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    Man Utd’s greatest ever foreign XI including Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Kanchelskis, but no Tevez or Fernandes

    MANCHESTER UNITED have boasted some of the finest foreign players to ever grace the Premier League.
    The likes of Eric Cantona, Jaap Stam and Cristiano Ronaldo have all cemented their legacy at Old Trafford.

    Only one player from the current Manchester United side has made the XI

    Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the star man for the current crop of Red Devils, managed by another iconic foreign import Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    But just who are the club’s greatest non-British players?
    United End editor Tom McDermott has already given his say on the club’s best British XI in the Premier League, and now he’s chosen a star-studded line up made up of foreigners:
    Peter Schmeichel
    Could it have been anyone else? David De Gea and Edwin van der Sar are the obvious contenders, but Schmeichel is the outstanding choice.

    The £505,000 signing from Brondby was the finest keeper on the planet for several years, and probably left sooner than he should after Champions League glory in 1999.
    Patrice Evra
    Evra has five Premier League titles, three League Cups, five Community Shields and a Champions League medal in his locker from his time at the club.
    But, you’d never have thought that would be possible after his disastrous debut away to Manchester City in 2006.
    The Frenchman started the match, but was substituted at half-time after a horrendous opening 45. It did though prove to be a minor blip in an outstanding United career.

    Jaap Stam
    Ferguson’s best foreign defensive signing. The defender was sold to Lazio in 2001, which Sir Alex Ferguson later admitted was an error.
    Stam had everything required to be a great central defender and was pretty much unbeatable on his day.
    The image of Inter Milan’s Ivan Zamorano backing into him during the 1998/99 treble season still brings a smile to my face.

    Jaap Stam is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs to play in the Premier LeagueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Nemanja Vidic
    Had Stam’s strength and ability to read the game, but perhaps not the pace.
    That said, he went on to forge a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defence, and during that period established himself as one of the best central defenders in the word.
    Antonio Valencia
    Signed from Wigan as a winger, but ended his United career as a right full-back. The move probably prolonged his time at the club and he adapted his game accordingly.
    Just to be clear, Valencia was no ‘Gary Neville’ but his strength and speed meant that he was quickly able to get himself out of tricky defensive situations.
    Andrei Kanchelskis
    One former United player who played with Kanchelskis said that the winger just appeared to get faster and faster when in possession of the ball.
    He’ll always be remembered for his hat-trick against Manchester City in 1994, but disruptive representatives meant that his stay at Old Trafford ended sharply and he was sold to the blue half of Liverpool.
    Paul Pogba
    I toyed with Ander Herrera, Juan Veron and even Anderson, but Pogba starts because of his role in helping United claim their first ever Europa League title in 2017.
    On his day, he’s world class, but the frustration is that we don’t see it often enough. It’ll be interesting to see how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fits him around Bruno Fernandes in the months and years to come – although he has recently discovered his top form in our transformation into title contenders.

    French midfielder Paul Pogba has spent much of the season on the benchCredit: PA:Press Association
    Cristiano Ronaldo
    Arguably United’s greatest foreign signing of the Premier League era. Ronaldo terrorised defences and secured his first Ballon d’Or while at the club in 2008.
    Ronaldo, now at Juventus, went on to become a real icon of the game and United supporters will never forget the contribution he made for them, particularly in the final few seasons before heading to Real Madrid in 2009.
    Eric Cantona
    The pied piper was the final piece of the jigsaw that helped Ferguson’s United secure their very first Premier League title.
    It was a surprise to secure his signature from Leeds United, but of equal surprise after such a turbulent career, was his ability to embrace the Old Trafford stage in such a way.
    Cantona was absolutely vital to Ferguson’s first period of domestic success. Who knows what might have happened if he hadn’t signed.
    Ruud van Nistelrooy
    Van Nistelrooy was the ultimate centre forward. You only need to look at his goalscoring record to see that.
    Paul Scholes recently mentioned that Van Nistelrooy would be annoyed after a game if he found out that Arsenal’s Thierry Henry had scored more goals than him that afternoon.
    That says all you need to know, because he was a goal machine who always wanted one more than what he got.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy spent three seasons together at Old TraffordCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Robin van Persie
    Van Persie just edged ahead of Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov because of his outstanding 2012/13 season where his goals shot United to a twentieth league title.
    United was the right move at the right time for Van Persie who helped provide departing manager Ferguson with his final trophy at the club.
    Van Persie talked about the ‘little boy inside of him’ screaming for a move to Old Trafford. The little boy managed to fulfil his dream, and in some style.
    *Follow Tom McDermott – United End editor on Twitter here…

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    Man Utd star Axel Tuanzebe’s amazing journey, from arriving from Congo aged 4 to captaining Red Devils at every level

    THE story of how Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe achieved his dream to play for the Premier League giants is truly inspiring.
    When he was just four, his parents left Congo for the UK in search of a better life for their family.

    Axel Tuanzebe’s remarkable rise is a story of courage and determinationCredit: Rex Features

    They settled in Rochdale, where a young Axel was unable to speak a word of English.
    However, the ambitious youngster was determined to make something of his life and support his family.
    He pushed himself through school, but his dream was to become a professional footballer – ever since he joined United’s Academy at the tender age of eight.
    Last October against PSG in the Champions League, Tuanzebe, now 23, produced a coming-of-age performance and kept Kylian Mbappe at bay.

    He is a man on a mission to succeed at Old Trafford.
    EARLY LIFE
    Tuanzebe was born in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but moved to England when his parents emigrated to the north.
    Football became his passion. Soon he was scouted by Manchester United and joined their youth set-up – just four years after arriving on our shores.
    Despite rising through the ranks at youth level, education was still very important to Tuanzebe, who understood he couldn’t just rely on his football.

    He attended St Cuthbert’s RC High School, where he captained the Year 7 football team to the final of the English National Schools Cup at Stamford Bridge in 2009

    Tuanzebe joined the Manchester United academy aged 8 after arriving from Congo four years earlierCredit: Instagram
    .

    That achievement earned the boy acknowledgement from the Mayor of Rochdale, who honoured him with a Sports Boy of the Year award.
    Tuanzebe was reportedly a model student and when it came to his exams, he passed his GCSE’s with flying colours with A grades.
    But his academic pursuits would take a back seat as his football took centre stage.
    A REAL LEADER
    In 2019, Tuanzebe achieved a remarkable feat.
    When he stepped out for United against Rochdale in a League Cup victory over Rochdale, he was wearing the captain’s armband – ahead of more experienced stars including Paul Pogba, Sergio Romero, Phil Jones and Jesse Lingard.
    Not only did he become the youngest player to captain the side since Norman Whiteside in 1985, aged 21.
    He also capped off a wonderful run of captaining Manchester United at EVERY single age level he’s played at.

    In 2019 Tuanzebe led his Manchester United team mates out as captain in a League Cup tie against RochdaleCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Incredibly, Tuanzebe has captained Man Utd at every level he has played atCredit: AFP or licensors
    “Axel is a captain in the making, he’s a leader – why not give to young kids,” boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later revealed to TalkSport after the game.
    “We know we can give it to Sergio and we can give it to Paul, that’s no problem and they’ve been captains before.
    “But it was Axel today and how does he handle it? He was absolutely fine, he enjoyed it.
    “It’s just a way of telling him that we trust him.”
    COMING OF AGE
    After breaking into the United first team, making his debut against Wigan in a 4-0 FA Cup victory in 2017, he started his first senior match in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal four months later.
    But with chances limited, Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Aston Villa, where he became a promotion hero in 2019.
    He returned to Old Trafford – expected to push for a first team spot. A series of niggling injuries put pay to a limited run in the team, and he played just ten times in all competitions in 2019-20.

    Tuanzebe was a promotion hero for Dean Smiths Aston VillaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Tuanzebe enjoyed a coming of age performance against PSG and didn’t give Kylian Mbappe an inchCredit: AFP or licensors
    However, it was on the biggest stage where he proved his undeniable quality.
    Faced with superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, Tuanzebe put on his best display in a Manchester United shirt – as the Red Devils shocked PSG to win 2-1 in a Champions League game.
    After the match, Solskjaer said: “We know that when you go away against a team like this, against players like Neymar and Mbappe, top, top players in the world, we know we have to defend well.
    “We know David De Gea will have to make a few saves. Sometimes you’ll get in a foot race with Mbappe and you’ll have to run with him and we know Axel’s qualities – he’s a top defender.
    “First game in, I don’t know, 10 months or something, which is just testament to the quality he has.”
    HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS
    Being a gifted footballer isn’t Tuanzebe’s only claim to fame. After all, he features in the Guinness Book of World Records.
    In 2018 he joined his Manchester United team-mates on a pre-season tour in Los Angeles.
    There he was asked to take part in a game of Hungry Hippos for fun.

    Tuanzebe is not just a upcoming footballing star, but also holds a Guinness World Record in Hungry Hippos gameCredit: Instagram @roshaunwilliams

    The Hungry Hippos game is a favourite pastime for many young children, where players have to swallow as many marbles as possible using their hippoCredit: Amazon
    He finished it in just 17.37 seconds – managing to record a world record at the same time.
    For those who missed out on the famous game as a child, it features four hippos in a circle with a handful of balls in the middle.
    Players each choose a hippo and need to use it to collect as many marbles as possible before they are all taken.
    ENGLAND STAR IN THE MAKING
    Although Tuanzebe is still eligible to play for Congo, it appears likely that he will choose to represent England.
    He began his international career in 2017, starring for the Three Lions U17 side against Mexico.
    That same year, Tuanzebe was a part of the U20 side that won all three matches at the Four Nations tournament.

    Tuanzebe is an England youth international, but could still turn out for the country of his birth, DR CongoCredit: Rex Features

    Now 23, Tuanzebe is ready to push for a place in United’s first teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    In 2017, his rapid ascension at international level continued when he was capped by the U21 side against Ukraine.
    Gareth Southgate has been monitoring Tuanzebe closely, and should he get a sustained run in the United side he might just partner his United team mate Harry Maguire at the heart of England’s defence.
    That would be the icing on the cake for his astonishing rise.

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    Man Utd stars Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial suffer vile racist abuse on Instagram after defeat to Sheff United

    MANCHESTER UNITED duo Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe were targeted with sick racist abuse following their side’s defeat to Sheffield United.
    The players were attacked on their social media accounts with a number of users posting racist comments and symbols.

    Anthony Martial was the victim of sick racist abuse after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Tuanzebe shared the post put out by Manchester United after he received sick racist abuse

    Martial, 25, played the full game as United slipped to a shock 2-1 home loss to the side at the bottom of the Premier League.
    Tuanzebe, 23, started his first game this season, and was substituted in the 82nd minute.
    He was also racially abused on Twitter.
    Manchester United released a statement on their club website condemning the racism.

    It read: “Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after last night’s game.
    “We utterly condemn it and it is encouraging to see other fans condemn this on social media also.
    “Manchester United has zero tolerance of any form of racism or discrimination and a long-standing commitment to campaigning against it through our All Red All Equal initiative.
    “Identifying these anonymous mindless idiots remains problematic. We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen measures to prevent this kind of behaviour.“

    Axel Tuanzebe was targeted by racists on TwitterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Red Devils also tweeted out a banner against racism following the disgusting incident.
    It was captioned: “We are #UnitedAgainstRacism. Then, now and always.”
    Tuanzebe has since shared the banner on his Instagram Stories.
    SunSport have contacted and Kick It Out for comment.
    United legend Rio Ferdinand has tweeted out his disgust and shared some of the comments aimed at the players.
    He wrote: “This is a disgrace.
    “These ignorant idiots need to be exposed so everyone can see them for what they are!”

    Fornmer United star Rio Ferdinand was fuming with the racism
    The vile abuse was also slammed by many United fans on Twitter.
    Aidan Walsh posted: “I honestly can’t believe people are racially abusing Axel Tuanzebe because of a bad game of football.
    “People are sick in the head, there’s no room for you in this sport or let alone in the world.”
    And another furious supporter wrote: “People who posted racist comments on Tuanzebe and Martial are vile, disgusting human beings who should be locked up.
    “You are not fans of this great club and I hope you guys rot in hell.”
    Rock-bottom Blades claimed just their second Premier League win of the campaign – and their first at Old Trafford for 48 years – thanks to goals from Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke.
    The match-winning strike took an unlucky deflection off Tuanzebe before nestling in the back of the net.

    The result denied Ole’s men top spot, and the United boss fumed: “We are very disappointed. We didn’t create enough. The magic was missing.
    “We didn’t have the right ideas or solutions, and the second goal we conceded was so poor and so sloppy. There were three or four decisions that were completely out of character.
    “The boys have been terrific the last few months but when you don’t hit those levels you don’t get results.”
    Skipper Maguire – who equalised for United in the second half before Burke’s late winner – added: “It wasn’t good enough and we didn’t play to a level we expect from ourselves.
    “We gave them two goals, now it’s time to stand up and be counted because it’s easy when you are winning football matches.
    “When you lose it is about how quickly you bounce back.”

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    Red-hot Bruno Fernandes has more goals and goal involvements than any Prem player since Man Utd debut in February

    BRUNO FERNANDES has been involved in more goals than any other Premier League player since his debut in February 2020.
    The Portuguese playmaker, 26, left Sporting Lisbon to sign for Manchester United at the end of last January’s transfer window.

    No player has been involved in more goals in all competitions than Bruno Fernandes since his debut in February 2020

    Fernandes most-recently scored a brilliant free-kick to knock Liverpool out of the FA CupCredit: EPA

    Since that day, United have been a completely different animal.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side stormed up the Premier League table to finish third last term and now sit top.
    And that is in no small part down to Fernandes, whose winning goal dragged his side into the FA Cup fifth round at the expensive of fierce rivals Liverpool.
    Incredibly, no Premier League player has scored OR contributed to more goals in all competitions since Fernandes’ debut than the man himself.

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    The Man Utd star has scored 28 times – more than any other top-flight star – across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League and Europa League since last February.
    Fernandes has also laid-on 17 assists, taking his goal involvement tally to a whopping 45.
    Only Tottenham star Harry Kane comes close, with 40 goal involvements – including 26 goals and 14 assists.

    Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah is 11 adrift of Fernandes with 34 goal involvements, with 26 goals and eight assists.
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    Kane’s Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min ranks fourth – also on 34 – with 22 goals and 12 assists.
    Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne comes in fifth thanks to his staggering 21 assists and 12 goals, for a total of 33.
    Fernandes’ Old Trafford team-mate Marcus Rashford completes the top six, with his 18 goals and ten assists giving him a decent tally of 28 goal involvements since last February in all competitions.
    The midfielder has now revealed the secret to his success.
    Fernandes told the Man Utd website he stays on after training to master his craft so often, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is forced to kick him out.

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    Bruno Fernandes reveals five Man Utd stars who stay behind training longest and says Solskjaer even has to kick him out

    BRUNO FERNANDES has revealed the five Manchester United stars who consistently stay late after training – including himself.
    The Portuguese ace, 26, climbed off the bench to score an incredible, match-winning free-kick against Liverpool on Sunday to send his side into the fifth-round of the FA Cup.

    Fernandes has revealed he has to be kicked out of training by Solskjaer such is his desire to work on his craftCredit: Reuters

    Fernandes scored the match-winning penalty to dump Liverpool out of the FA CupCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Fernandes revealed hours of practice went into the strike – despite knowing he wouldn’t be starting the game – while admitting he’s not the only player to stay late after training.
    In fact, the ex-Sporting Lisbon star revealed his training obsession is so great, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to kick him out to get him to go home.
    Asked about Sunday’s free-kick, Fernandes told the Man Utd website: “I think almost every day [Solskjaer] has to kick me out of the training to stop.
    “I’m always working on that kind of situation.

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    “I like to watch and learn from Juan [Mata] because I think he is a really good specialist.
    “I think in training we stay there most of the time – me and Juan stay longer…
    “But also Alex [Telles], Rashy [Marcus Rashford] and Fred stay with us.”

    Fernandes admitted he knows he’s not a certainty to take United’s set-pieces though, despite his incredible conversion rate.

    The midfielder added: “I think normally a little bit more long distance is for Rashy.
    “I think he feels more comfortable [from there], for me it is the same, to go the [closer] distance.
    “I think closer to the box is better for me, for the kind of shot I have.
    “If Juan and Alex are on the pitch it’s a chance for them, more on the right side.
    “I think we have good free-kick specialists. I think we have some players who can take [good free-kicks].
    “It depends on the moment and in that moment, I felt I was confident to take the free-kick.
    “It was me and luckily it was a goal.”
    Meanwhile, Fernandes revealed his free-kick was inspired by some advice from savvy veteran Edinson Cavani.
    The Portuguese star told BBC Sport: “Edi, before the free-kick, told me: ‘Try a hard one on the side of the keeper’.
    “I tried it and it went in well.”

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    Man Utd ‘to make Jesse Lingard transfer decision after Liverpool FA Cup clash with Newcastle and West Brom keen’

    MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly decide on Jesse Lingard’s future after the FA Cup clash against Liverpool.
    The midfielder has failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season.

    Jesse Lingard could be leaving Manchester United on loanCredit: AFP or licensors

    He has kicked a ball in three games this season, two in the EFL Cup and the other in the 1-0 FA Cup win against Watford.
    Now, according to the Mail On Sunday, Solskjaer will decide on Lingard’s future after the Liverpool game.
    Newcastle, West Brom and Sheffield United are all keen on signing the 28-year-old on a loan deal.
    And London clubs Tottenham and West Ham could even make a move for the out-of-favour star.

    But Solskjaer is still weighing up whether he can afford to let Lingard leave as the fixtures build up.
    United are firmly in title contention, are in the Europa League and if they beat Liverpool will go on in the FA Cup.
    Solskjaer allowed Timothy Fosu-Mensah to join Bayer Leverkusen last week and suggested others could follow, with speculation continuing over the likes of Juan Mata as well as Lingard.
    Asked if the latter would still be at Old Trafford come the end of January, he said: “Well, I don’t want to go into individuals but we can probably allow maybe one or two more to go out.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will decide on Lingard’s future next weekCredit: PA:Press Association

    “But then one of the strengths we have is that we have had a fit and deep squad. Strength in depth.
    “So, we don’t want to give our advantage away by easing off on our players. I can’t give you a better answer than that.”
    Lingard has been capped 24 times for England but has not received a call-up since 2019.
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    Man Utd and Chelsea in blow with Moises Caicedo, 19, ‘set to fly to UK to seal Brighton transfer in £4.5m deal’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea look set to be beaten to the transfer of Ecuador wonderkid Moises Caicedo by Brighton.
    Caicedo plays for Independiente del Valle, where he has become a regular feature.

    Moises Caicedo is set to fly into the UK to seal his move to Brighton Credit: AFP – Getty

    The 19-year-old box-to-box midfielder has also featured for Ecuador’s national side making four appearances.
    Sky Sports reports that Caicedo is flying in to the UK to finalise a £4.5m move to the Seagulls.
    According to his club’s general manager Santiago Morales, a work permit has already been arranged.
    There is also a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the transfer.

    Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that there has never been a ‘done deal’ with Manchester United, as some outlets had reported.
    This is despite the teenager admitting he is a United supporter.
    In a recent television interview Caicedo said: “Manchester United are my favourite club.
    “I really like the game of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, I learn a lot from them every time I see them.

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    Graham Potter appears to have won the race for CaicedoCredit: PA:Press Association

    “I always try to do what they do, that’s why they are there.”
    As well as United and Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton were in the hunt for the exciting talent.
    And in-form West Ham were the latest Premier League side to register an interest.
    But Hammers boss David Moyes has recently stated that due to the club’s financial situation, the club would only look to do a deal if the price is right.
    Moyes said: “If we can and we think there is something available the owner would try and do it, but obviously like everybody else we’re in a difficult situation financially. We won’t be daft.”
    But it appears Brighton boss Graham Potter have won the transfer race.

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    Kalidou Koulibaly ‘wants Man Utd transfer’ with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer huge fan but £100m Napoli demands could be issue

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a huge transfer boost with Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly ‘wanting’ the move.
    The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Napoli centre-half for a while, with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly ‘a fan of the player’.

    Kalidou Koulibaly reportedly wants to join Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Now according to Marca, the move may be one step closer.
    It is reported that the 29-year-old Senegalese international is pushing for a move to Old Trafford.
    But one stumbling block could be Napoli’s £100million valuation of their star man.
    United’s Premier League rivals Liverpool have also being linked with Koulibaly.

    Of course Jurgen Klopp has big problems at the back, recently forced to playing centre-midfielders Fabinho and Jordan Henderson paired centrally.
    But Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has warned both clubs they must offer at least £100m if they want to sign Koulibaly.
    Now well into another transfer window, Jim White spoke to Napoli owner De Laurentiis about the prospect of another series of maddeningly low bids from the Premier League.
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    Speaking on talkSPORT, White revealed: “There isn’t a window in the last two, three or four that we don’t see big mentions of the Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
    “This morning, I spoke to Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli owner, and said what about your player, are there bids in for him?
    “He laughed it off saying he’s not for sale. It seems on this occasion Koulibaly is going nowhere. He stays and that was as recent as this morning.

    “Anyone going in with anything other than £100million for Koulibaly can forget it.
    “He’s absolutely not for sale unless one of the big clubs in England come up with £100million.”
    Koulibaly has played in 18 games in all competitions for Napoli this season, helping to keep seven clean sheets.
    He is under contract at the Serie A giants until the end of the 2022-23 season.
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