Morning, United fans

Erik ten Hag could hand Marcus Rashford a surprise start in Sevilla tonight and is pleading for David de Gea to stay.

Main man Rashford trained and jetted with the squad to Spain after missing last week’s 2-2 Europa League quarter-final first-leg draw.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are again expected to deputise for injured centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

Tyrell Malacia and Marcel Sabitzer have also been training following knocks, although Scott McTominay sat out practice.

Christian Eriksen should retain his starting place due to Bruno Fernandes’ suspension.

Victory would edge United closer to a cup treble in Ten Hag’s first season.

With the EFL already in the Old Trafford trophy cabinet,the Red Devils face Brighton in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is keen for “complete goalkeeper” De Gea to extend his contract beyond this summer.

The main issue is United pressing the Spaniard to reduce his weekly pay from £375,000 a week to £200k.

Off the pitch, versatile Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is tipped to favour Liverpool over Old Trafford.

And Argentinian winger Alejandro Garnacho could miss the final two Prem games after being called up for the Under 20 World Cup – but United hope he doesn’t go.  

Tern Hag desperate for De Gea to stay

Erik ten Hag has hailed No 1 David de Gea as the “complete goalkeeper” despite his Manchester United contract stand-off.

The Red Devils boss is determined the club reach an agreement with the Spanish shot stopper to keep him beyond this season.

De Gea, 32, has been at Old Trafford for 12 years after joining from Atletico Madrid.

His current contract runs out this summer and United want to reduce his wages from £375,000 a week to £200,000 but the player is refusing to sign.

Ahead of United’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla on Thursday night, Ten Hag said: “David is a really multi-functional and complete goalkeeper. We are very happy with him.’’

The Dutchman also highlighted how important De Gea is amid the keeper’s uncertain future and question marks over his distribution.

He said: “Everyone has their own particular style and nowadays in possession, it becomes more important, especially at the top level.

“There you take control and it is more difficult for the opponent to gain pressure, you also concede less chances.

“But it’s about stopping goals, stopping  shots,  stopping  crosses, one-on-ones,  more like the classic goalkeeper.”

‘Utd target Jurrien tipped for Liverpool’

Man Utd have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ajax star Jurrien Timber.

That’s because the ace is closing in on a move to Liverpool.

Presenter Wilfred Genee of Dutch TV show Veronica Offside said: “It appears that Timber’s girlfriend is looking for a house in Liverpool.

“He is also very preoccupied with it, so he will probably make a quick departure.”

Fans love ‘biggest s***house’ Mejbri

Fans are totally loving Manchester United’s young loan star – and branded him the “biggest s***house in English football”.

Hannibal Mejbri is spending this season with Birmingham City to build first-team football experience.

And he is certainly not shying away from taking on his Championship rivals.

None more so than at the New Den, home of the notoriously-hostile Millwall.

But the 20-year-old seemed to relish the occasion and the atmosphere with his sensational wind-up techniques.

With his side leading 1-0 in the fifth minute of injury time, Mejbri won a free-kick.

It presented the Blues with the perfect chance to let the clock tick down – and for Mejbri to absolutely milk it.

The 22-cap Tunisia international knocked the ball to the side, gave a massive cheer and wielded his arms in celebration towards the away end.

And he just kept going and going, getting more and more excited.

Just as he looked to be done and Millwall right-back Danny McNamara trotted back to mark him, Mejbri went off again, fist pumping towards the home fans – sending the travelling support crazy.

And viewers back home could not get enough of the brilliant antics.

One said: “Hannibal Mejbri might be the biggest s***house in English football. What a player.”

Another wrote: “Hannibal Mejbri you are different gravy my son.”

Ten Hag was ‘almost a dictator’ as a manager

Erik ten Hag has been accused of acting “like a dictator” and making “false promises” by one of his former players.

Prior to his time at Manchester United and even Ajax, Ten Hag had a two-year stint coaching at Bayern Munich.

Between 2013 and 2015 Ten Hag was in charge of managing the club’s reserve side, winning the Regionalliga Bayern in 2014.

And while there he managed a German footballer by the name of Riccardo Basta.

But Basta does not have fond memories of his time with the Dutchman.

The now 28-year-old accused Ten Hag of making false promises to him regarding his development before slamming his managerial style.

In an interview with Sport 1, he said: “Every child dreams of becoming a professional footballer and at Bayern I was very close to that dream.

“But I was laughed at, and false promises were made.

“After my first contract extension, he [Ten Hag] told me that they were counting on me and that there was a plan for me.

“I was supposed to become a link between the first and second team and occasionally be in the squad.

“I thought that was great, of course. In the end, however, nothing came of it.

“Personally, I did not have a good relationship with Ten Hag. He was almost a dictator. He had a plan and we players had to follow it.”

Red Devils fear losing Garnacho

United are facing a battle to keep a hold of Alejandro Garnacho for their season run-in.

This is because Argentina have called him up for the Under 20 World Cup.

Garnacho has been named in his nation’s squad to take part in the tournament despite its schedule clashing with Man Utd’s season run-in.

The competition is set to commence on May 20, meaning Garnacho would miss the final two Premier League games of the season and the finals of the FA Cup and Europa League should they make them.

According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, United “do not want to give up” the winger for their last few games of the season.

Meanwhile, he reports the Argentine Federation and Under 20 coach Javier Mascherano are doing “everything possible” to include Garnacho in the squad.

Argentina had originally failed to qualify for the tournament, but after Fifa stripped Indonesia of hosting rights due to their opposition to Israel’s participation, the South Americans have stepped in to host.

Fifa rules on this club vs country matter state: “Clubs are obliged to release their registered players to the representative teams of the country for which the player is eligible to play on the basis of his

nationality if they are called up by the association concerned.

“Any agreement between a player and a club to the contrary is prohibited.”

However, outside of specified international windows, it is not compulsory for a club to release a player.

Fans gearing up for Jude announcement

FANS are convinced Jude Bellingham’s next club is set to be announced following a cryptic tweet from a former Premier League star.

Bellingham has long been the subject of transfer speculation, with many of European football’s heavy hitters reported to be interested.

However, following reports which suggested Bellingham could now STAY at Borussia Dortmund, fans are once again speculating Bellingham’s next club could be announced soon.

It comes after former Swindon, Middlesbrough and Barnsley ace Jan Age Fjørtoft hinted at some “significant news” set to come out of Germany.

He tweeted: “I understand that there will be significant news coming out of German football in the coming days.”

And fans are convinced Fjørtoft is in fact referencing news regarding the future of Bellingham.

One fan said: “We all know that it is confirmation of Jude Bellingham‘s transfer to Manchester City in the summer.”

A second speculated: “Bellingham to Anfield”, with a third adding: “Bellingham to Real Madrid, Here We Go.”

A fourth hypothesised: “Bellingham to Arsenal, [Leroy] Sane back to City and [Sadio] Mane back to [Liver]pool💃🏾.”

Although a fifth fan suggested: “Bellingham staying at Dortmund.”

Harry could stay at Spurs

Dimitar Berbatov reckons Harry Kane will reject a move to Man Utd and stay at Spurs instead.

Berbatov told Betfred: “His situation is so delicate and he doesn’t have a lot of room to manoeuvre. Everybody connected to the club wants him to stay because he’s the guy that’s wearing the badge with pride and scoring goals.

“If Harry decides that he wants to try and force a move to another club, then his legacy is going to be tarnished to a degree, which is not going to be good for him because he wants, and already has, a great legacy with Spurs. This is why the situation is so delicate.

“If I was Harry Kane, then I wouldn’t know what to do. Ultimately, I believe he will remain at Tottenham.”

Rashford jets to Spain in boost for Utd

Marcus Rashford has travelled to Spain in a major boost to Manchester United.

The Red Devils players made their way to Manchester Airport today to fly out to Seville for tomorrow’s Europa League quarter-final second leg.

And Rashford was pictured in his club tracksuit parking up and getting his bag out of his brand-new £180,000 olive green Lamborghini Urus car to join his team-mates on the plane.

That will come as a welcome sight for United supporters, with their top goalscorer missing the last two matches.

He hobbled off with a groin injury against Everton 11 days ago.

But the looks to have made a speedy recovery to make the trip to take on the six-time winners and has made the travelling squad.

Rashford was one of four key players to be involved in training after injury troubles.

Luke Shaw has also been absent from recent games due to a hamstring problem but is in contention to start.

Boss Erik ten Hag is waiting on Marcel Sabitzer to pass a late fitness test after he pulled up with an injury during the warm-up at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Sabitzer took part in this morning’s session alongside Tyrell Malacia, another who missed out at the City Ground.

Utd owe Casemiro a debt

Owen Hargreaves believes Casemiro is Man Utd’s player of the year after reviving an old Fergie tactic.

He said: “Sir Alex always said: ‘When you win the ball back, play forward.’ He wins it and he passes forward, he gets it to Bruno or he gets it to Eriksen, who play in Marcus or any of the attacking players.

“My player of the year? Marcus made headlines, but the team is really different when Casemiro isn’t playing.

“It affects David de Gea, the four defenders and the midfield balance ground. It is the basic element.”

Foursome return to boost hopes

Man Utd welcomed four stars back to training today.

That’s ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League showdown at Sevilla.

Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcel Sabitzer all took part in Wednesday’s session.

And each one will be hoping to line up when United look to seal their place in the last four.

Europa warning for Red Devils

Ivan Rakitic has warned Man Utd they won’t know what hit them on Thursday.

The Sevilla star said: “These people don’t know what awaits them on Thursday.

“It is a team with a lot of experience and many millions, but United does not know what Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan is like packed. 

“It’s unique. What our fans have created is very impressive.”

Timber ‘snubbing United for rivals’

Man Utd have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ajax star Jurrien Timber.

That’s because the ace is closing in on a move to Liverpool.

Presenter Wilfred Genee of Dutch TV show Veronica Offside said: “It appears that Timber’s girlfriend is looking for a house in Liverpool.

“He is also very preoccupied with it, so he will probably make a quick departure.”

Man Utd’s final position predicted

A supercomputer has predicted the final Premier League table.

And Man Utd are tipped to finish in third place.

It means fans can start dreaming of hearing the famous Champions League theme again.

And it will cap off a successful first season for Dutch boss Erik ten Hag.

Frimpong ‘can be United’s TAA’

Dimitar Berbatov believes Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong can be Man Utd’s very own Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He told Betfred: “I believe he’s a good player with a great future because he’s very young, he loves to attack from the right-hand side and he’s capable of chipping in with goals as well. However, he needs to improve from a defensive standpoint. 

“He reminds me a bit of Trent Alexander-Arnold. They both like to attack, they both have great vision in the final third, they can provide assists for their teammates and they both need to work on the defensive side of their games. 

“Frimpong has a great future and Manchester United should be scouting him even more. If Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka decide to leave, then Frimpong will be the guy to watch and they could even sign him in the future.” 

United get Kane transfer boost

Man Utd have been boosted in their pursuit of Harry Kane with Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus branding him “too old and expensive” for the Germans.

He said: “Everyone is talking about Victor Osimhen for his sensational performance at Napoli.

“Randal Kolo Muani may need a little more room and space than a Bayern striker usually has, but he’s also good in the box and could work in Munich. Harry Kane would be too old and too expensive for me.

“The price-performance ratio could speak for [Werder Bremen striker] Niclas Fullkrug.

“He would probably be available for €20-25 million [£17.6m-£22m] and score 25 goals in Munich.”

Case in point for Owen

Owen Hargreaves believes Casemiro is Man Utd’s player of the year after reviving an old Fergie tactic.

He said: “Sir Alex always said: ‘When you win the ball back, play forward.’ He wins it and he passes forward, he gets it to Bruno or he gets it to Eriksen, who play in Marcus or any of the attacking players.

“My player of the year? Marcus made headlines, but the team is really different when Casemiro isn’t playing.

“It affects David de Gea, the four defenders and the midfield balance ground. It is the basic element.”

Kane tipped to snub United

Dimitar Berbatov reckons Harry Kane will reject a move to Man Utd and stay at Spurs instead.

Berbatov told Betfred: “His situation is so delicate and he doesn’t have a lot of room to manoeuvre. Everybody connected to the club wants him to stay because he’s the guy that’s wearing the badge with pride and scoring goals.

“If Harry decides that he wants to try and force a move to another club, then his legacy is going to be tarnished to a degree, which is not going to be good for him because he wants, and already has, a great legacy with Spurs. This is why the situation is so delicate.

“If I was Harry Kane, then I wouldn’t know what to do. Ultimately, I believe he will remain at Tottenham.”

Good morning United fans

Fans fear the Glazers are staying – and Erik Ten Hag promised that Anthony Martial definitely will.

American group Carlyle are ready to invest enough for a minority share in United – leaving the Glazers still in charge.

Main suitors Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani, have bid below the £6billion asking price for a full takeover.

Meanwhile, manager Ten Hag shut down talk of injury-hit striker Martial departing in the summer.

The Dutchman said: “He’s a great player – and when he is fit our team plays better.”

But Ten Hag still wants a new world-class frontman for next season.

On the game front, Marcus Rashford could yet make a surprise return for tomorrow’s Europa League cracker at Sevilla.

However, Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer remain injury doubts, with fellow midfielder Bruno Fernandes suspended.

Finally, World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is rated “100 per cent” certain to leave Brighton this summer.

United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked with the £60million-rated Argentinian.

Tyrell will make it tough for Shaw

Utd and England defender Paul Parker reckons Tyrell Malacia will bounce back to be a real threat to Luke Shaw at left-back.

Former England star Parker belies boss Erik ten Hag was right to recall Shaw early in the season but believes Malacia’s time will come again.

He told Bonuscodebets:“Tyrell started off really well at Man United and had a bit of a downfall, maybe because he has been lacking a bit of confidence.”

“I have previously criticised Luke Shaw, which was deserved because he is acting wrong when things aren’t going his way but we can’t take away from him that he has performed really well for Man United this season.”

“Malacia couldn’t argue over being on the bench because Luke Shaw was doing exceptionally well so he needed to accept it and not knock on the manager’s door to ask questions, but he has been bothered by it, of course.”

But Parker said of the Dutchman: “I do believe that he will be a key player for Man United in the future.

“I think that he is looking forward to having a pre-season for Man United, where he isn’t the new kid on the block and maybe he can gain a bit of confidence there.”

“He will improve, but will he take over Luke Shaw’s position already by the beginning of next season? Not unless Shaw is going to commit football suicide. He has to accept that but with time and when he starts feeling like a true Manchester United player, I believe he can do a good job.”

Fred Devil becomes Road Devil with drum-playing

Fred couldn’t kerb his enthusiasm for a touch of life back home as the Brazilian sat carefree on the roadside playing a drum to a salsa beat.

The Manchester United midfielder’s wife Monique Salum shared a clip of his antics as he revelled in a glimpse of April sun.

Monique, a chemical engineer, might have spotted something in the air as Fred showed another side of his character by becoming a Road Devil.

With a tablet blaring out music on top of his car, the 30-year-old was happy to pound away on an atabaque – a tall Afro-Brazilian hand drum. 

Sometimes gleefully stretching his arms above his head, Fred didn’t look like a man preparing for a huge tie on Thursday night.

United go to Sevilla level at 2-2 for the Europa League quarter-final second leg.

Fellow midfielders Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer are injury doubts.

Marcus Rashford is rated an outside bet to recover in time to play up front.

But crocked centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane miss out.

Raphael’s delight

Raphael Varane has announced the birth of his third child with a sweet picture on Instagram.

The Manchester United star posted the snap of himself and the newest member of his family along with his two other children, Ruben, 4, and Anais, 2.

The picture was posted after Varane’s wife Camille Tytgat had given birth.

The couple’s new daughter was born yesterday and has been named Elena.

Varane, 29, posted the update on Instagram along with the caption “Welcome Elena !!”

The post included two pictures in which Elena is being admired by her father and two siblings.

The family have received a lot of support online as the post was ‘liked’ more than 460,000 times.

And Varane’s team-mates have been quick to their congratulatory messages to the former Real Madrid star.

Bruno Fernandes commented: “😍❤️”

David de Gea wrote: “❤️”

TV could show 60 MORE live games a season

Premier League coverage is set to undergo a major shake-up with a further SIXTY games to be aired a season, according to reports.

The lion’s share of Prem matches have, for the last few years, been shared between Sky Sports and BT Sports – with the former having aired them close to three decades.

But Prem chiefs plan to make more matches available in order to “squeeze more money out of broadcasters” at the next domestic auction.

That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim 260 of the season-total 380 matches will available for broadcasters to pick up.

That’s an increase on the 200-a-season currently aired.

The Prem’s current TV rights deal with broadcasters ends in 2025.

It’s said that “meatier” game packages will be available to Sky and their rivals.

But some TV execs expect the number of packages to be reduced from the seven currently available.

Sky currently dominate the current package split with four – the equivalent of 128 matches per season – to their name.

BT Sport own the coveted 12.30pm kick-offs and midweek packages.

Utd legend tips Harry to stay at Spurs

Dimitar Berbatov reckons Harry Kane will reject a move to Man Utd and stay at Spurs instead.

Berbatov told Betfred: “His situation is so delicate and he doesn’t have a lot of room to manoeuvre. Everybody connected to the club wants him to stay because he’s the guy that’s wearing the badge with pride and scoring goals.

“If Harry decides that he wants to try and force a move to another club, then his legacy is going to be tarnished to a degree, which is not going to be good for him because he wants, and already has, a great legacy with Spurs. This is why the situation is so delicate.

“If I was Harry Kane, then I wouldn’t know what to do. Ultimately, I believe he will remain at Tottenham.”

Antony will only get better

Louis Saha reckons Antony has shown enough to prove he will become a key player for United in future seasons.

Saha told DAZN Bet: “Antony is already a very good player, people forget the Premier League is the toughest to adapt to.

“People think physically, technically and because of the price tag, he could do better. I think he’s showed he’s capable of playing a lot of games.

“I think he’s done well but he can show more, he can improve his diversity in the game. He can improve the way he surprises people, and work on his finishes in game. I think he’s a great player.”