^ ^ Former Man Utd star ‘considering retirement’ just a month after joining new club

Varane signed for Como at the end of July (Picture: Getty)

Former Manchester United defender Raphael is reportedly considering retiring from football after a latest injury wrecked his new start at Italian side Como.

Varane, 31, left Old Trafford at the end of his contract in July, returning from injury towards the end of last season to help his side win the FA Cup in his last game for the club.

Struggles to stay fit were a frequent problem for the former France international during his three years in Manchester but the veteran hoped for a new start with Italian side Como, signing a two-year deal with the club managed by Cesc Fabregas in July.

Varane made his debut for his new club in the Coppa Italia clash against Sampdoria in August but he was forced off after just 23 minutes.

The former Real Madrid star has not played since, missing his side’s opening matches of the new Serie A campaign against Cagliari and Juventus.

Varane is sidelined with a thigh problem but Como have made the decision to omit him from their official squad list until the next registration date.

Marca report Como are also considering terminating Varane’s contract, just a month after unveiling him as their new signing.

Varane’s contract at United expired this summer (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

The report describes the situation as reaching a ‘critical point’ and while Fabregas is still firmly behind his player, it claims Varane could now consider hanging up his boots for good.

Varane joined United in a £34m in 2021, leaving Real Madrid as one of the most decorated players in Europe with three La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues to his name.

United opted not to extend his contract at the end of 2024-25 season, instead choosing to rebuild their back line with a number of new signings.

United saw off interest from Real Madrid to sign Leny Yoro from Lille – with the teenager still waiting to make his debut after suffering a foot injury during pre-season.

Matthijs de Ligt also arrived from Bayern Munich along with full-back Noussair Mazraoui.

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^ ^ Ian Wright aims dig at Arsenal star for ‘jogging’ during Brighton draw

Ian Wright wasn’t happy with Arsenal’s defending in their 1-1 draw against Brighton (Picture: PLP)

Ian Wright was unimpressed with the defending that led to Brighton’s equalising goal in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Arsenal.

The Gunners led at the interval after Kai Havertz lobbed his side ahead with a well-taken goal that underlined his new found confidence.

Declan Rice’s controversial sending off, however, swung the momentum of the match that ultimately ended in a draw after Joao Pedro pounced to scored a deserved equaliser.

The Brazilian’s goal came after Lewis Dunk’s precise pass caught out Arsenal’s central defender and created a chance for Yankuba Minteh.

David Raya saved the Ghana international’s shot but Pedro was on hand to bury the rebound have sprinted away from Thomas Partey, much to Wright’s annoyance.

The Arsenal legend told Premier League Productions: ‘When you look at the play, you look at Thomas Partey he’s literally run past him.

‘Thomas Partey has to recognise in that instant he has to go all the way with Pedro and at least make a challenge. Pedro blasts past him and he’s just kind of jogging back.

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‘Those are the things that when you look back at that you’ll say well that could have been avoided. Maybe more pressure could’ve been put on Lewis Dunk cut that angle off and I think Partey’s got to cover Pedro.’

Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, was ‘amazed’ by the decision of Chris Kavanagh to show Rice the first red card of his career and insisted it changed the game.

Referee Kavanagh showed Rice a second yellow card after the England international subtly kicked away the ball from a Brighton free-kick by the corner flag to delay the restart.

Joao Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion scores his team’s first goal past David Raya of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

No caution was given to Joel Veltman, who caught Rice in his follow through, and Arsenal failed to hold on with 10-men.

Arteta bemoaned Kavanagh’s decision and appeared to suggest Pedro, who was later cautioned, should have been given a yellow card in the 18th minute when he kicked the ball away after it had gone out for a throw.

‘I was amazed. Amazed, amazed, amazed because of how inconsistent decisions can be,” Arteta reflected.

‘In the first half, there are two incidents and nothing happens. Then, in a non-critical area, the ball hits Declan, he turns around, he doesn’t see the player coming and he touches the ball.

‘By law, he can make that call, but then by law he needs to make the next call, which is red card so we play 10 vs 10. This is what amazed me. At this level it’s amazing.’

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^ ^ Chelsea make two offers to Man Utd as Jadon Sancho agrees transfer

Jadon Sancho is open to a deadline-day move to Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have presented two offers to Manchester United after agreeing personal terms with Jadon Sancho over a stunning deadline-day move.

Sancho emerged as a shock target for Chelsea earlier in the month despite his poor and frustrating spell at Old Trafford.

The ex-England international completed a £73m move to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 but flattered to deceive during his three-year stint at the club.

After two-and-a-half underwhelming years at the Theatre of Dreams, Sancho was sent back to Dortmund on loan last season and was expected to complete a permanent return to his former club.

United boss Erik ten Hag muddied the waters in pre-season by reintegrating Sancho into his first-team squad and insisting he had moved on from the spat they had almost a year ago.

But Sancho was left out of Manchester United’s opening two Premier League games and Ten Hag was always privately keen to offload him if the opportunity arose.

Despite already boasting a number of attacking players, Chelsea expressed interest in Sancho and are now closing in on a deadline-day deal.

Enzo Maresca is keen on the Manchester United flop (Picture: Getty)

Fabrizio Romano says Sancho has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, meaning all that is now required is for the two Premier League giants to strike a deal.

Both parties are keen for that to happen and Chelsea are doing all they can by making two separate offers to Manchester United.

One would see Sancho join on loan with a buyout option, while the other would include an obligation to buy, which would likely be preferable for United.

Speaking at his pre-Liverpool press conference on Friday, Ten Hag claimed he was ‘happy’ with Sancho and believed he would still be a United player come the transfer deadline.

‘He is a player in our squad and we are happy with him,’ Ten Hag said. ‘We need a good squad, we need depth.

‘We have to play many games until January. After the break we play every third day so we need options.’

Asked if he expects Sancho to stay, Ten Hag added: ‘As I know, yeah’.

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^ ^ Chelsea confirm deadline day move for Mauricio Pochettino favourite

Ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino rated him highly (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino favourite Dorde Petrovic has secured a deadline-day move away from Stamford Bridge.

It is almost a year to the day since Chelsea signed Petrovic in a £14m deal from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution.

Petrovic built an impressive body of work in America, keeping four clear sheets in one month during his first season in the MLS and finishing that campaign as a contender for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS Newcomer of the Year.

The Serbia international continued to impress in 2022-23, become the fastest player in MLS to save five penalties and being named in the MLS All-Star team.

Petrovic was expected to be Chelsea’s back-up goalkeeper last season but took advantage of an injury to No. 1 Robert Sanchez in December to finish the campaign as Pochettino’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old made 31 appearances in all competitions but failed to win over Pochettino’s replacement Enzo Maresca, who has gone back to Sanchez for the start of the new season.

Chelsea have now sent Petrovic out on loan to Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg and say they will ‘monitor’ his progress throughout the year.

Djordje Petrovic finished last season as Chelsea’s No. 1 (Picture: Getty)

‘Djordje joined the Blues last summer from New England Revolution and made 31 appearances, including a start in the Carabao Cup final, during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge,’ they said in a statement.

‘The 24-year-old will now continue his development in the French top flight. We look forward to supporting and monitoring Djordje throughout his loan spell. Good luck, Djordje!’

More to follow…

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^ ^ Arsenal and Liverpool learn their fates in new Champions League format

Liverpool and Arsenal were in Pot 1 and Pot 2 respectively (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal and Liverpool have learned who they’ll face in the league phase of the 2024-25 Champions League after the draw was made on Thursday.

The European club competition has undergone a drastic revamp this season, with the group stage scrapped for a ‘league phase’, which includes all 36 teams.

Each side will play eight games – four at home and four away – which was decided by UEFA’s software, after teams were placed into four pots based on their seeding.

Liverpool and Manchester City were in Pot 1, Arsenal were in Pot 2 while Aston Villa – the fourth English club to qualify for the Champions League – were in Pot 4.

But which eight clubs do Arsenal face in the Champions League league phase? What about Liverpool? And who do City and Villa take on? Read on to find out…

Which eight clubs do Arsenal face in the Champions League league phase?

• PSG (H)
• Inter Milan (A)
• Shakhtar Donetsk (H)
• Atalanta (A)
• Dinamo Zagreb (H)
• Sporting Lisbon (A)
• Monaco (H)
• Girona (A)

Which eight clubs do Liverpool face in the Champions League league phase?

Liverpool are the most successful English side in Champions League history (Picture: Getty)

• Real Madrid (H)
• RB Leipzig (A)
• Bayer Leverkusen (H)
• AC Milan (A)
• Lille (H)
• PSV (A)
• Bologna (H)
• Girona (A)

Which eight clubs do Manchester City face in the Champions League league phase?

• Inter Milan (H)
• PSG (A)
• Club Brugge (H)
• Juventus (A)
• Feyenoord (H)
• Sporting CP (A)
• Sparta Prague (H)
• Slovan Bratislava (A)

Which eight clubs do Aston Villa face in the Champions League league phase?

• Bayern Munich (H)
• RB Leipzig (A)
• Juventus (H)
• Club Brugge (A)
• Celtic (H)
• Young Boys (A)
• Bologna (H)
• Monaco (A)

New Champions League format explained

The traditional group stage has been scrapped for a 36-team league phase – but each club will only play eight fixtures – which has been decided by UEFA software after teams were put into four seeded pots based on their coefficient ranking.

After each club has played eight games, the sides who finish in the top eight of the 36-team league will progress directly to the last 16 of the knockouts.

Clubs ranked nine to 24 enter into a knockout play-off contest, where victory will secure a spot in the round of 16. Teams in positions 25 to 36 are eliminated from the competition.

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^ ^ ‘Where is he?!’ – Emmanuel Petit urges Manchester United to ‘help’ struggling star

Marcus Rashford has endured a tough start to the season (Photo: Getty)

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag must do their part to help Marcus Rashford on and off the pitch if the player is to regain his best form.

That is the opinion of Emmanuel Petit who believes the United and England star must seek help from his club in order to overcome a ‘difficult time in his private life’.

Rashford endured a poor season in 2023/24, scoring just eight goals and making six assists across all competitions, compared to the campaign before where he recorded 30 goals and 10 assists.

His lack of form cost him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad and the forward has now been left out of Lee Carsley’s first Three Lions side following an anonymous start to this season.

The 26-year-old’s struggles were underlined by a number of off-pitch issues, including missing an FA Cup match after being caught on a ‘Belfast bender’.

Discussing the upcoming Premier League clash between rivals United and Liverpool on the Seaman Says podcast, Rashford’s name was mentioned prompting Petit to exclaim: ‘Where is he? Where is he?!’

After it was suggested that the forward needed an arm around his shoulder, the former Arsenal and Chelsea star said: ‘It shows how important it is for clubs to focus not only on the football player but on the human being.

Emmanuel Petit has told Rashford to get ‘help’ from Man Utd (Photo: YouTube)

‘The club doesn’t want to interrupt too much into the private life but sometimes they should do because you are under contract, you are earning a lot of money. You are responsible, they are expecting something back from you.

‘For Rashford, I’ve been told he’s been through a difficult time in his private life. We’ve all been through difficult times. You need help.

‘If that doesn’t come from you family, your friends, it must come from the club and you need to share.

‘Arsene [Wenger] was remarkable with us, every time he saw something [not right] before we go into training we’re going to talk about that.’

United host arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, a fixture Rashford has performed well in in the past, with seven goals in 18 appearances against the Reds.

But after struggling in the Red Devils’ first three games of the season, it remains to be seen if Ten Hag will start him again.

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^ ^ Man Utd confirm star is ruled out of Liverpool clash in fresh injury blow

Mount is sidelined yet again (Picture: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Mason Mount is facing yet another spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury which rules him out of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The Manchester United midfielder endured an injury-hit first campaign at the club following his move to Chelsea last summer.

After some impressive performances during pre-season, he started United’s opening matches against Fulham and Brighton.

But the midfielder was was forced off at half-time in the 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls last Saturday.

Mount complained of an injury to United’s medical staff at the break, prompting Erik ten Hag into what he hoped would be just a precautionary change.

But the club have now confirmed the 25-year-old is sidelined again, not expected to return until after the September international break at the very earliest.

United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday before players head off to join their respective nations.

Zirkzee could now start against Liverpool (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Red Devils return to action on 14 September away to Southampton – a game Mount is also expecting to miss.

‘During the last game I picked up a minor muscle issue,’ Mount wrote on Instagram.

‘I’ve had it checked and it looks like I’ll be out for a few games. Leading up to and during pre-season, I worked hard to get my fitness back to where it needs to be and I felt re-energised, sharp and ready.

“I wanted you to hear it directly from me how frustrated I am, as I expect you are too. I will do everything possible to be back in the best shape and help the team.’

Mount’s first season at the club was wrecked by injury (Picture: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Speaking after replacing Mount against Brighton, ten Hag confirmed his decision was not a tactical one.

‘He had some problems and an issue,’ the Dutchman told TNT Sport. ‘We know the [injury] history of Mason so therefore we took him out.’

Joshua Zirkzee replaced Mount in the second-half on the opening day of the season against Fulham, going onto score the winner that night.

The Dutchman replaced him again last weekend and will now be hopeful of a starting role against Arne Slot’s side.

United also remain without Rasmus Hojlund, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw.

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^ ^ Arsenal vs Brighton: Latest team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Trossard hoping to start this weekend (Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Mikel Merino is set to be available to make his Arsenal debut when the Gunners take on Brighton in their Premier League clash this weekend.

The Spain international completed his switch to north London on Tuesday in a deal worth an initial £27.4million.

The Euro 2024 winner will get a few days training with his new teammates under his belt before the visit of the Seagulls, who roll into town fresh from a last-gasp victory over Manchester United last weekend.

A role off the bench could be more likely for Arsenal’s latest recruit with Mikel Arteta’s settled midfield not putting a foot wrong in their opening wins of the season against Wolves and Villa.

The Gunners boss made just one change to his side last time out at Villa Park with Jurrien Timber replacing Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back. The two offer different qualities in that position with Arteta preferring the defensive nous of the Dutchman against Villa’s forward line.

Riccardo Calafiori came onto make his debut in the second-half replacing Timber, swiftly winning over supporters in the 11 minutes he was on the pitch.

The Italy international is another option to slot into that left-back role and could have the perfect opportunity to do so and make his full debut at home on Saturday.

Calafiori made his league debut at Villa Park (Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Leandro Trossard replaced the reserved Gabriel Martinelli on Saturday and had an immediate impact, putting his side ahead two minutes after entering the fray.

The Belgium international offered the guile and invention Martinelli’s performances having been lacking as of late and will feel he has done more than enough to force his way into the side.

Gabriel Jesus missed that game with a groin injury, a problem that could yet force Arsenal into more transfer business before the window closes on Friday.

How Arsenal could line up this weekend…

Kai Havertz has been tasked with leading the line so far this term and is likely continue in that role.

Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are unavailable through injury while Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale may have played their last games for the club as they near moves away from the Emirates.

Predicted Arsenal XI to face Brighton

Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Partey, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Where to watch Arsenal vs Brighton? Kick-off time and TV channel

Arsenal vs Brighton kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday 24 August.

Live coverage is available on TNT Sports 1 and on the Discovery+ app.

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^ ^ Kyle Walker reveals the rival Premier League club who tried to sign him before Man City move

Kyle Walker joined Manchester City in 2017 (Picture: Getty)

Kyle Walker revealed he was close to joining one rival Premier League club shortly before his move to Manchester City.

After a stellar Premier League career – first at Tottenham and then with City – Walker has established himself as one of the league’s best-ever full-backs.

The England international broke into the Tottenham first team in 2011 and went on to become an ever-present cog in Spurs’ defence before his £45 million switch to City.

The 34-year-old has since gone on to win six league titles at the Etihad and become the club’s captain at the start of last season.

However, Walker’s trajectory could have been completely different, with the Englishman revealing that another rival side were interested in signing him just before he joined City.

‘At that time [just before I joined City], Chelsea was definitely wanting me,’ Walker said on the latest episode of You’ll Never Beat Kyle Walker.

However, the defender said that two key factors would have prevented him making the switch across London to join the Blues.

Walker said Chelsea were interested in him prior to his Manchester City move (Picture: Getty)

‘With everything that went on over the last number of years with us battling for the titles and battle at the Bridge as well, I didn’t fancy going there because I have a lot of respect for Tottenham and I didn’t really want to be the next Sol Campbell,’ he said.

‘I didn’t want to do that.’

Earlier this summer, however, Walker did almost pull the curtain down on his City career when Bayern Munich approached him with a lucrative offer.

Ultimately, the defender chose to sign a new, improved deal to remain in England but, at the time, admitted it was a close call.

‘It was close but in football, things can happen. Decisions can be made. Things can turn. It wasn’t meant to be,’ he said.

‘Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would have done. But this club is a great club and you can’t underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years.

“In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Man City, but I had to do what was right for me and my future and that was just whichever club gave me the most years.’

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^ ^ Jack Wilshere admits Arsenal wanted revenge over Liverpool after 7-1 humiliation

Jack Wilshere’s team got revenge with a 5-3 win on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)

Jack Wilshere admits his Arsenal U18s side wanted revenge over Liverpool after they were thumped 7-1 in the FA Youth Cup last season.

Wilshere’s men conjured up a brilliant win over Liverpool in the U18 Premier League Cup on Wednesday at the AXA Training Centre in an eight-goal thriller.

The north Londoners opened up a massive 3-0 lead, but Liverpool scored twice. Arsenal then made it 4-2, and both sides netted again as it eventually finished 5-3.

Speaking after the match, former Gunners midfielder Wilshere revealed that his team still had the 7-1 result ‘in mind’ and were keen to put things right.

‘When we came here last [season], they taught us a lesson a bit,’ Wilshere told the Arsenal website. ‘So we started the game with a little bit of that in mind.

‘Once we found our rhythm in the first half, we hurt them and we were clinical. Goals change games, right? You saw that in the second half.

‘We conceded a penalty, which changed our half-time team talk and our mentality going into the second half. We spoke about the importance of the next goal and they got it, so I’m happy with the way our players managed that situation because it’s not easy.

‘When you’re 3-1 up or 2-0, it’s a very difficult score in football, especially with young players because they feel like they’re in control and comfortable. We responded every time really well and showed a lot of character and courage.

‘When you play against Liverpool you expect it to be high pace. They’re going to be intense and press you hard and we managed that well. Once we beat that first line of the press, we could hurt them. We kept that mentality, even if they scored, and in the end we deserved to win.

‘We can always improve. We conceded three set plays today. We have to look at that, but we’ve been improving each game.

‘We weren’t at our best against West Ham but found a way to win. Against Chelsea we were better and could’ve killed the game.

‘In possession, it was our best performance today, but we really increase the training levels and intensity and I’m so glad the players are getting the rewards. Even when they’re tired, we’ve added players who’ve made us better. There’s no comfort zone.

‘This is just another step for us. We want to show everyone the quality we have in our academy but also the determination and fight we have to compete with the best teams.’

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^ ^ Barcelona make offer to sign Liverpool star ahead of transfer deadline day

Liverpool have received an offer from Barcelona (Pictures: Getty)

Barcelona have submitted an official offer for a Liverpool player ahead of transfer deadline day.

The La Liga giants are hoping to bolster Hansi Flick’s squad at the Nou Camp before the summer transfer window closes on Friday night.

Barcelona have endured a fairly subdued summer window but spent more than £50m to sign Spain playmaker Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig earlier in the month.

Barca have now expressed interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic and have approached the Anfield club with a loan proposal.

Fabrizio Romano says Barcelona are willing to pay €4m to sign the 19-year-old on a season-long loan. There will be no obligation to buy included in the proposed deal.

Bajcetic made 19 appearances for Liverpool during the 2022-23 season and was rewarded for his performances with a new long-term contract at Anfield in January 2023.

The young Spaniard saw his development thwarted by a thigh injury suffered towards the end of that season, with Bajcetic only featuring in one Premier League game last term.

Stefan Bajcetic in Liverpool training (Picture: Getty)

Bajcetic has not been in Liverpool’s squad for the opening two Premier League games of the season under new head coach Arne Slot, sparking speculation he could leave.

Red Bull Salzburg want to sign him on loan, having already signed Bobby Clark from Liverpool for around £10m. Salzburg are managed by Jurgen Klopp’s former Anfield assistant Pep Lijnders.

Barcelona have become the latest club to show interest in Bajcetic and are keen to add him to Flick’s squad before the transfer window shuts.

The Spanish heavyweights are searching for a replacement for young midfielder Marc Bernal, who recently suffered a serious injury and is expected to miss the majority of the season.

Barcelona summer signing Olmo put pen to paper on a six-year contract at the Nou Camp and now has an extraordinary release clause worth £429m.

‘Wherever he plays, Olmo stands out for his individual talent and his ability to link up with his team-mates,’ Barcelona said.

‘He has a nose for goal as he showed in Euro 2024 and can score from inside and outside the penalty area.’

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^ ^ Man Utd vs Liverpool: Why has kick-off time been changed for Sunday’s match?

Erik ten Hag’s side host Liverpool at 4pm in a Sunday showdown (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United and Liverpool lock horns at Old Trafford on Sunday as Arne Slot looks to win his first three Premier League games in a row.

Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp this summer and the new Liverpool head coach has enjoyed a positive start, with his team defeating both Ipswich Town and Brentford.

There is a huge test coming up next, though, as Liverpool face their fierce rivals United, who are keen to get back to winning ways after losing 2-1 to Brighton.

Interestingly, United and Liverpool’s match was meant to kick off at 4.30pm BST but it has now been pushed back 30 minutes to 4pm. But why is that the case? And why isn’t it being played at the other usual time of 2pm? Read on to find out.

Why is Man Utd vs Liverpool kicking off at 4pm on Sunday?

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The most probable reason for the match being moved from 4.30pm to 4pm is due to the immense rivalry between the clubs – with police and local authorities keen to avoid fan trouble and disorder – although no official reason has yet been given.

Police research has shown that moving matches – even by a small amount of time – has a positive impact on reducing crowd trouble. But, again, this is just one possible explanation, with no official statements from either United or Liverpool.

Last season, when United played Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals, the match was given an unusual 3.30pm kick-off time in an effort to reduce crowd trouble.

Erik ten Hag urged to start Alejandro Garnacho vs Liverpool

Alejandro Garnacho could be handed a start against Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Football pundit Darren Bent has urged Erik ten Hag to bring Alejandro Garnacho into the XI against Liverpool, with the Argentine only coming off the bench in United’s opening two Premier League matches.

‘Garnacho has got to start,’ former Premier League star Bent said on talkSPORT. ‘He’s got to start. If that means dropping Marcus Rashford then so be it. He has to start. I would play Garnacho, [Amad] Diallo and [Joshua] Zirkzee as the front three.

‘Erik ten Hag can only protect Rashford for so long. He’s giving him every opportunity to succeed even though he’s not been playing well for a while. Garnacho changed the game in the Community Shield final, he was incredible.

‘The energy against Fulham was great. He had a goal against Brighton that was unfortunately ruled out for that offside. He is now ready to go. As a manager, I get he’s trying to be loyal and give Rashford the chance to find his form again. But you risk losing a part of Garnacho if you keep overlooking him. 

‘In the end he’s going to get annoyed and the fans are going to get annoyed too. That has to be the front three going forward. What has Rashford shown so far? Why does he deserve to be in the team instead of Garnacho? 

‘Garnacho is so hungry to do well, he’s direct and always shows some quality. There’s no reason why Rashford should be ahead of him. I would love to hear Erik ten Hag’s reasoning but I can’t see it. At the minute Rashford is occupying a spot when there’s someone young, hungry and ready to go in that position.’

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^ ^ Manchester United make decision on signing Raheem Sterling and another Chelsea star

Raheem Sterling is interested in a move to Manchester United (Pictures: Getty)

Manchester United are interested in signing Raheem Sterling and have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal to bring him to Old Trafford.

Sterling’s representatives are searching for his next club after he was surprisingly banished from first-team training by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

The 29-year-old made 81 appearances for Chelsea in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge and his influential role at the club was expected to continue under Maresca.

But Sterling was left out of Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City, prompting the player to release a statement asking for ‘clarity’ from the club regarding his future.

It became abundantly clear a few days later that Sterling was deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca, who said in a press conference that he and Ben Chilwell were training away from the first-team and should both leave if they want to feature regularly this season.

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace immediately expressed interest in signing Sterling, who has 82 caps for England, before a shock move to Manchester United became a real possibility.

With Chelsea exploring a deal for United flop Jadon Sancho, it has been suggested that Sterling could move in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

Jadon Sancho has emerged as a target for Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Sterling spent seven years at Manchester United’s local rivals Manchester City but has reportedly not ruled out a surprise move to Old Trafford.

United’s stance on signing Sterling has now become more clear as the club have entered talks with Chelsea about a potential deal.

The Daily Telegraph claim United chief Dan Ashworth was in talks with Chelsea on Tuesday to discuss a ‘sensational package’ involving a Sterling-Sancho swap deal.

Like Sterling, Ben Chilwell’s Chelsea career also appears to be over (Picture: Getty)

While Manchester United have concrete interest in signing Sterling and adding him to Erik ten Hag’s squad, the MEN say the club also have a few reservations about a deal.

Sterling’s salary could be problematic as he is believed to be on more than £300,000-a-week at Chelsea, while there is also the issue of competition with United already having at least two players on both wings.

Chilwell is another Chelsea player who was linked with a move to Manchester United earlier in the summer but the MEN claim the club do not currently plan to move for the defender.

The 27-year-old was seen as a possible option to give Ten Hag more cover and competition in the left-back position, with Luke Shaw continuing to struggle with injury and missing the start of the new season.

Chelsea boss Maresca said last week that Chilwell would ‘struggle’ for game-time having been displaced in the team by Euro 2024 winner Marc Cucurella.

‘With Chilly, he is a lovely guy but he will struggle,’ Maresca said. ‘If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.’

Manchester United have three points after their first two games of the season, beating Fulham 1-0 on the opening day before a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the weekend.

Chelsea, meanwhile, lost to Manchester City in their opening fixture before bouncing back to thrash Wolves 6-2 last time out.

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^ ^ Premier League side re-enter race for Arsenal outcast as another club ends interest

Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Arsenal this summer (Photo: Getty)

Aaron Ramsdale’s proposed transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers is off after the club refused to meet Arsenal’s valuation of the goalkeeper.

But he may still depart North London with Southampton reigniting their interest after Justin Bijlow’s move from Feyenoord collapsed at the last minute.

The England international is expected to leave the Emirates this summer after losing his No.1 status to David Raya, but time is running out to find a new club with the transfer window slamming shut in just a few days.

Moreover, one option is now off the table as BBC Sport report that Wolves have pulled out of the race to sign the 26-year-old after submitting a loan offer which included an option to buy for around £20million last week.

That offer was, as expected, rejected by Arsenal and while the two clubs remained in talks over a deal, Gary O’Neil’s side have now concluded that the transfer is too expensive.

Though they have raised over £100m this summer through the sales of Pedro Neto to Chelsea and Max Kilman to West Ham, they have their hands tied financially.

But Wolves’ loss may be Southampton’s gain, with Sky Sports reporting that they, as well as Ajax, are considering making a fresh offer for Ramsdale as they have been forced to re-enter the market for a new goalkeeper.

Wolves boss Gary O’Neil wanted to sign Ramsdale (Photo: Getty)

The Saints were all set to sign Dutch international Bijlow but that transfer is now off after a problem was detected in his medical.

The keeper himself confirmed the news on Instagram saying: ‘Dear Feyenoorders, I was on my way to the Premier League.

‘The medical examination has shown that Southampton has a different vision than Feyenoord on how to treat an old injury.

Justin Bijlow said goodbye to Feyenoord a few days ago but is on his way back to the club (Photo: Getty)

‘I’m fully fit and this doesn’t bother me, but I respect the vision of Southampton medical staff. This is why I return to Rotterdam, to my club Feyenoord.’

Ramsdale has long been on Southampton’s radar and like Wolves and Ajax they had a loan offer rejected earlier this summer.

Though Arsenal are willing to loan out their player, the value of the obligation or option to buy is proving a sticking point, while they have already agreed personal terms with Ramsdale’s replacement.

More to follow…

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