Erik ten Hag has been named the Premier League's Manager of the Month for February, completing a Manchester United double after Marcus Rashford scooped the monthly players' award.

Ten Hag oversaw a return of 10 points from four Premier League games for United last month, with a 2-2 draw at home to Leeds United the only blot on their record.

As well as beating Crystal Palace and Leicester City, United improved on that Leeds draw by beating their rivals 2-0 in the return fixture at Elland Road four days later.

Ten Hag's side also carried their league form into other competitions in February, ending a near six-year trophy drought by beating Newcastle United to lift the EFL Cup and eliminating Barcelona from the Europa League.

Having also received the award last September, Ten Hag's second monthly prize brings him level with other two-time winners including Kenny Dalglish, Roberto Mancini and Thomas Tuchel. 

While United enjoyed an excellent February, March began with the joint-heaviest competitive defeat in their illustrious history as they were hammered 7-0 by Liverpool at Anfield.

Having bounced back with a 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis on Thursday, United welcome Southampton to Old Trafford on Sunday, looking to extend an 11-match unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League (W9 D2).

Marcus Rashford has been named the Premier League player of the month for February, equalling Mohamed Salah's record for the most awards in a season.

The England forward had a near-perfect month for Manchester United, scoring five goals in four league matches, as Erik ten Hag's side took 10 points from a possible 12.

Rashford scored in victories against Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Leicester City, while also netting in a 2-2 draw against Leeds.

His Premier League tally for the season stands at 14 goals, behind only Ivan Toney (15), Harry Kane (18) and Erling Haaland (27) in the scoring charts.

Rashford also clinched the monthly awards for January and September, meaning he has matched Salah, who won three in 2017-18, for the most wins in a single campaign.

The award was Rashford's fourth overall in his career, leaving him three adrift of the record tally that Kane and Sergio Aguero share.

Rashford's goals have helped United consolidate their position in the hunt for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, sitting third, seven clear of fifth-placed Liverpool despite losing 7-0 to the Reds last weekend.

Pierluigi Collina has urged referees to add the correct amount of stoppage time at the end of games regardless of the circumstances.

​FIFA's head of refereeing discussed Sunday's clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield, in which only three minutes were added at the end of the hosts' 7-0 win despite six goals having been scored in a second half that also saw 10 substitutions and a VAR delay.

The World Cup in Qatar had games elongated by added time that was supposed to be more reflective of actual time lost during the 90 minutes, but this trend has mostly not carried on into club football.

"Last weekend in the Premier League, there were 10 matches," Collina told reporters. "Four had additional time of 10 minutes or more [across the first half and second half], and two should have been higher but weren't only because they had scores of 7-0 and 4-0.

"In the game at Liverpool, there was four minutes added, one in the first half and three in the second. But there were six goals in the second half.

"Maybe at some point in the future we will have a rule which says: if the difference between the two sides is big, the additional time is not to be given. But this would be in the laws of the game.

"Now it is common sense, but it is [only] common sense when it doesn't affect someone.

"I can understand that showing the right amount of time when it is 7-0 is difficult to understand. But in some competitions, the goal difference in the entire competition may be decisive at the end for the ranking.

"So, even one goal scored or not scored could make the difference."

Former referee Collina believes adding on as much time as necessary would eventually stamp out time-wasting, much like the introduction of VAR appeared to reduce the amount of simulation in the game. 

"It's time to compensate time that was not played during the match," he said. "We are not considering to go from 70 to 75. No, we want to avoid just playing 43 minutes.

"The effective time at Aston Villa vs Brentford [earlier this season] was 43 minutes. I don't think someone wants to pay to watch a match that lasts 43 minutes.

"We have seen implementing VAR has reduced simulation. How many cards are now given for simulation? Very little because the players know it is meaningless to try.

"I am convinced time-wasting will be reduced when players know it is meaningless to waste time because that time is compensated."

Andy Cole does not understand criticism of 27-goal Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as he prepares for his Premier League record to be broken.

Haaland needs just seven more goals to match the 34 netted by Cole for Newcastle United in 1993-94 and Alan Shearer for Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95.

The City superstar has played only 25 league games so far this season, averaging a goal every 75 minutes.

Cole averaged a goal every 106 minutes across 40 matches, while Shearer scored every 111 minutes over 42 games.

Barring injury, it appears inevitable Haaland will beat two of the Premier League's greatest goalscorers, yet Cole is not bitter.

"Records are there to be broken, it's that simple," he told Stats Perform. "When people have mentioned it to me, it's not as if I'm going home and crying and saying: 'Oh no!'

"I've said to people it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I don't care. If someone deserved to break that record, go ahead and do it.

"I'm not going to sit here rocking myself to sleep in the hallway hoping he doesn't do it; it doesn't bother me because I'm not so conceited. I'm really not.

"I don't care if he does it. I'll be the first one to congratulate him. Records are there to be broken."

Haaland has been "absolutely phenomenal" for City, according to Cole, although he "will want to improve in getting involved in the play a little bit more".

Cole does not doubt he will be able to do that, adding: "He's still a baby and is still learning the game."

But with City trailing Arsenal in the Premier League title race, it has been suggested they have suffered for having Haaland up front.

Cole said: "People say he shouldn't have signed for Man City because he doesn't fit in.

"But if I've got 27 goals by February, and everyone's telling me that I've made the wrong move... what's the right move, then?

"You've got 27 goals by the end of February, and you've got the chance to get to 40 goals. I'm not sure what everyone expects for him."

The former Newcastle, Manchester United and City striker added: "I don’t think there's anything to actually think about.

"Because when people say he's made the wrong move or he's gone to the wrong club, what is he supposed to do? He's gone to clubs, scored goals, is far beyond anyone else in the Premier League for scoring goals.

"He's made the wrong move? He doesn't fit? How does he not fit? If he's got 27 goals so far, by the end of February, but he doesn't fit and doesn't get involved in the play, we don't need to have that conversation.

"We don’t need to have that conversation and to talk about getting involved and doing other things. It's as simple as that. Now, it's a crazy [conversation]."

Harry Maguire's future at Manchester United is unclear, having fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.

The United club captain is contracted until 2025 and his deal includes £200,000 per week wages.

Maguire has only started one of United's last eight Premier League games and did not play in Thursday's Europa League win over Real Betis.

TOP STORY – PSG SET FOR SHOCK MAGUIRE MOVE

Paris Saint-Germain are set for a shock £50million (€56m) move for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, according to The Sun.

It has been claimed that Maguire is among a list of players that United are willing to sell in the off-season with Newcastle United and West Ham reportedly interested.

According to The Sun's report, PSG tabled a deal for Maguire in January, but time ran out to finalise it and the French champions will move again for him.

ROUND-UP

– The Independent reports Real Madrid are plotting an overhaul to bring in a new generation of young stars, with Manchester City's Erling Haaland top of the list along with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

– The Guardian reports Manchester United will enter the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, with interest also from Liverpool and Newcastle United. Mount and Chelsea are currently in the middle of a contract dispute, potentially making him available, with United viewing him as a cheaper alternative to Bellingham.

–  Barcelona are in the market to sign Manchester City's Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo if Bayern Munich do not make permanent his loan spell, claims Sport.

– Newcastle are circling to sign Southampton free-kick specialist James Ward-Prowse, according to Football Insider. Newcastle are one of numerous Premier League clubs interested in him.

– Gazzetta dello Sport reports Inter have tabled a two-year contract offer to Edin Dzeko amid interest from West Ham.

– L'Equipe claims PSG are ramping up their bid to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva in the off-season.

Frenkie de Jong has declared he has no intention of leaving Barcelona amid continued links with Manchester United.

The 25-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the off-season but it never materialised despite the best efforts of United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag to convince him.

The situation was complicated by De Jong's contractual situation with financially embattled Barcelona, turning it into a drawn-out saga, fuelling talk United could move for him again at the end of this season.

But De Jong has made clear that he has no intention to depart Camp Nou, where he is contracted until 2026.

"I was calm because I knew I wanted to stay at Barca and I haven't changed my mind," De Jong told RAC1.

"I had always dreamed of playing for Barcelona and I want to succeed at Barca. Right now I'm calm and I want to continue at Barca."

De Jong, who joined Barcelona from Ajax in 2019, added that he had plenty left to achieve with the Catalans.

"I've never won LaLiga," he said. "It's my fourth year here and it's the time I've been closer. But there is still a long way to go.

"It is our main goal and we will give everything to achieve it."

De Jong has made 18 starts with four appearances off the bench in Barcelona's 24 LaLiga games this term, ensuring he has been a key part of their success, sitting nine points clear with 14 games to play.

"The four-midfielder system benefits me, but beyond that, this year I'm playing more at the base of midfield, where I feel more comfortable," he said.

"And then, I have more freedom to move, to drive and overcome lines. Busquets helps me a lot because he transmits a lot of calmness. He's very confident with the ball and defensively he's much better than people think."

Erik ten Hag hailed Manchester United's character after a 4-1 victory over Real Betis got his side back on track.

Not hindered by the humiliating result against Liverpool on Sunday, United bounced back at Old Trafford to take command of their Europa League round of 16 tie.

Marcus Rashford, Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst were on target in a dominant win that put one foot in the quarter-finals and lifted the club's spirits.

Given the pressure heading into the game, Ten Hag felt the performance showed once again the team can respond to setbacks.

"I think we played a very good game. At half time, we should have been up 3-0, but it was 1-1, we made one mistake and were punished for it, but I think we played well," he told BT Sport.

"We scored good goals, it was a good performance, it gave something to the fans, and they gave us something back as well, they were behind us and we're very grateful after Sunday.

"There was a good attitude from the start, we were on the front foot and we were good on the ball, finding the spare man in midfield and making good switches, making good runs behind and creating a lot of chances, so we are happy today.

"You always have to see how a team reacts after a setback and this is not the first time this season, I think it's five or six times, we can reset, we can bounce back, this team has character."

Marcus Rashford highlighted the importance of Manchester United's Europa League victory over Real Betis after the humiliation against Liverpool.

An unchanged United side bounced back from Sunday's Anfield rout with a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford to take command of the round of 16 tie.

Rashford opened the scoring with his 26th goal of an outstanding season, with Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst on target in the second half after Ayoze Perez had equalised for the visitors.

While the win will not wipe away the pain experienced on Merseyside, it put United back on track and Rashford says there must be more to come. 

"It's always important to win the next fixture, it's the only way for us to bounce back and try to continue the momentum we had before that game," he told BT Sport.

"So I'm pleased we managed to win the game and it has put us in a good way in the tie.

"We always try to start quick, a goal always helps that. I thought they defended the box quite well in the first half, the second half it opened up a bit more, as we expected with the game being 1-1, so we're pleased to win the game and start the tie in the right way.

"It's a step back in the right direction. We have to build on this now to gain momentum again, we can't put too much emphasis on something that has gone, we can't change it, but we have to look forward now."

Manchester United got back on track with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash at Old Trafford.

Just days after humiliation at the hands of Liverpool, an unchanged United side responded fiercely to put one foot in the quarter-finals.

It was not all plain sailing for Erik ten Hag's side though, with Ayoze Perez equalising in the first half after Marcus Rashford gave the hosts an early need.

A strong second half put United in control though, as Antony guided home a trademark curler and Bruno Fernandes headed home to ensure a firm lead.

United came out of the blocks flying and, having already seen a Weghorst goal disallowed for offside, took the lead in the sixth minute as Rashford capped off a fine counter-attack to smash into the top corner. 

Claudio Bravo was called into action to deny Weghorst and Rashford, before Betis equalised against the run of play when Juanmi clipped a pass to Leicester City loanee Perez, who drilled into the far corner and give David de Gea no chance. 

Two minutes before the break, the visitors almost took the lead. De Gea sloppily gave the ball away to Juanmi, who fed a pass through to Perez, but United got away with it as his pass across the face of goal was deflected onto the post by Lisandro Martinez.

United retook the lead seven minutes after the restart, Antony cutting inside onto his left foot and curling beyond the reach of Bravo from outside the box.

The hosts' advantage was doubled just six minutes later, Fernandes finding space at the near post to head Luke Shaw's corner home despite Bravo getting both hands to the ball.

Bravo kept the scoreline respectable with a number of crucial saves but could do nothing as Weghorst tucked home on the rebound after Scott McTominay's effort was saved, with United on course for the quarter-finals.

Erik ten Hag has given his Manchester United players the chance to make amends for Sunday's annihilation at Liverpool by naming an unchanged XI for the visit of Real Betis.

United suffered the joint-worst competitive defeat in their history at Anfield, losing 7-0 as they found themselves on the end of a second-half blitz.

Ten Hag's men had arguably been the more threatening side in the first half, but after going into the interval a goal down, they capitulated in spectacular fashion and Liverpool ran riot.

Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg provides United with the opportunity respond to that embarrassment, and Ten Hag surprisingly resisted the urge the drop any of those involved in Sunday's debacle.

David de Gea, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Luke Shaw were the targets of particularly stinging criticism for their performances against the Reds, though they all kept their places.

Wout Weghorst also attracted the wrath of supporters after it emerged he touched the 'This Is Anfield' sign in the tunnel before kick-off, a gesture generally associated with Liverpool players rather than their opponents.

The Dutchman claimed he was trying to wind up international colleague Virgil van Dijk by preventing him from touching the sign. Weghorst also retained his place.

Betis – coached by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini – will be hoping to pile the misery on for United.

The Andalusians have had injury problems of late, however, with the talismanic figures of Nabil Fekir and Sergio Canales both absent.

Ex-City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was named between the posts, while Ayoze Perez – on loan from Leicester City – was selected in attack alongside Betis' 41-year-old captain Joaquin.

It has been reported that Manchester United will look to maintain the momentum gained from this season with three major signings.

Manager Erik ten Hag is said to have an illustrious shortlist of priority targets, including numerous forwards.

But the Red Devils will likely want to bolster their midfield ranks to support Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Fred.

TOP STORY – MAN UTD TO LAUNCH BUMPER CAMAVINGA BID

Fichajes reports Manchester United are planning a bumper £115million (€130m) offer for Real Madrid's French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

The report claims United are major admirers of Camavinga, who has not fully convinced since his move to Santiago Bernabeu in August 2021.

United view the 20-year-old as a major world-class talent, although Los Blancos may be reluctant to let him go.

ROUND-UP

– ESPN claims Harry Maguire is on the chopping block at Old Trafford with Manchester United looking to sell several first-players including the England defender. Newcastle United are the favourites to sign him while West Ham are in contention, reports 90min.

– Paris Saint-Germain are circling for Newcastle United's Dutch defender Sven Botman, reports iNews. Botman previously spent time in France with Lille.

– Vinicius Junior could leave Real Madrid, with president Florentino Perez open to letting him go in order to sign PSG's Kylian Mbappe, claims El Desmarque. Vinicius Junior and Madrid are yet to agree on a new deal with the Brazilian's contract expiring in 2024.

– Eden Hazard will not exit Real Madrid anytime soon, with the Belgian midfielder intending to remain with Los Blancos until his contract expires in 2024, according to The Athletic.

– CBS Sports claims Arsenal's Reiss Nelson has drawn interest from French club Nice along with Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion. Nelson netted a dramatic late winner in the Gunners' 3-2 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.

– Bayern Munich are on the verge of tabling new contract offers to Lucas Hernandez and Jamal Musiala , per Fabrizio Romano. Agreement on the Hernandez deal is imminent, while new Musiala's long-term contract is a priority.

Anthony Martial continued his recovery from injury as he took part in training alongside his Manchester United team-mates ahead of Thursday's Europa League fixture with Real Betis. 

The France forward has not started a game for the Red Devils since January 14 when he was forced off with a hip injury at half-time during United's 2-1 victory against rivals Manchester City.

Martial did make a cameo appearance in February during the EFL Cup against Nottingham Forest and scored in the second leg of that semi-final tie, but has not featured for Erik ten Hag's side since.

Having resumed light training in February, the 27-year-old completed his first full training session on Wednesday at Carrington as United prepare for the opening leg of their last-16 tie against Betis. 

However, Thursday's tie with the Spanish club - managed by former City boss Manuel Pellegrini - will come too soon for Martial, Ten Hag confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference, he said: "We have a strong programme [of fixtures], but I think we are quite good.

"The only disappointment is Marcel Sabitzer is not available, as well as Anthony Martial.

"Anthony Martial is back on the pitch, so we will see [when he can return]. For the rest, everyone is available and we are ready for the game.''

Martial has six goals in all competitions this season but has played just 14 games in total due to various back, Achilles and hip injuries. 

Ten Hag's side welcome Betis to Old Trafford on Thursday in the Europa League as they look to bounce back from their humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League. 

Erik ten Hag labelled Bruno Fernandes "an inspiration" as the Manchester United manager leapt to the defence of his vice-captain after attracting criticism in the wake of Sunday's thrashing by Liverpool. 

The Portuguese midfielder was chastised for his performance and attitude during United's humiliating 7-0 defeat at Anfield, with critics suggesting he should lose the armband, which he wears in the absence of out-of-favour club captain Harry Maguire.

However, Ten Hag dismissed those suggestions and is optimistic his on-field captain will respond well to the weekend's hardships. 

"Everyone has to learn, I have to learn, he will learn as well because he's intelligent," the Dutch manager said at a press conference ahead of his side's Europa League first-leg fixture against Real Betis.

"He's an inspiration for the whole team but no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. I'm really happy to have Bruno in the team and really happy that if Harry Maguire isn't on the pitch then Bruno is the captain. 

"He's been playing a brilliant season, he has a really important role for why we are in the position we are because he's giving energy to the team, running a lot at the highest intensity, but also in the right way, right direction, and he's pointing and coaching players."

Marcus Rashford seconded his manager's thoughts and threw his full support behind Fernandes, whom he believes has been invaluable since joining from Sporting CP in 2020.

He said: "I love playing with Bruno, as you can imagine. I think, for a forward like me, he's a perfect player to play with. 

"He's been a good leader for us even when not captain, which is always a good sign. He's helped others become better leaders. 

"Nobody's perfect and sometimes you want to win so bad that you end up doing things that are a little out of character. 

"I 100 per cent support Bruno and I'm behind him, and I think as a team we have to support him because he's a fantastic player and as the boss said, we wouldn't be in the position that we're in if he wasn't playing games for us."

The Red Devils host Betis on Thursday. The Spanish side – coached by former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini – are fifth in La Liga.  

Marcus Rashford defended his Manchester United team-mates from accusations of downing tools in Sunday's annihilation by Liverpool, labelling such suggestions "nonsense".

United were beaten 7-0 during an astonishing Premier League game at Anfield, suffering the joint-heaviest defeat in their entire history.

It was the first time they had lost by seven goals since 1931, while it was Liverpool's biggest win over their bitter rivals, surpassing their 7-1 victory in October 1895.

The loss was a brutal reality check a week on from United winning the EFL Cup, but it was not just the scoreline that saw them attract stinging criticism.

Several United players had their commitment called into question by pundits due to their body language or attitude during a second half in which the visitors conceded six goals.

But Rashford snapped at the idea United threw in the towel.

"We didn't give up, that's nonsense," he told reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Real Betis.

"We were disorganised, yes. Communication was bad, yes, that's why we conceded the goals, but it comes down to the fact that I believe everyone was trying to get back into the game that much, we came away from the team's principles in and out of possession.

"I mentioned after the game, I felt the forwards were trying to press just as the forward unit, we weren't connected to the midfield, and the same with the midfield and defence.

"We were trying to get a grip of the game when it was 2-0, 3-0, we were talking but I don't think we were in agreement about what to do.

"Listen, it's happened, and the only thing we can do is learn from it and move on. So, I'm happy and grateful we have another game so quickly because we have an opportunity to take a step forward and put it behind us."

It was then put to Rashford if the scoreline made a defeat to Liverpool even more harrowing, though the England forward suggested they would have felt just as bad had they only been beaten 1-0.

"Just losing against Liverpool is enough, it doesn't matter the score when you lose again them," he continued. "When you lose against them or any of the biggest rivals, it cuts deep and it's not nice, it's never a nice feeling.

"But I always remember how many games we have won against them, and they have the same feeling. It's football, it's why everyone loves the game so much.

"It's obviously disappointing, but we can't dwell and look back, we just need to be grateful the games are coming thick and fast - because of the principles we've had since start of the season, we're in a position where we're still fighting on all fronts and we still have a lot of games to play.

"When you have a game like that against Liverpool, you want to play as soon as possible because we want to put it right and hopefully tomorrow we can do that."

United manager Erik ten Hag was not kidding himself about the gravity of such a defeat, with the Dutchman seeming to appreciate just how damning the loss was.

Though he also insisted difficult situations like this can yield positive lessons.

"I think the players reflected well," he said, "but we also know when you go through a season setbacks will always be there.

"This was a huge setback, clear, but when you have a run of I think 23 games with one loss, and that was the second [loss].

"There were a lot of lessons in it that can help us for the future, and that's what [we have to do], take the positive out of it.

"How negative it is, that is that we were really below average, especially mentally. We have to take the lessons.

"We want to be a big team, we want to win trophies, so you have to act differently. After Sunday we got a big lesson, but we take that, move on, that's the way we treated it and now all the focus has to be on the next game."

Manchester United's humiliating 7-0 defeat to Liverpool was "an accident", believes Real Betis president Angel Haro, who expects a response when his side face the Red Devils on Thursday.

Betis travel to Old Trafford four days after United suffered the joint-heaviest competitive defeat in the club's history at Anfield.

Only a week on from their EFL Cup triumph, Erik ten Hag's men were ruthlessly dismantled by Jurgen Klopp's hosts to hand them just their second loss of the calendar year.

But with a Europa League last-16 first leg next on the agenda, Haro says Betis must be ready to battle against a fiery response from the Red Devils.

"[Their loss] is an accident, in an important rivalry," he told Marca. "You have to look at Manchester United in recent games, where they've won almost everything.

"They are the favourites, with both budget and potential. But we are going there to compete, we go there with the intention of progressing. These matches are important for our growth.

"We're going to one of the best venues you can go to in Europe, to a mythical stadium in the Theatre of Dreams. We're playing against a very difficult opponent.

"But we will compete and try to bring a good result home. When you go on these trips, anything that isn't a loss can be a win. A tie will give us many options in the second leg."

Haro insists Betis will not be intimidated by United or their history, and he expects their vocal travelling supporters to provide Manuel Pellegrini's men with plenty of backing.

"We are never alone [when we travel]," he said. "We always have our infantry. We are going to have almost 4,000 fans cheering for us."