Hendo’s wanted by Jose
donor waiting list are from a BAME background. He has questioned the wisdom of Project Restart and said if he was still playing, he would not risk returning to competitive action, while so many safety questions remain unanswered.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not quite sure why football’s coming back for 10 games,” said Cole.
“People say the players have had a rest but they haven’t because mentally they’ve been as worried as everybody else.
“They worry about their families, they worry about themselves, so it’s tough on the players as well and that’s what people need to understand.
“We’re all human, so while everyone else worries about this pandemic, that’s exactly how players are going to be feeling.
“I’ve got to be honest, if I was in this position now and still playing, I genuinely believe I couldn’t do it.
“If I felt uncomfortable about playing, like a lot of the players do, why are you going to go back if you’re not comfortable in your surroundings? You’ve got to ask yourself the
■ (above) question – they’ve all gone back to training, but you’ve still got to go through all of these stringent tests.
“You talk about shielding, you’ve got to do this and that, so if you’ve got to do all of this to play football, what does that actually tell you? That tells you something’s not right.
“I’ve got all the empathy in the world for players like Troy Deeney and I understand where he’s coming from, having a newborn, with the pandemic we’re in and the fact we in the BAME community find ourselves more susceptible to this virus.
“Then you have all these numpties saying ‘what about all this money footballers are paid? Why are they worried about playing?’
“What they need to realise is that you can get paid all the money in the world, but if you lose your life, that’s it. All the money in the world can’t bring you back.
“People need to start showing more compassion and thinking with their brains. There’s always a bigger picture.”
ANDY COLE is relishing the prospect of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes teaming up for Manchester United when the season finally resumes.
Pogba’s injury-plagued campaign has prevented him from playing with Fernandes, who has been a revelation since his £46m January switch from Sporting Lisbon.
But Cole is looking forward to the duo linking up in United’s midfield, as well as the return of top scorer Marcus Rashford and fellow striker Odion Ighalo, whose loan has been extended to January.
“Before this season came to a halt, United were doing extremely well,” said Cole.
“They started to play some really nice football, win some games and were cracking on in their bid to try to get fourth spot.
“I’m really happy to see
Paul back. He’s a top, top player. Regardless of all the shenanigans around him, when he gets his head down, he constantly proves how good he is.
“Fernandes (right), what he’s done since joining in January is absolutely phenomenal.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him and Paul (below) play together in midfield.
“This has been Marcus’ best season, playing in his preferred position, and hopefully he can come back fit and well and have no more problems with his back.
“Ighalo didn’t want his loan to end and go back to China. For me, he brings something different to the team.
“He gets hold of the ball, he runs into the box, he wants to score goals and he can get scruffy goals, which is something United haven’t had for a while.” Manchester United Foundation are offering the ultimate VIP matchday experience, including dinner for two with a club ambassador, as part of their ‘United for a High Five’ raffle.
The winner and a guest will enjoy a VIP Old Trafford experience next season, dining with a United ambassador and watching a home match from the exclusive Ambassadors’ Lounge. The prize also includes one night’s accommodation and dinner for two at a Manchester hotel.
To donate either online (worldwide) or via text (UK only), from 9am today until 9am tomorrow, the entry link is manutd.com/highfive
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JOSE MOURINHO has joined the chase for £22m-rated Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Tottenham boss Mourinho wants England hopeful Henderson to fight it out with Hugo Lloris for the No.1 spot at the club.
And he is prepared to battle it out with Sheffield United and former club Chelsea to land Henderson, who is in his second successful season on loan with the Blades.
Mourinho has been impressed with the progress made by the 23-year-old, having been instrumental in launching his league career by loaning Henderson out to the Blades when he was in charge at Old Trafford in June 2018.
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would prefer another loan move for Henderson next season but the keeper may prefer to leave after David de Gea’s decision to pen a new long-term deal.
In that case his preferred option would be a switch to Bramall Lane, as joining the Blades would see him stay closer to his family.