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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

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      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

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      Despite looming shadow of Pochettino, Solskjaer’s tactics and subs are spot on and he’s doing a good job at Man Utd

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER must grow tired of reading about all the great coaches lining up to take his job.
      The latest rocked up to Old Trafford on Wednesday night in another eye-catching outfit from his much admired wardrobe.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has enjoyed a fine spell after being linked with the sackCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail

      Solskjaer welcomed Julian Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig to Old Trafford on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Julian Nagelsmann, the 33-year-old coach of RB Leipzig who has guided them to the top of the Bundesliga on the back of last season’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.
      Every footballing hipsters dream.
      And Solskjaer promptly sent him home with the biggest spanking he has received in his coaching career – 5-0.

      Of course the spectre of Mauricio Pochettino never goes away while he remains out of a job.

      Which is some time now given that it is three weeks short of a year since he was sacked by Tottenham.
      He’ll be morphing into Alan Curbishley soon.
      Gareth Southgate even gets a mention every time England turn in a good performance and Manchester United lose.
      Meanwhile Solskjaer gets on with his job and yes, right now he is doing a very good one and the wish inside Old Trafford must be that he is just allowed to get on with it.

      If you judge him on the 6-1 Spurs game many United fans would have him out.
      Not good enough, not enough experience, daft sentimental choice.
      So what do we say this morning after backing up that incredible performance in beating Paris Saint Germain by demolishing Leipzig.
      Why not look back over a year’s work rather than judge his managerial credentials from game to game?
      Last season a third-placed league finish and three semi-finals was some achievement.

      Marcus Rashford’s hat-trick delivered a 5-0 win over the GermansCredit: EPA
      Now he is building on that.
      The start was dodgy this season and there are mitigating factors; with a break of just 34 days and only one week’s preparation with the full squad.
      Now they are back up and running.
      Solskjaer said: “We’ve not been fit before the international break, that’s just an obvious fact, now we’re covering the pitch, we’re running and we’ve got players who are fitter, stronger and sharper.
      “For me, that consistency has been there since February, it has been getting better and better.
      “Yeah the first league game was very disappointing, and the circumstances of the Tottenham defeat but we’re getting better.
      “We’re playing against good teams you know, we were slaughtered after Chelsea but I thought our performance was solid and good then as well.”
      Yes that 0-0 draw saw another solid defensive performance.

      In fact in the last four games they have not conceded to an opposition player with unfortunate own goals from Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial the only ones against them.
      Solskjaer has been plotting his way through these recent games by changing personnel and formations as he utilises his squad and keeps them fresh.
      For a manager who some would claim is tactically naïve he has got it right on two massive occasions in Europe with the 3-4-1-2 in Paris and the diamond midfield against Leipzig.
      Solskjaer said: “The squad is good and of course it gives us options now. We have the possibility to play a 4-3-3, a diamond, 4-2-3-1, 3-4-1-2, but it’s execution and it’s the principles and work-rate that’s key here.”
      The team selection too has been spot on.
      He has held Donny van de Beek back but gave him his first start on Wednesday at the tip of the diamond and it worked.

      NEXT MAN UTD MANAGER ODDS

      Mauricio Pochettino – 2/3
      Massimiliano Allegri – 11/2
      Julian Nagelsmann – 25/1
      Thomas Tuchel – 25/1
      Laurent Blanc – 33/1
      Chris Wilder – 33/1
      Gareth Southgate – 33/1
      Source: Oddschecker

      As did playing Paul Pogba and Fred on the two outward points of that diamond.
      Pogba’s ball for Mason Greenwood’s opener was superb. Yes he has had stick in these pages but credit where it is due for his performance against Leipzig.
      He gets his changes right too.
      Having worn down the hardworking Leipzig, on he sends Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to finish them off with Rashford grabbing a hat-trick.

      So next up it’s Arsenal on Sunday with Mikel Arteta.
      He’s the pupil of Pep, you know, so he has to be one of the best in the land. Surely, the man who is going to take Arsenal forward.
      Meanwhile the former manager of Molde gets on with the job.
      And he’s doing a good job.

      Solskjaer delighted with Man Utd’s 5-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig More

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      Man Utd star Mason Greenwood dedicates goal vs Leipzig to tragic ex-City kid Jeremy Wisten who died aged 17

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      MANCHESTER UNITED striker Mason Greenwood dedicated his first Champions League goal to former Man City starlet Jeremy Wisten, who tragically died this week.
      Greenwood netted after 21 minutes of United’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of RB Leipzig last night.

      Jeremy Wisten has died at the age of just 17Credit: Instagram

      The 19-year-old sank to his knees and pointed to the sky after he watched the ball flash into the back of the net.
      Greenwood shared a photo of this celebration on his Instagram after the game, captioning it: “That one was for you bro. RIP Jeremy Wisten.”
      Seventeen-year-old Wisten tragically died this week, and was a former Manchester City youth team star.

      City stars Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte were just two players to pay tribute to the Malawi-born defender.

      His club took to Twitter on Sunday evening to share the tragic news.
      City’s official account wrote: “The Manchester City family are saddened to learn of the passing of former academy player Jeremy Wisten.
      “We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family.
      “Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.”

      Sterling quote tweeted the post with praying and flower emojis.
      Laporte replied: “Horrible news… RIP young man.”
      The cause of death is unknown at this stage.
      A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to ‘give him the best send off he deserves’.
      The page description reads: “We are raising money to help Jeremy’s family give him the best send off he deserves.
      “The most beautiful soul who was loved by many. Everyone who knew Jez would know that he had a smile that would light up the room.
      “Gone too soon but never forgotten, always in our hearts. We love you. Rest in paradise Jez.”
      Wisten joined the City academy in February 2016 after impressing on trial with the club and had aims of emulating legendary captain Vincent Kompany at the Etihad.

      Man City ex-youth player Jeremy Wisten tragically dies at 17 More

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      Man Utd ace Brandon Williams denies viral social media storm and threatens legal action over ‘defamatory’ allegations

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      MANCHESTER UNITED defender Brandon Williams has threatened legal action after ‘defamatory’ allegations about him were circulated on Twitter.
      The defender, 20, has featured twice this season for the Red Devils in EFL Cup wins against Luton and Brighton.

      Brandon Williams has threatened legal action over ‘defamatory’ allegations against himCredit: PA:Press Association

      Now Williams has instructed his legal team to ‘take action’ against unsubstantiated ‘rumours’ sweeping social media.
      A statement from Williams’ representatives, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, reads: “Brandon Williams is aware of rumours circulating on Twitter.
      “Brandon vehemently denies any wrongdoing whatsoever.

      “The allegations posted on Twitter are false and defamatory. We have urgently raised these matters with Twitter.

      “Brandon has instructed his legal team to take the action that they think necessary.
      “We will not hesitate to bring proceedings against those who choose to repeat the false and defamatory allegations.”
      Williams enjoyed a real breakthrough season last year as he often got the nod at left-back ahead of Luke Shaw.
      But this campaign could prove trickier to secure a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI.

      The Premier League giants brought in Porto full-back Alex Telles for £15.3m on transfer deadline day.
      Williams has featured 38 times for United in all competitions, making his first-team debut on September 25, 2019, as a substitute in an EFL Cup match against Rochdale.
      He received his first call-up to the England U21 squad earlier this month and played in a 3–3 draw against Andorra on October 7. More

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      Man Utd ‘make Erling Haaland No1 transfer target with Solskjaer still keen on Jadon Sancho in Dortmund double swoop’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly put Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland to the top of their shortlist.
      The Premier League giants chased his team-mate Jadon Sancho all summer, but failed to sign the England international.

      Manchester United are eyeing a sensational double swoop on Dortmund for Jadon Sancho and Erling HaalandCredit: Rex Features

      Now, according to The Athletic, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘still has designs on enhancing his centre-forward options’.
      And despite bringing in goalscoring legend Edinson Cavani on a free, Haaland is now the main transfer target.
      It is reported that although ‘United’s negotiations with Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola may have ended fractiously’ there are still ‘bridges’ between Solskjaer and the player.

      Solskjaer had told United that he wanted to be reunited with Haaland having worked with the player at Molde.

      But the Red Devils didn’t agree with there being a release clause in the deal, and the Norwegian ended up moving to Dortmund from RB Leipzig.
      The 20-year-old has scored seven goals in eight games in all competitions for the German giants this season.
      United will be hoping any prospective move for Haaland ends better than their failed pursuit of Sancho.
      Borussia Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke says United ‘misjudged’ their chase of the former Manchester City youth in the summer.

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Erling Haaland to lead the front line at UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the German giants’ CEO admitted the England winger, 20, is ‘not unsellable’.
      Dortmund had set United officials a deadline of August 10 to meet their £108million valuation.
      But Old Trafford bosses played it all-too casually and waiting until much later in the transfer window in order to attempt to secure a cut-price fee.
      United had offered £70m plus add-ons for Sancho – but Dortmund remained firm all summer, with the winger committing his future to the club, despite reportedly being keen on a move back to England.

      Erling Haaland will be the best striker in the world More

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      Man Utd to donate 5,000 free meals over October half-term to help Marcus Rashford tackle child poverty

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are lending a hand in Marcus Rashford’s fight to end child food poverty by donating 5,000 school meals over half-term.
      The England striker is in a battle with Boris Johnson’s Government to ensure disadvantaged kids are kept fed while school is out.

      Marcus Rashford and mum Melanie recently visited Farshare’s Manchester baseCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Manchester United are lending their support to the free meals campaign

      While there is talk of a U-turn in Westminster, United have stepped in to help six schools around Manchester.
      This week the club and its foundation will team up with food charity FareShare to cook and package 5,000 meals in the Old Trafford kitchens.
      Schools will then send on the meals to kids usually on the free meals scheme.

      Rashford has continued his fight to ensure disadvantaged youngsters are fed during breaks in term, having himself been on the scheme in his school days.

      The Government awarded the 22-year-old an MBE earlier this month for his campaigning but he has vowed to keep the pressure on.
      Rashford said: “It’s a nice moment for me personally but I feel like I’m still at the beginning of the journey that I set out to try to achieve.
      “I think what I would like to do now that I’m in this position is just speak directly to the prime minister and really ask for the vouchers to be extended until at least October half-term because I think that’s what the families need.
      “Speaking to them and knowing how much they’ve been helped, and how much it’s going to affect them if they don’t have it, that’s got to be my main focus now – to get that message across.”

      In recent days, Rashford has tweeted about towns and cities across the UK running similar schemes to feed kids over half-term to his 3.7million followers.
      Miranda Kaunang, Head of Development at FareShare Greater Manchester, said: “The hardship brought on by Covid-19 has presented a challenge like nothing we’ve ever seen before.
      “Demand for food has more than doubled and we are now distributing more than 80 tonnes of food a week – two thirds of which goes to children and families.
      “This partnership with Manchester United and Manchester United Foundation comes at a crucial time – it’s never been more important to ensure vulnerable children have access to good, nutritious food and we are so grateful for their support.”

      Boris Johnson says ‘we don’t want to see children going hungry this winter’ in hint u-turn on funding to come More

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      Donny van de Beek should have rejected Man Utd transfer and ‘waited for another club’, claims Marco van Basten

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      DONNY VAN DE BEEK should have REJECTED Manchester United and bided his time at Ajax, Marco van Basten has claimed.
      Real Madrid were also strongly linked with the midfielder before he completed a £40million move to Old Trafford in September.

      Donny van de Beek is yet to earn a start in the Premier LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Marco van Basten feels the player should have waited to sign for another teamCredit: EPA

      But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hardly played van de Beek, awarding him just four substitute outings in the Premier League.
      The weekend’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea saw the Dutchman left on the bench, his boss preferring to bring on Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba.
      That left Holland legend van Basten, 55, ruing his countryman’s switch to Manchester.

      Van Basten told Ziggo Sport, via the Mail: “Donny should not have gone to Manchester United.

      “When you are a good player you want to play every week.
      “It is really bad for a player like Donny to play only six or seven games this year. That is shocking for your match rhythm.
      “I know he is earning loads and loads more than he used to. But as a top player you have to be critical and look at the chances of playing when you sign for a new club.
      “Donny should have waited for better prospects and signed for another club.”

      Ajax fans gave van de Beek a stunning send-off as their academy product left Amsterdam in the summer.
      But he has not been warmly welcomed in Manchester, with former United star Patrice Evra questioning whether the team needs him.
      The Frenchman told Sky Sports on Sunday: “We’re talking about Van de Beek. Nothing against the kid, but why have we bought him?
      “He’s watching the game from the stand every game. We don’t need him, that’s the truth.”
      Van de Beek cut a frustrated figure in the Old Trafford stands as United remained lodged in lower mid-table after five games.
      The Red Devils’ struggles have led to eyebrows being raised over his situation, Gary Neville pondering over the weekend why the midfielder is not being played.

      But Solskjaer insists the 23-year-old will get a chance, having ‘impressed’ in training.
      Neville said: “He doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of Solskjaer’s plans. It’s a bit of a mystery.
      “The more he doesn’t start, and the more he doesn’t come on, the more you’re thinking, ‘£40m player, you’d get him in the team’.
      “He must be thinking, ‘What am I doing here?’ at this moment in time.”

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer tells his thoughts on new signing Donny van de Beek More

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      Jadon Sancho ‘disenchanted’ at Borussia Dortmund this season after failed Man Utd transfer

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      JADON SANCHO is not ‘100 per cent’ in the right headspace to perform for Borussia Dortmund, according to reports of discontent in the club’s dressing room.
      Manchester United unsuccessfully tried to sign the winger, 20, during the transfer window.

      Jadon Sancho is yet to hit top form since Manchester United were rebuffedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But it has been far from a perfect start to the season for Dortmund or Sancho.
      Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Lazio in the Champions League has led to widespread criticism of the squad.
      In particular, Sancho was panned by Bild for not being totally focused on the Borussia cause this season.

      The German newspaper adds that there are rumblings inside the dressing room over the player’s lack of discipline.

      Sancho landed himself in hot water with his national team bosses when breaking coronavirus restrictions days before meeting up with the squad.
      Gareth Southgate dropped the forward for a friendly with Wales before he underwhelmed off the bench against Belgium and Denmark.
      His club form has been little different, scoring only in the DFB-Pokal demolition of Duisburg having impressed so much last season.
      New signing Thomas Meunier has also faced criticism for his impact in Dortmund, along with out-of-form winger Julian Brandt and coach Lucien Favre.

      The Bundesliga side will need to turn things around quickly for Saturday’s huge local derby against Schalke, with Zenit St Petersburg coming to Signal Iduna Park shortly after.
      Manchester United are said to still fancy their chances of snapping up Sancho.
      Although Borussia insist their hardline negotiating stance will continue next summer, when the youngster will have just a year left on his contract.
      CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “[United] misjudged the situation.

      In this industry, you can never say that a player is completely unsellable.
      Hans-Joachim Watzke

      “We had a clear line and will continue to do so next summer.
      “In this industry, you can never say that a player is completely unsellable.
      “I heard and read everywhere in the spring that Sancho was gone. But he’s here. We had an agreement with him.”

      Gareth Southgate confirms Abraham, Chilwell and Sancho to miss Thursday’s match with Wales More