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Man Utd boss explain why Club were right not to buy another striker

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Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United were right not to sign a second striker last summer due to Anthony Martial still being at the club amid their Financial Fair Play concerns.

The Red Devils were fined €300,000 (£257,000) back in July after committing breaches of UEFA’s FFP regulations, serving as a warning for stronger punishments if they didn’t curb their spending.

Old Trafford chiefs subsequently gave Ten Hag a smaller budget compared to his first summer transfer window in 2022.

United didn’t pursue top target Harry Kane and instead focused on Atalanta hotshot Rasmus Hojlund, who the Red Devils eventually signed for £72 million in August, a move which raised eyebrows.

With Hojlund only being 20 at the time, Ten Hag hoped that Martial would step up and take the burden off the young Dane, but he’s been left disappointed.

Martial, 28, has spent much of the season sidelined with injury and could’ve played his final game in a United shirt due to his £250,000-a-week contract expiring in June.

Now would’ve been a perfect opportunity for the France international to stake his claim for a new deal, as Hojlund has been ruled out for a few weeks after picking up a muscle injury in training following his run of eight goals in his last seven Premier League games.

Speaking after the news of Hojlund’s injury emerged on Friday, Ten Hag was asked if he regretted not bringing in another striker to supplement his options.

“We were happy to bring Rasmus Hojlund in,” the Red Devils boss explained. “We had two strikers. Martial has done great things for us last season. So he is also on high payment in this club. We should have expected more, that is the truth. But to bring in another striker, that means you rule him (Martial) totally out at the start of the season.

“Then there is Marcus Rashford so actually we had three strikers in our squad. If you bring in a fourth, the prospects for the others will get short. So I thought – we thought – we had options. I wanted to bring in a striker in the winter but it was not possible. And we already had our problems with FFP in the summer.”

With Hojlund missing this Saturday’s match at home to Fulham, Ten Hag is expected to hand a first competitive start to highly-rated academy prospect Omari Forson. The London-born 19-year-old is expected to start out wide, with Rashford playing as a central striker and Alejandro Garnacho on the other flank.

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EPL

Mbappé makes first announcement about his PSG exit

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Mbappé makes first announcement about his PSG exit

Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that he will be departing Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of the current season.

The announcement, made through a video posted on social media, puts an end to the speculation surrounding the World Cup winner’s future with the Parisians.

Mbappe, 25, has decided not to sign an extension with the Ligue 1 club after a prolonged period of uncertainty about his contract situation.

More to follow…

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EPL

Man Utd’s entire squad ‘is up for sale’ – with just 3 names ‘off limits’ (Details)

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Man Utd's entire squad 'is up for sale' - with just 3 names 'off limits' (Details)

Manchester United are reportedly considering a significant squad overhaul this summer, with only three players considered off-limits.

The club’s new leadership, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada, is said to be prepared to make bold decisions regarding player sales, especially with United facing restrictions due to Premier League spending rules.

The absence of Champions League football next season has dealt a blow to INEOS’ plans for a squad revamp, and the futures of many players, including manager Erik ten Hag, remain uncertain.

Agents and recruitment figures at rival clubs believe United’s management is open to most bids, indicating a potentially extensive shake-up of the squad.

Even Marcus Rashford, a key figure at United, could be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in. Reports suggest that United would seriously consider offers for the forward, particularly if he expresses a desire to move on.

Paris Saint-Germain is one of the clubs that could realistically meet Rashford’s valuation and wage demands.

While United still believe in Rashford and want him to succeed, his recent drop in form has been concerning. The club’s financial situation, with profits from homegrown player sales going towards Financial Fair Play regulations, could influence their decision to sell him.

United’s transfer plans include the desire to sign a new striker, central midfielder, and right-sided center back, but financial constraints may limit their ability to make big-money signings. The club may need to adopt a sell-to-buy strategy, especially if they miss out on European football next season.

Despite the potential for a squad overhaul, three young players – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund – are reportedly seen as key to United’s future plans.

Rashford’s form has been compared unfavorably to Garnacho’s, who has impressed since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

Rashford has faced criticism from fans and has struggled this season after signing a new contract. Manager Ten Hag has called for support for Rashford, acknowledging his past achievements and urging him to rediscover his best form.

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Champions League

Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (agg 4-4): Los Blancos through after shootout (Video)

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Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (agg 4-4): Los Blancos through after shootout (Video)

Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Champions League were dashed by Real Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final at Etihad Stadium that ended in a penalty shootout.

Despite going behind early to Rodrygo’s goal, City dominated the game and equalized through Kevin de Bruyne in the 76th minute. Their relentless attack, however, was met with a resilient defense from Real, who managed to hold on until the end of extra time.

The match was ultimately decided by penalties, with Luka Modric missing Real’s first spot-kick. However, City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert, allowing Rudiger to score the winning penalty for Real Madrid.

The defeat ended City’s hopes of securing another treble, as they now shift their focus to the Premier League and FA Cup. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, needing to bounce back quickly from this disappointment.

Real Madrid vs Man City

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