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Cheltenham Festival 2024: Galopin Des Champs wins the Gold Cup

Jon Fisher
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Cheltenham Festival 2024: Galopin Des Champs wins the Gold Cup

Galopin Des Champs won back-to-back Gold Cups this afternoon with a brilliant ride at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Willie Mullins-trained horse, ridden by Paul Townend, stayed in contention behind pacesetter The Real Whacker for much of the trip but moved through the gears to cruise home as the 10/11 favourite and become just the third horse this century to retain the trophy.

Gerri Colombe was second at 13/2 with Corach Rambler third at 14/1.

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Although the outcome was the same, Townend said he rode him very differently to his win in 2023.

He told ITV Sport: “Unbelievable. We had to go through his reserves.

“I rode him completely different to last year and he was so brave for me. I was afraid we didn’t have enough but it’s the Gold Cup so we had to go for it.

“What makes him a champion? His heart probably. We had to go through reserves which only special horses have.”

Winning owner Audrey Turley was thrilled with her horse’s achievement. She said: “We are so happy and excited. It is just fantastic.

“He is a fantastic horse. It isn’t easy to win back to back Gold Cups. We couldn’t be more thrilled and to do it on the 100th anniversary of the Gold Cup – what a moment.”

Mullins, who racked up 100 wins at the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday, was impressed with the way Galopin Des Champs dismissed the threat of Fastorslow, who unseated his rider and became a nuisance to the leaders, and believes the win gives Galopin Des Champs elite status.

He said: “I think he just put himself into the superstar category, to do what he did and the way he did it with the loose horse.

“We will come back and try to win it for a third time. He has the ability to do it.

“He gave us no concern really, it was the loose horse which was the one concern.

“He hit one fence early, third or fourth, but after that it was very easy. Paul got him into position and he was travelling easily.”

Manchester United v Liverpool: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United v Liverpool: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Manchester United versus Liverpool remains one of the iconic fixtures in English football and all eyes will be on Old Trafford on Sunday when they meet in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

United continue to blow hot and cold with three wins and two defeats in their last five games. Their last outing was a 2-0 win over Everton that flattered them with Sean Dyche’s Premier League strugglers dominating for long spells.

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In contrast, Liverpool have lost just once since a 0-0 draw with United at Anfield on December 17 and remain on course for a domestic and continental quadruple in Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge.

The visitors will be backed by 9000 fans at Old Trafford in what should be a white-hot atmosphere.

Team News

Erik ten Hag and Manchester United will be without some key players for this weekend with the likes of Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez all unavailable but midfielder Mason Mount has returned to first-team training. Rasmus Hojlund, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire are all set to be available.

Liverpool have been injury ravaged in the last month or so but the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah have returned. The visitors remain without key men Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold while Ibrahima Konate is set to undergo a late fitness test.

Bobby Clark and Ryan Gravenberch are fit and available.

Expected Line-ups

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelof; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

Liverpool: Kelleher; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Elliott; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

What they Said

Erik ten Hag on which team will start as favourites on Sunday
“I never think about who is favourite. It starts 0-0. We make sure we’re ready. We respect every opposition but it’s about ‘make it our game’. We know where the strengths are, where the weaknesses are. It’s about our team being in the best [performance].”

Jurgen Klopp on the difficulty of playing at Old Trafford
“I don’t know too much about their season, but I saw a few really, really good games, there is a lot of quality there, they had injury problems obviously. I do not know which players are available, Hjolund maybe is available again? Wan-Bissaka is close, who was not previously. That obviously makes a difference, but we will see on Sunday. But again, it was always a tough place for us to go, it means everything to both fan groups, we know that. We try to show that on the pitch with the work rate, but we never know. There are no guarantees, just opportunities, that is how we see it and we are really willing to give it a try.”

When and How to Watch

This match will be played at Old Trafford at 15:30 on Sunday March 17th and will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK. It will also be able to be streamed live via the ITVX app.

Prediction

It is the penultimate time that these two old rivals will face each other in the Jurgen Klopp-era. Since Klopp arrived at Liverpool, the two teams have played each other 19 times across all competitions with Liverpool winning seven, Manchester United winning four and there being eight draws in that time. Recent clashes have been dominated by the Merseysiders, though, with four wins and a draw in their last six games. The aggregate score in those six matches is 21-3. United made life difficult for Liverpool at Anfield in December and will be set up to do so again this time around but the visitors remain firm favourites.

Manchester United v Liverpool: Ten Hag says Rashford is not for sale despite reported PSG interest

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United v Liverpool: Ten Hag says Rashford is not for sale despite reported PSG interest

Erik ten Hag sees Marcus Rashford as key to his Manchester United project and insists the England international is not for sale.

Rashford signed a lucrative five-year deal at United last summer that ties him to the club until 2028. However, that has not prevented speculation linking the forward with a summer switch to Paris Saint-Germain as they look to replace the departing Kylian Mbappe.

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Ten Hag: United always rise to the big occasion

Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as part owner at Old Trafford means there is renewed focus on the future and Ten Hag sees Rashford as being integral to that despite an underwhelming season that has seen him score seven goals in 32 games in all competitions.

He said: “We didn’t re-sign him last season [to a new contract] with the intention to sell him. No. He should be part of this project. 

“It’s not a subject we talk about.”

Rashford is expected to start on the left side of United’s attack against Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday with Rasmus Hojlund likely to return from a muscle injury.

United have beaten Liverpool just once in their last six competitive meetings with Jurgen Klopp’s men also dishing out some hammerings – 7-0, 4-0 and 5-0 – over the past three years.

On the face of it, the visitors will arrive at Old Trafford as favourites but Ten Hag has dismissed the form book, and history, and says his team will go into the game on an equal footing.

He added: “I never think about who is favourite. It starts 0-0. We make sure we’re ready. 

“We respect every opposition but it’s about ‘make it our game’. We know where the strengths are, where the weaknesses are.”

The Merseysiders will be backed by a large travelling support at the weekend and Ten Hag has called on the United fans to bring the noise to roar their team through to the semi-finals.

“Some games are bigger than others,” Ten Hag said. “Man Utd versus Liverpool is always a big game, especially when it’s the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. It’s a special game, absolutely.

“The fans see it as a very big game, they’re very eager for us to win this. I’m sure they’ll be right behind us. There are more Liverpool fans [than usual in the away section due to increased FA Cup allocations] so they have to be really loud to support us, that we hear them, but I’m convinced they will do that.”

Man City vs Real Madrid: Guardiola calls Champions League quarter-final fixture ‘special’

Ben Miller
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Man City vs Real Madrid: Guardiola calls Champions League quarter-final fixture ‘special’

Manchester City have a “special” opportunity to repeat their sensational Uefa Champions League performance against Real Madrid last season, manager Pep Guardiola has said.

The Premier League side thrashed Madrid – the most successful club in the history of the competition, with 14 triumphs – 4-0 at home in the second leg of the semi-finals to complete a 5-1 aggregate win on their way to European glory in 2022/23.

The teams will now meet for a third successive season, Madrid having beaten City in an epic semi-final in 2021/22, prevailing 6-5 on aggregate courtesy of Karim Benzema’s extra-time goal in the second leg.

“It’s a tradition, playing the kings of the competition,” Guardiola said of his team’s test in this season’s quarter-finals.

“Hopefully we will be in a good moment, as there are still a few weeks until the first leg in Madrid.

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“You cannot control the draw. Usually, when people say the draw is easy, it’s because you undermine the opponents. It is what it is.”

City vs Madrid: Cityzens ‘in routine’

Guardiola won the Champions League once as a player and twice as a head coach with Madrid’s arch-rivals, Barcelona.

“We will need two good games to go through,” said the Spaniard. “We are starting to become in the routine of being in the later stages.

“It’s special to go everywhere and try to play our best football. It’s so nice.”

Seven points clear at the top of La Liga, Madrid no longer have Benzema within their ranks but do have arguably Europe’s best player this season in summer signing Jude Bellingham.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were unconvincing in the round of 16, holding off an impressive Leipzig performance in the second leg to progress 2-1 on aggregate.

City host Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, when Madrid are in league action at Osasuna.

Hollywood heroes join Comic Relief in star-studded send-off for Sir Lenny Henry

Helen Greaney
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Hollywood heroes join Comic Relief in star-studded send-off for Sir Lenny Henry

Some of Hollywood’s finest have come together to put on a star-studded show to send off Sir Lenny Henry, as he hosts his final Red Nose Day, today.

The programme is on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 7pm.

In a brand-new multi-celebrity sketch, Julia Roberts, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson make special appearances in a sketch to argue it out to be named the most famous face.

Kate Winslet takes to story corner with a late night CBeebies Bedtime Story especially for parents as she reads F***, Now There Are Two of You.

Elliott Stanley, played by Jamie Dornan in BBC One’s The Tourist, finds himself face to face with the steely Clive Myrie in the iconic Mastermind chair. Faced with a torrent of questions he will need to rack his brain to try to remember… well anything!

Following Ryan Gosling’s performance at the Oscars this week, Sir Lenny Henry will take on his own version of the Oscar-nominated song from the Barbie film, I’m Just Len.

Suranne Jones (pictured as Claudia Winkleman), Jonathan Bailey, Catherine Tate and Sally Phillips are among the cast for The Traitors: The Movie. The W1A cast reunite in a bid to find Sir Lenny’s replacement as host, and North Norfolk Digital’s most prolific radio host, Alan Partridge will be riding the regional airwaves all the way from his studio joined by Sidekick Simon.

McFly will open the show with a special medley of some of the most loved Comic Relief singles from the last few years, including Walk This Way and, of course, All About You.

Singing sensation JERUB will take to the stage with a moving song to celebrate Sir Lenny Henry’s last year of hosting while Jack Black will issue a musical call to action. Paloma Faith will perform her new single, Enjoy yourself (The Red Nose Day Edition).

Exciting prizes will be on offer too, including the same Aston Martin V12 Vanquish model made famous by James Bond in ‘Die Another Day’ donated by Chris Evans and CarFest, and the most sought after prize in pop, six hospitality tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour at Wembley Stadium are up for grabs.

Money raised by Red Nose Day will go towards organisations helping to tackle some of the urgent problems faced by people here in the UK and around the world. This could include helping provide shelter for those that need it, putting food on plates, filling the shelves of baby banks, offering someone to talk to, or somewhere to be safe.

Man City team news vs Newcastle: Injury dogs De Bruyne, Ederson out, Grealish in contention

Ben Miller
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Man City team news vs Newcastle: Injury dogs De Bruyne, Ederson out, Grealish in contention

Kevin De Bruyne will miss Manchester City’s FA Cup fifth round tie at home to Newcastle on Saturday with a groin injury which has ruled him out of Belgium’s friendlies this month.

Red Devils manager Domenico Tedesco announced earlier this week that De Bruyne would not feature for his national squad as a precaution, and City manager Pep Guardiola will allow the 32-year-old to rest after he played for 69 minutes of the reigning Premier League champions’ 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday.

“He’s not ready,” said Guardiola, who lost De Bruyne for five months of the season following hamstring surgery.

“He had some problems at Anfield. We spoke with the Belgium manager and he decided. I’m grateful because then [De Bruyne] can feel good and be ready for the rest of the season.”

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Guardiola dismissed the idea that the decision to play De Bruyne in the top-of-the-table game despite his issue was questionable.

“All players in today’s football [play with] problems,” said Guardiola. “The day after, he didn’t feel good… it was better to take a step back.”

Ederson injury: Return vs Arsenal possible

De Bruyne remonstrated with Guardiola when he was substituted, but the Spaniard said afterwards that there was “no problem” between the pair.

First-choice goalkeeper Ederson will also be absent against the Magpies, although Guardiola expects him to be ready to face Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on March 31.

Stefan Ortega will deputise for Ederson, who was replaced shortly after being injured while trying to stop Darwin Nunez from capitalising on a misplaced Nathan Ake backpass against Liverpool, conceding the 50th-minute penalty which allowed Mac Allister to equalise.

“He has proven himself with incredible-quality performances when he’s had to play,” Guardiola said of Ortega.

Jack Grealish could return for the FA Cup holders, with Guardiola describing the playmaker as “getting better” and “in the group”.

City are a point behind Arsenal and Liverpool in third in the Premier League and were pitted against familiar rivals Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final draw on Friday.

Manchester United v Liverpool: Ten Hag says Red Devils always rise to the big occasion

Jon Fisher
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Manchester United v Liverpool: Ten Hag says Red Devils always rise to the big occasion

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United reserve their best for the big occasion and is confident his players will produce against Liverpool on Sunday.

United get the chance to end their north-west rivals’ bid for a domestic and continental quadruple when Jurgen Klopp’s men visit in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

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It promises to be a white-hot atmosphere and Ten Hag says that is when his players thrive.

“In such games, we always achieve very good performances,” he said. 

“We [have] had our setbacks, our lows but I don’t think in any really high-rated game we had our lows. We were always on top form and I’m convinced we will be on Sunday as well.

“We want to win, you play against a good team. They are very consistent so we need our best to beat them.

“Liverpool perform very well, the coach and the results, from around Christmas into January, February they play very good football, very good performances and very good results.”

Ten Hag’s claim that United are at their best in the biggest of matches doesn’t necessarily ring true – they managed a drab goalless draw at Anfield earlier this season but then lost home and away to Manchester City and slipped out of the Champions League following a limp 1-0 defeat in a must-win game at home to Bayern Munich.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman is hoping a win against Liverpool can transform their fortunes and pave the way for a strong end to the season.

Asked if the game could turn their campaign around, he added: “We never got turned around so far [in terms of form]. We had our opportunities but we missed our opportunities. 

“Sunday we have another good opportunity to get the momentum. The players showed lately, from January on, we are in a very good [run] of games, a lot of wins. They have to believe they can do it. Now we have to take the momentum.

“That is what I feel when I train with them around the games, they have belief, good confidence and good spirit to go and play and get the turnaround.”

Ten Hag’s gameplan will centre around trying to get in behind the Liverpool defence.

He said: “We are very good when there is space in the back of the defending line. We showed against Man City, it was really small margins, when we should have got the second goal. Even after their first, [at] 1-1, with [Alejandro] Garnacho, we had a great opportunity to make it 2-1. We could have won this game.

“That will be also be our intention for Sunday, we will go and be brave and go forward where it’s possible. We know when there is space in the back of their defending line we can exploit it – but we have to get to that point, to outplay them, get the balls there and that demands good strategy in the key moments.”

United have suffered from persistent injury problems this season but the walking wounded are starting to return.

“We had a good week, [Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka] returned on the pitch. Partly at the start of this week and today we had a session and they were all training,” added Ten Hag.

“I think [they’re available] we have one session tomorrow and we have to see how they recover from this. It looks good.

“Tom Heaton is back as well. Mason Mount trained all week with us. Some full sessions with us. So it’s looking good.”

Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Manchester by Car

News Desk
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Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Manchester by Car

Manchester is bursting at the seams with history, cultural treasures, and an electric city vibe, all ripe for exploration. Whether you’re a local itching to see your city in a new light, or a visitor ready to dive into everything Manchester has to offer, getting to grips with the roads here can really unlock a whole new world of opportunities. Let’s dive into how you can navigate this journey smoothly and what awaits you in Manchester once you hit the road.

Getting Your License: The First Milestone

The journey to explore Manchester by car starts with booking your driving test. It might seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, you’ll be cruising through the city in no time. Here’s how you can prepare:

  1. Find a Reputable Driving School: A good instructor is invaluable. Look for a driving school that boasts high pass rates and has instructors who know Manchester’s roads like the back of their hand.
  2. Hit the Books: Before you get behind the wheel, you’ll need to pass your theory test. Familiarize yourself with the Highway Code, road signs, and practice hazard perception tests online.
  3. Practice Makes Perfect: Get as much practice as you can. Whether it’s navigating through busy city streets or cruising down quieter roads, variety in your driving experience is key.
  4. Stay Calm and Focused: When the day comes to book your driving test in Manchester, remember to stay calm. Test nerves are normal, but trust in your preparation.
  5. Pass the test: Simply find the time available by searching “book driving test Manchester” and choose the slot that suits you best.

Discovering Manchester: A Driver’s Perspective

Once you’ve got your license, it’s time to explore Manchester’s treasures. Here’s a taste of what awaits:

Immerse Yourself in Culture

Manchester is home to an array of cultural hotspots. Drive down to the Manchester Art Gallery to feast your eyes on both historic works and contemporary exhibitions. Or, if you’re a music buff, the Manchester Music Tour will take you through the city’s rich musical heritage, from The Smiths to Oasis.

A Taste of Manchester

Manchester’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious so it’s worth taking a drive around the Northern Quarter, and you’ll find everything from cozy cafes to trendy bars and restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying some local delicacies, like the famous Manchester Tart.

Green Spaces and Scenic Drives

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Manchester is surrounded by beautiful countryside that’s just a short drive away. Head over to Heaton Park for a picnic or take a scenic drive to the Peak District for breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Shopping Spree

From designer boutiques to quirky independent shops, Manchester’s shopping scene has something for everyone. Take a leisurely drive to the Trafford Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, or explore the unique stores in Afflecks, an emporium of eclecticism in the Northern Quarter.

Making the Most of Your Manchester Adventure

Exploring Manchester by car gives you the freedom to discover the city at your own pace. Here are some tips to make the most of your driving experience:

  1. Plan Your Routes: While spontaneous trips can be fun, having a rough idea of where you’re going can save you time and stress. Use a GPS or map app to help navigate.
  2. Stay Informed About Traffic: Manchester can get busy, especially during peak hours so Keep an eye on traffic updates to avoid congestion.
  3. Parking Smarts: Familiarize yourself with parking options in your destination area as Manchester offers various parking facilities, from street parking to multi-story car parks.
  4. Explore Beyond the City: Don’t limit yourself to the city center since Manchester’s surrounding areas are full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Embracing the Journey

Obtaining your driver’s license is more than just a ticket to freedom; it’s a gateway to discovering the myriad of experiences Manchester has to offer. From cultural excursions and culinary adventures to scenic drives and shopping sprees, having the ability to explore Manchester by car opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

So, whether you’re a local resident ready to see your city from a new lens or a visitor eager to dive into Manchester’s vibrant life, the road awaits. The journey to passing your driving test might seem challenging, but it’s the first step in a much larger adventure. With preparation, practice, and a dash of patience, you’ll be ready to embark on your Manchester exploration journey.

Remember, the road to discovery is not just about the destinations you’ll visit but the experiences you’ll have along the way. So buckle up, start your engines, and get ready to uncover the sights, sounds, and flavors of Manchester. 

Critical Safety Policies For New Businesses In Manchester

News Desk
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Critical Safety Policies For New Businesses In Manchester

Starting a new business is an exhilarating journey, filled with excitement and ambition. However, amidst the thrill of bringing new services or products to the market, it’s paramount to consider the safety and well-being of your employees and customers. In Manchester, a vibrant city known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring your business adheres to critical safety policies not only fosters a positive working environment but also secures your company’s reputation and operational longevity.

Risk Assessment and Management

Before anything else, identifying potential hazards in your workplace is crucial. Whether it’s a café, an office, or a retail shop, each has its unique set of risks. Conducting thorough risk assessments allows you to pinpoint areas of concern and mitigate them effectively. It’s not about eliminating every possible hazard but about understanding and managing them to prevent accidents.

Equally important is creating a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Encouraging employees to report potential hazards empowers them and provides an extra set of eyes to catch anything that might have been overlooked. Remember, a safe working environment is the foundation upon which successful businesses are built.

Emergency Preparedness

No one likes to think about emergencies, but being prepared can make all the difference. Clear, accessible emergency exit signs and well-rehearsed evacuation procedures are essential. Ensure that all employees know what to do and where to go in case of an emergency, be it a fire, flood, or other unforeseen events. Regular drills can help familiarise your team with the evacuation process, reducing panic and confusion should an actual emergency occur.

Having a designated safety officer or team within your business can also be invaluable. They can oversee the implementation of emergency procedures and act as a point of contact for all safety-related matters.

First Aid and Accident Reporting

Accidents can happen, even in the safest workplaces. That’s why having a robust system for reporting and responding to accidents is crucial. Keeping detailed records of any incidents helps in identifying trends and areas for improvement. It also ensures that you’re complying with legal requirements for workplace safety.

Choosing quality first aid training in Manchester is essential. It equips your staff with the skills to respond effectively to injuries or health emergencies until professional medical help arrives. This training can literally be the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Health and Safety Training

Investing in health and safety training pays dividends in the long run. It’s not just about ticking boxes for compliance; it’s about equipping your team with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely. From basic training on workplace ergonomics to more specific instructions on operating machinery or handling chemicals, ensuring your employees are well-informed is a cornerstone of a safe working environment.

This training should be an ongoing process, not a one-off event. As your business grows and evolves, so too will the types of risks your employees face. Keeping training up to date ensures that everyone is aware of the best practices for safety at work.

Final Thoughts

For new businesses in Manchester, establishing a comprehensive safety policy is not just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one. Protecting the health and well-being of your employees and customers should be at the heart of your operational strategy. By focusing on risk assessment, emergency preparedness, health and safety training, workplace wellbeing, and first aid and accident reporting, you’re laying the foundations for a resilient, responsible, and successful business.

Man United team news vs Liverpool: Injury rules Bayindir out of FA Cup quarter-final

Ben Miller
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Man United team news vs Liverpool: Injury rules Bayindir out of FA Cup quarter-final

Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir will miss Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final at home to Liverpool on Sunday with a muscle injury.

Turkey international Bayindir made his United debut in the club’s nervy fourth-round win at fourth-tier Newport County but will not feature at Old Trafford against opponents who are 17 points above the Red Devils in the Premier League.

Bayindir is expected to be out for two weeks and will miss his country’s friendlies in Hungary and Austria this month.

First choice Andre Onana played in United’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the fifth round.

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Full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and midfielder Mason Mount have returned to training, with manager Erik ten Hag likely to provide an update on their chances of featuring against the Reds in a press conference on Friday.

Martinez injury return continues

Defender Lisandro Martinez has joined Argentina’s squad for a training camp in the US but will be building his fitness rather than playing as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

Jonny Evans has not been called up for Northern Ireland’s fixtures against Romania and Scotland because of a minor issue, and fellow centre-back Harry Maguire is close to returning, having been named in England’s squad this week for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

United will have a 13-day break following the visit of Liverpool to accomodate the international schedule.

They visit struggling Brentford on March 30, knowing that any slip-up would be another blow to their chances of bridging the gap on the qualification places for next season’s Uefa Champions League.

Tottenham, who occupy the fifth spot which is likely to be enough to reach the elite European club competition, are six points above United with a game in hand.

A routine 2-0 home win over Everton was a welcome relief for United in their last top-flight match after a run of two defeats, starting with a last-gasp loss at home to Fulham.

Marcus Rashford’s thunderbolt gave them a surprise early lead at Manchester City in their subsequent game before a second-half comeback gave the reigning champions a 3-1 victory.

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