Dean Henderson’s superb form on loan at Sheffield United has placed him closer to a call-up to the senior England squad. Henderson, on loan from Manchester United, is a regular under-21 international but according to Gareth Southgate, there is a possibility that the Cumbrian could soon be stepping up. Goalkeepers were under the spotlight as Southgate named his latest squad for the start of the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.Jordan Pickford remains number one but the Everton stopper’s form has been erratic of late, while Burnley’s Tom Heaton has been recalled.Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn – son of former Scotland international Bryan – has impressed since coming into the Saints side recently, but there is talk of a potential switch to his father’s country of birth, despite having already been involved with England’s under 21s.With Stoke City’s Jack Butland named, Southgate has no problem dipping down into the … [Read more...] about Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson on England manager Gareth Southgate’s radar after impressive spell at Bramall Lane from Manchester United
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Who Manchester United could face in Champions League quarter final
There is a high probability Manchester United will draw a Premier League side in the Champions League quarter-finals. Liverpool overpowered Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night to ensure all four English sides progressed through to the last eight. Tottenham strolled past Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on aggregate last week and Manchester City eviscerated German side Schalke 10-2 over two legs. The only non-Premier League sides left in the competition are Juventus, Barcelona, Porto and Ajax. United defeated Juve 2-1 in the group stage in November but also lost to the Italian champions 1-0 at Old Trafford in October. United overcame Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League final two years ago and have not faced Barca since their 3-1 2011 Champions League final humbling at Wembley. Cristiano Ronaldo memorably decided United's last European tie with Porto with a 30-yard thunderbolt in the Champions League quarter-finals 10 years ago. The four English clubs' successes marks the first … [Read more...] about Who Manchester United could face in Champions League quarter final
Clarets winger Dwight McNeil primed by Manchester United greats
England Under 21 hopeful Dwight McNeil spent much of his childhood in the company of some of the greatest players ever to grace the Premier League. The teenager’s days at Carrington, the training complex for Manchester United, would be spent in awe of his idols such as Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes.The 19-year-old winger, who has now made 14 appearances in the top flight, believes that it was a well spent youth, surrounded by superstars, that primed him for the big occasions.McNeil, who scored the first professional goal in the 2-0 win against West Ham United at Turf Moor, has already featured at the likes of the Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford and, most recently, Anfield.And, as the Burnley Express went to print, there was a possibility that he would be called up to Aidy Boothroyd’s Three Lions squad.“It’s good,” he said. “The lads were asking me if I’d ever been to Anfield and I said ‘no’. They told me that this … [Read more...] about Clarets winger Dwight McNeil primed by Manchester United greats
Manchester United have a new transfer dilemma to solve this summer
When the summer transfer window opens, all eyes will be on Manchester United and their hotly-anticipated summer overhaul. A year on from an under whelming end of season which saw three players arrive the pressure is on for Ed Woodward an co to address the various issues amongst them first-team squad. Not only are there decisions to be made on who arrives at Old Trafford ahead of the new season, but club officials will have difficult choices in deciding who should be allowed to leave. Antonio Valencia is already set to depart when his contract expires, while a number of first-team players might also depart if their valuations are met by a side which matches their ambitions. However, the situation is a little less clear surrounding the youth players at the squad, and in particular highly-rated youth goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The 22-year-old has been impressive throughout season and has been a key figure in Sheffield United's sustained Championship promotion bid under Chris Wilder. … [Read more...] about Manchester United have a new transfer dilemma to solve this summer
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has a big career decision to make
Chris Smalling insisted he would continue to fight for his place in the England national team but the Manchester United defender could be forgiven for giving up on international football after the latest squad announcement. It would have been a long shot for England manager Gareth Southgate to make a U-turn on his decision to omit the centre back but on current form it would not have been a total wildcard. Southgate dropped Smalling in November 2017 explaining his decision was down to the 29-year-old not being able to play out from the back. Smalling was understandably irked by Southgate's comments. “You don’t play for one of the biggest clubs in the world for as long as I have and won every trophy bar the Champions League without being able to do everything a top defender needs to do - be it playing or defending," Smalling said in November 2017. “I don’t really feel like I need to prove anything to Gareth." And it's a decision that still baffles the United … [Read more...] about Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has a big career decision to make