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    Man Utd flops who were a success after leaving Old Trafford following Martial’s move to Sevilla, including Lukaku

    PLAYING for Manchester United can be a heavy burden for some players, even the very best.And many find their way again after moving away from Old Trafford to the frustration of supporters.
    These former Man Utd stars flourished away from Old Trafford
    Anthony Martial, a £56million signing from Monaco, failed to hit the heights expected of him and will be hoping a move to Sevilla reignites his career.
    He will be be buoyed by these seven who did especially well after leaving the Premier League giants behind.
    From a Uruguayan legend to a Dutch star who later earned a transfer to Barcelona, here are the flops for whom life got much better after leaving Old Trafford.
    ROMELU LUKAKU
    The Belgium centre forward is definitely the one that got away.
    Often, Lukaku was deemed not good enough by supporters who felt he was overweight and cumbersome.
    After cutting a more shredded figure at Inter Milan, where a new diet and fitness regime saw the striker lose 16lbs and get into the best shape of his career, he helped the Serie A club land the title.
    That prompted Chelsea to splash £97.5m on Lukaku, although he’s yet to live up to that price tag at the Bridge.
    Romelu Lukaku lost his way at Old Trafford and was criticised by supportersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    After shifting over a stone in weight, Lukaku became one of Serie A’s most feared strikers at InterCredit: AFP
    MEMPHIS DEPAY
    In 2015, United shelled out £25m on the Dutch star on the insistence of Louis van Gaal.
    But Depay looked lost at sea on our shores, playing 53 times and managing just seven goals.
    Two seasons later he was sold to Lyon for £20m, where he rediscovered his form.
    In 2021, after scoring 76 goals in 178 games, he joined Barcelona on a free transfer.
    Memphis Depay struggled for goals at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    After moving to Lyon, Depay has re-emerged for club and country – signing for Barcelona
    ANGEL DI MARIA
    It’s not uncommon for Argentinian stars to lose their way at Old Trafford – with Juan Sebastian Veron also struggling in Manchester.
    Di Maria was a marquee signing in 2014 for a then-British transfer record fee of £59.7m.
    In his only season, he managed just four goals in 32 games and soon fell out of favour with boss van Gaal.
    A year later he was sold to PSG for £40m, where he has scored double figures in goals in five of his six seasons, as well as been integral in four Ligue 1-winning campaigns.
    Angel Di Maria was a marquee signing for the Red Devils costing £60mCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    After his Manchester United nightmare, Di Maria found his feet at PSGCredit: AFP
    WILFRIED ZAHA
    In 2013, United moved to sign Zaha from Crystal Palace for £15m – Sir Alex Ferguson’s final acquisition for the club.
    A year later he found himself out of favour under new boss David Moyes and was loaned out to Cardiff City.
    Zaha would later say he never felt he was given a fair chance at Old Trafford.
    He was loaned to the Eagles, who eventually bought him back for £10m – and he’s gone on to become one of the Premier League’s biggest danger men.
    Wilfried Zaha argued that he didn’t get a chance at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    After returning to Crystal Palace in 2015, Zaha became one of the Premier League’s best playersCredit: Getty
    DALEY BLIND
    A lot of Blind’s problems at Old Trafford stemmed from where managers thought he should play.
    Was he a left-back? Should he play in a midfield holding role? Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho just couldn’t work him out.
    In 2018, the Dutch international returned to Ajax, where he has won two league titles and contributed to the club’s brilliant Champions League run in 2019… playing at centre-back.
    And at the Euros he starred for Holland.
    Daley Blind struggled in various positions at Manchester United, including left-back and in midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    At Ajax, as a ball-playing centre half, Blind has impressedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    DIEGO FORLAN
    Forlan was a costly (at the time) £7m buy for United in 2002.
    However, in his first 13 Premier League games and five Champions League matches he was ridiculed for failing to hit the back of the net.
    United sold him to LaLiga’s Villarreal, where he was an instant hit scoring 25 league goals and winning the Spanish Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe in his first season.
    He repeated that trick in 2009 at Atletico Madrid – scoring a sensational 32 goals in 33 games.
    In his first 18 games with the club, Diego Forlan failed to score for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Forlan found his shooting boots in LaLiga, first with Villarreal and then with Atletico Madrid
    RADAMEL FALCAO
    The Colombian striker, now 35, is plying his trade at Rayo Vallecano where he has five goals in 13 games.
    Before that, he was scoring goals at Galatasaray – 20 in 43 games.
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    But at Old Trafford, on loan from Monaco, he really struggled with just four goals in 29 games, although a serious knee injury and a struggle to initially return to fitness hindered him.
    After his Manchester United nightmare, a poor spell at Chelsea followed.
    But a return to Monaco helped Falcao find his Midas touch again. He scored 70 goals in his last three seasons with the French giants before continuing his rejuvenation in his twilight years in Turkey.

    Radamel Falcao’s loan move to Manchester United was a disasterCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Returning to Monaco was Falcao’s saving grace and he scored 70 goals in three seasons with the club after spell in EnglandCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd will be better suited to 4-3-3 formation than Rangnick’s experimental 4-2-2-2 until they improve squad

    AS we arrive at a two-week winter break in the Premier League, Manchester United have entered in the top four for the first time under Ralf Rangnick.It is also the first time since November 2021 they have been in the mix as they slowly start to show the signs that they can turn this season around.
    Ralf Rangnick cannot rely on his favoured 4-2-2-2 as the players are not good enough
    Since the managerial change, United have picked up 17 out of 24 points available in the league.
    There have been important victories over the likes of West Ham, Brentford and Burnley.
    However, the Red Devils have not shown the signs of a high pressing team or a side dominating the midfield battle, some things that majority of supporters were instantly expecting under Rangnick.
    Nevertheless, the former Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig manager has recently moved to a 4-3-3 setup.
    The team are now looking more balanced and in control in the middle of the park.
    We investigate why the 4-3-3 formation is working and why the 4-2-2-2 did not…
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    4-3-3 formation, control the midfield and attack through the wingers
    United were utilising a double pivot midfield of Fred and Scott McTominay.
    Neither the 4-2-3-1 setup or 4-2-2-2 system allows the side to gain control of the game or assist in the build-up play.
    Fred and McTominay do not have the intelligence or qualities that are required for the holding midfield role.
    This is especially as both midfielders are seen as hard-working, box-to-box players.
    With a three-man midfield, the roles are equally shared out and each individual plays to their strengths.
    Ralf Rangnick may look to go with this when he has everybody fit
    The central midfielder sits deep and dictates play, one of the side midfielders works to help out both full-backs as much as possible and the final midfielder helps the team to create chances in the final third.
    Looking in the midfield department, the ideal trio for Rangnick’s starting line-up would be Nemanja Matic, Fred and Paul Pogba.
    Rangnick utilised the 4-3-3 formation at Aston Villa, where the side’s first-half performance was considered as one of the best 45 minutes they had so far this season.
    Although the side drew the game after a poor defensive showing in the second half, the Red Devils kept to the same setup against Brentford.
    This led to the first Premier League win of 2022 as they continue to aim to return back into the top four positions.
    And in the recent fixture against West Ham the side showed they have the ability to work as a unit as they prevented David Moyes’ side from creating a single big chance and limited the opposition to just one shot on target.
    Despite lacking creativity of their own in the final third, partly due to the likes of Jadon Sancho and Pogba not being available, United bagged the winner late in stoppage time through Marcus Rashford.
    Ronaldo and Cavani will have to adapt their game if Rangnick is to trust playing them both
    Lack of intelligence and technical quality to fit into the 4-2-2-2 setup
    In this formation, each individual plays an important role and especially the two strikers up front.
    They are expected to press high up the pitch and ensure they drop deep from time to time, allowing one of the wide attacking midfielders to overlap and take advantage of the space ahead.
    As Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani have been starting regularly, two veterans who do not have the legs to play in this intense style, the team have found it difficult to link up play from midfield to attack.
    They have also struggled to create chances from the wide areas where the full-backs and the two No10s should be playing off one another.
    This is one potential option if Rangnick wants to revert back to 4-2-2-2
    How the 4-3-3 formation is slowly working for Rangnick
    The Red Devils do not have the technical quality in the midfield area with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, McTominay and Rashford not wanting to hold on to the ball for long.
    They prefer to play in quick bursts rather than dictating the tempo of the game, understanding when to slow down and when to raise it.
    A good example would be from the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at the end of last year.
    United had a 26 per cent success rate in crosses and a 45 per cent success rate in long balls – showing they did not have the composure or knowledge of how to overcome a deep block.
    They then panicked a bit and went direct in the last 20 minutes.
    But with Ronaldo on his own in the box against a very deep Newcastle side, the tactics made no sense.
    Bruno Fernandes has been asked to modify his role under Rangnick
    In the same game against the Magpies, playmaker Fernandes lost the ball on 26 occasions, completing four out of 15 attempted long balls.
    Rashford lost the ball on 19 occasions and did not pose a threat in the final third.
    If the two No10s within this setup are not technically complete and do not have patience with the ball, then the 4-2-2-2 system is ineffective.
    On the other hand, this does not come up as a huge surprise, as the side have been used to an open style under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the last three years.
    United have thrived in transition and the 48-year-old Norwegian did not want to complicate things with specific tactics and systems.
    @UTDWorldwide @asif9707
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    Man Utd to make sock colour switch for FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough to help colour-blind fans with kit clashes

    MANCHESTER UNITED will wear white socks and not their usual black ones for their FA Cup tie at home to Middlesbrough.The club have decided on the change ‘to avoid potential issues for colour-blind fans and viewers’.
    Cristiano Ronaldo, if selected, will wear white socks against MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
    According to MailOnline, United have decided on the colour change to ‘help increase the visual contrast’.
    Middlesbrough only have two options for their socks – red or green, so United believe wearing white will clash more.
    But changing their socks or not, United could have a tough time of it on Friday night, according to former Boro boss Neil Warnock.
    Warnock left Boro in November after being replaced by Chris Wilder in the Riverside dug-out.
    But he believes the Championship side have a good chance of producing an upset against the 12-time FA Cup winners at Old Trafford as his old club have better defenders.
    Warnock told talkSPORT Breakfast: “They’ve got great individuals but not a team and I don’t see that coming.
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    “They’ve got my old team Middlesbrough in the next round of the FA Cup and I wouldn’t swap any of their defenders for the back three at Middlesbrough – Dael Fry, Anfernee Dijksteele and Paddy McNair.
    “I think they’re better than Man United‘s defence.”
    United will be without Donny van de Beek for the FA Cup clash – the Dutch midfielder completed a loan deal to Everton for the rest of the season.
    But Jesse Lingard could be in line for a rare start after the club BLOCKED him joining West Ham in some last-minute deadline-day drama.
    United defender is firmly in the first-team picture now at United – black socks or notCredit: Getty
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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    Man Utd wonderkid Anthony Elanga like ‘a young Ryan Giggs and has to start games’ says former Red Devils ace Paul Parker

    MANCHESTER UNITED winger Anthony Elanga has been likened to ‘a young Ryan Giggs’ by Red Devils legend Paul Parker.Elanga has forced his way into Ralf Rangnick’s starting XI in recent weeks – and impressed as United try and get the season back on track.
    Anthony Elanga is firmly in the first-team reckoning at Manchester United
    Elanga has been compared to one of United’s best ever in Ryan Giggs
    He netted his first goal for the first team in a 3-1 win against Brentford, that followed a stellar showing against Aston Villa the previous game.
    He might have a long way to go to emulate Giggs’ stunning success at Old Trafford, but former United and England left-back Parker is tipping the 19-year-old for big things.
    Speaking to MyBettingSites.co.uk, Parker said: “Forget about his age, he wants to go past people. Elanga, for me, has been a revelation on that left side.
    “He reminds me of a young Ryan Giggs, the way he drives forward. He wants to beat people and he’s tracking back to go and get the ball.
    “It’s just application – he wants to win the ball back – he’s everything the fans want to see.
    “He’s doing so well and that’s why he HAS to be starting games.
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    “Elanga wants to get to the bye-line and deliver crosses. He’ll run past people without the ball. 
    “He’s unselfish when he runs because he’s willing to run and even when he doesn’t get the ball, he’s not throwing his arms up in the air and cussing people.
    “When he makes one run and doesn’t get the ball, he makes another run. That’s what United fans want to see.”
    Giggs is one of football’s most decorated players, winning the Premier League THIRTEEN times and the Champions League twice.
    The Welshman also won four FA Cups and three League Cups during a stunning 963-game career at Old Trafford.
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    Man Utd teen Anthony Elanga eligible to play for England but Sweden desperate to keep hold of prospect

    ANTHONY ELANGA is eligible to play for England but Sweden are confident the Red Devils winger will stick with them.The FA are aware that Elanga, 19, who joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of 12, has lived in the UK long enough to represent the Three Lions.
    Elanga joined United’s academy aged 12 and can play for England
    Elanga, the son of former Cameroon defender Joseph Elanga, was born in Sweden, played for Swedish side Malmo at a very early age and has represented the country’s Under-21s eight times.
    Not only has Elanga featured in eight games for United this season, he also started the last three matches.
    And the 19-year-old scored in the crucial 3-1 away victory over Brentford.
    On Elanga’s goal, boss Ralf Rangnick said: “He followed up on his performance at Villa Park. He was outstanding in the second half, a lot of work against the ball and a goal.”
    Swedish senior manager Janne Andersson hoped to include him in a scheduled 24-man tour of Portugal this week.
    But Old Trafford boss Rangnick blocked that last month.
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    The training camp — which was not going to include established senior players — had to be scrapped by Sweden because of Covid issues in Portugal.
    But the Swedes, who have a World Cup play-off semi-final against Czech Republic in March, do not believe Elanga is looking to switch and play for either England or Cameroon.
    The English FA are not currently tracking the young star with a view to making a move for him.

    ENGLAND could play both their home Nations League matches AWAY from Wembley.
    The Three Lions face European champs Italy on June 11 before hosting Hungary three days later.
    Gareth Southgate’s team take on the Italians behind closed doors due to the Uefa ban after trouble in the Euro 2020 final. So it seems certain that a smaller venue — which would cost less to run — will be used for that match.
    FA bosses are also considering using a stadium, other than Wembley, for the second clash.
    England entertain Switzerland and Ivory Coast at the Home of Football in March friendlies.

    Rob to carry on camping
    ITALY coach Roberto Mancini is this week holding a 35-man training camp.You can imagine the outcry among Premier League clubs if Gareth Southgate decided to do the same.
    But England boss Southgate never even considered getting his stars together in this international break, which is outside the Uefa window, so no competitive games are allowed.
    Southgate felt that England’s players, who are only now getting some respite from the winter schedule, need time to relax.
    Italy coach Roberto Mancini is hosting a 35-man training camp this weekCredit: Reuters
    Yet for Mancini, all eyes are on the World Cup play-off against Macedonia in March.
    European champions Italy could potentially then have to beat Portugal, who play Turkey, in the decider.
    Former Manchester City boss Mancini has also given Mario Balotelli, 31, his first call-up since 2018.
    The striker is now in Turkey with Adana Demirspor — and has played just three times for Italy since the 2014 World Cup.

    FIFA have so far received 2.3million ticket applications for the Qatar World Cup.
    The top ten countries requesting tickets by residence are Qatar, Argentina, England, Mexico, USA, UAE, India, Germany, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

    BEN THATCHER was a no-nonsense defender but these days the 46-year-old is a football agent and has been involved in Roy Hodgson’s appointment at Watford — as well as the former England manager’s previous job at Crystal Palace.
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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    Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick singles out ‘exemplary’ unsung hero Scott McTominay for ‘contagious’ performance vs Brentford

    RALF RANGNICK singled out ‘exemplary’ Scott McTominay for his performance at Brentford.The Scottish ace starred in the Manchester United midfield in West London before being replaced by Nemanja Matic for the final six minutes.
    Scott McTominay put in a dominant display in midfield against BrentfordCredit: Getty
    The midfielder’s stats made for impressive reading after the 3-1 win
    And interim boss Rangnick was quick to heap praise on the 25-year-old, labelling his display ‘contagious’.
    The German said: “Scott McTominay was exemplary, a real leader and it was positively contagious to the other players.
    “then we could get some counter-attacking situations, the second and third goals were really good with assists from Bruno Fernandes.
    “He was not happy with his own decision to chip the ball. It would be more difficult for us it cope if it was 1-1 in that situation.
    “The first half we were second best in almost all aspects of the game, sloppy passing, missing 50-50 situations and hardly won any second balls.
    “We were nervous on the counter-attack and were lucky at half-time to have a draw.
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    “A few great saves again from David De Gea and we showed a different face in the second half.
    “We spoke about what we needed to do, raise our demands and standards with regards to our physicality but our wingers would have stayed wider to pin back their wing-backs.”
    McTominay racked up 68 touches, 47 passes, 11 ball recoveries and six dribbles at the Brentford Community Stadium.
    But it was goals from Anthony Elanga, Mason Greenwood and sub Marcus Rashford that eventually saw off the impressive Bees, who grabbed a late consolation through Ivan Toney.
    However, Rangnick will be hoping another aspect of the United win is not contagious, though, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s grumpy sulk when he was subbed off.
    The Red Devils manager added: “Ronaldo said, ‘Why me, why did you take me off?’ I said I had to make the decision for the team, for the club.
    “Maybe in a few years, when he is a coach, he will understand. I didn’t expect him to hug me after being subbed.
    @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sun Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “I know how goal-scoring players think and how they tick, but I have to make my decisions in the interest of the team. I have no issue whatsoever with Cristiano.
    “I told him we were 2-0 up, and we have to learn lessons from Villa Park. After that game, I was angry with myself for not changing to a back five.
    “I didn’t want to make the same mistakes again.”
    ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
    Anthony Elanga and Marcus Rashford scored either side of Mason Greenwood’s goal in the second halfCredit: Alamy
    Cristiano Ronaldo stormed off in a huff when he was subbedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Man Utd ‘slap £15m transfer asking price’ on Phil Jones despite just one game in two years amid Newcastle interest

    MANCHESTER UNITED want a staggering £15million for Phil Jones, according to reports.That’s despite the defender playing just one game in the last two years.
    Phil Jones, 29, has played just one game in two years for Man Utd but is wanted by Newcastle United and BurnleyCredit: Getty
    Newcastle and Burnley are said to be interested in the former England man, who made his long-awaited return against Wolves earlier this month.
    But it seems they won’t be able to get Jones, 29, for cheap despite his extensive injury woes.
    The centre-back isn’t believed to be in Ralf Rangnick’s long-term plans.
    But the Daily Star say the German will still demand £15million from his suitors.
    Jones impressed in his first game in two year despite United losing 1-0 against Wolves.
    He had not featured for United since his side’s 6-0 drubbing of Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup in 2020.
    Newcastle have reportedly approached United as the Toon Army look to add resources for their relegation battle.
    The Geordies can afford the asking price but Burnley, also said to be mounting an offer, are being put off by Jones’ £100k-a-week wages.
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    Sir Alex Ferguson signed Jones for £17m back in 2011.
    The versatile player has gone on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League with the North West club.
    He now has less than 18 months left on his contract at Old Trafford and United could look to cash in, striking whilst the iron is hot.
    There may be wholesale changes in Rangnick’s first transfer window as interim manager and superstar Paul Pogba is facing an uncertain future in Manchester. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo poses in tiny swim shorts as he relaxes in pool at home after missing Man Utd draw with Aston Villa

    CRISTIANO RONALDO chose to spend his Sunday relaxing in his pool wearing a pair of tiny swimming shorts as he recovers from injury.The 36-year-old missed Manchester United’s 2-2 draw at Aston Villa with a thigh issue.
    Cristiano Ronaldo was relaxing in his pool as he recovers from injury
    But he seemed happy enough as he posted an envious photo of him in a pool onto Instagram.
    He simply captioned it ‘relaxing’ and gave the thumbs up, sporting his own branded shorts – although they might have been boxers.
    SunSport exclusively revealed he left training early because of a new injury, and it saw him miss the trip to Villa Park.
    Interim chief Ralf Rangnick said: “With Ronaldo, it’s unfortunate, it’s still the same problem.
    “I had a conversation with him yesterday before and after training and he decided he’s not fully fit, but hopefully he’ll be available on Wednesday.”
    Ronaldo was looked at by United’s medical specialists before driving home where he will make use of his own private oxygen chamber he has had put in his house.
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    It aids recovery from injury by breathing pure air directly into blood plasma which repairs any damaged tissue.
    The 36-year-old Portuguese star has been a workhorse since his return to Manchester in the summer, making 26 appearances for club and country since August.
    SunSport last week revealed how Ronaldo is frustrated with the tactics of interim boss Rangnick.
    A source close to Ronaldo revealed: “Cristiano is very concerned about what is happening at United.
    “The team is receiving a lot of criticism and he knows he is regarded as one of the leaders.
    “There are quite a lot of problems and Cristiano is feeling the pressure and is very stressed by the situation.
    “He desperately wants his United move to be a success, but he is starting to recognise that winning trophies with the current set up could be a real struggle.
    “Jorge came to see him and they spent time chatting through how things are going, what they think are the problems, how they might be solved and what the solutions may be.
    “Nothing has been ruled out.”
    The 36-year-old is expected to be back for United’s next game
    Cristiano Ronaldo has proved a success since he returned to United

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