Declan Rice to Chelsea could depend on N'Golo Kante's future as Man Utd suffer blow

criticising the Chelsea defender earlier this week.The former Cardiff City and Sheffield United boss said he didn't think the 32-year-old was "a great defender" and suggested he'd been "lucky" to have had such an illustrious career.After getting a bit of blowback from Chelsea supporters, as well as from Blues legend John Terry, Warnock clarified his position on talkSPORT, claiming what he meant to say was that Azpilicueta wasn't "the best" defender."I think he's an excellent wing back, I'm not sure he's a top class defender," the 73-year-old said, before admitting that a goal the Spaniard scored against his Cardiff side in 2019 - which should have been disallowed for offside - was still playing on his mind."Listen, I don't forgive him for being offside for that goal at Cardiff, that's what it is … it'll be the bitterness underneath," Warnock joked.Following Thomas Tuchel's side's victory in the Club World Cup final on Saturday, Azpilicueta became the first player in Chelsea history to win every single major honour available to him.Earlier in the week, Warnock took a swipe at the Chelsea skipper, insisting that his trophy haul was simply due to him being "in the right place at the right time".Is Cesar Azpilicueta the most underrated defender in the Premier League? Let us know what you think in the comments section below...Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox - don't miss a thing.It only takes a matter of seconds.Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.And that's it, job done.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has vowed to personally resolve Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United dilemma.Ronaldo, 37, re-joined the club where he made his name as a youngster on Deadline Day of the summer transfer window in what became a dream signing for many United fans across the globe.But despite an impressive individual tally of 14 goals this season, the legendary Portugal forward has reportedly been left feeling jaded as a result of the Red Devils’ lacklustre performances and new manager Ralf Rangnick’s methods.And now retired UFC lightweight champion Khabib has revealed his plan to “talk” privately with Ronaldo as the veteran debates his future at Old Trafford.Khabib told Sky Sports: "He became 37 years old, this is not his best age but even how he plays, I think affect his whole team. His energy, his experience, his advice."They have a very good, strong, young team.

Victor Lindelof thinks Manchester United were more 'aggressive' in the second half against Brighton.

Manchester United on their way to a crucial win. The superstar had endured a run of six games without a goal in all competitions heading into the Premier League clash, which the Red Devils needed to win to keep pace in the race for the top four.

Ralf Rangnick says Manchester United's wingers were told to attack Brighton's centre-backs in the second-half in a tactic that resulted in the dismissal of Lewis Dunk.

Manchester United could face competition from Arsenal for the signing of Christopher Nkunku this summer, according to reports.

Manchester United at present is their inability to put together a run - but with Cristiano Ronaldo in their side, anything is possible.Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League encounter against Brighton, the former defender spoke about the problems currently plaguing the northwest club.Via BT Sport, the 43-year-old spoke about the side’s lack of consistency - but stated that Ronaldo still offers a threat going forward despite the attacker’s recent slump."That's the problem, the inconsistency,” he said.“Worrying about what Man Utd are going to turn up, what United team is going to come out in the first half compared to the second half, actually.“I keep saying the same thing, Jeckel and Hyde performances with each half. They've got to find some consistency.“This man here [Ronaldo]...

Manchester United chiefs are still 'adamant' Ralf Rangnick will remain in charge until the summer despite their recent downturn in form.Rangnick, 63, has come under scrutiny for failing to instil confidence in the dressing room with United stars even taking to social media to publicly deny claims made by the German boss.And since exiting January, the Red Devils have failed to claim three points against Southampton and bottom-of-the-table Burnley despite taking the lead in both fixtures.Fielding a full-strength side, United were also defeated by Championship outlet Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, as their wait for a first trophy since 2017 rumbles on.Players have also denied reports they are unhappy with him.Though Rangnick is still expected to take charge until the end of the season, according to reports in The Express.It's stated United chiefs are adamant he’ll see out his contract as manager before taking up a consultancy role within the club.And that plan has not altered despite the poor turn in form.Though ex-Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believes all is not well at Old Trafford: "It wouldn’t surprise me if Rangnick were to go. We heard about something similar when Mourinho was there with the players questioning the training methods, and that didn’t last long.HAVE YOUR SAY? Who will claim fourth spot in the Premier League? Let us know in the comments section."Once we start hearing rumours and that sort of thing, it’s a massive concern.

Ralf Rangnick has defended under-fire star Harry Maguire after some Manchester United fans compared him to ex-Premier League star Titus Bramble following a series of poor displays.Maguire has been a lightning rod for criticism in recent weeks as United have stumbled to a series of poor results in the top-flight.The 28-year-old was at fault for Burnley's equaliser last week and was on the receiving end once again after another poor display against Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday. His bumbling performances have seen some supporters compare him to Titus Bramble, a former Newcastle defender who often drew criticism for being prone to errors.Bramble received huge plaudits during his early days at Ipswich Town, which brought about a lucrative £6million move to Newcastle.

Ralf Rangnick has turned to a sports psychologist in a desperate bid to solve Manchester United's woes – just like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did during his reign at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are targeting a move for Christopher Nkunku, whose career has already been saved by Ralf Rangnick in the past. The Leipzig midfielder has been in fine form this season and is understood to be attracting interest from a host of top European clubs ahead of the summer window.Nkunku has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions so far this season, including seven goals in Leipzig's six Champions League matches.As a result, Rangnick is urging the Red Devils to make an approach for the 24-year-old when the transfer window reopens in the summer.ESPN reports that Nkunku has now been added to the club's list of potential midfield targets, following a recommendation from Rangnick.The pair previously worked together in Germany, with Rangnick working as Leipzig's director of football when Nkunku was signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.Nkunku had struggled to break into the first team in Paris before reigniting his career with Leipzig after being saved by Rangnick.A former France under-21 international, he held talks with Arsenal before joining Leipzig three years ago.Should Manchester United push to sign Christopher Nkunku in the summer? Let us know in the comments section below.The Bundesliga side are understood to be keen to keep hold of him in the summer, though, and are said to be doing their best to fend off any interest.Speaking to Sky in Germany at the weekend, Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff said: "He [Nkunku] will also play with us next season because of course he is a very important player."In football nothing is ever certain, but that's our plan.

Ralf Rangnick insists he won't drop blundering Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.But he admits Maguire's form has not been good enough and that he needs to improve.Fuming United fans have called on Maguire to be stripped of the skipper's armband and axed from the team following a string of below-par performances in recent weeks.The England defender has been at fault for several goals United have conceded during a woeful run of three games without a win, which has seen them lose ground in the race for the top four and crash out of the FA Cup. Interim boss Ralf Rangnick claims Maguire, who became the most expensive defender in the world when he joined United from Leicester in an £80million deal in 2019, is struggling to adapt to playing in a back four.

Manchester United have added RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku to the shortlist for the summer transfer window - according to reports.

Manchester United ace Paul Ince has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for setting a “bad example”.The former Real Madrid and Juventus ace is currently enduring his worst goal drought in 12 years, having failed to find the net in his last seven matches.He also missed a golden chance in Ralf Rangnick’s side’s 1-1 home draw against Southampton, rounding the goalkeeper only to see his resulting effort easily cleared off the line by Saints’ defender Romain Perraud.As United continue to struggle in all competitions, Ronaldo has had to shoulder plenty of criticism in recent weeks.And one of the latest to slam the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is former United midfield general Ince, who believes he has been a poor example to the United squad. “This is not the Ronaldo of 19 years ago when he was first at Old Trafford - this is a 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo.,” Ince said to Genting Casino.“When people say he’ll be great for the club and the youngsters, you’d have thought that would be the case.“But he’s walking off down the tunnel and throwing his toys out the pram.

Gary Neville has revealed he knows who is behind the Manchester United leaks that are leaving his former club in disarray.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly furious with Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United, with the two reported to have a ‘fractured relationship’. The Portugal international has in the midst of his worst goal drought for over 13 years after failing to hit the target in six matches.It has coincided with some poor form from the Red Devils, who have dropped a worrying amount of points in recent weeks.

What is Manchester United's biggest problem this season? Join the debate in the comments section.Rangnick, who will be without Edinson Cavani for tomorrow's clash with Brighton, added: "We need to want to finish 4th in the league. This is the highest achievement we can get.

Manchester United target Christopher Nkunku was previously “in talks” with Premier League rivals Arsenal and idolises Marco Veratti.The Red Devils have added the RB Leipzig attacking midfielder to their summer transfer wish-list with Ralf Rangnick urging the club hierarchy to raid his former side for the youngster.United are prioritising a midfielder due to their belief that long-time wantaway Paul Pogba will leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.And with the 24-year-old Frenchman enjoying his best season to date with the Bundesliga club, ESPN report Nkunku has caught United’s attention as their potential next star.Nkunku has scored an outstanding 19 goals and notched 13 assists across 31 appearances this season.While he has certainly reached a new level this campaign, the midfielder’s ability has already attracted attention from other Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the past.The Gunners were considering a move for the youngster back in January 2019 during Unai Emery’s tenure while he still played for Paris Saint-Germain.He was tipped to become Aaron Ramsey’s successor by reporters, but Emery eventually had to settle for a calamitous loan signing in Denis Suarez as Nkunku joined Leipzig the following summer.Do you think Man United should sign Nkunku as a Pogba replacement? Let us know in the comments section.Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox - don't miss a thing.It only takes a matter of seconds.Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article

Manchester City remain at the Premier League summit with Liverpool and Chelsea trailing behind.

Manchester United fans have called for Harry Maguire to be dropped and have compared him to a famous club flop following another poor display. For the third time in three games, Ralf Rangnick’s side surrendered a 1-0 lead, as they drew 1-1 against Southampton at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo to "sign for Bournemouth" after the Manchester United superstar extended his goalless run to six matches, his longest drought since 2009.Ralf Rangnick's side have been struggling for consistency for some time and have drawn their last three matches amid rumblings of discontent behind the scenes.Keys says Ronaldo is "part of the problem" at Old Trafford and insists the 37-year-old should leave if he isn't happy with the situation, following reports the former Real Madrid and Juventus man is disillusioned with life back in Manchester."Jorge Mendes was talking to senior Manchester United executives about leaving at the end of the season. My own view of that is that he should he leave now," Keys said speaking on beIN Sports."I’ve been of the opinion all season long that I think he’s as much a part of the problem - not the whole problem - as anything and anybody else."The other night, when he went running down the tunnel at Turf Moor, having recently lectured everyone about being the leader he believes himself to be and that youngsters don’t do the sorts of things he does."How does that encourage team spirit in the dressing room?"Co-host Andy Gray then added: "That was not good to see.