Live Blog
- 1 Aug 2020, 1:25
- Updated: 1 Aug 2020, 1:25
MANCHESTER UNITED were denied in injury time as they were held 2-2 by Southampton at Old Trafford – a result made all the more costly by Man City winning their appeal against a European ban.
Following the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling, United must finish in the top four to earn a spot among Europe’s elite – and a win over the Saints will allow them to leapfrog Leicester into fourth.
Follow ALL of the latest United news here…
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Etienne Fermie
DAVID BETRAYER
David De Gea’s former mentor Emilio Alvarez has slammed the Manchester United ace for “lacking loyalty” in an astonishing attack.
He told AS: “It took almost three years of hard work to get United to renew his contract and make him the highest-paid player on the team.
“I then learned in my office that he had renewed behind my back. Honestly, it seemed like a lack of loyalty to our friendship. I did not like that because it seemed unfair.
“I asked David why he hadn’t said anything to me and he replied that because they had told him not to tell anyone. That shocked me. The way in which I understand my profession cannot be developed if there is not a great trust between the coach and the goalkeeper.”
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TROPHY HUNTING
David de Gea last night became just the second Manchester United goalkeeper in history, after Alex Stepney, to reach the 400 appearance milestone – but boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks he needs silverware for further validation.
The Norwegian said: “I don’t think he will be happy until he wins the bigger trophies.
“Yes, he’s won personal awards but David is not the type to care about that. I think he wants the team to lift big as well. Staying at Manchester United for this amount of time and not having won more is something he will feel is a black dot in his career.”
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FAN-TASTIC
The Government will allow fans to return to Premier League games from the beginning of next season, according to reports.
Prem clubs have reportedly already started consulting with supporter groups to prepare for a “partial return” but after the latest coronavirus update from the Government, fans could be forced to wear face masks if they wish to attend.
The EFL were set to hold trial matches which would have seen a small number of fans in attendance on the last day of this season.
But they have been cancelled.
However, the Football League as well as England’s top flight are working on a method to admit fans at the start of next season, according to the Mail.
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SOL SEARCHING
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had his say after his side surrendered their 2-1 lead late on against Southampton at Old Trafford last night.
The Manchester United boss told Sky Sports: “It was the worst time to concede a goal but it happens in football. We have won so many games in that way. It is all part of the learning for this team. You think you have three points in the bag but we probably didn’t deserve three points today.
“Southampton are a good team, they run, and run and chase. We never got into our rhythm today. We played some fantastic football at times. The two goals we scored were very, very good. It was just one of those days where we did not take our chances and they took theirs.”
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BLOOD AND THUNDER
Manchester United were forced to finish last night’s clash with Southampton with ten men, after teenage full-back Brandon Williams was involved in a sickening clash of heads with Kyle Walker-Peters.
The local lad had only entered the field on 75 minutes, but with blood pouring from a nasty gash, the 19-year-old had no option to leave the field before Michael Obafemi’s last-gasp equaliser.
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Dave Fraser
MORNING MAN UTD FANS
It’s a disappointing morning for Red Devils supporters after the club missed the chance to go third in the table.
United looked set to leapfrog Leicester and Chelsea in the table, only for Southampton to equalise in the 96th minute at Old Trafford.
In other news, Phil Jones is reportedly being lined up for a shock Serie A switch this summer.
The Athletic claims Manchester United’s pariah centre-back, 28, could end up plying his trade in Italy following Chris Smalling’s success at Roma.
And Roma are ready to make Smalling’s deal permanent, leading to a surge of interest in English outcasts from cash-strapped Serie A sides.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have asked Manchester United to name their price for Dean Henderson – with Frank Lampard also eyeing Ajax’s Andre Onana.
The Blues chief has finally run out of patience with £71.6million man Kepa Arrizabalaga after a turbulent second season in England.
And finally, West Ham’s Declan Rice has become one of Manchester United’s top summer targets after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson.
Chelsea are also known to be interested in the midfielder, who can also play in defence.
According to Football Insider, Solskjaer has tasked scouts with intensifying their analysis of Rice, 21, and would want him as a holding midfielder.
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Jake Lambourne
MAN UTD 2-2 SOUTHAMPTON
Late Drama!
Obafemi rescued a point for Saints in the 96th minute after Obafemi got on the end of a James Ward-Prowse corner.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were set to leapfrog Leicester into third spot.
A bitter pill to swallow for the Red Devils.
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HALF-TIME
That’s the end of the first half and it’s United who lead.
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MAN UTD 2-1 SOUTHAMPTON
And just like that United are in front!
Martial’s top corner finish leaves Solskjaer’s side in the driving seat.
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MAN UTD 1-1 SOUTHAMPTON
Well that didn’t take long!
Just after a goal disallowed for offside, Marcus Rashford has put the Red Devils back on level terms.
Game on.
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MAN UTD 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON
Well this wasn’t in the script!
Stuart Armstrong has fired the Saints ahead!
The Scottish international fired the ball past David De Gea from eight yards out.
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HAND OF GOD
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knew he had signed the perfect player in Bruno Fernandes when he shook the hands of every member of staff after joining the club.
The Norwegian told the High Performance Podcast: “It was off the field as well as in training.
“He demands off me. He demands off his team-mates. The first day he was in the club, he shook everyone’s hand.
“He didn’t come in here thinking, ‘I’m the big shot.’ No, he shook absolutely every staff members’ hand.
“And, of course, this is a family – Man United – we’ve always been a family, and Sir Alex (Ferguson), the way he’s created this atmosphere in this dressing room, in this training ground, I think it’s unique.”
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UNITED FRONT
✨🎤 “Old Trafford, this is the Theatre of Dreams. Will you please welcome, Southampton and Manchester United!”#MUFC #MUNSOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 13, 2020
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ON THE RUN
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely stay in Turin this summer, according to reports.
There had been faint rumblings of a potential move away for CR7, with Marseille’s prospective new owner admitting that he “dreams” of signing the Portuguese legend.
Ronaldo himself has also shown signs of frustration with Maurizio Sarri, having visibly rolled his eyes following his manager’s instructions during a recent match against Torino.
But according to Tuttosport, the 35-year-old remains fully committed to achieving his goals and winning more trophies in Italy with Juventus.
Since swapping Real Madrid for life in Serie A back in 2018, Ronaldo has scooped a league title and a Supercoppa Italiana for his troubles.
And he looks likely to add another Scudetto this time around – with his side now eight points clear of Lazio with six matches remaining.
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PHIL ME IN
Phil Jones is reportedly being lined up for a shock Serie A switch this summer.
The Athletic claims Manchester United’s pariah centre-back, 28, could end up plying his trade in Italy following Chris Smalling’s success at Roma.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preferred partnership has been Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with Eric Bailly playing back-up.
Axel Tuanzebe is also being tipped for a chance next season, while United continue to be linked with a new defender.
That means Jones could now be handed a fresh start in Italy thanks to former teammate Smalling’s success in the capital with Roma.
And Roma are ready to make Smalling’s deal permanent, leading to a surge of interest in English outcasts from cash-strapped Serie A sides.
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SOL SEARCHING
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he had to get Cristiano Ronaldo’s number off Patrice Evra before quizzing him on Bruno Fernandes.
The Norwegian was trying to get Juventus star Ronaldo’s thoughts on compatriot Fernandes, before the Red Devils signed him from Sporting Lisbon in January.
Solskjaer explained on the High Performance podcast: “So obviously Cristiano was an easy goal for me that I managed to get through.
“Through Patrice Evra, I managed to get hold of Cristiano and his recommendation obviously stood him [Fernandes] in good stead.”
The money paid for Fernandes must seem like an absolute bargain by United chiefs after his dominant displays in the Premier League.
The former Sporting skipper has hit the ground running, bagging seven league goals and six assists in just ten league appearances.
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OLE TRAFFORD
Solskjaer in programme notes: ‘We’ve shown enough in recent months to prove we are now a very decent team with an awful lot of ability and character. Our form has put is in a very good position and I have to say I’m thrilled by the professionalism of the lads.’ #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) July 13, 2020
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13th Jul 2020, 15:58
NOT KIDDING OURSELVES
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes “one or two” young players could be promoted from Manchester United’s academy for next season.
The Red Devils have enjoyed great success in bringing Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams into the senior side this campaign.
Solskjaer feels as though his current United squad, on a spell of five-straight wins, is close to completion but could benefit from a fresh injection of youth.
He told reporters: “We just have to focus. I don’t think one second if any other team is worried about us, we have to worry about ourselves.
“If we keep on improving and building an environment in the training ground and keep building on the culture, add one or two youngsters, maybe add players who can challenge those who we have got here.
“Of course it’s exciting, but we can’t think that far. You don’t really have the time or focus.”
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13th Jul 2020, 15:38
GAME DAY
Andreas Pereira is looking forward to the big match tonight
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13th Jul 2020, 15:09
BEND IT LIKE
David Beckham has admitted taking free kicks in his back garden gives him pain the next day.
The former England captain and Manchester United star posted on Instagram: “This is gonna hurt in the morning… but so so worth it for top corner .”
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13th Jul 2020, 15:04
NOSEY NEIGHBOURS
Sir Alex Ferguson has lost a battle to stop his neighbours building a three-storey mansion next to his home.
The legendary Manchester United manager, 78, lives with his wife Cathy in a £2.3million house in Cheshire.
His neighbours submitted proposals to demolish their two-storey home and replace it with a bigger one.
Fergie lodged an objection to the planning application which claimed the property would be too near to his land.
But it was now been reported that Cheshire East Council have given the plans for the house the go-head.
A planning report said: “There would be no undue loss of light or overbearing effect on nearby residential properties.”
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This post originally appeared on and written by:
James Orr
The Irish Sun
