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    Five candidates to take over from Harry Maguire as Man Utd captain if he’s axed next season including Cristiano Ronaldo

    MANCHESTER UNITED interim boss Ralf Rangick revealed this week that Harry Maguire’s role as captain of the club could be put to a player vote. But who would be the best candidate to take over from the England defender were United to install a new skipper next season?
    Ralf Rangick has suggested the Harry Maguire’s Manchester United captaincy is in doubt and could go to a player vote next seasonCredit: Getty
    Rangnick suggested if he was permanent boss he would let the players decide the captain, as he did while managing in his native Germany.
    Incoming gaffer Erik Ten Hag will have a decision to make when he arrives in the summer after Maguire has been subjected to stick for his performances this campaign.
    Maguire was made skipper by Ole Gunnar Solskajer just five months after joining the club in 2019 for £80million.
    And while there is still the prospect of him continuing on in the position, here SunSport take a look at the potential candidates were he to be replaced.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd vs Chelsea .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Ronaldo in Utd XI as Werner STARTS for Blues in Premier League clash
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    Ronaldo seems like the obvious candidate given his vast experience – and also being captain of Portugal.
    But he might not be the best option for the long-term, given his Manchester United deal expires at the end of next season.
    Bruno Fernandes
    Playmaker Fernandes is also in with a shout if Maguire is stripped of the captaincy.
    Unlike Ronaldo the 27-year-old is a long-term prospect, having recently penned a new five-year deal with the club.
    Fernandes skippered the side in the absence of Maguire in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, and has worn the armband a further five times in the Prem this campaign.
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    Both Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are candidates to be Man Utd skipper if Harry Maguire is axedCredit: Reuters
    David De Gea
    Perhaps the only player whose position is guaranteed in every game, keeper De Gea would offer a calming presence at the back.
    It could also be beneficial to have De Gea as skipper as the Spaniard would be able to command the team with a view of the entire pitch in front of him.

    Raphael Varane
    Varane is a potential candidate, but he has been plagued by injuries in his first season at the club.
    And the prospect of handing the armband from one centre-back to another could potentially cause disruptions.
    Nevertheless the 29-year-old offers experience, having skippered both Real Madrid and France in the past.
    Scott McTominay
    The most left-field of the candidates on this list, but there’s no denying McTominay is a born leader.
    Whether captaining Manchester United at just 25-years-old is too much of a burden is a possibility, but McTominay does have experience with the armband.
    He was stand-in skipper during an FA Cup game against Watford back in January 2021, scoring the only goal of the game during a 1-0 win, proving that being captain didn’t impact his game.
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    Alternatively there are expected to a number of incomings at OId Trafford this summer.
    And Ten Hag could choose to appoint one his signings as captain if none of the current crop stand out to him.
    Scott McTominay could be viewed as a potential long-term skipper at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters More

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    Victor Osimhen has nothing blocking Man Utd transfer after snubbing 2020 move out of respect for Odion Ighalo

    VICTOR OSIMHEN no longer has Odion Ighalo standing in his way of a move to Manchester United. The Red Devils reportedly launched an £84million bid for the Napoli striker today.
    Manchester United are reportedly targeting a move for OsimhenCredit: Getty
    Osimhen turned down the chance to join Manchester United in 2020 because of Odion IghaloCredit: PA
    But it’s not the first time United have been linked with a swoop for the 23-year-old.
    Back in the summer of 2020 Osimhen snubbed a move to Old Trafford because of Nigerian team-mate Ighalo.
    Osimhen instead joined Napoli from Lille out of respect for Ighalo, who spent a year on loan at United between 2020 and 2021.
    Now though with Ighalo gone, there’s nothing standing in the way of Osimhen’s big money move to the Red Devils.
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    Osimhen’s brother Andrew revealed in 2020 he turned down a move to the Red Devils as he had “too much respect” for national tem colleague Ighalo.
    Andrew told Complete Sports: “It is very true that Manchester United wanted Victor but he told me something like he had too much respect for Odion Ighalo to be competing for shirts with his senior colleague.
    “My brother holds Ighalo in high esteem and he just didn’t see himself going to Old Trafford to battle for a striking role with the highest goalscorer at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.”
    Now United have rekindled their interest in the prolific Osimhen, the striker could be tempted by the prospect of a move to Manchester with Ighalo no longer at the club.
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    Although the Red Devils are set to face stiff competition for his signature.
    Both Arsenal and Newcastle are keeping tabs on Osimhen ahead of a potential summer move.
    But United seem to be leading the way after matching Napoli’s asking price with their £84m bid – something no other club has managed.
    Osimhen has netted 16 goals in 28 appearances for Napoli this campaign. More

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    Mino Raiola latest news: Super-agent ‘critically ill’ in Milan hospital as his Twitter furiously denies death reports

    MINO RAIOLA has denied reports of his death on social media.The Italian super-agent tweeted: “Current health status for the ones wondering: p***** off second time in 4 months they kill me. Seem also able to ressuscitate.”
    However, reports suggest that Raiola remains “critically ill” in hospital in Milan.
    The Italian represents some of football’s biggest names, including Erling Haaland, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.
    Ex-right-back Johnson on Pogba
    Former Chelsea and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has said that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, whose agent is Mino Raiola, doesn’t have “the character to suit either Liverpool or Chelsea.”
    The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and can leave United for free.
    On Pogba, Johnson told GGRecon: “I wouldn’t go for him.
    “He’s a sensational individual and he’s won most of the things you can win in football but I don’t believe he has the character to suit either Liverpool or Chelsea.
    “There’s no way Jurgen Klopp would sign him. No chance.”
    Raiola’s health misreported again
    Mino Raiola’s tweet this afternoon that for the ‘second time in four months they [social media] kill me’ refers to an episode that occurred in January.
    At the start of the year, the agent was admitted to hospital where he underwent medical checks that required anaesthesia.
    However, that story quickly spiralled across social networks, and it was soon being inaccurately reported that Raiola had needed emergency surgery.
    Could Raiola wreck United plans?
    Manchester United managers have not enjoyed the most positive of relationships with Mino Raiola over the years, and Erik ten Hag could become the latest to have his plans thwarted by the super agent.
    Ten Hag will arrive from Ajax in the summer and hopes to bring young midfielder Ryan Gravenberch with him as he begins his overhaul of the flailing Red Devils.
    However, the 19-year-old Dutch international’s agent is none other than Raiola, who has been meeting with representatives of Bayern Munich over a move for his client to the Bundesliga.
    While frustrating many managers, board members and fans, Raiola has built an impressive reputation for putting his players first, and doing all he can to get them the best deals possible.
    Did Haaland meet with Mino?
    Mino Raiola is agent to some of football’s biggest superstars, two of whom are central to the biggest transfer stories currently gripping the game.
    While Paul Pogba looks destined to move to Paris Saint-Germain, the destination of another of Raiola’s clients – Erling Haaland – has been subject to months of speculation.
    And supposedly, the Norwegian ace flew out to meet with his agent in Monaco at the weekend regarding a mega-money deal with Manchester City.
    With Raiola now in critical condition in Milan, it raises question as to whether the meeting actually took place.
    Romano reports on doctor’s outrage
    Fabrizio Romano has followed up Mino Raiola’s tweet regarding the agent’s supposed death by quoting one of the doctors at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan where he is currently being treated.
    Dr. Alberto Zangrillo reportedly told Ansa: “I’m outraged by the phone calls from pseudo-journalists speculating on the life of a man who is fighting to survive”.
    Fabregas asks for Raiola respect
    An upset Cesc Fabregas has responded to the false reports of Mino Raiola’s death within social and mainstream media by demanding thoughtfulness.
    The former Chelsea and Arsenal star quote tweeted the original source of the inaccurate story, the Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri and his now-deleted tweet.
    Fabregas said” Please remember that this man have a family. I’ve known his son for a few years and this news are false.
    “Please let’s have some respect, not everything is allowed.”
    An update from Mino Raiola
    Contrary to earlier reports, Mino Raiola is not dead.
    However, the agent is supposedly very ill and in a critical condition in a hospital in Milan.
    Moments ago, the following tweet was posted from the agent’s account, appearing to mock reports of his death by social media for the second time in four months.
    Current health status for the ones wondering: pissed off second time in 4 months they kill me. Seem also able to ressuscitate.— Mino Raiola (@MinoRaiola) April 28, 2022

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    Ruben Neves’ agency ‘invites Man Utd transfer bid’, Milinkovic-Savic ‘in talks’, Rangnick to STAY – latest updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to keep their remote chances of Champions League football alive.But work is already going on off the pitch to get the club ready for the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
    Midfield targets are a particular focus with Paul Pogba set to leave the club this summer.
    According to the Italian press, the Red Devils are in talks with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s representatives and seen as frontrunners to sign the Lazio man.
    And Ruben Neves’ representatives are said to be “inviting” the club to make a bid for the Wolves star.
    Kalvin Phillips of Leeds is another reported target, who could make a move across the Pennines for a fee of £50m.
    Meanwhile Ralf Rangnick has confirmed he will continue working with Manchester United in a consultancy role this summer.
    Get all the latest Man Utd news, gossip and transfer updates…
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    Ex-right-back Johnson on Pogba
    Former Chelsea and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has said that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba doesn’t have “the character to suit either Liverpool or Chelsea.”
    The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and can leave United for free.
    On Pogba, Johnson told GGRecon: “I wouldn’t go for him.
    “He’s a sensational individual and he’s won most of the things you can win in football but I don’t believe he has the character to suit either Liverpool or Chelsea.
    “There’s no way Jurgen Klopp would sign him. No chance.”
    ‘I’m not dead’
    Football super-agent Mino Raiola has been forced to deny claims he has DIED with an angry tweet.
    Italian media wrongly claimed the world’s biggest football agent, 54, had passed away, which was then reported by the world’s press.
    Real Madrid even paid their condolences after the fake reports emerged.
    But the man himself has denied this from his hospital bed.
    Raiola tweeted: “Current health status for the ones wondering: p***d off second time in 4 months they kill me.
    “Seem also able to resuscitate.”
    It is believed Raiola has been suffering with a lung condition, according to German outlet Bild.
    The Italian looks after the likes of Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland and the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    Could Raiola wreck United plans?
    Manchester United managers have not enjoyed the most positive of relationships with Mino Raiola over the years, and Erik ten Hag could become the latest to have his plans thwarted by the super agent.
    Ten Hag will arrive from Ajax in the summer and hopes to bring young midfielder Ryan Gravenberch with him as he begins his overhaul of the flailing Red Devils.
    However, the 19-year-old Dutch international’s agent is none other than Raiola, who has been meeting with representatives of Bayern Munich over a move for his client to the Bundesliga.
    While frustrating many managers, board members and fans, Raiola has built an impressive reputation for putting his players first, and doing all he can to get them the best deals possible.
    United hit by UEFA fine
    Manchester United have been handed a €10,000 fine following incidents that marred their Champions League home defeat to Atletico Madrid last month.
    Atletico manager Diego Simeone was the target of several missiles thrown from the crowd at the end of a bad-tempered Last 16 tie at Old Trafford.
    The UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body announced that the fine had been handed out for the ‘throwing of objects’ although didn’t reference the Argentine coach directly.
    Welcome Manchester United fans
    Manchester United are facing an injury crisis as they prepare to host Chelsea at Old Trafford this evening.
    Ralf Rangnick revealed that he would be without EIGHT first team players for the Premier League fixture that United must surely win to keep their dwindling hopes of a top-four finish alive.
    Behind-the-scenes, officials have begun working on a number of summer transfer targets – and they include Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
    The England international has previously indicated that he would never join Manchester United, but the Red Devils are hoping to make the player an offer he can’t refuse.
    And United could splash the cash again when it comes striker Victor Osimhen.
    Rumours in Italy state that an £84million offer is being submitted to Napoli for the free-scoring Nigerian.
    Meanwhile, Rangnick has rubbished reports that he compiled a dossier for the United board labelling his players ‘selfish’ and ‘unprofessional’.
    The interim boss insists that would always protect his players, and his only current concern is helping incoming manager Erik ten Hag to build a squad capable of challenging for titles.
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    Tuchel confirms he will STAY at Chelsea, Blues ‘confident of Kounde deal’, Antony transfer talks – takeover latest

    ANTONIO RUDIGER is set to join Real Madrid this summer, with boss Thomas Tuchel confirming he will leave Chelsea.But in better news, Tuchel himself has confirmed that he is going nowhere and is already looking forward to pre-season.
    Meanwhile Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
    Chelsea are also said to be negotiating with Ajax over a potential deal for Brazilian winger Antony.
    And the next owners of the Blues must guarantee that they will stay in charge of the club for a minimum of TEN years.
    Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
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    Ex-right-back Johnson on Pogba
    Former Chelsea and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has said that Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba doesn’t have “the character to suit either Liverpool or Chelsea.”
    The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and can leave United for free.
    On Pogba, Johnson told GGRecon: “I wouldn’t go for him.
    “He’s a sensational individual and he’s won most of the things you can win in football but I don’t believe he has the character to suit either Liverpool or Chelsea.
    “There’s no way Jurgen Klopp would sign him. No chance.”
    Years of Abramovich spending
    Here’s a breakdown of how much Roman Abramovich spent during his time as owner of Chelsea.

    Bidders told to up offers
    The three prospective owners of Chelsea have been asked to increase their offers by £500million by outgoing billionaire Roman Abramovich.
    Martin Kleinman at Sky News reports that the Russian owner is demanding the additional money to help augment a £1billion charitable donation to be made upon the sale of the football club.
    The increase in price effectively guarantees ‘a minimum headline price for the club of £2.5billion.’
    Those heading each of the consortia still involved in the process are said to have reacted positively to the request.
    The preferred bidder selected by Raine Group is expected to be announced by the end of this week.
    Gimenez added to wanted list
    Another hour, another new centre-back linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
    This time it’s Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez that Chelsea scouts are watching as the Londoners plan for life after Rudiger and Christensen.
    The Uruguayan defender has clocked up 245 appearances for Atleti since moving to Spain in 230.
    An international with 76 caps to his name, Gimenez is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and a fully focused man-marker.
    Mount revelling on the road
    With their forwards misfiring once again, Chelsea will be looking towards Mason Mount to make the different at Old Trafford this evening.
    And the England international rarely disappoints on the road, having played some of his best football this season away from Stamford Bridge.
    Mount has been directly involved in ten goals in his 14 away appearances this season, scoring five himself and laying on another five assists for his teammates.
    Only Mo Salah (18), Harry Kane (13) and James Ward-Prowse (11) have more combined goals and assists in Premier League away games this term.

    Chelsea also chasing Barca’s Kimpembe
    Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea’s scouting team have made reinforcements at centre-half a priority for when new owners take over at Stamford Bridge.
    The Blues expect to lose Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer – and there’s the possibility that Cesar Azpilicueta also departs the club via the exit door.
    Without new signings, those departures would leave the Londoners short in central defence, and having to rely on a 38-year-old Thiago Silva.
    Sevilla’s Jules Kounde has already been sounded out by Chelsea officials, and now Goal see Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe as another option.
    Kimpembe has spent his entire career at PSG, but would be tempted by the challenge of the Premier League should his former boss come calling.

    Thursday night’s alright for rivals
    Manchester United and Chelsea once again do battle this evening but will do so for the very first time on a Thursday.
    The rescheduling of this clash means that it will become the 13th different Premier League fixture to have been played on all seven days of the week.
    It’s a novelty for the Blues with United set to become the first club that they have faced on each day.
    The Red Devils, meanwhile, have previously faced Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle on Monday – Sunday.
    Chelsea only require ‘cosmetic surgery’
    Thomas Tuchel does not expect Chelsea’s new owners to splash the cash this summer, and instead insists that the squad are only in need of some ‘cosmetic surgery’.
    The German coach says a testing close-season awaits in rebuilding the club, but insists he is sticking around and is relishing the challenge.
    Asked what treatment the Blues require to move forward, Tuchel chuckled and replied: “Cosmetic surgery. I would be less concerned if we had still the same ownership, but as this is also in question, we are aware of the danger of a situation that is maybe a bit more complex.”
    He added: ‘It is demanding enough nowadays in football to lose this kind of quality in a back three, and to lose two key players for free.
    “It could be a very, very demanding summer.”
    Tuchel hopeful of trio return
    Chelsea travel to Manchester United this evening, hoping to cement third place in the Premier League – and another shot at the Champions League next year.
    The Blues can move eight points clear of Arsenal in fourth with a win, and further add to United’s miserable form in the process.
    Thomas Tuchel’s team have put in concerning performances themselves of late, but the German coach hopes he will have three key defenders back in the squad to help improve his struggling backline.
    “[Antonio] Rudiger was in training yesterday, and it’s the same for Reece James,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference yesterday.
    “Hopefully they can do the full training session today and give us a green light. We have hopes that they can be in the squad to play tomorrow.”
    “It’s the same for Andreas [Christensen]. We will need another examination because he felt sick, but he will come back to the training ground today.”
    Christensen and Rudiger are expected to depart Stamford Bridge while James has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
    Good morning Chelsea fans
    Chelsea are confident they can sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in the summer.
    According to 90min, there is a mutual determination for the transfer to be completed. 
    The Blues are also keeping tabs on Arminia Bielefeld centre-back Amos Pieper, according to reports.
    Pieper, 24, has impressed in the Bundesliga this season despite Arminia heading for relegation.
    Finally, Chelsea players believe the sanctions placed on them by the government are costing them and could force Thomas Tuchel to quit, say reports.
    Boss Tuchel claimed the club have been left with their “hands tied” as Antonio Rudiger is set to leave.
    And the Times report the squad “fear” the complications could “push” Tuchel out the club too.
    Rom’s top of the earners list
    Summer flop Romelu Lukaku is Chelsea’s biggest earner.
    The Belgian forward picks up an eye-watering £325,000-a-week at the Blues.
    He could, however, already be heading for the exit door.

    New owner yet to be found
    A new Chelsea owner is yet to be found.
    Here’s a look at Roman Abramovich’s spending numbers.

    Chelsea confident on Kounde
    Chelsea are confident they can sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in the summer.
    According to 90min, there is a mutual determination for the transfer to be completed.
    The Blues actively tried to sign Kounde last summer but were reportedly “blindsided” by a last minute increase in demands by Sevilla.

    Jorginho on Drogba
    Chelsea midfielder has revealed “it would be nice” if he could have played with the great Didier Drogba.
    The retired striker had so many memorable moments while playing for the Blues.
    Drogba scored the equaliser and winning penalty in Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy win in 2012.
    On Drogba, Jorginho said: “What a player. What a striker.
    “It would be nice if I could have played with him. It wouldn’t be bad to have his movements as a striker.”
    Mason Mount: Premier League stats so far
    Will Chelsea’s Mason Mount reach double figures in goals and assists this season in the league?

    ‘Antonio Rudiger… who is this?’
    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti gave absolutely nothing away after he was quizzed about signing Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
    The legendary Italian boss was speaking after a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg tie away at Manchester City.
    Although Real Madrid lost the game, at 4-3 down heading to the Bernabeu there is still everything to play for.
    Rudiger, meanwhile, has told Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel he will leave the Londoners at the end of the season on a free transfer.
    Real Madrid have emerged as the frontrunners to snap up the centre-half in what would be a big coup.
    But after being asked about Rudiger following the defeat at the Etihad, Ancelotti went all coy.
    He answered: “Antonio Rudiger, who is this?
    “He is a Chelsea player until… he is still a Chelsea player, and I cannot say anything about this.”
    Ball-carrying midfielder
    Declan Rice is the leader in progressive yards carried outside of England’s “big six”.
    The England midfielder has carried the ball over 6,000 yards.
    Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin is behind on 4,663.
    If the “Big Six” were included, Rice would be behind Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias and Joel Matip.
    Rice is a summer transfer target for both Chelsea and Man Utd.

    Pie Eyed
    In case you missed it.
    Chelsea are keeping tabs on Arminia Bielefeld centre-back Amos Pieper, according to reports.
    Pieper, 24, has impressed in the Bundesliga this season despite Arminia heading for relegation.
    The defender is available on a free in the summer and the Blues have asked to be kept in the loop in regard to his availability, report The Mirror.
    There are several other clubs interested in Pieper, including Borussia Dortmund – with Pieper previously playing for the club’s academy.
    Premier League pair Newcastle and Southampton are also said to be interested in the German and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are keen to strike a bargain.
    Chelsea stars fear Tuchel could be forced to QUIT
    Chelsea players believe the sanctions placed on them by the government are costing them and could force Thomas Tuchel to quit, say reports.
    Boss Tuchel claimed the club have been left with their “hands tied” as Antonio Rudiger is set to leave.
    Rudiger, 29, is due to bank almost £60million with his mega move to Real Madrid.
    And the Times report the squad “fear” the complications could “push” Tuchel out the club too.
    The Stamford Bridge dressing room are concerned they are “powerless” as they wait for sanctions and this could harm the squad.
    How Man Utd could line up against Chelsea
    Ralf Rangnick is in the midst of an injury crisis at Manchester United and currently has just 14 senior players fit for action.
    The interim boss is down to the bare bones of his squad after confirming skipper Harry Maguire is not available for tomorrow’s clash against Chelsea.
    Maguire, who was benched for the trip to Arsenal, is sidelined with a “niggle” in his knee but there are fears he could be out for the season.
    Elsewhere Jadon Sancho misses out through illness, while Fred has not recovered from a hip flexor problem in time to feature.
    Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw, Edinson Cavani are all also set to miss out, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a doubt with an unspecified issue.

    Tuchel to stay at Chelsea
    Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that will stay at Chelsea next season.
    There has been some speculation recently around the idea of the 48-year-old leaving due to the sanctions placed on the club by the UK Government.
    However, when speaking to Adam Newson for Football.London, he said: “From pre-season next season we will give our very best and I will be fully involved with all my heart and my knowledge.”
    Tuchel on Ruben Loftus-Cheek
    During today’s press conference, Thomas Tuchel was asked about the impact of Loftus-Cheek.
    He said: “He needs to push himself to the limit. He had a bit of shy game like everybody else against Arsenal and not such a good half against Crystal Palace but stepped up in the second half in dribbling and ball recoveries and suddenly the crowd was there.
    “In general he is a shy and calm person but he needs to discover the monster in him and unleash this on a regular basis. It is necessary.
    “It is not enough to just be on the pitch, it might seem a good first step given his last years but we cannot let him think that is enough.
    “We try every day and I think we are successful given his development.
    “He needs to understand his potential and his physical capacity every day in training, he cannot let loose. He needs to play every match like a final.”
    Credit: Getty
    Tuchel on tomorrow’s trip to Old Trafford
    During today’s press conference, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said: “I’m personally very happy to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
    “I arrive with a strong club. I’m happy to have this match and it will always be a big match for me no matter what form they are in.
    “That’s why we prepare in the best possible way. We focus on their last matches, we should not get confused by their lack of points, their squad is full of quality.”
    ‘He loves responsibility’ – Tuchel
    Thomas Tuchel has reflected on Antonio Rudiger’s upcoming departure from Chelsea, stating that the team are sad to see him go.
    He said: “I don’t think anybody likes it. He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room.
    “He is a unique character and plays on an outstanding level. He sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves responsibility.
    “I don’t think anybody likes this decision but we have to accept it. Like it or not there will be life at Chelsea after Toni.
    “It is also the most important thing for us that it ends like it started, on the highest level.”
    Credit: Alamy
    Chelsea team news vs Man Utd
    Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Mateo Kovacic, Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ross Barkley will all be absent from the Chelsea squad ahead of tomorrow’s game against Man Utd.
    In his pre-match press conference, he said: “Kova will be out, Ben Chilwell will be out and Callum will be out.
    “Rudiger was in training yesterday, so was Reece James, we have another training coming and hopefully they will be fine.
    “Andreas needs another examination, but hopefully he will train.
    “Ross Barkley is sick and will not be in the squad.”
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    How Burnley could line up under Wayne Rooney with two Man Utd fringe players and Derby playmaker transforming team

    WAYNE ROONEY is the favourite to be named Burnley’s new boss.Burnley have not found Sean Dyche’s permanent successor since he was given the boot two weeks ago.
    Wayne Rooney is favourite to land the Burnley jobCredit: Paul Tonge
    Several names including Rafa Benitez and Sam Allardyce have been linked with Dyche’s old position.
    But, SunSport exclusively revealed that Rooney is Burnley’s top pick for the job.
    And he’s interested in the role although Burnley’s Premier League status hangs in the balance.
    Rooney’s Derby County side were relegated to League One a few weeks back.
    Rooney could bring in stars from Man United, Everton and Derby to join him at Burnley
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    And his arrival at Turf Moor may attract some much-needed talent to the club.
    The 36-year-old could raid Manchester United for forgotten man Phil Jones and unsettled keeper Dean Henderson.
    Jones has only made two starts for the Red Devils in two years, and his experience will be imperative to Burnley’s back four.
    While disgruntled stopper Henderson has made no secret of his desire to quit Old Trafford in the pursuit of first-team football.
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    The Clarets have let in 55 league goals this term, and a pair of safe hands like Henderson’s will help them reduce that amount next season.
    Jones along with James Tarkowski would cover Henderson at the heart of the Burnley’s defence.
    Rooney could also bring Ravel Morrison from Derby with him to Burnley.
    The ex-England striker brought his former United pal in from football’s wilderness last summer.
    Morisson repaid Rooney’s faith with four goals and three assists this season.
    The 29-year-old will inject some venom into an attacking midfield alongside Jay Rodriguez, Josh McNeil and Josh Brownhill at Burnley.
    Rooney may also decide to raid former club Everton if they get relegated from the Prem.
    The Toffees may have to offload up-to SEVEN stars if they fail to beat the drop.
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    One star Everton could have to get rid of is Brazilian striker Richarlison.
    His presence up-front alongside Matej Vydra could give the Clarets the attacking threat they’ve missed this season. More