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Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford left out of England squad
There are just three United players in the 28-man squad — and that's only if you include loanee Dean Henderson.
Manchester United stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have been left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The England manager named his 28-man squad for the games against Italy and Germany later this month and despite both making a decent start to the season, the wingers haven’t managed to break back into the side.
Rashford has three goals and two assists in six appearances and Sancho two goals in seven, with the pair clearly starting to develop a strong relationship in combining for a number of these contributions.
Nevertheless, while it was confirmed that Rashford did not travel with the United squad for tonight’s match against Sheriff Tiraspol after picking up a ‘muscle injury‘, it seems Sancho’s early performances haven’t quite been enough to warrant a place just yet.
The 24-year-old informed fans on Twitter, wishing luck to his United and England colleagues.
The pair were omitted from Southgate’s last squad back in May and Rashford has been in and out of the national team for some time given numerous injury problems.
Southgate remarked that his latest fitness issue obviously confirmed decision but did hint that he could return to the fold in time for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, teammates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw remain in the team and Dean Henderson (currently loaned out to Nottingham Forest) will be looking to challenge for the number one spot.
Over the other half of Manchester, five city players find themselves in the team, including Stockport’s own Phil Foden. Brentford’s Ivan Toney has also got his first senior call-up following an impressive start to this year’s campaign.
The England squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse.
Forwards: Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney.
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It seems fairly likely that the pair will return to the squad should the pair stay fit and United‘s form stabilise, with the players still yet to fully find their feet despite four wins on the bounce in the league.
Erik ten Hag’s team didn’t look at the races in their Europa League opener against Real Sociedad last week but they will certainly be hoping to put on a better display against Moldovan side this evening.
Featured image: @IntChampionsCup via Twitter
Sport
Manchester United confirm Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following arrival of Rúben Amorim
Danny Jones
Manchester United have now confirmed that club legend turned coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has left Old Trafford following the arrival of new head manager Rúben Amorim.
van Nistelrooy was placed in charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis following the sacking of Erik ten Hag last month and it was left unclear as to whether he would stay at the Theatre of Dreams once the former Sporting CP boss was appointed.
Having flown in from Portugal for his first day on the job, Amorim has already been filmed taking a tour around Carrington and not long after the first images of him in Manchester were shared online, the club made their announcement.
Following early reports by The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell, Man United have now detailed that the 48-year-old and three other Dutch first-team coaches brought in during ten Hag’s tenure have now officially departed as they prepare for yet another backroom rebuild.
Writing in an official statement on Monday, 11 November, the club said: “Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach. Ruud is, and always will be, a Man United legend.
“We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.
“Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future. We will confirm the full men’s first team coaching composition in due course.”
As for the man himself, Ruud already bid goodbye to the club, thanking the fans for making it a special return, calling it a “great honour”.
He was only the temporary gaffer for a very short spell but managed to notch 5-2 and 3-0 wins over Leicester in the EFL Cup and Premier League, grab the Reds first win in the Europa League this season and earn them four points in the table.
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The retired striker had already made a promising start to life as a full-time first-team manager at PSV before returning to United and only left due to disagreements with the administration, so it’s fair to say the chances of him lining up a new role are pretty likely.
Meanwhile, Amorim has already made it clear that he arrives at United with a plan and “structure” in mind – the suggestion being that he will implement his trusted 3-4-3 formation – but is remaining otherwise tight-lipped.
As reiterated by the club, it’s still uncertain whether any of his coaching staff at Sporting will be joining him or, indeed, if he will be trying to recruit any of his now-ex players come the January transfer window.
One thing is for sure though: he has a lot of work to do.
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Featured Images — Manchester United (via X)/Agencia LUSA (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sport
Marcus Rashford pays heartwarming surprise visit to Manchester school
Danny Jones
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is backing warming hearts and bringing smiles to young faces once again after he paid a surprise visit to a local school.
The Man United forward and England international emerged as a national hero during the lockdown through his support for the free school meals campaign, even earning an MBE for his services to charity, and has continued to offer his services outside of football ever since.
Club members regularly engage in community outreach through official United Foundation events, but this time Rashford decided to team up with fellow non-profit Football Beyond Borders (FBB) – an education and social inclusion charity he’s worked with for some time – to make some kids very happy.
During a recent session at The Barlow RC High School in Didsbury, children in the classroom were caught off-guard when the 27-year-old footballer popped his head around the door and came to sit in on a session. Here’s their reaction.
Just look at their faces – we’ll never get over the wide-eyed stares clips like produce. The week in and week out of actual game day aside, this is what football’s all about.
Although one particular pupil had sniffed a surprise in their midst, excitedly repeating, “I told you, what did I say?!”, it’s fair to say that the entire room was still stunned to see the United number 10 just casually walk into the room.
We especially like the moment when Rashford sits down next to one of the unsuspecting students and can’t stop double-taking to his friend, all the while grinning his head off – well, him and everyone else in attendance at the school for the surprise visit, adults included.
Taking place before this past weekend’s Premier League fixtures, the Wythenshawe winger then proceeds to join the aspiring young players out on the school pitch along with the other FBB ambassadors, who recently celebrated 10 years of vital work,
Guess you could call it some light training?
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Naturally, the responses underneath videos have been as equally wholesome as you would expect; one person commented, “Forget the football, Marcus Rashford is a top, top man. Nothing but respect”, while another said, “I respect the leadership and the guy really cares. Rare…”
A third went on to write: “A very grounded footballer. Remembers and knows what it’s like to be at the bottom and work your way up. Has done more for people in this country than people running this country! Respect.”
While his performances may not have been their best, both in his eyes and that of the fans at this present moment, many more simply went on to add that it “was nice to see him smiling” and when you’re doing important and inspiring work like this in your hometown, you can only admire and applaud.
As is the nature of the beautiful game, the goals will no doubt start flowing again eventually but in the meantime, well done to Rashford for continuing to be a legend on and off the pitch.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — The Barlow RC High School (via TikTok)/Man United (via Instagram)