MARCUS RASHFORD has revealed that his mental health struggles helped him to be in red-hot form for Manchester United
The England star, 25 explained that it's all about mentality, not ability.
Rashford said: “Football’s probably 95 per cent to do with your mentality.
“For me that’s everything that gives you the base line to go and perform.
Off the pitch, US-based Ares Management Corp have become the latest asset manager to try and get involved in the proposed Manchester United takeover, according to reports.
Reuters have reported the buyout financier worth £290bn has offered funds to at least one bidder to support a potential takeover.
And keep up to date with all the build-up for Manchester United's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle which takes place TOMORROW.
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- Henry Tomlinson
Spurs 'shortlist' Henderson
Tottenham have reportedly shortlisted Dean Henderson as a summer transfer target.
It is believed he is viewed as a long-term replacement for club captain Hugo Lloris.
The Man United goalkeeper is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Read full story here
Credit: Getty - Henry Tomlinson
Morning, United fans
Question marks hang over Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst for tomorrow's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.
Rashford's late knock was a rare blot on United's stirring Europa League KO of Barcelona.
But strike partner Weghorst is sweating in a different way – because match-turning sub Antony is pushing for his starting spot
Those two issues aside, United are likely to be unchanged as they continue their four-pronged bid for silverware.
Boss Erik ten Hag rates toppling LaLiga leaders Barca over two legs his finest achievement since taking over at Old Trafford in the summer.
And the dutchman claimed only two similar performances will see off another Spanish side, Real Betis in the last 16.
He said: “It is a playing team, a skilful team, so we will have to play our best.
“We also played Real Sociedad this season and so we know, only when you play your best, you have a chance to survive.
“First we have to put the energy and the focus into the next games, and games [after that], because first we have the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and then the Premier League.”Off the pitch,
Football Insider say United have effectively doubled their overdraft to £200million.
That doesn’t mean the Red Devils will use any or all of that sum.
But current club owners the Glazers have historically used debt-based funding during their reign.
it comes as Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe fight to take over the club.
- Ian Tuckey
Lisandro reveals 'killer' winstinct
Lisandro Martinez is going in for the kill at Wembley on Sunday.
The Manchester United centre-back’s passion and commitment make him a crowd favourite.
And ahead of facing Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, the Argentine — nicknamed ‘The Butcher’ — admits it is difficult to control himself sometimes.
Martinez, 25, said: “Yeah. It is hard. It is really hard. Sometimes I want to kill but you have to control as well.”
The 25-year-old Argentinian World Cup winner produced a typically full-on display in the 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday night.
Now he wants to put on that same show of typical Argentinian spirit beneath the arch against the Toon.
Martinez said: “Argentinian players are always like this, we are passionate.
“Football for us is everything so that is why we always give everything of us.
“As a kid, I remember when I was really young, like four or five years old, I would start to fight and start to cry when I lose, so it is something we have in the blood, we have in the heart. It’s our culture.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lew breaks
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski was reportedly involved in a dressing room bust-up with Ansu Fati following his side's defeat to Manchester United.
The LaLiga leaders were eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday evening as a 2-1 loss at Old Trafford saw them suffer a 4-3 aggregate defeat at the hands of Erik ten Hag's men.
Lewandowski, 34, who scored a penalty to give Barca the lead in the match, was visibly frustrated towards the end of the game when Fati, 20, got in the way of a cross intended for the Polish marksman.
He threw his arms up in the air while on the pitch… but that is not where the matter ended, reports claim.
According to AS, the former Bayern Munich forward headed into the dressing room and confronted his Barcelona team-mate.
The report states a "good mannered" Lewandowski spoke to Fati, insisting this was not the first time something like this had happened.
Fati defended himself by saying he had not seen Lewandowski.
It is out of character for the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker who is often regarded as a quiet individual.
And he made no reference to the late mix-up when reflecting on the game on social media.
He said: "We fought until the last minute but unfortunately it wasn’t enough tonight.
"We are disappointed, but we still have trophies to win this season. Thank you for your support."
- Ian Tuckey
Man Utd broke 37-match Barca streak
Manchester United’s Europa League victory over Barcelona has been backed up by some impressive stats.
The Red Devils beat the LaLiga side at Old Trafford last night thanks to goals from Fred and Antony cancelling out Robert Lewandowski’s opener.
The result meant that United ran out as 4-3 victors on aggregate.
The comeback from United meant that they broke Barcelona’s 37-match unbeaten steak when they were ahead at half time.
The win for United was their 28th in all competitions this season, no other club in Europe’s major leagues has more.
It is also the club’s 14th win out of 18 games since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr, they are also unbeaten in 18 games at Old Trafford.
- Ian Tuckey
Osimhen tipped for Golden Boot
Arsenal and Manchester United 'target' Victor Osimhen has been tipped for the Golden Boot by Gunners' legend Olivier Giroud.
A string of European giants are tipped to come in big for Napoli's Nigeria striker Osimhen in the summer.
And AC Milan frontman Giroud, 36, believes his 24-year-old Serie A rival has NO weaknesses.
Asked by DAZN to predict Europe's leading top-flight scorer, the Frenchman replied: “Osimhen. He does everything well. He has very high confidence.”
The 24-year-old has netted 18 times in as many games for Napoli, who lead Serie A by 15 points from Inter Milan.
That's five clear of Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and six ahead of Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman, formerly of Everton, Leicester and Fulham.
- Ian Tuckey
United 'double their overdraft'
United have effectively doubled their overdraft to £200million, according to Football Insider.
But it doesn't mean the Red Devils will use any or all of that facility.
Nonetheless, current club owners the Glazers have historically used debt-based funding during their reign.
- Ian Tuckey
Rd Devils tipped to win NOTHING
Man Utd are fighting on four fronts, contesting the Premier League, Carabao Cup final, the FA Cup and Europa League.
Despite the Red Devils’ evident success under Erik ten Hag, former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia believes the Old Trafford club will finish the season empty handed.
The Spaniard told ESPN FC: “I think none, at the end it is not going to happen.
“There are a lot of expectations and to be honest, what they have got in front there is a lot of pressure.
“In the last part of the season, they have got so many things that at the end sometimes when you swim and swim and swim, you die when you arrive at the coast.
“At the end, they are not going to get any trophies.”
- Ian Tuckey
3 ways United could line up vs Toon
Manchester United could be without star forward Marcus Rashford for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle this Sunday, writes DYLAN TERRY.
The England international, 25, is in sensational form and already has 24 goals this season.
But he was taken off in some discomfort towards the end of Man Utd's 2-1 win over Barcelona on Thursday evening.
He then shared a snap on social media of him heading down the tunnel holding his right boot.
That has sent a chill through the United faithful as they fear they could be without their in-form attacker at Wembley.
But manager Erik ten Hag does still have options if Rashford is sidelined.
Antony and Alejandro Garnacho will be battling it out for the right side.
And Ten Hag could even go to a 4-3-3 in the midfield if he wants to play the trio of Casemiro, Marcel Sabitzer and Fred.
David de Gea will be in goal, with an expected back four of Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
FULL VERDICT HERE
- Ian Tuckey
No hope without Pope
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has revealed who he thinks will win the Carabao Cup, with a "shock" reason behind his claim.
Newcastle take on Manchester United in Sunday's final, with both clubs looking to end trophy droughts and kickstart a new era of success.
Erik ten Hag's Utd have won seven of their last nine games, including a 2-1 comeback victory against Barcelona. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe's outfit have failed to win in any of their last three games. However, form is not the key factor for Merson, rather player availability is.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, he explained: "If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope. He has won them so many points this season.
"I’d be shocked if Newcastle won this one without Pope in goal. He is that big for Newcastle United. Unfortunately, he is suspended and that’s going to cost Newcastle dearly.
"When they’re keeping clean sheets, Pope is making big saves. Off the top of my head, in the draw against Arsenal, he made a world-class save to deny Eddie Nketiah."
Merson added: "Manchester United are going to create chances and they are going to score goals. Put [Marcus] Rashford down for one goal already. He is playing so well that you’ll be shocked if he doesn’t score in this game.
"United are the team to beat in the final. Newcastle United are not a free-scoring side. They don’t blow teams away.
"If they don’t score two or three goals, they are not winning this one. I just don’t see them doing that against United on Sunday… I’m going 2-1 to Man United."
- Ian Tuckey
Perfect Ten for subs
Erik ten Hag has been the master of substitutions this season as Manchester United replacements have scored more than any other team.
Antony scored the winner from the bench against Barcelona on Thursday to send the Red Devils through to the next round of the Europa League.
That is one of 19 goals scored by United substitutes this season, per Opta.
No other team in Europe's top five leagues can match Ten Hag's ability to impact a game with Napoli and Villarreal next best.
Both sides have 17 goals from substitutions this season with Napoli 15 points clear at the top of Serie A as a result.
Ten Hag has got the best out of attackers like Marcus Rashford, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, particularly in the last few weeks.
FULL BREAKDOWN HERE
- Ian Tuckey
'Angry' Busquets names turning point
Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has named the turning point in United's comeback triumph.
The Red Devils were level at 3-3 on aggregate when home keeperDavid de Gea brilliantly tipped over a header from Jules Kounde.
Antony soon bagged United's winner on the night to earn a Europa League last-16 spot.
Midfielder Busquets said: “We are angry, because we wanted to continue.
He said: “With the score against us we tried and we had a couple of chances, like one from Kounde that De Gea broke up with a good hand. It was a pity.”
- Ian Tuckey
Hail the Red Ant and the 'Mosquito'
It was a Red Ant who hit the winner but Erik ten Hag praised Fred the "mosquito" after United KO'd Barcelona.
All-energy Fred and pacy sub Antony fired second-half goals as the Red Devils came from behind to reach the Europa league last 16 with a 2-1 win, 4-3 onaggregate.
Brazilian Fred was all over the pitch with 47 touches of the ball.
And Old Trafford boss Ten Hag said: "He had an important role already last week in Barcelona.
"First, to stop Frenkie de Jong playing, he had to play as a mosquito around him and go behind him, and he did it magnificently.
"Last week, he gave a brilliant assist for Rashy [Marcus Rashford], and today he scored a goal, brilliant performance."
The Dutchman will also be happy with how Fred stopped De Jong considering how Man United failed to sign the Barca midfielder in the summer.
Ten Hag added: "I like the speed. I like dynamic football.
"I don’t like static football, I don’t like boring football. I like football that entertains the people."
- Ian Tuckey
Worrying Rash
Marcus Rashford sparked injury concerns with a cryptic Instagram post.
The Manchester United star was in action last night as his side took on Barcelona in the Europa League.
Erik ten Hag’s men produced a rousing comeback to prevail 2-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
Rashford’s evening ended on a sour note, however, as he appeared to be in discomfort as he was substituted in the 88th minute.
The red-hot forward removed his left boot and walked straight down the tunnel after talking to Ten Hag.
After the match, he took to Instagram, but not just to celebrate the win.
Instead, he posted a snap of himself walking off with his boot in his hand, accompanied by a bandaged emoji.
- Joshua Mbu
Man Utd broke 37-match Barca streak
Manchester United's Europa League victory over Barcelona has been backed up by some impressive stats.
The Red Devils beat the LaLiga side at Old Trafford last night thanks to goals from Fred and Antony cancelling out Robert Lewandowski's opener.
The result meant that United ran out as 4-3 victors on aggregate.
The comeback from United meant that they broke Barcelona's 37-match unbeaten steak when they were ahead at half time.
The win for United was their 28th in all competitions this season, no other club in Europe's major leagues has more.
It is also the club's 14th win out of 18 games since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr, they are also unbeaten in 18 games at Old Trafford.
- Joshua Mbu
Ten Hag on Europa draw
Man Utd will play Real Betis in the round 16 of the Europa League.
Boss Erik ten Hag said: "I just heard and we played them in the pre-season after the winter break, and you know what you get from Spanish football. We faced it yesterday.
"It is a playing team, a skilful team, so we will have to play our best.
"We also played Real Sociedad this season and so we know, only when you play your best, you have a chance to survive and to get into the next round.
“So, we will go deeper when we face them.
“First we have to put the energy and the focus into the next games, and games [after that], because first we have the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and then the Premier League.”
- Joshua Mbu
Paul Merson League Cup prediction
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has issued his prediction for this Sunday's Carabao Cup final between Newcastle and Man Utd.
Writing on Sportskeeda, Merson said: "If there was one player Eddie Howe couldn’t afford to miss in this final, it would be Nick Pope.
"He has won them so many points this season."
Merson added: "For me, the Magpies are desperate to win a trophy more than getting into the top four and these players can attain legendary status if they win silverware.
"Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that will happen. I’m going 2-1 to Man Utd."
- Joshua Mbu
Ex-Liverpool star knocks Man Utd's trophy chances
Man Utd are fighting on four fronts, contesting the Premier League, Carabao Cup final, the FA Cup and Europa League.
Despite the Red Devils' evident success under Erik ten Hag, former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia believes the Old Trafford club will finish the season empty handed.
The Spaniard told ESPN FC: "I think none, at the end it is not going to happen.
"There are a lot of expectations and to be honest, what they have got in front there is a lot of pressure.
"In the last part of the season, they have got so many things that at the end sometimes when you swim and swim and swim, you die when you arrive at the coast.
"At the end, they are not going to get any trophies."
- Joshua Mbu
Breaking: Rashford a DOUBT
Erik ten Hag has confirmed Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
The red-hot England star, 25, sparked injury concerns with a cryptic Instagram post following the 2-1 Europa League win over Barcelona.
And Ten Hag appears to have confirmed Rashford could miss Man Utd's first Wembley showdown in six years.
When asked about Rashford's knock, Ten Hag said: "I don't know, the players now are coming in.
"We have to do investigations, medical of course.
"We did straight after the game, but most of the time you have to wait for a 100 per cent diagnosis.
"So let's do the medical, the work, we have to wait."
- Joshua Mbu
XI last time Utd were in Carabao Cup final
Manchester United have only four players remaining at the club from their 2017 Carabao Cup winning team.
Jose Mourinho's team has been transformed in the last six years and David De Gea could be the only player to feature in both final line-ups.
The Spaniard has been ever present for the Red Devils since signing in 2011 and helped United to a 3-2 win over Southampton in 2017.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice including the winning goal, with Jesse Lingard also getting on the scoresheet.
Lingard left last summer along with Paul Pogba and Juan Mata, who also started against the Saints.
The only surviving players from the squad who could start on Sunday are Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who appeared as a substitute in 2017.
- Joshua Mbu
Carabao Cup final song
Newcastle fans have been left cringing after a season ticket holder released a 'rave' song ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final.
Eddie Howe's men take on Manchester United at Wembley aiming to win a first trophy in 68 years.
Fans are understandably in a great mood with the Magpies flying high and the dark days of Mike Ashley's ownership well behind them.
And one member of the Toon Army took it upon himself to release a song to mark the club's historic trip to Wembley.
It includes lyrics like: "Geordie boys make some noise we're going to Wembley. So tell yi ma, tell yi ma you won't be home for tea."
Rival fans have piled in on social media to say how embarrassing it – and even some Newcastle supporters are cringing.
- Joshua Mbu
When will the round of 16 games take place?
First leg: March 9
Second leg: March 16
- Joshua Mbu
Draw recap
Here’s how the round of 16 looks:
- Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise
- Sevilla vs Fenerbahce
- Juventus vs Freiburg
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Ferencvaros
- Sporting Lisbon vs ARSENAL
- MANCHESTER UNITED vs Real Betis
- AS Roma vs Real Sociedad
- Shakhtar Donetsk vs Feyenoord
MANCHESTER UNITED vs Real Betis
MANCHESTER UNITED will play Spanish team Real Betis!
TOP SCORER
Man Utd’s Marcus Rashford is joint top scorer in the competition.
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