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      Solskjaer’s record as Man Utd manager shows up weak defence, impressive win percentage but no trophies

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      OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer was sacked by Manchester United after a horror run of five defeats in seven games.He becomes the FOURTH manager to try – and fail – to replace Sir Alex Ferguson after his retirement in 2013.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked after losing 4-1 to WatfordCredit: PA
      David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho were all sacked in the past eight years, and now Solskjaer joins the gang.
      The bottom line is that he won no trophies, unlike his more recent predecessors
      Mourinho led United to a Europa League and EFL Cup double in 2017, while Van Gaal lifted the FA Cup in 2016 just days before he was sacked.
      However Solskjaer’s win percentage was surprisingly good.
      Solskjaer has the third-highest win percentage of ANY manager in United’s history.
      His record of 91 wins from his 168 games in charge across all competitions is second best in the post-Fergie era – behind only Mourinho.
      The Norwegian achieved a win rate of 54.2 per cent, behind Mourinho’s 58.3 per cent from 144 matches.

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      Louis Van Gaal was sacked by Man Utd despite winning the FA CupCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jose Mourinho enjoyed a rollercoaster spell at Man UtdCredit: PA:Press Association
      His percentage is better than those of Moyes (52.9%), Van Gaal (52.4%) and fellow ex-player Ryan Giggs.
      The defence has been his Achilles heel, not surprisingly given their recent 4-1 defeat to Watford and their 5-0 mauling by Liverpool.
      Under Solskjaer, Man Utd conceded 183 goals in 168 matches – an average of 1.09 per game.
      That compares badly to Mourinho’s United which let in 121 in 144 matches – an average of 0.84.
      The attacking football that he was asked to bring in however was a positive under Solskjaer’s reign.
      During his time in the Old Trafford hot seat, United scored an average of 1.83 goals per game.
      This is a marked improvement on Mourinho’s more pragmatic approach, which saw the Red Devils score on average 1.69 goals per game.
      Zinedine Zidane is favourite to replace Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer
      However it is the shocking defensive performances this season that have cost Solskjaer his dream job.
      Only the bottom two sides in the Premier League, Norwich and Newcastle, have conceded more goals than United.
      United have managed just two clean sheets in 12 games.
      Whoever takes over now, their first task will be tightening up the defence. More

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      Inside Man Utd star Paul Pogba’s amazing lifestyle with £2.9m mansion, plane, £1.6m car collection and Gucci wardrobe

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      FROM personalised emojis to promotional tours, Paul Pogba has become the ultimate global superstar.Man United’s £89million man shot to further stardom after becoming the most expensive signing ever in 2016 before winning the World Cup last year.
      World Cup winner Paul Pogba has shot to global fame since joining Manchester United
      Pogba’s tour of the Far East saw him dancing on a P-shaped stage
      And the Real Madrid target looked to be on the move once again after revealing his desire for a “new challenge somewhere else” – but that so far has not worked out.
      Pogba took a personalised plane on his own pre-season tour in 2019, with stops in Perth, Singapore and Shanghai, where he danced on a P-shaped stage and posed with Sumo wrestlers.
      And all of that reflects the Galactico lifestyle Pogba already leads, from his £1.6m supercar collection to his £2.9m Manchester mansion.
      And the 28-year-old French ace is happy to share his incredible life with his 50million followers on Instagram.
      CARPAUL
      When it comes to spending his pennies, Pogba has a love for supercars – and his collection comes to a staggering £1.6m.
      There’s his Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge, valued at £290,000, which is the most expensive motor in Pogba’s garage.
      And then there’s the fiery Lamborghini Aventador which is capable of hitting 218mph and reaching 62mph in just three seconds.
      The sleek white masterpiece is priced at £271,000.
      Pogba’s car collection includes a black Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge valued at £290,000Credit: Zenpix
      Pogba also owns a white Lamborghini Aventador which is capable of 218mph
      Pogba certainly stands out with his yellow Ferrari 812 SuperfastCredit: Zenpix
      Pogba may have to give the company car Chevrolet back to United if he leavesCredit: AFP – Getty
      Also in the ‘Need For Speed’ category is his £260,000 Ferrari 812 Superfast which Pogba got in yellow.
      When comfort is considered key, Pogba can jump into his four-door Bentley Flying Spur which boasts quilted leather seats and a Wi-fi hot-spot.
      Elsewhere in the garage is an Audi RS6, Maserati Quattroporte and his black Mercedes GLS 4×4.
      An Old Trafford exit may see Pogba have to hand back his red Chevrolet which he was given when the American car giant agreed a huge sponsorship deal with United.
      DAB PAD
      When Pogba signed for United in 2016, he spent six months living at the Lowry Hotel while on the hunt for his dream home.
      It finally came in the shape of a five-bedroom modern mansion which he haggled down from £3.49m to £2.9m.
      The Pog pad is centred around a stunning swimming pool, plus a steam room and a changing area.
      A pane of class separates the pool from the main hallway in the house, making it the first thing visitors see.
      Pogba can prepare his grub in a giant kitchen which curves round the side of the house, while there are also two huge living rooms.

      There is also a games room as well as five bedrooms, all of which boast an en suite bathroom while the master bedroom also has a walk-in wardrobe.
      And when Pogba doesn’t fancy cooking his own personal Italian chef can rustle up hearty meals for the midfielder.
      Pogba owns a luxurious £2.9million mansion in Manchester
      Pogba’s home is centred around an incredible swimming pool which can be seen from the hallway
      Pogba spent six months living in Manchester’s Lowry Hotel before finding his dream home
      The pad is a five-bedroom property with an ensuite on each bedroom
      Pogba has a giant living room with an L-shaped sofa to watch the footie on
      Pogba haggled the price down from £3.49m to £2.9m
      The master bedroom came with a walk-in wardrobe and giant bathroom
      FRENCH COUTURE
      When not wearing his adidas sponsor, Pogba loves to flaunt his designer clobber.
      The flamboyant superstar is known to shop at designer stores such as Givenchy, Balmain, Off-White, Amiri, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Louboutin and Maison Margiela.
      Pogba’s suits have been almost as eye-catching as his haircuts at times.
      The classy black D&G blazer Pogba wore to the 2015 Ballon d’Or, with gold lace-inspired embroidered overlay, cost £2,554.
      In January, Pogba wore a customised suit with the words ‘La Pioche’, his nickname from Juventus, printed all over. It translated to ‘The Pickaxe’.

      And Pogba is certainly a member of the Gucci gang.
      He has been seen frequently wearing the Italian fashion house’s Ghost Project Bomber Jacket which cost an eye-watering £1,610.
      But, in recent years, Pogba has often been seen sporting his own personalised fashions.
      His initials have been made into gold earrings, printed on his backpack and across items of his clothing.
      The logo is seen across Pogba’s belongings and was even printed on the plane that took him on his recent tour of the Far East.
      And then there’s the release of his brand which came at the same time as Pogba got his own range of emojis, aptly named the Pogmoji.
      Pogba is known for his standout clothing with designer labels
      Pogba poses with Cristiano Ronaldo at the 2015 Ballon d’Or wearing a black D&G blazer Pogba worth £2,554
      Pogba’s personalised suit with his nickname ‘La Pioche’ printed all overCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Pogba’s personalised PP is printed over most of his belongings
      The French midfielder had his own line of emojis released called PogmojiCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      JET-SETTER
      If Pogba’s not touring continents on a promotional tour, his summers are often spent on luxury holidays.
      And the United superstar keeps his social media followers up-to-date with his travels and vacation spots.
      There was the trip to Los Angeles with Romelu Lukaku that ended in the Belgian joining Manchester United in 2017.
      Pogba regularly holidays in LA, with last year’s trip ending in a fallout with then United boss Jose Mourinho.
      His party with family and friends annoyed the Portuguese coach who wanted the Red Devils to return to pre-season training early.
      Agent Mino Raiola has even joined him on his trips.
      When Pogba’s after a more relaxing break, he heads to the tranquil setting of the French Polynsesia.
      He is regularly pictured in a pool with incredible scenic backdrops.
      But, of course, there’s also the regular returns weekend breaks back to his home nation of France and the city of Paris.
      Pogba’s promotional tour in 2019 saw him fly in a personalised private jetCredit: Instagram @paulpogba
      The superstar regularly posts photos of himself to Instagram with picturesque backdropsCredit: Refer to Caption
      Pogba hired a massive pad in Los Angeles where he regularly holidays
      Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has even holidayed with him on certain summersCredit: Paul Pogba/Instagram
      Pogba likes to keep his social media followers up-to-date with his travels
      The Frenchman regularly takes a trip back to his hometown of Paris
      Pogba’s latest holiday this summer was in a luxury spot in Dubai
      FAMILY AFFAIR
      Up until recently, very little was known about Pogba’s wife and the mother of his baby.
      But model Maria Zulay Salaues, 27, is now seen frequently with the footballing superstar.
      His brothers are both footballers as well with Florentin playing for Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and Mathias at Tours in the French third division.
      And then there’s their mum, Yeo, who has been alongside the Frenchman throughout his career.
      On her birthday in 2020, Pogba posted a tribute to his mother with a picture of them hugging.It read: “Having my mum is the best trophy I can have, way better than the World Cup trophy, bon anniversaire maman.”
      Pogba’s dad, Fassou Antoine Pogba, passed away in 2017 at the age of 79 after battling illness.
      Pogba has a close-knit family with his two footballing brothers and motherCredit: Instagram, @paulpogba
      Pogba’s partner is the Bolivian model Maria Zulay Salaues who is mother to his child
      Pogba’s father Fassou Antoine Pogba died in 2017 aged 79
      Pogba’s brother Florentin plays for Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux-Montbéliard while Mathias plays in the French third divisionCredit: Reuters
      Paul Pogba tells Man Utd he wants to leave as he admits he needs a new challenge More

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      ‘That’s human beings’ – Solskjaer apologises for smiling in interview after Watford collapse and defends Man Utd flops

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER apologised for SMILING in his post-match interview as Manchester United lost 4-1 against Watford.The Red Devils were outclassed by Claudio Ranieri’s men at Vicarage Road to leave the club 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer bizarrely smiled in his interview after the defeat to WatfordCredit: Sky Sports
      United have picked up just four points from a possible 21 in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
      Norwegian gaffer Solskjaer was booed by the travelling United fans following the full-time whistle, as Bruno Fernandes argued with supporters before being pulled away.
      Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea then hit out at his team-mates after they were humiliated yet again, as he labelled their performance ’embarrassing’.
      United sit seventh in the table after picking up just four points from their last seven top-flight matches.
      But despite things looking bleak for United, Solskjaer bizarrely smiled when giving his reaction to the woeful display.
      Asked why his players weren’t in the right frame of mind going into the match, Solskjaer laughed before answering the question, before stating: “Sorry for smiling there, but that’s human beings.
      “I’ve got to say you’re surprised because all these lads – good lads – top players, top professionals, of course when it’s not going for you, it’s going against you.

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      “It’s hard to play with that mental break. Second half, we come out, nothing to lose, they play fantastically, scored a good goal, created chances, of course it wasn’t enough.”
      Solskjaer then stated that he has full belief in himself that he can turn things around for United.
      He remarked: “I always have belief in myself, but at the moment it’s a difficult time for us. I can trust every single one of there to give what they have, but the results are difficult.
      “I believe we can turn this round. I understand the fans, who have supported the club through thick and thin, and have been great over the last few years.

      “It’s a difficult period, we have had a hard time since Sir Alex left, and the fans who have been here – since I came in – have been unbelievable. 
      “They understood the situation, the signings this summer raised expectations, rightly so, because we brought some top players in and having been second last year we hoped to kick on.
      “At the moment, we can’t seem to find our form, and it’s their right to show their opinion. But as Bruno is such a passionate man, he knows football can change quickly.”
      Solskjaer is facing an uncertain future following the embarrassing result at Vicarage RoadCredit: Reuters
      But it looks increasingly likely he will be relieved of his duties with United calling a board meeting to discuss his axing.
      And the club are claimed to be desperate to convince Zinedine Zidane to take charge should Solskjaer be axed.
      It was reported earlier in the week how Zizou’s wife Veronique was not keen on relocating to Manchester, despite the Frenchman open to a move to Old Trafford.
      Bruno Fernandes says Man Utd’s loss to Watford is everyone’s fault not just manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer More

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      ‘It was nightmare after nightmare’ – De Gea tears into ‘EMBARRASSING’ Man Utd flops after Watford humiliation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper David De Gea has ripped into his team-mates following the embarrassing 4-1 defeat away at Watford.The Red Devils suffered yet another hammering in the Premier League as they were outclassed by Claudio Ranieri’s men at Vicarage Road.
      David De Gea has hit out at Manchester United following their shocking defeat against WatfordCredit: Reuters
      United, who sit seventh in the table, have picked up just four points from their last seven top-flight matches.
      The result leaves boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hanging onto his job, with the travelling fans booing the Norwegian gaffer following the full-time whistle.
      And with the club to face Chelsea and Arsenal in their next two league matches, things could get worse for United.
      De Gea, who saved Ismaila’s Sarr’s penalty when the scoreline was level, has stated Saturday’s mauling was ‘nightmare after nightmare’.
      Speaking to Sky Sports after the humiliating defeat, He said: “There’s not much to say – it was embarrassing to see Man United play like we did today.
      “It’s not acceptable – the way we were playing and doing things. It’s easy to blame the manager or the staff but sometimes it’s the players.

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      “We need to show much more than we are doing. Embarrassing first half – we could’ve conceded four goals in 45 minutes.
      “It was hard to watch the team playing today – it was nightmare after nightmare. It’s not acceptable.
      “We are trying to give our best and fight for the team but for sure something is very wrong. You can see in the games – it’s very low level, very poor. Sorry to the fans, once again.
      “I’ve been in difficult moments and always believe in myself but there are difficult moments we have to be strong in mind and body. We are paid to play for United and to do better than that.
      “This is not Manchester United or the way we ought to play – it’s difficult to say more than that.
      “It’s been very bad for a long time – a club like Man United we have to be fighting for trophies and fighting for big things and to be honest we are far from that.
      Spanish shot-stopper De Gea denied Ismaila Sarr from the penalty spot early on at Vicarage RoadCredit: Reuters
      “Let’s see – we have to keep working hard and stick together. We always say the same things but it’s the truth – we have to look at ourselves and see where we can improve.”
      Incredibly, United have now conceded more goals (21) than they have scored (20) in the Premier League this term.
      After going into the season as title contenders, United now trail leaders Chelsea by 12 points after 12 games.
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is in regular contact with the club and refuses to comment on future More

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      Watford 4 Man Utd 1: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on brink of sack as ten-man Red Devils lose again

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is on the brink of the sack after his utterly hopeless ten-man Manchester United were embarrassed away to newly promoted Watford.Joshua King – a Red Devils academy product – smashed home the opener after 28 minutes before Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead just before the break.
      Watford striker Josh King broke the deadlock at Vicarage Road against his former employersCredit: Reuters
      Hornets forward Ismaila Sarr put the hosts 2-0 up after firing low past David De GeaCredit: Reuters
      It could have been a lot worse for United at half time as Sarr missed TWO penalties in the space of a minute after having one saved before retaking it for encroachment and David De Gea denied him a second time.
      Half time sub Donny Van de Beek grabbed a goal back early in the second half, but skipper Harry Maguire’s red card in the 69th minute ended any hopes of an underserved comeback.
      Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Dennis added a third and fourth in injury time to really stick the knife into Ole.
      This was Watford’s first home win since the start of the season back in August, and are just four points behind United in seventh.
      United have now just one win in their last seven in all competitions.
      Ole was clinging onto his job before this after damaging defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks.

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      But this surely must signal the end and force the United board to finally take action after spending the past month dithering.
      The performance at Vicarage Road was nothing short of pathetic from a United side with so much talent on the pitch.
      Errors galore. Zero attacking intent. No sign of any structure or ideas.
      Jadon Sancho was given a rare start back at the club where he began as a seven-year-old, joining Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo in a front three.
      Hornets boss Claudio Ranieri also went for an attacking line-up with Sarr, King and Emmanuel Dennis up top.

      United were all over the place from the opening seconds and conceded a penalty after six minutes after a shocking Bruno Fernandes scuffed clearance on the edge of his own box.
      King latched onto it but was brought down by Scott McTominay and Jon Moss pointed to the spot only for Sarr’s effort to be saved by De Gea down to his left.
      VAR then got involved to inform Moss of several players encroaching so Sarr got a second stab only to go the same way – and so did De Gea.
      Senegal international Sarr had his spot-kick saved by De Gea prior to King’s close range strikeCredit: PA
      King now has four Premier League goals to his name after joining in the summerCredit: Reuters
      Watford were dominant and could have been ahead had it not been for some indecision and lack of shooting boots from Sarr and King.
      But they got their deserved opener after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s poor headed clearance was picked up by Dennis, whose low cross was tapped home by King.
      Man United fans were chanting ‘attack, attack, attack’ but their side were doing none of the sort – instead inviting pressure as King and Moussa Sissoko went close.
      Watford doubled their lead through Sarr, picking up a cut-back from Kiko Femenia and fizzing it into De Gea’s far corner.
      Anthony Martial and Van de Beek were brought on for McTominay and Rashford at the break, and the Dutch outcast grabbed a goal back with a header in the 50th minute.
      Sancho picked out Ronaldo in the box, and his knock-down was gobbled up by Van de Beek.
      Donny van de Beek pulled a goal back for United just minutes after coming off the bench at half-timeCredit: AP
      Van de Beek celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo after being picked out by the Portugal internationalCredit: Reuters
      Harry Maguire was sent off in the 69th minute after being shown two yellow cardsCredit: Getty
      Watford were getting nervous and Ronaldo could have levelled the scores moments later after being put through but Ben Foster – making his 500th career club start – stood firm.
      Ronaldo then had the ball in the net in the closing stages, only for Watford to be saved by an offside flag.
      Pedro then scored his first goal for Watford with a fizzing low strike, before Nigerian ace Dennis completed the rout after latching on to Ben Foster’s long punt.
      Brazilian forward Joao Pedro put Watford 3-1 up in the 92nd minuteCredit: Reuters
      Nigeria international Emmanuel Dennis sealed a famous victory for Watford with the last kick of the gameCredit: Getty
      Norwegian gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure after another embarrassing resultCredit: Reuters
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he is in regular contact with the club and refuses to comment on future More

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      How Sir Alex Ferguson would get best out of Solskjaer’s Man Utd squad by fixing defence and new-look starting XI

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      MANY United fans are in disbelief that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still in charge.After the 5-0 home Premier League defeat to Liverpool last month Solskjaer was tipped to get the sack, but he struggled on and saw out a win against Tottenham, a lucky draw in Italy against Atalanta and another defeat at home to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
      Many are surprised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lasted this long as Manchester United bossCredit: AFP
      This is how Sir Alex Ferguson may choose to line up the current crop
      Reports on Friday suggested that Solskjaer has once again held ‘crisis talks’ with six members of his United squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
      And, the alarm bells are ringing loud at Old Trafford, with United only keeping two clean sheets in their past 24 matches in all competitions.
      Solskjaer often speaks fondly of his former manager, but what would Sir Alex Ferguson do with the current squad to get the best out of them and turn their faltering season around?
      Well, that defensive figure would be put right from the start.
      Ferguson famously once said that ‘strikers win you matches and defenders win you titles’ and while United are some way off winning a league title, they must defend better collectively if they want to start keeping clean sheets and climb up the table.
      Ferguson undoubtedly would go back to basics, concentrating on what United can do, and focusing less on the opposition.

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      United have arguably got the best squad since the Scot’s departure in 2013, they just need a bit of fine-tuning and confidence to get back on the right track.
      In goal, David De Gea would start. Ferguson signed De Gea in 2011 from Atletico Madrid and in front of that he’d play United’s four best defenders.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw have been tried many times, but if Varane can stay fit, and Shaw rediscovers his form from last season, then huge improvements would be made.
      Maguire’s form is the big worry, so perhaps it’s time for him to relinquish the captaincy, and concentrate on his own game.
      One defensive midfielder – probably Scott McTominay – would protect the defence, with Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek offering a good balance of creativity and hard work in front of that.
      Ronaldo, who else, would be the focal point of the attack through the middle, with Marcus Rashford taking up a spot wide left and Jadon Sancho on the opposite side.
      Ferguson might well have chosen Edinson Cavani to partner Ronaldo, but the Uruguayan struggles with one or two niggly injuries.
      LEFT IN THE POGHOUSE
      Paul Pogba, who looks like he’s closing in on a move away from United on a free transfer for the second time, would have to make do with a spot on the bench.
      The Frenchman started superbly against Leeds United, but has struggled with consistency since.
      United’s squad is riddled with more problems than solutions, yet remarkably, Solskjaer has spent more than £400million since he was appointed interim manager nearly three years ago.
      Ferguson would bring back that passion and attack.
      Ferguson would stick to Manchester United’s values.
      Ferguson would allow the players to express themselves and play without fear.
      But most importantly, Ferguson would ensure that his team worked the hardest, put the team above individuals, and won football matches.
      For more of Tom’s views, visit his Twitter account: https://twitter.com/MrTomMcDermott
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ferguson would likely be able to get the best out of a faltering team and possibly even with the titleCredit: PA:Press Association
      Brendan Rodgers slams ‘disrespectful’ Man Utd links in fierce defence of Solskjaer as he vows to focus on Leicester More

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      Seven players Man Utd failed to sign, including Ronaldinho and Hazard, and who they bought instead like Bebe and Kagawa

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      THE lure of playing at the Theatre of Dreams wasn’t enough to convince these talents their future belonged at Old Trafford.Over the years, Manchester United have missed out on a number of transfer targets during the transfer window.
      England legend Alan Shearer was one of the many stars Man Utd failed to sign over the yearsCredit: Allsport
      It’s meant they have had to change plans and move for someone else.
      But who did the Red Devils fail to sign? And, more importantly, who did they buy instead?
      RONALDINHO/CRISTIANO RONALDO
      After the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldinho was one of the world’s hottest properties.
      Starring at PSG, where United had tracked him, the club were in talks with the great Brazilian.
      But in 2003, he snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson for Barcelona, where he would win the Ballon d’Or.
      Instead, the Premier League giants invested in youth – bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo that same summer. We all know how that turned out.
      Ronaldinho decided to join Barcelona instead of Man UtdCredit: Corbis – Getty
      The same year United bought a teenage Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Press Association
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      GABRIEL BATISTUTA/RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
      In 2000, Argentina legend Batistuta talked up a move to Manchester United by declaring if he ever left Fiorentina, he would opt for United.
      However, when it was time to put his money where his mouth was he went to Roma instead.
      Fergie decided on Ruud Van Nistelrooy instead, but was forced to wait a season after he wrecked his knee before the transfer.
      The Dutch striker became a club legend, scoring 150 goals in 219 games.
      Gabriel Batistuta teased a move to Man Utd before opting for Roma insteadCredit: Allsport
      United waited a season before signing Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who became a legendCredit: PA:Press Association
      ALAN SHEARER/SHERINGHAM & SOLSKJAER
      Shearer to Man Utd was mooted for years, before he signed for Blackburn and became a Premier League star.
      At Euro 96, he solidified his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world, so naturally the best club in the land wanted him.
      However, the summer he won the Golden Boot at the championships he turned down United again for a move to boyhood club Newcastle.
      Fergie brought in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham for a fraction of the £15million outlay the Geordies paid for Shearer.
      The pair would combine in 1999 to win the Champions League with a goal apiece to famously defeat Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion.
      Alan Shearer snubbed United and signed for Newcastle instead in 1996Credit: Allsport
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, third from left, was one of Fergie’s signings that summerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Teddy Sheringham would later join the club before deadline dayCredit: Reuters
      RAUL/BEBE
      Perhaps past his best at 33, Real Madrid legend Raul was offered to United in a stunning deal.
      It was green lit until Fergie had a change of mind and decided to pull the plug on the transfer.
      The ex-Spain star went Schalke, where he scored 40 goals across two seasons.
      United signed Bebe for £7m instead. The Brazilian appeared seven times in three seasons, was clearly well out of his depth, and left the club for Benfica in 2014 at a loss.
      Sir Alex Ferguson pulled the plug on a deal for Spain legend Raul, who later joined SchalkeCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian Bebe was signed instead of Raul for £7m but became a massive flopCredit: Action Images
      EDEN HAZARD/SHINJI KAGAWA
      Come 2012, and it was Lille’s sensation Eden Hazard who was attracting bidders.
      United were priced out the market, with the Belgium playmaker signing for Chelsea in a massive £34m deal.
      Sir Alex, who had also failed to land Samir Nasri for the same reason, slammed agents demanding too much money.
      United spent £12m on Shinji Kagawa, who spent two unhappy years in Manchester before returning to Borussia Dortmund for a fee reported as low as £6m.
      Man Utd were priced out of a move for Eden HazardCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      In came Shinji Kagawa instead, who had two unhappy years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2014Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TONI KROOS/MAROUANE FELLAINI
      David Moyes thought he had landed a marquee signing in Toni Kroos in 2013.
      The German then decided against moving to the Premier League at the last minute and opted to stay with Bayern Munich.
      “Toni Kroos had agreed to come to Manchester United with me,” Moyes told talkSPORT in 2018.
      “I met him and his wife and we agreed it all when he was at Bayern Munich.”
      Unsuccessful attempts to bring Cesc Fabregas and Sami Khedira then followed.
      When it came to desperate stakes, Marouane Fellaini was signed for £28m.
      Six years later, he ended up at Chinese club Shandong Luneng in a £6m deal, after flopping at Old Trafford and never really convincing the fans.
      Toni Kross turned United down at the last minute in 2013Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      David Moyes turned to Marouane Fellaini in a £28m dealCredit: Getty – Minimum Fee
      DAYOT UPAMECANO/REGAN POOLE
      French star Upamecano is one of the world’s best modern day defenders, and is starring for Bayern Munich.
      But United had the opportunity to bring the centre back to our shores in 2015, when he was just 16.
      A bid of £1.6m to club Valenciennes was accepted but negotiations broke down between United and the player’s agent.
      “An intermediary met with us, but there was a difference between the project she presented us and what was actually going to happen,” his ex-advisor Thierry Martinez said.
      “A flat was promised, but that changed to a host family with only six return trips for his parents. When you uproot a player at such a young age, that isn’t enough. I wanted Dayot to have a stable emotional balance off the pitch.”
      United landed 17-year-old Newport County prospect Regan Poole after pulling out of a deal.
      One Europa League appearance later, he was shipped to Lincoln City, where he plays today.
      Dayot Upamecano has blossomed into one of the best defenders in world footballCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After United failed to land Upamecano at 17, they signed Newport County youngster Reegan Poole who made just one appearance for the clubCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Neil Custis says that Manchester United should look to appoint Brendan Rodgers as manager More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo strips down to his PANTS as Man Utd star shares steamy sauna picture revealing chiselled physique

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      MANCHESTER UNITED forward Cristiano Ronaldo has yet again showed off his chiselled physique after sharing a snap of himself in the sauna.The 36-year-old took to his Instagram story to upload a picture in his underwear to his 367 million followers.
      Cristiano Ronaldo shared this steamy sauna snap on Instagram to his 367 million followersCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      Manchester United forward Ronado is expecting twins with partner Georgina RodriguezCredit: Instagram @cristiano
      In the photo, a sweaty-looking Ronaldo smiles for the camera in a selfie as he starts his preparations for the weekend trip to Watford.
      His former United team-mate Patrice Evra has lifted the lid on Ronaldo’s love for saunas in his bid to keep in peak condition.
      Recalling a time he popped round his house, he said: “Cristiano, first of all, as a person and human being, is so generous, so nice and people don’t see that face. But he is a winner. He is addicted.
      “For example, when we had training at 10am, Cristiano was already there for 8am. When we had finished training, he was still on the pitch practising.
      “When he invited me for lunch… don’t ever go for lunch, because you are going to have one of the most boring lunches at Cristiano’s. It is salad, plain chicken and water. There isn’t even fizzy water.
      “After that, we went into the garden, trained for a little bit, went swimming, went to the sauna and at one point I looked at him and said: ‘Bro, we have just finished a training session, why do we have to a second training session?'”

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      Ronaldo was reduced to tears earlier in the week after Serbia beat Portugal 2-1 in Lisbon to dump the Euro 2016 winners into a World Cup play-off.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who will be 37 by the time the tournament starts next year, previously said he expects Qatar to be his final appearance at the competition – even though he wants to continue playing into his 40s.
      He remarked in 2016: “I expect Qatar could be my final World Cup.
      “I often go on holidays there, to Qatar as well as Dubai. I am happy because for sure it will be [my] last international tournament.”
      Following the heartbreaking defeat, Ronaldo posted a stirring love note to Portugal on social media.

      Alongside a photo of himself with pregnant partner Georgina Rodriguez, he said: “No matter how far the world we travel, it is always in Portugal that my family and I feel at home.
      “The fantastic climate, the wonderful food, the affection of the Portuguese people, it’s always a pleasure to come back to my country.
      “It’s time to go back to Manchester and focus completely on our goals, but we’ll be back soon. See you now, Portugal!”
      Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s daughter Alana’s 4th birthday party including bumper cars, laser tag and football vs Marcelo More