Manchester United

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Simon Stone has been answering some of your questions about Manchester United during the international break.

In the second part of Friday's Q&A, he focuses on captain Bruno Fernandes and potential future star JJ Gabriel.

Patrick asked: Do you think there is a chance of Bruno Fernandes winning Premier League player of the season? And would you choose him?

Simon answered: I will be voting for him, mainly because I have seen more of him than anyone else. If I am being honest, I would imagine Declan Rice or Gabriel would be the favourites if Arsenal win the league.

Attacking-wise, though, nobody has had the consistent impact across the season Fernandes has. It feels as though every time Manchester United score, he is a significant factor. He seems to be having more influence now he has been moved further up the pitch by Michael Carrick.

Brentford's Igor Thiago has to be worth a mention and Antoine Semenyo has been excellent for Bournemouth and Manchester City until the past couple of weeks. I don't think anyone has been better than Fernandes, though.

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Khushal asked: When will JJ Gabriel make his debut in the Premier League?

Simon answered: Good question. He can't this season, that's for sure. He has been training at times with the first team and with some important under-21 matches coming up, which will require players to remain in Manchester, it will be interesting to see if he is chosen to go on the forthcoming four-day trip to Dublin.

However, as he was only 15 in October, he is not allowed to play in the Premier League this season. I suspect strongly he will be involved in pre-season matches and United's coaching staff will be able to decide whether he is physically strong enough to cope with adult football.

Even then, the Carabao Cup would seem a more likely tournament to make his debut in.

Keep across this page on Friday for part three of Simon's Q&A

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We asked for your Manchester United questions for reporter Simon Stone during the international break.

In the first part of Friday's Q&A, he focuses on United's potential transfer plans for the summer window and one of last summer's additions, goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

John asked: Besides central midfield, what other areas of the team are United looking at strongly, as rumours are of a new left-back and/or left-winger? How much does the budget depend on the Champions League?

Simon answered: Clearly, United will have more money available if they qualify for the Champions League but I don't think that means the general desire to drive down wages costs will change.

Don't forget also, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and, almost certainly, Marcus Rashford will be leaving and they are high earners. On the basis United were in the market for Antoine Semenyo in January, it feels as though they will try to strengthen the wide areas this summer.

They have lost a lot of 'wingers' since Ruben Amorim was appointed. However, they also have a lot of number 10s, so it will be interesting to see how United decide to reshape their squad. Holding midfield is key though - and likely to be the most expensive. I am expecting at least two players to come in there given Casemiro is leaving and there are more games.

If Manuel Ugarte left as well it might be three, unless someone like Mason Mount drops back.

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Noel asked: Everyone talks about how the three new attacking signings (Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko) have made a huge difference to the team this season. In my opinion, Lammens has been just as, if not more, influential. He is safe, secure and commanding, plus a great shot-stopper. The defence seems to have total confidence in him, unlike other recent custodians. How do you think Lammens has adapted so quickly?

Simon answered: He has been really good. It was from a low base, admittedly - Lammens received a standing ovation for making a routine catch on his debut against Sunderland in October - but it is hard to imagine United being third without him and Jason Wilcox and his team have been rewarded for sticking to their guns to sign Lammens when Ruben Amorim wanted Emi Martinez.

It is still early and I am keen to know what United's plans are for Radek Vitek, who has had an excellent campaign on loan at Bristol City, but Lammens would appear to be installed as United's new number one now.

There has been talk of Andre Onana wanting to fight for the shirt back. It is admirable. But he will not win that battle.

Keep across this page on Friday for parts two and three of Simon's Q&A, which will look at subjects including JJ Gabriel and Michael Carrick's future.

Manchester United will make a formal approach to Newcastle United for 25-year-old Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali at the end of the season. (Mail - subscription required), external

Manchester United have also put 19-year-old Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly on their summer transfer shortlist, with the England international struggling for regular game time. (Express), external

Paris St-Germain and AC Milan are both monitoring Manchester United's on-loan forward Marcus Rashford and are ready to act if Barcelona cannot complete a permanent deal this summer. (Caughtoffside), external

Aston Villa will also move for Rashford if they fail to sign winger Jadon Sancho, who is on loan from Manchester United but out of contract this summer. (SportsBoom), external

Everton', externals 25-year-old midfielder James Garner and 26-year-old forward Iliman Ndiaye are also targets for Manchester United in a £100m double deal. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Barcelona and Spain left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, is attracting interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

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

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On 5 August 1970, a pre-season match between second-tier Hull City and European giants Manchester United changed football forever.

With the game drawn, it became the first professional competitive fixture in the world to be decided by a penalty shootout. Tied matches were previously decided by coin tosses, the drawing of lots or replays.

The match was in the inaugural season of the Watney Cup, which was a short-lived English knockout competition.

Manchester United's team included George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

Hull City player Frankie Banks and fan Martyn Kelly, who was 11 at the time, tell Phil Jones how the penalties played out.

Banks said: "Looking back, it was wonderful to be a part of history. The atmosphere was electrifying.

"The Manchester United players were our heroes. We wanted to prove to everybody that although they were probably the best side in the world, we could go out and give them a game."

Explore more Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has opened a new pitch for use by one of the most geographically isolated communities in the world.

United, together with long-term commercial partners DHL, have provided the pitch in Mae Suek in Thailand, as part of their 'Delivering Dreams' campaign.

Home to 11 villages and 11,577 people, Mae Suek is 140km from Chiang Mai, the nearest major city, and a two-and-a-half-hour round trip from the closest functional football pitch.

The pitches in the area are subject to extreme weather conditions that frequently render local fields unusable, and mountainous terrain means flat ground is at a premium.

"When I saw the smiles on the kids' faces when they played on this beautiful football pitch for the first time, it was a moment I won't forget," said Evra.

"When I was that age, I didn't have the opportunity or luxury to play on that kind of pitch.

"It's an amazing campaign and an honour to be chosen to cut the cord and be the first one playing on the pitch with those kids."

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Harry Maguire says his Manchester United future "should get sorted pretty soon" but stressed he does not want to remain at the club for "sentimental" reasons.

Maguire has played every game since Michael Carrick took charge of the Red Devils in January, earning a recall to the England squad with his impressive performances.

His contract expires midway through this summer's World Cup, but reports indicate a resolution will be found that will allow him to remain at United at least for next season.

"I think there have been talks," Maguire said. "I think we'll reach an agreement where it's best for the club and myself.

"What that agreement is, I'm sure you'll find out over the next few weeks.

"But, yeah, I think it'll get sorted sooner rather than later, whether I stay or leave. But I think it will - it should - get sorted pretty soon.

"I love this club. But it's got to be right for myself, it's got to be right for the club as well.

"I don't want to be staying on a sentimental value. I want to be staying because I want to be there and the club want me to drive the club forward still, and they feel like I've got a big part to play in it.

"And if that's the case, then I'm sure we'll sit down and reach something."

Despite a difficult period under previous boss Rubem Amorim, Maguire believes the Portuguese laid ground work for United to be successful.

"I don't really have much bad to say about Ruben," he added.

"I really like Ruben, I think he's got great ideas. The ideas just didn't work at Manchester United.

"I do believe he'll go on and have an amazing career and his next club he'll probably go and win many, many football matches.

"It just didn't click or work and I think us as players have got to take a lot of responsibility for that as well.

"But I think he has led the club in a direction - and I do think he deserves a lot of credit for that - where he's built a good, solid squad."

Manchester United are looking at 19-year-old RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, Newcastle United and England defender Lewis Hall, 21, and Everton and Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye, 26, as they prepare for a likely return to European competition. (Sky Sports), external

Manchester United and Brazil midfielder Casemiro, who is leaving the club in the summer, agreed in January to remove a clause in his contract which would have triggered a one-year extension if the 34-year-old made 35 starts this season. (Manchester Evening News), external

Manchester United are confident they can find other clubs to buy England international Marcus Rashford, 28, if Barcelona opt not to turn his loan into a permanent move for £26m. (ESPN), external

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

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We want you to send in your questions on the Red Devils for our Manchester United reporter.

Use the link below and we'll put them to Simon Stone.

Come back to the page on Friday to find his replies.

Get in touch with your question here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United are to hold a four-day training camp just outside Dublin at the start of next month.

United are on the third and longest of three extended breaks in their season because of an absence of European football and a third-round exit in the FA Cup.

They had looked at the possibility of playing a friendly in Saudi Arabia but that option had virtually disappeared even before the current hostilities in the region rendered it impractical.

Instead, with no game until Leeds United visit Old Trafford on 13 April, Michael Carrick and his players will spend four days in the Republic of Ireland from 6 April using facilities 30 minutes outside Dublin for what club sources say will be an intense period of training to prepare them for the seven-game run-in.

It is unlikely Carrick will take his younger players with him as United's under-21 side have a Premier League International Cup quarter-final against Real Madrid at Old Trafford on 7 April.

Despite drawing their last match at Bournemouth in controversial circumstances, United need a maximum of four wins and a draw from their remaining seven games to secure a return to the Champions League next season.

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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You might want to sit down for this, as I am about to put something out there that had not even entered any Manchester United fans' heads as recently as December.

Are you ready? Good. Here it goes. I honestly believe we are there. I honestly believe United will be a Champions League club again next season.

It was as if a switch had been flicked on - or off - inside me as my Premier League viewing concluded on Saturday.

For months, I have praised Michael Carrick's phenomenal start at Old Trafford, while refusing to show any sign of confidence in an unlikely top-five finish.

Not anymore.

Seven wins out of 10, with just one late defeat, is no longer a honeymoon period. This is a sustained standard that should continue until the season's end.

Meanwhile, Liverpool were woeful again as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Brighton. Hours later, Chelsea looked even more uninspiring, to put it kindly, in their 3-0 trouncing at Everton.

Carrick has accumulated 23 points out of a possible 30. In the same period, Liverpool have won 14 points (seven from the past 15), Chelsea 17 (four from the past 15), and Aston Villa 11 (also just four from the past 15).

United not only have a seven-point cushion on sixth-placed Chelsea, but they are also the only team of the four showing any kind of consistency.

Even if the Red Devils were to win just three of their remaining seven matches, they would finish on a tally of 64 points. For Chelsea to match that from this point, Liam Rosenior's side would require 16 points out of a possible 21.

Given the Blues' run-in features tricky trips to Brighton, Liverpool and Sunderland as well as blockbuster visits of United and Manchester City, it feels like that would take a miracle.

Of course, United should be aiming for a top-three finish at this stage. But with Champions League football in mind, anywhere above sixth will do and I am confident in stating that three wins during the run-in would secure it.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

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We asked for your views on whether you feel there is a "separation" between some English Manchester United fans and the England national team, following a discussion about the subject on The Devils' Advocate podcast.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: Big United fan. Big England fan. Don't feel any separation. I don't feel Rooney and Beckham, for example, were treated more harshly because of their association with the club.

David: The only separation is the one the press try to make out as though it is a fact when, in fact, there is none.

James: I'm an English United fan, but I don't support the English national team. I went to an England game as a youngster and listened to the amount of abuse the fans were giving to the United players. That did it for me, I haven't followed England since. I don't have a problem with the England team, but I generally don't want them to win due to the fans. I now follow the Dutch team purely because win, lose, or draw you can almost always guarantee it'll be a fun game. Plus, who doesn't love a bouncing sea of Oranje supporters?!

John: United players have been vilified over the years by so called 'England fans'. Beckham, Rooney and Maguire were the ones who were targeted. Rashford and Sancho were both playing for Manchester United when also given the treatment after missing penalties against Italy at Euro 2020. These 'fans' forget that the 1966 World Cup-winning team was represented by Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles, with Charlton scoring both goals in a semi-final win against Portugal. So I hope that gives you a little understanding why lots of Manchester United fans are like this in regards to supporting the national team.

Available now on BBC Sounds is an eight-part podcast series from BBC Radio 6 Music - The Rise And Fall Of Madchester.

Steve Lamacq and Alison Bell present the story of the Manchester music scene during the 1980s and 1990s - including the Hacienda specifically opening its doors to football casuals and wanting fans to be in the space, and New Order being asked to write England's 1990 World Cup anthem World In Motion.

There are contributions from, among others, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, New Order - all bands of Manchester United supporters - and Oasis, with the Gallagher brothers of course prominent Manchester City fans.

This year's 6 Music Festival is running from Wednesday to Saturday in Manchester.

Listen to all episodes on BBC Sounds

And listen to special Madchester playlist Indie Forever here

Manchester United are willing to spend up to £86.5m (100m euros) on Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, but the 22-year-old Spaniard does not want to leave the Nou Camp. (El Chiringuito via Football Espana), external

United have added Fulham's 28-year-old United States international Antonee Robinson to their shortlist of left-back targets this summer. (Football Insider), external

Manchester United and Manchester City want Newcastle's 25-year-old Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, although the former AC Milan player would prefer a return to his homeland. (Talksport), external

Meanwhile, the Old Trafford club retain an interest in Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, with the Spaniard's future at Vitality Stadium still uncertain. (Mirror), external

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

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On the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast from BBC Radio Manchester, the panel discussed Old Trafford not being used as a host stadium for Euro 2028.

"When it's rocking, it is amazing," co-host Gaz Drinkwater said. "And that isn't just United games - David Beckham's famous free-kick [against Greece in 2001], you saw the place bouncing then and it can be bouncing for England games.

"There is a sort of separation between a lot of English Manchester United fans and the England national team. A lot of them don't support England because of the history - the vilification of certain United players like Wayne Rooney and David Beckham. And a lot of England fans hate Manchester United because a lot of English football fans hate Manchester United.

"To have Old Trafford hosting an England game and to see a big England moment is a good way to build those bridges again.

"I'm more of a United fan but I'm still a massive England fan as well and I would love to see that link-up between United and England.

"I think there is a separation maybe culturally, but I still think that it can be built, I would have loved to have seen that and it's a shame that it's not going to happen."

Following on from this discussion, we want to hear from you - are you a keen supporter of the national team, or do you feel "separated" from it as Gaz suggests - and if so, why?

Is it a shame that Old Trafford will not be a venue for Euro 2028 or does it not bother you?

Get in touch with your views here

The latest episode of The Devils' Advocate from BBC Radio Manchester is available now on BBC Sounds.

Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath discuss Manchester United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Friday and the latest England squad.

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

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Manchester United are keen on signing left-back Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich this summer, with the Bundesliga club open to offers for the 25-year-old Canada international. (CFBayerninsider), external

The Red Devils also want Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, with reports in his homeland Brazil suggesting the 28-year-old might be sold for £60m. (Sports Illustrated), external

Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has held talks with Borussia Dortmund about a return to the Bundesliga club on a free transfer with the winger willing to take a pay cut. (Sky Sports Deutschland - in German), external

Meanwhile, United have yet to make contact with any candidates to become their new permanent manager in the summer and the club's hierarchy will not rush into a decision. (Sky Sports), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Available now on BBC Sounds is a special Madchester playlist from BBC Radio 6 Music.

There are some big Manchester United supporters among some of the bands featured, including The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and New Order.

This year's 6 Music Festival is running from Wednesday to Saturday in Manchester.

Listen to the full playlist on BBC Sounds here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Manchester United are confident forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko will be fit for the Premier League encounter with Leeds on 13 April, despite the pair having to pull out of international duty.

Mbeumo was due to feature for Cameroon in friendlies against Australia and China, while Sesko had been called up by Slovenia for their encounters with Hungary and Montenegro. Neither Cameroon nor Slovenia have qualified for this summer's World Cup.

Mbeumo was replaced 19 minutes from the end of United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Friday, while the club say Sesko has been dealing with "an issue" they have been "carefully managing" over recent weeks.

United have refused to expand on the precise nature of the problems. However, club sources are adamant neither is serious and both players are expected to be available to face Leeds as Michael Carrick's side look for the 13 points from seven remaining games that would be enough to secure Champions League qualification.

Defender Noussair Mazraoui, who missed the Bournemouth game because of illness, has joined up with Morocco for their matches against Ecuador and Paraguay, which are being played in Madrid and Lens respectively.

Manchester United are eyeing a surprise move for Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly with the groundwork in place for a deal to sign the 19-year-old England international. (Teamtalk), external

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 28, tops United's list of potential replacements for fellow Brazilian Casemiro, 34, and the club have already held talks with the player's representatives. (UOL - in Portuguese), external

The Red Devils will face competition for Chelsea's 21-year-old Brazil midfielder Andrey Santos with West Ham and Juventus both interested in the player. (CaughtOffside), external

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

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Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 3-0 Chelsea

• Fulham 3-1 Burnley

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

Here are some of your comments:

Bournemouth fans

Charl: First-class performance from the whole squad, including timely substitutions. Bournemouth never let up, they kept the pressure on United until the last kick - superb! Every player deserves credit. Andoni Iraola, you are a magician!

Tony: A fairly even first half, but Bournemouth continued to grow in the second period and by the end looked more likely winners, even without the sending off. Good game!

Simon: Another draw but happy with that, and the performance coming from behind twice. Other years, Cherries lose that by two or three goals. All three penalty decisions were correct and good to see VAR supporting on-field decision for once, empowering a referee further. Pleased Christie scored and with his right foot. Kroupi did well with his penalty kick. Seven more games, and seven wins instead of more draws?

Phillip: Crazy game, but we take a point!

Man Utd fans

Adam: The team is alive right now, and it's fantastic to see after how bad things were under the previous coach. It's just a shame that awful refereeing decisions stole the show and denied victory. Like the Afcon final, will United get the three points on appeal or at least a rematch? Seems only fair after the farcical performance from the officials.

Chris: It's a pity a poor refereeing decision is yet again the main talking point. It overshadowed what would have been a good result had United been awarded a second penalty. That said, there were periods United were in control but couldn't find the killer pass to finish Bournemouth off and, if you can't do that, you will always be vulnerable. Arguably, United's display deserved more than a single point. Despite the points dropped, they are still masters of their own destiny.

Lyn: Once again, a referee/VAR screws up - nothing new there. Once again, we get ahead and then fall off - nothing new there. We struggle against high-intensity teams and that needs to be addressed in summer. Overall, though, a draw is OK.

Bob: Excellent performance and an exciting game utterly ruined by another woeful display from PGMOL.