EXCLUSIVE: Hughes to stay at Carlisle
Mark Hughes is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.
The Man Utd legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.
Now he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.
Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.
“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.
“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.
“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”
Halsey’s verdict
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes Evanilson should never have received a red card against Man Utd.
“The Bournemouth striker slipped when he challenged Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui in the 70th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw.
“Ref Peter Bankes gave a yellow card to the Brazilian — and that was the correct call, as Evanilson’s slip turned his tackle into a reckless one. It was not serious foul play.
“Why on earth did VAR John Brooks get involved?
“It’s a very poor decision — and Bournemouth can feel aggrieved because it changed the game and dented their European hopes.
“They would have a good case to appeal the dismissal — and the three-match ban — as the incident was similar to Bruno Fernandes’ foul against Spurs last September.”
Hojlund must score ‘many more’ goals
Ruben Amorim has told Rasmus Hojlund he has to score “many more” goals for Manchester United ahead of their Europa League crunch.
United rescued a point at ten-man Bournemouth as Hojlund’s 96th-minute leveller cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd-minute opener.
The striker had scored just twice since December and has nine goals all season, including four in the Premier League.
Asked how Hojlund has dealt with his barren run, Amorim said: “I will not say he is relaxed but he could be a little lighter during the week.
“He now needs to score many more.
“I see the training, the way they behave, the way they want to improve.
“I see the games also and I try to put out the best 11 to win games. It was a good moment for him but it’s just a goal. Let’s focus on Thursday.”
Key player out for the season
Diogo Dalot could miss the rest of Manchester United’s season after suffering a calf injury.
The wing-back was ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League draw with Bournemouth and is a major doubt for both legs of the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao – the first leg is on Thursday in Spain.
In an injury-plagued season for United, Dalot has been one of their most reliable players fitness-wise.
The Portugal international, 26, has made more starts than any other United player and has featured in 51 of the club’s 52 games in all competitions – plus seven more for his country.
But boss Ruben Amorim fears his compatriot’s heavy work load has finally caught up with him.
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