Man Utd told they are ‘still rotten’ because of two players who are ‘everything that is wrong’ at Ol
Man Utd must sell Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford as they are “everything that is wrong” at Old Trafford, according to former Arsenal winger Perry Groves.
The Red Devils had a terrible first half of the season, exiting the League Cup in the last 16, crashing out of the Champions League in the group stage and struggling for consistency in the Premier League.
But Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher thinks there performances have still been poor and that the Red Devils have been “very fortunate” to win as many matches as they have.
And Groves agrees with Carragher’s assessment with the former Arsenal winger insisting Man Utd are “still rotten” with Erik ten Hag needing “lazy” duo Rashford and Fernandes out of the club.
Groves said on talkSPORT: “Manchester United are still rotten. Erik ten Hag is swimming against the tide.
READ MORE: Manchester United should learn from Arsenal and Arteta if they really want Antony ‘value’
“If you were a new manager going in the two players I’d get rid of straight away are Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
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“They’re everything that is wrong with Manchester United.
“They’re lazy. Bruno Fernandes is never a captain in a million years – I said that after they lost 7-0 at Anfield and he was trying to do his socks or his shinpads or whatever.
“The other thing that epitomises it is that Alex Iwobi’s goal was a brilliant, counter-attacking goal – by the time Iwobi scores the goal, Victor Lindelof hasn’t made the halfway line and he’s a defender.”
The future of Man Utd winger Antony – who has flopped since his £85m move from Ajax in 2022 – is the subject of much speculation but Ten Hag insists that the Brazil international can still be “unstoppable” for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag, who previously managed Antony at Ajax, told reporters in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday: “I backed him for a long time.
“I know his abilities and he has great abilities. I know from the past, he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he’s one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards. When he plays that game, he will perform.
“I’m very confident he will do it for the future. He is resilient, he is a character and he will fight back. I back him and he now has to wait for his chance and once he is there he has to pick up.”
"I'm telling you how it is" – Alan Shearer stands ground after Gary Lineker's Man Utd question
Alan Shearer has once again defended his decision to snub Manchester United after being quizzed by Gary Lineker live on the BBC.
Shearer was front and centre of the BBC’s coverage of Blackburn vs Newcastle in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Tuesday night. And with an extra 15 minutes to fill after kick-off was delayed, Lineker decided to ask Shearer about his career choices.
The Geordie goal machine famously avoided joining a so-called ‘big’ club, instead preferring to play for Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle. After choosing Rovers over United, he won the Premier League title in 1994/95 before leaving to plunder 206 goals in 405 appearances for his hometown club, rather than joining Sir Alex Ferguson ’s trophy-winning machine.
Lineker said: “People often say ‘why didn’t you go to Manchester United, you would have won loads of stuff there’. You’ve often said to us that you wouldn’t swap it.”
Shearer immediately shook his head and replied: “I don’t really care about whether people believe it or not. I’m telling you how it is, if I had the same decision to make again now, I’d do exactly the same again.
“I had 10 unbelievable years there, it’s my club, my hero was Kevin Keegan, I used to go and watch him. So to go and score goals at St James’ Park was my dream, so to have the record, the statue there, and to have everything I’ve got in Newcastle, I wouldn’t swap that for the world.”
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Shearer held talks with Ferguson over a move from Blackburn to United, but Keegan managed to sway him towards Newcastle in the end, sealing a £15million transfer. Writing in ‘In A Will to Win’, his diary of the 1996/97 season, Ferguson admitted that he was “‘sick and angry” about missing out on Shearer, who had just scored 112 goals in 138 Premier League games for Blackburn.
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He never won a trophy with Newcastle, twice finishing as runner-up in the FA Cup, but he finished his career in 2006 as the club’s top goalscorer and holds the Premier League’s all-time record of 260 goals. "I am more than happy with my decision,” Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast last year. “If I had the same decision to make again, I would do exactly the same thing. I loved my 10 years at Newcastle, despite us not winning anything. I wouldn't change anything.”
Shearer was pleased with the result on Tuesday night, having nailed his colours to the mast before kick-off. Newcastle could only draw 1-1 with Championship side Blackburn, but came through on penalties thanks to two saves from Martin Dubravka.
Anthony Gordon gave Newcastle the lead in the 71st minute from a cut-back, but a mistake by Jamal Lascelles helped Sammie Szmodics equalise soon after and neither side could get a winner in extra-time. Dubravka then saved from Szmodics and Rovers captain Dom Hyam to put Eddie Howe’s side into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp defends Chelsea over Gary Neville ‘bottlejob’ jibe
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists he doesn’t “understand” why Gary Neville called Chelsea “bottlejobs” during their Carabao Cup final defeat to the Reds.
Defeat in the final sparked further criticism of Mauricio Pochettino and his expensively-assembled Chelsea squad – including scathing remarks from Neville – as they failed to overcome their inexperienced rivals who were missing a host of star names.
Neville described Chelsea as “blue billion pound bottlejobs” after Virgil van Dijk’s injury-time header gave Liverpool a 1-0 win, before adding on Sky Sports: “Those Chelsea players will regret that extra time for a long, long time.
“I thought they played quite well and punched hard in the first 90 minutes, but in the real crux of the game, in extra time, where they had Liverpool by the scruff of the neck with those young kids, not having the answer in the last 10 minutes of normal time…
“They didn’t turn up, they didn’t perform, and you can’t do that. You cannot do it. What was it with them? Credit to Liverpool, but I’m really disappointed with Chelsea in that extra time.
“You can lose any final, you can lose any game of football, (but) you cannot play like that. You cannot shrink, go back, particularly when Liverpool have five kids out on the pitch. You have to go for the throat.”
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And now the Liverpool boss has defended Chelsea over Neville’s comments, Klopp told reporters: “I understand that people have to talk about it, but I was in the other seat as well, losing a final.
“And people say a lot of things about you that you don’t like to hear. In my case, some of them were true, some were not true, just guessing what might have happened.
“I’m the one who knows what it’s like to lose five or six finals in a row. I can imagine how it was for Chelsea, everybody tells you, ‘By the way, you lost the last five and that’s a new record’ – it’s not nice I really felt for them.
“They didn’t deserve to get all the blame [because] they played a really good football game, in a final where nobody plays their absolute best football.
“You just have to beat the opponent, and that’s what we did. That’s why this ‘bottling’ thing is really not mine. I really don’t understand it.
“They wanted it badly and didn’t get it, and I saw in the faces of the players and Poch after the game that it felt horrible.
“I don’t think anybody deserves these kind of feelings but in finals it is like that, that one feels like that and the other one is happier. Tricky, but it is the world we are living in.”
And Arsenal legend David Seaman also thought Neville’s words were “too harsh” after people used “bottlejob” to describe the Gunners last season.
“I hate that word [bottlejobs],” Seaman said on his podcast Seaman Says.
“Obviously, it was thrown at Arsenal last season and it’s too harsh a word for what’s happening at Chelsea currently. When Gary Neville said it I thought, ‘oh no, that’s going to stick’, and I woke up the next day, turned on the radio and it was all everyone was talking about.
“I thought it was a 50/50 game. Both sides hit the post, they both had chances and both goalkeepers made big saves. As a 0-0 I was really enjoying it and actually watched it all. I don’t know if we’d be here calling Chelsea bottlejobs if they’d lost on penalties, so it’s fine margins that we’re talking about.”
Premier League boss wanted by Liverpool, Bayern will end up where Xabi Alonso doesn’t go
Bayern Munich have identified Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as an alternative to Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, according to Florian Plettenberg.
De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter at the Amex in September 2022 and has gained a lot of plaudits for the job he is doing on the south coast.
The Italian head coach guided the Seagulls to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last term, leading the club into Europe for the first time in their history.
Their Europa League campaign has been a success as well, winning their group and being drawn against Serie A giants AS Roma in the last 16.
Brighton are also on track to stay in Europe, sitting seventh in the Premier League with 39 points after 26 games.
The Seagulls’ incredible performances under De Zerbi have seen the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss linked with a number of big jobs.
There has been a lot of talk about a move to Bayern Munich with Thomas Tuchel set to leave at the end of the season, while Real Madrid have also been linked.
The Liverpool job is another interesting one, although it is believed the Reds are prioritising appointing Alonso, who is also top of Bayern’s wish list.
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This gives the impression that De Zerbi will end up wherever Alonso does not go, with the Leverkusen gaffer the top choice for both clubs.
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According to German transfer expert Plettenberg, Alonso is ‘the absolute preferred solution’ at the Allianz Arena, but De Zerbi is ‘Plan B’.
Plettenberg reveals that De Zerbi has a release clause in his Brighton contract this summer and ‘is highly regarded’ in Munich.
‘News De Zerbi: Alonso remains the absolute preferred solution for all of the FC Bayern bosses to replace Tuchel,’ Plettenberg wrote on X.
‘[Bayern director Max] Eberl wants him too. More talks will follow soon. However, Bayern consider a plan B and C if the Alonso plan falls through.
‘And one of the coaches being also discussed as a possible alternative to Alonso is De Zerbi. Eberl has a very positive opinion of him.
‘The 44 y/o can leave Brighton in summer due to a release clause. But: De Zerbi is also highly regarded at FC Barcelona. Just like [Hansi] Flick.’
Bayern’s new director Max Eberl revealed this week that he tried to bring Alonso to Borussia Monchengladbach during his time at the club.
“I wanted to bring Xabi Alonso to Borussia Gladbach, it was three years ago,” he said.
“He told me: I’m sorry but no thanks, it’s too early. I need more experience.
“It was impressive by Xabi, but… no comment on current situation.”
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The Emirates FA Cup schedule: Predictions, results for Fifth-round fixtures
The EMIRATES FA Cup fifth-round action kicked off with Coventry City's 5-0 win over Maidstone United. Tuesday’s action did not disappoint and saw Erling Haaland score five of the six goals in Manchester City's 6-2 ruthless win over Luton Town.
Manchester City absolutely dominated Luton Town, with Mateo Kovačić scoring a goal in the 72nd minute to add to Haaland's earlier goals.
Bournemouth and Leicester City went the full-time with no one netting a goal, forcing extra time, where Leicester City's Fatawu Issahaku netted a goal to emerge victorious.
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Lastly, Anthony Gordon broke through and was at the right spot at the right time for Newcastle United against Blackburn in the 71-minute to get The Magpies on the board. Sammie Szmodics quickly responded for the Rovers and leveled it 1-1 with a goal in the 79th-minute. Despite Blackburn’s fight back and forced extra time, their efforts fell up short in penalty kicks with Newcastle securing the win 4-3.
FA Cup Fifth Round Wednesday predictions:
The Standard: Leeds to win 2-1 against Chelsea
Matt Verri writes: "Chelsea looked incredibly tired in extra time against Liverpool, but they must find a way to go again just a few days after the heartbreak of those 120 minutes at Wembley. Leeds will be fired up for this match and, on such an impressive run, will be confident of pulling off an upset and reaching the quarter-finals. Consistency remains an issue for Pochettino’s side and they look in real danger of suffering more cup disappointment."
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Live Score: Back Leeds against Chelsea
Staff writes: "Some of the Chelsea players could be suffering from mental and physical fatigue and they are unlikely to get an easy ride from Leeds, who are used to winning games. Leeds came on strong in the final 20 minutes to defeat Leicester on Friday and they have every chance of continuing their FA Cup journey."
Sportskeeda: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Shambhu Ajith writes: "One point separates the two sides in the Premier League table. Expect a contest as tight as that with very little to separate the two sides and all to play for. Brighton have had happy memories at the Molineux in recent times and thanks to their European experience, they might be better prepared to navigate this midweek challenge."
BBC: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Bristol City
Chris Sutton writes: "Nottingham Forest are another team who have been depleted by injuries and absences at the Africa Cup of Nations, and I am sure Tuesday's Premier League game against Arsenal will be on Nuno Espirito Santo's mind. Forest's desperation to stay up may supersede FA Cup progress for them, and I would not be surprised if Nuno Espirito Santo makes changes, which is why I am going for an upset here. Bristol City were a little fortunate to beat West Ham in round three but they are at home here and they will be confident of a repeat result."
Sportskeeda: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Bristol City
Kingsley Kobo writes: "Nottingham Forest will be determined to get a positive result. They will leave no stone unturned to come out on top. Bristol City failed to make their home advantage count in the first game but could disrupt the hosts and take the last laugh. Nottingham Forest come in as the favorites based on form and home advantage."
Covers: Liverpool over Southampton
Staff writes: "If we look at their last fixture in the FA Cup, they were winning 2-1 at half before going on to win 5-2. We’ve also seen in the Premier League they’ve scored 14 first half goals in 13 games at Anfield. If they can keep their average of one first half goal per game going, it’s very likely they have a lead after he first 45. Liverpool have players superior to Southampton is every single position and the injuries don’t change that, neither does any likely rotation. The Reds will start hard and fast and go on to win this easily."
The Standard: Liverpool 4-1 Southampton
Marc Mayo writes: "It is simply so difficult to see past a Liverpool victory on Wednesday night. Southampton could well cause problems for their creaky defense but the sheer goal scoring might possessed by the hosts makes them big favorites."
FA Cup Fixtures and results
FA Cup Fifth Round
Eight games will take place from February 26 to February 28. Select FA Cup matches will be offered on ESPN+.
Monday, Feb. 26:Coventry City 5-0 Maidstone United
Tuesday, Feb. 27:AFC Bournemouth 0-1 Leicester City Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Newcastle United Luton Town 2-6 Manchester City
Wednesday, Feb. 28: Chelsea vs. Leeds United or Plymouth Argyle, 2:30 p.m., ET.Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Brighton & Hove Albion at 2:45 p.m., ET.Nottingham Forest or Bristol City vs. Manchester United at 2:45 p.m., ET.Liverpool vs. Southampton at 3:00 p.m., ET.
Quarter-final: Saturday, March 16, 2024
TBD vs. TBD
Semi-final - Saturday, April 20, 2024
TBD vs. TBD
FA Cup Final - Saturday, May 25, 2024
TBD vs. TBD
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Emirates FA Cup schedule: Predictions, results for Fifth-round fixtures
