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      Paul Pogba’s Man Utd revival comes after working hard with ex-Old Trafford ace Darren Fletcher in new coaching role

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      THERE was a satisfied smile on the Manchester United bench as Paul Pogba bagged another winner at Fulham.
      Darren Fletcher was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted stalwarts for ten years — and is now hardening up the next generation of stars.

      Paul Pogba starred in Manchester United’s win over FulhamCredit: PA:Press Association

      Darren Fletcher has returned to Old Trafford and is working with the midfielderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Scotland midfielder spent 20 years at Old Trafford and was dependable, solid, hard-working and clever.
      At the start of this month United announced the 36-year-old had been promoted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff, to help bring his extensive knowledge to the first team.
      This was after just three months back at United, where he had been helping the youth teams and learning his trade.
      Since starting his new role, he has worked with Pogba and United’s other midfielders to push their game to the next level.

      And it is already reaping rewards, with Pog hitting the winners at Fulham and Burnley — and he also fluffed a late chance to snatch victory at rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
      Fletcher is helping the 27-year-old French World Cup winner improve the defensive side of his game.
      Pogba has made more recoveries than any of his midfield team-mates, delivered more passes and made as many tackles as Fred since Fletcher was unveiled as a first-team coach 18 days ago.
      Not bad for a man who wanted to quit the club and was allegedly “unhappy and can no longer express himself”, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

      Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      In the five games since Fletcher’s promotion to Solskjaer’s staff, United have kept three clean sheets and conceded just three goals.
      He has been a hugely popular appointment among the players and staff, especially his former team-mate Pogba.
      Fletcher left United in 2015 and spent two years with West Brom, before playing another two with Stoke until he retired in 2019 aged 35.
      He had no intentions of going into coaching when he hung up his boots following a number of health issues.
      But he has fallen in love with his new role after returning to United in October.
      Table-topping boss Ole has hailed the appointment of his old team-mate.

      Fletcher (right) enjoyed a successful playing career in ManchesterCredit: AFP

      Ole Gunnar Solskjær is hoping Pogba can fuel a title challengeCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      Solskjaer, 47, said: “Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
      “He is at the start of his coaching career and his experience both on and off the pitch, along with his winning mentality, commitment and hard work, will be a great addition to the staff.”
      It is understood Fletcher now plans to become a manager one day — with his dream to take over the top job at his beloved Old Trafford.
      Another old team-mate, ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes the tough-tackling former midfielder is the perfect coach for Pogba and Co.
      Betfair Ambassador Berbatov said: “First thing, he was the boss’ son, for sure.
      “They were both Scottish. Second, he was very strong going into tackles.

      “He was unbelievable. He was slim but he was not afraid to put this body on the line, tackle and get into people’s faces.
      “He would defend and do the dirty work. This was Fletch.
      “He was needed for the team. He ran all day long, he was unbelievable.
      “These type of things that could benefit Pogba with Fletch being there.
      “He was the type of guy who would talk with you, give you advice if you needed.
      “I was watching him closely against Burnley and it was a different Pogs.
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      “He was running down the pitch and fighting, he would lose the ball and sprint back.
      “If that all continues, everyone will benefit.
      “The goal he scored was the reward for everything he did in the game.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Paul Pogba’s Man Utd revival comes after working with ex-Old Trafford ace Darren Fletcher in new coaching role

      by

      THERE was a satisfied smile on the Manchester United bench as Paul Pogba bagged another winner at Fulham.
      Darren Fletcher was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted stalwarts for ten years — and is now hardening up the next generation of stars.

      Paul Pogba starred in Manchester United’s win over FulhamCredit: PA:Press Association

      Darren Fletcher has returned to Old Trafford and is working with the midfielderCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Scotland midfielder spent 20 years at Old Trafford and was dependable, solid, hard-working and clever.
      At the start of this month United announced the 36-year-old had been promoted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s staff, to help bring his extensive knowledge to the first team.
      This was after just three months back at United, where he had been helping the youth teams and learning his trade.
      Since starting his new role, he has worked with Pogba and United’s other midfielders to push their game to the next level.

      And it is already reaping rewards, with Pog hitting the winners at Fulham and Burnley — and he also fluffed a late chance to snatch victory at rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
      Fletcher is helping the 27-year-old French World Cup winner improve the defensive side of his game.
      Pogba has made more recoveries than any of his midfield team-mates, delivered more passes and made as many tackles as Fred since Fletcher was unveiled as a first-team coach 18 days ago.
      Not bad for a man who wanted to quit the club and was allegedly “unhappy and can no longer express himself”, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

      Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

      In the five games since Fletcher’s promotion to Solskjaer’s staff, United have kept three clean sheets and conceded just three goals.
      He has been a hugely popular appointment among the players and staff, especially his former team-mate Pogba.
      Fletcher left United in 2015 and spent two years with West Brom, before playing another two with Stoke until he retired in 2019 aged 35.
      He had no intentions of going into coaching when he hung up his boots following a number of health issues.
      But he has fallen in love with his new role after returning to United in October.
      Table-topping boss Ole has hailed the appointment of his old team-mate.

      Fletcher (right) enjoyed a successful playing career in ManchesterCredit: AFP

      Ole Gunnar Solskjær is hoping Pogba can fuel a title challengeCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      Solskjaer, 47, said: “Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
      “He is at the start of his coaching career and his experience both on and off the pitch, along with his winning mentality, commitment and hard work, will be a great addition to the staff.”
      It is understood Fletcher now plans to become a manager one day — with his dream to take over the top job at his beloved Old Trafford.
      Another old team-mate, ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes the tough-tackling former midfielder is the perfect coach for Pogba and Co.
      Betfair Ambassador Berbatov said: “First thing, he was the boss’ son, for sure.
      “They were both Scottish. Second, he was very strong going into tackles.

      “He was unbelievable. He was slim but he was not afraid to put this body on the line, tackle and get into people’s faces.
      “He would defend and do the dirty work. This was Fletch.
      “He was needed for the team. He ran all day long, he was unbelievable.
      “These type of things that could benefit Pogba with Fletch being there.
      “He was the type of guy who would talk with you, give you advice if you needed.
      “I was watching him closely against Burnley and it was a different Pogs.
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      “He was running down the pitch and fighting, he would lose the ball and sprint back.
      “If that all continues, everyone will benefit.
      “The goal he scored was the reward for everything he did in the game.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Adidas launch revolutionary new Predator boot to be worn by Paul Pogba and David Alaba More

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      Man Utd transfer signing Amad Diallo dropped surname amid allegations of child trafficking in Italy

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      AMAD DIALLO will have his first name on the back of his No 19 shirt at Manchester United.
      A £37million arrival, Diallo is his middle name as Traore is the surname on his passport.

      Amad Diallo is preparing to make his Manchester United debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Atalanta winger has dropped Traore because of an unsettling story alleging child trafficking.
      Amad, 18, and his brother Hamed, 20, who plays for Serie A side Sassuolo, moved from the Ivory Coast to Italy on a family visa more than six years ago.
      They arrived with their father Hamed Mamadou Traore and mother Marina Edwige Carine Teher.
      But prosecutors in Parma allege that they are not the parents of either player. It is also claimed the two may not even be brothers.

      Three other adults have also been questioned over concerns more kids have been illegally brought in from the Ivory Coast.
      Football agent Giovanni Damiano Drago told Italian police last summer of concerns over underage players arriving in Italy illegally on bogus visas.

      Neither of the two players are under investigation but they were questioned by police.
      As both were under 18 at the time of the alleged offences, they cannot be charged.

      DNA tests have been carried out as part of the probe, while properties have also been searched.
      If found guilty, the five adults face up to three years in jail.
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      KEEP YOUR KOUL
      LIVERPOOL have been quoted a staggering £100million by Napoli for Kalidou Koulibaly.
      Certainly a bit different to the summer of 2015 when the Italians had agreed a £6.9m transfer with Norwich.
      Defender Koulibaly was also happy to move to Norfolk and the only reason he stayed was that Napoli failed to get either of their two targets.
      In contrast, the Canaries are probably glad Sebastien Haller turned them down as soon as he looked around their training ground which, before the current redevelopment, was less than impressive.

      Kalidou Koulibaly was once on the verge of a move to NorwichCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LIKE A PILL
      CAMBRIDGE were famous in the early 90s for giving away teams cold changing rooms, flat footballs to practise with and luke-warm tea.
      However, one EFL chief revealed his club has a subtle approach to getting one over the opposition.
      They created a false pillar in the away dressing room to ensure not all of the players can see the boss for the team talk.
      But the mischievous boss is keeping his club secret as the pillar could probably be shoved out of the way by suspicious visitors.

      SHAW ENOUGH
      LAURIE SHAW used to be a Government adviser and now he is City Group’s chief data scientist.
      He will work for all the group’s clubs including Manchester City, New York City and Melbourne City.
      After completing a PhD in astrophysics from Cambridge, he developed trading systems for a £30billion hedge fund, was head of statistics at the Treasury and, most recently, was at Harvard in the US.
      Liverpool are known for having the best data science department — seen as a big help on the coaching side — but City are clearly catching up.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd new boy Amad Diallo tipped to become ‘world beater’ as Rio Ferdinand compares £37m signing to Cristiano Ronaldo More

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      Amad Diallo could make Man Utd debut next month after £37m transfer with 18-year-old already making impact in training

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed Amad Diallo could make his Manchester United debut in a matter of weeks.
      The 18-year-old is getting to grips with life at Old Trafford after completing a £37million move from Atalanta.

      Amad Diallo has made an instant impact in Manchester United trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could be about to hand the teenage winger a debutCredit: EPA

      Despite only making two substitute appearances back in Italy, Diallo could be handed a United debut sooner rather than later.
      When asked if the winger’s bow could come in the next four or five weeks, he told reporters: “It might be quicker than that.
      “I can’t see it being too long until he’s in the squad.
      “He’s definitely settled down well. The players have taken to him, he’s a good character, polite, smiley boy who works really hard.

      “He’s doing his sessions and getting used to us.
      “There’s always a period of adjustment needed but he’s settling in well.

      “He can handle the ball, he’s enjoyed training and he makes a difference in training, which is quite remarkable at his age.”
      The Red Devils have a busy schedule ahead of them with midweek match-ups against Fulham, Sheffield United and Southampton.

      There could also be an FA Cup fifth round clash to attend to as well as the Europa League restarting on February 18.
      Upon signing, Diallo accepted that he still had a ‘long way’ to go before he can become the player United hope he can be.
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      But he holds ambitions of winning the title having joined the club sat top of the Premier League as it approaches the halfway mark.
      The starlet told United club media last week: “I’m only young, only 18, so there is still a long way ahead for me.
      “I want to learn and progress and I will be listening to the more experienced players here and the coach, and I’ll do my best and work hard to succeed.
      “I’m a little bit too anxious to say this given it’s just the start but my dream is to win the Premier League and the Champions League with Manchester United. That is my aim and goal.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd new boy Amad Diallo tipped to become ‘world beater’ as Rio Ferdinand compares £37m signing to Cristiano Ronaldo More

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      Man Utd ‘to re-enter Jadon Sancho transfer talks in spring ahead of Euros’ after failed move from Dortmund last summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will have to wait until the spring to re-commence talks over Jadon Sancho, it has been claimed.
      Borussia Dortmund held out against the Red Devils’ attempts to sign the England winger last summer.

      Jadon Sancho could become a serious target for several clubs this springCredit: AFP or licensors

      But a fresh bid ahead of the Euros cannot be ruled out with Sancho again hitting form in the Bundesliga.
      German journalist Raphael Honigstein has told Sky Sports that a move in January is off the table.
      Instead clubs could reportedly begin negotiations in the spring for a switch at the end of the season.
      Borussia are seen as unlikely to lower their valuation of the 20-year-old, who still has two-and-a-half-years left on his contract.

      The transfer fee, agent payments and wages were all thought to be behind last summer’s move failing.
      And Sancho is happy to focus on Dortmund matters amid the rumours.

      But United may have to act fast if the player does become a feasible target once again.
      Real Madrid and Barcelona are just two clubs who could decide to take a serious interest in Sancho.

      If either side can meet Borussia’s demands, a deal could be agreed quickly.
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      The prospect of the forward starring for England in the summer’s Euros could also lead to a bidding war for his services.
      After a relatively slow start to the campaign, Sancho is now enjoying a spell of good form – hitting three goals and three assists in four games.
      A refreshing winter break is said to have hugely helped him, with Edin Terzic’s side fourth in the table and seven points off leaders Bayern Munich.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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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

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      Harry Maguire hails Man Utd’s new-found defensive resilience as Solskjaer’s men battle for title after Liverpool draw

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      HARRY MAGUIRE hailed Manchester United’s new-found defensive form as they stayed on top of the Premier League.
      United fought out a goalless draw at Anfield on Sunday and became the first team since October 2018 to stop Liverpool scoring at home in the league, a run of 43 consecutive matches.

      Harry Maguire hailed Manchester United’s clean sheet in Sunday’s derbyCredit: Reuters

      Jurgen Klopp’s Champions are also the league’s top scorers at home this season with 21 goals but United allowed them only three shots on target.
      It was United’s third clean sheet in four games while Liverpool failed to score for a third consecutive league game, the first time that has happened since 2005.
      So while the Red Devils may have been rueing two late chances denied by the goalkeeping of Alisson there was plenty to be positive about for the club captain.
      Maguire said: “It was a big defensive display,”

      “Not just from the defenders and the goalkeeper, it was the midfielders, the forwards. They covered us and we looked solid. We didn’t give them a big chance. It was a great defensive display.”
      Some United fans were aghast to see that the inform Eric Bailly had been replaced by Victor Lindelof for the game but he was solid alongside Maguire.
      Earlier in the season the question was why a new centre-back had not been bought, now manager Ole Solskjaer has a selection headache with what he already has.
      Maguire said: “Victor has come back to the team in a big game with huge pressure and performed excellently.

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      “Credit to Vic, it shows the depth we’ve got at centre-half now with Eric, who has been playing and doing really well.
      “It’s important, whoever plays, in the back-four, knows the team, knows their responsibilities and keeps clean sheets, as that gives us the best chance of going on to win the games.“
      While United did not take all three points it was a draw that maintains an unbeaten league run of 12 games this season and they are 16 unbeaten away from home.
      It is a run stretching back to a year on Wednesday when they lost 2-0 at Anfield and Maguire says they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham with confidence still very high.
      Maguire said: “We wanted to win the game but we didn’t, but we keep the momentum going of not losing, especially away from home.
      “I’ve watched their recent games, Fulham, and they’ve got some great attacking players and they play nice football, so we know it’s going to be tough.

      United took a point from Anfield on Sunday – but some felt it could have been moreCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Every game in the Premier League is tough but we need to go there with the right mentality to go and win the game.
      “We need to make sure we prepare, recover, get back on the training pitch and make sure we improve.
      “As a group of players, we need to improve to be where we want to be.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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

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      Man Utd threw ‘world-class players’ behind ball, claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in cheeky dig at rivals after draw

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      MANCHESTER UNITED threw all their ‘world-class players’ behind the ball to stop Liverpool, a frustrated Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said after their stalemate.
      The two Premier League pace-setters played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday as the Red Devils held on to their three-point advantage over last season’s champs.

      Jurgen Klopp was left frustrated by Manchester United’s defensive tacticsCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

      United piled men behind the ball at AnfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But German manager Klopp, 53, was exasperated by opposite man Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defensive tactics.
      He branded the Norwegian’s cautious style as the ‘worst thing you can face in football’.
      After the match, Klopp told BBC Sport: “We played football, tried to do it, force them back into their own box.
      “The worst thing you can face in the world, in football is you play against a side with world-class players and they all defend with all they have, deep in the box and only counter-attack.

      “It’s really difficult – that’s the biggest challenge.”
      Liverpool had the better of the first-half but David De Gea went largely untroubled between the sticks for United.
      United held firm in a 4-2-3-1 shape and had plenty of men behind the ball to keep Liverpool’s famed front three of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Robert Firmino quiet.
      Klopp added: “The performance was good, especially the first-half was exceptionally good.”

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      United – who could soon lose their place at the summit of the Prem after Manchester City moved within two points with a game in hand – had just 34.3 per cent of possession.
      But the table-toppers had the two best chances only for both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba to fluff their lines with Alisson making smart stops.
      Klopp continued: “I think with all the things that were said before the game – ‘United is flying and we are struggling’ – and then playing this kind of game, I was really happy with that.
      “We tried it in the second half again but you cannot deny United for 95 minutes, especially with the counter-attacking threat they have.
      “They had two really good chances, I have to say, but we had our chances in the second half too.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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