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    How Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Dean Henderson compare and who do stats reveal should be England’s No1

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has a goalkeeping selection headache on his hands ahead of England’s Nations League games.
    The Three Lions boss has stuck with Jordan Pickford since the start of the 2018 World Cup but stats revealed today by SunSport show a change might be in order.

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    Premier League 2019-20 stats
    Burnley’s Nick Pope and Manchester United’s Dean Henderson – are the Everton stopper’s two main threats.
    All three keepers were selected for England’s Nations League squad for the upcoming games against Iceland and Denmark.
    And pressure is on Southgate to give someone else a shot between the sticks.
    Pope, 28, was runner up in last season’s Premier League Golden Glove award with 15 clean sheets, just one behind the winner – Manchester City’s Ederson.

    Henderson was two behind with 13 while Pickford only managed nine shut outs.
    Pickford and Pope played all 38 Premier League games during 2019-20 campaign with Henderson playing 36.
    And the under pressure Toffees keeper also conceded the most goals of the trio with 56 getting past him against Pope’s 50 and Henderson’s mere 33.
    The stats only get worse for 26-year-old Pickford whose 94 saves from 150 shots on target faced give him the lowest save percentage of the three at 62.7 per cent.

    Henderson tops the table with an impressive 74.2 per cent – four per cent higher than Pope’s 70.2.
    And perhaps the most damning stat for Pickford is the errors leading to shots or goals column.
    The Sunderland born keeper made six mistakes that put his club in trouble last season while Henderson was the safest option while on loan at Sheffield United with just one.
    His solitary blunder at home to Liverpool handed the champions a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane last September.
    Another stat that puts Pickford bottom of the pile is one that could be key to England – penalties.
    Pickford’s finest moment in an England shirt was of course his penalty shootout performance during the Three Lions’ World Cup last-16 victory over Colombia in 2018.

    Gareth Southgate has picked the best three keepers on ability alone although they can all still improve with technique changes.Pickford has done well for England but club form has dipped while Pope has been in top form l still feel he will go with Pickford @England
    — Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) September 4, 2020

    But his record against spot-kicks in last season’s Prem was nowhere near as impressive.
    Having faced four, he failed to save a single one as three went in and one was missed by the taker.
    Henderson again takes the title on this one having let in just one of the three that were taken against him.
    The 23-year-old managed to save one – the same amount as Pope – while one was missed by the taker.
    While Burnley’s stopper let in the other four spot-kicks against him.
    The upcoming games will be the ultimate test of Southgate’s loyalty to Pickford – especially with the Euros approaching next summer.

    But the numbers suggest it is time for a change.
    Reports on Wednesday suggested Southate will axe Pickford for Pope.
    And you sense with Pope having more Premier League experience than Henderson and his edge on the stats that matter, it might be time for Burnley’s main man to get the nod for his country.

    Former England star Aaron Lennon completes free transfer to Turkish side Kayserispor More

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    Alexis Sanchez reveals he wanted to QUIT Man Utd transfer and return to Arsenal after his FIRST training session

    MANCHESTER UNITED flop Alexis Sanchez has revealed he wanted to leave and return to Arsenal after his FIRST training session.
    The Chilean striker moved to Old Trafford in January 2018, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way.

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    Manchester United flop Alexis Sanchez instantly regretted leaving ArsenalCredit: Getty – Contributor
    But neither player managed to establish themselves at their respective new clubs.
    Big things were expected of Sanchez when he signed his £505,000-a-week contract for United.
    But that saw a miserable return of just five goals in 45 appearances in all competitions before he was shipped off on loan to Inter Milan.
    Now, speaking to Pelotoros TV, the 31-year-old has revealed he felt instant regret after joining United.

    He said: “After the first training session I had at Manchester United I realized many things.
    “And when I got back home I told my agent if I could cancel the contract and go back to Arsenal.”
    Sanchez ended up joining Inter permanently this summer, but he has failed to replicate his decent scorring record at Arsenal, managing just five goals in 30 games.
    He netted 80 times in 166 games in all competitions for the Gunners.

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    Big things were expected of Sanchez at United – but it all went horribly wrongCredit: Getty – Contributor

    After agreeing his move to Inter, Sanchez took a dig at his former employers United.
    He said: “I’m really happy to be staying here with you, Inter fans.
    “I’ve found a family here and the staff are great.
    “It’s a group where there’s a real desire to win something big.
    “People here want to fight together as a team to give the club the success it deserves.”
    He is believed to have got a £9m pay-off to get his £505,000-a-week wages off the books.

    Alexis Sanchez says he is happy to be staying at Inter Milan More

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    Man Utd may have to settle for Sergio Reguilon loan transfer despite tabling £27m bid for Real Madrid star

    MANCHESTER UNITED may have to settle for signing Sergio Reguilon on-loan from Real Madrid despite making a £27million offer for him.
    The 23-year-old has emerged as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top target to fill in at left-back.

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    Manchester United could only end up with Sergio Reguilon on-loan transfer despite bidding £27m for himCredit: Getty Images
    The Spaniard was believed to be free to leave the Bernabeu this summer after an impressive season-long loan at Sevilla.
    Reguilon, 23, is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane.
    Despite interest from Tottenham, Paris-Saint Germain, Napoli and Juventus, United are believed to be the only side to have tabled an offer.
    That £27m bid was made this week – but they may only land the star for 12 months initially.

    Reguilon is still under contract until 2023 and highly-rated by club Bernabeu chiefs after coming through the club’s academy.
    And even though Zidane may be happy to sell in order to raise transfer funds, Madrid’s top brass could opt to only loan him out instead, claims Sport.
    The defender is open to spending another year at Sevilla and is believed to be hopeful that a change of manager before his deal expires could still result in him being handed an opportunity in the future at Real.
    That leaves United waiting on both Madrid and the full-back to make a decision.

    Solskjaer secured his first signing of the summer this week with the £39m arrival of Donny van de Beek for Ajax.

    Now he hopes to add Reguilon to his ranks over the coming days as he continues his Old Trafford overhaul.
    Solskjaer is keen to bolster his options at left-back and provide competition for places.
    Luke Shaw remains injury prone while Brandon Williams is regarded as one for the future after his breakthrough campaign.

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    Sergio Reguilon ‘tempted’ by Man Utd’s ‘very interesting transfer offer’ as they lead race for £27m Real Madrid defender

    REAL MADRID left-back Sergio Reguilon is reportedly tempted by a transfer to Manchester United.
    The Red Devils are said to be plotting a move for the £27million rated 23-year-old.

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    Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon is ‘tempted’ by a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP or licensors
    And the out of favour star is keen on the switch, according to Spanish outlet AS.
    The Spanish defender is free to leave the Bernabeu this summer after a season-long loan at Sevilla.
    And Zinedine Zidane does not think he is ready for a place in his squad.
    Reguilon is behind Ferland Mendy and Marcelo in the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

    That is despite his hugely impressive campaign where he helped Sevilla to Europa League glory.
    United are now ready to take advantage of his situation, according to Marca.
    They say Real Madrid would be willing to let him leave should they receive an offer in the region of £22m.
    But AS put his value at around the £27m mark.

    Chelsea were interested at one stage but instead opted for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell in a £50m deal.
    Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bolster his options at left-back and provide competition for places.
    Luke Shaw remains injury prone while Brandon Williams is regarded as one for the future after his breakthrough campaign.
    United are likely to face competition across Europe with Juventus and Inter Milan interested.

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    Estelle Bergkamp writes emotional tribute to Donny van de Beek after boyfriend completes £40m Man Utd transfer

    DENNIS BERGKAMP’S daughter Estelle has posted a loving tribute to boyfriend Donny van de Beek following his switch to Manchester United.
    The 23-year-old midfielder’s move from Ajax to the Red Devils was announced on Wednesday, with the player penning a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

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    Estelle Bergkamp has been dating Donny van de Beek since last summerCredit: Instagram / @estellebergkamp
    And he will be joined in England by his girlfriend Estelle, who will be returning to Blighty having been born in London.
    The 24-year-old – who has been dating the Dutch international since last summer – was quick to congratulate her beau on his new chapter.
    Captioning a photo of the two together on Instagram, Estelle said: “My love, I am so proud of you.
    “For everything you have achieved until now and for all that is to come.

    “I will always be by your side and will always support you for you to succeed at your best.
    “Can’t wait to go back to England with you and live our dream! All my love.”
    Van de Beek has already spoken of his announcement at joining United, as he said: “I cannot begin to explain how incredible an opportunity it is to join a club with such an amazing history.”
    Before adding: “Everyone has told me how amazing the Old Trafford atmosphere is and I am looking forward to experiencing that, once it is safe for the fans to return.

    View this post on Instagram

    📷
    A post shared by Estelle Bergkamp (@estellebergkamp) on Jul 28, 2020 at 11:32am PDT

    “This team has some of the best midfielders in the world and I know that I can learn from them and also bring my own strengths to the group.
    “Having spoken to the manager about his vision for this team, the direction that the club is going in is hugely exciting and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”
    Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar has urged his former employers to take care of the player, leaving United supporters begging for him to be hired.

    View this post on Instagram

    ❤️
    A post shared by Estelle Bergkamp (@estellebergkamp) on Sep 16, 2019 at 9:10am PDT

    Man Utd announce Donny van de Beek transfer as Dutchman arrives in £39m deal More

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    Man Utd fans beg the Glazers to hire Edwin van der Sar after classy open letter about Donny van de Beek transfer

    EDWIN VAN DER SAR has delighted Manchester United fans with his classy open letter after the club signed Donny van de Beek from Ajax.
    The former Red Devils goalkeeper – who now works as the Dutch outfit’s CEO – urged the supporters to look after him following his £39million switch.

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    Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar has urged Manchester United fans to take care of Donny van de BeekCredit: Getty – Contributor

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    Dutch midfielder Van de Beek, 23, was announced as a Red Devils player on WednesdayCredit: Instagram @manchesterunited

    Van der Sar took to Twitter after the 23-year-old’s transfer was announced, with supporters urging United to subsequently hire him.
    He said: “Dear Manchester United fans, I hope you’re doing well. It seems our paths have crossed again. One of ours is joining you this season.
    “And like so many players before him, he’s been with us since he was just a little boy. Shortly after his debut, he became one of our best.
    “Especially the last couple of years were amazing. From the Europa League final (no hard feelings) to our Champions League run and winning the Dutch championship.

    “The team he was part of showed the world who we are and what Ajax stand for.
    “Like you, we pride ourselves on being one of the best at developing talent and giving young players a shot at the highest level. You could say your new star is the embodiment of that pride.
    “That’s one of the many reasons we don’t like to see him leave, but we understand it’s time for him to move on. To dream on.
    VAN DER STAR
    “And where better to do so than in your theatre. Trust me, I know.

    “Please take good care of Donny, and help him dream. Enjoy the future.”
    United assistant manager Mike Phelan was quick to reply to Van der Sar, as he tweeted: “He’s in good hands Ed. Two clubs with kindred spirits in looking after, developing and improving their own.”
    Fans also begged their owners to hire the 49-year-old, as one commented: “Please Glazers please appoint him, I’m on my knees!”
    Another said: “Please come back as our D.o.F please….. we love you so much.”
    A third added: “Edwin It’s time for you to start a new dream and come back to the biggest club in England arguably the world we miss you.

    “Yes I know the Glazers will be frustrating but you will be backed by the fans in 100%. Please @ManUtd and @vdsar1970 get this done.”
    One then stated: “Class as always Edwin. Join us pls as a director of football in this Amazing Journey. You can then care for the little boy even more.”
    Another then messaged: “We all hope our paths will cross again in the future, with you as the CEO of Man United.” More

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    Jesse Lingard looks shredded in gruelling gym workout as Man Utd ace prepares for new season with future up in air

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Jesse Lingard is in ripped condition ahead of the new football season.
    The 27-year-old uploaded a series of clips to his Instagram Stories showing off his gym session.

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    Jesse Lingard showed off his terrific physique during the home workout

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    The Manchester United man has been keeping up his fitness levels this summer
    And while Lingard continues to get in tip-top condition for the season – it might be for the benefit of a new club.
    The midfielder has been linked with a move to Newcastle and Italian giants Roma this summer.
    Lingard struggled for game time post-lockdown, featuring just twice from the bench in the Premier League.
    But the England international did manage to end his long goal drought, netting his first top-flight goal since December 2018 in the last-day 2-0 victory over Leicester City.

    With just a year remaining on his £100,000-a-week contract, Lingard reportedly accepts that he could be one of a number of summer outgoings.
    Especially as United are continuing to be linked with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.
    And of course they are close to completing the £40million signing of Donny Van De Beek from Ajax – another midfielder.

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    Jesse Lingard could be leaving Manchester United this summerCredit: EPA

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    Lingard has been bulking up at home

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    The 27-year-old then enjoyed some recuperation in the bath

    United’s No14 Lingard has been candid over his loss of form, as well as revealing his determination to get back to his best.
    He posted on Instagram: “This season has been difficult for so many reasons.
    “I lost who I was as a player and person, but I never wanted to give up.
    “I knew who I really was on and off the pitch and knew that having been there before I could get there again.
    “This meant working harder than I’d ever done before and trusting in those around me that they knew how to best help me achieve that.
    “I know the fans have been frustrated but in all this time my love for this club and everyone connected to it has never left me.
    “This team, this club is my family and I will continue to keep working harder than ever to help this team achieve its goals.”

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