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      Seven moments that changed football forever, from first £1-a-week player to formation of the Prem and Bosman rule

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      THE dust finally looks to have settled on last month’s European Super League outrage.The fans spoke and there will no breakaway competition threatening the integrity of the beautiful game.
      The fans have won; Chelsea supporters make their feelings felt about a proposed European Super League, which has now collapsedCredit: AFP
      It would have been a radical change had the plan for the ‘Big Six’ breakaway been successful.
      And it wouldn’t be the first time that football has been changed for the better/good, depending on how you see it.
      Here’s seven moments that changed the football landscape (perhaps) forever.
      FIRST £1-A-WEEK FOOTBALLER
      Today, we’re used to seeing large sums thrown around for star players.
      Recently, Kevin De Bruyne inked a deal worth more than £300,000-a-week, which he negotiated himself.
      It dates all the way back to 1884 and Preston North End, who were believed to be the first club to pay their players.
      After amateur London side Upton Park complained they had an unfair advantage in an FA Cup tie between the two, the FA expelled Preston from the competition saying it was unsporting to pay their stars.
      A year later, the FA said it was in the interests of the game to legalise the employment of professional footballers, however there were certain restrictions.
      Players could only be paid by the club they played for if they were born or had lived for two years within a six-mile radius of the team’s stadium.
      Blackburn Rovers in 1885-86 were one of the first clubs to register as a professional team and play their playersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Today, footballers like Kevin De Bruyne are getting paid £300,000 plusCredit: Getty
      Blackburn Rovers were one of the first to register as a professional club, and they spent £615 on wages for the 1885-86 season.
      Big earners were James Forrest and Joseph Lofthouse, who were earning £1-a-week.
      FORMATION OF THE PREM
      ‘It’s a whole new ball game,’ a Sky Sports ad proudly declared to a soundtrack provided by Simple Minds and their cheesy hit Alive and Kicking.
      In 1992, the Premier League was thrust upon us with coverage like we’ve never had before.
      Forget Elton Welsby presenting The Big Match, it was the time of Richard Keys and Andy Gray who were to become the voices of British football for a generation.
      It all started when the old First Division wanted to break away from the Football League (sound familiar?) in the wake of a TV rights deal with Sky.
      Teams competing in the Premier League could qualify for the Champions League and Europa League (more on those later) depending on where they finished in the table.
      In 1992 the Premier League was formed in the wake of a massive TV deal with Sky
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      Man Utd led by Eric Cantona were the first winners of the new Premier LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Promotion and relegation to the Football League made it competitive.
      Sky got more subscribers, the clubs made more money and the arguably the quality of football improved with an influx of foreign signings arriving on big wages.
      EUROPEAN COMPETITION
      Younger readers might not know a life before the Champions League or Europa League.
      But we had the European Cup, exclusive ONLY to league winners around Europe, the Cup Winners’ Cup, which was domestic cup victors. and the Uefa Cup, made up of sides who were nearly-rans in their respective leagues.
      The Inter-Cities Fairs Cup was a forerunner to the Uefa Cup from 1955-71, and a similar idea.
      The Champions League was created by Uefa in time for the 1992-93 season. It kicked off with two-legged preliminary, first, and second rounds, until two group stages with the remaining eight teams would decide who meets in a final.
      That format has changed throughout the years.
      Arsenal stars John Jensen and Alan Smith celebrate winning the now abolished European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The European Cup was rebranded the Champions League in 1992 and has become the premier competition for Europe’s best clubs through the yearsCredit: Handout
      The Cup Winners’ Cup was abolished in 1999, and domestic cup winners were absorbed into the Uefa Cup.
      In 2009, the Uefa Cup was rebranded the Uefa Europa League with an expanded group stage and a change in qualifying criteria allowing cup winners in.
      From the 2014-15 season, sides who had finished third in their Champions League group stages were allowed a second bite of the cherry and entered into the Europa League.
      RADICAL RULE CHANGES
      Over the years, even playing the game changed.
      In 1992, the back-pass rule was changed to discourage time-wasting and unduly defensive play, so outfield players could no longer pass it back to their goalkeeper to pick the ball up. He had to use his feet.
      In all rule changes, you could say this was perhaps the most successful.
      The offside rule has also been altered through the years.
      Peter Schmeichel is left flummoxed by the back-pass rule at Euro 92
      The offside rule was explained perfectly in this 50 pence coin released in 2011Credit: PA
      In 1990, an amendment to the rule allowed an attacker to be onside if he was level with his opponent when the ball was played forward – you used to have to be behind.
      Over the years that developed further to players being flagged if they were “interfering with play”. Now, as long as you don’t make a play for the ball, you can still stand in an offside position to confuse opposition defenders.
      ALL-SEATER STADIUMS
      From the beginning of the 1994-95 season, all-seater stadiums were compulsory in the Premier League, as per the Taylor Report, which gave recommendations to improve stadium safety after the Hillsborough disaster.
      The original idea was all standing areas in stadiums of teams in the top two tiers of the league would be banned, while stadiums in the lower two tiers had until 1999 to meet the requirements.
      However, a review in 1992 allowed those in the lower two tiers to keep their standing areas.
      That same year, bulldozers demolished Manchester United’s Stretford End and Arsenal’s North Bank – taking with it years of history – and replacing them with all-seater stands.
      In recent years, there have been calls to bring back safe-standing, but all have been rejected.
      Terraced stands became a thing of the past after the Taylor ReportCredit: North News and Pictures
      The famous Arsenal mural was erected as work on a new all-seater stand to replace the standing area continued in the North BankCredit: Getty
      BOSMAN RULE
      It was the rule that shifted power towards the player rather than the club.
      Up until 1995, clubs could retain the registrations of players even once their contracts finished, and demand transfer fees for them.
      It all started in 1990 when Belgium footballer Jean-Marc Bosman wanted a transfer from RS Liege to Dunkerque, when his contract expired.
      But Liege would not release him and docked the midfielder 70 per cent of his wages and dropped him from the first team.
      He took his case to the European Court of Justice and sued for restraint of trade.
      In 1995, he won his case and all other EU footballers were given the right to a free transfer at the expiration of their contracts, provided that they transfer from a club within one EU association to a club within another EU association.
      Players who most notably took advantage of that rule include Steve McManaman and Sol Campbell, who swapped Tottenham for fierce rivals Arsenal.
      Jean-Marc Bosman gave players power by letting them dictate their next move when their contracts expiredCredit: Reuters
      Sol Campbell famously took advantage of the Bosman ruling signing for Arsenal from SpursCredit: PA:Press Association
      VAR
      The most divisive addition in recent years, the video assistant referee (VAR) is on hand to reviews decision made by the head referee with the use of video footage and headset for communication.
      FIFA officially introduced it at the 2018 World Cup, with the idea it would minimise human errors causing a substantial influence on results.
      They are there to help with goal/no goal decisions, penalties, direct red cards or mistaken identity in awarding a red or yellow card.
      However, and this is a big however, it has had its critics, including players who play the game.
      Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Man City star Kevin De Bruyne have been outspoken about it being detrimental to the game, where too many cooks are interfering and getting decisions wrong.
      Referees now have assistance from VAR with key decisions during gamesCredit: Getty
      VAR has come into criticism from the players who say they don’t understand itCredit: Getty

      Despite the public outcry, VAR is here to stay, according to Premier League executive Richard Masters.
      “It was brought in to improve the accuracy of decision-making, and that has happened,” Mr Masters said.
      “We’re seeing 94% of key match Incidents being accurate.”
      WATCH: Liverpool owner John W Henry apologises to fans after Super league fiasco More

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      Best Man Utd European wins, from beating Bayern Munich in the last minute to George Best’s demolition of Benfica

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      WILL victory in Gdansk in the Europa League final provide another magical European night for Manchester United?Over the years, the Red Devils have enjoyed themselves on the continent – and have a decorated history because of it.
      Manchester United have enjoyed many a glorious a night in EuropeCredit: Alamy
      The Red Devils have won the European Cup/Champions League three times, as well as the Europa League, European Cup Winners’ Cup, Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup – notching some famous victories along the way.
      So if you’re feeling nervous ahead of tonight’s final United fans, you need not worry.
      We take a look at Manchester United’s greatest European victories to boost morale ahead of the showdown with Villarreal.
      MAN UTD 2-1 BAYERN MUNICH, 1999
      They came into the game as underdogs, severely hindered by the absence of midfield hardman Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, who were suspended.
      And for large periods of the game they were outplayed, and in truth were lucky to be only 1-0 down going into the final moments of the 1999 Champions League final.
      The Germans appeared victorious, substituting legend Lothar Matthaus, who received a hero’s welcome as he was clapped off the pitch in the last minute.
      But as the game went into injury time, a scramble in the box was only half-cleared. Ryan Giggs mishit a shot outside the box that fell to Teddy Sheringham, who scuffed the ball home.
      Then, just seconds later and with United sniffing blood, they won a corner which was whipped in by Beckham, headed down by Sheringham for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to stick out a foot and knock the ball into the roof of the net.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates United’s winner against Bayern MunichCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      United remarkably scored twice in injury time to clinch victoryCredit: Getty – Contributor

      MAN UTD 2-1 BARCELONA, 1991
      Being underdogs in European finals has always suited United.
      In 1999, they faced Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona – featuring Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup and Julio Salinas in their star-studded line-up in the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup final.
      However, that all-star Barça side didn’t scare United one bit.
      After a drab first half, United took the lead in the second after a Steve Bruce header was tapped over the line by Mark Hughes.
      The Welshman spectacularly added his second of the night with 16 minutes to go, rounding goalie Carles Busquets and finishing from a tight angle from outside the box with a ferocious shot.
      A late free kick from Koeman failed to stir a comeback, and it was United’s night to celebrate.
      Mark Hughes races past Carles Busquets to fire the ball into an empty netCredit: PA:Press Association
      Mike Phelan, Bryan Robson and Lee Sharpe celebrate United’s famous victoryCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      PSG 1-3 MAN UTD, 2019
      When United lost the first leg of their last 16 tie in the Champions League to the French champions in 2019 2-0, few gave them a prayer to comeback.
      History was against them, no team had EVER lost a tie 2-0 at home and won an away leg to go through to the next round of the competition.
      However, two first half goals from Romelu Lukaku put United in dreamland.
      Then, a controversial VAR decision for handball gave Marcus Rashford the opportunity to score from the penalty spot, which he did with aplomb.
      It’s still, probably, United’s best performance under boss Solskjaer.
      Marcus Rashford celebrates sealing victory from the penalty spot against PSG in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      JUVENTUS 2-3 MAN UTD, 1999
      United don’t do things the easy way.
      On their way to winning the 1999 Champions League, they faced off against Italian giants Juventus in the semi final, who boasted Zinedine Zidane and “That lad must have been born offside” Filippo Inzaghi.
      After scraping a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, United found themselves 2-0 down after 11 minutes in Turin and were heading out.
      But Roy Keane saw things differently, leaping above Zidane to head home from a corner and give United a lifeline.
      Then came the Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole show, with the latter crossing for the former Aston Villa man to head home an equaliser.
      Cole sealed the sensational comeback, after tapping in from a tight angle when team mate Yorke was brought down after rounding the keeper.
      Roy Keane led by example to help United fight back from 2-0 down to beat Juventus in Turin in 1999Credit: Allsport
      Nicky Butt, Teddy Sheringham, David Beckham and David May celebrate United’s epic comeback in the dressing room after the gameCredit: Manchester United FC
      BENFICA 1-4 MAN UTD, 1968
      The stage was Wembley Stadium, a fitting arena for United’s first ever European triumph.
      And it was their favourite son George Best who stole the show, scoring a wonder goal to set his side on their way to victory in the ’68 European Cup final.
      The game headed into extra time, when a late Jaime Graça levelled Bobby Charlton’s earlier strike.
      Like he was famous for, Best went on a mazy run three minutes into the first period of extended time.
      Faced with goalie José Henrique, he threw him with a dummy before rolling the ball into the empty net.
      United added twice more to end with a comfortable 4-1 win.
      George Best skips past José Henrique to slot the ball into the empty net in the 1968 European Cup finalCredit: Hulton Picture Company
      United’s 1968 triumph was their first European Cup winCredit: Action Images
      MAN UTD 1-0 BARCELONA, 2008
      On their way to winning the 2008 Champions League, United were handed a tough tie against Barcelona in the semi-final.
      The first leg finished 0-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty, so it might’ve looked like they’d blown a good opportunity.
      But when Paul Scholes ferociously rifled a shot past Victor Valdes from 25-yards in the 14th minute, they began to believe another final was their destiny.
      And despite the efforts of a young Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry, and Samuel Eto’o – Barcelona were kept at bay by a brilliant defensive performance from Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown.
      Wild scenes followed the final whistle with the Theatre of Dreams rocking from the crowd’s cheers.
      A Paul Scholes rocket from 25-yards saw off Barcelona in 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
      Scholes’ goal put United into the 2008 Champions League finalCredit: AP:Associated Press
      MAN UTD 7-1 ROMA, 2007
      It goes without saying, but before this moment Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United had enjoyed so many glorious nights in Europe.
      But Fergie would later say that this was his side’s best ever performance under him in European competition.
      You might have forgotten, but United were 2-1 down going into the second leg of this quarter final match.

      And this was a Roma side full of talent – with Daniele De Rossi and Francesco Totti their talisman.
      But they were powerless as United raced to a 4-0 win before half time with goals from Michael Carrick, Alan Smith, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo added a fifth, Carrick then got his second, before Patrice Evra got himself on the scoresheet to record an 8-3 aggregate win.

      Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice in United’s 7-1 demolition of Roma in 2007Credit: Reuters
      Sir Alex Ferguson called the 7-1 win over Roma the greatest European performance under his managementCredit: Action Images
      Man Utd vs Villarreal Europa League final – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Meet the personal shopper to Chelsea’s Mount, James and Gilmour, with stars spending up to £27,000 on designer clothes

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      FORGET London’s fashionable King’s Road, these Chelsea stars prefer a much more private and exclusive shopping experience.Blues Champions League heroes Mason Mount, Reece James, Billy Gilmour and Timo Werner are all clients of personal shopper, Jack Zambakides.
      Jack Zambakides is the personal shopper to Chelsea’s stars
      Zambakides in his showroom with Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour
      The 24-year-old entrepreneur launched his business LS Personal Shopper last year, and has already attracted the country’s top footballers, who spend up to £27,000 in one visit to his Surrey showroom.
      From designer threads by Balenciaga and Off White to hard-to-get customised Nike trainers, Zambakides has become the middle man for sports stars looking to avoid busy Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.
      Remarkably, the Chelsea fan – who is living his dream – is close to bringing in £5million this year since launching LS Personal Shopper just 18-months ago.
      “I’ve always been a bit of a wheeler-dealer and clothes and trainers seemed like something I could make a bit of money from,” Zambakides told SunSport.
      “I first set up an Instagram page and then set up a website, and I remember being sat in a cafe with a friend of mine and a PayPal sale popped up and someone was sending me £270.
      “It was my first sale, and from that moment I became hooked. I grew up in Surrey, where a lot of footballers live, and I got to know a lot of them.
      “Luckily, in the last year, it has really exploded. Mason Mount, when he was at Derby, was probably the first player I sold to. He has helped me massively in journey.
      “It snowballed from there thanks to word-of-mouth.”
      Mason Mount, when he was at Derby, was probably the first player I sold to. He has helped me massively in journey.”
      Blues defender Reece James is a happy customer
      Mason Mount was LS Personal Shopper’s first client
      LS Personal Shopper operates from a secret showroom in Surrey
      Today, with footballers being instantly recognised wherever they go, many want privacy. That means shopping trips to Bond Street, Selfridges or the King’s Road have lost their appeal.
      But LS Personal Shopper provides the same service, if not arguably better, and operates from a secret Surrey location away from prying eyes.
      “A lot of the players come to see us because it’s a private shopping experience,” Zambakides revealed.
      “It’s not so easy for them to go into Selfridges and buy what they want. They just want to go in and out, but somewhere public like that they may get stopped for photos or asked to sign autographs.
      “While I’m sure they would be generous to fans, it doesn’t give them the privacy and exclusivity they want.
      “With us, we know their measurements, know what fits them well, what brands they like and style them accordingly.”
      Zambakides has built up an army of contacts for designer clothes and trainers, who he can rely on to fulfil his clients’ needs.
      He also works with brands and retailers in reselling their fashions on, as the thirst for Instagram shopping and buying online grows.
      A lot of the players come to see us because it’s a private shopping experience.”
      Trainers like these Dior B22’s are popular among footballers and cost £1,350
      Mount poses with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba wearing an outfit sourced by LS Personal Shopper
      The most a footballer has ever spent with me in one go was around £27,000,”
      However, where LS Personal Shopper differs is that it bridges that gap thanks to an office space that allows clients to see the clothing and footwear in person.
      Adding that personal touch has allowed Zambakides to make a tidy profit.
      “The most a footballer has ever spent with me in one go was around £27,000,” Zambakides said.
      “It was Christmas, and the presents were for all the family. We wrapped everything up and dropped it round for them.
      “It’s not unusual for a footballer to spend £10,000 with us, when you consider a hoodie or a pair of trainers could be a £1,000 – it can add up pretty quick.”
      Brands including Off White, Palm Angels, Balenciaga and Nike Air Jordan – which have enjoyed a renaissance since the release of Netflix’s The Last Dance documentary – are proving to be most popular with Premier League stars.
      “There’s a rare shoe, the Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott that we sell that the players really love,” Zambakides said.
      “There’s a customiser in the US who gets the original shoe, which is already worth about £1,500, and he puts real snakeskin on top.
      These customised Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott sell for around £3,000 and are sought-after by today’s footballers
      Blues stars like Gilmour enjoy the privacy of shopping at LS Personal Shopper
      “That brings the value up to about £3,000, and we’ve sold a few of them recently.
      “Players have contacted me when someone has walked into the dressing room and asked me if they got them from us. They are very sought-after.”
      Amusingly, off-the-pitch, footballers are also keen to know who’s been buying what.
      “They are always interested in finding out what other footballers have been buying,” Zambakides laughed.
      “Where they are friends, we can sort of play them off against each other. If we know they’re going on holiday together, we might say, ‘Mate, you wouldn’t believe what he’s bought. He’s going to look 10 out of 10 in that outfit.’
      “We did the same at Christmas time, saying things like, ‘He’s bought you the best gift, you’re going to have to get him something really nice'”
      For Zambakides, as a lifelong Blues fan, selling clothes to his favourite players is a dream come true.
      He also sees similar character traits with football stars as he does in himself through his journey.
      He said: “I’m a Chelsea fan, I’ve had season tickets since I was five or six, so at first it was quite surreal.

      West Ham star Declan Rice is another client for LS Personal Shopper
      Rice shows his appreciation with a signed shirt to the LS Personal Shopper team

      “But you soon realise that they’re just normal, young guys, and I think we share similar traits.
      “I’m driven on this business journey of mine and have worked hard. They’ve also had to be dedicated to reach the top and have put in the extra graft as well.”
      Should Chelsea’s stars win the Champions League on Saturday, expect some of them to splash their win bonuses on designer wear from LS Personal Shopper.
      To see LS Personal Shopper extensive collection, visit their website here.
      Alternatively, you can follow them on Instagram.
      Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour discovers he’s in Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad More

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      Brazil ask Xavi to become manager after 2022 World Cup but Barcelona legend rejects shock offer

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      IF the Brazil FA had it their way, then Barcelona legend Xavi would be next manager of the national team.Reports claimed that the Brazil FA made an offer to the former midfield maestro, who is the manager of Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd.
      Xavi was the shock choice by the Brazil FA to be their national managerCredit: Reuters
      He was to join the national team coaching staff now, with a view to taking over as head coach after the next World Cup. However, he turned down the offer.
      It is understandable if he thought that it was far too soon in his coaching career to be thinking of such a high pressure job in a country that he barely knows.
      The move, though, does illustrate an interesting change of views by the Brazilians.
      Some 18 months before the 2014 World Cup Mano Menezes was sacked as Brazil coach.
      Pep Guardiola was taking a year off at the time, living in New York. He made it public that only one job could make him interrupt his sabbatical – the chance to coach Brazil.
      Back then, the Brazil FA moved quickly to stop his campaign building momentum.
      They hired Luiz Felipe Scolari, who had won the World Cup back in 2002 – but cannot look back on the 2014 campaign with any pleasure.
      While a Guardiola disciple decides to stay where he is, another ambitious one – Sylvinho – is on the move.
      Xavi’s former boss Pep Guardiola was once offered the Brazil job during his sabbatical in New YorkCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Sylvinho worked as an assistant coach at Barcelona with Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      One of the most important goals in Guardiola’s coaching career came against Chelsea just over 12 years ago.
      It was the second leg of the semi final of the 2008-9 Champions League.  Guardiola was in his first season in charge of Barcelona, who seemed on their way out of the competition until, right at the end, Andres Iniesta fired home from the edge of the area.
      On the touchline Guardiola erupted. In the midst of the celebrations, reserve left back Sylvinho went over to him.
      Barcelona still had some substitutions to make, and Sylvinho made the point that they could eat up some of the few remaining seconds by using them.
      While Guardiola was reacting like a fan, the former Arsenal defender was already thinking like a coach.
      It was clear that Sylvinho was going to go into coaching when his playing days were done.
      He was assistant with Corinthians, and filled the same role with the Brazil national team – and then in 2019 came the call from Lyon.
      Sylvinho became the first Brazilian in a while to take charge of a team in the group phases of the Champions League, but it did not last. Results were disappointing and he was soon on his way.
      Sylvinho managed Lyon in France for a short timeCredit: AFP
      Now he has another coaching job. On Sunday he was announced as the boss of Corinthians – Sao Paulo giants who have had a hard time paying for their new stadium, built for the 2014 World Cup, and are trailing well behind local rivals Palmeiras and Sao Paulo.
      He played for the club in the 90s, and was assistant 15 years later. But in the club’s time of need he was not the first choice for the job, or even the second choice.

      Other coaches were daunted by the size of the challenge. Sylvinho could hardly refuse.
      At the age of 47, time is still on his side, but not for long. He needs to impress, to dismiss talk that he lacks charisma, that he is a better number two than a number one.
      And there is no time for bedding in, no honeymoon period. The Brazilian league, one of the most competitive in the world, kicks off at the weekend.
      Xavi’s Al Sadd score classy team goal Barcelona would be proud of with brilliant team move More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson transfer flops: Seven worst buys Man Utd icon made including hopeless keeper and his last ever signing

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is widely considered to be the greatest Premier League manager of all time.The Scot absolutely dominated the division with Manchester United, winning 13 of the first 21 editions of the re-branded league before retiring in 2013.
      Not all of Ferguson’s buys were as successful as others…Credit: PA:Press Association
      Legends Alan Shearer and Ian Wright unanimously agreed on a MOTD Top Ten podcast that Ferguson was easily the league’s greatest ever boss – and it’s easy to see why.
      A master motivator, a psychological genius, Fergie was a supreme decision maker in the Old Trafford hot-seat.
      From Bruce and Pallister to Ronaldo and Rooney – Ferguson was adept at making perfect acquisitions all over the pitch.
      But not all of them came off…
      We take a look at some of those rough diamonds that could never quite be polished.
      Bebe sadly failed to make the grade at Old Trafford
      BEBE
      Bebe’s whirlwind rise from a shelter in one of Lisbon’s poorest areas to £7.4million Manchester United signing was inspiring… his Old Trafford career was a disaster.
      In just 18 months the 20-year-old had gone from playing amateur football for local club Loures to being a multi-million pound signing for the champions of England.
      After a year starring in the third-tier of Portuguese football, Bebe earned a move to top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes in the summer of 2010.
      Following good performances in pre-season, however, he found himself packing his bags once again just five weeks after arriving – because the Red Devils had matched his release clause.
      He clearly wasn’t ready for the step up, and suffered the humiliation of being substituted as a replacement himself against Wolves in November 2010.
      This quickly lead to Bebe becoming a joke figure at Old Trafford, although he did manage cup goals against Bursaspor and Wolves.
      He was swiftly farmed out on various loan spells before leaving United in 2014, signing for Portuguese giants Benfica but finding their first-team equally hard to crack.
      After a spell at Eibar, the 29-year-old currently resides in the Spanish second tier with Rayo Vallecano – for whom he has scored three goals for this season.
      Kleberson struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      KLEBERSON
      Brazilian Kleberson arrived at Manchester United amid much fanfare in 2003, having starred in his country’s World Cup win the year before – even playing all 90 minutes of the final.
      The Red Devils beat off competition from the likes of Barcelona, Leeds United and Celtic for his signature – but his time at Old Trafford was an unfortunate failure.
      A lack of fellow Portuguese speakers led to the £6.5m signing growing isolated, swiftly losing the confidence to produce the flair that he had so often illustrated for Atletico Paranaense and Brazil.
      He departed Old Trafford for £2.5m after just two years and 30 appearances, later telling the MEN: “When the team isn’t doing well, it’s hard to change your style, I couldn’t do it, when I came to Man United I tried to change the player I was, more passes, more aggression, more tackles, but it’s too hard and wasn’t what my game was about.
      “From 17 to 24 years old, I was playing that fluent Brazilian style, to move the ball quickly and receive it in space.
      “At Man United I had tough moments a lot of the time, I got a lot of injuries and struggled a lot.”
      Now 40, Kleberson coaches the academy at American side Philadelphia Union.
      Massimo Taibi could never replace the legendary Schmeichel
      MASSIMO TAIBI
      In 1999, Ferguson had a problem.
      In the afterglow of achieving the pinnacle of his career, a historic treble sealed on that famous night in Barcelona, Peter Schmeichel left Old Trafford for Sporting Lisbon.
      The Dane had been a pillar of United’s success and his gloves were always going to be tough to fill.
      Unfortunately, Taibi didn’t even come close.
      It is easily forgotten that he earned man of the match in the first of his four United appearances following his £4.5m switch from Venezia.
      This is because of his horrendous mistake against Southampton, with which he would become synonymous.
      A pee-roller of a Matt Le Tissier effort was trundling harmlessly towards the Italian, before skipping off a divot and farcically bouncing over his hapless frame.
      After also featuring in a 5-0 loss to Chelsea, Taibi was shunted back to Serie A initially on loan less that six months after arriving – and was not seen on these shores again after a £2.5m departure in 2000.
      Now aged 50, Taibi is a director at Reggina.
      Zaha signed for Ferguson… but arrived under Moyes
      WILFRIED ZAHA
      On January 26 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson made his final signing as Manchester United manager.
      A 20-year-old Wilfried Zaha had been tearing up the Championship, illustrating the kind of tricky wing-play that Sir Alex absolutely loved.
      The Ivorian signed for United for £15m before returning to Palace on loan for the remainder of the season.
      He subsequently succeeded in getting his boyhood club promoted, but there was just one problem when he got back to Old Trafford.
      Ferguson was gone.
      Zaha was never fancied by Fergie’s successor David Moyes, only making four appearances before being ditched and eventually allowed to re-join Palace for just £6m in 2014.
      He has since grown and improved as a player, and the Ivory Coast international has a number of top clubs chasing his services again after some impressive displays for the Eagles.
      Many ‘f***ing idiots’ believed that Veron floppedCredit: PA:Press Association
      JUAN SEBASTIAN VERON
      In 2001, United smashed the English transfer record to sign Juan Sebastian Veron from Lazio.
      The £36m deal rocked the Premier League and much was expected of the Argentine.
      There were initially good moments, he won the division’s Player of the Month award in September of that year – showing flashes of brilliance, particularly in the Champions League.
      Fitness struggles followed, however, with Veron failing to cope with the relentless pace of English football.

      Criticism of his performances began to grow, but Ferguson defended his man, once ranting at the end of a press conference: “He [Veron] is a f***ing great player and you’re all f***ing idiots.”
      But the consensus was that United’s expensive gamble hadn’t come off, and they took an enormous £21m hit on him when he was allowed to move to Chelsea in 2003.
      Former team-mate Rio Ferdinand recently opened up on what may have cost Veron in his time at Old Trafford, telling the Mail: “He was an unbelievable player, great passer.
      “The only thing I think that killed him was Roy Keane was probably a bit more of a dominant personality and was picking the ball up in his positions.”
      Nick Powell’s United career didn’t turn out as hoped…
      NICK POWELL
      At just 18 years of age, Powell had become one of English football’s hottest young properties when he capped off a remarkable season with Crewe Alexandra by scoring an absolute beauty in the League Two play-off final.
      Manchester United, for so long the best place for top English talents to be nurtured and helped to flourish, agreed a deal worth up to £6m to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams.
      The creative midfielder had Old Trafford jaws on the floor when he scored another blockbuster strike on his United debut, belting one in from 20 yards against Wigan Athletic.
      But things quickly began to fizzle out for Powell at United, particularly after Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
      After a number of injuries and loans, the once hotly-tipped talent’s United appearances swiftly became sporadic… and notorious.
      He played 57 minutes of the Red Devils’ humiliating 4-0 defeat by MK Dons under Louis van Gaal – and gained mocking status when brought on for Juan Mata against Wolfsburg with United chasing a crucial Champions League goal.
      Van Gaal’s side lost that match, crashing out of Europe, and Powell found himself moving to Wigan on a free transfer in 2016.
      After playing well in League One and the Championship for the Latics, the now-27-year-old finds himself at Stoke City in the second-tier.
      Djemba-Djemba enjoyed a nomadic career after leaving Old Trafford
      ERIC DJEMBA-DJEMBA
      Cameroonian Djemba-Djemba arrived to little fanfare from first club Nantes in 2003, with Ferguson splashing £3.5m on a man that he saw as a potential successor to Roy Keane.
      While he was certainly willing to put his 5ft 11in frame about in the same manner as the Irishman, Djemba-Djemba lacked the ability to control games like his skipper did.
      He used to share a post-training Nando’s with team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, but the pair’s careers were about to go on very different trajectories.
      After 39 Red Devils appearances, Djemba-Djemba moved to Aston Villa for £1.5m, embarking on a nomadic career that would take him everywhere from Chennai to St Mirren.
      Djemba-Djemba recently told SunSport about playing the Swiss fifth-tierCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Now 38, he turns out for Swiss fifth-tier side FC Vallorbe-Ballaigues, recently telling SunSport: “I understand the game. I don’t have to run a lot and I just have to manage my stamina.
      “But I don’t think I’m any different to my teammates.
      “I just love playing and when I finish training, I’m happy to carry the balls or the water bottles.”
      Nicky Butt in line for Wayne Rooney reunion at Derby after quitting Manchester United coaching role More

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      Sergio Aguero’s stunning partners, from marrying Maradona’s daughter to now dating 24-year-old model Sofia Calzetti

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      SERGIO AGUERO is set to leave the Premier League as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors.The Argentinian striker, 32, is on the verge of signing for Barcelona after a netting two goals for Manchester City in the 5-0 rout of Everton on the final day of the season.
      Sergio Aguero’s was pictured with heavily inked Zoe Cristofoli
      Not only will his departure from the Etihad break fans’ hearts, there’s a few exes that may also be devastated he’s going.
      The forward, who broke Wayne Rooney’s scoring record with his double taking him to 184 Premier League goals, has been pictured with a bevy of beautiful ladies over the years.
      Here are some of the most notable, including his current squeeze, model Sofia Calzetti.
      GIANINA MARADONA
      AGUERO married into footballing royalty when he got together with late Argentina legend Diego Maradona’s youngest daughter in 2008, after being introduced by the icon himself.
      They had baby boy Benjamin together in February 2009 when Aguero was still leading the front line for Atletico Madrid.
      Aguero has a child, Benjamin, with his first wife GianninaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But things turned sour and they split in 2012, with some reports in their native Argentina claiming the pair argued over Giannina’s alleged ‘party lifestyle’.
      The Hand of God legend’s daughter – who regularly posts photos of her shapely bum online – confirmed their break-up on Twitter, saying they had ‘separated’ after a ‘difficult year with a lot of changes’.
      And it seemed like her followers took her side, with one writing: “Aguero doesn’t deserve you. He’s stupid and an idiot.”
      But Giannina defended her ex, replying: “Don’t say that, he’s the father of my son and he’s nothing like what you say he is.
      Giannina’s controversial belfie got a lot of attention onlineCredit: Golders/@giamaradona
      Maradona’s daughter was married to Aguero for four yearsCredit: Golders/@giamaradona
      “When a couple finish it’s both their faults.”
      But Maradona – who passed away after heart failure in November aged 60 – saw it differently, to say the least.
      Speaking of his former son-in-law, he called him a ‘wimp who I don’t even want to name’.
      And he blacked out a photo of Aguero holding Benjamin in a snap from inside his Dubai home with lawyer Matias Morla in February 2019.
      KARINA TEJEDA
      THE striker moved on from Giannina pretty quickly by hooking up with popular Argentinian singer Karina – known as the Little Princess – just months after his marriage ended.
      But his past could not escape him, with his new flame and Giannina having a Twitter spat.
      Aguero had to act as peacemaker when it was claimed son Benjamin had been insulted by Karina’s daughter, Sol, from a previous relationship.
      Aguero was with the Argentinian singer for four yearsCredit: Instagram @kariprinceoficial
      Aguero got with Karina after his marriage endedCredit: Instagram @kariprinceoficial
      The superstar couple suffered an acrimonious splitCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The singer is known as the Little Princess in her homeland
      Karina raged: “If you’ve got something to say about my daughter ring me and tell me.
      “I can put up with you trying to make me look back but don’t take it out on my daughter.”
      SunSport told you they split up after almost five years together just a month before Aguero’s car crash in Amsterdam, in which he broke two ribs.
      ZOE CRISTOFOLI
      IF you’re pulling up to a swanky Los Angeles nightclub in a £140,000 4×4, then you should not do so without an entourage.
      Aguero certainly didn’t when he rocked up to the Warwick with heavily tattooed Instagram model Zoe and pals back in 2018.
      Zoe Cristofoli and her amazing tattoos caught Aguero’s eye
      The Italian Instagram model partied the night away with AgueroCredit: Refer to Caption
      She did not appear to get serious with the striker

      She had previously dated Italian Big Brother contestant Andrea Ceroli and media personality Fabrizio Corona.
      It is unknown if she and Aguero ever attempted to get serious.
      But it appears doubtful given that she reportedly jetted back to Verona in her native Italy after the night out.
      TAYLOR WARD
      Back in March 2019, Aguero was said to have charmed stunning reality TV star Taylor Ward.
      Taylor appeared on Real Housewives of Cheshire, and is famously the daughter of former Premier League star Ashley Ward.
      She was also the ex-girlfriend of Katie Price’s former lover, Kris Boyson.
      But their relationship fizzled out, and Aguero soon moved on.
      Incredibly, Taylor is now dating Aguero’s TEAM-MATE Riyad Mahrez and went Instagram official with her Algerian beau last October.
      Aguero had a brief liason with Taylor WardCredit: Refer to Caption
      She is the daughter of former footballer Ashley Ward
      Taylor Ward is now dating Aguero’s Etihad team-mate Riyad Mahrez
      SOFIA CALZETTI
      Aguero’s most recent love is 24-year-old model Sofia Calzetti.
      It was his first confirmed girlfriend since Tejeda, and they went Instagram official with a series of cute pictures on social media in 2019.
      Aguero whisked her to Miami at the tail-end of last summer, driving the gorgeous blonde in a blue McLaren Spider worth £166,000.

      They were even spied snogging in the Bahamas as their love affair continued.
      And she helped Aguero enjoy a Peaky Blinders-themed 31st birthday party, and they both shared snaps on social media.
      The picture-perfect couple enjoyed a tourist trip up The Shard while Aguero was rehabbing after the nasty knee injury he suffered in July.
      For Aguero, it seems that she’s a keeper… but will he take to Barcelona?
      Aguero’s latest girlfriend is Sofia CalzettiCredit: Instagram
      Calzetti jetted to the Bahamas with Aguero in summer 2019Credit: Instagram
      Calzetti, 24, is a model
      Guardiola gets emotional as he pays tribute to Sergio Aguero after ‘fairytale’ win More

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      Watch Anthony Elanga net bullet header for Man Utd as wonderkid, who idolises Thierry Henry, gets first goal

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      ANTHONY ELANGA scored his first senior goal for Manchester United with a bullet header against Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season.The Swedish winger, 19, opened his account after just 13 minutes at Molineux with a brilliant headed effort that any target man would be proud of.
      Welcome to the Premier League goalscorer’s club Anthony Elanga 🙌The 19-year-old’s first Man Utd goal is a beauty!Bullet header 💥 pic.twitter.com/Pl79PmZrvA— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 23, 2021

      Anthony Elanga scored his first senior Man Utd goal against WolvesCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      The Swedish winger scored a bullet header any target man would be proud ofCredit: Getty
      Elanga only made his Prem debut against Leicester City earlier this month as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turned to the academy because of United’s fixture pile-up.
      The teenage Swede, 19, started on the left wing against the Foxes but was thrust into a more central forward role against Wolves.
      And Elanga paid back Solskjaer’s faith by scoring a great header as United rested senior stars including Bruno Fernandes ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final against Villarreal.
      The youth star impressed for the Under-23s this season before his senior call-up.
      But Elanga’s lack of experience meant he did not even have a Wikipedia page before his breakthrough against Leicester.
      Elanga made his senior debut against LeicesterCredit: AP
      Elanga has 11 goals in 20 games for the Under-23s this seasonCredit: Getty
      Yet there was no doubt he would get one soon after, however, with his 11 goals in 20 U23 games and show of faith from Solskjaer proving he has a bright future – even after he missed a month of this season because of a fractured collarbone.
      Along with Amad Diallo, who also started against Wolves, Elanga is the latest talent off the United conveyor belt.
      His dad Joseph Elanga was a professional footballer, who earned 17 caps for Cameroon and was called up to the 1998 World Cup squad.
      Last season, Anthony was handed the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, which has previously been won by first-team Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
      In March, Elanga was rewarded for his rapid progress with a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.
      Anthony Elanga is the latest promising talent coming through the Man Utd ranksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      19-year-old forward and Swedish youth star Elanga won the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last seasonCredit: Sportsfile
      Elanga flew to Granada for the Europa League quarter-final tie, although he did not playCredit: Getty
      KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
      Anthony’s father Joseph could say he taught him everything he knew.
      But the elder Elanga, now 41, wasn’t a forward like his son. He was a defender, who made a career for himself in Europe – in countries including Greece, Sweden and Denmark, before retiring in 2012.
      His best years were with Malmo from 2000-2005, who he won the Swedish championship with in 2004. He would join the club for one season again in 2010 and win a second league title.
      Joseph was a member of the Cameroon 1998 World Cup squad, but didn’t play a game.
      During his career, however, he did manage to gain 17 caps for his country.
      Joseph Elanga played in Europe for clubs including Malmo and Brondby (pictured here)Credit: Getty
      Elanga Sr played 17 times for Cameroon and was picked for their 1998 World Cup squadCredit: Alamy
      A THREAT UPFRONT
      United’s youth sides are blessed with promising forwards, with the likes of Shola Shoretire, Charlie McNeill and Dillon Hoogewerf all showing they have a bright future in the game.
      Like them, Elanga has the ability to play out wide or though the middle as a No9.
      Predominantly right-footed, he uses his pace and skill to beat his man, often cutting in before unleashing a shot on goal.
      His solo runs are reminiscent of a young Ryan Giggs, who could take three or four players out of a game in one swashbuckling gallop.
      Elanga has been with the Red Devils since the U12s, joining the academy from Sunday League side Hattersley FC.
      In 2019-20, after a prolific season with the U18 side with who he scored seven times in nine games, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award
      In March Elanga signed a long-term deal with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      Elanga has an eye for goal and was previously named Utd academy player of the yearCredit: Getty
      Predominantly right-footed, Elanga likes to drift to the left and cut in towards goalCredit: Getty

      HOPEFUL FOR THE FUTURE
      Elanga – who scored two goals in five matches for Sweden’s U17s – had excited Solskjaer in training before his first-team debut.
      “He’s got an X factor, some attributes, it’s not like a gift, but he’s got the acceleration, pace, speed, that’s a given for wingers and he’s got qualities I like,” the Norwegian explained.
      “He’s a goalscoring winger, he’s confident, he likes to beat men, right foot, left foot, he’s got a great attitude.”

      Humble Elanga understands he has to work hard to achieve regular first team footballCredit: Instagram anthonyelanga
      Elanga can see a pathway to the United first team after seeing the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood flourish under Ole Gunnar SolskjaeerCredit: Getty
      Elanga is equally as positive for his future, and knows what he has to do to impress his boss.
      Back in November he told PA, “You look at the likes of Mason and Rashy, there is a pathway there.
      “It just shows you that if you’re willing to put the work into it and continue to work hard day in, day out in training there’s a pathway for you there.”

      HEROES IN THE GAME
      In an interview with The Athletic last year, Elanga revealed who he models his game on.
      “Thierry Henry was my idol and I tried to match my game with his,” he said.
      “He was quick. He could play anywhere across the front three – striker, left wing, right wing – and that’s how I want to replicate my game.”

      Solskjaer says Elanga has an X-Factor about him and a promising futureCredit: Getty
      Elanga idolises Thierry Henry and tries to copy his hero’s gameCredit: Getty

      Manchester United legend Gary Neville caught a glimpse of Elanga in full flight, when he co-commentated on United Under-21s 6-0 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy last year.
      He said the youngster was a “nightmare to play against” and called his goal “Thierry Henry-esque.”
      If he’s half the player Henry was, United have got themselves a real talent.
      Solskjaer says Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford in doubt for Granada match More

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      Inside Robert Lewandowski’s amazing £7million apartment in native Poland complete with a golf simulator

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI knows where his roots are.Despite being based in Germany since 2010, the Bayern Munich striker was happy to splash £7million on a deluxe pad in his home city of Warsaw back in 2016.
      Robert Lewandowski owns a stunning apartment in Warsaw that cost £7mCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      Lewandowski’s apartment comes equipped with a golf simulatorCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      The deluxe pad comes with access to a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centreCredit: CEN/ Zlota44
      A HEFTY PRICE
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m.
      Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind designed the 192-metre tall block and ensured the property was fully stocked with all Lewandowski will need.
      There’s a state-of-the-art sports and recreation centre, a private cinema, golf simulator and wine tasting room, according to Luxurious Magazine.
      Lewandowski, who rakes in about £275,000-per-week, said: “Choosing my new apartment was based on practical considerations.”
      The living room is spacious and comfortable
      The flat boasts incredible views of the city of Warsaw
      The bedroom boasts floor to ceiling windows
      Standard flats in the Zlota 44 tower block range between £242,000 to £1.9m, with the more pricey apartments costing up to £7m
      A grand piano sits in a reception room
      WORLD CLASS FACILITIES
      He continued: “The tower provides some of the best residences in Poland, whilst the sports and recreation centre allows me to complete my training program in the highest quality surroundings.
      “It is important in my profession to always have world-class training facilities on-hand and now I’m just a short elevator ride from a full-size swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, luxury spa area, as well as treatment and massage rooms.
      “This was essential for me as it allows me at any given moment to complete my training program in the best surroundings.”
      Lewandowski, 32, has been in blistering form again this season for the Bavarians – scoring 40 times in the Bundesliga alone this season.
      And he equalled Gerd Muller’s long-standing goalscoring record of goals in a season.
      Lewandowski bought the apartment back in 2016
      Lewandowski is originally from Warsaw
      The home boasts modern decor throughout
      Robert Lewandowski takes a cheeky picture of and wife Anna as they work out togetherCredit: CEN / Robert Lewandowki
      Robert Lewandowski signs new Bayern Munich contract until 2023 More