Manchester United

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Marcus Rashford has flown to Dubai to complete the first part of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury as he aims to be fit for England's matches in June.

The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has suffered a significant muscular injury that could yet keep him out for the rest of the season.

And BBC Sport has learned Rashford has commenced a warm-weather recovery programme in the Middle East with a view to accelerating his return to action.

It is anticipated the 27-year-old will miss the rest of Villa's season, but there remains a small chance he could still feature before their campaign ends.

Rashford is also determined to prove his fitness for England's World Cup Group K qualifier in Andorra on 7 June, and a Wembley friendly against Senegal three days later.

After a period in the international wilderness under Gareth Southgate, current England head coach Thomas Tuchel handed him an instant call-up to his first squad and started him in both games against Latvia and Albania.

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Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte believes "winner" Casemiro is helping him improve.

The five-time Champions League winner has played a key role for United in recent months - after initially looking out of favour under Ruben Amorim - and Ugarte says he is developing a strong relationship with his midfield partner.

"I'm learning a lot," Ugarte said before United's Europa League semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao. "I try to copy as much as I can, both on and off the pitch, as it is teaching me to win."

"I have a very good relationship with Casemiro and I feel very comfortable playing with him. Up until now I keep learning [from him] and I am very happy."

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Amorim confirmed that both Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt will be "in the squad for the game."

• Rasmus Hojlund is likely to start on Thursday and Amorim believes he "is really anxious to score in every game," and that, after scoring a late equaliser at Bournemouth, he is "in a good moment."

• On the significance of the Europa League to United: "Nothing is going to save our season but this can be huge for us. Winning a trophy and getting in to the Champions League for next season would change a lot of things in our club."

• Despite the expectations of winning a major trophy, Amorim feels his players are "prepared" to deal with the pressure: "I don't see that as an issue. They are excited to be here and they are capable of winning."

• United's form in Europe has produced much better results than in the Premier League and Amorim says his side are looking to become more "consistent" across all competitions.

• On Athletic Bilbao: "They are really strong as a team. For a Spanish team they are really aggressive and they have great players like Nico Williams. They have the best defence in Spain and that will make things difficult for us as we are not scoring many goals."

Listen to full commentary of Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United from 20:00 BST on Thursday on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Athletic Bilbao's main man Nico Williams says it would be "amazing" to end the season by winning the Europa League final at their own stadium.

The 22-year-old winger is one of Europe's hottest prospects but has remained loyal to his Basque routes.

Williams was part of the Athletic team that ended the club's 40-year trophy drought by winning the Copa del Rey last season, but he now has his sights set on European glory.

"Everyone dreams of playing European games," he said. "Lifting the trophy in San Mames - every kid dreams of that - and now is a very good opportunity to write history. Hopefully we can get there, but the dream is never ending."

Williams joined Athletic at 10, making his debut in 2021 and announced himself to the world with his performances in helping Spain win Euro 2024, with interest swelling from across the continent.

"Nico is a very important player for us," said manager Ernesto Valverde.

"There was some speculation, but he decided to continue playing for Athletic and we hope that he stays for many years."

Manchester United have already been to the Basque country this season.

Now they return with much more at stake, hoping this is not the only time they will visit before the end of May.

Are you travelling to Bilbao? How are you getting there? Plane, train or car?

Have you already booked your travel for the final?

Send us your pictures and plans for the game

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United duo Chido Obi and Sekou Kone look certain to be involved at Brentford on Sunday after being named in Ruben Amorim's Europa League travelling squad even though they cannot play.

Obi was signed from Arsenal and Kone from Mali-based club Guidars earlier this season so they could not be named on the club's 'B' list for European competition.

However, Amorim has elected to keep his squad in Spain overnight after the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with Athletic Bilbao and is planning a full training session on Friday before returning to Manchester.

Amorim is expected to make a significant number of changes for the Brentford game and his decision to involve Chido and Kone this week indicates they will play some part at Gtech Community Stadium.

Seventeen-year-old Chido made his sixth substitute appearance for United in the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on 27 April, while Kone, 19, is yet to make his debut.

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With a season-defining week ahead for Ruben Amorim, we asked you for the one thing nobody is talking about at Old Trafford.

Here are some of your replies:

Norman: United are unbeaten in Europe.

Drago: We are the only unbeaten side across all three European competitions. That is a brilliant stat. It perfectly demonstrates the utter insanity that is Manchester United and I expect to see us in the final.

Neil: Nobody ever mentions our injury list. I watched Arsenal against Paris St-Germain and they kept saying about Thomas Partey being missing. We have lost half of our starting line-up for two seasons now and it only gets mentioned in passing. Other teams miss one or two players and it is the end of the world for them. It drives me crazy.

Clifford: We shouldn't have got rid of Scott McTominay. Like all of the other players we have sold, he has done very well since leaving, and we could have done with his drive and goalscoring ability this season.

Bekezela: We have too many defenders. While Andre Onana's blunders have grabbed headlines, the defence has not done a good job of covering the goalkeeper. Is it a coaching issue? Or do the players need time to gel?

Amish: The players and manager face all the criticism but what about United's recruitment. It's a shame that one of the biggest clubs has never had data analysis inputs in their scouting decisions. What else are they missing?

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United pair Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to training before the Europa League semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao.

Diallo has been out since February with an ankle injury, while De Ligt has missed a month with the same, albeit less serious, issue.

Their return is welcome news for head coach Ruben Amorim given the importance of the game.

Wing-backs Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui did separate warm-ups but neither is thought to be an injury concern for the trip to Spain.

Young midfielder Toby Collyer trained away from the main group as he continues his recovery from what Amorim has described as a "small leg issue" that has kept him out for a month.

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Manchester United will face Fiorentina at Old Trafford in the final fixture of their pre-season campaign.

The friendly against the Serie A side will take place at 12:45 BST on Saturday, 9 August.

The match will be the fifth and final game in pre-season, following confirmation of the game against newly promoted Leeds United in Stockholm, and the club's participation in the Premier League Summer Series in the US.

United last played Fiorentina in the group stages of the Champions League in the 1999-2000 campaign.

The Italian side were 2-0 victors in Florence, with the Reds Devils winning 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could return early to Manchester United from his loan spell at Aston Villa after suffering a potentially season-ending hamstring injury. (Sun), external

Rashford is willing to take a pay cut in order to force through a dream move to Barcelona. (Mirror), external

But there is a potential complication as Barca are unwilling to match the £40m fee agreed with Villa for Rashford. (Independent), external

United and Tottenham are both interested in signing French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, 21, from Lyon. (Caught Offside), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Plenty has been said and written about Manchester United's inability to score goals and how easily they have conceded them this season.

But where would they be without Harry Maguire? United have won just three league games without him in the starting XI - two against Leicester - and he's scored four match-deciding goals this season across three competitions.

Anyhow, you know your club best, so give us a peek behind the curtain and tell us the one thing no-one is talking about at United but really should be.

Let us know here

BBC Radio Manchester's Joe McGrath, appearing on The Devils' Podcast, spoke about the need to start England international Harry Maguire in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Europa League against Athletic Bilbao: "I think Maguire is a must for the Europa League. Just from what we've seen, you need passion on that pitch, you need someone who cares, someone who gives their all for 90 minutes, and our entire focus has to be on that. So, for me, Maguire starts."

McGrath also spoke briefly about the ability that Maguire has on the ball compared to the other defenders in the squad.

He added: "Maguire can look comfortable on the ball. I know sometimes it never really comes off. I feel there's a weird sort of magic around a Maguire run."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Real Betis might struggle to meet Manchester United's asking price for Antony, despite the La Liga club's chief insisting they want to make the winger's loan move permanent. (Mirror), external

United are still interested in signing 26-year-old Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, but there are concerns about a deal at Old Trafford. (TBF Football), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes does not feel Rasmus Hojlund should be left to shoulder the responsibility for the club's goalscoring issues.

Hojlund netted the injury-time equaliser that earned United a point at Bournemouth.

It was the Denmark striker's first goal in seven games and only his ninth all season.

Head coach Ruben Amorim has repeatedly stressed goalscoring is a major issue for his team and Hojlund has faced some external criticism, fuelled by his £72m price tag.

But Fernandes, whose 16 goals this term puts him clear in the United scoring charts, feels the burden needs to be widened.

"We can't hide behind Rasmus not scoring as many goals as we wanted him to score," said Fernandes. "Obviously, he has to score more. He's the number nine of the team. The number nine is expected to score goals so whether he's not scoring for Manchester United or any other club, you will always get the spotlight.

"But Josh (Zirkzee) has to score more. I have to score more. Garna (Alejandro Garnacho) has to score more. Mason (Mount), Amad (Diallo).

"We need to try to find a way of creating more chances for the team to score."

It has been suggested Hojlund does not make the off-the-ball runs that would lead to him becoming more effective.

Again, Fernandes views the situation from a wider perspective and says players have to understand the strengths of their team-mates.

"We need to understand the characteristics of every player on the pitch," he said.

"Obviously we need to read whether he's on the ball, what kind of movements we can do. We need to know if the player on the ball is capable of a pass behind or a risky pass or whatever.

"You don't make the same runs no matter which player is on the ball."

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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As I sit here with a stern look, a slight headache and a clenched fist, I will find my professional hat and reluctantly pen this.

There is a deep hatred between these two famous clubs. It is unavoidable and what makes a great rivalry tick. But so does mutual respect and that comes naturally to two clubs so far above everyone else on the ladder.

So, congratulations, Liverpool. It took you long enough.

It has been 12 years of miserable decline since Sir Alex Ferguson completed his mission and took your perch but you finally got there.

And how poetic? In the background of Liverpool's most memorable Premier League campaign, United are suffering through their worst.

Arne Slot's side, filled with some of Europe's best-paid but finest players, are worthy champions. They are also England's most successful club - that debate is over for now.

But that does not make them the biggest. The infinite global interest in the events at Old Trafford speaks for itself.

And while Liverpool have been fortunate that the Glazers have let United rot across the last decade, there is a new ambitious tenant wearing the pants.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made the end game of his passion project clear. His band of brothers have already lit the beacons through their ruthless streak of decisions at the helm.

This is no longer a craving for corporate supremacy. It's a football-focused quest for the restoration of order - and greatness.

The sight of Liverpool drawing level on 20 English titles hours after United could barely draw against Bournemouth will only fuel the fire.

So it might feel like it, looking at the table. But United are not in free fall anymore.

Enjoy the glory while you can. This sleeping giant will not be in its slumber for another 12 years.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's players need to be prepared for the pressure that comes with playing for the club, according to skipper Bruno Fernandes.

Rasmus Hojlund's injury-time equaliser salvaged a draw from their Premier League trip to Bournemouth.

However, the result means United have collected just two points from their past five games and it seems inevitable they will finish no higher than 13th in the Premier League this season.

They have not finished lower than that since the 1973-73 relegation campaign, which means there will be even more focus on Thursday's Europa League trip to Athletic Bilbao.

The competition is United's only remaining route into Europe next season. But top scorer Fernandes does not feel a club of their size can just ignore the league matches that are being played around it.

"Obviously for us it's very important to go until the end of the competition and to get silverware this season," he said. "But the expectation at United is always high. It doesn't matter if it is a semi -final.

"We're going to play Brentford after the first leg with Athletic and the expectation will be there for that. It will always be there. You just have to be prepared for it."

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Manchester United.

Here are some of your replies:

John: It's embarrassing to see United struggle against teams like Bournemouth. They are a team that we should be steamrolling. Top four is a pipe dream for us. Why is Ruben Amorim sticking with systems that do not work?

Derek: United only look like scoring when they have to throw players forward. The gap between defence, midfield and the front line was massive for all of the first half. When we sacrifice a defender to attack, it looks like a proper Man Utd team. Please wake up to this simple fact, Ruben Amorim.

Yusuf: An impressive United display despite only the point with 25 shots and domination after that red card. I'm satisfied with the draw. Hojlund was able to score late on just barely staying onside but still not a win for us and we have to start putting those shots to better use and finish our chances. Hopefully, we can put this dominant performance into action when we face West Ham next weekend

Eric: We were lucky. It's great that Luke Shaw is fit but Alejandro Garnacho, Andre Onana and Mason Mount need to be sold because they didn't impact the game, Onana wasn't focused and he is not alert, Mount didn't do much while Garnacho doesn't run down the wing or take players on. But we also need to stop playing out from defence!

Kevin: Shaw, Mount, Casemiro, Victor Lindelof and company are going to cost Amorim his job and he will deserve it - if for no other reason than him claiming there has been progress under his watch.

Margaret: Not many thoughts. What's going to happen now? Surely this manager cannot remain. The good players that we have will not work with him. There must be a reason for their unwillingness to train properly or something. Maybe the bosses should ask the players that question. There will be no European football next year - how long can you afford to wait before you get the message?

Tony: Another frustrating day at the office - totally devoid of ideas in the final third. So many United players guilty of poor passing and getting mugged in possession. The only plus was Rasmus Hojlund scoring, he deserves better than what he's getting. Let the transfer window open, get rid of the wasters and roll on next season.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's two Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

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

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester United

• Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham

Manchester United have offered Wolves forward Matheus Cunha a five-year contract if the 25-year-old Brazilian opts to move to Old Trafford. (Teamtalk, external)

United also remain interested in signing Crystal Palace's French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, 27, if they are unable to win the race for Ipswich Town's English forward Liam Delap, 22. (GiveMeSport, external)

Meanwhile United, Newcastle United, Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all interested in signing Canada striker Jonathan David, 25, when his Lille contract expires in the summer - but Marseille are hoping to persuade the player to stay in France. (RMC Sport, via Get Football News France, external)

Chelsea are pushing hard to seal the signing of Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, 19, but face competition from Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City for the Turkey international. (Caught Offside, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport