Manchester United

Manchester United will be confident of progressing from the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Club Brugge in the first leg on Thursday.

United were behind after 15 minutes when Emmanuel Dennis scored in style for the hosts. It was left to Anthony Martial to hit back for the Red Devils a little more than 20 minutes later.

Martial's priceless away goal at Jan Breydel Stadium means United are still well-positioned to finish the job when the two teams meet in the return leg at Old Trafford on February 27.

United deployed a 3-4-2-1 lineup, but the formation did little to prevent the hosts from setting the early pace. Brugge broke at will, consistently springing winger Dennis and striker Percy Tau behind the United back three.

It was reported Borussia Dortmund target Dennis who made the breakthrough when he caught United deputy goalkeeper Sergio Romero cold with a cheeky lob in the 15th minute.

Dennis hasn't been in awe of big-name opposition this season:

Emmanuel Dennis: goals against Real Madrid, a goal against Man United. Ideal for his cv. #mufc pic.twitter.com/aOLvQ4MAUX

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) February 20, 2020

Clever movement from Dennis, allied with the pace of Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Tau, maintained Brugge's considerable threat. Dennis was unlucky not to score a second when he drew Romero into a fine save soon after.

It was a key stop because United were on level terms nine minutes before the break when Martial profited from a mistake at the back. The Frenchman was ruthless in the way he raced clear and finished coolly.

Goals are becoming a happy habit for one of the more under-appreciated centre-forwards in Europe:

Anthony Martial's top-scoring seasons for Manchester United:

2015-16: 17 goals
2019-20: 14 goals

Common theme? The No.9 shirt. 😉 pic.twitter.com/8F9Hf97VHD

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 20, 2020

Martial was still causing nerves along the Brugge back line during the second half. His quick feet and power almost took him through on three occasions, only for desperate, last-ditch tackles to deny the former AS Monaco man.

While he was lively, Martial was replaced soon after a clash near the touchline, with Odion Ighalo entering the fray. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also added another physical presence to his team by withdrawing Andreas Pereira and introducing Fred.

The changes would have counted for naught had Odilon Kossounou converted from inside the box in the 76th minute. Dennis was typically at the heart of the move, turning Harry Maguire inside out before firing a low cross across the penalty area.

Siebe Schrijvers dummied brilliantly, leaving Kossounou with the time to pick his spot beyond Romero. Instead, the midfielder leaned back and scuffed a poor effort wide of the post, a major let-off for the away side.

Solskjaer responded by bringing January signing Bruno Fernandes off the bench to replace Diogo Dalot. The ex-Sporting CP star instantly began linking up well with Juan Mata.

https://twitter.com/FourFourJordan/status/1230577864132698113

Fernandes made an immediate impact, but it came too late for United to turn a draw into victory. Even so, Solskjaer will fancy his squad to have enough quality to outwork and overpower Brugge in Manchester.

                   

What's Next?

United host struggling Watford in the Premier League on Sunday, while Brugge are also in domestic action on the same day, at home to Charleroi.

Manchester United midfielder Fred has said manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is "growing every day" in the top job at Old Trafford. 

The Norwegian has been in charge of the Red Devils for 14 months, and after a superb start as Jose Mourinho's successor, he has largely struggled during his tenure, particularly since being given the job permanently last March:

Manchester United's plight under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is real 😐

The Red Devils have lost more league games than they've won since he took permanent charge! 📉 pic.twitter.com/ZBcQOB7PYK

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 23, 2020

Per UOL Esporte (h/t Goal's James Westwood), Fred acknowledged the Red Devils are not performing as they should be at the moment, but he put his support behind Solskjaer:

"Solskjaer is our teacher and does a good job. He is young and growing every day. He learned a lot and will grow as a coach and person. It is up to the board to decide, we do not have the power to decide on this. But he is very nice, he is an extraordinary person, he talks a lot, he has a playful side and he is always smiling. The day-to-day is great and he is very important for the team, as he was as a player in the history of the club."

Solskjaer's United side are currently seventh in the Premier League table, three points off the top four. Champions-elect and fierce rivals Liverpool have double the number of points:

Man Utd move to within 3⃣ points of Chelsea#CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/5SgZG2OMDW

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 17, 2020

If the Manchester giants do not qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, which they could also do via the UEFA Europa League, Solskjaer will likely pay with his job.

Fred, 26, signed for United from Shakhtar Donetsk in June 2018, when Mourinho was still in charge.

After struggling in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, he has been greatly improved this term and put in another fine performance on Monday as United beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge:

Fred’s among Man Utd players vs. Chelsea:

• most passes attempted (56)
• most passes completed (46)
• most ball recoveries (14)
• = most tackles won (3)
• = most fouls won (2)

Another big game display. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/rc7KFGoHDM

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 17, 2020

Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire were the goalscorers in west London as United completed their first double over Chelsea in more than 30 years:

2 - Manchester United have completed their first league double over Chelsea since the 1987-88 campaign, while this is the first time they’ve done so without conceding since 1964-65. Awaited. #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/vOwzPgVbi2

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2020

It was another landmark result for Solskjaer against a big side in 2019-20.

As well as earning two league victories over Chelsea this season, United have also beaten Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City, and they are the only side to get anything off Liverpool.

Conversely, Solskjaer's side have struggled against the English top-flight's smaller sides, losing against Burnley, Watford, Bournemouth, West Ham United and Crystal Palace. 

United are back in action on Thursday when they take on Club Brugge in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 tie before Sunday's home clash in the league against Watford. 

Paul Pogba isn't close to returning to training with Manchester United and Marcus Rashford's season is at risk after the injured striker suffered a setback in his recovery.

That's the bleak prognosis provided by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Wednesday. Speaking ahead of the Red Devils' UEFA Europa League fist-leg encounter with Club Brugge on Thursday, Solskjaer didn't sound positive about Pogba:

Solskjaer on Pogba possibly training with #mufc squad soon: 'He's not anywhere near that yet.' #mufc

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 19, 2020

Solskjaer was even more unsure about Rashford's status for the rest of the campaign, per Charlotte Duncker of the Manchester Evening News:

"I would hope he's playing this season. It will just be touch and go towards the end. Hopefully we can get through this tournament and prolong the season. It takes time, I'm not a doctor. I was hoping he would recover quicker than what it looks like he’s going to be out for. Another few months definitely. If he's not fit enough he won't go (to the European Championship)."

When asked about what has set Rashford's recovery time back, Solskjaer said: "He had a scan and it was maybe more severe than what we hoped and expected. He felt fine a few days before that. I didn't know it takes that time to recover. When it heals he will be stronger for it so it's important we don't rush it."

Rashford has been dealing with a back problem, and the idea his involvement at this summer's UEFA Euro 2020 could be in doubt will have England manager Gareth Southgate worried. In the meantime, it's Solskjaer who must adapt his team to cope without Rashford's pace, movement and eye for goal.

It's a tricky process, but Solskjaer has at least been able to count on Anthony Martial. The versatile No. 9 scored his 13th goal in all competitions this season when he headed in United's opener during the 2-0 win away to Chelsea on Monday night.

🤩 @AnthonyMartial is in good company!#MUFChttps://t.co/FicrxW7mCf pic.twitter.com/SXxtdFBhna

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 18, 2020

United ensured there is support for Martial by signing Odion Ighalo on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window. The former Watford man looked sharp during a brief cameo as a substitute against the Blues.

Odion Ighalo becomes the first Nigerian to feature for Manchester United 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/UlnaPxtj3w

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 17, 2020

With Mason Greenwood also showing promise as a 10-goal teenager this season, Solskjaer's forward line should cope in Rashford's absence.

It may be a different story in midfield, though, where Pogba's mix of power and skill would be missed by any team. The Frenchman has made just six starts this campaign and has been recovering from ankle surgery.

Solskjaer's uncertain answer about the 26-year-old's status comes at a time when the United chief has been trading barbs with Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola. Pogba's future is also clouded by rumours he expects to be allowed to move on this summer, with ESPN FC's Rob Dawson reporting the midfielder wants to move to either Barcelona, Real Madrid or former club Juventus.

Paul Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, via @FabrizioRomano:

🗣 "Pogba feels at home in Italy. Italy is like his second home. ... That's why Paul would like to come back to Juventus." pic.twitter.com/nbR7a5AE0r

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 14, 2020

January import Bruno Fernandes has already added energy and quality to the middle of the park, but few players can unlock defences as well as Pogba. His prolonged absence will increase the burden on Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata to fill the creative void.

United need more goals to boost their pursuit of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League. Solskjaer's men have scored just 38 times in England's top flight, the second-lowest tally of any member of the top seven.

If Fernandes and Ighalo deliver, United will still be relevant in the race. Yet lacking the quality Rashford and Pogba can provide will likely ultimately leave the Red Devils short of their targets this season.

Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has called for the club to stick with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the long term.

The Dutchman spoke about the difficulties the club have endured since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013:

"They aren't consistent enough to compete for trophies" 🏆

Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie wants the club to stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjær despite their struggles pic.twitter.com/37Idlk8DLc

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 19, 2020

He told Omnisport (h/t Goal's Chris Myson):

"Especially after Alex Ferguson left, everyone realised that it would be tough to stick to that level that Ferguson achieved for all of those years.

"I think everyone could see that. Now [David] Moyes has been there, [Louis] van Gaal, [Jose] Mourinho and Solskjaer. 

"Ferguson took time to adjust and get to a certain level. I don't think that it's ideal for the club to keep changing the manager every one or two years. 

"If you go for Solskjaer, go for him and give him time, that is what I think because the club needs to find some stability."

Van Persie's comments come after he was critical of Solskjaer following United's 2-0 defeat to another of his former clubs, Arsenal:

"Just be angry. I see him smiling after a game like that, now is not the moment to smile."@Persie_Official wants to see a mean streak in Ole Gunnar Solskjær after Man Utd suffer defeats. pic.twitter.com/NeXbLngppH

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 2, 2020

The Norwegian had a spiky response when the comments were put to him in a press conference:

"He took my number 20 and that’s probably all he’s going to take from me as well...”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hit back at Robin van Persie's criticism of him 👀#bbcfootball #mufc pic.twitter.com/HucwpitCQg

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 3, 2020

David Moyes succeeded Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2013, but he was sacked before the end of his first season in charge after the club failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Louis van Gaal took United back to the top four the following season. In his second campaign, he won the FA Cup but was sacked after the club finished fifth having scored just 49 goals in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho guided the Red Devils to the UEFA Europa League and the EFL Cup in his first campaign in charge and to second in the Premier League in his second, but he was replaced by Solskjaer last season after a poor start.

Since Solskjaer became United's permanent boss in March, he hasn't been overly convincing, either.

The team have won just 12 of his 34 Premier League games in charge in that time. This season, they've failed to find the net on 11 occasions in all competitions.

However, United have made some strong permanent acquisitions under Solskjaer; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.

They've also moved on a number of players who were not contributing enough or past their best, such as Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young. Their squad is thin, but it's a work in progress heading in the right direction.

Under Solskjaer this season, United have beaten Chelsea three times, Manchester City twice, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur once apiece, and they're the only side to avoid defeat against Liverpool in the Premier League.

United are two points off fifth place—which will likely carry a UEFA Champions League place this season because of second-place City's European ban—with 12 matches remaining.

Former Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon has said there was substance in rumours linking him with Manchester United in January.

Gary Jacob and Martin Hardy of The Times reported the Red Devils were weighing a move for the Venezuelan, now at Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional, before they opted to sign Odion Ighalo from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua.

Rondon told AS (h/t Sport Witness' Naveen Ullal): "There was something. It was not smoke. They were rumours and very strong. In the end, it could not be specified, and now I have to focus on Dalian."

The striker joined West Brom in 2015 after scoring 28 goals in 58 games for Zenit St. Petersburg. He scored the same number of goals in 120 games for the Baggies before joining Newcastle on loan for the 2018-19 season.

He played 33 times for the Magpies, notching 12 goals and seven assists. All but one of those strikes came in the Premier League, and he played a key role in Newcastle's survival last season under Rafa Benitez.

Because of Newcastle's defensive approach, he would typically cut an isolated figure at St James' Park, often being the lone player in an opponent's half.

However, his superb hold-up play made him perfect for the role, allowing him to keep the ball under pressure from defenders and bring in the likes of Miguel Almiron and Ayoze Perez when the Magpies launched a counter-attack.

As football journalist Simon Edwards observed during last summer's Copa America, he's similarly effective for Venezuela:

Salomon Rondon is exceptionally good, particularly for the way Venezuela play.

He wins every 50/50, always offers, brings in teammates, makes the right decisions, wins all the headers and poses a goal threat.

A wonderfully industrial yet intelligent modern target man.

— Simon Edwards (@SimonEdwardsSAF) June 19, 2019

Rondon then followed Benitez to Dalian last summer, where he has five goals and three assists in 12 games.

He and Ighalo are both 30, but the former experienced English football much more recently. The Nigerian left Watford in January 2017 after scoring once in 20 matches that season, though in the previous campaign, he had netted 18 goals in 42 games.

Rondon would likely have been a more useful acquisition than Ighalo, but Ighalo is only on loan at Old Trafford until the end of the season, so it was a relatively low-risk move for the Red Devils.

Manchester United will hope to continue building momentum on Thursday, when they resume their UEFA Europa League push against Club Brugge.

The Red Devils enhanced their chances of finishing in the Premier League's top four on Monday, producing an impressive performance to win 2-0 at Chelsea. Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire netted in each half for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

In the Europa League, United were able to progress through the group stage with relative ease and will be big favourites up against their Belgian opponents. Brugge are currently nine points clear at the top of their domestic league so have license to go all out in European competition.

An intriguing match is on the cards at Jan Breydel Stadium. 

        

Odds 

Brugge win (19/10)

Draw (9/4)

United win (3/2)

Odds courtesy of Caesars.

   

Date: Thursday, February 20

Time: 5:55 p.m. (GMT), 12:55 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: BT Sport 2 (UK)

Live Stream: BT Sport website (UK), B/R Live (U.S)

  

Although United have been a long way short of their best at times this season, the campaign has yielded some memorable moments against other high-profile sides.

Monday was the third time they've beaten Chelsea this term and the second time they've won at Stamford Bridge. Headers from Martial and Maguire were enough for them to chop down the gap to the Blues to just three points:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNG-OeQIiFE

United had to see out spells of pressure at times during the match at Stamford Bridge, but they always carry a threat on the counter-attack and from set-piece situations.

Martial showed brilliant forward instincts to get in front of his marker to put United ahead, before Maguire bullied his marker and powered home a header to seal the game.

The defender, who was made captain in January following the sale of Ashley Young, was lucky not to see red in the first half after he appeared to kick out at Michy Batshuayi. However, that aside, he was outstanding at the base of the team.

Andy Mitten of The Athletic said it was the centre-back's best performance for the club:

Bang. That’s what Maguire should be doing. Best game so far for him. He’s absolutely buzzing in front of that away end - who are singing a song about his head being massive.

— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) February 17, 2020

Sports journalist Daniel Harris was also impressed by the defender's display, as well as that of his centre-back partner Eric Bailly:

https://twitter.com/DanielHarris/status/1229696372208754690

After a huge effort on Monday, it will be intriguing to see how many United players keep their place in the XI for the trip to Brugge, especially given Solskjaer has a number of injury problems to contend with.

Up top, the likes of Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard may get opportunities to show what they can do. The former has shone in continental competition this season, with four goals in five appearances.

Greenwood has been one of the most prolific teenagers in European football this season:

Only four teenagers in Europe's top five leagues have scored 10+ goals across all competitions:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jadon Sancho
🇳🇴 Erling Håland*
🇧🇷 Gabriel Martinelli
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Mason Greenwood

*UCL and the German Bundesliga only. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/1dDPxBH9C4

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 27, 2020

Brugge struggled in the main in their Champions League group but were able to finish in third behind Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to secure a spot in the Europa League. They were unable to win any of their six games but earned creditable draws home and away with Galatasaray, as well as a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.

United should be too strong on the night, though, and a win would give the Belgian outfit a mountain to climb for the return leg in a week's time.

Prediction: Brugge 1-2 Manchester United

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has said he was "nervous" before making his return to the team on Monday against Chelsea.

The Red Devils produced a fine defensive display to get the better of Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, keeping their hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League alive. Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire were on target for United.

However, for many, Bailly was the star man for the Red Devils. The centre-back made a number of crucial interventions to deny the Chelsea forwards. He admitted he was a little edgy before making his first start since April, per James Westwood of Goal:

"It's not easy when you don't play for so long. But it only gets easier by playing games. I have been telling the manager that I want to play. I've been working hard after a bad, long, injury.

"I've been ready to play for a week and told the manager that. I took a few minutes to settle when the game started. I was nervous if I'm honest after so long away because it was almost a year when I was injured against Chelsea, but then things went OK. I felt the support from my team-mates and my manager which is important."

Bailly's standout moment came in the second half, when he was able to make up a lot of ground to block Mateo Kovacic's goalbound effort:

He's back 😎@EricBailly24 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/iNeIT0SiEU

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 18, 2020

Per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, the display was reminiscent of the 25-year-old's early days at United, when he was able to excel:

August 2016 Eric Bailly has returned so far tonight.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 17, 2020

Bailly looked as though he was going to be a fantastic signing for United when he joined in the summer of 2016. However, his stock has fallen drastically since then.

A number of injury issues saw the Ivory Coast international lose his place in the team, and when he has been given opportunities since, the defender has failed to take them. The 10-month layoff as a result of a knee ligament issue cast further doubts over his long-term future at United.

However, Monday night was a reminder of what Bailly can do when he's at his best. Daniel Harris of the Guardian believes Bailly is a natural partner for Maguire:

https://twitter.com/DanielHarris/status/1229696372208754690

SB Nation's Zito Madu also praised the defender, commenting on his ability to rescue United from difficult situations:

Eric Bailly is wild. Everything he does seems like the worst possible idea at the time and then he makes it work.

— Zito (@_Zeets) February 17, 2020

The key for Bailly is consistent form and fitness. He has likely earned another chance in defence for the Red Devils; a more appropriate judge of his position at the club will be possible after a few more matches.

The Red Devils are in action in the UEFA Europa League at Club Brugge on Thursday and then host Watford in the Premier League on Sunday. Bailly will surely get an opportunity in one of those games, and it's imperative he backs up his efforts when he does take to the field again.

Paul Pogba may get his wish to leave Old Trafford this summer, but Manchester United will demand a hefty fee for the man who temporarily became the world's most expensive player when he returned to the club in 2016.

Pogba reportedly wants out at United, per ESPN FC's Rob Dawson, who also noted that the Red Devils "are determined that he will not be sold in a cut-price deal."

There's little chance United won't fetch a pretty penny for Pogba, with European heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus top of the Frenchman's wish list. If any of those teams are serious about signing Pogba, they will have to stump up a fee in excess of £150 million, according to Dawson.

Pogba, who is out of contract in 18 months, wanted to make his exit from Manchester last summer. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer talked the 26-year-old out of a move, but Pogba thinks things will be different once this season concludes, per Dawson.

It's not unreasonable for Pogba to feel confident this will be his last campaign with United. The mercurial playmaker has dealt with injury for most of it, undergoing ankle surgery and making only rare and fleeting appearances in Solskjaer's first-choice XI.

Pogba has started a mere five games in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup. While there's no denying United have missed his power and guile, the club has already taken steps to move on.

Bruno Fernandes arrived from Sporting CP during the January transfer window, costing an initial £47 million. The Portugal international has a keen eye for goal, a solid range of passes and more box-to-box energy than Pogba, qualities he's been steadily showcasing in a United shirt:

Bruno Fernandes in #UEL action 😍

🏆2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣❓ pic.twitter.com/sky2he8VtY

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 17, 2020

Bruno Fernandes already has as many PL assists this season as Mesut Özil (1).

Didn’t take long. 😉 pic.twitter.com/eQ19sBhGPe

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 17, 2020

Fernandes' presence will make it easier to wave goodbye to United this summer. So will the prospect of no longer having to deal with Pogba's agent Raiola, who has been playing out a spat with Solskjaer through the press and social media, per BBC Sport.

Raiola has reminded Solskjaer Pogba doesn't belong to him, while also talking up the idea of a return to Juve, the club his client originally left United for back in 2012.

In addition to speculating on Pogba's next move, Raiola has also since sought to downplay his verbal sparring with Solskjaer. He told Sky Sports News' Calum Wilson: "I will reach out to Ole because nothing serious is going on. I certainly did not intend to have any disrespect to the club or towards him."

Raiola even confirmed Pogba's commitment to life at Old Trafford: "In this moment, there are no talks (over Pogba's future). He is only committed to Manchester United, and he respects his contract. Everybody is worried about Pogba leaving, but I am not worried."

It's an effective exercise in damage control and managing expectations, but the pattern for a transfer saga involving United's most costly asset seems inevitable this summer.

Football agent Mino Raiola hit out at Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yet again on Tuesday, stating Paul Pogba is only committed to the club until the end of the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament in the summer. 

The agent went after Solskjaer in a Twitter post on Monday after the manager said Pogba belonged to United, not Raiola. A day later, he joined TalkSport for a lengthy interview in which he repeated his statements:

"I've never said he is mine, but that doesn't mean if I'm being asked something I cannot answer. The question was 'would he like Italy?'―what has that got to do with being Manchester United's player. And saying that you are Manchester United's player – are you owned by the club?

"I have been asked if he likes Italy, and I am answering as Mino Raiola; am I not allowed to do that?

[…]

"United fans should read the whole interview. He is only committed to Manchester United until after the European Championship. The only focus there is to get back as soon as possible into the team to help the team, and to make a good end of the season for Manchester United. That is what I said in Italy and that is what I am saying here."

Raiola also aimed a dig at club legend Gary Neville, saying he should ask the Red Devils for a job and that he doesn't care what he thinks. Neville had urged United to cut ties with the agent and his clients:

Neville on Pogba's agent Raiola:

"The club needs to make a stand against that agent. He has messed them around now for years...

"United should just stand strong and not do business with this guy and say to players ‘if you’re represented by him we won’t deal with you’." pic.twitter.com/ZhXnQsyZJE

— GOAL (@goal) February 18, 2020

He also got into a back-and-forth with Simon Jordan over how he handles the transfer market:

🗣 Raiola: “I don’t move players.”

😡 Simon: “Of course you do!”

🗣 Raiola: “United didn’t buy a human.”

😡 Simon: “You should be regulated properly so this sort of nonsense stops.”

Must listen from @SJOpinion10 taking on agent @MinoRaiola over his conduct. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DGG9FmG84y

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 18, 2020

The outspoken Raiola has never avoided the spotlight. He has openly discussed the future of Pogba, stating he wants to return to Juventus:

Paul Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, via @FabrizioRomano:

🗣 "Pogba feels at home in Italy. Italy is like his second home. ... That's why Paul would like to come back to Juventus." pic.twitter.com/nbR7a5AE0r

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 14, 2020

The Frenchman hasn't played for the Red Devils since December, when he featured in two matches after a lengthy stint on the sidelines. He is once again absent due to injury.

United made Pogba the then-most expensive player in the world when they signed him from Juventus in 2016. The 26-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations, however, and exit rumours have been a constant.

Representative Raiola has a reputation for frequently moving his players from club to club, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic the most high-profile example. The Swede has played for nine different clubs as a professional and is now back at Milan for a second stint.

Per The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, a United source said the club are growing tired of the divisive Raiola:

Mino Raiola says on @talkSPORT he doesn’t talk about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (while talking about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer).

No wonder one source says United are “sick to the core” of working with him. All part of Paul Pogba’s exit strategy @TheAthleticUK #MUFChttps://t.co/pllGnKJwDc

— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) February 18, 2020

Raiola is a hard man to ignore, however, as his stable of clients includes numerous rising stars such as Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland, AZ's Calvin Stengs, Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma and PSV's Donyell Malen. He also represents established stars like Pogba, Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti and Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United's 2-0 win over Chelsea on Monday, hailing his dead-ball ability after the Portugal international assisted Harry Maguire for the second goal. 

Maguire converted after a textbook corner from Fernandes, a move that delighted the manager: "He's a top player, he wants to get on the ball. But at set-ball delivery he's top class, one of the better ones I've seen. And Harry, we know if he can get a run on the ball he's dangerous and he got the goal."

Solskjaer also said the win put United back in the thick of the race for a spot in next year's UEFA Champions League:

"Of course we want to be in the Champions League next year, and we've given ourselves a chance by this result, but we know that we need to improve.

"On creating chances, scoring goals. We showed a clean sheet again today, a foundation to build from.

"We're going to work hard, recover now because we've got a game on Thursday. So thanks for the help, all the recovery we get in Europe."

Fernandes spoke to Sky Sports (h/t MailOnline's Jack Kinnersley) after the win and said: "I feel great. It's a difficult game, a great team, and we need to win to keep [moving] forward in this way. We can do much better with the ball, but here it was a good game. I feel good; I play for the biggest club in England, and I am really happy. It's a dream come true."

Anthony Martial opened the scoring for the visitors shortly before half-time, and Maguire doubled the lead after the break. Fernandes showed his dead-ball ability on multiple occasions and went close to scoring himself, rattling the post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNG-OeQIiFE

The win moved United up to seventh place, just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea and two points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. A fifth-placed finish may be enough to book a spot in next year's UEFA Champions League if Manchester City are not successful with their appeal against the ban imposed by UEFA for financial fair play violations, per BBC Sport's Dan Roan.

Monday's win didn't come without controversy, however, with VAR overturning two Chelsea goals. The first decision in particular was a harsh one, with Fred pushing Cesar Azpilicueta into Brandon Williams before Kurt Zouma struck:

No way you can rule this goal out... Fred CLEARLY pushes Azpilicueta first and into Williams!

Chelsea fully within their rights to be fuming at how this match has been refereed! #CHEMUN

— Sam Quek (@SamanthaQuek) February 17, 2020

Olivier Giroud was deemed narrowly offside when he found the target with a header, and Maguire wasn't sent off after he appeared to kick out at Michy Batshuayi.

United's next outing will be the first leg of the UEFA Europa League against Club Brugge on Thursday, followed by a visit from Watford on Sunday.

Chelsea will host Spurs on Saturday in another crucial match in the race for the top four. They'll then entertain Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, February 25.