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    Former Man Utd star tipped to become a ‘great’ wakes up unemployed aged 30 after his Championship club are relegated

    TYLER BLACKETT will be without a club this summer less than a decade after making his Manchester United debut.The left-back, 30, has been released by Rotherham following their relegation to League One.Former Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has been released by RotherhamCredit: RexBlackett was tipped for greatness by Louis van Gaal at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics SportBlackett is one of 11 players leaving the Millers at the end of their contract, the club have confirmed.Rotherham’s two-year stay in the Championship ended with the club finishing bottom of the table this season.After just five league wins all season, the club finished 24 points from safety.Blackett, who arrived at the New York Stadium in March 2023, played in each of their first 10 league matches, scoring once.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, he failed to make a single appearance from October 4 onwards and was named on the bench just once in that time.The former United starlet posted a message to Instagram on Monday, writing: “A frustrating and difficult season on and off the pitch.”So much to say and many frustrations…but STILL I enjoyed every minute I played in front of you millers! Thank you @rotherhamunited and the support throughout.”His Rotherham exit comes eight years after he made his Premier League debut aged 20 under Louis van Gaal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Dutchman also tipped Blackett for greatness at United, where he spent 14 years after coming through the academy at Old Trafford.After the defender signed a new deal in 2015, Van Gaal said: “Tyler has great potential and I believe he is at the right club to continue his development and progression to become a great defender.”Ten Hag’s six worst defeats as Man Utd managerHowever, Blackett instead left the Red Devils for Reading the following year after a loan spell at Celtic.Reflecting on his exit in 2017, he told The Times: “I wouldn’t say it was the hardest decision. It was a selfish decision.”We all have our own aspirations and we have to make decisions not for the team, but for personal reasons.”Blackett, who is a former England under-21 international, has since had spells with Nottingham Forest and FC Cincinnati. More

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    Erik ten Hag loses managerial job offer just hours after Man Utd’s 4-0 mauling at Crystal Palace

    ERIK TEN HAG is allegedly no longer in the running for the Bayern Munich job.The Manchester United boss faces more uncertainty over his future after he hit a new low last night.Talks between Erik ten Hag and Bayern Munich are allegedly overCredit: AlamyThe Red Devils were hammered 4-0 at Crystal Palace to leave them eighth in the Premier League.However, despite a disappointing campaign, he was among the top candidates to replace Thomas Tuchel at the Bundesliga club.However, Bild are now claiming that he “is no longer a candidate”.The publication states that “there were talks between Max Eberl and the management” but “these talks will not be continued” with Bayern’s director of sport.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt emerged over the weekend that Ten Hag was on Bayern’s shortlist for a new boss and that the Germans had “made contact” with his agent.The 54-year-old Dutchman is coming under huge pressure at Old Trafford and is in danger of being sacked this summer by new chiefs Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.Even though he has an FA Cup Final with Man City coming up, last night’s mauling in South London could prove to be the final straw.Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed United are the “most poorly coached team in the league” and Ashley Young labelled the performance “shambolic” afterwards.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe result means United are on 54 points and are at risk of finishing below their lowest ever total of 58.Asked if this is the lowest point of his Old Trafford reign, Ten Hag admitted that it was rock bottom, saying: “Yes. Our worst defeat. We should have kept fighting like the fans did.Michael Owen demands Man Utd sack Ten Hag and put Steve McClaren in charge as Scholes calls him ‘best coach I ever had’“It’s clear, this is underperforming. It’s by far not good enough. We are very disappointed. It’s a deserved defeat.”Ex-United coach Rene Meulensteen has blasted Ten Hag and pointed out his three managerial flaws while Michael Owen says Steve McClaren should take over for the next few months to save what’s left of their season.Meanwhile, Bayern are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Thomas Tuchel will be leaving at the end of the season.Bayern have failed to win the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 as Bayer Leverkusen cantered to the crown.However, Tuchel’s men are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League and face Real Madrid in the semi-final second leg tomorrow with the scores tied 2-2.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Darwin Nunez spotted in Barcelona just days after he’s made transfer target and he deletes Liverpool pics off Instagram

    DARWIN NUNEZ has been spotted in Barcelona just days after emerging as a transfer target.SunSport revealed the forward is a shock candidate to join the Spanish giants this summer.Darwin Nunez has been pictured with Ronald Araujo in BarcelonaCredit: instagram / @ronaldaraujo_4Nunez has deleted all his Liverpool photos from InstagramCredit: GettyHe is also a candidate to replace Robert Lewandowski at BarcelonaCredit: GettyHe has also deleted all pictures of himself playing for Liverpool from his Instagram page.Nunez has now appeared to fuel the speculation after linking up with an international team-mate.The 24-year-old is in Barcelona with fellow Uruguayan Ronald Araujo, who plays for Barca.Araujo shared a selfie of himself and Nunez to Instagram along with the words: “Mi Hermano,” meaning “My Brother”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair have played together 17 times for Uruguay at both youth and senior level.It comes as Barcelona eye a potential move for the striker in the summer.Nunez has been identified as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski if he leaves the club.Barca also believe Liverpool would be willing to sell Nunez to boost incoming boss Arne Slot’s transfer kitty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKlopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
    But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
    In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
    Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
    But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
    These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
    Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
    But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
    Klopp got it wrong.
    Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
    Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

    The rumours have been fuelled further by the Reds star’s social media activity.Any Liverpool-related photos have been removed from Nunez’s Instagram, leaving snaps of him at Benfica and Uruguay or enjoying family time.Darwin Nunez ‘strong favourite for the Grand National’ after Liverpool star’s wild Carabao Cup final celebrationsNunez still has four years remaining on his contract at Anfield, having signed from Benfica in 2022.Despite criticism from rival fans, he has scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions this season.Only Mohamed Salah has scored more goals than Nunez for Liverpool so far this term. More

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    Man Utd ‘set to enter Michael Olise transfer talks’ after Crystal Palace winger tears Casemiro apart

    MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to hold “concrete talks” over a potential deal for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.This comes after Olise, 22, tore United apart on Monday during a Premier League clash that saw him putting together a man-of-the-match performance at Selhurst Park.Manchester United are set to hold ‘concrete talks’ over Crystal Palace star Michael OliseCredit: RexMan Utd ace Casemiro struggled against Palace star OliseCredit: RexThe winger led Palace to a 4-0 triumph over the Red Devils with a brace and a stunning performance that saw him dominating Casemiro, who was playing out of position at centre-back.The Hammersmith lad opened the scoring after just 12 minutes when he dribbled past the Brazil international like he wasn’t even there before beating Andre Onana with a clinical shot.Olise then sealed the Eagles’ first ever league double over United in the 66th minute with a long-range wondergoal after Casemiro was dispossessed by Daniel Munoz at the back.According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United were convinced to rekindle their bid for the ex-France youth international ahead of the summer transfer window.Read More on Man UtdThe Manchester giants are expected to hold talks with Palace “in the coming weeks”.Oliver Glasner’s side is in no way under pressure as the forward has a contract until 2027.And Palace have slapped a whopping £60million price tag on the ex-Reading star, whose contract length gives no reason to his current club to lower their demands.United have been keeping tabs on Olise since last summer but face competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea thought they signed the Palace star last year but he snubbed a £35m bid and instead signed fresh terms with his club.Juventus have also expressed interest in the rising star recently.Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner reveals secret SHOWER chat led to Michael Olise’s stunning double vs Man UtdOlise has amassed a total of nine goals and four assists in 17 appearances this season.Palace have slapped a £60m price tag on Olise ahead of the summer transfer window More

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    Fluminense ANNOUNCE Thiago Silva signing on free transfer days after Chelsea confirmed 39-year-old’s exit

    THIAGO SILVA has been announced as a Fluminese player.The defender will return to the Brazilian club just days after confirming his exit from Chelsea.Thiago Silva will join FluminenseCredit: InstagramThiago Silva will join the club after the final game of the seasonCredit: GettySilva won the Champions League title at ChelseaCredit: GettySilva, 39, was announced as a Fluminense player on social media with the tagline “The monster is back”.Chelsea revealed that Silva will link up with the team early and leave after the final game of the season.A statement read: “Chelsea have agreed with Thiago that he can join up early with his new teammates after signing a two-year contract with the Brazilian club.”Thiago will be allowed to train with Fluminense prior to his registration transferring on July 1.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSHe will join the Brazilian outfit on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal at Stamford Bridge.A social post by the club said: “The Beast is back! So happy to be home again after so many years!”The myth that fans consecrated.”He is not the only notable player to be in the squad of Fluminenese.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHis new team-mates will include the likes of former Real Madrid star Marcelo, ex-Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa and Marquinhos who is on loan from Arsenal.Silva announced he was to leave Chelsea in an emotional video that was released in April.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsSilva was signed by former boss Frank Lampard and went on to win the Champions League with Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.He is a firm favourite with the fans but his outspoken wife Isabelle has given current head coach Mauricio Pochettino a hard time in recent months with her criticism of the team and the tactics.When announcing that he would be leaving Chelsea he admitted that he did not expect to enjoy such success at the club. He said: “When I started here, it was during the pandemic so there wasn’t any fans in the stadium.”But through social media, it became something very special to me and then when the fans started coming back to the stadium and life was getting back to normal, I started to feel a lot of affection and respect for my story and for my start here.“The way in which I came to the club, with the support of the club, I got to the club as a leader even though I didn’t feel like it, having arrived as the new guy.”It’s always difficult to integrate but bit by bit I became part of the group and Lampard played a big part in that. I am grateful to him for that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I could achieve such great things and win one of the best professional titles, the Champions League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world.“Goodbyes are for those that leave and don’t come back. I intend on coming back one day.”Thiago Silva’s career statsThose numbers in full:
    RS Futebol, 2002-2003: 25 games, 2 goals
    Juventude, 2004: 36 games, 3 goalsPorto B, 2004-2005: 14 games, 0 goals
    Dynamo Moscow, 2005: 0 games, 0 goals
    Fluminense, 2006-2008: 143 games, 14 goals
    AC Milan, 2009-2012: 119 games, 6 goals
    PSG, 2012-2020: 315 games, 17 goals
    Chelsea, 2020-2024: 152 games, 9 goals
    Brazil, 2008-2022: 113 games, 7 goals
    Trophies: Brazilian Cup (Fluminense); Serie A, Italian Super Cup (AC Milan); Ligue 1 x7, French Cup x5, League Cup x6, Champions Trophy x5 (PSG); Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup (Chelsea); Copa America, Confederations Cup (Brazil) More

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    My dad’s a champion stone lifter famed for iconic photo, now I’m making my own way as a Premier League manager

    JULEN LOPETEGUI grew up idolising his stone lifter dad who made headlines long before his son won over fans across the world.Jose Antonio Lopetegui, 94, reached fame in his craft and inspired Julen, 57, to carve his own path to greatness, but in a completely different sport.Julen Lopetegui’s father Jose Antonio was a famous stone lifterCredit: Paco MaríLopetegui learned a lot from his father and will be bringing his principles to West HamCredit: PAThere is also a famous photo showing the strongman hoisting both of his baby daughters, one on each hand, while his young son was standing next to them.The Spaniard, who seems set to take over at West Ham, was the only member of the family who ended up loving football but still absorbed his father’s values.Julen previously said: “He was very recognised in stone lifting in an era when it was much bigger than it is now and you could make a living from it.”He was a great athlete in various sports but he didn’t play football. Read More on Football”In fact, I’m the black sheep of the family because my brother was a Basque pelota player for many years at a high professional level.”Jose Antonio taught Julen the importance of hard work and dedication to one’s passion.Those were characteristics that the former goalkeeper needed after his acrimonious dismissals from Spain and Real Madrid.The Spaniard had his national team cruising to the 2018 World Cup with a 20-game unbeaten record that saw them winning a staggering 14 matches along the way.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut higher-ups sacked Julen on the eve of the competition in Russia because he agreed to join Real Madrid after the tournament and they didn’t take kindly to him negotiating ahead of the World Cup.And his return to Real, where he played before his retirement, didn’t work out as he was let go after just two months in charge because of a poor start to the campaign.David Moyes reveals why Declan Rice is behind West Ham’s horror run of formHowever, Julen made the most out of the perseverance his father taught him and went on to succeed at Sevilla as well as Wolves.And now the ex-Porto boss is set to bring his same principles to West Ham with reports suggesting he has agreed terms with the club.The former Barcelona star is expected to replace outgoing manager David Moyes who will leave at the end of the season. More

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    Man Utd flops fighting for futures under Sir Jim Ratcliffe as they head for worst season ever – so who will be axed?

    IF the Crystal Palace game last night, and indeed the entire season, revealed one thing more than any other, it is that Ralf Rangnick was right. Back in April 2022, the then Manchester United interim boss warned the club “needs open heart surgery” to return to its glory days.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos may finally give Man Utd the ‘open-heart surgery’ it needsCredit: GettyOnly three players, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are said to be untouchableCredit: EPASome players have serious question marks over their futures at the clubCredit: GettyFour transfer windows have passed since then, with 22 senior players leaving the club permanently.However, more misguided transfers, many of which are best summarised as either showing no long-term planning or handing too much power to the manager, have once again left the Red Devils with a huge rebuilding task.There is finally some faith such a task could be handled with appropriate care under new minority owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, who have complete sporting control of the club after buying a 27.7 per cent stake.Now sitting in eighth, Man Utd are on track for their worst-ever Premier League season after a game described by Erik ten Hag as his worst-ever defeat, so the job could not be more difficult.READ MORE ON MAN UTDReports suggest all but three – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – of the current squad are up for grabs providing there is sufficient interest.However, as SunSport’s Phil Thomas puts it: “Who would want them?” Below we take a look at each player in the senior men’s team and whether Ratcliffe and co should show leniency or swing the axe.Andre Onana – STAYAfter a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season.A restless defence in front of him has seen only two goalkeepers face more shots, while none have made more saves than the 28-year-old. Few are better with their feet as well, and getting a stable team in front of him should work wonders for Man Utd.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAltay Bayindir – GOReports in February suggested Altay Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray.He was a relatively cheap purchase but if there is sufficient interest and a deal can be made which would yield some profit then a sale may be the best option for all parties. Jamie Carragher tells Casemiro ‘this needs to stop’ and Man Utd flop needs to quit club after Crystal Palace horror showTom Heaton – STAYVeteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.His character and experience can help nurture a younger goalkeeper – such as Under-18 League winner Tom Myles or Radek Vitek when he returns from loan as well.Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GOWan-Bissaka, 26,has never managed to make the right-back position his own for one reason or another, and is certainly no longer the club’s starter there following Diogo Dalot’s rise.He has featured at left-back on a number of occasions this season but has appeared to be a fish out of water in all but a few games. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.Diogo Dalot – STAYDiogo Dalot is in with a shout for Man Utd’s Player of the SeasonCredit: APDalot, 26 – who came 16th in the Football Writers’ Association votes for Football of the Year – has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.While a full-back will be needed, there are more pressing concerns for the club to worry about, particularly when there are talented defenders such as Harry Amass waiting in the academy.Raphael Varane – GOVarane managed to get himself back into the starting XI after a rough patch of form before injury saw him sidelined again.If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep the 31-year-old for another year, but Ineos can ill afford passengers – especially those on huge wages like Varane – if they are to perform the open-heart surgery the club needs.Harry Maguire – GOHarry Maguire does not match the profile of centre-back Man Utd may look to bring inCredit: EPAAnother star who has worked his way back into the starting XI this season, 31-year-old Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd.Overall ability and desired profile are another matter however. His lack of pace has always been at odds with the high line Man Utd want to play, while on the ball the England regular has often struggled to play out.Lisandro Martinez – STAYWhat might have been if he was actually fit and healthy. Having just one left-footed player would do wonders in helping Man Utd build up, and Martinez, 26, is second to none in that regard.He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side – possibly Jean-Clair Todibo based on reports – and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season. But his immediate future at the club should be safe.Jonny Evans – GOJonny Evans has shown his age a number of times this seasonCredit: GettyVeteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player, but we have opted to move him on considering he is 36 years of age.He has generally been a steady player for the team this season but has shown his advanced years at times, such as in last night’s 4-0 hammering against Crystal Palace when Jean-Philippe Mateta ran him ragged.Victor Lindelof – GOLike Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career.He also has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him. That being said it would not be the worst move in the world to keep him for another year.Willy Kambwala – STAYLike Evans, Kambwala, 19, has stepped into the first team when needed and generally been solid.He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.Luke Shaw – GODespite his ability, Luke Shaw’s injury record is far from the best and it may be time to cash inCredit: GettyOne of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.Reports suggest United will consider a new left-back given their crisis in the area this season, and as rare as a player of 28-year-old Shaw’s quality is, there are many more who are simply available more.Tyrell Malacia – STAYMalacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.Hopefully he can return to full fitness over the summer and be an option for whoever is in charge.Sofyan Amrabat – GOAmrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. How much of a faux pas would it have been to sign him permanently?After an underwhelming season in England, Amrabat’s loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent, and nor should it based on the displays of this season.Casemiro – GOCasemiro looked out of his depth against Crystal Palace last nightCredit: GettyCasemiro’s disastrous performance against Crystal Palace was the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of there being any doubt as to whether he was still up to the standard to play for Man Utd. Needlessly diving into challenges, roaming miles from his position and giving away the ball time and time again, if a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old Brazilian – who has two more years on his contrcat – then United should snatch their hand off.Christian Eriksen – GOBrought in on a free transfer, Eriksen would represent pure profit from a Financial Fair Play perspective so making a sale to improve Man Utd’s position on that front means this is an easy one.The former Tottenham playmaker, 32, proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.Kobbie Mainoo – STAYKobbie Mainoo is young and raw but is showing promise as a Man Utd midfielder of the futureCredit: GettyThe first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.He is far from ready to lead the team, but with a proper structure around him, the 19-year-old can be moulded into a player who could dominate the Old Trafford engine for more than ten years.Mason Mount – STAYMount has seen his first season at Old Trafford riddled by injury.He has similar qualities to Eriksen with an added engine to boot, so the 25-year-old is another star who can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least.Scott McTominay – STAYMcTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.His goals have been vital to Man Utd and as a result he should be kept around and used as a superb super sub rather than being given the nod to start week in week out.Bruno Fernandes – STAYMan Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances.He is the club captain and his tenacity was sorely missed against Crystal Palace. He should have a spot in the team guaranteed for the next few years at the very least, even though his critics will tell you otherwise.Antony – GOMan Utd should cut their losses on stars such as Antony, who have underwhelmed at the clubCredit: GettyAt £85million, there’s a definite case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history.Too often games pass him by, and when he is involved he is often not good enough. The price tag of a player originally marked at £25m doesn’t help, and despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.Anthony Martial – GOOut of contract in the summer, Martial has been a drain on club resources in the last couple of seasons.He has chipped in with the odd goal and his injury record means some sympathy can be handed to him, but ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer.Marcus Rashford – STAYAs easy as it would be to say Rashford, 26, should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.There are more pressing issues in the squad than at left wing, and he should be given the benefit of the doubt that he can good again next season unless a very strong bid comes to prompt a sale.We have tipped 12 players to leave Man Utd this summerAlejandro Garnacho – STAYAnother third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it and may even be the long-term solution there despite his preference to play on the left, where he is less effective.The 19-year-old remains a raw talent but his partnership with Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund has proven to be electric and one that can only get better with time.Rasmus Hojlund – STAYA slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.He needs a deputy to share the load of minutes with too, but Hojlund is an obvious keep and rightly the third star of the untouchables.READ MORE SUN STORIESAmad Diallo – STAYIn the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting.The 21-year-old was a big investment from Atalanta and should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season, possibly rotating with Garnacho on the right side.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
    Michael Owen – He has to go
    “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
    Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
    “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
    Jamie Carragher – Sacked
    “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
    Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
    “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
    Louis Saha – On the fence
    “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
    Alan Shearer – Sacked
    “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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    Chelsea ‘set to make £65m transfer bid for Mudryk’s old team-mate’ but face battle with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City

    CHELSEA are lining up a £65million bid for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, according to reports.Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been keeping tabs on the Ukrainian this season.Georgiy Sudakov is being linked with a host of top Premier League clubsCredit: GettySudakov, left, was team-mates with Mykhailo Mudryk, right, at Shakhtar DonetskCredit: AFPHe has scored eight goals for club and country in the 2023/24 campaign, one of which came in a 3-0 win on Sunday.Now The Mail understand Chelsea have held discussions with the player’s representatives as they prepare to make a suitable offer for the man who has a £125million release clause.Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin was also at Chelsea’s win over Everton last month and confirmed after the game that Sudakov will leave in the summer.He said: “This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.”He will definitely move to a top European club this summer.”When I was at Chelsea versus Everton, many people asked me about Sudakov.”Sudakov, who is under contract until 2028, played alongside Mykhailo Mudryk at Shakhtar before he left for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe pair are good friend, with Sudakov joking in the past that Mudryk is missing him in London.They are still team-mates for the Ukraine national team – where Sudakov has 14 caps.Ex-Chelsea and England wonderkid now unemployedMudryk has struggled since moving to England, scoring just six goals and assisting four in 56 appearances.But Mauricio Pochettino’s side are starting to show signs of improvement with a run of just one loss in their last 12 Premier League games.On Sunday, they thrashed West Ham 5-0 to move seventh in the table with three games remaining. More