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      Man Utd almost solved defensive woes four years ago with Premier League star now labelled ‘transfer of the season’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have endured their worst start to a season in six decades.The Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League despite spending an additional £170million during the summer transfer window.
      Man Utd have endured a poor start to the seasonCredit: Getty
      Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are currently the club’s two starting centre-backsCredit: Getty
      They are also at risk of dropping out of the Champions League at the group stages.
      And to make matters worse, they crashed out of the Carabao Cup last week following a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle.
      United boss Erik ten Hag has spent around £407m in total since taking the helm at Old Trafford last summer, but he is yet to build a squad that can challenge for the league title.
      Arguably United’s weakest area right now is in defence, with £55m man Lisandro Martinez set for a long spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.
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      Both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have also been absent for the majority of the season so far, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has just returned from a hamstring injury.
      Ten Hag is now putting all his faith in the likes of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.
      Raphael Varane, meanwhile, has been benched for the last three games for “tactical” reasons.
      But Man Utd’s defensive issues could have been dramatically reduced had they signed one of the Premier League’s most promising centre-backs four years ago.
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      Man Utd had the chance to sign Nathan Collins back in 2019Credit: Getty
      In 2019 the Red Devils were linked with then-18-year-old Stoke star Nathan Collins.
      However, a deal never came to fruition.
      Collins went on to join Burnley in 2021, where he spent one season before moving to Wolves.
      And in July he completed a club-record £23m transfer to Brentford, where he has since established himself as an important first team player.
      The Ireland international scored the winning goal to complete Brentford’s impressive comeback against West Ham on Saturday.
      And he has since received heaps of praise from both fans and his manager, Thomas Frank.
      Speaking after the match, Frank said: “There’s so much potential in Nathan.
      “He’s just started his career, more or less. I know he’s played Premier League football before, but at 22 you are not even close to your highest level.
      “He’s done well for us. Last week [the 2-0 win over Chelsea] was a good step in the right direction. I think today [there were] also a lot of important clearances on set pieces and then he finally scored. What a cross from Mathias Jensen and what a header.”
      Fans took to social media following the 3-2 win to laud the young defender, with one person writing: “Nathan Collins – what a signing.”
      Another added: “Nathan Collins was phenomenal today. MOTM.”
      A third fan wrote: “£23m for Nathan Collins looks more and more like a bargain with every game that goes by.”
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      While a fourth simply said: “Nathan Collins. F*****g mustard.”
      On top of his club career, Collins has made 17 senior appearances for the Republic of Ireland, scoring once.
      Collins scored the winning goal as Brentford beat West Ham 3-2 on SaturdayCredit: AP More

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      Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle: Magpies seek revenge on Germans in huge Champions League clash – stream, TV, team news

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      NEWCASTLE will travel to Germany to take on Borussia Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park in a huge Champions League clash on Tuesday night.Edin Terzic’s side snatched all three points when the two last met at St James’ Park two weeks ago.
      Borussia Dortmund leapfrogged Newcastle after their 1-0 win at St James’ ParkCredit: GETTY
      It was the first time the Magpies have been beaten in the Champions League since they made their return to Europe’s elite competition after Felix Nmecha’s goal gave Dortmund the spoils on Tyneside.
      Since their defeat in Europe, Newcastle are unbeaten and go into the match on the back of a controversial 1-0 win against Arsenal in the Premier League.
      Meanwhile, Dortmund were on the end of a 4-0 thrashing from rivals Bayern Munich in their last outing.
      When is Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle?

      Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle will take place on Tuesday, November 7.
      Kick off will be at 5.45pm GMT.
      Signal Iduna Park will host.

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      What TV channel is Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle on and can it be live streamed?

      Borussia Dortmund vs Newcastle will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1.
      TNT Sports customers can live stream all the action via the discovery+ app.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      The hosts will likely be without former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can as he continues to struggle with a hip injury.
      Dortmund’s Julian Duranville and Matu Morey will remain unavailable for the visit of Newcastle on Tuesday night.
      Eddie Howe will be sweating over the fitness of local lad Dan Burn after he went off at halftime against Arsenal with a back injury.
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      Tuesday night’s game is likely to come too soon for forward Alexander Isaka as he continues to recover from a groin problem.
      Long-term absentees Matt Targett, Harvey Barnes and Sven Botman will all miss the trip to Germany.
      What are the odds?

      Borussia Dortmund – 31/20
      Draw – 12/5
      Newcastle – 8/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid shirt No1 in list of European sales with shock Man Utd star cracking top 10

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      REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham topped the list of most shirts sold across Europe last month.Bellingham has set the world alight since his £115million move to Real in the summer made him the most expensive British player of all time.
      Bellingham has set the world alight at Real ever since his record move
      The midfielder has since been dominating with Los Blancos where he has already registered a staggering 13 goals and three assists in 13 matches across all competitions.
      That saw him win this year’s Kopa trophy in the Ballon d’Or awards, marking the 20-year-old out as the best young player of the year.
      The England international is also dominating off the pitch.
      According to Fanatics, no one has sold more shirts than Bellingham across the entire continent in October.
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      In fact, the ex-Birmingham star tops the Top 10 list, which includes a shock addition from Manchester United.
      Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, who led Pep Guardiola’s team to a stunning Treble last season and has already registered a whopping 13 goals and three assists in 16 matches, comes second.
      Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe is third despite the fact his contract with the club runs out in June and there is absolutely no indication he will renew as he eyes a move to join Bellingham at Real.
      United’s Marcus Rashford follows in fourth place despite his slow start this season as he stood out last term with an impressive 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances.
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      Son Heung-min is fifth as he makes all Tottenham fans forget about Harry Kane with eight goals in 11 matches so far.
      Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is sixth despite his strong links with a move to Saudi Arabia in the near future, with Al-Ittihad still keeping tabs.
      Kevin De Bruyne is seventh after a fantastic season with City, which shows how much fans are looking forward to his return from a hamstring injury.
      But the most shocking addition comes in eighth place and it’s none other than United ace Alejandro Garnacho.
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      Garnacho has yet to register a goal in the Premier League or Champions League this season.
      But the winger is still considered a star in the making by many and it seems like there is a lot of faith in him as fans are literally investing in him.
      The Argentina international finishes above stars like Bukayo Saka from Arsenal and Vinicius Junior from Real, who finish ninth and 10th respectively.
      Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham sold more shirts than anyone in Europe last month
      Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho is eighth in the list of most shirts sold More

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      Lionel Messi reveals favourite of his incredible 850 goals where he dribbles past half the opposition in a huge game

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      LIONEL MESSI has singled out his favourite goal from nearly 850.The Argentina legend, 36, is arguably the greatest footballer of all time.
      Lionel Messi revealed the favourite goal of his illustrious careerCredit: Twitter @FlorentTorchut
      And his goalscoring record since bursting on to the scene as a teenager at Barcelona is simply remarkable.
      He managed an incredible 672 strikes for Barcelona then added 32 for Paris Saint-Germain and has 11 in 14 for Inter Miami.
      On top of those 726, Messi also boasts another 106 for the Argentina senior team – and 16 for the Under-20s and U23s combined.
      That includes goals in the biggest matches such as Champions League and World Cup finals.
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      And his ridiculous highlight reels of countless individual strikes include seven nominations for the Puskas Award, given to the best goal of the year across all football.
      Now, though, Messi has revealed the one that sticks out above the rest from the 848.
      And it is his superb solo effort against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the 2011 Champions League semi-final.
      Speaking after winning his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or, Messi told Florent Torchut of France Football: “Well, I always say that special goals are the important thing.
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      “To have scored in the Champions League final, to have scored now in the final of the World Cup… I don’t know.
      “A goal that I always remember and I don’t go much for the goal and for what the goals mean, it’s the goal against Real Madrid, which we beat 2-0 in that Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu.
      “I think the most significant goals are always the most important ones.
      “But for one I would stick with one of those.”

      That goal in the Bernabeu saw the then-Barca superstar pick up the ball just inside the Real half.
      He played a neat one-two with Sergio Busquets then breezed past midfielders Xabi Alonso and Lassana Diara.
      Messi left Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo in his wake with his mindboggling dribbling before squeezing a right-foot finish across Iker Casillas and into the bottom corner.
      The Barcelona record goalscorer grabbed both goals on the night to set up a 2-0 first-leg lead, with a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp enough to see Pep Guardiola’s side through to the Champions League final.
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      He was on target at Wembley with Pedro and David Villa also finding the net as Barcelona beat Manchester United 3-1.
      Messi also scored in the 2009 final win before beating Hugo Lloris twice in last year’s World Cup final victory – once from the penalty spot and then bundling home from close range in extra-time.
      Messi dribbed last the Real Madrid defenders before tucking into the cornerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The goal helped fire Barcelona towards the 2011 Champions League finalCredit: Reuters
      Messi collected his eighth Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to World Cup gloryCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa warned Unai Emery set to receive ‘Champions League offer he can’t refuse’ by Jamie Carragher

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      ASTON VILLA have been warned that boss Unai Emery will get “an offer he can’t refuse” from a major Champions League club.Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher urged the high-riding Villans to “cherish” the Spaniard while they still can.
      The only way is up for Unai Emery, according to Jamie CarragherCredit: Rex
      The pundit pointed out “only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have won more Premier League points” since Emery took charge of the Midlanders in November 2022.
      Carragher also reckons the ex-Villarreal chief will feel he has “unfinished business at the top level” after so-so spells with PSG and the Gunners.
      And the ex-England star believes the 52-year-old is already on the “wanted list” of elite teams.
      Carra, 45, wrote in The Telegraph: “Aston Villa should cherish Unai Emery while they can. 
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      “It is a matter of time before an established Champions League club makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
      “Owners and sporting directors can see the quality and impact of Emery’s work at Villa Park and he will be on their wanted lists.
      “Emery’s excellence is good news for Villa and bad news for underperforming managers. 
      “Clubs will look at his example and realise one of the biggest myths in football is ‘there is no quick fix’ or ‘you cannot just wave a magic wand’.
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      “Actually, with top managers there is and you can.”
      Emery won the Europa League three times with Sevilla and once at Villarreal, also guiding PSG to a single Ligue 1 crown. More

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      My dad won the Champions League and is a Premier League icon – now I’m climbing the ranks in League Two

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      THE pressure to make it as a professional footballer is always high when you’re an academy kid. But it’s even higher when your dad is a Champions League winner with over 41 international caps for his country.
      Djibril Cisse has paved the way for his son to make it as a footballerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Cassius Clay Cisse (L) is following his dad as a professional playerCredit: Instagram
      Cassius Clay Cisse is on a mission to follow in his dad Djibril Cisse’s footsteps as he pursues his budding career in football.
      Djibril is a Premier League icon who was well known for his elaborate hairstyles and his unique playing style.
      The 42-year-old made 110 Premier League appearances and finished his career with an FA Cup and a Champions League trophy from his days with Liverpool.
      But after hanging up his boots in 2021 it’s now the turn of his son Cassius to take the footballing world by storm.
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      The 17-year-old wing-back is currently on the books at Notts County in League Two after signing his first contract in July of this year.
      And he’s previously represented Wales at youth level too with his mother, Jude Littler, heralding from the British nation.
      But there’s big shoes to fill in terms of international football for Cassius with his dad’s impressive record for France.
      Djibril represented Les Bleus at the 2002 World Cup and was also a part of their 2003 Confederations Cup winning side.
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      If Cassius’ career continues on an upwards trajectory he will have the option to represent Wales, France, England or even the Ivory Coast.
      With even more family connections in football his late grandfather, Mangue Cisse, once captained the nation.
      And it would seem as if the sport is still running through the Cisse blood with Cassius’ little brother Prince Kobe also an aspiring player.
      The 15-year-old is currently a part of the Liverpool academy and has represented Wales at U15 level.

      Cassius has been working alongside former Tottenham player Pascal ChimbondaCredit: Instagram More

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      Mbappe ‘starts football’s next big rivalry’ at Ballon d’Or awards with fans excited for new ‘Messi-Ronaldo affair’

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      FANS are convinced that Kylian Mbappe has started football’s next big rivalry after his reaction to Erling Haaland collecting an award.The French star was beaten by the Norweigan to the Gerd Muller Trophy which was presented during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
      Kylian Mbappe looked less than impressed as Erling Haaland won the Gerd Muller Trophy
      Erling Haaland earned the award for his 56 goals last seasonCredit: EPA
      Mbappe, 24, missed out on the heralded accolade after Haaland’s prolific debut for Manchester City.
      The striker netted an outstanding 56 goals for club and country last season which saw him outscore every striker in Europe, including Mbappe.
      Mbappe was only two goals short of the former Borussia Dortmund man as he also enjoyed an impressive season with PSG and France.
      However as Haaland, 23, went up to collect his award from Gary Lineker, Mbappe looked less than impressed as he gave his rival a slow clap.
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      Fans spotted the moment on social media as they claimed that the next big rivalry in football is here.
      One fan posted: “Moving like he was forced to clap.”
      A second commented: “The rivalry has already begun. The next few years will be worthwhile.”
      A third wrote: “Very bored dad at recital vibes.”
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      A fourth said: “‘It’s about to be a Ronaldo-Messi affair between those two. There’s Bellingham there too. Mbappe should leave PSG if he really wants that award.”
      Other fans joked that Mbappe was upset that Haaland took his sport as the cover star of EA Sports’ EA FC 24 computer game.
      One fan joked: “Looks like he didn’t take Haaland nabbing his EA cover star well.”
      Another added: “Jealousy is a terrible thing.”
      The pair’s potential rivalry will follow the competition between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      That debate was surely ended during the ceremony as Messi was handed his eighth Ballon d’Or award.
      Mbappe’s night got worse as he was left alone on his row as the surrounding Manchester City stars were awarded the prize for the best men’s team.
      On winning the Gerd Muller award, Haaland said: “It’s a huge honour to receive the Gerd Muller Trophy.  
      “I couldn’t have scored the number of goals I did last season without all of my teammates and this award is another reminder of the incredible year we all enjoyed together. 
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      “We work hard every day to win every game and every competition we play in, but to not only lift the first Champions League in this Club’s history but also the Premier League and FA Cup is something none of us could have imagined. 
      “I’m proud of what we achieved as a team last season, but our focus now is on trying to do it all again this year.” More

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      European giants CANCEL Goal of the Month competition and sack boss as ruthless fans call it ‘the Chelsea special’

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      BASEL have cancelled their Goal of the Month awards as the team has failed to hit the back of the net throughout the entirety of October.The Swiss giants have been enduring a disastrous season that has seen them drop to the bottom of the Swiss Super League table.
      Basel had to cancel their Goal of the Month awards amid a disastrous seasonCredit: 2023 UEFA
      The once Champions League regulars have only won one out of 11 league matches and have lost a staggering eight long the way.
      To make matters worse, the 20-time Swiss champions haven’t scored a single goal this entire month.
      Last season’s Europa Conference League semi-finalists have instead conceded a whopping 10 across their four matches this month.
      Basel tweeted: “No goals in October = No goal of the month.”
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      That tweet sparked some intense reaction from the club’s fans but there were also some rival supporters who found the opportunity to poke some fun.
      In fact, some of them even saw similarities with Chelsea’s turbulent season.
      The Blues are still languishing in 11th place in the Premier League table.
      And the West Londoners almost went the entirety of September without a goal until their 1-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup just four days before October began.
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      One fan tweeted: “The Chelsea special.”
      Another commented: “Sometimes you want to be San Marino.”
      A third posted: “Feels bad.”
      This fan wrote: “Could run Goal of the Month with goals from the youth and women’s teams.”
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      And that one stated: “What a shame. The saddest tweet I have ever seen.”
      Basel are trying to shake things up by hiring their third manager of the season with Fabio Celestini replacing Heiko Vogel.
      Vogel was on his third stint in the dugout after replacing Timo Schultz last month.
      Basel announced: “Due to the worsening sporting crisis in the first team, FC Basel 1893 has decided to part ways with head coach Heiko Vogel.
      “With a contract until the end of the season, Fabio Celestini will take over management of the team immediately. He is assisted by the existing coaching staff.” More