Trafford a couple of years ago with an audacious overhead kick here.
      Unfortunately for those of a white rose persuasion, it was straight at De Gea.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      69. A barnstorming run from Firpo takes him away from Rashford and through the challenge of Fred.
      The left-back eventually slides in Summerville, who wins a corner when his cross is turned behind.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      68. Rutter has shown some nice touches already, both in attack and when dropping deep to link play.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      66. Gnonto almost does exactly that.
      With a drop of the shoulder, the diminutive forward comes inside off the left flank and drills a shot straight into the midriff of De Gea.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      65. The game has begun to open up at both ends.
      It’s still frantic, still furious, but now there is plenty of space to exploit.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd
      63. United immediately look more of a threat.
      Dalot finds himself in an advanced position on the right, but gets his cross in the direction of Weghorst all wrong.
      Seconds later, the full-back has the ball again, and decides he’s not going to make the same mistake again.
      This time the Portuguese defender takes aim with a fierce drive that crashes against the crossbar as Meslier looks on.
      Leeds 0-0 Man Utd – Man Utd substitutions
      61. The first changes for Manchester United just after the hour mark.
      Firstly, Lisandro Martinez is on for Tyrell Malacia, meaning Luke Shaw will revert to his custom left-back position.
      Also on is Alejandro Garnacho, who replaces Jadon Sancho on his return to the starting line-up.
      Load more entries… More

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      Arsenal ‘open transfer talks’ with teenage Brazil striker Vitor Roque in bid to beat Chelsea, Barcelona and PSG

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      ARSENAL have reportedly “opened talks” with Athletico Paranaense over a deal for Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque.The young striker, 17, is currently representing his country at U20 level at the South American age group championships.
      Vitor Roque has scored six goals at the South American U20 ChampionshipsCredit: AFP
      And he has been one of the star players to come out of the tournament, scoring six goals on the road to the final – which takes place between Brazil and Uruguay on Sunday night.
      Roque turns 18 later this month, meaning he will be eligible to move to Europe in the summer transfer window.
      And he has been linked with a host of huge clubs including Barcelona, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.
      According to Goal, Barcelona are leading the way in the race to secure his signature.
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      They believe he is a suitable replacement for Memphis Depay.
      But the same report states that Arsenal’s sporting director Edu has approached the player’s agent about a potential deal.
      However, the Gunners will be forced to pay a substantial fee if they are to bring the talented forward to the Emirates.
      Athletico Paranaense are said to be holding out for his release clause of £53million.
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      Known as “Tigrinho” in Brazil, Roque has already been likened to legendary striker Ronaldo and Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez.
      He has made 36 appearances for Paranaense, contributing seven goals and three assists.
      On top of his club form, he has bagged six goals in nine appearances for Brazil’s U20s. More

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      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag sets Marcus Rashford daunting goal target for the season after forward’s stunning form

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      ERIK TEN HAG has urged Marcus Rashford to smash his season’s best goal tally by the end of the campaign.Rashford’s previous record is 22 strikes in the 2019-20 season.
      Erik ten Hag wants Marcus Rashford to score 35 goals by the end of the seasonCredit: PA
      But he has already netted 20 times in 33 games in all competitions this term.
      And United boss Ten Hag wants his in form forward to challenge himself to hit 35 goals by the summer.
      Ten Hag declared there is “much more to come” from England star Rashford, who has netted seven times in his last eight Premier League matches.
      The Old Trafford boss told club media: “[There is] much more to come [from Marcus] and we have months to play, important months.
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      “We have to get into a position where we can win trophies, till now, where we are, Marcus has a big impact in this season. 
      “I remember at the start of the season, I was questioning can he score 20 goals, now he has that marker, he has scored 20 goals, but now it’s about getting more. 
      “He has to challenge himself to get 30 or 35, but most focus has to be on the next goal and if you be in that focus, you will see where you end up.
      “But most important, finally, is that we win as a team.”
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      The Red Devils travel to Leeds on Sunday just four days after a thrilling 2-2 draw between the two bitter rivals at Old Trafford.
      Rashford scored in that game, and with United still fighting on four fronts there will be plenty more chances for him to add to his tally.
      Ten Hag and Co face a two-legged Europa League play-off tie against Barcelona this month, as well as the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
      They are also still in the FA Cup, and are eight points off leaders Arsenal in the Prem.
      Rashford has been in stunning form for the Red Devils this seasonCredit: Getty More