MANCHESTER UNITED once again failed to secure a victory as they were held 1-1 by Southampton at Old Trafford.
And in a peculiar incident, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to accidentally spit on Anthony Elanga.
It is claimed that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is considering LEAVING Old Trafford after a poor run of form and uncertainty over the identity of the new manager.
The Red Devils board are said to be keen on hiring Luis Enrique, despite previous links to Mauricio Pochettino and Eric ten Hag.
Meanwhile Paul Pogba reportedly has his heart set on leaving Man Utd for Juventus.
Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
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- Kealan Hughes
Arnold wants Erik ten Hag
New Manchester United chief Richard Arnold is backing Ralf Rangnick’s pursuit of Erik ten Hag as the next permanent boss, SunSport can reveal.
Many of United’s players want former Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino to take charge once Rangnick’s stint as interim manager is over.
But Arnold, who has taken over from Ed Woodward as the senior executive at Old Trafford, has been won over by Rangnick’s championing of Ajax boss Ten Hag, 52.
Woodward drove attempts to bring in Pochettino from Paris Saint-Germain immediately after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November.
And Rangnick, who is set to move into a consultancy role when his term as manager ends, is also adamant Ten Hag is the right man to lead a long-term revival.
- Kealan Hughes
Red Devils scout next Fernandes
Manchester United recently sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon’s clash with Porto, hoping to find the next Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese was signed from Sporting and according to O Jogo United were monitoring an unnamed player during the match.
Midfielder Joao Paulhinha has been linked with a move to the Premeir League so it is possible he was the player of interest.
And he may have gained attention for the wrong reasons as he was red carded for his role in a 40-man brawl after the final whistle.
- Kealan Hughes
Neville slams United yet again
Gary Neville has blasted Manchester United and claimed ‘they broke every rule in the book’ in allowing Southampton back into the game on Saturday.
For the third time in a row the Red Devils surrendered a lead, this time being forced to hold onto a draw with the Saints.
Taking to Twitter in the final minutes of the match, United legend Neville felt that the current crop of stars were guilty of breaking cardinal rules in trying to chase a late winner.
He posted: “Breaking every rule in the book here United on how to chase a goal!
“Don’t give fouls away, don’t give the ball away, don’t force it, don’t lose your discipline and chase the ref etc etc!”
- Kealan Hughes
'Man United keep getting worse'
Danny Murphy has hit out at “shambolic” Man Utd over their work rate in a 1-1 draw with Southampton and picked out Jadon Sancho for criticism.
He said on Match of the Day: "Their work-rate off the ball is shambolic. Their tactical plans are poor.
“Look at the top of your screen, [Kyle] Walker-Peters flies forward and look at [Jadon] Sancho… Not bothered, not going to chase him, not going to track back, I’ll leave him free on the back-post and Southampton should be 1-0 up.
“That happened time and time again. It’s basics and you just can’t do it.
“The worrying thing is Manchester United keep getting worse. They’re not getting better.”
- Kealan Hughes
Man Utd on Felix alert
Liverpool and Man Utd have received a ‘transfer boost’ after Diego Simeone fired back at the curious comments of transfer target Joao Felix.
Felix told the Athletic: “I think we all know what the problem is [with the team], I don’t want to say though.”
That cryptic comment has predictably gone down like a lead balloon with the no-nonsense Simeone.
The Atletico boss said: “About what Joao said, you can ask him.
“I work according to the team. If he is clear about what the problem is, it would be good to know.”
If there is a rift between player and coach United could look to take advantage with Rangnick admitting he needs to sign a new striker next summer.
- Kealan Hughes
Lampard praises van de Beek
Frank Lampard has explained he wanted to sign Manchester United's Donny van de Beek on loan for three reasons.
Van de Beek joined Everton on a deal until the end of the season after successfully undergoing a medical on January deadline day.
Lampard said: "I knew Donny as a player from the outside and I brought him here because of his talent in terms of his play, his intelligence and his work ethic.
"He's a technical player but he matched the other players for work ethic.
"He gave us a sense of calm and he linked the play.
"He looked confident on the ball and that's exactly what I brought him here to do."
- Kealan Hughes
Cavani to leave in summer
Edinson Cavani is eyeing a free transfer to LaLiga in the summer as he looks set to leave Manchester United.
The Uruguayan striker's contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, he is not expected to sign a renewal to stay on in the North-West.
Instead, the report adds Cavani would prefer a switch to Spain.
- Joshua Jones
Good morning Red Devils fans
Manchester United have dropped more points in their quest to finish in the top four after drawing 1-1 at home to Southampton.
Jadon Sancho had put the Red Devils in front in the first half, but just like against Burnley, they conceded immediately after half-time.
Saints striker Che Adams curled past David De Gea to make it back-to-back draws for the hosts.
Following the clash, Paul Scholes slammed his former employers for lacking commitment and being ‘too easy to play against’.
He told BT Sport: “These Manchester United players do not want to do the ugly side of the game.
“There are a lot of very good players in that team – you could name every one of them. But with talent you have to work hard as well.
“I feel sorry for the manager because he is clearly trying his best to set his team up to play against this type of team (Southampton) and they are either not listening, can’t do it or don’t want to do it.”
Meanwhile, United are set to fight Arsenal for the signing of Alexander Isak, according to reports.
Ralf Rangnick confirmed his side will need to replace ageing duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani.
And now the Daily Mail report the Red Devils will rival the Gunners in the race for Isak.
And finally, United target Youri Tielemens has opted NOT to sign a new deal with Leicester City.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “I’ve been told Youri Tielemans will NOT extend his contract with Leicester.
“New deal bid has been turned down – current one expires in 2023.
“Of course, Youri will be professional, he’s focused on Leicester. Many top clubs want him for June.”
- Jake Lambourne
Rangnick hits back at Scholes
Man Utd interim boss Ralf Rangnick has fired back at Pail Scholes after the ex-midfielder suggest the current squad aren't working hard enough.
Rangnick said: "I think what Paul Scholes said was only one third of what he said – I think he said three different options.
"I don’t think that the players are not willing to do that, because they don’t like to give away points like the ones they gave away today again.
“It was the third game where we were 1-0 up and I don’t think anyone out there should believe that the players don’t care. That they like to experience things like that today consecutively. This is definitely not the case.
"The question is with the group of players we have, how do we get more compact, more aggressive and even more nasty, it’s about defending a lead.
“This is the major issue but it’s not a question of the players not wanting to do that.”
- Jake Lambourne
Dea Gea wants improvement
Man Utd goalkeeper David De Gea has taken to social media following the disappointing 1-1 draw against Southampton.
The Red Devils dropped further points in their quest to finish in the top four.
Taking to social media, De Gea said: "The situation needs to improve and fast.
"We have to learn that this is not enough."
- Jake Lambourne
Maguire's pace worries Owen
Former Man Utd striker Michael Owen has spoke of his fear that Harry Maguire's lack of pace is a real problem for the club.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Southampton, Owen told Premier League Productions: "I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing.
"He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there (by Armando Broja). Then you’re thinking don’t try to redeem your mistake, he just got away with it and I don’t think it was a penalty.
"But you are fearful when he’s running towards him man you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.
"His lack of pace is a real problem. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. The goal, he could have been squeezing up but he’s petrified of that space in behind."
- Justin Lawrence
Sancho praise
Man United boss Ralf Rangnick was full of praise for Jadon Sancho after his scored his first Premier League goal for the Red Devils against Southampton.
Speaking after the match to Man United's press, he said: “With Jadon’s performances in the last couple of games, I’m very pleased.
"This is the Jadon we know from the German Bundesliga.”
“There is still more space for improvement in him, but the way he is playing right now, it is probably the best Jadon Sancho that Manchester United has seen so far.”
- Justin Lawrence
De light of the show
Man United star Donny van de Beek was the star of the show on his debut for loan side Everton in their win over Leeds.
According to planetfootball, The Dutch ace passed with precision and achieved an accuracy rate of 89.5%.
He also won three aerial duels against The Whites, which was highest out of anyone on the pitch.
De Beek's defensive talents were also on show and he recorded the most tackles during the Premier League clash with four successful challenges.
The 24-year-old rounded off his robust display by winning the most possession in the middle of the pitch on six occassions.
- Justin Lawrence
Hoddle praises Scholes
Glenn Hoddle has claimed that Paul Scholes is the best player he has ever coached despite his fiery temper.
He said: “Everyone says to me, ‘who’s the best player you’ve coached?’ It’s Paul.
“He had one thing that I think he had to improve on, and it wasn’t much really.
“I was forever trying to get him to stand on his feet, not see the red mist.
“Because you could see he wanted to win the ball and when he went in sometimes I thought, ‘he’s going to get sent off’.
“That was the only problem he had as a player! If that’s your only problem then you’ve got a chance.
“He was excellent, his technique was second to none.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's spit storm
Cristiano Ronaldo allegedly appeared to spit close to Man United team-mate Anthony Elanga during the Red Devils' 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The 37-year-old released his saliva while standing close to Elanga in a clip shown by BT Sport, according to the Daily Mail.
And Ron's spit-ball seemed to partially end up on Elanga's shirt in the clip, the Mail went on to claim.
Some fans thought they also saw Ronaldo's spit touch Elanga and took to social media to express their bewilderment.
- Justin Lawrence
Maguire's spot of Broja
Micheal Owen has revealed that he feared for the 'embarassing' Harry Maguire because of his lack of pace during Man United's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Southampton star Armando Broja caused Maguire a headache throughout the game and Owen admitted that it was painful to watch the sluggish United captain at times.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Owen said: "I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing.
"He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there (by Broja).
"But you are fearful when he’s running towards him man you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.
"His lack of pace is a real problem. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again."
- Justin Lawrence
Scholes rips into Rangnick
Paul Scholes slammed Manchester United for lacking commitment and being 'too easy to play against' after Southampton fought back to draw.
Old Trafford legend Scholes claimed it's 'glaringly obvious that the players do not want to put a shift in for this club, which is crazy really'.
He told BT Sport: "These Manchester United players do not want to do the ugly side of the game.
"There are a lot of very good players in that team – you could name every one of them.
"But with talent you have to work hard as well.
"I feel sorry for the manager because he is clearly trying his best to set his team up to play against this type of team (Southampton) and they are either not listening, can't do it or don't want to do it."
- Justin Lawrence
Lampard's De Beek praise
Everton boss Frank Lampard has praised Man United loanee Donny van de Beek after he made his debut for the Toffees.
Speaking after Everton's 3-0 win over Leeds, Lampard said: "I thought Donny van de Beek was great.
He said: "To play like that at home – his calmness, work rate and intelligence was great.
“I brought him here because of his talents, his intelligence & work ethic but he matched the other players and is calm on the ball.”
- Justin Lawrence
Keown’s praise for Broja
Martin Keown has heaped praise on Armando Broja for his performance in Southampton’s 1-1 draw with Man United.
Keown purred to BT Sport: “You have to applaud him, the pace he has. He’s really impressed for Southampton.
“He’s a physical specimen as well, the ball has been going into him, and Maguire hasn’t been able to win them. He’s got everything to his game.
“His pace there, look at how he wins it – he bullies Maguire there. So quick, direct. Players around him. This man is so difficult to play against.”
- Justin Lawrence
Scholes' Fernandes worry
Paul Scholes is worried that Bruno Fernandes could become a problem for Man United.
Scholes told BT Sport after watching United's dismal draw with Southampton: "He [Rangnick] tried to start with a 4-3-3, Scott [McTominay] holding and Fernandes and [Paul] Pogba playing higher up.
"Then he brought Pogba back and shoved Fernandes higher up, I think Fernandes could be a bit of a problem.
"As much as he's a talented lad, when he first came to England he scored so many good goals, so many assists, but he's all over the football pitch."
- Justin Lawrence
Scholes backs Hasenhuttl to replace Rangnick
Paul Scholes has backed Ralph Hasenhuttl to be the next Manchester United manager as he demanded an Old Trafford 'rebuild'.
The current Southampton boss took a point back to the south coast following Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.
Speaking in the BT Sport studio, Glenn Hoddle threw in the suggestion that Hasenhuttl would be a 'good fit' for United.
Legendary Red Devils midfielder Scholes agreed.
He said: "It's not really something that's crossed my mind until the last 10-15 minutes when Glenn mentioned it. Watching that interview, there is a closeness between them.
"But the more I think about it, I don't think it would be a bad thing. The way he goes about his business looks good."
- Justin Lawrence
Varane issues battle cry
Raphael Varane has urged his Man United team-mates to come out swinging in their next game after they drew against Southampton.
Varane said tp BT Sport: "We are disappointed about the result, it is not enough for us. We have to keep pushing.
"In last three or four games we have played much better but the result is not enough for us. We have to fight and be focused on the next game.
"It is the second time the beginning of second half has not been good enough and we concede a goal. We had good opportunities in the first half."
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's Southampton stats revealed
Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score in six games for Manchester United – but it's not just his form in front of goal that makes for grim reading.
Across the entire 90 minutes Ronaldo only managed to muster fourteen passes of the ball.
His heat map was incredibly bare too, with CR7 struggling to keep up to grips with a fast-paced contest at Old Trafford.
Just 33 touches across the entire 90 minutes go some way to proving how hard he found it hard to get hold of the ball.
The 37-year-old usually loves taking defenders on, but a meagre two dribbles of the ball against the Saints show he's now less confident about beating his man.
Ronaldo losing the ball three times also suggest he's finding it hard to retain the ball – another aspect of his game he's normally so good at.
Seven of his 33 touches were inside the Southampton box, but even so he could only manage two shots in the match.
- Justin Lawrence
Southampton’s game plan revealed
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed how the Saints exploited Man United’s weaknesses in their 1-1 draw.
He said: “It is not a big secret that when they lose the ball that the reverse gears are not the best from everybody.
“Then you have the chance to create something and we did.”
“The pressing for them was good in the beginning but they aren’t used to doing it for more than 30 or 40 minutes, we came into the game after that.”
- Justin Lawrence
Scholes on Rangnick's appointment
Paul Scholes has questioned Man United's decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager.
Speaking after United's 1-1 draw with Southampton, Scholes said: "To not have a plan and bring in a… he’s technically a sporting director.
"I think he’s coached a team two years out of the last 10 years.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like the man – I think he comes across really well. He looks like he’s lacked experience in coaching the last five or six years, whatever it’s been.
“His team, they’re a team of individuals.”
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