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      Man Utd’s No7 shirt curse was too big for Sanchez, but can Cavani fill the boots of Best, Beckham, Ronaldo and Cantona?

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      EDINSON CAVANI has joined Manchester United on a deadline day free transfer.
      The Red Devils, after failing to land top target Jadon Sancho, are expected to hand the veteran Uruguayan, 33, striker their once-hallowed No 7 shirt.

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      Edinson Cavani is expected to be Manchester United’s new No 7 after signing on deadline dayCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Cavani succeeds Alexis Sanchez as Man Utds new No 7Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Cavani – who left Paris-Saint Germain on a free transfer this summer – follows in the footsteps of Old Trafford greats like George Best, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      But that has not proven a good omen in recent years with the likes of Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez crumbling under the pressure of its history.
      For 50 years, the club’s icons bore that shirt with pride, and did it justice.
      But since Ronaldo donned it for the final time in 2009, no one has dealt with the burden of expectation.

      Here, SunSport takes a look back at the superstars to wear the hallowed shirt — and the sharp decline in success – starting with the two recent flops.

      ALEXIS SANCHEZ, 2018 TO PRESENT

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      Credit: Getty ImagesAlexis Sanchez failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford

      Success at United

      Appearances – 45
      Goals – 5
      No trophies

      After four glorious seasons with Arsenal, Chilean star Sanchez appeared to be a no-brainer when United added him to their ranks for £32m.

      And Robin Van Persie had previously shown that he could adapt from a move from North London.
      However, Sanchez has been a major disappointment – a shadow of the player who ripped defences apart at the Emirates Stadium.
      Just five goals in 45 appearances, he is deemed surplus to requirements – shipped out to Inter Milan on loan this season.
      MEMPHIS DEPAY, 2015-16

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      Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Memphis Depay suffered curse of the Manchester United No7 shirt

      Success at United

      Appearances – 53
      Goals – 7
      No trophies

      Memphis was immediately handed the No7 jersey by Louis van Gaal after signing for £25MILLION from PSV.
      But, despite the hype surrounding his arrival, it was just constant disappointment for the Dutchman, and he left to join Lyon on loan after 12 months, which soon became a permanent deal.
      Depay has rediscovered his form with the French giants, scoring 53 times in 134 games from the wing.
      It’s a better return than the seven in 53 he managed with United.
      GEORGE BEST, 1963-74

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      Credit: Getty Images
      George Best celebrates his goal against Benfica in 1968 European Cup final

      Success at United

      Appearances — 474 Goals — 181First Division (2) — 1964-65, 1966-67European Cup — 1968Football Writers’ Player of the Year — 1968Ballon d’Or — 1968Ballon d’Or third place — 1971

      In an era where shirt numbers were not assigned, Best donned it in 141 of his 474 games.
      In 1966, he wore it in what is generally considered his greatest-ever performance, netting twice as United battered the great Benfica 5-1 in Lisbon — and against the  same opponents in the European Cup final two years later.
      Best is considered by many the most naturally gifted footballer to have come out of Britain.
      BRYAN ROBSON — 1981-94

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      Credit: Getty Images
      ‘Captain Marvel’ Bryan Robson was always there when Manchester United needed him

      Success at United

      Appearances — 461 Goals — 99Premier League (2) — 1992-93, 1993-94FA Cup (4) — 1982-83, 1984-85, 1989-90League Cup — 1991-92European Cup Winners’ Cup — 1990-91European Super Cup — 1991

      Immediately picked up the No.7 shirt, despite Steve Coppell still being at the club.
      ‘Captain Marvel’ was unlucky to play in a United side which failed to challenge for the title during the 1980s — and is the club’s longest-serving captain, who won 90 England caps.
      A leader whose influence was apparent as his two goals famously helped the Red Devils overturn a 2-0 deficit against Barcelona in one of Old Trafford’s most glorious nights in 1984.
      ERIC CANTONA — 1992-97

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      Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Eric Cantona was the catalyst for Manchester United success in 1990s

      Success at United

      Appearances — 185
      Goals — 93Premier League (4) — 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97FA Cup (2) — 1993-94, 1995-96PFA Players’ Player of the Year — 1993-94Football Writers’ Player of the Year — 1995-96Ballon d’Or third place — 1993

      First player to be officially assigned the No7 shirt.
      Cantona was the catalyst, who helped transform United from nearly men to Premier League champions.
      He won the title in four of his five seasons at the club — and the only time he failed to was when he was banned for eight months for kung-fu kicking a Crystal Palace fan.
      DAVID BECKHAM — 1992-03

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      David Beckham graduated from No28 to No7Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Success at United

      Appearances — 394Goals — 85Premier League (6) — 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03FA Cup (2) — 1995-96, 1998-99Champions League — 1998-99Intercontinental Cup — 1999Ballon d’Or runner up — 1999Fifa World Player of the Year runner up — 1999, 2001

      An academy graduate who started off as No28, before moving up through the No.24, No.10 and eventually No.7 shirt when Cantona left.
      Beckham provided vital assists in the Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in 1999 as United completed an incredible Treble.
      He wore the shirt during his peak years at the club and established himself as the best set-piece taker in world football.
      CRISTIANO RONALDO — 2003-09

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      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo was handed No.7 shirt at age of 18 and thrived in it

      Success at United

      Appearances — 292 Goals — 118Premier League (3) — 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09FA Cup — 2003-04League Cup (2) — 2005-06, 2008-09Champions League — 2007-08Fifa Club World Cup — 2008Ballon d’Or — 2008Fifa World Player of the Year — 2008Football Writers’ Player of the Year (2) — 2006-07, 2007-08PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2) — 2006-07, 2007-08PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year award — 2006-07Ballon d’Or runner up — 2007, 2009Fifa World Player of the Year runner-up — 2007, 2009

      Replaced Beckham and, at the tender of age of 18, was handed the most prestigious shirt at the club.
      But Ronaldo thrived under the pressure and went from strength-to-strength.
      Won a trophy in all but one season and became United’s fourth Ballon d’Or winner.

      MICHAEL OWEN — 2009-12

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      Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Michael Owen wasn’t the worst player, but never justified No.7 shirt

      Success at United

      Appearances — 52 Goals — 17Premier League — 2010-11League Cup — 2009-10

      In the whole of world football, only Lionel Messi would have been fit to fill the huge chasm left behind by Ronaldo in 2009.
      Injury-prone Owen was nearly 30, had just been released by recently-relegated Newcastle and was only signed as back-up after United had missed out on Karim Benzema.
      Highs included a last-gasp derby winner, League Cup final goal and Champions League hat-trick, but never came close to doing the No.7 shirt justice.
      ANTONIO VALENCIA — 2009-19 (No7 for 2012-13 season)

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      Credit: Getty Images
      Antonio Valencia reverted back to No.25 after poor season with No.7 shirt

      Success at United

      Appearances — 339 Goals — 25Premier League (2) — 2010-11, 2012-13FA Cup — 2015-16League Cup (2) — 2009-10, 2016-17
      Europa League – 2016-17

      United’s 2011-12 Player of the Year was then handed the No7 shirt after three seasons wearing the No25 — and it was again worn by a right-winger.
      However, while Sir Alex Ferguson led his men to a 13th title, Valencia endured without doubt his worst seasons at the club.
      At the end of the campaign, he requested the No25 shirt again and there was no No7 during David Moyes’ reign.
      ANGEL DI MARIA — 2014-15

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      Credit: Getty Images
      Despite his staggering fee, it was a disastrous spell in Manchester for Angel Di Maria

      Success at United

      Appearances — 32Goals — 4

      United and English football’s then record signing at £59.1million.
      Di Maria arrived from Real Madrid after a man of the match performance in the Champions League final, and initially looked a good signing.
      But his form dipped drastically, and he became a liability. Sold to Paris Saint-Germain after just one season for £44m.

      Man Utd and Jadon Sancho ‘agree five-year £350,000-a-week deal’ over £110m transfer from Borussia Dortmund More

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      How Man Utd could line-up with Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles with Solskjaer planning defensive overhaul

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      EDINSON CAVANI and Alex Telles are in line to start for Manchester United against Newcastle after the international break.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could select the two players in his starting XI to face the Magpies on October 17 following their 6-1 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday.

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      This is how Manchester United could start against Newcastle in the first back after the international break

      The United defence have been heavily criticised after shipping in six goals at Old Trafford, with four of those strikes coming in the first half.
      And the Red Devils cannot rely on Anthony Martial for the trip to St James’ Park after he was sent off for a slap on Erik Lamela.
      Despite conceding 11 goals in three Premier League games, David de Gea will likely keep his place between the sticks for the match against Newcastle.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka will retain his spot at right-back with the England international having no competition for his place.

      Solskjaer has no choice but to keep his faith in skipper Harry Maguire at the back.
      Swedish international Victor Lindelof could potentially be recalled to the side after Eric Bailly’s horror display against Spurs.
      Shaw could find himself out of the team following the signing of Alex Telles, who has joined from Porto on an initial four-year deal.
      With Solskjaer still yet to start Donny van de Beek, he could opt for a midfield pairing once again of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

      Bruno Fernandes will surely feature in the No10 role, with Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford to be deployed on the flanks.
      With Martial suspended, Cavani will likely lead the line in what would be his first game since March 11.
      The 33-year-old hasn’t played a match since starting in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

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      Man Utd sign Porto left back Alex Telles More

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      Everton in transfer move for Man Utd’s Sergio Romero or Tottenham ace Paulo Gazzaniga to challenge Jordan Pickford

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      EVERTON have reportedly made contact with Manchester United and Tottenham about signing Sergio Romero and Paulo Gazzaniga.
      Toffees stopper Jordan Pickford’s form has been shaky since the beginning of last season and the Merseysiders are looking to bring someone in to challenge him.

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      Everton have made contact with Man Utd about signing Sergio RomeroCredit: Rex Features

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      The Toffees have also held talks with Tottenham about Paulo GazzanigaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Romero, 33, has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford after Dean Henderson returned from Sheffield United to fight for the No 1 jersey with David De Gea.
      And Spurs recruited Joe Hart as backup to Hugo Lloris this summer which could reduce Gazzaniga’s game time.
      Everton are seeking a loan move for either man but both Tottenham and United want permanent deals, according to the Times.

      But they will have to act fast after their bitter rivals Liverpool also made contact with Spurs about Gazzaniga.
      The Toffees are also keen on Roma stopper Pau Lopez, according to several European outlets – including SportsLens.
      The Spaniard, 25, spent the 2016-17 season on loan with Tottenham but did not make a single Premier League appearance.
      Romero wants out and Pickford is under fire following his double cock-up in Everton’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Fleetwood last Wednesday, although boss Ancelotti defended him.

      It is the latest in a number of mistakes the England goalkeeper, 26, has made in the last 12 months.

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      Everton are looking for someone to challenge Jordan PickfordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The Merseysiders have also been linked with Pau LopezCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Aston Villa showed interest in Romero before manager Dean Smith snapped up Emiliano Martinez for an initial £17million from Arsenal.
      Valencia and AC Milan are also understood to have made checks on the United goalkeeper.
      Romero could command a fee of as much as £6m as he has just a year left on his Old Trafford deal. 
      He was upset with United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer overlooking him for both the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea and Europa League semi-final loss to Sevilla last season.
      That prompted Romero — on wages of £70,000 a week — to look for another club as he hunts for  the chance to play regular first-team football.
      Everton made Norwich’s Ben Godfrey their fifth signing of the transfer window earlier today.
      The centre-back follows James Rodriguez, Niels Nkounkou, Allan, and Abdoulaye Doucoure through the door at Goodison.

      Everton sign Ben Godfrey in £25m transfer from Norwich More

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      Man Utd blow with Anthony Martial set to miss Chelsea AND Arsenal clashes after violent conduct red card against Spurs

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a huge blow with Anthony Martial set to miss Premier League games against Chelsea AND Arsenal.
      The French forward, 24, was given his marching orders after just 28 minutes of his side’s 6-1 mauling at home to Tottenham.

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      Anthony Martial could be banned for three matches after lashing out at Erik LamelaCredit: Sky Sports

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      Martial reacted poorly to being elbowed by Lamela in the 28th minuteCredit: Sky Sports

      During a tussle, Erik Lamela appeared to elbow Martial in the face.
      The Frenchman retaliated with a tame slap to the Argentine’s throat.
      But should Martial be charged with violent conduct, he will likely miss three domestic matches.
      With the international break coming up, Martial’s ban could therefore run into NOVEMBER.

      First up, Martial would miss the trip to Newcastle on October 17.
      The striker would then be ruled out of United’s home clash with Chelsea on October 24.
      Man Utd are then due to take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on November 1.
      In that run, United have two Champions League games – against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.

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      Martial was sent off for hitting out at Lamela in the 6-1 loss at home to SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the former Monaco man will be allowed to take part in those games, with his ban purely domestic.
      Providing the ban isn’t extended – or overturned – Martial is likely to be available to return for the trip to league leaders Everton on November 7.
      Following the international break, United could be tempted to throw new-boy Edinson Cavani straight into the starting XI to replace Martial.
      The Uruguyan legend, 33, is currently undergoing his medical ahead of a two-year free transfer worth £200,000 a week.
      Cavani would likely start up front with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood on the wings.
      Solskjaer is yet to sign a new winger, with Jadon Sancho’s move collapsing.
      However, the United boss is keen to sign Barcelona’s injury-prone Ousmane Dembele on loan for the season.

      Darren Ambrose says Edinson Cavani is a clever signing from Man Utd More

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      Amad Traore shock Man Utd transfer target as race to get deal over line before Brexit in pipeline with Arsenal also keen

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      MANCHESTER UNITED lawyers are still hoping to secure a deal for Atalanta wonderkid Amad Traore.
      And if they can’t do that before the window closes tonight they are working on a back-up plan to ensure he is signed before Brexit rules block young talent coming into the UK on January 1.

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      Man Utd are in a race against the clock to sign Atalanta wonderkid Adam TraoreCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Traore, 18, has been compared to Lionel Messi by his club’s La Liga skipper Papu Gomez.
      Gomez said: “There are defenders in the first team that sometimes cannot stop him.
      “To stop him in training, we have to kick him!
      “He plays like Messi.”

      The problem with Traore is that he was born in the Ivory Coast then moved to Italy when he was aged around ten and does not have an Italian passport.
      Man Utd are keen to get a deal done now given that next year he would need a work permit to join – and he has no international caps.
      Traore has played only three Serie A games so far and United are desperate to beg him with Manchester City, Arsenal and Juventus circling.
      Meanwhile, Man Utd have told Jadon Sancho ‘we haven’t given up on you’ despite failing to get a deal over the line for the England winger.

      The Red Devils finally gave up on getting the Borussia Dortmund star at the weekend as the Bundesliga club refused to budge on their valuation.
      United had offered £70million up front rising to £100m – but Dortmund wanted more up front and £108m overall.
      While Sancho, 20, wanted the move, he did not want to force the deal by publicly announcing his desire to leave.
      A public transfer request could have jeopardised his relationship with Dortmund if the deal did not go through.
      He has told close pals that he is convinced he will still end up being a United player with a deal revived in the New Year.
      The club have made it clear to the player that they will not turn their back on the move despite the problems they have encountered with Dortmund this summer.
      But they simply do not believe that a 20-year-old player in the current financial climate is worth £108m.

      Transfer Deadline Day – catch up on all the biggest transfers from the summer More

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      Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles at Man Utd’s training ground for medicals ahead of sensational double transfer swoop

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      EDINSON CAVANI and Alex Telles are currently at Manchester United’s training ground undergoing their medicals ahead of a sensational double swoop.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to complete two deadline day deals with hours to spare.

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      Edinson Cavani is currently undergoing his medical at Man UtdCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Alex Telles is also going through his medical ahead of his £18m moveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Free agent Cavani, 33, is on the brink of signing a two-year deal having been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
      The Uruguayan legend is set to pocket £200,000 a week at Old Trafford – and will provide some depth to Solskjaer’s forward ranks.
      Telles, meanwhile, is an £18million arrival from Porto who will add some much-needed strength to the left-back position.
      The Portuguese star, 27, will put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

      Solskjaer had been eager to bolster his leaky defence and had been locked in negotiations with Porto over Telles’ fee.
      With just a year left on his contract in Portugal, United initially wanted to pay £12m for the player.
      But Porto held out for £18m and it appears United have caved into their demands.
      Solskjaer is believed to have pleaded with his board to find the cash to land his man.

      Telles’ attacking ability also attracted Solksjaer to make the move having scored 13 goals with 12 assists in 49 appearances last season.
      Meanwhile, Solskjaer is still hoping to add a right-winger to his squad this window.
      United have given up on signing top target Jadon Sancho this summer – but are poised to have another crack at Borussia Dortmund in January,
      For now, Solskjaer will take a gamble on injury-prone Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
      With deals for Cavani and Telles all-but concluded, Solskjaer can now commit his focus to the proposed loan deal for Dembele.

      Transfer Deadline Day – catch up on all the biggest transfers from the summer More

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      Man Utd tell Jadon Sancho ‘we haven’t given up on you’ as transfer looks to be over from Dortmund until January at least

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have told Jadon Sancho ‘we haven’t given up on you’ despite failing to get a deal over the line for the England winger.
      The Red Devils finally gave up on getting the Borussia Dortmund star at the weekend as the Bundesliga club refused to budge on their valuation.

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      Man Utd have told Sancho they haven’t given up on him and will hunt another transfer in JanuaryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      United had offered £70million up front rising to £100m – but Dortmund wanted more up front and £108m overall.
      While Sancho, 20, wanted the move, he did not want to force the deal by publicly announcing his desire to leave.
      A public transfer request could have jeopardised his relationship with Dortmund if the deal did not go through.
      He has told close pals that he is convinced he will still end up being a United player with a deal revived in the New Year.

      The club have made it clear to the player that they will not turn their back on the move despite the problems they have encountered with Dortmund this summer.
      But they simply do not believe that a 20-year-old player in the current financial climate is worth £108m.
      That is why they offered £70m with the further £30m based on future achievements.
      Meanwhile, Sancho has angered Dortmund officials after being spotted at Tammy Abraham’s birthday party.

      The winger missed Dortmund’s 4-0 win over Freiburg at the weekend due to ‘illness’.
      Sancho also missed the German Cup defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich and training.
      But he then joined Abraham and Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell in a gathering of about 20 friends and family.
      Piers Morgan slammed the England trio on Good Morning Britain, calling them “irresponsible”.

      Piers Morgan slams Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho for breaking Covid rules and tells Southgate to AXE England trio More

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      Gary Neville toasts Liverpool’s 7-2 drubbing at Aston Villa with a glass of wine… just hours after Man Utd lost 6-1

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      GARY NEVILLE had a dig at Jamie Carragher as he toasted Liverpool’s thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa on Twitter.
      First, the Manchester United legend uploading a snap of himself drinking a glass of red wine.

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      Gary Neville uploaded this hilarious snap to Twitter – seemingly toasting Liverpool’s crushing loss to Aston Villa

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      Gary Neville was loving watching his pal Jamie Carragher’s team losing

      Then he followed it with a grinning face in front of a TV… on which a shell-shocked Carra is speaking after the champions’ 7-2 loss.
      But the Sky Sports pundit probably needed the stiff drink after his former club Manchester United were thrashed 6-1 at home to Tottenham.
      Neville has enjoyed years of banter as a pundit alongside Liverpool legend Carragher after the pair hung up their boots.
      Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick, Jack Grealish a double, and further goals from John McGinn and new-boy Ross Barkley handed a thrashing to Jurgen Klopp’s champions.

      It was a day of incredible scorelines, as just minutes earlier Neville’s former club United were tonked by Tottenham.
      Mourinho enjoyed a stunning return to Old Trafford as Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son scored two apiece, with Tanguy Ndombele and Serge Aurier also netting.
      United’s misery was compounded by Anthony Martial getting a straight red on 28 minutes for slapping Spurs midfielder Erik Lamela.
      After the game defender Luke Shaw admitted the team ‘gave up’ when Martial was sent off, and said he was ’embarrassed’ to be on the pitch.

      United legend Gary Neville pulled no punches in a damning assessment, blasting the players as ‘spineless’ and ‘absolutely pathetic’.

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      Jamie Carragher won’t be happy when he sees his pal Gary Neville’s tweetCredit: Getty – Pool

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      Liverpool were shocked to the core by one of the Premier League’s most sensational of scorelinesCredit: Reuters

      The defending was calamitous and the lack of leadership was evident as former boss Jose Mourinho got one over on his former employers in emphatic style.
      Neville, who was analyisng the game on Sky Sports, was fuming at the manner of defeat and says there is ‘no excuse’ for that performance.
      The 45-year-old told Sky Sports: “I can’t believe we are where we are.
      “There’s no excuse for those players on that pitch because they were absolutely pathetic. Spineless in that second half.
      “I think these players expected to get help [in the transfer window] but they’ve not helped themselves.
      “City and Liverpool pulled away psychologically before the season even started.”

      The amazing players who won the Premier League title but missed out on a winners’ medal, including Gary Neville TWICE More