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      Inside the Qataris’ ‘Project Ruby’ plan that ‘would have fixed Man Utd in THREE DAYS’ as fans turn on Ratcliffe

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      IT’S taken just 11 months for some Manchester United fans to turn on minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.And doubters in the Old Trafford faithful will no doubt be left even more frustrated when they find out what could’ve been under the Qatari administration, who had plans to revolutionise the club in just THREE DAYS.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has endured a pitiful start to life at Man UtdOther bidder Sheikh Jassim’s concrete plans have been revealedPlans were put in place for a brand new stadiumUnited fans staged a protest against RatcliffeFan pressure and soaring costs saw the majority owning Glazer family announce that they were open to selling United in November 2022.And Qatari billionaire banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, entered the race to buy Britain’s biggest football club. After months of speculation, Sheikh Jassim’s final £4.5billion offer for full control was shunned by the Glazers, in favour of Britain’s richest man Ratcliffe.Ratcliffe’s own £1.2bn offer for a 27.7 per cent stake was accepted, and the 72-year-old, a life long fan, was effectively given the keys, taking control of all operations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut things haven’t gone to plan, with sporting director Dan Ashworth leaving the club after just five months in his role in the latest of a string of PR disasters.Almost 12 months on, the ‘new’ United lurches from horror show to another under Ratcliffe and his Ineos officers.Ahead of Sunday’s derby at Man City they find themselves in a lowly 13th place in the Premier League.After 15 games they are 16 points behind Liverpool, who spanked them 3-0 at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Mail have now revealed an inside swoop into what could’ve happened in M16 if the Qatari’s were allowed to buy the club outright.Plans for a United rebirth, fuelled by vast wealth and some of the finest sporting and finance brains on earth, had already been carefully drafted. Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upThe strategy for ‘Project Ruby’ saw the Qatari’s pledge to announce the takeover on the first day.The removal of ALL of the club’s debt would come on the second day.And United would be taken off the New York Stock Exchange and no longer answerable to far-away stakeholders.By day three, Sheikh Jassim would reveal plans for a brand new state-of-the-art stadium.That’s it, a clean break in three days to change the club’s history and current predicament.As for Old Trafford, there would be no attempt to grab any money from the taxpayer, or confusion over whether this would be a refurbishment or a rebuild. Ratcliffe was reportedly lobbying the government’s “Levelling Up” plan to give the north of England a venue to rival Wembley.And the iconic ground continues to rot away, hampered by an embarrassing leaky roof and dead RATS under seats.Under Sheikh Jassim this would have been a more straightforward process.A supporter posted a picture of a dead rat at Old TraffordA senior adviser to the Qatari group told the Mail: “The b****y thing would have been fully in-motion now.”A stadium for a football club paid for by a football club and nobody else. And as for the staff Ratcliffe is firing – we would have been hiring.”None of the above will be of solace to the United fans – and the large numbers of staff – who had wanted the Sheikh Jassim bid to succeed.Populous, the designers responsible for many of the venues at the 2022 World Cup, had already drawn up plans, which were shared with bidders for United.It can now be disclosed that an ‘adaptable’ stadium was being seriously considered, with a capacity of between 90,000 and 100,000.A banner saying ‘Stop Exploiting Loyalty’ was held up inside and outside Old Trafford last weekAI images have been mocked up to show what Old Trafford could look like under RatcliffeLeading commercial property company JLL, based in Manchester city centre, had already been signed up to work on the project.And there was a separate fund planned for the women’s team, who would’ve had their own training centre in Manchester.Leading commercial property company JLL, based in Manchester city centre, had already been signed up to work on the project.Far from being given the sack, Sir Alex Ferguson was to be cherished and invited onto an advisory board. Others, including Class of ’92 members David Beckham and Gary Neville, were also being lined up to add their input.But the opposite has come true.Ratcliffe’s hated cost-cutting campaign has seen 250 redundancies made and tickets were hiked to £66 for kids and pensioners.He’s even turned into the grinch and replaced the £100 staff Christmas bonus with a £40 M&S voucher in his latest money-saving measure.Fans have already protested outside Old Trafford begging to stop being “exploited”.But it might not be the end of the story.The advisor told the Mail: “Sheikh Jassim is still a rich guy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”He is still a United fan. He is not going to rush off and try another Premier League club.’If the opportunity to buy the whole of Manchester United arose again at some point in the future it is hard to see there not being a big level of interest. The plans are still there.”Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher More

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      Graham Potter open to return to management for first time since Chelsea sacking but role could be temporary

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      GRAHAM POTTER is willing to take the West Ham job until the end of the season, according to reports.Julen Lopetegui could well be sacked after just seven months in charge if they lose at home to Wolves tonight.Graham Potter is reportedly willing to take the West Ham job on a temporary basisAnd the Hammers are considering making a short-term appointment to steer them away from any threat of relegation.The former Chelsea boss previously admitted that he’s “looking at things” as speculation linking him with West Ham intensifies.But SunSport exclusively revealed that Potter was in line for a shock call from RB Leipzig if Marco Rose doesn’t turn things around.He could be up against former Manchester United Erik ten Hag, who has also been heavily linked with the Bundesliga club.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Leipzig must act fast as Potter could temporarily take over at West Ham, according to talkSPORT.Top target Max Allegri, who left Juventus amid disagreements in May, has also held talks with the London Stadium hierarchy.However the six-time Serie A champ is reluctant to take a job in the Premier League mid-season and would only take it next summer.Former Brighton manager Potter has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April last year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe managed 31 Blues games, losing 11 – leaving Chelsea in 11th place in the Prem.West Ham face Wolves in a crunch clash at the London Stadium with both Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil facing the axe.Premier League club to make history by wearing AI-generated kit designed by fans So much so the game has been dubbed “El Sackico”.Both managers were targeted with chants of “you’ll be sacked in the morning” from their own fans last week as Wolves lost 4-0 at Everton and Leicester beat West Ham 3-1.O’Neil’s side sit second from bottom, four points from safety.The Hammers, meanwhile, are 14th, six points from the relegation zone.West Ham have won just once in their last five Prem fixtures – a 2-0 win at Newcastle.The board reportedly held talks over Lopetegui’s future last Wednesday, and he likely has one more game to save himself.Ironically, Lopetegui left Wolves on the eve of last season after being frustrated at not being able to sign anybody.Gary O’Neil faces the sack, with Wolves 19th in the PremJulen Lopetegui must get a result against WolvesNext West Ham manager oddsOdds via talkSPORT BETGraham Potter 4/5Kasper Hjulmand 7/2Edin Terzic 5/1Sergio Conceicao 6/1Michael Carrick 16/1Roger Schmidt 20/1Jose Mourinho 25/1 More

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      Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into job as Amorim’s ‘storm coming’ words come true

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      THE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.Dan Ashworth has left his role at Man UtdCredit: ZenpixAshworth lasted just five months under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAThere is word Ashworth did not favour appointing new head coach Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.READ MORE IN footballMeanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game.Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas it the sight of the ineffective Joshua Zirkzee coming on as a sub that finally did it?You see, the 23-year-old Dutchman was thought to be a good buy at £36.5million. Ten Hag did not agree but had the player forced upon him.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85That is on Ashworth.Already the club are looking to offload the flop forward.The word from Old Trafford was that Ratcliffe had issued a ‘liberating decree’ when he arrived on his white charger after acquiring 27.7 per cent of the club last February.Instead, it all just gets worse. They are locked in a mess of their own making, and nobody seems to have the key to get them out.Ashworth was supposed to have it, but he spent as much time on gardening leave from Newcastle as he did overseeing much-needed change at Old Trafford.He walked through the post-match media area with a security guard and the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, around 30 minutes after the full-time whistle following the 3-2 loss on Saturday.It was odd as he marched with his head down without exchanging pleasantries.As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.Manchester United statement He was on his way to the boardroom in the East Stand to finally agree to part ways.He was apparently “not a good fit”.Although he seems to have been everywhere else he worked.But a disagreement with the others brought in to put the former foot-balling juggernaut back on the right path had done for him.The explanation from the club was that the decision had been made “collaboratively following a period of transition for the club”.Yet it was Ashworth who was supposed to be central to that transition.It was also said to be a “difficult decision”. The club stressed that they have been building “a new team and structure here at pace”.’This is down to Ratcliffe’They added: “As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.”So, the much-sought-after Ashworth, whom the club fought so hard to have released from Toon and paid £3m in compensation for, is now felt not good enough to be part of that ‘structure’.This is down to Ratcliffe, who is already vying with the Glazers as the most unpopular man at the club.If a mutual agreement was done collaboratively, it makes you wonder why Ashworth was at Old Trafford on Saturday. Or had tea cups flown in the directors’ room afterwards?The sheer enormity of the job on everyone’s hands at Old Trafford appears to be proving too much.Not a single boss, chief executive, technical director or whatever has gotten to grips with it.Everyone has an idea of what to do but from the outside it looks like nobody has a clue. And in the meantime a whopping £1.6BILLION has been spent on players post Sir Alex Ferguson.Wilcox is now in charge of recruitment but there is nothing left to recruit anyone with.Spending rules, cost-cutting, payments to departing staff, and a massive wage bill for under-performing stars have all stymied the club.There will be no big signings in January, nor next summer.The club is stuck with this lot and they are simply not good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESAshworth knows it, everybody knows it. Amorim said there was ‘a storm coming’.It has well and truly hit. More

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      Wayne Rooney makes shock move to bring in his old Man Utd boss as assistant manager at Plymouth

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      WAYNE ROONEY has hired Mike Phelan as his assistant manager at Plymouth. Pete Shuttleworth left as Rooney’s No2 due to personal reasons – sparking a backroom shake-up at Argyle. Wayne Rooney has hired Mike Phelan as his assistant manager at PlymouthCredit: RexPhelan will reunite with Rooney at PlymouthCredit: GettyThe pair worked together at Old Trafford under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: AFPAnd Rooney made the move to hire Phelan, who worked with the Manchester United legend at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney said: “I am sad to see Pete leave the club. “He is someone I have worked with very closely throughout my managerial career having first met at Derby County and he has also been a close friend.“Pete has some personal matters going on which is where his focus needs to be and we all completely respect that and have mutually decided to part ways.READ MORE IN football “Mike is someone I know well having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United and he has vast experience at the highest level of football.“I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately.”Phelan spent five seasons at United from 2008-2012 under Fergie, winning the Premier League and Champions League together. He then moved to Norwich and also had a spell at Hull before returning to United in 2018 for another four years. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhelan now returns to coaching alongside Rooney, who has been in charge at Plymouth since May. Argyle sit 22nd in the Championship and find themselves in the relegation zone on goal difference only. But they are without a win in four league games, despite drawing 2-2 with Watford at home in their last game. Wayne Rooney sends Coleen sweet video message ahead of I’m A Celeb final as he urges fans to vote More

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      Graham Potter locking horns with sacked Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag for major European job

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      GRAHAM POTTER is in line for a shock call from RB Leipzig.Potter is keen on a return to work and the Bundesliga giants may come for him soon if results fail to improve under Marco Rose.Graham Potter is finally tipped to return to management soonCredit: GettyErik ten Hag is also in contention for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyThe former Brighton and Chelsea boss, 49, has been a free agent since leaving Blues in April 2023.He has always had one eye on a foreign role and Leipzig may be an attractive option  — although former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is also linked with the job.Potter is also on the radar of Prem strugglers West Ham and Wolves — who play each other on Monday night — and has long-term admirers at Ajax.In the meantime he’s been providing TV analysis as a Sky Sports pundit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut speculation over a return to management has spiralled.Leicester were said to be keen in April 2023 on their way out of the Prem. But he’s understood to have turned them down.Instead Enzo Maresca got the job at the end of the season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd after taking the Foxes back to the top flight, the Italian landed the Chelsea job over the summer.Leicester then reportedly rekindled their interest in Potter following the sacking of Steve Cooper in November. ‘It doesn’t come for free’ – Graham Potter reveals shock reason for 18 months of unemployment since Chelsea axeHowever, the boss job went to ex-Red Devils’ caretaker chief Ruud van Nistelrooy.However, Potter is arguably more in demand than ever.And although the Hammers have given Julen Lopetegui a stay of execution, Monday’s home clash with second-bottom Wolves could yet be another indicator towards Potter’s future. More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

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      MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.”Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.”For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.Most read in Football”If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.”Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More

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      Former Premier League star Van der Vaart reveals why he never saw ex-team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo naked

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      RAFAEL VAN DER VAART hilariously explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is the hardest worker he’s ever played with.Van der Vaart, 41, and Ronaldo, 39, played together at Real Madrid for only a year until the former left in 2010 for Tottenham.Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael van der Vaart spent a year together at Real MadridCredit: GettyRonaldo is the hardest worker Van der Vaart has ever played withCredit: GettyVan der Vaart has a hilarious way to explain Ronaldo’s work ethicCredit: GettyBut that was enough for the Manchester United legend to make a major impression on the ex-Netherlands international thanks to his undying work ethic.CR7’s passion has led him to a staggering five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles throughout his 22-year career that’s still going on as he plays for Al-Nassr.Van der Vaart is not surprised as he claims the star forward was constantly on the training pitch.So much so that the former playmaker never saw Ronaldo in the dressing room.Read More on FootballVan der Vaart told talkSPORT’s ‘The LineUp: “He never left his house!”I always say as a joke, Ronaldo is the only player that I never saw his willy!”He was the first one on the training [pitch]! And the last one who went.”First of all his body, wow! A machine. He was a little bit ahead of his time, players now are the same.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”But his training in the gym, food, sleep. For him that was more important than training extra hard.”Ronaldo was so unbelievably selfish, if we won 6-0 and he did not score, he was not happy. When we lose but he scored twice, it’d be alright!”Van der Vaart reveals Redknapp’s three-word half-time team-talk that inspired Tottenham to Arsenal triumphVan der Vaart never won anything with Ronaldo, who conquered his first of many pieces of silverware with Real in 2010 by claiming the Copa del Rey. More

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      ‘No wonder management didn’t work for you’ says Jamie Carragher as he calls out Gary Neville’s controversial opinion

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER called out Gary Neville’s controversial Manchester United opinion – and aimed a dig at his managerial career. The Liverpool and United legends were working on a special Overlap watchalong covering Wednesday night’s round of Premier League fixtures.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on The Overlap watchalongNeville was left bemusedDuring the broadcast, Neville claimed that his former team-mate Jaap Stam was a better defender than Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.He then suggested Stam was better than both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. But Neville – who was sacked as Valencia manager in 2016 after just 28 games – revealed Stam would not make his all-time United XI. That is because partnerships like Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister supersede Stam’s individual talent. READ MORE IN footballAnd the comment sparked a hilarious back-and-forth between former Prem rivals Neville and Carragher. Neville said: “I haven’t got Jaap in my best Man United team but if you said to me, ‘Who is the best defender as an individual?’ I’d say Jaap Stam.”Vidic and Ferdinand and Bruce and Pallister were unbelievable pairs and you can’t deny it.”I’m saying Jaap Stam is the best sort of one-on-one defender that United had.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSCarragher: “Who’s the best centre-back you played with at Manchester United? Just answer that.”Neville: “I think Jap Stam but he’s not in my best 11.”Gary Neville admits ‘I got it wrong’ and apologises over Rashford criticism as Amorim demands Man Utd ‘change standards’ Carragher: “No wonder management didn’t work for you!”Neville: “The strength of Vidic and Ferdinand together or Bruce and Pallister is stronger than the individual ability of Jaap.”Carragher: “So two players are stronger than one? Yeah, well done.”Neville, with a bemused look, then said down the camera: “Am I making sense at home?” Stam spent three seasons at United from 1998-2001, leaving Manchester with three titles to his name. Vidic and Ferdinand formed a legendary partnership under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the Champions League together and FIVE Prem titles. Bruce and Pallister were also league title winners during the 1990s. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand formed a legendary partnershipCredit: Getty Images – GettyJaap Stam spent three seasons with Man UtdCredit: ReutersSteve Bruce and Gary Pallister in 1993Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More