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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

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      Arsenal ‘parked a double decker bus at the Etihad’ – it wasn’t a ‘masterclass in defending’ says legendary manager

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      FORMER Premier League boss Sam Allardyce says Arsenal “parked a double decker bus” against Manchester City.The two title contenders played out a drab goalless draw last Sunday.Mikel Arteta ‘parked a double decker bus’ versus Man CityCredit: ReutersArsenal played out a dull 0-0 drawCredit: ReutersSam Allardyce has praised Arteta but doesn’t think it was a tactical ‘masterclass’Credit: AFPArsenal have faced criticism from some due to their defensive approach to the game that aimed to restrict City to few chances.But Allardyce, who has managed the likes of England, West Ham and Newcastle, praised Mikel Arteta’s tactics but said it was not a stroke of genius.He told the William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football: “People are calling Arsenal’s performance at the Etihad a masterclass in defending – it wasn’t. “Arteta clearly asked the team simply not to lose. A point away at Manchester City is valuable and that is what they set out to get. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They parked the bus – a double-decker bus at that!“Everybody was looking forward to it being an entertaining game and it wasn’t, but I have to say that doesn’t happen very often anymore. “I have to give Arteta full marks for the way they went about nullifying Manchester City. “He is there to win the league this time. He blew it last year, he gave it away. I think he has learnt his lesson and is developing as a manager and the new signings have made them better.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArsenal were without centre-back William Saliba for the run-in last season as he was injured.Allardyce believes the Frenchman’s fitness this time around could swing the title race in the Gunners’ favour.Animated Pep Guardiola berates Jack Grealish at full-time after Man City are frustrated by Arsenal in title showdown He explained: “Losing Saliba was the reason they lost the league last year because as soon as he was out they started conceding goals. “This year he is still there and he is the best centre-back in the country at the moment.”There are just eight matchweeks to go and Allardyce believes City will win it for a fourth time in a row if they can fix their defensive issues as they have been “too easy to score against” lately. More

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      Raging Roy Keane once told forgotten Man Utd star ‘you’ll never make it.. you’ll be playing pub league’ in scathing rant

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      RIO FERDINAND has recalled the time Roy Keane furiously berated ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Stewart in training.Keane, 52, was one of the most feared men in football during his time at Old Trafford.Rio Ferdinand recalled the time Roy Keane criticised a Man Utd playerCredit: YouTube / The OverlapKeane was Man Utd captain for eight yearsCredit: GettyHaving captained United for eight years, the Ireland international had no issue in telling his team-mates if and when they were not up to standard.And on the latest edition of the Stick to Football podcast, Ferdinand was keen to discuss one particular incident.The former centre-back said: “Do you remember Michael Stewart?”We were sitting on the ledge where you do your leg swings before you go out to training, and he was a young lad, Scottish international.Read More in Football”He was there and I don’t know what triggered Roy, but I could hear him saying, ‘You’ll never make it, you. You’ll be playing for a pub team in a couple years’ time if you carry on the way you are’.”But Keane quickly responded: “I was right! He ended up playing for Hibernian and Hearts. I was trying to motivate him.”Stewart made 14 senior appearances for Man Utd before leaving in 2005.He went on to spend two years at Hibernian and three years at Hearts.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe midfielder then spent a season with Turkish side Gençlerbirliği before returning to England to join Charlton.After signing a short-term deal, he made nine appearances for the Addicks.’My kids needed me’, says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon shares heartbreaking reason for turning back on management dreamStewart was also capped four times by the Scottish national team. More

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      ‘My kids needed me’, says Rio Ferdinand as Man Utd icon shares heartbreaking reason for turning back on management dream

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed the heartbreaking reason he could not pursue his management dream. The Manchester United and England legend retired in 2015 and began taking his coaching badges. Rio Ferdinand revealed the heartbreaking reason he could not pursue his management dreamHe even did so alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and John O’Shea, all ex-United stars who have gone on to coach. But, in the same year Ferdinand hung up his boots, his wife Rebecca sadly passed away following a battle with breast cancer at the age of just 34.She left behind the couple’s three young children Lorenz, Tate, and Tia.And Ferdinand admits it was for that reason that he could not commit to management. He said on The Overlap podcast: “I was doing my badges. I wanted to be a coach, manager 100 per cent. “Me, Wayne, Michael, Sheasy, they’ve all done management now, I was on the same course as them. “But obviously, personal situations at home happen. If you’re going to be a manager you’ve got to be there 24/7 there’s no time off. “I’ve seen it with Stevie and Frank in the little time I’ve had with them. The change from being a pundit to a manager, their phones are never off their ear. Most read in Football”They’re not really fully engaged because they’re probably thinking about a million other things. “My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them, I’m at work but I’m contactable, I can still be there I can still get to parents evenings whereas with managers, they miss all that stuff. ‘We were a disgrace’, says ex-Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand as he reveals massive change he’d bring to football “So I had to make a real quick decision. It wasn’t even something I had to think about, really. It was just like, I’m not doing that.”The former defender later tied the knot again, with former reality TV star Kate Wright – now Ferdinand – in 2019. And Kate has helped raise Ferdinand’s children while also welcoming two children into the world, son Cree and baby girl Shae. My kids needed me to be 100 per cent with them, I’m at work but I’m contactable, I can still be there I can still get to parents evenings whereas with managers, they miss all that stuff. Rio FerdinandFerdinand, 45, now features on fans’ TV screen as a regular pundit on TNT Sports, a role he is still loving. He said: “I’d be doing this anyway with my pals, going to games. “Loads of my mates would be coming up to me after the game on the weekend, I’d be on that train or on the mini bus with them. “But I love it and where we get to see it first hand we’re still close enough you get to smell it and feel it a little bit. I love it.”Ferdinand with his first wife Rebecca in 2009 who sadly passed away aged just 34Credit: Getty – ContributorThe former footballer is now with ex-reality TV star KateCredit: InstagramKate is step mum to Ferdinand’s three kids while they also share two themselvesCredit: Kate Ferdinand / Instagram More

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      Premier League ‘could SCRAP points deductions and introduce American rule’ paving way for mega transfer splurge

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      A SHOCK new report has claimed that the Premier League could SCRAP point deductions and introduce an American sport style “luxury tax” instead.Everton were hit with a whopping ten-point penalty – reduced to six on appeal – for breaching Prem Profitability and Sustainability Rules.The Premier League could introduce a shock new ‘luxury tax’Credit: ReutersThat could open the door for the likes of Todd Boehly to spend even moreCredit: GettyNottingham Forest were then stung with a four-point deduction for breaking PSR rules.And clubs were wary over what they spent during the January transfer window, making it one of the quietest ones on record.That has reportedly left “many officials to deem the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) not fit for purpose” and sparked huge concern.Many fear current spending rules will see the Premier League fall from its position as the world’s most lucrative competition as clubs struggle to pay elite transfer fees and wages.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow, the Daily Mail report that clubs have discussed “radical reform” and a completely new system could be voted in at June’s meeting.They say that up to 17 of the 20 top-flight teams are set to back the change, with just 14 needing to be in agreement to get the rules switched.This report says that the punishments to Everton and Forest “were draconian and not reflective of why PSR was brought in” and clubs should be able to “have a go” if they have the cash to do so without punishment that could result in relegation.That is where the “luxury tax” has been reportedly considered.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat would mean that teams overspending would have a financial punishment instead of points that would increase the more they spend.The money accumulated from that would be redistributed to those Prem clubs staying within the rules, while it was also mentioned that some of the cash may go to an “emergency fund” for EFL clubs in financial difficulties.The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIIt is not known whether any monetary penalties would count against the following year’s finances.America’s Major League Baseball and NBA currently have the tax, which relates to the amount spent on the salaries of their squad.However, both the NFL and National Hockey League have “hard” salary caps that teams cannot exceed.There is a new Uefa rule that is also “viewed favourably” by some top-flight teams while an “anchoring” has also been talked about.That would be set on the amount a club can spend being directly related to the wage bill spent by the bottom club. For example, if Sheffield United’s wage bill is £50m this term and they end up bottom, then every club would have a set multiple of that figure to spend for the following season.And if anyone breaks that cap, then they would pay the fine.Chelsea made two of the biggest transfers ever in January 2023 More

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      Thomas Partey hints at Arsenal contract extension despite Mikel Arteta considering cashing in on injury-prone star

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      THOMAS PARTEY has hinted he wants to extend his contract at Arsenal.The Gunners midfielder’s deal expires next summer – having joined from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45m – but there have so far been no talks over a fresh offer. Thomas Partey made a rare Prem start against Luton in mid-weekCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is deliberating over whether to let the injury-prone star leave this summerCredit: GettyInjuries have plagued the Ghanaian’s four-year stay at the Emirates, and made just his second start of the season since August during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton following surgery on a thigh issue.There is speculation that Mikel Arteta may look to cash in on the 30-year-old this summer ahead of another recruitment drive.Juventus have previously been interested, while Partey has also been linked to a switch to the Saudi Pro League.But Partey has told Arteta that he sees his future in North London, explaining: “My head is always here. This is where I choose to play, I’m really happy every time I’m on the field.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“I know a lot of speculations have been going on, but for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club.“I still have to the end of the season, I think. I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.”Arteta will hope Partey can contribute in Arsenal’s push for a sensational Prem and Champions League double this term.Partey added: “I feel good. I’ve improved a lot on my fitness, and I’m trying my best to keep on going at this level and keep giving my best.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Ghanaian’s future was further complicated last summer with the £105m arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham.England star Rice has been a revelation at the Emirates, firing the Gunners above champions Man City and to within touching distance of leaders Liverpool in the title race.Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt More

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      Oleksandr Zinchenko says Arsenal can be world beaters ahead of their drive for Premier League and Champions League glory

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      OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO believes Arsenal are ready to be world beaters ahead of a season-defining two weeks.The Gunners remain at the heart of a thrilling three-pronged Premier League title race after beating strugglers Luton 2-0 at the Emirates on Wednesday night thanks to Martin Odegaard’s first half strike and Daiki Hashioka’s own goal.Oleksandr Zinchenko starred in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton on WednesdayCredit: GettyGunners boss Mikel Arteta is eyeing Prem and Champions League glory this termCredit: ReutersThat is now nine wins from their last 10 Prem outings – including going unbeaten against title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City since the turn of the year.However, their biggest tests remain on the horizon this month both domestically and in EuropeAfter Saturday’s trip to Brighton, Mikel Arteta’s men face Bayern Munich over two legs in the Champions League quarter finals on April 9 and April 17, either side of hosting top four chasing Aston Villa on April 14.With their hopes of silverware still in the balance, Ukrainian international Zinchenko has sent a rallying cry to his teammates.READ MORE ARSENALAsked if Arsenal’s unbeaten streak – including a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at City last weekend – gives them confidence, Zinchenko said: “Yeah, I won’t lie to you.“We are fighting for something big this season. It shows we are ready to compete with the best teams in the world.“It’s not easy to play against City away and also Liverpool away and the other teams as well. It shows Arsenal are ready to fight for it.”Zinchenko arrived from City last summer for £35m, and was a part of the Arsenal side that threw away an eight-point lead at the top to Pep Guardiola’s men last term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 27-year-old full-back added: “When I came here I saw already a lot of qualities here and a lot of different players with such a big talent.“This year all of us we’ve got more experience, we’ve played with each other much, much more and I think we’re improving.”Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt Zinchenko made his first Prem start against the Hatters since early February, having lost his place to makeshift Polish defender Jakub Kiwior in recent weeks.With the impending return of left-back Jurrien Timber after his knee surgery back in August, Zinchenko is relishing the competition for places.He said: “It is good for all of us and the team as well that we have good competition in each position. We need to fight and work hard to deserve this opportunity to play every time.”I used to give Declan Rice compliments on the football pitch… I couldn’t help myself, says Troy DeeneyBy Troy Deeney
      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.
      Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.
      When he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.
      The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.
      And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.
      We would tell each other to ‘do one’ every now and again but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say, ‘Good touch, mate’.
      He had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.
      He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be.
      When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or, ‘Why him?’. It was more a sense of, ‘Yeah, that makes sense’.
      There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.
      Click here to read Troy Deeney’s column in full. More