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    Man Utd’s most expensive teen signings revealed as Amad Diallo could cost over £37m – but won’t become priciest

    AMAD DIALLO will become one of Manchester United’s most expensive teenagers after a deal was agreed to sign the starlet.
    Atalanta have accepted an offer for the winger, 18, to join the Red Devils for an initial £18million.

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    However the deal could reach a total of £37m if an array of add-on clauses are met.
    Personal terms and a work permit are still to be completed before the youngster moves in January, with Atalanta retaining a 15 per cent sell-on fee.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been desperate to sign a wide attacker throughout the window, targeting Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.

    In the end, he settled on Uruguayan talent Facundo Pellistri and free agent striker Edinson Cavani alongside Diallo.

    Reports suggest Pellistri, also 18, will be thrown in at the deep end when he gets settled in Manchester with a first-team spot a possibility amid United’s early-season struggles.
    And it was in similar circumstances which the club signed its most expensive teenager to date.
    Robin van Persie’s exit in the summer of 2015, combined with the underwhelming arrival of Memphis Depay, forced Louis van Gaal into the market for a striker.
    On deadline day, a deal worth £57.6m was agreed with Monaco for 19-year-old forward Anthony Martial.

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    Anthony Martial remains United’s most expensive teenagerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Luke Shaw became the world’s most expensive teenager when moving in 2014Credit: Getty – Contributor
    That fee was never reached, with only £36m handed over initially and three add-ons agreed.
    Only one of those clauses was met as Martial reached 25 goals in his first four years at Old Trafford, while he failed to reach 25 France caps or win the Ballon d’Or by 2019.
    Diallo will land at slightly below that fee even if he fulfills all of his bonus clauses, which would make him United’s second highest teen purchase.
    Luke Shaw was the most expensive teenager in the world when brought in from Southampton for £30m, weeks before his 19th birthday.
    After two impressive seasons in the Premier League at St Mary’s, the left-back has made just 142 appearances as he begins his seventh campaign in Manchester.
    Injury problems and inconsistent form have stunted the England international’s progression under a number of managers, with Solskjaer signing Alex Telles on deadline day to replace him.
    Next on the list is Wayne Rooney who signed for £25.6m from Everton in 2004.
    On reflection, the Red Devils probably got their money’s worth from the striker, who left aged 31 with five Premier League titles, a Champions League and 253 goals in 559 appearances.

    Anderson also collected a hefty amount of silverware at Old Trafford in his eight years at the club.
    A relative unknown when signed for £20m in 2007, the Brazilian will become United’s fifth-most expensive teenager if Diallo triggers any of his add-ons.
    But the midfielder was rarely a first-team regular and struggled to find form after leaving England, announcing his retirement last year at the age of 31.

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    Wayne Rooney is arguably the only member of this list to live up to his price tag – so farCredit: Getty – Contributor

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    Anderson was a fringe player during a successful period for the Red DevilsCredit: Action Images – Reuters

    Roy Keane says Man Utd players will cost Solskjaer his job More

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    Man Utd suffer defensive blow with Eric Bailly injured again and doubt for Newcastle clash while away with Ivory Coast

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S defensive woes continued as Eric Bailly was injured on international duty with the Ivory Coast.
    The centre-back suffered a hamstring blow and is now a doubt for United’s Premier League clash with Newcastle on October 17.

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    Eric Bailly was seen clutching his hamstring before being replaced while playing for the Ivory CoastCredit: RT1

    Bailly was seen clutching the back of his right leg in the 1-1 friendly draw against Belgium on Wednesday.
    The 26-year-old hobbled off after 70 minutes having worryingly gone down off the ball.
    He had started the game – along with Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe and Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha – on the right of a back three.

    However, the defender took to Instagram to reassure worried United fans that it was a case of ‘fatigue’.

    On his story, he wrote: “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m doing well. Just fatigue. 
    “Goodnight to you all and God protect us. Congratulations to my team for the match against the first ranked team.”
    Bailly had regained a starting spot alongside Red Devils skipper Harry Maguire before the international break.
    But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defensive duo flopped in the humiliating 6-1 defeat against Spurs at Old Trafford last weekend.

    The two exchanged sloppy headers before Maguire hauled down team-mate Luke Shaw in the build-up to Tanguy Ndombele bagging Spurs’ first goal in the rout.
    The Norwegian boss had decided to replace Swede Victor Lindelof with Bailly in his starting XI.
    But the injury-prone defender could miss out on a run in the side if he fails to recover.
    Bailly has been continually plagued with knee and ankle problems since arriving at Old Trafford from Villarreal in 2016.
    United will assess his condition upon his return to Carrington.

    Man Utd boss Solskjaer confirms that Eric Bailly fit again to play More

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    Man Utd ‘ready to complete bargain Dayot Upamecano transfer next summer as release clause drops to £36.5m’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to sign Dayot Upamecano for a bargain £36.5million next summer.
    Sport Bild reports the RB Leipzig centre-back’s release clause will drop to the figure next year, potentially sparking a transfer battle.

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    Dayot Upamecano could move to Old Trafford on the cheap next summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Frenchman was being monitored by a host of Europe’s top clubs during the summer transfer window.
    His old contract had a release clause of £54m and would have expired next summer.
    But after nobody paid up, Upamecano signed a new deal until 2023 with the reduced release clause coming into force in 2021.

    The 21-year-old impressed during Leipzig’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last term.

    Upamecano bagged man of the match in a sensational display in the quarter-final win over Atletico Madrid.
    The report states United will face competition from rivals Liverpool who are also interested in bringing Upamecano to the Premier League.
    Manchester City were previously linked with his signature, but after splashing over £100m on Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias, Upamecano is very unlikely to make his way to the Etihad.
    Leipzig are thought to be resigned to losing their hot prospect at the end of this season.

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    How Man Utd could have lined-up if they’d signed Solskjaer’s top targets

    The German club signed Josko Gvardiol from Dinamo Zagreb this summer and have earmarked him to fill Upamecano’s slot after loaning him back to the Croatian side for this season.
    The Red Devils are desperate to strengthen at the back after the humiliating 6-1 defeat by Spurs at Old Trafford.
    Skipper Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly both made blunders as United shipped four goals in the first-half of a Prem game for the first time ever.
    Upamecano’s lightning pace could complement £85m England ace Maguire – who ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan likened to an ‘ocean liner’.

    Watch as France U21 defender Dayot Upamecano blows away Bundesliga opponents for RB Leipzig More

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    Edinson Cavani set for emotional Man Utd debut against old club PSG as he will miss Newcastle clash while in quarantine

    EDINSON CAVANI could make his Manchester United debut in an emotional clash with old side Paris Saint-Germain.
    Uruguayan striker Cavani, 33, joined United in a free transfer worth £200,000 a week on deadline day after leaving PSG when his contract expired at the end of June.

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    Edinson Cavani may make his Manchester United debut against former side Paris Saint-GermainCredit: EPA

    And The Times reports that because he has continued to live in Paris, he will have to quarantine for 14 days in line with government regulations for anyone arriving into the UK from France.
    The exemption for elite athletes only applies if players are coming from a secure bubble environment where they are tested regularly.
    New left-back Alex Telles has been in a bubble with Porto and therefore is available to link-up immediately with his new team-mates.

    Cavani has been living among the public and United are said to be seeking further clarification on the matter.

    If he is house-bound for a fortnight Cavani would not be allowed out before the Red Devils’ Premier League trip to Newcastle on October 17.
    United’s options up front will already be limited with Anthony Martial serving a three-match ban after being sent-off for slapping Erik Lamela in the 6-1 drubbing by Spurs.
    But Cavani would be available for PSG away in the Champions League group stage on October 20.
    He could be used from the bench by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having not played since March.

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    Watch De Gea rip into Luke Shaw and rage ‘what’s your problem?’ against Spurs

    United’s new striker has decided to take on the curse of the No7 shirt donned by flops Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez.
    Despite the Red Devils’ failure to land Jadon Sancho, Cavani arrives with an incredible goalscoring record – only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have netted more since March 2007.
    And Cavani revealed he almost QUIT football when his girlfriend contracted Covid-19 over the summer as ‘family comes first’.

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    Watch David De Gea rip into Man Utd star Luke Shaw and rage ‘what’s your problem?’ after ignoring him during Spurs match

    DAVID DE GEA ripped into Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw and raged ‘what’s your problem?’ against Spurs.
    The Spanish keeper can be heard bellowing at England left-back Shaw, 25, to stay in position during the 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.

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    David De Gea and Luke Shaw look dejected after conceding a goal against SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    With games still being played behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic, it is far easier to hear players communicating than normal.
    And Shaw received a verbal barrage from his keeper in the lead up to Son Heung-min scoring Spurs’ fourth goal in the humiliating first-half display.
    De Gea boomed: “LUKEEE!

    “No Luke! No Luke! RUNNN!”

    And after Son had poked the ball past the 29-year-old shot-stopper, De Gea blasted his left-back – who seemingly had ignored him.
    He fumed: “What is your problem – hey?”
    Serge Aurier provided the assist for Son by nutmegging United skipper Harry Maguire.
    And it was a day to forget for the 27-year-old England defender who came up with THREE clear gaffes.

    Maguire hauled down his own team-mate Shaw, allowing Tanguy Ndombele to equalise after Bruno Fernandes’ very early penalty had briefly put United ahead.
    Maguire then fouled his Three Lions skipper Harry Kane three minutes later and allowed him to take a quick free-kick – setting Son away to score the second.
    It was a nightmare first-half for the men in red who made history for the wrong reasons as they conceded four in the first 45 minutes of a Premier League fixture for the first time ever.
    Striker Anthony Martial was sent-off for slapping Erik Lamela with the score at 2-1 as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side unravelled at Old Trafford.
    The ten-man Red Devils suffered further punishment after the break as Aurier’s goal and Kane’s penalty rubbed insult into injury.

    Jesse Lingard tells Man Utd team-mate Luke Shaw he’s claiming his FA Cup goal after volley grazed his back More

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    Desperate Man Utd snap up striker Edinson Cavani on free transfer worth £200,000-plus a week despite defensive woes

    MANCHESTER UNITED have completed a surprise swoop for Edinson Cavani.
    A free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the Uruguayan forward had been linked with Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Benfica.

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    Edinson Cavani has over 100 goals in Serie A and Ligue 1 to his nameCredit: AFP – Getty

    But the Red Devils have won the race to sign Cavani, pushing through a deal on transfer deadline day with a minor delay due to image rights terms.
    An initial one-year contract holds the option for the club to add on another season.
    The 33-year-old is expected to earn over £200,000-a-week in Manchester and could feature against his old club in their Champions League clash later this month.
    Upon signing, Cavani told the club website: “Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here.

    “I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.
    “I have played in front of some of the most passionate supporters in football during my career and I know that it will be the same in Manchester.
    “I cannot wait to experience the Old Trafford atmosphere, when it is safe for the fans to return.
    “I look forward to continuing to write my little story inside the book of football and I know that’s why my focus has to remain the same as always – work, work, work.

    “I have had a conversation with the manager and this has increased my desire to wear this beautiful shirt.”

    Anthony Martial’s red card on the weekend means Cavani’s debut could come in the match against Newcastle on October 17.
    But it was the incredible ease with which United conceded last time out, losing 6-1 to Tottenham, that worried fans most.
    Nevertheless, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward have been determined to improve their attack this autumn with £39illion Donny van de Beek also arriving.
    Cavani is the club’s second signing of the day after the capture of Alex Telles.

    The 27-year-old Brazilian international full-back signed from Porto for £13.6m rising to £15.4m based on his achievements.
    With 341 league goals in 556 games for clubs including Napoli and PSG, Solskjaer believes he has acquired a top-class striker much in the mould of Zlatan Ibrahimovic who excelled at United in his mid-thirties.
    However fitness problems restricted Cavani to just 35 games in the past two years and he started just seven games last season.
    United boss Solskjaer said: “Edinson is an experienced ultimate professional who always gives everything for his team.
    “His goalscoring record for club and country is fantastic and we are delighted to sign a player of his calibre.
    “He’ll bring energy, power, leadership and a great mentality to the squad but, most importantly, he’ll bring goals.

    “He has had a brilliant career so far, winning trophies at almost every club he has played for, and he still has so much more to give at the highest level.
    “The opportunity for our young players to learn from one of Europe’s top goalscorers over the last 10 years is fantastic and it will really benefit them going forward.
    “Edinson knows exactly what it takes to succeed and we are all looking forward to seeing him make an impact at Manchester United.”

    Darren Ambrose says Edinson Cavani is a clever signing from Man Utd More

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    Man Utd’s No7 shirt curse was too big for Sanchez, but can Cavani fill the boots of Best, Beckham, Ronaldo and Cantona?

    EDINSON CAVANI has joined Manchester United on a deadline day free transfer.
    The Red Devils, after failing to land top target Jadon Sancho, are expected to hand the veteran Uruguayan, 33, striker their once-hallowed No 7 shirt.

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    Edinson Cavani is expected to be Manchester United’s new No 7 after signing on deadline dayCredit: AFP – Getty

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    Cavani succeeds Alexis Sanchez as Man Utds new No 7Credit: Getty – Contributor

    Cavani – who left Paris-Saint Germain on a free transfer this summer – follows in the footsteps of Old Trafford greats like George Best, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo.
    But that has not proven a good omen in recent years with the likes of Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez crumbling under the pressure of its history.
    For 50 years, the club’s icons bore that shirt with pride, and did it justice.
    But since Ronaldo donned it for the final time in 2009, no one has dealt with the burden of expectation.

    Here, SunSport takes a look back at the superstars to wear the hallowed shirt — and the sharp decline in success – starting with the two recent flops.

    ALEXIS SANCHEZ, 2018 TO PRESENT

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    Credit: Getty ImagesAlexis Sanchez failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford

    Success at United

    Appearances – 45
    Goals – 5
    No trophies

    After four glorious seasons with Arsenal, Chilean star Sanchez appeared to be a no-brainer when United added him to their ranks for £32m.

    And Robin Van Persie had previously shown that he could adapt from a move from North London.
    However, Sanchez has been a major disappointment – a shadow of the player who ripped defences apart at the Emirates Stadium.
    Just five goals in 45 appearances, he is deemed surplus to requirements – shipped out to Inter Milan on loan this season.
    MEMPHIS DEPAY, 2015-16

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    Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Memphis Depay suffered curse of the Manchester United No7 shirt

    Success at United

    Appearances – 53
    Goals – 7
    No trophies

    Memphis was immediately handed the No7 jersey by Louis van Gaal after signing for £25MILLION from PSV.
    But, despite the hype surrounding his arrival, it was just constant disappointment for the Dutchman, and he left to join Lyon on loan after 12 months, which soon became a permanent deal.
    Depay has rediscovered his form with the French giants, scoring 53 times in 134 games from the wing.
    It’s a better return than the seven in 53 he managed with United.
    GEORGE BEST, 1963-74

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    Credit: Getty Images
    George Best celebrates his goal against Benfica in 1968 European Cup final

    Success at United

    Appearances — 474 Goals — 181First Division (2) — 1964-65, 1966-67European Cup — 1968Football Writers’ Player of the Year — 1968Ballon d’Or — 1968Ballon d’Or third place — 1971

    In an era where shirt numbers were not assigned, Best donned it in 141 of his 474 games.
    In 1966, he wore it in what is generally considered his greatest-ever performance, netting twice as United battered the great Benfica 5-1 in Lisbon — and against the  same opponents in the European Cup final two years later.
    Best is considered by many the most naturally gifted footballer to have come out of Britain.
    BRYAN ROBSON — 1981-94

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    Credit: Getty Images
    ‘Captain Marvel’ Bryan Robson was always there when Manchester United needed him

    Success at United

    Appearances — 461 Goals — 99Premier League (2) — 1992-93, 1993-94FA Cup (4) — 1982-83, 1984-85, 1989-90League Cup — 1991-92European Cup Winners’ Cup — 1990-91European Super Cup — 1991

    Immediately picked up the No.7 shirt, despite Steve Coppell still being at the club.
    ‘Captain Marvel’ was unlucky to play in a United side which failed to challenge for the title during the 1980s — and is the club’s longest-serving captain, who won 90 England caps.
    A leader whose influence was apparent as his two goals famously helped the Red Devils overturn a 2-0 deficit against Barcelona in one of Old Trafford’s most glorious nights in 1984.
    ERIC CANTONA — 1992-97

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    Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Eric Cantona was the catalyst for Manchester United success in 1990s

    Success at United

    Appearances — 185
    Goals — 93Premier League (4) — 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97FA Cup (2) — 1993-94, 1995-96PFA Players’ Player of the Year — 1993-94Football Writers’ Player of the Year — 1995-96Ballon d’Or third place — 1993

    First player to be officially assigned the No7 shirt.
    Cantona was the catalyst, who helped transform United from nearly men to Premier League champions.
    He won the title in four of his five seasons at the club — and the only time he failed to was when he was banned for eight months for kung-fu kicking a Crystal Palace fan.
    DAVID BECKHAM — 1992-03

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    David Beckham graduated from No28 to No7Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Success at United

    Appearances — 394Goals — 85Premier League (6) — 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03FA Cup (2) — 1995-96, 1998-99Champions League — 1998-99Intercontinental Cup — 1999Ballon d’Or runner up — 1999Fifa World Player of the Year runner up — 1999, 2001

    An academy graduate who started off as No28, before moving up through the No.24, No.10 and eventually No.7 shirt when Cantona left.
    Beckham provided vital assists in the Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in 1999 as United completed an incredible Treble.
    He wore the shirt during his peak years at the club and established himself as the best set-piece taker in world football.
    CRISTIANO RONALDO — 2003-09

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    Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo was handed No.7 shirt at age of 18 and thrived in it

    Success at United

    Appearances — 292 Goals — 118Premier League (3) — 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09FA Cup — 2003-04League Cup (2) — 2005-06, 2008-09Champions League — 2007-08Fifa Club World Cup — 2008Ballon d’Or — 2008Fifa World Player of the Year — 2008Football Writers’ Player of the Year (2) — 2006-07, 2007-08PFA Players’ Player of the Year (2) — 2006-07, 2007-08PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year award — 2006-07Ballon d’Or runner up — 2007, 2009Fifa World Player of the Year runner-up — 2007, 2009

    Replaced Beckham and, at the tender of age of 18, was handed the most prestigious shirt at the club.
    But Ronaldo thrived under the pressure and went from strength-to-strength.
    Won a trophy in all but one season and became United’s fourth Ballon d’Or winner.

    MICHAEL OWEN — 2009-12

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    Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Michael Owen wasn’t the worst player, but never justified No.7 shirt

    Success at United

    Appearances — 52 Goals — 17Premier League — 2010-11League Cup — 2009-10

    In the whole of world football, only Lionel Messi would have been fit to fill the huge chasm left behind by Ronaldo in 2009.
    Injury-prone Owen was nearly 30, had just been released by recently-relegated Newcastle and was only signed as back-up after United had missed out on Karim Benzema.
    Highs included a last-gasp derby winner, League Cup final goal and Champions League hat-trick, but never came close to doing the No.7 shirt justice.
    ANTONIO VALENCIA — 2009-19 (No7 for 2012-13 season)

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    Credit: Getty Images
    Antonio Valencia reverted back to No.25 after poor season with No.7 shirt

    Success at United

    Appearances — 339 Goals — 25Premier League (2) — 2010-11, 2012-13FA Cup — 2015-16League Cup (2) — 2009-10, 2016-17
    Europa League – 2016-17

    United’s 2011-12 Player of the Year was then handed the No7 shirt after three seasons wearing the No25 — and it was again worn by a right-winger.
    However, while Sir Alex Ferguson led his men to a 13th title, Valencia endured without doubt his worst seasons at the club.
    At the end of the campaign, he requested the No25 shirt again and there was no No7 during David Moyes’ reign.
    ANGEL DI MARIA — 2014-15

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    Credit: Getty Images
    Despite his staggering fee, it was a disastrous spell in Manchester for Angel Di Maria

    Success at United

    Appearances — 32Goals — 4

    United and English football’s then record signing at £59.1million.
    Di Maria arrived from Real Madrid after a man of the match performance in the Champions League final, and initially looked a good signing.
    But his form dipped drastically, and he became a liability. Sold to Paris Saint-Germain after just one season for £44m.

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    Sergio Romero’s wife SLAMS Man Utd and begs club to ‘let him go and show respect’ after failed transfer away

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been slammed by Sergio Romero’s wife as the goalkeeper’s future hangs in the balance.
    With Dean Henderson and David de Gea comfortably ahead of the Argentine in the pecking order, Eliana Guercio took aim at the club.

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    Sergio Romero was defended by wife Eliana Guercio on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/elianaguercio12/

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    Manchester United are reportedly in talks to let the Argentine goalkeeper leave after five years as back-upCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Reports suggest Everton are in talks over a move for Romero, 33, to compete with Jordan Pickford for the No1 jersey.
    But Eliana’s Monday evening plea over Instagram suggested the deal had stalled.
    She wrote: “Sergio Romero worked hard for his club.
    “Last trophy they won, they lifted it with him.

    “He helped the team reach four finals/semi-finals and then he was on the bench, only to lose them all.
    “It is time for them to return the opportunity and let him go.
    “RESPECT FOR ONCE!!!! [sic].”
    The scathing statement comes after Romero was dropped for United’s major cup matches last season.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the keeper with De Gea for the semi-finals of the Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup – going on to lose each tie.
    In five seasons with the Manchester club, he has made 61 appearances including the 2017 Europa League final win over Ajax.
    And fans commended Eliana for speaking out on her husband’s transfer saga with Romero a popular figure at Old Trafford.
    One supporter wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately you are right we don’t deserve Romero we really disrespected him he deserves a move.”

    James replied: “How true is this.”
    Another Red Devil added: “I feel the same, he is always in our heart.”
    While Ben commented: “We all agree.”

    Top ten stars who earned most sitting on bench last year with Man Utd’s Romero bagging £3.6m and Hart getting £2.3m More