Manchester United will be looking to keep their hopes of winning silverware this season alive when they face Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend, while they reached the FA Cup final last season, losing 2-1 to Manchester City at Wembley. So Erik ten Hag will be determined to see his side go one step further this time around – but they must get the better of Liverpool before looking any further.
Ten Hag gave some good news on Friday, with Rasmus Hojlund among four senior players who could return from injury. Mason Mount is also expected to be part of the matchday squad.
Meanwhile, United continue to be linked with various players ahead of the summer transfer window, following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment last month. Big changes could be made to the squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Keep tabs on all the very latest United news and views by following the live blog below:
Key Events
Enrique predicts 5-0 to Liverpool
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has predicted a 5-0 win for his old side at Manchester United... perhaps in predictable fashion.
Enrique has made something of a name for himself skewering United in the press since his retirement, so take these comments with a pinch of salt! This is what he said, speaking on The Counter Attack from Grosvenor Sport:
“I don’t fancy Manchester United to get a result on Sunday. Obviously when I was at Liverpool I didn’t get to experience them being this superior to Manchester United – it was more of a 50/50 when I played and sometimes United were the better team. This is still a difficult game for Liverpool, but I really think they are going to win.
“Manchester United are actually playing worse at Old Trafford than when they play away from home – it’s not the same as it used to be when I was playing. I’d love Liverpool to pick up a really big win here – I’m going to go with 5-0 to them.
“They’re scoring so many goals at the moment and their attack is as good as it’s been all season."
Amass signs United contract
Promising Manchester United left-back Harry Amass has announced that he's signed his first professional contract at the club.
He does so on his 17th birthday – the earliest possible moment. Amass is very highly rated in the United academy.
Mount set for matchday squad vs Liverpool
All the indications are that Mason Mount will be in Manchester United's matchday squad for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Liverpool and could well play a role from the bench.
Mount has been sidelined since November with an ongoing calf injury and has played just 12 times since signing for United from Chelsea for £60m.
Could the Liverpool game mark the true start of Mount's United career?
Eric Ramsay on Ten Hag and INEOS
Former Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay has given an insight in what it was like working with Erik ten Hag at the club.
As he prepares to take charge of MLS side Minnesota United, Ramsay says his United experience will stand him in good stead for the future – as he spoke about how driven Ten Hag is behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
On Ten Hag, Ramsay said: "He is obviously incredibly focused, has real conviction as to how he wants the team to play, how he feels the group should be managed, as you’d expect of anyone who hits that level as a manager."
Bendito Mantato magic
Bendito Mantato – remember the name! The 16-year-old has scored four goals for United's Under-18s in a 5-2 comeback win over Blackburn today. Here's a couple of those:
Amadou Onana transfer 'setback' for United?
Manchester United may have received a setback in the transfer market, amid links with Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
German news outlet BILD are reporting that Everton are desperate to keep hold of the midfield man, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona. It was previously thought £50m could land Onana.
United vs Liverpool and FA Cup odds
These betting odds come courtesy of Betideas.com:
- Manchester United - 3/1
- Draw - 16/5
- Liverpool - 4/5
Overall FA Cup Winner 2023/24
- Manchester City - 5/4
- Liverpool - 10/3
- Chelsea - 6/1
- Manchester United - 8/1
- Wolves - 11/1
- Newcastle United - 14/1
- Leicester City - 25/1
- Coventry - 50/1
United keen on Premier League duo
Manchester United are continuing to monitor Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.
Branthwaite, 21, and Onana, 22, started in Everton's 2-0 defeat to United at Old Trafford last Saturday and a source confirmed United still like the duo.
McTominay wins Scotland award
A fine achievement for Scott McTominay, as the Manchester United player picks up Scotland's men's player of the year award.
Ex United man ramps up pressure on Liverpool game
Former United man Gordon Strachan believes Erik ten Hag's team are under big pressure for their game against Liverpool on Sunday – especially if the visitors rotate their team and field several youngsters.
He was speaking to OLBGabout the pressure many United players have been under in recent times:
"Manchester United have an issue in their FA Cup against Liverpool if Jurgen Klopp makes changes because they won’t get praise for beating a lesser team, but if they lose to them it will be a tragedy.
The pressure can be a real problem with the mindset of Manchester United players, so you have to think about the mental side when they play Liverpool.
Some players have come out and said that they shouldn’t be criticised if they are trying their best but if you’re getting heaps of money then it’s part of the deal. If you’re at Manchester United then you have to deal with it.
If you don’t like it then you should go and play for a lesser club, whether it was 40 years ago or now it’s magnificent to play for Manchester United and the fact is you have to deal with stress."
Juventus to 'swoop' for Amrabat
Sofyan Amrabat may now be on borrowed time at Manchester United, with his loan from Fiorentina set to expire in the summer and it looking unlikely that the club will extend it or make the move permanent.
And Calciomercato claims that Juventus are interested in the midfielder, with the Old Lady potentially set to swoop in the summer – especially if Adrien Rabiot leaves the club. It remains to be seen whether Juve would prefer another loan or a permanent transfer.
Alexander Buttner interview
Alexander Buttner cherishes his memories with Manchester United and he spoke to the MEN to discuss his few years in Manchester.
"My relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson was really good. He brought me to United and I was grateful for that. He was a really special coach and he knew everything about the players. He talked a lot with me and tried to make you feel at home. He was obviously really important for me and my time there."
Ashworth to bring Guimaraes to United?
Dan Ashworth could bring Bruno Guimaraes to Manchester United with him from Newcastle, according to a new report in the Spanish media.
Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes has been hugely impressive for the Magpies, with Spanish newsppaper AS reporting that both Manchester City and United are interested in a move.
United are still trying to thrash out compensation with Newcastle over Ashworth's proposed arrival as sporting director, but this could be a major transfer in its own right.
Ten Hag: 'Atmosphere will help v Liverpool'
Erik ten Hag has called upon Manchester United fans to create a feverish atmosphere for the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool tomorrow (Sunday).
In an interview with United's official website, Ten Hag spoke a little more about the Liverpool game and why he'd love the Old Trafford atmosphere to replicate the one for the clash back in August 2022 – United's last home game against Liverpool and also the last time they beat them (2-1):
"I hope we can get the same atmosphere. That would be a fantastic help.
"But by the end of the day, it doesn't matter what the atmosphere is, [it's about] how the game will go. If we play bad or we play good, we have to win. It's about this."
"We're really looking forward to that game
"There are always huge fixtures [between] Manchester United [and] Liverpool and the players, they want to play such games because they get challenged."
United stance on selling Rashford
Manchester United have no intention of selling Marcus Rashford, despite the forward being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
That's according to Erik ten Hag, who was asked about Rashford's future in a press conference on Friday. Rashford signed a new five-year contract at United worth around £325,000 a week in July last year and Ten Hag expressed his preference for United to keep the academy graduate.
Here's the full story, including what Ten Hag said
United 'set new bumper price' for Sancho
Manchester United have reportedly put a new price tag on Jadon Sancho, amid the winger's turnaround in form for Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho sealed a return to the German club on loan in the January transfer window after a public fallout with Erik ten Hag, and it's widely expected that he'll be sold permanently in the summer.
Football Insider now claim that United will ask for as much as £50million for Sancho, given his form has improved after a tricky start to his loan spell. Sancho scored as Dortmund progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek.
Injury boost
Erik ten Hag has confirmed four players could be in line to return to the squad against Liverpool on Sunday.
Rasmus Hojlund has missed the past four games with a muscular problem but he could make his return at Old Trafford this weekend. Hojlund which was in great form prior to his injury and his return would be a timely boost as the Reds look to progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
There were injury updates on plenty of other players in Friday's press conference. Click here to read more >>>
Nearly press conference time!
It's almost time to hear from the boss.
Erik ten Hag will shortly give the latest team news ahead of United's clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup. We'll bring you updates from today's press conference in our live blog which you can access by clicking here >>>
FA Cup semi final draw details
Manchester United tackle Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter finals this weekend with a Wembley date in the last four up for grabs.
Erik ten Hag's side were beaten in the final by Manchester City last season and will be hoping to go one better as they seek some silverware to salvage their season.
Details for the last four draw have now been confirmed. Read more here
Two players out vs Liverpool
United's injury woes continue. Jonny Evans will not be available for this weekend's FA Cup clash with Liverpool.
Evans will miss the game after it was agreed he required a period of recovery to overcome a knock he has been managing. United will also be without Altay Bayindir after he picked up a muscle injury. He has not joined up with Turkey's national side for their games against Hungary and Austria.
Mainoo in U21 squad
Kobbie Mainoo's rapid rise had seen many calling for him to be given a senior England call-up when Gareth Southgate announced his squad yesterday. However, the United starlet was not included and he has instead been named in the England U21 squad.
Mainoo has become a key part of Erik ten Hag's midfield, making 14 Premier League appearances this season and scoring one league goal.
Champions League boost
United's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League were given a huge boost last night.
The Reds currently find themselves in sixth position in the table, six points off Tottenham in fifth and eight points off Aston Villa in fourth.
Finishing fifth could be enough to secure a place at Europe's top table next season, though it will all depend on how English sides perform in European competitions this season. Thursday night saw United handed a huge boost, and you can read why by clicking here >>>
Sancho asking price
It's difficult to envisage Jadon Sancho returning to Old Trafford this summer - although a change in manager could make things interesting.
The England winger is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund having been exiled from the first-team set-up by Ten Hag earlier this season. Whether he makes a permanent return to Dortmund remains to be seen, but German outlet BILD reports United have told Dortmund how much they would need to pay to make the deal permanent.
It's claimed United have set an asking price of £30m, meaning United would take an incredible £43m hit on their original investment.
Chelsea join race to sign Bremer
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer this summer, according to reports overnight.
Man United have been constantly linked with Bremer with the club expected to look to sign at least one centre-half this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe embarks on a squad rebuild. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is also a target, as reported by the Manchester Evening News earlier this week.
Bremer, a Brazil international, signed a new long-term contract with the Bianconeri in December, but there is a low release clause of around €50 million.
United 'pinpoint' McKennie amid plans to bolster midfield
According to a report by GiveMeSport, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie has been 'pinpointed as a good option' by United ahead of this summer's transfer window.
It is claimed that United have identified the USA international as an option to strengthen their midfield options. The Reds are understood to have identified the central-midfield department as an area they wish to bolster ahead of next term.
McKennie, 25, has spent time in England previously, having a loan spell at Leeds United last term.
Southgate shares Shaw concern
England boss Gareth Southgate has suggested that United left-back Luke Shaw could be a doubt for the European Championship this summer.
Shaw, who scored for England in the last European Championship final, is currently sidelined with a muscle injury. United ruled him out for an 'extended period' on February 21 and warned he could be absent for a 'few months'.
As a result, Shaw, of course, did not make the latest England squad named by Southgate earlier today. The Three Lions face Brazil and Belgium in friendlies later this month.
When asked if Shaw's chances for the summer are uncertain, Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live:
"Well, we'd have to say yes is the answer to that because the timelines would suggest he will only be available in the dying embers of the season. You don't know what version of the player you're going to get."
OPINION: United and Liverpool have more in common than you think after Klopp's "top solution"
"While Sir David Brailsford is an outsider when it comes to football, Michael Edwards is very much an insider. A former player who worked his way up through the ranks with jobs at Portsmouth and Liverpool, before landing at Liverpool as sporting director. Edwards left Anfield in May 2022 but has been tempted to return by the title of chief executive of football, a remit as wide as Brailsford's, who now sits on the United board and is a regular presence at Carrington. There are clear similarities in their role. Brailsford is also the high-profile figure. He is instantly recognisable and has rarely shirked the media. Whether that is through interviews or podcast appearances, he was visible as the leader of British Cycling and Team Sky and has almost become a kind of performance guru in recent years, offering leadership thoughts and deep thinking assessments in an industry that has become more open to such detailed talk."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer Tyrone Marshall.
Have your say on the FA Cup
The outcome of Sunday's tussle with Liverpool at Old Trafford will dictate whether United can still win a trophy this season or not.
With their top four hopes hanging in the balance, winning the FA Cup could represent United's last remaining hope of making this season a success.
Take part in our poll below to have your say on what is more important for the Reds.
Brooks to officiate FA Cup clash
John Brooks will take charge of United's FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Brooks, who is a vastly experienced Premier League referee, has taken charge of United on three occasions so far this season, including their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in January. He has officiated six United matches in his career, five of which they have won.
Brooks will be assisted by Lee Betts and Timothy Wood with Anthony Taylor chosen as the fourth official. Tim Robinson will be on VAR duty, supported by Chris Kavanagh, who is the Support VAR, and Edward Smart, who is the assistant VAR.
OPINION: Ten Hag undroppable could be set for United position change vs Liverpool
"Aarom Wan-Bissaka has missed each of United's last nine matches, meaning Diogo Dalot has had a free run at right-back. He has not failed to disappoint, churning out consistent, solid performances. As per FotMob, Dalot's ratings have been consistent, earning a player rating north of seven in five of his last seven games, including a score of 8.3 in the 2-1 win at Aston Villa last month, where he provided the assist for Scott McTominay's late winner. His consistency at right-back, however, could be derailed against Liverpool this weekend. Wan-Bissaka is in contention to feature in the FA Cup quarter-final clash, meaning could be recalled to the starting line-up, forcing Dalot to switch to left-back."
Click here to read more from Senior Football Writer George Smith.
