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      Man Utd fans wanted Paul Pogba sold two years ago but he can still become a club legend if he guides us to Prem title

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      PAUL POGBA… I’d have sold him a year or even two years ago.
      Always the ‘nearly’ man for United, the 2018 World Cup winner tends to have have one excellent performance followed by eight mediocre ones.

      Paul Pogba has finally found his form and could help fire Man Utd to the Premier League titleCredit: EPA

      Oh yes, we knew he had ‘it’ – we just never saw it enough.
      His form and perhaps even the direction the club was taking appeared to trouble him and it was easy for fans to see.
      But what if United could get the best from Pogba – what might he bring?
      You’d get what we’ve seen in the last three Premier League games against Burnley, Liverpool and Fulham.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      A mix of hard work, class, bravery and end product.
      The Pogba of the last three games is the Pogba United thought they were getting when he re-joined the club from Juventus in 2016.
      The sceptical members of the United fanbase will argue that Pogba’s improvement in form is only because he wants to remind potential buyers that he’s still a midfielder to be reckoned with.

      For other United fans, they’ll never accept him because of the behaviour of his agent Mino Raiola.
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      As recently as last month, Raiola claimed his client was unhappy and that he must leave United in the 2021 summer transfer window.
      In isolation, that kind of behaviour from his agent might be forgiven, but it’s happened each year since his return and even former Red Devils have questioned the agent and Pogba’s approach.
      After all, the agent is employed by Pogba, to represent him in the ‘best’ way.
      I can’t forgive Raiola’s comments because, as I’ve stated, he works for Pogba and we’ll see in the coming months what his motivation is for playing well.
      Donny van de Beek can watch and observe, probably knowing the grand plan is to move Pogba on so he can fill his position from next season.
      Pogba, along with one or two others, may get a break in the FA Cup against Liverpool this weekend.
      Although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate for a trophy, there’s a hectic schedule of Premier League and Europa League games on the way.
      It might be time the boss utilised more of his squad – he’ll have to if he wants to progress all the way.

      Paul Pogba has been a key man in United’s surge to the top of the tableCredit: EPA
      Solskjaer’s revival and team shape has definitely helped Pogba too, and he probably feels like he can trust his team-mates more than say 18 months ago.
      He’s playing in a midfield next to Bruno Fernandes and behind him he’s had Scott McTominay and Fred doing the defensive work that probably doesn’t come naturally to him.
      So the bricks around him are starting to work in his favour and take shape.
      Looking ahead, I still get the feeling that Pogba will leave United in the summer.
      But, wouldn’t it be great if he did so with a Premier League winners medal around his neck?
      And if that did happen, I don’t think there’d be many United fans that would begrudge him a move.
      As has been the case since the day he signed for the club, the Frenchman has the platform and players around him at Old Trafford to become a legend.
      It’s down to him if he wants it or not.
      Follow Tom McDermott on Twitter

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      Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic names four best PL strikers he faced at Old Trafford including Peter Crouch at Liverpool

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic has named the four toughest opponents he faced in the Premier League.
      The Serbian powerhouse, 39, spent eight years at Old Trafford after arriving from Spartak Moscow in 2006.

      Vidic has called Crouch one of his toughest-ever opponents

      And despite being overrun several times by Fernando Torres, Peter Crouch was the first Liverpool striker Vidic bemoaned facing.
      He told The Athletic: “My first experience was Peter Crouch.
      “I’d never seen a two-metres tall player before. He played for Liverpool and we played them in a cup game at Anfield.
      “I was thinking ‘Wow, what can I do today with this guy?’

      “Then I saw Bellamy next to him, not a great player on the ball but very, very fast. He would run into space, Crouch would jump into the air. I’d never seen football played like this.
      “I’d never had a No9 and a sharp, fast, player next to him. I knew how to deal with them individually but not both of them at the same time.
      “I played alongside Wes Brown, it was a tough game, a long game. We lost 1-0.”
      Vidic also mentioned Chelsea great Didier Drogba and his lethal combination of strength and intelligence.

      Didier Drogba was a nightmare for Chelsea’s opponentsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      He added: “He was a very clever player who would get into the brain of the defenders. He was strong, but he was always thinking ahead.
      “He would think, ‘If the defender pushes me now I will go down’ or ‘Next time I will go strong’
      “He scored so many important goals, he was very consistent. I played against him when we were both at the peak of our careers.”
      Vidic’s watchlist finished with Manchester City speedster Sergio Aguero and former Reds star Luis Suarez.
      He explained: “I’m convinced that Aguero was born as a defender. He knows where the ball will come and where he can attack.
      “I played against him when they beat us 4-1 in the Moyes season.
      “[Suarez is] an energetic player. He’s different from Aguero who doesn’t run for 90 minutes – he’s a player who uses instinct. Everything is done in bursts. I don’t think he knows exactly what he’s doing but he succeeds.
      “The ball will go through a defender’s legs and people will think it’s an accident, but he has this sheer force to do it.”

      Luis Suarez joined Barcelona after taking the Prem by stormCredit: PA:Press Association

      Sergio Aguero is still plying his trade in the English top flightCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Man Utd clash with Liverpool smashes Sky records with 4.8m making it most watched Premier league game in British history

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S dour 0-0 draw away at Liverpool on Sunday was the most-watched Premier League game in history on Sky Sports.
      A record 4.8million people tuned in for the final five minutes as both teams pushed for the winner.

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      That never came as the millions of viewers were left to reflect on a damp squib.
      Sky, who confirmed the figures, added that only Game Of Thrones has achieved more viewers.
      That means the Anfield draw moves ahead of the previous highest-viewed game – that was the 2012 clash between the two Manchester clubs.

      Vincent Kompany’s header secured City a precious 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
      On Sunday, a fixture between Liverpool and United failed to live up to its pre-match billing as this supposed game of the season ended goalless for the fourth time in nine meetings.
      In the end, both sides were prepared to settle for a point that keeps their respective unbeaten home and away runs going, and maintained the gap between the two clubs in the table to that of a single win.
      The home side controlled possession and piled on the pressure at Anfield, but it was the league leaders who created the two big moments of the contest.

      Indeed, Jurgen Klopp was grateful to his goalkeeper Alisson for a pair of fabulous second half saves that he made to deny Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.

      Paul Pogba almost won it – but was denied with a brilliant save from AlissonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Without their stopper, the champions could well have been facing up to a first league defeat on home soil in almost four years, and to that of a stuttering title defence.
      Both clubs prepare to go again.
      United are back in midweek action, travelling to Fulham on Wednesday before Liverpool host Burnley the next evening.
      In July last year, Manchester City’s clash with Southampton saw 5.7m viewers on free-to-air BBC.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Game Of Thrones is the only TV show to get more viewers than the 4.8m who tuned in to Manchester United vs LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Wayne Rooney is greatest Man Utd centre forward I’ve seen at club, insists ex-team-mate Gary Neville More

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      How Man Utd could line up at Fulham with Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani ALL set to return

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to rotate his squad for Wednesday night’s game against Fulham.
      The Red Devils chief hasn’t once played the same XI in consecutive games this season.

      How Man Utd could line up against Fulham on Wednesday

      And after a hard-fought draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, United could start a new-look team against the struggling Cottagers in West London.
      David De Gea looks almost certain to retain his place in goal ahead of Dean Henderson.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka, too, is set to keep his place, with Luke Shaw and Alex Telles battling for the starting spot at left-back.
      In the heart of defence, Eric Bailly is poised to replace Victor Lindelof alongside Harry Maguire.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      Nemanja Matic could also return to the starting XI in one of the two holding midfield positions.
      Scott McTominay is likely to keep his place in the team.
      However, Paul Pogba and Fred will also be keen to break into Solskjaer’s plans.

      Donny van de Beek’s lack of game time this season could see him used to help keep the rest of the squad fit and healthy.

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      Another way Solskjaer could send out his squad vs Fulham

      In attack, Bruno Fernandes – who struggled against Liverpool – will surely start in the No10 role.
      The Portuguese star was subbed towards the end of the game at Anfield, with Solskjaer later confirming it was purely a fitness decision.
      Mason Greenwood could be given the nod at right-wing, after Pogba was asked to do a job there against the Reds in order to quell the threat posed by Andrew Robertson.
      Marcus Rashford will likely start at left-wing, with Edinson Cavani leading the line after starting on the bench at Anfield.
      Anthony Martial will hope to be included and could start at left-wing or up front.
      The Frenchman could be played on the left, with Rashford on the right if Solskjaer wants to keep Greenwood up his sleeve for an impact role off the bench.
      Man Utd welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Wednesday night, with kick-off 8.15pm.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s draw with Liverpool at Anfield More

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      Solskjaer admits Man Utd lacked composure against Liverpool but hails ‘excellent’ Paul Pogba for selfless role

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER piled praise on Paul Pogba for his selfless role in Manchester United’s goalless draw at Liverpool.
      The Red Devils stayed three points clear of their fiercest rivals with a 0-0 stalemate at Anfield on Sunday.

      Paul Pogba impressed during Man Utd’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool despite being played out of position to nullify the threat posed by Andrew RobertsonCredit: PA:Press Association

      Solskjaer was full of praise for Pogba’s selfless performance at AnfieldCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Pogba, 27, was asked to play wide on the right in a bid to help null the threat from Liverpool’s left flank.
      With Aaron Wan-Bissaka kept busy with Sadio Mane, Pogba was tasked with tracking back and covering flying full-back Andrew Robertson.
      And, despite often being considered an attacking playmaker, the 2018 World Cup winner excelled.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      After the game, Solskjaer told Sky Sports: “I thought Paul was absolutely brilliant today.
      “We knew he had to do a job defensively to help us with Robertson.
      “And I thought he was excellent and should have got the goal his performance deserved.”
      However, Solskjaer did suggest Man Utd have plenty of things to ‘improve on’, including their composure.

      United had a couple of gilt-edged chances to steal all three points, only to be denied superbly by Reds stopper Alisson.
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      Solskjaer continued: “I think we grew in the game and toward the end it was there for us to win.
      “We created two massive chances and it was two brilliant saves by the keeper.
      “We can play better than this, we can be more composed, we can have the ball more.
      “We had to defend really often today… There are a couple of things for us to improve on.”
      But for Pogba, it’s been a strong and much-needed return to form having often been confined to the bench this season.

      Pogba almost scored but for a superb save from Alisson in the Reds’ goalCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      Ahead of the game at Liverpool, the Frenchman admitted he ‘hates’ being among the substitutes.
      Pogba claimed: “I hate to be on the bench, I don’t like it.
      “It doesn’t mean that other players don’t deserve to be playing but for myself, I don’t like it.
      “I’m a winner, I just want to play football and help my team.
      “When I’m on the bench and I don’t come on, I feel like I can’t help my team-mates so I feel bad and I don’t like it.”
      Man Utd next face Fulham on Wednesday in their quest to win their first Premier League title since 2012-13, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season.

      Marcus Rashford says Man Utd mantra of never giving up has helped him in fight to end child poverty More

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      Man Utd vs Liverpool ref Tierney blows early for half-time with Reds ace Sadio Mane racing through on goal

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      LIVERPOOL were left frustrated during their top-of-the-table clash with Manchester United after referee Paul Tierney blew the whistle for half-time early with Sadio Mane through on goal.
      The Reds absolutely dominated the opening 45 minutes at Anfield.

      Liverpool were left frustrated after the ref blew the whistle for half-time early with Mane racing through on goal

      Sadio Mane was left clean through on goal with six seconds to go in the half when Tierney’s whistle sounded

      Jurgen Klopp’s men took nine shots – to United’s one – and held 66 per cent of the possession.
      However, Liverpool failed to take their opportunities, with arguably their best chance of the match on the horizon when Tierney’s whistle sounded.
      One minute of time had been added on at the end of the first half.
      But after 54 seconds, Tierney blew the whistle, just as Mane darted behind the Man Utd back-four between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof.

      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
      With the United defence ball-watching, Mane put his head down and raced in on David De Gea in the visiting goal.
      However, despite having six seconds left in first-half added time – more than enough time for Mane to take a touch and unleash an effort on goal – Tierney sounded the whistle.
      At half-time, Graeme Souness – speaking on Sky Sports – called it ‘frustrating’ for Liverpool.

      Elsewhere during Sunday’s broadcast, Man Utd fans were left in shock after Roy Keane dropped a bombshell.
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      Paul Tierney irked Liverpool fans after blowing the whistle at the worst possible momentCredit: EPA

      With Tottenham’s 3-1 win over Sheffield United in the books, all eyes turned to focus on Liverpool vs Man Utd.
      And in the build-up to the game, Keane admitted he grew up a Spurs fan.
      Keane revealed: “Growing up in Ireland, you were either a Man Utd or Liverpool fan… or Celtic.
      “Strangely enough, I supported Spurs. Not sure why, but I did.”
      Keane had already admitted his love of Spurs as a kid in his 2002 autobiography.
      And he repeated it at a charity event in 2015, where he claimed he had a ‘soft spot’ for Tottenham.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd’s draw with Liverpool at Anfield More

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      Raging Sir Alex Ferguson ‘battered ex-Man Utd star Gary Pallister round the head’ after scoring TWICE against Liverpool

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      RAGING Sir Alex Ferguson ‘battered’ Gary Pallister after scoring twice against Liverpool – for accidentally leaking state secrets.
      During the 1996-97 season, Manchester United started to take their set-piece tactics more seriously after some advice from the ARMY.

      Pallister took a whack to the head after scoring twice from set pieces in a 3-1 win at Anfield in 1997Credit: Allsport

      Ferguson lost his cool after Pallister revealed United’s newest secret during an interviewCredit: PA:Press Association

      In the week ahead of a top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool, Fergie kept his players late after training to work on corners and free-kicks, with David Beckham’s right foot given an almighty workout.
      And United reaped the rewards, with Pallister scoring two goals – the only time he ever managed the feat in a single game – in a 3-1 win at Anfield.
      But Pallister has told SunSport he took a blow to the head for his troubles, for revealing United’s secret ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      In an interview with Dream Team, Pallister revealed: “[Man Utd vs Liverpool was] the only time I ever scored two goals in a game.
      “We very rarely did set pieces. The manager had a letter from an ex-army major, talking about decoys, saying we should incorporate them into our set pieces.
      “So we spent the week before we played Liverpool after training doing set pieces.
      “Becks was taking the corners, he put it on a sixpence.

      “We go to Liverpool, I think we were first and second, and we scored two from set pieces and it was probably the game that decided the title that season.”
      LIVERPOOL VS MAN UTD: GET 40/1 ON A PENALTY FOR EITHER TEAM

      Pallister was the hero as Man Utd all-but won the title at Anfield in 1996-97Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Despite his heroics, Pallister got a ‘rollicking’ from Fergie for giving away their secret weapon in the run-up to their massive Champions League semi-final second-leg with Borussia Dortmund.
      Pallister added: “We were playing Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the Champions League on the Wednesday.
      “So I’m in the dressing room celebrating, the gaffer’s gone out to do an interview, where unbeknown to me they ask him about the set pieces.
      “He said it was just something off the cuff, so I’m oblivious to all this.
      “The next thing I get the knock to go out and have a chat with the cameras and talk about the game.
      “I’m thinking too right I will, so I’m going out there full of beans and it’s ‘yeah Palli, talk us through the goals’.”

      Man Utd would go on to win the Premier League in 1996-97Credit: Action Images

      Man Utd crashed out of the Champions League at the expense of Borussia Dortmund just days after their win over LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Pallister – who’s tipping Sunday’s game to be a 1-1 draw – continued: “So I’ve said it’s something we’ve been working on all week.
      “I’ve done that and I’ve come back in the dressing room and the manager’s battered me across the back of the head, going apoplectic with rage.
      “He was like ‘what are you doing telling Borussia Dortmund we’ve been working on set pieces all week’.
      “You can’t do right for doing wrong…. I scored two goals at Anfield to help us win the league, and still got a rollicking.”
      United would go on to lose 1-0 to Dortmund in Germany, crashing out of the Champions League in the semi-final stage 2-0 on aggregate.
      Liverpool host Man Utd in Sunday’s monumental Premier League six-pointer, with kick-off 4.30pm.
      The Reds then head to Old Trafford a week later to fight for a spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

      Solskjaer says he is excited as Man Utd prepare to play against Liverpool at Anfield More