MAN UTD are out of the FA Cup following a calamitous performance from David De Gea in a 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.
But Dortmund may have dropped the biggest hint yet that Jadon Sancho will move to Old Trafford.
Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford here…
IT'S HAMMERTIME
Manchester United have released some early team news ahead of Wednesday's game against West Ham.
And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be without FOUR defenders for the Premier League clash.
- Eric Bailly was taken off on a stretcher against Chelsea following a collision with team-mate Harry Maguire.
- Luke Shaw remains a doubt due to his ankle injury.
- Alex Tuanzebe and Phil remain out of action.
ALL TO PLAY FOR
Qualification for the Champions League is set to be decided when Man Utd travel to Leicester on Sunday, but it could go on a little longer than that.
This is because the two sides could face off in a play-off after the end of the season to decide who gets there if they end the league table tied in every way.
A new rule was introduced this season, allowing head-to-head record and away goals to decide league positions if two sides were level, theoretically making the play-off scenario less likely than ever.
But there is one set of results that would mean a one-off game against Leicester at a neutral ground being played.
This would first require Man Utd beating West Ham 5-3 at Old Trafford, and then losing 1-0 to the Foxes – the same scoreline United won by at Old Trafford – at the King Power Stadium.
If this set of results were to occur, both sides would finish with 65 points, 68 goals scored, 39 goals conceded and the exact same head-to-head record.
PAUL OVER
Paul Merson have slammed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his tactical blunder against Chelsea.
In his Sky Sports column, the ex-Arsenal star said: “If that’s Jose Mourinho, he is playing his strongest team. You win trophies, you are judged on trophies.
“Solskjaer has to win something. If he wins the FA Cup it’s massive for him.
“The race is on Solskjaer, he’s not going to be manager at United for the next 15 years is he?
“When you lose games, you’re out. If he loses his job and has an FA Cup, he has an unbelievable CV.
“If Mourinho was in United’s position, knowing he has Arsenal in the final, he plays his strongest possible team.
“I was flabbergasted at Solskjaer’s team selection. I couldn’t believe it.”
KON ARTISTS
Manchester United are interested in signing Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to reports.
The 27-year-old is one of EIGHT first-team stars that the LaLiga side could sell this summer in order to aid their precarious looking financial situation.
According to FootMercato, the former France international “dreams” of a move to the Premier League.
They also claim that Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for the former Sevilla, AS Monaco and Inter Milan star.
'I AM OK'
Eric Bailly has confirmed he is “ok” after being rushed to hospital on Sunday.
The Manchester United defender was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after he suffered two blows to the head against Chelsea.
Speaking to his 2.3million Instagram followers, he said: “Thank you all for the messages of support. I feel the pain of yesterday's defeat even more.
“But we have to get back up and refocus on the two big games we have this week.”
Thank you for all the messages of support. I am ok, it was just a scare. I feel the pain of yesterday’s defeat even more. But we have to get back up and refocus on the two big games we have this week. #Thanks ❤️
A post shared byEric Bailly (@ericbailly24) on
CAN'T CATCH ANYTHING
What have Chelsea done to David De Gea?
Have I Got News For You are trolling the Manchester United keeper after his howlers in the FA Cup semi-final.
WE MIN BUSINESS
Manchester United are ready to hand Paul Pogba a new contract with agent Mino Raiola “waiting” for an offer, according to reports.
The Frenchman admitted last summer that he would like to have a “new challenge somewhere else”.
A move to Real Madrid or Juventus did not subsequently materialise, however, keeping him at Old Trafford for another year.
Pogba, 27, was then hardly a feature for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men for most of the campaign – featuring only eight times prior to coronavirus lockdown because of injury.
Since the Premier League's restart, however, it's been a different story, with Man United's No6 having appeared in every single match.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are keen to extend Pogba's contract – which currently has a year left to run, although the club do already possess the option for another.
'FREY AT THE SEAMS
Manchester United could pounce on Geoffrey Kondogbia, with Valencia ready to push the wantaway Frenchman out of the exit door.
The 27-year-old is dreaming of a move to Old Trafford, according to Foot Mercato.
And Valencia are ready to let the defensive midfielder walk out of the Mestalla for a not-too hefty price.
If United qualify for the Champions League after finishing in the top four, they may be in need of an out-and-out holding midfielder, despite tying Nemanja Matic down till 2023.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is known to want Aston Villa star Jack Grealish, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City.
MORE BOSNICH ON DE GEA
The Australian continued: “He’s been fantastic for Manchester United over a long period, there’s no doubt about that.
“But in these last eight to 12 months there have been a consistency of errors from him that we have not seen before.
“Ole’s got to seriously weigh up does he bring in Romero for these final two games.
“That’s a huge decision he’s got to make.”
MISSING HIS MARK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should consider making the “huge decision” to axe David de Gea, according to ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
Bosnich, who had two spells with United from 1989 to 1991 and 1999-2001, told Sky Sports: “I spoke some weeks ago after that error against Tottenham and I spoke about it from a technical point of view how he seems to be pushing all his balance going forward with his feet.
“Especially for the second goal, you pretty much saw that again – that’s why he dived backwards.
“Either he is moving just before they shoot, or more likely that his balance is a little bit too lopsided.
“Once you start diving backwards as a goalkeeper, you are in big trouble.”
BACK AT IT
David De Gea arrived at Manchester United training to face the music after his howlers gifted Chelsea a win in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
The Spanish goalkeeper endured a horrid afternoon as his gaffes cost United a shot at silverware in the FA Cup final.
He arrived at Carrington looking glum as preparations turn to the game against West Ham on Wednesday.
Red Devils fans fumed at De Gea’s hapless performance yesterday, with some declaring he is “finished” as a result.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON UNITED'S RETURN TO TRAINING
PATH TO EUROPE
Manchester United will qualify for a Champions League place if they draw their remaining two games.
But if they win their first one and lose the last, despite that resulting in MORE points, they could miss out.
That's because United face Leicester in their final game of the season – the other team aiming to bag fourth spot.
United face West Ham next, hoping to bounce back from their miserable 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
Solskjaer's side are level points and on goal difference with the Foxes heading in to the final stretch.
CLEAN BAILL OF HEALTH
Eric Bailly is returning to Manchester today after being given the all-clear following his head injury scare at Wembley.
The Manchester United star, 26, first clashed heads with Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma with 39 minutes on the clock as they challenged for the ball in the FA Cup semi-final.
After recovering relatively unscathed, Bailly then worried medical staff with ANOTHER hit just four minutes later.
The defender smacked into his own team-mate, Harry Maguire, as both players went up for the same ball.
Captain Maguire was left with blood on his face and was eventually bandaged up but it was the Ivorian who came off much worse.
Bailly had concussion and also felt pain in his neck and was sent for a scan and moved from a private hospital to St Mary’s in nearby Paddington for thorough checks.
TURNING THE AIR BLUE
Bruno Fernandes was criticised by Chelsea fans for more diving theatrics in Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat on Sunday.
The Portuguese midfielder netted a late consolation from the penalty spot as the Red Devils fell to a 3-1 loss to the Blues.
On the half hour mark, the former Sporting Lisbon skipper went down under Mateo Kovacic’s challenge.
Yet replays showed there very minimal contact – if any – and Chelsea fans furiously labelled Fernandes a diver.
One tweeted: “Bruno Fernandes is a dive merchant.”
Another said: “Bruno Fernandes will jump on the floor if a Chelsea player breathes on him.”
A third added: “I hate this guy already he’s a good player but this is definitely gonna affect his career.”
BRUNO’S STILL DELIVERING
Since his debut for Man Utd in February, Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in more goals in all competitions than any other Premier League player in this period (9 goals, 8 assists).
Incredible run of form by the Portuguese. What a signing.
JI-VENTUS
Juventus have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Raul Jimenez from Wolves, according to reports.
Tuttosport claim the Italian side are set to make a move for striker Jimenez and are likely to offload Douglas Costa to fund a deal.
But if a move for United target Jimenez does not materialise the Old Lady have lined up a swoop for Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette as Plan B.
Jimenez has impressed since making his stay at Molineux permanent in July.
Wolves smashed their transfer record to land the player from Benfica for £32million and he has repaid their faith by bagging 26 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions this season.
IT'S GREAT TO BVB HERE
Borussia Dortmund have unveiled English midfielder Jude Bellingham as their latest signing.
The 17-year-old – a big target for Manchester United – is seen as one of English football’s brightest prospects.
Birmingham will get upwards of £30million for Bellingham, who has signed a ‘long-term’ contract at the Westfalenstadion, thought to be five years.
He said: :I can't thank Birmingham City enough for what the club did for me – not just this season, but since I came to the club when I was seven.
“Now I'm really excited to join one of the biggest clubs in Europe. BVB's path, but especially how they help young players to improve, made the decision very easy for me personally and for my whole family.
“I can't wait to play in one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world.”
AVERAGE POSITIONS
Here are how the two formations during United's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea in yesterday's FA Cup semi-final.
MOUR ON DE GEA
Mourinho added: “Paris Saint-Germain is closed too as they signed Keylor Navas who is a very good goalkeeper.
“I don't see the pressure. Who is going to pay David these numbers?
“He gets a phenomenal contract in a moment where he's a bit lucky to get it.”
HE'S LUCKY
Jose Mourinho has slammed Manchester United for giving David De Gea a new £375,000-a-week deal while he had no other offers.
The Special One told Sky Sports: “I don't think United needs to pay as much as that to have him.
“One or two years ago he had the world after him, in this moment, the majority of the big doors were closed.
“The Real Madrid door is closed, they don't need a goalkeeper after [Thibaut] Courtois.
“Barcelona is closed with young and fantastic [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen.”
OH HELS YES
While one United keeper was shooting his team in the foot yesterday, another was flying high.
Anders Lindegaard scored a fantastic last-minute equaliser for Helsinborg in their match at Falkenbergs.
The 36-year-old, who has also played for Preston, Burnley and West Brom, had already conceded two goals with his side 2-0 down on the hour mark.
But after scoring an 81st minute goal, the visitors pushed for an equaliser.
Little did they think their stopper would be the one with the all-important header off former Norwich and Blackburn man Martin Olsson's corner.
Fergie-time..?..Hold my beer? @dplay_sport @helsingborgsif
A post shared byAnders Lindegaard (@anders.lindegaard) on
GET PUSHY
Jadon Sancho will have to push for a move to Manchester United in order to get the move over the line, according to reports.
United and Borussia Dortmund are locked in a standoff over the proposed transfer fee, with the German giants demanding £115million.
Now the Mirror claim Sancho may have to force the issue if he is to secure his move back to England.
But with coronavirus hitting clubs hard financially, Man Utd are thought to be one of the few clubs able to afford the monster fee.
United had been hoping to land a cut-price £50m deal for Sancho – but Dortmund recently demanded at least £100m for the man they signed for just £7m in 2017 from Man City.
The Bundesliga giants are also claimed to have told United to hurry up and make their move in just three weeks or miss out on Sancho altogether.
Vacation!
A post shared byJadon Sancho (@sanchooo10) on
KEEP MY COUNSEL
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down accusations that David De Gea was mentally shot ahead of his catastrophic performance against Chelsea.
The United boss said: “You always question your decisions.
“I can’t speak for his confidence but he is mentally very strong.
“He knows he should save that one 100 times out of 100 but that’s football for you.
“I made the decision to play him and mentally he was ready for it.”
MAKE AMENDS
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told David De Gea to pick himself up from his Wembley horror show in the FA Cup semi-final.
Ole said: “Obviously, everyone has to perform.
“Everyone has a chance every time we perform to stake a claim in the team.
“David knows he should have saved the second goal, that’s done now and we have to look forward to Wednesday.
“It’s hard for a keeper to make amends, apart from David making two or three fantastic saves after.”
GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
The Red Devils will be keen to put Sunday's disastrous 3-1 defeat to Chelsea behind them.
But furious fans have claimed David De Gea is “finished” after he made two howlers during the semi-final.
Deep in first-half stoppage time – following a long break because of Eric Bailly's head injury – De Gea was caught unawares by Olivier Giroud.
The French striker turned in a Cesar Azpilicueta cross to the near post that wiggled right through the goalkeeper.
Then, just a minute after the second half started, De Gea produced an even worse howler when he failed to stop Mason Mount's shot.
After the match, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed the Spaniard should save the shot “100 times out of 100”.
He said: “He knows he should save that one 100 times out of 100 but that’s football for you.
“I made the decision to play him and mentally he was ready for it.”
In other news, Eric Bailly was carried away in neck brace on a stretcher after he suffered two blows to the head against Chelsea.
The Manchester United star, 26, bumped heads with Kurt Zouma with 39 minutes on the clock after they challenged for the ball.
After recovering relatively unscathed, Bailly worried the medical staff with ANOTHER hit just four minutes later at Wembley.
With 43 minutes gone, Bailly smacked into his own team-mate, Harry Maguire, as both players challenged for the same ball.
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