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Medium-pace bowlers Ruaidhri Smith and Adrian Neill as well as left-arm spinner Hamza Tahir and legspinner Chris Greaves, meanwhile, have all been omitted

ESPNcricinfo staff05-May-2019

Brad Wheal’s early strikes pushed Ireland back•ICC/Getty Images

Offspinner Tom Sole and pace bowler Brad Wheal are in line to make their first appearances for Scotland since the 2018 World Cup Qualifier after being named in a 14-man squad to take on Afghanistan in a two-ODI series, beginning on Wednesday in Edinburgh.The 22-year-old Sole was part of the Northamptonshire line-up that took on the touring Pakistan side in a 50-over match on April 29, scoring 22 at No. 8 and returning figures of 0 for 28 in six overs. He was a key member of the World Cup Qualifying campaign last year, taking career-best figures of 4 for 15 against Hong Kong in just his second ODI.Wheal was similarly instrumental for Scotland in Zimbabwe, taking a career-best 3 for 34 in the controversial five-run loss, on DLS method, to West Indies that eliminated Scotland from a place in England for 2019. However, he hasn’t played for Scotland since due to commitments with Hampshire.The Durham-based pair of Michael Jones and Gavin Main have also been recalled into Scotland’s squad for the pair of matches. Like Wheal and Sole, the 21-year-old batsman Jones has not appeared for Scotland since last year’s World Cup Qualifier.Medium pacer Main has spent a bit longer out of the side, having not appeared in an official match for Scotland since the 2016 T20 World Cup in India when he was in the XI for Scotland’s win over Hong Kong. However, he did play for Scotland in an unofficial 50-over match against Sri Lanka ahead of the 2017 Champions Trophy in which Scotland lost by nine wickets.Four bowlers have been left out from the Scotland side that defeated Oman 2-1 in a three-match 50-over series as well as won the T20I Quadrangular series in February, featuring Oman, Netherlands and Ireland, in Muscat. Medium-pace bowlers Ruaidhri Smith and Adrian Neill as well as left-arm spinner Hamza Tahir and legspinner Chris Greaves have all been omitted.Smith took career-best List A figures of 4 for 7 in a historic rout of Oman in which Scotland bowled them out for 24, in Muscat. But he only bowled three overs in the following match after sustaining a pectoral-muscle strain and has not bowled thus far in 2019 for Glamorgan in the County Championship. Neill, similarly, took 4 for 7 on that occasion against Oman but suffered a lower-back injury later in the tour and is continuing his rehabilitation with the Gloucestershire second XI.Tahir played only one match on tour in Oman and is yet to play any ODIs for Scotland after making his T20I debut last summer, against Pakistan. Greaves is yet to play for Scotland in any format.The two ODIs are Afghanistan’s first visit to Edinburgh since claiming a rain-affected 1-0 series win in the summer of 2016. The fixtures are also Scotland’s first ODIs since defeating England last June at the Grange.On the management side, Wednesday’s series-opener will be the first assignment of new head coach Shane Burger. The Afghanistan series are his first ODIs in charge of Scotland since arriving from South Africa in March, having taken over from interim coach Toby Bailey following Scotland’s tour of Oman.Scotland squad: Kyle Coetzer (capt.), Richie Berrington, Matthew Cross (wk), Alasdair Evans, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, Gavin Main, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Tom Sole, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.

There have been very few positives for Erik ten Hag to focus on this season.

The campaign can be summed up by the fact that Manchester United are currently seventh in the Premier League after 21 dreary games.

Therefore, the boss will be desperate to strengthen his squad after a campaign that has been rather arduous to say the least.

Man Utd’s midfielder search

Man United have been on the lookout for a midfielder recently, and according to The Mirror, they’re interested in signing Joao Neves.

The Benfica star has a £103m release clause in his contract at Benfica, with United set to begin talks with the club soon.

However, due to the huge fee attached, a move is much more likely to occur in the summer than this month.

How Neves could benefit Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo has burst onto the scene this season, excelling in a poor United midfield. Despite playing just ten matches overall in 2023/24, his quality has even led to Athletic reporter Adam Crafton saying he could make the England squad for this year’s European Championship.

Neves has had a similar path to first-team football as Mainoo, as this season he has become a key player for Benfica. The Portuguese star is only 19 years old himself, but he has played every Liga Portugal match this season.

Although the 18-year-old has been a game-changer for the Red Devils, the entire function of the midfield relies on him, therefore, the potential signing of Neves could allow Mainoo to flourish even further.

Neves' supreme passing statistics (seen below) outline him as the very definition of a controller who takes on heaps of responsibility on the ball. The teenager sets the tempo for his side, but his vision allows him to progress the play with ease, which makes him like Luka Modric, as per Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

Joao Neves: Liga Nos 2023/24

Stats (per 90)

Neves

Ranking in Portugal among CMs

Passes completed

69.59

Top 4%

Progressive passes

6.38

Top 16%

Passes into final third

6.38

Top 9%

Touches

92.39

Top 2%

Successful take-ons

1.83

Top 8%

Tackles (Att third)

3.04 (0.80)

Top 6% (Top 1%)

Ball recoveries

0.61

Top 1%

Stats via FBref

Mainoo is also similar to this, as shown by his 86 touches and 90% pass completion against Wigan in the FA Cup. A midfield two of Neves and the United number 37 would retain the ball extremely well while also providing progression and bravery, therefore taking the pressure off the Englishman to do all of the above himself.

The Benfica youth star is press-resistant and has the ability to evade opponents due to his small stature, however, he is also a tenacious tackler who loves to get stuck in. The very fact he ranks within the top 1% of midfield players in Portugal for tackles in the final third says it all. He’s an extremely proactive player who leads the press, and his out-of-possession security would enable Mainoo to showcase his attacking creativity, which he has yet to fully show.

It's clear just how the potential signing of Neves could unlock Mainoo’s full potential. This may well be an extremely exciting young duo stepping foot at Old Trafford soon.

James Rodriguez could return to Everton after apparently confirming he is unhappy at Sau Paulo.

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Rodriguez unhappy at Sao PauloHas featured in only eight matches this season Colombian could return to Everton for 'last dance'WHAT HAPPENED?

Last week, GOALreported that the former Real Madrid star is unhappy at Sao Paulo due to lack of game time and is considering moving out of the Brazilian club after just one year this summer. The Colombia international has appeared in eight matches for his club in the current season where he has scored once and provided as many assists.

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Amid rumours of leaving Brazil, the 32-year-old teased the idea of returning to Everton on social media. On an Instagram post shared by Everton Hub – which talked about the player's current situation in the Brazilian Serie A – Rodriguez left a comment.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

In the caption of their Instagram post, Everton Hub wrote, "Come home @jamesrodriguez10". In response, the player commented, "Last dance?"

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?

The Toffees will play their final game of the season on Sunday as they take on title aspirants Arsenal in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium.

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-esquerdo Giovanni é um dos reforços do Santo André para a temporada de 2021. O jogador chega em um momento de crescimento da equipe. Aos 31 anos de idade, o atleta afirma estar feliz com o acerto e projeta a disputa do Campeonato Paulista. Tradicional equipe do interior paulista, o Santo André quer voltar aos seus momentos de glória. Giovanni acredita que pode ser um dos líderes da equipe na busca por uma grande campanha no Paulistão.

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Clique aqui e confira a tabela do Brasileirão 2020

– É um momento de felicidade. Poder voltar ao futebol paulista e ainda mais defendendo uma equipe como o Santo André. A motivação é enorme, porque temos uma equipe qualificada e que tem tudo para alcançar os objetivos que foram traçados para a gente em 2021. O foco é recolocar a equipe no maior escalão do futebol nacional – projetou.

Experiência e qualidade não faltarão para o ala, que tem no currículo passagens por Fluminense, Náutico, América Mineiro, Ponte Preta, Bahia e Cruzeiro. A bagagem o coloca como um dos líderes da equipe, não só no sentido técnico. Giovanni associa o sucesso da temporada ao empenho nas atividades já neste primeiro período do ano.

– Acredito que posso liderar sim. Tenho experiência tanto na Série A, quanto em divisões menores do futebol nacional. Com o tempo você passa a conhecer alguns atalhos. A chave do sucesso sempre será o trabalho. Então, de nós não vai faltar empenho no dia a dia e os resultados teremos dentro de campo. Como eu disse, o time que está sendo montado tem qualidade e se nos empenharmos nos treinamentos, conquistaremos coisas grandes.

Glasgow Rangers will be looking to win three Premiership matches in a row this afternoon as Dundee are the visitors to Ibrox.

Philippe Clement’s men won 1-0 in midweek over Hearts, yet if it were not for some wasteful finishing, they could have easily scored more.

Tom Lawrence had to come off injured against the Jambos, however, and this was the only blemish on a productive evening.

The lack of central midfielders who are fit is worrying and Clement may need to go back to the drawing board.

Rangers team news vs Dundee

The Belgian confirmed that Borna Barisic and Lawrence are both suffering from muscle injuries and they will both be monitored, meaning they could both miss the tie against Dundee if they do not recover in time.

Nicolas Raskin is also missing after his recovery is not going as smoothly as anticipated, while Scott Wright continues to be absent.

Ryan Jack has missed the previous few matches with an injury and the weekend clash against the Dens Park outfit could come too quick for him to make a return.

John Lundstram is fit and healthy, and he could be deployed in the engine room, while the 49-year-old can soften the Lawrence blow by unleashing Jose Cifuentes alongside him.

Jose Cifuentes’ season in numbers

It is safe to say the £16k-per-week midfielder has not quite hit the heights expected of him since he made the move to the Light Blues during the summer.

During the embryonic stages of his career, he was praised by journalist Tim Vickery following his displays for Ecuador at the U20 World Cup in 2019, who said: “He was the beating heart of that side and I think he’s a terrific midfielder. He’s strong, he’s got quality, he’s got a good engine – he’s one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I’ve seen come out of South America in a while.”

Across 18 appearances so far this season, however, he has grabbed just one assist and the midfielder needs to be showing more.

The 24-year-old has managed 1.1 shots per game, although he has yet to score for the club, while the Ecuadorian has created two big chances and has an 88% pass success rate, proving that he is showing some signs of his talents.

Although coming into the game as a substitute after Lawrence was taken off in midweek, Cifuentes finished the game with the most pressures (31), counter pressures (seven), and tackles and interceptions (seven) across everyone on the field of play and perhaps there is hope yet that he can become a key member of the team.

These statistics show that he has the engine and dive to put pressure on the opposition in order to win possession back quickly for his side, which can then provide the attackers with more opportunities to work their magic in the final third.

Rangers' 6/10 star who lost possession 11x was as good as Sima vs Hearts

Rangers secured a vital three points against Hearts

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 7, 2023

To do this, however, he will need a consistent run in the starting XI and this means dropping Jack to the bench. The Scot has been solid when carrying out his duties for the Gers this season, yet his constant injury issues may mean he could have to rely on making appearances from the bench when he is fit.

Cifuentes can cement his place in the centre of midfield against Dundee today, and he should take confidence from his midweek performance.

Former England striker and current Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has revealed how much the criticism of one "world-class" Liverpool player irritates him.

Liverpool in Premier League title race

The Reds earned one of their most important and thrilling victories of the season so far on Sunday afternoon, winning 4-3 at home to Fulham in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp's side were trailing heading into the dying minutes at Anfield, but Wataru Endo equalised with a long-range curler, before Trent Alexander-Arnold sent the home crowd wild with a brilliant winning strike.

It was the latest example of what a huge influence the 25-year-old is having this season, as he matures as a player after being made vice-captain by Klopp during the summer. It follows his vital equaliser at Manchester City the previous weekend, and he continues to grow into his hybrid right-back role.

Despite Alexander-Arnold's vast footballing ability, there always seems to be a determination from some to overly focus on the Liverpool star's supposed weak defending, with endless criticism coming his way in recent years, in particular.

Gary Lineker defends Trent Alexander-Arnold

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards [via Rousing The Kop], Lineker explained how much the negativity towards Alexander-Arnold's defending annoys him.

"It irritates me a little bit when people say he’s not very good at defending and every slight error or any goal that goes in on that side of the pitch against Liverpool.

"People have a pop at him but I think the positives of his forward play and his passing, I think he is certainly the best passer of the ball in the English game at the moment. And probably in a much bigger area than that, maybe even Europe. His range of passing, outside the foot, inside the foot, long passes and short passes and crosses, of course."

Liverpool fans will love to hear this support for Alexander-Arnold from Lineker, who does appear to be the target of a witch-hunt at times, given the level of focus on his defending – something that the Reds hero has called "lazy" in the recent past.

Meanwhile, many of his contemporaries seem to get away with plenty in comparison, with little made of Aaron Wan-Bissaka switching off to allow Anthony Gordon to score in Newcastle United's win over Manchester United over the weekend, for example, or Kyle Walker letting Raheem Sterling get in front of him and score in Manchester City's 4-4 draw with Chelsea last month.

Liverpool star who lost possession 18x almost cost them alongside Kelleher

The attacker produced a disappointing performance against Fulham on Sunday.

ByDan Emery Dec 3, 2023

Granted, there are times when Alexander-Arnold's defending can be disappointing, with a little more aggression and focus sometimes required in that area of his game, but the positives outweigh the negatives by a huge amount, with Barcelona legend Dani Alves describing him as a "world-class" player, which speaks volumes. Alexander-Arnold is a special footballer who should be a mainstay of Liverpool and England's team for years to come, and it's nice to see Lineker defending him.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has a keen eye for a player and has now received two recommendations of further additions to his side from the man who told the Scottish Premiership champions to sign Luis Palma, as per reports.

Celtic prepare to take on Atletico Madrid…

Ramping up their preparations for a crucial Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in midweek, Celtic ran out 3-0 winners over Ross County in Dingwall last weekend, courtesy of strikes from David Turnbull, Honduras international Palma and James Forrest.

Extending their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to eight points, Rodgers praised his side for their perseverance against ten-man Ross County, stating post-match to Sky Sports via 67 Hail Hail: "It was a good performance. It’s always a different challenge when they go down to ten men early in the game. Give credit to Ross County, they worked ever so hard.

He later added: "The guys kept going, kept persevering. We scored three outstanding goals. The guys have that quality. David Turnbull, again a wonderful strike; it’s his second goal from outside the box this week. Luis Palma, a brilliant goal and a great dink for the third goal. And their goalkeeper made a number of fantastic saves."

Nevertheless, Celtic face a vastly different proposition on Tuesday night against Atletico Madrid, though they will take heart from their display in a 2-2 draw against the La Liga high-flyers last month at Parkhead.

One man who made a serious impression that evening was the aforementioned Palma, who netted the Hoops' second goal of the tie before they were eventually pegged back by Alvaro Morata. Now, the man who recommended Palma to Celtic has put forward two other names that Rodgers should consider in future transfer windows.

Emilio Izaguirre puts forward Celtic signing suggestions

As per La Presna, Former Hoops man Emilio Izaguirre spoke in an interview regarding his old club in the build-up to their clash against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, detailing that he initially recommended summer signing Palma to club director Michael Nicholson after meeting the chief during an exhibition match between Liverpool and Celtic legends earlier this year at Anfield.

Izaguirre also revealed in the interview that he also put forward the names of Bordeaux loanee Alberth Elis and Getafe forward Anthony Lozano during his conversation with Nicholson.

Alberth Elis 2023/24 statistics – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Anthony Lozano statistics 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances: 7

Appearances: 6

Goals: 2

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Assists: 4

He stated in full: “I was playing in a legends match between Celtic and Liverpool. I met Michael (the club’s director) and recommended Palma and other players like Elis or Lozano. I spoke well of Lis; I told him that they would look at him, that he was a player who could be of great benefit to the club. He’s a young 22-year-old player who can have a great season and then sell him.”

Celtic are known to cast the net far and wide to find talent and Izaguirre seems keen to help out where he can by providing information on potential gems in the market from his homeland, Honduras.

Following the frustrations of last term after missing out on Champions League qualification, it looks as if Liverpool are once again a side to be feared, with Jurgen Klopp's men currently in the mix at the top end of the table after an impressive start to the Premier League season.

Now just three points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur following the weekend win over rivals Everton, the Reds could well be part of what looks to be an exciting title tussle involving themselves, Arsenal, Manchester City and Spurs, even if it is still early days.

The Merseyside giants appear to have particularly benefitted from something of a squad refresh of late, with Klopp ruthlessly moving on the ageing figures of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino over the summer.

That raft of exits highlighted the end of one cycle and the start of another for Klopp and co, with the German having somewhat disassembled elements of the side that claimed Premier League and Champions League glory in the recent past.

There does still remain a healthy core from that glittering outfit – including the likes of Alisson, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk – yet with many of those talents now in their thirties, further changes are likely to lie in store in the near future.

The defensive ranks, in particular, appear in need of a refresh before too long with both Matip and Van Dijk now 32, although the Anfield outfit could have ready-made replacements for that experienced pairing in the form of two emerging academy sensations – Jarell Quansah and Terence Miles.

The possible replacements for Matip and Van Dijk at Liverpool

As club legend Jamie Carragher recently stated, Van Dijk, in particular, has had his fair share of "criticism" in recent times, yet the towering Dutchman remains "one of the best" in the Premier League, having been a key cog in Klopp's machine over the past five years or so.

Arguably the "best defender that has ever lived" when he was at the peak of his powers, according to ex-England goalkeeper, Ben Foster, the former Southampton man was a central part of the golden period in Klopp's reign, with only the ACL injury sustained in 2020 having somewhat hampered his progress.

While the one-time Celtic man does appear to be thriving at present – forming part of a backline that has shipped just nine goals in nine league games – the time will come when an heir to the defensive titan will have to be found.

The same is also true of his long-serving teammate, Matip, with the Cameroonian star having not always been the most reliable figure due to injury, after enduring numerous spells on the treatment table over the years.

Undoubtedly a "huge presence" in the side when he is fit and available – according to Carragher – the problem is that too often is the former Schalke man not fit for action, with his usual understudy Ibrahima Konate also rather injury-prone himself.

With Joe Gomez also now utilised more frequently as a backup right-back to Trent Alexander-Arnold, there has been an encouraging emergence for academy starlet, Quansah, with the 20-year-old one of those who could plug the gap left behind by Matip and Van Dijk.

Jarell Quansah's early impact for Liverpool at senior level

While it is still early days in the youngster's senior career, Quansah has already racked up five first-team appearances so far this term after forcing his way into Klopp's thinking, notably making his first Premier League start in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.

83 minutes played

91 touches

96% pass accuracy rate

5/9 total duels won

5 clearances

3/3 long balls completed

7.2 match rating

Stats via Sofascore

That long-awaited top-flight bow led to notable praise from those within the club for the academy product, as he was hailed as "excellent" by teammate Robertson, while the Englishman's manager also stated that he had played "really well" amid a chaotic first-half display from those around him.

Although another league outing has not yet presented itself for the Warrington-born gem, he does look to be a player with a "bright future ahead of him", in the words of Robertson, with excitement growing as to just what he can achieve in a red jersey in the years to come.

Such is the young prospect's talent, Klopp is believed to have held back on signing a new centre-back this summer, according to The Athletic, with that a clear sign that he is not too far away from becoming a regular in the side either in place of or alongside Van Dijk and co.

In that case, it may not be too long before Quansah is joined in the first-team ranks by the aforementioned Miles, with the teenage defender currently catching the eye in the youth set-up.

A closer look at Liverpool's academy starlet, Terence Miles

The 19-year-old – who has previously been described as "imperious" at the back by journalist Neil Jones – could be the next academy gem to breakthrough at Anfield, despite a first-team bow having yet to emerge for the youngster to date.

A 'strong and passionate leader' – according to the club's official website – the England youth international also has the quality on the ball to match, as a 'good reader of the game, he steps out confidently with the ball from the back and distributes well', as per the same source.

Also comfortable at right-back, the local starlet has scored once in eight appearances in all competitions so far this term in the respective youth sides, notably facing off against senior opposition in the EFL Trophy against Morecambe and Blackpool.

Lining up in his usual centre-back berth, Miles was particularly impressive in the 3-0 win over the Shrimps last month, making six clearances as a sign of his ability to sniff out the danger, while also enjoying a solid 87% pass accuracy rate on the day to indicate his composure in possession.

That mix of abilities should make the teen titan a worthy candidate to step into the shoes of either Matip or Van Dijk in future, with Klopp likely to be able to save the club millions by promoting from within, rather than looking to the transfer market for possible long-term solutions.

With Quansah having already made his mark in the early knockings of this season, don't be surprised to see Miles emerge onto the scene before too long.

The young forward snatched an unforgettable 4-3 victory for the Red Devils to book them a trip to Wembley to face Coventry City

Amad Diallo sent Manchester United to Wembley by scoring the most important goal of his career and settling an epic FA Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool in the final minute of extra-time at Old Trafford. Amad's last-gasp strike – and his subsequent sending off for taking his shirt off in celebration – provided a fitting end to a whirlwind match in which United played some of their best football of the season, but twice had to chase the game.

Scott McTominay knocked the ball into an empty net from one yard out to put United deservedly ahead, but Liverpool showed their class by turning the tie on its head in the space of four minutes at the end of the first half, with Alexis Mac Allister levelling with a deflected strike before Mohamed Salah netted on the rebound after Darwin Nunez's shot was saved.

The Red Devils stayed in the game and Antony came off the bench to drag the match into extra-time with a late goal. United were again dominant from then on, but again fell behind to a deflected strike, this time from Harvey Elliot in the 105th minute. Marcus Rashford, who had missed a gaping chance to snatch victory in last minute of normal time, lifted himself to pull United level once more.

The fixture looked to be heading to penalties for the first time ever, but Amad had the final say, firing in off the post after a lay off from the outstanding Alejandro Garnacho.

GOAL rates Manchester United's players from Old Trafford…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (5/10):

  Made a good save from Diaz but also looked shaky. Unlucky with the deflection for Mac Allister's equaliser but sent Nunez's shot straight to Salah's feet and nearly fumbled a shot from the Uruguayan into the net.

  Diogo Dalot (6/10):

  Supported the midfield well but struggled to contain Diaz and could have done better against Nunez for the second goal.

  Victor Lindelof (5/10):

  More comfortable back in the middle of defence than at full-back, but Nunez had the run of him.

  Raphael Varane (6/10):

  Put himself about and made plenty of timely blocks.

  Aaron Wan-Bissaka (5/10):

  Played his first game for two months and had the daunting task of playing out-of-position against Salah. Didn't look comfortable.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Scott McTominay (6/10):

  Scored a tap-in but again was disappointing with his overall play. That said, he teed up Rashford for the second equaliser after winning the ball high up the pitch.

  Kobbie Mainoo (8/10):

  A class act and further proof that he can step up against the top opponents after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate.

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Another big game which he couldn't put his stamp on, but he battled through visible pain to last the 120 minutes.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Alejandro Garnacho (9/10):

  United's greatest threat throughout the 120 minutes, never ceasing to cause havoc down either wing and playing his part in three of the four goals. Also ran his heart out and dug deep in defence when needed.

  Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

  A bumpy return for the striker, who looked rusty and off the pace in his first game in four weeks. Made several bad passes, only touched the ball 13 times and fell over when he had his best shooting chance.

  Marcus Rashford (5/10):

  Didn't work hard enough and when he had the best chance of the game at his feet in stoppage-time, he wasted it. However, he made amends by keeping his cool in extra-time to equalise.

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• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Antony (7/10):

  The most unlikely figure to inspire United and he sure chose his moment to score his second goal in 39 games. Also worked hard and with intelligence.

  Harry Maguire (5/10):

  Squandered a great chance in extra-time as he lacked the confidence to shoot and blasted a late effort straight at Kelleher.

  Christian Eriksen (5/10):

  Tried to pick out key passes but couldn't pull them off.

  Amad Diallo (7/10):

  Worked hard defensively and then scored the most important goal of his career. Then showed his inexperience by removing his shirt and getting sent off.

  Mason Mount (N/A):

  His first appearance in several months but barely made a mark in his 15 minutes on the pitch.

  Erik ten Hag (7/10):

  Oversaw one of United's strongest performances of the season and his changes made a huge impact.

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he had the option to team up with Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund until Jose Mourinho demanded he stay at Chelsea.

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De Bruyne could have joined Klopp's DortmundEnded up staying at Chelsea under MourinhoLeft in permanent Wolfsburg move months laterWHAT HAPPENED?

De Bruyne returned to Chelsea after a loan spell at Werder Bremen and had the opportunity to return to the Bundesliga for another temporary spell. He says joining Dortmund, then coached by Klopp, was an option, but then-Blues manager Mourinho decided to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

AdvertisementGetty WHAT DE BRUYNE SAID

He told : "I signed for Chelsea knowing that I would be loaned out the first year and if I do really well we'll see what happens. I did the pre-season, went to Werder Bremen, had a really good year. In the summer it was a little bit of a toss-up, I could have went to Dortmund with Klopp at the time or stayed, and Jose wanted me to stay. It just didn't work out, I was maybe just a little bit impatient at the time also, but I just wanted to play football."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite Mourinho keeping him around, De Bruyne made just three Premier League appearances in the first half of the 2013-14 season and opted to leave to make a permanent move to Wolfsburg, where he became a star and earned a switch to Manchester City.

Asked if he felt he deserved to be in the Chelsea team before his departure, he said: "I had the confidence. I know there's a lot of good players there and that it was a top team. I understand how it also works for the young guys at every club when you get loaned out, come back, loaned out, come back, and I didn't want that situation anymore, so I just pushed a little bit to get sold and that will happen."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

De Bruyne continued his ascent to one of the best playmakers in world football at City, where he has played since 2015. The Belgian attacking midfielder will hope to help fire his team to the Champions League quarter-finals when they take on Copenhagen in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday – City already lead 3-1 from the reverse fixture.