Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has revealed that Bruno Fernandes is doubtful for their Premier League clash away at Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The Red Devils are looking to bounce back following a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley last weekend.

The result ended their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.

Ten Hag’s men are currently six points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham in the race to qualify for the Europa League.

Despite a poor campaign for United, Fernandes has scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in the league.

But he could miss just his second game of the season on Monday, with the 29-year-old having picked up a minor injury against Burnley which could rule him out of the trip to Selhurst Park.

“After the game [against Burnley] we had an issue with Bruno.

“He is a doubt for Monday, but we all know Bruno, never rule him out for any game. He will do his best to be available,” Ten Hag told reporters on Thursday.

Everton have already established contact with Wilfred Ndidi over a summer move.
Ndidi has less than two months on his contract with Leicester City and is not expected to sign an extension.

A number of clubs have already expressed interest in signing the defensive midfielder.

Anticipating they could face stiff competition for the Nigeria international, Everton have decided to send their proposal to the player early.

Ndidi, according to reports, is yet to decide his destination.

The 27-year-old played a crucial role in Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League.

The Foxes won the Sky Bet Championship title after a 3-0 victory over Preston North End on Monday.

Former African Footballer of The Year Victor Ikpeba is optimistic newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, will use his knowledge of the country’s domestic league to maximum effect by giving the Nigeria Premier Football League opportunities in the national side.

Ikpeba, a member of the Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee that endorsed Finidi for the Eagles job, also highlighted the significance of integrating players from the Nigeria Premier Football League into the national team, a move largely overlooked by previous coaches.

“Being actively involved in Nigerian football, Finidi understands the local talent pool,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.

“As the coach of NPFL champions Enyimba, he’s in touch with the domestic scene and will provide opportunities for homegrown talents, just as he once emerged as a star player himself.”

The Eagles missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a heart-wrenching loss to West African rivals Ghana in the World Cup qualification playoffs, falling short on the away goals rule.

Ikpeba admits the new Eagles coach faces a tough task in the upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Currently third in Group C with two points garnered from draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe last November, Nigeria are behind Rwanda and South Africa in the quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

“In the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin in June, Nigeria faces crucial fixtures that could define our World Cup aspirations,” Ikpeba said on SuperSport programme, Monday Night Football.

“We find ourselves in a challenging position having drawn our initial qualifiers, so securing victories in the upcoming games is imperative. With the talents at our disposal, if Finidi can extract the best from the players, qualification is within our reach.”

The Eagles are set to face South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, followed by a clash against Benin in Abidjan two days later. These matches carry immense importance in determining Nigeria’s path to World Cup qualification.

Additionally, Ikpeba revealed that Finidi has been offered a one-year contract with the possibility of extension, though he remained discreet about the specifics regarding the coach’s salary.