Manchester United

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  1. Carrick on Yoro's fitness, Fernandes' form and his futurepublished at 17:36 BST 23 April

    Huzaifah Khan
    BBC Sport journalist

    Media caption,

    Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Brentford at Old Trafford (kick-off 20:00 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • On team news, Carrick said there is a "possibility" Leny Yoro will be fit to face Brentford but he cannot confirm that yet.

    • He added that Patrick Dorgu is working his way back to full fitness and is "closer to training with us".

    • On Bruno Fernandes' performances, Carrick said he he likes seeing him play with "a little bit of freedom" in positions where he can take responsibility and "make the biggest difference".

    • On his own future: "I've said it many times, I enjoy being here and I enjoy the role I'm in. We've had some good results and are in decent shape. We want to keep improving. I'll see. There's only so much I can say, but I enjoy being here. I love being here. It's a real privilege to be in the position I am."

    • On people comparing his spell as Manchester United boss with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's, Carrick said he doesn't find it "disrespectful" and that likening him to any managers is "irrelevant" as "it's a different team and different time".

    • On Liam Rosenior, who was sacked by Chelsea on Wednesday, and English managers: "There are two sides to it. There is instant results and the next game being important, but there's definitely a responsibility and our thinking of what the future looks like and the bigger picture. You can only be positive and look to what is achievable."

    • He added: "There's all sorts of what-ifs in the world. I like to live my life in a positive way. It's some success for us from now until the end of the season and let's see what happens after that. I don't think about what could go wrong, it's what can be achieved."

    • On the issue of a manager potentially losing their job if the team goes through a few bad results: "Day to day, it isn't in my thinking. How we work with players, it doesn't come into it. It's the world we live in. I just think about what we can achieve and what success looks like. That's the most important thing. Half full, half empty, it's a big difference. For me, it's what we can achieve."

    Hit play above to hear more from Carrick or listen on BBC Sounds here

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  2. Hackett replaces Shiels as Man Utd Foundation chiefpublished at 17:25 BST 23 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United Foundation chief executive John ShielsImage source, Getty Images

    He's not a multi-million pound world football star but Manchester United's latest signing has a huge role to play at Old Trafford.

    United have announced Ashley Hackett will join them from Blackpool in the summer to replace outgoing John Shiels as chief executive of the club's Foundation.

    Shiels is leaving after an incredible 18 years in the job.

    The Foundation is United's charitable arm and does a huge amount in the local community, raising money for underprivileged children and those from deprived backgrounds, with various initiatives, including sleep outs at the stadium and coat donations.

    Hackett has spent 15 years with the Blackpool FC Community Trust, increasing turnover from £225,000 to £3.2m, securing more than £25m in charitable funding.

    Like Shiels, he is also a Manchester United fan.

    "I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with the amazing team in place, to build on the incredible legacy that has been led by John and continue to develop a charity of which Manchester United fans and communities can be proud," said Hackett.

  3. The brutal world of football managementpublished at 14:35 BST 23 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Liam Rosenior and Michael Carrick on the touchline during the Chelsea v Manchester United game earlier in AprilImage source, Getty Images

    The life of a young Premier League coach is precarious.

    On Saturday, Michael Carrick faced Liam Rosenior. Manchester United had one shot on target, Chelsea hit the woodwork three times.

    But it was United who got the win to leave them needing two victories from their final five games to be certain of returning to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Meanwhile, Rosenior is out of a job.

    Carrick lost his job at Middlesbrough after results deteriorated after an excellent early impact.

    It will be interesting to hear his observations when he speaks to the media later on Thursday so return to this page for all the key lines.

  4. Tchouameni 'great buy on paper' but 'for the right price'published at 14:06 BST 23 April

    Your Manchester United opinions banner
    Aurelien Tchouameni for Real MadridImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on whether Manchester United should sign midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who is 26-years-old, from Real Madrid in the summer.

    BBC Sport's Simon Stone has reported there is interest from United.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Henri: Would love him, but the sceptic in me immediately questions why Real Madrid would sell?

    Royston: For the right price, Tchouameni is an excellent acquisition for his defensive qualities. Not quite a direct replacement for Casemiro, who has recently proven to contribute goals too. Tchouameni will be crucial for Champions League matches next season but may need time to adapt in the Premier League, much like how Casemiro struggled a bit at the beginning. Given his age, I'd expect Tchouameni to adapt quicker and his physique will be a factor too.

    Mark: Too right I think we should sign him. I would place this as a transfer in the Robin van Persie bracket where you are getting a prime player for the position needed with a little worry over his fitness record. If Real Madrid already have a replacement then this deal will be easier to construct.

    Ben: It feels like we are chasing tails if we got the Casemiro replacement to replace Casemiro, but if it works out then let's go.

    Joe: Tchouameni would be a great buy on paper, but it would be hugely expensive for a signing that would still represent an element of risk. Central midfield is the priority but the transfer budget needs spreading over the entire squad for a busier season. I think we need to be shrewd and make transfer decisions similar to the one last summer to take Lammens - raw prospect who represents value - rather than Martinez who was established but expensive.

  5. 'A night of fine margins awaits'published at 13:36 BST 23 April

    Bruno Fernandes holds the ball in his hands as Man Utd take on Brentford. He wipes his nose with his sleeve.Image source, Getty Images

    When Brentford travel to Manchester United on Monday, something needs to give as a water-tight travelling side take on a home team who know where the net is.

    The Bees are on a five-game run of league draws and you have to go back to 2009 and the seven straight draws achieved by Manchester City to find a side with a longer run of draws.

    Keith Andrews' team don't look in the mood to give much away and fans have not seen their side trail for a single minute of the six matches that have followed their February defeat against Brighton. There's a doggedness on offer.

    So how do Manchester United pierce this resistance?

    Buoyed by a fine win at Stamford Bridge, Michael Carrick's side can draw on confidence.

    They also know they have scored in 21 Premier League games in a row since defeat by Everton in November. That's their longest scoring run since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

    Bruno Fernandes will be keener than most to break the Brentford resistance as he looks to move on from 18 Premier League assists this season and nearer to the three men who have bettered that figure in the past - Thierry Henry in 2002-03 for Arsenal (20), Kevin De Bruyne in 2019-20 for Manchester City (20), and Mesut Ozil in 2015-16 also for the Gunners (19).

    An away side that hasn't trailed in a while meets a home side with plenty of zest.

    It looks like a night of fine margins awaits.

  6. The day former Man Utd skipper Carey kept the FA Cup under the bedpublished at 11:13 BST 23 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United captain Johnny Carey with the FA Cup in 1948Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Manchester United captain Johnny Carey with the FA Cup after the final victory over Blackpool in 1948

    Imagine finding the FA Cup under your parents' bed.

    It is one of the more extraordinary anecdotes from a chat I had recently with Mike Carey, 84-year-old son of legendary former Manchester United skipper Johnny Carey.

    That 1948 triumph was a crucial part of the club's rebuilding process under Matt Busby after the War.

    It was clearly a different era, far removed from the glamour – and huge wealth – enjoyed by today's topflight stars.

    Even as captain – and a well known international, Carey was as down to earth as you could get.

    "The big memory for me is when they won the FA Cup in 1948," said Carey.

    "I would be about eight. My uncle took me down to watch the parade. When they had finished in Albert Square, they gave my dad the trophy.

    "We ended up with it in the trunk at home under the bed.

    "My mates didn't know it was such a big deal and as far as I was concerned, he was just my dad."

    The FA Cup trophy wasn't the only bit of memorabilia from the final in the Carey household. The match ball, signed by both teams, was also in there as well.

    Sadly, Mike didn't understand the significance.

    He explained: "I knew it was there; signed by all the players, but my brother wanted to use it, so I got the ball out of the wardrobe. We kicked it around in the garden and all the names disappeared.

    "You would think dad would be pretty mad, but he was OK. To him it was just another ball."

  7. Is Tchouameni a good buy? If not, who is?published at 11:13 BST 23 April

    Beth Tucker
    Fan contributor

    Manchester United fan's voice banner

    Manchester United supporter Beth Tucker debates whether Manchester United should sign Aurelien Tchouameni for their midfield given his age and Champions League winning experience.

    Media caption,

    "So could Manchester United replace Casemiro with the same player that Real Madrid replaced Casemiro with in 2022? Well it is looking more and more likely as it's been reported by BBC Sport that Manchester United have added Tchouameni to their midfield shortlist to replace Casemiro in the summer. Now I think this would be an absolutely brilliant signing. Tchouameni knows what it takes to play at the top level.

    "He's 26 years of age, he's a Champions League winner, he's got experience and he's an out-and out number six, a position that Manchester United have been crying out for. I think he complements Kobbie Mainoo perfectly. He's got that ability to be that dual winner, that energy to get around the pitch and also he's got brilliant aerial capabilities as well.

    "He actually hits the 90th percentile in Europe for midfielders in the air. So when you're losing Casemiro, who's such a big aerial presence, you look around the rest of that United side and who has that? You can argue Maguire, absolutely, but you want that presence in the midfield and Tchouameni ticking that box of that aerial ability and that aerial dual success rate, it's something that is a massive attraction for Manchester United.

    "Does it put Manchester United off that Tchouameni isn't Premier League proven? I don't think it should because he's that good of a player and he's got a wealth of Champions League experience.

    "He's at 26 years of age, ready to go into his prime, ready to have his best years ahead of him? I think he'd be a brilliant signing for Manchester United. I think Manchester United would absolutely be looking at him as a player that they can bring in as a big name to take over from Casemiro. I think it would be a good signing.

    "I think it is different to when Manchester United went and got Ugarte from PSG because he was surplus to requirements. Tchouameni, no disrespect to Ugarte, but he is at a higher level, has way more experience at the top level as well. So should Manchester United sign Tchouameni? I think he'd partner Mainoo fantastically.

    "Watch this space, rumoured to be £70m. I think United could get it down to £60m and £60m for a position where the top, top elite players are looking towards £100m, at a really good age to bring in as well.

    "I'm all for this deal but let me know, would you guys sign Tchouameni for Manchester United?"

    Would you be interested? If not, who or what do United need for next season?

    Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

  8. Gossip: Man Utd want Fernandes to staypublished at 06:51 BST 23 April

    Gossip graphic

    Manchester United have told Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes, 31, that they want him to stay at Old Trafford. (Sun), external

    Barcelona want Marcus Rashford, 28, to stay on loan next season rather than pay Manchester United the previously agreed £26m to sign the England forward permanently. (Mirror), external

    The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Bournemouth's English midfielder Alex Scott, 22. (Mirror), external

    United are also keen on Benfica's Richard Rios, with the 25-year-old Colombia international an option in midfield. (Caught Offside), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  9. Fletcher's keeper decision backfires as Palace win U18 cuppublished at 23:09 BST 22 April

    Simon Stone
    Chief football news reporter at Selhurst Park

    Crystal Palace's Dean Benamar tussles with Manchester United's Junior Brown in the Premier League U18 cup final at Selhurst ParkImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Crystal Palace's Dean Benamar tussles with Manchester United's Junior Brown in the Premier League U18 cup final at Selhurst Park

    Darren Fletcher's decision to swap his goalkeepers for the penalty shoot-out backfired as Crystal Palace lifted the Premier League Under-18 cup by beating Manchester United 6-5 on spot-kicks.

    United thought they had won it as they led with the game in stoppage time thanks to Noah Ajayi's first-half effort.

    However, the entire contest turned on its head as Palace striker Ben Casey, who had already gone close twice earlier in the contest, got the wrong side of the visitors defence, and Albert Mills panicked and brought him down.

    Casey drove home the equaliser from the penalty spot, with Mills watching on in despair from the mouth of the tunnel in the corner of the stadium, his dismissal forcing United to play through extra-time with 10-men.

    United held firm for the additional 30 minutes, although it needed a brilliant save from Cameron Byrne-Hughes to keep Palace out.

    Byrne-Hughes has been first choice all season but with two minutes of injury-time shown, Fletcher elected to bring on Shrewsbury-born Freddie Heath, who went to Maynooth with the senior squad earlier this month for the four-day training camp.

    Sadly for the visitors, Heath was unable to get near any of Palace's penalties and, in sudden death, Lucca Benetton's save from Godwill Kukonki proved decisive.

    United, who beat Palace in the FA Youth Cup last Friday, to set up a final clash with Manchester City, only had themselves to blame.

    They had numerous chances to get a second, with Chido Obi hitting the bar with the best opportunity, while Jay McEvoy also failed to convert a glorious chance to win it in extra time.

  10. Carrick presence gives boost to Man Utd youngsters - Armerpublished at 16:34 BST 22 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Dan Armer of Manchester UnitedImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United Under-18s captain Dan Armer says the club's academy players definitely get a boost knowing Michael Carrick takes such a keen interest in them.

    Unlike Ruben Amorim, who only watched United's Under-21 side once - when they were playing a match at Carrington while he was present anyway for a first-team training session - Carrick has been a regular at youth matches at Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford this season.

    His son Jacey was on the bench for the Under-18 match against Newcastle earlier this season that Armer started and the Scotland youth international says Carrick's presence is welcome.

    "It's really good," said the central defender.

    "Obviously, he's got Jacey in the 16s, so he's been in and around it for a while watching all the 18s and 16s games.

    "For us it's really good. It makes everyone push a little bit more to try to impress. It definitely helps when he comes and watches."

    It remains to be seen whether Carrick will be at Selhurst Park when Armer skippers United in their Premier League Under-18 cup final against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

    United beat Palace in extra-time in their FA Youth Cup semi-final on Friday.

    Star midfielder Jim Thwaites praised Armer's captaincy, saying he is "the one everyone listens to", adding: "I can see why Darren (Fletcher) has chosen him as captain."

    For Preston-born Armer, taking responsibility is something that comes naturally.

    "Throughout all the ages, I've tried to be a leader within the group," he said.

    "Being captain gives you a bit more responsibility, whether it's in the dressing room saying a few things or pulling people to the side and giving them bits of info. I try as much as I can to do things like that."

  11. Development the key as Man Utd eye Under-18 cup final glorypublished at 10:48 BST 22 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United's Under-18 team celebrate their FA Youth Cup semi-final win against Crystal PalaceImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United have got their eyes on some big prizes at under-18 level this season - but even their players know that, at this age, development is key.

    Midfielder Jim Thwaites and central defender Dan Armer cut relaxed figures as they looked ahead to Wednesday's Premier League Under-18 cup final with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

    Both were part of the United team that beat Palace on Friday to book an FA Youth Cup final showdown with Manchester City. Both have impressed enough this term to be called into senior training sessions. Thwaites was on the bench for the first time at Chelsea on Saturday.

    Yet both have also proved their adaptability in United's youth squads.

    Thwaites has tended to play deeper than the number 10 role he previously occupied. Armer spent the first half of the season as a regular starter for the Under-21s before dropping back to the 18s, something head of academy Stephen Torpey previously explained helped when it came to working on specific aspects of his game.

    "From a young age you get taught to play in numerous positions, so playing number six, eight or 10 is just helping me for the future," said Thwaites.

    "Stephen Torpey has helped with my understanding of all three positions. I just want to take little bits of advice from all the coaches to keep improving and playing all three really."

    Armer added: "Maybe in the 18s you get away with a bit more, probably because the second-years are more physically developed.

    "There are some things you can work on and you can take more risks, which the coaches have said to us.

    "Although we want to be playing 21s, with the 18s, you can just go and prove yourself and try to stand out."

  12. Old Trafford, Chelsea, Selhurst Park - Thwaites' whirlwindpublished at 08:32 BST 22 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United youngster Jim Thwaites warms up before matchImage source, Getty Images

    It's been a crazy few days for Manchester United youngster Jim Thwaites.

    On Friday, he played the full 120 minutes in central midfield as United beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford to reach the FA Youth Cup final.

    On Saturday morning, he was on his way to London so he could be named as a substitute in the Premier League for the first time as Michael Carrick's side beat Chelsea.

    Tonight he will be back in the capital as United try to beat Palace again, this time at Selhurst Park, in the Premier League Under-18 Cup.

    Sitting at Carrington, alongside Under-18s skipper Dan Armer, Thwaites admitted it had been a lot to take in.

    "I was delighted, over the moon, obviously, to hear the news," he explained.

    "On Friday I was concentrating on the game and getting the job done there. It was later, after the game, I was told I was on the bench for the first team."

    Travis Binnion, who was in charge of United's Under-21 team until he was elevated to the senior ranks following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January, gave Thwaites the good news and travelled down with the youngster, whose family are based in Cumbria, the following morning.

    "I had to tell my family and stuff like that," said Thwaites.

    "I'm just trying to learn as much as possible from the pros because that's where you want to be realistically, so just grasp it all in."

    Thwaites was part of the senior squad that travelled to Maynooth for a four-day training camp less than a fortnight earlier.

    He and Armer were part of the group that went to Malaysia and Hong Kong at the end of last season. Both have regularly been called into the senior group for training.

    "You can take bits from the first-team and even the staff will come up to you and give you little bits of advice you can focus on," said Armer.

    Both players highlight skipper Bruno Fernandes as one of the most welcoming players in the seniors group.

    "All of them are really good to be fair, but Bruno will take you to one side and make sure you're alright," said Thwaites. "But also, on the pitch he will encourage you and let you know that the standard here is the standard you should be aspiring to get to. But he is also helping you to get to that level."

    Thwaites has been likened to David Beckham because of the way he takes free-kicks.

    Armer has an uncanny resemblance to Harry Maguire in the way he runs and passes the ball.

    "I've seen the comparisons," he laughs. "And they've been brought up [within the group]."

    The main comparison is with Scott McTominay though. Both are born within 20 miles of each other in the north-west but chose to represent Scotland, who they qualify for through their parents.

    Armer added: "You see what McTominay is doing for Scotland now and think that's just what I want to do, play at the highest level internationally."

  13. Gossip: Man Utd line up summer midfield targetspublished at 07:14 BST 22 April

    Gossip graphic

    England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 21, has verbally agreed a new five-year contract with Manchester United. (Sun), external

    Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni are being eyed by the Red Devils, as they look to replace the departing Casemiro. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

    Manchester United are also ready to battle it out with Galatasaray for 28-year-old Juventus and Netherlands midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external

    Barcelona are leading the race for Eduardo Conceicao, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle also interested in the 16-year-old Palmeiras forward. Any move to Europe could not happen until he turns 18 next year. (TeamTalk), external

    Manchester United and Chelsea are among the clubs keeping tabs on 22-year-old Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.

    Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  14. 'At this point, you can't not give Carrick the job' published at 17:33 BST 21 April

    Michael Carrick watching Manchester United in action from the touchlineImage source, Getty Images

    On this week's episode on BBC Radio Manchester's Devils' Advocate podcast, Gaz Drinkwater, Michael Clarke and Jay Motty discussed whether Michael Carrick should be given the Manchester United manager's job on a full-time basis.

    United have won eight of their 12 games since Carrick took control of the team in January.

    Drinkwater said: "At this point, you can't not give him the job with that sort of ratio and getting United into the Champions League as well.

    "If it does tail off a little bit - because we have seen some dodgy performances - that momentum does seem to slow, in terms of him being guaranteed to get the job.

    "What I will say - if it somewhat continues but he beats Liverpool at Old Trafford [on 3 May], I just think you can't not give him it."

    Clarke argued: "Isn't that a big problem though, that we still think Manchester United's owners are going to do this on a PR exercise basis, rather than what they think is a long-term good idea?

    "If he delivers Champions League football, that is an objective met. Then you should be saying: 'Do you think he's going to be good enough in the Champions League?' In my opinion, they need to be looking beyond these games."

    Motty said he thought Carrick's relationship with the United hierarchy would be a key factor in whether he gets the job full-time and added: "If it was up to me, I'd give Carrick the job.

    "I think he's done a great job since he has come in. The fans love him for what he did as a player and as two stints as the caretaker."

    Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

  15. 'There is no ceiling to Heaven's potential'published at 17:03 BST 21 April

    Alex Turk
    Fan writer

    Manchester United fan's voice banner
    Ayden Heaven of Manchester United celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    On 11 November 2014, Louis van Gaal's Manchester United travelled down to London to face a "Big Six" rival with a makeshift defence.

    Academy duo Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett lined up alongside Chris Smalling at the Emirates Stadium as United beat Arsenal 2-1.

    That season was the last with no European football on the calendar. United went on to seal a top-four finish and a Champions League return.

    So it feels fitting that Michael Carrick - who started in midfield that day - all-but sealed a Champions League return with a makeshift defence in London on Saturday.

    Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw made up the back four at Chelsea.

    With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez harshly suspended and Matthijs de Ligt stricken with a long-term back injury, the fragility of that defence dominated the build-up.

    Yet, the quartet was anything but fragile. I believe a social media dweller would say "the football scriptwriters cooked with this one".

    United's three full-backs and 19-year-old centre-half overcame the adversity to keep a rare clean sheet and secure a season-defining three points.

    Dalot needed to be at his best and he was. He pocketed starboy-turned-villain Alejandro Garnacho.

    Shaw showcased his experience to keep possession and win smart fouls when United fell under the cosh.

    Mazraoui had a particularly torrid night against Leeds five days prior. But he bounced back and his versatility is why his £17m acquisition was so shrewd.

    And Heaven? Somewhat rash at times on the edge of United's box, but that's to be expected of a teenager who hadn't even played 30 minutes under Carrick before being thrown in the deep end at Stamford Bridge.

    His physicality, his composure on the ball, his consistency at such a young age… Heaven shouldn't be bottom of the centre-back pecking order.

    Arsenal's inability to see things through has become a common topic of jest in the football world.

    United can be thankful that the Gunners also couldn't see Heaven's development through, instead handing him over for just £1m. There is no ceiling to his potential.

    Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

  16. 🎧Heaven at the Bridgepublished at 19:03 BST 20 April

    A new episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast is available to listen to and download now on BBC Sounds.

    Gaz, Michael and Jay Motty discuss the victory at Stamford Bridge, Bruno Fernandes' pursuit of a Premier League record, Ayden Heaven's performance and Brentford next week.

    Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

    Media caption,

    Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

    The orange BBC Sounds logo against a black background
  17. Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:33 BST 20 April

    Your opinions graphic

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    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Manchester United.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Chelsea fans

    Evan: To be fair I thought Chelsea played quite well throughout and were the better team but when you can't score a goal this is what happens. A big change needs to be done at this club as four Premier League losses in a row without scoring is unacceptable. Too much of a step up from Strasbourg to Chelsea for Rosenior.

    Colin: Absolutely abysmal. I am actually thinking as a Chelsea supporter that I want Leeds to win next week in the semi final as I don't want the embarrassment of getting thrashed by Man City in the final as that is what will happen if we get through. We have already lost the last three cup finals.

    Chris: When are the owners going to stop this failed experiment with Rosenior, who only seems capable of coaching a team to go sideways or backwards, slowly?! I don't know what it would cost but they need to get Iraola from Bournemouth asap, before another forward thinking, ambitious club grabs him for next season! We will go absolutely nowhere with Rosenior!

    Keith: A shambles and an absolute shambles. This club is going nowhere under this ownership and management. Some 64 years I've supported Chelsea and I have never seen so much disconnection between the team and supporters

    United fans

    Jerry: Mainoo's recall to the squad provided a much needed stability. Ayden was so solid at the back - begging the question why Yoro is preferred over him. Bruno Fernandes is magical as always but united have to not only rely on him to create chances. Why is Benjamin Sesko preferred at the front when he can't hold onto the ball as a lone striker? The trio of Mbeumo, Amad and Cunha attacking is much more ruthless with Fernandes supporting them. Ugarte should be sold off. The performance was solid and disciplined. Everyone kept their places and defended solidly.

    Stewart: Ground it out and took their chance. Great team performance capped by Mainoo and Heaven - such composure and maturity while so young. Dalot can take Garnacho out of his pocket now.

    Ayaz: It was indeed a great win even though it wasn't the best performance I have seen from Manchester United this season. The first half wasn't really the best but Cunha's goal was excellent and Fernandes' assist was really good too. Second half was better but there was close attempts from Chelsea hitting the crossbar twice.

    Bob: I have no idea what match most supporters and journalists watched, but the one I saw was United grimly hanging on throughout the game against a very, very average Chelsea. The standout was Heaven - well done lad!

  18. Gossip: Emery on Man Utd's radar for vacant manager role published at 06:58 BST 20 April

    Gossip graphic

    Bournemouth are prepared to sell 19-year-old French forward Eli Junior Kroupi, who is wanted by Manchester United. He is valued at more than £50m. (Football Insider), external

    Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is on the radar of United and Real Madrid, although Villa remain confident of keeping him. (Teamtalk), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  19. Winning ugly is 'beautiful' – Lammenspublished at 16:02 BST 19 April

    Simon Stone
    Manchester United reporter

    Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens applauds the visiting fans after the 1-0 win at ChelseaImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens applauds the visiting fans after the 1-0 win at Chelsea

    Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens loved the feeling of victory at Chelsea on Saturday night.

    Despite having less possession, far fewer shots, only one of them on target, an expected goals (xG) of 0.29 compared to Chelsea's 1.55 and just 10 touches in the opposition box, United secured only their third win at Stamford Bridge since 2002 thanks to Matheus Cunha's first-half goal.

    It went down well with the 3,000 travelling fans, who celebrated enthusiastically at the final whistle, their glee contrasting sharply with the disappointment of former United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who was ineffective after being introduced as a substitute in the first-half.

    "It's very special," said Lammens. "You can feel the support, especially in the first half when you're playing in front of them.

    "We had to fight for it. It wasn't the prettiest. But that's sometimes the most beautiful thing, when you deserve a hard-fought win and celebrate with the supporters as well."

    The result was more notable because United went into the game with only one recognised central defender, 19-year-old England youth international Ayden Heaven, who was partnered by Noussair Mazraoui, who is normally a full-back.

    The victory means United now require a maximum of eight points from their final five games to secure a place in next season's Champions League; and in all likelihood won't even need that given the number of matches between the other sides in contention.

    Not that Lammens sees qualification as being an end in itself.

    "We did a good job but we're not finished yet," he said.

    "Even if we get it, we still want to win those last remaining games. Of course that's the first goal, but the next goal is also to keep looking up, and you never know."

    Listen to Lammens on BBC Sounds