Manchester

England is in a strong position to gain a fifth Champions League qualification slot in next season's expanded competition.

Although England remains third in the overall country co-efficient list, behind Italy and Germany, the surprise elimination of Eintracht Frankfurt from the Europa Conference League means there are only five Bundesliga sides left in European competitions, compared to England's six, with three of those teams in the Champions League, where it is tougher to gain ranking points.

France are fourth in the table but they had three sides eliminated on Thursday alone, with Spain, who now have five of its initial eight European qualifiers still involved, in fifth.

England was unable to gain any ranking points this week as it had no side involved in the play-offs.

England and Italy both had four teams involved in Friday's draws for the last 16 of the Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Image source, Getty Images

Age catches up to us all and that might be the case for Casemiro at Manchester United now.

You can do all the things in training and the first thing people say if you had a bad game or your club doesn't get a result is "he's too old in the middle". But, areas where you can still perform, you can still do a job for the team.

It might be different and you just can't necessarily close the space, you're not as fast over the first 10 yards, you can see it and your brain's really good, but your body just can't get there. That's what tends to happen. You're thinking you're right for such a long time, you can still be ahead of all the running drills, everything in training, but then that sharpness that was there across that 10 yards just isn't there and it starts to get gradually worse.

You know this happens as you get older, but Casemiro is still contributing because he is a class act. No one will have more knowledge of how to win or control a game than Casemiro, that's just a fact, and he is a fantastic midfielder for Kobbie Mainoo to learn from.

It is going to take time for Mainoo to get the understanding and maturity, knowing what's going to happen, the experience in the game he hasn't got yet. You're a player just playing at his age, you're driving through leaving spaces, looking good at times, but then sometimes you're not actually doing the recovery work that is needed too.

It is the little things. As you get more experience in bigger situations when games are tight, you learn that you haven't got everything yet but that is the next step. Understanding the game and understanding how you win, how you affect it week in and week out, that is what he needs to mature so we can start talking about an England cap in the future.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes the importance of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho and 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund makes Manchester United fans feel they have "got something there for the future".

"These young players right now for Manchester United are first-choice," he told the BBC's Planet Premier League podcast.

"That feeling of knowing that you're first-choice is very different to someone who is hoping to find a game every now and again. Now they can get into a rhythm, develop as players, learn the ins and outs of what's required within their team.

"Also, for as much as some people don't like United, we're seeing Mainoo playing alongside Casemiro - getting some nice touches in, nutmegs, moving the ball well, he's composed. You're seeing Garnacho taking it as a winger, seeing Hojlund getting into the box, linking the play well.

"They're not being asked to do things they can't do and, if anything, you're seeing them do things they do really well and those things are helping the team out right now.

"They had that photo where they all sat down and it's exciting because those are three players that United fans want to see on a week-to-week basis because their style of play makes you feel like you've got something there for the future.

"The biggest thing is these really promising young players know they're first-choice."

Listen to Planet Premier League on BBC Sounds

Many teenagers dream of becoming a professional footballer - but only the minority actually achieve it.

The Football Extra Newsletter has been speaking to a member of the Secret Scout, external, who is a coach, scout and youth recruitment consultant with experience working at both club and international level. His identity remains a secret to protect his relationships in the football industry.

In recent years, we've seen teenagers like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham breakthrough into the Premier League and on to the world stage. These 'wonderkids' have transitioned into first team football from their academies as young as 16-years-old, whilst many others go out on loan to get experience.

"Lewis Miley at Newcastle, he’s a perfect example," said the Secret Scout. "An outstanding player in an academy that hasn’t got the depth of quality that others do, so he’s going to get pushed. If he was at Chelsea or Man City it’s very unlikely he would have been pushed so much."

So how hard is it for club's to strike the balance between providing a pathway for young players to establish themselves, whilst continuing to push for titles?

"Spurs have some outstanding youth players: Tyrese Hall, Mikey Moore, Callum Olusesi are just a few to look out for. But Ange [Postecoglou] has to get the first team right and win football matches so when things are difficult he can say ‘look, I’ve done this just give me a chance’.

"After that, you can implement some youth players into the team because he’s earned that right."

Aside from those at Tottenham, the Secret Scout picked out Chelsea's Rio Nghuoma as one to look out for in the next few years.

"He’s a winger, only 15 but he’s played U21s football and plays for England. Outstanding, so, so tricky 1v1.

"Darius Lane from Brighton is another name to look out for. He’s a central midfielder, French-American and just got called up to represent America. He’s a box-to-box, all-action style player and another one that I think has a really good opportunity to make it if Brighton provide him with the pathway.

"Also look out for Dante Headley, he’s a right-back at Manchester City. Fin Gorman, an attacking midfielder, is another from City too."

And you can read more from The Football Extra Newsletter here

Manchester City are close to tying down Norway striker Oscar Bobb, 20, to a new long-term contract. (Mail, external)

Want more football gossip? Read Friday's full column

Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has made securing Champions League football a priority, wants to wait until the end of the season before deciding on manager Erik ten Hag's future. (Star, external)

The United manager's job appeals to Thomas Tuchel, who will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season. (Sky Germany, external)

Tuchel's successor as Bayern Munich boss will have a say in whether Mathys Tel stays with the German giants after Manchester United were linked with the 18-year-old French forward. (Fabrizio Romano, external)

Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, French defender Raphael Varane, 30 and England centre-back Harry Maguire, 30, are among 11 players who could be part of a squad clearout at Manchester United this summer. (ESPN, external)

Mason Greenwood would snub a move to Barcelona if Manchester United are willing to let the English forward, 22, play for them again after his loan at Getafe. (Sun, external)

Want more football gossip? Read Friday's full column

The Planet Premier League panel of Nedum Onuoha and Cesc Fabregas have been singing the praises of Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, after the 21-year-old became the youngest player in Premier League history to score in six successive games.

Hojlund's upturn in form has coincided with winger Alejandro Garnacho playing off the right in recent weeks.

"He attacks the box really well, he's very smart," said former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Fabregas.

"He's a kind of Van Nistelrooy type of finisher when he gets his confidence. I believe he can be a really top striker for United in the future.

"When you have this plus a very good player one-on-one (Garnacho) who is making crosses all the time, you will always get the best out of him."

Former Manchester City defender Onuoha added: "He looked like a player that has a lot of belief in himself, knows they can score goals, and knows they're an important part of how the team works.

"I think earlier in the season, through injuries, he didn't play as much as he'd like to, bearing in mind he's a young player, but he looks good.

"He has a real value in there. He's playing to his strengths, using his strengths and he's probably believing every time he steps on the field he's going to score."

Listen to Planet Premier League on BBC Sounds

For the first time since before the Glazers’ takeover in 2005, a major shareholder at Manchester United is willing to meet media and fans face-to-face.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe announced the completion of his £1.25bn deal to become co-owner of Manchester United, and he wasted no time by meeting with selected journalists on Wednesday in London.

The deal itself isn’t perfect, though I am happy that the Manchester-born billionaire has a stake in the club because fans have plenty of reason to believe this is a foot in the door that may eventually lead to the end of the Glazers.

Ratcliffe said he wants to focus on football and expressed his views on the club being a community asset. This has gone amiss over the past 18 years, so hearing it come from Ratcliffe’s mouth directly was music to the ears of match-going fans.

Besides the vast amount of change, it is reassuring to have someone in charge of the club who talks and interacts with the media and fanbase. A man with the same values as us, the fans, and the same objectives for the club to make us world-class again on and off the pitch.

United fans want the best for our football club, and I believe that Ratcliffe feels the same - having a successful football team and England’s best stadium.

However, after 18 years of damage, the fans must be patient and allow time for Ineos to set up. Ratcliffe doesn’t sound trigger-happy and appears to realise that football doesn’t work like a light switch. Fans will be delighted if it only takes two or three seasons.

For now, Ratcliffe is saying the right things, but fans know proof is always in the pudding.

Dale O'Donnell can be found at Stretty News, external

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Bournemouth and Manchester City in the Premier League.

• Bournemouth have won none of their 19 league games against Manchester City (D2 L17), the most any side has ever faced another without winning in English Football League history.

• City have won all 13 of their Premier League games against Bournemouth, the best 100% record any team has against another in English top-flight history.

• Since a run of six wins from seven Premier League games in November and December, Bournemouth have failed to win any of their past six games (D3 L3), and only Burnley (two) have collected fewer points in 2024 so far than the Cherries (three). They have, however, scored at least once in 15 of their past 16 league matches, with the only exception being a 4-0 home loss to Liverpool last month.

• City have fallen behind in their past six league away games, though have come back to win the past four. Only Manchester United (six in 2020) have won more consecutive away games from behind in the competition.

• Having only netted six Premier League goals last season, Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke has scored 14 in 24 games this term. Only Joshua King in 2016-17 (16) has scored more in a top-flight season for the Cherries. Of Solanke’s 14 goals this season, 12 have either drawn them level (three) or put them ahead (nine) in the match.

• Jeremy Doku had a hand in five of his side's six goals against Bournemouth in the reverse fixture (one goal, four assists). The most goal involvements a City player has registered against an opponent in a Premier League campaign is six – Stephen Ireland against Hull City (2008-09) and Sergio Aguero against QPR (2014-15) and against Newcastle United (2015-16).

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra match commentary of Bournemouth v Manchester City at 17:30 GMT on Saturday

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney has praised Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund for their mentality because "the shirt is heavy" when playing for a club like Manchester United.

"When you're in that Manchester United shirt and you've been bought for a price tag, then there's a bigger spotlight on you," said Cairney on the BBC's Footballer's Football podcast.

"The pressure Garnacho and Hojlund are under week in, week out means that the shirt is heavy. It's not very forgiving if you have four or five bad games in a row.

"That shows how mentally strong they are, especially Hojlund because to have the start he had and then come back and score in six games in a row shows what mindset he has."

This season has also seen the emergence of academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, who at the age of 18 has made 11 starting appearances and scored one goal.

"He looks a baller, doesn't he?" Cairney added.

"I'm mostly impressed by his brain and his game understanding. He's beyond his years and the way he plays next to Casemiro is brave.

"I wouldn't say he's an amazing runner or particularly athletic, but he's got a tremendous football brain."

Listen to the Footballer's Football podcast on BBC Sounds

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Manchester United and Fulham in the Premier League.

• Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League games against Fulham (W13 D3), since a 3-0 away loss in December 2009.

• After a run of two wins in eight Premier League games in December and January (D2 L4), Manchester United have won all four so far in February. They last had a 100% win rate in a month in which they played five or more Premier League games in January 2009.

• Fulham have won just 24% of their Premier League away points this season (7 out of a possible 29), the lowest ratio in the division. Since beating Everton in their opening game of the season, the Cottagers are without a win in 11 games on the road (D4 L7).

• Rasmus Hojlund has scored in each of his last six Premier League appearances. The only Manchester United player to score in more consecutive games in the competition is Ruud van Nistelrooy (a run of 10 games in 2003 and eight games in 2001-02).

• Rodrigo Muniz has scored in each of his last three Premier League games, netting four of Fulham’s six goals in total. Before this run, he had gone 23 league games without a goal for the Cottagers and former club Middlesbrough.