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

    JADON SANCHO has FINALLY joined Manchester United – and is expected to take the ‘cursed’ No7 jersy.The England ace, 21, has completed his £73million move from Borussia Dortmund and will rake in £350,000 a week after putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
    Jadon Sancho is set to take the ‘cursed’ No7 shirt at Man Utd
    Sancho will now follow in the footsteps of Old Trafford greats like George Best, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo in wearing the No7 shirt – taking it from Edinson Cavani, according to reports.
    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 truly dealt with the burden of expectation.
    Here, SunSport takes a look back at the superstars to wear the hallowed shirt – and how they fared…

    EDINSON CAVANI, 2020-present
    Edinson Cavani wore the No7 shirt for the 2020-21 season but is set to give it to SanchoCredit: AFP – GettySuccess at United
    Appearances – 39Goals – 17No trophies

    AFTER missing out on Sancho a year ago, United turned to Cavani, signing the Uruguayan on a free transfer after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
    Cavani went a ways to ending the curse of the shirt, scoring 17 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions in his first season.
    But Cavani was never a long-term solution to the problem, with Sancho set to wear it proudly for years to come.
    Will he live up to the likes of Beckham and Cantona or end up as another Sanchez? Speaking of whom…
    ALEXIS SANCHEZ, 2018-2020
    Credit: Getty ImagesAlexis Sanchez failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford
    Success at UnitedAppearances – 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 before securing a permanent move on a free transfer.

    MEMPHIS DEPAY, 2015-16
    Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Memphis Depay suffered curse of the Manchester United No7 shirt
    Success at UnitedAppearances – 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 quickly rediscovered his top form with the French giants and has now joined Barcelona ahead of the 2020-21 season.
    The Dutchman managed just seven goals in 53 games he managed with United.
    GEORGE BEST, 1963-74
    Credit: Getty Images
    George Best celebrates his goal against Benfica in 1968 European Cup final
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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
    Credit: Getty Images
    ‘Captain Marvel’ Bryan Robson was always there when Manchester United needed him
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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 No7 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
    Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Eric Cantona was the catalyst for Manchester United success in 1990s
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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
    David Beckham graduated from No28 to No7Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdSuccess 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 No24, No10 and eventually No7 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
    Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo was handed No.7 shirt at age of 18 and thrived in it
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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
    Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Michael Owen wasn’t the worst player, but never justified No.7 shirt
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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 No7 shirt justice.
    ANTONIO VALENCIA — 2009-19 (No7 for 2012-13 season)
    Credit: Getty Images
    Antonio Valencia reverted back to No.25 after poor season with No.7 shirt
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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
    Credit: Getty Images
    Despite his staggering fee, it was a disastrous spell in Manchester for Angel Di Maria
    Success at UnitedAppearances — 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.
    Man Utd wages revealed as Jadon Sancho becomes club’s second highest-paid star on £350k a week after £73m transfer More

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    First picture of Old Trafford after Man Utd begin installing 1,500 rail seats for safe-standing trial

    MANCHESTER UNITED have started construction of their 1,500-capacity safe-standing section.The ‘rail seats’ will come into use once full crowds are allowed back into stadiums.
    Manchester United have began to build their safe-standing sectionCredit: Manchester United Supporters’ Trust
    SunSport has previously reported that The Red Devils were given special permission in April last year to become the first Premier League club to trial the new area.
    The initial plan was to install 1,500 barrier seats to allow supporters to either sit or stand in the north-east corner of the stadium.
    But the J Stand area was the one decided upon.
    And should the trial prove to be a success, it could be rolled out to different areas of the ground.
    There had been fears the coronavirus pandemic could have put an end to it though, with worries over social distancing.
    But United were still keen to introduce the trial, even with fans only allowed back at a reduced amount.
    United spent the lockdown period making renovations to Old Trafford, including a new area for disabled fans.
    Safe standing was introduced into English football after the Hillsborough disaster and subsequent Taylor Report.

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    When United announced the safe-standing development, the club were clear that it would INCREASE safety.
    Managing director Richard Arnold said at the time “Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where – as with other clubs – we have seen examples of persistent standing.
    “It also allows us to future-proof the stadium in the event of any changes to the current all-seater stadium policy.
    “If the trial is successful, we may consider further implementation of barrier seating in other parts of the stadium.
    “We will now move on to develop the installation, compliance and licensing plan for the trial, with a view to having the new seats installed for when we can welcome our supporters back to Old Trafford.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man Utd star De Gea OUT of Spain’s Euro 2020 clash against Croatia after limping out of training with thigh injury

    DAVID DE GEA is out of Spain’s Euro 2020 last 16 clash with Croatia.The Manchester United goalkeeper was injured in training ahead of tonight’s showdown.
    DAvid De GEa has been ruled out of Spain’s clash with CroatiaCredit: AFP
    The goalkeeper hurt his thigh in training yesterdayCredit: Reuters
    De Gea, 30, took part in the session at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium yesterday.
    But he was forced out of the training drills with what is believed to be a thigh injury.
    Video footage later emerged of him walking along the touchline with Spanish medical staff by his side.
    He then went back into the dressing-room for treatment.
    De Gea is yet to feature for his national side in the tournament.
    He has played back-up to Unai Simon throughout the group stage.
    Now his hopes of earning a surprise recall to Luis Enrique’s starting XI for the Croatia clash are over.
    The star looks set to miss the match entirely with Brighton’s Robert Sanchez expected to replace him on the Spanish bench.
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    A statement from Man Utd said: “There are suggestions it could only be a minor injury for David, which would be a boost as, if Spain progress, they will face either Paul Pogba’s France or Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Friday.”
    He is the second United keeper to suffer injury agony at the Euros.
    Dean Henderson was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to a hip injury.
    He was replaced by Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog More

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    Man Utd lining up transfer of Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga with PSG, Real Madrid and Arsenal all interested

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly lining up a move for Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.The Daily Mail claim the Red Devils are turning their attention to the Frenchman once they wrap up Jadon Sancho’s transfer this week.
    Manchester United are eyeing up a move for 18-year-old Rennes starlet Eduardo CamavingaCredit: Getty
    The report adds that United see Camavinga as a more than able alternative to England ace Jude Bellingham – who they missed out on last year.
    Camavinga, 18, has just a year left on his current deal and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are said to have been alerted to the fact that Rennes are willing to cash in now rather than risk him becoming a free agent.
    Reports back in April stated that Camavinga would not put pen to paper on a new contract with the Ligue 1 side.
    He signed with Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett at the end of last year, possibly in anticipation of a mega move.
    But United face competition for Camavinga with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal all interested.
    SunSport previously reported that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is willing to sell FOUR players in order to finance a move for him.
    United meanwhile would consider bidding for Camavinga after finalising their transfer for Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho.
    SunSport revealed earlier this month that the winger has agreed a five-year, £350,000-a-week deal to arrive at Old Trafford.
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    The news will come as a boost to the 21-year-old amid a frustrating Euro 2020.
    After being included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad, Sancho didn’t even make the bench for England’s opening 1-0 win over Croatia.
    He then remained an unused substitute against Scotland but was afforded a late cameo in the narrow victory over Czech Republic.
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    Gary Neville ‘bored’ by Jadon Sancho transfer to Man Utd as legend blasts drawn out saga and eyes more arrivals

    JADON SANCHO signing for Manchester United is now such a formality that Gary Neville has grown ‘bored’ of the transfer saga.The Red Devils are finally on the verge of sealing a deal for the Borussia Dortmund winger.
    Jadon Sancho is nearing a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: EPA
    Earlier this month, United agreed a £91million, five-year contract with Sancho – as revealed by SunSport.
    And reports suggest the clubs are closing in on a transfer fee in the region of £80m.
    Club legend Neville, 46, has admitted his exhaustion at the saga after his old team spent most of last summer being strongly linked with Sancho.
    Therefore, the sight of the 21-year-old finally stepping onto the Old Trafford pitch may not feel as special as he had hoped.
    Neville tweeted: “Manchester United closing in on Sancho again!
    “A transfer should be a joy and a moment of excitement.
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    Manchester United Closing in on Sancho Again! A transfer should be a joy and a moment of excitement . I’ve never been more bored by a transfer in my life to the point I feel like he’s already signed and I want to know who is next already. Not the lads fault at all I should say!— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 26, 2021

    “I’ve never been more bored by a transfer in my life to the point I feel like he’s already signed and I want to know who is next already.
    “Not the lad’s fault at all I should say!”
    Sancho is currently with England at Euro 2020.
    Despite being yet to start a game for Gareth Southgate’s side, he is not expected to complete his Manchester move until after the tournament.

    Neville may not have long to wait to enjoy whoever may follow Sancho through the door with United plotting a busy summer.
    A new centre-back is on the agenda and Real Madrid star Raphael Varane is strongly linked with a move.
    Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is another target although Chelsea and Tottenham are set to provide competition for the France international.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man Utd star Jesse Lingard reveals plant-based diet is secret behind incredible form as West Ham pursue transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED star Jesse Lingard has revealed the key to his recent success was changing to a plant-based diet.The midfielder, 28, spent the second half of last season playing for West Ham on loan.
    Jesse Lingard has revealed changing to a plant-based diet was the secret behind his success at West HamCredit: PA
    And he was sensational with the Hammers, scoring nine times in 16 games as David Moyes’ side qualified for the Europa League.
    Many felt Lingard was unfortunate to miss out on a place in the Euro 2020 squad, but the secret reason behind his rejuvenation is how he’s fuelled his body.
    And while the winger isn’t completely vegan, he has changed to a flexitarian diet – meaning animal products are eaten only occasionally and plant-based foods are consumed more regularly.
    He revealed: “At first, I tried to go fully vegan straight away, but I found I was starving during a game.
    “Plant-based foods are always going to be a good fuel component and put you into a really good mode going into a game, so I make sure to have as much as possible.”
    While many footballers favour energy gels, Lingard sticks with fruit and nuts at half-time.
    “They give us energy gels to take but I rarely do,” he added.
    “I take pistachios to games and snack on them to give me a bit of energy and help with recovery, and at half-time I have a banana.”

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    Lingard was unlucky to have missed out on a place in the Euros for England after starring on loan at West HamCredit: Instagram @jesselingard
    Often, footballers can burn up to 2,000 calories during a game. It’s not just how they fuel their bodies but how they recover after – with food, again, being key.
    “Food is very key with recovery,” Lingard divulged.
    “Especially after a game, it’s important to get the right food. You have to regain to recover faster for the next game. After a game, I get as much food down me as possible, go to the gym and then have an ice bath.”
    According to reports, West Ham have made Lingard their primary target after his star-turn on loan last campaign.
    But Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering making him part of his squad next season following his string of terrific performances.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    United are determined to sign winger Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for £77million and are prepared to offer him £350,000-a-week.
    Sancho’s arrival is likely to push Lingard down the pecking order at United and tempt the club into cashing in.
    Lingard failed to make a league appearance under Solskjaer for the first half of last season.
    Jesse Lingard is a brand ambassador for American Pistachio Growers. To learn more about the game-changing nutritional benefits of American pistachios, go to www.americanpistachios.org
    Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Ashley Young head for break at Salt Bae’s Mykonos restaurant in summer downtime More

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    Robert Lewandowski was ‘ready’ to seal Man Utd transfer after talks with Fergie before joining Bayern instead

    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI last year revealed he was ‘ready’ to join Manchester United in 2012.The Poland striker, 32, has gone on to become one of the best in the world – but he could have been making a legacy at Old Trafford instead.
    Robert Lewandowski has gone on to become one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP or licensors
    Lewandowski was named as Fifa’s The Best Player for 2020 after a stunning year for Bayern Munich and Poland, scoring 59 goals in 53 games.
    And speaking to France Football last year, the 32-year-old said: “After my second year in Dortmund, I had a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson.
    “He wanted me to come to Manchester.
    “I was very interested. I can even say I was ready. But Dortmund didn’t want to let me go.
    “It didn’t upset me more than that because things were going well with Borussia.”
    In the end Fergie turned to Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie to fill the striker’s berth, which didn’t work out too badly.
    Lewandowski left Dortmund for Bayern in 2014 on a free transfer.
    And in 2019-20 was part of their treble-winning team, finishing top scorer in the Champions League, the Bundesliga and the German Cup.
    After winning the Fifa award, Lewandowski said: “I feel fantastic and very proud and happy.

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    Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in bringing in a Polish goal machineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Lewandowski ended up leaving Borussia Dortmund on a free transferCredit: Bongarts – Getty

    “This is a great day for me and also for my club and team-mates.
    “This award also belongs to my team-mates, coach and Bayern Munich in general.
    “It’s an incredible feeling, really.
    Lewandowski has now scored 294 in 329 games for Bayern MunichCredit: AFP or licensors
    “If you win such an award and share that title with Messi and Ronaldo, that is unbelievable and it means so much to me.
    “A long time ago, I remember I was longing for something like this and now I can win such an award.
    “This really means, regardless of where you come form, all that matters is what you put into it.
    “For the entire world this year was difficult, the greatest highlight was winning the Champions League final – such a special day and evening, that was an incredible feeling.
    “That was a great moment… then we won the cup and got every title we could possibly win.
    “We have a great coach, great team and we all work towards one goal.”
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
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    Seven Man Utd flops who were a success after leaving including Romelu Lukaku, Memphis Depay and Wilfried Zaha

    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
    These seven did especially well after leaving the Premier League giants behind.
    From a Uruguayan legend to a Dutch star who’s just earned a transfer to Barcelona, here’s the flops for whom life got much better after leaving United.
    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.
    However, he now cuts a more shredded figure at Inter Milan, where a new diet and fitness regime has seen the striker lose 16lbs and get into the best shape of his career.
    Lukaku also rediscovered his goal touch and has 64 strikes in his two seasons at the San Siro.
    Romelu Lukaku lost his way at Old Trafford and was criticised by supportersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    After shifting over a stone in weight, Lukaku is one of Serie A’s most feared strikers at InterCredit: AFP
    MEMPHIS DEPAY
    In 2015, United splashed £25million 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 £20million, where he rediscovered his form.
    This summer, after scoring 76 goals in 178 games, he is back on the big stage again and has 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 – recently 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 on our shores.
    Di Maria was a marquee signing in 2014 for a British transfer record fee of £60million.
    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 £40million, where he has scored double figures in goals in five of his six seasons with the French club, 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 £15million – in what was 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 £10million – 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? Louis 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 has starred for the Netherlands.
    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
    At the time, Forlan was a costly £7million buy for United in 2002.
    However, in his first 13 Premier League games and five Champions League games 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 trophy and the European Golden Shoe in his first season.
    He would repeat 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 currently starring for Galatasaray, where he has 20 goals in 40 games.

    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
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