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RUBEN AMORIM BREAKS GOLDEN RULE: GARY NEVILLE SPOTS SHOCK MAN UTD FORMATION CHANGE

Why are Man Utd annoyed by leak rumours? Gary Neville discusses the "secret" shift to a back four during the Bournemouth draw.

Ruben Amorim Breaks Golden Rule: Gary Neville Spots Shock Man Utd Formation Change
Gary Neville Analyses New 4-2-4 Tactics vs Bournemouth

Gary Neville, the Man U ex-defender, gave his opinion on the talk about the team's formation shift during their 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Fans were surprised during the game because the starting lineup seemed like it would be a back five, but the team switched to more of a four during the match.

This is weird because head coach Ruben Amorim was adamant for the first year or so that he wouldn't change tactics. He'd made it clear he wouldn't move from a five to a four.

He said something like No one, not even the Pope, will change my tactics. This is my job, my responsibility, my life. I won't change it.

Neville talked about those quotes on the latest Stick To Football podcast before speaking about United's changes.

He said, So, he's basically saying he'll never change the system. But on Monday night, the average positions and the graphic showed something different.

I mean, honestly, sometimes I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me because I couldn't figure out what he was doing. It was clear at the end that he was in a 4-2-4, but even during the game, something was up.

Did he change it? For the last 20 minutes, he was definitely in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-4. But in the first part of the game, something was different that they'd spotted earlier that week.

Apparently, United are a little annoyed because word got out that he's going to switch to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. He was super clear about not changing, but we've all wanted him to change and be more flexible. So where are we now? It's pretty clear he changed things on Monday.

At times, United looked like their old selves, but then old habits came back. Still, it's a good sign that the head coach is willing to adjust tactics.

But Bournemouth's coach, Andoni Iraola, didn't seem so sure about any changes. After the game, he said, I think it's the same system they always play; they just adjust based on who you're marking them with. In the end, it's a very flexible system.

Depending on the players, especially the outside players, they'll go lower if you mark them with a full-back and higher with a winger.

The positions in the middle, the six and eight, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, and even us, we were changing. It's supposed to be two against two, but it's not really.

We suffered in the first 15 or 20 minutes until we matched up well. But after we put Alex [Scott] there, we felt much more solid without the ball. And when you feel solid, you usually attack better, too.

Given United's upcoming absences, we'll see if they keep those changes or if it was a one-time thing.

WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA

Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.

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Marcus Rashford is right to choose the sun of Spain over Manchester

Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.

He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.

Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.

The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.

England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.

Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.

He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.

Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.

If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.

COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS

Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.

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Family ties are pulling Chelsea’s star back to Manchester

Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.

Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.

The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.

It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.

Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.

Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.

“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”

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