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    Man Utd starlet Zidane Iqbal idolised Arsenal ace Mesut Ozil and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong before making debut

    THERE is now more than one Zidane.This week, Manchester United starlet Zidane Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils.
    A late substitution in the 1-1 draw against Young Boys, the Iraqi U23 international made history by becoming the first ever South Asian footballer to pull on the famous red shirt.
    Zidane Iqbal is the latest youngster that has Man Utd fans purringCredit: Getty
    Talented Iqbal grew up idolising ex-Arsenal star Mesut OzilCredit: Getty
    However, it wasn’t United legends like Wayne Rooney or Cristiano Ronaldo who inspired Iqbal growing up.
    Ex-Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil was Iqbal’s idol growing up because of his Muslim background.
    PAKISTANI HERITAGE
    Iqbal was asked on Manchester United’s official website who he looked up to as he rose through the ranks at the club.
    “Mesut Ozil, because he’s a Muslim like me. Just seeing another Muslim footballer is a good thing,” he revealed.
    “The journey is different for everyone, and I can tell you it’s not easy. It’s like a rollercoaster, up and down. You just have to enjoy the ride and whatever’s meant to be is meant to be.”
    While the box-to-box midfielder also revealed Barcelona’s Dutch ace Frenkie de Jong is someone he likes to model is own game on.
    The exciting talent was born in Manchester to a Pakistani father and Iraqi mother.
    “I come from such a hard-working family. My parents are always working hard, my brother, my grandparents
    “When we came to this country, they all inspired me to give my best at everything I do.”
    Iqbal made his debut for the Red Devils in the Champions League dead against Young BoysCredit: Getty
    Earlier this year, Iqbal signed his first pro contract with the club he’s been with since nineCredit: Twitter @z10ane
    SALE THROUGH LIFE
    At grassroots level he played for Sale United, until he was plucked by United scouts to join their academy aged just nine – the earliest age legally permitted.
    His former coach Stewart Hamer previously praised Iqbal’s attitude to the Manchester Evening News.
    “He had a great attitude, he was always willing to learn and he played with a big smile on his face,” he said.
    “He was quite happy to do whatever we challenged him to do.
    “Everyone took their part in being a goalkeeper, for example, and he’d take his part in the net just like everyone else.”
    Even at the age of six he was running rings around the opposition, which his coach deemed “unfair”.
    “We had quite a bit of success if you can call it that at that stage, and Zidane was at the heart of that,” Hamer continued.
    “There were times when we would play six-a-side competitions and he would be basically ripping it up.
    Iqbal has risen through the youth ranks at UnitedCredit: Getty
    For the U23 side Iqbal has been a revelationCredit: Getty
    “We would take him off and substitute him because it wasn’t fair to the other side.
    “Or sometimes we’d put him in goal so he wasn’t causing the danger.”
    INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL BECKONS
    Being born in the UK, Iqbal could represent England.
    But, for the moment, it’s Iraq who are profiting from the skilful youngster.
    Back in September, he was called up to their U23 team for the first time.
    A month later, he starred as captain in a 2-2 draw against Lebanon – scoring his first goal.
    According to reports, the Iraq Football Association are desperate for Iqbal to commit his future to the national team.
    Back in August, England manager Gareth Southgate stressed the importance of incorporating more British South Asian players in the game.
    “Sometimes the Asian voice has been lost in the anti-discrimination argument,” Southgate said
    “And when you look at the percentages of the population that we’re talking about, it’s high numbers. Frankly, it’s a big talent pool that we’re missing within football. We don’t have high numbers of English-qualified players playing anyway, clubs in their academies are always searching for talent.
    “It’s like in any business. If you’re only selecting from a smaller section of the population, then what are you missing?
    Iqbal became the first British South Asian to play for Man UtdCredit: Getty
    As a practicing Muslim, Iqbal is hoping to be a role modelCredit: PA
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    “What I’ve noticed with the England team in recent seasons is that dynamic in terms of the supporters coming up to me has changed a lot, far more Asian people, coming up to me, talking about their pride in the team, talking about the diversity of the team
    “That could only be even more powerful if someone from the Asian community was in the team as well, and we had that greater representation across the board.”
    Could Iqbal be the trailblazer to make that break through? Manchester United fans will certainly hope so.
    Man United’s Charlie Savage becomes the latest football son with a very famous father! More

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    Man Utd starting line-up could have included Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney in 2013

    CRISTIANO RONALDO and Gareth Bale were close to joining Manchester United in 2013 – before Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement scuppered the plans.United legend Patrice Evra revealed Sir Alex wanted to re-sign Ronaldo, four years after he left for Real Madrid in a then-record £80million deal.
    Cristiano Ronaldo could have been back at Man Utd much sooner than this summer
    Manchester United could have boasted arguably the deadliest attack in world football if Sir Alex Ferguson had stayed on for another year
    And the legendary Red Devils boss also worked on trying to land Gareth Bale from Tottenham at the same time.
    But then Ferguson – who had just won the Premier League title – was forced to confirm to his players that he would in fact be retiring.
    With that went United’s hopes of landing the pair, especially Ronaldo who was keen and eventually got his comeback move this summer, and wrecking what would have been a stunning attack as they combined with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
    Former left-back Evra said on the UTD Podcast: “I remember there was a lot of media saying Ferguson will maybe retire next year, and he said, ‘Patrice, I will never retire. I will be here another ten years’.
    “He then said: ‘My target is I’m 99 per cent sure we will have Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. I just need these two players to win the Champions League again. Ninety-nine per cent.’
    “And to be fair, when I speak with Cristiano, I ask him and he said yes to the boss, and was coming to join United. He told me this.”
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    As a result, Bale joined Ronaldo at Real Madrid in a world-record move, winning four Champions Leagues together with Los Blancos.
    David Moyes came in at Old Trafford and signed Marouane Fellaini instead.
    But here is how Manchester United could have lined up if Fergie had decided to give it one more year…David De Gea
    The Spanish stopper had only arrived from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and endured a shaky start to life in the Premier League.
    But he got his hands on the title, playing 28 times in the 2012-13 campaign – still the only league title of his career, eight years on.
    Antonio Valencia
    Originally signed as a right-winger from Wigan in 2009, Valencia by this point had moved back into the right-back role to replace Gary Neville.
    An attacking full-back, he remained a mainstay in the side until his final season, where he featured just six times as a result of injuries before joining L.D.U. Quito in his homeland of Ecuador.
    Rio Ferdinand
    Four teams managed to concede fewer goals than United during their title-winning campaign of 2012-13 – including sixth-placed Everton.
    But the steely partnership of Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic remained a force to be reckoned with for one more season before both players left.
    Nemanja Vidic
    The pair played a combined 755 times for Manchester United and won five Premier League titles together, laying the foundations for a solid defence.
    One more season under Ferguson could have made it six.
    Patrice Evra
    Evra was another United hero of the later Ferguson years to leave the club 12 months after the Scot.
    The Frenchman featured on 273 occasions for the Red Devils in the Premier League but went on to enjoy success with Juventus before ill-fated spells at Marseille and West Ham.
    Manchester United won their record 20th league title in 2012-13 – Ferguson’s final season in chargeCredit: PA:Press Association
    Michael Carrick
    Carrick was a stalwart for United in the 2012-13 campaign, featuring 36 times in the league.
    He would stay on as a player right through until 2018, when he hung up his boots and took on a coaching role at the club which he has just left.
    Paul Scholes
    Scholes announced his first retirement at the end of the 2010-11 season but just six months later he performed a U-turn because of an injury crisis at Old Trafford.
    Sir Alex managed to convince him to stay on for an extra year, helping him win his 11th Premier League title before the pair left together – although if Ferguson had stayed on, he may well have been able to get Scholes to do the same, even if he did turn 39 that season.
    Gareth Bale
    Bale was simply unplayable for Tottenham in the 2012-13 season and was destined for a mega-money move – the big question was where he would go.
    The Welshman scored 21 Premier League goals in that stellar campaign and could well have joined United instead of Real Madrid, where he has won nine major trophies.
    He re-joined Spurs on loan in 2020-21, but failed to hit the heights he set before and is now back in the Spanish capital.
    Wayne Rooney
    Now Derby County boss Rooney made 27 league appearances for United in 2012-13 – the future Manchester United captain and record goalscorer only played fewer times once in a Premier League campaign at Old Trafford.
    He was held on to by the club that summer and captained them to victory in the 2016 FA Cup before settling for spots on the bench in the League Cup and Europa League finals under Jose Mourinho the following year.
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    Sir Alex was determined to sign Ronaldo after his performance for Sporting Lisbon against United in August 2003 – he ensured he got the Portuguese teenager to sign and took him under his wing.
    He made 292 appearances in a United shirt, scoring 118 goals, before earning the move to the Bernabeu in 2009 where he kicked on to new levels but it could have been very different if Ferguson had not retired.
    Fortunately for the Stretford End, the Portuguese legend did return to Old Trafford in August after re-joining the club from Juventus.
    Robin van Persie
    Ferguson lured Van Persie to Old Trafford in 2012 and the Dutchman proved to be the missing piece in his jigsaw as he featured in every game of the league campaign.
    Van Persie smashed in 26 goals along the way, including that stunning volley against Aston Villa, to wrap up United’s record 20th title – and it would could easily have been more if he had Bale and Ronaldo either side the following year.
    Gareth Bale was wanted that summer after his electric performances for SpursCredit: AFP More

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    England star Kalvin Phillips ready to snub Manchester United transfer for move to Liverpool due to Leeds loyalty

    KALVIN Phillips is ready to snub Manchester United for Liverpool in the summer.The England international, 26, is a transfer target for the Red Devils who are desperate to bolster their midfield.
    Kalvin Phillips is ready to snub Man Utd for a move to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also keen on the Leeds United midfielder, who was outstanding at Euro 2020 for the Three Lions.
    However, Phillips’ loyalty towards his current employers has made him wary of a move to the Yorkshire side’s bitter rivals.
    SunSport has learned he is unwilling to upset Leeds fans and harm his status at the club by making a switch to Old Trafford.
    He believes they would, instead, be much more accepting of a move to Anfield if he looks to progress his career.
    Phillips has been one of the first names on Marcelo Bielsa’s team sheet in recent years.
    The Yorkshire Pirlo, as he was christened by the fanatical Leeds support, joined his boyhood team when he was just 14.
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    Since 2014, he has appeared over 226 times – captaining the side for the first time in their Carabao Cup win over Crewe Alexandra this season.
    But, with Leeds struggling for form in the Premier League, he could be tempted into signing for a bigger club at the end of the season.
    And they will be without their talisman for two months, according to reports.

    Phillips limped off 55 minutes into the Whites’ 2-2 draw with Brentford and looks likely to be out until the new year.
    Boss Bielsa was unable to confirm the nature of Phillips’ injury after Sunday’s match at Elland Road.
    But it has now emerged it was a hamstring injury which could keep him out until February, according to the Mail.
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    England star Kalvin Phillips ‘suffers head injury in London nightclub after Leeds’ Christmas party’ More

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    England star Kalvin Phillips ready to snub Manchester United transfer for a move to Liverpool due to Leeds loyalty

    KALVIN Phillips is ready to snub Manchester United for Liverpool in the summer.The England international, 26, is a transfer target for the Red Devils who are desperate to bolster their midfield.
    Kalvin Phillips is ready to snub Man Utd for a move to LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also keen on the Leeds United midfielder, who was outstanding at Euro 2020 for the Three Lions.
    However, Phillips’ loyalty towards his current employers has made him wary of a move to the Yorkshire side’s bitter rivals.
    SunSport has learned he is unwilling to upset Leeds fans and harm his status at the club by making a switch to Old Trafford.
    He believes they would, instead, be much more accepting of a move to Anfield if he looks to progress his career.
    Phillips has been one of the first names on Marcelo Bielsa’s team sheet in recent years.
    The Yorkshire Pirlo, as he was christened by the fanatical Leeds support, joined his boyhood team when he was just 14.
    Since 2014, he has appeared over 226 times – captaining the side for the first time in their Carabao Cup win over Crewe Alexandra this season.
    But, with Leeds struggling for form in the Premier League, he could be tempted into signing for a bigger club at the end of the season.
    And they will be without their talisman for two months, according to reports.
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    Phillips limped off 55 minutes into the Whites’ 2-2 draw with Brentford and looks likely to be out until the new year.
    Boss Bielsa was unable to confirm the nature of Phillips’ injury after Sunday’s match at Elland Road.
    But it has now emerged it was a hamstring injury which could keep him out until February, according to the Mail.
    England star Kalvin Phillips ‘suffers head injury in London nightclub after Leeds’ Christmas party’ More

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    Ralf Rangnick WILL adapt Man Utd tactics for Cristiano Ronaldo and work around ‘superstar’, says Rio Ferdinand

    RIO FERDINAND insists Ralf Rangnick will adapt Manchester United’s tactics to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo.The German coach took charge of the Red Devils last week and will look to implement his famous ‘gegenpress’ at Old Trafford.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was praised by his new manager after the victory over Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex
    Ralf Wangnick will work around the ‘superstar’ with his tactics at Man Utd, says Rio FerdinandCredit: Getty
    His new side already seem to be adapting as they produced an impressive post-Sir Alex Ferguson record stat in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
    Rangnick also praised 36-year-old Ronaldo’s work-rate off the ball against the Eagles.
    Many have doubted whether the veteran Portuguese legend will be able to fit into Rangnick’s style.
    But the forward’s former United team-mate Ferdinand has no doubts that the boss will work around the ‘superstar’.
    Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “He’ll be adapting his tactics to suit a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo. 
    “Don’t forget that at Schalke he had another superstar in Raul, who was another ageing superstar, and he adapted things to make sure he could accommodate a player of that calibre and class.”
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Ferdinand added: “We watched the game at the weekend and there was a big difference in the way the team was set-up – the shape, the way they pressed.
    “I think Ronaldo will buy into that completely as he wants to be successful.
    “He’ll pick his punches as and when to go and work around someone like him.
    “When you are scoring the goals that he does then you have to sometimes change and adapt for someone like that.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd and Liverpool tracking 18-year-old MLS sensation Ricardo Pepi as FC Dallas demand £7.5m transfer fee for striker

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool are set to lock horns over American teenage striker Ricardo Pepi.The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene with FC Dallas earlier this year.
    FC Dallas starlet Ricardo Pepi has burst onto the scene this yearCredit: Getty
    The 18-year-old striker has been linked with both Man Utd and LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    The star has scored 13 goals in the MLS this term and his form has been rewarded at international level.
    Pepi has three goals in six caps for USA and is already catching the eye of Europe’s big guns.
    United and Liverpool have been watching the youngster for months with their scouts attending several FC Dallas matches.
    Now both Premier League clubs could be about to launch a move for the hotshot.
    CBS claim that Atletico Madrid have shown an interest in the forward already also.
    And German giants Bayern Munich are another to have been linked with Pepi.
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    That means that both the Red Devils and Anfield outfit could face even stiffer competition to land Pepi.
    Dallas are demanding at least £7.5million to sell their starlet.
    And they are also insisting on several potential add-ons to be included as well depending on his future achievements, More

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    Man Utd rejected by New York Red Bulls boss Gerhard Struber to become Ralf Rangnick’s assistant after approach

    GERHARD STRUBER has turned down Manchester United as their search for an assistant for Ralf Rangnick goes on.The Austrian is currently head coach at New York Red Bulls.
    Gerhard Struber has snubbed Manchester United’s approach to be Ralf Rangnic’s assistantCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    He was approached last week by United to join the backroom staff, as revealed by SunSport.
    Struber, 44, is close friends with Rangnick – who has just taken over at United for the next six months.
    They spent time together at Red Bull Salzburg as youth coach and Director of Football respectively.
    But SunSport understands Struber has decided to stay with the MLS side.
    That is because he does not want to drop down from head coach to assistant.
    United were also reluctant to pay the hefty compensation fee for what would be a brief stay at the club with Struber having two years left on his contract with NY Red Bulls.
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    Struber told Austrian Sky Sports: “There has been a request.
    “It’s no secret that Ralf Rangnick and us know and appreciate us well and appreciate very much.
    “At the same time I have in New York, which also makes me look very hopefully into the future and therefore I do not want to give up with New York overnight.
    “I have a longer-term contract there and still have a lot of goals with an ambitious team.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Rangnick is still looking for a No2 to support him at Old TraffordCredit: EPA More

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    Man Utd rejected by New York Red Bulls boss Gerhard Struber to become Ralf Rangnick’s assistant manager after approach

    GERHARD STRUBER has turned down Manchester United as their search for an assistant for Ralf Rangnick goes on.The Austrian is currently head coach at New York Red Bulls.
    Gerhard Struber has snubbed Manchester United’s approach to be Ralf Rangnic’s assistantCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    He was approached last week by United to join the backroom staff, as revealed by SunSport.
    Struber, 44, is close friends with Rangnick – who has just taken over at United for the next six months.
    They spent time together at Red Bull Salzburg as youth coach and Director of Football respectively.
    But SunSport understands Struber has decided to stay with the MLS side.
    That is because he does not want to drop down from head coach to assistant.
    United were also reluctant to pay the hefty compensation fee for what would be a brief stay at the club with Struber having two years left on his contract with NY Red Bulls.
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    Struber told Austrian Sky Sports: “There has been a request.
    “It’s no secret that Ralf Rangnick and us know and appreciate us well and appreciate very much.
    “At the same time I have in New York, which also makes me look very hopefully into the future and therefore I do not want to give up with New York overnight.
    “I have a longer-term contract there and still have a lot of goals with an ambitious team.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Rangnick is still looking for a No2 to support him at Old TraffordCredit: EPA More