Manchester United

There is ever-amplifying noise about Rasmus Hojlund and his credentials as Manchester United's striker.

Hojlund has now scored one goal in his last 10 games since returning from injury in March. But before his spell on the sidelines, the 21-year-old netted eight times in as many outings.

United signed Hojlund accepting that he was far from the complete package. The Dane didn't decide his £72m transfer fee, nor would he have preferred the circumstances he walked into.

Leading the line in one of United's worst-ever sides won't be easy. You simply have to watch the matches to see for yourself that his service is agonisingly limited.

And yet, when he gets chances, Hojlund boasts a better shot conversation rate in the league this season than an array of stars, including Mohamed Salah, Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins.

His 14 goals in all competitions is a greater tally than many world-class strikers when they were his age. It's time to cut him some slack and let him develop the way United expected.

However, the club needs to recruit some support this summer, something Anthony Martial - on his way out - has failed to provide, making a tough test even more difficult.

Alex Turk can be found at Stretford Paddock, external

Were Manchester United right to cancel their end of season awards?

The awards were set to take place on 20 May but the club do not want any any distractions ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City five days later.

However, rather than postponing the event - which is usually a fundraiser for United's Foundation - it has been cancelled.

Former Arsenal striker Theo Walcott says it is disappointing for breakout players of the season, like Kobbie Mainoo, to not get the suitable recognition they deserve.

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Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media before Manchester United's Premier League game against Newcastle.

Here are the main lines from his news conference:

• On injuries: "Licha Martinez will return in the squad. He's had some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available if everything goes right in training this afternoon. We have to see if Bruno (Fernandes), (Marcus) Rashford and Willy Kambwala are fit enough."

• On Rasmus Hojlund's form: "He has had three injuries this season but still he scored 14 goals. That's a very good record for a young player. When we decided to go for him we bought a player for this season and the future. He has to develop. He needs time. Sometimes it goes up and down. But he is a very strong character. I am more confident he's close."

• On Bruno Fernandes' future: "It's the same question as last week. In all the years he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and created the most chances across the Premier League. It's clear he's a very important player for us."

• On facing Newcastle: "When you look at the ranking - Newcastle seventh, Man Utd eighth - it's very important to get the win. We have to fight hard for it."

• On fan reaction: "At Palace, they were magnificent. Maybe the expectations are lower but I don't want to say the mood, the vibe, they create is lower. They backed the team at Palace and (against Arsenal) last Sunday."

• On the likelihood of Raphael Varane featuring again for Manchester United before he leaves at the end of the season: "We are planning, definitely, for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game."

What do you think about Varane's exit? Tell us here, external

Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United this summer, but is it the right decision for the defender and the club?

He has made 93 appearances to date and lifted the 2023 Carabao Cup after arriving from Real Madrid in 2021.

How big a loss is it for manager Erik ten Hag? And without Varane, who would you like to see as your centre-back pairing next season?

Let us know your thoughts here, external

Manchester United have reportedly cancelled their end of season awards ceremony to reduce the possibility of distractions in the build-up to the FA Cup final on Saturday, 25 May.

However, former Premier League forward Theo Walcott admitted that the decision "really frustrates" him on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club: "When you stop playing football, you look back on certain situations such as achievements and things like this.

"I always feel like each and every game is an achievement for any player, especially playing in the Premier League.

"You look at players like Kobbie Mainoo as well - who is having a breakthrough season - he will want to experience the end of season in-house. That's all it is. It is an in-house thing and a lot of the time it is for charity as well.

"These players should still be able to do these things. It's not about distractions. If anything, it might even bring players together.

"I think distractions can be a good thing at times. The world can't just revolve around being negative and depressed.

"It's another bad news story for Manchester United - and there are so many right now."

New York Times' chief soccer correspondent Rory Smith added: "You can't just have an awards ceremony when you are doing well. The season has still happened, and you still have players who warrant recognition and merit.

"United are eighth in the Premier League - that is disappointing and they have been laughable at times this season - but that doesn't mean you can pretend the whole thing didn't happen.

"In football, there are good seasons and bad seasons. At the end of it, you should still be able to come together as a team and a club to reflect on it.

"I think it has been done because of the way it would look to have an awards ceremony. There are easy jokes you can make about Manchester United not having a player of the season.

"I think that not doing it because of the way it looks is a little bit sad."

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Manchester United have scrapped plans to host a player of the year award next week.

The awards had been planned for 20 May.

However, manager Erik ten Hag and the rest of the football leadership at Old Trafford do not want any distractions ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City on 25 May.

Club sources say winners will be selected for the men's and women's team and the academy as normal but there will be no dinner, which the club has said in the past raises "vital funds" for United's Foundation.

While at first-team level, it has been a difficult season for United, on Sunday their women's team won the FA Cup for the first time.

United's academy side finished top of Premier League North, winning 20 out of its 24 matches. They play Chelsea for the national title on Tuesday.

Presenter Joe McGrath discussing Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United on the latest episode of The Devil's Advocate podcast: "If we do lose both of our games, say by a goal each, we'll finish the season on minus six goal difference and finish eighth place.

"How can any manager keep their job at the biggest football team in the world with that?

"It's a disgrace. It's a disgrace and people coming after me for some of this - I get aggravated by it.

"I get it - Ten Hag's had his difficulties with the injuries but that is still disgraceful."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Manchester United’s plans to replace the roof on the Sir Bobby Charlton are on hold until the club decide whether they are to remain at Old Trafford.

More pictures of rain leaking into the stand accompanied the huge storm that broke out in the north-west towards the end of Sunday's 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal.

While club officials have pointed out more than a month’s worth of rain fell in two hours and Old Trafford wasn’t the only place affected, the pictures have highlighted a long-standing issue with that specific stand.

It is understood detailed plans exist for the roof to be changed and this remains an option.

However, it is also known the cost involved would be high. Not only would the infrastructure cost multi-millions, the work itself would take a number of years which would cause significant disruption to stadium operations.

Under the circumstances, no decision will be taken until Old Trafford’s overall future is determined by the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, chaired by Lord Coe, which is looking at an enormous amount of development across the whole Trafford Park area, with a completely new stadium envisaged as part of the plans

Manchester United midfielders Casemiro, 32, and 29-year-old Bruno Fernandes are attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

A number of Manchester United players are unconvinced by Rasmus Hojlund's ability to find the net so have been reluctant to pass to the 21-year-old Denmark striker during matches. (Manchester Evening News), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater has defended Old Trafford after images of the roof of Manchester United's stadium leaking after defeat to Arsenal on Sunday were widely circulated.

United say 41mm of rain fell in the two hours following the final whistle of the defeat by Arsenal. Last year, only 29mm fell at Old Trafford in the whole of May.

"Let's have it right on the rain situation - that was biblical," Drinkwater told the latest episode of The Devil's Advocate podcast.

"I will criticise Old Trafford when it needs to be criticised and it can't handle those sort of weather conditions. But, I don't think there are many stadiums that can handle those kind of weather conditions.

"From what I've seen, it did look absolutely insane. I understand people will have a go at Old Trafford and its leaky roof and we all know about that but let's not forget that is getting sorted. The talks are in place.

"Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos, it seems to be that they want a new stadium and I think that is what is going to happen.

"It's not good, it's not great, but it's getting sorted out. Everyone calm down a bit.

"I'd still rather Old Trafford than some soulless bowl like a load of football teams play in."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast, Gaz Drinkwater and Joe McGrath are fed up again after losing again in the Premier League, this time to Arsenal.

They are also joined by Michala Hulme to chat about the women's FA Cup win over Tottenham at Wembley.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

As Manchester United chased an equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday, the bright blue sky above Old Trafford rapidly gave way to thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Those conditions could easily act as a metaphor for the Red Devils' season, where hopes of battling with the Gunners and Manchester City at the top of the table have turned to frustration at another campaign of disappointment.

Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. He has a year left on his contract but there has been growing speculation new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was in attendance on Sunday, might be tempted to make a change.

The former Ajax boss understandably points to the volume of injuries his side has had to contend with this season.

"Every manager can always do better," he said after Sunday's game. "I have been here two years and only one time had a full group of players.

"It is like swimming with your hands on your back and you have to keep your head above the water level."

Despite the issues United have had this season, they do have the FA Cup final to look forward to.

But their opponents in that game are Manchester City and Ten Hag knows his side will need to show significantly more fight if they are to finish a disappointing season on a high.

Read the full article here

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Anonymous asked: I wondered what you made of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decision not to attend the women's FA Cup final? Personally I was disappointed and it seemed an easy PR win too. I know Manchester United v Arsenal is a big game but it was pretty much meaningless for his side. It would have been a good statement of what was to come.

Phil answered: In my opinion this was a mistake.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe should have been at Wembley watching Manchester United win the women's FA Cup for the first time unless there were very pressing strategic reasons why he was not there and unavoidable commitments at Old Trafford.

This may, of course, have been the case.

Ratcliffe did meet Labour leader and Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer at which a new stadium would have been discussed along with Lord Coe, chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force.

This may have been the reason behind Ratcliffe’s absence from Wembley, because the Arsenal game was not vital.

It was certainly a pity he was not at Wembley to see United's victory there and would have been a great show of support for the women's team.

We asked for your views on Sunday's match between Manchester United and Arsenal.

Here are some of your answers:

Manchester United fans

Andy: Wow! How was that 1-0? United awful, disjointed, disappointed - just three adjectives I can think of. Luckily I was watching on TV but imagine spending good money to watch this team. I’m sorry but don’t blame injuries. This team is poor and lack confidence, direction and consistency. Worst team ever and I started watching them in 1972.

Ramesh: Very poor performance by Manchester United. Sad to see this United team playing like school boys.

Moeed: Chaotic, disorganised, confused. Those words summed up Manchester United's team performance today, except for the likes of Garnacho, Diallo and Dalot. Those three weren't even exceptional, they just showed the standard which would probably be labelled as average in a side like Manchester City or Liverpool. Huge reset needed this summer immediately!

James: Manchester deserve to be where they are, best of the mid-table in the Premier League. They have not played well enough to deserve European football. There are six players who deserve to be in that dressing room, the rest belong in Sunday league.

Arsenal fans

James: Sub-par performance, not enjoyable in the slightest, but a win. Some lazy passes when they ought to be more smooth. Not a good United team so perhaps a missed opportunity for the goal difference. But we’ve taken it to the last day, which is the very least I could have asked for before kick off.

Martin: Very nervy and as sloppy as I've seen Arsenal all season but our defence came through again, and United didn't have the quality to hurt us. Feels bad to depend on Tottenham, but that's where we are. Just get that win against Everton and see what happens.

Peter: The worst I've seen Arsenal play this season. They struggled to put two passes together. We were lucky it was United we were playing.

David: Arsenal never really looked at it. They seemed nervous and very unlike the Arsenal we all know. The players seemed nervous and very unsettled. They knew a win would take it to the last day so I think it played on their minds.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are mopping up this morning after more than a month’s worth of rain fell in two hours around the end of their Premier League game with Arsenal yesterday.

United say 41mm of rain fell in the two hours following the final whistle of the defeat by Arsenal. Last year, only 29mm fell at Old Trafford in the whole of May.

The extreme conditions, which affected a wide area of Greater Manchester and Cheshire, led to rain pouring off the roof into parts of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand.

There was some leakage into the stand while other areas of the ground, including the away dressing room were also affected.

The stadium is drying out and a clean-up operation is ongoing to ensure Old Trafford is fine to host its final game of the season, against Newcastle on Wednesday.

BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast assessed the recent performances of Brazil midfielder Casemiro, who has been filling in at centre-back for Manchester United during their defensive injury crisis.

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha: "We've seen him be a really good defensive midfielder across many years, also get forward and score goals, but it was the fact that he couldn't sense the danger that was there straight away [in the build-up to Arsenal's winner].

"From the moment the ball was kicked, other players around him have got the sense of urgency to try to squeeze the game and close off the field a bit, but he doesn't manage to do that. Even when the ball's out wide, he's there but he's not really doing anything. He's not sensed that danger.

"If they had another centre-back in and he was playing defensive midfield, I think he would probably defend that situation better because he'd be more engaged with it."

Ex-West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker: "He doesn't want to play there. I just think it tells me more about this Manchester United environment and Erik ten Hag, because I can't see him applying himself like that if he was still at Real Madrid or any other club where there's a bit more urgency."

ESPN journalist Mark Ogden: "I just want to defend him a little bit - it does feel a bit like defending the indefensible - but there are two goals I want to raise.

"The first at Crystal Palace, Aaron Wan-Bissaka switched off as [Michael] Olise broke through and ran at Casemiro. Casemiro was too passive but Wan-Bissaka's lack of concentration and defensive discipline led to that goal.

"[On Sunday] obviously Casemiro played everybody onside, but Wan-Bissaka completely loses [Leandro] Trossard, who goes past him without him even noticing, and the other full-back Diogo Dalot is not on the halfway line but he's not far away.

"So he's got two full-backs who are supposed to be supporting him, being his eyes and ears, and they're just all over the place."

Listen to more analysis on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's Premier League action.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Saturday's games on Match of the Day here.

Listen back to Sunday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full:

• Manchester United v Arsenal

Eintracht Frankfurt will not trigger the 13m euros (£11.2m) option to buy Manchester United's on-loan midfielder Donny van de Beek, 27. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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