Date finally confirmed for Man Utd clash as Bruno Fernandes drops new hint – Footymercato.com

The international break is providing an opportunity for Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United squad to take stock of things ahead of the run-in.

United’s final game before the intermission saw them secure a dramatic and much-needed victory over Liverpool to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup. There’s still plenty of work to do in the league, though, with a nine-point gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Ten Hag’s team do at least have a game in hand on Unai Emery’s men, though. There’s now a date in place for that fixture, as United prepare for the final 10 matches of the league season.

There’s also news from captain Bruno Fernandes, one of the United stars currently away on international duty. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from around Old Trafford.

Sheffield United meeting moved

Manchester United will now take on Sheffield United on April 24 at 8pm. The match was originally scheduled for last weekend but was postponed thanks to the Red Devils’ continued involvement in the FA Cup.

It’s one of a number of rearranged games confirmed by the Premier League, with others moved for TV. Three other games moved for the FA Cup quarter-finals will be televised – including the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton – but United’s meeting with the Blades will not.

Erik ten Hag’s team will play the relegation battlers just three days after meeting Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals. That match will kick off at 3.30pm, with the winner facing either Manchester City or Chelsea in the final.

Mainoo’s brother is Love Island star

Kobbie Mainoo is famous in his own right, but football fans are now learning the midfielder’s brother has a claim to fame of his own. Jordan Mainoo-Hames appeared on Love Island in 2019, entering on day 14 and leaving on day 52.

How impressed have you been by Kobbie Mainoo this season? Have your say in the comments section

United midfielder Mainoo has impressed for the club since returning from injury this season. The teenager was initially named in the England Under-21 squad for the March international break, only for Gareth Southgate to then add him to the senior squad.

England boss Gareth Southgate had initially indicated he wanted Mainoo to play more senior club minutes before earning a call-up, only to later bring him into the camp. “He’s a good footballer – you can see that. And he’s getting some fabulous experience with Manchester United at the moment. And he looks a really good character,” the Three Lions boss said.

Bruno drops position hint

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has hinted that his future could lie in a deeper midfield role. The Portuguese international tends to operate as an advanced midfielder for his club, even occasionally operating in a front three, but opened the door to an eventual change.

“In terms of passing, game organisation, defence, tactics. I have a little thought in my head that I’m going to end my career further back, because everyone who started there and went to No.10 ended up retreating on the field at the end,” Fernandes told A Bola during the international break.

“It’s a position I like, playing deeper, facing the game more. With the ball, it makes my game a lot easier because I have a broader view of the game and it is ideal for what we’ve talked about with the last pass, which can sometimes come from deeper on the pitch.

“The game with Everton was the one in which I created the most scoring opportunities, even though I was playing deeper and not playing as a No.10.”

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