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      Ex-Chelsea keeper Jamal Blackman moves to Los Angeles FC on free transfer after he is released from Blues

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      LOS ANGELES FC have snapped up free agent Jamal Blackman after he was released by Chelsea.The goalkeeper has been on the books at the Blues from U13 level but has struggled to make an impact on the first team.
      Jamal Blackman spent last season on loan at RotherhamCredit: Getty
      Blackman, 27, has been shipped out on loan to six different clubs across England and Sweden since 2016.
      He moves to California with LAFC sitting 8th in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.
      “Jamal is a talented goalkeeper and an important addition to the club” LAFC co-president John Thorrington said in a statement.
      “We look forward to welcoming him and are confident that he will prove to be a great fit with his skills and experience.”
      Blackman has represented England at youth-team level and spent last season out on loan in the Championship with Rotherham.
      He made 28 appearances and kept 6 clean sheets for the Millers but could not prevent them from being relegated.

      Standing at 6ft 6in tall, Blackman makes for an imposing presence between the sticks and will compete with Pablo Sisniega and Tomas Romero for a starting role in LA.
      Blackman will play under former Swansea boss Bob Bradley at Banc of California Stadium.
      The Black and Gold have notched eight wins in 23 matches so far this season.
      They travel to Austin on Thursday, fresh from a narrow 3-2 victory over Real Salt Lake City on Monday night.

      Tuchel opens up on Chilwell’s shock Chelsea axing with defender ‘mentally tired’ More

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      Rooney wrote Everton transfer request on a NAPKIN after being ‘backed into a corner’ to join Chelsea ahead of Man Utd

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      WAYNE ROONEY has revealed how he forced a move to Manchester United in 2004 despite interest from cash-rich Chelsea.The England legend lifted the lid on his Everton departure 17 years ago and admitted it was Chelsea and not United who offered the most money for him.
      Wayne Rooney left Everton as a teenager in 2004Credit: PA:Press Association
      The Toffees academy graduate eventually moved to Old Trafford in a blockbuster £27million deal, but he revealed Chelsea had actually come in with a higher bid under billionaire new owner Roman Abramovich.
      The teenage Rooney was the subject of fervent transfer speculation back in 2004 but suggested he wanted to stay at Goodison Park.
      “Before Euro 2004, I knew that I was getting touted to other teams – because Everton needed the money,” Rooney told the BBC’s ‘Tony Bellew Is Angry’ podcast.
      “Certain individuals were going into other clubs saying ‘would you take Wayne Rooney for £30m?’
      “I was heartbroken, I loved the club and wanted to play for Everton.
      “To find that out, I was devastated. I would have left at some point, of course I would’ve, to try and better myself and go and win trophies. But I was devastated.”

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      If he were to move anywhere, he wanted it to be to United under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
      But with Chelsea offering the biggest payout for his signature, Rooney revealed how was forced to hand in a transfer request on a napkin in order to join the Red Devils instead.
      Rooney said: “I was getting pushed to go and play for Chelsea because they offered the most money, but I said ‘you’re not dictating where I go – I want to go to Manchester United’.
      “But I got told the only way you’re going to Man United is if you put a transfer request in.
      “This was in Moyesy’s office. So I went into the canteen and wrote ‘I Wayne Rooney request a transfer from Everton Football Club’ on a napkin, or something!
      “Walked back into Moyesy’s office and said ‘there you go’.
      “I felt I got backed into a corner to a certain extent, but that’s football.”
      Rooney went on to become Manchester United captain and record goalscorerCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Rooney would go on to become United’s record goalscorer and captain.
      But speaking on the same podcast, the 35-year-old revealed how a furious Ferguson once jumped over a desk to confront his first skipper at the club, Roy Keane.
      The pair clashed following an interview in which Keane slated the United defence.
      Rooney described the surreal moment he saw his manager spring from his chair to have it out with the Irish midfield hardman.
      He said: “I’ve seen Alex Ferguson jump over his desk and I was thinking ‘Wow, this is crazy!’
      “He jumped over the desk and was getting held back.
      “It got calmed down but the next day Roy Keane had come into training and then about 30 minutes later we saw him driving off. That’s the last we saw of him.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Sir Alex Ferguson claims Wayne Rooney could not handle his booze and he was powerless to stop the player having affairs More

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      Arsenal players and fans both ‘tense’ during Norwich clash after horrific start to season, says Max Aarons

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      MAX AARONS has claimed he could feel the tension in the air when Norwich travelled to Arsenal last weekend.The Gunners have endured a miserable start to the season, losing their first three games in their worst opening to a campaign in 118 years.
      Max Aarons has been the subject of transfer speculation involving ArsenalCredit: Rex
      Arsenal fans watched their side lose three in a row at the start of the seasonCredit: Rex
      The torrid run was tempered slightly by a narrow 1-0 win over visitors Norwich on Saturday, but the north London club are still down in a lowly 16th position.
      And Canaries right-back Aarons has now revealed he could sense the nerves in the opposition camp throughout the 90 minutes.
      “You could tell Arsenal were under a bit of pressure,” he told Rio Ferdinand’s ‘Vibe with Five’ YouTube channel.
      “You could feel in the game that the fans were a bit tense and the players were a bit tense. You could feel it in the stadium.”
      The 21-year-old Aarons was reportedly being tracked by Arsenal as they eyed defensive reinforcements over the summer.
      Boss Mikel Arteta was considering him as a replacement for Hector Bellerin, who made a loan move to Real Betis.

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      Arsenal needed over an hour at the Emirates before they were able to break down the Norwich defence, with skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netting after 66 minutes.
      Norwich sit rooted to the foot of the Premier League but Aarons felt his side deserved at least a point from their trip to the capital.
      He added: “As Norwich we felt that we could have got something out of the game, and it was frustrating not to to be honest.
      “I think Arsenal deserved it in the end, but I am disappointed still coming away from it.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      Arteta speaks after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Norwich More

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      Pogba’s brother says Man Utd star will decide on future at ‘right time’ amid Real Madrid and PSG transfer links

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      PAUL POGBA will not be rushed into a decision on his future at Manchester United, according to his brother.The France midfielder has been the subject of a long-running transfer saga, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain circling for his signature.
      Paul Pogba has already notched an impressive seven assists in the Prem this seasonCredit: Getty
      Now Mathias Pogba has claimed his brother will only make an announcement on his future “at the right time”.
      The arrival of Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford is thought to have tipped Pogba in the direction of staying with the Red Devils.
      He has one year left to run on his current deal and would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January.
      But if the comments from his brother are anything to go by, the Frenchman appears happy where he is for the time being.
      “Right now, he’s good where he is, right now, but it’s his decision to make, so we’ll see later what happens, when it’s the right time. That’s all I can tell you,” Mathias told El Chiringuito.
      “This season is very good, there was a lot of bla, bla, bla (about) where he is.

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      “The way he is playing this year is very good, he is very professional, very focused.”
      Pogba has been in fine form for United early in the season, linking up smoothly with the attacking riches boasted by the club.
      The 28-year-old has already notched seven assists in just four appearances this term.
      Real Madrid have a long-held interest in the World Cup-winner while PSG were understood to be tracking him before pouncing on Lionel Messi’s contract woes at Barcelona.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Paul Pogba – pictured alongside Mathias (right) – was a World Cup-winner with France in 2018Credit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo trains with Manchester United ahead of Young Boys game More

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      Chelsea ‘plan to raid Inter Milan for two more players after Lukaku transfer as they target Skriniar and Bastoni’

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      CHELSEA’S search for defensive reinforcements could see them shopping back at Inter Milan, according to reports.The Champions League winners brought in star striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter this summer in a blockbuster £97.5million deal.
      Milan Skriniar (left) and Alessandro Bastoni (right) both play at the heart of the Inter defenceCredit: Getty
      And now SportMediaSet claim the Belgian has told his new employers to take a look at Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni.
      The defensive duo are key cogs in the Inter machine and the Italian champions are thought to be unwilling to sell.
      But with Kurt Zouma moving to West Ham and 36-year-old Thiago Silva not getting any younger, Chelsea will be looking to strengthen in defence when the transfer window reopens in January.
      Skriniar is a no-nonsense centre-back talked of as the heir to former Slovakia captain and compatriot Martin Skrtel.
      Left-footed Bastoni also plays in the centre of defence but can fill-in at fullback where he started his career.
      The 22-year-old is one of Italy’s brightest young stars and his confidence on the ball would work well within boss Thomas Tuchel’s system.

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      Chelsea feel under-resourced at centre-back, having allowed Zouma to move to West Ham for £29.8million this summer.
      Versatile academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah joined Silva and Antonio Rudiger in a back-three in Chelsea’s most recent outing – a 3-0 win against Aston Villa.

      But with Tuchel determined to challenge for this season’s Premier League title and defend his Champions League crown, the Blues will be looking for further strength in depth.
      If the recent arrival of Lukaku from Inter is anything to go by, Chelsea can expect the best when shopping at the San Siro.
      Lukaku’s return to Chelsea, where he spent the years 2011 to 2014, has seen him score three goals in three appearances so far.

      Tuchel opens up on Chilwell’s shock Chelsea axing with defender ‘mentally tired’ More

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      Watch Bruno Fernandes show up Cristiano Ronaldo during free-kick practice in unseen footage before Man Utd vs Newcastle

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has discovered he isn’t the only Portuguese maestro at Manchester United these days.The 36-year-old might have the history at Old Trafford but his countryman Bruno Fernandes certainly has the skills to match for the Red Devils.

      Portugal teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were both on the scoresheet for Man UnitedCredit: EPA
      While Ronaldo was famous for his swerving freekicks during his first spell at United, it looks as though he may be playing second fiddle to Fernandes from set-pieces this season.
      That’s if this unseen footage of the two in shooting practice is anything to go by.
      Warming up before United’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle on Saturday, Fernandes and Ronaldo can be seen taking freekicks.
      In a video captured by an eagle-eyed United fan, first Fernandes steps up to curl the ball sweetly into the top-right corner.
      To cries of ‘go on Ronny’, Ronaldo then takes his turn in front of the Stretford End.
      The forward takes aim at the near post but can only strike the upright as he pulls his shot an inch too far to the left.

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      Famed for his attention to detail in training, Ronaldo then collects the ball for another attempt.
      The footage feeds into a wider issue for United whereby boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to decide who should be the club’s regular penalty taker.
      Fernandes has been the main man from 12 yards since his arrival in January 2020.
      But the prolific Ronaldo would likely expect to take the penalty mantle, even though his record now falls short of his team-mate’s.
      Ronaldo eventually had the last laugh in Saturday’s friendly competition when he netted twice against Newcastle, while Fernandes could only manage one.
      But Fernandes’ sublime skills had United fans salivating, with one claiming he should win the Ballon d’Or after a deft touch under a high ball.
      The way these two gel will be central to Solskjaer’s plans for a Premier League title challenge this season.
      Ronaldo returned to the club in August from Serie A giants Juventus after 12 years away.
      And Sir Alex Ferguson has signalled his impact on players such as Fernandes could be the key to a first league trophy since 2013.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was really nervous about second Man Utd debut More

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      Man Utd fans go wild for Bruno Fernandes’ ‘world class’ touch in win over Newcastle as he controls ball with ease

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans might have been blessed with the return of the great Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford on Saturday, but another Portuguese magician had them salivating too.Bruno Fernandes pulled off a sublime piece of skill to pluck a high ball from the sky and beat Ciaran Clark as the Red Devils swept past Newcastle 4-1.

      The touch was hailed as “world class” by United fans, who were quick to praise the 27-year-old midfielder’s fancy footwork.
      User ThCharlesPrince was left stunned as he claimed: “This man is sick. Very sick…”
      SWajAli hailed Fernandes as United’s “resident maestro” while Everestohika declared “Bruno Fernandes is a nightmare to all epl defenders”.
      One user ‘RedWoody91’ joked “But he only does penalties?” after jibes all Fernandes is good for is scoring from the spot.
      Ian_wafula2 reflected fondly on Fernandes as “our magical son” while another BChuder labelled him the “hero” alongside Ronaldo as the “king”.
      User jisanahamed_jij even speculated Fernandes is in line to claim the Ballon d’Or if he sustains his current form.

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      Fernandes capped off a fine performance with a goal from range to join countryman Ronaldo and England’s Jesse Lingard on the scoresheet as United showed off their embarrassment of attacking riches.
      Such is the improvement in United’s attacking threat that wantaway midfielder Paul Pogba is now thought to be keen to stay at the club next summer.
      Pogba has been the subject of transfer speculation, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain known to be long-term suitors of the France midfielder.
      But with Ronaldo joining the likes of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in arriving at old Trafford this season, United are expected to make a serious challenge for the Premier League title.
      No wonder United fans are excited, with user whythisthought tweeting simply: “Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane all play for my club. What a time.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was really nervous about second Man Utd debut More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo receives veiled Chiellini dig as Juventus captain says Paulo Dybala scored fewer goals because of him

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI has suggested former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo won’t necessarily be missed at Juventus this season.Ronaldo left the Serie A heavyweights this summer to return to his old club Manchester United.
      Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus this summerCredit: AFP
      Paulo Dybala has been backed to find the net more often by Giorgio ChielliniCredit: Rex
      The forward marked his first start for the Red Devils in 12 years on Saturday with a pair of goals as they swept past Newcastle 4-1.
      But according to Italy veteran Chiellini, Juventus will be fine without Ronaldo’s goalscoring as they look to recapture their Serie A crown from rivals Inter Milan.
      The defender even suggested Ronaldo’s presence at the club had been holding back fellow striker Paolo Dybala.
      “When you have a world class player like Cristiano, you cannot help but use the team to play for him,” Chiellini told DAZN.
      “We must be grateful to Cristiano for all he did during these years at Juventus, but we carry on.
      “This will be Paulo Dybala’s team. Over the last couple of years, he lowered his average goals because of Cristiano’s presence, but he is a key player for this team and that is recognised by everyone.”

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      Argentina’s Dybala scored just four goals in last season’s Serie A but previously found the net 22 times in the 2017-18 season – the year before Ronaldo moved to Turin from Real Madrid.
      The 36-year-old netted 101 goals for Juve in all competitions following his move from the Spanish capital.
      Chiellini was speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat by Napoli, which leaves the Old Lady sitting 16th in the table with just one point so far this term.
      Fans are beginning to fear the worst despite the return to the helm of manager Massimiliano Allegri this summer.
      Juventus next face Malmo in the Champions League group stage, a competition they have not won since 1996.
      Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was really nervous about second Man Utd debut More