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    David Beckham’s Inter Miami approach former Man Utd team-mate Phil Neville about becoming MLS side’s manager

    INTER MIAMI owner David Beckham has approached former Manchester United team-mate Phil Neville about becoming the team’s new manager, according to reports.
    The England Lionesses boss, 43, revealed he would step down as national boss in July after this summer’s Euros.

    David Beckham is keen to land Phil Neville as Inter Miami boss, say reportsCredit: PA:Press Association

    Phil Neville will step down as England Lionesses boss in the summerCredit: PA:Press Association

    Dutch legend Sarina Wiegman will take over as Lionesses boss from the summer.
    And Beckham is keen to get Neville straight back into action by making him new boss of Inter Miami, according to Sky Sports.
    The report claims ‘preliminary discussions’ between the MLS side and Neville have taken place.
    Current boss Diego Alonso has been widely tipped to leave the club after his sole season in charge.

    Inter Miami finished tenth in the 14-team Eastern Conference last season, snatching the final playoffs play-in spot.
    Following the season’s return from the enforced coronavirus break, the club finished bottom of their ‘MLS is back’ group, thus ending their season.
    All in all, Inter Miami won just seven of their 23 matches, losing 13 times, putting Alonso’s future in jeopardy.
    Meanwhile, Neville led England to the 2019 World Cup semi-finals and helped his side win the SheBelieves Cup since taking over in 2018.

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    Beckham and Neville shared some of Man Utd’s best, most-trophy-laden yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Beckham wants Neville to take over as Inter Miami boss this yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Elsewhere, Inter Miami could be forced to change their name after losing a legal battle with Italian giants Inter Milan.
    Inter Milan are suing the American league for trademark infringement.
    The Italian side have claimed the term ‘Inter’ is synonymous with just them.
    In 2014, the club filed a trademark application with the United States Patent Trademark Office.
    According to AS, the Serie A side won the first round of the battle in court on Monday.
    Inter Miami are expected to make a final appeal to the USPTO to overturn the decision.
    But defeat would see Beckham’s club forced into a humiliating change of identity.
    Re-branding the entire club would cost Beckham and Co millions of dollars.

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    Man Utd will win the Premier League ahead of Liverpool, exclusive poll of fans reveals with City miles off pace

    MANCHESTER UNITED will win the Premier League this season, according to SunSport readers.
    Jurgen Klopp’s reigning champions had opened up a commanding lead atop the table just over two weeks ago after thumping Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park.

    SunSport readers reckon Man Utd are favourites to win the Premier League this season

    Man Utd are in a rich vein of form and will go top of the Premier League if they get at least a point from their game in handCredit: Reuters

    But the Reds are now winless in their last three games, having most-recently lost to Southampton on the back of draws with Newcastle and West Brom.
    Man Utd, meanwhile, have been in superb form, unbeaten in the league since their November 1 defeat at home to Arsenal.
    And now, they can go top of the league with just a point from their game with Burnley on January 12.
    And, Sun readers reckon United are now favourites for the title.

    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    We asked you to vote on who would win the league this season, with 34.31 per cent of 6,000 responses backing Man Utd.
    Liverpool earned 30.57 per cent of the fan vote, running United close despite their mounting injury crisis.
    Manchester City are way back in third with just 18.04 per cent of the vote, with Tottenham fourth (6.15 per cent).

    Leicester won 3.37 per cent of Sun readers’ vote, with ‘other clubs’ earning 7.56 per cent.
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    Liverpool are now winless in their last three Premier League gamesCredit: Reuters

    Of the chasing pack, Aston Villa, Southampton and Everton are closest to top spot, ahead of struggling ‘Big Six’ sides Arsenal and Chelsea.
    But for now, it appears to be a straight scrap between Liverpool and Man Utd, with the Red Devils chasing their first league title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2012-13.
    And the two North West giants will go toe-to-toe on January 17 at Anfield in a potentially decisive six-pointer.
    Klopp already kicked off the war of words by criticising Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side’s knack for winning penalties, 12 days before kick-off.
    Perhaps even more crucially, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to take on United very late in the season.
    The provisional date for the crunch clash is May 1, in gameweek 34 of 38.

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    Man Utd ace Diogo Dalot reveals ‘bittersweet’ AC Milan loan transfer and heartache over Old Trafford injury hell

    DIOGO DALOT has stated his loan switch to AC Milan from Manchester United was a ‘bittersweet feeling’ as he commented on his injury troubles at Old Trafford.
    The 21-year-old – who joined the Red Devils in 2018 for £19million from Porto – was limited to just 20 Premier League appearances for the club.

    Diogo Dalot has impressed on his loan spell at AC Milan from Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Injuries to his meniscus, hip and groin saw him miss over 30 matches, and he then struggled for form on his return to the side.
    And he fell down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season following the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and the emergence of academy graduate Brandon Williams.
    However the Portugal international has revealed he does not regret making the move to the Theatre of Dreams.
    Speaking to Record, he said: “Of course, the feeling is a little deeper, more because I didn’t have the time I liked physically.

    “I spent great moments at United. I played very important games for me and the team.
    “I left with a bit of a bittersweet feeling for not being physically available for all those games I lost due to injury.
    “But it is what it is. I wouldn’t change anything because what I learned was very important for my future and how I am now. 
    “I don’t regret it or look back with disappointment.”

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    Dalot has featured 11 times in all competitions for Milan this term – starting in all six of the club’s Europa League group stage matches.
    His performances have earned him rave reviews in Italy, leading to speculation the Rossoneri are planning to sign him permanently.
    However he has stated he isn’t thinking about his long-term future as he insisted he is only thinking about helping Milan win their first Scudetto title since 2011.
    He said: “It is always positive to see the feedback from Milan fans and the affection that United fans have for me. It’s fantastic to feel that.
    “But my focus is solely and exclusively on the present. ‘The gift is Milan and helping the club to fulfil its goals and mine.
    “It wouldn’t be professional to be otherwise.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    Solskjaer insists Man Utd are ready to shake off semi-final jinx ahead of EFL Cup showdown against Man City More

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    Hilarious moment Mike Tyson won over every Man Utd fan by revealing he’d never even heard of Man City

    MIKE TYSON won over every Manchester United fan in the world after revealing he’d never even heard of rivals City.
    The boxing legend, 54, was taking part in an interview with fierce City fan Ricky Hatton on The Clare Balding Present when he announced it.

    Mike Tyson struggled to believe Man City were a real team during a 2013 interview with Ricky Hatton and Clare Balding

    Tyson risked the wrath of Hatton after his comments about CityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Tyson famously posed in a Man Utd shirt during a 2000 training session in Las Vegas

    And now, ahead of the Manchester clubs going toe-to-toe in their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Tyson’s hilarious gaffe has gone viral again.
    In 2013, with Hatton talking about his family’s City roots, Tyson hilariously said: “Sorry to interrupt, what’s the difference between Manchester City and Manchester United?”
    Hatton and Balding quickly attempted to explain they’re two different clubs from the same city who are ‘sworn enemies’.
    A baffled Tyson continued: “I’ve been in Manchester for an extended time period and I’ve by no means heard of Manchester City.

    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    “This if the first time I’m hearing about Manchester City.”
    Tyson has previously been pictured holding a Man Utd shirt, most-famously while training in Las Vegas in 2000.
    That January, Tyson fought – and beat – Julius Francis at Manchester’s MEN Arena to take his career record to 47-3.

    The American boxer made his eagerly-anticipated comeback to the ring in November as he drew with fellow veteran Roy Jones Jr.
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    Tyson recently sparked speculation of a switch to MMA after being filmed sparring in the octagonCredit: Instagram

    Tyson also appears in the trailer for upcoming movie Desert StrikeCredit: YouTube/ONE Media

    And Tyson has confirmed he plans to step back into the ring again in 2021.
    During a recent Instagram Live with Patrick Mouratoglou, the Hall of Famer revealed he intends to take part in another exhibition later in the year.
    When asked if he’ll lace up his gloves again, Tyson replied: “Yeah, absolutely. It’ll be better this time.”
    Tyson, who retired from professional boxing in 2006, thoroughly enjoyed being back in the ring.
    He added: “It was interesting. I felt really good, I felt confident. I felt that I could do it again.”
    But Iron Mike has sparked rumours he could make a switch to MMA for his next fight after being filmed sparring in the octagon.
    Tyson has also been turning his hand to acting again and appeared alongside Game of Thrones star The Mountain in the incredible trailer for upcoming movie Desert Strike.

    Watch Mike Tyson pummel sparring partner in cage as boxing legend, 54, hints as sensational MMA switch More

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    Man Utd would win Prem title on points-per-game ahead of Liverpool and Man City if coronavirus lockdown stops football

    MANCHESTER UNITED would almost certainly be crowned Premier League champions if the season was called off due to coronavirus.
    The Red Devils haven’t won the top-flight since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2012-13.

    Man Utd sit top of the PL points per game standings at present

    Man Utd would be crowned champions if the season was to be ended todayCredit: AFP

    In fact, even grabbing a top-four spot has proved challenging since Fergie’s retirement.
    But incredibly, they’re in with a shot of clinching the title this season after a remarkable uptick in their form in recent months.
    United currently sit second in the table, level on points with reigning champions Liverpool – below them only on goal difference.
    However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have a game in hand – against Burnley on January 12.

    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    Even a point will see the Red Devils back on top of the Premier League.
    Liverpool slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Monday night, meaning they are now winless in their last three games.
    After thumping Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park, the Reds have drawn to struggling West Brom and Newcastle, before their Saints loss.

    Meanwhile, United are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games – last losing on November 1 in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
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    With rivals Liverpool and Manchester City both dropping points at regular intervals this season, United suddenly find themselves in a title race.
    In fact, they’re the best team in the league this season based on points per game.
    Man Utd are the only club to have earned over two points per game, at 2.06ppg this season.
    Liverpool (1.94) and Man City (1.93) sit second and third respectively, with Leicester (1.88), Tottenham and Everton (both 1.81) completing the top six.
    Should the season be called off, the points per game method would most likely be used to determine the final standings.
    And that’s not only good news for Man Utd, with City also massively benefiting.
    Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit fifth – OUTSIDE of the Champions League places.
    But under the points per game method, they will move up two places to third, shunting Leicester and Tottenham down a place – with Spurs missing out on a seat at Europe’s top table.
    Everton and Aston Villa would also both move up a place each, with Southampton sliding down two places to eighth.
    From ninth to 20th, there would incredibly be NO CHANGE in the standings, meaning Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United would be relegated.
    There is no suggestion of the league being axed at this stage, despite a number of clubs being hit by Covid-19 outbreaks including Newcastle, Fulham and Man City.
    Under the latest national lockdown, elite sport, including the Premier League, can continue.

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    Jurgen Klopp blasts ‘Man Utd had more penalties in two years than me in five-and-a-half’… but stats prove otherwise

    JURGEN KLOPP took a swipe at Manchester United’s uncanny ability to win penalties after Liverpool lost to Southampton on Monday night.
    The Premier League champions put in an appalling display as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at St Mary’s.

    Jurgen Klopp claimed United have won more penalties under Solskjaer than Liverpool under himself – but stats show he got his numbers wrongCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    United have won 27 penalties in just 75 PL games under Solskjaer, compared to Liverpool’s 30 pens in 199 games under KloppCredit: Getty – Pool

    Danny Ings scored a second-minute lob before Saints parked the bus and desperately clung on to the win, leaving boss Ralph Hasenhuttl in tears.
    Liverpool can consider themselves somewhat unlucky though after failing to be awarded a penalty on two separate occasions on the south coast.
    Sadio Mane was sent crashing to the ground under a clumsy challenge from Kyle Walker-Peters, while Jack Stephens blocked a Georginio Wijnaldum shot with his arms in an unnatural position.
    Despite a VAR review, the Reds failed to win a spot-kick.

    The defeat means fierce rivals Man Utd can go ahead of Liverpool with a win or even a draw in their game in hand against Burnley on January 12.
    The North-West duo then go head-to-head in a little under a fortnight in what could turn out to be a title six-pointer.
    And Klopp kicked-off the war of words early after the Southampton loss.
    The Kop chief roared: “Man Utd had more penalties in two years than me in five-and-a-half years… but no excuses for tonight.”

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    Liverpool wanted a penalty after Mane was brought down by Walker-PetersCredit: PA:Press Association

    Liverpool were also denied a penalty after Stephens appeared to handle Wijnaldum’s shotCredit: PA:Press Association

    However, despite Klopp’s claim, Man Utd have NOT won more penalties under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer than Liverpool under the German.
    Klopp took over at Anfield in October 2015, overseeing 199 Premier League games in that run.
    The Reds have won 30 spot-kicks under the former Borussia Dortmund chief.
    Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford – initially on a temporary basis – in December 2018.
    In a little over two years, the Norwegian has seen his side win 27 penalties in just 75 games.
    While Klopp has won more spot-kicks, the Liverpool boss is right that his side earn them far less frequently.
    Under the German, the Reds win 0.15 penalties per game, compared to United’s ridiculous rate of 0.36 per game – more than double their rivals’ total.

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    Solskjaer insists Man Utd are ready to shake off semi-final jinx ahead of EFL Cup showdown against City

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER insists Manchester United are ready to shake off their semi-final jinx.
    The Red Devils lost in three last season including a two-legged EFL Cup tie with Manchester City.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Man Utd are ready to end their semi-final jinxCredit: Getty

    United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup last season by City in the semisCredit: Getty Images

    They face their neighbours again at the same stage of the competition tomorrow night but this time in a one-off game at Old Trafford.
    And Solskjaer said: “We’ve improved immensely in a year since that last semi and since we were in the Europa League semi in August.
    “We’ve earned the right to go all the way with our performances. We are confident with our form, so no excuses.
    “We have prepared well, the squad is focused and ready to give it a go.”

    It was last January when they went out to City over two legs then in July they lost 3-1 to Chelsea in the FA Cup last four and to Sevilla in the Europa League the following month one hurdle short of a final appearance.
    Just getting to those semi-finals showed how far Solskjaer had come with his team, but also how far they had to go.
    He knows from experience what it means for a side to take the next step and get to a final and hold a trophy.
    He said: “Of course, you play football to win trophies, to get your hands on a trophy.

    “For this team it would be a very, very big step, getting our hands on a trophy,
    “When you get to a semi you’ve done a lot of good work to get there and you play better and better opposition. But it’s about fine margins in those semi-finals as well.”
    United face a City side who destroyed Chelsea with their best performance of the season so far in winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
    Solskjaer believes they had benefited from their game away to Everton being called off due to Covid, giving them an extra few days of rest.
    He said: “With City against Chelsea, you could see the freshness and sharpness and intensity they had.
    “It was a quality game physically, one of the most intense games in the league this season.
    “And it’s no surprise there because they had a few extra days to prepare.”
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    When United hosted City in the league on December 12 it was a dull goalless cagey affair.
    For Solskjaer it was evidence of the level of respect they had for each other.
    “But he also believes there has been a change of style from City who he thinks sit back and counter attack more now.
    He said:“They were not as possession based against Chelsea, more counter attacking, we’ve got to be aware of that.”
    It will be United’s first game since a new national lockdown was announced and Solskjaer says it is important that football keeps going to give people some relief at these difficult times.
    He said: “Since March of last year until now, it has been a testing time for everyone.
    “We are privileged to play football under protocols and hopefully we can continue.
    “Mentally for many it is a release to watch games now we are in full lockdown again, hopefully we can continue, but we have to work hard to stay in the guidelines and keep the show on the road.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    Man Utd ‘willing to let Paul Pogba leave on a player-swap transfer with Juventus but NOT Aaron Ramsey or Douglas Costa’

    REPORTS in Italy claim Manchester United are willing to let Paul Pogba leave in a player-swap deal with Juventus – but not for Aaron Ramsey or Douglas Costa.
    The Frenchman returned to Old Trafford in 2016 from the Italian side but has been linked numerous times with a move back.

    Man Utd are reportedly willing to discuss a player-plus-cash deal for Paul Pogba Credit: Getty

    The Red Devils have no interest in Aaron RamseyCredit: Alamy Live News

    Pogba has just 18 months remaining on his current contract and his second spell at the Theatre of Dreams looks to be coming to a certain end.
    His agent Mino Raiola declared last month that the midfielder, 27, wants to leave Old Trafford for pastures new.
    European giants including old side Juventus and Spanish champions Real Madrid are known to be keen.
    The Serie A outfit are believed to be Pogba’s No1 choice of his destination, but their signing of Federico Chiesa means they must look for alternatives rather than a straight-up money offer.

    Reports have emerged of a player-plus-cash deal being offered by them to United.
    That is something the Premier League side are believed to be open to with Calciomercato claiming both Ramsey and Costa, currently on-loan at Bayern Munich, were being mentioned as possible names involved.
    However, they state neither player ‘is a priority for United in the Pogba affair’.
    And Juve are also reluctant to include either in any package as they ‘are not considered capable of significantly varying the economic balance’ of the transfer.

    Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes believes Pogba has a huge role to play as United chase glory on four fronts their term.
    He had a hand in the Red Devils’ opener against Villa, then also won the  penalty which Fernandes scored to secure the points to move them second in the table on New Year’s Day.
    The Portuguese international said: “I think Paul was top on Friday night. We know all the qualities he has. That is not in doubt.
    “We know he can play, we know he can help us and he was involved in both goals. For the first, he shows very good skill.
    “He will give more and more and more with the confidence coming game after game.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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