Is it Raphinha versus Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, or can Dembele achieve it?

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In a year devoid of a significant international tournament, triumphing in the Champions League is undoubtedly crucial for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Therefore, that ought to conclude the discussion about Real Madrid.  Here are the top 10 contenders for the award, based on the bookmakers' odds…  Favorites to claim the 2025 Ballon d’Or   10. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain] Outstanding since his January transfer from Napoli, aiding the French team in effortlessly securing another league championship while more significantly remaining focused on achieving that coveted Champions League trophy.  9. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid] "Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or." I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, many asks both on and off the field. "When I take all the necessary steps to achieve victory, I will achieve it," says the Frenchman.  And if he fails to accomplish all that he must – which he definitely has not – then he will...

Man Utd injuries: All players unavailable for Fulham match

Following Bruno Fernandes' intervention that saved Manchester United from Thursday night's letdown, the Red Devils refocus on the Premier League with an upcoming match against Fulham. 

Ruben Amorim's club is having a difficult time. In midweek, they faced a bruised Rangers team that was missing several of its key players, but they controlled the whole of the game and needed a late goal from their captain to win.

The club hasn't made any moves to help their talented new manager this winter, so it appears that Amorim will continue to work with the same group of players for the rest of 2024–2025. 

The rest of the division has found visiting Fulham to be a difficult challenge this season, and United, who already have little left to gain from this tournament, are unlikely to have a different experience at Craven Cottage. 

Before Sunday's match, here is the most recent injury update from the Manchester United camp.

Defenders & Goalies

The Red Devils' 2-1 victory on Thursday has raised a few new worries. Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt failed to finish the match, although Lisandro Martinez returned to the starting lineup. Amorim said after the game that the two were doubts for Sunday's meeting, but he did not elaborate on their individual problems.

As a precaution, the Portuguese coach should have Noussair Mazraoui available in west London after the dependable Moroccan was benched in the middle of the week.

Victor Lindelof, a Swedish defender who was back in training prior to the Rangers match but was left off the matchday squad, should return on Sunday, particularly if Yoro and De Ligt are sidelined. Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans will undoubtedly be sidelined for United due to their respective hamstring and muscle injuries.

Midfielders 

Since joining the team, Mason Mount has struggled, and we haven't seen the Englishman play since he suffered a leg injury during the Manchester Derby more than a month ago.

When Mount first arrived, Amorim had nothing but positive things to say about him. He is a player who, after his most recent setback, may still play a significant part at Old Trafford. We simply do not know when that will occur.

Forward 

Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have an intriguing few days ahead of them. Garnacho started the week and neither player is hurt, but Chelsea is attempting to sign the Argentine because United appears to be willing to let him go. 

Rashford, meanwhile, has been trying to decide his future and hasn't been involved since mid-December. 

A number of clubs from all around the continent are interested in loaning Rashford.

Every Man Utd player who did not play against Fulham

Player                                         Injury

Noussair Mazraoui                 Knock

Matthijs de Ligt                       Knock

Leny Yoro                                  Knock

Luke Shaw                                Hamstring

Victor Lindelof                        Unknown

Jonny Evans                              Muscle

Mason Mount                           Leg


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