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    Mason Greenwood could become tenth player to star for Man Utd and Barcelona – so how did other nine fare?

    BARCELONA are ready to launch a £40million swoop for Mason Greenwood.The forward, 22, has spent this season on loan at Getafe from Manchester United.
    Mason Greenwood joined Getafe on loan last summerCredit: Rex

    Getafe want to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
    But SunSport this week revealed that they are set to face competition from three LaLiga rivals, including Barcelona.
    Should Greenwood make the switch to Barca he will become the tenth star to represent both illustrious clubs.
    Ahead of the potential switch, SunSport takes a look at how the previous nine have fared at Old Trafford and the Nou Camp.
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    GERARD PIQUE
    After seven years in Barcelona’s academy, Pique ditched his hometown club for Manchester United at 17.
    He picked up Premier League and Champions League winners’ medals with the Red Devils, but struggled to break into the team ahead of Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.
    Pique, now 36, later spoke fondly of his time at Old Trafford, despite re-joining Barca in 2008.
    He went on to become a superstar with the Catalan giants, playing a key role in nine LaLiga title wins and three Champions League triumphs.
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    Man Utd – 2004-2008: MISS
    Barcelona – 2008-2022: HIT
    Gerard Pique made 23 first team appearances for Man UtdCredit: Getty
    He went on to play over 600 times for his hometown clubCredit: Splash News
    MARK HUGHES
    Sparky began his career at Old Trafford in 1980 and went on to have two successful stints at United.
    He swapped the Theatre of Dreams for Barcelona in 1986, becoming part of Terry Venables’ British revolution at the Nou Camp alongside Gary Lineker.
    Unlike Lineker, however, Hughes failed to make an impact in Spain, scoring just five times in 37 games before being loaned to Bayern Munich.
    He returned to Man Utd in 1988 and went on to become a key man for Sir Alex Ferguson over the next seven years.
    Man Utd – 1980-1986, 1988-1995: HIT
    Barcelona – 1986-1988: MISS
    Mark Hughes starred for Man Utd across two spellsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    He joined Barcelona alongside fellow Brit Gary Lineker in 1986Credit: Getty
    JORDI CRUYFF
    Attacking midfielder Cruyff came through at Barcelona under the tutelage of his legendary father Johan.
    Living up to the name on the back of his shirt was always going to be a tough ask, however.
    It never quite happened for Cruyff, who was sold by Barcelona after two years in their first team.
    He later spent four seasons with Man Utd, but didn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford either.
    Man Utd – 1996-2000: MISS
    Barcelona – 1994-1996: MISS
    Jordi Cruyff signed for Man Utd in 1996Credit: PA:Empics Sport
    The Dutchman had come through at Barcelona under his legendary fatherCredit: AFP
    HENRIK LARSSON
    Legendary forward Larsson joined Barcelona aged 33 after spending the bulk of his prime with Celtic.
    The Swede proved that he was still a top class forward at Barca, helping them to a pair of LaLiga titles and the Champions League.
    He joined boyhood club Helsingborgs in 2006, but would have one more stint with one of Europe’s elite, signing for Man Utd on loan in 2007.
    Aged 35 he proved to be a popular figure at Old Trafford, using his experience to help them to the Prem title.
    Man Utd – 2007: HIT
    Barcelona – 2004-2006: HIT
    Henrik Larsson joined Man Utd on loan in 2007Credit: AFP
    The Swede won the Champions League with BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    VICTOR VALDES
    Homegrown stopper Valdes spent 12 years as Barcelona’s No1 goalkeeper between 2002 and 2014.
    His ability with his feet enabled him to fit Barca’s style of play like a glove, and he helped them to six league titles and three Champions Leagues.
    In 2014 Barcelona opted to move in a different direction by signing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with Valdes being allowed to join Man Utd on a free transfer.
    Valdes failed to topple compatriot David de Gea as United’s No1, making just two appearances before bizarrely joining Middlesbrough.
    Man Utd – 2015-2016: MISS
    Barcelona – 2002-2014: HIT
    Victor Valdes made just two first team appearances for Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    The Spaniard excelled during his time at BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
    LAURENT BLANC
    French defender Blanc joined Barcelona to play for Johan Cruyff in 1996 following his brilliant performances for Auxerre.
    So it was a bitter blow when Cruyff was sacked immediately.
    He spent one unhappy year with Barca before leaving for Marseille in 1997.
    Having long been a fan of Blanc, Ferguson finally got his man aged 35 in 2001, although his best years were long behind him.
    Man Utd – 2001-2003: MISS
    Barcelona – 1996-1997: MISS
    Laurent Blanc joined Man Utd aged 35Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Blanc endured an unhappy year at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    MEMPHIS DEPAY
    Dutch winger Depay joined Man Utd in 2015 to much fanfare to play under compatriot Louis van Gaal.
    He struggled to ever deliver on his promise at Old Trafford, however, and completely fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
    Depay joined Lyon in 2017 and successfully rebuilt his career in Ligue 1, earning a move to Barcelona four years later.
    He never quite produced the goods at Barca and was allowed to join Atletico Madrid for under £4million in January.
    Man Utd – 2015-2017: MISS
    Barcelona – 2021-2023: MISS
    Memphis Depay joined Man Utd in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    He rebuilt his career at Lyon and then signed for BarcelonaCredit: EPA
    ALEXIS SANCHEZ
    Chilean forward moved to Man Utd from Arsenal in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move the other way in January 2018.
    His spell at Old Trafford was an unmitigated disaster, however, as he only scored five goals in 45 games.
    Prior to joining Arsenal he had excelled during three years at Barcelona.
    He bagged 46 goals and laid on 37 assists during his stint in Catalonia.
    Man Utd – 2018-2020: MISS
    Barcelona – 2011-2014: HIT
    Alexis Sanchez endured an unhappy spell at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
    The Chilean was far more successful at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
    Swedish legend Ibrahimovic signed for Man Utd aged 34 in 2016 after four years at Paris Saint-Germain.
    He immediately hit the ground running, scoring 28 goals in his debut season in England.
    Ibrahimovic suffered a devastating knee injury towards the end of the campaign and scarcely featured during his second United term upon his return.
    Earlier in his career he had signed for Barcelona from Inter Milan in 2009, but endured an unhappy spell under Pep Guardiola, who opted to move Lionel Messi into a central position during that campaign, thus marginalising Ibra.
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    Man Utd – 2016-2018: HIT
    Barcelona – 2009-2011: MISS
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic achieved cult hero status at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The Swede didn’t quite fit in at BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    How Barcelona could line up with Mason Greenwood succeeding Lionel Messi and forming stunning front line

    MASON GREENWOOD could form a stunning front line if he joins Barcelona.The Spanish giants are ready to make a £40million transfer swoop for the Manchester United forward.
    Mason Greenwood could form a stunning front three if he joins BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Gavi would also feature in a devastating line up for Xavi’s sideCredit: AP
    Barca have even set aside Lionel Messi’s iconic No10 shirt in a bid to persuade Greenwood to join the club.
    The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan at Getafe, has scored five goals and provided four assists in La Liga so far this season.
    Although Getafe want to sign Greenwood permanently, Barcelona are the current favourites to land him.
    The signing of Greenwood would allow Xavi to start the Englishman in a devastating front three.
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    Greenwood is able to play across the attack but would likely slot in on the right wing for Barca.
    Former Chelsea loanee Joao Felix has been Xavi’s preferred choice on the left flank this term.
    The attack would then be completed by top scorer Robert Lewandowski down the middle.
    In midfield, Xavi can call upon the experience of Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan next to teenage sensation Gavi.
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    Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde are the standout names to appear as full-backs on the right and left, respectively.
    Between them, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen have formed a solid defensive partnership this term.
    Long-serving goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen completes the line up, although the German is currently sidelined with a back injury.
    Deputy Inaki Pena, who came through the club’s famed La Masia academy, serves as a solid back-up option, though.
    Mason Greenwood is impressing in LaLiga More

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    Mason Greenwood wanted in shock £40m Barcelona transfer as Man Utd striker is offered Lionel Messi’s iconic No10 shirt

    BARCELONA are ready to offer Mason Greenwood Lionel Messi’s iconic No 10 shirt as part of a £40million summer transfer swoop.Manchester United forward Greenwood is catching the eye in Spanish football following his loan move to LaLiga club Getafe.
    Mason Greenwood is wanted by Barcelona in a £40million dealCredit: Rex
    The Spanish giants are prepared to offer him Lionel Messi’s iconic No10 shirtCredit: Reuters
    Greenwood is impressing in LaLiga with Getafe
    And Greenwood, 22, has helped them climb to eighth in the table with five goals and four assists.
    Getafe want to sign him permanently but Barca are planning a £40m bid of their own — which includes that legendary No 10 jersey.
    Argentine World Cup hero and eight-time Ballon D’or winner Messi, 36, left Barca in August 2021 and his number was handed to Ansu Fati.
    But it has not had an owner since Fati moved to Brighton on loan in September this year.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Now Barcelona want to use it to help lure Bradford-born Greenwood to the Nou Camp – and form a stunning new-look XI.
    Greenwood is reviving his career after agreeing it was best to move away from United.
    In February, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against the striker of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
    United conducted their own investigation into the matter and were ready to welcome him back into the squad.
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    But a backlash against that plan forced a U-turn in August and he left for Getafe having not played for 18 months.
    Greenwood still holds out hope he might return to United one day, but that is unlikely. More

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    Carlo Ancelotti signs new Real Madrid deal as boss, 64, snubs Brazil following Jude Bellingham praise

    REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti has signed a new contract until 2026.The Italian manager, 64, had been wanted by Brazil ahead of the 2025 Copa America and the World Cup in 2026, but Madrid have managed to tie him down for another two-and-a-half years.
    Carlo Ancelotti has penned a new deal with Real MadridCredit: Getty
    Jude Bellingham has heaped praise on AncelottiCredit: Reuters
    Over two spells as Real Madrid boss the former Chelsea and Everton manager has won the Champions League twice and has one LaLiga title.
    But with English star Jude Bellingham lighting up Spanish football, Los Blancos could be on their way to another title – sitting top going into their winter break.
    And Real sensation Bellingham has put his excellent start down to Ancelotti.
    He said recently: “I put in my efforts and a fierce commitment to excel at work, but the credit goes to Mr. Ancelotti who found the right position for me and gave me more freedom on the field.
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    “So now I’m flying on the field.”
    Real Madrid won the LaLiga title and Champions League in 2022 under Ancelotti – who began his second spell in June 2021.
    And while they failed to secure either of those trophies last season, he did scoop the Copa del Rey.
    During his first stint as boss, Ancelotti won the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
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    Meanwhile, Brazil were eliminated from last year’s World Cup by Croatia in the quarter-finals.
    The five-time champions have not reached a World Cup final since they last won the tournament in 2002.
    But they have claimed three Copa Americas in that time – in 2004, 2007 and 2019.
    Brazil are waiting anxiously on the fitness of all-time top scorer Neymar – who is in a race to make their Copa America squad after suffering an ACL injury while playing for Al-Nassr in October. More

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    I’m an ex-Premier League star who was wanted by Barcelona but joined Hull – now I’m going for the Ballon d’Or

    JADEN PHILOGENE has been linked in his career with moves to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.But the skilful winger, 21, pitched up at Hull!
    Jaden Philogene has been a revelation for Hull this seasonCredit: Rex
    The 21-year-old has been tracked by some of the biggest clubs in the worldCredit: Alamy
    Philogene has set his sights on winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: SKY BET
    Philogene arrived in the summer for £5million from Aston Villa.
    And despite finding himself in the Championship rather than on Europe’s top stage, he has huge ambitions. He told SunSport: “I want to win the Ballon d’Or.”
    That is in a different stratosphere from the accolade he picked up recently — the Sky Bet Championship goal of the month for his sublime back-heel against Rotherham — but Philogene exudes confidence.
    After revealing he plays basketball, when asked if he was any good, he replied: “Yes, of course!”
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    So why did he move to the Tigers despite getting rave reviews on Villa’s pre-season US tour?
    He said: “I needed game time. At my age I can’t just sit on the bench, I need to keep playing and thought this was the best opportunity.
    “Obviously you must be doing something well to get linked with the sort of clubs I have.
    “But you can’t let that get to your head because that’s when the focus drops.
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    Jaden Philogene is set to play a pivotal role in Hull’s promotion pushCredit: ALAMY
    “You must keep working hard and stay in your game — and everything will come from that.”
    Climbing from the Championship to the European elite is not without precedent. Jude Bellingham moved from Birmingham to Dortmund after his incredible breakthrough season.
    Philogene grew up loving Spanish football, supporting Real Madrid and idolising Cristiano Ronaldo — as well as former Barcelona greats Neymar and Ronaldinho.
    He revealed: “When I was younger, I would play striker.
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    “I’d get the ball and just dribble and then the game changed as I got older, so I started playing winger.”
    Philogene, who played youth football for Brentford, found himself out of the game and joined the independent Pro Academy in North London before being signed by Villa at 16 after a year.
    He explained: “I didn’t lose hope. I had to keep working hard because those opportunities are going to come.
    “So my advice to anyone who wants to get into football is always be yourself, don’t change for anyone, always work hard, even when no one’s watching, it’ll pay off no matter what.”
    And he firmly believes Hull can achieve something special under boss Liam Rosenior.
    He insisted: “The Championship is unpredictable.
    “Anyone can beat anyone but as long as we stay focused and stay as a team, we’ve got an opportunity to get in the play-offs.
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    “The gaffer has helped me a lot here.
    “He tells me to be myself and play my own game, be confident — and it’s working.”
    Jaden Philogene has also shone for England’s Under-21sCredit: Getty More

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    Barcelona scout Mason Greenwood for third successive game in major hint they’ll make summer transfer for Man Utd striker

    BARCELONA are determined to land Mason Greenwood – and have sent scouts to his last three matches.Representatives of the Spanish giants have reported that the Manchester United forward is “tailor-made” for the Nou Camp.
    Barcelona want to sign Mason GreenwoodCredit: EPA
    A source said: “Barcelona are hugely interested in Greenwood, and are determined to bring him in.
    “Right now, they are leading the race and are at the front of the queue. Scouts have watched Greenwood and have been tasked with deciding if he fits in with Barcelona’s style of play.
    “The overwhelming view is that he does, and that he would be a strong addition to the squad.”
    A move to Barcelona would represent a massive turnaround for Greenwood, who has been told he has no future at United.
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    The source added: “Mason has settled in Spain and would be happy to stay there. And, of course, when a club like Barcelona comes calling you listen to what they have to say.
    “For Mason it could be a career-changing move and having spent so long out of the game he is keen to make the most of all the new opportunities that now come his way.”
    Earlier this year, Sun Online told how Greenwood was likely to find himself at the centre of Spanish summer transfer flurry.
    The 22-year-old was loaned by Manchester United to Getafe at the start of this season – and has been in impressive form.
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    SunSport understands, Barcelona, Valencia and Real Sociedad are all “monitoring” the England striker and could be poised to make a move in the Summer.
    Our source said: “Mason has done brilliantly since he moved to Spain and is really catching the eye after a strong start to his time at Getafe.
    “There are a number of clubs looking at him in Spain with scouts from Valencia and Sociedad seemingly at the front of the queue.
    “It is highly unlikely Mason will return to Manchester United. That ship has sailed, and he looks set to enjoy the next phase of his career in Spain where he has really settled and found his feet both personally and professionally.
    “He owes a huge debt to Getafe for the help and support they have given him, and it’s possible he could make his move there permanent at the end of the season.
    “But if he carries on playing like he is, other bids and offers are likely to come in, leaving Mason, and the club, with a decision to make. After a very difficult year or so Mason feels like his career is on the up.
    “Erik Ten Hag was always keen to keep Mason but that decision, in the end, was taken out of his hands. He’s now planning for the long term and Mason isn’t part of those plans.” More

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    Verdict on Mason Greenwood revealed as Getafe manager says ‘we bet on him’

    GETAFE manager Jose Bordalas has claimed the Spanish club “bet on him” by signing Mason Greenwood.Greenwood moved to the Madrid-based side on loan in September after Manchester United announced he wouldn’t play for them again.
    Mason Greenwood moved to Getafe CF on loan in SeptmeberCredit: Getty
    Manager Jose Bordalas has claimed the Spanish club ‘bet on him’Credit: Getty
    The decision came after allegations of attempted rape, assault and controlling coercive behaviour were dropped by the CPS when a key witness refused to co-operate with the prosecution.
    United then launched an internal investigation into Greenwood’s conduct and kept him suspended on full pay of £75,000-a-week.
    But the 22-year-old striker has impressed on the pitch in LaLiga scoring five goals and providing four assists in 15 games since joining.
    And now Bordalas has given his thoughts on Greenwood and how he has settled at Getafe.
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    He told Marca: “Greenwood is a different player, with a lot of talent but in this football talent is not the main thing. It takes more work than talent.”
    “We were confident because of the talent, because of the level he has had,” the Getafe boss continued.
    “Being able to opt for a player of this level at Getafe is complicated, almost impossible. And well, given the situation, we bet on him.
    “We are happy and content because we have a great player, he is a good boy, he has fitted in really well and he just needs to learn a little more Spanish.”
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    Getafe are understood to have told United they would like to buy Greenwood for £40million, but United want to keep Greenwood’s deal as a loan move.
    His future remains uncertain with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan all keeping tabs on his form.
    It comes after Greenwood enjoyed a family Christmas at home after jetting into Manchester with his partner Harriet Robson.
    He was pictured shopping with Wag Harriet in Hale, Cheshire, in the run up to Christmas.
    The couple, who have a baby daughter, flew back to the UK to see family during the La Liga winter break which runs from December 23 to January 3.

    Meanwhile Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his 25 per cent takeover at Manchester United.
    The British billionaire has purchased a £1.3billion stake in the Red Devils from the Glazer family.
    Ratcliffe, who will run football operations at the club, had initially wanted to become the majority owner, but has now settled for a minority stake.
    And it has been confirmed he will inject £237million into the club. More

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    LaLiga stars in awkward love triangle as former Spain ace’s ex-wife shares loved up snaps with Mason Greenwood team-mate

    TWO LaLiga stars have found themselves in a love triangle with an influencer.Athletic Bilbao legend Iker Muniain’s ex-wife is now dating Getafe star Luis Milla.
    Luis Milla is now dating Andrea SesmaCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Andrea was previously married to Iker MuniainCredit: INSTAGRAM
    The beauty is an influencer with 103,000 followersCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Andrea Sesma was in a relationship with Muniain for several years and they have two kids together.
    The couple tied the knot in 2017 but went their separate ways four years into the marriage.
    Not much is known about their separation and family life since the divorce.
    Andrea did date actor Miguel Angel Silvestre since splitting up with Muniain but now finds herself with another footballer.
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    The beauty took to Instagram to reveal that she is going out with Milla, who is one of Mason Greenwood’s team-mates.
    Andrea and the central midfielder are currently enjoying a romantic Christmas holiday in England.

    They announced their relationship in a social media post, embracing in front of Big Ben and the London Eye.
    Meanwhile, Milla posted loved-up snaps of him with his girlfriend alongside the caption: “From London with love.”
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    Muniain, 31, has been capped twice by the Spanish national team.
    He is a one-club man with Athletic Bilbao, having made 548 appearances for the club.
    The attacking midfielder is also captain of his boyhood team.
    Milla, 29, currently plays for Getafe after previous spells at Granada and Tenerife.
    He came through the academy at Atletico Madrid.
    Andrea and Milla are enjoying a romantic break in LondonCredit: INSTAGRAM
    The couple revealed their relationship in a loved-up social media postCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Andrea is a mother of twoCredit: INSTAGRAM
    She reportedly dated actor Miguel Angel SilvestreCredit: Instagram More