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      Thomas Tuchel shares hug with Dan Burn and Lewis-Skelly as England stars arrive at St George’s Park for double-header

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      THOMAS TUCHEL shared a hug with England newbies Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly as the stars arrived at St George’s Park.Tuchel – who famously led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2021 – prepares for his first two Three Lions games in charge. Thomas Tuchel hugs Jordan Henderson as Dan Burn laughsCredit: GettyTuchel greets Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyMyles Lewis-Skelly hugs Aston Villa’s Morgan RogersCredit: GettyBellingham also embraces Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyEngland play Albania on Friday and Latvia next Monday – both at Wembley – in World Cup qualifying matches. And the players beamed as they reported to training for life under their new boss. Newcastle’s Burn – who was no doubt still on cloud nine after heading home in the historic League Cup final win over Liverpool – and Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly were greeted with big hugs by Tuchel.The defensive pair are in line for senior debuts in what could be a new-look England backline. READ MORE IN football There was also old faces in Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford – both left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad last summer. Rashford is without a goal since joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United but he has four assists to his name. His last England cap came off the bench against Brazil in a March 2024 friendly – which ended in a 1-0 loss. Henderson – who has captained Ajax this season – has not played internationally since November 2023. Most read in FootballCaptain Harry Kane reports to trainingCredit: GettyBellingham flew in from Spain for international dutyCredit: GettyMorgan Gibbs-White got a late call upCredit: GettyKeeper James Trafford made the squadCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly looked stylish on his way inCredit: GettyJordan Henderson rocked an all-grey tracksuitCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe former Sunderland midfielder was seen sharing a laugh with Newcastle’s Burn. And Tuchel previously said: “I truly believe that Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson have every chance to be with us at the World Cup.Dan Burn’s gone from pushing trolleys at Asda to potential England glory – he fully deserves his call-up”Football in general and maybe even more international football is about team spirit, it is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, the nation and the country.“It is about building a brotherhood so we cannot only do it with young players and we cannot only do with experienced players. “It has to be a good balance and a good mix in my opinion and that’s what we’re trying to do. “Without doubt, players like Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson bring something to a group from leadership and devotion and being humble and from setting the standards and taking care about the respect in the group. “I am surprised that Dan was never called up. He is such a tall guy but obviously it is easy to overlook him.”Eyebrows were initially raised when Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was left out by Tuchel. But Gibbs-White joined up with the squad in place of injured Chelsea star Cole Palmer – with the Forest man twice capped at senior level already. READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea captain James – not capped by England since 2023 – reunited with ex-Blues boss Tuchel after making a return to club competition.The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction.Reece James, with his old Chelsea coach Anthony Barry, was also named by old Chelsea boss TuchelCredit: GettyBurn is ready for his first England capCredit: GettyBurn and skipper KaneCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He needs a scan’ – Enzo Maresca says Cole Palmer will NOT be fit for England with Nottingham Forest star set to step up

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is set to be without Cole Palmer for his first England training camp.Chelsea’s maverick forward has scored 14 goals this season despite a recent downturn in form, but will have to miss Tuchel’s managerial debut.Palmer has been Chelsea’s star since signing last summerCredit: GettyMaresca confirmed Palmer’s injury after losing to ArsenalCredit: ReutersTuchel won the Champions League as Chelsea managerCredit: GettyEngland will face Albania and Latvia in the upcoming international break.Palmer was not in the squad as Chelsea lost 1-0 away to Arsenal today, with Tuchel calling up Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as his replacement.Gibbs-White has two England caps under his belt already and has played a key role in Forest’s push for Champions League qualification this season.The 25-year-old’s debut came under Lee Carsley last September in a 0-2 away win over Ireland, bagging an assist in his second match against Greece.Read more footballEnzo Maresca confirmed after the match that Palmer sustained a muscular injury in training on Friday.He said: “I don’t think [he will be fit for England] to be honest.”His injury is from yesterday’s session. It’s a muscular problem.”He needs a scan and the scan is planned for Monday morning.”Most read in FootballPalmer played through illness against Leicester last week, with Maresca confirming he had suffered from fever and diarrhoea prematch.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe has scored five times and assisted seven in 25 league appearances this year.Gareth Southgate named Palmer to the Three Lions’ squad for EURO2024 but gave him few playing opportunies.Cole Palmer branded ‘gift that keeps on giving’ after Chelsea star reveals his meal deal sandwich When Palmer did play, he bagged an equaliser from range against Spain in the final, which England ultimately lost.The news comes at the worst possible time for Chelsea, whose attack is already stretched thin by injuries.Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Marc Guiu are all working through long-term injuries, with Jadon Sancho, Christopher Nkunku, and Pedro Neto struggling to pick up the pieces.Chelsea remain in fourth place after the loss to Arsenal, but are now just one point ahead of Manchester City and two clear of sixth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand.Tuchel managed Chelsea before Palmer was signed, winning the Champions League in 2021 while dealing with sanctions imposed on the club due to Roman Abramovic’s links to the war in Ukraine.Palmer has been a sensation since moving to Chelsea, scoring 25 goals in 45 appearances in his debut season. More

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      ‘It was clear why’ – Mikel Arteta lifts lid on why ‘brave’ Arsenal star Ben White refused to play for England

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      MIKEL ARTETA saluted “brave” Ben White after he told Thomas Tuchel he wants an England return.The Arsenal defender has not played for his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early amid an alleged fallout with assistant Steve Holland.Mikel Arteta says there is no way Ben White let England downCredit: GettyEmirates ace White allegedly fell out with England coach Steve HollandCredit: GettyBut White, 27, told new England boss Tuchel he would “love” to end his exile — although was not fit enough to be in yesterday’s squad.This is despite Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce warning: “If players let you down once, they will always let you down.”But Gunners chief Arteta hit back: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it.“I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.“Whatever the outcome, what I want is for Ben to be happy.Most read in FootballNew Three Lions, boss Thomas Tuchel has opened the door for WhiteCredit: ReutersWhite won four England caps under Gareth Southgate from 2021-2022Credit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Knowing Ben, he won’t be influenced by somebody else.“And if they found that chemistry between Thomas and him, that’s great. If he wants to come and Thomas wants him, great.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad “He has the level and the potential to achieve great things with the national team.”Tuchel held talks with right-back White before leaving him out of his first England squad to face Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later. White made a first start since November in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven after a knee op.Tuchel said: “He loves to be back in the squad. It’s a bit too early, given the injury he had.“We’ve been monitoring his training. We are on it and are speaking to Ben. I’m delighted he’s back.“It’s a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has every chance to be back. He’s glad to be back.”Arsenal superkid Ethan Nwaneri earned a first England Under-21s call.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward, 17, will be involved for friendlies with France and Portugal.Academy kid Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning breakout season under Arteta — with eight goals in all competitions — and was even touted for a senior call-up.Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has leapt up into the England U-21s squadCredit: Getty More

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      England’s oldest ever debutants revealed with Dan Burn on track to break 15-year record if Newcastle star plays

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S latest England squad included a handful of fresh faces, with 32-year-old Dan Burn set to become one of England’s oldest debutants.Up-and-comers Miles Lewis-Skelly, 18, and Jarrell Quansah, 22, will both hope to make their senior England debuts in World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Geordie defender Dan Burn is a fan favourite on TynesideCredit: PA MediaDavies made his debut at 33Credit: GettyBurn, though, is Quansah’s senior by a decade, and is set to become the oldest England debutant since Kevin Davies in October 2010.Davies made his England bow at 33 against Montenegro, replacing Peter Crouch to play 21 minutes of the goalless draw.It would prove to be the only England appearance of the Bolton Wanderers star’s career.Burn will hope to prove his worth to Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Read more footballWhile Burn could become the oldest debutant for almost 15 years, he is far from the oldest ever.He will fail even to crack the top 20 oldest debutants.In the early days of international football, managers were far more patient with older players than they are now.Crystal Palace goalkeeper Alec Morten captained the Three Lions on debut in their second ever match – a 4-2 win over Scotland – aged 41 or 42 years old.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHis birthdate is disputed, listed by various sources as either 1831 or 1832.The oldest debutant with a confirmed birthday is Arsenal defender Leslie Compton, who also played professional cricket for Middlesex.Watch incredible tunnel bust-up as Newcastle ace Dan Burn grabs Jan Bednarek by the shirt during fiery Southampton gameHis debut came in a 4-2 win over Wales in 1950, at 38 years and 64 days old.Among the goalscorers on the day was Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn, who scored 201 goals in 399 appearances for the Magpies over a 12-year career.Should he play during the March international break, Burn will rank 21st among the oldest debutants, sandwiched between Portsmouth’s Jack Smith (32y354d) and Manchester City goalkeeper Frank Swift (32y276d).Burn will be older than more recent debutants in Leon Osman (31y181d), Rickie Lambert (31y179d), and Tom Heaton (30y42d).The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s masterplan to win England a second World Cup revealed by Jordan Henderson’s shock inclusion in squad

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      PERHAPS Thomas Tuchel was looking for maturity and experience when he handed Jordan Henderson a shock England recall in his first squad as Three Lions boss.That’s the same Ajax captain Henderson who missed Thursday’s nights Europa League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension after telling a referee to “f*** off”.Thomas Tuchel has named is first England squadCredit: GettyAjax captain Jordan Henderson is a shock inclusionCredit: GettyOr perhaps it was Henderson’s dedication to the England cause which inspired Tuchel.That’s the same Henderson who appeared to give up on his country by making a shock move to Saudi club Al Ettifaq when leaving Liverpool in 2023, taking the money rather than continuing in elite football.That Saudi experiment lasted just six months before Henderson headed to Amsterdam – where he has been frequently criticised in the Dutch media for a salary which hasn’t been matched by performance levels. Henderson is 34 and will be 36 by the time of next year’s World Cup in the United States so this is hardly one for the future from Tuchel – who is only likely to be in the post as England boss until next summer.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe new boss has shown short-term thinking by selecting Henderson, as well as 34-year-old right-back Kyle Walker – on loan at AC Milan from Manchester City, where his form fell of a cliff earlier this season.Even Dan Burn, one of two uncapped players in Tuchel’s squad for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, is 32.But Henderson’s inclusion in a 26-man squad is perhaps the most surprising of the lot.Henderson has won 81 caps, the last of which came against Malta in November 2023, when Gareth Southgate surprisingly included him despite that controversial move to Saudi. Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe was not involved with England in 2024, missing last summer’s Euros, along with Marcus Rashford – another surprise inclusion from Tuchel.The former Liverpool skipper has benefitted from an injury to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo to earn his call-up.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches But Henderson’s inclusion is proof positive that Tuchel will rely on experience rather than youth in his short-term mission of attempting to win England a second World Cup. More

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      Walking into England dressing room after Euros final defeat was so hard – but we CAN win World Cup, says Prince William

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      PRINCE William revealed one of his toughest tasks as FA ­President was consoling England’s crushed players shortly after the gut-wrenching defeat in the final of Euro 2024.The royal joined the deflated stars following the shattering 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin and admitted: “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into.After the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry KaneCredit: EPAWilliam and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winnerCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Prince William and England manager Thomas TuchelCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace“They were really down. They realised they’d given it their all and they’d been on such a journey.“It felt like the culmination should have been a successful ­victory for them.”However, footie-mad Wills is still quietly hopeful for the future and feels the Three Lions will be “as close as we’ve ever been” to winning a World Cup in two years.The Prince had taken on the FA presidency 18 years before the shattering defeat against Spain which he shared with son Prince George, then ten, who sat by his side.READ MORE ON PRINCE WILLIAMHe famously marked his appointment by turning up at England training and asking beanpole striker Peter Crouch to perform his robot goal celebration for him. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived.Prince WilliamEngland sadly failed to get past the quarter-finals that summer and, ever since, William has been as frustrated as any other England supporter at their continuing inability to lift a trophy.His hopes had been high in the Euro 2020 decider at Wembley, but Italy won that on penalties.“Do you know, I thought it was our time at the first final,” he said.Most read in FootballThat result made last year’s further disappointment doubly difficult to take, he said — as was evident from the images of him and George collapsing back into their seats, hands over their faces, as Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal bagged the late winner and shattered English dreams.William said: “To go and see it again and be so close when the guys had really given it their all was very difficult.”Prince William picks Messi vs Ronaldo winner and gives David Beckham a huge boost | Big Shot BattleAfter the whistle blew at the Olympic Stadium, the future king consoled the stars including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham as well as long-term manager Gareth Southgate.Like Southgate, he too stepped down after that final, but he has since taken on the role of FA patron instead of president and is as big an England fan as ever.The appointment of the German Thomas Tuchel as manager attracted criticism from those who felt the job should have gone to an Englishman.And William himself was involved in the development of the FA’s national training centre at St George’s Park, which was supposed to provide a pathway for English coaches.In fact, he opened the facility, which is just outside Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, back in 2012.He well understands that concern about an English coach being denied the top job this time round but is enthusiastic about what former Chelsea boss Tuchel can bring to the table.And he is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World Cup.He said: “I’m still linked to the FA but as a patron rather than president now. However, I loved my time as president.Prince William with former England manager Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyWilliam is optimistic that England have a real chance of getting their hands on the 2026 World CupCredit: Dan Charity“I learned an awful lot about the football world and the England set-up. I was trying to do my bit to work out how to bring the best minds in so that England could win a World Cup.“We’re now as close as we’ve ever been, I really do feel that. The foundations are very strong, and we’ve got good leadership with Thomas having arrived. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us.”He went on: “The FA is in quite a stable place which it hasn’t always been in the past when I was involved when I was younger.“It’s all coming together nicely. We just need the results on the pitch to go our way. We are going to see how Thomas sets up and who he picks.”He’s only got two years so it’s a short turnaround but I am quietly confident we are in a good position.”’Right person for job’Tuchel is due to announce his first England squad today. William was informed about the decision to hire him before it became public knowledge and he has had no reason to doubt it was the right move.The dad of three went on: “Having met him, I’m definitely happy about that decision.“I think he will bring serious detail and experience and wisdom to the role. Gareth Southgate was an incredible manager who did brilliantly and really laid the foundations for success.“He was very unlucky that he just didn’t quite manage to get us over the line. He gave it his all.“Of course I was sad to see him leave. He’s a lovely guy who did an incredible job.“He was the manager for nearly nine years, which is a long time.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, as regards finding his successor, I’m excited by what Thomas might bring.“I think he is exactly the right person for the job.”WILLING ENGLAND ONPRINCE William’s tenure as FA President has been marked by a huge upturn in form.May 2006: He takes over from uncle Prince Andrew.June 2006: He cheers on England and meets fans at the World Cup in Germany.2010: He and Prince Harry visit the England camp in South Africa.2012-2014: The future King stays home for the disappointing Euro 2012 and the dismal 2014 World Cup in Brazil.2016: Wills says the FA’s governance structure needs reform, at a lunch commemorating his ten-year anniversary as president.2018: The Prince does not attend the World Cup in Russia but he tweeted after the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter finals: “You wanted to make history England and you are doing just that.”2021: The president continues his hands-on approach to the Three Lions during the Covid-delayed Euro 2020.He gave a dressing room speech after England’s final defeat to Italy, which he watched alongside wife Kate and son George at Wembley.2022: Wills and Kate cheer the Lionesses on to England’s first trophy since 1966 at the Euro 2022 final at Wembley.2024: He roars England to victory over Switzerland at Euro 2024 — months after the double cancer diagnosis shock of Kate and dad Charles. He steps down after loss in final. More

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      ‘There should be no way back’ – Ben White should be BLOCKED from ever playing for England again, slams Man Utd legend

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      BEN WHITE should never be picked for England again according to ex-Three Lions star Nicky Butt.New England boss Thomas Tuchel is tipped to name White tomorrow in the first squad of his reign after the Arsenal defender spent two years in self-imposed exile.Ben White could be set to return to the England setup after more than two years in exileCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is preparing to name his first Three Lions squadCredit: GettyEx-Man Utd star Nicky Butt has urged Tuchel not to select WhiteCredit: GettyBut Butt says White’s decision not to make himself available since a bust-up at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar should end his international career.The former Manchester United midfielder said: “He is good enough to go in the squad, he’s a top player.“But he’s not that good to beg him to come back.“He’s not a Shearer in his day, he’s not a  Gascoigne in his day.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“There’s been a few over the years who have said, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I want to get ready for next season’,”In other words, ‘I don’t want to play’ or ‘I don’t want to be sub’.”Once you break that, I don’t think there should be any way back.”White, 27, flew home before the World Cup began in December 2022 amid reports that he was unhappy with a “barbed comment” made by boss Gareth Southgate’s assistant, Steve Holland.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsButt is also against the FA’s “sad” decision to appoint a German manager.Butt, 50, told talkSPORT: “He’s obviously an amazing coach. Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches “But I’m an Englishman who played for my country and is passionate about my country.“It doesn’t sit well with me. We’ve got enough good coaches in England to  give them a chance.”Tuchel is working off a massive 55-man list ahead of naming his first England squad.The new Three Lions manager will name his first squad next week for the home World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024The 51-year-old succeeds Southgate and has signed an 18-month contract which will end after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.Tuchel’s first game against Albania on March 21 is already a Wembley sell-out.The game against Latvia three days later is expected to attract a crowd of at least 70,000. More

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      Zirkzee slammed by Koeman as ‘not good enough’ as he snubs Man Utd flop for Holland despite being ‘limited up front’

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      NETHERLANDS manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee is not good enough to play for the national team.Zirkzee has struggled to find his feet since joining the Red Devils in a £36.5million transfer from Bologna in July.Joshua Zirkzee is not good enough for the Dutch national team, according to Ronald KoemanCredit: GettyKoeman decided against calling up Zirkzee to the Netherlands squad despite ‘limited’ options in attackCredit: GettyIn 42 club appearances this season the 23-year-old has scored just six goals and provided two assists.His form has left many United fans and pundits disappointed – and it appears Koeman isn’t best pleased either.The Netherlands boss has decided against handing Zirkzee a call-up for the next international break later this month.He insists the striker must “earn” his place in the squad.READ MORE ON MAN UTDKoeman said: “He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment.”Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong.”Yes, in principle form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible.”We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period.”Zirkzee has represented the Dutch national team in the last three international breaks.Harry Maguire reveals he sent private message to Joshua Zirkzee after Man Utd star was cheered off vs NewcastleHowever, Memphis Depay is expected to get the call-up this time instead.Netherlands face Spain in both Nations League fixtures this month.Should they win across two legs, they will reach the semi-finals of the competition.Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More