Man Utd news LIVE: Bellingham UPDATE, Kudus set to STAY, Verbruggen INTEREST, Maguire EXIT | The Sun
MANCHESTER UNITED are among other Premier League clubs in the hunt for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
The Athletic have reported that rivals Liverpool are set to miss out on the 19-year-old's signature.
Meanwhile, Red Devils target Mohammed Kudus is likely to remain at Ajax, according to reports.
Elsewhere, United have joined Liverpool in the race for Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
In other news,Harry Maguire is likely to leave the club in the summer, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane cementing their spots as Erik ten Hag's first-choice centre-back pairing.
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- Emillia Hawkins
VARcical
Another weekend of VAR controversy left fans up and down the country asking big questions.
Supporters of Wolves, Newcastle, Spurs and Fulham were up in arms over big calls going against their teams.
But Prem refs’ chiefs insist there are now far more correct decisions than wrong ones – with the vast majority of errors overturned.
The biggest issue of all is how VAR has changed things this season.
And SunSport’s analysis of the 81 on-field calls overturned on the advice of the men in the booth at Stockley Park does show a significant impact.
We have looked at every decision and altered the results that were affected, although we have also assumed that each of the nine penalties initially awarded and then rescinded was scored.
Without VAR, our study finds that only SEVEN teams – the top two, bottom four and 11th-placed Aston Villa, would still be in the same place in the table.
- Emillia Hawkins
Sabitzer to stay?
Marcel Sabitzer has hinted that he would like to remain at Man Utd when his six-month loan spell ends.
After Sunday's 2-1 win over Fulham, the midfielder said: "I had to make a quick decision (to join) in January.
"I was focused on this, it was clear it is just a loan until the summer. I take every game as it comes, I am very happy to be here. I will give 100%. Whatever happens in the summer, we will see."
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
Peace Talks
Man Utd star Luke Shaw and Fulham ace Kenny Tete warmed the fans' hearts during an intense fracas at Old Trafford.
United defeated the Cottagers 3-1 in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a moment of chaos that saw the visitors being issued THREE red cards in just 40 SECONDS in the 72nd minute.
First Fulham manager Marco Silva was sent off as he tried to encroach referee Chris Kavanagh who was checking a Willian handball incident on the TV monitor.
The winger was then given his marching orders for stopping Jadon Sancho's goal-bound effort inside the area.
Then Aleksandar Mitrovic, who had his team on the lead with his opener at the time, completely lost it as he appeared to shove the ref, who brandished his third red card in less than a minute.
A brawl then erupted between both sets of players, but there was also some beauty among all the ugliness.
At some point Shaw and Tete hugged each other in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
That left the fans with a smile on their face as they took to social media to praise both players who tried to hold the peace.
- Emillia Hawkins
BREAKING: Mitrovic faces ban for ref push
Aleksandar Mitrovic could miss most of the rest of the season for his Old Trafford red card shame.
The Fulham striker lost his head after Chris Kavanagh correctly took VAR advice to award Manchester United a penalty and dismiss Willian for handball in the FA Cup quarter-final clash.
And Mitrovic’s shove on the referee seems certain to hand him a massive ban.
Previous cases, including that of Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna, banned for six matches for gently shoving an assistant referee after a throw-in was awarded for derby in 2017.
It suggests a six match ban for Mitrovic is the least he should expect, with the likelihood of eight to 10 matches if the commission believes an experienced international and Premier League player should be judged by a higher standard.
The starting point for any suspension is the three-game ban for violent conduct, which means Mitrovic will not be available for Fulham, in any event, until the April 22 game with Leeds.
But it is almost inevitable that the ban will be far longer.
The FA has until tomorrow to issue any charges under the “fast-track” policy.
Credit: Alamy - Emillia Hawkins
On this day in 2016…
Marcus Rashford became the youngest player to score in a Manchester Derby when he netted the winner in a 1-0 win for Man United at the Etihad on this day in 2016.
The striker was 18 years and 141 days old when he slotted past Joe Hart after 16 minutes to put Louis van Gaal's team within a point of City in the race for the Premier League's top four.
The teenager latched onto a pass from Juan Mata and brushed past defender Martin Demichelis to score his fifth goal in professional football.
Rashford had only made his first-team debut for United weeks earlier on 28 February, scoring twice in a 5-1 Europa League win against the Danish side Midtjylland at Old Trafford.
He followed it up by scoring twice on his Premier League bow at home to Arsenal three days later, but it was the winner at the Etihad that cemented his burgeoning reputation on the red side of Manchester.
It came with United locked in a three-way race with City and West Ham to take the fourth and final spot in the following season's Champions League, with City desperate to make the cut ahead of the impending arrival of Pep Guardiola as manager.
"I am a very proud manager," said Van Gaal. "We played a very good first half with a goal and also had more chances and we didn't receive a lot of chances against us.
"This victory was necessary. The gap was four points and now it is one point, plus we are equal with (fifth-place) West Ham, which is important. What is possible? I cannot say."
Rashford went on to be included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2016 that summer, where he made a substitute appearance as the Three Lions were eliminated in the last-16 by Iceland in Nice.
Credit: PA:Press Association - Emillia Hawkins
Bart of the Net
Man Utd have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Erik ten Hag is yet to decide if club icon David De Gea, whose contract expires at the end of the season, should continue between the sticks as he looks to create a new dynasty at Old Trafford.
Talks remain ongoing over a new contract with a reduced wage.
But in the meantime, Dutch outlet HLN claims United are now weighing up a bid for Anderlecht’s 6ft 4in gloveman Verbruggen.
The 20-year-old has made quite an impression in Belgian football after being handed his debut two years ago.
And Verbruggen is now set for his international bow after being called up for Holland’s Euro qualifiers against France and Gibraltar.
SunSport exclusively revealed Liverpool’s interest last month.
And Vincent Kompany is still keeping tabs after trying to sign Verbruggen for Burnley last summer.
United are now considering a swoop, even if De Gea ends up penning an extension.
But Anderlecht are unlikely to sell for less than £8.5million.
Credit: Rex - Emillia Hawkins
Ugly Scenes
Man Utd legend Edwin van der Sar and his family were reportedly "harassed and threatened" by yobs before Ajax's derby with Feyenoord on Sunday.
The Amsterdam giants lost De Klassieker to their Rotterdam rivals with a score of 3-2 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA where some ugly scenes unfolded before kick-off.
According to De Telegraaf, four young and "drunk" men "cornered" Ajax chief executive Van der Sar and his family at the car park.
Security guards intervened and chucked all those fans out of the stadium.
The same report suggests the four supporters confronted the legendary goalkeeper because of his reported intention to reinstate disgraced Arsenal legend Marc Overmars to Ajax's hierarchy.
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
Art Attack
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman's recent comments about his side.
Ten Hag, 53, last week claimed that the Gunners have not had to put up with many injuries this season.
Arsenal fans online were left incensed, with many pointing to Gabriel Jesus' long lay-off.
Arteta, 40, vehemently disagrees with the sentiment too, and laid out what his side have had to contend with after their latest match.
After having to field Rob Holding in the absence of William Saliba, the Gunners managed to beat managerless Crystal Palace 4-1 yesterday.
Following the final whistle, Arteta told Sky Sports: "We had to respond and we talked about having players out all season.
"Gabriel Jesus was out for four months, Emile Smith Rowe out for four and a half months, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Eddie Nketiah out for two and a half months, now William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
"We overcome those situations, Rob came in and was brilliant today.
"Everyone has to give another edge to be at the same level, it's not a secret.
"There are moments we have 14, 15 players but everyone is willing to play and put their bodies on the line and I am happy that our players are happy to do that.
"To be at the top you have to do that at all times."
Credit: EPA - Emillia Hawkins
Kud Stay
Man Utd transfer target Mohammed Kudus is open to extending his contract with Ajax, reports suggest.
United boss Erik ten Hag is looking for reinforcement from his previous club once more after signing two of his old players Lisandro Martinez and Antony last summer.
And now Ten Hag is keeping tabs on Kudus, who has a contract until 2025 and has also been linked with Arsenal as well as Liverpool.
However the playmaker, who is capable of playing anywhere up front, is focused on Ajax and is even keen to sign a new deal as he is happy with the opportunities and development he gets in Amsterdam.
Kudus told De Telegraaf: "I am very happy at Ajax at the moment, but I will be even happier if we win the double.
"But why wouldn't I want to renew? I play and develop well.
"Now it's about negotiation and valuation. When the time is right, we'll see how it goes.
“But they [contract talks with Ajax] will have to be conducted with my manager [agent]. I want to fully focus on the title race."
Credit: Getty
- Emillia Hawkins
Liverpool 'pull out' of Bellingham bidding war
Liverpool are set to miss out on Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of the hottest young talents in world football.
But The Athletic state the Anfield club look on course to back out of the bidding process.
And that will leave Manchester City and Real Madrid to battle it out for the England star.
Manchester United have also been linked but they could be forced to settle for an alternative option, such as Mason Mount.
Credit: Getty - Anthony Chapman
Good morning Man Utd fans
Roy Keane hit out at “lucky” Manchester United after the Red Devils came from behind to beat Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
After booking a Wembley semi-final clash against Brighton, Keane said on ITV: “The priority was getting into the next round but I still think the manager will be hugely disappointed with what he saw.
“Of course Fulham self-destructed but United were so poor, it was unbelievable.”
When asked if United have been lucky in the FA Cup this season, he added: “It’s better to be lucky than good, sometimes.
“They’ve found their way in the previous games and today it was more self destruction from Fulham, and the home draws have really helped them.
“You need luck in cup competitions and United have certainly had their fair share this season.”
Alejandro Garnacho cheered on Manchester United from his home as fans spotted what was hanging proudly on his wall.
Sharing an Instagram story of him watching the match on his living room TV, he said: “Let’s go guys!”
But fans were drawn to what was hanging up either side of the big screen.
Garnacho has two of his Man Utd shirts on display for guests to see when they enter the spacious room.
Kai Rooney showed he was a chip off the old block by netting against Man Utd’s crosstown rivals Man City.
The eldest son of Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney was playing for in the U13 National Cup North final, when he showed why he was his father’s son.
A 2-0 win with goals from 13-year-old Rooney and JJ Gabriel were enough to see off the Cityzens and set up a national final clash against Arsenal.
After the game, Kai posted pictures of his medal and the trophy on Instagram, alongside images with his team-mates celebrating the famous win.
According to reports, Erik ten Hag is planning a major overhaul of his squad.
And two players that could be sold in the summer are Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
The Football Insider claims that the Dutchman is willing to let his two back-up centre backs go.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have cemented their places as the first choice.
Man Utd have been handed a boost in the pursuit of Ruben Neves – with the Wolves star expected to leave the club in the summer.
The Portugal international was a target for the Red Devils at the end of last campaign, but a move to Old Trafford never materialised.
The 26-year-old will move into the final year of his contract in July, and the club are yet to agree a new deal with Neves.
Manchester United remain in the battle for Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham.
United are prepared to seal a Premier League and British transfer record deal this summer for Bellingham.
According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils could soon emerge as frontrunners after throwing their hat in the ring amid interest from Manchester City and Liverpool.
Manager Erik ten Hag has “genuine interest” in bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford.
- Jon Boon
Utd flop nets twice
Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun scored AGAIN for Stade de Reims… but it wasn't enough to save Will Still's unbeaten run as boss.
An ex-Manchester United and Gunners star scored twice for Marseille, including a stunning free-kick, to seal a 2-1 victory on Sunday.
And with his double Alexis Sanchez ended Reims' incredible 19-GAME unbeaten run in Ligue 1.
The record, which stretched back to September 18, was the longest unbeaten run in any of Europe's top five leagues.
Belgium born Englishman Still has been caretaker boss for 17 of those games after taking over from the sacked Oscar Garcia in October.
- Jon Boon
Bolt was right
Man Utd fan Usain Bolt was at Old Trafford for Sunday's dramatic FA Cup win over Fulham.
And the eight-time Olympic gold medallist even managed to correctly predict the scoreline for the game.
Bolt, 36, reposted a clip to Twitter after the game of his pre-match prediction from Manchester United's Instagram account.
In the video ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final encounter, he said after being asked what the score will be: "I think it's going to finish 3-1."
And sure enough the reigning 100m and 200m world record holder was spot on with his prediction.
He captioned the video of his pre-match prediction "told you" with a winking emoji.
- Jon Boon
Garnacho's jersey pride
Alejandro Garnacho cheered on Manchester United from his home as fans spotted what was hanging proudly on his wall.
The Red Devils came from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 in an explosive FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Sharing an Instagram story of him watching the match on his living room TV, he said: "Let's go guys!"
But fans were drawn to what was hanging up either side of the big screen.
Garnacho has two of his Man Utd shirts on display for guests to see when they enter the spacious room.
- Jon Boon
Keane slams Utd
Roy Keane hit out at "lucky" Manchester United after the Red Devils came from behind to beat Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
After booking a Wembley semi-final clash against Brighton, Keane said on ITV: "The priority was getting into the next round but I still think the manager will be hugely disappointed with what he saw.
"Of course Fulham self-destructed but United were so poor, it was unbelievable."
When asked if United have been lucky in the FA Cup this season, he added: "It's better to be lucky than good, sometimes.
"They've found their way in the previous games and today it was more self destruction from Fulham, and the home draws have really helped them.
"You need luck in cup competitions and United have certainly had their fair share this season."
- Jon Boon
Like father like son
Kai Rooney showed he was a chip off the old block by netting against Man Utd's crosstown rivals Man City.
The eldest son of Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney was playing for in the U13 National Cup North final, when he showed why he was his father's son.
A 2-0 win with goals from 13-year-old Rooney and JJ Gabriel were enough to see off the Cityzens and set up a national final clash against Arsenal.
After the game, Kai posted pictures of his medal and the trophy on Instagram, alongside images with his team-mates celebrating the famous win.
- Jon Boon
United clearout
According to reports, Erik ten Hag is planning a major overhaul of his squad.
And two players that could be sold in the summer are Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
The Football Insider claims that the Dutchman is willing to let his two back-up centre backs go.
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have cemented their places as the first choice.
- Jon Boon
Peep peep
United are winners.
The Red Devils ran out 3-1 victors in the end, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and a Sabitzer strike in between those.
The game was turned on its head when Willian was sent off for handball off the line and Fernandes scored from the penalty spot.
In a crazy few seconds, Mitrovic was sent off for shoving the red, while Marco Silva was given his marching orders for complaining about the decision.
A hell of an implosion from Fulham.
- Jon Boon
And that settles it
Bruno Fernandes fires home to make it 3-1!
The goal comes in injury time – and has set the Red Devils up for another Wembley showpiece.
They will face Brighton in the semi-final.
- Jon Boon
2-1
In the blink of an eye, it's 2-1 to United.
Shaw squares it to Sabitzer who knocks it home.
Hang on. VAR check… goal is given. Man Utd are well in control.
- Jon Boon
1-1
Man Utd are back on terms.
It’s Bruno Fernandes from the spot who has drawn the Red Devils level.
16 minutes to go, playing against nine men? Surely there’s only one winner now?
- Jon Boon
It’s gone mad!
Penalty given, Willian sent off and now Mitrovic is shown red too!
It was something he said.
This is amazing.
- Jon Boon
VAR CHECK
Man Utd have a penalty being checked for handball off the line by William.
Here we go…
- Jon Boon
Fullham lead
Aleksandar Mitrovic with a poacher's goal.
Brilliant flick from Issa Dip as the corner comes in, and the Serb is there to tap home.
It's not less than what the Cottagers deserve.
- Jon Boon
Half-time
Man Utd are making hard work of this.
It's 0-0 at the break, with the Red Devils failing to break the deadlock in an even first half.
Erik ten Hag will want to see a lot more from his side in that second half.
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