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      Man City chief slams ‘awful’ transfer window after Treble as stars either wanted more money or were ‘p***ed off’

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S historic Treble led to one of their most troubling transfer windows ever, club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed.City matched the historic feat oftheir bitter rivals Manchester United in the 2022/23 season by winning the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League.Manchester City won a historic Treble in the 2022/23 seasonCredit: GETTYBut club chief Txiki Begiristain has revealed the historic season led to a summer of turmoilCredit: GettyBut their success, according to Begiristain, prompted a slew of players – some of whom left the Etihad the following summer – to lay down ultimatums to the club.The Spaniard – who is set to leave at the end of the season – said in the soon-to-released Together: 4 in a Row documentary: “The transfer window was a bit awful.”At least for me. After winning the Treble, everyone was confused.”The protagonists from those trophies were thinking they should get more or new contracts and take the opportunities.READ MORE ON CITY”And the ones who didn’t play in finals were p***ed off and trying to get out from the club.”Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gundogan would all leave the Etihad in the months that followed City’s Treble.And the club broke their wage structure in order to stop skipper Kyle Walker from joining German giants Bayern Munich.The slew of departures, however, didn’t stop City from winning a historic fourth Premier League title on the trot last season in what was set to be manager Pep Guardiola’s penultimate season with the club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.But the Spaniard is said to be on the verge of inking a new deal with the Citizens.It’s claimed Guardiola, who was on the FA’s shortlist of candidates to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, is on course to sign a new one-year extension at Eastlands.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal Manchester City will be back in action on Saturday evening, welcoming Tottenham to the Etihad. More

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      Erling Haaland does pull ups on cliff edge and runs with wolves as Man City ace stars in insane Beats by Dre advert

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      MANCHESTER CITY striker Erling Haaland takes centre stage in the latest Beats by Dre advert set in Norway.The short film shows of the 22-year-old’s incredible strength and endurance.Erling Haaland stars in the latest Beats by Dre campaignThe striker is seen doing pull-ups on the edge of a cliffThe striker ends the advert waking up under a blanket of snowIt opens with Haaland meditating among a pack of wolves in the forest before he embarks on a run through the Norwegian mountains.The striker is then seen jogging on a spinning log in the middle of a calm lake.He continues his workout by doing pull-ups on the edge of a cliff before chopping a pile of wood and walking across hot coals with his bare feet.It ends with Haaland waking up under a blanket of snow, putting on his sky blue headphones and staring down the camera.Read More in FootballThe ad is for Beats’ latest campaign titled: “Ordinary is for everyone else.”Haaland’s presence in the Premier League has been far from ordinary since he joined Man City two years ago.In his first season in England, the striker broke a record set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer to become the highest-scoring Prem star in a single campaign.He already has two Golden Boots to his name, as well as two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHaaland is understood to be in line to become the Prem’s top earner.The striker has reportedly been offered a new deal at Man City that will make him the highest-paid star in the history of England’s top flight.Pep Guardiola applauds ‘unbelievable’ Erling Haaland’s stunning acrobatic goal He currently earns £375,000-per-week at the Etihad, but City bosses are willing to up that to £500,000-per-week.The proposed deal allegedly runs until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

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      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

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      Man Utd ‘ready to make £33m transfer offer for Sporting wonderkid Geovany Quenda, 17, who terrorised Man City’

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      GEOVANY QUENDA could be in line to follow Ruben Amorim to Manchester United according to reports. The Sporting Lisbon teenager was one of the stars who impressed when the Portuguese side beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League in Amorim’s final home game in charge.Geovany Quenda is being eyed for a summer move by Man UtdCredit: APRuben Amorim brought Quenda with the Sporting Lisbon senior pre-season squad before the teen became integralCredit: APWhile it was former Coventry ace Viktor Gyokeres receiving the plaudits for his hat-trick in that game, 17-year-old Quenda was the star who got Gyokeres’ tally up and running thanks to a beautiful pass cutting through the lines.Man Utd had already been tracking the left-footed winger, who played at right wing-back against City, before they moved for Amorim.And according to A Bola, the Red Devils are preparing to make a transfer offer for him next summer.The report suggests their first offer will be in the region of £33million.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Guinea-Bissau-born Portugal youth international has a full release clause of £84m after renewing his contract to 2027 in September – with his old contract containing a clause of £38m.Amorim promised he would not take players from his former side in January, but did not rule out some moves in the summer.He said: “In the January market I will not [get players from Sporting], that’s what I said.”In the summer I don’t know anymore. First point: to hold out until the summer. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Sporting’s players are very good players. I don’t know. We’ll see.”Quenda’s case saw Amorim take him with the Lions’ senior team in pre-season before integrating him into the first team and becoming integral to them before the 39-year-old manager left.Man Utd fans claim Ruben Amorim could be ‘new Jurgen Klopp’ after heartwarming gesture on stadium tourAmorim’s first game in charge at Man Utd will be against Ipswich this Sunday.He has been boosted by the return of Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia in training, while the former could even make his club debut following his pre-season injury.Despite sitting in 13th place in the league, the club are miraculously just four points behind the top four.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Man Utd legend reveals what players had to do for Sir Alex Ferguson to agree to sign off on bigger dressing room

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON promised Manchester United stars a bigger dressing room on one condition.Patrice Evra has revealed that Britain’s most decorated boss refused to sign-off on new facilities unless his players achieved football immortality.Patrice Evra opened up about the dressing room saga on a recent podcastCredit: Getty – ContributorThe United legend revealed that Ferguson would only change the facilities on one conditionCredit: ReutersEvra and Ferguson worked together at United for seven years between 2006 and 2013Credit: Mark Robinson – The SunThe dressing room is now much bigger compared to when Evra joined the club in 2006Credit: GettyFerguson was reluctant to change the area of Old Trafford where he gave his legendary team-talks simply because of the history within it.But the players were after a bigger, more lavish space to get ready before matches back in 2008.Evra recalled the anecdote while referencing how the current younger generation are often handed things without putting in the work. The United legend told the Tea With Me Podcast: “I’ll give you a crazy story. READ MORE ON MAN UTD“We had to win the Premier League and the Champions League to get a bigger dressing room.“Our dressing room at Old Trafford was like maybe the size of this room. Sir Alex Ferguson never wanted to change the dressing room.“We were like, ‘come on boss it is too small’. But this is the history, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, this is why he doesn’t want to change the dressing room.“But he said if you win the Prem and the Champions League maybe you are going to have a dressing room.”Most read in FootballThe changing room used to be much smaller than thisCredit: GettyFerguson agreed to an upgrade if his players won the Prem and Champions League in 2008Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited did just that in 2008 when a penalty shootout win against Chelsea in Moscow capped off the unforgettable double.Ferguson kept true to his word but Evra revealed the hilarious conversation the pair had about it.Sir Alex Ferguson phoned and tried to convince me to join Man Utd – but their transfer plan made me say noThe former French left-back added: “He was like, ‘f*** sake, I’m going to have no money’. I was like, ‘it is not even your money boss’.“I remember the first time we came in and we had big TV screens, a speaker, and I was so happy, like Christmas, just because we got a bigger dressing room.“But we had to win those trophies to do that.” Sir Alex’s Man Utd trophy haul Sir Alex Ferguson won 49 major trophies during his time as manager of Manchester United:13 Premier League titles5 FA Cups4 League Cups10 Community Shields2 Uefa Champions Leagues1 European Cup Winners’ Cup1 European Super Cup1 Intercontinental Cup1 FIFA Club World CupWhat Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managersDavid Moyes”All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”Louis van Gaal”One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”Jose Mourinho”Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”Ole Gunnar Solskjaer “A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”Erik ten Hag”One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”Ruben Amorim “One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.” More

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      Mikel Arteta warned Arsenal stars need spirit of Invincibles in hearts and minds to keep Prem title dream alive

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      ARSENAL Invincible Gilberto Silva has warned Mikel Arteta’s stuttering title-chasers: “Every game is a final now.”The Gunners are already NINE points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after suffering from injuries and three controversial red cards in their first 11 league games.Mikel Arteta’s side must treat every game like a ‘final’ nowArsenal Invincible Gilberto Silva believes his former side can get back on trackSilva believes Arsenal will need Invincible spirit to win trophies this seasonBrazilian World Cup winner Gilberto believes his former club can still overhaul Arne Slot’s Reds and Manchester City — but only if they show the right mentality.Gilberto was a key member of Arsenal’s last title-winning team 20 years ago, when Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles went the entire Prem season unbeaten.And he insists it is what players have in their hearts and minds that will determine who ends up as champions.The 89-cap Selecao star said: “Arsenal have great players, they are a great team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“But great teams do not always win titles. We have seen this before. Sometimes giving 100 per cent is not enough.“You need to have something extra to put on the table — an extra ten per cent. And that extra comes from your heart and mind.“You have to have a strong heart. You have to leave everything on the field.“Mikel’s players have shown great spirit, but if they want to win they need to give a bit more than they have because they are up against very big competitors.Most read in FootballArsenal have suffered three red cards in 11 games this seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“They have to be better than them on the field,  in their minds and in their hearts — in every game.“So every game is a final now. Every day is one to battle and not let your opponents be better than you.”’He bottled it,’ squeals Neville as Carragher gives updated title predictionArsenal have dropped SEVEN points in the three games they have been reduced to ten men.They drew 1-1 against Brighton after Declan Rice was sent off by Chris Kavanagh after being adjudged to have delayed the restart and 2-2 at Manchester City when Leandro Trossard was dismissed by Michael Oliver for the same offence.A 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth followed after VAR Jarred Gillett’s intervention led to William Saliba’s yellow card being upgraded to red for denying Evanilson a goal- scoring opportunity.The Gunners have also badly missed skipper Martin Odegaard after he injured ankle ligaments playing for Norway in the Nations League  in September.He returned to the Gunners’ starting line-up in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, laying on Gabriel Martinelli’s opener.But Arsenal have now been hit by injuries to winger Bukayo Saka, £105million midfielder Declan Rice. Bukayo Saka has been in and out of the medical room this seasonWinger Saka picked up a leg injury against the Blues and Rice has been playing with a broken toe, so both pulled out of Lee Carsley’s England squad.Ben White has had surgery on a knee problem and fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined.The Gunners next play on Saturday against high-flying Nottingham Forest.Gilberto, who also won the FA Cup twice at Arsenal, added: “Red cards and injuries always affect you. “They cause disruption. You have to change the squad, change the system if players are not available.“Odegaard has been an important miss because he is the playmaker and captain.“Now he has returned I am hoping he can contribute as he did before. It is important not to drop silly points because they can impact your whole season, especially if you aspire to be champions.“But Arsenal must forget about the points they have already lost because they are gone, you cannot get them back.“You have to go game by game, point by point.”Martin Odegaard returned to start against Chelsea in the Prem last time outAsked what extra ingredient Wenger’s incredible 2003-04 side had, Gilberto replied: “We did not accept losing. That was key to that season.“But our squad had some world champions, myself, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, plus other guys who had done great jobs for their national teams.”In that Invincible season, Arsenal also reached the FA Cup and Carling Cup semi- finals and Champions League quarter-finals, before being beaten by Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Chelsea respectively.Gilberto added: “I don’t want to compare our squad to Mikel’s. “His players have real quality, but it’s what they can bring extra to their game that could make a difference to beat any team they face.“Mikel is doing a great job. It’s his team now, his players. And they believe in him. But it’s about their mindset. “They have to think: ‘The opposition cannot beat us in the mind and  in the heart. We are going to give everything’.”Gilberto went undefeated in the league with Arsenal in 2003-04Gilberto also believes it is vital Arsenal win a trophy this season — even if it’s only the Carabao Cup.They host Crystal Palace in next month’s quarter-final with City, winners six times in the last ten, already knocked out.And he added: “I would love Arsenal to win the Premier League, it’s been too long. But, yes, it is important to get some silverware.”  Gilberto made 244 appearances during his six years at the club, but is set to pull on his boots again tomorrow, alongside fellow Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will play in a ‘united against suicide’ charity match at Lewes FC to raise money for the Campaign Against Living Miserably.A fan will be plucked from the crowd  to coach for ten minutes. And Gilberto said: “It is a very important project.”Arsenal and Edu resignation statement in fullEdu Gaspar has today resigned from his position as our Sporting Director.Edu, our former player and Invincible, re-joined us in the role of Technical Director in July 2019. He progressed through the club and was promoted to Sporting Director in November 2022, where he oversaw men’s, women’s and academy football.   We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.”Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Our Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke, added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  “Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club.  We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.” More

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      West Ham decide on Lucas Paqueta replacement with ‘next David Silva’ targeted in £20m transfer

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      WEST HAM fancy nabbing Manchester City forgotten man James McAtee as they fear losing Lucas Paqueta.The attacking midfielder will be their top target for the role that could be available in January.West Ham are interested in Man City starlet James McAteeCredit: AlamyLucas Paqueta could leave West HamCredit: RexBrazilian star Paqueta is wanted back home by Botafogo and may be sold if the right deal comes in.And West Ham see McAtee as his successor — with the City squad man dubbed the ‘Salford Silva’ because he is similar in style and imagination to Etihad legend David Silva.McAtee, 22, had two successful campaigns on loan with Sheffield United but is going nowhere, stuck on the bench at City.The time may be right for a permanent move and Hammers should not have a problem affording a fee of £20million or more.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCity were linked with Paqueta last season — backing away when a gambling probe came to light.They may be interested again but a straight deal for McAtee is more likely than any kind of swap.McAtee has made five first team appearances for City this season.He started both of their Carabao Cup matches, including the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder also netted his first City goal during the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava.McAtee has been an unused substitute in 10 of City’s 11 Prem matches this term, however, only making a very brief cameo against Ipswich in August.Man City’s James McAtee reflects on his Premier League debut More

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      Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic slams club’s recruitment and questions the ‘character and resilience’ of players

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic criticised the club’s players and recruitment with a brutal assessment.Vidic, 43, won five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and three League Cups during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford where he amassed a staggering 300 appearances.Nemanja Vidic slammed Manchester United’s players and recruitmentVidic experienced tremendous success under Man Utd legend Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Action ImagesThe centre-back continues to watch his beloved club and didn’t hold back on United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.The ex-Serbia international questioned the players’ “character and resilience” and even dismissed claims that they are under too much pressure.In fact, the former defender insists the Red Devils’ flops could do with some real pressure so that they can finally understand the true demands of the club they are playing for.Vidic told Sky Sports: “Honestly, I don’t think it’s [the] pressure [of] playing for Man Utd. The way Man Utd fans support the club and the players… Read More on Man Utd”They don’t have pressure at all. Because they’re still behind the players and the coaches. I think they need pressure. I think those players, they definitely need pressure. We are all expecting more from them. “Even now we have some fantastic players. I think my question is more about the characters, resilience, [being] ready to compete, to give extra and compete week in week out.”I remember when I was playing for Man Utd: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans – [I was thinking] they were coming to take my place. “I was scared I was going to lose my place. And that’s normal. If I’m not performing well, they will bring in a new guy. No one had to tell me that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMan Utd have splashed well over £1billion since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 and bought hefty flops, such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez and Antony.Vidic insists the team’s recruitment needs to change and focus on the right characters rather than the biggest names.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsThe Serbian added: “So a job needs to be done in the next few transfer windows. Not just players they are going to bring in, I think some players definitely have to try and find new teams.”Sometimes you don’t need the best player in the world to play for your club, but you need the right character.”If you want to play for the big clubs, competing for the trophies, you have to be consistent. “And that’s not just down to quality, it’s down to mentality. That’s the key for me.” More