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    Former Man Utd star Juan Mata makes history with move into MLS as he takes major step towards career after playing

    JUAN MATA has made history after announcing a stunning move to join the ownership group of Major League Soccer side San Diego FC.The former Manchester United and Chelsea star currently plays for A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers, where he has been since September.Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of San Diego FCMata currently plays for Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-LeagueCredit: RexHowever, the 36-year-old has now taken to social media to announce he would be investing into America’s newest top flight franchise who will be joining the league in 2025 as the 30th club.A statement on his Instagram said: “Really happy to announce that I’m a partner at the newest and most special franchise in the MLS!”The club’s own announcement on the move also revealed how the Spaniard has made history by becoming the first active player to hold an ownership stake in Major League Soccer.Mata is now also in illustrious company with Inter Miami owner David Beckham as only the second international player to be involved in MLS ownership, according to the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard added: “Joining San Diego FC as a partner is an exciting opportunity to help build something truly special in a city and league that are experiencing incredible growth.”The commitment of both this Club and Right to Dream to community impact, excellence, and a vision for long-term success aligns perfectly with my own values. “I look forward to contributing my experience and passion for the game and working alongside everyone here to build a Club that inspires both on and off the pitch.”San Diego’s first ever competitive match will take place at the 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium against five-time MLS winners LA Galaxy on March 1 2025.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club statement described Mata as a “widely respected humanitarian” and mentioned his charitable schemes such as the Common Goal initiative which sees players pledge one per cent of their salary to social causes.He is also an active collaborator and partner of Right to Dream, and has visited RTD’s Academy in Egypt and Denmark.Hirving Lozano surprises San Diego FC in visit to his new MLS club after being left off Mexico’s Copa America rosterSan Diego chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said: “Juan has been an active and long-term supporter of Right to Dream, and he shares our values of wanting to use football to deliver long-term social impact and change. “As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, winning the World Cup, European Championship and UEFA Champions League, among many other titles, he is a serial winner, and in San Diego, we are committed to building a winning team for the long term.”The playmaker starred in England for 11 years with Chelsea and Man Utd.He spent two-and-a-half years with the Blues where he won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.Mata then played for the Red Devils from January 2014 to summer 2022, winning the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup.After leaving Man Utd, Mata joined Galatasaray, where he won the league before leaving to join Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he also won the league.Meanwhile – having started his career with Real Oviedo – prior to arriving in the Premier League he won the Copa del Rey with Valencia.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn an international level, Mata won the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship and was also a European Champion in both the Under-19 and Under-21 categories.His various business ventures away from football have helped him cultivate a reported net worth of £66million, and it seems club ownership could be up his street when he eventually retires.Stars signed up for San DiegoSAN DIEGO will be Major League Soccer’s 30th franchise team, but who will they have playing for them? Only a handful are on the books so far, but there are names you may recognise…Hirving Lozano – Mexican winger is joining from PSV in January. He is a title winner with the Dutch club and Italian side Napoli and has 70 international appearances under his belt.Marcus Ingvartsen – One-time Dane international has proven to be a prolific goalscorer for Nordsjaelland with 53 goals in 134 games.Alex Mighten – Nottingham Forest academy product is joining from the Premier League side after signing a deal in the summer, but is currently on loan with Nordsjaelland.Jeppe Tverskov – Third star associated with Nordsjaelland, the defensive midfielder only joined the club from Danish rivals Odense BK in 2023. He is a Superliga veteran with more than 220 appearances to his name.Paddy McNair – Man Utd academy star is joining the MLS side from West Brom. Now 29 years old, it will be his first transfer outside of England after spending most of his career with Middlesbrough. McNair won the FA Cup with United in 2016 and won the Under-21 Premier League twice. More

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    Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man Utd

    JOHN TERRY has revealed the moment that “broke” him three days after his infamous slip in the 2008 Champions League final.Terry, 43, was a victim of the elements when he slipped as he took the decisive penalty in the Champions League final against Manchester United in Moscow.John Terry has revealed the moment that ‘broke’ him three days after his Champions League final slipCredit: UP FRONT PODCASTTerry slipped while taking the decisive penalty in the 2008 Champions League final, handing the win to Manchester UnitedCredit: PA:Press AssociationDespite 16 years passing since that moment, Terry claims he’s “still not over it today” and doesn’t think he “ever will be”.His slip handed Man Utd the trophy that night and snatched it away from the travelling Chelsea support and his SW6 teammates.But it wasn’t the slip itself that left Terry “broken”, but rather a game at Wembley just three days later.The central defender scored a bullet header from the edge of the box as the Three Lions beat the USA 2-0 at the Home of Football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Terry revealed on the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast that he would have traded that moment for the penalty if he could.He said: “I just remember standing looking over Moscow in my hotel, I was on about the 25th floor, just looking out.”Just asking ‘Why? Why then? Why did it start raining? Why did I slip?’. All of these things that go over [in your head].”Probably the hardest thing was that three days later we met up with England. We had a friendly at Wembley against the USA.Most read in FootballWho are these famous footballers?FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I ended up scoring a header from outside the box and that was probably the hardest moment.”Because if I could swap any goal in my career it would be that. I scored a header from 18 yards and after the game it f****** broke me.”Chelsea legend John Terry plays golf on luxury course after private jet trip Fortunately for Terry he was able to do way with those demons when he returned to the Champions League final with Chelsea in 2012.The Blues beat Bayern Munich on penalties at the Allianz Arena to lift club football’s most prestigious trophy.Terry was suspended for the match, but had helped his side to the final with eight solid performances throughout the tournament.Despite his suspension, Terry previously admitted that he felt just as much a part of the Champions League winning squad as anyone else.In 2014, he said: “People like to have their digs and their pops, but I know I played a huge part, in the dressing room and on the field as well, so I count myself to have won it. “No one speaks about the other 10 players who weren’t on the pitch that night in Munich as well. Maybe that’s me and that’s where I am at as a player.”Terry claimed that his goal vs the USA three days after the final ‘broke’ himCredit: GettyThe centre-back said he would swap the headed finish for the penalty if he couldCredit: AFPTerry won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012Credit: Getty More

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    Just 58% of Dream Team managers have used a Booster this season – activate one in Gameweek 12 for bumper returns

    OVER half of all Dream Team managers are yet to play a single Booster this season.To be precise, 58% of gaffers still have Goal Bonus, 12th Man and Max Captain in the holster.Send your points into orbit by playing a BoosterCredit: Dream TeamWith over two thirds of the campaign remaining, this is perfectly reasonable given each Booster can only be played once per season – there’s certainly no need to be overly eager.However, if you’re included in the aforementioned 58% of bosses, you should at least consider the possibility of activating a Booster ahead of Gameweek 12.Generally speaking, Boosters are best deployed when the vast majority of your players have two fixtures at their disposal for the very simple reason that assets with additional games tend to perform better than counterparts who are essentially limited to league commitments.Seven teams are set to pull double duty in Gameweek 12 with Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa in Champions League action, Tottenham and Manchester United active in the Europa League, and Chelsea resuming their Conference League campaign.What’s more, several of those clubs have favourable league fixtures this weekend.A trip to Ipswich represents a relatively favourable start for Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyGAMEWEEK 12 DOUBLE HEADERS:MANCHESTER CITY vs Tottenham, FeyenoordARSENAL vs Nottingham Forest & Sporting CPLIVERPOOL vs Southampton & Real MadridASTON VILLA vs Crystal Palace & JuventusTOTTENHAM vs Manchester City & RomaMANCHESTER UNITED vs Ipswich & Bodo/GlimtCHELSEA vs Leicester & HeidenheimIf your team features plenty of Liverpool, Man United and Villa players then it might be well suited to a Booster as those three sides are due to face teams currently in the bottom four across Saturday and Sunday.Most read in FootballRemember, the Goal Bonus Booster increases the value of each goal from six points to nine points.For example, if you captain Mohamed Salah (£7.3m) and he bags a brace against Saints and a goal against the La Liga giants in midweek, which is perfectly feasible on current form, you’re looking at a mega haul of 70+ points from the Egyptian superstar alone.It goes without saying that your XI needs to be loaded with goal threats when you activate Goal Bonus – there’s no point hitting the button when you’ve got five defenders.Salah could feast against bottom-of-the-league Southampton on SundayCredit: GettyAlternatively, you might want to consider selecting a 12th Man for Gameweek 12.If you haven’t got Bruno Fernandes (£6.1m) in your midfield and can’t afford to recruit the game’s most in-form player via a transfer ahead of Saturday’s deadline then the Portuguese playmaker would make an excellent 12th Man with the Red Devils set to face Ipswich and Bodo/Glimt.Man United’s fixtures look even more appealing if you believe in the power of a New Manager Bounce with Ruben Amorim now firmly in charge at Old Trafford.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWIt should be stressed that Boosters should only be played when it suits your specific team – don’t force it if it’s not the right time.Gameweek 12 looks like an inviting opportunity on paper but with several popular players currently flagged as availability concerns – Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Bryan Mbeumo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, etc – it may not be the right time for you.But if the stars align there could be bumper points up for grabs this coming Gameweek.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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

    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

    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’

    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’

    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

    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