Man Utd news LIVE: Old Trafford could be KNOCKED DOWN, Harry Kane links, Ferdinand's transfer tips – CL latest
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has slammed interim boss Ralf Rangnick after United's Champions League exit.
A tame 1-0 loss by Atletico Madrid saw United out of Europe, and a fifth successive trophyless season.
Scholes said: "How he was chosen to be manager of this club for six months until the end of the season, I’ll never know. The coach is a massive part of it."
Meanwhile, the club will be hoping to bring the addition of Harry Kane to play in the remodelled venue according to reports.
Manchester City are trying to iron out a deal with Erling Haaland which presents United with the chance to persuade the English hitman come to them instead.
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Follow ALL of the latest news, updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
- Jack Figg
Morning, United fans
The tooth hurts – for Manchester United and especially Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Red Devils are enduring crunching criticism for last night's Champions League exit.
But it's worse for Ronaldo.
After Saturday's hat-trick heroics against Spurs, the striker's form deserted him in the 1-0 home loss to Atletico Madrid – and he nearly lost his teeth too.
Ron's mouth was caught by Harry Maguire's head as the United skipper backed into him.
But all the Red Devils will have sore heads after Old Trafford legends Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes joined the torrent of taunts.
The former England pair blasted interim boss Ralf Rangnick over United's lack of cohesion and tactics.
Scholes also reckons the squad is a mix of 'terrible players' and 'real talent' – and not as good as the four sides above them in the Prem.
Meanwhile, Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has denied he has been improving his English amid links to the permanent United job.
The Dutchman is behind only Mauricio Pochettino in the betting to take over at Old Trafford.
- Ian Tuckey
Desailly slates 'cheat' Pogba
Marcel Desailly has slammed Paul Pogba as a "cheat" who does not help out enough defensively.
The former France and Chelsea player was discussing the reasons behind Pogba being dropped for the visit of Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Ralf Rangnick chose to go with Fred and Scott McTominay as his midfield duo, bringing on Pogba late on.
And Desailly believes that is because Pogba does not provide the same defensive work rate as Fred or McTominay.
Desailly said on beIN Sport's coverage of the match: "Quality-wise you cannot compare Pogba to Fred, McTominay or Matic.
"You allow him to be a playmaker behind Ronaldo he will take advantage.
"When it goes well he is fantastic but if it doesn't go well, offensively he has not brought what everyone was expecting and at the same time he will cheat a little bit.
"He will not drop back and help the midfield with the defensive intensity the team is looking for."
- Ian Tuckey
Ron's a sore loser
Cristiano Ronaldo will be waking up with a sore face in the morning after nearly having his teeth knocked out by Harry Maguire.
Not only did Manchester United crash out of the Champions League, but to make matters worse Ronaldo took a nasty blow directly to the mouth from Maguire's head.
With the pair jostling in the box at a United set-piece Maguire tried to escape the attention of Atletico Madrid defender Stefan Savic.
But all the man nicknamed 'Slabhead' could do was clatter straight into Ronaldo, who was stood directly behind him.
Maguire immediately moved his hands towards the back of his head in reaction to the painful coming together, while Ronaldo moved his hand towards his mouth after being rocked backwards by Maguire.
United's top scorer somehow still managed to remain focused enough to try and get his head on the delivery, ultimately without success.
- Ian Tuckey
Scholes slam 'terrible group' of Utd players
Rio Ferdinand's co-pundit Scholes doubled-down on the criticism for interim chief Ralf Rangnick – saying United must hire a new coach to halt their horrendous slide towards mediocrity.
The raging ex-Red Devils midfielder added: "It comes from leadership. It comes from a coach that demands that and will get that out of you.
"I don't want to keep having a go at this manager, but how he was chosen to be manager of this club – for six months, six weeks or six games – I don't know.
"The coach is a massive part of it. Getting a proper coach for this team is huge.
"This is a terrible group of players, but give them structure and there's some real talent in the squad.
"They're not as talented as the teams above them, we know that… But the very first thing this club needs to do to get anywhere near winning the league is get a proper coach.
"Get a coach that suits them and give them two or three years to build a squad of players that will challenge."
- Ian Tuckey
Ferdy blasts Rangnick
Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have slammed Ralf Rangnick after Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid.
The Red Devils followed up their solid 1-1 draw from the first leg in Spain by losing 1-0 in front of an infuriated Old Trafford crowd.
Atletico Madrid played their typical game, slowing down the tempo and fighting for every last ball.
Diego Simeone has strangled teams in this way his whole career.
Ferdinand and Scholes have now claimed the huge discrepancy between the Argentine chief and Rangnick is the key reason Atletico have made it through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking after the game on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: "The difference between the two teams today?
"The Atletico team had a group of reliable men who would do anything the manager has asked them.
"They understand the job at hand and they worked together as a team.
"Whereas, the other team – Man Utd – are looking at each other saying, 'who's going to pull a magic trick out of their hat?'"
- Ian Tuckey
United sub ratings
Nemanja Matic (for McTominay, 67 mins) – 6
Paul Pogba (for Fernandes, 67 mins) – 5
Marcus Rashford (for Elanga, 67 mins) – 4
Edinson Cavani (for Fred, 76 mins) – 5
Juan Mata (for Maguire, 83 mins) – 5
- Ian Tuckey
Rest of Utd starting XI ratings
Jadon Sancho – 7
Made a bright and lively start, another player operating with plenty of confidence but had little to show for his early efforts and soon started to fade.
After the break, got himself back into the game – almost thundered home a stunning volley but it whistle just beyond the upright.
When he had the ball, United looked dangerous. Aside Fred, United's best player.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 4
United's hopes were on their main man – a hat-trick at the weekend and Atletico's nemesis. This time, he failed to deliver. Anything.
As we've seen too many times this season, spent a large percentage of the match on his knees with his arms aloft complaining at the referees.
Started as the No9 but dropped deep and wide to get on the ball – however, offered little threat there either.
Not helped by smashing his teeth into Maguire's head at a corner… surprisingly stayed on his feet that time, though.
- Ian Tuckey
Man Utd ratings continued
Fred – 8
Enjoying arguably his best spell as a United player and clearly playing with bags of confidence.
A flick in midfielder was a taste of things to come as he turned into compatriot Ronaldinho with more fancy footwork in the box.
Broke up the play, drove the team forward and pushed up to join in the attacks. A classy No8 performance. £52m well spent!
Anthony Elanga – 6
The hero for United in the first leg was rewarded with a start tonight, operating on the right flank to begin with.
But after rotating to the No9, almost broke the deadlock when he hit Jan Oblak in the face from close range.
Went close after the break but then was silent and replaced midway through the second half.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Back in his favoured No10 position after Paul Pogba got the gig against Spurs.
But was largely anonymous before his speculative strike on the stroke of half-time – except for setting up Elanga's blocked effort.
Did the same again after half-time with a neat backheel as the Swede dragged just wide.
But it was not enough from the influential Portuguese playmaker. He needed to do more and step up but was instead dragged off.
- Ian Tuckey
More Man Utd ratings
Harry Maguire – 3
Another unconvincing performance from the United centre-back, who failed to cover himself in glory once more.
Too much dilly-dallying on the ball, random arm waving and a distinct lack of leadership.
Most notable impact was smashing the back of his slab head into Cristiano Ronaldo's gnashers at an attacking free-kick.
The ironic cheers when his number went up spoke volumes.
Alex Telles – 5
One of many players to start well as United came out of the blocks well but then struggled.
Didn't offer much in attack, kept plugging away and trying but lacked the quality final ball needed – especially with the corner in the last seconds.
Scott McTominay – 6
A welcome, albeit unspectacular, return for the Scotland international in midfield and proved his value to this team going in both directions.
Lasted 67 minutes on his comeback and can be pleased with his efforts.
- Ian Tuckey
Man Utd ratings
David De Gea – 6
A slightly nervy start against his former employers with a miskick clearance but wasn't punished.
But was right on form to pull out a fine save, clawing the ball away from the top corner with his right hand.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Was snubbed for Victor Lindelof at the Wanda Metropolitano but back tonight and keen to push on – and even try his luck against Jan Oblak a few times.
But debatable at the back… he had a let off when Marcos Llorente was flagged offside (just!) then lost his bearings and had no idea Lodi was arriving at the back post to head in the winner.
Raphael Varane – 6
A largely quiet and uneventful display from the experienced defender.
The ex-Real Madrid man would have been desperate to get one over his former city rivals… and had the perfect chance to but his header was expertly saved.
- Ian Tuckey
Wasteful Red Devils KO'd
Read how Atletico Madrid KO'd United in the Champions League by clinging onto Renan Lodi's 41st-minute winner HERE.
The Spaniards reached the quarter-finals 2-1 on aggregate – with Old Trafford fans booing on the final whistle.
United looked promising – until gifting Lodi his headed goal.
Atletico then slowed the game and the Red Devils failed to menace enough in the final third of the field.
Read REACTION on our LIVE BLOG here.
- Ian Tuckey
United crash out
United lost 1-0 at home to Atletico to exit the Champions League 2-1 on aggregate in the last-16.
The Red Devils poured on the pressure late on – but in vain.
Keeper David de Gea came up for a stoppage-time corner – but it was wasted – summing up United's efforts.
- Ian Tuckey
Rio: Sort out Utd culture
Rio Ferdinand pretty much agreed with Paul Scholes verdict on United's management and players.
He told BT Sport: ""If the culture is not right at the football club, I don't care who you bring in.
"If you haven't got a manager who can guide the ship you'll realise (having senior players isn't enough).
"You don't want a manager to come in here and allow people to continue to coast, which is the issue here for the last three years."
Another former United player, Owen Hargreaves, pointed out the current problems at the club regarding the uncertain future that awaits.
Hargreaves said: "They don't have a coach for next year, we don't know who the sporting director is. There are a lot of players out of contract- Pogba, Cavani, Martial's situation.
"When we played we knew which players would be signed in March. Go and get Jude Bellingham, set a signal, I think you need young and hungry dynamic guys."
- Ian Tuckey
Ten Hag denies learning English
Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag denies he has been learning English amid claims he is United's main target to be permanent boss – along with PSG'S Mauricio Pochettino.
It's claimed the Red Devils want to make an appointment by the end of April.
- Ian Tuckey
'Utd players get away with murder'
Paul Scholes wants Manchester United to appoint a manager who can "strike fear" into the players.
The Red Devils legend argues, along with Rio Ferdinand, that the United players have got away with murder in recent years.
Scholes also said United's next manager must arrive with a set of principles and an identity of how he wants the team to play.
That's why the former United midfielder wants the club to appoint Antonio Conte or Thomas Tuchel, who Jamie Carragher also tipped for the role.
On BT Sport's coverage of United vs Atletico Madrid, Scholes said: "To be an elite coach of a top football club you need to have special qualities.
"You need to be able to get a team to play how you want them to play and the philosophy you bring in.
"You have to have a manager who strikes fear into players – Sir Alex Ferguson had that. The Liverpool and Manchester City players get away with nothing – these players here for the last two or three years have got away with murder."
- Ian Tuckey
H/T: Man Utd 0 Atletico 1
United got caught on the break at the end of a promising first-half display as they trail 2-1 on aggregate.
Follow all the action on our live blog HERE
- Ian Tuckey
GOAL! Man Utd 0 Atletico 1
Minutes after Felix had a goal ruled out. Lodi dos Santos put Atletico in front with a neat free header from five yards in the 41st minute.
United were furious after claiming a foul on Anthony Elanga at the other end seconds earlier.
Follow all the action on our live blog HERE
- Ian Tuckey
GOAL! Man Utd 0 Atletico 1
- Ian Tuckey
Martial loving football again
Anthony Martial still cannot bring himself to smile at Sevilla.
But after escaping his Old Trafford nightmare, Martial believes he is starting to fall back in love with the game again after signing for the Spanish club on loan.
The French forward built a reputation for being a grump as he went from being one of Europe’s highly-rated teenagers to a Manchester United flop.
The 26-year-old said: “I had a lot of options but Sevilla was the option to play and to enjoy football again.
“I lost it a little bit in Manchester because I was not playing. I knew if I was coming here I would have the opportunity to play and enjoy myself.
“Sometimes you can see that I am not smiling. But in life you can ask everyone, I am always smiling. It doesn’t reflect how I feel. I am just on the pitch trying to do my best."
- Ian Tuckey
It's under way: Man Utd 0 Atletico 0
The Red Devils are level at 1-1 after the Champions League last-16 first leg in Spain.
And they've started on top at Old Trafford tonight.
Follow all the action on our live blog HERE
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils 'back in for Akanji'
Manchester United are set to make a new contract offer to Manuel Akanji to persuade him to leave Borussia Dortmund.
The defender's future is up in the air with his current contract expiring in 2023.
And United are looking to take advantage of that situation, eyeing Akanji as a solution to their current defensive woes.
The club will offer the centre-back a contract worth £240,000 a week, according to Bild.
That is almost double his current contract at Dortmund, rumoured to be £130,000 a week.
And given Akanji's contract situation Dortmund are prepared to let him leave in the summer, if the player wants out.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal vs Utd clashes with Fury vs Whyte
London is set for a day of fan chaos as Arsenal vs Manchester United will take place hours before Tyson Fury's fight with Dillian Whyte.
The crunch clash in the battle to finish in the top four sees the Red Devils head to the Emirates on April 23.
The Premier League confirmed that will be a 12.30pm kick-off for the BT Sport cameras in North London.
And less than eight hours after the full-time whistle blows in N5, just seven miles west Fury and Whyte will make their ring walks at Wembley for the first bell around 10pm with the WBC heavyweight world title on the line.
A combined 150,000 spectators will be at the two blockbuster events – including the rapid 90,000 who bagged their golden tickets under the arch.
But there is plenty more elite sport in the capital that day.
As 60,000 fans leave the Emirates, another 25,000 will be going through the turnstiles at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park for the Eagles' 3pm kick-off against Leeds.
Then at 5.30pm over in West London, it is Brentford vs Tottenham – again in the Premier League – with 17,000 expected to be in attendance.
By the time that finishes, the undercard will be underway at Wembley.
- Ian Tuckey
'Ronaldo NOT the greatest'
Italian football icon Antonio Cassano has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT one of the world's best.
That's despite the Manchester United star become the highest scoring professional footballer in history following his hat-trick in the 3-2 win over Tottenham.
Ronaldo has scored 18 goals in all competitions since his emotional return to Old Trafford, an impressive feat for the 37-year-old forward.
But former Real Madrid and Inter man Cassano, who was capped 39 times by Italy, still refused to put him among the planet's elite.
Cassano told Bobo TV: "I take my hat off for the 807 goals he scored. But Cristiano Ronaldo is not among the best players in the world.
"Goalscorer? Yes. Is he a strong forward? Also. Did he win titles? Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo is like [Pippo] Inzaghi and [David] Trezeguet. They were fabulous players, but let's be honest playing football is something else."
The 39-year-old Cassano instead referenced Andres Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane as players who 'made football history', without matching Ronaldo's goalscoring exploits.
He continued: "Goals do not define a player. Iniesta didn't score 60 goals, Zidane didn't reach 100. Those are the geniuses who made football history."
- Ian Tuckey
Stam: Ten Hag needs job like Utd
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam believes Erik Ten Hag should swap Ajax for a job like Old Trafford to further his career.
But ex-defender Stam suggests such a change would demand huge changes for his fellow Dutchman.
He told Sky Sports Italy: "Ten Hag is doing very well at Ajax. He makes the team a difficult opponent for everyone in Europe and Holland.
"He is very good at showing the players what to do and also at improving individual players.
"At Ajax, he obviously has the finances to grow the team with young players.
"For him, Man United would be another thing compared to what he is experiencing in Holland. He has to take this step forward in his career."
- Ian Tuckey
Rio: Marquinhos & Araujo can solve defence woes
Rio Ferdinand has named the two centre-backs Man United should sign.
The former Red Devils ace thinks PSG star Marquinhos and Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo are the perfect pair to add some steel to United’s defence.
Ferdinand said to Vibe with Five: “I would sign Marquinhos.
“I would sign the Uruguayan at Barcelona [Araujo].”
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