Sport Live Blogs

MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly very interested in Raphael Varane, though Chelsea are set to provide stiff competition.Meanwhile the Red Devils could secure Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele for a cut price £44m with the Catalan club needing to balance the books.
And we have all the latest on the continued fan protests against the Glazer family
Get all the latest Man Utd news, updates and transfer gossip here…
FINAL PUSH
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a chance to banish his semi-final hoodoo when Utd face Roma in the Europa League last-four on Thursday.

COAST IS CLEAR
Premier League Covid testers have recorded their first clear week this season.
And League bosses believe they are proving the game is close to winning the battle against the virus.
Over the past week, two rounds of testing, comprising 2,787 samples of players and staff across the 20 clubs, found no positives.
Just over half of those – 1,472 – took place between Monday and Thursday, with a further 1,315 samples taken between Friday and Sunday.

BAILLY CONTRACT CONFIRMED
Eric Bailly has signed a new deal at Manchester United until 2024 with the option of a further year.
The Ivorian told the club’s media: “I’m very happy. This decision is something I didn’t have to think about, I love this club and I love playing for Manchester United.
“I’m happy and so are my family, everything is good. Now the moment with my injury has passed and I’m fit and feel good, and that’s it. A new contract is like a new challenge and I’m ready for this.
“That’s why I say the new contract shows the group has confidence in me – the coach, the staff and the players and, for me, that is very important.
“And that’s why I made this decision to stay at the club.”

BEL TOLLS
Manchester United are reportedly in competition with Liverpool and Tottenham in the race to sign Torino striker Andrea Belotti.
The 27-year-old has no shortage of admirers, with the player to potentially be sold in the summer with his contract to expire in 2022.
Belotti has once again impressed for the Turin outfit this term – chipping in with 12 goals and six assists in 29 Serie A games.
Since joining the Maroons from Palermo in 2015, the Italy international has banged in a staggering 104 goals in 222 outings.
And with the player unlikely to sign a new deal with Torino, Tuttosport have claimed a number of teams are vying to secure his services.
They state that the Red Devils are keen on the centre-forward as a possible replacement for Edinson Cavani.
However the Italian news outlet also adds that both Liverpool and Spurs are weighing up an offer.

FANDEMONIUM
Five Premier League clubs are included in the top ten teams that boast the biggest social media following in world football.
Nine of the sides also feature in the top ten most valuable clubs, where Barcelona pipped their Spanish rivals Real Madrid to first spot.

And once again it is the two LaLiga giants that have the most followers in figures obtained by Goal.
The news outlet calculated the data by combining the club’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok followers.
And Real and Barca are in a league of their own with no other side coming close to the pair.
Los Blancos boast over a whopping 252million followers across the major platforms, with the Blaugrana having just under two million fewer.
Manchester United are third on the list with over 142million followers – over 100million less than Ronald Koeman’s men.
CAN’T AFFORD JU
Juventus face having to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain if they miss out on the Champions League.
That is according to reports in Italy which doubt the Bianconeri’s ability to support the superstar’s huge wages from the Europa League.
The weekend’s draw with Fiorentina left fourth-placed Juve hanging onto Serie A’s final Champions League spot and three points clear of Napoli.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side boast a game in hand, against Torino on Monday evening, and a more favourable run-in.
Juventus were already struggling financially amid the coronavirus pandemic, reportedly hastening their push for a European Super League.
But missing out on a top-four finish would hit the club’s coffers hard at the worst possible time.
According to Tuttosport, Ronaldo costs the Old Lady a gross £1million-a-week in wages.
Credit: Getty
GOOD AFTERNOON UNITED FANS!
Eric Bailly is reportedly set to extend his time at Old Trafford by signing a new deal.
The Manchester Evening News reports the centre-back has been convinced to sign on the dotted line by the promise of more game time next season.
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips revealed the key to keeping Bruno Fernandes in the 0-0 draw at Elland Road.
The England star lifted the lid on his stringent man-marking of the Portuguese talisman.
And Diogo Dalot’s agent insisted he will be playing for a European giant next season even if it’s not the Red Devils.
Dalot has spent this campaign on loan with Serie A side AC Milan.
Load more entries… More

MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly be able to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona for a cut price £44m this summer.Meanwhile Harry Maguire and Fred appeared to row during the 0-0 draw at Leeds.
Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
FER & SQUARE
Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips has revealed how he kept Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes quiet in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Elland Road.
Speaking to Sky Sports after helping his team climb above Arsenal into ninth, Phillips, 25, said: “That’s what we’re about, Leeds as a club, we dig in and try to make it hard for teams.
“Particularly teams like Man Utd, it was a good game and I enjoyed the battle in midfield and everywhere on the park.”
When quizzed about his job of nulling the threat of Fernandes, he said: “We do it all games, we have different markers every game.
“My task was Bruno so I did my best to keep him quiet and luckily he didn’t pop up with a goal so I did alright.
“It depends, really (man-to-man marking), I think we’re more vulnerable when we don’t pick the wide men up and stuff like that, but I think it’s just the way that we play, we’ve always played like that.
“The attackers that we’ve got are very used to man-to-man marking and trying to press when we’re off the ball and hopefully, it brings us spaces when we’ve got it.”

NO GOOD BAILLY
Eric Bailly is reportedly set to sign a new contract at Manchester United.
The Manchester Evening News reports the centre-back is set to commit to a new deal after being reassured about his chances of playing time next season.
The Ivorian has lagged behind Victor Lindelof in the battle to partner Harry Maguire at the back.
The 27-year-old has made 100 appearances for United since joining from Villarreal in 2016.

HARRY MET PALLY
Harry Maguire has equalled Garry Pallister’s Manchester United record of 71 Premier League matches in a row without missing a minute.
71 – Harry Maguire hasn’t missed a single minute of @ManUtd’s last 71 Premier League matches, equalling Gary Pallister’s club record in the competition among outfield players (Nov 1993-May 1995). Everpresent.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 25, 2021

ENGLAND REIGNS
English football is poised to reclaim the title of best in Europe – after NINE years.
And if either Chelsea or Arsenal beat their Spanish opponents this week, England will be confirmed in top spot – even if all four remaining Prem clubs go out at the semi-final stage.
The exploits of the Prem’s Euro battlers have seen England’s five-year coefficient score rise to 98.283 points.
Two points are earned for every win and one for each  draw in European competition, divided between the number of teams who have qualified – seven in the case of England – to provide an average score for each country.
England started the season in second place behind Spain, who have been top of the Euro table since 2012.
But while English clubs have accrued 22.071 points so far, Spain have gathered just 18.642, for a total of 96.997.
With only Real Madrid and Villarreal left of La Liga’s initial seven sides, Spain’s maximum possible final total is 98.711.
England will be assured of topping that if Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, between them pick up just three draws or a win and a draw in their combined eight matches across both legs of the semi-finals.
SHAW THING
Luke Shaw impressed again in the 0-0 draw against Leeds as the left-back continues his stellar season and his hoping to taste victory in the Europa League semi-final against Roma on Thursday.
He told MUTV: “I think they changed the way they play a little bit.
“I think when they came to Old Trafford, they were pressing much more higher, more aggressive and I think maybe they knew they played into our hands last time, so they were a bit more cautious this time. But I still feel like we should have won the game.
“A Man Utd side like us, we need to be winning today.
“That split second, that quality… I think we got that in abundance in our team. We should be taking the chances that we had today.
We have to move on. It’s a very important game on Thursday that we need to win. That’s the main focus now.”

➡ Following Sunday’s #PL stalemate, Luke Shaw has his sights firmly set on our #UEL semi-final against Roma…#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 26, 2021

UNITED STANCE
Diogo Dalot’s agent has insisted the star is guaranteed to play for a great European club’ next season as he looks to sort his Manchester United future.
The Portuguese defender was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford this season and was shipped out to AC Milan on loan last summer.
As yet, no talks between them and United have taken place over a transfer switch.
Discussing his client’s future, Carlos Goncalves told CalcioMercato: “Diogo has a contract with Manchester United until 30 June 2023.
“All decisions regarding his future will be made in due course.
“There is still a lot to be decided in the Italian league and Diogo is only focused on Milan’s immediate goals, which are to finish the 2020/21 season in the best possible way, earning a spot in the Champions League.
“But whatever the future, whatever decision is made, it’s guaranteed that Diogo will continue to play in a great European club.”

GREAT DANE
Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the transfer chase for Fulham’s loan star Joachim Andersen.
The 24-year-old has shone for the Cottagers this season in the top-flight despite his side looking certain to be relegated from the Premier League.
The Danish international has made 27 appearances since moving to London from Lyon but looks unlikely to make that switch permanent this summer.
Lyon are expected to cash in on the defender, and despite Andersen’s good relationship with Fulham’s Scott Parker, a move to the Championship will not interest him.
The LIgue 1 team will demand at least £20million for the centre-back.
The Mirror states that Arsenal could be preparing a swoop as a replacement for David Luiz.
The Brazilian is a free agent in June and has yet to finalise a new 12-month extension with the Gunners.

EDS TURNED
Manchester United are reportedly ‘losing the battle’ to keep Edinson Cavani this summer.
The 34-year-old striker has impressed this season at Old Trafford following his arrival on a free transfer in October.
After finding the net ten times so far, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already held talks with the veteran about triggering a new 12-month extension.
Cavani has yet to give an answer on whether he will pen a £200,000-a-week deal to remain at United.
However, the Uruguayan is believed to be keen on returning to South America.
And The Mirror claims the Red Devils are ‘losing the battle’ to persuade him to stay with the hitman ‘wanting to sign for Argentine club Boca Juniors’ in June.

VAR SHOCKER
Manchester United look set to miss out on Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
Prem rivals Chelsea are leading the pursuit of the Frenchman, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Red Devils have made no secret of their desire to sign a central defender to be skipper Harry Maguire’s long-term partner at the back.
Los Blancos are set to demand over £60million for the 28-year-old whose contract expires in 2022.

GOOD MORNING MAN UTD FANS
Here are your main headlines this Monday morning:
Manchester United drew 0-0 with Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men failed to take their chances.
A group of fans also flew a banner over the Whites’ ground, which read “2bn stolen #GlazersOut” in protest against the Glazer family after the owners’ participation in the European Super League fiasco.
Solskjaer suggested that he was satisfied with his players’ performance despite the poor result but United legends-turned-pundits, such as Paul Ince and Paul Scholes, strongly disagreed with the Norwegian manager.
Red Devils stars, like Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, admitted they were frustrated with the result but are now looking forward to Thursday’s Europa League clash with Roma at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has poured cold water on United’s hopes of signing Harry Kane in the summer as he is confident he won’t leave Spurs.
The Manchester giants have been linked with Kane for a while now and rumours suggest that he will push for an exit if the north Londoners fail to qualify for the Champions League.
However, Redknapp believes the England captain will be convinced by Tottenham’s new manager to stay put at his boyhood club.
RED RUMBLE
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down talk of a bust-up between Fred and Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils captain was heard calling his team-mate a “f***ing idiot” in their goalless draw with Leeds.
But Solskjaer, 48, brushed over the incident by claiming it was a result of the demands his players have of one another.
He said: “We have got a group that demands a lot of each other.
“The standard is high, both in training and in a game — it is not just about being a nice guy. We demand maximum effort.”
He added: “I was really proud of how strong we looked. I never thought they threatened our goal in the second half but we missed a little bit of spark to win the game.”
DON’T BET ON IT
Real Betis are not going to pursue a summer transfer deal with Manchester United for Eric Bailly.
That is according to El Desmarque, who denied rumours suggesting that Bailly will move to LaLiga at the end of the season.
That is because Betis will struggle to afford the United defender.
The Ivory Coast international’s contract runs out next year but Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still hopeful that the 27-year-old will sign a new deal
RING THE BEL
Barcelona have significantly lowered their asking price for Ousmane Dembele.
That is according to reports in Spain, which claim that Dembele will be available for a fee in the region of €50million (£44m) and €60m (£52m) in the summer.
The striker has repeatedly been linked with Manchester United in the past.
The 23-year-old’s contract runs out next year and Barca will want to make sure they don’t lose him for free in 2022
KANE FUTURE
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes star striker Harry Kane will stay at Spurs in the summer.
Reports suggested that Kane, who has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, will leave the north Londoners in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
However, Redknapp is confident the England captain will remain loyal to the club after Jose Mourinho’s replacement is found.
Redknapp told Goal: “I think he’ll stay. I think the new manager will come in and convince him that they’ll be having a go and signing a few more players.
“There’s nobody better than him. I wouldn’t swap him for any centre-forward in the world, personally.
“He would guarantee Man City, Man Utd or Liverpool winning the league next season, for sure. He’s a fantastic player. Tottenham have to keep him”
LOOKING FER-WARD
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes wasn’t pleased with the goalless draw at Leeds.
Fernandes took to social media after the game at Elland Road and described the outcome as “frustrating”.
But the attacking midfielder stated United are only focused on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final clash against Roma at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international tweeted:

HIGH FIVE
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on his backline – Dean Henderson, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka – for their impressive display against Leeds.
Solskjaer told the club’s official website: “It is hard to concede when the ball is in their half.
“We did well today, I thought we were assured with the ball as well – Victor, Harry, Dean, Luke and Aaron.
“When it is one against one, the times when they win the ball and break forward, it is exciting. I am disappointed we didn’t get three points, but I am very pleased with the performance”
KEANE JOKE
Manchester United legend Roy Keane showed glimpses of his humour on social media.
Keane directed a rare joke towards former team-mate Gary Neville following his passionate opposition towards the failed European Super League project.
Neville was among the loudest voices condemning the ESL and even suggested the clubs involved should be punished, including his former club United.
Keane is also opposed with the idea but that didn’t stop him and fellow United great Paul Scholes from directing a tongue-in-cheek jibe towards their former team-mate

OWEN SLAMS SOLSKJAER
Michael Owen joined a number of pundits that criticised Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decisions after the goalless draw at Leeds.
Owen told Premier League Productions: “I was disappointed with the team that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picked.
“I thought it was quite a negative team. You’re going to a team that you’ve already beaten 6-2 in the Premier League, you don’t really need two sitting midfielders.
“I thought it was a negative statement to start with”
SCHOLES CRITICISES SOLSKJAER
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes criticised former team-mate and current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to bench Paul Pogba as well as Edinson Cavani at Leeds.
Scholes also disagreed with Solskjaer’s post-match comments as he hinted he is pleased with the players’ performance despite the goalless draw at Elland Road.
Scholes told Premier League Productions: “I was surprised Pogba didn’t start the game, surprised Cavani didn’t start the game.
“It took him a long time to bring him on as well and chances were few and far between. Marcus Rashford’s dipping free-kick was probably the closest they came.’
“I get the impression he’s a little bit happy with that draw. I don’t think he should be [pleased], not against a Leeds team without probably their best player in Raphinha”
PEP TALK
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has praised Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola by calling him the “greatest manager”.
Neville told Sky Sports: “They’ve got the greatest manager, they really have.
“He’s built a new team inside 12 months. They are so dominant, and their football is wonderful.
“City were so dominant. Pep Guardiola’s cup final record is absolutely sensational.
“The passing and domination was a lesson for [Tottenham interim head coach] Ryan Mason. They created so many touches. To play that well in a cup final…”
GETTY IMAGES
BEST OF THE RES
Villarreal star Pau Torres continues to be among Manchester United’s transfer targets ahead of the summer market.
According to Manchester Evening News, Torres may well be on the move at the end of the season as he has been seeking advice from friends about a possible transfer.
The 24-year-old centre-back has also attracted interest from Manchester City following a string of impressive performances under Unai Emery.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly desperate to sign a new defender that can partner up with Harry Maguire
ED TO ED
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remained coy about former team-mate Edwin van der Sar replacing Ed Woodward as executive vice-chairman.
It was announced shortly after the European Super League fiasco that Woodward will be stepping down at the end of the year.
Van der Sar has been touted as a potential replacement but Solskjaer just hopes the right person fills the role.
The United manager said: “It’s important we employ the right man – we can’t employ on sentiment but to have Man Utd’s best interests at heart – that’s one of the criteria of course.
“But I’m not the one who writes the job description so – of course my job now is to take care of results but whoever [comes in] I’m hopeful I can have a good working relationship with and I can provide results”
SOLSKJAER ADDRESSES BANNER
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists his players weren’t affected by a flying banner, which targeted the Glazer family and read ‘2 billion stolen: #Glazersout’, before the game with Leeds.
Solskjaer said: “No, I wasn’t aware and I don’t think any of the boys have seen that. We focused on the game, every single one, down to a tee, this week.
“Of course, it was a difficult week but the preparation for this game was really good. It is a unique style of play to play against [Leeds] but I thought we played well.
“I’m really happy with the boys’ focus, they have such a determination to finish this season strong. The European disappointment, that was the last game of last season, that still sticks in their minds and hearts.
“We’re very, very focused to do well against Roma [in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday], then we’ve got Liverpool in between, so not worried at all [about the protests]”
LUKE OUT
Manchester United star Luke Shaw suggested he and his team-mates have to improve on their finishing and stop wasting chances after their goalless draw at Leeds.
Shaw told MUTV: “I don’t think they really had too many chances, we’re defending right, we’ve improved a lot since the start of the season.
“We were conceding way too many goals and we knew that as a back unit and we’ve worked on that.
“We need to keep pushing ourselves to be more clinical in front of goal, because a Man United side with the talent we’ve got we need to be winning today”
GETTY IMAGES
LEAVING A MARK
Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips suggested he kept Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes quiet during their goalless draw at Elland Road.
Phillips told Sky Sports: “We man mark every game.
“I tried to keep Bruno quiet. Thankfully he didn’t pop up with a goal so my job is alright.
“We are more vulnerable if we don’t pick wide men up. It is the way we play. The attackers are used to the marking and pressing”
Load more entries… More

MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a goalless draw at Leeds, with skipper Harry Maguire appearing to clash with midfielder Fred.We’ve also got the updates on the fallout from the ill-fated European Super League.
Meanwhile, we’ve the very latest on a potential swoop for keeper Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw is set for a bumper pay rise.
Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
RED RUMBLE
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer played down talk of a bust-up between Fred and Harry Maguire.
The Red Devils captain was heard calling his team-mate a “f***ing idiot” in their goalless draw with Leeds.
But Solskjaer, 48, brushed over the incident by claiming it was a result of the demands his players have of one another.
He said: “We have got a group that demands a lot of each other.
“The standard is high, both in training and in a game — it is not just about being a nice guy. We demand maximum effort.”
He added: “I was really proud of how strong we looked. I never thought they threatened our goal in the second half but we missed a little bit of spark to win the game.”
DON’T BET ON IT
Real Betis are not going to pursue a summer transfer deal with Manchester United for Eric Bailly.
That is according to El Desmarque, who denied rumours suggesting that Bailly will move to LaLiga at the end of the season.
That is because Betis will struggle to afford the United defender.
The Ivory Coast international’s contract runs out next year but Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still hopeful that the 27-year-old will sign a new deal
RING THE BEL
Barcelona have significantly lowered their asking price for Ousmane Dembele.
That is according to reports in Spain, which claim that Dembele will be available for a fee in the region of €50million (£44m) and €60m (£52m) in the summer.
The striker has repeatedly been linked with Manchester United in the past.
The 23-year-old’s contract runs out next year and Barca will want to make sure they don’t lose him for free in 2022
KANE FUTURE
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes star striker Harry Kane will stay at Spurs in the summer.
Reports suggested that Kane, who has been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, will leave the north Londoners in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
However, Redknapp is confident the England captain will remain loyal to the club after Jose Mourinho’s replacement is found.
Redknapp told Goal: “I think he’ll stay. I think the new manager will come in and convince him that they’ll be having a go and signing a few more players.
“There’s nobody better than him. I wouldn’t swap him for any centre-forward in the world, personally.
“He would guarantee Man City, Man Utd or Liverpool winning the league next season, for sure. He’s a fantastic player. Tottenham have to keep him”
LOOKING FER-WARD
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes wasn’t pleased with the goalless draw at Leeds.
Fernandes took to social media after the game at Elland Road and described the outcome as “frustrating”.
But the attacking midfielder stated United are only focused on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final clash against Roma at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international tweeted:

HIGH FIVE
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer heaped praise on his backline – Dean Henderson, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka – for their impressive display against Leeds.
Solskjaer told the club’s official website: “It is hard to concede when the ball is in their half.
“We did well today, I thought we were assured with the ball as well – Victor, Harry, Dean, Luke and Aaron.
“When it is one against one, the times when they win the ball and break forward, it is exciting. I am disappointed we didn’t get three points, but I am very pleased with the performance”
KEANE JOKE
Manchester United legend Roy Keane showed glimpses of his humour on social media.
Keane directed a rare joke towards former team-mate Gary Neville following his passionate opposition towards the failed European Super League project.
Neville was among the loudest voices condemning the ESL and even suggested the clubs involved should be punished, including his former club United.
Keane is also opposed with the idea but that didn’t stop him and fellow United great Paul Scholes from directing a tongue-in-cheek jibe towards their former team-mate

OWEN SLAMS SOLSKJAER
Michael Owen joined a number of pundits that criticised Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decisions after the goalless draw at Leeds.
Owen told Premier League Productions: “I was disappointed with the team that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picked.
“I thought it was quite a negative team. You’re going to a team that you’ve already beaten 6-2 in the Premier League, you don’t really need two sitting midfielders.
“I thought it was a negative statement to start with”
SCHOLES CRITICISES SOLSKJAER
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes criticised former team-mate and current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to bench Paul Pogba as well as Edinson Cavani at Leeds.
Scholes also disagreed with Solskjaer’s post-match comments as he hinted he is pleased with the players’ performance despite the goalless draw at Elland Road.
Scholes told Premier League Productions: “I was surprised Pogba didn’t start the game, surprised Cavani didn’t start the game.
“It took him a long time to bring him on as well and chances were few and far between. Marcus Rashford’s dipping free-kick was probably the closest they came.’
“I get the impression he’s a little bit happy with that draw. I don’t think he should be [pleased], not against a Leeds team without probably their best player in Raphinha”
PEP TALK
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has praised Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola by calling him the “greatest manager”.
Neville told Sky Sports: “They’ve got the greatest manager, they really have.
“He’s built a new team inside 12 months. They are so dominant, and their football is wonderful.
“City were so dominant. Pep Guardiola’s cup final record is absolutely sensational.
“The passing and domination was a lesson for [Tottenham interim head coach] Ryan Mason. They created so many touches. To play that well in a cup final…”
GETTY IMAGES
BEST OF THE RES
Villarreal star Pau Torres continues to be among Manchester United’s transfer targets ahead of the summer market.
According to Manchester Evening News, Torres may well be on the move at the end of the season as he has been seeking advice from friends about a possible transfer.
The 24-year-old centre-back has also attracted interest from Manchester City following a string of impressive performances under Unai Emery.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly desperate to sign a new defender that can partner up with Harry Maguire
ED TO ED
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remained coy about former team-mate Edwin van der Sar replacing Ed Woodward as executive vice-chairman.
It was announced shortly after the European Super League fiasco that Woodward will be stepping down at the end of the year.
Van der Sar has been touted as a potential replacement but Solskjaer just hopes the right person fills the role.
The United manager said: “It’s important we employ the right man – we can’t employ on sentiment but to have Man Utd’s best interests at heart – that’s one of the criteria of course.
“But I’m not the one who writes the job description so – of course my job now is to take care of results but whoever [comes in] I’m hopeful I can have a good working relationship with and I can provide results”
SOLSKJAER ADDRESSES BANNER
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists his players weren’t affected by a flying banner, which targeted the Glazer family and read ‘2 billion stolen: #Glazersout’, before the game with Leeds.
Solskjaer said: “No, I wasn’t aware and I don’t think any of the boys have seen that. We focused on the game, every single one, down to a tee, this week.
“Of course, it was a difficult week but the preparation for this game was really good. It is a unique style of play to play against [Leeds] but I thought we played well.
“I’m really happy with the boys’ focus, they have such a determination to finish this season strong. The European disappointment, that was the last game of last season, that still sticks in their minds and hearts.
“We’re very, very focused to do well against Roma [in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday], then we’ve got Liverpool in between, so not worried at all [about the protests]”
LUKE OUT
Manchester United star Luke Shaw suggested he and his team-mates have to improve on their finishing and stop wasting chances after their goalless draw at Leeds.
Shaw told MUTV: “I don’t think they really had too many chances, we’re defending right, we’ve improved a lot since the start of the season.
“We were conceding way too many goals and we knew that as a back unit and we’ve worked on that.
“We need to keep pushing ourselves to be more clinical in front of goal, because a Man United side with the talent we’ve got we need to be winning today”
GETTY IMAGES
LEAVING A MARK
Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips suggested he kept Manchester United superstar Bruno Fernandes quiet during their goalless draw at Elland Road.
Phillips told Sky Sports: “We man mark every game.
“I tried to keep Bruno quiet. Thankfully he didn’t pop up with a goal so my job is alright.
“We are more vulnerable if we don’t pick wide men up. It is the way we play. The attackers are used to the marking and pressing”
INCE CRITICISM
Manchester United legend Paul Ince criticised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision-making after the goalless draw at Leeds.
Ince told Sky Sports: “Sometimes you can be fooled by results, thinking a team is playing well but saw against Burnley last week and also today, they are so inconsistent.
“I didn’t see they had any tempo. The intensity wasn’t there. It was that bad the referee blew up before the end of injury time. It was a bad performance from both teams, like watching a kids team play.
“United need to do a lot better on Thursday. Some of the decisions [Solskjaer] made. [Edinson] Cavani came on for six minutes, United needed a goal. They took [Marcus] Rashford off when they had two sitting midfielders. [Donny] Van De Beek, who they paid £40million for, gets three minutes.
“These decisions can’t be right if you are going to win football matches. United have always been brought up on winning games, trying to find a way to win games”
SOLSKJAER REACTS
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is satisfied with his players’ performance even though they didn’t take their chances.
Solskjaer told Sky Sports: “There’s no guarantees in football that’s for sure.
“I thought we played well, really well, dominated the second half, just didn’t have the ball to fall correctly for us in the big moments we had. We had some decent chances but didn’t take them.
“When two teams meet you create problems, you solve problems, they give you things to think about and we made them adjust to us. They are a unique team. We put a really big shift down. I have seen Leeds run over teams in the second half and it was quite the opposite.
“You don’t lose momentum, we are disappointed not to win but the boys have a lot of respect for Leeds. This is not going to be something we look back on as derailing our season”
KEEPING THE GAR-D UP
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has warned that co-chairman Joel Glazer could attempt to impose the Super League model again and insisted his apology “doesn’t wash”.
Neville told Sky Sports: “Last week, I said it was an attempted murder of English football and ‘sorry’ doesn’t wash, it’s gone past sorry because it’s twice they’ve done it.
“If you were sorry the first time with Big Picture, then you wouldn’t have brought back this one, so you’re going to bring back another.
“[Florentino] Perez has told us, [Joan] Laporta has told us from Barcelona, two of the biggest clubs in the world – ‘We’re coming back for you’ – so this lot are not going away but they need to be stopped”
GETTY IMAGES
MAGUIRE REACTS
Manchester United star Harry Maguire claims his team didn’t take its chances to “punish” Leeds at Elland Road.
Maguire told Sky Sports: “It was tight. We had control of the game without punishing them.
“We knew how they would play, our attacking players love a one v one but today it wasn’t to be.
“It’s a big week for us and we must improve on what we showed today”
FULL-TIME
It’s full-time at Elland Road with Manchester United and Leeds enduring a goalless draw.
United remain second in the Premier League table with 10 points separating them from rivals Manchester City at the top.
But the Red Devils are enjoying a comfortable eight-point lead from third-placed Leicester.
Leeds have climbed up to ninth with six points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to next season’s Europa League

LES MISERABLE
Luke Shaw’s new contract at Manchester United will raise doubts over Alex Telles’ future at the club.
Telles’ arrival from Porto last summer furthered speculation that Shaw was on his way out of United.
According to the Daily Star, however, the Brazil international may be the one to leave Old Trafford following the England defender’s impressive comeback.
The 28-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time and could force a move away from the Red Devils at the end of the season
SHAW-FIRE HIT
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw is set to be offered a new contract by the club.
According to the Daily Star, Shaw will be offered a contract extension along with a pay-rise by United.
The left-back has been enjoying a tremendous comeback under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after falling down the pecking order during Jose Mourinho’s tenure at the Red Devils’ helm.
The England international is likely to earn £190,000 a week until the end of the 2025-26 season, something that would make him the sixth highest-paid player at Old Trafford

H/T: LEEDS 0 MAN UTD 0
Man Utd’s pressure faded late in a scrappy first half.
For a blow-by-blow account of this Premier League clash at Old Trafford, click on our MATCH BLOG.
GLAZE OVER IT AND MOVE ON
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the Glazers will not walk away from Manchester United after their Super League slapdown.
Hundreds of United fans protested outside Old Trafford on Saturday over the American owners’ involvement in the European Super League.
Solskjaer said: “I think the owners that signed up for this proposal have a job on their hands, of course they have.
“We’ve had an apology from Joel and that’s important. He’s told us how committed he is to helping us go forward.
“Unity and everyone coming together for one common goal is the best way forward.”
PLANE ANGER
Furious Manchester United fans flew a ‘#GlazersOut’ banner over Elland Road in protest against their owners.
The Red Devils made the trip to Leeds on Sunday afternoon to continue their long-standing rivalry.
And before kick-off a place went over the stadium with a sign calling for the American family to sell the club. It read: “2bn stolen #GlazersOut.”
Already unpopular among United supporters, the Glazers infuriated fans even further last week by being conspirators in the breakaway European Super League plot.
Joel, one of the co-chairmen, did apologise in a statement after the club’s dramatic U-turn.
But his brother and fellow co-chairman Avram refused to say sorry for his involvement. And then made no comment when quizzed if he would sell the club.

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MANCHESTER UNITED fans vented their anger against the board on Saturday for their European Super League blunder.Thousands of supporters were outside Old Trafford yesterday, burning an American flag as they protested against the Glazer family.
Meanwhile, we’ve the very latest on a potential swoop for keeper Tom Heaton and Luke Shaw is set for a bumper pay rise.
Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
SOLSKJAER REACTS
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is satisfied with his players’ performance even though they didn’t take their chances.
Solskjaer told Sky Sports: “There’s no guarantees in football that’s for sure.
“I thought we played well, really well, dominated the second half, just didn’t have the ball to fall correctly for us in the big moments we had. We had some decent chances but didn’t take them.
“When two teams meet you create problems, you solve problems, they give you things to think about and we made them adjust to us. They are a unique team. We put a really big shift down. I have seen Leeds run over teams in the second half and it was quite the opposite.
“You don’t lose momentum, we are disappointed not to win but the boys have a lot of respect for Leeds. This is not going to be something we look back on as derailing our season”
KEEPING THE GAR-D UP
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has warned that co-chairman Joel Glazer could attempt to impose the Super League model again and insisted his apology “doesn’t wash”.
Neville told Sky Sports: “Last week, I said it was an attempted murder of English football and ‘sorry’ doesn’t wash, it’s gone past sorry because it’s twice they’ve done it.
“If you were sorry the first time with Big Picture, then you wouldn’t have brought back this one, so you’re going to bring back another.
“[Florentino] Perez has told us, [Joan] Laporta has told us from Barcelona, two of the biggest clubs in the world – ‘We’re coming back for you’ – so this lot are not going away but they need to be stopped”
GETTY IMAGES
MAGUIRE REACTS
Manchester United star Harry Maguire claims his team didn’t take its chances to “punish” Leeds at Elland Road.
Maguire told Sky Sports: “It was tight. We had control of the game without punishing them.
“We knew how they would play, our attacking players love a one v one but today it wasn’t to be.
“It’s a big week for us and we must improve on what we showed today”
FULL-TIME
It’s full-time at Elland Road with Manchester United and Leeds enduring a goalless draw.
United remain second in the Premier League table with 10 points separating them from rivals Manchester City at the top.
But the Red Devils are enjoying a comfortable eight-point lead from third-placed Leicester.
Leeds have climbed up to ninth with six points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to next season’s Europa League

LES MISERABLE
Luke Shaw’s new contract at Manchester United will raise doubts over Alex Telles’ future at the club.
Telles’ arrival from Porto last summer furthered speculation that Shaw was on his way out of United.
According to the Daily Star, however, the Brazil international may be the one to leave Old Trafford following the England defender’s impressive comeback.
The 28-year-old is reportedly unhappy with his lack of game time and could force a move away from the Red Devils at the end of the season
SHAW-FIRE HIT
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw is set to be offered a new contract by the club.
According to the Daily Star, Shaw will be offered a contract extension along with a pay-rise by United.
The left-back has been enjoying a tremendous comeback under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after falling down the pecking order during Jose Mourinho’s tenure at the Red Devils’ helm.
The England international is likely to earn £190,000 a week until the end of the 2025-26 season, something that would make him the sixth highest-paid player at Old Trafford

H/T: LEEDS 0 MAN UTD 0
Man Utd’s pressure faded late in a scrappy first half.
For a blow-by-blow account of this Premier League clash at Old Trafford, click on our MATCH BLOG.
GLAZE OVER IT AND MOVE ON
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the Glazers will not walk away from Manchester United after their Super League slapdown.
Hundreds of United fans protested outside Old Trafford on Saturday over the American owners’ involvement in the European Super League.
Solskjaer said: “I think the owners that signed up for this proposal have a job on their hands, of course they have.
“We’ve had an apology from Joel and that’s important. He’s told us how committed he is to helping us go forward.
“Unity and everyone coming together for one common goal is the best way forward.”
PLANE ANGER
Furious Manchester United fans flew a ‘#GlazersOut’ banner over Elland Road in protest against their owners.
The Red Devils made the trip to Leeds on Sunday afternoon to continue their long-standing rivalry.
And before kick-off a place went over the stadium with a sign calling for the American family to sell the club. It read: “2bn stolen #GlazersOut.”
Already unpopular among United supporters, the Glazers infuriated fans even further last week by being conspirators in the breakaway European Super League plot.
Joel, one of the co-chairmen, did apologise in a statement after the club’s dramatic U-turn.
But his brother and fellow co-chairman Avram refused to say sorry for his involvement. And then made no comment when quizzed if he would sell the club.

‘EARN IT’
Leeds fans have savaged Manchester United with a brutal banner outside Elland Road this afternoon.
The banner, which describes the Red Devils as ‘plastic’ and ‘shallow’, is in response to the failed attempt at creating a European Super League.
The banner reads: “ESL and MUFC – just a tactical, temporary withdrawal, we see! Until your PR agents and media can reframe a package and construct an acceptable narrative and plan for your greedy, selfish followers to push this through in two years’ time. We know who you are! We know you from old!
“Manchester United! Nonsense! What a joke! Find a new, more appropriate name! This was always coming, given the soulless, win at all costs, plastic, shallow, selfish, worthless money monster you have made of yourselves!
“MUFC have fed off and divided, not United, football and communities. You are killing football! Children should be encouraged to support their community and play fairly and not bully people by exclusion!
“The Leeds family is fully United with and in full support of and shoulder to shoulder with all true LFC, MCFC, AFC, THFC, and with the few remaining genuine MUFC and CFC fans, whose clubs have been hijacked by power monger and shallow weak-minded glory hunters! And together we’re fans United, we’ll never be divided! Earn it on the pitch! Football is for the fans!”

KICK-OFF!
Leeds 0 – 0 Man Utd
The players are off and underway at Elland Road.
And you can follow SunSport’s LIVE kick-by-kick match blog HERE.
NO POG PROBLEM
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left Paul Pogba on the bench against Leeds in order to manager his game time.
Dan James comes in to replace the Frenchman and the Norwegian admitted he has Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first-leg against Roma in mind.

I CAN SEE THE STARS
Manchester United’s players have arrived at Elland Road ready for this afternoon’s game against Leeds.
Victor Lindelof and Dean Henderson were among the Red Devils stars pictured making their way into the historic stadium.

TEAM NEWS IS IN!
Manchester United vs Leeds kicks-off at 2pm at Elland Road.
And this is how both teams will line up for the eagerly anticipated clash.
📋 Marcelo names an unchanged side to the one that drew against Liverpool, but Summerville and Greenwood feature on the bench— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 25, 2021

TELL ME MORENO
Manchester United target Pau Torres has been asking his teammates what it’s like to play for a big club – and one of them is Alberto Moreno.
The ex-Liverpool flop, who joined Torres at Villarreal in 2019, is one of three players to give the 24-year-old some much-needed advice.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport, Torres said: “Players who have gone through important clubs, when they talk about an experience they have had, I like to listen to them, both Paco Alcacer and Raul Albiol or Alberto Moreno.
“They tell you things that you have not yet experienced and that you think you would like to experience.”
The Red Devils are said to be keen on signing the centre back, with reports suggesting a £52million bid may be imminent.
Real Madrid, however, are also believed to interested in the Spain international and may challenge the Premier League side for his signature.

RED-DY TO GO!
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready for a serious challenge at Leeds this afternoon.
Manchester United travel to Elland Road for the 2pm kick-off and the Norwegian warned his side they have to be prepared physically and mentally.

WAYNE LEFT ON BENCH – EXCLUSIVE
Wayne Rooney was consigned to the bench as he waited for his dinner with wife Coleen.
The Derby boss, 35, looked deep in thought while his other half, also 35, studied her phone.
The pair had popped out with their Pomeranian Pip to collect a food order from a café near their home in Prestbury, Cheshire.
It came as Wayne vowed to back Coleen ‘all the way’ in her Wagatha Christie court fight.
A source told The Sun Online last year: “Wayne and Coleen Rooney are stronger than ever after spending lockdown together.
“This is the longest time they have spent together uninterrupted since they got married, and Coleen has fallen in love with Wayne all over again. She says that she now remembers what a wonderful, caring companion he is – and an amazing dad to the boys.”

BLANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND – EXCLUSIVE
Thierry Henry hailed his ‘happiest moment’ as English football unites in a stand against racism and all online abuse.
The Prem, EFL and the women’s game will boycott Twitter, Facebook and Instagram over four days next weekend.
From 3pm on Friday, April 30, through to the end of Bank Holiday Monday on May 3, every club will switch off their social media accounts.
Prem legend Henry has been at the forefront of the fight after removing himself from social media last month.
He said: “English football coming off social media is a powerful statement. Everything that tries to destroy the beauty and the happiness of our game — we should fight it.
“This is my happiest moment. Football stands for something. Not only money. What happened with the European Super League was about standing up for values — and so is this.”

PREM PLEA
Manchester United and Arsenal are monitoring Borussia Monchengladbach striker Alassane Plea, according to reports.
The 28-year-old France international has scored five Bundesliga goals this term and will reportedly cost around £15million.
According to the Daily Mail, Plea wants to leave the German giants this summer and, with only one year left on his current deal, will be available for a relatively low price.
Gladbach paid £21m for the player back in 2018 when he arrived from Nice, having previously been linked with a move to Arsenal.
At the time there were also reports linking Plea with both West Ham and Tottenham. It is believed Arsenal are concerned about losing star strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.
Plea has scored 27 goals in 87 Bundesliga games since leaving Nice three years ago. The versatile forward, who can be deployed out wide, picked up his one and only France cap in November 2018.

HEAT-ING UP – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United will look to old boy Tom Heaton if Sam Johnstone does not fancy a return.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Old Trafford transfer team are looking for an experienced cover keeper.
And West Brom’s Johnstone, 28 — who was registered with United from 2009 to 2018 — is their first choice. He would need to think he had a chance of playing regularly.
But while Johnstone is the clear number one target, United have also been checking out the interest and availability of another former employee who is out of favour just now and may be more keen.
Aston Villa’s Heaton, 35, is in the frame after losing his place to Emi Martinez. He is the type of solid pro who would fit the bill.
Like Johnstone, Heaton was a youth keeper at Old Trafford and stayed on their books until 2010. The new stopper would have to be happy as an understudy but with the ability to quickly step into the first team.

FOSTER CARE – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester City are looking for a new keeper to push Brazilian No 1 Ederson next season.
Ex-Manchester United stopper Ben Foster, 38, fits the bill but may take some persuading to move just to sit on the bench. Foster has played 22 times for the Hornets this season as they sealed their return to the Premier League on Saturday.
American Zack Steffen may be loaned out for experience after doubts crept in about whether he was ready to come in when top-choice Ederson was missing.
Those questions were raised before Steffen’s error in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which cost his club a chance of the Quadruple. The 26-year-old had previously prompted doubts about his consistency and maturity, so the search for another keeper was already up and running.
It is a hard vacancy to fill as most keepers want regular first-team action. City may go for an experienced option who is happy to wait for his turn.
Scott Carson, 35, is the club’s current third-choice stopper but will return to Derby at the end of the campaign.

LEEDING THE WAY
Man Utd head to Elland Road in the 2pm kick-off today.
The rivalry used to be fierce the last time the Whites were in the Premier League and both sets of fans will be desperate to win this one.
Coming off the back of a stunning win at Manchester City before a 1-1 draw with Liverpool, Marcelo Bielsa’s men will be hoping to avoid defeat once again against a member of the renegade six.
Leeds will leapfrog Arsenal into ninth with a win while United will all but confirm their Champions League spot next season if they pick up all three points.

BACK IN THE RED
The Glazers will accept no less than £4BILLION to sell Manchester United, according to reports.
The Super League debacle has already cost United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward his job – with the former JP Morgan banker leaving at the end of 2021.
But it will take more than fan protests – where Red Devils fans burned American flags – to get the Glazer brothers out of Old Trafford, according to the Mirror.
The Florida-based family want £4bn to even consider walking away – the figure they think they would have got if the Super League had gone ahead.
They only paid £790million for the Red Devils in 2005. And if they manage to find a buyer willing to match their asking price, they stand to make more than 400 per cent profit on their initial investment.
Throughout their unpopular reign, club debt has remained high while the brothers’ pocketed multi-million pound annual dividends. And that is why it would take such a staggering sum to make them sell up, according to city investors cited by the Mirror.

GOOD MORNING MAN UNITED FANS
Here are your main headlines this Sunday morning:
Thousands of United fans protested against the Glazers outside Old Trafford yesterday, burning an American flag at one stage.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted the controversial owners will not sell the club – despite their embarrassing European Super League climbdown.
Avram Grant has refused to apologise for the affair – and his perceived lack of respect for the United faithful was certainly recognised in Manchester yesterday.
Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez has warned United and the rest of the so-called ‘Big Six’ they cannot leave the ESL and the competition still exists.
Although the ESL may not be coming to Old Trafford any time soon, Tom Heaton might as SunSport’s Alan Nixon understands the Red Devils have identified the Aston Villa goalkeeper as cover.
And Heaton isn’t the only Villa player linked with United as they are said to be tracking wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka.

GLAZER TAG
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says the Glazers will not walk away from Manchester United after their Super League slapdown.
Hundreds of United fans protested outside Old Trafford on Saturday over the American owners’ involvement in the European Super League.
Solskjaer said: “I think the owners that signed up for this proposal have a job on their hands, of course they have.
“We’ve had an apology from Joel and that’s important. He’s told us how committed he is to helping us go forward.
“Unity and everyone coming together for one common goal is the best way forward.”
Manchester United fans protest outside Old Trafford in a bid to remove club’s owners

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