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      Man Utd ratings: Antony overcomes early blunder to put in one of best displays but Casemiro sluggish from the start

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      MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a shocking collapse at Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s late smash-and-grab victory.United thought they had the match won following a stunning comeback that saw them lead 3-2 against the Blues but Cole Palmer’s heroics led to a 4-3 victory for the hosts.Manchester United collapsed against Chelsea at Stamford BridgeCredit: APMan Utd ace Antony put together an impressive performance against ChelseaCredit: ReutersMan Utd ace Antony dominated down the right wingCasemiro struggled during Man Utd’s collapse at ChelseaCredit: APThe Blues initially rocked the Red Devils’ under-fire boss Erik ten Hag in the first half after netting twice within 15 minutes.Conor Gallagher opened the scoring after just four minutes and Palmer doubled the West Londoners’ lead from the penalty spot.However, the Red Devils fought back with Alejandro Garnacho’s strike in the 34th minute before Bruno Fernandes equalised five minutes later.Garnacho completed his brace on 67 minutes and United thought it was job done in west London.Read More on Man UtdHowever, Palmer took matters into his own hands during the dying stages as he equalised with another spot-kick in the 10th minute of added time.The Chelsea star then capped off a stunning triumph just a minute later to pile even more pressure on Ten Hag.But how did Man Utd stars fare? Dan King rates Ten Hag’s players below:Andre Onana – 6Could have done better with Conor Gallagher’s shot for the opening goal, but made decent saves from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, twice, before a cruel deflection beat him for Chelsea’s winner.Most read in FootballAaron Wan-Bissaka – 6Teamed up well with Antony on the right when going forward, but sometimes found lacking  in defence, not least when he was caught upfield before Chelsea’s penalty. Better after break.Raphael Varane – 5Unfortunate for first goal, when ball ricocheted off his heels into Gallagher’s path, and even more so to pick up a knock that led to him being substituted at half-time.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Harry Maguire – 6At times looked vulnerable to the pace in Chelsea’s attack but was solid enough when he needed to be. Forward run almost led to goal, did some good work at the back towards the end.Diogo Dalot – 4Caught out of position for early goal and was led a merry dance by Palmer. Provided cross for Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser but then slipped to concede late, late penalty.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCasemiro – 4Sluggish from the start, slow to react for opening goal and misplacing passes regularly. Sent second-half header off target and was lucky to stay on the pitch as long as he did.Kobbie Mainoo – 7Lost ball in build-up to opening goal, but improved as the first half went on and he had to, so bad was the man alongside him. Gradually outshone the £100million midfielders in Chelsea blue. Antony – 8Spoiled lively start by giving away penalty but a threat all evening in one of his best United displays. Won the ball and then played a superb pass to tee up Garnacho for United’s third.Bruno Fernandes – 6Spent early stages moaning about fouls on him not being penalised but fine header for the equaliser. Kept his team going without hitting his usual standards with the ball.  Alejandro Garnacho – 8Much improved from the Brentford game, he capitalised well on Caicedo’s mistake to drag United back into the game and then gave them the lead with well-taken header.Rasmus Hojlund – 5Struggled to get into the game in the first half after a similarly ineffective display at Brentford. Livened up a bit after the break but not enough to avoid being hooked just before winner.SubstitutesJonny Evans (for Maguire, half time) – 5The veteran defender lasted only 21 minutes before he too had to go off injured.Willy Kambwala (for Evans, 66) – 6Good block on Jackson, did nothing wrong as United gave it away right at the death.Marcus Rashford (for Hojlund, 66) – 5Caught on his heels when Garnacho sent in a cross, offered little. READ MORE SUN STORIESScott McTominay (for Casemiro, 75) – 6Fresh legs and physicality gave United more midfield presence, unlucky to deflect in the winner.Mason Mount (for Garnacho, 85) – 6Loudly booed on his return to Stamford Bridge, worked hard in short time to frustrate former side. More

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      Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer the leading light yet again with hat-trick but Caicedo’s sloppy error sparked comeback

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      CHELSEA put in a Jekyll & Hyde performance against Manchester United as they blew a 2-0 lead before coming back to win.The Blues ran their opponents ragged inside the opening 20 minutes and were soon two goals to the good.Cole Palmer took his Chelsea tally to 20 goals for the seasonCredit: PAThe Chelsea superstar scored a late hat-trick to turn the game on its headCredit: PAConor Gallagher opened the scoringCredit: PAMarc Cucurella won the penalty for the second goalCredit: GettyCole Palmer was at his skilfully best and scored again from the penalty spot, after Conor Gallagher had smashed in the opener.Enzo Fernandez got forward well and even Marc Cucurella looked invigorated – the Spaniard winning the penalty for the second goal.But in the 34th minute Chelsea shot themselves in the foot yet again as Moises Caicedo gifted Alejandro Garnacho possession to score.Prior to that the visitors were not in the game but the goal appeared to inspire Erik ten Hag’s side, who were level moments later through Bruno Fernandes’ back post header.The score was level at the break and the game could have swung in either direction.As it was, a rare moment of magic from Antony as his cross with the outside of his boot was met by Garnacho, who nodded the ball past Djordje Petrovic to put United in front.But there would be a final twist as Palmer struck twice in stoppage time to seal his hat-trick and a dramatic 4-3 victory.Here is how SunSport’s Andy Dillon rated the Chelsea display in an exhilarating match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDjordje Petrovic – 5Stranded for Man United’s equaliser. Came out too far and was caught cold for United’s third goal. A rare but costly rush of blood.Malo Gusto – 6Steadily improving member of an erratic squad. Was out of position when the visitors pulled level though. But still growing in influence and proved it with the cut back for goal number one.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?Axel Disasi – 5Solid but sometimes prone to an error as shown with Hojlund in the second half. But also capable of titanic tackles as shown against Hojlund in the second half.Benoit Badiashile – 4Committed himself to step forward and claim the ball from a throw but was clumsy and gave it away, leading to Man United’s third goal. Awful control.Marc Cucurella – 6Sent one shot into the top tier of The Shed but then won the penalty that should have put Chelsea well on top.Enzo Fernandez – 5Cute pass with the outside his right boot set up Chelsea’s first. A moment of class but he should be producing them more regularly.Moises Caicedo – 5Head in hands moment when his sloppy sideways pass to Benoit Badiashile fell way short, allowing Man United to equalise and fight their way back.Cole Palmer – 9The leading light in this Chelsea team. Nimble and tricky. A Man United fan as a kid and answered the taunts from visiting fans with a hat trick that will be immortalised. Balls of steel.Conor Gallagher – 6From the back foot to the front. Answered the online trolls in the best way with a goal after four minutes and leads by example as captain.Mykhailo Mudryk – 6Another slowly but surely growing in confidence. A neat ball down the left channel forced Antony into giving away a penalty.Nicolas Jackson – 5If the shock of dyed blue hair was supposed to intimidate it didn’t work. It looked like it had gone wrong on a hot wash. Ran his legs off but could not make much headway.SubsRaheem Sterling (Mudryk, 70 mins) – 6Up against it coming on with Chelsea trailing and at a low ebb.Carney Chukwuemeka (Caicedo 70 mins) – 6Adds drive from midfield but has missed far too many games to be in any sort of rhythm.Alfie Gilchrist (Gusto 75 mins) – 6Added pace to Chelsea on the counter attack but should have done better from one corner with his head.READ MORE SUN STORIESTrevoh Chalobah (Disasi 75 mins) – 6As replacement for heavyweight Disasi he was more pressing going forwards at least.Noi Madueke (Gallagher 87 mins) – 7Not much such a raw kid can do with three minutes of normal time remaining. Still managed to win a penalty though. More

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      Chelsea 4 Man Utd 3: Cole Palmer completes hat-trick in 101st minute as Red Devils fall apart again in bonkers game

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      COLE PALMER was a childhood Manchester United fan and received bucketloads of abuse from the away fans.So how he would have loved this unbelievable ending to sink his old idols at Stamford Bridge.Cole Palmer scored twice in 82 seconds after the 100-minute mark to spark chaosCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea bench raced out of the dugout to celebrate the dramatic winnerCredit: ReutersPalmer, a £40million summer signing from Manchester City, had made it 2-0 from the spot early on when it looked like Chelsea were going to run away with it.United had turned the game on his head when Palmer levelled for 3-3 with his second penalty in the 100th minute after Diogo Dalot fouled Noni Madueke.And that was not enough. Certainly not for this brilliant midfielder who simply has to go with England to Euro 2024.Smelling blood, he grabbed the winner in the 101st minute with a shot which deflected into the net off Scott McTominay.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFor United boss Erik ten Hag, this was an utter disaster.Chelsea led through goals from Conor Gallagher and Palmer before United took command with two from Alejandro Garnacho and one from Bruno Fernandes.But Ten Hag must know if United play like this against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday they will be utterly humiliated.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHaving seen his team outplayed by Brentford on Saturday, the Dutchman would have been largely encouraged for an hour — only to see them throw it all away again at the end.Most read in FootballPalmer’s late rewriting of the script must also have been a huge relief for Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino after what had looked like a proper bottle job.Fans spot moment Conor Gallagher ‘blanks Chelsea mascot’ in tunnel before Burnley clash But in the end the home fans’ jeers for former midfielder Mason Mount — who came on as a late sub — were drowned out by the home fans’ sheer delight.In the wake of suffering horrific online abuse after failing to high-five a mascot, Conor Gallagher put in a proper shift.While United also have players like Casemiro who could barely run in midfield, at least they have Kobbie Mainoo who delivered another promising performance and he recovered well after making a mistake for Chelsea’s first goal.Mainoo gave away possession, Malo Gusto charged down the right and his cross was deflected off Raphael Varane and into the path of Gallagher who struck a sweet, first-time shot from just inside the area past a flat-footed Andre Onana.When Palmer took a corner in front of United’s away fans, he found himself getting absolutely slaughtered with ‘City reject’ ringing in his ears.So Palmer will have thoroughly enjoyed his next moment from a dead ball situation as he sent Onana the wrong way with yet another expertly-taken penalty, his seventh of the season.United could not have any arguments over the award of the penalty, either.Brazilian winger Antony clattered into Marc Cucurella inside the area and it was an easy decision for referee Jarred Gillett.Palmer went home with the match ballCredit: GettyChelsea were so comfortable, in fact, that United looked in very real danger of imploding spectacularly before half-time.As a result, it was no surprise that Pochettino could not hide his utter disgust when United were gifted their way back into the game. And it was all so unnecessary.Caicedo was under no pressure when he delivered a sloppy, lazy pass towards Benoit Badiashile which fell invitingly for Garnacho. He tore into the area and stuck his shot past a stranded Djordje Petrovic.Pochettino was unable to control his emotions yet five minutes later, the Argentine coach stood upright, with arms folded, as his team were punished for being ludicrously open at the back.United broke forward swiftly through Antony and Garnacho but there was still enough time for Chelsea’s players to notice that Bruno Fernandes was wandering towards the far post unmarked and he was able to meet Diogo Dalot’s cross.Rasmus Hojlund did well in leaving the ball for Fernandes who had an easy header but it may have been a bit more difficult had Mykhailo Mudryk bothered to track back and help his defence.Diogo Dalot brought Noni Madueke down in injury timeCredit: TNT SportsJarred Gillett pointed to the spot despite the United protestsCredit: GettyAlejandro Garnacho nodded in to turn the game on its headCredit: ReutersThe second half got a bit tasty with some crunching tackles and ten Hag and Pochettino squared up to each other when Harry Maguire avoided a booking for a tackle on Nicolas Jackson.On the day Rio Ferdinand said he was ruining his career, Marcus Rashford got a run-out in the 65th minute, the same time as Jonny Evans – who had only come on at half-time – was replaced by Willy Kambwala.And within a minute, United took the lead. Badiashile delivered a poor error, Rashford delivered a perfect pass to Antony and his cross over to Garnacho was even better.Garnacho knew he was about to be clobbered by keeper Petrovic but he got to the ball first and ended up the hero. Looking pretty pleased with himself, he sat on an advertising hoarding and soaked up the adulation from United’s fans a few yards away.But it all went so horribly wrong.Dalot was punished for a clumsy foul on Madueke and after a VAR check which took too long, Palmer brought his team level.But when Enzo Fernandez had a corner at the end, Palmer screamed for the short pass and he then blasted a shot which came off McTominay and past Onana.Cue bedlam. Chelsea only went from 12th to tenth but the celebrations felt as though they had just won something – and not just a first Premier League match against United since 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for their opponents, they could still collect a trophy this season as they are in the last four of the FA Cup. But looking at this, even Coventry will fancy their chances.The Red Devils players looked utterly shellshockedCredit: ReutersMason Mount was handed a hostile reception by his former fansCredit: GettyPalmer got his second and Chelsea’s third in the 100th minuteCredit: ReutersConor Gallagher gave Chelsea the perfect startCredit: GettyAntony clipped Marc Cucurella to give the penalty awayCredit: GettyCole Palmer kept his cool from the spotCredit: GettyGarnacho raced away to pull one backCredit: PABruno Fernandes equalised with a header from a tight angleCredit: GettyThe Argentine took in the adulation of his team-mates and supportersCredit: RexModel and actress Cara Delevingne was in the stands sporting a Chelsea shirtCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe was sat between Sir Dave Brailsford and Peter SchmeichelCredit: PA More

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      Liverpool 3 Sheff Utd 1: Reds survive scare against bottom-dwellers before Mac Allister stunner keeps title bid on track

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      WHERE’S Andy Gray when you need him? He would have been in his “what a hit son” element at Anfield.It is nearly two decades since Gray uttered his most famous sentence when Steven Gerrard thumped the wonder goal against Olympiacos that saved Liverpool’s Euro dream.Liverpool put together an impressive comeback to beat Sheffield United at AnfieldCredit: EPASheffield United remain bottom of the Premier League tableCredit: GettyFew have come close since, and none have had such a devastating impact as that thunderbolt which ended with Champions League glory in Istanbul.Yet the net-busting rocket from Alexis Mac Allister to get the Reds back in front just when their title dream was slipping away certainly did.The 20-yard powerblast rescued a game they should have strolled, but were in serious danger of blowing against the Premier League’s basement boys to boot.Forget Cody Gakpo’s 88th minute header. That made things look a whole lot easier than they were for such a huge chunk of the ultimate squeaky bum second half.Read More on FootballIt was the jaw-dropping strike which nearly took the roof off the Kop which was the real difference.Jurgen Klopp knew it, Mac Allister’s team mates knew it… the whole of Anfield knew it. So, too, did everyone of a Manchester City and Arsenal persuasion.Conor Bradley’s bolt-from-the-blue own goal looked destined to give Sheffield United the unlikeliest point of their lives, and hand Liverpool’s title rivals a dare-not-dream shot in the arm.Bradley had turned Gustavo Hamer’s innocuous and harmless header across the Kop box beyond his own keeper, and a game the Reds looked certain to romp had suddenly become an embarrassing cock-up.Most read in FootballThen suddenly, with panic aplenty in every corner of this most famous of arenas, the ball dropped to Mac Allister lurking on the edge of a packed penalty area.The Argentine midfielder will never strike a sweeter ball than the thumping drive which flew past Ivo Grbic and into the top corner.Liverpool preparing transfer for ‘next Mo Salah’ but face competition for £51m Eintracht Frankfurt star They have witnessed some wild celebrations here over the years. They have enjoyed some never-to-be-forgotten European nights.The second Mac Allister’s rocket rippled the net – nearly took it from its moorings more like – will live as long in the memory as any of them.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBecause up to that point it was seriously threatening to become an evening they looked back on for all the wrong reasons.Quite how it had come to that, only Liverpool will know, to be honest. They may have needed a freak goal to go ahead, but until Hamer and Bradley’s unlikely combo, it was a lead they never came close to losing.A goal that will give Blades keeper Grbic plenty of horror moments of his own, too – and totally out of nowhere.  When Jack Robinson rolled a ball back to him from just inside his own half, there wasn’t even a hint of danger.Sure, Darwin Nunez set off to close him down, but the Uruguayan striker’s gallop was more token than top speed.Maybe that was the problem. If the Croatian keeper had been hurried into a slash downfield, the chances are he’d have saved his blushes.Liverpool remain top of the Premier League table after beating Sheffield UnitedYet he dithered and dawdled until eventually Nunez was upon him, and you can guess the rest.The Reds forward actually had his back to the ball when Grbic got rid, and couldn’t believe his luck as it struck him and rolled apologetically into the empty net.Hardly one for any Goal of the Season compilation, but when you’re chasing the title, as priceless as a 30-yard screamer.On the touchline, Blades boss Chris Wilder spun on his heels and let out the most helpless and heartfelt of sighs.You know what they say about everything going against you when you’re down. And with a combination of luck and laziness like that, it’s only a matter of time before they are.From then on it was surely a case of how many. The Blades cleared it, Liverpool attacked. But ominously they kept wasting the openings.Alexis Mac Allister scored a wondergoal for Liverpool and dominated in midfieldAnd when the lead is a single goal, there is always some hope, however faint and flickering. And as long as the Blades were in touching distance, they had a prayer.One that was rewarded 12 minutes after the break when the Blades took a puncher’s chance swing and caught the Reds squarely on the chin.Hamer set things rolling with a marvellous ball swung to James McAtee, on loan from Manchester City, on the right flank and ten yards in the opposition half.His delivery – a looping, swirling cross beyond the far post – was even more impressive, with Liverpool suddenly woefully short of numbers.Hamer leapt to head across goal, Bradley stuck out a leg and it bobbled between Caoimhin Kelleher.READ MORE SUN STORIESSuddenly it was all square. Suddenly the title was drifting away. Suddenly Mac Allister appeared from nowhere like a caped crusader to save the day.What a hit son indeed. Gakpo’s header may have given a bit of closing stages breathing space, but that was the moment it all changed again. Next stop Old Trafford… More

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      Fans realise Antony has been involved in more Chelsea league goals than Man Utd ones after giving away idiotic penalty

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      FANS slammed Antony after realising he had contributed to more Chelsea goals than Manchester United in the Premier League this season.The Brazilian was given a rare start at Stamford Bridge in place of Marcus Rashford, who dropped to the bench.Antony conceded a penalty against Chelsea as he fouled Marc CucurellaCredit: GettyThe winger has not produced a goal or assist in the Premier League this seasonCredit: GettyAntony was given a chance to impress but he did the exact opposite less than 20 minutes into the game.With Chelsea already leading thanks to a Conor Gallagher strike, defender Marc Cucurella burst into the United penalty box.Antony tracked the Spaniard before diving in to try and win the ball – but he brought down Cucurella instead.The resulting penalty was dispatched by Cole Palmer for his 19th goal of the season, with fans realising Antony had now been involved in more Chelsea goals than United in the Prem.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIn that moment, the winger had failed to produce a single goal or assist in the league this season, although he has scored twice in the FA Cup and produced an assist in the competition.One fan reacted saying: “Atrocious.”Another added: “Worst signing in Premier League history.”A third wrote: “How can you have zero goals in match day 31 playing as winger.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd another commented: “No words. 🤐”However Antony hit back in the second half and produced one of the assists of the season as he crossed with the outside of his left foot for Alejandro Garnacho to score his second goal of the game.An incredible game ended up with Manchester United losing 4-3 after two late Chelsea goals.Antony, 24, has been heavily criticised this season and he is one player new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe could look to move on in the summer.Rio Ferdinand fears Marcus Rashford will need to leave Man Utd as he warns struggling star has brutal decision to make More

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      What does Joe Lewis’ sentencing mean for Tottenham?

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      JOE LEWIS has avoided jail for insider trading and conspiracy charges.The British billionaire, 87, pleaded guilty in January after tipping off his girlfriend, private pilots and family and friends in his inner circle. Joe Lewis has been sentenced after pleading guilt to insider tradingCredit: APThe British billionaire was the former owner of TottenhamCredit: ReutersThe businessman admitted to sharing secrets and faced his punishment in a New York court today. A federal judge agreed to sentence him to a $5million (£4million) fine and three years’ probation.Lewis is known by many football fans for being the former Tottenham owner.So SunSport’s Dan King answers the big questions about what this all means for Spurs…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWHO IS JOE LEWIS?Now 87, East End-born Lewis made his fortune mainly in currency trading. He is the main investor in the Tavistock Group, which owns more than 200 companies around the world. The Sunday Times Rich List of 2023 stated he had a net worth of £5.096billion. Those assets include an art collection, featuring works by Picasso, Matisse and Degas, that is said to be worth more than £800m.Most read in FootballHOW AND WHEN DID HE BECOME INVOLVED IN TOTTENHAM?The English National Investment Company (ENIC, later ENIC Group), founded by Lewis, first took a minority stake in Spurs in 1991. It also acquired shares in Rangers, Vicenza, AEK Athens FC Basel and Slavia Prague. In December 2000, ENIC paid Alan Sugar £22m for his 29.9 per cent stake and so gained majority control. Spurs boss Joe Lewis, 87, AVOIDS JAIL over insider trading after spilling company info to girlfriend & jet pilotsIt went on buying up Spurs stock, while disposing of its interests in other clubs, until it reached its current holding of 86.58 per cent of Tottenham Hotspur Limited.WHEN DID LEWIS OFFICIALLY CEASE BEING SPURS’ OWNER?It was only when Lewis was charged by the US authorities in July 2023 that it emerged he had stopped being the owner of Tottenham – in theory at least – in October 2022. At that point, in a move that was surely related to the inquiry, the 70.12 per cent stake in Bahamas-registered ENIC that Lewis had controlled was transferred to a trust whose beneficiaries are unnamed members of his family. They presumably include his children Vivienne and Charles. On paper, however, the two people who now control Tottenham are Bryan Glinton and Katie Booth.WHO ARE THEY?Miami-born Glinton is co-founding partner in Glinton Sweeting O’Brien, a law firm based in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. He is a long-term legal advisor to Lewis’ Tavistock Group. British-born Booth is a former lawyer and bank executive who now runs her own asset management consultancy in the Bahamas.WHAT IMPACT HAS THE INSIDER TRADING CASE HAD ON HOW SPURS ARE RUN?In short: very little. Chairman Daniel Levy, 62, who with his family owns the remaining 29.88 per cent of ENIC, has always been in charge of the day-to-day running of the club with Lewis generally taking a hands-off approach. Daughter Vivienne has attended games more often than her dad.Levy met Lewis in his 30s and for more than two decades, the pair were very close. Sources indicate, however, that the relationship has cooled in recent years and the criminal case has undoubtedly brought unwelcome publicity to the club and the Premier League.WHAT IS NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?Tottenham’s accounts for the 2022-23 season revealed an £86m loss and Levy confirmed in the documents that the search was on for new investors. In May 2023, Spurs announced ENIC was pumping up to £150m into the club in return for new shares. Two months later, the US authorities charged Lewis and the October 2022 change in ownership came to light. A partial sale or full takeover was always likely after Levy completed the £1bn project to build Tottenham’s incredible new stadium and turned the club into a blue-chip asset. The end of Lewis’ case brings some stability which could allow the process to gather pace.WHAT IS TO STOP LEWIS BENEFITTING FROM ANY SALE OF ENIC SHARES?As above: very little. The trust which now effectively owns just over 60 per cent of Spurs (by holding 70 per cent of ENIC’s 86 per cent stake) would stand to receive the same proportion of the proceeds from any sale of stock. Another reason why the super-rich and criminals (Lewis is both, of course) have bank accounts in low or zero-tax havens like the Bahamas, Panama and the Virgin Islands, is that they can carry on their business with very little scrutiny. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt would be pretty simple for those controlling the trust to make sure Lewis tasted some sugar if the club he owned for more than 20 years generated some upside. And after avoiding jail, he would surely be able to enjoy it.Lewis tried to cover up as he arrived at Manhattan Federal CourtCredit: ReutersThe sentencing is unlikely to have much impact on TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd offer new deal to 16-year-old wonderkid who’s already trained with first team as other top clubs circle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to offer wonderkid Bendito Mantato a new contract, according to reports.The versatile youngster has impressed in the United academy.Manchester United are set to offer Bendito Mantato a new contractCredit: GettyMantato, left, has trained with the first-team this seasonCredit: GettyHe was fast-tracked to join in with first-team training last month, highlighting how highly valued he is at Carrington.And Mantato is set to be rewarded with a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.The deal will reportedly include a pact for a future professional contract.Mantato, 16, is considering the offer amid interest from other clubs, who hope to entice the winger away without having to pay much compensation.READ MORE IN SPORTUnited have been key to tie down young talent with Darren Fletcher’s twin sons Jack and Tyler penning new deals this week.Mantato has played for England at youth level and has even been compared to Bukayo Saka.He is also capable of playing at full-back and is considered to be one of United’s most promising prospects.Kobbie Mainoo has broken into the first-team this season and Erik ten Hag warned new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe not to disrupt his development of young players.Most read in FootballMeet two more potential future Man Utd stars

      Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher’s sons Jack and Tyler penned new contracts with the club this week.
      The twins, 17, were poached from rivals Manchester City last year.
      The deal to bring them to United from their Manchester rivals is believed to have been a record for their age group.
      The pair both play in central midfield and Jack represents England at Under-18 level, while Tyler plays for Scotland.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Don’t interrupt this process. We have good young players coming through.“They are developing very well in their progress. We are in a good way, a good direction and need to make the next steps.“You need to follow the process.”Fans rave about ‘Man Utd’s answer to Messi’ as 16-year-old academy product scores cheeky goal More

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      Rio Ferdinand fears Marcus Rashford will need to leave Man Utd as he warns struggling star has brutal decision to make

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand fired a stern warning to Marcus Rashford amid his struggles this season.Rashford, 26, has put together a series of hapless performances for United with only eight goals and six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.Rio Ferdinand claims Marcus Rashford may have to leave Manchester UnitedCredit: YouTube/ THE OVERLAPFerdinand claims Rashford will have to get rid of ‘external people’ that may be ‘enabling’ himCredit: GettyThat is a far cry from last season’s staggering total of 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 matches that saw the forward turning into Erik ten Hag’s main man.However, the England international has failed to extend his goalscoring exploits and Ferdinand insists he has reached a “pivotal moment” that may lead to him having to leave Old Trafford.The United legend is adamant Rashford will have to make a “big decision” to either save his future with the Red Devils or his career in general.The former defender suggests the winger is dealing with the wrong influence from “external people” around him that may enable him.Read More on Man UtdAnd the ex-England international insists he will have to get rid of those individuals and decide whether he wants to stay at United or try his luck elsewhere.Ferdinand told the Stick to Football podcast via Sky Bet: “It’s a pivotal moment in his career now. He’s not a kid anymore. A lot of people look at potential and talent. “He’s 26 – what were you [the panel] doing at 26? We were still making mistakes, don’t get me wrong, but on the football pitch you had it locked down, you knew what you were doing, you knew what you were about, who you were.“There’s a big decision to make for him. From him, he’s got to look at who is around him. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRashford has struggled to replicate last season’s goalscoring exploits”I know his family play a big part with him, which is great, but who are the external people around that? “Are they the right people, are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors, or are they saying, ‘Look at yourself, and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.Gary Neville ‘genuinely worried’ about Marcus Rashford as he and Roy Keane say ‘something’s not right’ with Man Utd star“When I joined Leeds United, I could’ve gone to Chelsea, and they were probably the club I preferred to go to at the time. “The reason I left [West Ham] to go to Leeds was because it was out of London, and the external people around me, I needed to get away from. “He’ll need to either decide to get rid of them and stay in Manchester or leave Manchester and get rid of those people. “It might be an accumulation of different things, but that could be a big part because the people around you do have a big influence on how you are – especially accountability.”Gary Neville and Roy Keane also express concernGary Neville and Roy Keane have also expressed their concern over Rashford
      Gary Neville said: “I don’t know how to say this but there’s something not right. He’s not right. And it’s not just a case of he’s not playing football well, he doesn’t look happy.
      “I’m looking and thinking, ‘I’m actually worried about him’. You know when you watch a player and think there’s something there.
      “We know there has been a couple of instances where he’s come under a bit of pressure, his form is bad, we know that, but it’s not right that.
      “I genuinely would worry about him at this moment in time because it’s not the lad that’s grown up with the spirit and freedom of playing for United as a kid.”
      Keane said: “There’s no question mark about his ability, he’s outstanding. But there’s a point with him. A player can have an off spell but I just look at him, he’s certainly not enjoying his football.
      “I wouldn’t say I’m worried about him but I look at him and there’s something amiss with this kid.
      “You’re on about the people around him whether that be his family or the manager… Who’s on his case every day?
      “There’s nothing wrong with the old fashioned kick up the a*s and going, ‘Come on, we need more from you’. If the team’s not at it and you want to be this leader and you’re on the big contracts then there is that responsibility.
      “I don’t think there is anybody on his case, but that doesn’t mean he can’t produce and run a bit more.
      “He’s been at the club a long time, since he was a kid, pressure effects players, body language, sometimes you’ve got to get hold of a player.” More