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Leeds enter race to sign Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero

The protests were sparked by the failed European Super League proposals, and turned ugly on Sunday afternoon ahead of the league fixture

Over a thousand Manchester United fans protested against the Glazer ownership ahead of the fixture against Liverpool, as some broke into the stadium and got onto the pitch.

Fans turned up at Old Trafford at 1pm to protest against the Glazer ownership with banners and flares.

They pushed down barriers to force their way into the ground and made their way onto the pitch ahead of one of the biggest games of the season. Chants of "we want Glazers out" could be heard as they stormed into the ground.

What happened?

The protests were spurred on by the failed proposals of the European Super League, with supporters showing their anger against the Glazer family and trying to push for the 51% fan ownership model seen in Germany. It was the first planned protest the fans have taken part in since the ESL debacle nearly two weeks ago. 

Footage then emerged on social media of some supporters on the pitch at Old Trafford, having broken into the stadium at around 2pm. Many of the fans carried flares and banners, chanted against the club's ownership, and some even kicked a football around on the pitch.

The invaders were quickly removed from the pitch and police were working to clear debris from the playing surface, with the kick-off of Man Utd v Liverpool scheduled for 4.30pm.

The Premier League, who have a compliance officer on site, do not believe there are concerns about the game going ahead, as fans did not access the changing rooms so there were no coronacirus protocol breaches.

Why are they protesting?

Manchester United fans have been opposed to the Glazer ownership since the American family bought the club in 2005.

They bought the club through a leveraged buyout for around £790 million ($1.1 billion). The money for the buyout was funded by debt that they would pay off from the club’s future profits.

Since then the club have already paid out over £1 billion (€1.4bn) in bank fees and dividends to the owners.

While there have been protests over the years they have ramped up again recently due to the club’s involvement in the proposal of the ESL.

Joel Glazer was one of the driving forces behind the now botched plans and it has reignited anger amongst the supporters who want the family to sell their shares in the club. 

Further reading 

Original author: Charlotte Duncker

Kariakoo Derby: Simba SC mustn’t peg hope on current form against Yanga SC – Lunyamila

The most successful Tanzanian clubs are going to meet for the second time in the league in early May

Former Yanga SC and Taifa Stars player Edibilly Lunyamila has explained why Simba SC should not feel confident ahead of the Kariakoo derby despite enjoying good form.

Simba have juggled both local and international games quite successfully and have not lost a single tie in the domestic competition since qualifying for the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

Lunyamila, who was part of Yanga's squad that was dominant from 1996 to 2000, said Wekundu wa Msimbazi should not peg hope on their good form ahead of the May 8 derby clash.

"I do not know how Simba are going to plan for this game even though they have a good squad. They should not be certain that a win will go their way because, in such an encounter, one would not be intelligent to feel a victory is guaranteed," Lunymila told Azam TV.

"This, as usual, is going to be a very tough game. We should also accept the fact that Simba are currently in far better form but when it comes to the derby, many things change."  

The former Tanzania international stated how pre-match promotions help to prepare players from both sides for the game whose emotions engulf the country for days before and after the actual game.

"When Simba and Yanga are playing, many see a game with a national face. The promotions and tempo-building initiatives before the derby are always so intense that a player is well prepared for what awaits him during the biggest Tanzania club game," he added.

"We know this is a game that will be reigned by tension. Even though Simba are in good form, they will not take this one as a light game. They must fight hard in order to win.

"Let us not talk much about the game so that after May 8 we will have plenty to talk about for sure."

Simba will be keen to win and widen the gap at the top as Yanga would want a victory in order to keep their title chances high. In the first round, the derby ended in a 1-1 draw when Michael Sarpong scored for Yanga from the spot before Joash Onyango equalised for Simba.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Milan to pause contract negotiations until end of season amid Donnarumma drama, says Maldini

The 22-year-old's reported encounter with supporters over his future has sparked a move from the Rossoneri to curtail discussions with players

Milan technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed that the club will pause negotiations over contract extensions with all players until the end of the current campaign.

The announcement comes amid reports that Gianluigi Donnarumma was pressured by club supporters to stand down ahead of their clash with Juventus next weekend.

Having led the race for a first Serie A title in over a decade across the initial half of the campaign, Stefano Pioli's side are now at risk of missing out on the top four entirely with Maldini now insisting that discussions will be held off to ensure focus remains solely on securing a Champions League finish.

What has been said?

"It is important to reiterate firmly that no one outside Milan can decide who plays and who renews," the 52-year-old told ANSA. "Choices regarding the pitch are down to the coach, while the club is in charge of contractual issues.

"From this moment, every single negotiations for new contract extension is on hold until the end of the season so that the team can focus on the pitch. Meantime, we’ll continue to protect our players as we have always done."

What has happened with Donnarumma?

The 22-year-old, who has established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper since the 2016-17 campaign, has spent his whole career at San Siro.

However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current term, he is yet to agree a fresh deal amid speculation that he may move to Juventus.

With the Bianconeri one of Milan's main rivals for a top four finish - and with the two sides set to square off in seven days - Rossoneri ultras reportedly met with the goalkeeper ahead of the win over Benevento to tell him to rule himself out of the encounter.

Donnarumma is believed to have rebuffed their demand and started for the team in victory on Saturday, to keep them firmly in the hunt for a spot in Europe's top competition next season.

Further reading

How Kaizer Chiefs could start against SuperSport United

The ‘Mwamba wa Lusaka’ becomes the third player to scoop the inaugural award after Luis Miquissone and Joash Onyango

Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chama has been named the best player for the club for the month of April.

The Zambian midfielder, who is nicknamed ‘Mwamba wa Lusaka’ owing to his solid displays in the middle of the park for the Msimbazi giants, becomes the third recipient for the inaugural award sponsored by Emirate Aluminum Profile, the winner of which is decided by votes from the fans.

Chama won the April award after garnering 50.48% of the votes cast by the fans, beating goalkeeper Aishi Manula to the second position after he managed 30.74% while defender Shomari Kapombe came third with 18.78%.

Simba have confirmed the development in a statement on their official website: “Attacking midfielder Clatous [Chama] has been voted the best player for Simba for the month of April.

“Chama, who comes from Zambia, has beaten goakeeper Aishi [Manula and defender Shomari [Kapombe] to the award after a tense voting from the fans, and the award which is sponsored by Emirate Aluminium Profile is always contested by five players who did well in particular month before the list is reduced to three players for the final vote.”

Chama is now the third player to win the award after Mozambican winger Luis Miquissone won it in February before Kenya defender Joash Onyango was crowned the best player for the month of March.

The 29-year-old Chama is currently having a splendid season with the Wekundu wa Msimbazi as his form has helped the mainland champions to reach the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League, where they have been drawn to face Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.

In the group stage, Chama scored a double as Simba beat AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo 4-1 to seal their place in the last eight of the competition at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

On the league front, Chama has so far managed 13 assists as Simba moved to the top of the Mainland Premier League table with 61 points from 25 matches, leapfrogging rivals Yanga SC, as the race for the title entered a crucial stage last weekend.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

England confirm star Walsh avoided ACL injury

The Xeneize have hit a rich vein of form both domestically and in the Libertadores and can sew up a play-off berth with victory on Saturday

Argentine football begins its program for 2021 with the playing of the Copa Liga Profesional.

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Boca was crowned 2019-20 league champions in March after coming out on top during the 23-game season, and also triumphed in the following Copa Diego Armando Maradona, which ended in January. 

In lieu of beginning a new league season, the Argentine footballing authorities have instead sanctioned another cup competition, which will run from February to May.

The 26 Primera Division clubs have been split into two groups, with each side playing each other once. 

In addition there will be one inter-zonal game every week, where Boca and River, Racing Club and Independiente and the rest of Argentina's Clasico rivals will face off in a series of clashes. 

The top four teams from each group then advance to a play-off stage, which will take place in a straight knock-out format in order to yield a single winner.

Fanatiz has the rights to the Copa de la Liga Profesional worldwide, excluding Argentina, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the Balkans.

How to watch Boca Juniors vs Lanus

Boca performed a clean sweep in domestic competition over 2020 with league and cup wins, and once more start out as one of the favourites in this new tournament. 

That success, though, was overshadowed by a disappointing exit from the Copa Libertadores at the hands of Santos, extending the club's drought to 14 years. 

Some revenge over Santos was gained midweek in a 2-0 group stage victory, which leaves Boca with a perfect record from their first two games.

Domestically too, the Xeneize are in fine form and victory over Lanus would clinch a play-off spot with a game to spare. 

Conversely, Lanus could be eliminated from contention if they lose to Boca and other results go against them. 

The 2020 Copa Sudamericana finalists sit fifth in Group 2, one point behind Independiente in the final play-off berth.

Live Stream: Fanatiz English ( stream now )

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 2 6am/9am Boca Juniors vs Lanus Fanatiz

Boca Juniors vs Lanus team news

Boca are set to recover Marcos Rojo and Edwin Cardona following their absence due to positive Covid-19 tests.

Lanus boss Luis Zubeldia may choose to rest first-teamers following their exertions on Thursday against Gremio in the Copa Sudamericana, although the visitors also need a win to keep their hopes alive in this competition.

Watch all this weekend's Copa Liga Profesional matches on Fanatiz  with a 7-day free trial.

What other Copa Liga Profesional matches are available on Fanatiz?

Date Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
May 2 8:10am/11:10am Independiente vs Atletico Tucuman Fanatiz
May 2 8:10am/11:10am Defensa y Justicia vs Union Fanatiz
May 2 10:20am/1:20pm San Lorenzo vs Godoy Cruz Fanatiz
May 2 10:20am/1:20pm Talleres vs Huracan Fanatiz
May 2 5pm/8pm Rosario Central vs Newell's Fanatiz
May 2 2:40pm/5:40pm Aldosivi vs Argentinos Juniors Fanatiz
May 2 2:40pm/5:40pm Central Cordoba vs Racing Club Fanatiz
May 3 11:45am/2:45pm Sarmiento vs Gimnasia Fanatiz
May 3 2pm/5pm Estudiantes vs Platense Fanatiz

All games are live streamed on Fanatiz and you can sign up to watch free here.

Original author: Goal

Mason Mount on Thomas Tuchel, his relationship with Frank Lampard & plans for the future

The reshuffle has been effected just a day after the Premier League's tentative date of return was confirmed

Wholesale changes have been undertaken at Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Ulinzi Stars, Goal can report.

According to a source close to the development, Colonel Eric Oloo, who has been acting as the chairman, as well as CEO Major Godwine Baraza, have left the club. 

Lieutenant Colonel Balata Makonani and Major Joe Birgen have been appointed to fill the chairmanship and the CEO' positions, respectively.

Christopher Ouma - who has served the Premier League side for quite some time as the team manager, and former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Francis Onyiso - who has been the Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper trainer, have also left the Nakuru club.

Club legend Mulinge Ndeto has also been affected by the reshuffle at the club as he has been given the trainer's responsibilities meaning that he has left the assistant coaching position.

"Those changes have been effected silently but they are just meant to give the club a new lease of life," a source close to the development told Goal.

"It should not be understood that the exiting officials failed but it is common knowledge that a public entity should undergo a process of restructuring every now and then.

"We hope to remain a solid side after the reshuffle."

In the last decade, Ulinzi Stars have tried to find a stable footing in the Premier League but they have been unsuccessful. Since winning the title in 2010, they have been seen as just participants as they have finished consequent seasons among the mid-table teams.

The last major trophy the side won was the Kenyan Premier League Top 8 Cup in 2011.

At the turn of the century, Ulinzi Stars were a strong side and supplied key players to the national side, including Onyiso and Ndeto, and won the league title in 2003, 2004 and in 2005.

By winning the league title in three consecutive seasons, they joined AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia as the only Kenyan clubs to have done that in the top-tier.

Ulinzi Stars was born when several military sides collapsed in 1995.

Initially, the armed forces had different teams that included Waterworks FC, Scarlet - which was the third battalion of the Kenya Rifles team in Nakuru - Kahawa United for Kahawa Barracks, 12th Engineers' Silver Strikers in Thika, the Kenya Navy in Mombasa, and Kenya Airforce's Spitfire in Nairobi.

They have had Afraha Stadium as their home ground since 2004 when they relocated from Thika town. Currently, they are 13th with 18 points from 16 games and have secures nine draws, the most draws of any other side in the season.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Premier League to permit up to 500 away fans for final 2 rounds of fixtures

The Norwegian boss has talked up the importance of this weekend's heavyweight Premier League showdown at Old Trafford

Messi vs Neymar - Who performed better in Copa America 2021?

Masandawana carry the bragging rights going into the showdown against the Soweto giants
Original author: Michael Madyira

Koeman leaves Barca with worst win record in almost 20 years

The Kenya international further insists Mnyama are well prepared to go past the last eight in the annual competition

Kenya international Francis Kahata has boldly stated Simba SC have a 90% chance to eliminate PSL heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs from the Caf Champions League quarter-finals.

The East Africans will have to go past Amakhosi in the last eight after being paired in a draw held in Cairo on Friday.

The forward believes Wekundu wa Msimbazi's consistency is key for the 21-time Tanzania Mainland League champions in Africa's club elite competition.

"Chiefs have not had a good season, they have been inconsistent both in domestic and international assignments despite them making it to the quarter-final," Kahata told Goal on Sunday. 

"In contrast to them, Simba have had a good season both in the league and champions league. The morale within the team has been good from the beginning up to now.  

"If you compare the two teams, I can say Simba have a 90% chance of winning the game.

"Much will also depend on the preparations we will have from now to the time we will play Chiefs in the first leg away. I am not implying that they are the underdogs because they have made it to the last eight with a reason."

The 29-year-old insists Mnyama are determined to get past the quarters in the annual competition. He has further insisted the Tanzanian outfit were ready to play any team in the last eight owing to their good preparations. 

"We just want to go and give our best, win away and stand a chance to make it to the semis," Kahata added.

"We were ready to play anyone in the quarters, even teams from North Africa, because as I said before we have had good preparations.

"This is our year and we want to make history by going all the way. With the quality we have in the squad it is very possible. I am optimistic of advancing."  

The Tanzanian champions will travel south for the first leg tie that is expected to be played on May 14 or 15 before they host the second leg encounter on May 21 or 22.

Simba had an impressive run in the group stage and topped a tough pool that included African champions Al Ahly, AS Vita Club of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Al Merrikh of Sudan.

They finished the group engagements with four wins, one defeat, and a draw and topped the pool with 13 points, two more than the reigning champions, the Red Devils.   

Original author: Seth Willis

Video: Tuchel labels Mount 'the full package’ after Fulham win

Video: Tuchel labels Mount 'the full package’ after Fulham win | Goal.com

Premier League

09:40 BST 02/05/2021

Mason Mount Chelsea 2020-21

Mount impressed as Chelsea beat Fulham 2-0 to boost their hopes of finishing in the Premier League's top four.

Original author: Goal

Lisa Naalsund: FA Cup clash with Lewes is perfect opportunity for Man Utd debut

Video: Will Liverpool crown Man City champions at Old Trafford? | Goal.com

Premier League

09:34 BST 02/05/2021

Sadio Mane Fred Manchester United Liverpool

Manchester City will be crowned Premier League champions if Liverpool beat Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Original author: Goal

Kia Giveaway: Charge Up for Your Team for a Chance to Win Exclusive UEFA Europa League Prizes!

The Brazilians need to win the game to climb back up above AmaZulu to the top of the table, while a defeat would leave Bucs 12 points behind Downs

How to watch Manchester United vs Liverpool in India - TV, live stream, fixtures & teams

Goal tells you how to catch the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool in India...

It's 'Super Sunday' as Manchester United are all set to face arch-rivals Liverpool in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday at the Old Trafford.

The Red Devils need a win or draw in this clash to deny Manchester City from clinching the title this weekend. The bragging rights are up for grabs as the old foes clash in this important match.

Here's how to watch the Premier League tie in India.
 

Contents

How to watch Premier League in India Premier League Preview

Where to watch or stream the Premier League tie

The Premier League tie between Manchester United and Liverpool in India is available to be streamed Live on Hotstar. 

Return to top   

 

Manchester United vs Liverpool Preview

Manchester United lock horns against their rivals and reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in an important Premier League tie on Sunday. With Manchester City's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Manchester United have to win or draw the tie to keep the title race going. If the Red Devils lose then the Sky Blues will be crowned champions for the third time in four seasons.

Liverpool will be without defender Nathaniel Philipps in this tie and the four injured players Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson will continue to remain out of action.

Manchester United who are on the back of a thumping 6-2 win over AS Roma in their midweek Europa League semifinal first leg tie, will be high on confidence ahead of facing their foes. Other Anthony Martial and Phil Jones, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have the full squad at his disposal

A mouth-watering clash is on the cards as the Red and Devils will hope to clinch the bragging rights at their home.

 

Manchester United vs Liverpool

Date Time (IST) Match TV Channel/stream
May 2 9 PM Manchester United vs Liverpool Star Sports Select 2/HD

Return to top   

 

Related links

 

Original author: Anselm Noronha

Indian Football: From Bembem Devi to Renedy Singh - Legends from Manipur

Padma Shri awardee Oinam Bembem Devi is the greatest Indian woman footballer from Manipur...
Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee

Klopp insists Keita's long-term future remains at Liverpool

The midfielder has endured a difficult spell at Anfield since moving from RB Leipzig in 2018

Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Naby Keita's long-term future is at Liverpool, despite a difficult 2020-21 season for the Guinean.

Keita has failed to lock down a regular role at Anfield since moving from RB Leipzig in 2018, and this season has seen him used sparingly by Klopp.

The 26-year-old has made just nine total starts all season for the Reds, leading to questions over his future with the club.

What was said?

“It’s a lot of things in this year, it was really tricky," Klopp told reporters. We had to change so often and then in the moment you try to go for stability, it’s really like this and that’s what we need. 

“You can see now for example, Man Utd – I think the last line played nearly the last 20 games together. Then you can make changes everywhere because you have a proper basis. We never had that. 

“Then on top of that, then making two or three changes in midfield just doesn’t work out in football. People say, ‘Try it.’ We would try definitely if we could be not only nearly sure that it could work out, but you need stability in a football team. 

“Other teams are too good that you just make eight or nine changes. That hit a few players this year. Some of them were of course injured, coming back took a while. 

“Naby trains really well in the moment, I have to say. He trains really well, like a lot of other players, and looks really good in training. But this year now we need stability. 

“We will make changes from time to time definitely, but it’s not like we pick now seven, eight, nine players to change and say, ‘Maybe we can win it like this.’ The long-term future of Naby Keita, from my point of view, is here, yes.”

Keita's struggles 

Keita was a surprise starter against Real Madrid in Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final first leg on April 6. Klopp's experiment, though, didn't work. 

The midfielder was pulled three minutes before half-time as the Reds lost the game 3-1, and would go on to be eliminated after a 0-0 draw in the second leg. 

Keita has not seen the field for Liverpool since that match. His last appearance in the Premier League came even earlier than that, in a match against Wolves on March 15.

Keita's contract at Anfield runs through 2023.

Further reading

Original author: Goal

Xavi admits Barcelona job is at risk if he doesn't win titles

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and around the world
Original author: Goal

N'Jie on target as Dynamo Moscow hold FC Ufa

The Kenya international was in action for Wilfried Nancy’s men, albeit, he was unable to help them subdue the Crew

Victor Wanyama’s CF Montreal played out a 0-0 draw with Harrison Afful’s Columbus Crew in Saturday’s Major League Soccer outing.

Unable to cancel out one another after 90 minutes, both teams left Quebec’s Saputo Stadium with a point each.

Having surrendered a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw at Nashville SC their last time out, Wilfried Nancy’s team hosted the Crew – with the ambition of returning to winning ways – but that was not the case.

Montreal started the game well and they dominated ball possession, however, they were unable to translate their attacking forays into a goal as they wasted the few opportunities that came their way.

For the visitors, they rarely threatened as Senegalese goalkeeper Clement Diop was infrequently tested. Their only opportunity was converted by Bradley Wright-Phillips, but it was ruled offside by referee Tim Ford.

Montreal’s impressive start to the second half suffered a slight setback as they had to substitute Zachary Brault-Guillard for Clement Bayiha due to injury.

Despite the attacking substitutions that saw manager Nancy throw in midfielder Ahmed Hamdy and Lassi Lappalainen into the field for Amar Sejdic and Erik Hurtado respectively, the scoreline did not change.

Egyptian U23 star Hamdi made his presence felt but his efforts and that of his teammates were thwarted by goalkeeper Eloy Room who put up an impressive showing.

In the closing stages of the game, Caleb Porter’s team thought they had secured the much-needed win when Wright-Phillips put the ball past Diop. Sadly, that effort was cancelled for an offside.

While Wanyama was in action from start to finish alongside Diop, Uganda’s Mustafa Kizza was handed a place in the starting XI. However, he came off for Bjoern Maars Johnsen with ten minutes left to play.

On the other hand, Afful made the starting line-up before he was taken off for Saad Abdul-Salam early in the second half, whereas his compatriot Jonathan Mensah was not listed for action by manager Porter.

Even at this result, Montreal lead the Eastern Conference log having accrued five points from three outings, while Columbus Crew occupy the 10th position with just two points with a game at hand.

Original author: Shina Oludare

FC Dallas' Ferreira wins MLS best young player

The Blancos could be shorthanded in defence for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane is hopeful that Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos will both be fit for Wednesday's clash with Chelsea in the Champions League. 

Ramos has returned to full fitness after suffering a calf injury but has not played a game for Madrid since mid-March.

Varane, meanwhile, suffered a minor injury and had to be withdrawn at half-time of Saturday's 2-0 win over Osasuna.

What was said?

"I hope Varane has a small thing, he thinks it is a small thing and I hope so," Zidane told Movistar after the game.

"I hope Ramos is back," he added. "If he's good, he'll be with us."

With Ramos and Varane sidelined at various points this season, Eder Militao has stepped up to become a vital part of the team's defence.

The Brazilian scored the winner against Osasuna on Saturday and Zidane said he was pleased with the former Porto man's progress.

“I’m happy for Militao, when he wasn’t playing he was calm, he worked hard and waited for his opportunity. He is doing very well," the Frenchman said.

The bigger picture

Though Militao's form will give Zidane's side a boost even if Varane and Ramos aren't fit, Madrid will want both ready to go ahead of a major test at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea managed a 1-1 draw in the semi-final first leg in Madrid on Tuesday, with the away goal giving them a slim advantage heading into their home second leg. 

Madrid will also be sweating on the availability of Fede Valverde, who is hoping to return from Covid-19 and Ferland Mendy, who is looking to come back from injury.

Further reading

Original author: Goal

Solskjaer hopeful Man Utd improvements will convince Pogba and Cavani to stay

The duo have seen plenty of speculation over their future, but their manager is keen for the form pair to stay at Old Trafford

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hopes that Manchester United's improvement this season will convince Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani to remain at the club beyond the end of the campaign.

The pair have been integral parts of a Red Devils side that has challenged near the top end of the Premier League this season, and sits 90 minutes away from a Europa League final.

Pogba has been a magnet for speculation surrounding his future ever since his return to the club from Juventus, while Cavani has been linked with the exit door this summer too - but Solskjaer remains keen for both to remain on the Old Trafford books.

What has been said?

“[Paul] knows my feelings about him and that I want him to stay,” the Norwegian told his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with champions Liverpool at Anfield.

“It’s about creating an environment that we thrive in, a competitive environment and a team who challenge for trophies. 

“He and Edinson are winners but they are also human beings and it’s important that they enjoy coming in and enjoy playing for this team.

"If we can play like [we did in a 6-2 win over Roma on Thursday] against Liverpool, and they can feel our progress, our chances are probably bigger to keep them."

Pogba and Cavani in Red Devils revolution

Both players were at the heart of a remarkable Europa League semi-final first leg rout of Roma on Thursday, with Cavani netting a double and Pogba adding another in a 6-2 thrashing inspired by the duo's impressive performances.

Such was the magnitude of the former's impact up front against the Serie A outfit, it seemed to single-handedly rebuff long-gestating rumours of a summer exit, instead giving rise to chatter that the Uruguayan is poised to remain at Old Trafford.

Likewise, Pogba's future has always been a source of intense, almost feverish speculation ever since his return to Manchester and subsequent victory at the 2018 World Cup with France.

This year however, the midfielder's run-in to the end of the campaign has been marked less by clamour over potential destinations and more admiration for how he has resettled himself under Solskjaer over the past season after coming through the aftermath of the Jose Mourinho reign at Carrington.

Further reading

Klopp warns Van Dijk must not be 'forced' into Netherlands' Euro 2020 squad

The defender still has not returned to training with Liverpool and only has a month to get back in shape for the summer tournament

Jurgen Klopp has warned against rushing Virgil van Dijk back into action at Euro 2020 but says he will not hold the defender back from featuring for Netherlands.

The centre-back has been out of action since October with a cruciate ligament injury.

Van Dijk is seen as crucial to Netherlands' hopes of success at the European Championship this summer, but it remains unclear if he will be fit enough to make the squad.

What did Klopp say?

Klopp says Van Dijk will need several weeks to get back in shape for the competition, but will not discourage him from joining up with Frank de Boer's team.

"Virgil's knee. Look, I don't want to hold him back, but you cannot force it as well," Klopp told reporters.

"Now let's just go through all these kind of things. You are all long enough in the business to know if you want to play a tournament, you have to train before – proper football training weeks before, not a week before. 

"You cannot after 10, 11 months out, train a week and play football. That's just not possible, it should not be possible. 

"Nobody holds him back, I can promise all the people in Holland or wherever. But we cannot force it as well and we will not. We speak about a player and his career. 

"Nobody should force that and nobody will – not Holland, not us, and [not] Virgil as well. He just tries to get fit as quick as possible. 

"In the moment, nobody knows when that will be exactly but you can imagine it will be for sure very, very tight with the Euros and the team training and stuff like this because he is not in team training yet and will not be in the next weeks. So, I don't know. 

"But in the end it's a decision of Virgil and he will get massively influenced by the feeling in his knee."

What condition is Van Dijk in?

The 29-year-old has made only eight appearances for the Reds this season, last featuring in the Merseyside derby clash against Everton on October 17.

He underwent an operation on the knee injury he sustained following a clash with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

While Van Dijk is working on his recovery, he has not yet returned to training with Klopp's team.

Van Dijk running out of time

The former Groningen and Southampton star has just a month to get back in shape if he is to make the Oranje squad.

The national teams will have to announce their 23-man squads by June 1 before the tournament kicks off 10 days later.

Netherlands will face Scotland and Georgia in friendlies on June 2 and June 6 respectively.

They will then begin their Euro 2020 campaign with a match against Ukraine on June 13, followed by games against Austria and North Macedonia.

Further reading

Original author: Peter McVitie

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