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      John Murtough is Man Utd’s first ever Football Director who was in charge of Everton’s academy when David Moyes was boss

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      BETTER the Red Devil you know.
      Manchester United have appointed John Murtough, 48, as their first ever Football Director.

      John Murtough, left, has been named as Man Utd’s first ever Football DirectorCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Murtough isn’t an unknown – having already established his name at Old Trafford.
      He joined the club in 2013 as Head of Football Development, after a recommendation by former United boss David Moyes.
      In his seven years, Murtough has completely overhauled the Premier League side’s academy and recruitment department.
      The Liverpudlian was a former Toffee…

      WORKING WITH MOYES
      When Moyes was manager of Everton, Murtough started out as a sports scientist.
      He worked his way up to the role of Head of Performance, before leaving in 2012 to become Head of Elite Performance for the Premier League.
      In November 2013, Murtough joined United as their first ever Head of Football Development – just months after Moyes was appointed as manager.

      Phil Neville chats with Murtough while the pair were at Everton togetherCredit: PA:Press Association

      Murtough worked his way up from a sports scientist to Head of Performance with the ToffeesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Crucially, he focused on the club’s youth policy, expanding their recruitment process and building their academy.

      Under Murtough, young prospects including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Mason Greenwood blossomed into first team starters.
      And he had the ear of Ed Woodward, who became a close confidant.
      HANDS ON
      Murtough’s hands-on approach at United showed his dedication to the job.
      Before the club signed talented youngster Hannibal Mejbri from Monaco for £9million, he joined French scout Mathieu Seckinger on a trip to Norway to watch the kid play.
      Murtough is also a forward-thinker, who considers new ways of acquiring football knowledge.

      Murtough was involved in overhauling United’s academyCredit: MuTV

      Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay and Brandon Williams have been blooded into the first team under Murtough’s watchCredit: Reuters
      Last year, with fears the club were falling behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, he began to develop the club’s data science strategy.
      In 2018, Murtough also understood the emergence of women’s football and played an integral role in launching Manchester United’s women’s team.
      CHALLENGING ROLE
      Murtough will be tasked with overseeing operations and strategy across all football functions at Manchester United.
      Previous reports suggested that former goalie Edwin van der Saar, who works in the same role at Ajax, was being considered.
      And it was also said that United wanted to make a Football Director appointment earlier, but were swayed by ex-manager Jose Mourinho who was against the idea.
      But Murtough is the man who will carry the mantle.

      Former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, who was opposed to the idea of a Football Director, shakes hands with MurtoughCredit: MuTV

      Murtough has the ear of Manchester United Chief Executive Ed WoodwardCredit: PA:Press Association

      He said: “This is such an exciting time for everyone at Manchester United with the first team, Academy and Women’s team all performing strongly, and plenty of development still to come. 
      “It’s a privilege to be part of that process, and an honour to lead Manchester United’s football department, working alongside Ole, Casey and so many other truly outstanding staff all dedicated to delivering success to this club.”
      And that’s the key word United fans will hope for if Murtough proves to be a good appointment… success.

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      Man Utd wonderkid Noam Emeran, 18, was first signing of Solskjaer era, and has taken on Wayne Rooney’s advice to succeed

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      IN December 2019, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was temporary manager at Manchester United and there was very little transfer activity to get excited about.
      The signing of 16-year-old Noam Emeran from French side Amiens was the only incoming name in an otherwise uninteresting January window that saw Marouane Fellaini leave the club.

      Noam Emeran was the first signing of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era in 2019Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      After struggling his first year, Emeran has pushed on this season for Man Utd’s U18 sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The fact that the Red Devils had beaten the likes of PSG and Juventus to Emeran’s signature might’ve excited some fans.
      But after struggling initially, the talented winger, now 18, could have fallen by the wayside. However, now he is beginning to settle into life in Manchester.
      He’s currently starring for the U18 side, as well as been blooded into the U23’s.
      And it was advice from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, which seems to have helped him turn a corner.

      ‘DETERMINATION’ IS KEY
      Capped at U16 level by France, the fleet-footed forward was highly thought of in his homeland.
      Manchester United weren’t his only suitors, with a host of other European giants watching his progress.
      But he chose to come to England, where he believed he would get the best coaching to reach his potential.
      “After talking to my family, I think it was the best choice over what I was offered to help reach the top level,” he told French local newspaper Le Courrier Picard.

      On his arrival, he met Wayne Rooney who offered Emeran a nugget of truth.

      Emeran has the ability to reach the topCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      When he arrived at the club, Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney told Emeran that he had to push himselfCredit: Instagram / @emeran.n
      “He told me: A player makes good or bad his career choice based on his determination,” Emeran told Le Parisien .
      “I realised that I had to be demanding of myself.”
      INJURY-HAMPERED FIRST YEAR
      When adapting to a new life and culture, a footballer needs to stay fit.
      Unfortunately for Noam, his first season at the club was hampered by injuries and loss of confidence.
      But, even though his career had initially failed to ignite, United’s youth coaches had seen enough to understand the ability the wide man had.

      Emeran is at his best when he’s running at his defenderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Although he had an injury-plagued time as a scholar, United saw enough potential to offer him a pro contractCredit: Instagram / @emeran.n
      Possessing a wand of a left foot, he’s a menace when running at a defender and also has an eye for goal.
      It was no surprise he was handed a pro contract, even though he had his problems in his first year as a scholar.
      According to reports, Emeran was also a major influence in fellow U18 wonderkid Hannibal Mejbri choosing to join United from Monaco in 2019 for £9million.
      FAITH REWARDED
      With the belief of United’s U-18 coach Neil Ryan in him, Emeran has shone for United’s youth sides this season.
      Back in December, he was man of the match against Liverpool – providing three assists in a 4-3 win at the Aon Training Complex.
      He, alongside Charlie McNeill, Dillon Hoogewerf, and Joe Hugill offer a frightening front four that have helped United’s U18 side climb to the top of the U18 Premier League table.
      Emeran’s managed three goals and five assists from 13 games, and been one of the more consistent performers.

      Emeran produced a man of the match display against Liverpool back in DecemberCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      So far Emeran has scored three goals and assisted five for United’s U18 teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chances in the U23’s have been limited – with the youngster making just two appearances from the bench.
      But, United are just letting him flourish for now in his age group.
      Given what Rooney told him, you can bet Emeran will keep working on his game to prove he has what it takes to light up Old Trafford in the future.

      16-year old Manchester United signing Noam Emeran shows off his skills with stunning free kick More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Messi: Juventus ace has netted 20-plus league goals in past thirteen seasons but who has most?

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      THERE is no doubt about it, in the past decade we have witnessed two of the greats of football push each other to their goalscoring limits.
      Last Tuesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, scored his 20th league goal of the season as Juventus defeated Spezia in Serie A.

      It’s the 12th consecutive season the Portuguese legend has managed to register 20-plus goals in a league campaign across Europe’s top five leagues.
      But how does that compare to his great rival Lionel Messi, 33, who also has managed 20-plus goals in his last 12 campaigns – and is just one away from making 13 in a row.
      SunSport takes a look at their numbers in the past years.
      2008-09
      The first time any one of these greats registered 20 goals came in Messi’s fifth season with Barcelona.

      23 goals in 31 league games saw Pep Guardiola’s team roar to the title – some nine points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.
      It wasn’t enough for Messi to win The Pichichi Trophy – with Diego Forlan netting the most – an astonishing 32 goals.
      Ronaldo, in his final season as a Manchester United player managed 18 Premier League goals.

      Lionel Messi registered his first 20 league goals a season haul in the 2008-09 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      2008-09 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last year at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2009-10
      After his £80million transfer to Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Messi would go head-to-head for the first time.

      Having the benefit of experience playing in LaLiga, the Argentine was top goalscorer in the competition with 34 goals in 35 games.
      Ronaldo, who wasn’t even Real’s top scorer (Gonzalo Higuain managed 27), scored 26 goals in as many games. Ronaldo might’ve marginally had the better goalscoring ratio, but Messi had the numbers.

      Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 for £80m to ignite his rivalry with MessiCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      2010-11
      With Messi setting the bar, Ronaldo knew he had to record special numbers to defeat his rival in the goalscoring charts.
      Astonishingly, he bagged 40 goals in the 2010-11 season – nine more than Messi managed.
      Still, for all his efforts, Barça were champions once again.
      2011-12
      The numbers went astronomical in 2011-12, with both players reaching the peak of their powers.
      Between them they managed an incredible 96 league goals, in a season where Jose Mourinho wrestled the title off Guardiola after three years of Barcelona dominance.
      Messi hit a remarkable 50 league goals, while Ronaldo managed an equally impressive 46. Nearest to them was Radamel Falcao with 24, which was a measure of how far ahead the pair were of everyone else.

      At the peak of their powers Ronaldo and Messi managed 96 league goals between them in the 2011-12 campaignCredit: EPA
      2012-13
      Barcelona reclaimed their title in impressive fashion – by 15 points in the end.
      Messi, was of course, central to that with 46 in just 32 games and was top scorer again.
      Ronaldo was second with 34 in as many games. Although he did finish top scorer in the Champions League that season.
      2013-14
      Injuries meant both Messi and Ronaldo didn’t play as many league games as they had managed previously.
      The latter won back the Pichichi Trophy with 31 goals to Messi’s 28, but both both missed out on the LaLiga title, as Atletico Madrid were crowned champions.

      Messi and Ronaldo’s fight to be crowned the GOAT continues to rage on
      Again, it’s worth noting Ronaldo excelled in the Champions League – with 17 in a campaign that saw Real crowned European champions. It’s a record that’s not been broken.

      Ronaldo landed the Pichichi Trophy for the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2014-15
      In one of the closest title races in years, Barcelona pipped Real by just two points in the end.
      But Ronaldo amassed his highest ever league goal total – scoring 48 goals in 35 matches.
      Messi’s 43 would’ve done it any other year, if the former Manchester United player wasn’t around.
      2015-16
      The top scorer mantle was passed on in 2015-16 to Luis Suarez – the first time it wasn’t Ronaldo or Messi in six seasons.
      Messi’s 26 was his lowest since 2008-09, while Ronaldo’s 35 showed he was still on top of his game.
      Again, Barcelona were champions by just one point in what was a nail-biting climax to the league season.

      For the 2015-16 Messi had to share his goals with Neymar and Luis SuarezCredit: Corbis
      2016-17
      Despite recording his lowest amount of league goals (25), Ronaldo’s Real were champions for the first time since their 2011-12 season.
      Messi, who had the presence of Suarez and Neymar around him, managed an impressive 37 goals.
      However, he would’ve been frustrated to see Ronaldo’s lifting ANOTHER Champions League trophy.
      2017-18
      Domestically, Messi proved he was king again.
      His 34 strikes helped propel the Catalans to the LaLiga trophy. Ronaldo’s 26 were an improvement from the previous season.
      However, a new challenge was around the corner.

      Messi proved he was the domestic king in 2017-18 scoring 34 times in the leagueCredit: AFP or licensors
      2018-19
      At 33, Ronaldo embarked on a new challenge and moved to Juventus in an £88million deal.
      With his rival gone, Messi still continued to deliver – scoring 36 times in La Liga.
      In his debut season in Italy, Ronaldo just passed the 20 goal threshold with 21 in 31. He finished a disappointing fourth in the Capocannoniere hunt.
      2019-20
      Ronaldo came back with a bang in 2019-20 – recording 31 goals in a campaign that delivered back-to-back league titles for his club.
      It wasn’t enough to be crowned top scorer – with Ciro Immobile managing an amazing 36 – equalling a Serie A record of most goals in a season.
      Messi ended his LaLiga campaign on 25, six less than Ronaldo, but as Pichichi Trophy winner.

      In his second season at Juventus Ronaldo scored an impressive 31 Serie A goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      2020-21
      This season, with still plenty of games left to play, Ronaldo leads the Serie A scoring charts with 20 goals in his 21 games.
      He beat Messi to 20 by a fraction, who has 19 in his 23 league games.

      Even though they’re perhaps past their peak, the numbers still remain positive, despite current advesity.
      Their clubs are trailing behind in their respective title races, which hasn’t helped their cause.
      But who will finish on top? Messi or Ronaldo?

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      Man Utd star Cavani is Boca Juniors’ top transfer target, but his salary would be slashed from £200k a week to £70k

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      BOCA JUNIORS could not have had a better warm up for Sunday’s clash against their great Buenos Aires rivals River Plate.
      And Carlos Tevez could not have had a better return to the team after taking some time off to mourn the death of his father.

      Edinson Cavani could be heading to Boca JuniorsCredit: AFP

      Away to an attractive Velez Sarsfield team, coached by former Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino, Boca won by an astonishing 7-1 margin.
      Instead of playing Tevez behind a centre forward, they used him as a false nine, dropping to combine and opening up space for Colombian winger Sebastian Villa to cut in from the left.
      In turn that opened up space for Colombian playmaker Edwin Cardona to thread his passes from the left of midfield.
      The parts clicked wonderfully well. Playing without a specialist centre forward seemed to suit the team.

      But there is excitement in Argentina that Boca will soon have the services of a genuine world class centre forward – Manchester United’s Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani.
      Argentine football plays big in its much smaller neighbour. And Cavani grew up watching a fellow Uruguayan, Sergio Martinez, bang in the goals for Boca during the mid 1990s.
      He always had the ambition to pull on the famous blue and yellow shirt – and there are hopes in Argentina that he could be just a few months away from crossing that one off the list.
      Cavani has made a far bigger impression at Old Trafford than many had predicted. He has shown that even at the age of 34 he still has plenty to offer – and plenty to teach some of his younger team-mates.

      Cavani’s current deal with Manchester United expires at the end of the seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      His deal, which runs up to the end of the season, could be renewed for another year – providing both parties agree.
      But the player has confessed that in the conditions of the pandemic it has not been easy for him to settle into Manchester.
      Boca would offer the chance for him to go home – his native town of Salto is a little more than 200 miles away from Buenos Aires. And there is a chance at glory.
      Boca have not won the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League, since 2007. But they keep getting close – they reached the semi finals in the last two years, and were beaten finalists the year before.
      With the knock out stage taking place in the second half of the year, Cavani could see out the Premier League season with United and then cross the Atlantic in time for the big games in the Libertadores.

      Should Cavani leave Old Trafford for Boca he would have to take a hefty paycutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It would mean taking a significant pay cut. According to the Argentine press, Cavani would want a three year deal, and would be happy to earn in that time the money he can make in one year with United where he earns around £200,000-a-week.
      But even meeting these terms would not be easy for Boca, and there could be some delicate negotiations between the player and Boca director and former midfield maestro Juan Roman Riquelme.
      For the time being, then, Edinson Cavani stays at Manchester United and Boca, without a specialist centre forward, prepare to take on River Plate.

      Man Utd star Edinson Cavani has been taking ballet lessons to help strength and stamina More

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      Fedor Sneaks, 17, is personal shopper for football stars like Greenwood and Gilmour, and business is booming in lockdown

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      FOR Fedor Sneaks, lockdown has been a blessing for business.
      The 17-year-old, real name Fedor Makarov, has been filling in for Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, while those department stores have had to close their doors during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

      Fedor Sneaks, real name Fedor Makarov, is the go-to personal shopper for the Premier League’s eliteCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Chelsea star Billy Gilmour is one of Fedor’s many clientsCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Fedor, based in London, has been kitting out footballers like Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour and Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood with designer threads in the meantime.
      From £1,050 Christian Dior trainers to £500 Fear of God Essentials tracksuits, the clever personal shopper is the go-to reseller for any self-respecting Premier League star.
      “I don’t want lockdown to end, if I’m being honest,” Fedor told SunSport exclusively.
      “Business has been booming, and I didn’t think footballers would need clothes or trainers during the pandemic.

      “But there were some days I couldn’t even complete my orders, it’s been mad.”
      Fedor officially set up Fedor Sneaks in 2017, but has been reselling trainers since the age of 12.
      He began by queuing outside shops overnight whenever there were limited trainer releases, buying them to sell for a quick profit.
      “When I was 12 I used to watch all these American YouTubers,” Fedor said.

      “And they all had these amazing shoe collections. I always wanted the same, but I couldn’t really afford that at the time.
      “So I came to the conclusion if I wanted nice trainers myself, I’d have to buy them and then sell them on for a profit.

      Business has been booming for Fedor Sneaks during lockdownCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Man Utd star Mason Greenwood shows off his Fedor Sneaks shopping bagCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe poses for a snap with his Dior trainersCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com
      “I used to camp out for 24 hours outside a shop when there was an exclusive release. Then, I could make £40-£50 on each pair.
      “Now I have people who queue outside for me.”
      As well as waiting outside shops, Fedor also buys trainers like Adidas Yeezys from other resellers and offers them to his clients.
      Because he buys in bulk, he will often get a 20 per cent discount.
      And then he works out a fairer price with his clients – again at a discounted rate, so everyone gets a good deal.
      One of the first footballers to utilise Fedor’s services was Blues’ Scottish midfielder Gilmour.
      “He ordered a few bits from me, shared it on Instagram and then it blew up and lots of Chelsea youth stars started making orders,” Fedor said.
      “The word spread from there, and I soon met other footballers like Max Aarons and Ben Godfrey who I sold to.”

      Hours before Aaron Wan Bissaka signed for Man Utd, Fedor Sneaks kitted him out with designer clothes and trainersCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Footballers like Man Utd talent Ethan Laird love £500 Fear of God Essentials tracksuitsCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Liverpool wonderkid Harvey Elliot poses with Fedor after making a purchaseCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com
      Manchester United star Aaron Wan Bissaka is another of Fedor’s clients.
      The former Crystal Palace defender even made sure he got an order in – hours before securing a move away from the London club.
      Fedor revealed: “Before he moved to United, Aaron wanted some clothes. He said to me, ‘Look, I’m in London. It’s my last day here. What do you have?’
      “I literally sent him everything I had, and that night I met him and he bought some things.”
      Because footballers don’t just buy one tracksuit or one pair of trainers, Fedor can make a hefty sum from one sale.
      “The biggest amount I’ve had at one time was £7,000,” he divulged. “That was shoes and clothes.”
      “With footballers, most of them prefer that I bring a lot of stuff for them to look at. From a picture on my Instagram or website, you can’t really tell for sizing.
      “So they will tell me their shoe size, waist size and ask me to bring everything I have.
      “The first time you meet a footballer, you talk for a bit. Over time you build up a connection and relationship.

      Fedor loves meeting footballers like Patrick van Aanholt and sharing life storiesCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Max Aarons of Norwich is one of Fedor’s regular customersCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Dior B22s are the most popular trainers among football’s elite costing £1050Credit: www.fedor-sneaks.com
      “It’s not really just a service, you’re there and you speak with them. You’re not a friend, but they’re telling you about their life and I’m telling them about mine. It’s interesting and inspiring for me.
      “They’re people who have come from nothing, and have gone a long way.”
      Fedor revealed the most popular trainer footballers are stocking up their wardrobes with.
      “It’s definitely the Dior B22s. They cost around £1,000.
      “But now I think footballers are starting to feel, after buying three or four pairs, that they want something different.
      “I think now the hype around trainers is the Nike Dunks and Jordans, especially.
      “I know Michael Obafemi of Southampton has an amazing collection Dunks and Jordans.”
      With his virtual store shown off on Instagram and sold on his website, Fedor’s next stop is his own shop.
      “This year I want to do a pop-up shop in London and Manchester,” Fedor said.

      Fedor’s international clients include Jonathan Panzo formerly of Monaco and now playing for DijonCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      Next, Fedor, pictured with Aston Villa sensation Louie Barry, wants to launch a pop-up shopCredit: www.fedor-sneaks.com

      “Then I want to look to take it to Europe where I have a few clients, like Jonathan Panzo at Monaco.
      “And perhaps after that, we’ll go to the US and China, where there’s a big trainer market.
      Wherever Fedor Sneaks goes, you can bet it’ll always attract the world’s best and (best dressed) footballers.
      To see the Fedor Sneaks collection visit their website here or follow them on Instagram.

      Mason Greenwood admits he wants to be Man Utd’s centre forward More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Messi: Juventus forward has scored 20-plus league goals in past thirteen seasons, but who has most?

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      THERE’S no doubt about it, in this past decade we have witnessed two of the greats of football push each other to their goalscoring limits.
      On Tuesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, scored his 20th league goal of the season as Juventus defeated Spezia in Serie A.

      It’s the 12th consecutive season the Portuguese legend has managed to register 20-plus goals in a league campaign across Europe’s top five leagues.
      But how does that compare to his great rival Lionel Messi, 33, who also has managed 20-plus goals in his last 12 campaigns – and is just one away from making 13 in a row.
      SunSport takes a look at their numbers in the past years.
      2008-09
      The first time any one of these greats registered 20 goals came in Messi’s fifth season with Barcelona.

      23 goals in 31 league games saw Pep Guardiola’s team roar to the title – some nine points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.
      It wasn’t enough for Messi to win The Pichichi Trophy – with Diego Forlan netting the most – an astonishing 32 goals.
      Ronaldo, in his final season as a Manchester United player managed 18 Premier League goals.

      Lionel Messi registered his first 20 league goals a season haul in the 2008-09 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      2008-09 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last year at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2009-10
      After his £80million transfer to Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Messi would go head-to-head for the first time.

      Having the benefit of experience playing in LaLiga, the Argentine was top goalscorer in the competition with 34 goals in 35 games.
      Ronaldo, who wasn’t even Real’s top scorer (Gonzalo Higuain managed 27), scored 26 goals in as many games. Ronaldo might’ve marginally had the better goalscoring ratio, but Messi had the numbers.

      Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 for £80m to ignite his rivalry with MessiCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      2010-11
      With Messi setting the bar, Ronaldo knew he had to record special numbers to defeat his rival in the goalscoring charts.
      Astonishingly, he bagged 40 goals in the 2010-11 season – nine more than Messi managed.
      Still, for all his efforts, Barça were champions once again.
      2011-12
      The numbers went astronomical in 2011-12, with both players reaching the peak of their powers.
      Between them they managed an incredible 96 league goals, in a season where Jose Mourinho wrestled the title off Guardiola after three years of Barcelona dominance.
      Messi hit a remarkable 50 league goals, while Ronaldo managed an equally impressive 46. Nearest to them was Radamel Falcao with 24, which was a measure of how far ahead the pair were of everyone else.

      At the peak of their powers Ronaldo and Messi managed 96 league goals between them in the 2011-12 campaignCredit: EPA
      2012-13
      Barcelona reclaimed their title in impressive fashion – by 15 points in the end.
      Messi, was of course, central to that with 46 in just 32 games and was top scorer again.
      Ronaldo was second with 34 in as many games. Although he did finish top scorer in the Champions League that season.
      2013-14
      Injuries meant both Messi and Ronaldo didn’t play as many league games as they had managed previously.
      The latter won back the Pichichi Trophy with 31 goals to Messi’s 28, but both both missed out on the LaLiga title, as Atletico Madrid were crowned champions.

      Messi and Ronaldo’s fight to be crowned the GOAT continues to rage on
      Again, it’s worth noting Ronaldo excelled in the Champions League – with 17 in a campaign that saw Real crowned European champions. It’s a record that’s not been broken.

      Ronaldo landed the Pichichi Trophy for the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2014-15
      In one of the closest title races in years, Barcelona pipped Real by just two points in the end.
      But Ronaldo amassed his highest ever league goal total – scoring 48 goals in 35 matches.
      Messi’s 43 would’ve done it any other year, if the former Manchester United player wasn’t around.
      2015-16
      The top scorer mantle was passed on in 2015-16 to Luis Suarez – the first time it wasn’t Ronaldo or Messi in six seasons.
      Messi’s 26 was his lowest since 2008-09, while Ronaldo’s 35 showed he was still on top of his game.
      Again, Barcelona were champions by just one point in what was a nail-biting climax to the league season.

      For the 2015-16 Messi had to share his goals with Neymar and Luis SuarezCredit: Corbis
      2016-17
      Despite recording his lowest amount of league goals (25), Ronaldo’s Real were champions for the first time since their 2011-12 season.
      Messi, who had the presence of Suarez and Neymar around him, managed an impressive 37 goals.
      However, he would’ve been frustrated to see Ronaldo’s lifting ANOTHER Champions League trophy.
      2017-18
      Domestically, Messi proved he was king again.
      His 34 strikes helped propel the Catalans to the LaLiga trophy. Ronaldo’s 26 were an improvement from the previous season.
      However, a new challenge was around the corner.

      Messi proved he was the domestic king in 2017-18 scoring 34 times in the leagueCredit: AFP or licensors
      2018-19
      At 33, Ronaldo embarked on a new challenge and moved to Juventus in an £88million deal.
      With his rival gone, Messi still continued to deliver – scoring 36 times in La Liga.
      In his debut season in Italy, Ronaldo just passed the 20 goal threshold with 21 in 31. He finished a disappointing fourth in the Capocannoniere hunt.
      2019-20
      Ronaldo came back with a bang in 2019-20 – recording 31 goals in a campaign that delivered back-to-back league titles for his club.
      It wasn’t enough to be crowned top scorer – with Ciro Immobile managing an amazing 36 – equalling a Serie A record of most goals in a season.
      Messi ended his LaLiga campaign on 25, six less than Ronaldo, but as Pichichi Trophy winner.

      In his second season at Juventus Ronaldo scored an impressive 31 Serie A goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      2020-21
      This season, with still plenty of games left to play, Ronaldo leads the Serie A scoring charts with 20 goals in his 21 games.
      He beat Messi to 20 by a fraction, who has 19 in his 23 league games.

      Even though they’re perhaps past their peak, the numbers still remain positive, despite current advesity.
      Their clubs are trailing behind in their respective title races, which hasn’t helped their cause.
      But who will finish on top? Messi or Ronaldo?

      Cristiano Ronaldo sulks in Juventus dressing-room in unseen footage for Amazon Prime All or Nothing trailer More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo vs Messi: Juventus star has scored 20-plus league goals in past thirteen seasons, but who has most?

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      THERE’S no doubt about it, in this past decade we have witnessed two of the greats of football push each other to their goalscoring limits.
      On Tuesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, scored his 20th league goal of the season as Juventus defeated Spezia in Serie A.

      It’s the 12th consecutive season the Portuguese legend has managed to register 20-plus goals in a league campaign across Europe’s top five leagues.
      But how does that compare to his great rival Lionel Messi, 33, who also has managed 20-plus goals in his last 12 campaigns – and is just one away from making 13 in a row.
      SunSport takes a look at their numbers in the past years.
      2008-09
      The first time any one of these greats registered 20 goals came in Messi’s fifth season with Barcelona.

      23 goals in 31 league games saw Pep Guardiola’s team roar to the title – some nine points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.
      It wasn’t enough for Messi to win The Pichichi Trophy – with Diego Forlan netting the most – an astonishing 32 goals.
      Ronaldo, in his final season as a Manchester United player managed 18 Premier League goals.

      Lionel Messi registered his first 20 league goals a season haul in the 2008-09 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      2008-09 was Cristiano Ronaldo’s last year at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2009-10
      After his £80million transfer to Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Messi would go head-to-head for the first time.

      Having the benefit of experience playing in LaLiga, the Argentine was top goalscorer in the competition with 34 goals in 35 games.
      Ronaldo, who wasn’t even Real’s top scorer (Gonzalo Higuain managed 27), scored 26 goals in as many games. Ronaldo might’ve marginally had the better goalscoring ratio, but Messi had the numbers.

      Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 for £80m to ignite his rivalry with MessiCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      2010-11
      With Messi setting the bar, Ronaldo knew he had to record special numbers to defeat his rival in the goalscoring charts.
      Astonishingly, he bagged 40 goals in the 2010-11 season – nine more than Messi managed.
      Still, for all his efforts, Barça were champions once again.
      2011-12
      The numbers went astronomical in 2011-12, with both players reaching the peak of their powers.
      Between them they managed an incredible 96 league goals, in a season where Jose Mourinho wrestled the title off Guardiola after three years of Barcelona dominance.
      Messi hit a remarkable 50 league goals, while Ronaldo managed an equally impressive 46. Nearest to them was Radamel Falcao with 24, which was a measure of how far ahead the pair were of everyone else.

      At the peak of their powers Ronaldo and Messi managed 96 league goals between them in the 2011-12 campaignCredit: EPA
      2012-13
      Barcelona reclaimed their title in impressive fashion – by 15 points in the end.
      Messi, was of course, central to that with 46 in just 32 games and was top scorer again.
      Ronaldo was second with 34 in as many games. Although he did finish top scorer in the Champions League that season.
      2013-14
      Injuries meant both Messi and Ronaldo didn’t play as many league games as they had managed previously.
      The latter won back the Pichichi Trophy with 31 goals to Messi’s 28, but both both missed out on the LaLiga title, as Atletico Madrid were crowned champions.

      Messi and Ronaldo’s fight to be crowned the GOAT continues to rage on
      Again, it’s worth noting Ronaldo excelled in the Champions League – with 17 in a campaign that saw Real crowned European champions. It’s a record that’s not been broken.

      Ronaldo landed the Pichichi Trophy for the 2013-14 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      2014-15
      In one of the closest title races in years, Barcelona pipped Real by just two points in the end.
      But Ronaldo amassed his highest ever league goal total – scoring 48 goals in 35 matches.
      Messi’s 43 would’ve done it any other year, if the former Manchester United player wasn’t around.
      2015-16
      The top scorer mantle was passed on in 2015-16 to Luis Suarez – the first time it wasn’t Ronaldo or Messi in six seasons.
      Messi’s 26 was his lowest since 2008-09, while Ronaldo’s 35 showed he was still on top of his game.
      Again, Barcelona were champions by just one point in what was a nail-biting climax to the league season.

      For the 2015-16 Messi had to share his goals with Neymar and Luis SuarezCredit: Corbis
      2016-17
      Despite recording his lowest amount of league goals (25), Ronaldo’s Real were champions for the first time since their 2011-12 season.
      Messi, who had the presence of Suarez and Neymar around him, managed an impressive 37 goals.
      However, he would’ve been frustrated to see Ronaldo’s lifting ANOTHER Champions League trophy.
      2017-18
      Domestically, Messi proved he was king again.
      His 34 strikes helped propel the Catalans to the LaLiga trophy. Ronaldo’s 26 were an improvement from the previous season.
      However, a new challenge was around the corner.

      Messi proved he was the domestic king in 2017-18 scoring 34 times in the leagueCredit: AFP or licensors
      2018-19
      At 33, Ronaldo embarked on a new challenge and moved to Juventus in an £88million deal.
      With his rival gone, Messi still continued to deliver – scoring 36 times in La Liga.
      In his debut season in Italy, Ronaldo just passed the 20 goal threshold with 21 in 31. He finished a disappointing fourth in the Capocannoniere hunt.
      2019-20
      Ronaldo came back with a bang in 2019-20 – recording 31 goals in a campaign that delivered back-to-back league titles for his club.
      It wasn’t enough to be crowned top scorer – with Ciro Immobile managing an amazing 36 – equalling a Serie A record of most goals in a season.
      Messi ended his LaLiga campaign on 25, six less than Ronaldo, but as Pichichi Trophy winner.

      In his second season at Juventus Ronaldo scored an impressive 31 Serie A goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      2020-21
      This season, with still plenty of games left to play, Ronaldo leads the Serie A scoring charts with 20 goals in his 21 games.
      He beat Messi to 20 by a fraction, who has 19 in his 23 league games.

      Even though they’re perhaps past their peak, the numbers still remain positive, despite current advesity.
      Their clubs are trailing behind in their respective title races, which hasn’t helped their cause.
      But who will finish on top? Messi or Ronaldo?

      Cristiano Ronaldo sulks in Juventus dressing-room in unseen footage for Amazon Prime All or Nothing trailer More

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      Ipswich wonderkid Elkan Baggott, 18, has huge following on Instagram and YouTube & huge fanbase in Indonesia

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      LAST year, Elkan Baggott made his debut for Ipswich Town in the EFL Trophy against Gillingham.
      The 18-year-old featured in a team of youngsters, standing out in defence as the League One side ran out 2-0 victors.

      Elkan Baggott made his debut for Ipswich in the EFL Trophy vs GillinghamCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      And that would’ve, no doubt, filled his social media followers with joy.
      Unbelievably, despite being a relative unknown, Baggott NEARLY has as many Instagram followers as his club!
      Also, if you combine all the Instagram followers the usual starting eleven for The Blues has, it still wouldn’t reach Baggott’s count of 138,000.
      HOW IT HAPPENED
      In 2019, when Baggot signed scholarship terms with Ipswich his social media blew up.

      All of a sudden thousands of Indonesians began following the talent on social media.
      Why? Baggot, who was born in Bangkok, has an English father and an Indonesian mother.
      It’s the latter heritage he has embraced, representing Indonesia at U19 level.
      Having been brought up in the country, it’s who Baggot feels most loyal too.

      Football-mad Indonesians are also keen to see how their new favourite footballer is faring in English football.

      Baggott has a huge following in Indonesia

      On Instagram Baggott has amassed 56,000 followers

      Baggott has almost as many followers as his club Ipswich and more than all his team-mates combinedCredit: Alamy Live News
      Which is why he has built a strong-arm of 138,000 followers – more than double that Ipswich’s most popular star on Instagram James Norwood, who has 19,000.
      Ipswich Town have 84,000 followers themselves.
      SOCIAL MEDIA HIT
      Many of Baggott’s posts are liked over 10,000 times.
      And when it became evident he was going to make his Ipswich Town well-wishers from across the globe wished him well.
      But Baggott isn’t just popular on Instagram. On YouTube he’s getting plenty of traction too.
      A number of videos featuring the teen’s talents and viewed (in some cases) hundreds of thousands of times.

      In 2019 Baggott signed scholarship terms with Ipswich Town

      Indonesian football fans are obsessed with his development and tune into his social media account to find out the latest on Baggott

      Baggott has only played once for Ipswich – in the EFL Trophy win over GillinghamCredit: � Richard Calver – www.matchdayimages.com

      Already an Indonesian U19 international, Baggott is set for a promising future in the game

      However, it was an exclusive chat with the Indonesian FA that proved to be the most popular.
      So far, that has been viewed unbelievably over a million times.
      Should be become a full international, expect his social media numbers to swell even further.

      Arsenal ace Mark McGuinness joins Ipswich on season-long loan deal More