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    ‘I’m always at their service’ – Jaap Stam offers himself to Man Utd and is open to joining Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Jaap Stam has offered himself up to join Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.The new Red Devils boss is enjoying life at Old Trafford after winning his last four successive league matches.
    Jaap Stam is ready to join Man Utd as a coachCredit: AP
    Ten Hag has surrounded himself with experienced figures on the bench, including Steve McClaren and Benni McCarthy.
    And former centre-back Stam is now ready to join the team as a defensive coach.
    The 67-time Holland international, 50, is currently without a side after being sacked as FC Cincinnati boss a year ago.
    Stam has served plenty of time in the dugout with other sides including Reading and Feyenoord.
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    And after being linked with United over the summer, Stam admits he is ready to join should Ten Hag feel the need to ask.
    Stam told Tribal Football: “I never spoke to United – no one called me for any reason.
    “But that’s how it is in football. When a new coach arrives, he invites his people who he knows and trusts and who can help him in certain ways.
    “But like I said before, United is the club I love. I grew there as a person and as a player, they made me stronger, they made me who I am now.
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    “I have made history with this club and if they need me, if I can help them in any way, I am always at their service.”
    Stam played 127 times for United between 1998 and 2001, winning the Treble in 1999 as well as two more titles.
    He also starred at PSV, Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax before retiring in 2007.
    Stam has worked at United since then, joining as a scout in 2008 to cover South American players.
    But he left a year later to become assistant boss at PEC Zwolle before his managerial career kicked off. More

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    Antony is already Man Utd dressing room’s top JOKER as £85m man endears himself to new team-mates with banter

    BRAZILIAN star Antony has got the beat going in the Manchester United dressing room – after taking over the role as No 1 joker.The new £85m man – who scored on his debut last Sunday in a thrilling 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal – has already endeared himself to his new team-mates with his scintillating performances.
    Antony is quickly becoming the joker of the pack at Man UtdCredit: Getty
    But the former Ajax star has also made a splash at United with his banter.
    A source said: “The players all absolutely love Antony. He’s like a Tasmanian devil. When he’s training and playing he’s 100 per cent on it.
    “And then when it’s time to relax he’s one of the lads and loves a laugh and a joke.
    “He knows Fred from the Brazil national team so he’s been playing a couple of pranks on him with the lads have enjoyed.”
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    The source added that Argentinian stopper Lisandro Martinez is also already a firm favourite with the Old Trafford dressing room following his £56m move from Ajax.
    The source said: “Martinez is a beast. He trains exactly how he plays He tackles and fights and does whatever it takes to win.
    “He and Antony have slotted into the group really well because they already know what ten Hag expects because he managed them at Ajax.
    “They have both been accepted quickly by the dressing room and have given the team a lot of energy.
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    “The squad hasn’t been this united for years.”
    Antony yesterday revealed he is inspired by wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo.
    He said: “Words can’t describe Cristiano, the best in the world. In just a few days, I’ve learnt a lot from him.
    “He has an extraordinary mind and, whenever I talk to him, I take a lot from it.”
    Antony has been included in his country’s squad along with another new arrival in Casemiro and Fred for this month’s friendlies with Ghana and Tunisia.
    The 22-year-old signed from Ajax has made himself an instant hit with the fans with a bit of Ronaldo-like showmanship including step-overs.
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    He says: “I’ve always done this, not just here but for all the teams I’ve played for – it’s one of my characteristics.
    “I’ve been doing it ever since I was a child. Entertaining is something I’ve always liked and I’ll continue doing it.” More

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    Erik ten Hag believes Man Utd can WIN Prem title this season… with Marcus Rashford up front instead of Cristiano Ronaldo

    ERIK TEN HAG has set Marcus Rashford a 20-goal target for the season to help push Manchester City all the way in the title race.And it is claimed Manchester United’s players think the team are better off with Rashford playing up front — and Cristiano Ronaldo benched.
    Erik ten Hag is backing Marcus Rashford to fire Man Utd to the titleCredit: AP
    Ten Hag is ready to keep Cristiano Ronaldo waiting on the benchCredit: Rex
    New Red Devils boss Ten Hag is a huge fan of the revitalised Rashford.
    And the Dutchman has made him one of his main focuses as he bids to bring the good times back.
    Rashford, 24, boasts three goals and two assists already — compared with five goals and two assists in total last season.
    And Ten Hag has promised the forward he will do all he can to help him make England’s Qatar World Cup squad.

     A source said: “The manager wants Marcus to be United’s No 1 striker and lead the line up front.
    “He believes Marcus has the ability to become one of the world’s best and wants him to express himself in matches.
    “He is always telling him to use his pace and skills when he gets a chance. He told Marcus he will easily score 20 this season.
    “They have a great relationship and Marcus is really happy.”
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    Ten Hag was proud of United’s 3-1 win over Prem leaders Arsenal, with Rashford scoring.
    The source said: “Ten Hag told them, ‘This is the real United. We should be top, not Arsenal’.
    “It is felt their only title threat is City and if they slip up, then they believe they can capitalise.’’
    Rashford’s form comes amid claims some players feel pressured to pass to Ronaldo when he plays.
    The source added: “As long as Ronaldo starts on the bench, the players have the confidence to express themselves.
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    “With Ronaldo on the pitch, the team feel pressured. All the players loved it when Ronaldo came back but they’re frustrated he missed pre-season.
    “Ronaldo’s not up to speed and relies on instinct — but that doesn’t work in Ten Hag’s system.” More

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    ‘I’m not an actor’ – Man Utd star Anthony Martial hits back at claims his body language shows he ‘doesn’t care’

    ANTHONY MARTIAL has hit back at claims that his body language shows he “doesn’t care.”And the Manchester United star insists he always wears his heart on his sleeve, adding: “I’m not an actor.”
    Anthony Martial has fired back at critics of his body languageCredit: Getty
    Martial, 26, is back playing at Old Trafford after spending the first half of the year on loan at Sevilla.
    The France international – set for new contract talks – had a strong pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag.
    And he looked set to lead the line in United’s Prem opener against Brighton before suffering an injury.
    Martial has since been limited to just one appearance from the bench as he fights to regain his fitness.
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    Some United fans reckon it’s the same old story, with Martial yet to really take off despite entering his EIGHTH season at the club.
    The striker has constantly come in for criticism regarding his body language, with some supporters accusing him of simply not caring enough.
    But Martial has fired back at doubters by insisting he always gives his all.
    Admitting he sometimes lacks consistency, Martial believes any time his shoulders are slumped simply means he is annoyed at himself for missing a goal-scoring opportunity.
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    And Martial is adamant he does not play games or tricks, adding what you see is what you get.
    Blasting former bosses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho in the same interview, Martial told France Football: “Basically, I have to display my disappointment after a missed opportunity so people say: ‘Ah, he doesn’t really care’. 
    “I’ll tell you simply: I’m a footballer, not an actor.
    “A lot of people think you have to be a comedian and I see players who show their rage so that the public and the media think they are motivated. 
    “All the media circus does not interest me. I cannot change to please others.
    “I am not irreproachable. When people say that I lack consistency, it’s true. 
    “When I have my place, it often goes well, but when I’ve been used less, it’s true that my performance has not been the same.
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    “It’s a vicious circle: I’m less efficient, because I play less and therefore I play even less. 
    “When it’s like that, I can sometimes drop out a bit. A player like [Edinson] Cavani, he’s at 3000% even when given few minutes.” More

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    Bailly accuses Man Utd of ‘favouring English stars’ who ‘took place for granted’ and urges club to be more like Chelsea

    ERIC BAILLY has sensationally accused Manchester United of “favouring English stars” who “took their place for granted.”And he has urged the Red Devils to be more like rivals Chelsea by being unbiased towards their homegrown and academy players.
    Eric Bailly claims Man Utd favour English playersCredit: Getty
    Bailly questioned Harry Maguire being picked ahead of him several timesCredit: Reuters
    Speaking to The Times, Bailly hit out at an alleged fostering of English talent at Old Trafford.
    The Ivorian, 28, made no secret of his displeasure at being benched by recent managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
    Bailly was left fuming last year when an unfit Harry Maguire was picked over him in United’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester.
    And he publicly questioned Rangnick’s selection of the Three Lions centre-back by liking a social media post calling for him to be in United’s starting XI.
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    Like Maguire, other regulars such as Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have come under fire for their United performances recently.
    And Bailly reckons the Red Devils must stop playing favourites if they are to progress back up the league table following a sharp decline.

    However, the now-Marseille loanee reckons new United boss Erik ten Hag is on the right track after he axed several English starters.
    And Bailly holds no grudges against the Dutch tactician, who wanted to keep him at Old Trafford this season.
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    Bailly said: “The club should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance.
    “The club should encourage competition in the dressing room. I always felt like the English players were favoured.
    “That’s not the case at Chelsea or other big Premier League clubs. Some take it for granted they’re going to start and that weakens the team.
    “Fortunately, Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that.
    “I met Ten Hag at the end of last season when he went to sign his contract.
    “I was packing my bags because my intention was to leave, but he told me that he wanted me to stay, because he was going to give everyone minutes.
    “I agreed to tour with United and he kept his word, but I don’t want to play once in a while. I want to play every week and feel important.
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    “I’ve had good times and won titles. I played important matches and I was voted man of the match in some.
    “I think that when I was given my chance, I was up to it. I just lacked consistency, because I think I deserved more minutes.”
    Bailly has backed Ten Hag to succeed at Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Bastian Schweinsteiger NOT impressed with Man Utd as former star claims Liverpool were better side despite 2-1 victory

    BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER admits he was NOT impressed with Manchester United’s derby win over Liverpool.And he claims Jurgen Klopp’s side were BETTER despite losing 2-1 at Old Trafford.
    Bastian Schweinsteiger was left unimpressed by Man Utd’s win over LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    The German reckons Liverpool were the better side despite losing 2-1Credit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag bagged his first Premier League victory in Monday’s much-needed win.
    Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford set United on their way in front of a buoyant home crowd.
    And following the arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid, things are only looking up for the Red Devils.
    However, Schweinsteiger refused to let himself get carried away in the celebrations.
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    The 38-year-old spent almost two years at United after leaving Bayern Munich in 2015, scoring twice in 35 appearances.
    Schweinsteiger continues to support the Red Devils after becoming a pundit in retirement.
    But he reckons their performance against Liverpool was not all that.
    And in fact, it was the visitors who were better on the day.
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    Schweinsteiger explained: “You know of course I support United and I’m very happy they won.
    “But was it a great performance in my opinion if I compare it with other teams, the top teams in Europe? I wouldn’t say so.
    “For me, Liverpool was the better team actually and they had much more possession in the game.
    “But you know United did one thing really well. They had the right attitude towards the game, the right spirit in the team.
    “And in my eyes the supporters have won the match because you know, it could have been different.” More

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    Man Utd bailed the Glazers out after Old Trafford protests, a couple more wins and the anger will disappear… for now

    THE GLAZER family are certainly not off the hook.The hatred of Manchester United’s fans towards their owners is just too great.
    Man Utd fans started the evening protesting against the Glazers outside Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    By the end, supporters were celebrating a fine 2-1 win over LiverpoolCredit: PA
    Yet an evening which threatened to become mind-blowingly toxic ended with wild celebrations among the players and fans.
    In the end, this disenchanted group of fans who feared a battering by Liverpool went home talking about Erik ten Hag’s impressive, fiercely-committed team, rather than the money-grabbing Glazers.
    So sitting at home in Florida, the Glazers will have been relieved that Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford bailed them out, for the time being. 
    You can only guess what would have happened here had Liverpool managed a repeat of their 5-0 win here last season.
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    A couple more United victories and the anger will disappear, until United’s next dodgy run of results.
    There was still some unpleasant stuff around such as calls for Joel Glazer to die. After the opening goal, the first chant was: “We want Glazers out.”
    Even Liverpool fans got involved and took the pee with a mock protest. Holding pictures of Joel Glazer in front of their faces, the fans chanted: “Up the Glazers.”
    The march by about 10,000 fans seemed to be peaceful without any major issues, as feared.
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    And the atmosphere during the game, apart from the occasional lull, was just sensational. You do not say that too often about the Theatre of Dreams where some fans appear fast asleep.
    Earlier in the day, United cancelled their player meet-up at the city’s Lowry Hotel for fears that the bus could be stopped from getting to the ground. Instead, the players went directly to Old Trafford.
    And aware of what was happening outside the stadium, the club went into public relations overdrive inside the ground.
    Euro 2022 winners Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, Mary Earps and Nikita Parris were paraded on the pitch.
    FRESH FOCUS
    Also wheeled out, to great applause, was new midfielder Casemiro who will make United stronger in central midfield, not that it could get much weaker.
    Yet a £70m deal is still a ridiculous sum as they are unlikely to get more than two years out of the 30-year-old.
    He was clearly savouring the atmosphere although hopefully someone told him that it is not always like this.
    Weirdly, there was no music until 7.54pm. At least you could hear the anti-Glazer songs even clearer.
    STILL VIBING
    There were huge jeers when Michael Oliver’s name was read out moments before kick-off yet when the referee blew his whistle, the sound was deafening.
    There were screams from 70,000-plus punters when Marcus Rashford was clipped by Trent Alexander-Arnold just outside the area.
    But that was nothing compared to the explosive noise generated by the fans when Jadon Sancho scored after leaving James Milner on his backside.
    Sancho has not had much luck in front of goal for United so it was no surprise than Bruno Fernandes – hilariously – could be seen pointing to the corner where he wanted the England international to shoot. Sancho duly obliged.
    As James Milner vented his anger at Virgil van Dijk for his impression of a statue, Sancho winger celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans.
    SONG BIRDS
    And when United’s fans chanted: “Your support is f***ing shit”, Liverpool’s supporters, referring to the protest, said: “You’re supposed to be outside.”
    After a terrific 25 minutes from United, Liverpool sorted themselves out. Five minutes before the break, with Jurgen Klopp’s team dominating possession, there was a huge roar from the entire crowd in a bid to lift the team.
    Although seconds later, they nearly witnessed a spectacular own goal when Fernandes booted the ball inexplicably straight at Lisandro Martinez.
    Liverpool fans were unusually subdued throughout the match. It got worse at the start of the second half when Marcus Rashford seized on the mistake by Jordan Henderson to make it 2-0.
    Henderson made way for Fabinho and as the Brazilian arrived, the home fans chanted: “You’re just a s**t Casemiro.”
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    Apart from a small corner of Old Trafford, the ground went silent when Mo Salah headed the ball past David De Gea.
    But in the end, United held out and the pressure is off the team. Now, we can all focus on just how bad Liverpool are. More

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    Man Utd ratings: Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in clinical form as Lisandro Martinez proves height is no concern

    MANCHESTER UNITED picked up their first win of the season in style.The Red Devils were tipped by many to lose Monday evening’s clash against fierce rivals Liverpool.
    Jadon Sancho was on target as Man Utd beat Liverpool 2-1Credit: AFP
    But United instead emerged victorious at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
    It was a clinical performance from Erik ten Hag’s side, who had lost their first two matches to Brighton and Brentford.
    But who was United’s best player on the night? And did anyone have a game to forget?
    Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Man United player ratings…
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    DAVID DE GEA – 6
    A rare game for the goalie in that he wasn’t called into action an awful lot.
    Could have been a bit sharper with some passes but was a solid-enough presence in the face of Liverpool’s below-par attack.
    DIOGO DALOT – 8
    Kept pace with Luis Diaz in a fearsome battle on the flank.
    One of his best performances in a United shirt so far.
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    RAPHAEL VARANE – 7
    Instilled confidence straight away after replacing Harry Maguire.
    Had the better of Roberto Firmino and did little to worry his boss.
    LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 8
    Fired-up after criticism as he went toe-to-toe with Mo Salah.
    Made crucial block on line to intercept a would-be own-goal from Fernandes.
    TYRELL MALACIA – 7
    A menace bombing up and down the left wing.
    Looking hungrier and fitter than Luke Shaw, and deserves a chance to nail down a regular spot in the side.
    Lisandro Martinez had the better of Liverpool’s attack despite concerns over his heightCredit: Reuters
    SCOTT McTOMINAY – 8
    Aggressive in the tackle as he made life tough for Jordan Henderson and James Milner.
    Likely to lose his spot to Casemiro but gave Ten Hag some food for thought tonight.
    CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 7
    Pass-master supreme demonstrated his fine vision with some sublime touches.
    Looked much more comfortable
    JADON SANCHO – 8
    Brilliant composure fired United ahead with just 15 minutes on clock.
    Looked comfortable coming inside and goal was just reward for overall performance.
    BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
    Tenacious as he doggedly pressed Liverpool’s defensive unit all night.
    One lapse in concentration almost saw him score own-goal but stepped up to plate as on-field captain.
    Marcus Rashford was in sublime form as he netted United’s secondCredit: AP
    ANTHONY ELANGA – 7
    Sharp and bright, he teed up Sancho for United’s early opener.
    Speed was a nuisance but was subbed off injured at the break.
    MARCUS RASHFORD – 9
    A star turn from the fan favourite – he could be the man to solve United’s striker woes as by constantly sniffing out chances in the final third.
    Sublime finish made it 2-0 to Red Devils and should have ended the game with at least one more.
    SUBS
    Anthony Martial (for Elanga, 45’) – 8
    Things could have been very different for United in their first two games had he been fit.
    Was desperate to make an impression and made United’s attack look even more fluid than in the first half.
    Fred (for Sancho, 71’) – 6
    Not much time to make an impact but kept United’s midfield looking solid.
    Cristiano Ronaldo (for Rashford, 86’) – N/A
    Donny van de Beek (for Eriksen, 86’) – N/A
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka (for Dalot, 86’) – N/A More