This might be a weird pairing, but can I ask for Jude/Marcus ficlet?❤️ I don't know if you saw the last england video with Dec and Madders, they were so funny. Maybe something fluffy and them bantering each other? Thank you if you take it!
jude bellingham/marcus rashford | new love ♡
As the morning training session wraps up at St. George's Park, most of the squad rush to the changing rooms, keen for some downtime.
Jude, however, with the ever-infectious enthusiasm of youth, stays to practice his finishing in front of net, scoring effortlessly over and over.
"Oi Rashy, bet you can't do this."
He shouts cheekily over at Marcus as he makes a point of taking his shot without looking. Marcus just shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips as the ball slots into the top-right corner.
"You're such a show-off." He teases as Jude grins back over at him, his eyes lit up in the way they always are when there's a ball at his feet.
“Just trying to impress someone.”
Jude winks, his voice dropping to a playful whisper meant only for Marcus as he shrugs.
Dec, passing by and forever keen to hone-in on some banter, comments through a cackle, "Impress Gareth, you mean? Good on you, Jude."
Madders, following closely behind Dec, smirks, "Leave the lovebirds be, mate. We’ve got a game to prep for."
Jude's cheeks flush slightly, but he laughs it off like he always does, making a playful jab at Madders. Marcus, however, remains stoic, a fortress of calm, but Jude notices the hint of a blush on his cheeks.
As the group disperses, Jude takes a bold step, pulling Marcus to the side.
"You alright?” He asks more quietly, genuine concern in his eyes. He knows everything is very new between them and that it'll take some getting used to. Especially the banter from the other lads.
Marcus sighs, the weight of the new feelings and their uncharted relationship pressing on him, "It's just... new, Jude. All of this. I've always been more... private about how I feel. Even with my mates."
Jude smiles softly, reaching out to gently cup Marcus' face.
“I know, and that’s okay. But you don’t have to hide from me.”
Marcus leans into the touch, relishing in the warmth.
“I’m not used to someone caring this much.” He admits almost solemnly.
“Well, you better get used to it,” Jude teases then, the playful gleam back in his eyes, "I don't plan on going anywhere soon."
The two share a grin between them, the moment intimate and light. But as they make their way back to the locker rooms, Marcus’s phone vibrates with a message. Glancing at it, he can't help but chuckle. It's Dec.
“You’ve got a keeper, mate. I'm happy for the two of you.”
Marcus thinks it's a nice sentiment, even if the message is followed by a variety of suggestive emojis in true Dec style.
Jude unashamedly peeks over Marcus's shoulder to read what it says, “Dec’s got a point, you know.”
Marcus rolls his eyes, though his smile gives away his amusement, “Oh, so now you’re teaming up with Dec?”
Jude just smirks, pulling Marcus into a playful headlock, “Always good to have backup!”
-
The next day at training, the playful banter continues.
Madders is the key culprit, cheekily passing comments whenever Marcus takes a shot, "Trying to show off for Jude, eh?" or when Jude's busy chatting to one of the other lads, "Look at that! Marcus, you've got competition!"
But despite the jests and teases, it's clear to everyone that the bond between Jude and Marcus was only growing stronger and wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.
-
Before their first game of the international break, Marcus, feeling particularly daring, pulls Jude close.
“For luck,” He whispers, planting a soft kiss on Jude’s forehead. Jude looks pleasantly surprised but recovers quickly, testing the waters, “You’ll need more than that to last the match.”
Marcus chuckles, the sound deep and genuine, “You might be right.”
Jude, with a teasing smile, stands up from the bench to plant a quick peck on Marcus's lips. “There, now you’re set.”
Dec, who'd caught their interaction despite the bustle of the changing room, raises an eyebrow from a distance.
“Think we’ll win today,” He tells Madders.
Madders just smirks as he pulls on his socks, “With that kind of morale boost? Absolutely.”
And the two of them share a knowing glance, silently cheering on their two friends as they watch their hands tangle tightly together.
♡
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The case for Sofyan Amrabat
Manchester United actually seem to have their arse in gear this transfer window - a good sign in the days post-Woodward but something we were unsure of given one good window prior doesn't prove a football management team is competent.
Mason Mount has already been signed and handed the no7 shirt. The signing of André Onana to replace David De Gea looks set to be completed in the next 2-3 days, Zion Suzuki has popped up out of nowhere which is almost certainly a sign he's coming in, and the Hojlund rumours are still going on - with Mason Greenwood potentially a loanee going the other way.
These are all good signings for positions in dire need, but the one position we're possibly ignoring is another defensive/holding midfielder. Manchester United are HEAVILY reliant on Casemiro to be the calm pivot player in the middle of the pitch orchestrating the recycling of the ball through the red ranks.
United's form with Casemiro out suspended or injured last year was notably worse, and in the words of Darren Bent: "When he's not there, you notice a big difference".
Casemiro's form built up nicely throughout the season but he's not shy of a strong - or rash - tackle, and that comes with risk. United lack an able substitute for his position and role, and for a team looking to solidify its top four position in a league with Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Liverpool all vying for the spots, as well as trying to close the gap on treble-winning neighbours Man City... you can't be that vulnerable in squad depth.
Fred and McTominay are both no8s, if not perhaps a 10 in McTominay's case. Fred is a shuttle player. High energy, good intent, but crap at tackling and complicated play. McTominay is strong, has good stamina, can score a tidy goal, but his awareness and positioning lack.
Mount is a new, flexible signing but he's a box to box midfielder at most for defensive actions. He's a pressing attacking player. Instead, United need to sign an actual CDM - or someone roughly in that mould.
This is where Sofyan Amrabat makes so much sense. Aside being very much affordable, Amrabat had a stellar world cup and Europa Conference League. He plays short, safe, and is a hyper vigilant midfielder. He's not one to play a teammate into a bad spot, or land them in trouble with a hospital pass, and his awareness counters the hard presses of better teams. Aside being a good rotation with Casemiro, this could also be a good partnership WITH him behind Bruno/Mount in tougher games like Anfield or the Etihad.
His statistics show that Casemiro's more capable of winning the ball back, but given his very high pass completion rate - 98% of which were forward passes! - I do wonder if that stat is skewed by the fact he's in possession and retaining it more than most and more than we are currently, so we're not seeing the tackling.
Ultimately our top 2 priorities are GK and CF, even if we did get Mount in already. That was just a surprise opportunity. Could we do a deal for Amrabat? For sure. 100% he'd want to come, we know ETH likes him, but we're yet to sell anyone and generate additional funds. If we can sell Elanga, Fred, Maguire, Henderson, Bailly, Telles... then we can look at extra signings like Amrabat.
I really hope we do make a move here because we'd be stupid to rely on Casemiro staying disciplined or the emerging Kobbie Mainoo who can play most CM positions but it still a super raw talent. We need an Amrabat, or perhaps Florentino Luís or Lavia.
Somebody to help share the burden has to be the next objective after concluding deals for Onana and a striker, and the sequence of transfers and the pace of them - especially considering the imminent pre-season tour - will be a test of United's new management and whether the club really is back from its banter era.
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TRANSFER NEWS: Mason Mount personal terms agreed?
Chelsea's squad depth is abyss levels of deep so it's no surprise that they will likely want to shift half a dozen players. Mason Mount was one of those and, given their need, it seemed Liverpool would be the most probable destination.
Perhaps not. Reports from The Telegraph newspaper last night suggest that Manchester United and Mason Mount have agreed personal terms, and a transfer fee is the next step between United and Chelsea.
3 goals and 6 assists for Mount in 35 appearances isn't the best form, but this is in a scuffed Chelsea side that has utilised the midfielder intermittently. Compare that with the previous season's 13 goals, 16 assists in 53 games and you see the player that is actually there - someone aspiring to be the next Frank Lampard.
Mount probably wouldn't be my first choice of midfield signing, but he has got an engine to him - like Bruno, like Fred. He can play most attacking and central midfield positions so he's flexible, and he provides goals and assists, something all teams like.
There's no doubting Christian Eriksen's commitment, and he registered the 4th highest average distance ran in the English Premier League last season, but the Dane is in his early 30s, not known for his pace, and has a cardiac device fitted to protect his heart from arrythmia. He is a risk and we should not be pushing him as hard. A player like Mount is a suitable addition to allow more recovery time without losing out on playstyle. Fred and McTominay can't offer that, and Sabitzer's too great an injury risk. Beyond that, either of Mount/Eriksen as a sub is helpful. That's talent in depth. That's how you win trophies.
The big issue will be the fee for Mount. Chelsea want rid of him but there's talk of £70m. That's a joke fee. Anything over £40m is a pisstake, though an initial fee plus addons... less offensive.
Regardless, it's promising to see that United are hitting the market early - ahead of the summer USA tour. Perhaps more will join soon too...
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