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    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ends five-game drought to hand Gunners important win

    IF ONLY ROY KEANE could have put down his microphone and clambered from the Sky TV stage on to the pitch.
    To bring down his very own fire and brimstone on this Manchester United side.

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s spot kick earned Arsenal the three points

    The first person he would have headed for would have been Paul Pogba.
    Bruno Fernandes would not have been far behind.
    Yes even the great Bruno was rubbish today.
    In fact there was little urgency about anyone in a United shirt.

    Quite simply Arsenal were at it and United were not.
    Arsenal wanted it and United did not seem to mind either way.
    That is unforgivable.
    Some way for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to mark his 100th game in charge.

    Bukayo Saka went close with a header in the first half
    Every time he seems to have turned the corner the team takes him back to square one.
    In his positive programme notes, Solskjaer said: “I think everybody can see now that this group is coming together.
    “With each passing game we’re showing our quality and spirit…”
    Yes against PSG and RB Leipzig that was the case, we could see that.
    But there was none of that quality and spirit on show today.
    It is simply not good enough for a Manchester United team to turn it on one day and take their foot off the pedal the next.
    There are six games gone in the league and they are 15th.
    They have played four home games and taken just one point, with two goals for and ten against.
    I bet they wish they could stay on the road, as they’ve won their last six away.
    In fact, their last league defeat away from Old Trafford was to Liverpool last January.

    Mason Greenwood had United’s only shot on target
    The winning goal came from the penalty spot with Pierre –Emerick Aubameyang converting for his first league goal since the opening day win over Fulham.
    How he and Arsenal needed that after losing three of their last four league games.
    The penalty was conceded because Pogba was simply not alert to the danger when Hector Bellerin darted into the box.
    Bellerin got past him, got to the ball first and Pogba’s outstretched leg caught him.
    It was no surprise really.
    He had been off the pace all game, ambling around. He never seems to sprint.
    As Keane himself put it: “For all Pogba’s talent, he should be in this team, but he doesn’t do enough.
    “He doesn’t do the other side of the game, he doesn’t show enough spirit, enough fight.
    “He’s got talent but that’s not enough for me to play in midfield for Manchester United, you need more than that.”

    Aubameyang’s goal was his first in the Premier League since the opening day of the season
    As for the rest of United’s midfield he added: “If you think Fred, McTominay and Matic in midfield will get Man United back to the heights of winning titles, then you’re living in cuckoo land.”
    Fernandes could not escape criticism either. Subbed on 75 minutes after one of those games where he seems to go into a bit of a sulk.
    There was barely any creation and United only seemed to come to life after they went behind.
    The first half was particularly poor from United, although they did have the only shot on target.
    That came in the 21st minute when Marcus Rasford curled a defence splitting pass into the path of Mason Greenwood who had darted unnoticed into the left hand side of the area.
    His shot on goal was powerful but Bernd Leno saved with his feet at the near post.

    A first win in three Premier League matches lifts Arsenal into the top half of the tableCredit: EPA
    That was about it in terms of an attacking threat from United in the first half.
    Arsenal looked sharper all around the park with Bellerin and Kieran Tierney getting forward and pinning back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
    They had their chances too, first when Bellerin fired the ball across the six-yard box and Aubameyang just failed to connect with an outstretched leg at the far post.
    Just past the half-hour mark he did supply a great chance when he controlled a ball into the area and teed up Alexandre Lacazette eight yards out only for him to completely miss his kick.
    Willian then grazed the bar with a shot that left David de Gea flat-footed and when Bellerin crossed from the right Bukayo Saka sent a free header over.

    You expected a reaction from United in the second-half but it didn’t come.
    A late Donny van de Beek effort that hit Mohammed Elneny’s knee, the goalkeeper’s head and the post was as close as they came to earning an undeserved point.
    They ended the match with just two shots on target, as did Arsenal but it was Mikel Arteta’s side who fully deserved this.
    United deserved a visit from Mr Keane.

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    Man Utd winger Daniel James on worst run without goal for attackers in Premier League after 32-match goalless streak

    MANCHESTER UNITED winger Daniel James is on the WORST scoreless streak of any attacker in the Premier League.
    The Welsh winger has endured a tough time of it at Old Trafford since completing a £15million switch from Swansea last summer.

    United pipped Leeds to his signature after a series of dazzling displays in Wales.
    But as bettingexpert has discovered, James has gone 32 games without scoring in the top flight.
    That puts him top of the tree as far as attacking players are concerned.

    Close up behind is Everton ace Alex Iwobi – he has failed to hit the ground running after joining from Arsenal.

    Ryan Fraser bags the third spot on the unwanted list – it is 27 games since Fraser last scored, that coming in his time with Bournemouth.
    Wolves winger Adam Traore is in fourth, 25 games without netting, with Newcastle’s powerful forward Andy Carroll next up with 23 scoreless games.
    James has endured tough times off the field prior to his big mvoe to United.
    The 22-year-old was left heartbroken after his father died at the age of just 60.

    Daniel James will be hoping to enjoy a decent second half to the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Kevan passed away just three weeks before his transfer was completed.
    James was due to be travelling with Wales for a training camp in Portugal prior to Euro 2020 qualifiers with Croatia and Hungary when he received the devastating news.
    Since his big-money move from Swansea he has shown courage on and off the pitch.
    But he admits the personal tragedy and making the switch to the Prem at the same time was hard to cope with. More

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    Man Utd are better with a back three but diamond midfield vs Arsenal could unlock Pogba, Van de Beek, Fred and Bruno

    HE HAS been rightly criticised at points this season, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves praise after Manchester United dismantled Red Bull Leipzig.
    They have now beaten PSG away and Leipzig at home – last year’s Champions league finalists and semi-finalists – in what many described as the ‘Group of Death’.

    Bruno Fernandes will be key to Manchester United’s hopes on SundayCredit: Reuters

    Ole has used various formations at different points so far this campaign, and on this occasion they beat the current Bundesliga front-runners – who did not lose a single away game in Europe last year – using a midfield diamond with four at the back.
    In previous columns I have stated United are better while playing with a back three, and I stand by that claim.
    It allows them to stay solid while also posing a threat from wide.

    But what Ole has found with this diamond formation is how to get the best from the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood while also not leaving his defence exposed.

    At all times United would have four behind the ball. Nemanja Matic at the base of the diamond, the two centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, and right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
    And the front players deployed a two-press system. The first press would be high to stop Leipzig playing out from the back – which is where Greenwood’s opener stemmed from.
    And if that is broken, the front five then worked hard to get behind the ball and suffocate the space. The intensity of this press and work rate was not there earlier in the season.
    Importantly, Ole now has a group of players that are comfortable playing in different positions when needed.

    But for the first time in a long time with this diamond 4-1-2-1-2, every player seemed to playing in his preferred position and preferred role, including Paul Pogba.
    The issue with Pogba in a 4-2-3-1 is that he is forced to dictate from deep, and when is a No10 he spends far too much time with his back to goal.
    In this diamond formation, playing almost as an 8 to the left of midfield, he can drive on the ball at pace, is constantly facing the right way and always looks dangerous.

    And up against Arsenal, I would stick with this diamond formation, in particular to use the two centre forwards to split their centre backs who have been proven to lack pace.
    With Greenwood or Marcus Rashford drifting wide before cutting back inside at speed with the ball, it will cause the Gunners all sorts of problems.
    I can see Mikel Arteta setting up to hit United on the counter at Old Trafford, but if Ole’s men deploy this two-press with accuracy and intensity, they will force Arsenal into errors.

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    Solskjaer ‘not making key decisions’ on Man Utd transfers, claims Souness after Van de Beek and Cavani arrivals

    GRAEME SOUNESS has questioned Manchester United’s decision-making process after Donny van de Beek’s arrival in the summer.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is yet to give the Dutchman a start in the Premier League, ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal.

    Graeme Souness has questioned Manchester United’s decision making in the transfer windowCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

    Donny van de Beek is yet to have a big impact at Old TraffordCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

    And former Liverpool captain Souness believes Solskjaer would not have had a say in signing van de Beek, given his happiness with Bruno Fernandes.
    He wrote in The Times: “I’m still not convinced that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is making the key football decisions at Manchester United.
    “I come to that conclusion on the basis of their recruitment in recent windows.

    “I like Donny van de Beek, but United didn’t need another No10 this summer after the success of Bruno Fernandes in the second half of last season.

    “That makes me wonder who is sitting round the table, saying, ‘These are the priority positions’.
    “Did Solskjaer have a say in van de Beek coming to the club? If I’m the manager, I’d be saying, ‘Don’t take van de Beek at the cost of not getting players for the other positions we need such as at centre-back’.
    “I’m not sure how you get Fernandes and Van de Beek in the same team without making yourself vulnerable and Solskjaer hasn’t selected them together.”
    After van de Beek’s arrival, United completed late deals for Edinson Cavani, Alex Telles, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo.

    You can’t tell me they planned to wait until the very last hours of the transfer window then go and get Cavani?
    Graeme Souness

    Solskjaer, 47, has previously insisted that he signs off each and every arrival into Old Trafford.
    And while the Red Devils do not have a sporting director to oversee transfers, the influence of Ed Woodward is thought to be considerable.
    Before last month’s late spree, Solskjaer claimed he had ‘been backed’ even though United missed out on Jadon Sancho.
    For Souness, the deadline day action was a sign the club lacks a long-term vision.
    The 67-year-old continued: “It strikes me that the signing of Van de Beek went something like this: ‘Who’s the best available this summer? Let’s get him. Do we really need him? No, we’ve other priorities, but let’s take him anyway’.

    “Then they signed a 33-year-old striker on deadline day that everybody knows has been available all year on a free transfer in Edinson Cavani.
    “It was like a rerun of the late loan deal for Odion Ighalo last season.
    “Where’s the forward planning? United are in that unenviable position where whoever they sign has to come in and perform on day one.
    “It’s not like it was under Fergie for the best part of 20 years, where they could buy players then introduce them slowly but surely.

    “If you can’t sign your first choices, then hold your nerve and keep your powder dry. Those are important football decisions, but I don’t think football people are making them.
    “From the outside looking in, these signings tell a worrying story for United.
    “They don’t need another No10, but they get one; they need another centre half, but don’t get one.
    “You can’t tell me they planned to wait until the very last hours of the transfer window then go and get Cavani?”

    Football agents have not backed United’s decision to sign Edinson Cavani

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    Sir Bobby Charlton diagnosed with dementia as wife reveals Man Utd and England 1966 World Cup winning hero’s battle

    ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup winning hero Sir Bobby Charlton has been diagnosed with dementia.
    The shock news has been revealed by the former Manchester United star’s wife Norma.

    Sir Bobby Charlton’s wife Norma has revealed the football legend is battling dementiaCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Bobby Charlton is regarded as one of the best ever football playersCredit: Top Foto

    Sir Bobby’s brother Jack, who died aged 85 in July, had also suffered with the disease in his later life.
    Lady Norma confirmed the sad news to The Telegraph, hoping that revealing the diagnosis ‘could help others’.
    Just days ago Nobby Stiles, another member of England’s World Cup winning squad, died at the age of 78.

    The former Manchester United and England legend lost his brother Jack in JulyCredit: Paul Edwards – The Sun

    Bobby and Jack are the only pair of brothers to lift the World CupCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
    He too had suffered with dementia in his later years.

    Sir Bobby played every minute of England’s stunning World Cup triumph of 1966, with brother Jack also an integral member of the squad.
    He went on the win the much-revered Ballon d’Or later that year and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
    The 83-year-old scored 249 goals in 758 games for Manchester United, helping them to their first ever European Cup win in 1968.
    He also survived the horrific Munich Air Disaster in 1958.

    Sir Bobby is pictured here on the far right as Bobby Moore holds aloft the World Cup for England in 1966Credit: Popperfoto – Getty

    Sir Bobby went on to become a Manchester United hero, while brother Jack was the same at LeedsCredit: Varley Picture Agency

    At international level Sir Bobby netted 49 times in 106 games for England, despite playing in midfield.
    Sir Bobby’s diagnosis will strengthen calls for the link between football and dementia to be explored more vigorously.
    Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson have all died since 2018 after living with dementia.
    Former England striker Shearer made a powerful BBC documentary in 2017 investigating whether there is a link between heading footballs and the brain syndrome.
    Stiles’ family featured on the programme after the Manchester United icon was revealed to be suffering from advanced dementia in 2016.
    Shearer believes serious questions need to be answered, especially as footballs were heavier in the past.
    And he added that funding for ground-breaking research is due to run out next year.

    Jack Charlton died in July at the age of 85, now Bobby has been diagnosed with dementiaCredit: Popperfoto – Getty

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    Bruno Fernandes reveals he and Man Utd pal Pogba speak ITALIAN to each other as they build midfield partnership

    BRUNO FERNANDES and Paul Pogba have been chatting in Italian while they develop their midfield partnership.
    The Portuguese playmaker has revealed the good relationship he shares with his Manchester United team-mate, on and off the pitch.

    Bruno Fernandes has revealed an Italian connection in the Manchester United midfieldCredit: AFP or licensors

    The midfielder is confident Paul Pogba will be motivated by a recent spell as an impact subCredit: PA:Press Association

    Since arriving in January, United fans have been desperate to see the star duo create a dynamic partnership in the centre of the pitch.
    And Fernandes, 26, believes it is only a matter of time before he and Pogba start to do ‘great things’.
    He told Sky Sports: “We have a good relationship, of course.

    “We both speak Italian so most of the time we speak Italian. I have a good relationship with him on and off the pitch.

    “He’s a funny guy, he always wants to joke.
    “I know him from Italy already but now I have the chance to be in a team with a World Cup winner.
    “It’s always a pleasure being in a team with him because I can learn a lot from him, and he can learn a lot from me. Together we can do great things.”
    Pogba and Fernandes first came across each other while playing for Juventus and Udinese.

    The pair met five times, with the Frenchman claiming three wins before he left for Manchester.
    The Red Devils forked out £90million for the 27-year-old but have arguably seen only glimpses of his full potential.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even benched Pogba for three of the last four matches and Fernandes hopes that will serve to motivate the midfielder.
    He added: “Paul wants to play, he wants to be in the first XI, that is no different to any player – they all want to be in the first XI.
    “Of course Paul is an amazing player who has done a lot of great things in the past few years. The way he came in against Paris Saint-Germain, against Newcastle, was perfect for the team.
    “A lot of people may think Paul is angry on the bench and that he will do nothing when he comes on because he is angry, but he comes in with the right motivation, as we saw with his assist in Paris.

    “He was there, he was fighting, holding the ball in the corner for us, he did a really good job.
    “Maybe some people think he was angry because he wanted to play and that he wants to leave the club. Everyone knows the qualities Paul has, he is doing very well.
    “Being on the bench is a problem for everyone, but this problem is motivation for Paul.
    “He uses this as motivation and he is helping the team a lot when he comes in and plays, like he did in the last game in the Champions League.”

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    Man Utd and Arsenal combined XI ahead of huge Premier League clash… but how many Gunners make the team?

    MANCHESTER UNITED face Arsenal on Sunday to reignite their old rivalry in the hunt for a top-four finish.
    The two sides are both building young teams that they hope will one day challenge for the Premier League title.

    And this weekend’s meeting, kicking off at 4.30pm, will provide a useful progress report for both clubs’ ambitions.
    Here, SunSport has formulated a combined Manchester United and Arsenal XI to determine who has the edge in the clash.
    GK: David De Gea
    The first, and arguably most difficult pick, of this combined XI sees De Gea edge Bernd Leno in between the posts.
    Although United’s defence has been far from perfect this season, the Spaniard’s longevity at this level remains impressive.

    RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka
    Another tricky decision, the England defender comes in ahead of Hector Bellerin at right-back.
    Wan-Bissaka impressed versus Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig, having topped the stats as one of Europe’s best tacklers.
    CB: Gabriel Magalhaes
    Is Gabriel a step above the sort of centre-back Arsenal have become used to in recent years? Ask Shkodran Mustafi.
    The Gunners have conceded just five goals in the seven games he has played since signing from Lille – with one coming despite a sound piece of advice for his team-mate.

    Gabriel Magalhaes is proving to be a shrewd purchase for the GunnersCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Harry Maguire has done well to bounce back from a rough spellCredit: Reuters
    CB: Harry Maguire
    Most would balk at the idea of Maguire making any top XI a few weeks ago, but his bounceback from a poor run of form has emphasised his class.
    An awesome performance against Newcastle has been extended into a strong spell by the centre-back, pushing him ahead of David Luiz and Victor Lindelof in this selection.
    LB: Kieran Tierney
    Alex Telles is yet to prove himself in English football, and will miss Sunday’s game with coronavirus.
    One player who has landed in the Premier League and excelled, despite injury issues, is Arsenal’s Tierney. His team-mates will be hoping he doesn’t shoot this weekend though.

    CM: Thomas Partey
    Central midfield is not the strongest area for either side, with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Scott McTominay steady but unspectacular.
    In terms of raw talent, Partey is one of the most exciting Arsenal signings for years and this trip to Old Trafford could be a definitive early marker in his time with the club.
    CM: Paul Pogba
    Pogba’s absence from the United line-up was ended with Wednesday’s win over Leipzig, which saw the Frenchman bag a smart assist.
    On his day, the midfielder is world-class and it is up to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to tease it out of Pogba on a regular basis.

    Paul Pogba showed why he deserves a start on Sunday with his display against RB LeipzigCredit: PA:Press Association

    Willian has already bagged a couple of assists for ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
    RW: Willian
    The right flank is another toss-up between these two clubs.
    Mason Greenwood and Nicolas Pepe can both make a claim to being the superior winger but Willian is the all-round star with bags of experience Mikel Arteta was desperate to sign in the summer.
    CAM: Bruno Fernandes
    A Mesut Ozil at the top of his game would make good competition for Fernandes, but as it is the central attacking midfield role is a sure thing.
    With 16 goals and 12 assists in his opening 30 games for United, the Portugal international continues to establish himself as a major star on these shores.

    Bruno Fernandes has become an integral player for Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang end his drought on Sunday?Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    LW: Marcus Rashford
    Arteta’s unpopular decision to move Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the left flank has been put to one side in this selection.
    One striker who has succeeded in heading out wide is Rashford, who backed up his off-field stardom in the week with a hat-trick past Leipzig, albeit from a central role.

    ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
    Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette are steady goal-getters but neither have the ability of Aubameyang.
    The Arsenal captain is in a poor spot of form just now but can turn that around with his fourth goal against the Red Devils on Sunday.

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    What happened to seven Man Utd kids Sir Alex Ferguson tipped for stardom in 2001 from Darren Fletcher to Luke Chadwick

    SIR ALEX FERGUSON is one of the greatest football managers of all time.
    From being one game from the sack at Old Trafford to transforming the club into a real European heavyweight, Fergie’s tenure will go down in history.

    Sir Alex Ferguson tipped big things from a few players who never quite reached that levelCredit: Reuters

    But the great man did make one or two mistakes along the way.
    From signing the likes of Bebe, Eric Djemba Djemba  and Gabriel Obertan to the infamous David Beckham boot-kicking episode, there were some colourful times during his 26 years at the club.
    After winning the Premier League in 2001, the boss was full of beans for the future.
    Fergie tipped seven youngsters from the United youth team that he predicted were destined for greatness.

    He said: “Darren Fletcher, who we hope will get over his broken leg, is good. Michael Stewart and Luke Chadwick are doing very well, and John O’Shea’s doing well too.
    “There’s a young left-back called Paul Tierney who’s doing well, as is Danny Pugh.
    “But there’s a young boy who has started now, he’s 16, called Kieran Richardson. He’s going to be a fantastic player.”
    Some lived up to his billing but sadly others failed to make the grade. We take a look at who was a hit and who missed the mark.

    John O’Shea
    Mr Versatile, O’Shea even played in goal during his time with United.
    Far from being a flop, O’Shea featured 256 times for the club between 1999 and 2011.
    The Irishman moved on to Sunderland where he captained the Mackems, but couldn’t stop their slide down the leagues.
    O’Shea joined Reading for one season in 2018 before retiring and joining their backroom staff, where he is currently first team coach.

    John O’Shea went on to have a decent Man Utd career without ever really bossing itCredit: Empics
    Darren Fletcher
    A capable midfielder who perhaps never got the credit he deserved for his workmanlike performances in the middle of the park.
    Incredibly the Scot managed to play at the top level while suffering from a serious bowel condition.
    He won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his 342 appearances in 11 years for United.
    Fletcher went on to play for West Brom and Stoke before retiring at the age of 36 at the end of last season to begin regular media appearances.

    Darren Fletcher did his njob without too much fuss, and went on to become a Scotland internationalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Luke Chadwick
    Once talked about as Beckham’s successor, it’s fair to say Chadwick failed to live up to even half of that billing.
    He did feature 38 times in United’s first-team, but that mostly came in cup competitions and coming off the bench.
    Chadwick went on to play for West Ham, Stoke, Norwich, MK Dons and Cambridge United before dropping into non-league to finish his career with Soham Town Rangers.
    The 39-year-old is now coaching in Cambridge’s academy but hit headlines after revealing his sadness at being mocked on the BBC quiz show They Think It’s All Over – earning an apology from presenters Nick Hancock and Gary Lineker.

    Luke Chadwick never quite filled David Beckham’s boots at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Kieran Richardson
    Fergie described how Richardson would go on to become ‘a fantastic player’.
    Like O’Shea and Fletcher, Richardson can look back on a pretty successful career, even making eight England appearances and scoring twice.
    He made 81 appearances for United between 2002 and 2007, and went on to play for Sunderland, Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff.

    Kieran Richardson never really made it at Old Trafford, but did make eight England appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Danny Pugh
    Pugh had the honour of making his debut for United when he replaced the legend that is Ruud van Nistelrooy in a Champions League game against Maccabi Haifa in 2002.
    But he went on to feature only another six times before being shipped out to Leeds as part of the deal that took Alan Smith to Old Trafford.
    Pugh also played for Preston, Stoke, a second spell with Leeds before floating down the leagues.
    He is currently coaching at Port Vale after seeing out his playing days with the League Two club.

    Danny Pugh spent most of his career outside England’s top flight after leaving UnitedCredit: Action Images
    Michael Stewart
    A defensive midfielder in the time when Roy Keane was bossing the opposition as well as the dressing room, Stewart was always going to find it difficult to break through.
    The Scot made eight appearances for United between 1998 and 2005 before being moved on to Hibs permanently.
    He joined their great rivals Hearts in 2007 where he stayed for three season, before a spell with Genclerbirligi in Turkey and his career ended in 2011 after a nine-game stint at Charlton.
    Capped four times by Scotland, he later applied to be a candidate for the Scottish National Party in the 2015 general election – but failed to secure the nomination.

    Michael Stewart had the small matter of Roy Keane to try and displace from the midfield spotCredit: Eddie Keogh

    Paul Tierney
    After shining at youth levels at United, Tierney made only ONE first-team appearance – in the League Cup against West Brom in 2003.
    The right-back joined up with Scottish side Livingston in 2005 but was flogged on to Blackpool when they were relegated from the SPL.
    After a loan spell with Stockport, he was released by the Seasiders. Tierney ended his career with a three-game stint with Altincham.

    Paul Tierney made a solitary appearance for United in the League Cup before moving to Livingston in 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Rio Ferdinand compares Marcus Rashford’s performance to an older kid bullying younger kids and “taking their dinner money” More