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      Vladimir Putin gives Russian citizenship to two Brazilian footballers including ex-Barcelona star

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      VLADIMIR PUTIN has given two Brazilian football stars Russian citizenship.Ex-Barcelona winger Malcom, who interested Arsenal and Tottenham, plus midfielder Claudinho are key men for Russian top-flight leaders Zenit.
      Malcom was tipped as a future Brazil hero when he joined Barcelona in 2018 but the Zenit player has now accepted Russian citizenshipCredit: Getty
      Claudinho, seen tangling with Chelsea’s Reece James in the Champions League in December 2021, can also now get a Russian passportCredit: Getty
      It’s claimed both former Brazil under-23 internationals wanted their new status for tax reasons.
      But Zenit were quick to celebrate after the pair were amongst 38 foreigners granted citizenship by a special decree from Russian president Putin on Friday.
      The Saint Petersburg club stated: “Everyone at Zenit congratulates Malcom and Claudinho on becoming citizens of Russia. 
      “We wish them the best of luck and many more victories with the blue-white-sky blues!”
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      Putin’s decision might be seen as a propaganda move, exactly a year after he launched his country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
      And Dmitry Khomukha, the ex-head coach of the Russian youth team, suggested the two players were motivated only by money.
      Khomukha, who won 15 caps for Turkmenistan, is now boss of Russian third-tier club FC Kaluga.
      Just before the duo’s citizenship was granted, Sport24 quoted the 53-year-old as saying: “I have a negative attitude towards the naturalization of football players.
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      “Especially in the current situation that the national team does not participate in the tournaments and the foreign transfer has nothing to do with football.
      “Here the monetary interests of the players themselves play a role. Income tax will be reduced to 15 per cent, but now they pay much more – this is the main reason.”
      Former Bordeaux hero Malcom, 25, was linked with Premier League clubs before joining Zenit from Barca in 2019.
      And Claudinho, 26, switched from Brazilian top-flight team Red Bull Bragantino to Zenit two years ago.
      Vladimir Putin gave Russian citizenship to 38 people by decreeCredit: AFP More

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      Erik ten Hag brands Man Utd star Fred a ‘mosquito’ after ‘stopping’ Barcelona star in Europa League

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      ERIK TEN HAG heaped praise on Fred for his performance against Barcelona.The Brazilian midfielder was vital to the result as he scored the equaliser before Antony’s winning goal.
      Erik ten Hag was happy with Fred’s performance against BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      He scored and stopped Frenkie de Jong from dominating the midfieldCredit: Getty
      Fred also stopped Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong from controlling the game.
      Ten Hag compared the 29-year-old to a mosquito as he was consistently bothering the Dutch midfielder.
      Fred was all over the pitch as he had 47 touches of the ball.
      Ten Hag said: “He had an important role already last week in Barcelona.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “First, to stop Frenkie de Jong playing, he had to play as a mosquito around him and go behind him, and he did it magnificently.
      “Last week, he gave a brilliant assist for Rashy [Marcus Rashford], and today he scored a goal, brilliant performance.”
      Ten Hag will also be happy with how Fred stopped De Jong considering how Man United failed to sign him in the summer transfer window.
      Fred’s energy was crucial to United’s approach to the match as he had 47 touches of the ball all over the pitch.
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      Ten Hag – who himself received a lot of praise – insisted that the speed of his players was vital to how he wanted them to play.
      He added: “I like the speed. I like dynamic football.
      “I don’t like static football, I don’t like boring football.
      “I like football that entertains the people.”
      Ten Hag will be hoping his players can continue to perform at the same level in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle on Sunday. More

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      Man Utd broke incredible 37-match Barcelona streak as impressive stats from win laid bare

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Europa League victory over Barcelona has been backed up by some impressive stats.The Red Devils beat the LaLiga side at Old Trafford last night thanks to goals from Fred and Antony cancelling out Robert Lewandowski’s opener.
      Manchester United registered some incredible stats by beating BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Including ending Barcelona’s unbeaten streak when leading at half timeCredit: Getty
      The result meant that United ran out as 4-3 victors on aggregate.
      The comeback from United meant that they broke Barcelona’s 37-match unbeaten steak when they were ahead at half time.
      The win for United was their 28th in all competitions this season, no other club in Europe’s major leagues has more.
      It is also the club’s 14th win out of 18 games since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club for Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr, they are also unbeaten in 18 games at Old Trafford.
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      Ronaldo left the club by mutual consent following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
      Also, United managed to score four goals across the two legs against the Catalonians.
      This is the same as 57 per cent of the goals they have conceded in 22 LaLiga games this season.
      One of the goals came from Antony, the 19th scored by a substitute for the club this term.
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      Which is also more than any other big five European league side this campaign.
      Fellow goalscorer Fred was also impressive as he registered 47 touches across the pitch as he was involved throughout the entire game.
      The performance has seen manager Erik ten Hag gain a lot of praise from former United stars for improving the club.
      United will now switch their attention back to the Carabao Cup as they face Newcastle in the final on Sunday. More

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      Ten Hag reveals motivational dressing room talk that inspired Man Utd to beat Barcelona with five key tactical tweaks

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      ERIK TEN HAG has revealed the five tactical changes he made that helped Man United beat Barcelona.The Red Devils dumped the LaLiga giants out of the Europa League with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last night.
      Erik ten Hag made five changes during half time against BarcelonaCredit: PA
      He wanted the team to press more and use Casemiro moreCredit: Getty
      He also brought on match-winner AntonyCredit: Getty
      Fred and Antony fired back for United after Robert Lewandowski has initially given Barcelona the lead from the spot.
      But it was not until the second half that the hosts started to really play well.
      Manager ten Hag after the game revealed to the press that there were five tweaks that needed to happen.
      The Dutchman wanted his players to have more “belief” and to use midfielder Casemiro more.
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      He also wanted Aaron Wan-Bissaka to get more of the ball and for the team to be braver in the press as well as bringing on match-winner Antony.
      He said: “I emphasised the belief. It was too flat first half.
      “We had our spare man, Casemiro we didn’t use enough. 
      “Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a lot of space on the right side, we didn’t use enough.
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      “I think in the pressing we could be more brave.
      “So that is what we emphasised.
      “The second was to make the sub with Antony, who brought more speed in the play and who brings belief on the pitch.”
      United midfielder and goalscorer Fred praised the team-talk after the game.
      He told BT Sport: “He said in the first half that we didn’t play like how we [normally] play.
      “But in the second half we were much better, we started very well and scored early.
      “We had a good talk in half-time with the coach, we changed our minds at half-time and the second half went very well.”
      United will find out their round of 16 opponents today with he draw starting at 11am. More

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      David Beckham’s Inter Miami CONFIRM they will launch double transfer swoop for Lionel Messi and Barcelona legend

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      DAVID BECKHAM’s Inter Miami have confirmed their interest in signing Barcelona legends Lionel Messi AND Sergio Busquets in the summer.The MLS side have been linked with Messi, 35, and Busquets, 34, this season with reports claiming Inter were leading the race for the Argentine World Cup winner.
      Phil Neville has confirmed that Inter Miami would like to sign Lionel MessiCredit: AFP
      Sergio Busquets is also of interest to the MLS teamCredit: Alamy
      Owner David Beckham has previously spoken glowingly about signing MessiCredit: Reuters
      Inter would, of course, face stiff competition to sign both of the football legends.
      Barca are said to be keen on keeping club captain Busquets at the club, where he is working under the management of former midfield star Xavi.
      And Messi’s current club, Paris Saint-Germain, would like to tie him down for another two years.
      Barca also dream of a reunion with Messi when his contract expires this summer.
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      Despite this, Inter manager Phil Neville has not ruled his team out of the transfer race to sign both players.
      He told The Times: “I’m not going to deny [it and say] there isn’t truth in the speculation that we’re interested in Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
      “Since I joined Miami, I think we’ve been linked with every single top player in world football.
      “From Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, Robert Lewandowski, Willian, Cesc Fàbregas, Luis Suárez . . . all of them you can rattle off.
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      “We’re always going to be linked with the best players in the world.
      “We had Gonzalo Higuaín and Blaise Matuidi. Now we’ve got the opportunity to bring in some new designated players [who fall outside the league’s salary cap] following their retirements.”
      Neville added: “We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club.
      “Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years.
      “They’re great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organisation.
      “For MLS, it would be a game-changer.”
      Beckham has also publicly spoken about Messi being a dream signing.
      He said: “Everyone has their wish list, everyone does, but if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don’t see it ending for them.
      “They’re playing at such a high level that it’s hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at, but we will see. You never know what can happen in football.”
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      Messi himself has also revealed that it is one of his dreams to play in the MLS.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “I would like to play in the United States someday, it’s always been one of my dreams… but I don’t know if it will happen!”
      Neville says Inter have had many high profile players in the pastCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Man Utd fans brutally troll Xavi for forgetting Bruno Fernandes’ name as ‘the Portuguese’ gets revenge versus Barcelona

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      BARCELONA boss Xavi has been brutally trolled for forgetting Bruno Fernandes’ name after they were defeated by Manchester United.The Red Devils took another step towards the quadruple after coming from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 and dump them out of the Europa League.
      Man Utd fans have been rubbing salt in Xavi’s woundsCredit: PA
      The Barca boss forgot Bruno Fernandes’ name in the build-up to the gameCredit: PA
      Robert Lewandowski silenced Old Trafford early by slotting home an early penalty, which was given away by Fernandes, to give Barcelona the half time advantage.
      However, the introduction of Antony in place of Wout Weghorst paid instant dividends as they took over.
      Brazilian Fred rifled home an equaliser straight after the restart before Antony fired home the winner with just 18 minutes remaining.
      Boss Erik ten Hag was hailed with his tactical masterstroke afterwards – and he even had the club’s most-successful manager ever Sir Alex Ferguson up on his feet fist-pumping.
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      However, after the dust had settled on United’s win and attentions turned to the Europa League Last-16 draw on Friday, fans quickly took to Twitter to rub salt in Xavi’s wounds.
      The Barcelona legend hit the headlines after he forgot Fernandes’ name ahead of his side’s trip to United, with him instead calling him “the Portuguese guy”.
      He dropped the clanger while discussing the impact of Ten Hag, saying: “He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy and look how Fred is playing.”
      One tweeted: “Hello Xavi, his name is Bruno Fernandes, you can call him the Magnifico if you like. He is my captain. Put some respect on his name.”
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      Another wrote: “Trust me Xavi will NEVER again forget the name Bruno Fernandes.”
      While a fellow fan commented: “Remember the name Xavi, it’s Bruno Fernandes.”
      Fernandes is enjoying a fine season and has taken over the captain’s armband from Harry Maguire due to the defender being regularly benched.
      The attacking midfielder has played 37 times for Man Utd this season, scoring seven goals and registering ten assists.
      Fans used Breaking Bad memes to troll Xavi after the Europa League win More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s heartwarming reaction to Man Utd comeback vs Barcelona caught on TV after Erik ten Hag dinner talks

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S heartwarming reaction to Manchester United’s winning goal over Barcelona had fans “pumped” after it was caught on camera.The Red Devils took another step towards the quadruple after coming from behind to beat the Euro giants 2-1 and dump them out of the Europa League.
      Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance to watch Man Utd defeat BarcelonaCredit: Reuters

      Robert Lewandowski silenced Old Trafford early by slotting home an early penalty.
      And Barcelona continued to dominate possession throughout the first half as they went into the break in control.
      However, the introduction of Antony in place of Wout Weghorst paid instant dividends as they took over.
      Brazilian Fred rifled home an equaliser straight after the restart before Antony fired home the winner with just 18 minutes remaining.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Boss Erik ten Hag was hailed for his tactical masterstroke afterwards – and he even had the club’s most-successful manager ever up on his feet fist-pumping.
      The 81-year-old icon was spotted at the Theatre of Dreams sitting alongside former Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson – the last Englishman to guide a team to top-flight success in 1992.
      And as Old Trafford erupted with delight at Antony’s strike, the veterans both jumped up from their seats as Fergie clapped wildly with delight.
      Then, the fiery Scotsman who was famous for dishing out the hair-dryer treatment, was caught performing a fist pump.
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      Sir Alex is a huge admirer of Ten Hag and what he has done for the club since taking charge in the summer and the pair enjoyed a meal together earlier in the week.
      As the clip of Fergie went viral, supporters were delighted to see his celebrations as the good times appear to back in the red half of Manchester.
      One fan wrote: “Sir Alex Ferguson up on his feet celebrating that Antony’s goal with a pumped fist. Manchester United Football Club!”
      Another wrote: “All I wanted to see!”
      While a fellow fan commented: “Making thee old man proud!”
      Discussing his meal with Fergie, Ten Hag said pre-match: “It is massive (to have his support).
      “I enjoy to speak with people with massive knowledge and experience of it.
      “He wants to share it, he wants to help and support. Manchester United is his club and he feels so committed.
      “He wants us to be doing well. It was a great night.”
      The United manager is currently steering the Red Devils to trophy shots on four fronts.
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      Ten Hag has United in the title race, the fifth round of the FA Cup, and they take on Newcastle in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday in search of their first trophy since 2017.
      And now they are also in the hat for the Europa League last-16 draw on Friday. More

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      Erik ten Hag hailed for tactical masterstroke that changed game for resurgent Man Utd against Barcelona

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      ERIK TEN HAG has been hailed for pulling off a tactical masterstroke and guiding Manchester United to a thrilling comeback over Barcelona.The Red Devils took another step towards the quadruple after coming from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 and dump them out of the Europa League.
      Erik ten Hag has been hailed for his tactical masterstrokeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Half time sub Antony fired Man utd to victory over BarcelonaCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Robert Lewandowski silenced Old Trafford early by slotting home an early penalty.
      And Barcelona continued to dominate possession throughout the first half as they went into the break in control.
      However, the introduction of Antony in place of Wout Weghorst paid instant dividends as they took over.
      Brazilian Fred rifled home an equaliser straight after the restart before Antony fired home the winner with just 18 minutes remaining.
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      But it was not just sheer luck – the Dutch manager is developing quite the knack of producing game-changing substitutions.
      United have scored 19 goals by substitutes in all competitions this season, the most of any big five European league side this term.
      Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live: “In the second-half Erik ten Hag made the right changes and it was an instant result.”
      One fan tweeted: “No manager is perfect with in-game management, but Ten Hag is pretty close. 
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      “Every time he makes a sub or tweaks his tactics mid-game, it’s like a bolt of lightning hitting the pitch – the influence is almost instantaneous.”
      Another wrote: “What a result, Ten Hag’s subs working wonders again too.”
      While another said: “Big win that. Brilliant second half. Ten Hag’s in game subs really are elite.”
      Meanwhile, goalscorer Fred said: “”First half we didn’t play how we usually play. But in the second-half we were much better and scored early so we had a good talk at half-time with the coach and we change our mindset and came out very well.” More