MANCHESTER UNITED had a keen viewer in Declan Rice as they overcame AC Milan in the Europa League.
Meanwhile the Red Devils are leading the chase for Nikola Milenkovic and have made an 'impressive offer', according to reports in Italy.
And there is plenty of reaction after United drew Spanish side Granada in the Europa League quarter finals.
Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
- Ian Tuckey
UTD 'TOO INCONSISTENT' TO WIN FA CUP
Ex-Tottenham and England star Jermaine Jenas tips Chelsea to win the FA Cup but says Manchester United are '"just too inconsistent".
Man City travel to Everton in the quarter-finals as bookies' favourites to lift the cup in May, while Chelsea host Premier League bottom club Sheffield United on Sunday.
Championship side Bournemouth are at home to out-of-form Southampton and United visit Leicester.
Jenas – who is working with heycar, the sponsors of BT Sport’s Emirates FA Cup coverage – said: “Leicester struggled towards the end of last season and I see that happening a bit again this season.
“Whereas Manchester United are just too inconsistent, week to week.
“Chelsea might win it. They have found some form under Thomas Tuchel and I like what is going down there.
“With the form they’re in, they could be a side bet to Manchester City as winners this season.”
- Ian Tuckey
CUT-PRICE JULES
Sevilla have slashed their asking price for Manchester United target Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The French defender, 22, has impressed in LaLiga for Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Club chiefs were initially demanding around £77million for the impressive centre-back, whose contract runs until 2024.
But according to El Gol, that price has now been slashed to £51m.
Jules Kounde could be available for £51mCredit: Rex - Ian Tuckey
RUUD'S RON REGRET
Ruud Van Nistelrooy admits he was wrong to spark a training ground bust-up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United.
The Dutch striker had an altercation with Ronaldo in training after the then Portugal winger failed to provide a simple pass.
Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy had a spat while teammates at Man Utd Van Nistelrooy went crazy but it was the catalyst which ended the Old Trafford career of the prolific forward, who scored an incredible 150 goals in 218 appearances.
Van Nistelrooy held his hands up and conceded he made a mistake when he told ex-United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on his Vibe with Five podcast: "I know that I was wrong in that situation.
"I immediately walked into the dressing room and I sat next to him and apologised for my behaviour when I calmed down.
"That frustration came from somewhere. Now when you are 44 and you look back on things and you know when things are going around you in your private life, things are going on and sometimes can make you frustrated.
"That incident led to a discussion with Cristiano. Of course, you need to realise then and you have to be big enough to acknowledge that."
- Ian Tuckey
THEATRE OF STREAMS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has landed a huge transfer-fund boost after Manchester United announced a new £235million, five-year shirt sponsorship deal with global technology firm TeamViewer.
United said: “The agreement will bring together one of the world’s most popular and successful sports teams with one of Europe’s fastest-growing software companies.
“The partnership will harness the power of Manchester United’s unrivalled global platform to showcase the unique capabilities of TeamViewer to transform the way the world works and interacts.
"The partnership will introduce Manchester United and its 1.1billion fans and followers around the world to exciting new technology drawing on TeamViewer’s expertise in remote connectivity services.
"TeamViewer will enable Manchester United to bring its fans even closer to the team they love through ground-breaking AR solutions and remote access to the Theatre of Dreams.”
- Ian Tuckey
UNITED ARE EUROPA LEAGUE FAVOURITES
United are warm favourites ahead of Arsenal to win the Europa League after an advantageous quarter-final draw today.
AC Milan's conquerors United are 6/4 after being paired with Granada, whilst Arsenal are second favourites on 13/5 as they face Slavia Prague.
Ladbrokes spokesman Alex Apati said: "Things are shaping up nicely for an all-English Europa League final."
Ladbrokes odds: Man Utd – 6/4, Arsenal – 13/5, Ajax – 6/1, Villarreal – 6/1, Roma – 8/1, Granada – 25/1, Slavia Prague – 28/1, Dinamo Zagreb – 40/1
FULL DRAW – QUARTER-FINALS: Granada v Manchester United, Arsenal v Slavia Prague, Ajax v Roma, Dinamo Zagreb v Villarreal.
SEMI-FINALS: Granada/Manchester United v Ajax/Roma, Dinamo Zagreb/Villarreal v Arsenal/Slavia Prague. - Ian Tuckey
VAN STILL FIRED UP
Donny van de Beek poured cold water on suggestions he is unhappy at Manchester United with his passionate celebration during the Red Devils’ win at AC Milan.
The Dutchman has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He joined United from Ajax in a £39million move at the end of last season.
But the 23-year-old has played just 26 times in all competitions since the transfer.
Reports in recent days suggested the Holland international wants to quit Old Trafford already because of a lack of game time.
Dutch legend Ronald de Boer also confirmed the midfielder is ‘not happy’ with the amount of time he has spent out of the team and the squad.
But the Ajax youth coach added he is certain Van de Beek is willing to stay and fight for his place.
- Etienne Fermie
PAUL UP IN THE AIR
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is pushing to get Paul Pogba signed up on a new contract and keep him at Old Trafford.
The club record signing returned from a ten-game injury absence to score the winning goal against AC Milan on Thursday night and put Manchester United into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
But doubts about his future remain with just next season left on his current deal.
Solskjaer said: “Of course we've got discussions and talks.”
Those talks are around a new four-year deal with the option of a further year to take Pogba, 28, most probably to the end of his career.
With the economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic, few would be able to afford a player Man Utd valued at £180million when he was on the market two summers ago.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep Paul Pogba at Old TraffordCredit: Getty - Etienne Fermie
RICE ONE HARRY
Manchester United fans were left delighted after Declan Rice congratulated Harry Maguire on their 'incredible' win over AC Milan.
Red Devils ace Maguire captained his team to a clean sheet and a 1-0 win on the night to win 2-1 on aggregate and qualify for the Europa League quarter-finals.
Paul Pogba came off the bench at half-time and had an almost immediate impact – scoring the winner just minutes later.
And Maguire-led United held on for the win.
The England centre-back posted a picture of himself walking out onto the pitch at the famous old stadium.
He captioned the post: "Leading the lads out to victory at the San Siro."
And his Three Lions team-mate Rice replied: "Incredible bro."
More than 115 people had liked the comment within 12 minutes of it going live.
Several replied with heart emojis and urged the midfielder to join the Reds.
United fans were loving the interaction - Etienne Fermie
FOR FOX SAKE
Manchester United travel to Leicester this weekend as their attentions turn to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Here's how SunSport's Will Pugh thinks that the Red Devils could line up.
Paul Pogba could be deployed on the left flank
- Etienne Fermie
ERL OF BARCA
Barcelona 'must slash players' wages and sell stars' if they want to sign Manchester United target Erling Haaland this summer.
The 20-year-old Norwegian has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after a remarkable campaign with Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland's contract with Dortmund has a release clause of £66million.
But it is being reported that the Bundesliga side will not accept any fee less than £130m for the world class goalscorer.
Therefore, if Barcelona were to pay that amount for Haaland he would come within touching distance of the club's record transfer fee which was £145m for Philippe Coutinho in 2018.
Haaland has established himself as one of the very best strikers in the world - Etienne Fermie
GETTING SHIRTY
Manchester United have announced TeamViewer will be their new shirt sponsor.
The Red Devils' deal with the global technology company will commence at the start of the 2021/21 side and will last for five years.
An excerpt of the club statement read: "Manchester United today announced that it has signed a new five-year agreement with the global technology company TeamViewer as its principal shirt partner.
"The partnership will begin with the 2021/2022 season.
"The agreement will bring together one of the world’s most popular and successful sports teams with one of Europe’s fastest-growing software companies."
Manchester United's main kit sponsor will be global technology company TeamViewer - Etienne Fermie
RON THE WAY?
Real Madrid star Marcelo has teased fans that rumoured Manchester United target Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Bernabeu from Juventus in the summer.
Speculation has been rife that Los Blancos could re-sign the 36-year-old, with the Portugal international reportedly keen to make the switch.
With just a year remaining on his deal in Italy, it has been claimed that Juve could cash in on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner at the end of the season.
Amid the ongoing rumours, left-back Marcelo has hinted that Ronaldo could be in line for a shock return.
The Brazilian commented on an Instagram video of him and Ronaldo celebrating after the victory against the Reds in Kiev three years ago.
Captioning the post, 433 said: "That @marcelotwelve @cristiano connection @realmadrid."
Marcelo was quick to respond, as he simply stated, 'Soon,' followed by two emojis that have been left open to interpretation.
Marcelo teased fans about Juventus forward Ronaldo possibly returning to Real in the summer Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo won numerous trophies together at Real Madrid - Etienne Fermie
EUROPA LEAGUE SEMI-FINALS
Manchester United will play Granada in the Europa League quarter-finals.
And should they progress, they will face Ajax or AS Roma in the semis.
- Etienne Fermie
EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW
Manchester United will face Granada in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The Spanish side boast former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado upfront.
- Etienne Fermie
UNDER-23S IN ACTION
Manchester United's Under-23s are getting underway against their Spurs counterparts.
Here's how they line up, including highly-rated youngsters Shola Shoretire and Hannibal.
- Etienne Fermie
VAN DER SHRIEK
Donny van de Beek poured cold water on suggestions he is unhappy at Manchester United with his passionate celebration during the Red Devils' win at AC Milan.
The Dutchman has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
He joined United from Ajax in a £39million move at the end of last season.
But the 23-year-old has played just 26 times in all competitions since the transfer.
Reports in recent days suggested the Holland international wants to quit Old Trafford already because of a lack of game time.
Dutch legend Ronald de Boer also confirmed the midfielder is 'not happy' with the amount of time he has spent out of the team and the squad.
But the Ajax youth coach added he is certain Van de Beek is willing to stay and fight for his place.
And judging by the 17-cap star's reaction to Paul Pogba's winner in Italy on Thursday, former Barcelona ace De Boer is right.
Pogba replaced injured Marcus Rashford at half-time with the score at 0-0 on the night and 1-1 on aggregate.
Donny couldn't hide his delight when Pogba scored - Etienne Fermie
MOR OF RAVEL
Former Manchester United prodigy Ravel Morrison is training with Sheffield Wednesday ahead of a possible free transfer.
The 28-year-old midfielder was tipped as a youngster to be one of England's hottest prospects, but he failed to develop into a world class player.
And now, after spells at the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, Morrison is linking up with Wednesday as he looks to save them from relegation to the third tier.
Having trained recently with Huddersfield Town, The Star understand he is now with Wednesday and close to reaching a free transfer agreement.
Morrison most recently turned out for ADO Den Haag - Etienne Fermie
ITALIAN JOB
Manchester United got the job done in Milan tonight with a cool 1-0 victory over the Serie A giants in their own backyard.
Paul Pogba's strike settled the tight tie, sending the Red Devils into the quarter-finals.
Let's remind ourselves of how it went down at San Siro.
- Etienne Fermie
CHEEKY DEVILS
Bruno Fernandes posted a celebratory selfie alongside match-winner Paul Pogba after last night's terrific 1-0 win over AC Milan at San Siro.
- Etienne Fermie
LEFT MARC
Marcus Rashford felt a 'twinge' during Manchester United's win over AC Milan and was subbed off as a precaution.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the England star had a problem and the Red Devils boss did not want to 'take a risk'.
He said: "Marcus had a twinge, we couldn't take a risk with him. Hopefully he won't be too bad."
Marcus Rashford came off injured during Man Utdâs win over AC Milan - Etienne Fermie
JULES IN THE CROWN
Sevilla have slashed their asking price for Manchester United target Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The French defender, 22, has impressed in LaLiga for Julen Lopetegui's side.
Club chiefs were initially demanding around £77million for the impressive centre-back, whose contract runs until 2024.
But according to El Gol, that price has now been slashed to £51m.
Jules Kounde could be available for £51mCredit: Rex
- Etienne Fermie
FRIENDS REUNITED
Paul Pogba was Manchester United's hero last night in Milan, as he bagged the only goal to send the Red Devils through to the Europa League quarter-finals.
And after the game, the Frenchman caught up with old pal and team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The duo, who played together at Old Trafford, even swapped shirts after the match.
- Etienne Fermie
CAV A LOOK AT THAT
Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme is 'in talks' with Manchester United star Edinson Cavani, according to reports.
The Uruguayan has become a popular figure at Old Trafford since joining on a free transfer last summer.
But amid reports that he is unsettled in England, the 34-year-old could return to South America at the end of his United contract.
And according to Infobae, Riquelme is working on sealing a deal.
Cavani, 34, could leave United this summerCredit: Reuters - Etienne Fermie
SEAL THE GREAL
Manchester United could be beaten to £100million target Jack Grealish by rivals Manchester City – who hope use midfielder Douglas Luiz as leverage.
The Etihad giants have a buy-back option on the Brazilian midfielder they sold to Villa in 2019.
It means City can re-sign Luiz for around £25m up until the start of June — but the 22-year-old is thought to be worth considerably more.
City could be prepared to let Luiz stay at Villa Park if it gave them a run at Grealish this summer.
And that would be an ace up the sleeve of the champions-elect for boss Pep Guardiola as he makes the England ace a major target.
Jack Grealish could leave his boyhood club this summerCredit: AFP - William Pugh
GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League quarter finals last night after victory against AC Milan.
Super-sub Paul Pogba came off the bench to score in a 1-0 win for the Red Devils, making it 2-1 on aggregate.
The Red Devils now eagerly await the draw that takes place today from midday, with the likes of Ajax and Roma waiting.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Pogba’s match-winning performance on his return from injury, saying: “We’ve missed Paul.
"He’s very important for us, he will give us a big boost for the rest of the season.
“Today he made a big difference.”
Meanwhile, Man Utd and Chelsea are reportedly locked in a huge transfer battle to sign RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate.
According to AS, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barca have joined the race to land the highly-rated defender.
The 21-year-old French talent has attracted significant interest after his form for Leipzig.
But with Dayot Upamecano joining Bayern Munich this summer, Leipzig may not be prepared to sell another key defender unless they receive a major offer.
Finally, Jesse Lingard has been called up by England after nearly two years in the international wilderness.
Having become a forgotten man at United in the first half of this season, JLingz appeared to have no chance of going to the Euros.
But his fantastic loan spell at West Ham, during which he has scored four goals and assisted a further two in six games, has brought him back into Gareth Southgate's plans.
Source: Read Full Article
