Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has spoken to Manchester United and Tottenham target David Raya about a potential move across west London instead.

Raya is out of contract at the end of next season, and the Spain international is reportedly eager to test himself among Europe’s elite.

Both United and Spurs are on the hunt for a new long-term shot-stopper to replace David de Gea and Hugo Llloris respectively.

The Brentford goalkeeper previously revealed he has already turned down two contract offers with the Bees, and his services look set to be battled over this summer.

Azpilicueta is hoping to support the club in the anticipated transfer tussle, as reported by Ben Jacobs in his CaughtOffside column.

The Spanish compatriots will likely have harboured a personal relationship during their exploits with their national side.

Both were called up to Luis Enrique’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the Chelsea defender has reportedly been in conversation with the Bees’ No.1 while on international duty.

Tags: Brentford, Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea, David Raya, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur

Real Betis fans clashed with riot police at Old Trafford, with one reportedly throwing a seat and another attempting to use his belt as a weapon.

The ugly scenes occurred at the end of Manchester United’s 4-1 win over the Spanish side.

United all-but-sealed their place in the next stage of the competition with an emphatic victory.

But things got heated in the away end as the match drew to a close.

#UEL #EuropaLeague #ManUtd #MUFC #ManchesterUnited #RealBetis #ManUtdRealBetis
Betis fans at Old Trafford.pic.twitter.com/C8EE6HMP3V

— Iris (@Iris4231) March 9, 2023

According to those at the game, missiles were seen being thrown as Betis fans attempted to clamber over a barrier separating them from United supporters.

One person was reportedly seen ripping a chair off before hurling it into the United section.

Pictures showed police grappling with Spanish fans as they attempted to defuse the situation.

And order was quickly restored as relieved stewards continued to form a wall in front of the United end.

Real Betis fans at the away zone at Old Trafford. Police called in. pic.twitter.com/Pqvcte840s

— FT90Extra ⚽ (@FT90Extra) March 9, 2023

Fans on social media reacted with disgust to the behaviour of the Betis supporters.

One said: “Should be getting banned from European competition, obviously governing bodies too weak to enforce a ban.”

Another declared: “They’re so bitter, enjoy the flight.”

One noted: “Should be arrested and brought before a judge in the morning.”

Another added: “Don’t worry I’ll get a seat from Betis and bring it home to replace that one.”

Photo Credit: Twitter

Tags: Manchester United, Real Betis

Graham Potter says he hopes Chelsea can resolve Mason Mount’s contract situation quickly with the two parties at an impasse.

Academy graduate Mount is out of contract next summer and attracting interest from Premier League rivals as talks continue over a new deal.

The Blues are keen to tie the England midfielder down to a long-term deal, though his camp are not happy with the terms that have been discussed so far meaning little progress has been made.

Asked about the situation, Potter said: “It is always complicated, there are always negotiations.

“It is best that I leave it between Mason and the club, it is the best way for that to be dealt with as far as I’m concerned.

“He has been fantastic to work with, an important player for us and I hope it gets resolved quickly.”

After a run of below par performances, Mount – who is being tracked by THREE Premier League rivals – has been dropped from the starting line-up in Chelsea’s last two games, coming on from the bench against both West Ham and Borussia Dortmund.

Potter has been pleased with the reaction from the 24-year-old, who is in contention to start against Southampton this weekend.

Mount has a stunning record against the South Coast side, with the boyhood Portsmouth fan scoring four goals and claiming two assists in seven Premier League games against the Saints.

Tags: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Mason Mount

There are reports that Manchester United will take a decision on Cristiano Ronaldo getting medal if they win Europa League.

Manchester United boosted their chances of reigning supreme in Europe with a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.

Despite leaving Manchester United back in November, Cristiano Ronaldo will likely have half an eye on his former side as they battle to win the Europa League.

The Red Devils remain on course to claim that competition after impressing in their 2-2 draw with Barcelona on Thursday. And their former No 7 would be eligible for a winners medal if they were to go all the way.

Though the Red Devils were unable to leave the Nou Camp with victory to their name, it was still yet another impressive performance.

Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, Europa League, Manchester United

Manchester United overcame Arsenal in the Premier League clash on Thursday at Old Trafford, beating their rivals 3-2.

Manchester Evening News rates the Red Devils’ peformances:

David de Gea

Prone for the goal when he then sprinted at Martin Atkinson to protest the goal. Good save at 1-1 was vital. 6

Diogo Dalot

Acquitted himself well and his positioning was key to United generating momentum. Always offered United an attacking outlet and key pass for Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal. 8

Victor Lindelof

Often looked uncomfortable at set-pieces and against United’s fluency but there was an occasional key header and defending improves as game progressed. 7

Harry Maguire

Stepped up literally at times to supplement the attack and his passing between the lines was impressive at times. Defended stoutly. 7

Alex Telles

Blemished an otherwise positive performance by being dragged too far inside, leaving Gabriel Martinelli free to find Emile Smith Rowe. 6

Scott McTominay

Put himself about and that aggression gave an exasperated crowd encouragement. More withdrawn in the second-half to shield the back four. 7

Fred

Erred time and again, be it a stray pass or a foul – on an opponent and De Gea. Recovered to tee up Bruno Fernandes. Off the pace when Martin Odegaard struck. Then won a penalty. 7

Jadon Sancho

Sancho was never short of endeavour all night and his surge into the area led to the equaliser and sparked United’s recovery. 6

Bruno Fernandes

Erratic and sloppy but kept going and coolly levelled just before half-time to herald the momentum swing. 6

Marcus Rashford

Rarely looked happy on the right but showed good vision to pick out Ronaldo for United’s second goal when Fernandes was freer. Came off first. 6

Cristiano Ronaldo

Had an appalling first-half and was immediately more threatening in the second when Aaron Ramsdale denied him. Then Ronaldo beat him. And then beat him again. 8

Subs

Jesse Lingard

Offered energy. 5

Anthony Martial

Bought a key foul. 6

Donny van de Beek

Late cameo. N/A

Manager

The formation was questionable in principle but once United rumbled Arsenal’s playing-out-from-the-back approach they had joy and deservedly won. 7

Photo Credit: ManUtd/Twitter

Tags: Arsenal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rushed on to the pitch at full time to congratulate David de Gea, who was mobbed by his teammates.

The goalkeeper’s stoppage time penalty saves ensured Jesse Lingard’s goal on his return to West Ham earned Manchester United another away victory in a match they trailed.

Jesse Lingard came back to haunt his former club with an 89th minute wondergoal at the London Stadium.

But the drama was not done there as the Hammers were given a 92nd minute penalty from a Luke Shaw handball.

https://twitter.com/TopFootballShow/status/1439604166188470275?s=20

And in scenes reminiscent of Euro 2020, West Ham captain Mark Noble was subbed on to take the kick, which he then saw SAVED by David de Gea.

Said Benrahma had given the hosts a first half lead, only to see it cancelled out by Cristiano Ronaldo.

De Gea dived to his left and clawed away Noble’s spotkick.

It’s a poor penalty from Noble, who put it the perfect height for the goalkeeper and not quite in the corner. The debate will start immediately as to whether the midfielder should have taken the kick with his only touch of the game.

🎥 David de Gea is mobbed by the #mufc players at full-time. [@footballdaily]

This team 🥰 pic.twitter.com/UgNUAh4XfO

— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) September 19, 2021

Tags: David De Gea, Manchester United, West Ham

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored AGAIN to bring the Red Devils level after Raphael Varane deflected Said Benrahma’s shot into the net.

Four goals in three games for the 36-year-old as he pounced on a cross.

Lukasz Fabianski saved the volley but Ronaldo smashed in the rebound.

Undeterred by his previous miss, the striker was alert to a cross slipped into the box by Bruno Fernandes, and although his first effort was blocked by Fabianski, Ronaldo followed up to convert from close range.

There’s an anxious wait while VAR check for an offside against the goalscorer, but replays showed that Aaron Cresswell’s foot had played the striker on.

🎙 | "It had to be him, didn't it!?"

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal scoring return to #MUFC continues after a VAR check! 🟥#WHUMUN pic.twitter.com/mYv6RPeydd

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 19, 2021

Photo Credit: ManUtd/Twitter

Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, West Ham

If reports coming from Italy are anything to go by, then Manchester United have lost yet another prime target to another European giants Juventus.

The Turin club have reportedly acquired the services of Dejan Kulusevski having paid Atalanta €40-50m, but he’d remain on loan at Parma until June.

On Sunday, one of the most-touted Red Devils’ target Erling Haaland signed for Borussia Dortmund, raising concerns about the ability of the Premier League club to attract top players.

Kulusevski has been a sensation this season in Serie A, contributing four goals and seven assists in 17 Serie A appearances for Parma.

Still only 19, the Sweden international has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Napoli, Chelsea, Liverpool, as well as Manchester United.

Inter Milan had also been touted to be the hot favourites to capture his signature, but on Monday evening Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport both report a sudden surge to the lead from Juventus.

It’s suggested Kulusevski has agreed basic personal terms, while the clubs are also close to working out a deal.

According to Football Italia, the deal would be worth €30m plus up to €10m in various add-ons and bonuses, although La Gazzetta point towards €35m fixed fee plus €15m extras.

There would be a contract to June 2024 worth €2-3m per season.

He’d also be allowed to remain on loan at Parma for the rest of the season, but Sky Sport Italia expert Gianluca Di Marzio claims that could change if Juve send the Ducali a replacement in the form of Marko Pjaca.

Photo Credit: sempreinter.com

Tags: Dejan Kulusevski, Inter Milan, Juventus, Manchester United

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has revealed what he told his players at Old Trafford, stating that they should not to be fooled by Manchester United’s poor form after his old club failed to beat Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

But after scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, Alli admitted they failed to heed their manager’s warning.

Mourinho confirmed that he had warned his players what to expect, drawing on his experience of United playing better against the bigger teams because they can counter-attack.

“I tried to fight exactly that state of mind,” he said.

“I tried to tell them exactly the way United approach these matches at home – against Liverpool, against Chelsea, always the strong start with people running, pressing, trying to lift the morale of the supporters.

“Normally they come from bad results against smaller teams so when they face the big teams people think it’s going to be more difficult for them. It’s not more difficult for them because the responsibilities change and they feel comfortable in this style of play.

“We have to blame ourselves. I think United must obviously be happy with the points, and overall they deserved it.”

Sportsmail reports that the former United boss went into the home dressing-room after the game and congratulated his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“No problem, what’s the problem?” said Mourinho. “I have nothing against him, I think he has nothing against me. Why should we have any kind of problem?”

Photo Credit: premierleague.com

Tags: Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Tottenham Hotspur

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has dismissed reports over a potential takeover at Manchester United, criticizing the way the Old Trafford club is being managed.

There have been suggestions in England that the 67-yeaar-old wants to buy one of the top Premier League clubs especially Chelsea and Manchester United.

But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly shot down speculation that he wanted to sell his club.

Sir Ratcliffe, who grew up supporting the Red Devils, has, however, bought Ligue 1 side Nice.

Reacting to the idea of buying Manchester United, Britain’s richest man, who is worth a whopping £20billion, told The Times: “They are in quite a big pickle as a business.

“They haven’t got the manager selection right, haven’t bought well. They have been the dumb money, which you see with players like Fred.

“United have spent an immense amount since [Sir Alex] Ferguson left and been poor, to put it mildly. Shockingly poor, to be honest.

“We won’t look elsewhere until we have had a good run here (at Nice). We need to find out how to be successful before you ever want to write a big cheque. It’s quite difficult,” he said.

“We have a different approach here [at Nice] to be moderately intelligent about it. Try to do it more grass roots, trying to locate young talent.

“Some clubs seem to have an ability to do that, Southampton, Lille. [Manchester] United have done it really poorly. They have lost the plot there somehow.”

Photo Credit: premierleague.com

Tags: Chelsea, Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe