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      Man Utd outcast Phil Jones set for January loan transfer with club ‘willing to pay big chunk of £120k-a-week wages’

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      PHIL JONES could be handed an exit route out of Manchester United next month.
      The Red Devils are reportedly ready to allow the England defender to leave on loan, while also paying a substantial portion of his wages.

      Phil Jones’ last appearance in the Premier League came almost 12 months agoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Jones, 28, earns £120,000-a-week at Old Trafford having put pen to paper on a four-year contract in early 2019.
      Since then, he has faded out of the team and Daily Star report on a potential move in January.
      It is said that United will pay a big chunk of his wages if a loan club can be found.
      Burnley, West Brom and Derby are all named as clubs monitoring the situation.

      It was Sean Dyche’s side who Jones last faced in the Premier League, with a 90-minute outing in a 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley almost 12 months ago.
      However, the Clarets are reportedly only keeping tabs on the centre-back in case James Tarkowski leaves when the transfer window reopens.

      Sam Allardyce’s recent appointment at West Brom is thought to push the Baggies towards Jones.
      The 66-year-old gave the player his professional debut in 2009 while manager of Blackburn.

      And another reunion could be on the cards if Wayne Rooney’s Derby can pull off a deal for Jones.
      The pair played together at United and Rooney has so far enjoyed his start as the Rams’ interim coach, with an eye on the permanent job.

      Jones is yet to play this season while recovering from a knee injury.
      Previous reports have suggested that he will not contemplate his future until he is fit to play.
      And United may use any cash earned from a departure to reinforce their defence, with RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano reportedly a major target.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Phil Jones rejects Man Utd testimonial in tenth year with club as ‘only his parents would turn up’ More

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      Jose Mourinho says Man Utd didn’t give him enough time to be successful after being sacked in third season

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      JOSE MOURINHO has insisted Manchester United sacked him too early – as he was in the ‘middle’ of bringing a league title to Old Trafford.
      The Red Devils turned to Mourinho after Louis van Gaal left the club in 2016.

      Jose Mourinho believes he could have been given more time at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In his first season, the Portuguese boss managed to win three trophies and he finished second to Manchester City in the 2017-18 Premier League.
      But a misfiring start to the following campaign saw Mourinho sacked in December 2018.
      Now in charge of table-topping Tottenham, the 57-year-old discussed the speed of his success at different clubs throughout his career.
      He told reporters: “In a certain period of my career, with the profile of club I was getting, we didn’t need as much time to reach success.

      “We did it at Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, both times, we did it without that need for longevity.
      “And also my desire to try different things and my crazy desire to go to many countries, and to try to win, and try to get different experiences in many different countries, was perfect because it was about: winning, and goodbye, and let’s try another thing.

      I felt that I left at the middle of the process, but I learn very early to respect decisions, which I did at United.
      Jose Mourinho

      “The first club where I felt I needed time and time was not given was at Manchester United, because I felt that I left at the middle of the process, but I learned very early to respect decisions, which I did at United.
      “We did what we did, we did what was possible to do, and we move on. I am happy, they are happy, and we have a great relationship, which is something I am always very proud to say.

      “When I leave clubs, I keep a very good relationship with everybody, and United is one more example of that.
      “Now, in Tottenham I know the profile of job I have in my hands, and hopefully until now I am enjoying very, very much to be in the club.”
      Mourinho’s comments were also a reference to the four seasons Jurgen Klopp was allowed before guiding Liverpool to the title.
      Ahead of their meeting on Wednesday night, the Spurs boss has fired a number of jibes at his opponent.
      Among which was a claim that the Reds are hardly suffering an injury crisis, with only Virgil van Dijk unavailable in Mourinho’s mind.
      While he prepares for the top-two clash, old club United are back in ninth.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho at Old Trafford and is yet to fire the club towards a title tiltCredit: Getty – Pool

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced Mourinho with the side in sixth – the position they ultimately finished at the end of the Norwegian’s first season.
      However, he did close the gap on the top-four considerably and broke in by securing third place last season.
      No manager other than Mourinho or Sir Alex Ferguson has managed United to a top-two finish in over 40 years.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Mourinho has amazing take on Liverpool injury ‘crisis’ as Tottenham boss starts title race mind games with Klopp More

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      Man Utd ‘line up Kieran Trippier transfer to compete with Wan-Bissaka with boyhood fan keen on switch from Atletico’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are retaining their interest in Kieran Trippier, according to reports.
      With just 18 months left on his Atletico Madrid contract, the England international is said to fancy a move to his boyhood club.

      Kieran Trippier has made the right-back spot his own at Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Trippier grew up in Greater Manchester and starred for Burnley after coming through Manchester City’s academy.
      According to MEN, a move to Old Trafford ‘appeals’ to the right-back.
      Atletico were previously said to want just £20million for the 30-year-old, roughly the same fee they paid Tottenham for his services last year.
      But Diego Simeone’s charge to the LaLiga title, with the side sat second with two games in hand, may force a re-think if a bid lands.

      Trippier has played every minute of Los Rojiblancos’ campaign this season.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be able to call upon two highly-rated defenders if the move goes ahead.

      Aaron Wan-Bissaka is the Norwegian’s first choice, with a number of youthful options behind him.
      Timothy Fosu-Mensah has played three times this season but is out of contract in the summer.

      United have reportedly offered the 22-year-old a new deal.
      Right-footed left-back Brandon Williams came off the bench to replace Wan-Bissaka when he picked up an injury against Istanbul Basaksehir last month.

      And academy defender Ethan Laird could also be called upon if needed.
      Solskjaer sent Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot on loan to AC Milan in the summer and the Serie A side have openly discussed bidding for a permanent move.
      Out of all of those options, Trippier would certainly be the most experienced with several Premier League seasons and 25 England caps under his belt.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Kieran Trippier looks back at his journey to join Atletico Madrid More

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      Man Utd verdict: Solskjaer’s troops settling for a point shows just how far side are from Sir Alex Ferguson glory days

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      MAYBE THIS IS just how it is.
      And that was how it was.

      United scrapped their way to a heard-earned point against CityCredit: EPA

      Manchester United had a manager that just doesn’t come along anymore in Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Players the like of which the club may not see again.
      A perfect storm that can never again be forecast as academy graduates mixed with established stars to produce teams that would conquer the world.
      The bar was set just too high for it to be fair for the four subsequent managers who have tried and failed to reach the heights of the glory days under Sir Alex.

      Any other club outside of Liverpool and Manchester City themselves would have been delighted with the last seven years that United have had.
      Not least Tottenham who have one trophy in 21 years
      In the time since Sir Alex retired they have won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League, reached an FA Cup Final, three Cup semi-finals finished second in the league and third.
      Yet this is seen as a period of chaos in the club’s history.

      It was a dour display between the two Manchester sidesCredit: Rex Features

      No mitigating factors are allowed, not least that other clubs have caught up and United could not go any higher.
      All clubs who used to finish below the Red Devils have long since stopped accepting their fate, Leicester showed them the way.
      There was not a good enough squad left to David Moyes for him to immediately take the baton and stay ahead of the rest.
      It was dragged to it’s last title by Sir Alex, but had gone past it’s best.
      I have said many times if, subsequent managers at United had simply replicated his success then he wasn’t that special after all, but he was.
      They don’t score enough goals at United anymore.

      Harry Maguire led by example as United kept a clean sheetCredit: PA:Press Association
      But there is no Cristiano Ronaldo, he could never be replaced, neither could Wayne Rooney.
      Name a poacher they could have realistically got to match the predatory instincts of Ruud van Nistelrooy.
      A captain in the mould of Roy Keane and one of the greatest players ever in Paul Scholes.
      Has any club found a pairing to match Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in the heart of their defense since they hung up their boots?
      Things were always going to change.
      It is accepting that change which has been the hard bit.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer eased some pressure with a hard-earned pointCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      The angst that United fans put themselves through is off the scale.
      As is the criticism the subsequent managers have got, well, apart from one.
      Davis Moyes was not given time to start rebuilding.
      Jose Mourinho had a brilliant two years but was not backed in his battle with Paul Pogba became disillusioned and was sacked.
      The football was not that bad under him, but not goo enough for many.
      It was bad under Van Gaal, really dull, but to suggest he was a busted flush by the time he arrived at Old Trafford is ridiculous.

      United simply did not allow City to find their rhythm at allCredit: Reuters
      Even he won an FA Cup in his instantly forgettable two seasons at Old Trafford.
      He was trying to lay down a template for the club for the future, but it just did not click with the players he had – sometimes it doesn’t.
      Now we have Solskjaer who is currently four points off top.
      He is a point ahead of Pep Guardiola, who can do no wrong, even if his failings in Europe with Manchester City might suggest otherwise.
      The finger gets pointed at Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward, who apparently has not backed bosses even though in the region of £800million has been spent on new players under his watch.

      United nearly had a penalty – but VAR ruled Rashford was offside before being fouled by Kyle WalkerCredit: Reuters
      People will say it was the departure of David Gill at the same time as Sir Alex that had a massive effect on recruitment.
      It didn’t. The change happened because Fergie left and the team was past it’s best with nobody in the squad to make it better.
      There is nothing wrong with wanting those glory days to return.
      Now apparently Maurico Pochettino will have all the answers.
      At Spurs he achieved two thirds and a runners-up spot and a place in a Champions league final.
      But how long before that is not enough.
      He won seven of his final 26 games in charge before he got the bullet just over a year ago.
      With a bigger budget that would be available at Old Trafford he might go one better than those runner-up spots, maybe not.
      That budget is not going to be huge though with the hit everyone has taken with the pandemic.
      A goalless draw at home to Manchester City after going out of a tough Champions League Group in midweek will not be seen at Old Trafford as a bad result.
      That is just how it is right now.

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      Man Utd player ratings: Maguire back to his best, Pogba mucks in but Greenwood well off form

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      MANCHESTER UNITED went in with a ‘don’t lose’ gameplan – and executed it to perfection.
      They hustled and harried fierce rivals City in what became a dour 0-0 derby clash.

      This was about as exciting as it got in a dour derbyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      The point gained just days after the Champions League dumping won’t cover those cracks, but it will restore a small bit of pride.
      But this game will be quickly forgotten by fans of both sides probably wished they’d tuned in to Strictly Come Dancing.
      Here, SunSport’s John Hutchinson rates how United players fared in their big derby clash.
      David De Gea – 7
      Stood strong to deny Riyad Mahrez a golden chance in the 34th minute.

      City had TWO shots on target the whole game – an easy night’s work for the Spaniard.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Quiet first 45 as he was wary to bomb on too much against City slickers.
      But he probably could have as City offered nothing down the flanks.

      Harry Maguire led from the back for a resolute UnitedCredit: PA:Press Association

      Victor Lindelof – 7
      The centre-half might feel like he could have done better with his header from a corner five minutes before half-time.

      Was barely troubled by City’s off-colour attack.
      Harry Maguire – 8
      Solid first 45 from the United captain as he had Gabriel Jesus comfortably under wraps.
      Looking like getting close to his best which will delight his manager and the fans.

      Pogba did his bit in defence and attack during the gameCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Luke Shaw – 7
      Surprisingly picked ahead of Telles, and like Wan-Bissaka, clearly had strict instructions to keep his position.
      Dealt with Mahrez effectively, and then the same for his replacement Ferran Torres.
      Fred – 6
      Injured his hip early on in a collision with Kevin De Bruyne, but was determined to try run it off.
      Does a job but offers little going forward.

      Fred fought off a hip injury picked up in the first ten minutesCredit: EPA
      Scott McTominay – 6
      Battled hard in the middle of the park to close down City’s midfield.
      Snap in the tackle and was just inches away from poking home the opener in the first half.
      Paul Pogba – 7
      Finally came into the game in the last five minutes offering himself as option out wide to build an attack that almost led to Greenwood getting a chance away.
      Grew as the game went on in an attacking and defensive sense, and was happy to muck in when needed.

      Marcus Rashford was fouled in the area leading to a penalty – but it was ruled out for an offside by VARCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Bruno Fernandes – 6
      Had a chance from a free-kick from 25 yards that he surprisingly fluffed.
      Looked off his game in this one, heavy touches in attacking positions and couldn’t find that killer pass.
      Marcus Rashford – 5
      Anonymous in the first 45, but that was because the ball was hardly coming into him.
      Mason Greenwood – 4
      Harried the City defenders without looking too threatening.
      Subbed off for Martial on 72 minutes and you’d be surprised if he gets the nod over the Frenchman next time out.

      Mason Greenwood is struggling for form at the momentCredit: Reuters
      Subs
      Anthony Martial (replaced Greenwood, 74) – 5
      Not really hit it off this season and struggled to get into the game.
      Not used: Eric Bailly, Juan Mata, Dean Henderson, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Donny van de Beek. More

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      Howard Webb desperately wanted Cristiano Ronaldo to MISS penalty for Man Utd after ‘biggest mistake of his career’

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      HOWARD WEBB wanted to see Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty for Manchester United – after realising he’d made his biggest-ever mistake.
      In April 2009, a match between the Red Devils and Tottenham at Old Trafford turned in the home side’s favour after a controversial penalty call.

      Webb faced mass protests from Spurs players after Gomes’ challengeCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The Yorkshire-born official looked on nervously as Ronaldo scored from the spotCredit: AFP – Getty

      With United 2-0 down, Michael Carrick hit the deck after a challenge from Heurelho Gomes and the referee pointed to the spot, only for replays to show the goalkeeper clearly getting the ball.
      And Webb has admitted wanting to see Ronaldo fluff his lines before the forward drilled the ball home to start a dramatic 5-2 comeback win for United.
      He told The Athletic back in May: “The one that stands out is one where in the game I knew I got it wrong.
      “It was a Premier League game at Old Trafford — Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur in 2009.

      “I could see Carrick got there first and then the goalkeeper clattered into him. It was really an easy penalty award.
      “I was expecting the usual cursory appeal that you get from the players, not the huge look of absolute astonishment and amazement and incredulousness on the look of Gomes.

      I was just hoping that Ronaldo would miss the penalty. But he didn’t.”
      Howard Webb

      “It was obvious within seconds I’d got the decision wrong. There was something more to this.
      “I was left with the decision I had taken with no independent evidence that I’d got it wrong other than a gut feeling, and I was just hoping that Ronaldo would miss the penalty. But he didn’t.”

      Now the boss of referees in North America, Webb battled accusations of favouring Sir Alex Ferguson’s United during his esteemed career in the English game.
      And the 48-year-old has previously talked of over confidence in the Spurs match having been “on a high” off the back of his call-up to that year’s FA Cup final.
      Webb would later officiate the 2010 World Cup final where a combative Dutch team lost to Spain, Nigel de Jong memorably avoiding a red card for an outrageous kick on Andres Iniesta.
      But it is the penalty error at Old Trafford that sticks in the referee’s mind more than any other.

      United made it 2-1 with the penalty before notching another four goalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He revealed his reaction to be: “Just ‘Oh s***’, really.
      “You just know. You can tell as a ref. You can see the momentum shift. You can see the way the game is going.
      “At 2-1, you never know. At 2-2, you can see the way this game is going.
      “When [the camera] misses all those players and runs up to you [at full-time], as a ref, it’s not a good feeling.
      “You just know you have a world of pain coming your way.”

      After the game,  Ferguson confessed his side’s first goal was “a bit fortunate” while Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was damning in his criticism.
      He declared: “It was a gift which wasn’t deserved. It was a terrible decision.
      “Howard is supposed to be our best ref, but if he’s the best I’d hate to see the worst.”

      Aspiring Liberian referee surprised by hero Howard Webb and Mary’s Meals More

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      Man Utd would have been Premier League champions if City played by the rules, insists Mourinho’s former assistant

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      FORMER Manchester United assistant manager Ricardo Formosinho has claimed a lack of ‘sporting truth’ prevented the club’s Premier League title win in 2017-18.
      Manchester City swooped to the crown that year with a record points total.

      Jose Mourinho was robbed of the Premier League title with Manchester United, it has been claimedCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, Pep Guardiola’s side were charged with Financial Fair Play breaches by Uefa following their massive transfer market spending.
      Initially banned from the Champions League for two years, the Etihad Stadium side denied all allegations.
      A successful Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal saw the ban quashed and City were only fined £8.9million for failing to cooperate with the Uefa investigation.
      The allegations led Formosinho, 64, to claim United could have won the title.

      He is quoted by Goal as telling Portuguese newspaper Record: “We weren’t champions, it’s true.
      “But we won the Europa League, the League Cup, the Super Cup.

      “And, in a fight with a Manchester City, who did not fulfil, as proved later, the Financial Fair Play, we were runners-up at a time when, having sporting truth, we would have been champions.”
      United finished 19 points behind City that season, famously denying their rivals an early April crowning with a 3-2 comeback win at Eastlands.

      The Citizens nonetheless broke the Premier League record for most points, wins and biggest winning margin.
      Finishing with 81 points, Mourinho’s Red Devils would have matched Leicester’s triumph two years earlier as the joint-sixth lowest points total for a title-winning side.
      Formosinho left Old Trafford later that year when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was hired as manager.
      The Portuguese assistant followed Mourinho to Tottenham in 2019 but left the club in August.

      Ricardo Formosinho formed part of Mourinho’s backroom staff at United, Tottenham and PortoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But Formosinho still believes the Spurs boss is the best coach in world football.
      He added: “People may ask why he’s the best. I answer that because he thinks faster and comes up with solutions faster.
      “When talking about the growth of others at the tactical level, he goes far ahead strategically.
      “He’s different for the better. I’d even say much better.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Jose Mourinho says Spurs accepted what Arsenal did to them in the second half after putting themselves in a very good place before half time More

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      Inside ex-Man Utd star Fellaini’s £2m home with indoor pool and barber shop as he slashes £200k from asking price

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      MAROUANE FELLAINI’S plush Manchester pad is now on the market for £2million and includes an indoor pool, personal barber shop and separate detached garden cottage.
      Ex-Manchester United midfielder Fellaini spent six years with the Red Devils before quitting for China and a move to Shandong Luneng in 2019.

      Marouane Fellaini’s leafy Manchester pad is still on the marketCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      The luxury home boasts a sizeable indoor swimming poolCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      The property boasts a stunning modern interiorCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      The Belgian ace has been looking to cash in on his luxury village home on the outskirts of Roe Green, situated just a 15-minute drive from Old Trafford, since 2017.
      But he was forced to slash the price by £200,000 in November 2020 as he was struggling to sell.
      The six-bedroom house comes with 7,500 square feet of gated secure grounds where you will find the detached garden cottage.
      Fellaini’s home is on the market for just over £2m and boasts all the Premier League trimmings you would expect to see from a footballer’s mansion.

      Famous for his bouffant-styled hair, Fellaini’s house has its own personal barber shop – a feature which would have come in handy in lockdown.

      Fellaini was infamous for his voluminous hair before rocking a shorter trim of late

      The hi-spec house has all the facilities a Premier League footballer would needCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      The house boasts indoor and outdoor spa featuresCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press
      It also has a large indoor swimming pool, with a jacuzzi, steam and spa room as well as a private gym.
      The landscaped gardens are a huge selling point for potential buyers with lush views over nearby woodland.
      The crib also comes with a garden bar and outdoor hot tub – perfect for entertaining.

      Privacy is not a problem with ample secure off road parking and a detached garage able to accommodate the latest supercars.

      Fellaini’s old crib has plenty of open plan reception roomsCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      The gorgeous property has six bedroomsCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      The spacious home is on the market with Fellaini now playing in ChinaCredit: Miller Metcalfe/ Jam Press

      Fellaini spent over a decade in the English top-flight having previously starred for Everton between 2008-2013.
      He is not the only football man to have lived in the property as World Cup Winner and former Man City boss Alan Ball previously called it home.
      The 33-year-old suffered a scare when he tested positive for Covid-19 in March but will be hoping to cash in on his bumper pad.
      You can view the property’s listing here. 

      Marouane Fellaini sports a much shorter hairstyleCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Fellaini says he’s ‘getting stronger every day’ as he works out in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus More