Manchester United news round-up as the PGMOL receives a complaint and the Barcelona boss issues a Marcus Rashford update
Manchester United were left furious by Stuart Attwell against Bournemouth(Image: Warren Little, Getty Images)
Manchester United are braced for an extended break from action following their frustrating draw at Bournemouth. Harry Maguire’s England recall was tempered by a red card as United’s quest for Champions League qualification suffered a slight setback.
Maguire, who began Friday celebrating a return from the international wilderness, was dismissed for a foul on Evanilson, allowing Cherries substitute Junior Kroupi to equalise with an 81st-minute penalty and make it 2-2. It was only the third time in 10 top-flight fixtures under interim head coach Michael Carrick that United had failed to win.
They remain in a strong position in terms of Champions League qualification, but victory would have seen them close the gap to Manchester City to four points ahead of the international break. They don’t play again until they host relegation-threatened Leeds on April 13. Here’s a round-up of the latest United news…
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United complain
United have made a formal complaint over the denial of a second penalty at Bournemouth. The Red Devils have contacted PGMOL, with club officials furious about a second-half incident involving Amad, who appeared to be pulled to the ground in the area moments before Ryan Christie equalised for Bournemouth.
READ MORE: Roy Keane named Man Utd manager he wants as new Michael Carrick rant unleashedREAD MORE: Man Utd to fire complaint to PGMOL over Bournemouth VAR drama with club raging
Referee Stuart Attwell decided not to give the decision on the field, and it was not overturned by VAR. Carrick branded Attwell’s decision-making “baffling” and “astonishing” in his post-match press conference.
He said he had not spoken to Attwell after the final whistle and will take no comfort if PGMOL admits a mistake was made. Carrick said: “You can have all the conversations in the world about could it have been this, could it have been that?
“I just think that’s for VAR. If they’ve already given one and agreed that that was a penalty, then surely the next one should be a straightforward one? After it, there’s no point in whatever comes. Whether they apologise or not, it’s done now.”
Michael Carrick was angry with the officials(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Rashford ‘issues’ raised
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has addressed the issues that have restricted Marcus Rashford’s recent game time. The United forward was sidelined for three weeks in February with a minor knee issue.
He recently returned to action but has only played 79 minutes over the last four times, as Barca look to avoid any further setbacks. But ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Rayo Vallecano, Flick said his loan star is now 100 per cent fit.
The German coach said: “Marcus had some issues in the last few days and we took care of him. Now he’s back to 100.”
Marcus Rashford is back to 100 per cent, says his manager(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
With Barca fighting for the La Liga title and still in the Champions League after pulverising Newcastle in their last-16 tie, Flick says Rashford will be needed over the final weeks of the season. He said: “We need all the players until the end, and we don’t know what will happen after that.
“There’s time [to make decisions]. There’s the World Cup. I believe in my players. Cancelo, Rashford, Gerard… they give us quality. And the rest do too. We’ll talk at the end and see what happens.”
Barca still intend to sign Rashford permanently this summer, provided the fee and salary fit within the club’s FFS limit, reports Mundo Deportivo.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.