Bruno Fernandes has issued a light-hearted apology to Jamie Carragher, while Man United have competition for a transfer target
Man United-linked Maxi Araujo is attracting interest from Arsenal
Manchester United are on the brink of fulfilling one of their principal objectives from the beginning of the Premier League campaign – securing a return to the Champions League. Michael Carrick’s charges occupy third position in the standings with five fixtures left to play.
This season, the top five sides are assured automatic entry into the competition, while sixth position could also secure a Champions League berth if Aston Villa finish fifth and triumph in the Europa League.
United will have the opportunity to bolster their standing when they resume Premier League duties on Monday, welcoming Brentford to Old Trafford. Carrick’s outfit secured a vital 1-0 victory at Chelsea in their most recent outing.
Matheus Cunha netted the only goal that evening and will be keen to steer his colleagues to another significant triumph in front of the home supporters.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
It won’t be long before the club’s decision-makers fully shift their focus towards the summer transfer window. While the window doesn’t formally open until June 15, numerous players have already been linked with a switch to M16.
With that in mind, MEN Sport delivers a round-up of the latest developments from Old Trafford…
Arsenal ‘open talks’
Portuguese publication Record reports that Arsenal have entered into discussions over Sporting Clube de Portugal left-back Maxi Araujo, with United also said to be keen. The Uruguayan is understood to have attracted Mikel Arteta’s attention during their Champions League double-header in March and April.
The north London outfit have reportedly made an ‘initial approach’ to Araujo to explore a possible summer transfer. Sporting, for their part, are ‘open’ to parting with the 26 year old but will only entertain bids above €50m (£43m).
Araujo in action for Sporting
Any move for Araujo is unlikely to be simple, however, with Arsenal contending with interest from United, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
Bruno Fernandes issues ‘apology’
The United captain recalled celebrating as a youngster when Jamie Carragher’s penalty was saved by former goalkeeper Ricardo at the 2006 World Cup. Ricardo also denied Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the quarter‐final shootout.
During The Wayne Rooney Show, Fernandes remarked: “Obviously 2006, everyone remembers because of Cristiano and Wayne’s little bit of fire. [It] ends up with Jamie Carragher missing the penalty. I had to say this – sorry, Jamie.
“I had to get a little bit off you, you get on me all the time,” he said with a smile. “I can get on you with that penalty. When I miss a penalty, don’t say anything about it, please.”
Writing in his Telegraph column, Carragher recalled: “Sven Goran Eriksson summoned me and gave me one job: to dispatch a spot-kick as convincingly as I had in every practise session.
Carragher saw his effort saved by Ricardo in the 2006 World Cup quarter‑final shootout against Portugal
“I had not missed a penalty in six weeks. ‘You’ll take the fourth’, Eriksson told me. Not a problem. England were 2-1 down by the time I made that 40-yard walk, but I was feeling confident staring at Portugal’s No. 1 Ricardo.
“Knowing precisely where to place the ball, I struck it sweetly to the right, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way – my first touch of the game. There was a momentary sense of relief.”
Up to 70% off Man United kits and merch
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